Banner of Truth 2007 -- Introduction and Session #1

NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT IS IN GREAT NEED OF EDITING, BUT AT THE MOMENT I DO NOT HAVE TIME TO DO SO. I HOPE IT CAN GIVE SOME OF THE FLAVOR OF WHAT THE SESSION WAS LIKE, BUT IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT SEEMS WRONG IT IS PROBABLY BECAUSE OF MY TYPING ABILITY RATHER THAN THE SPEAKERS ORTHODOXY.


Today started with breakfast at Fay's Country Kitchen (at least I think that was the name). The food there was great, and the portions were large. If you are ever in Carlisle PA and looking for a good breakfast try Fay's.

After breakfast we headed out to Cumberland Valley Bibles and Books. That is a store I could spend hours in. They have an excellent selection of theological books and biographies. After more than an hour and a half and more that $100 is purchases, I and the two men traveling with me headed to Messiah College in Grantham. It is a fairly short trip, and although this was my first time driving it without someone who knew where they were going, we arrived without getting off course even once.

After registering and unpacking we went for lunch at Brothers, a restaurant fairly near the campus. By 2 we were back, and I took a while to rest and read. One has to do that when they purchase new books.

The first session started at 3:30PM and the speaker was Ben Short.

Ian Hamilton introduced him, and reminded all of us that the theme of the conference is “Holiness, Our Greatest Need”

We opened out time together singing “Hallelujah Praise Jehovah” a song I have not sung for many years, and upon singing it realized how much I missed it.

Here are the lyrics:
Hallelujah, praise Jehovah,
O my soul, Jehovah praise;
I will sing the glorious praises
Of my God through all my days.
Put no confidence in princes,
Nor for help on man depend;
He shall die, to dust returning,
And his purposes shall end.
Happy is the man that chooses
Israel’s God to be his aid;
He is blessed whose hope of blessing
On the Lord his God is stayed.
Heaven and earth the Lord created,
Seas and all that they contain;
He delivers from oppression,
Righteousness He will maintain.
Food He daily gives the hungry,
Sets the mourning prisoner free,
Raises those bowed down with anguish,
Makes the sightless eyes to see.
Well Jehovah loves the righteous,
And the stranger He befriends,
Helps the fatherless and the widow,
Judgment on the wicked sends.
Hallelujah, praise Jehovah,
O my soul, Jehovah praise;
I will sing the glorious praises
Of my God through all my days.
Over all God reigns forever,
Through all ages He is King;
Unto Him, thy God, O Zion,
Joyful hallelujahs sing.
You can find the tune at http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/p/hpraisj1.htm

Then following prayer we read Philippians 1. The text that was being considered was Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” The title of the talk was, “Antidote to Discouragement”

The message opened looking at the reality of discouragement in pastoral ministry. There is much to discourage us.

First we have the society around us. It is filled with things that are manifestations of sin. Things like individualism, subjectivism, anti-authoritarian mind sets, post modernism and more.

But it is not as is the church is immune to this. It can also be seen among people of the church, and its influence felt everywhere. It effects how people hear/listen, so we often wonder do they really hear at all. We have backsliding individuals who seem to loose all hunger for word of God and whose hearts harden. Not to mention all the other things.

With discouragement comes grave dangers. If it is not faced it can lead to depression, heartless labor, professionalism, lax sermon preparation, lack of prayer, jealousness of others and even regarding the congregation one serves as an enemy.

Paul himself knew of discouragement. What we find today is not anything new because the heart of man does not change. They faced much the the same thing then. Paul faced attacks from the devil, moral failures in churches, theological failures in churches, and twisting of the gospel in churches. There was also the hatred and animosity of the world both Jews and Gentiles. He was whipped, beaten, imprisoned and more. He faced the dangers of natural events in storms, ship wrecks, and more. There were Dangers from from false brothers, weariness, hunger, cold, nakedness, and the list goes on.

Would that not overwhelm any man? We don't usually face that today, but in his life Paul faced possibility of death every day. But, he was prepared to die for Christ. Paul said, "I die daily for Christ" (1 Cor 15:31)

We see it here in Philippians. Here we find what Paul was facing, some preached Christ for good reasons but others out of animosity seeking to make things worse for Paul. This could have brought him down. But, what we find here is that it did not. Instead Paul rejoiced.

Why could Paul do this? He gives the answer. It was because Christ is preached. Christ's name is being made known in Rome, and that was what Paul cared about. He was confident that in nothing he would be shamed. Instead whatever happened, Christ would be magnified in his body. What all that tells us is that to live is Christ and to die is gain is the explanation of Paul's endurance. This was what provided what he needed to overcome the situation/circumstances he faced.

Think of Jesus words for a moment. If anyone would come after me, he must take up his cross and follow me he who lose life will save it"
-this is what lay behind Paul's words
-Christ was everything to Paul
-all his thought life was affected
-new aims,goals,heart
-when a man is confronted by Christ
-everything changes
-if we say we are Christ's and that has not changed us
-not marked us off from the world
-something is wrong
-Paul could call people to follow his example
-but there is a demand that we be examples as believers
-especially as elder sand pastors
-to live is Christ
-to deny self because of Christ
-can I say that
-could I say that to the congregation I serve
-would they believe it
-would they think it was more than pious words
-Christ is our example of this
-his food was to follow Father
-to do works of father
-speak words of father
--he was not doing his own thing
-he took up his cross
-Christ was Paul's example
-he was bondslave of Jesus Christ
-lived and breathed Christ centeredness
-what does this mean
-his burning desire was have Christ glorified in his body
-in all he does
-Christ in him kept him going
-to rejoice and endure because of Christ
-to preach the foolish gospel of Christ crucified
-focus on Christ was above all

