Somewhere in the Middle

Biblical Fatherhood as the Key to a Thriving Family

2012-01-25T08:46:00.000-06:00

On Sale Today Only For $6!!!!!!!!!

What this country needs is a few good men - husbands and fathers who are willing to love and lead their households with many resolve and godly vision. Frankly, the Church needs these men every bit as much as the rest of the country. We are experiencing a national crisis of manhood of epidemic proportions. Absent of revival of fatherhood, we can expect to see an ever-increasing rise in the number of effeminate boys and masculine women, as well as the breakdown of the Christian family as it is defined in Holy Scripture. What we desperately need today are men who will be family men and family leaders. But how?

Family Man, Family Leader first presents the vision of biblical household leadership. Next, it addresses the many practical issues necessary for achieving victory as a man, from learning and acting upon God's priorities, to decision-making as a father, to growing in oneness with your wife, to personal accountability before the Lord and victory over secret sins. Whether you are a veteran visionary father, or a dad just beginning the journey of patriarchy, we hope you find the Family Man, Family Leader to be a source of inspiration and practical help.

Click picture to purchase.

On Sale Today Only For $6!!!!!!!!!

Vision Forum's Deal of the Day!

2012-01-11T10:15:00.000-06:00

10 Truths about America’s Christian Heritage delivers reliable, convincing information about America's Christian heritage and the great legacy established by our nations's Founding Fathers. Discover the influence of Christianity on the American Revolution, the Bible's role in shaping America and the world's unique perspective on our nation's Christian past. These easy-to-read truths will equip you to defend the spiritual heritage of our nation and to demonstrate why it is essential for modern Americas to recapture the faith and philosophy of the Founding Fathers.

Regular price: $15.00
Sale price: $6.00

TODAY ONLY

More Like Jesus Would I Be

2012-01-06T08:25:00.001-06:00

More like Jesus would I be, let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love--make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus, while I go, pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be; let my Savior dwell in me.

If He hears the raven's cry, if His ever watchful eye
Marks the sparrow when they fall, surely He will hear my call:
He will teach me how to live, all my sinful thoughts forgive;
Pure in heart I still would be--let my Savior dwell in me.

More like Jesus when I pray, more like Jesus day by day,
May I rest me by His side, where the tranquil waters glide.
Born of Him through grace renewed, by His love my will subdued,
Rich in faith I still would be--let my Savior dwell in me.

Vision Forum's Deal of the Day!

2012-01-04T10:20:00.000-06:00

Regularly $48
On sale today only for $24!!!
Limited stock

You don't need to be an artist or even hire one to adorn the walls of your home with inspiration from the Word of God. Our lovely matte vinyl lettering is pre-spaced and looks hand painted when applied to interior wall spaces, including textured walls. choose from the four designs created exclusively for Vision Forum by Fruitful Vine Creations. Comes with simple instructions and applicator tool.

The lettering for Psalm 128:3 is dark read. The color of the actual product has been represented as closely as possible, but may vary slightly from the online preview (due to monitor color calibration).

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Homemade Laundry Detergent

2011-12-31T11:23:00.001-06:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 bar of Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap
Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
Borax
A Clean Bucket

DIRECTIONS:
1/3 bar of Fels Naptha, grated
Put in pot with 6 cups water
Heat on low until soap melts
Do not boil!!!
Add 1/2 cup Borax & 1/2 cup Washing Soda
Stir until mixture is as thick as honey
Remove from heat
Add 4 cups hot tap water to bucket. Add soap mixture to bucket & stir
Add 1 gallon hot tap water plus 6 cups & stir
Let sit overnight
Blend and pour into containers

I doubled the recipe and ended up with a little over 4 gallons of detergent. My store bought detergent was 1.25 gallons for $7. I spent about $10 on the ingredients to make this and still have PLENTY left to make more!!!

Some of My Favorite Christmas Songs

2011-12-23T00:33:00.001-06:00

Casting Crowns has a great Christmas cd. Here are a few of my favorites from it.

I also love John Berry's version of O, Holy night.

And Light Has Come by the Barlow Girls

My Favorite Christmas CD

2011-12-23T00:33:00.000-06:00

My very favorite Christmas cd is Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest. I bought it Christmas 2010 and have listened to it at least once a month since. I just love it!

Born That We May Have Life

Light Of The World

Joy To The Wold (Unspeakable Joy)

My Soul Magnifies The Lord

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)

Angels We Have Heard on High

O, Come All Ye Faithful

This is not Chris Tomlin, but it is on the same cd.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, by Christy Nockels

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T23:09:00.000-06:00

And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

Luke 2:11-14

Wishing you a very blessed Christmas,
Missylou

Christmas Grace

2011-12-09T09:37:00.001-06:00

"There are times, while seeking to follow God faithfully, we find ourselves in a desperate moment, forced to a place we would not choose to go. It's then we must remember; we're not our own. Our lives and circumstances are not ultimately about us. They are about Jesus Christ. The Father has purposes for us and our hardships that extend far beyond us. And often what appears like a misfortune or a lack of provision in the moment later proves to be a means of great mercy.

So maybe what we need most this Christmas is not less turmoil, but more trust. For God chooses stables of desperation as the birthplaces of his overwhelming grace."

John Piper
The Joseph Trilogy, Part 2
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-joseph-trilogy-part-2?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DGBlog+%28DG+Blog%29

Worry, Anxiety, and the Kingdom of Christ

2011-12-07T14:10:00.000-06:00

I was a teenage Satanist. No, I’ve never stood in a pentagram of blood and I’ve never joined a coven. The signs of my Satanism are yellow highlights in an old King James Bible my grandmother gave me when I was twelve. I looked through that Bible not long ago, and I could almost immediately identify by every highlighted text what was going on in my life at the time.

The highlight over “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13) was there because I worried that I’d never pass geometry. I passed, barely, but, despite the presence of Christ, I still can’t tell you the difference between a trapezoid and a polygon. Plus, I misunderstood that verse, which speaks of contentment in all circumstances (including a Mississippi public school math classroom) rather than a “you can do it” encouragement.

When I see the highlight over the verse “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do” (Jn. 14:13), I know that then I was praying for God to cause that girl in my homeroom class to pay attention to me. I would ask for this and then I would repeat the clause “in Jesus’ name…in Jesus’ name…in Jesus’ name” as though this would bind God to his promise. He didn’t grant me this, and, man, am I glad.

The highlight over 1 Samuel 16:7 (”Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature…for the Lord seeth not as man seeth, but the Lord looketh on the heart”) was because I was then, and am now, a little cricket of a man, and I was hoping to grow tall enough if not to be considered for the basketball team then at least to be taller than that girl in homeroom. That didn’t happen either.

Click here to read the rest of Dr. Moore's article.

12 Reasons for Christmas

2011-12-07T13:37:00.000-06:00

1. "For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth." John 18:37

2. "The reason the Son of God was to destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8, Hebrews 2:14-15

3. "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:17

4. "The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

5. "The Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

6. "God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." Galatians 4:5

Click here to read the remaining six reasons for Christmas.

31 Reasons Why Believers Should Give Thanks (5-9)

2011-11-17T08:11:00.001-06:00

5. Because His name is good.

With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.Psalm 54:6

6. Because thanksgiving magnifies God.

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.Psalm 69:30

7. Because God is near to us.

We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.Psalm 75:1

8. Because God will ultimately deliver His people from their enemies.

But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to your forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. Psalm 79:13

9. Because it is a good thing to do.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High.Psalm 92:1

Quick & Easy Shrimp Boil Soup

2011-11-16T09:31:00.001-06:00

1 stick of butter

1/4 cup chopped onions

1/4 cup chopped bell pepper

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

2 cans cream of potato soup

2 cans whole kernel corn

2 cans evaporated milk

1 cup half and half

2 pounds boiled shrimp

2 cans of crab meat

1 to 2 caps of liquid crab boil

Melt butter, add veggies and saute'.

Add soups, blend.

Add milks and corn, blend.

Add shrimp and crab meat, cook about 5 minutes.

Add crab boil.

Cover and cook 5 minutes.

Save An Extra 20% Through November 19!!!

