Talmid By Grace

You've Overreached Mr. President

2012-02-08T16:27:00.000-05:00

You've overreached Mr. President. In less than a month you tell me Jesus wants the government to raise taxes and you tell me that even church healthcare ministries have to provide the morning after pill. Separation of church and state is not "church stay out of influencing government" but rather "government stay out of the church".

Hospitals And Their Christian Origins

2012-02-08T10:12:00.002-05:00

Great Short Article HERE.

Dedication

2012-02-04T19:51:00.002-05:00

So baby Shaphan will be presented before our church tomorrow as well as his sister Lydia. We don't baptize our children, nor do we believe them to be saved. We are simply asking our church family to pray for us as we seek to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We are thankful for this faith family, and as they gather around us (literally) during the service, I will be blessed...both as a father and a Pastor.

"I say to the LORD 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'"- Psalm 16:2

2012-01-23T10:10:00.001-05:00

Men of whom the world is not worthy...

2012-01-19T10:21:00.004-05:00

While so many churches in the West argue over music style, clothing, and budgets, this brother is continuing to risk death for Christ:
CLICK HERE

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2012-01-10T20:38:00.001-05:00

Busy first few days of 2012, lots of reading, travel and other things have kept me from blogging...keep checking...I'll be back...

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T07:43:00.000-05:00

Happy 60th Dad/Gramps

2011-12-23T07:59:00.002-05:00

So yesterday, my dad (my kids call him gramps) turned 60! Love you dad!

Once again, you've done it Piper...

2011-12-17T08:39:00.002-05:00

A Great post, and I one I needed this morning:
...GOD'S WORD ABOUT DEATH

Christopher Hitchins...

2011-12-16T09:09:00.002-05:00

I looked online at a news source this morning to discover that Christopher Hitchins has died. Sad news...I had become more aware of who he was from watching the movie "Collision" which is an ongoing debate between Hitchins, an atheist, and Doug Wilson, a Reformed Christian Believer. I followed some of Hitchins interviews when he spoke about his absolute refusal to believe that there was/is a God, nor a need to believe in the need to be saved from sins. He was a thinker, and he was a wordsmith, and had so many communicative gifts. A sad day in some respects...

Lest we judge too quickly this hardened heart...we are all Hitchins' at heart...unless God opens our eyes to the Christ (John 6:44), we would all go that way...a stark reminder of the grace of God in election...and in salvation.

"Cashes"

2011-12-08T11:21:00.001-05:00

Micah: Daddy, I put one of my cashes (a $1 bill) on your bed to put into the offering at church next week.

Dad:-(teary)

Why Advent?

2011-11-28T14:41:00.000-05:00

A good article on advent- CLICK HERE

A Soccer Player and His Coach...

2011-11-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Great Season buddy!

Yesterday's Festivities

2011-11-25T09:38:00.002-05:00

So, yesterday was a blast...the usuals- getting up early with Christie- getting our parts ready (Christie doing the skillful work, me, the Sous Chef/table mover). We set up tables, watched the parade (Micah was glued to it), built a fire for the Turkey smoker, set up the football field for the post food game, and then scurried to finish by 1PM when the family and friends arrived.

The food was great, lots of folks here, family and a family from church...the football game was excellent (my team lost to my brother's team as usual, but the score was closer!), and Micah is still walking around with the football...yesterday he got to play...and even got briefly injured by a punted football...

The family from church brought joy to the festivities and the football game...

We love having our house used by folks, and seeing the house full of family, friends, eaters and the like. Every year we like to have both sides of our family here, and we also like to have guests with us...

God is good...so good, and I don't deserve His goodness...thankfully, my standing is in Another, Who stands in my place...

Last night

2011-11-23T10:59:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful. Last night we had our annual Thanksgiving service and Mercy Ministry Thanksgiving Box distribution. We worship together and invite many needy families in the community to come with us, share in dessert and we then send them home with boxes of ready to make Thanksgiving meals minus Turkey that our church has collected. Our church went over and above this year in collecting, and last night, our sanctuary was full. The service went well, and so many people went home with needed food, hopefully having heard the gospel...