-to live is Christ means he belongs to Christ
-so his life lived in his body
-belongs to Christ
-his response on the Damascus road was "what do you want me to do?"
-he abandoned himself to and for Christ
-always serving Christ
-suffering for Christ
-sharing in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings
-put glory in all he did and suffered for Christ
-we will be put to the test
-it is the proof of our boast in how we react to our suffering
-it is not a response of easy living
-not the ease of our family
-are we willing to forgo our advancement for Christ
-are we willing to say, whatever you want me to do I will do
-whatever I have to give up for you I will give up
-where ever you want me to go I will go
-to live is Christ means we do not belong to this world
-no longer part of its thinking, living, acting
-all parts of life included
-this should be an antidote to discouagement
-because when people speak evil of us
-to live is Christ
-when I get jealous
-to live is Christ
-when people don't listen
to live is Christ
-when church politics attack and hurt
-to live Gilchrist
-we are not doing all we do for ourselves
-but for Christ
-Paul's motive was his obsession with Christ
-Paul loved Christ
-more than just duty
-duty will wear thin
-but love is firmer and stronger than duty
-this is mutual
-we love him because he first loved us
-Christ loves you
-can you think of any reason why
-considering that
-will move us to further love him
-because he first loved us
-so we can rejoice in being worthy to suffer for his name
-doing it because you love Christ
-keep sights upon him
-let for me to live is Christ undergird and motivate all your labors
-but Paul does not stop there
-to die is gain
-seems crazy
-dying is gain!
-how can that be
-this also is a powerful antidote to discouragement
-his vision was not limited to the present
-to what he could see and feel
-looking beyond circumstances to eternity
-pressed on toward the goal
-of the upward call of God
-because that is where his life was
-to live is fruitful labor
-but to die is to be with Christ
-for a Christ obsessed man like Paul
-dying is gain
-to die is to have glory revealed in us
-what it is about this life that makes dying preferable
-what is gain for us who believe in Jesus
1-we shall see him face to face
-what we dimly see now in mirror of scripture
-will be completely clear
-we will behold him as he is
-the same Jesus who walked this earth, died on the cross facing our punishment, laid in tomb, and rose on the third day, ascended to heave
-we will see him as he is
-even not seeing him we love him
-shown him
-come to know him in the written word
-but we will see him face to face
-we will see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ
-all his perfections
-mercy, justice, grace,righteousness, splendor, and all the rest
-is it any wonder that Paul said death gain
-surely that should encourage
-3-we shall be like him
-god's redemptive purpose will be fulfilled
-the purpose of the restoration of all creation
-of humanity back to complete image bearers of Christ
-JOhn17 Jesus gave glory father gave him to his followers
-we shall be like him in glory
-the radience of his glory will shine out from us
-restored in the image of god in a fuller, richer,more wonderful way than Adam ever was
-not more sin in us
4wewill be holy as he is holy
-that is the desire/command of god
-we will be what god chose us to be
-we know so little of holiness now
-we struggle with sin
-sin is so much with us
-so much a part of us
-word we speak
-actions we do
-thoughts we think
-we battle sin all the time
-but then we WILL BE HOLY
-and pure
-like Jesus
-no more unholy thoughts, desires, speech, remorse shame guilt at giving in to sin
-sin will be impossible for us
-we will have no desire to sin
-or love of sin
-we will live and breath and move to God with all our being
-to died is gain
-and glory will be revealed in us that will make all the sufferings of this life like nothing
-death is not the end
-it is the entrance into the fullness of life
' into Christlikeness
-into real life
-our failings are real
-Paul failed
-hardships are real
-Satan's attacks are reality
-there are times we are tempted to despair
-the antidote is to live in Christ
-and look to the glory that is to come
-as long as we are here we will keep laboring for Christ
-that in our bodies he might be glorified
-so keep going
do it for Christ
-not reputation
-not for advancement
-not for comfort
-but all for Christ who loved you
-that will keep you from discouragement
443 Faith of Our Fathers

Arrived In Carlisle

Today we left for the Banner at 6:30am. We had a good and uneventful trip from Exeter to Woodstock where we met up with the rest of the group we were traveling with.

By a little after 8:00AM we were on our way. Unlike last year we had no problems at the border--Oh the blessing of not having anyone who has immigration problems. Travel went well, and other than a couple of stops for breaks we went straight through to Savona where we ate at Mom's Savona Diner. This is where we traditionally stop every year to enjoy a Philly Cheese Steak. Once again the food was quite good.

Following Lunch, we continued our travel. We made very good time, and did not have to stop for gas until we were within an hour and a half from Carlisle. We could have gone further, but I didn't want to get too low on gas only to discover no gas stations are within driving distance. I was quite pleased 700+ Km on one tank of gas, and I could have went further. I guess the tune-up I gave the van this winter was well worth it as we did not get this far on a full tank last year.

We arrived at the motel in Carlisle a little before 5:30PM. Not bad travel time at all.

Tonight we are heading out for supper, but I am not sure where. Another Banner attendee who we ran into in the foyer of the motel told us we should trust him to find a good place to eat.

I wonder how Annette and Justin are doing. I particularly wonder how bed time will work as he won't be able to have his normal evening routine where he says nite, nite to his dad.

The motel has WiFi for $2.99, and I am considering getting it so I can call Annette using Skype.

One Day Before We Leave

The time is counting down. One more day and we will be leaving for the Banner of Truth minister's Conference. I am looking forward to this a great deal. I find I am very drained spiritually, and my hope is that God will use this time to encourage me and build me up in the faith so that I can return strengthened and able to minister as I should.

If you desire to go, I believe that it would still be possible to do so. Check out the Banner of Truth page.

Six Days To Go

Six more days to the Banner of Truth Ministers Conference. I am very much looking forward to it as I feel very battered and drained in the ministry I have. If you have never went and you are a reformed pastor, and elder, or a student training for pastoral ministry, please consider going. It is a wonderful time of fellowship, mutual encouragement, and being ministered to by the preaching of the Word of God.

Submit To All Human Institutions -- 1 Peter 2:13-17

Here is the sermon preached at our evening service of Sunday May 13, 2007.

Submit To All Human Institutions -- 1 Peter 2:13-17

Helpful Advice for Men

Brakes are DONE!!!

I finally got the brakes done on my Sunrunner. I decided to give up on putting a useful fitting on the line I had bent up as I could not get the flare correct when I was practicing on some extra brake line. I decided to go and check at Napa to see if their fittings were threaded all the way to the end. Sure enough they are, so I grabbed a line there and bent it up. Thirty minutes of work or so, and the Sunrunner is working again. I still will need to bleed the brakes another time, but they work!!!

