Learning to Advent Together – Justin Taylor
Posted using ShareThis
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Loving the Bride of Christ
Kevin DeYoung and Todd Kluck guest column at The Washington Post. Christ's bride is not perfect, but He still loves her. Humble yourself and be part of the Body.
Newsweek/Washington Post forum on religion
They are the authors of the new book Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion.
Check it out!
Newsweek/Washington Post forum on religion
They are the authors of the new book Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion.
Check it out!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sproul: God's Will and Your Job
A timely series of posts, from R.C. Sproul's teaching on the will of God:
- God's Will and Your Job (Part 1)
- God's Will and Your Job (Part 2)
- God's Will and Your Job (Part 3)
- God's Will and Your Job (Part 4)
1. What can I do?
2. What do I like to do?
3. What would I like to be able to do?
4. What should I do?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
"Jesus Enters Jerusalem"
John 12:9-19 Pastor Chad DeGraff (05/10/09)
1. Reaction of the crowd (John 12:9-11) - People wanted to see Lazarus as a confirmation of whom Jesus claimed Himself to be. Caiaphas and the Jews sought to kill Lazarus in addition to Jesus (John 11:49-50).
Lesson: People still today try to destroy what is "undestroyable" - God's work. You cannot kill what is life. God's love grows stronger in the face of opposition. We also have a Lazarus-like story. We are all "raised" from spiritual death (Romans 6:1-14). Our faith is revealed not just in what we say but also in how we live (Matthew 7:21-22, James 2:18).
2. Entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-15) - The raising of Lazarus brought crowds to Jerusalem. The people bring palm branches to signify the entrance of a ruler. Jesus is exclaimed as King referring to Scripture (Hosanna = "Save Us!" - Psalm 118:25). Jesus came "to deliver" the people at a time where they were celebrating "being delivered" (Exodus 12).
3. John's commentary on the people's position (John 12:16-19) - Jesus was not simply a man entering but the Lord King. Jesus rides a colt and fulfills prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). He communicates to the Disciples what will happen to him (Mark 10:32-34) . They needed the Word of God to confirm what they believed. We, too, need the Word in our lives (Matthew 4:4). The priests claim that the people gain nothing in their devotion to Christ (John 12:19). Ironically, we gain everything in our faith.
Questions to consider:
1. Do you have new life with Jesus?
2. How is Jesus revealed in your life?
3. Paul said that he considered his life of no value compared to the work of Holy Spirit in proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 20:22-24). Where does the value of the Gospel rank in your life?
1. Reaction of the crowd (John 12:9-11) - People wanted to see Lazarus as a confirmation of whom Jesus claimed Himself to be. Caiaphas and the Jews sought to kill Lazarus in addition to Jesus (John 11:49-50).
Lesson: People still today try to destroy what is "undestroyable" - God's work. You cannot kill what is life. God's love grows stronger in the face of opposition. We also have a Lazarus-like story. We are all "raised" from spiritual death (Romans 6:1-14). Our faith is revealed not just in what we say but also in how we live (Matthew 7:21-22, James 2:18).
2. Entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-15) - The raising of Lazarus brought crowds to Jerusalem. The people bring palm branches to signify the entrance of a ruler. Jesus is exclaimed as King referring to Scripture (Hosanna = "Save Us!" - Psalm 118:25). Jesus came "to deliver" the people at a time where they were celebrating "being delivered" (Exodus 12).
3. John's commentary on the people's position (John 12:16-19) - Jesus was not simply a man entering but the Lord King. Jesus rides a colt and fulfills prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). He communicates to the Disciples what will happen to him (Mark 10:32-34) . They needed the Word of God to confirm what they believed. We, too, need the Word in our lives (Matthew 4:4). The priests claim that the people gain nothing in their devotion to Christ (John 12:19). Ironically, we gain everything in our faith.
