"God With Us"

Preaching on Isaiah 7:14, C. H. Spurgeon closed with this flourish:

“God with us.” It is hell’s terror. Satan trembles at the sound of it; the black-winged dragon of the pit quails before it. Let him come to you suddenly, and do you but whisper that word, “God with us,” back he falls, confounded and confused. “God with us” is the laborer’s strength; how could he preach the gospel, how could he bend his knees in prayer, how could the missionary go into foreign lands, how could the martyr stand at the stake, how could the confessor own his Master, how could men labor, if that one word were taken away? “God with us” is the sufferer’s comfort, the balm of his woe, the alleviation of his misery, the sleep which God gives to his beloved, their rest after exertion and toil. “God with us” is eternity’s sonnet, heaven’s hallelujah, the shout of the glorified, the song of the redeemed, the chorus of angels, the everlasting oratorio of the great orchestra of the sky.

You just gotta love Spurgeon!

HT/Ray Ortlund

Love in the Truth.

What Is Your Faith Costing You?

What is your faith costing you? Are you willing to risk everything for Christ?

Love in the Truth.

The Gospel!

Love in the Truth.

John MacArthur - Study Video

Love in the Truth.

God's Purpose in Redemption

Have you ever wondered why Christ came? What comes to your mind when you answer that question? The ultimate answer is to glorify God, but how? Scripture tells us "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). So then one of the ways that God intends to glorify Himself is by subduing all of His enemies under the feet of Christ (1 Cor. 15:25). In fact this was revealed at the very beginning. The first prophecy concerning the Messiah - the Seed of the woman was to crush the serpent’s head (Gen 3:15).

How does Christ actually do this? He does this by setting his people free from their sin, by transforming them into His image, by giving them victory over death. That is good news for those in Christ - that may have been your answer to the first question! But here's the thing; in doing all of this for us - we have been subdued. Did you catch that? We were once His enemy (Eph. 2:1-3). This is what He did both to and for us. It is all of grace and all for His glory!

This is important because contrary to the popular song, Jesus did not think of you "above all" in redemption. The gospel, as presented in Scripture, is always God-centered, not man-centered. Jesus is not a "poor, puny Saviour just waiting to be accepted by you". He doesn't need you to accept Him; He doesn't need you at all. You desperately NEED HIM!

Love in the Truth.

What Does It Mean To Believe?

Love in the Truth.

Faulty Doctrine

Great lyrics exposing the heresy that is the "prosperity gospel" and its teachers!



Check out more at Lampmode Records - www.lampmode.com

Love in the Truth.

The Consequences of Feminism

Love in the Truth.

7 Miles

Love in the Truth.

Plastic Jesus

This sounds like so many people that I know. I'm sure I'm not the only pastor who wonders how many people in my church are this man? Honestly, examine yourself. If there is no change, there is NO CHANGE! That may not be profound, but it is true. So what about your Jesus? Real of plastic?

Love in the Truth.

Does This Describe You?

Love in the Truth.

Desiring God - Free Download

This months free download at Christian Audio is Desiring God by John Piper.

Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. In this paradigm-shattering classic, newly revised and expanded, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn't truly exist: Delight is our duty.

Take advantage of this great offer while you can.

Love in the Truth.

Take No Glory - Beautiful Slave

Love in the Truth.

Shane & Shane - "I'm Alive"

Here it is! The first song of the new album "Everything is Different" which is set to be released on November 3rd! I have ordered mine already. True to Shane & Shane, the song is amazing! Enjoy!

Love in the Truth.

Take No Glory

They call themselves "musicianaries". It is a cool term that makes me think about Keith Green. With that said, Take No Glory "is a non-profit musicianary band." What that means is that they offer all of their music free (in .mp3 format) on their website. Sometimes things that are free aren't really that good, however, that is not the case with Take No Glory. The music is really, really good. Check them out and have a listen. If you like it, consider supporting their ministry by letting others know, through prayer, and financially. As a side note, they even have a nice little app for the iPhone/iPod Touch.

Here is a sample of their music. The song is called "He Didn't Die in Vain". Great song with great lyrics, I trust you will enjoy it.

Love in the Truth.

Dug Down Deep

Dug Down Deep-Chapter 1 by Joshua Harris

This is Chapter one of Josh Harris' new book. I really enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to reading the rest when it is released. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Love in the Truth.

T4G - CJ's Office

This is CJ Mahaney's office. Loving the "Complete Works of Spurgeon"! I just thought this was a cool video, but I guess it reveals how much of a book geek I have become. It has, however, made me long for the opportunity to attend Together 4 the Gospel next year. Is there anyone out there going? Got room for another wretch? Anyway, here it is...

