in sleep mode

2009-06-12T21:02:00.000-04:00

http://www.stjohnsvancouver.org/online-sermons/learners-exchange.php

Haiti: Christianity, Voodoo, and Children with Disabilities

Dr. David Carter - Mar 15, 2009

80's gone crazy

2009-06-09T12:08:00.002-04:00

recently "purchased" bunch of 80's music:

Wanted Man, by Ratt Classic big hair rock, this song was the "theme" of my college fraternity
Boston
Journey
Queen

that was some seriously good music

2009-05-30T07:02:00.000-04:00

andrew lacrosse at 1
if they win, 4:30 chmpionship

2009-05-14T07:40:00.001-04:00

May 14

Numbers 23; Psalms 64 — 65; Isaiah 13; 1 Peter 1

THE SECOND MAJOR SECTION OF Isaiah, chapters 13 — 27, focuses on the nations. This word of the Lord through Isaiah is not actually delivered to the nations; it is pronounced against the nations but in the ears of the people of Judah and Jerusalem. In a general sense the message is similar to that in the first part of Isaiah (chaps. 1 — 12): salvation belongs only to the Lord, so he alone is the One to be trusted. The denunciation of the nations therefore includes comforting asides to Judah (e.g., 14:1 - 2) and ends with the deliverance of the people of God (chaps. 26 — 27).

Isaiah 13 is an oracle against Babylon. Because in Isaiah’s time the primary military threat was Assyria and not Babylon, many critics think that this chapter is a later interpolation, written a century and a half later (about 550 B. C.) when Babylon had not only risen to supremacy but was already in decline, threatened by the rising Medo - Persian Empire (see 13:17). But that view is too skeptical.

The introduction to the oracle unambiguously affirms that Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw this vision (13:1). Moreover, Isaiah 39 shows that even in Isaiah’s day, though Babylon was not an immediate threat like Assyria, it was already a rising power. Perhaps more important yet, Babylon’s history went back all the way to the Tower of Babel (Gen. 10:9 - 10; 11:1 - 9) and thus could serve as a symbol of all nations that defy the God of Israel — a symbolism that persists even in the New Testament (e.g., Rev. 17 — 18), long after historic Babylon is in eclipse. The ultimate collapse of “Babylon” takes place when “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth,” who is “drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus” (Rev. 17:5 - 6), is obliterated in the triumphant dawning of the reign of the Lord God Almighty (Rev. 19:6), the rule of him who is called &ldquo ;Faithful and True” and whose name is “the Word of God” (Rev. 19:11, 13).

Note three features of this oracle. (a) Once again the “day of the LORD” (Isa. 13:6) is bound up not only with the Lord’s coming, but with his coming in judgment. For those opposed to the living God, it is “a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger” (13:9). (b) Typical of Hebrew poetry, this day is associated with celestial signs; it is as if all nature has to join in with these events, for their significance is no less than cosmic (13:10; cf. Acts 2:20). (c) The heart of the sin that must be overthrown is arrogance (13:11, 19).

Copyright 2008 D.A. Carson

2009-03-03T10:06:00.002-05:00

explain to me again why today is not a national holiday?

U2 on Letterman last night

2009-02-26T12:34:00.001-05:00

half turned toward you, half rather not.

2009-02-25T11:56:00.002-05:00

listening to white as snow
what is that hymn I hear in there?
Hiatt ID'd it quickly

O Come O come Immanuel, aka Veni emmanuel

I have yet to cancel an appointment or not take/make a phone call b/c I couldn't stop listening... but if i'm doing email... this thing is streaming

2010 at Christ Community?

2009-02-25T09:56:00.002-05:00

from my friends at srpc who say this is one of their best times of the year:

You're invited to join us for an Ash Wednesday Service

February 25
6:30 p.m.
Seven Rivers Sanctuary
Nursery for children ages 0-4
Program for children grades K-2

Ash Wednesday begins the season of the Church Year known as Lent, which begins forty days prior to Easter and is characterized by a focus on repentance, fasting, prayer, and the needs of others. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ—His suffering and His sacrifice, His life, death, burial and resurrection. This first day of Lent reminds Christians of the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The way to Easter is the way of the cross. As the first step in the Lenten journey the Ash Wednesday service invites us to acknowledge our mortality, our sinfulness and our dependence upon the grace of God.

We encourage all that are able to fast on Ash Wednesday leading up to the Ash Wednesday service as the Lord's Supper is served.

A unique feature of this service is the marking of the forehead with ashes in the sign of the cross (imposition of ashes). Since the 10th century this practice has been used to symbolize the frailty of our human existence and the 'dust and debris' in our lives (thus the name Ash Wednesday).

We hope you'll join us as we begin the Lenten season looking forward to its culmination on Easter Sunday morning as we worship our risen Savior.

NLOTH

2009-02-24T14:54:00.003-05:00

tons of thoughts after listening to No Line stream almost all the way thru at myspace... while returning email

so many good ones....
loved this line from "Gotta go crazy" or somehting like that:
Everybody needs to cry or needs to spit
(LOVE the way bono gets this next part out)
Every sweet tooth needs just a little hit
Every beauty needs to go out with an idiot
How can you stand next to the truth and not see it
Oh, a change of heart comes slow

2009-01-21T16:42:00.000-05:00

Often when a person is hurt they'll express it in anger. Mature and trusting is the friend who will let you see the pain. And lucky are you to see it.

just started writing... more to do before posting

2009-01-21T14:04:00.001-05:00

There are some bandwagons in our culture that border on being overcrowded... and I jump on some of them. I'm not ashamed to admit that I love U2 and The Office, to name two.

But sometimes I dig my heels in and refuse to participate in the "herd mentality". That's what I call it when I'm not in it. I have never seen that Christmas movie called, "A Christmas Story". The one with a Macauley Culkin look-a-like... the one that TBS shows for 24 hours on Dec 25. That's one I've tenaciously avoided.

I had also extended some vigor saying no to being the 4,000,001st person to read "The Shack". Dozens has asked me about it. Finally the kicker came and I had to read it: My mother, the woman who brought me into this world, gave it to me for Christmas. There you go.

What did I think of it?
Random thoughts:
1.) The writing was not engaging... to me. So that was a struggle. But it could be that I've been reading alot of Flannery O'Connor and EVERYBODY's writing pales to her.