I am thankful to God for His provision...thankful to God for a church that is willing to do this...and thankful for His abundant supply of grace...

Thanksgiving Worship and Mercy Ministry Give Away- Tomorrow Night

2011-11-21T21:05:00.001-05:00

Might we need to give more...?

2011-11-17T15:27:00.001-05:00

Click Here for Poverty Facts

It Gets Worse for Pastor Yousef...

2011-11-16T08:51:00.002-05:00

Click Here

Why Church History Matters to me Every day

2011-11-15T21:01:00.002-05:00

Roland Bainton on Luther's views:
"The Christian is bound every day to fail, yet he is not sunk. He is at once a sinner and yet saved. If he makes no pretense to goodness but in humility and gratitude endeavors to conform himself to the divine purpose, e will be able to carry on despite every shortcoming."

Taken from pg. 53 of " The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century" Beacon Press, 1952.

This Week Our Church...

2011-11-04T10:52:00.002-04:00

This past week our church:
*Had a church wide fellowship and bonfire-great fun...

*Had several small groups and a Titus 2 study, all with the goal of the maturing of the saints...

*Gave way several bags of food to needy families...

*Helped one grandfather and grandson with the last part of rent so they could move into a new apartment and get off the street...

*Experienced many new faces in worship as the Word was delighted in...

*Had hundreds of one on one conversations between one another to encourage, support and uplift...

*Mailed 80 letters out to needy families with an invitation to receive a complimentary Thanksgiving Food Box...

I love this body of believers.

Um, maybe Micah is like daddy...?

2011-11-01T08:13:00.000-04:00

Christie picks up Micah from school...

Christie: Let's stop by and say hello to daddy.
Micah: ...I don't want to...
Lydia: Why? Don't you love daddy?
Micah: I do love daddy, but I'm hungry!

Just had the first conversation about Heaven/Hell with Micah...this dad was totally unprepared for the questions...

2011-10-31T20:11:00.002-04:00

HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!

2011-10-31T11:38:00.001-04:00

John Piper on Halloween

2011-10-31T11:37:00.001-04:00

A helpful 3 minute video. I like the approach he takes.
Click Here

Great Fall Fellowship Last Night!

2011-10-31T11:09:00.001-04:00

With two fires burning outside, lots of hot beverages, and with food indoors and out, our house was full of wonderful brothers and sisters for our church family. It was such a blessing to host them, and Christie and I count ourselves honored to serve this faith family. A few times last night, I literally worshiped the Lord because of His overwhelming kindness to me...

Church cleaning/work day today, Fall Fellowship Bonfire tomorrow night...I love these folks!

2011-10-29T16:56:00.001-04:00

James 5...

2011-10-26T16:22:00.003-04:00

Are we living with a "Jesus is coming" view? How can a possible soon to be martyr call his situation a "bump"? How can we face a world of daily injustices without utter collapse? As James tells us, we must patiently establish our hearts for He is coming soon...

Micah's first field trip to the pumpkin patch...

2011-10-24T09:55:00.002-04:00

Davidson for President?...No, but got to go to White House Recently

2011-10-17T08:55:00.002-04:00

I Love Her...

2011-10-14T12:53:00.006-04:00

So thankful for my wife...

Stuff...

2011-10-12T09:39:00.000-04:00

"I value all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity."
John Wesley (taken from: epm.org)

Not Sure How to Theologically Catergorize This...

2011-10-10T10:37:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, Shaphan had, well...a blow out (a mixture of passing gas and passing poop, but with infantile force!) right in the middle of daddy's sermon...I believe the entire congregation heard it...I had to fight back laughter, and I am not sure if Shaphan was seeking to contribute or not...just not sure how to theologically categorize this one! He's so cute.

Here They Are!

2011-10-10T10:36:00.001-04:00

I Love These Kids!!!

Check this out...

2011-10-05T10:36:00.001-04:00

Click Here

Acts 20:24

2011-10-05T09:15:00.003-04:00

Working by God's grace to get this point in my thinking...:
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

Away and missing family...

2011-10-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

Our family is in Alexandria today. I am preaching at my uncle's church while he is away on a mission trip. We miss our Grace family today, and look forward to being back...