Love in the Truth.

Thankful...In All Things!

It's hard to be thankful in all things. It's easy to be thankful when God says YES to our plans, but what about when He says NO? Our sin keeps us radically self-focused rather than radically God-focused. But a thankful heart is not that way. A thankful heart is God-centred, not self-centred; A thankful heart is humbly submitted to God's sovereign purpose in all things; A thankful heart is overwhelmed by God's sovereign grace. And it results in prayer! Not prayer for Joe's toe, and Jane's pain, and Jack's back, but prayer that God would be glorified in bringing to fruition the promises of His Word. This is what God's Word teaches us in 2 Samuel 7!

So where is your heart this day? Are you thankful in all things? I realize that many are going through trials, and it is difficult, if not impossible to "count it all joy" and be thankful "in all things." But there is a promise of God for every need of your life!

• Do you need freedom from guilt? 1 John 1:9
• Do you feel lonely? Matthew 28:20
• Do you need assurance? John 10:27-28
• Are you troubled? John 14:27
• Do you have financial pressures? Matthew 6:31-33
• Are you struggling with powerful temptations? 1 Corinthians 10:13

Whatever our need, it is covered by a promise of God. Whatever your circumstance, you can have hope and be filled with thanksgiving because our God is the sovereign God who always acts in grace toward His own. Take His promises and turn them into prayer for His glory.

I know what you're thinking; "been there - done that...why don't I see any of these promises fulfilled in my life?" Ask yourself why do you want your problems solved? Is it so that you can be comfortable and happy? Or is it so that God will be glorified and His name magnified through you? God is not interested in meeting all our needs so that we can lead happy self-centred lives. He wants us to be focused on Him not ourselves; He wants us to submit to His sovereign purpose; He wants us to be in awe of His grace in Christ toward us. Then from a thankful heart, He wants us to pray into reality His abundant promises so that He will be magnified.

Love in the Truth.

Modern Day Prophet?!?

This has already been labeled the "call of the year" by many. Just watch and you'll see why! Now, this has no spiritual value at all, but it should put a smile on your face. You will be amazed!

Admit it - that was one heck of a call!!

Love in the Truth.

September '09 Reading

Preaching And Preachers; D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

I've been wanting to read this book for quite some time and thanks to a good friend lending me his copy I finally got around to it. That same friend has graciously ordered me my own copy. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you spend any time at all in the pulpit, this is a must read. As is usually the case with the doctor, he delivers the goods as only he can. In reading, I felt as if Lloyd-Jones was preaching to me. The chapter "Calling for Decisions" alone is worth the price of the whole. Once my own copy arrives, I look forward to marking it up and reading it again and again.

The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment; Tim Challies.

If you're familiar with Challies at all you have more than likely heard about his book. If you're not even aware of who Tim Challies is then two things are clear:

1. You don't blog
2. You don't read blogs

Much more could be said, but apparently you would never see it. Back to the book - it was really good, but...

What I mean by the "but" is that it seemed to lack well Challies. I guess that I am so used to reading his blog and have grown accustomed to a certain style of writing - I feel that I know the blogging Tim - well I do know him, but you know what I mean, I hope. That said, I know that was not the intent of the book.

As for the book, it was excellent. So good in fact, I have made a plea for everyone in my congregation to read it. It is a message that is so needed in the Church today. If you or your people read this book you and they will be better equipped to spot error when it comes along. This is thoroughly biblical and yet practical. If you are a follower of Christ - read this book!

The Great God

O FOUNTAIN OF ALL GOOD,

Destroy me in every lofty thought,

Break pride to pieces and scatter it to the winds,

Annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness,

Implant in me true lowliness of spirit,

Abase me to self-loathing and self-abhorrence,

Open in me a fount of penitential tears,

Break me, then bind me up;

Thus will my heart be a prepared dwelling for my God;

Then can the Father take up his abode in me,

Then can the blessed Jesus come with healing in his touch,

Then can the Holy Spirit descend in sanctifying grace;

O Holy Trinity, three persons and one God,

inhabit me, a temple consecrated to thy glory.

When thou art present, evil cannot abide;

In thy fellowship is fullness of joy,

Beneath thy smile is peace of conscience,

By thy side no fears disturb,

no apprehensions banish rest of mind,

With thee my heart shall bloom with fragrance;

Make me meet, through repentance,

for thine indwelling.

Nothing exceeds thy power,

Nothing is too great for thee to give.

Infinite is thy might, boundless thy love,

limitless thy grace, glorious thy saving name.