2.) The main character entered the book struggling with what many people struggle with... a view of an unhappy God who is an angry taskmaster. I, like the author, grieve when I see this... in my heart or in others.

3.) The whole embodied God the Father and God the Holy Spirit simply seemed unbiblical to me, not to mention cheesy. Some might say I just didn't like that they were both female. Maybe. But I didn't like God the Father any more when He morphed from Big African American Lady to Cool White Guy with Ponytail. Some may say I'm just simple-minded and the Scriptures say that only one member of the Trinity is embodied, yet the Father and Spirit are knowable... and I know them and have experienced them.

If you have not read
Desiring God
The Pleasures of God
Knowing God
The Holiness of God

read those first... they show you a happy and holy Triune God who reveals Himself to us with a depth & strength that leads to intimacy that--forgive me--cheesy stuff cannot.

More on The Shack some pro some con:
1. abbreviated Review by
2. LONG review
3. Reading the Shack in Good Faith
seems like helpful balance..

2009-01-21T07:58:00.001-05:00

You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you. ~Frederick Buechner

2009-01-14T12:27:00.001-05:00

Ashes... ash wednesday explanation here

2009-01-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

You can only begin to get better when you know that God won't leave you even if you never get better.

--Steve Brown

2008-12-17T13:43:00.000-05:00

First Coming
by Madeleine L’Engle

He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.

He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. He did not wait

till hearts were pure. In joy he came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
he came, and his Light would not go out.

He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.

We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!

Chesterton Quote

2008-12-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

In that place they dined and slept, both very thoroughly. The beans and bacon, which these unaccountable people cooked well, the astonishing emergence of Burgundy from their cellars, crowned Syme’s sense of a new comradeship and comfort. Through all this ordeal his root horror had been isolation, and there are no words to express the abyss between isolation and having one ally. It may be conceded to the mathematicians that four is twice two. But two is not twice one; two is two thousand times one.

2008-12-10T07:09:00.000-05:00

behold the lamb is in lakeland tonite and i won't be there... a thousand "ugh"s

2008-11-13T08:51:00.002-05:00

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=701522391363&ref=nf
link

2008-11-12T15:27:00.002-05:00

I hadn't previously noticed that he ends the album with an echo of track 2 "hosanna"...
like this:
Hosanna! O Hosanna! Hail the long awaited king, come to set his people free. We cry O Hosanna! Won’t you tear this temple down, raise it up on holy ground. O Hosanna! I will lift my voice and sing: you have come and washed me clean. Hosanna.

All I know is that I was blind but now I see that though I kick and scream,
Love is leading me.
And every step of the way
his
grace
is
making
me;

with every breath I breathe,
he
is
saving
me.
And I believe.

So when my body’s weak and the day is long, when I feel my faith is all but gone, I’ll remember when I sing this song that I believe. I believe he is the Christ, Son of the living God, my Lord, my Savior. Oh, hosanna, I believe.

He has come! He is coming! He will come again!!

2008-11-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

Prayer is the naming of desire before God. It's a cry for redemption that always begins with avowing the scandal that God is both present and absent. --dan allender, how chdrn raise prnts, page 172

2008-11-03T17:24:00.001-05:00

The physical heart must be exercised to grow stronger, and that discipline requires some sweat & pain. So does the growth of our emotional heart. Our love grows to the degree that we suffer & refuse to turn cold & hard.

In a world like ours, suffering is not a choice, but misery is. If in the face of suffering we say, "Enough, no more. I quit," we are choosing misery, not growth.

--dan allender, How Children Raise Parents, page 134

2008-11-03T06:15:00.000-05:00

.... Still developing....

Bebe, you turn 70 tomorrow!!
mr. Smarty Pants finds himself wth an xtra hour this morning. I forgot to move clocks last nite!!

But I'm glad... Bcauuse it has given me a chance to seriously, sincerely, and happily say THANKS to God... For you!

Bebe, I have 4 other people asleep right now who sadly have learned what you know... That Rob can hurt you like few others. I look back, on my growing up AND on yday, and see how my words and gestures and actions hurt those I claim to love. I am not despairing... I know Jesus has borne my sin and "my chains are off my heart is free". And I also know that I'm realizing more what exactly He paid, in terms of my hurting people.

Bebe, you were a great mother to me in childhood....
Going to my All-Star games, you always helped me "get into" what we we were doing. Buying 25 Summit candy bars is my biggest memory.
I remember the tenderness you showed to me when I finally got up the courage to ask if you could take me to a dermatologist for my acne. You taking me and terry and clint (and letting us each bring a friend!) to grandma's each summer. Looking back on you doing that by yourself floors me. Thank you!

Parenting is so hard! I am seeing for myself right now. I have zero memories of you ever communicating that I was a bother to you or that you were ashamed of me. When I look at my own silent communications to my children I cannot say the same thing. And when I think of how I treated Terry & Clint--my brothers & your sons--oh, how my heart breaks for what that must've been like for you. I am so sorry and still count my self-righteous/mean attitude toward them as one of my biggest regrets in life.

Random:
--I love my Methodist roots
--- the freedom you gave me at 22 to move 10 hrs away from home with no guilt... And you have never wavered in that, neither Calfornia nor Gainesville have you tried to keep us from.

----I am proud to be from stk
---I fondly remember being puiblic skool teacher's son (what a servant's podition)

....Unfinished...

2008-11-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit...

For yours is the Kingdom of God!

...

2008-11-02T15:32:00.002-05:00

amazing... still haven't found what i'm looking for

yesterday on my jog i did the last mile in the fastest i've done in a while (8:18) listening to this song and remembering that i used to criticize U2 for not being "happy in Jesus" in this song...

i now know that knowing Jesus holds the hope and promise of finding what i'm looking for... but not in this world

....today i see that this song is the #1 most played song on this ipod

2008-11-02T05:33:00.000-05:00

The delight which the mariner feels, when, after having been tossed about
for many a day, he steps again upon the solid shore, is the satisfaction
of a Christian when, amidst all the changes of this troublous life, he
rests the foot of his faith upon this truth-"I am the Lord, I change not.
"

The stability which the anchor gives the ship when it has at last obtained
a hold-fast, is like that which the Christian's hope affords him when it
fixes itself upon this glorious truth. With God "is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning." What ever his attributes were of old, they are
now; his power, his wisdom, his justice, his truth, are alike unchanged.
He has ever been the refuge of his people, their stronghold in the day of
trouble, and he is their sure Helper still. He is unchanged in his love.
He has loved his people with "an everlasting love"; he loves them now as
much as ever he did, and when all earthly things shall have melted in the
last conflagration, his love will still wear the dew of its youth.
Precious is the assurance that he changes not! The wheel of providence
revolves, but its axle is eternal love.
---- Spurgeon, morning

And Stott today on Ronans twelve... His mercies are our motivation!