2011-11-15T22:46:00.001-06:00

31 Reasons Why Believers Should Give Thanks

2011-11-15T22:36:00.001-06:00

3. Because the Lord helps us.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped, my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 28:7

4. Because thanksgiving glorifies God.

"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; the one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"
Psalm 50:23

31 Reasons Why Believers Should Give Thanks

2011-11-15T22:30:00.001-06:00

1. Because God is good.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
1 Chronicles 16:34

2. Because it is a correct response to God's righteousness.

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
Psalm 7:17

The Most Important Revolution of the Twentieth Century

2011-11-09T11:40:00.000-06:00

"The most important revolution of the twentieth century has been the sexual revolution... Contraception replaced conception. Pleasure was separated from responsibility. It was as if a license was given out, legitimizing the bending of every part of our lives around serving ourselves. Since that time, divorce, remarriage, abortion, premarital sex, and extramarital sex, as well as homosexuality have been accepted by increasing percentages of the public. Pornography is huge business. This is not just a problem with society out there. Many churches have found their members plagued by failed marriages and illicit affairs, by so-called private sins that turn into public disgraces, some of which are known, some of which are not yet known." Mark Dever

Be appalled, O heavens, at this: be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hered out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:12-13

Ten Ways To Love

2011-10-24T11:12:00.000-05:00

1. Listen without interrupting.
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Proverbs 18

2. Speak without accusing.
Know this , my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger...
James 1:19

3. Give without sparing.
All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
Proverbs 21:26

4. Pray without ceasing.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding...
Colossians 1:9

5. Answer without arguing.
Better s a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.
Proverbs 17:1

6. Share without pretending.
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the heard, into Christ...
Ephesians 4:15

7. Enjoy without complaint.
Do all things without grumpling or questioning
Philippians 2:14

8. Trust without wavering.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Corinthians 13:7

9. Forgive without punishing.
...bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Colossians 3:13

10. Promise without forgetting.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12

Purses and Shoes!

2011-10-17T09:49:00.001-05:00

$60.00 purses on clearance for $5.00!

Yes, I bought all they had, which was 6.

Add a cute monogram and they'll make

great Christmas or birthday gifts.

$60.00 shoes on clearance for $10!

And sooooo cute!

I just need to find something to

wear with them.

Another $60.00 pair on clearance for $10.00

Wore them yesterday to church. Super

comfy, felt like I had nothing on :)

So, what would have cost me $480.00

only cost me $50!!!! My kind of deal :)

I LOVE BELK!

The Essence of Sin

2011-10-13T22:14:00.001-05:00

"The essence of sin: Man substitutes himself for God. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be.

The essence of salvation: God substitutes Himself for man. God sacrifices Himself for man and puts Himself where only man deserves to be."

David Platt

Are You A Bell Sheep?

2011-10-11T11:45:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago I started reading Elizabeth George's book, Raising a Daughter After God's Own Heart. In the very first chapter she refers to mothers as being the bell sheep for their daughters. I confess, I had never heard of a bell sheep until that moment. Maybe some of you haven't either. Let me explain. When a shepherd noticed a sheep who willingly followed him and stayed near him, he hung a bell around the neck of that sheep so the flock would follow the bell sheep...who, in turn, was following the shepherd. Of course, we are the sheep and Christ is the Shepherd. Now that we know what a bell sheep is let's explore three questions. Are you a bell sheep, how to be a bell sheep and why should we be a bell sheep.

Are you a bell sheep?
I can't answer that question for you. Examine yourself, your actions, your motives, and your heart. Are you loving the things of this world (1 John 2:15) when you should be loving the things of God (Deut. 6:5)? Are we teaching our daughters, by example and by words?

How to be a bell sheep?
Instructing her in God's ways
Have daily Bible time with her
Encouraging her to have a quiet time
Pray for her
ABOVE ALL: Live a life that brings honor and glory to God

Why should we be a bell sheep?
The answer is to point our daughters to Christ. Is it not our desire for our daughters to grow into godly women. Women who will love the Lord with all their hearts, minds, and souls. (Matt.22:37) Women who will be godly wives and mothers. Women who's lives will glorify God and be a testimony to lost world.
Ladies, let's be that bell sheep, let's lead our daughters to Jesus and teach them His ways for the furtherance of God's kingdom.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Deuteronomy 6:5

And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Matthew 22:37

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

What A New Study Says About Christian Education

2011-10-10T09:07:00.001-05:00

A recent study out of Cardus, a Christian think-tank based in Ontario, has exciting results for the hard work, financial sacrifice, and conviction displayed by homeschooling and Christian school parents whose paychecks have gone to curriculum and tuition payments while they vacation in state parks and drive used cars with six-digit mileage. Here’s the good news: the popular stereotypes of those receiving a Christian education (you know: socially fragmented, anti-intellectual, and militantly right-winged) bear no statistical weight in reality.

Even better, this comprehensive study reveals this about students graduating from the home school or Christian school setting:

Click here to read the rest of the article.

The Slow Disappearance of the American Working Man

2011-09-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

"While unemployment is an ordeal for anyone, it still appears to be more traumatic for men. Men without jobs are more likely to commit crimes and go to prison. They are less likely to wed, more likely to divorce, and more likely to father a child out of wedlock. Ironically, unemployed men tend to do even less housework than men with jobs and often retreat from family life, says W. Bradford Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia." To read the entire article, follow the link below.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-slow-disappearance-of-the-american-working-man-08242011_page_2.html

For further insight on this matter, I highly recommend Dr. Albert Mohler's podcast. Dr. Mohler serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/09/01/the-briefing-09-01-11/

Are Your Christmas Lights Plugged In?

2011-09-06T06:47:00.000-05:00

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 5:19-26.

In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul list these "gracious habits" - "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." All 9 fruit stand together and make up our walk with God. They are like a string of Christmas lights - there is one string with many lights that all light up at once when plugged into the electrical socket. But if one bulb goes out, then the entire string goes out. That's how God's fruit is borne out in our lives. Not one of them can be missing, and all must be evident - lit up - to be God's fruit. As you recall your actions today, were any of these spiritual habits missing? What must you do to get "plugged into God," the power source again?

Elizabeth George,
A Young Woman's Walk With God:
Growing More Like Jesus

What is God's Plan For Me as a Wife? (Part 3)

2011-09-03T08:55:00.002-05:00

For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
Ephesians 5:23

Have I ever agreed with God that my husband is my spiritual head?

Do I allow my husband to lead me, or do I resist his leadership, making it difficult for him to fulfill his God-given responsibility?

However, let each one of you live his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Ephesians 5:33

Does my husband feel that I reverence and respect him?

Do others know that I reverence my husband?

By my words, example, and counsel, do I encourage other women to reverence their husbands?

The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. for the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4

Do I reserve intimate communication, looks, words, and touch for my husband?

Am I giving of myself to meet my husband's sexual needs?

If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.
1 Corinthians 14:35

Do I motivate my husband to grow spiritually by seeking his counsel, input, and direction, or am I quick to run to my pastor or another counselor for answers to my questions and problems?

Does my husband feel that I value and respect his input and counsel

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,
Nancy Leigh DeMoss

What is God's Plan For Me as a Wife? (Part 2)

2011-08-31T09:56:00.000-05:00

So when the woman say that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Genesis 3:6

Is my life setting a godly example to my husband, children, and friends?

By my words or example, do I ever encourage others to act in a way that is contrary to the Word of God?

Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Ephesians 5:24

Do I respond to my husband's leadership in the same way that the church is to respond to Christ as its head?

Am I submissive to my husband in my actions, as well as in my attitude?

Does my response to my husband demonstrate to the world the beauty and blessings of submissions to Christ?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood
Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Why Was I Created As A Woman, Part 3

2011-08-30T11:30:00.000-05:00

For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. I Corinthians 11:7

In the way I talk to and about men, do I show their God-created worth and value?

Am I a responder (rather than an initiator) in my relationship with men?

Do I make it easy for men to fulfill their God-given calling to lead in the home, the church, and society?

Do I respond to men in ways that communicate appropriate respect and affirmation of their manhood?

Do I seek to protect and preserve God-created distinctions between men and woman in the way I conduct myself, in my dress, and in my various roles as a woman?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

What is God's Plan For Me as a Wife?

2011-08-30T11:28:00.001-05:00

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Pr. 31:11

Can my husband trust me to walk with God on a consistent basis and to respond to life's circumstances with praise, gratitude, and faith?

Can my husband trust me to be loyal and morally faithful to him?

Am I completely trustworthy in every area of my life--in my relationships with other men? in my spending habits? in the way I talk about my husband to others?

She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
Pr. 31:12

Am I committed to support my husband in every way possible and to always act in his best interests?

Does my husband know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am committed to him for life, no matter what?

Am I committed unconditionally to bless and serve my husband?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood
Nancy Leigh DeMoss

How Does a Woman of God Conduct Herself?

2011-08-29T12:26:00.001-05:00

And now, may daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.
Ruth 3:11

Do I have a reputation for being a woman of moral virtue and godly character?

Do I keep myself pure from all influences that could defile my heart, thoughts, or actions?

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26

Do I bless my family, friends, and acquaintances by speaking words that are kind and wise?

Do I study and meditate on the Word of God so that I can know how to speak wise words?