Questions to consider:
1. Do you have new life with Jesus?
2. How is Jesus revealed in your life?
3. Paul said that he considered his life of no value compared to the work of Holy Spirit in proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 20:22-24). Where does the value of the Gospel rank in your life?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
"Should We Let Jesus Go On Like This?"
John 11:45-57 Pastor Chad DeGraff (04/26/09)
1. We do not get what we "want" from the Lazarus story - the reactions of the people involved. The Apostle John gives us what we need - the evidence needed to believe. We need to respond in belief. The Gospel according to John makes 84 references to belief and at least six in Chapter 11 (John 11:15, 11:25-27, 11:40, and 11:42).
2. Belief in Jesus as God reveals to us what is truly important in life. Most only want to discuss God when death is near (Ecclesiastes 7:2). True belief brings us to Christ throughout our lives; we live by it. This manifests itself in a continuation of belief, something of which we grab hold and embrace the promises given by Christ (John 3:16).
3. Not an approval of facts - Jesus is not satisfied in the belief of the disciples (John 2:11). He pushes them in their belief. All the disciples believed. Belief does not exist in a moment; we must continue to believe. The church encourages a "fall" when it focuses on a moment of belief rather than a life of belief.
4. Absurdities in reacting and idolatry - The Jews were concerned after Christ's raising of Lazarus (John 11:47-48). They feared the Romans' oppression and destruction of the temple. They were more concerned for their idols (their nation and themselves) than the coming of the Lord. Either you're pointing people to Christ or you're pointing them to the world (Matthew 12:30).
5. Irony in the Jews' solution - They decided to eliminate Jesus so they wouldn't lose the temple. They still lose the temple to the Romans in 70 A.D. Caiaphas feared the death of the nation, so he suggested killing Christ (John 11:49-50). Killing Christ saved the "nation." Caiaphas was concerned for the physical salvation of Israel, but the spiritual salvation of Israel was at hand.
6. Covenantal responsibilities - We cannot encourage the "fall" and allow brothers and sisters to live in a past moment. We must love one another and encourage growth in belief (Matthew 13:1-9).
Questions to consider:
1. Are you believing today? Judas was chosen by Christ, believed, and ultimately betrayed Jesus (John 18:5). Are you living from a moment of first believing?
2. Are you following God's Word? We must repent for our sins and follow His Law. Repentance also includes change.
3. Is He greater than the treasures in your life? (Matthew 13:44)
4. Are you encouraging growth for your brothers and sisters?
Other references: God turning evil into good (Genesis 50:20), the need for love in the Covenant (Jude 1:4), Brothers falling (1 Corinthians 8:11).
1. We do not get what we "want" from the Lazarus story - the reactions of the people involved. The Apostle John gives us what we need - the evidence needed to believe. We need to respond in belief. The Gospel according to John makes 84 references to belief and at least six in Chapter 11 (John 11:15, 11:25-27, 11:40, and 11:42).
2. Belief in Jesus as God reveals to us what is truly important in life. Most only want to discuss God when death is near (Ecclesiastes 7:2). True belief brings us to Christ throughout our lives; we live by it. This manifests itself in a continuation of belief, something of which we grab hold and embrace the promises given by Christ (John 3:16).
3. Not an approval of facts - Jesus is not satisfied in the belief of the disciples (John 2:11). He pushes them in their belief. All the disciples believed. Belief does not exist in a moment; we must continue to believe. The church encourages a "fall" when it focuses on a moment of belief rather than a life of belief.
4. Absurdities in reacting and idolatry - The Jews were concerned after Christ's raising of Lazarus (John 11:47-48). They feared the Romans' oppression and destruction of the temple. They were more concerned for their idols (their nation and themselves) than the coming of the Lord. Either you're pointing people to Christ or you're pointing them to the world (Matthew 12:30).