Hosanna!

...

2008-11-01T08:51:00.000-04:00

Christ will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax... But will CHERISH those with whom He so deals. --Sibbes, page 7

2008-10-31T15:27:00.005-04:00

So you say there is no hope
Maybe God is dead and gone
So you think that He can't break a heart that's harder than a stone
So you feel so wrecked and dirty He could never make you new
Well man, have I got news for you!

I'm so compelled to tell you that it's true.... SO TRUE!
Listen, i've got news for you!
I've got good news for you

--AP

2008-10-29T13:34:00.001-04:00

All I know is that I was blind but now I see
Though I kick & scream, love is leading me
Every step of the way His grace is making me
Every breath I breathe, He is saving me.

2008-10-07T05:40:00.002-04:00

1. Preach Gospel to Self
--I am a sinner
Rom7! my sin has not shocked God or caught Him unawares... He elected me, atoned for me and sent His Spirit KNOWING that I would fail and wander... Jesus came for the sick.... ps 40... "as for me I am poor and needy"
-- I am a son
my status is certain... romans 8! I received the spirit of adoption as sons... the Spirit Himself bears witness! all rights & privileges are mine

2. Rest in His Goodness and sovereignty
All that I call good is from You and is good
All that I call bad is from You and shall be used for good
You control every word I've spoken, every coincidence that got me to this moment... your plan is working, grant me faith to rest in it, not fight it
"Jesus, I am resting... slowly finding out the greatness of your loving heart."

3. Offer self as lving sacrifice
Jesus, I'm yours. You are all i got. Manifest your glory in and through me today. May I enter every conversation filled with hope in You and your gospel... and pass that hope on thru my tone of voice, words, and actions and facial expressions and reactions.

Hannah

2008-09-26T09:15:00.002-04:00

That sermon by Keller on Hannah's prayer has sustained me during a hard week. Some scattered notes...

At the point of moral inability, confessing your spiritual barrenness...

In general, God begins a new chapter of his power in your life at your greatest point of hopelessness and helplessness...

take barrenness to God

in teeth of hopelessness and helplessness

If you are confused, at wits end... absolutely helpless and hopeless... Say to God, "I'm going to obey you MORE right now than ever."

God will always use your suffering, but don't expect to understand how during your lifetime. ((This says to me, "Rob--keep an eschatological perspective."))

Hope in Him

2008-09-25T05:50:00.000-04:00

My hope lives not because
I am not a sinner, but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died; my
trust is not that I am holy, but that being unholy, he is my
righteousness.
My faith rests not upon what I am, or shall be, or feel, or know, but in
what Christ is, in what he has done, and in what he is now doing for me.

2008-09-23T16:31:00.000-04:00

"Accepted in the beloved."
- Ephesians 1:6

What a state of privilege! It includes our justification before God, but
the term "acceptance" in the Greek means more than that. It signifies that
we are the objects of divine complacence, nay, even of divine delight. How
marvellous that we, worms, mortals, sinners, should be the objects of
divine love! But it is only "in the beloved." Some Christians seem to be
accepted in their own experience, at least, that is their apprehension.
When their spirit is lively, and their hopes bright, they think God
accepts them, for they feel so high, so heavenly-minded, so drawn above
the earth! But when their souls cleave to the dust, they are the victims
of the fear that they are no longer accepted. If they could but see that
all their high joys do not exalt them, and all their low despondencies do
not really depress them in their Father's sight, but that they stand
accepted in One who never alters, in One who is always the beloved of God,
always perfect, always without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, how
much happier they would be, and how much more they would honour the
Saviour! Rejoice then, believer, in this: thou art accepted "in the
beloved." Thou lookest within, and thou sayest, "There is nothing
acceptable here!" But look at Christ, and see if there is not everything
acceptable there. Thy sins trouble thee; but God has cast thy sins behind
his back, and thou art accepted in the Righteous One. Thou hast to fight
with corruption, and to wrestle with temptation, but thou art already
accepted in him who has overcome the powers of evil. The devil tempts
thee; be of good cheer, he cannot destroy thee, for thou art accepted in
him who has broken Satan's head. Know by full assurance thy glorious
standing.
Even glorified souls are not more accepted than thou art.
They are only accepted in heaven "in the beloved," and thou art even now
accepted in Christ after the same manner.

2008-09-19T11:22:00.001-04:00

Spurgeon's morning and Stott on Romans 8 were so good this morning

Whatever our
desires, our difficulties, our wants, we are at liberty to spread all
before him. It matters not how much we may have sinned, we may ask and
expect pardon. It signifies nothing how poor we are, we may plead his
promise that he will provide all things needful. We have permission to
approach his throne at all times-in midnight's darkest hour, or in
noontide's most burning heat. Exercise thy right, O believer, and live up
to thy privilege.
Thou art free to all that is treasured up in Christ-wisdom,
righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Spurgeon's evening is fitting

2008-09-18T13:41:00.001-04:00

"And they follow me."
- John 10:27

We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their
shepherd, for he has a right to lead us wherever he pleases. We are not
our own, we are bought with a price-let us recognize the rights of the
redeeming blood. The soldier follows his captain, the servant obeys his
master, much more must we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are a purchased
possession. We are not true to our profession of being Christians, if we
question the bidding of our Leader and Commander. Submission is our duty,
cavilling is our folly. Often might our Lord say to us as to Peter, "What
is that to thee? Follow thou me." Wherever Jesus may lead us, he goes
before us. If we know not where we go, we know with whom we go. With such
a companion, who will dread the perils of the road? The journey may be
long, but his everlasting arms will carry us to the end. The presence of
Jesus is the assurance of eternal salvation, because he lives, we shall
live also. We should follow Christ in simplicity and faith, because the
paths in which he leads us all end in glory and immortality. It is true
they may not be smooth paths-they may be covered with sharp flinty trials,
but they lead to the "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker
is God." "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep
his covenant." Let us put full trust in our Leader, since we know that,
come prosperity or adversity, sickness or health, popularity or contempt,
his purpose shall be worked out, and that purpose shall be pure, unmingled
good to every heir of mercy. We shall find it sweet to go up the bleak
side of the hill with Christ; and when rain and snow blow into our faces,
his dear love will make us far more blest than those who sit at home and
warm their hands at the world's fire.
To the top of Amana, to the dens of lions, or to the hills of leopards,
we will follow our Beloved.
Precious Jesus, draw us, and we will run after thee.