Let angels sing for

sinners repenting,

prodigals reclaimed,

Satan's captives released,

blind eyes opened,

broken hearts bound up,

the despondent cheered,

the self-righteous stripped,

the formalist driven from a refuge of lies,

the ignorant enlightened,

and saints built up in their holy faith.

I ask great things of a great God.

from "The Valley of Vision"

Love in the Truth.

Before the Throne of God Above!

I love Shane and Shane - that is no secret. But lately, I've just be drawn so much closer to God through their ministry. I think that is why I love them so much - it is quite simply the greatest compliment one can pay another. May you draw near to Him; He is most worthy of our praise.

Love in the Truth.

My Birthday - Just an (Extra)ordinary day!

It was just another day, another ordinary day. It was Saturday, September 18, 1999, and I had to work. Jen would drop me off at the bus stop, and I would hop the red and white rocket - OC Transpo - to work. She would then go grocery shopping with Cameron. I know this all sounds way too exciting to continue reading; like I said, just an ordinary day.

I had come to hate Saturday's. The past few weeks however, Saturdays were getting a little better. We had begun to go to a Saturday evening church service downtown, and strangely enough, I enjoyed it. The people seemed nice, the worship music was great, the preacher was - well he was Eric! You see, I was a salesman, and a good one at that if I do say so myself - and I do! Anyway, Eric was a good speaker, but he always reminded of a used car guy. If you know Eric, I trust you can laugh at that. If you don't know Eric; you should still laugh. Seriously, I loved Eric! My problem was that I was dead. I thought I was living but in reality I was not.

Over the course of a few Saturday nights at City Church, I had heard the gospel many times. I believed it to be true, just not for me. I was beyond that forgiveness; I would have to do something else to make up for my life. Plus week after week I would see the same people running down the aisle getting "saved" all over again? Made no sense to me. "What was the point of getting saved if God couldn't "close the deal", the salesman in me would ask. If they could "lose" it, I would "lose" it because I didn't want it. Check that - I did want it, but I didn't think I needed it!

But, I did...

So, another day of work came to end and we were off to church (well first we made a pit stop at Timmies - some things never change). It was the strangest feeling when we arrived, for the first time, I felt like I didn't belong there. The evening went on and now, it was time for Eric. What Eric was going to talk about that night changed he later told me. He got up to read scripture. He intended to read Isaiah 42:1-9 ; he got as far as "Behold my servant..."

For the next hour at least, all eric talked about was Jesus - His holiness, His righteousness, His glory, His infinite greatness, His wrath. He wanted us to "Behold" who God was and for the first time I did just that. Honestly, I was terrified. I didn't want Jesus; I needed Him! I knew my sin was great and I was in trouble if I had to stand before that God, and I did. So, I begged Him for mercy and He gave me grace.

That was ten years ago today! Let me be perfectly clear - many of those years were very difficult, but I can say with full assurance that I love the Lord. And, more importantly, He loves me.

"For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." But the law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree" - so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith." Galatians 3:10-14

"There are two things I know for sure. I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great Saviour."

Thank you Lord calling me your child.

Love in the Truth.

Husbands: lead your wife to godliness.

I remember watching an interview not that long ago with Matt Redman discussing his music, and in particular the lyrics of his songs. The discussion centred on men feeling uncomfortable singing a "love" song to man - even if it is Christ. Redman said something very interesting at the time. He said; "the church is under-fathered and over-mothered".

That got me thinking why is that? I knew the answer as I think we all do. Men are failing in their calling as the spiritual leader in the home. On that same note, my friend Nielson Unger has a great post over at First Your Faith. Here's a sample:

"Satan indirectly attacked Adam through his wife and some people say it’s because the woman is the weaker sex. I’m also not seeing too much strength here from Adam and I don’t see too much strength in the men of our local churches. Husbands, where is your godly leadership? Where is the revelation of God’s word in your life that flows over onto your wife? Where are the godly men that protect and guard their wives and are ready to strike the snakes with a shovel? Where are our protectors of God’s word because the attackers and adversaries are out there! If we as husbands are not actively guarding our wives by sharing God’s revelation to them, we are leaving them prone and vulnerable to satanic powers prowling around seeking to devour them."

Check out the rest of the post for yourself and then ask yourself, "how am I doing in my role as leader?" And not just of your wife - for those of us with children - how are we doing in leading our children to look past us to Christ as our example?

Love in the Truth.

I'll Be There; Will You?