Now all that is left is getting the Mazda to run smoothly, and some work on the van (door pins, blower regulator [I only have high on the heat/AC blower], oil change). I will probably will do the van first as it is the more needed vehicle, although when I am at the Banner if we take the van, Annette will need something to drive that the car seat can go in.

Car Repairs

one of the down sides of cars and truchs is that they need constant maintainence. Lately that has been especially true for us. Our van needed a new rear door handle. Thankfully I found one on E-bay for a great price. That, however is not where things end. The front doors of the van need new pins as the current ones are wornout. The car is not running right either. I just did the plugs, cap and rotor on her, but she is running very rough so I need to fix that, not to mention that the alternator is showing signs of seizing up as well.

Lastly, the sunrunner which runs fine is still in the process of having the brakelines replaced. I got stuck at a point and have not been able to get any further. While it is great to find I can do my own work on them, it would be nice to get back to regular maintenance again.

Tom Short

I don't know Tom Short, but while I was over at the Campus Preacher blog I saw a link to this video. Lately, I have been encountering more and more people who are preaching not only in the confines of a church building, but out on the street, or in this case, the campuses of this world. I have been wondering how to go about this. I have problems with the general, stereotypical street preacher that is portrayed in television, especially those news clips that I sometimes shown. You know the type who are screaming at the top of their lungs that people are going to hell. My problem is that while it is true that those outside of Christ are going to hell, that presentation is not turning people off with the gospel message, but with how it is presented. What I like about this video is that Tom Short is not one of those stereotypes. I would very much like to see a video that shows something like this from coming to the location, to actually starting to preach, and all the rest.



Check it out.



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Sanctified as Christ's Bride -- Sesson #3

I don't really have time to clean-up and expand my point form notes on the various sessions of the 10th Annual Cambridge Reformed Bible Conference, but I will post my note none the less. If there are any mistakes, bad theology, or typos. Or, if you cannot make head nor tails of what is here, again fault my typing and transcription failings, not necessarily the speaker. With that said, here are my notes, such as they are, for the third session.

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Ephes. 5:25-33 (ESV) Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, [26] that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, [27] so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. [28] In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. [29] For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, [30] because we are members of his body. [31] "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." [32] This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. [33] However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

-mentioned book “It Takes a Village”

-wished someone would write a book called “It takes a Church”

-it is imperitive that we have a view of Biblical High churchmanship

-the church is the place of the finger prints of God

-there is God and he will be I guide

-the church bears the fingerprints of the living God

-our standard rule of faith

-is the Bible as the word of God

-Biblical High churchmanship is vital to our sanctification

-against the individualism of America (Canada)

-but also because of the challenge of post-modernism

-atoms of information

-used by people/structures/institution to impose on others

-if our churches impose our views, structures, etc on others

-it should be distrusted !

1)Over arching principle

Our sanctification at best will be severely retarded/held back/warped if we do not see our holiness as both developed by and contributing to the holiness of Christ's body, the church.

2)Biblical proof

General statements

Ephes. 3:14-19 (ESV) For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, [16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

-to comprehend the love of Christ

-by which we are sanctified

-through which we are filled with the fullness of God

-we must be in the communion of the saints

-to the extent that we do not have this

-with many saints

-there will be a truncation of our sanctification

Ephes. 4:7-16 (ESV) But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. [8] Therefore it says,

"When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,

and he gave gifts to men."

[9] ( In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

-it takes a church

-not just pastors

-it takes every part serving

-if not it will only work to the retarding of the growth of the church

Ephes. 5:25-33 (ESV) Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, [26] that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, [27] so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. [28] In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. [29] For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, [30] because we are members of his body. [31] "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." [32] This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. [33] However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

-specific texts

-the one another texts

-can't one another if you are only one

-show our sanctification is vitally connected to meaningful, active communion in the church

Romans 15:14 (ESV) I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

1 Cor. 12:25-27 (ESV) that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. [26] If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. [27] Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Ephes. 5:18-21 (ESV) And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, [19] addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, [20] giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, [21] submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

-filled with Spirit through these things

1 Thes. 3:12-13 (ESV) and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, [13] so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Hebrews 3:12-14 (ESV) Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. [13] But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. [14] For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.

-those who want to be holy apart from the church

-are walking on the thin ice of unbelief

-and having a hardened heart

Hebrews 10:23 (ESV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

1 John 1:7-9 (ESV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. [8] If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 4:7-12 (ESV) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. [8] Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. [9] In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. [10] In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. [11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. [12] No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

-our giving ourselves to one another

-is one of the main conduits by which Christ gives his sanctifying grace and love to us

3)Practical out workings

-in week to week church life

-being sanctified in community

-means having a high view of the sabbath

-the new heavens and new earth are portrayed as a sabbath

-remember the sabbath day to keep it holy

-one day a week our minds, hearts, wills rooted in keeping this time separate to the Lord

-cannot but help us be holy other days of the week

Exodus 31:13-17 (ESV) "You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, 'Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.

-what an amazing statement

-sabbath a sign that the Lord is the one who makes us holy

-we need that every week as the bride of Christ

-second outworking our worship and the means of grace

-Acts 2:42 (ESV) And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

-especially on the Lord's day

-fellowship with Christ when fellowship with his people

-all this assumes corporate life

Titus 2:1-15 (ESV) But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. [2] Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. [3] Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, [4] and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, [5] to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. [6] Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. [7] Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, [8] and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. [9] Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, [10] not pilfering, f but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. [11] For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, [12] training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, [13] waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. [15] Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

-sound churches have a culture of grace

-modeling it to a world falling apart

-church to be an enclave of what is right

-in a barbaric world

4)Dangers

a)Danger of becoming ingrown!