2008-09-15T15:24:00.003-04:00

book by Sam Storms.

In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus, the hero, must sail his ship through dangerous waters near an island of Sirens. The Sirens were an evil, man-eating monster that entranced passersby with songs so beautiful that they could then control the thoughts and actions of the sailors, driving them to crash their boats on shore, and be devoured by the seductive beasts. Odysseus, being well aware of their powers, commands his crew to plug their ears, and chain him to the mast. You see, though he knew the dangers, he still longed to hear the Siren’s songs. And hear them he did: the Sirens even took the shape of his own wife, capturing all of his passions: heart, mind, soul, & strength. He was only restrained from redirecting the ship by the chains binding him to it’s mast. Yet, Odysseus survived the temptation of the Siren’s song, at least physically.

In another Greek myth, the Argonautica by Appolonius of Rhodes, our hero is Jason. On his journey home from his quest to find the ‘Golden Fleece’, he travels the same route as Ulysses, and also encounters the same threat. However, heading wise instruction, he brought with him the musician, Orpheus, who was renown for playing the lyre so beautifully that nothing could compare to his music. Instead of plugging their ears, and tying Jason to the mast, like Odysseus, Jason simply asked Orpheus to play his finest tune. Jason and his crew didn’t even notice the songs of the Sirens because they were entranced my music far more lovely: the songs of Orpheus.

RP: May you hear the freeing song of Jesus and find hope.

2008-09-15T14:27:00.000-04:00

today my calendar brought up this reminder for Lent

Lent 2009
Groaning & waiting ... Using lent to reflect on our present suffering and our future glory... But what about nehemiah and moving into building??

4 Little Girls, At Church... 45 years ago in B'ham

2008-09-15T11:12:00.001-04:00

I know part of what I'll be talking with my children about tonight....

Today, 45 years ago, four little black girls were killed in the Birmingham church bombing.

brief article with pictures

.

Psalm 56:8

2008-08-02T13:10:00.001-04:00

You have kept count of my tossings;
put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?

Been thinking about grief

2008-08-02T10:21:00.002-04:00

and thought I had a copy of grief observed by lewis but can't find it...

was reminded recently that grieving is a PROCESS and that the pain of loss can hit you in layers.... so if you are grieving now, remember that!
if you are not grieving now, prepare for that!

The reality is that you can have one thing happen (smell a flower, hear a song, etc) that reminds you of your loved one that you've lost and BOOM! it is back, the grief has found a new layer

amazon has lewis' GRIEF OBSERVED and you can also preview it at google print:
http://books.google.com/books?id=udTb0EEDpGAC&dq=CS+Lewis+grief+observed&pg=PP1&ots=U4i0cDh1gR&sig=udqC81MVIY292PNDZCk_bISH388&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPR11,M1

spurgeon aug 1

2008-08-02T10:02:00.002-04:00

Downcast and troubled Christian, come and glean today in the broad field of promise. Here are abundance of precious promises, which exactly meet thy wants. Take this one: “He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax.” Doth not that suit thy case? A reed, helpless, insignificant, and weak, a bruised reed, out of which no music can come; weaker than weakness itself; a reed, and that reed bruised, yet, he will not break thee; but on the contrary, will restore and strengthen thee. Thou art like the smoking flax: no light, no warmth, can come from thee; but he will not quench thee; he will blow with his sweet breath of mercy till he fans thee to a flame. Wouldst thou glean another ear? “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” What soft words! Thy heart is tender, and the Master knows it, and therefore he speaketh so gently to thee. Wilt thou not obey him, and come to him even now? Take another ear of corn: “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, I will help thee, saith the Lord and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” How canst thou fear with such a wonderful assurance as this? Thou mayest gather ten thousand such golden ears as these! “I have blotted out thy sins like a cloud, and like a thick cloud thy transgressions.” Or this, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Or this, “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come, and let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will let him take the water of life freely.” Our Master’s field is very rich; behold the handfuls. See, there they lie before thee, poor timid believer! Gather them up, make them thine own, for Jesus bids thee take them.
Be not afraid, only believe!
Grasp these sweet promises,
thresh them out by meditation
and feed on them with joy.

fernando ortega

2008-05-06T15:39:00.000-04:00

Though I am weak
Sometimes weary
In times of trial
I hide my face
In the balance
Judge me wholly
Please don't judge me
By my shame

In dark hours
Of confrontation
When words may fall
Too soon to unsay
Don't mistake them
For my true meaning
They are measures
Of my shame

I have tried to
Live life humbly
Not a coward
Not in vain
When my meekness
Overcomes me
Remember me
Not my shame
Not my shame

I am small
And self-conscious
Every mirror
Reflects the grain
Judge my essence
By my kinships
Remember me
Not my shame

I am weak
Sometimes weary
Sometimes small
I hide away
When my hours
Are all accounted
Please don't bind me
To my shame

I have tried to
Live life humbly
Not a coward
Not in vain
When my meekness
Overcomes me
Remember me
Not my shame
Not my shame

2008-04-11T20:36:00.001-04:00

2008-04-11T12:57:00.002-04:00

Walk On .... and Communion

2008-04-05T16:12:00.002-04:00

I remember a time when I was struggling as I prepared for communion. It was a Friday and I was really NOT wanting to let go of a vicious attitude. Not just a harmful attitude but plans for destruction as well.

You should know that I think that to come to the table in a healthy manner means basically to say, "Jesus, I'm yours and you're mine. You've bought me. I will follow you wherever. And yes, my desires and plans in (insert whatever) are not from you. So I won't pursue them. Give me strength to walk with you. This is the real desire of my heart. The part of me that wants to run is emerging from my unbelief and brokenness... from my refusal to live in this hard "in between" time.