5. Irony in the Jews' solution - They decided to eliminate Jesus so they wouldn't lose the temple. They still lose the temple to the Romans in 70 A.D. Caiaphas feared the death of the nation, so he suggested killing Christ (John 11:49-50). Killing Christ saved the "nation." Caiaphas was concerned for the physical salvation of Israel, but the spiritual salvation of Israel was at hand.
6. Covenantal responsibilities - We cannot encourage the "fall" and allow brothers and sisters to live in a past moment. We must love one another and encourage growth in belief (Matthew 13:1-9).
Questions to consider:
1. Are you believing today? Judas was chosen by Christ, believed, and ultimately betrayed Jesus (John 18:5). Are you living from a moment of first believing?
2. Are you following God's Word? We must repent for our sins and follow His Law. Repentance also includes change.
3. Is He greater than the treasures in your life? (Matthew 13:44)
4. Are you encouraging growth for your brothers and sisters?
Other references: God turning evil into good (Genesis 50:20), the need for love in the Covenant (Jude 1:4), Brothers falling (1 Corinthians 8:11).
Friday, April 24, 2009
"I am the Resurrection and the Life"
Easter Sunday
John 11:17-27 Pastor Chad DeGraff (04/12/09)
The Resurrection matters! NOW!
1. Significance of two days - Jesus delays two extra days to allow for the Jewish belief that the spirit of the dead hovers over the body for three days before departing to pass. The extra two days (in addition to the two days necessary for travel) left Lazarus in the tomb for four days. The time had passed and Lazarus was dead. Jesus left no room for confusion and no other explanations for his rising.
2. Martha - She worried for her brother and expressed her pain to Jesus. She still trusted Jesus (John 11:21-22). Though she trusted, she did not completely understand Christ. She "knows" (past, present and future) that the Resurrection will take place (John 11:24). Martha's lack of understanding is similar to that of Mary, Jesus' mother, and her reaction to Christ at the wedding at Cana(John 2:5, 11:22). "Whatever" He says will be done. The Resurrection is hard to understand now. Martha represents those who believe now but don't fully understand (1 Peter 1:8-9)
3. Jesus draws attention to Himself - "I am," (John 11:25-26). He is the answer for all of our questions. Not even Death can stop Christ, nor his gift (John 5:25). Our belief in His sacrifice sends a "stamp of approval" to the Father. We are redeemed! Belief in Jesus grants eternal life, NOW!
Questions to consider:
1. Was it a "trick?" Did both Lazarus and Jesus rise from the dead?
2. Are you like Martha? Do you believe but still lack understanding?
3. Do you believe? Can you send the stamp of approval to the Father?
Jesus is the answer for every question, every day.
John 11:17-27 Pastor Chad DeGraff (04/12/09)
The Resurrection matters! NOW!
1. Significance of two days - Jesus delays two extra days to allow for the Jewish belief that the spirit of the dead hovers over the body for three days before departing to pass. The extra two days (in addition to the two days necessary for travel) left Lazarus in the tomb for four days. The time had passed and Lazarus was dead. Jesus left no room for confusion and no other explanations for his rising.
2. Martha - She worried for her brother and expressed her pain to Jesus. She still trusted Jesus (John 11:21-22). Though she trusted, she did not completely understand Christ. She "knows" (past, present and future) that the Resurrection will take place (John 11:24). Martha's lack of understanding is similar to that of Mary, Jesus' mother, and her reaction to Christ at the wedding at Cana(John 2:5, 11:22). "Whatever" He says will be done. The Resurrection is hard to understand now. Martha represents those who believe now but don't fully understand (1 Peter 1:8-9)
3. Jesus draws attention to Himself - "I am," (John 11:25-26). He is the answer for all of our questions. Not even Death can stop Christ, nor his gift (John 5:25). Our belief in His sacrifice sends a "stamp of approval" to the Father. We are redeemed! Belief in Jesus grants eternal life, NOW!
