Edwards On Evil

Everone battles with the problem of evil. Where did evil come from? Why? Who's to blame?

Today being the anniversary of Jonathan Edward's 303 birthday, Sam Storms invites him to try to answer this perplexing question. Worship now:

Edwards on Evil at 303
Sam Storms
Oct 05, 2006

There’s nothing particularly special about the number 303, but those of you who know me probably figured out that I couldn’t let October 5th go by without saying something about Jonathan Edwards. For those of you who didn’t know, Edwards was born on this day 303 years ago. It seems appropriate, then, at least for me anyway, that we take note of his immense contribution to our understanding of God.

One of Edwards’ more intriguing and controversial suggestions concerns the problem of evil. He addressed the subject on numerous occasions, but nowhere with greater clarity than in Miscellany 348 (see the Yale edition of Edwards’ works, The Miscellanies, edited by Thomas A. Schafer [New Haven: Yale University Press, 1994], pp. 419-20).

I’d like to cite his comments together with a few observations of my own in an attempt to bring clarity to this massively difficult subject. I’ve taken the liberty of smoothing out Edwards’ prose in order to facilitate our grasp of his argument. Here is what he said:

“It is a proper and excellent thing for infinite glory to shine forth; and for the same reason, it is proper that the shining forth of God’s glory should be complete; that is, that all parts of his glory should shine forth, that every beauty should be proportionably effulgent, that the beholder may have a proper notion of God. It is not proper that one glory should be exceedingly manifested and another not at all, for then the effulgence would not answer the reality.”

Edwards argues elsewhere that it is more than “proper” and “excellent” that God’s glory shine forth in its fullness, it is essential. This isn’t because something other than and outside God requires it of him. Rather, it is the very nature of divine glory that it tends toward self-expression and expansion, not in the sense of growth or quantitative increase, but manifestation and display for the sake of the joy of God’s creatures in it. Not only that, but it is “proper” that all of God’s glory be seen that we may know God as he truly is and not simply in part. If one or several divine attributes were disproporti onately dominant in their display (and others barely noted at all), an imbalanced and inaccurate view of God would emerge (this is what Edwards meant when he said that otherwise “the effulgence would not answer the reality”). He continues:

“Thus it is necessary that God’s awful majesty, his authority and dreadful greatness, justice, and holiness, should be manifested. But this could not be, unless sin and punishment had been decreed; so that the shining forth of God’s glory would be very imperfect, both because these parts of divine glory would not shine forth as the others do, and also the glory of his goodness, love, and holiness would be faint without them; nay, they could scarcely shine forth at all.”

In using the word “necessary” he is not suggesting that sin, considered in and of itself, has a right or inherent claim on existence. Rather, sin was “necessary” in the sense that in its absence there would be no occasion for the display of his righteous wrath, justice, and holiness as that in God which requires punishment (or at least no display sufficient for a “complete” or true knowledge of what God is like and why he is glorious). And without a revelation (or “shining forth”) of the wrath that sin deserves there would scarcely be a revelation of the true and majestic depths of goodness, love, and grace that deliver us from it.

“If it were not right that God should decree and permit and punish sin, there could be no manifestation of God’s justice in hatred of sin or in punishing it, . . . or in showing any preference, in his providence, of godliness before it. There would be no manifestation of God’s grace or true goodness, if there was no sin to be pardoned, no misery to be saved from. No matter how much happiness he might bestow, his goodness would not be nearly as highly prized and admired. . . . and the sense of his goodness heightened.

So evil is necessary if the glory of God is to be perfectly and completely displayed. It is also necessary for the highest happiness of humanity, because our happiness consists in the knowledge of God, and the sense of his love. And if the knowledge of God is imperfect (because of a disproportionate display of his attributes), the happiness of the creature must be proportionably imperfect.”

This point is directly related to the question: Why didn’t God elect all unto eternal life? Paul addressed this point in Romans 9:22-23 by reminding us that God desired to show his wrath and make known his power in order that his mercy and grace might be seen in unmistakable clarity and his glory displayed to his everlasting praise. Were he to have elected all, rather than some, to eternal life this goal would not have been attained nor would the plenitude of God’s glory been sufficiently seen.

Such was Edwards’ attempt to account for the existence of evil. I don’t expect everyone to applaud his efforts, but there is one thing on which we can, indeed must, agree: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36).

Show And Tell

According to Kairos Journal, modern evangelicals are having a not-so-showy tell-all session about what's most important to us. Below is a recent article in the Journal:

What Do the Christian Bestsellers Say about Christians?

Christians have always supplemented their reading of Scripture with helpful books. The earliest believers, for example, read Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp; authors who wrote about the importance of the gospel, the value of piety, and the danger of heresy. They presented, according to one historian, the “great saving truths of the Faith . . . as vital realities, urgent in their relevance to life, and not as an academic exercise.”¹ However imperfect, their writings provide a window into the values of a young Church. If the Church fathers could read contemporary Christian literature, what would they learn? An examination of Christian bestsellers² leads one to several, disturbing, conclusions.

Theology has nothing to teach us.
Looking, for example, at the fifty top bestsellers in June of 2005, it is easy to infer that Christianity is a mile wide but only an inch deep. Christians are interested in marriage, depression, politics, and pornography but are not inclined to read about the character of God or explore the contours of theology. Simply put, believers do not buy works that plumb the depths of doctrine. Only Randy Alcorn’s Heaven (13) is a purely theological work. As it stands, the evangelical world is anxious to read The Purpose Driven Life (1) by Rick Warren. His book introduces Christians to the most basic elements of the faith: worship, discipleship, fellowship, etc. These elements are more than important, they are essential. But they are only a start. The Christian should seek more than to understand the Christian life; he ought to pursue the Christian God! Unfortunately, millions of believers are content to drink spiritual milk—unaware of the feasts that will probably never make the bestseller lists.

Self-denial has nothing to teach us.
Ignatius wrote, “I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ.”³ How foreign this statement is in today’s Church. The bestseller lists promote self-reference not self-denial. In Approval Addiction (9), Joyce Meyer wants to help readers accept their faults. In Come Thirsty (10), Max Lucado writes to believers feeling ineffective. In Your Best Life Now (4), Osteen teaches the masses how to have daily satisfaction and victory.⁴ “It’s all about ‘me’” is the unspoken mantra of evangelicalism. Personal growth is a worthy goal; every believer ought to strive for sanctification. Still, these bestsellers (and their readers) are missing the main point. Jesus called His disciples to deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). Where is self-denial today? Absent without leave.

The past has nothing to teach us.
One looks in vain for a word from Christian history on the bestseller list. There is more interest in a fictionalized future like The Rising (14) by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins than knowing how the Spirit has grown the Church in the past. The only biography (a great way to learn history) on the bestseller list is Broken on the Back Row (31), Sandi Patty’s account of her divorce. There is no virtue in romanticizing the past. Still, there is no wisdom in ignoring it either. A Church that forgets the past runs the risk of forgetting the Lord (Judges 3:7).

Much more could be said.⁵ Thankfully, the bestseller list is not without its bright spots. Three apologetics works, for example, made the list, proving that readers are anxious to defend the faith.⁶ Nonetheless, overall, the books Christians read indicate that they believe the Bible is there to teach us how to live well-ordered, peaceful, meaningful lives. This is a shallow half-truth. The pious mind knows that every Christian ought to have a higher priority: “to observe His authority in all things, reverence His majesty, take care to advance His glory, and obey His commandments.”⁷ Books that carry these weighty themes and promote these worthy goals are out there,⁸ but one has to walk to the back of the bookstore to find them.