Am I able to point people to specific Scriptures that apply to their lives and need?

With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
Proverbs 25:15

Am I willing to wait quietly for God to change the heart of an authority that I feel is wrong, rather than pushing, manipulating, or nagging?

Do I seek to influence others by means of gentle words, rather that controlling or intimidating them with harsh words?

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.
1 Timothy 2:11

Do I have a teachable spirit?

Do I receive instruction with a meek, obedient spirit?

It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
Proverbs 21:19

Does my spirit make it easy for those I live or work with to be around me?

Do I frustrate others or make them want to stay away from me because of an argumentative or angry spirit?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,
Nancy Leigh DeMoss

How to Walk with God

2011-08-26T06:37:00.000-05:00

To walk with God is to walk in the light of God’s countenance; to live as people who remember that all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we walk, that the darkness is no darkness with Him, and remembering this, to aim at never thinking or saying or doing anything we should be ashamed of in the presence of the great Searcher of hearts. To walk with God is to walk after the Spirit–to look to the Holy Spirit as our Teacher, to lean on Him for strength, to put no confidence in the flesh, to set our affections on things above, to wean them from things on earth, and to be spiritually-minded.

~ J.C. Ryle

Can We Really Trust Our Feelings?

2011-08-17T11:03:00.009-05:00

My feelings are not God. God is God. My feelings do not define truth. God's word defines truth. My feelings are echoes and responses to what my mind perceives. And sometimes - many times - my feelings are out of sync with the truth. When that happens - and it happens every day in some measure - I try not to bend the truth to justify my imperfect feelings, but rather, I plead with God: Purify my perceptions of your truth and transform my feelings so that they are in sync with the truth.

John Piper (Finally Alive)

Five Reasons to Memorize Scripture

2011-08-16T08:18:00.003-05:00

Earlier this year at Passion in Fort Worth, TX, Pastor John spoke to a group of young leaders about the value of Scripture memorization. He gives five reasons why it matters:

Conformity to Christ
Comfort for yourself and others
Conflict with sin
Communicating the gospel
Communion with God

Stream or download the message.

Godly Character

2011-08-10T10:21:00.000-05:00

Godly character should always be the focus for every Christian and even more so for the Christian family.

Character is what a man is in the dark.

--D.L. Moody

A man should be like tea;
his real strength appearing when he gets in hot water.

--Unknown

If I take care of my character,
my reputation will take care of me.

--D.L. Moody

He is rich or poor according to what he is,
not according to what he has.

--Henry Ward Beecher

We choose what attitudes we have right now.
And it's a continuing choice.

--John C. Maxwell

Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother
in the molding of character in her children.

--Billy Graham

Character is always lost when a high ideal
is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.

--Charles Spurgeon

A good character is the best tombstone.
Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered.
Carve your name on hearts... not on marble.

--Charles Spurgeon

Here are some characteristics of a godly woman--check off the ones that describe you:

Gracious

Virtuous

Sober

Chaste

Prudent

Discreet

Peaceable

Patient

Kind

Faithful

Joyful

Good

Merciful

Pleasant

Ready

Honorable

Benevolent

Keeper at Home

In Subjection

Quiet Spirit

Modest

Obedient

Loves husband and children

Teaching the younger women

Now before you get discouraged, understand this--

I know that we fail in different areas on this list from day to day (a very real reason for our need for Christ) but we should NOT look at this list as a reminder of our failures but instead with HOPE, OPTIMISM and ANTICIPATION of what we have to look forward to. He will help us to become these things. We cannot do all of this in our own strength. It is only because of Him that this can take place and we must remember that God has not finished his work in us yet!

Be encouraged ladies, as you look and pray over these characteristics. Be sure to thank Him for the work He is about to do in your life as He helps you daily to become more like the godly woman described above.

Theology Thursday

2011-06-02T11:29:00.001-05:00

SADOTHEISM

‘[say''-doe-thee''-iz-um]

The theistic belief that God, if he exists, is a sadist who enjoys to inflict pain and suffering on those who do not have the power to fight back. This is normally associated with the problem of evil in which the assertion is made that if God was all-good and all-powerful, he would eradicate evil from the world. Since evil is not eradicated, the sadotheist denies his goodness replacing it with a sadistic attribute.

EGALITARIANISM

[ih-gal''-ih-tayr''-ee-uh-niz''-um] (French egal, “equal”)

Theological position held by many Christians (contra complementarianism) believing the Bible does not teach that women are in any sense, functionally or ontologically, subservient to men. Women and men hold positions in society, ministry, and the family according to their gifts, not their gender. The principle of mutual submission teaches that husbands and wives are to submit to each other equally. Prominent egalitarians include Doug Groothuis, Ruth Tucker, William Webb, Gorden Fee, and Linda Belleville.

MESSIANIC SECRET

The “Messianic Secret” is a phrase that seeks to explain a common theme among the Gospel writers (especially Mark), where Christ seems to desire his identity to remain hidden. For example, in Mark 8:27-30 after Peter confesses that Christ is the Messiah, Christ “sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.” Explanations for this vary, but most conservative scholars believe that Christ was not hiding his identity per se, but simply revealing himself selectively and progressively to those who would be his followers and would carry his message once his identity had been vindicated by the resurrection.

SEEKER-SENSITIVE CHURCHES

This refers to the method of conducting a Sunday morning church service where all the events surrounding the service are tailored with the unchurched in mind. The goal of this model is to attempt to make the “seeker” feel comfortable by making the service understandable and enjoyable. In this sense, the church is attempting to build a bridge with the unbeliever with the ultimate goal that they will hear the Gospel and be saved. The preaching model in the seeker churches follows suit. Every sermon is simply another way to present the Gospel. Deeper learning, fellowship, and discipleship are encouraged but are not normally part of the Sunday service. They are commonly found in mid-week small groups and studies. Opponents of the seeker model will argue that the Sunday service is not meant to be for the unbelievers, but for believers. There is a wide range within the spectrum of how seeker-sensitive a church might be. One end might be thought of as “seeker-friendly” and the other “seeker-driven.” Rick Warren and Bill Hybels are often thought of as the modern day “fathers” of this model. It is primarily found in evangelical churches.

REASONED ECLECTICISM

A method of textual criticism (reconstructing the original text of Scripture) which believes that the most accurate reading of the Scripture comes from an approach that takes into account all the evidence. It deals with each variant (differences in the manuscripts) by examining them on a case-by-case basis, believing that the variant that best accounts for all the others represents the best or the preferred reading. This method is to be distinguished from those which one look to one text-type as the standard. Also known as genuine or moderate eclecticism.

ANABAPTISTS

(Greek ana, “again” + Greek baptizo, “baptize”)

The Anabaptists were a sect of Christians in the “Radical Reformation” of the sixteenth century that sought to bring further reform the church beyond that of Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and the other mainline reformers. In doing so they rejected all tradition as man-made, rejected any relationship between the government and the church, and instructed those who had been baptized as infants to be baptized again as believers. Because of their increasingly radical views, the Anabaptists were persecuted by both Protestants and Roman Catholics. Descendants of the Anabaptists include Amish, Hutterites, Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Brethren in Christ.

TRADUCIANISM

[truh-doo''-shuh-niz''-um] (Latin tradux, “a shoot” or “a sprout”)

The theological position in anthropology which argues that God creates the soul indirectly through the parents as he does the body. Trudicianists believe that there is a distinction between the material (body) and immaterial (soul/spirit), but they do not believe that they are created through two separate acts of creation. They believe that the immaterial is created in and with the material. Therefore, for the traducianist, there is never a time when the body is without a soul. Traducianists argue against “anthropological creationism”which asserts that God creates the immaterial (soul/spirit) directly and then places it in the material body at or sometime after conception. Traducianists believe that God ceased from ex nihilo (“out of nothing”) creation on the sixth day and since then all creation is done indirectly. Traducianists also argue that a belief in “anthropological creationism” evidences gnostic or dualistic leanings, implying that the body is a lesser entity than the soul.

Credit: www.reclaimingthemind.com

What Makes A Beautiful Woman, Part 5

2011-05-23T22:04:00.000-05:00

...likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire...1 Timothy 2:9

Do I avoid extreme or excessive fashions (hair, clothing, jewelry, make-up) that could call attention to myself or cause people to be distracted from focusing on the Lord?

Do I avoid extravagant jewelry or clothing that could flaunt my wealth or cause others to be envious?

Do my wardrobe and outward appearance portray a spirit of moderation, sobriety, purity , and reverence?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,
Nancy Leigh DeMoss

What Makes A Beautiful Woman, Part 4

2011-05-23T08:32:00.000-05:00

...likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire...1 Timothy 2:9

Do I dress modestly?