Questions to consider:
1. Was it a "trick?" Did both Lazarus and Jesus rise from the dead?
2. Are you like Martha? Do you believe but still lack understanding?
3. Do you believe? Can you send the stamp of approval to the Father?
Jesus is the answer for every question, every day.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
In His perfect timing...
Between Two Worlds:
Posted using ShareThis
How Children Come to Faith in Christ
Permalink Ryan KellyIn an earlier post I pointed to some resources for wrestling through the issues of the gospel, conversion, and assurance with our kids. One of the best resources I’ve found is the the Family Life Today radio interviews with Jim Elliff, “How Children Come to Faith in Christ.” You can purchase the series on audio CDs here, which I already mentioned. However, in addition I discovered that six of the sessions are available online for free:
1. Genuine Salvation: More Than a Prayer
2. How Children Come to Faith in Christ
3. Taking Our Children to Church: Is That Enough?
5. Observing Salvation in Your Child: What Does It Look Like?
6. The Family: No Better Place to Come to Know Christ!
Transcripts are also available at the bottom of each of these pages’ links.
I cannot recommend these talks enough to any parent wanting to be thoughtful, careful, and prayerful in the salvation of their children.
Posted using ShareThis
"The Unusual Love of Jesus" - Part 2
John 11:1-6 Pastor Chad Degraff (03/29/09)
1. Jesus' waiting glorifies God. - Jesus delayed to glorify God. The Israelites in Exodus give us the example that we are not on our schedule; we are on God's. When God makes us wait, he is sanctifying us by cleaning up the garbage in our lives. Pain may be suffered. He wants us to focus on Him. Don't doubt His presence; don't turn on your Leader.
2. We are leaders too. - Jesus does everything for the Gospel and the glory of God. We need to follow this example and lead in our lives. Bring God's Word to every situation even if it won't be received well. Expect difficulty.
3. God's only concern is His own glory. - For God to have a concern for something other than His own glory, He would cease being God.
4. God loves you. - God chooses you to sanctify. He loves you enough to delay so He may clean out the garbage in your life. Take the responsibility and honor by God's choosing you so that you may glorify Him. He loves you by using you for His glory.
Questions to consider:
1. How is Jesus changing our lives?
2. How are we responding?
3. How are we shaped by His love?
4. How will you glorify Him in His delays?
Other references: James 1:22-25 and 4:17, Mark 15:6-20.
1. Jesus' waiting glorifies God. - Jesus delayed to glorify God. The Israelites in Exodus give us the example that we are not on our schedule; we are on God's. When God makes us wait, he is sanctifying us by cleaning up the garbage in our lives. Pain may be suffered. He wants us to focus on Him. Don't doubt His presence; don't turn on your Leader.
2. We are leaders too. - Jesus does everything for the Gospel and the glory of God. We need to follow this example and lead in our lives. Bring God's Word to every situation even if it won't be received well. Expect difficulty.
3. God's only concern is His own glory. - For God to have a concern for something other than His own glory, He would cease being God.
4. God loves you. - God chooses you to sanctify. He loves you enough to delay so He may clean out the garbage in your life. Take the responsibility and honor by God's choosing you so that you may glorify Him. He loves you by using you for His glory.
Questions to consider:
1. How is Jesus changing our lives?
2. How are we responding?
3. How are we shaped by His love?
4. How will you glorify Him in His delays?
Other references: James 1:22-25 and 4:17, Mark 15:6-20.
"The Unusual Love of Jesus" - Part 1
"The Unusual Love of Jesus" - Part 1
John 11:1-6 Pastor Chad Degraff (03/22/09)
-The battle in John's Gospel was not for what Jesus did but for what He said. The signs and wonders provided skeptics evidence of his messianic identity.
Couple of early questions:
-Why does God and Jesus allow such hostility to exist toward Himself?
-What is the point of continuing to give more signs if the people won't believe?
-The motivation for Jesus to raise Lazarus is the glorification of God and that Jesus may be glorified.
-Jesus' love and the Cross will melt or harden your heart.