Uprise will take place on:

Saturday, September 19th, 2009 at 7:00 PM

Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada,

White Pines Community Theatre

1007 Trunk Road

P6A 5K9

Here's some links for more info:

1. Facebook
2. Uprise!

Now I know that many who read this may not actually be able to attend in person, but you can still pray! Or you can do the same for your city, town, community - you get the idea.

I am also well aware of the fact that many of those who do attend may not be on the same page theologically that I'm on, but I'm still going (I've done my homework - we're all good on essentials).

May we who know, love, and embrace - unashamedly - the Doctrines of Grace never be accused of a lack of love for the Church, a lack of passion for missions, and lack of obedience toward the great commission.

If you have no concern for the lost, than you are not saved yourself; Be sure of that! Charles H. Spurgeon

We too were once dead, walking after the world, living only for the flesh, hating God. We were by nature "children of wrath" (Eph. 2:1-3).

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved..."

Love in the Truth.

James 3: A Story

This short and deeply convicting film was shown at the 2008 Desiring God conference:

James 3:10
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

Ouch! Let us seek the face of our God in repentance. As men of God, we are called to lead our homes in godliness. How are you making out in this area man of God?

Love in the Truth.
HT/Before the Foundation

It's TEBOW Time!

Today begins the quest for a third national championship in four years as well as the quest for a second Heisman Trophy for "Superman" - AKA - Tim Tebow. I love the Gators; I have for as long as I can remember. The fact that Tim Tebow is our quarterback is an added bonus - let's just say that I'm also a huge fan of the Providence of God! Here's a little video sampling of TEBOW to get you pumped for the season - GO GATORS...CHOMP!

Love in the Truth!

Totally Dependent on Sovereign Grace

Love in the Truth.

August '09 Reading

WHY WE'RE NOT EMERGENT: By Two Guys Who Should Be;Kevin DeYoung, Ted Kluck.

Outstanding! Very easy to read and very well written. The authors show grace on every page; they preach the truth in love - but sometimes the truth hurts. Really looking forward to hearing "Why {they} Love the Church.

The Truth War: Fighting For Certainty In An Age Of Deception; John MacArthur.

MacArthur is straight forward and brutally honest in his defense of the Truth. In typical MacArthur fashion he is thoroughly biblical, wielding the sword of truth like few can. This should be required reading for every church. One suggestion - don't read it right after "Why We're Not Emergent" like I did!

Spectacular Sins: And Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ; John Piper.

The title alone makes one begin to think deeply about God; and that is a good thing! A robust understanding of the sovereignty of God in all things - including sin - can only benefit His children. Ultimately, we are brought to the foot of the cross in awe of what was accomplished there. I thought my vision of Christ was big until I read this book.

JUST DO SOMETHING; Kevin DeYoung.

If you haven't yet read this book - repent - and then get it! Don't pray about it or wait for a "liver shiver" just read it. The most common question in the "church" today is, "what is God's will for my life?" Kevin DeYoung gives us the answer - the biblical answer. The next time I get asked that question, this is the book I will recommend without hesitation.

Finally Alive: What Happens When We Are Born Again?; John Piper.

I love John Piper. This is quite possibly the best book he has written - that says a lot in itself. It is without question, his most important work to date. The doctrine of the new birth is so majestic and so beautiful and so hidden to so many "professing" Christians! "God is the great Doer in this miracle...And He has not been silent about it." This will be required reading in the church I shepherd.

Love in the Truth.

Quotable 8

"Sin turns all God's grace into wantonness; it is the dare of his justice, the rape of his mercy, the jeer of his patience, the slight of his power, and the contempt of his love."

"The gospel of grace and salvation is above all doctrines the most dangerous, if it be received in word only by graceless men; if it be not attended with a sensible need of a Saviour, and bring them to him. For such men as have only the notion of it, are of all men most miserable; for by reason of their knowing more than heathens, this shall only be their final portion, that they shall have greater stripes."

"Nothing hinders a soul from coming to Christ, than a vain love of the world; and till a soul is freed from it, it can never have a true love for God."

The quotes are all taken from The Works of John Bunyan, volume 1.

Love in the Truth.

The Beat of my Heart

The Beat of my Heart

Joy abounds in my heart

Even to very depth of my soul

Never have I felt so close

Never have I been so free

I need only look in your eyes

For in them, lies my love

Every part of me longs for your touch

Reason has lost all reason

Look into my eyes

You will see the change

Never have we been so close

Never have we been so free

I need only you in my life

Leaving all behind us

Our love is now eternal

Vanishing no more

Even until the end of time

You have completed me like nothing else can

Only you can make my heart beat

Understand that I am forever yours

Today I celebrate the day "I found the one my heart loves". She truly is the beat of my heart. I will call her blessed (Prov. 31).