Footnotes :

1	Maxwell Staniforth, trans. Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers (Middlesex, England: Penguin Books, 1968), 11.
2	The following analysis is based upon the top fifty books of June 2005, in retail sales, as compiled by the Christian Booksellers Association and found on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Website, http://www.ecpa.org/ECPA/bestsell.html (accessed October 5, 2005). The number in parentheses following each title indicates its place on the June 2005 bestseller list.
3	Ignatius, “The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans,” in The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, eds. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1, ed. Philip Schaff (Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library), 75, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.v.v.iv.html (accessed July 1, 2005).
4	Other works that may fit into the “self-help” category include: Your Best Life Now Journal (49), Joel Osteen, Warner Faith; Beyond Jabez (19), Bruce Wilkinson & Brian Smith, Multnomah; Battlefield of the Mind (39), Joyce Meyer, Warner Faith; Waking the Dead (50), John Eldredge, Nelson Books; God Is Closer than You Think (33), John Ortberg, Zondervan.
5	For example, a look at any Christian bestseller list would easily lead one to conclude that Christians are obsessed with issues of manhood, womanhood, marriage, and parenting. Manhood: Wild at Heart (6), John Eldredge, Nelson Books; Every Man’s Battle (30), Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker, WaterBrook. Womanhood: Captivating (3), John & Stasi Eldredge, Nelson Books; For Women Only (12), Shaunti Feldhahn, Multnomah; The Power of a Praying Wife (15), Stormie Omartian, Harvest House; Every Young Woman’s Battle (16), Shannon Ethridge & Stephen Arterburn, WaterBrook; Pathway to Purpose for Women (28), Katie Brazelton, Zondervan; Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World (42-tie), Joanna Weaver, WaterBrook; Believing God (45), Beth Moore, Broadman & Holman. Marriage: The Five Love Languages (8), Gary Chapman, Northfield (Moody); Love and Respect (37), Emerson Eggerichs, Integrity Publishers; What Every Man Wants in a Woman, What Every Woman Wants in a Man (40), John & Diana Hagee, Charisma (Strang). Parenthood: Bringing Up Boys (46), James Dobson, Tyndale; The Power of a Praying Parent (32), Stormie Omartian, Harvest House; Jesus Wants All of Me (22), Phil A. Smouse, Barbour Publishing. It seems as if believers are looking for a sanctified version of Vogue or O, The Oprah Magazine. Indeed, the vast majority of individuals purchasing the bestsellers are women. In June, 2005, twenty-two percent of the bestsellers are targeted directly to women, compared with 4 percent written directly for men. In addition to the womanhood and parenthood books, most likely being purchased by women, four Christian romance titles appeared on the bestseller list: Moonlight on the Millpond (7), Lori Wick, Harvest House; A Thousand Tomorrows (21), Karen Kingsbury, Center Street (Warner Faith); Whence Came a Prince (24), Liz Curtis Higgs, WaterBrook; and Beyond Tuesday Morning (47), Karen Kingsbury, Zondervan.
6	This is evidenced by Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ (35), The Case for a Creator (41), Zondervan, and Hank Hanegraaffs’ The Bible Answer Book (38), J. Countryman. Another encouraging aspect is the popularity of devotional literature. There is a hunger for spirituality which is why Oswald Chambers continues to be popular: My Utmost for His Highest (updated) (17), Oswald Chambers & Jim Reimann, ed.; Discovery House (Barbour); My Utmost for His Highest (26), Oswald Chambers, Barbour; and The Bible Promise Book (NIV) (34), Toni Sortor, ed.; Barbour.
7	John Calvin, Writings on Pastoral Piety, ed. Elsie Anne Mckee (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2001), 72. Calvin continued, “Here indeed is pure and real religion: faith so joined with an earnest fear of God that this fear also embraces willing reverence, and carries with it such legitimate worship as is prescribed in the law. And we ought to note this fact even more diligently: all people have a vague general veneration for God, but very few really reverence Him; and wherever there is great ostentation in ceremonies, sincerity of heart is rare indeed.” Ibid., 72-73.
8	See Kairos Journal article, "Wanted: A Few Good Books."

Kairos Journal is primarily for pastors. To become a member of the Journal someone else has to verify that you are a pastor. I've been helped by their resources and would encourage other pastors to take part.

Congratulations! You've Just Won A Nobel Prize For Being Wrong!

About the "Big-Bang."

Meeting #1 - SC Reading Group

Let's worship the Lamb Who was slain from the foundation of the earth...

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God:
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

P. 23 - Whoso wants to climb Jacob's ladder, to see angels, to touch the stars, to become intoxicated with heavenly emotions, to stand near the Gate of Gethsemane and to have his heart wrung with feelings of adoration at the goodness of God - let him read on.

And when he is finished let him not see Charnock or any man. But let him gaze on the face of Jesus and cry out through choking tears: 'I have seen the God-Man in his agonies. Surely this suffering was damnation taken lovingly for me. To Thee, O blessed Christ, I give my heart promptly and sincerely'.

As Packer shows, there is a Godwardness about this book to which our day may be unaccustomed. But, may we be better acquainted with our God - through His Christ - because of our time in this book! Welcome to our first meeting, please share your thoughts about this week's reading.

Conference Audio Online

For those who couldn't make it (and for those who did!) all of the audio is now online from the Desiring God National Conference.

Why Do You Avail Yourself To Others Who Promote Their Superiority Over You?

John Piper had some fun with his lack of cultural relevance (a thing, he speculated, that Driscoll wouldn't lack) when he gave this answer.

(HT: JT)

Bible Church of Little Rock - Guest Speakers

Only two hours from Memphis, these events would be well worth the travel.

Enjoyment Without God?

For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? - Ecclesiastes 2:25

8 Word Apologetic

At least one of the guys who contributes to the Pyromaniacs blog is on staff with John MacArthur. They have a great blog, and I like this simple 8 word apologetic argument.

"Jesus Christ is NOT God"

...is what Mary Kay, a Jehovah's Witness from Birmingham, strongly and repetitively articulated during our two hour discussion on a recent plane trip. Please join me in praying for her salvation.

It is saddening to realize that Mary's 30-year-enduring heretical faith is built largely upon an erroneous translation of the "to be" verb in John 1:1. She exclaimed, "There is no definite article (the Word was "the" God), so it is appropriate to translate the verse with an indefinite article (and the Word was "a" god).

Should John 1:1 be rendered, "In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was a god?" Or should it be rendered, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God?" And after all, who's to say? Well, the verse must be translated as the latter of the two options, and God is the One to say so! How do we know? I'm glad you asked, and I've invited Greek scholar and teacher Daniel B. Wallace to explain the situation.

Why does [John 1:1c] lack the definte article? Its lack of a definite article keeps us from identifying the person of the Word (Jesus Christ) with the person of "God" (the Father). That is to say, the word order tells us that Jesus Christ has all the divine attributes that the Father has; lack of the article tells us that Jesus Christ is not the Father. John's wording here is beautifully compact! It is, in fact, one of the most elegantly terse theological statements once could ever find. As Martin Luther said, the lack of an article is against Sabellianism; the word order is against Arianism.

Jesus Christ is God and has all the attributes that the Father has. But he is not the first person of the Trinity. All this is concisely affirmed in [the Greek construction of 'and the Word was God']. Basics of Biblical Greek, 28-9

Thank You Lord Jesus for honest biblical scholarship that has resulted in an accurate translation of your Word! We joyfully believe "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

PS - Anyone know how to put Greek fonts on blogger?