Do my clothing styles encourage men to think pure thoughts, rather than stimulating them to have sensual thoughts or desires?

Do I dress in such a way as to draw attention to the herat and spirit of Jesus within me, rather than to my physical body?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Theology Thursday

2011-05-19T07:53:00.000-05:00

NATURAL EVIL

Any evil that comes about that cannot be attributed to a personal agent such as man or God. Natural evils included weather disasters, cancer, and starvation. They stand in direct contrast to “moral evils” which are attributed to the volition of man. Sometimes natural evils are known as “surd evils.” Surd is the Latin translation of the Greek alogos meaning “without reason” since they do not seem to have any apparent mitigating good.

MORAL EVIL

Any evil that happens which can be attributed to the volition of a personal agent, whether God, angels, or man. Moral evils are those which have an intent or reason, often without benevolence, but sometimes with a benevolent “greater good” in mind. Murder and killing in a just war are both moral evils, but not to the same degree. Moral evils stand in contrast to natural evils which are those events, such as weather disasters, that come about without a personal agency and without any apparent reason.

MORAL LAW

A term used to distinguish between the types of representative laws in biblical and systematic theology as well as philosophy. In biblical theology, the moral law represents the laws of the Mosaic Law that transcend both cultural and temporal barriers such as murder, adultery, lying, and stealing. This is to be distinguished from both the civil and ceremonial laws which are relative to the theocratic government of Israel and dissolved when the theocracy ended. In systematic theology, the moral law applies broadly to the entire moral code of ethics which is inherently represented in all of humanity. These include but are not limited to the moral laws of the Old Testament. In philosophy, the moral law is associated with the “Categorical Imperative” of Immanuel Kant.

RATIONALISM

[rash‘-uh-nuh-liz’-um] (Latin rationalis, “reason”)

The theory of epistemology (the study of knowledge) which limits knowledge to that which is intuitively known without regard to experience (contra empiricism). Rene Descartes is often referred to as the father of rationalism, believing that all knowledge must be justified by innate intellectual deduction. John Locke and David Hume challenged the rationalistic assumption.

OPEN THEISM

Open Theism, also referred to as “free will theism” and “openness theology,” is the belief that God does not exercise meticulous control of the universe but leaves it “open” for humans to make significant free will choices that impact their relationships with God and others. A corollary of this is that God has not predetermined the future. Open Theists further believe that this would imply that God does not know the future exhaustively.Among proponents of this view are Gregory Boyd, John Sanders, and Clark Pinnock.

Credit: www.relaimingthemind.com

What Makes A Beautiful Woman, Part 3

2011-05-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Am I more concerned about cultivating my relationship with the Lord than about being fashionable, stylish, or physically attractive?

Do I live in the constant, conscious recognition of the presence of God?

Do I desire to please God more than I desire the approval of others?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,
Nancy Leigh DeMoss

What Makes A Beautiful Woman, Part 2

2011-05-18T06:39:00.000-05:00

For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves...1 Peter 3:5

Am I more concerned about being holy than about being happy?

Am I placing my hope and trust in God rather than in people?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Hold Me Jesus

2011-05-18T06:38:00.003-05:00

Well, sometimes my life

Just don't make sense at all

When the mountains look so big

And my faith just seems so small

CHORUS:

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf

You have been King of my glory

Won't You be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark

It's so hot inside my soul

I swear there must be blisters on my heart

CHORUS

Surrender don't come natural to me

I'd rather fight You for something

I don't really want

Than to take what You give that I need

And I've beat my head against so many walls

Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band

Is playing this hymn

And Your grace rings out so deep

It makes my resistance seem so thin

CHORUS

You have been King of my glory

Won't You be my Prince of Peace

What Makes A Beautiful Woman, Part 1

2011-05-17T18:36:00.000-05:00

Do not let your adorning be external--the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear--but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 1Peter 3:3-4

Do others see in me an inner radiance and beauty that are the result of a grateful, yielded, trusting spirit?

Do I focus more time and effort on cultivating inner spiritual beauty than I do on matters of external beauty?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Why Was I Created As A Woman, Part 4

2011-05-16T11:07:00.001-05:00

The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Genesis 3:20

Do I recognize and accept my God-created calling to be a bearer andnurturer of life?

Do I consider it a high and holy calling to be a "mother," whether of physical or spiritual chilren?

Am I actively involved in bearing and nurturing life?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,
Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,
Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Frugal Friday: Brita Water Pitcher

2011-05-06T08:16:00.000-05:00

Several months ago I started buying bottled water at Sam's. It was really cheap, at $4 for 35 bottles. Then it starting getting hot outside and my family was drinking more and more water; nearly a case a week. That meant spending $16 of my monthly budget on water!!! I just didn't want to do that. About a month ago I went to a bridal shower and the sweet bride got a Brita water pitcher. It got me to thinking and researching. I discovered that the price of a case of water from Sam's was the same as a Brita filter from Sam's. So for the same $4 I was spending on 35 bottles of water, I could filter 40 GALLONS with a Brita pitcher. That was a no brainer! I bought a pitcher from Bed, Bath & Beyond and a pack of filters from Sam's immediately!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=12828969

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=132048&navAction=

Why Was I Created As A Woman, Part 2

2011-05-05T13:24:00.001-05:00

"For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. I Corinthians 11:8-9

Do I recognize and accept that God created the woman to complete, complement, and help the man?

Is my life helping and blessing the men around me in ways that promote holiness and godliness?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,
Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Why Was I Created As A Woman, Part 1

2011-05-05T13:11:00.001-05:00

"Then the LORD God said, "it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Genesis 2:18

Have I embraced my God-created design to be a helper to the man?

Am I willing to sacrifice my own ambitions and aspirations in order to fulfill my primary role and aspirations in order to fulfill my primary role and calling as a helper to my husband?

Am I providing companionship for my husband?

Am I completing and complementing my husband, rather than competing with him?

How could I better help my husband fulfill God's purpose for his life?

Am I promoting healthy, godly marriages in the ways I relate and respond to other women's husbands?

Am I maintaining the kinds of boundaries in my relationships with men that promote biblical standards of purity?

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood,

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Theology Thursday

2011-05-05T09:53:00.000-05:00

SCHOLASTICISM

(Greek scholastikos, “schooled” or “educated”)

Scholasticism was a school of thought which sought to reconcile the established Christian belief within a body of reason or rational thought, especially that of Greek philosophy. The “scholastic period” primarily refers to the period during the late middle ages (eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries) in the West when Christianity was experiencing a renaissance of learning and education and was being challenged by the rational thought of Islam. Early Christian scholastics include Anselm, Peter Abelard, Albertus Magnus, Duns Scotus, William of Ockham, and Thomas Aquinas. The term can also refer to any system of thought which seeks a reconciliation of their beliefs with rationality and philosophical inquiry (i.e., Protestant scholaticism).

CHRISTMAS

The annual holiday observed by most Christians on December 25 celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. He was likely born somewhere between 7 and 2 BC. Though December 25 is probably not the actual date when Christ was born, it was designated as such in the 4th century in order to substitute for pagan celebrations of the winter solstice. The designation “Christmas” comes from a combination of “Christ” with “Mass.” Often the Greek X (Chi) is substituted for “Christ” making “Xmas” (as was the custom in the early church when abbreviating Christ’s name). Although there is no command in Scripture to celebrate Messiah’s birth, Christians believe the Incarnation is the foundation to salvation and, according to many, the greatest miracle in the history of mankind.

AGNOSTICISM

[ag-noss''-tih-siz''-um] (Greek a-, “no” + Greek gnosis “knowledge”)

Properly speaking, agnosticism is the theological suspension of belief in God or a creator. An agnostic can be “hard” or “soft.” The “hard” agnostic does not believe that anyone can know whether or not there is a God. A “soft” agnostic is one who has not personally made a decision about God’s existence but does not believe that others cannot come to solid conclusions about the matter. The term agnostic can be used more generally in other contexts in which people do not take a definite stand. For example, a person can be agnostic with regard to their belief in the age of the earth, which simply means that they personally don’t know how old the earth is.

HAMARTIOLOGY

[huh-mar''-tee-awl''-uh-gee] (Greek hamartia, “sin”)

The study of the doctrine of sin. Hamartiology includes an investigation into the origin and effects of sin on all creation. Included in this study is the doctrine of imputed sin, inherited sin, and personal sin. Imputed sin refers to the belief that all mankind is held guilty for the sin of Adam. Inherited sin speaks to the transfer of the sin nature from generation to generation. Personal sins are the individual acts of sin that each person engages in.