-Jesus glory is made evident in the pain and trials of His people.
-"So," "as a result" of His love for them, Jesus waited two days longer (verse 6). This was for His glory!
Question: -Why the delay?
Looking closely at the 3 different kind of people in the text:
1) Martha - What does Jesus do with her? - A busybody who lost sight as why she was serving. She served to bring glory to herself, she doubted, and she changed in John 12. She served but did not complain.
2) Lazarus - He doesn't say anything. He loved Jesus and had a relationship with Jesus. He was a threat to the Jews because he was prominent and associated himself with Jesus. We are like Lazarus as we are dead spiritually and Jesus raises us from the dead. We need to identify ourselves with Jesus and deal with how the we're seen by the World.
3) Mary - She was at Jesus' feet. She gave what she valued to Him. She showed that worldly possessions are nothing compared to Jesus. "I do it for Him."
-Lazarus was a rich, prominent Jew (owned oils made of nard). His resurrection was a huge threat to the Jews. His funeral was attended by many and his resurrection would have been noticed by everyone.
Jesus' statement: "The One Whom You Love" - refers to Mary, Martha, Lazarus, the Apostle John, and us.
Click here for Calvin's Take
John 11:1-6 Pastor Chad Degraff (03/22/09)
-The battle in John's Gospel was not for what Jesus did but for what He said. The signs and wonders provided skeptics evidence of his messianic identity.
Couple of early questions:
-Why does God and Jesus allow such hostility to exist toward Himself?
-What is the point of continuing to give more signs if the people won't believe?
-The motivation for Jesus to raise Lazarus is the glorification of God and that Jesus may be glorified.
-Jesus' love and the Cross will melt or harden your heart.
-Jesus glory is made evident in the pain and trials of His people.
-"So," "as a result" of His love for them, Jesus waited two days longer (verse 6). This was for His glory!
Question: -Why the delay?
Looking closely at the 3 different kind of people in the text:
1) Martha - What does Jesus do with her? - A busybody who lost sight as why she was serving. She served to bring glory to herself, she doubted, and she changed in John 12. She served but did not complain.
2) Lazarus - He doesn't say anything. He loved Jesus and had a relationship with Jesus. He was a threat to the Jews because he was prominent and associated himself with Jesus. We are like Lazarus as we are dead spiritually and Jesus raises us from the dead. We need to identify ourselves with Jesus and deal with how the we're seen by the World.
3) Mary - She was at Jesus' feet. She gave what she valued to Him. She showed that worldly possessions are nothing compared to Jesus. "I do it for Him."
-Lazarus was a rich, prominent Jew (owned oils made of nard). His resurrection was a huge threat to the Jews. His funeral was attended by many and his resurrection would have been noticed by everyone.
Jesus' statement: "The One Whom You Love" - refers to Mary, Martha, Lazarus, the Apostle John, and us.
Click here for Calvin's Take
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Puritan History
There is a lecture by Sinclair Ferguson at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, MI) upon the opening of their new Puritan Resource Center. This would be a great place to go for a family vacation.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Carson on Complementarianism
This post comes courtesy of Between Two Worlds a blog that I frequent daily:
Two talks by D.A. Carson at the CBMW's Different by Design 2009 conference in Minneapolis, co-sponsored by CBMW and the Fidelis Foundation:
Two talks by D.A. Carson at the CBMW's Different by Design 2009 conference in Minneapolis, co-sponsored by CBMW and the Fidelis Foundation:
Who will be our modern day Martin Luther...
I could not believe what I was seeing this morning as I read the paper. Here is a quote from the article:
Read the whole thing here at the Minneapolis StarTribune :
Indulgences -- a rite in the Roman Catholic Church that harkens back to the Middle Ages and the Reformation -- are making a return.
This is absolutely amazing. This practice was so undeniably unbiblical that Martin Luther renounced his orientation to the Catholic religion and posted 95 theses on the doors of Wittenburg. I thank God for saints like Luther who stood bodly for the gospel.