A Reminder & A Waste of Time

Thursday will be our first "meeting" for the SC Reading Group. You are invited to share your comments between 7-7:30a. If your schedule won't allow you to share within that time-frame, feel free to submit your thoughts earlier or anytime throughout the day on Thursday. If you submit thoughts earlier than 7a I'll post them when I post the others. If you submit your thoughts later, I'll at least have them posted by the time I go to bed on Thursday. The aim is to have everyone post thoughts from the weekly reading sometime on Thursday. Looking forward to seeking the Lord with you all...especially with Charnock.

This week's section: pp. 7-23

* * *

On a totally antithetical note, and in an attempt to waste 5 minutes of your life that you will never be able to retrieve, I encourage you to watch this entire video.

The Bible Has 6 Chapters

My graduate degree training came from Kendell H. Easley. Yes, I went to seminary, but pretty much I went to Dr. Easley. As much as it was possible to fit into my schedule during my four years of graduate study, I took every course he taught - regardless of how it aligned with my degree track (At one point, Dr. Easley being my only professor for six consecutive courses!?).

In his helpful, easily readable, and inexpensive Guide to Understanding the Bible, Easley gives the following eight-part (6 chapter) outline of the Bible. He explains:

Think of the biblical narrative as something like a modern novel. There is a prologue, giving the background information that helps make sense of the plot. Then there is the plot development in a number of chapters. In the biblical narrative, the story develops in six chapters that take the account from beginning to culmination. Then finally at the end is an epilogue, telling what happens after the main story has ended.

As you think of the Bible in this way, it is also helpful to keep in mind the one sentence summary of the Bible that Easley puts forth:

The Lord God through his Christ is graciously building a kingdom of redeemed people for their joy and for his own glory.

The Bible's eight parts and six chapters:

Prologue: The Need for Redemption
(Genesis 1:11)

It all beings by explaining why the story must be told. God is building a kingdom of redeemed people because human beings are rebels who cannot save themselves. Other religions begin by assuming that people can do enough good works or perform enough religious deeds to earn a place in heaven. The Bible starts by telling the opposite story. Genesis 1-11 belongs to real human history, but the events are almost impossible to date. The main thing about the prologue is that it describes events involving the entire human race and shows that mankind has rebelled against God since the beginning.

Chapter 1: God Builds His Nation
(Genesis 12 - 1 Kings 11)
Israel Chosen as the People of Promise, c. 2000-931 B.C.

The first chapter in God's plan to build an everlasting kingdom was to build an earthly nation in a particular time and place. This chapter carries the plot from the first family he called to his covenant (Abraham and Sarah) to the full splendor of the Israelite nation at its grandest expression (under David and Solomon).

Chapter 2: God Educates His Nation
(I Kings 12- 2 Kings 25; Some Prophets)
Disobedient Israel Disciplined, c. 931-586 B.C.

The second chapter in God's plan was to educate Israel about the consequences of sin. The Israelites compromised by worshipping other gods during the entire time they were in the land. God raised up spokesmen the prophets to urge people to repent of idolatry and injustice, to warn of the coming "day of the LORD" in judgment. They also predicted the coming of the Messiah. Their message was largely ignored. This chapter carries the plot from the division of the nations (because of sin) to its destruction (because of sin).

Chapter 3: God Keeps A Faithful Remnant
(Ezra through Esther; Some Prophets)
Messiah's Space and Time Prepared, c. 586 - 6 B.C.

Chapter three in God's story is the "quiet chapter." Outwardly, it appeared that God was doing nothing for more than five centuries. For those who read the story carefully, however, he was doing two important things. On the one hand, God was keeping the Jews together as a nation. They had their own land, laws, and temple, even though the kingship and national independence had disappeared. God was preparing to send his Son "in the fullness of time." On the other hand, God scattered most Jews throughout the nations to be testimones to his name. By building synagogues to preserve their religious and ethnic identity, these Jews were often the starting point for proclaiming the message that the promised Messiah had come. This chapter carries the plot fro the Babylonian captivity until the birth of the Messiah.

Chapter 4: God Purchases Redemption and Begins the Kingdom
(Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
Jesus the Messiah, 6 B.C - A.D. 30

The fourth chapter in God's plan to build an everlasting kingdom of redeemed people is the most important one of all - the four Gospels. It shows how God's unconditional covenant promises - first to Abraham, then to David - were fulfilled by the new covenant of Jesus. Thsi chapter carries the plot from the birth of the Messiah to his resurrection and exaltation.

Chapter 5: God Spreads The Kingdom Through The Church
(Acts and the Epistles)
The Current Age, A.D. 30 - ?

With chapter five in God's story, we come to our own part of the story. We belong here. This is the period of the Great Commission, when God's plan no longer focuses on persons of one ethnic group in one place (Israel). He is now redeeming persons out of every ethnic group in every place. Wherever and whenever God's people are, they meet as churches, worshipping communities of the new covenant. From Pentecost until the end-time scenario unfolds, God is about the business of spreading the message of the kingdom through the church.

Chapter 6: God Consummates Redemption and Confirms His Eternal Kingdom (Revelation 1-20; Other Scriptures)

In chapter six God's plan to build an everlasting kingdom of redeemed people through his Christ for their joy and for his own glory is fully realized. Although students often disagree in interpreting the details of this chapter, the main points are clear. There will be violent hostility against God's people in the end times. Yet God will prevail through the personal, bodily, glorious return of Jesus. When he returns, the world's kingdoms will become the kingdom of Christ forever under his visible rule. This chapter carries the plot from the opening of "the day of the LORD" to the final judgment.

Epilogue: New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22)

The kingdom of God will last forever. God's people will be filled with everlasting joy. God's glory will be magnified as his redeemed people fully enjoy him forever, without any taint of evil. This is visualized in the last two chapters of Revelation that describe a new heaven and new earth. The people of God are compared to a great and glorious city, as well as to a wonderful bride. God's servants will reign with him forever and ever, and they will serve him gladly, fully beholding his face. The epilogue to God's story shows a brief glimpse of the glory that will be. The end of the story in time is only the beginning of the story in eternity, for the Lord God through his Christ has graciously built a kingdom of redeemed people for their joy and for his own glory.

Ken, I thank God for you, and I love the vision of the God of the Bible you possess. Because of your influence on my life I have a greater love for the God of the Bible Who possesses you. Thank you for keeping the cookies on the bottom shelf!

This eight part Bible overview is taken in its entirety from pp 5-7 of Guide to Understanding the Bible.

Bryan, will you post a link to those sermons

What were those two Christ-exalting puritan sermons you were telling me about the otherday when we were driving to G'town?

DG National Conference

The Desiring God National Conference was profitable. The audio should be available at the Desiring God site in a few days. Plus, there was liveblogging aplenty (see here, here, here, and here).

My favorite part of the wonderful weekend was coming home to enjoy sitting under Bryan Smith's leadership in the fourth Interest Meeting for Grace Church. I truly love the guys the Lord is allowing me to walk beside in this new church start. Please continue to pray for God to glorify His great name through this new church!

Group Prayer List

1. Anthony Mathenia
2. Brad Nelson
3. Brandon Sheridan
4. Brienne Smith
5. Bryan Smith
   
6. Clif Johnson
7. Cody McNutt
8. Debbie Thomas
9. Jake Shivley
10. Jim Suggs
11. Jonathan Hopper
12. Jordan Thomas
13. Justin Tucker
    
14. Kevin Wilkins
15. Kirk Benson
16. Melissa Sparks
17. Nate "Dawg" Sawyer
18. Ron Franks
19. Shaun Hair
20. Todd Smith

Charnock Reading Schedule

Ex: The group is to comment on pages 7-23 on Oct. 5, and so on...