Credit: www.reclaimingthemind.org

Diligently Lead Your Children to God

2011-05-04T02:55:00.000-05:00

We must labor to do good to our children even from their earliest years. If Satan begins so early to do them harm, we must not be behind him in diligence to lead them to God. How soon in life a child becomes responsible and accountable, is a difficult question to solve. Perhaps far sooner than many of us suppose. One thing, at all events, is very clear-it is never too soon to strive and pray for the salvation of the souls of children-never too soon to speak to them as moral beings, and tell them of God, Christ, right and wrong. The devil, we may be quite sure, loses no time in endeavoring to influence the minds of young people. He begins with them even from childhood. Let us work hard to counteract him.

J.C. Ryle

Amazing Love

2011-05-04T00:32:00.000-05:00

Remember to turn off the player at the bottom of the page.

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,

I’m accepted, You were condemned.

I am alive and well, Your spirit is within me,

Because You died and rose again.

(Repeat x2)

(Chorus)

Amazing love,

How can it be

That You, my King, should die for me?

Amazing love,

I know it’s true.

It’s my joy to honor You,

In all I do, I honor You.

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,

I’m accepted, You were condemned.

I am alive and well, Your spirit is within me,

Because You died and rose again.

(Repeat chorus x2)

You are my King

Jesus You are my King

(Repeat x4)

(Repeat chorus x2)

You are my King

(Repeat x8)

Are You Ready For A Relationship

2011-05-03T14:46:00.000-05:00

"God has called us to commit our lives to our spouses. That's what marriage is. If it's great, praise the Lord! If if goes down in the dumps, we can't go anywhere. Our spouses aren't always going to be the person we thought they were. They have weaknesses we didn't even know they had and in areas we would prefer them not to. God did that! Why? Because marriage is about our being conformed to the image of Christ and when we sum up conformity to Christ, it's the learning of unconditional love. Here's the question, how can we learn unconditional love if we're married to someone who meets all our conditions? How can we learn to practice grace if we're married to someone who does everything right? We have to ask oursleves these questions over and over again. What am I about? Am I about this life, this world? Am I about God or am I about me? Am I about being conformed to the image of Christ? Do I want what God wants?" Paul Washer

Cheese Fries! YUM!!!

2011-05-02T22:56:00.000-05:00

Frozen Fries

Cheese

Bacon

Parsley

Chives

Salt

Pepper

Bake fries according to the package. Add cheese and bacon; bake until melted. Sprinkle with chives, parsley, salt and pepper.

Great Quotes From TGC11

2011-04-25T05:44:00.000-05:00

James MacDonald
"The surest antidote for the fear of man...is maximizing concern for what God thinks about you."

"Jesus isn't just the one in whom I trust, but He exemplifies how to trust."

Matt Chandler
"Everybody loves Pauline theology, but nobody wants Pauline pain."

"Remembering rightly will redeem your rejoicing."

Glorious Day - Happy Resurrection Day

2011-04-24T19:11:00.000-05:00

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE PLAYER BELOW.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Joh 1:1

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Joh 1:14

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isa 40:5

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isa 7:14

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph 5:2

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1Jn 4:9

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Eph 1:7

But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah Psa 49:15

Blessed Redeemer

2011-04-23T06:38:00.000-05:00

REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE PLAYER BELOW

The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exo 15:2

"For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing praises to your name. 2Sa 22:50

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psa 19:14

I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. Psa 52:9

whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Rom 3:25

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2Co 5:21

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Eph 1:7-10

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Col 2:13-15

And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Heb 10:11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Heb 10:10-14

My Sweet Girl

2011-04-22T06:55:00.000-05:00

May the Lord watch over you, protect you and keep you.

May the God of Love and Peace be with you all the days of your life.

May you grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday to my sweet Gracie!

You are such a joy and blessing to our family.

I love you.

God's Mercy

2011-04-21T23:31:00.000-05:00

REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE PLAYER BELOW

Psa 6:2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.

Psa 30:2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.

Psa 116:1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.

Psa 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Isa 57:18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners,

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1Ti 1:12-17

Theology Thursday

2011-04-21T05:51:00.000-05:00

EXCLUSIVISM

‘The belief that salvation is exclusive to Christianity and that all other religious beliefs, no matter how seemingly noble, do not have a message that can bring about the needed redemption that is only found in Christ. Exclusivism can be further broken into two sub-categories: inclusivism and restrictivism. The inclusivist believes that salvation is only in Christ”s redeeming work, but that God can and may save people without their explicit knowledge of the Gospel. The restrictivist, on the other hand, believes that salvation comes only through Christ and the only way to Christ is through the Gospel message. Exclusivist reference much biblical support including Rom. 10:14-15 and John 4:6.

FIRST PRINCIPLES

Describes the basic rational foundation to all knowledge that cannot be reduced by logical methodology but are presupposed in order to form any conclusion. These are often referred to as universal axioms because knowledge of them is universal and because of their assumed validity. Among the first principles of logic are the law of non-contradiction (A cannot equal -A at the same time and the same relationship), the law of identity (A=A), and the law of excluded middle (something is either A or -A). It is argued that these basic principles are not laws created by God to create a rational universe, but are representative of the very character of God himself (i.e. he is rational therefore rational first principles exist). If one were to deny, for example, the law of non-contradiction, then he or she could not have a basis for trust in God as his revelation could sustain contradictory truths at the same time and in the same relationship (note the serpent”s deception “You shall not surely die” would be true). Therefore, to be a Christian, believing that God has revealed himself in an intelligible and faithful manner, presupposes the reality of a first principle.

CANON OF SCRIPTURE

(Greek kanon, “rule” or “measuring rod”)

In Christian theology, the term canon is used to describe the accepted books of the Old and New Testament. Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox all have the same twenty-seven book New Testament canon, but will differ with regard to the Old Testament canon. Catholics universally accept what are called the Deuterocanonical books (often called the Greek Canon or the Apocrypha) while Protestants have rejected it, accepting only the so-called proto-canonical books numbering thirty-nine. The Orthodox church is not settled as to the status of the Deuterocanonical books.

HEURISTIC THEOLOGY

[hyoo-ris''-tik] (Greek heuriskein, “to discover”)

A theological method that seeks to learn truth in a non-dogmatic fashion. In heuristics, learners are encouraged to explore ideas without the use of a set formula that will necessarily lead to presupposed conclusions. It will often involve a setting aside of traditional understanding in order to think “outside the box.” Heuristic theology is not anti-presuppositional or anti-traditional, but a method of discovery in which pupils are given the tools to learn for themselves even if they are lead back to their prior convictions. More technically, heuristic theology is used to describe a theology of ideas, discussing new metaphors for truth that open the conversation up more broadly.

MOLINISM

Named after Luis de Molina, a 16th century Jesuit theologian, Molinism is a proposed reconciliation of the problems introduced in the tension between human freedom and divine sovereignty. Molinism seeks to retain both a true libertarian freedom without sacrificing divine providence or sovereignty by introducing the idea of “middle knowledge.” In this proposal God knows not only all actual situations, but all possible situations (middle knowledge). These possible situations are known as “possible worlds.” We live in the actual world, but there are countless other possibilities of how things could have turned out. God chose the possible world that allowed for libertarian freedom where people freely chose that which God ordained to occur. Therefore, libertarian freedom and sovereignty are reconciled. Those who object to Molinisism do so on the basis that middle knowledge has no metaphysical grounding and because such a philosophical solution is far too extensive. Also, many would argue that the introduction of libertarian freedom is an impossibility since libertarian freedom lacks the grounds for the choices it proposes to preserve. Alvin Plantinga and William Lane Craig are well-known Molistists today.

EXSURGE DOMINE

(Latin, “arise Lord”)

This refers to the papal bull written by Pope Leo X on June 15, 1520. The bull intended to bring an Augustinian monk named Martin Luther and his rebellion to a halt by the threat of excommunication from the Church. In it, the demand was made that Luther retract 41 errors within 60 days. From the first paragraph, “Arise, O Lord, and judge your own cause. Remember your reproaches to those who are filled with foolishness all through the day. . . . The wild boar [Luther] from the forest seeks to destroy it and every wild beast feeds upon it.” On December 10, 1520 Martin Luther burned the bull in front of his students at Wittenberg. It is reported that he uttered these words at the burning, “Because you have confounded the truth [or, the saints] of God, today the Lord confounds you. Into the fire with you!” Some would suggest that this is the formal day on which the Great Reformation began. On January 3, 1521, Leo excommunicated Luther issuing another bull Decet Romanum Pontificem.

HAGIOGRAPHY

[hag''-ee-aw''-gruh-fee, also hay''-jee-aw''-gruh-fee] (Greek hagio, “saint” + Greek graphe, “writing”)

Hagiography refers to a writing about a saint who is revered in the Christian community. The early centuries of the church saw glorified biographies written to honor those saints who had died a martyr”s death. The term also has a pejorative nuance describing those who write biased histories intent on glorifying their subjects at the expense of historic objectivity. The early hagiographies served as one of the many steps in the veneration of saints.