Micah had a great first soccer game today! Good job buddy!

2011-10-01T18:01:00.000-04:00

A Letter from Pastor Yousef...

2011-09-30T16:21:00.002-04:00

Read this letter that Brother Yousef (Iranian who faces death) wrote to his congregation:
CLICK HERE

Of Whom The World Is Not Worthy...

2011-09-27T20:20:00.002-04:00

This man, Yousef Nadarkhani, could be executed this very week for his refusal to recant his faith in Jesus Christ. He is a house church pastor in Iran. Please pray for this brother...
(http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36203)

Who Are you a Jonathan to...?

2011-09-26T14:18:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, 14 men from our church went to the Outer Banks for our annual men's retreat. It was a refreshing time. We shared in meals, laughs, fun and the text together as brothers. Our theme?- Christian Brothers as Friends from 1 Samuel...we looked at the biblical character of Jonathan and challenged one another to be a Jonathan to another brother or two in our faith family. It rained, but I still embarked on a long swim (doggy paddle) from shore to a sandbar way out in the water with a few other brothers...we swam and paddled and finally reached it together...Jonathans are needed among the body of Christ...who is yours, and who are you a Jonathan to...?

Happy 5th buddy!

2011-09-21T09:25:00.002-04:00

Micah is 5 today! Happy Birthday buddy. I am so proud of you...

10 years?

2011-09-20T08:35:00.002-04:00

So yesterday I got an invitation to my 10 year college reunion. Hard to believe. Now to those of you who have been out much longer, I know this does not seem that long, but 10 years out of college is an age milestone...10 years?!

I guess AARP is right around the corner...but I think our culture is afraid of age...unlike a lot of other cultures that value age, we run from it...why? Isnt age valued in scripture? And isn't age just a closer point on the journey to the celestial city? So, yes, 10 years...10 years closer to Jesus...

Unbelievable...

2011-09-16T09:01:00.003-04:00

A Canadian woman has been been essentially let off for killing her baby after it was born. (http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/277027/fourth-trimester-abortion-mark-steyn) (http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/09/16/thrown-over-the-fence-infanticide-canadian-style/)

And, I fear this isn't just in Canada. Our own President, Barack Obama has shown himself to be indifferent on not only late term abortions, but even those babies born who survive a botched abortion. (http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/eaton/3488511-452/abortion-obama-alive-born-court.html)

Martin Luther on Galatians 1:4a

2011-09-14T08:56:00.002-04:00

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins..."

Martin Luther writes: "Christ was given not only for other people's sins but also for your own. Hold on to this, and by no means let yourself be drawn away from this very sweet definition of Christ, which makes even the angels in heaven rejoice--that Christ is no Moses, no lawgiver, no tyrant, but a mediator for sins, a free giver of grace, righteousness, and life: who gave himself, not for our merits, holiness, righteousness, and godly life, but for our sins." -(Classic Bible Commentary, Galatians 1:4, Crossway)

Gospel thoughts...6

2011-09-13T22:40:00.002-04:00

Q. How does the gospel impact interactions?
A. There is no person no matter how frustrating who can be as offensive to me as my sin was to God, and yet I received mercy.

Q. How does the gospel impact my checkbook?
A. My spending shows what Kingdom I value.

Q. How does the gospel impact my mood?
A. The gospel is defines my reality, and I must adjust my feelings to fit that reality.

Girls gone.

2011-09-05T20:47:00.003-04:00

They left today about 1:30...
They came to us almost exactly a year ago...
Taylor packed up the last few days...
Khloi can't speak...
Kids miss them...
We've evaluated the time they were here, and we'd do it again...
Hard to explain to the kids, but we're trying...
Empty room...
The best part is...our model is God...Jesus is my brother, God is my Father...I was given a place...a home...that wasn't mine...

...oh wait, Christie is already getting good texts from Taylor...perhaps our relationship is moving from one style to the next...might the Lord allow continued impact...time will tell...He is faithful.

Tears...