-a church culture

-rather than being a people of genuine, radical, committed Christianity

-solution:

-real evangelism

-by our lives adorning the gospel

-having new people brought to living faith by new birth

-story of young woman who came as an unbeliever to the congregation he serves

-and wept through series on Ruth

-and was used by God to break that church out of its ingrown culture

-new believers will stretch church

-just as child will stretch parents :)

-opening whole new areas of sanctification

-so pray God will bring new people into church

-from outside of our community

Rev. 2:1-7 (ESV) "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. [2] " 'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. [3] I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. [4] But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. [5] Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. [6] Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [7] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'

-being ingrown is to have forgotten our first love—Jesus Christ

-if we lose our first love not only in great danger of retarding our sanctification

-but we are in great danger of losing our churches

b)?

Sanctified as God's Children -- Session #2

I don't really have time to clean-up and expand my point form notes on the various sessions of the 10th Annual Cambridge Reformed Bible Conference, but I will post my note none the less. If there are any mistakes, bad theology, or typos. Or, if you cannot make head nor tails of what is here, again fault my typing and transcription failings, not necessarily the speaker. With that said, here are my notes, such as they are, for the second session.

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Opened with 1 Peter 1:1-2:3

Reviewed previous lecture

2 Cor. 5:14-15 (ESV) For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; [15] and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

-could be said to be theme verses for this series of talks

-dangerous ways to seek to be Holy are any way that tries to do it on ones own

-by ones own strength

-so what are the means of our sanctification?

-what are the things God uses to sanctify us

-simple answer is, “Everything”

-Jesus sanctifies you

-and all things are under his authority

-his will is our sanctification

-so everything in this world is used to sanctify us

-but there are specific means that are especially used by God to sanctify us

-today deal with the individual aspects of sanctification

-”Be Holy, For I am holy” is challenge to each and every believer

-individuals must be holy is corporate body is to be holy

-but individuals cannot be holy outside of body

1. Concept that will tie together everything.

The healthiest way to think about sanctification as individuals is by constantly reminding yourself that we are being made holy as children of God.

-adoption is in a real sense the flip side of justification

-the judge declares you righteous through faith alone, in Christ alone

-Not Guilty!

-and the father takes those pardoned criminals and takes them into his home and adopts them as his own – ADOPTION

Ephes. 1:5-8 (ESV) he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, [8] which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight

John 1:12-13 (ESV) But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

-as children of God

-we are totally dependent on God

-just as a baby is completely dependent on its parents

-child has nothing to offer

-child lovingly, trustingly, dependently rest on the good of your Father in heaven

2. Biblical proof showing the truth that will sanctify.

-proof of this in Scripture

2 Cor. 6:11-7:1 (ESV) We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. [12] You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. [13] In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. [14] Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? [15] What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? [16] What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

"I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,

and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people. [17]

Therefore go out from their midst,

and be separate from them, says the Lord,

and touch no unclean thing;

then I will welcome you, [18]

and I will be a father to you,

and you shall be sons and daughters to me,

says the Lord Almighty."

[7:1] Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

-the question is who do you want

-what do you want

-the passing things this world offers

-or God himself

-when one leaves the things of this world

-they are received, welcomed by God

-as a child

1 Peter 1:13-19 (ESV) Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [14] As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, [15] but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." [17] And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, [18] knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

1 Peter 1:23 (ESV) since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

1 Peter 2:1-3 (ESV) So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. [2] Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation— [3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

-notice the children language

-and its connection to holiness

Ephes. 5:1 (ESV) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

-can I say that I am a beloved child of God

-especially in light of the sin I keep falling into

-but here “beloved children”

-more grieved when children think they don't have to

-or shouldn't come to ask forgiveness

-than when they come asking for forgiveness

Philip. 2:12-16 (ESV) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. [14] Do all things without grumbling or questioning, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

-that we might shine as the children of God we are

3. The practical outworking of this process.

-ASIDE – those who have no father (single parent or divorced)

-have undue attaction to the things of the world

-like lost of centre of gravity

-Shishco tells them to regard him as their parents in the Lord

-even to point of meeting those who want to date them

-/ASIDE

-practical outworking

a) Sactification takes place in a home not a court room

-don't live in a court room for our sanctification

-so wrong to take approach of Lord I have sinned and your are going to punish me

-one way or another

-verdict has been given in the courtroom in Christ

-now you are in a home if you believe

-if a stranger throws a brick through your window

-you call the police to deal with it

-but if your son throws a brick through your window

-you don't call the police

-you call your son into the house and deal with it as a parent

-because he is your son

-it might hurt more than what the police will do to the stranger

-but it will be as a child to bring him to be formed into a better person

Psalm 103:13-14 (ESV)

As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. [14]

For he knows our frame;

he remembers that we are dust.

-God treats us not as strangers

-but as his children

-and he knows our weakness

-and what we really need

-in a home as a Father

-not in the courtroom as a judge

-God never judges his children

-Romans 8:1 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

b) Involves discipline not judgement

Hebrews 12:5-11 (ESV) And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by him. [6]

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and chastises every son whom he receives."

[7] It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? [8] If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. [9] Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? [10] For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. [11] For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

-sanctification includes discipline

-discipline is to make disciples

-law in that setting becomes the house rules for those in Christ

100. Sanctification will bring the experience of our Father's displeasure but not his wrath

Romans 7:15-25 (ESV) I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. [16] Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. [17] So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. [18] For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. [19] For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. [20] Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. [21] So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. [22] For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, [23] but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. [24] Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

-fatherly displeasure

-but will not abandon love to them

-or wrath of judgment

500. Sanctification is with your elder Brother as your model

-you are not alone in this

-Jesus is your elder brother

-it is to his image that you are being conformed to

Romans 8:29 (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Hebrews 2:10-11 (ESV) For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. [11] For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,

-Jesus not ashamed to call you his brother

Hebrews 2:12-13 (ESV) saying,

"I will tell of your name to my brothers;

in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise."

-he does it in the church

-in the midst of worship of the people of God

-praising God with God's people

[13] And again,

"I will put my trust in him."

And again,

"Behold, I and the children God has given me."

-all is in context of worship

-and assembly on the Lord's day

-Jesus and the children with him

Hebrews 2:14-18 (ESV) Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. [16] For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. [17] Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [18] For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

-like an older brother

-he helps those who are struggling

-takes them aside and tells them he knows what they are struggling with

-and helps you and I in it

-with him as our elder brother we are not alone

-sanctification begins in our homes in repentence, asking for forgiveness for specific sins, and giving it.