Love in the Truth.

Choosing Thomas

A friend of mine posted this story, and I wanted to share it with you as well. It is the story of a couple who chose not to "terminate" their pregnancy after learning that their son had a severe genetic disorder. The text below is from the blog of Denny Burk.

Twenty weeks into their pregnancy, T. K. and Deidrea Laux found out that their son had Trisomy 13—a rare DNA abnormality. After being counseled that “terminating the pregnancy” would be an option, they chose life. In Deidrea’s own words:

“We didn’t not terminate because we were hanging on to some sort of hope that there was a medical mistake or there was gonna be some sort of medical miracle. We didn’t terminate because he’s our son.”

The Dallas Morning News has produced this video chronicling the birth and home-going of Thomas. This is an amazing story of love and life, and you need to watch it.

What a testimony of the grace of God.

What would you do?

Love in the Truth.

Francis Chan's new book!

His first book "Crazy Love" was crazy good!! I am really looking forward to this release. Preliminary reports suggest this will be another must read. Like he says in this clip, the problems with the North American Church are obvious, and so is Chan's love for the church! It is refreshing and infectious to be around someone like that.

Love in the Truth.

Come To Him!

Love in the Truth.

Only Jesus!

Loce in the Truth.

Tears of the Saints

Love in the Truth

JC is not PC!

Here is something that I thought I would never see. A major American newspaper printing an article by John MacArthur containing the gospel - the full gospel - the only gospel. In an article entitled "Read the Gospels: JC is not PC" Johnny Mac tells it like it is!

Let's be brutally honest: most of Jesus' teaching is completely out of sync with the mores that dominate our culture.

I'm talking, of course, about the Jesus we encounter in Scripture, not the always-gentle, never-stern, über-lenient coloring-book character who exists only in the popular imagination. The real Jesus was no domesticated clergyman with a starched collar and genteel manners; he was a bold, uncompromising Prophet who regularly challenged the canons of political correctness.

Jesus was pointedly, deliberately, and dogmatically counter-cultural in almost every way. No wonder the religious and academic aristocracy of his generation were so hostile to him.

Would Jesus receive a warmer welcome from world religious leaders, the media elite, or the political gentry today? Anyone who has seriously considered the New Testament knows very well that he would not. Our culture is devoted to pluralism and tolerance; contemptuous of all absolute or exclusive truth-claims; convinced that self-love is the greatest love of all; satisfied that most people are fundamentally good; and desperately wanting to believe that each of us is endowed with a spark of divinity.

Against such a culture Jesus' message strikes every discordant note.

You can read the rest of the article for yourself. As I said for the Washigton "Com"Post to print it in the first place is nothing short of miraculous! Soli Deo Gloria.

Love in the Truth

The Gospel Way

BLESSED LORD JESUS,

No human mind could conceive or invent the gospel.

Acting in eternal grace, thou art both

its messenger and its message,

lived out on earth through infinite compassion,

applying thy life to insult, injury, death,

that I might be redeemed, ransomed, freed.

Blessed be thou, O Father, for contriving this way,

Eternal thanks to thee, O Lamb of God,

for opening this way,

Praise everlasting to thee, O Holy Spirit,

for applying this way to my heart.

Glorious Trinity, impress the gospel on my soul,

until its virtue diffuses every faculty;

Let it be heard, acknowledged, professed, felt.

Teach me to secure this mighty blessing;

Help me to give up every darling lust,

to submit heart and life to its command,

to have it in my will,

controlling my affections,

moulding my understanding;

to adhere strictly to the rules of true religion,

not departing from them in any instance,

nor for any advantage in order to escape evil,

inconvenience or danger.

Take me to the cross to seek glory from its infamy;

Strip me of every pleasing pretence of righteousness

by my own doings.

O gracious Redeemer,

I have neglected thee too long,

often crucified thee,

crucified thee afresh by my impenitence,

put thee to open shame.

I thank thee fort he patience that has borne with me

so long,

and for the grace that now makes me willing to be

thine.

O unite me to thyself with inseparable bonds,

that nothing may ever draw me back from thee,

my Lord, my Saviour.

A Puritan Prayer from;

"The Valley of Vision"

Love in the Truth.

We Need Him!

Love in the Truth.

The Older I Get...

I'll be 38 this August. It seems like only yesterday I was playing with toy cars and riding my bike wherever my imagination would take. Having children of my own and watching them playing and having fun with friends has made me realize how naive - in my case stupid would be a better choice of word - I was at that age.