• Week 1: October 5 - pp. 7-23 (Recommend order 17-23, then 7-15).
• Week 2: October 12 - pp. 25-42 - Doctrine
• Week 3: October 19 - pp. 43-48 - Application
• Week 4: October 26 - pp. 49-68 - Doctrine
• Week 5: November 2 - pp. 69-100 - Doctrine
• Week 6: November 9 - pp. 101-108 - Application
• Week 7: November 16 - pp. 109-134 - Doctrine
• Week 8: November 23 - Happy Thanksgiving
• Week 9: November 30 - pp. 135-160 - Doctrine
• Week 10: December 7 - pp. 161-178 - Doctrine
• Week 11: December 14 - pp. 178-193 - Application

SC Reading Group Thoughts

The purpose of the SC Reading Group is to glorify God. May our journey with Charnock to Christ's cross be a stimulant to that great end! I'm glad to be part of the group with you all. I'm looking forward to the many ways the Lord will aid my own growth in grace through your comments. Thank you for being part of the first SC Reading Group. Here are some thoughts for how we may help each other.

Group Meetings: Thursday, 7a

30 Minute Weekly Meeting Suggestion: Aren't you thankful that our Lord can simultaneously listen to the prayers of many of his children! Similarly, Blogger.com can simultaneously post the comments of many users. I'm recommending that our group "meets" at 7a on Thursday mornings. My hope in making this suggestion is to maximize our time while also yeilding the greatest spiritual benefit.

Groups that meet in person have a significant advantage by being able to pray and share together. We can not reproduce that dynamic through a monitor. But, our "meetings" can at least have the same components, can't they? Suggested way to "meet:"

• 7a - Spend 10 minutes praying by name for the sanctification of groupies.
• 7:10 - Spend five minutes re-skimming your highlights, underlines, and margin notes in Charnock.
• 7:15 - Spend 15 minutes "sharing" (typing) the thoughts that most significantly stood out to you in the week's reading. These thoughts can be direct quotes, paraphrases, or totally original thoughts that the reading stimulated in your heart and mind. Maybe, from time to time, Scripture references will come to mind that you would like to add.

Ok, ok, ok. I hear ya'. "Why," I can hear you objecting, "only 15 minutes to type? There's too much good stuff in Charnock to limit our meeting to 15 minutes of share-time!" Short answer: We have a great problem on our hands...there are 20 people in our reading group! If unlimited "sharing" occurs, then it would be impossible to be faithful with greater responsibilites (Family, church, work, school), and also benefit from everyone's thoughts. So, as much as is possible, try to type no more than 15 minutes worth of words. Don't worry so much about typo7s. Just share. For those who can spit out 10,000 words in 15 minutes, you need to quit your job and start working in a courtroom. Sometime later on Thursday, or throughout the week, I encourage everyone to go back to the "meeting" and read through everyone's comments. After all, that's why we're doing this in a group format. Note also, that 20 people typing for 15 minutes is 5 HOURS worth of typing. My hope is that most of you still hunt-n-peck. (Did I say that out loud?).

Reading Schedule: 11 Weeks

The Puritans were well known for the structure of their discourses. First doctrine, then application. Lest you or I be all head and no heart, or all heart and no head, we shall divide Charnock into sections of doctrine and application - aiding us, I pray, to be sought by God as those who worship in Spirit and in Truth.

* Ex: The group is to comment on pages 7-23 on Oct. 5, and so on...

• Week 1: October 5 - pp. 7-23 (Recommend order 17-23, then 7-15).
• Week 2: October 12 - pp. 25-42 - Doctrine
• Week 3: October 19 - pp. 43-48 - Application
• Week 4: October 26 - pp. 49-68 - Doctrine
• Week 5: November 2 - pp. 69-100 - Doctrine
• Week 6: November 9 - pp. 101-108 - Application
• Week 7: November 16 - pp. 109-134 - Doctrine
• Week 8: November 23 - Happy Thanksgiving
• Week 9: November 30 - pp. 135-160 - Doctrine
• Week 10: December 7 - pp. 161-178 - Doctrine
• Week 11: December 14 - pp. 178-193 - Application

A fair question has been asked several times, and deserves to be answered publicly. "Why Christ Crucified?" Every book suggested definitely looked delicious. Certainly any of them would have been helpful. The lot fell to Charnock because of my burden to start with the center - the Person and Work of Christ - rather than our response to His Person and work (e.g.; prayer). After Charnock, I hope the group will continue (and expand!). If so, maybe a Christian living book will make its way into the mix.

Blessings!

Excited About The Ordinary?

Typically, ordinary and exciting do not go together. We want to make a case for why that should change.

God has ordained for His ordinary means of grace have the greatest Christ-likening effect on His people. Means such as daily personal and family devotions, regular exposure to His preached Word, engaged involvement in a local church, and an active life of prayer are all examples of means God ordinarily uses to conform His people to the image of His Son.

Sure, almost every Christian can point to at least one decisive, extraordinary, post-conversion moment when God graciously and Godwardly altered the trajectory of his or her life. Those are precious times, and should be deeply valued. However, we must not live for the zap of God's lightening bolt of transformation, succumbing to the notion that we will not be made more holy apart from some cataclysmic - near-death - episode. No, you see, God ordinarily transforms His people through His extraordinary grace by the use of ordinary means. Are you excited about the ordinary?

The Supremacy of Christ in A Post-Modern World

Jesus Christ has been, is, and will continue to be, supreme in every age. No era in history has leashed His power. Modernity did not thwart His purposes, neither shall post-modernity. Jesus Christ is Lord and God and He will receive the reward of His sufferings. He superintends climates, governments, and houseflies. He is thoroughly in control. He sustains and rules the cosmos. None will stay His hand.

I'm hopeful that the conference this weekend be a weapon in the Spirit's hand to exalt the already super-exalted One! If you'll be in attendance, I hope we'll have an opportunity to say hello.

See You At The Pole

Wednesday morning at 7a hundreds of thousands of teenagers from around the world will gather at their school's flag pole to intercede intercede for various needs. Let's join these youth in prayer by asking the Lord to hear and answer every teen heart-cry that is pleasing to the Him (Even if you read this post after 7a on Wednesday, still pray for these students' prayers to be answered. Our Omnipresent God can retroactively answer your request for Him to answer a prayer that was prayed earlier today...I think?)

Let's not forget that history proves that is has been the Lord's good pleasure to birth an Awakening that was sparked through the prayers of young people. Oh, that Thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down (Isaiah 64:1)!

Abominable Prayer

Proverbs 28:9

He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination

Biblical Theology

Sounds strange huh? Isn't all theology "biblical?" That would be nice.

There are different arenas of discipline within the camp of biblical studies. Systematic theology, for example, is the discipline of categorizing and explaining certain doctrines put forth in Scripture (e.g.; God, creation, redemption). Studying each doctrine, within its own system, is one way to approach biblical studies. Another approach that, for me has been sorely undervalued, is biblical theology. Biblical theology is the discipline of studying the Bible as one book, discerning its unity, and seeing how God has unfolded His great plan as it is recorded in the biblical revelation.

As I'm typing, I'm also listening to Michael Lawrence's biblical theology sermon on creation. Very helpful! (Here is a link to Lawrence's five part biblical theology series).