As I jogged and listened to Walk On and wrestled with my tired heart... images from Romans 8 kept coming to me

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring...
And love is not the easy thing....
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can't leave behind

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on, walk on
What you got they can’t steal it
No they can’t even feel it
Walk on, walk on...
Stay safe tonight

You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom

Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can’t sell it, can’t buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Home… hard to know what it is if you’ve never had one
Home… I can’t say where it is but I know I'm going home
That's where the hurt is

I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Leave it behind
You've got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you steal
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress up
All that you scheme…

sabbatical

2006-08-28T15:35:00.000-04:00

this blog is on sabbatical and will re-emerge in another format in a few months...
you should now book mark the blog i'm doing with Frank Matthews

Way to Go

2006-08-27T19:36:00.000-04:00

Has sincerely been a delight to stand at 10am to lead us in worshipping God and have the sense that a good chunk of us are there and ready to go... ready to go to the throne together. Let's continue to build on this together. From the beginning to seeing scores of people hanging (donut in hand) long after the service..... it was a great day together as a church family.

Many of you asked about the corporate prayer of confession. I'm glad it helped you to probe your heart and come to God for healing. I got it from the Worship God Conference that our friends at Sovereign Grace Ministries just sponsored.

Worshipping God is...

2006-08-27T06:53:00.000-04:00

“Christian worship is the response of God’s redeemed people to His self-revelation that exalts God’s glory in Christ in our minds, affections, and wills, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”more definitions:

Sunday voting

2006-08-25T16:31:00.000-04:00

On Sunday you'll be asked to cast your ballot--IF YOU PLAN TO PARTICIPATE-- towards the elective that will be offered
1. Marriage
2. This Jacked-up World and what Jesus is doing about it
3. Bible Overview
see details here

May it be so in our midst Sunday

2006-08-25T12:30:00.000-04:00

"I read in a periodical the other day that the fundamental thing is how we think of God. By God himself, it is not! How God thinks of us is not only more important but infinitely more important. Indeed, how we think of Him is of no importance except in so far as it is related to how he thinks of us. It is written that we shall 'stand before Him', shall appear, shall be inspected. The promise of glory is the promise, almost incredible and only possible by the work of Christ, that some of us, that any of us who really chooses, shall actually survive that examination, shall find approval, shall please God. To please God…to be a real ingredient in the divine happiness…to be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son—it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is." --C S Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Internet Amazement... at what is available

2006-08-24T12:12:00.000-04:00

Not sure how... but i stumbled across access to a lecture (audio, powerpoint & PDF) by a brilliant Christian, entitled:
Has Science Eliminated God? Richard Dawkins & the Meaning of Life
Alister McGrath - Cambridge CiS-St Edmunds Public Lecture

Engage your heart

2006-08-24T09:50:00.000-04:00

The puritans use to speak of preparing our hearts for corporate worship.... like this:

You come up on a fire that is almost out... a few coals remain. You must tend what is there gently and seek the result of a raging fire. So it is with my heart, usually. Yours? So we post the worship folder every Thursday. Here is a bit of our prayer of confession of sin this week:

LEADER: We have had other gods before You.
ALL: We have worshipped and served the creature rather than the
Creator. We have sought satisfaction in this world’s pleasures rather
than in You. We have loved to praise our own glory more than Yours.

So, where have you sought satisfaction?

Wednesday Night at the Bagel Bakery 7:00

2006-08-23T00:23:00.000-04:00

Our own Greg Doles and Sydney Schaef will be playing and singing with Mo Leverette of Desire Street new orleans.... located in publix plaza on corner nw34th and 16th ave

Vision Night By Extension

2006-08-22T16:06:00.000-04:00

The audio & documents from Friday's Vision Night are available on our site:

Go there, you'll see on the left hand side 4 options...and click on: Latest news and updates

Discipleship Course Update

2006-08-22T13:29:00.000-04:00

If you are considering taking the Discipleship Course from me this Fall... and you DO NOT have your materials... please phone 379-4949 immediately.... like POST HASTE-- I need to know you are taking the course AND get you the materials! Here is more info:
Discipleship Course, Fall 2006

Purpose: Raise up gospel-driven & kingdom-minded leaders for God's glory in the church, home, marketplace, world

Methods:

<>Instruction from Rob

<>Homework: at least 60-90 minutes per week, depending upon your temperament

<>Interaction with accountability partners

<>Scripture Memory (Romans 3:19-26) {we will all memorize the ESV for harmony in our memory}

Workshops will include:

<>Life History evening,

helps understand God's sovereignty over your life and His gifting and calling of you

<> Prayer & planning evening,

thinking prayerfully through your family’s life & ministry together

Curriculum:

~Bible

~Gospel Transformation from World Harvest Mission

~Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger & Shorter Catechism

Please pay as much of $30 per person as you can.

Nightly format

1. Share memory work and 1 key concept with accountability partner. (Not your spouse, they tend to be too lenient.)

2. Worshipping God together through singing and prayer

3. Teaching from Rob with 5 minutes of sharing & prayer mixed in per half hour

When?

11 Wednesdays in the Fall, beginning September 6th and ending November 15

7:15-9:15pm weekly at Hope Church (corner Tower & SW 24th ave)

Childcare:
babies are welcome to come with parents; all others are your responsibility

This course –at this time--is not for everyone and you should feel no pressure. If you prayerfully consider it and have a “not now, thanks” response you are ok with me. If you prayerfully consider it and say, “I’m in” then be ready to be “in.” This will be the most intensive and intentional training I’ve done in the last 5 years.

This learning community will be operating together on the following understanding…

Believing that continuity is important to the development of a unique learning community and knowing my own weakness…

* I will purpose to attend both hours of all 11 Wednesdays of the discipleship course.

* I will complete lessons 1-6 of GospelTransformation PRIOR to the first class meeting on September 6th.

* I will memorize Romans 3:19-26 PRIOR to the first class meeting on September 6th

* I will purpose to complete the weekly homework.

STARTS NEXT WEEK! Update...here:
Friends,

How about some grace right out of the gate? I’m updating what you have to have done prior to next Wednesday.

You need to show up at Hope Church (Tower & 75th) on Wednesday

more here soon

Vision Night Excerpts

2006-08-22T13:15:00.000-04:00

Soon the audio from Vision Night will be posted on the church website. We're also compiling the praises you offered in answer to the question:
IN WHAT ways are you thankful to God for what He is doing in the life & ministry of Christ Community?

Here are a couple:
"The children's ministry and youth ministry."
"The gospel centered focus and the impact that has had on my life."
"For the desire to reach out to our unbelieving friends."