Back then, I didn't see things as dangerous or serious or "stupid" as they really were. There were times when my friends and I would walk across the "frozen" beaver pond because we liked to listen to the ice crack beneath our feet. As I got a little older, I remember trips to the cliffs where we would jump off the precipice onto young trees to "parachute" to "safety" some 50 plus feet below. Looking back, I see the danger I was blind to at the time and I thank God for keeping me safe. It wasn't that I was fearless; it was simply that I was young and immature. So, the older and more mature I get, the more aware of the danger of things I become.

The same fact is true of our sin. As a young believer, the gap between personal sin and God's holiness can seem small. "I know I'm a sinner, but we all are right?" The distance doesn't seem that far; It seems almost scalable with a little effort. But, the older I get the reality of God's infinite holiness shines into the darkness of my depravity, and the distance that once seemed so small reveals it's true size. I am silenced and broken by the price that had to be paid to bridge that gap.

As I've been preaching through 1 Timothy, I am reminded of Paul's words in 1:15 - "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." Paul too, saw the ever-widening gap between his sin and God's holiness.

Do you see it? Is it a small shallow valley that you can cross on your own? Or, is it a deep and deadly canyon that no man dare attempt to cross. May Christ enlarge your mind today of the seriousness of your sin and the infinite grace of a holy God displayed in the gift of Christ crucified.

"My sin, Oh the bliss of this glorious thought. My sin, not in part, but the whole is nailed to the Cross and I bear it no more..." Soli Deo Gloria!

Love in the Truth.

Come To Christ; He is Mighty to SAVE!

HT/Truth Matters

Love in the Truth.

What about other "Faiths"?

Love in the Truth.

Keith & Kristyn Getty "In Christ Alone"

They are so good - Soli Deo Gloria!

Love in the Truth.

10 Reasons Why Michael Jackson's Life and Death Matter

HT/I'll Be Honest

Love in the Truth

Crazy Love for FREE!

This month our friends at Christian Audio have made Francis Chan's Crazy Love the free audio book of the month. For those that know me, you know how much I love this book. To be able to have it for free is such a blessing - especially in audio format read by the author himself!

I highly recommend this book to any and all. For those that don't like to read - now you have no excuse - just listen!

Love in the Truth.

A Great Answer!

I don't know if you follow football at all. And by football, I don't mean soccer - which I love (Go Liverpool) - I mean NFL - the good stuff (the CFL doesn't really count)! I am a big fan of NFL footaball and the Miami Dolphins in particular, but I am also a big Kurt Warner fan. His story is quite remarkable. But why am I a fan? Well, everytime he gets a chance to speak about his faith in Christ he does just that. He was recently asked a good question and his answer was great! Here's the question and answer for you:

"Kurt, as a professional football player, what aspect of your vocational calling gives you the most joy in life? What is it about the 'job of football' that you love the most?"

His answered came instantly and unequivocally:

"Without question, the greatest joy about my calling as a professional football player is seeing the barriers it breaks-down in giving me the opportunity to talk about Jesus."

He elaborated on this by noting how all the privilege and all the status and all the fame simply serves to give him access to people and places to talk about the Lord that he otherwise would not have had. In essence he made it clear that, to him, the job is an amazing platform from which he gets to steward his main joy in life--telling people about the Jesus.

I wonder how many Christians would give the same answer if we were in Kurt Warner's shoes? I wonder how many of us would give that answer now? What's your answer?

Love in the Truth.

Quotable 7

“Oh to love the Saviour with a passion that can never cool; Oh to believe in God with a confidence that can never stagger! Oh, to hope with an expectation that can never be dim! Oh, to delight in God with a holy over-flowing rejoicing that can never be stopped, so that we might live to glorify God at the highest bent of our powers, living with enthusiasm, burning, blazing, being consumed with the indwelling God who worketh all things in us according to His will!

Thus, Lord, would we praise and pray at the same time, confess and acknowledge our responsibilities, but also bless the free, the sovereign grace that makes us what we are. Oh God of the eternal choice, O God of the ransom purchased on the tree, O God of the effectual call, Father, Son and Spirit, our adoration rises to heaven like the smoke from the altar of incense. Glory and honour and majesty and power and dominion and might be unto the one only God, for ever and ever, and all the redeemed by the blood will say, Amen.”

Charles Spurgeon

HT/timmy brister

Love in the Truth.

Quotable 6

Dan Phillips what are your thoughts on the US electing "the one" to be president?

"Obama is the triumph of postmodernism. America elected a hollow image, a human projection-screen, prepped and served by our media. They gave arguably the most powerful office in the world to a man with no accomplishments, no preparation, and no qualifications. Worse, they elected a faux-Christian who sat under a viciously racist, marxist ministry for 20 years, who embraces abortion in every form and wants to crush liberty under totalitarian governmental control.