MEMORIALISM

The view of the Lord’s supper believing that the taking of the bread and wine represents a symbolic memorial or a remembrance of Christ’s redeeming work on the cross. This view has its most articulated foundation in the theology of Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531). Memorialism is in contrast to all forms of the ‘real presence’ view which hold that Christ is physically present in the taking of the bread and wine. Memorialism argues that when Christ said “this is my body . . .” that he was speaking symbolically. One of the primary arguments for this view would be that to take it literally would have to mean that the bread and wine were Christ’s body at the time of the first Lord’s Supper, while Christ was yet living, not only following the passion. Most Protestants hold to this view with the exception of Lutherans.

CREDIT: www.reclaimingthemind.org

Wonderful, Merciful Savior

2011-04-20T07:41:00.000-05:00

Atonement

2011-04-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

Atonement

ATO'NEMENT, n.

1. Agreement; concord; reconciliation, after enmity or controversy. Rom. 5.

Between the Duke of Glo'ster and your brothers.

2. Expiation; satisfaction or reparation made by giving an equivalent for an injury, or by doing or suffering that which is received in satisfaction for an offense or injury; with for.

And Moses said to Aaron, go to the altar, and offer thy sin-offering, and thy burnt-offering, and make an atonement for thyself and for the people. Lev. 9.

When a man has been guilty of any vice, the best atonement he can make for it is, to warn others not to fall into the like.

The Phocians behaved with so much gallantry, that they were thought to have made a sufficient atonement for their former offense.

3. In theology, the expiation of sin made by the obedience and personal sufferings of Christ. (Webster's Dictionary 1828)

http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/search/word,atonement

It's the central message of the Bible, and it's one of the most important words in the whole Bible. The word could be understood just by breaking it apart and pronouncing it a little differently. Atonement. Take it apart and say, "at-one-ment"...being in harmony with God. Atonement...'at-one-ment" is how sinful humans can be reconciled to a holy God. It requires first that reparation be made for our sins against Him. In the Hebrew language, the word that is translated atonement, kaphar, the primary meaning of that root word is "to cover." You may be more familiar with the verb form of that word, kippur--Yom Kippur, to cover, the day of atonement. Nancy Leigh DeMoss http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid_10815

A Cheaper Way To Freeze Foods

2011-04-15T13:48:00.000-05:00

I like to buy meats and cheeses in bulk because it is cheaper. However, that is a lot of freezer bags and good freezer bags aren't cheap. Through trial and error, I have found a method that I really like. I wrap 1 pound portions of meat or cheese in plastic wrap or bag it in a sandwich bag and fit as many as I can in to a one gallon freezer bag. Plastic wrap and sandwich bags are MUCH cheaper than freezer bags and I can usually fit 4-5 pounds in a gallon freezer bag. When the freezer bags are emptied, I store the in the freezer and re-use them. I do have designated bags for each item. However, this really didn't work well with chicken. I tried it and all of the sandwich bags stuck together in the freezer bag. I guess the chicken was too wet. It may work if you patted it dry first. Sorry, I didn't not try that, but think I will the next time I buy chicken.

Theology Thursday

2011-04-13T23:19:00.000-05:00

GENERAL REVELATION

General revelation describes revelation from God that is given generally to all people, being mediated through creation. It is also general because it is indirect in its communication. Psalm 19 and Romans 1:18-20 speak specifically about the reality of general revelation. Paul specifically says that creation tells us enough about God’s nature and attributes so that people are without excuse when they do not believe in him. From the complexity of the human eye to the vastness of the expanse of heaven, general revelation has a voice of its own. This is in contrast to special revelation which is directly from God and is not readily available to all people.

LIBELLATICI

(From Latin liber, “book” or “document”)

The Libellatici were those Christians who, during the persecutions of Decius (A.D. 250-251), purchased certificates (libelli) which (falsely) indicated that they had made the proper sacrifice in order to avoid persecution and martyrdom. The Libellatici were admitted back into the church after repentance was made. The sacrificati were those who did offer a sacrifice to idols and the thurificati were those who had burnt incense on the altar of the gods.

JESUITS

(Society of Jesus)

Founded in the sixteenth century by Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuits are a Roman Catholic monastic order that reports directly to the Pope. During the Reformation, the Jesuits were influential in responding to the Protestant movement. They distinguish themselves through their work in education, intellectual pursuits, cultural engagement, and missions as well as their military-like discipline.

OPUS PROPRITUM

(Latin, ‘the work [of God,] proper’)

The work of God which comes from his essential character that is not mediated through sin. These are works that are natural to who God is, such as creation, grace, love, providence, mercy, and justice. This is in contrast to the opus alienum (the work of God, alien) which are God’s works that are mediated through sin.

OPUS ALIENUM

(Latin, ‘the work [of God,] alien’ or ‘the work of another’)

The works of God that seem to militate against his proper character, but which are nevertheless an act of his decree as he uses secondary means. We see the opus alienum when God works through sin to accomplish his will (see 1 Kings 22:20-23). God is not the instrumental cause of the sin, but uses it to accomplish his will.

GRAMMATICO-HISTORICAL EXEGESIS

The hermeneutical method of interpretation which seeks to understand the Scriptures in their original grammatical and historical context. This is also known as ‘authorial intent’ hermeneutics since it seeks to discover the meaning that the original author intended for the original audience. This type of interpretation is in contrast to ‘reader-response’ hermeneutics which allow the reader to provide their own subjective meaning. It is also in contrast to allegorical, spiritualistic, and authoritative hermeneutics (which say the text means whatever the institutional authority says it means).

CREDIT: www.reclaimingthemind.org

He Leadeth Me

2011-04-13T12:16:00.000-05:00

He leadeth me! O blessed thought,

O words with heav'nly comfort fraught;

Whate'er I do, where'er I be,

Still 'tis Christ's hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me! He leadeth me!

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom,

Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,

By waters still, o'er troubled sea,

Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.

Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,

Nor ever murmur or repine;

Content, whatever lot I see,

Since it is Thou that leadest me.

And when my task on earth is done,

When, by Thy grace, the vict'ry's won,

E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,

Since Thou in triumph leadest me.

Theology Thursday

2011-04-06T18:41:00.001-05:00

FOUNDATIONALISM

A form of philosophy or theology that affirms certain basic presuppositions as the foundation to systems of knowledge and belief. Examples of assumed foundational principles would be the Law of Non-contradiction or the Law of the Excluded Middle. These assumed truths, according to foundationalists, give epistemic justification to other truths. Most people throughout history have held to some form of foundationalism.

ABECEDARIANS

A 16th century German sect of Anabaptists led by Nicholas Storch who believed that all knowledge, even knowledge of the alphabet, prevents people from a true knowledge of God. Abecedarians believed that God would provide all necessary understanding through divine means such as visions and ecstatic experiences. According to them, all theology and academic learning amounted to an idolatrous abandonment of the Christian faith. Their name, Abecedarians, comes from their denial of the ABCs.

SANCTIFICATION

Taken from the Greek root meaning “holy” (hagios), sanctification is the doctrine in Christian soteriology (salvation) that is normally used to describe the growth process of a believer. To be sanctified literally means to be “set apart unto God.” Theologically, the force of the doctrine is less an idea of separation from sin, but a closeness to God that necessarily separates from sin. In this sense, sanctification is both a position and a process. The Christian has been sanctified, or set apart unto God (1 Cor. 6:11), but there is also a sense in which he or she is being sanctified, or working toward a realization of this reality in their spiritual walk (Rom. 6:22; Phil. 2:12).

ZENO’S PARADOX

Zeno’s paradox is a common name for a grouping of paradoxes that are believed to have been put forth by Zeno of Elea (ca. 490 BC – ca. 430 BC) in support of Parmenides’ belief in a certain type of philosophical monism (i.e. all is one). The paradox can be summed up this way. Motion is impossible. In order for anything in motion to get from point A to point B, it would first have to travel halfway. In order to get to the halfway point, it would have to travel halfway to the halfway. In order for it to get to this halfway, it would have to travel halfway to the halfway of the halfway, ad infinitum. Since it is impossible to traverse and infinite number of halfway points, motion does not really exist. It is an illusion. While mathematicians and engineers find this paradox solvable, philosophers are still puzzled about its ability to deny motion.