I am also finding Vaughan Roberts, God's Big Picture: Tracing the storyline of the Bible, to be fulfilling his aim "to provide all Christians, from the new convert to the mature believer, with an overview of the whole Bible that will help them see how the different parts fit together" (10). Roberts provides the following eight-part outline for biblical theology:

Old Testament

1. The pattern of the kingdom.
2. The perished kingdom.
3. The promised kingdom.
4. The partial kingdom.
5. The prophesied kingdom.

New Testament

6. The present kingdom.
7. The proclaimed kingdom.
8. The perfected kingdom.

Find It?

Would all in our SC Reading Group please comment here and let us know if you tracked down a copy of Christ Crucified? Looking forward to the journey with you all. Still time to jump in!

The Nicene Creed

Written in A.D. 325, and revised in 381, the Nicene Creed has been an affirmation of Christian faith that has endured the test of time.

I believe in one God the Father Almighty; Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

CT Article

Here is the Christianity Today that was mentioned a while back.

Roll Call

The newest roll for the SC Reading Group is:

1. Anthony Mathenia
2. Brad Nelson
3. Brandon Sheridan
4. Brienne Smith
5. Bryan Smith
   
6. Clif Johnson
7. Cody McNutt
8. Debbie Thomas
9. Jake Shivley
10. Jim Suggs
11. Jonathan Hopper
12. Jordan Thomas
13. Justin Tucker
    
14. Kevin Wilkins
15. Kirk Benson
16. Melissa Sparks
17. Nate "Dawg" Sawyer
18. Ron Franks
19. Shaun Hair
20. Todd Smith
    

Still time to nerd-up! We will begin reading in just over a week. You comin'?

Preacher Boy

Edward Payson's (1783-1827) father, Seth, preached his ordination charge. O may fathers (and churches!) again want for our sons what the elder Payson wanted for his!

I can think with calmness, nay, with a degree of pleasure, of your suffering for righteousness' sake, and, should the world pour upon you its obloquy, its scorn and reproach, for your fidelity to your Master's cause, a father's heart would still embrace you with, if possible, increased fondness. But to see you losing sight of the great objects which ought to engage your attention, courting the applause of the world, infected with the infidel sentiments of the day, and neglecting the immortal interests of those now about to be committed to your care, this, O my son, I could not support. It would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. But is it possible, that in such a cause, with such motives to fidelity, and with prospects, may I not add, so peculiarly pleasing as those which now surround you, you should, notwithstanding, prove unfaithful? It is possible; for there is nothing too base, too ungrateful, or destructive of our own most important interests, for human nature to commit; and, unless the grace of the Lord Jesus preserve you, the glory of God will be forgotten, your Savior will by you be crucifed afresh, and his cause exposed to shame; your sacred character will become your reproach, and, instead of the blessing of many ready to perish, you will accumulate the curses of perishing souls upon your head. May your preservation from this awful fate be the theme of our future eternal praises. Legacy of a Legend, 148-9.

Monergism Sale

Shop here.

(HT: Tim Challies)

The Unveiling: Christ Crucified - A Puritan's View of the Atonement

I feel like I'm breaking a big story? Though we will not make the evening news, the news is significant. Sanctifiying (and perhaps, justifying!) graces are in the offing! There is no work more prodigious on this side of eternity than the supernatural working of God in the soul of man. Nothing less is our prayer for the presently forming SC Reading Group.

I'm pleased to announce that the "group" has its first tasty morsel from the pen of the Puritan sage Stephen Charnock. Christ Crucified: A Puritans View of the Atonement will be our treat. There are at least two different printings of Christ Crucified, so a word about ordering your copy momentarily.

The Man:

Charnock (1628-80) is perhaps most remebered for his classic work, The Existence and Attributes of God. Though a prolific divine, preacher, and writer, little detail remains of his private life. Like his Lord, Charnock died celibate. During his final 1/2 decade of earth, he was a co-pastor of a nonconforming congregation in London - alongside Thomas Watson (What a blessed people!).

His Writing Style:

His writing is replete with doctrinal boulders, not bumper stickers, providing a firm ground on which to stand in the torrents of life. He knows that one-liners don't produce persevering faith. He knows that looking at our crucifed Christ will. Charnock "of all the Puritans is the most brisk and businesslike when it comes to saying things straight" (Packer, Intro). That, however, doesn't mean easy sledding. Be warned, "his style is intensely analytical, and his mind moves fast and verbalizes itself economically" (Packer, Intro). Unlike some labors, seeing God from Charnock's view is worth the extra work. No doubt, few have climbed to his altitude, but thank God he is willing, by his quill, to hoist us up.

Our Book:

Christ Crucified: A Puritan's View of the Atonement may contain, "not too little evangelical doctrine, but, if anything, too much, packed too tightly" (Packer, Intro). A problem, I trust, from which we do not suffer too often. If our reading must be slow, or repetitive, may the help herein contained cause our souls to greatly glorify our great God by producing in us a greater treasuring of His glorious Christ - indeed our atonement-achieving, crucified, resurrected and reigning Christ! May we, as the author of Hebrews exhorted, by the help Charnock provides, "consider Jesus."

Your Book:

For reading schedules and the same introductory material, I recommend each of us having the same copy (this one).

To save on shipping I wonder if one person would be willing to order bulk and be reimbursed by groupies? I have no interest in being that guy, but would be happy to see it develop (Plus I already have two copies - na na na na boo boo). If you want to coordinate the effort, let the group know through a comment on this post, and once that's happened, others are free to leave their name and how many copies they'd like. If it works out, lets say the cut off to add your name is 5p this Friday (9/22). It looks like South Woods has some copies available for $8. I also found copies (here, here, and here).

An Appetite Whetting:

Rocks and mountains cannot secure them that neglect so great a sacrifice, that regard this atoning blood as an unholy thing. It is as dreadful for men to have this sacrifice smoking against them and this blood calling for vengance on them, as it is comfortable to have it pleaded for them and sprinkled on them. Why will any then despise and neglect a necessary sovereign remedy ready at hand? Is it excusable, that when we should have brought the sacrifice ourselves or ourselves have been the sacrifice, we should slight him who hath voluntarily been a sacrifice for us, and cherish a hell merited by our sin rather than accept of a righteousness purchased at no less rate than the blood of God? This sacrifice is full of necessary virtue to save us; but the blood of it must be sprinkled upon our souls by faith. Without this we shall remain in our sins, under the wrath of God, and sword of vengance. (Charnock, 107)

Details:

Reading plans (to begin the week of October 2), and commenting suggestings will be forthcoming.

In Only 400 Minutes

You can read the Pilgrim's Progress...in an email.

Affirmation of Faith - IM #3

Throughout Christian history, God's people have been articulating - in writing - the core convictions of Christianity. Today, I spent some time thinking through, hammering on, and reaffirming my belief in the Grace Church Member Affirmation of Faith.

Lord willing, this Sunday evening at the third Interest Meeting for Grace Church, Nathan Sawyer will walk us through our Affirmation. The 15 Articles are:

1. The Word of God
2. God
3. Jesus Christ
4. The Holy Spirit
5. The Trinity
6. Providence
7. The Fall of Humanity
8. Regeneration
9. Repentance And Faith
10. Salvation
11. Christian Conduct
12. The Church
13. The Ordinances
14. The Last Things
15. Christian Cooperation

Thinking through our statement caused me to wonder...How many people are expected to read - much less have actually read - their church's Affirmation of Faith prior to applying for membership? It is probably safe to assume the statistics are not awe-inspiring. Do you know the core convictions of your church?

Reading Group

Interested? There are plenty of pocket protectors to go around.

Something God CANNOT Do

Think of someone greater than Himself.