Initiative #3 Authentic Community

2006-08-22T12:08:00.000-04:00

We are seeking to UP this aspect of CCC... so the community life time of our service must be important, right? right

and those who were valiantly serving in children's ministry would want to hear the audio, right? Sure
Or those missed our worship gathering entirely because they slipped and fell on the way-- would want to hear the audio, right? Sure
So we are now putting this on our siteChrist Community Church - Gainesville Florida - Downloads

Y O U said what?

2006-08-21T16:57:00.000-04:00

Thankful to God for:
~ the rich relationships that I have in Christ Community
~ the biblical foundation our children are receiving

we'll post more all week... you need to hear the encouraging things that you all said at the Vision Night

Great morning in worship

2006-08-20T16:54:00.000-04:00

How thrilling to sing with your strong voice this morning. And to those who were actually seated before 9:58... wow!

Several single folks asked me if the discipleship course I'm offering is open to non-married. Yes! When I was originally pitching it to folk, they were all married and I didn't update the text. All are welcome!

Bob Dylan

2006-08-19T12:59:00.000-04:00

:: cawleyblog :: : World Magazine Cover Story: Bob Dylan

sunday we ascend....

2006-08-19T11:32:00.000-04:00

... we'll gather 'round the throne of God

Great Vision Night at Hope

2006-08-19T07:08:00.000-04:00

Highlights for me:

--Seeing one our students sitting at table with a number of our wonderful "senior saints"

-- Watching people clean up as a team to get things done

-- That our people enjoy each other so much I have to scream on the microphone to get the room quiet

-- The kindred spirit i feel when speaking to this group about Christ and His Kingdom

-- more to come

Gathering tomorrow is at 10am in the theater of Oak Hall... seek to be there "ready to go" before 10, please.
Greg Hamilton is leading Children's Church during the sermon.
Here is the worship folder for tomorrow. Read/pray/think through the elements... may God give us His presence tomorrow!

I just dropped by Hope Church...

2006-08-18T07:08:00.000-04:00

and the place is really looking groovy... 7:00PM tonite you will enjoy great desserts, coffee, friends, and we'll dream together of a Beautiful Day

I've put together a 5 page word.doc that I'll walk you through... throughout today and tomorrow I'll post some excerpts from it...

Here is the link to the first excerpt
more: Discipleship Course

and the 2nd:
Worship

We are a SIGN, a foretaste... an instrument

2006-08-17T07:07:00.000-04:00

Mission is the creating, reconciling and transforming action of God, flowing from the
community of love found in the Trinity, made known to all humanity in the person of Jesus,
and entrusted to the faithful action and witness of the people of God who, in the power of the
Spirit, are a sign, foretaste and instrument of the reign of God. --Anonymous, for now

Church as SENT People

2006-08-17T06:38:00.000-04:00

For most of us...This will take some paradigm reworking by the Spirit

"Unlike the previous notion of the church as an entity located in a facility or in an institutional organization and its activities, the church is being reconceived as a community, a gathered people, brought together by a common calling and vocation to be a sent people." (page 81 Guder)

quotes on us as God's Sent People

2006-08-16T17:57:00.000-04:00

"A church is a community of God's people who live into the imagination that they are,
by their very nature, God's missionary people living as a demonstration of what God plans to do in and for all of creation in Jesus Christ." --Alan Roxbourough

“We have come to see that mission is not merely an activity of the church. Rather,
mission is the result of God’s initiative, rooted in God’s purposes to restore and heal creation.
‘Mission’ means ‘sending,’ and it is the central biblical theme describing the purpose of God in
human history” (Darrell L. Guder, ed. Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America)

quotes about vision toward vision nite

2006-08-16T16:27:00.000-04:00

“The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that we will make one.” --John Maxwell

Pulling out the compass

2006-08-16T06:54:00.000-04:00

Why does a traveller pull out their compass?

Why does a singer want to hear a pure note struck?

Among other things... to re-center themselves... to remember what is central and to receive guidance.

THAT is what we're trying to do Friday night at 7pm

Who is Rod Whited? And why is he speaking Friday?

2006-08-15T20:12:00.000-04:00

Rod Whited will be addressing the Vision Gathering for 5 minutes on Friday Evening...

Who is he? A 70 year old man who is passionate about Jesus, the gospel, and the Church.

An executive with MA BELL, Rod took an early retirement and became a pastor. He planted and pastored Pinewood Presbyterian Church for 20 years. He was on the ground floor of the Presbytery Committee that brought me to Gainesville.

~In the last 6 months... He's come to monthly elders meetings, concluding most visits by having dinner with 4 (non-staff; non-elder) leaders from the church. Many people have gotten to experience his humor and heart as he has given his wisdom and time to us. He also was the chair of the search committee that found Frank Matthews for us. (The others who served on that committee were Charlie & Debbie Staples, Rebecca Schackow, and Billy Crow)

Prayer Meeting

2006-08-15T16:58:00.000-04:00

Friday Mornings at 9am at the church house (1603 SW 122nd street)
on parker road, just south of 8th Ave

There is a small group of folk gathering to pray specifically for the Lord to come down in our public worship gatherings on Sunday morning.

Lord to come down? Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,
that the mountains might quake at your presence— (isaiah 64:1) Feel free to join us! Physically on Parker Road... or spiritually around God's throne.

Thursday August 31 at 7pm

2006-08-15T11:19:00.000-04:00

you saw a veiled reference in Sunday publication... to MANLAND, an event for men...

this is quite simply an opportunity for men to gather and hang
what men? all men age 16 and up

what will we do?
there will be fooseball, checkers, chess, darts, billiards, chips & drinks, etc
Also, at 8pm we'll flip on the tube and (for those interested) keep one eye on ESPN as Steve Spurrier seeks his first victory in Starkville, Mississippi. Apparently the S.Carolina coach had trouble winning there with his former school.

The location is TBA

A number of parents have been inviting their friends kids

2006-08-15T11:14:00.000-04:00

I have heard from numerous parents of youth that they wanted to get a packet of events into the hands of some friends... well

Youth Packet is here!

Evening of Vision... What we'll do

2006-08-14T20:43:00.000-04:00

After a time of gathering and informal hanging out together... I will lead us:
~ through a brief time of celebration together, a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God
~ in listening to a brief presentation by Rod Whited, Chairman of the Mission to North America Committe of the North Florida Presbytery
~ in looking at the 5 major initiatives that I believe Christ Community must undertake with vigor to accomplish the next phase of our mission as the sent people of God

Then we'll hang together some more (as long as your schedule allows) and call it a night.