-parents, have you ever asked your children to forgive you for something

-if not, how do you ever expect them to realize they are sinners who need forgiveness

-it is the constant asking of forgiveness and the giving of forgiveness is the nursery of sanctification

-this is where sanctification practically starts in our homes

-patterned in what we do before God

-forgiveness is a promise to not bring this up with others, against the person forgiven, or to God

-by the grace of God

-God is not there to condemn you if you are a believer

-if you don't realize that

-you probably don't know Christ

-and better check to see if you are in the faith

4. Dangers in these individual aspects of sanctification. For even the right things can be made dangerous.

-danger of substituting individualism in our sanctification for individual responsibility in our sanctification

-mean meet people who say only need Jesus, bible and journal

-don't think they need church

-just Jesus and me

-that is found no place in the word of God

-sanctification is not an individual enterprise

-we can be very holy when we are all alone

-until phone rings, or children start screaming at us

-that is when holiness becomes hard

-inherent in sanctification is the church

-do you love Jesus above all else?

-Paul – If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus let him be accursed

1 John 3:1-3 (ESV) See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [2] Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we will be like him, because we shall see him as he is. [3] And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

-do you see yourselves as children of God

-royal manners for royal children (supposedly from queen to he children)

Dangerous Ways of Trying to be Holy -- Session #1

I don't really have time to clean-up and expand my point form notes on the various sessions of the 10th Annual Cambridge Reformed Bible Conference, but I will post my note none the less. If there are any mistakes, bad theology, or typos. Or, if you cannot make head nor tails of what is here, again fault my typing and transcription failings, not necessarily the speaker. With that said, here are my notes, such as they are, for the first session.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Read: Gal 3:1-14; 2 Cor 5:14-15

-in OT the word for holy or holiness is qadosh

-discussion about what the root means

-some say “to shine”

-others “to be separate”

-from certain things and to God

-to be separate from what is unholy and separated to God with the goal of our shining

Exo 19:6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel."

-after people separated from other people

-taken out of Egypt

-told that they were to be a distinct, separate people

-who could shine light of God in their midst

lev 11:[44] For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground.

-set apart

-to be holy for this reason, because God is holy

-we are people of God

-while by nature were were children of wrath like the rest

-god called us out from the whole to be like him

-not to be conformed to the world

-see 1 Peter 1-2

-law cannot make people holy

-because of the weakness of fallen flesh

-prophets however spoke of a new age

-when Messiah would come

-and make all things new

-Eze 36 [22] "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. [23] And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. [24] I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. [25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. [26] And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. [28] You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

-God does this for his name sake

-his sanctifying

-cleansing

-setting apart

Matt 1 [21] She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

-Jesus is the only one who can sanctify a person

-came to save his people from their sins

Rom 6 [6:1] What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? [2] By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? [3] Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

-there is a definitive time when each Christian died to sin

-old self crucified with Christ

-so that rising with Christ we might walk in newness of life

-and no longer slaves to sin

-living in sin is contrary to our new nature

Rom 8 [29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

-goal of predestination

-to be conformed to image of his Son

2 thes 2 [13] But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. [14] To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thes 5 [23] Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-any view of Christianity that does not have a well developed view of holiness does dispite to God and what he has done

-source of sanctification

-the gospel

-the good news

-the source of our sanctification is the love of God in Jesus Christ

-O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus . . . (Hymn)

-in sanctification section of Trinity Hymnal

(another sanctification hymn “love divine all loves excelling”

-how does it come

-God from the foundation of the world

chooses men/women/boys/girls to be his

-in love

-designed to make us like Christ

-to be conformed to his image

-to say a person can be a Christian and not be holy

-flies in the face of the calling of God

-and its goal

-God gives a new heart

-given from Christ

-God's own heart

-so it is a heart that hungers and thirst and beats and throbs for what God is

-has righteousness of Christ

-so no condemnation

-and hunger for holiness

-the gospel is the root of all sanctification

-must be a genuine Christian

-or cannot take one baby step in the work of sanctification

-witness Nicodemus (John 3)

-religious leader

-Jesus tells him, “You must be born again”

-sovereign work of God

-what are the means of sanctification

-deal with more tomorrow morning

-the means God uses is a faith that works

-phil 2:12-13 [12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

2 aspects of sanctification

-one is definitive

-have died with Christ

-other is progressive

-2 cor 7:1 [7:1] Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

-growing in grace

-how to put all this together

-think of sanctification as a change of kingdoms

-God translated us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of his own beloved son in whom we have redemption the forgiveness of sins (Don't know scripture pass.)

-removed from dominating power of world, flesh, devil

-to where reigning power is Christ

-but old kingdom still has a lot of influence

-still some terrorist attacks

-dangerous ways of sanctification

-ways that become substitutes for sanctification

1. Moralism

-trying to be holy outside of Christ

-putting makeup on cancer

-how does it influence us?

-as our culture moves further from anything remotely like Christianity

-but Mormons, Muslims, and others are with us in moral area

-before you know it Rush Limbaughs are not far from the kingdom of heaven

-not because of faith

-but because of their moral standards

-John 15, without Christ we can do nothing

-the most moral, upright citizen

-voting, thinking, protesting the same thing we do

-if outside of Christ

-there is no comparison in terms of Holiness

2. Legalism

   -trying to be sanctified by laws or the law in themselves

   -if i just meditate on the Ten Commandment I will be more holy

   -if I just pay attention to the laws of Old Testament I will be more holy

-this is like playing with a sharp scaple

-the law by itself will not sanctify anyone

-Gal 3

-this is very attractive in lawless culture

-behind Federal Vision ideals

-want people who walk by the precepts of the Word

-if you emphasize law outside of faith in Christ

-you are not fine

-apart from Christ that cannot sanctify

3. Crisis experiences

-expereince that is meant to sanctify

-Methodism, Keswich and others

-crisis experiences are not going to sanctify you completely

-if one looks for this

-they will be very disappointed

-and will constantly be seeking these experiences

4. Spiritual breathing

   -breath in Spirit

   -breath out sin

   -preach gospel to self

-but there is a whole lot more to this than that

must have well developed view of Biblical holiness

-backdrop of all this is the battle

-the fight

-flesh lusts against Spirit and Spirit against flesh

-Rom 7, Gal 5?