2011-09-03T14:25:00.002-04:00

Taylor and Khloi are leaving us tomorrow and returning to extended family...they have been our 2 foster children for a year now. It is hard to see them go...the hardest, trying to love and counsel my 5 year old son as he cries because he is sad that they are leaving...what to say? He doesn't understand the foster care system...all he knows are that two people who have been like sisters, one much older that he looked up to and one younger, are leaving...
As I laid with him in his bed (a Davidson dad tradition) for nap time, he cried a few tears...
God knows...and he called us to care for these two girls James 1:27...and He'll care for the tears of my son as well...

Wayne Grudem

2011-09-01T13:46:00.001-04:00

So after years of recommending and reading his work, mainly his magnum opus "Systematic Theology", I met in person Wayne Grudem yesterday at an event for pastors held here on the peninsula. Great to hear him speak and even to ask a question.

Just saw this!

2011-08-26T13:50:00.003-04:00

I know the owner of the carwash right down the street from our house...he did this all on his own, without telling us. What a great surprise!

Hurricane Irene...

2011-08-26T10:08:00.002-04:00

She's coming by tomorrow...we're preparing, BUT:

"The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty."- Psalm 29: 3-4

""Peace! Be still"- Jesus of Nazareth, Mark 4:39

Daddy date...

2011-08-24T11:21:00.003-04:00

I think daughters should date early, very early...in fact I think they should have one on one times with their date a lot...yes, that's right...I think daddy's and daughters should go on daddy dates...Lydia and I did today...it was so sweet. Nothing like a daddy, a daughter, some Orange Juice and Coffee...One day, she'll spend her dates with her husband, but until then...daddy it is!

After a hard day's work...

2011-08-23T20:38:00.003-04:00

Today included daddy being home with the family, an election primary, a first pediatrician's appointment, an earthquake, napping, eating, diapering...Shaphan is learning life...

My Other Boy and the First Day of School...

2011-08-22T14:57:00.002-04:00

Micah had his first day of school today (K-4, three days per week). Here he is all decked out with his bookback...we all went to take him and pick him up...so many changes this weekend! As we were driving to school I had so many thoughts..."what if another kid says something mean to him?"..."what if he doesn't have everything he needs?"...on and on and on...then I realized, this is part of continuing to release him into God's hands...and what better father could there be...

We're all home...

2011-08-21T21:59:00.002-04:00

We're all home, baby is healthy, Christie is doing well and daddy has another source of "pride and joy". Micah starts K-4 tomorrow...hard to believe! What a week! Just got back from a church-wide crab=pickin' fellowship. God has been so good to us..

Daddy and his boy...

2011-08-20T12:23:00.002-04:00

Three...

2011-08-20T10:48:00.000-04:00

Big brother and Big sister meet baby Shaphan...

The Shaphan story...

2011-08-20T07:59:00.005-04:00

Some highlights:
Lydia comes to me at around 5:45 pm yesterday and says, "daddy, mommy needs you." I arrive to Christie saying, "I think my water just broke". We made for the hospital...and at 12:22am, Shaphan was born! (In the same room that Micah or Lydia was born in). The delivery was rough in some spots for Christie, but she did so well...I'm proud of you babe! My parents and Christie's parents were at the hospital and got to see Shaphan after he was born...Shaphan was born on my mom's birthday (Happy Birthday Mom).
With my dad leading us all in prayer, we had the chance to all pray together for Shaphan and Christie and then shortly after, healthy Shaphan was born...God is always good, no matter what, and we got to see one side of that goodness.

Only a few pages have been written in the Shaphan story so far...I hope to be around when he is born for the second time...I was able to watch him take the first breath of physical life...oh how great the day will be when by Christ, he takes his first spiritual breath...

More great pictures to come! Suffice it to say, so far, we have triplets...Micah, Lydia and Shaphan...they just happen to have been born a few years apart.

Baby Shaphan is here!

2011-08-20T02:34:00.002-04:00

Shaphan was born tonight at 12:20am weighing 8lbs. 14 oz and measuring 21 inches in length. Pictures coming...

Changes...

2011-08-18T14:15:00.002-04:00

Here are some things on Davidson minds:
*New baby arriving any day
*My boy, Micah starts K-4 this next week-hard to believe
*Taylor & Khloi leave us more than likely by the end of the month

Our house is full of changes, and with that comes a lot of adjustment and emotions.