Friday Night and Our Future Together

2006-08-13T20:03:00.000-04:00

August 18 started in my mind as an opportunity ....

a chance to come together as a church family and say... What is next?

If we exist to simply be a stable church... we are there. God save us from existing for that purpose only!

We exist to experience and extend the grace of Jesus Christ. How will we do that in the next phase of our mission? What is God calling us to devote our attention to next?

What are you dreaming about for Christ Community? For the Kingdom of God in Gainesville?

But we aren't...

2006-08-12T08:10:00.000-04:00

The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer (1961) writes,

Left to ourselves we tend immediately to reduce God to manageable terms.

But we are not left to ourselves. Tomorrow we'll gather together to seek together to fight our reductionistic tendencies... and step into reality. 10:00am

Looking in all the wrong places

2006-08-11T13:17:00.000-04:00

Sunday we'll confess our sin together and a portion will be:

WE have looked for redemption everywhere but in your arms.

Where have you looked recently?

I am not my own... I have been bought

2006-08-10T20:38:00.000-04:00

Sunday we will enter God's presence with Praise... that always (if we're sane & sober) leads to a "GOD HELP! I'm not like you!" cry. So we'll enter a time of renewal when we confess our sins, are reminded that He's removed our guilt, and celebrate with words and songs of celebration and assurance. Which brings me to a public statement of faith we'll make together. Think on this prior to Sunday, please.

My only comfort in life and death is that I am not my own.
I have been bought body and soul,
by my Saviour Jesus Christ who has fully paid for all my sins
with His precious blood.
He has set me free from the power of the devil.
Without the will of my heavenly Father,
not a hair can fall from my head.
The Holy Spirit assures me of eternal life
and makes me heartily willing to live for Him.
Indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.

Pray for our banner?

2006-08-10T20:28:00.000-04:00

Well, the banner is OK and doesn't need prayer. But as a special banner is scheduled to be hung on the fence at Oak Hall Friday afternoon... I just wonder if there aren't people driving down Tower Road who might need hope.

Pray that they might see our banner and commit to come find hope at 10am. Join me in this. Finally, pray that God will make you and me ready to welcome them?

The Cross Chart

2006-08-10T07:58:00.000-04:00

Pray for 2 sinners...

2006-08-09T07:50:00.000-04:00

Frank Matthews and Rob Pendley are spending Wednesday planning and praying for Christ Community and Gainesville. Ask God to pour out His Spirit on them, please.

Why knowing Christ's love is so urgent

2006-08-08T16:26:00.000-04:00

“Christians who are no longer sure that God loves and accepts them in Jesus, apart from their present spiritual achievements, are subconsciously radically insecure persons-much less secure than non-Christians, because they have too much light to rest easily under the constant bulletins they receive from their Christian environment about the holiness of God and the righteousness they are supposed to have. Their insecurity shows itself in pride, a fierce defensive assertion of their own righteousness and defensive criticism of others. They come naturally to hate other cultural styles and other races in order to bolster their own security and discharge their suppressed anger. They cling desperately to legal, pharisaical righteousness, but envy, jealousy and other branches on the tree of sin grow out of their fundamental insecurity…it is often necessary to convince sinners (even sinful Christians) of the grace and love of God toward them, before we can get them to look at their problems. Then the vision of grace and the sense of God’s forgiving acceptance may actually cure most of the problems. This may account for Paul’s frequent fusing of justification and sanctification”. (Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life).

Adoration of the Lamb

2006-08-07T08:19:00.000-04:00

Jan Van Eck, 1437 "Holy Holy Holy"

Tuesday Haiti Meeting 7:30 PM TONITE

2006-08-06T13:09:00.000-04:00

Mildly interested? Really planning to go? Somewhere in between?

THere is a meeting tuesday nite at Omli's house to hear more.

contact info coming, or see website

Worship Preparation for when Christ Community Gathers

2006-08-04T14:26:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning there are NO CLASSES

We begin promptly at 10am with our worship service. Children age 5 through grade 2 will have opportunity for children's church during the 2nd half of the service. (Thank you to Will Harrell and Pierre Delinois for leading.)

We're asking you to begin preparing now (whenever you read this) for Sunday at 10am when we gather for worship...

Why prepare? The Puritans used to call it "stoking the fire". You know what I mean... before you go to Chicago you read up on the Sears tower and Wrigley Field et al. Same idea... you prepare before you get somewhere, so that when you arrive, you are more quickly oriented and can move from "getting your bearings" to experiencing your surroundings.

Ways to prepare:
1. Read one or all the hymns/songs we're singing
2. Read one or all the prayers we're praying

Please be seated in the theater prior to 10:00. The childcare workers are ready to receive your child at 9:50... so plan now for early arrival.

More to come on Communion and other ......

The Excellency of Christ

2006-08-03T10:13:00.000-04:00

Christ's holiness never so illustriously shone forth as it did in his last sufferings, and yet he never was to such a degree treated as guilty.

--J. Edwards in this sermon

Sunday we gather at 10:00am

Frank Matthews and I will put info here on Friday that will be important in prepping to worship. Please check back.

Worthy is the Lamb

2006-08-01T19:27:00.000-04:00

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the
elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of
thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to
receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and
blessing!” Rev. 5:11-12

read, think, digest

2006-08-01T11:36:00.000-04:00

our Communion Prayer this sunday...

Father, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living again, he declared your love, gave us grace,and opened the way to glory. May we who share Christ's body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so that we and all your children shall live in perfect freedom, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Last Women's Study

2006-08-01T09:15:00.000-04:00

Today at 10:45am... at home of Tara Gallagher... details at www.christcommunitychurch.com

look at the changes

2006-07-31T16:17:00.000-04:00

Lizette Crossan has done some great updating to the website.... use it this week
Christ Community Church - Gainesville Florida - Welcome

upcoming

2006-07-25T07:11:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, women's study 10:45am

Sunday, classes at 9am; worship 10am
4pm til 6pm BASH at Pendley's home (3838 SW 78th Street) drop by for 15 minutes or stay a couple o' hours

Friday August 18th, Fall Vision Night... 7pm... location TBA soon

Sunday when Christ Community gathers at Oak Hall

2006-07-22T08:26:00.000-04:00

9am classes
10am worship (children's church--for age 5 thru grade 2-- during the message

Come ye sinners, weak & wounded by sin...
Come, and receive...