-our culture doesn't like war

-tries to get out of it as soon as possible

-but only one way out of this war

-end of this life

-either death or return of Christ

-you want to be holy

-lord has enlisted you in his army

-to fight

-the love of God is behind all of this

-to fight

-can only be done if one has received the love of God (Rom 8)

Cambridge Reformed Bible Conference

Last night and today I was at the Tenth Annual Cambridge Reformed Bible Conference. This, sadly, little known conference has been going on for ten years now. It is a work put together by the collaboration of several reformed congregations in and around Cambridge Ontario. I attended two years back when they had O. Palmer Robertson speaking on Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and this year with Rev. William Shishko. As far as I know this conference happens every year on the last Friday and Saturday of April. This year they once again used the facilities of Calvary Pentecostal church on Hwy #24 in Cambridge.

I what unfamiliar with Rev. Shishco never having heard him before, but I was interested in the topics. Friday night he was scheduled to speak on Dangerous Ways of Trying to be Holy and today he was scheduled to speak on Sanctified as God's Children and Sanctified as Christ's Bride.

I arrived Friday night, and their was a decent crowd out including many young people. Rev. Shishko was ok, but I found him difficult to follow. This was probably due to two things. First, I was tired after a day of work, and second, apparently he arrived a little late and I would guess that hindered his preparation time.

I spent the night sleeping in the back of my van which perfectly fits a double bed mattress, so don't make the mistake of thinking it is an uncomfortable place to sleep. I actually slept through my alarm clock, but that wasn't a big problem as the conference did not start until 10AM.

The morning session was excellent. Very informative. Very convicting. Rev. Shishko proclaimed the word of God clearly.

For lunch I headed out to Applebees and had an excellent meal as I continued to think through some of what was taught that morning.

The afternoon session started at 2PM, and Rev. Shishko once again was very good as he passionately pointed out that for a Christian to grow in holiness, they need to be an active, committed, fellowshipping part of a congregation. As he said, "It takes a church to grow in sanctification."

Overall this is an excellent, all be it, not very well known conference. If you live in the Cambridge Ontario area, keep it in mind for next year. I will post a notice about it on my blog, if I remember, to remind everyone who might be interested.

Thank-you to the congregations that are part of planning this, Cambridge Orthodox Christian Reformed Church, Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, Grace Covenant Church (OPC) in Sheffield, and Zion United Reformed Church in Sheffield.

All Registered for the Banner Conference

Once again this year I hope to attend the Banner of Truth Minister's conference. This is a conference I was encouraged to attend by a fellow pastor while I was training for ministry, and when I first started out pastoring the congregation I currently serve. For years I had other things I needed to use my study week for. Then about 5 years ago I had nothing I needed to use my study week for, and decided to go to the Banner. It was the best decision I have ever made. The preaching there encouraged me, exhorted me, challenged me, and by the grace of God changed me as well. It was just what I needed, and since then I have returned every year, and been as blessed each time.

Gathering with fellow Reformed ministers from various denominations, yet who all seek to serve the same Lord and Saviour, is a great blessing. Each year I get to know more people, and each year I have more people who I look forward to seeing again.

If you are a pastor or an elder who loves the doctrines of grace. Consider attending this conference. This year the speakers include:

* Sinclair Ferguson
* Derek Thomas
* Mark Johnston
* Patrick Harrison
* Ben Short
* Jonathan Watson

I have heard three of these men speak, and they have been greatly used by God to open my eyes further to his glory and grace. If you are considering going you can find more information here.

He's Alive

[John 20:1] Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. [2] So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." [3] So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. [4] Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. [5] And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. [6] Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, [7] and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. [8] Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; [9] for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. [10] Then the disciples went back to their homes. [11] But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. [12] And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. [13] They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." [14] Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. [15] Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." [16] Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). [17] Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' " [18] Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"—and that he had said these things to her.

Jesus is alive! Do you believe?

Thursday Thoughts

Thabiti Anyabwile asks an important question, "Which provokes more awe: An Evangelical Church Service of the U.S. Marines"  I have to say that in my experience many Evangelical worship services do not provoke much awe at all.  This was a good reminder to me of how important it is to strive to exalt God and His Son our Saviour Jesus Christ in worship.  Sadly, I am sure I have failed at that many times.

Over at Beauty and Depravity, there is an excellent post on Pastoral Health that points out that working as a pastor is now considered "one of the most dangerous or unhealthiest professions."  I wish I could say I did not see that in pastoral ministry, but in my own experience and in my interaction with other pastors, I see it all around me. 

Related to this Mark Driscoll post on how his health is being affected by ministry.  I have been there, and over the past month or so have been there.

Finally, Jim over at Old Truth posted a brief observation on Evangelism, Then and Now.

I haven't been posting a lot

I have not been posting a lot lately. If you check here regularly, you know that. It is not that I have been especially busy all that time, although this week with Good Friday and Easter certainly is busy. However, the bigger challenge is that I have been finding that my spirit is heavy within me, and that means doing what I normally do is very difficult.

If one has a job that is physical labor or something similar, you can keep going when your heart is feeling heavy. You can even be pretty much as productive as you are when that is not the case. However, I find when ministering as a pastor, having a spirit that is in one of those times like Elijah faced in 1 Kings 19, it makes ministry very difficult. It takes all I have to get two sermons a week done. One visit will leave me exhausted. I become short with my wife and son. All of which makes getting through the day to day work of pastoral ministry very difficult.

As you may have surmised from the preceding, that last several weeks have been like that for me. I can't put a finger on anything specific, but it seems that no matter what I do, I have been feeling that it is of little or no use. I feel drained spiritually, and although it is slightly better this week, I know it is still there.

On the positive side, usually when this sort of thing happens God is doing something that either surprises me or that I need. That has happened more than once in the past, but knowing that does not remove the struggle of the current time.