Kuiper On Evangelism

* * *

Let no one suppose that God's sovereign decree concerns only ends, to the exlusion of means. It cannot be said too emphatically that God has foreordained all that comes to pass. All embraces means as well as ends. To illustrate, God not merely foreordained that a certain farmer would reap five thousand bushels of wheat in the summer of 1961; He foreordained that that farmer would harvest that amount of wheat as the result of much hard work. Likewise, God did not merely decree that a certain sinner would receive eternal life through faith in Christ and that he would obtain faith in Christ through the gospel. The sovereignty of God may not be construed so as to rule out the responsibility of man.

* * *

R.B. Kuiper, God-Centered Evangelism, 38-39

Christ, of all my hopes the ground

CHRIST, of all my hopes the ground,
Christ, the spring of all my joy,
Still in Thee may I be found,
Still for Thee my powers employ.

Let Thy love my heart inflame,
Keep Thy fear before my sight,
Be Thy praise my hightest aim,
Be Thy smile my chief delight.

Fountain of o'erflowing grace,
Freely from Thy fulness give;
Till I close my earthly race,
May I prove it 'Christ to live'.

Firmly trusting in Thy blood,
Nothing shall my heart confound;
Safely I shall pass the flood,
Safely reach Immanuels's gound.

Thus, O thus, an entrace give
To the land of cloudless sky;
Having known it 'Christ to live',
Let me know it 'gain to die'.

Ralph Wardlaw, 1779-1853

A Passion For Missions

The Mid-South Regional Founders Conferece will be held October 5-7 at South Woods Baptist Church in Memphis, TN.

Q: Jesus, why did the Father talk to You about glorifying His name?

A: Not for My sake, but for your sakes.

Consider

This.

Grace Church - Interest Meeting #2

This evening's meeting was a joy. We thank God for His evident grace. Here's a recap of what we walked through tonight: (Again, this list is a result of our tweaking the help we found at 9Marks)

Essentials of Church Health:

1. Expository Exultation - Worshipful expository preaching as the congregation's foremost diet
2. Biblical Prayer - Actively seeking the Lord through biblically guided prayer
3. Biblical Theology - Concerned with pursuing and promoting biblical maturity
4. Biblical Gospel - Knowing and believing the gospel of Jesus Christ
5. Biblical View of Conversion - Understanding salvation as wholly a work of God
6. Biblical Evangelism - Actively engaged in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ
7. Biblical Requirements for Membership - Regenerate church members seeking to live their covenant commitments
8. Biblical Church Discipline - Practicing formative and corrective discipline
9. Biblical Church Leadership - Christ as Head, elders are His gifts for leadership, the congregation corporately affirms the will of the Lord, and deacons are Christ's gifts for service
10. Biblical Reproduction - Intentionally making disciples among all peoples, particularly through church planting

Please continue to pray for us. It is apparent that many people are doing just that!

SC Reading Nerds

Looks like a Solus Christus reading "group" is coming together afterall. Go figure? Let's plan to begin our book the first week of October. I'll try to post a couple of times this week about our Nerd Herd and see if we can generate some more interest. Then, on Friday, I'll plan to divulge the title. That will give everyone a full week to track down the book, which should be ample time to order, receive, and be able to begin reading during the first week of October.

Although I've only read about 1/2 of God is the Gospel, we may take a different route? John Piper claims that all of his books say the same thing (not true, but that's what he says) and recommends only reading one of his titles. God is the Gospel is a wonderful exposition of II Cor. 4, but I'm guessing everyone on the list has read at least one Piper book already. If not, do so.

In keeping with part of the overal vision of this blog, I'd like to see us work through a lesser known title, and in so doing, hope to expose some of our readers to an author or book they wouldn't have heard of otherwise. Suggestions? New or old, but preferably not to thick!

Here's our geek roll:

1. Brad Nelson
2. Jim Suggs
3. Jake Shivley
4. Melissa Sparks
   
5. Anthony Mathenia
6. Clif Johnson
7. Ron Franks
8. Kirk Benson
9. Jordan Thomas
10. Brienne Smith
11. Kevin Wilkins
12. Debbie Thomas
13. Jonathan Hopper
14. Nate "Dawg" Sawyer
    

Come on, you know want to join!

The Best-Worst Sermon I've Ever Heard On The Subject

Contrary to popular belief, today's pulpits are not full of "fire and brimstone preaching." At least, that's what Don Whitney will tell you. In his sermon this morning at Union Avenue Baptist Church, he suggested that this morning's crowd would've been hard-pressed to remember the last time they heard a sermon on the subject of hell. If he would have singled me out as an example, he'd been right. Can you remember the last time you heard a sermon on hell?

With that being said, Don's message was the best-worst sermon I've ever heard on the subject of hell. I trembled at the magnitude of the infinte wrath of our Omnipotent God. Don was right in proclaiming that God is not absent in hell, but rather fully, infinitely, and eternally exposing the full-brunt of His righteous wrath against the eternally unrepentant. Hell is not an escape from God, but an endless enduring of the vindication of Himself against sinners. Appropriate solemnity, noticable trepidation, and biblical fidelity filled the sermon.

Once the sermon is posted (here) I would recommend two things; (1) Etch out 1 hour of a day, with at least one day's advance notice. Pray regularly before coming to that hour. Spend the first 15 minutes of the blocked off hour praying for Holy Spirit-empowered sensitivity of heart to the things of God, and (2) in the last 45 minutes listen, uninteruppted, to Don's message. This is a sermon that should be heard, but should not be entered into lightly. Be it known, there is no arm-twisting in this sermon. No "get 'em down the isle" antics. Just straight, plain, and clear biblical teaching.

The text: Matthew 25:31-46 - 25:41 being the focal text.
7 things Jesus teaches about hell in verse 41:

1. Hell is real
2. Hell is separation from God (In one sense)
   
3. Hell is for all accursed ones
4. Hell is eternal
5. Hell is a fire
   
6. Hell is a prepared fire
   
7. Hell is eternity with the devil and his angels

Conclusion:

1. Hell is inevitable if you don't come to Christ. All one must do to go to hell is die.
2. Hell is inescapable once you are there. There is no getting out.
3. Hell is avoidable for all who come to Jesus Christ!
   

The entire spiritual disciplines conference was helpful, the sermon was soul-jarring.

A Man Pleaser, The Will of Man, And the Will of God

Pilate is the man-pleaser who delivered Jesus to the will of man in fulfillment of the will of God!

Pilate said..."I find no guilt in this man." - Luke 23:4

Pilate summoned...the people, and said to them, "...I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him. No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him. I will therefore punish Him and release Him. - Luke 23:13-16

...Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again - Luke 23:20

[Pilate] said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; I will therefore punish Him and release Him." - Luke 23:22

And their voices began to prevail. And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand should be granted. - Luke 23:24

But [Pilate] delivered Jesus to their will. - Luke 23:25

An Idea

I have experienced tremendous spiritual benefit through the years by being involved in reading groups with other Christians. I wonder if something like that could happen through this blog?

Maybe we could set a goal of 8 or more people who would agree to be part of our "group" (and since we meet in cyberspace, there's room for an unlimited # of people). Group members would agree to read through a certain portion of a certain book at certain specified times. Then, we could interact with the author through this blog on a certain day of the week. Make sense?

We would operate just like a reading group, but our "meeting" would be held at Solus-Christus.blogspot.com on a certain specified day of the week. On that day, I would create a post saying "________ (book name) - pp 1-22". Then I would attempt, in a paragraph or two, to summarize the author's main point for that particular section. Then, those in our "group" could chime in with comments (and anyone under the sun could interact with our comments), but at least we could stimulate one another's thinking, and hopefully, personal holiness.