Otherwise, no opinion."

But how do you really feel Dan; I mean deep down inside? LOL!

I gotta say - I loved that answer. Like him or not, Dan always tells it like it is. And I for one, like him!

Love in the Truth.

Treasuring Him

Love in the Truth.

The Fire

"Can't you see that I want you to live?"

Love in the Truth.

I've Got Nothing To Say?!?

So, it's been awhile again between blog entries. All I can say is that I've got nothing to say. For those that know me that is hard to believe, I know! I think it must be a pride thing in that I always want to have something profound to say - yet it rarely happens. So the silence has been good for me. Anyway with that said, I guess that is all I have to say. And, if you can make sense of the mess that I just wrote can you let me know what I said!

Let me leave you with a list a favourites for now - keeping in mind that I reserve the right to change at any moment in time!

5 Favourite books - right now - excluding the Bible:

1. Crazy Love - Francis Chan
2. The Pleasures of God - John Piper
3. The Valley of Vision; a book of puritan prayers - Banner of Truth
4. The Reformed Pastor - Richard Baxter
5. Humility: True Greatness - C. J. Mahaney

5 Favourite songs - right now

1. Embracing Accusation - Shane and Shane
2. I Have a Shelter - Sovereign Grace Music
3. From the Inside Out - Hillsongs United
4. Holiness of God - Lamp Mode Records - Grass Roots Vol 1
5. Received - Shane Barnard

Love in the Truth.

Quotable 5

"Our culture...has made way for a brand of Christianity where taking up one's cross is optional--or even unseemly. Indeed, many members of the church in the Western world suppose they can best serve God by being as non-confrontive to their world as possible.

Having absorbed the world's values, Christianity in our society is now dying. Subtly but surely worldliness and self-indulgence are eating away the heart of the church. The gospel we proclaim is so convoluted that it offers believing in Christ as nothing more than a means to contentment and prosperity. The offense of the cross (cf. Gal. 5:11) has been systematically removed so that the message might be made more acceptable to unbelievers. The church somehow got the idea it could declare peace with the enemies of God." - John MacArthur.

Let us be faithful to preach the Truth in love, but to preach the whole Truth! Without the law there is no knowledge of sin.

Love in the Truth.

Cartoon Irony

Love in the Truth.

What I miss the most in Southern Ontario

Let me start by saying there is a lot that I miss. "Fellowship" nights with the youth was always a good time - if not a little painful! The thing about ministry though is the fact that yes there are highs but there are also plenty of lows - which are extremely painful. That said, I loved the times of refreshing enjoyed with fellow brothers called to be shepherds of God's people. Being part of the Toronto Pastor's Fellowship was such a blessing, and I am thankful for the men of Grace Fellowship Church for their efforts.

Since distance prevents me from attending, it is a blessing to know that the resources offered are available online. And, rather than having to individually download each message and subsequent paper, my brother Julian Freeman, has made all of them available in one .zip file!!

For my pastor friends, this is a resource worth your time. For others who read, this is a resource worth your time too! Thanks Julian for doing this; I miss being there with you all.

Love in the Truth.

Quotable #4

Sometimes those that are quotable are quotable for the wrong reason. This is one those times. The Globe and Mail recently interviewed William Paul Young - for those that don't know, he wrote "The Shack". Why is this book so appealing to so many? Here is Young's answer:

"Young thinks a big part of the novel's appeal derives from it not being explicitly Christian. There's little or no Scripture in it. The novel, to Young's mind, "has given to people a language to have a conversation about God, evil, suffering and healing. ... a language they didn't have before because all the language before has been very religious, loaded with religious land mines and everything else."

Here's a little "land mine" from God:

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Love in the Truth.

Drive Through Church

This is funny, but the tragic thing is that it is also true. The North American "church" is radically "me" centred! Anyway, enjoy - "I want some healing for my bunion!!"

Love in the Truth.

What is Preaching?

Here is a short video by one of my heroes, John Piper, answering that question.




Preaching is expository.
Preaching is exultation.
Preaching isn't church, but it serves the church.

What to Expect from My Preaching and Why:

"If you're used to a twenty-minute, immediately practical, relaxed talk, you won't find that from what I've just described. I preach twice that long; I do not aim to be immediately practical but eternally helpful; and I am not relaxed."

"I standing vigilantly on the precipice of eternity speaking to people who this week could go over the edge whether they are ready to or not. I will be called to account for what I said there."

"That's what I mean by preaching."