HYPER-CALVINISM

Hyper-Calvinism is a pejorative designation for those who are believed to go beyond historic Calvinism in their doctrine. Although there is no one way to designate a Calvinist as “hyper,” there are many extremes that might carry such a designation. Among these extremes: the belief that we do not need to evangelize, the belief that God is the author of evil and sin, the belief that God does not love the non-elect, the belief that God actively elected people to go to hell (the reprobate) before he created them (superlapsarianism), the belief in meticulous sovereignty (that God is the immediate cause of all things), and/or that true Christians will always be Calvinist. All of these are not defining characteristics of historic Calvinism.

THEOTOKOS

(Greek theos, “God” + Greek tokos, “parturition, childbirth”)

Theotokos is a historic designation given to Mary in relation to her role as the mother of Christ. Theotokos means “God bearer.” This designation was approved by the third Ecumenical Council held at Ephesus in 431. Nestorius apposed the use of the term theotokos, preferring christotokos (“Christ-bearer), believing that Mary was the mother of the human nature of Christ, not the divine nature. Most, however, felt that this would divide Christ into two persons. Led by Cyril of Alexandria, the council chose theotokos to acknowledge a belief in the dual-nature of Christ. It is important to note that this designation was not meant to venerate Mary, but to make a theological statement about Christ. He must be fully God and fully man if man is to have redemption.

ASCETICISM

(Gk. ask?sis, “athlete”)

Describes the life of self-denial, primarily in the abstaining from life’s pleasures that might distract from a life of devotion to God. Vows of abstinence from sex, marriage, foods, alcohol, shelter, wealth, and many other “mundane” pleasures accompany the ascetic life. Monks and nuns are among those in the history of the Church who have vowed themselves to such lives. Many Christians, while advocating self-discipline and periods of abstinence, believe that the ascetic life is not only contrary to the will of God, but follows a dualistic worldview, believing the material pleasures of the world are evil. These Christians would say that all things are from God and can be enjoyed in their proper place and time so long as God is acknowledged and glorified (1 Cor. 10:31). Simeon Stylites (c. 390) was perhaps the most famous of the early Christian ascetics, living for 37 years on top of a pillar in the desert, abstaining from, among other things, the pleasure of any physical or visible contact with women. It is said that Simon would not even allow his own mother to come see him.

CREDIT: Reclaiming The Mind

Andrew Murray Quotes

2011-04-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

"Jesus Christ took the place and fulfilled the destiny of man by His life of perfect humility. His humility is our salvation. His salvation is our humility. Therefore, study the humility of Jesus. This is the secret, the hidden root of your redemption."

"Humility is the recognition that we owe everything to God...humility is to be nothing, so that God may be all...humility, the place of entire dependence on God, is the first duty and the highest virtue of man. It is the root of every virtue."

"It is only by the indwelling of Christ in His divine humility that we become truly humble. We have our pride from another, from Adam; we must have our humility from Another [capital A], too."

Why We Sing.

2011-03-31T00:28:00.001-05:00

Tonight we had our quaterly singing night at church. It was a small crowd of 10, but the worship was so sweet. After church I came home and read this interesting post from Desiring God and I just had to share it.

The Three R's: Why Christians Sing

Christians sing together during corporate worship gatherings. Colossians 3:16-17 helps us understand why. Paul tells us that worshiping God together in song is meant to deepen the relationships we enjoy through the gospel. This happens in three ways (or three R’s):

1. Singing helps us remember God’s Word.

Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly…singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” The “word of Christ” mostly likely means the word about Christ, or the gospel. Songs whose lyrics expound on the person, work, and glory of Christ tend to stay with us long after we’ve forgotten the main points of the sermon.

2. Singing helps us respond to God’s grace.

While no one is exactly sure what “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” refers to, we can at least infer some kind of variety in our singing. No singular musical style captures either the manifold glories of God or the appropriate responses from his people.

We’re also told to sing with “thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Singing is meant to be a whole-hearted activity. Emotionless singing is an oxymoron. God gave us singing to combine objective truth with thankfulness, doctrine with devotion, and intellect with emotion.

3. Singing helps us reflect God’s glory.

Doing “everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,” implies bringing God glory. Worshiping God together in song glorifies God for at least three reasons. First, it expresses the unity Christ died to bring us. Second, because all three persons of the Trinity sing (Zeph. 3:17; Heb. 2:12; Eph. 5:18-19). Finally, it anticipates the song of heaven when we’ll have unlimited time to sing, clearer minds to perceive God’s perfections, and glorified bodies that don’t grow weary.

Worshiping God in song isn’t simply a nice idea or only for musically gifted people. The question is not, “Has God given me a voice?” but “Has God given me a song?”

If you trust in the finished work of Christ, the answer is clear: Yes!

So remember His Word, respond to His grace, and reflect on His glory.

Bob Kauflin is a pastor, songwriter, worship leader, and author of Worship Matters. Bob serves as the Director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries and blogs at www.worshipmatters.com. He and his wife, Julie, have 6 children and an ever growing number of grandchildren.

Theology Thursday

2011-03-31T00:20:00.000-05:00

AMYRALDISM

[am''-er-awl''-diz-um or am''-er-ul-diz''-um] Also, amyraldianism.

Named after Moses Amyraut, a theologian of the 17th century, Amyraldism is a form of Calvinism that distinguishes itself by a belief in universal atonement. Its variation from the traditional Calvinistic understanding of limited atonement comes in its formulation of divine decrees. Whereas traditional Calvinism places God’s decree to elect before his decree to atone for the sins of the elect (thereby making the atonement limited to the elect), Amyraldism places God’s decree to atone for the sins of all mankind before his decree to elect some (thereby making the atonement universal in its application). While this view is sometimes referred to as “four-point Calvinism,” most traditional Calvinists more often label it as “inconsistent Calvinism” or “hypothetical universalism.” Amyraldism holds to the traditional Calvinistic view of unconditional election, perseverance of the saints, irresistible grace, and total depravity.

SACERDOTALISM

[sass''-er-dote''-uh-liz''-um] (Latin sacerdos, “priest”)

Sacerdotalism is the belief in an established hierarchy that separates man from God. In such a system the priesthood stands as an essential mediator between God and man. This priesthood, according to sacerdotalists, is a necessary component in worship, receiving communion, confessing sin, baptism, and other acts of administering grace. This “caste” system is generally rejected by Protestants who traditionally hold to the doctrine of the “priesthood of all believers” (1 Pet. 2:5). Protestants believe that the only mediator between God and man is Christ (1 Tim. 2:5). Advocates of sacerdotalism reference the priesthood established in the Old Testament which was sacerdotal. Opponents will emphasize the difference between the New Testament church and the Old Testament theocracy, believing that the Old Testament sacerdotal system is completely fulfilled in Christ and, therefore, no longer necessary (Heb. 10:19-20).

TEXTUS RECEPTUS

(Latin, “received text”)

The Textus Receptus (TR), or “received text,” refers to the first published Greek New Testament edited by Desiderius Erasmus in 1516 and later, with some changes, by Stephanus, Beza and Elzivir. This text was initially compiled using only seven late Greek manuscripts (11th-13th centuries). The TR became the underlying text for many important translations including the King James Version. While most scholars would not consider the TR as the best representation of the Greek text, it, nevertheless, is an extremely important text in the history of the Bible.

PRESUPPOSITIONALISM

A method of Christian apologetics normally employed by Reformed theologians that seeks to give a defense of the Christian faith by offering an offensive method of engagement. Presuppositionalists believe that one must presuppose the Christian worldview and the Scriptures in order to dispel the worldview of the unbeliever. Presuppositionalist criticize “evidentialists” for seeking to give credence to the unbelievers worldview by meeting them on neutral ground. The presuppositionalist believes that there is no such thing as neutral ground. As well, while the evidentialist will attempt to give arguments to increase the probability of their beliefs, presuppositionalist believe that one must have absolute certainty, not merely probability. Presuppositionalism is often accused of circular reasoning, e.g., “You should believe the Bible is God”s word because it authoritatively says it is God”s word.”

ARGUMENTUM-AD-POPULUM

(Latin, “appeal to the people”)

This type of argument is an oft-used fallacious argument where one will appeal to the popularity of a position as evidence of its truthfulness. For example, one may say that aliens must exist since so many people believe in them. This does not mean that one should not take into account the opinion of informed people and weigh their opinions into a decision, it simply means that it would be a logical fallacy to say that since so many people believe something, this makes it true. The argumentum ad populum is also an appeal to the emotions by creating enthusiasm and comfort in a belief while neglecting objective data.

AD HOMINEM

(Latin ad, “to” + Latin hominem, “the man”)

In rhetorical argumentation, an ad hominem is a method of argumentation in which a person attacks the character of the opponent(s) instead of dealing with the evidence or the substance of the argument. If someone were to attack the credibility of Reformation appealing to the character of Martin Luther as neurotic and incapable of making valid judgments, this would be an attack on his character in order to discredit his argument and, therefore, an example of an ad hominem.