Ok, it's only an idea at this point. Maybe a dumb one? If you're interested then post a comment (and perhaps a book that you've not already read but would like to read). I'm in. If we have at least eight people who will commit to finish the book and supply comments from the weekly reading it's a go. Hooray for book nerds!

Don't Forget

This weekend.

Cost at the door remains $12!

Friday, September 15
6:45p Welcome / Prayer
7:00p Session 1
7:50p Break
8:00p Session 2
9:00p Closing

Saturday, September 16
8:30a Prayer
8:40a Session 3
9:50a Break
10:00a Session 4
11:10a Break
11:20a Session 5
12:30p Closing

Sunday, September 17
9:00a Continental Breakfast
9:30a Session 6
10:30a Break
10:50a Don Preaches in Worship

* There will be snacks provided during all breaks.
* Tapes will be available for order for each session.

Interest Meeting #2 - September 17

Lord willing, this Sunday at 5p we will host the second Interest Meeting for Grace Church. You are more than welcome to join us. This week we will look at the biblical essentials of church health. How is health promoted in the life of a local church?

Although our list is admittedly not exhaustive, we could consider the essentials to be:

1. Expository Exultation
2. Biblical Prayer
3. Biblical Theology
4. Biblical Gospel
5. Biblical View of Conversion
6. Biblical Evangelism
7. Biblical Requirements for Membership
8. Biblical Church Discipline
9. Biblical Reproduction
10. Biblical Leadership

Notice a common thread? Clearly, our list is adapted from 9 Marks of a Healthy Church.

Friends

Friends. What a gift! That is, if our friendships are Christ-exalting rather than Christ-condemning.

Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been at enmity with each other. - Luke 23:12

"That very day" is none other than the day of Christ's crucifixion when he appeared before Pilate, Herod, and Pilate again. What a shame for a friendship to be forged in the crucible of Christ's condemnation! How were your closest friendships forged?

Reading the Gospels...With Anticipation

The four gospels are about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ - the God-Man. Written to be understood, and to compel us to love Jesus, these four biographies of the Person and work of Christ must not become stale to our taste.

I'm currently meditating through Luke's gospel. Today, I made it to the end of chapter 22. Jesus is in custody, has been denied, mocked, beaten, blindfolded, and in many other ways, blasphemed (Luke 22:54-65).

Yes, we know the end of the story. Praise God! But what about that night? Go there. Watch it unfold. Sit close to the warmth of the fire beside the slave girl, who, leaning over to you while pointing across the glow at Peter says, "This man was with Him too." Hear Rocky's tone of voice as he says, "Woman, I do not know Him."

Look at the grip the man has on Jesus' tricep. And notice the handful of mocking men standing beside Him. Did you hear what they just said...to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God? Oh, how heavy your heart is sinking as you watch Him take a punch to the jaw (A blow He never saw coming) for the 4th time. Then the blindfold? What are they doing to Him?

If you are there, you don't get the priviledge of fastforwarding to the next morning - and wouldn't want that anyway because that's when it gets even worse - when they mount Him on a timber; naked, shredded, and gasping for air until He dies.

That is where Luke leaves us until morning. Sleep on that! Isn't He God? Have you trusted a fraud? You left your job. They were right, you should have kept seeing patients, mending nets, keeping books. Now what? What now?

Tough Texts - Hebrews 6:4-6

For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.

God's Plan For Theology

From Two-Age:

What is God's plan and purpose for theology?

"Theology is taught by God, teaches God, and leads to God." God's purpose for theology is the gathering of His elect people from every tongue tribe and nation into one new man in Christ by the resurrection of the dead to share uniterrupted and uncompromisable fellowship with Him for all eternity in perfect and perpetual worship and fullness of joy. In short the purpose of theology is the knowledge of God by His people, even as they are known by Him.

Anthony Carter's Blog

For over a year now I've been reading Anthony Carter's very perceptive blog. He has a passion to see the God-centered gospel of our glorious God speed ahead rapidly - especially among his own African American culture.

Here's a sampling of his many great posts:

• Reforming Worship - Because Anthony wants the Bible to bear its massive weight in corporate worship gatherings.
• The Aim of Christ-Centered Preaching - Because it is a conference I would like to attend and want to encourage as many as possible to attend.
• Crossing the River of Death - Because he teaches his people The Pilgrim's Progress (Purchase here) - notice the quote at the bottom of Anthony's post. Then, after noticing, proceed to worship your Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus, to whom [believers] shall be eternally married!
• Popular Preaching - Self explanatory.
• The Solus-Christus Project - Because I want it.

Spiritual Formation Conference - Don Whitney

Union Avenue Baptist Church will be hosting their annual Spiritual Formation Conference this weekend (September 15-16). The guest speaker will be author and seminary professor Don Whitney.

I encourage to you attend if possible.

Husbands Love Your Wives As Christ Loved The Church And Gave Himself Up For Her

Here's a loving word from a husband to his wife.

How To Not Be Liked & Undermine Your Faith

I've done a few of these.

(HT: Tim Challies)

Recommended Reading

This recommended reading list is from the ministry of Alistar Begg - a pastor I continue to hear positive things about.

As is well said here, acess to books is a grace to us all.

1st Interest Meeting

Though it is hard for us to believe, the first Interest Meeting for Grace Church is a past event. We praise the Lord for those who were able to attend, and for the grace given to share why this new church is being planted. Please continue to pray with us for God to be glorified as we treasure Jesus Christ and spread His eternal joy.

A recap of what we shared:


Why Plant Grace Church?

In respose to the greatness of God, we exist to...

Glorify God
by treasuring Jesus Christ
and spreading His eternal joy.

How will Grace Church live her vision?

By living in dependence upon the Holy Spirit we will seek to...

Guide people to faith in Jesus Christ
Grow in biblical maturity
Go to the neighborhoods and nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday Son!

Andrew Jordan Thomas is 2 years old today. Party time!

Unconventional Commercial for A New Church

They probably think I'm crazy? Maybe they're right? Earlier this week I had an opportunity to announce Grace Church to about 150 medical students at UT Memphis. With a 90 second shot, here's what I attempted to say (I think I got the heart of it across):

Perhaps you are already well aware that God Almighty brought you to Memphis for more than your professional training? Maybe His intention, for some of you, is to connect you to a new church in downtown called Grace Church. Maybe, just maybe, His purposes for connecting you to this new church are for your spiritual edification, equiping, your being challenged, encouraged, instructed, rebuked, nurtured, disciplined, and all of the other things that come with being attached to a New Testament church. But, maybe there's even more to it than that? Perhaps God wants you to be attached to this church during your years in Memphis in order for this new church to assist in mobilizing you to use your professional skills as a means of gaining access to places and peoples of the world who are closed to Christian missionaries in order for you to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to unbelieving peoples so they too will give their praise to Jesus Christ Who alone is worthy (Yes, that's a run on sentence). We're starting an eight week series of Interest Meetings this Sunday at 5p - September 10 - at the Bridges center behind St. Jude to unfold our vision, values, and distinctives. We'd like for you to consider joining us for these meetings. If you are interested in a church like this, or have any questions about the church, Bryan and I would love to talk with you.

We had a few good conversations. We'll see if the Lord intends for any of these students to darken the door of GC in route to lighting the path for some of the unreached peoples of the world - like the most unreached; the Nadja Bedouin of Iraq?

The All-Seeing Eyes of God

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good. - Proverbs 15:3

Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, how much more the hearts of men! - Proverbs 15:11

Interest Meetings for Grace Church - 3 Days Away

Thank you all again for your prayers as we are drawing ever closer to September 10, our first Interest Meeting for Grace Church. The meeting will begin at 5p.