What a great answer! That is what I try to accomplish when I preach - I stress "try" because all to often I fail.

Love in the Truth.

Quotable 3 - plus a plug!

"If your Bible is falling apart, you probably aren't." John MacArthur

"Your Bible is the only thing on earth that, as you wear it out, will actually work better and better." Professor Grant Horner

So what is the plug? Well it is for Professor Grant Horner's bible reading system. If you are serious about wanting more of God, this is for you! Warning: this will take time and discipline, but it will be worth it.

Now some of you may be thinking, "just what I need another bible reading plan." To that I say, you're right; it is just what you need! Honestly, the fact that so many Christians struggle to read through their bibles is...well the only word that fits is pathetic. Here's the thing, I struggle too. I am as pathetic as the next guy, but we are to "long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it (we) may grow".

• We are saved through the Word of God. (Romans 10:17; James 1:18)
• We are sanctified (grow) by the Word of God. (John 17:17; 1 Peter 2:2)

What really is Eternal Life? Think about it, meditate on it. Jesus defines it for us. "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (John 17:3). We can only know God through His Word. Do you know Him? Do you want to know Him more? This Bible reading system is quite simply the best that I have come across to do just that.

Remember though, it is just a tool. The important thing is that you/we GET IN THE WORD!

Love in the Truth.

The Supremacy of Christ

Love in the Truth.

Quotable 2

God Himself is the Great Good of our Redemption

“The redeemed have all their objective good in God. God himself is the great good which they are brought to the possession and enjoyment of by redemption. He is the highest good, and the sum of all that good which Christ has purchased. God is the inheritance of the saints; he is the portion of their souls. God is their wealth and treasure, their food, their life, their dwelling place, their ornament and diadem, and their everlasting honor and glory. They have none in heaven but God; he is the great good which the redeemed are received to at death, and which they are to rise to at the end of the world.

The Lord God, he is the light of the heavenly Jerusalem; and is the ‘the river of the water of life’ that runs, and the tree of life that grows, ‘in the midst of the paradise of God.’ The glorious excellencies and beauty of God will be what will forever entertain the minds of the saints, and the love of God will be their everlasting feast. The redeemed will indeed enjoy other things; they will enjoy the angels, and will enjoy one another: but that which they shall enjoy in the angels, or each other, or in anything else whatsoever, that will yield them delight and happiness, will be what will be seen of God in them."

Jonathan Edwards - God Glorified in the Work of Redemption

Love in the Truth.

Quotable!

"Nothing can be rightly known, if God be not known; nor is any study well managed, nor to any great purpose, if God is not studied...It is a most high and noble part of holiness, to search after, behold, admire, and love the great Creator in all His works." Richard Baxter - The Reformed Pastor

Love in the Truth.

Free Download...plus...

This month's free download from Christian Audio is Foxes Book of Martyrs. If you have read it before, you know the blessing that it is to read of these saints who gave their lives for the sake of Christ. Well, now you can hear it!

Beginning with the story of Stephen from the book of Acts, considered the first Christian martyr, the drama builds to the passion of the early Church's persecution under the Roman Empire. The hardy and radical faith of those first believers spawned medieval missionary movements that spread the gospel across Europe and into England, Scotland, and Ireland.

So what is the plus? Well if anything can show that the "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life" is not at all the biblical gospel - this book can! Well the Bible itself proves this apart from any help from John Foxe, but I digress...

Download and enjoy!

Love in the Truth.

It's Been A While

I know it's been a while since my last post. I hope to get back up-to-speed very soon. We have just recently moved and as a result things are pretty hectic!! I am now serving as pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Echo Bay, Ontario. The folk here have been a real blessing thus far, and we are excitied about our new ministry together. Pray for us as we begin this journey! God is good and gracious...thanks for your prayers. Soli Deo Gloria!

Love in the Truth.

Joy

"There is only one thing that can give true joy and that is the contemplation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies my mind; He satisfies my emotions; He satisfies my every desire. He and His great salvation include the whole personality and nothing less, and in Him I am complete. Joy, in other words, is the response and reaction of the soul to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ." (Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in Christ, 30)

Life is so full of troubles that seek to rob us of our joy. Some days can just suck the life right out of you. But even during the darkest hours of the darkest days I have joy. Life is hard, period. "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"When I think about the Lord, how He saved me, how He raised me, how He filled me with the Holy Ghost, how He healed me to the uttermost", I have joy.

Love in the Truth.

A Story of Grace

Would you adopt a child that you knew would be dead in less than a year? Here is one couple that said "yes we will".

Love in the Truth,
HT / JT