Instead of posting, I will be spending my time in prayer and the Word, waiting upon God to bring times of refreshing.

Thursday Thoughts

Over at Grey in Black and White, Shawn links to this article in the Ottawa Citizen that points out that Christianity builds democracy. Sadly, most people in North America seem to have forgotten this completely, and started to see Christianity as a threat to democracy.

Al Mohler has been putting up some wonderful posts this past week. I have linked over in an other post, but thought this one was worth adding to Thursday Thoughts. It deals with the growing tendency to put aside church activities for "Family" time. It also speaks a little of something that I believe is very important, that is, that the church should avoid "segregating families once they arrive." I believe the church is meant to break down the divisions between believers, not re-enforce what the world does.

That is all for this week.

My Irish Name

Your Irish Name Is...

Aidan Gallagher

What's your Irish Name?

A Rabbi Gets It, Why Don't Christians

Al Mohler posted on an article by a Jewish Rabbi who understands that if the documentary, The Lost Tomb of Jesus is correct in their assertion that they have found the body of Jesus and his family, that Christianity is false. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinithians 15, "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."

What amazes me is that there are a whole host of people out there who hold the name of Christian up high as what describes them, but think that is makes no difference if Christ was really bodily raised from death. They claim it Christianity is all about loving one another, and that won't stop even if Jesus body is found.

Such belief shows just how deceived their minds have become. As the Rabbi pointed out loving one another is not something uniquely Christian, rather what is uniquely Christian is that the basis for both that command and the power to fulfill it rest in a historical event of the death AND resurrection of Jesus Christ that sets those who believe free from the sin in their hearts so that they can now live as obedient children of God. Without that event, our faith is in vain, we have misrepresented God, and instead of being admired we should be pitied because we have bought into a lie.

But, Christ has been raised not just spiritually, but physically. He is has won the victory, and if you believe he will set you free from sin so it domination over you will be broken.

Claiming to be a Christian while at the same time saying the resurrection is not important is lying to others and to yourself. If you are one who does that, do everyone a favor, including yourself, and stop calling yourself a Christian because you are not one at all.

Thursday Thoughts

Dan over at Pyromaniacs posts on how to be a pathetic leader. I figure this comes pretty easily to all of us, so we need the warning about it.

Denny Burk posts on how even the secular archaeologists think that the Jesus Tomb that is being produced and plugged by James Cameron is a bunch of hog-wash.

If you know a little Biblical Greek, or are considering learning it, check out Dan Phillips new blog.

That is it for this week. It is cold, snowy, icy, freezing rainy outside, and I have more work to do.

Good day

Although there were things that I wished I could have finished today, over all it was a good day.

It didn't start well. I was sound asleep when I was woken up by a barking dog, and worse yet, it was one of ours. Riley had to go outside and when he went out, Sassy had to follow. When she is outside, she feels this need to protect us, and barks at passing dogs, people, and other things she thinks should not be there. So I woke up before I should have, and was very grumpy (sorry hun, I know I was a grumpy bear this Morning). Thankfully, that is not where things ended.

We took Justin in to the hospital to have the tubes checked and see how his hearing is now that they are in. His hearing went from about 50% to completely normal. God is good :) It is amazing how fluid in the middle ear can so hinder hearing.

While we spent all that time waiting, I spent my time working. I got a lot done of my sermon preparation, and that allowed me to get the first draft of my Sunday morning sermon finished when we got back. I also got some other work done as well while we were at the hospital, so it was far from wasted time sitting in the waiting rooms.

After I was done my work, I went back to working on our Sunrunner and our Mazda Protege. The Sunrunner needs new brake lines and the Protege needs a new belt put on. I worked on the Protege for a while, and then got frustrated because things were not working. I then went to work in the Sunrunner.

I have been working at it for a while because the brake line fittings are so rusted they are difficult to get off. I got one end off earlier in the week, and got one line out completely fairly soon after, but the other end of the second line I need to replace just did not want to come loose. I tried the propane torch on it, and even that didn't work. Eventually even the flare nut wrench rounded off the fitting, so I had to go to vice grips. I tried the torch on it one more time then using the vice grips at last I got it off. So all that is left is bending the new brake lines, installing them, refilling the brake fluid and bleeding the system. Probably the hardest part of all of that is the bending of the new lines. I hope I can get it all done by next week Monday.

To top the day off, we had our prayer meeting. We have few who come out, but the time together in prayer is still very good.

So, it was a good, productive day of work even though it didn't start that well.

Just Tried Out Skype

I had heard about Skype for a long time, but I had never thought of trying it. Today, however, was different. I decided at last to try it out. I have to say, I like it.

If you don't know what Skype is let me tell you. It is a free voice over ip (voip for short) phone service. If you have high speed internet access, you can use it to make phone calls. It is completely free if the people you are calling also have Skype. Even better, you can also call normal phone numbers for a small fee. I have not paid out for this feature yet, but I probably will in the very near future. As with the other voip providers, you can even get phones that will work with it so you can have that comfortable handset that you are so used to.

At the moment I don't know anyone with Skype, but I am going to encourage some of my friends to get it. The sound quality while doing the test call to set up my microphone was excellent. Now I just need to get some people I know onto this so I can call them for free.

I encourage those of you with high speed access to the internet to try it out if you haven't already. Oh, you will need a microphone that can be used with your computer as well.

No Thursday Thought This Week

For some reason this week has been very busy for me. There isn't any one thing that I can place my finger on that has made it busy, but I am behind in the vital things like sermon preparation and writing. That means, no Thursday Thoughts this week.

I also ask that people pray that God will give me what I need to get the two sermons I need to write this week done. Right now my mind doesn't seem to be able to really grasp the scriptures as it should, and I find there is a great sense of something there but not accessible to me. That is also why I have not posted much else on the blog this week either.

Inexpressible Joy - 1 Peter 1:6-9

In this continuation of our evening series on 1 Peter we look at the fact that Christians can have joy even in the midst of their troubles and afflictions.