Help Matthews' Unload Friday 5:45ish

2006-07-19T18:57:00.000-04:00

610 SW 127th Street, just off Parker Road

From church house:
--Go north towards Newberry Road
--turn LEFT onto W.University Ave
--when that road dead ends, turn left, they are several houses down on the RIGHT

Or, from Newberry Road, TURN LEFT onto SW 127th Street, travel south until their home... 610 SW 127th Street

Lost? contact 359-6597
Rand McNally - Get a Map

A Great Gift

2006-07-19T18:52:00.000-04:00

“Perhaps the great gift any father can bestow upon his children, apart from the covenant blessings of parish life and a comprehension of the doctrines of grace, is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives a knowledge of the world, and it offers experience of a wide kind. Indeed, it is nothing less than a moral illumination.” --Thomas Chalmers

The Tailenders July 25 PBS

2006-07-19T17:05:00.000-04:00

On July 25 PBS will air a documentary entitled The Tailenders, featuring the missionary organization Global Recordings:
P.O.V. - The Tailenders . Film Synopsis | PBS

great lectures online can be helpful

2006-07-19T16:30:00.000-04:00

Covenant Seminary - Ministry Resource Files: "Perfectionism
Part 5 in Schaeffer Lectures - Restoring a Glorious Ruin
Richard Winter
Download MP3 Audio
Perfectionism Discussion
Part 6 in Schaeffer Lectures - Restoring a Glorious Ruin
Richard Winter
Download MP3 Audio
Fall 2002 Francis A. Schaeffer Lectures
The Shaping of Homosexuality: Genetic, Psychological, and Sociological Factors
Part 5 in Schaeffer Lectures - Human Sexuality and Homosexuality
Richard Winter
Download MP3 Audio
Is Change Possible?: The Evidence Considered
Part 7 in Schaeffer Lectures - Human Sexuality and Homosexuality
Richard Winter
Download MP3 Audio
Friday Nights @ the Institute
Still Bored in a Culture of Entertainment
Rediscovering Passion and Wonder
Richard Winter
Download MP3 Audio
Spring 2004 Francis A. Schaeffer Lectures
The Daily Assault on Human Dignity: From Conception to Old Age
Part 4 in Schaeffer Lectures--Human Dignity: Who Gets a Seat at the Table?
Richard Winter
Download MP3 Audio

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Covenant Theological Seminary
12330 Conway Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63141
Phone: 314.434.4044 Fax: 314.434.4819

The Seminary of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)

Quick Links Home Page About Covenant Seminary From the President Our Distinctives Mission & Core Values Covenant Community Campus Maps Attending Covenant Sem"

I am not my own

2006-07-19T16:26:00.000-04:00

Westminster Theological Seminary: "Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?
A. That I am not my own,[1] but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death,[2] to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.[3] He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil.[5] He also preserves me in such a way[6] that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head;[7] indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.[8] Therefore, by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life[9] and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for Him.[10]

[1] I Cor. 6:19, 20 [2] Rom. 14:7-9. [3] I Cor. 3:23; Tit. 2:14. [4] I Pet. 1:18, 19; I John 1:7; 2:2. [5] John 8:34-36; Heb. 2:14, 15; I John 3:8. [6] John 6:39, 40; 10:27-30; II Thess. 3:3; I Pet. 1:5. [7] Matt. 10:29-31; Luke 21:16-18. [8] Rom. 8:28. [9] Rom. 8:15, 16; II Cor. 1:21, 22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13, 14. [10] Rom. 8:14."

First, experience God's love in Christ

2006-07-18T16:15:00.000-04:00

"You cannot destroy love for the world merely by showing its emptiness. Even if we could do so, that would lead only to despair. The first world–centered love of our hearts can be expelled only by a new love and affection—for God and from God. The love of the world and the love of the Father cannot dwell together in the same heart. But the love of the world can be driven out only by the love of the Father. " --sinclair ferguson

How would this change the way you come to the Lord's Supper? How you approach God in prayer? What you do when you blow it? Read whole article at this link:
Expelling Worldliness with a New Affection article:

Following Christ Maximizes Sensory Pleasure?

2006-07-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

Question: Christianity helps us to maximize sensory pleasure. How?

Answer by author: In "The Pleasantness of Religion" J. Edwards explains that seeking pleasure without any checks or balances can actually boomerang to pain. Who hasn't been to a smorgasbord, only to waddle out muttering, "Why did I eat so much?" Edwards shows us the proper pursuit of pleasure. The sting of conscience can eclipse pleasure, but Christians may pursue pleasure "peaceably" and not in "slavish fear." We can enjoy sensory pleasure because we realize that God has made this world for us to enjoy and to savor, or as Edwards would put it, to relish. Edwards often uses the illustration of honey. We should enjoy its sweetness just as we should enjoy all of God's gifts.

This interview is from WORLD magazine... with an author who wrote book about J.Edwards teaching on the Bible's teaching about living here on earth with a vision of the physicality and reality of the new heavens and new earth of eternity.

2006-07-18T11:05:00.000-04:00

"What is the Christian method? I end with a text. It is not, 'Set about imitating Christ, adopt His moral ethical teaching, and try to put it into practice'. It is not, 'Get away and become a monk or a hermit'. But just where you are in the midst of the world, with evil and sin rampant round and about you, and everybody and everything doing all they can to discourage you and to drag you down, just as and where you are, 'Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand the wiles of the devil.' It is not retreat, it is not escape, it is not attempting something that is impossible. No, it is this supernatural, miraculous Gospel that enables us to be 'more than conquerors' over everything that is set against us."
--D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Jesus, Wine, and Life--Women's Study Tuesday

2006-07-17T12:14:00.000-04:00

Jesus, The Lord of the Wine is the title of a talk on John 2 that the women will be hearing and discussing.

10:45 at the home of Tara Gallagher, in Kenwood Subdivision off Tower Road (aka SW 75th Street)

Questions: 379-4949

Sunday with Christ Community

2006-07-14T13:54:00.000-04:00

Sunday's Scheduled Events
9am classes for all ages
10am worship service, preaching from Acts 25
(no children's church)

4:30 Youth Leadership Team Meeting
7pm Youth Meeting at the Pendley's home