I hope that many will come to know the truth during these times.
But considering the volume of unfamiliar faces the Rev. Thomas Wilson is seeing at All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville, he says that indulgences are finding a widespread audience. "It's an important part of their spirituality."
That opinion is supported by postings on Internet blogs, where people write about finding "a sense of comfort, connection and renewed hope" and the security that comes from "reclaiming historical traditions in a time of uncertainty."
Read the whole thing here at the Minneapolis StarTribune :
Indulgences -- a rite in the Roman Catholic Church that harkens back to the Middle Ages and the Reformation -- are making a return.
This is absolutely amazing. This practice was so undeniably unbiblical that Martin Luther renounced his orientation to the Catholic religion and posted 95 theses on the doors of Wittenburg. I thank God for saints like Luther who stood bodly for the gospel.
I hope that many will come to know the truth during these times.
Monday, March 23, 2009
"The Blessing of a Faithful Witness"
John 10:39-42 Pastor Chad Degraff (03/15/09)
1. "Our mouths never stop!" - Serve Christ on Earth until your day comes. Do not stop your mouth from blessing, nor the work of Jesus just because of persecution. The Gospel will produce opposition and we need to expect it. Trust the message of the Gospel and His hand in bringing it to fulfillment.
2. Blessings come away from the noise - Jesus retreated across the Jordan after facing opposition. Retreat to refresh yourselves before returning back to the World. Make the effort to get into God's Word. This entails making time away from work and other requirements to give God time to grow your relationship with Him. Psalm 63:1 challenges us to earnestly seek God. Are you doing that? Do you seek Him like water in a dry and weary land? Grow in your relationship with Him. "Heaven is worth rearranging your schedule," (Pastor Chad).
3. The reminder of Baptism - Baptism reminds us to repent. We need healing from our spiritual disease more importantly than our physical disease(s). John the Baptist spoke the Truth about the Trinitarian God in his baptizing.
1. Jesus was the Son of God.
2. Jesus was the Lamb of God.
3. Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
We must sanctify ourselves and others with Jesus. Your sinfulness is on fire and you must "run" from the fire to the Cross.
Questions to consider:
1. How are you working for Jesus?
2. Do you rearrange your schedule for Jesus?
3. What are you doing to sanctify yourself and others?
Pray that Pastor Chad continues to give us Jesus.
1. "Our mouths never stop!" - Serve Christ on Earth until your day comes. Do not stop your mouth from blessing, nor the work of Jesus just because of persecution. The Gospel will produce opposition and we need to expect it. Trust the message of the Gospel and His hand in bringing it to fulfillment.
2. Blessings come away from the noise - Jesus retreated across the Jordan after facing opposition. Retreat to refresh yourselves before returning back to the World. Make the effort to get into God's Word. This entails making time away from work and other requirements to give God time to grow your relationship with Him. Psalm 63:1 challenges us to earnestly seek God. Are you doing that? Do you seek Him like water in a dry and weary land? Grow in your relationship with Him. "Heaven is worth rearranging your schedule," (Pastor Chad).
3. The reminder of Baptism - Baptism reminds us to repent. We need healing from our spiritual disease more importantly than our physical disease(s). John the Baptist spoke the Truth about the Trinitarian God in his baptizing.
1. Jesus was the Son of God.
2. Jesus was the Lamb of God.
3. Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
We must sanctify ourselves and others with Jesus. Your sinfulness is on fire and you must "run" from the fire to the Cross.
Questions to consider:
1. How are you working for Jesus?
2. Do you rearrange your schedule for Jesus?
3. What are you doing to sanctify yourself and others?
Pray that Pastor Chad continues to give us Jesus.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Here is a simple rule to keep in mind: When D. A. Carson writes a book, buy it.
Albert Mohler reviews D.A. Carson's new book here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