Inexpressible Joy -- 1 Peter 1:6-9

Standing In Troubled Times

Standing In Troubled Times -- 1 Timothy 4:1-16
Morning Service February 18, 2007

Reasons To Praise God -- 1 Peter 1:3-5

I am a little late in posting this sermon. It was preached last Sunday at our evening service.

Reasons To Praise God -- 1 Peter 1:3-5

Surgery All Done

It is all done. Surgery is past, and Justin now has tubes in his ears. Sure enough he had another ear infection, so he is on antibiotics, but this time they are drops that are put in his ear, not oral ones. Thanks be to God all went well, and while all of us are VERY tired (this pretty much wrote off today as a day I would get work done), Justin his happy and seems to be feeling pretty good.

I knew everything had went well and Justin was feeling good when I asked if he was out of recovery yet. Only one parent is allowed in, so Annette went. The receptionist said that he was about to leave, and just then I hear Annette back in the pre-op area saying, "Justin get back here." Right then and there I knew he was feeling good and alert.

Justin's Surgery

Justin is scheduled to have his surgery to put tubes in this ears tomorrow at 8am. While I know this is a minor surgery, this is one of those firsts as a parent that I would much rather not have to go through. I ask for the prayers of those who read my blog, that God may be honored and his hands direct the surgeons that they may be effective and that this procedure may go well.

Thursday Thoughts

Over at johnrmccraken.com, John posts a helpful tip on Evangelism and small groups.

Another blog that I have started to read, and find very encouraging, interesting, and helpful, is Sharing Jesus. This blog has both helpful hints on sharing the gospel every day, and the person doing it practices what he teaches. He is out there doing it. Some may question the value of some of the things he does, but he is out there doing it. Are they? Two helpful posts of those I have read are The Gospel of John as as Tract (which has a useful link to a source for free Gospels of John) and Starbucks Coffee Shop (which reminded me that places like coffee shops can be a place to meet with unbelievers and talk to them about the gospel)

With all the talk about Global Warming, it is interesting that unlike those in the spotlight want to claim, actual scientists who are not sponsored by big oil companies are questioning the truth of human caused warming. Here is an article in the National Post. Also check out these radio interviews of men with actual credentials who point out some of the shortcomings of the IPCC. Finally, yet another article. When other types of pollution are much more harmful to people right now (think of the horrible smog found in many large cities around this world that not only contains carcinogenic compounds and causes severe asthma attacks in those susceptible to them not to mention the wastes from industry that kill wildlife) focusing on warming that probably has more to do with Solar cycles than Carbon released into the atmosphere seems to be far from the most Christian response to good stewardship.

Over at Ebenezer Reformed Church blog, there is a good post on the problem of pursuing morality as an end in itself.

All I can say is 'Yuck!'

Over are Reformation21, Rich Phillips continued his posts on Biblical Masculinity with Biblical Masculinity #4: Integrity and Biblical Masculinity #5: Self-Control. I missed both of them last time, but happily noticed them before they disappeared from my RSS reader.

Above All Earthly Powers

I finished reading through David Wells Above All Earthly Power last night. I don't really know what to say about it. I find that I am amazed, in a negative way, at the prevailing world-view around us right now. In fact, I find that even reading something like this book, that seeks to clearly explain how people think, I still have a hard time grasping it. On the other hand, there are places where I find that I am affected by it as well. There is a part of my that throws my hands up in the air wondering how the gospel will ever spread in such a climate. Then another part of me reminds me that the world has always been opposed to the gospel. The modern world-view was just as opposed to the Christians world-view as the post-modern one is. The only reason to not despair is the same one that forms the title of this book, we follow one who is above all earthly powers. To quote Him, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

How to Put Audio Files Online

I was asked how I put my sermons online. There are few ways to do this, but there are some basic steps that are part of this.

1. Getting your sermon onto your computer.
If you want to get your sermon onto the Internet, you need to get it into a digital format. How I do this is by using the audio from the digital video tapes we make of our services. We make these tapes because we also broadcast our services twice a month on the local cable access channel. This is a very easy way to do this as all one has to do it have a digital video camera, a firewire interface card, and a video editing program. When I capture video this way I can save it out with my video editing software as an mp3 file.

However, realizing that many people will not have this sort of equipment, another option is to hook a computer up to the sound system using an adapter cable that will allow you to plug it into the audio input that most computer sound cards have. If you already do audio tapes of the services, then a simple y-connector that will split off the signal that is going to the tape-deck will work with the correct cable to switch to the plug that will go into your computer. Then you will only need some software to capture the audio. Windows comes with software that does that, but I don't believe it is very good. Perhaps checking over at TUCOWS for audio software would be the place to start looking. There is probably something there that is free. The program I often hear mentioned in connection with Pod-casting is Audacity, which is a free audio editor and recorder program. The advantage to Audacity is it not only will allow you to record the audio, but to edit it and save it as an mp3 file.

2. Getting Your Sermon Online.
Again there are many ways to do this. What I do, since I have a broadband connection and Linux, is use the Edna mp3 streaming webserver. That allows me to simply save the sermon audio to the directory the mp3 files are included in, and they are online right away. However, many people will not have this option. It also has its drawbacks such as if I want to podcast, I would have to write up the podcast xml file myself every time I add a new sermon. For me that would two a week. More work than I want to do.

That leads to the other option. Free hosting on the web. I use this as well, but it also has its limitation. Usually there are limits on the number of files they will host free, and the quality of the audio is based on how they compress it. Having said that, the advantages are that they do the xml file for podcasting for you, so you can add it to the various pod-casting aggregators so more people may come to know about it.

The free service I use is Sermon Cloud. This is a free hosting site for sermons. Basically they provide space for one year (52) sermons, and then the oldest ones will be replaced by every one that is added after you reach that limit. When you upload the audio to their site they re-compress it to meet their standards, but the sound quality is still good.

As you can see, this is fairly simple to do, and only requires a little bit of computer knowledge. If there are additional questions, feel free to ask as I was putting this together quickly and may not have been as clear or complete as I would have liked.

Of First Importance--Part III

The final of three sermons dealing with beliefs found at the centre of Christianity.

Of First Importance--Part III 1 Corinithians 15:1-11