OMNIPRESENCE

[awm''-nih-prez''-intz] (Latin omni, “all” + Latin praesent, “present”)

The belief among theists (Christians, Muslims, Jews) that God, being transcendent above time and space is present everywhere. This is not to be confused with pantheism which believes that God is “in” everything since the theistic God is completely separate from all of creation. Some have described this as the belief not so much that God is everywhere, but that everything is necessarily in God’s immediate presence. This understanding seems to be the most consistent with Christian theology and philosophy and avoids the common mis-identification with pantheism. (See Psalm 139:7-10.)

Credit: http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/

Man Up!

2011-03-30T11:49:00.000-05:00

From Mary Kassian:

Think about these questions, write some answers in your journal, and/or discuss them with a friend.

How does the creation account in Genesis 2 affect your understanding of a man’s responsibility to protect and lead?
What is it about male/female roles and interactions that is so important? (Hint: We talked about it in the Smart Talk episode, ”The Great Display!
What do you think is the cause for the cultural trend of “adult-lescence?”
Have you ever found yourself in a situation like Mary did on the airplane? How can you support God’s design for men to “man up” in your daily interactions?

Click below to listen to Mary's message.

http://www.girlsgonewise.com/smart-talk-man-up/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MaryKassian+%28Girls+Gone+Wise%29

GREAT DEALS at Vision Forum

2011-03-28T11:14:00.000-05:00

Vision Forum has 400+ items on sale for 40-70% off through April 2!!! To see more, click the link below.

http://www.visionforum.com/728.html

Pole Dancing For Jesus!

2011-03-24T17:51:00.001-05:00

"This is the natural progression of the, "If it feels good, God must be in it" approach to worship in many churches today. Listen carefully to her statements. She is regurgitating folk theology prominent in many churches, complete with the, "I don't care what other [Christians] think"/Don't judge me mentality. And this is in the Bible Belt (actually in my back yard)!" Voddie Baucham

This is VERY disturbing...and sad.

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

Do not let your adorning be external--the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear-- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 1Pe 3:3-6

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." 1Pe 1:14-16

Theology Thursday

2011-03-24T01:39:00.000-05:00

RAPTURE, THE DOCTRINE OF

(Latin raptus, “to take” or “to seize”)

The doctrine of the rapture describes the belief among many Christians that Christ will return for the Church prior to a time of judgment called the tribulation. Upon Christ’s return, Christ will take all those who are his to heaven while he judges those who remain on the earth for seven years. The primary passage to which adherents refer is 1 Thess. 4:17, “We who are alive and remain shall be caught up [Lat. raptus] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Those who subscribe to this doctrine can be divided into three groups: Pre-tribulationalist, Mid-tribulationalist, and Pre-wrath. Many Christians do not ascribe to this doctrine believing that all references to Christ’s return are to his second coming which immediately precedes judgment. They would also argue that the doctrine of the Rapture is too novel to be orthodox since it was virtually unknown until the nineteenth century.

HOMILETICS

[hawm''-uh-let''-iks] (Greek homilos, “to assemble together”)

The study of the proper method of delivery of a religious message. In Christianity, homiletics is focused on the delivery of a sermon. Involved in homiletics is exegesis of the text of Scripture, finding the abiding theological principles, narrowing the subject into a deliverable form, rhetoric and style, and application of the sermon to a contemporary audience. Normally, a seminarian will take courses on homiletics in order to train them as communicators of the Gospel.

HENOTHEISM

[hehn''-uh-thee-iz''-um] (Greek heis, “one” + Greek theos, “god”)

Coined by Max Müller, henotheism is the belief in one primary god while also believing in the existence or possible existence of other gods. Normally the henotheist will have primary devotion for the ultimate deity, while leaving room for secondary allegiance to the lesser gods. It would seem that the Israelites, during the post-Davidic kingdom years, were henotheists in belief and practice as they had Yahweh as their primary God, but also followed after lesser deities. Also: inclusive monotheism and monarchical polytheism.

THEODICY

[thee-awd'-ih-see] (Greek theos, “god” + díke, “justice”)
A term coined in 1710 by German philosopher Gottfried Leibniz in a book entitled Theodicic Essays on the Benevolence of God, the Free will of man, and the Origin of Evil, theodicy refers to the justification of God. Most specifically, theodicy is an explanation of why evil can exist in a world where a good God rules. Therefore, theodicies are put forward by Christian theists to vindicate the justice of God.

THEOLOGY

[thee-awl''-uh-gee] (Greek theos, “God” + Greek -logia, “speaking”)
A reasoned study of God. Theology is a set of intellectual and emotional commitments with regard to God and man which dictate one’s beliefs and actions. Theology is intellectual in that it provides for a reasoned study and defense of one’s beliefs about God. Theology is emotional in that we approach the subject as humans with deep subjective commitments to our personal experiences and feelings about God.

ABSOLUTION

[ab-suh-loo-shun] (Latin ab-, “from” + Latin solvere, in “free”)
A practice that varies in many Christian traditions, but is primarily emphasized in the Roman Catholic church. Absolution involves the act of a priest pronouncing the remission of sin upon the confessor. This remission normally comes after repentance and penance have been fulfilled. For Roman Catholics, absolution is an important part of the sacrament of penance. According to Catholics, the observing duty was given to the Church by Christ in John 20:23 “If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” Most Protestants do not believe in or practice absolution believing that there is no mediating human agency for forgiveness (1 Tim. 2:5). Roman Catholic prayer of absolution: “God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

DIATESSARON

‘Gk. dia, “through” + tessaron “four”
An early compilation of the four New Testament Gospels into a single narrative by Tatian, a Christian apologist, created about A.D. 150. In this harmony, Tatian attempted to resolve all apparent conflicts as well as remove repeated narrative material. It contained most of the Gospels’ material except for, according to Theodoret, the two different genealogies of Jesus (one in the Gospel of Matthew and one in the Gospel of Luke). As well, it lacked the pericope adulterae (John 7:53 – 8:11). It was the standard Gospel text in the Syrian Middle East until about ad 400, when it was replaced by the four separated Gospels.

Credit: http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/

The Soul of Modesty

2011-03-23T10:11:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I listened to a most excellent message on modesty by C.J. Mahaney. Pastor Mahaney brought out points in ways that I had never thought of before. It was such a blessing. Modesty may not be an issue for you. Maybe you could use this message to minister to others, perhaps a daughter, friend, sister, neighbor, etc. I highly recommend it to all. Here are some highlights from the message.

Any biblical discussion of modesty begins by addressing the heart, not the hemline. We must start with the attitude of the modest woman.
Modesty means propriety. It means avoiding clothes and adornment that are extravagant or sexually enticing. Modesty is humility expressed in dress. It’s a desire to serve others, particularly men, by not promoting or provoking sensuality.
Immodesty, then, is much more than wearing a short skirt or low-cut top; it’s the act of drawing undue attention to yourself. It’s pride, on display by what you wear.
There’s an inseparable link between your heart and your clothes. Your clothes say something about your attitude. If they don’t express a heart that is humble, that desires to please God, that longs to serve others, that’s modest, that exercises self-control, then change must begin in the heart.
For modesty is humility expressed in dress.
Godly men find modesty attractive. They appreciate women who dress with self-control and restraint. They’re grateful for women who serve them by helping them fight the temptation to lust.
Ultimately, fathers, your job to raise a modest daughter culminates and concludes on her wedding day.
Notice in 1 Timothy 2 that Paul goes beyond addressing a woman’s apparel. He says he desires “that women should adorn themselves … with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works” (2:9–10).
Adorning yourself with good works means less time shopping and more time serving. So, which are you more preoccupied with — shopping or good works?
Modesty is important because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s why Paul is concerned about it. He isn’t simply a “cultural conservative.” This isn’t Paul’s version of The Book of Virtues. For him, the issue of modesty is about the gospel.
The woman who loves the Savior avoids immodesty because she doesn’t want to distract from or reflect poorly upon the gospel.
Make this your aim: that there be no contradiction between your gospel message and the clothes you wear. May your modest dress be a humble witness to the One who gave himself as a ransom for all.

The entire message can be downloaded at http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/blogs/cj-mahaney/category/modesty.aspx.

A modesty checklist from the message, http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-51

Free Audio Book

2011-03-21T22:32:00.002-05:00

The last several weeks have generated significant amounts of discussion and debate regarding the release of Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell.

While there are many great resources available on christianaudio that discuss this topic, none is more timely or informative than Jesus: The Only Way to God by John Piper. Though short in length, it offers much to learn in the areas of evangelism, sin, salvation, and heaven & hell.

Download this timely resource absolutely FREE until March 31, 2011!