If you are childless, and are willing to help us set up, would you email me (click my email at upper right of this page) and let me know you can be there at 3:30 to lend a hand? We need about 10 folks.

Thank you

Free Derek Webb CD - Mockingbird!

Download here.

The Sufficiency of Christ

Nathan's post reminded me of this hymn.

Jesus, Jesus, all-sufficient,
Beyond telling is Thy worth;
In Thy Name lie greater treasures
Than the richest found on earth.
Such abundance
Is my portion with my God.

In Thy gracious face there's beauty
Far surpassing every thing
Found in all the earth's great wonders
Mortal eye hath ever seen.
Rose of Sharon,
Thou Thyself art heaven's delight.

William Williams, 1717-91;
tr. by Robert Maynard Jones (Bobi Jones), 1929-

Quotable Godward Influencer - Herman Bavinck

The God who appears to Jacob determines the future. Although the God of Israel dwells in the midst of His people in the house which Solomon builds for Him, yet even the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him, I Kings 8:27. he reveals Himself in nature, and lives along with His people, as it were; but at the same time he is the Incomprehensible, Job 26:14; 36:26; 37:5, the Incomparable, Is. 40:18, 25; 46:5, the One who is exalted infinitely above time and space and every creature, Is. 40:12 ff.; 41:14; 44:6; 48:12, the One and only true God, Ex. 20:3, 11; Deut. 4:35, 39; 32:19; I Sam. 2:2; Is. 44:8. Although He, indeed reveals Himself in His names, no name expresses Him adequately. He is without name. His name is wonderful, Gen. 32:29; Judg. 13:18; Prov. 30:4. The profundities of Deity are far too deep to be sounded by us, Job 11:7,8.

The Doctrine of God, 18.

God - Self - Sin - Salvation

I've found no better help to see the relationships between biblical theology and practical experience than the four-fold pattern laid out by Richard Owen Roberts in Salvation in Full Color.

He writes, A powerful relationship exists between what a person thinks of God, what they think of themself, what they think of sin, and what they think of salvation (Roberts, xi).

In his introduction, Roberts shows how:

1. A Right View of God leads to
2. A Right View of Self, then to
3. A Right View of Sin, and finally to
4. A Right View of Salvation

If correct, then seeing God for who He is in the Scriptures is indispensable for those who desire to be saved by Him. Isn't it only obvious that for someone to be saved he must know (at some level) the God who does the saving? This is not to suggest that Robert's is under the delusion that anyone has an exhaustive knowledge of God. But, there must at least be the beginnings of a biblically informed view of Him to begin the pattern. Agreed?

Excerpts from Roberts introduction:

A Right View of God

Many tolerate a view of God which is vastly beneath the revelation which God makes of Himself in the Holy Scriptures.

Contrary to the thinking of many, God is not evolving into a softer, more cuddly Being, but is as full of righteous indignation now as when He flooded the earth, destroying the civilization of Noah's day and when He poured fire and brimstone from heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

A Right View of Self

Every person who maintains a view of God as high as is set forth in the Bible is forced into a correspondingly low view of self. No man can be great in his own eyes when his eyes are fixed on the high and lofty one whose name is holy, who alone is great. Conversely, a degraded view of God promotes an inordinately high view of self.

A Right View of Sin

A high view of self invaribly leads to a distorted view of sin. The proud sinner demands the right to determine what is acceptable and what is unacceptable behavior for himself. His pride forbids him to bow to God's definition of sin, and his arrogance enables him to snub his nose at God's threatnings and warnings.

In that pride prevails both in the world and in the church, new definitions of sin are issued and degradation marches like an army of locusts across the land.

A Right View of Salvation

A distorted view of sin naturally leads to a corrupted view of salvation. If, by human definition, sin is of minor consequence, then the need of a God-sized salvation is eliminated.

If it is not New Testament salvation, and if it is not the salvation of historic Christianity, is it salvation at all?

Tough Texts - The Lord Relented

Exodus 32:14
II Samuel 24:16
Amos 7:3
Amos 7:6

Thoughts?

Nuggets of the sufficiency of Christ from a suffering saint

Some of you may be aware that it was nearly three weeks ago when my grandfather went home to be with the Lord. I called my grandmother yesterday to check on her and let her know I have been praying for her and feel it necessary to pass on a few excerpts of unprompted Christ-exalting nuggets she gave me.

'God has been gracious and good to me, how can I ask for more?'

'I've been trying to focus more on the blessings than the loss'

'I've been praying for God to have glory for what we went through...I mean, for how He took us through it'

'I will be okay because I have the Lord and family. I have concerns that lie ahead but I need not worry about them...He will take care of me'

For what it's worth, my grandmother has no idea I'm posting her comments. This is nothing more than Christ exuding from her life! May the Lord grant us grace when the trials come to hope in Him! Psalm 27:13-14

Wyatt Baptist Church

Please pray for me and the congregation of Wyatt Baptist Church this weekend as I will have the priviledge of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ to them from Matthew 7:7-12.

Desiring God - New Website

Desiring God has totally revamped their website. The interface is usable and the site contains much much more than the previous one. Check it out.

Quoted in CT

Last week an email from a friend brought my attention to the fact that I was quoted in the latest issue of Christianity Today. Since then a few more calls and emails have come from those who saw the quote. The article (Which should be online here sometime soon?) takes a look at the rise of Reformed Theology among the younger generations in American evangelicalism.

Overall, I have very little excitement about the rise of reformed soteriology among younger generations. I've known more than my fair share of self-centered, prideful, arrogant un-Christlike Calvinists (As could also be said of many that I've met who profess Christ but deny the foundational tenets of a reformed soteriological framework).

The main issue is whether or not we love Jesus Christ. Do you love Him? Love Him? Love Him? Jesus was not a Calvinist. Calvin, I believe, was a Jesusist. As is evidenced through his commentaries, not to mention The Institutes, he loved Jesus Christ with a God-given love that excelled all other loves. Again, do you love Him? Is He - Jesus Christ - your Supreme Treasure?

Calvin, insofar as I can discern, believed and articulated the biblical teaching of God's sovereign rule over all things - including the salvation of individual sinners (e.g., here and here). He was not willing to limit the scope of God's providential reign - because of what he read in Scripture - over all things both big and small.

Regarding the salvation of sinners, God is gracious to save any, and indeed will save some, and at what a cost! To be loved by God - at the expense of the life of His only Son - is truth that ignites an eternal devotion to Jesus in the affections of all who have tasted such a great salvation! (Posthumously, it was the followers of Calvin - not Calvin himself - that developed the acrostic TULIP as a way of summarizing his teachings on salvation. This was done particularly as a means of defending against the biblically erroneous soteriological framework that was being promoted by Jacobus Arminius).

Overall, I think Collin's Christianity Today article is a fair treatment of the growing trend and is written even-handedly. Mark well, At the end of the day it will not matter how many Calvinists there were. All that will matter is your paramount allegiance to King Jesus Christ or the lack thereof. If such allegiance exists in you, it will be evidenced by a Holy Spirit-enabled progressive conformity into the image of the Jesus you love so supremely. A progression that is impossible to divorce from biblical fidelity. Therefore, may biblical theology come to bear as heavily on our consciences as possible and may the result be an instantaneous and eternal treasuring of Jesus Christ!

May God be greatly glorified through the salvation of many sinners in Memphis, TN through the ministries of Grace Church! Pray with us to that end. Pray for us to treasure Jesus Christ above all else.