I am reminded:
"Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever". When my life that is a vapor is in flux, my Savior's is not...and it is by His life that I live...Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift...

Happy Birthday Lydi!!!

2011-08-13T15:06:00.001-04:00

My baby girl is 3 years old today. I am so proud of her. I love you Lydi!!!!

Boxes...

2011-08-11T12:20:00.003-04:00

Our church has been blessed over these past summer months with some new member additions--once such family moved (military) moved here from Europe...as they were unpacking they asked if anyone in the churches needed boxes...another family who just happened to be moving away from our church used some boxes...God sends some and He takes some away. What a picture these boxes were...God brought us a family from half way across the world and some of their boxes are now being used to transport another family to another part of this country...a bittersweet picture of community in this vapor that is our lives...

Some of those same boxes from the new family have come in handy as this pastor has moved his home library to the church in preparation for another baby due any day...I am so thankful for a church that has granted me a study/office in which to work and perform study. No more room at home for my books!

Any "boxes" that God has sent you or is sending away from you...?

Come on baby Shayphs

2011-08-03T14:59:00.001-04:00

No birth yet...Christie waits another week until the next OB appointment to see if anything happens...

Just finished...

2011-08-03T09:58:00.003-04:00

I finished reading last night the Autobiography of John G Paton, the calvinist missionary in the mid 1800's to the New Hebrides Islands...a must read (if you have a kindle you can get it for free).

It was life changing...

When government hurts...

2011-08-02T08:07:00.001-04:00

A new healthcare plan that helps? No, a healthcare plan that further enslaves women to the lie of abortion. We don't help the poor by offering to help kill their children...Read Here

John Stott Has Died

2011-07-27T15:48:00.001-04:00

Read Here

It finally happened...

2011-07-22T15:20:00.003-04:00

So today is Christie's birthday. Myself and the kids took her on a breakfast date at Panera...sort of an occasional tradition. Taylor was with her family so it was me, Micah, Lydia, Khloi and very pregnant Christie. A Catholic Asian lady leaned over to talk to us, view our family and share in her own Catholic way some Scriptural encouragment, including a "it's great to have lot's of children" theology. She then asked the question...

Are you all Mormon?

After responding that we were Baptist, she seemed glad to hear we were people of faith although expressing her original wish that we had been Catholic.

Happy Birthday Christie Lynn!!!

2011-07-22T15:17:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to a wonderful woman. I love you Christie Lynn!

Reparative Therapy?

2011-07-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

There is continued discussion in the media surround so-called "reparative therapy" that in laymen's terms would basically reorient a homosexual and make them "straight". Of course the liberal wing of our society finds this repulsive. Is it possible for a person who has had sexual attactions to, thoughts about, and even experiences with a person of the same sex to be changed? As a counselor I might not agree with all the methodologies of some therapies, but here is an interesting comment from a wiser source:

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

-Paul, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Gospel Thoughts...5

2011-07-20T16:47:00.004-04:00

Q. How does the gospel impact orphan care?
A. There is no Christian among us who wasn't shown love and acceptance in spiritual adoption.

Q. How does the gospel impact my view on the 3rd world?
A. Each of us was once lost in the utter mess and poverty of sin and yet were rescued.

Q. How does the gospel impact politics?
A. Jesus didn't come as a social organizer...he came to bring in the kingdom of God through the cross...therefore no matter my political persuasions, my priority is "They Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven..."

A Wonderful Birthday

2011-07-17T18:57:00.001-04:00

My wife surprised me with a nice getaway to Williamsburg--we love that city and it was a wonderful birthday date. Then, on my birthday we enjoyed dinner with some friends. God is good to us, and I am thankful for another year of life. 31 it is...

Danger Danger!

2011-07-15T09:49:00.000-04:00

A new Bible translation taking liberties with the text.
Click Here

How to Talk to Satan-Great Luther Quote

2011-07-07T10:54:00.003-04:00

“I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? Does this mean that I shall be sentenced to eternal damnation? By no means. For I know One who suffered and made a satisfaction in my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Where he is, there I shall be also.”-Martin Luther

-Luther: Letters of Spiritual Counsel, trans. and ed., Theodore G. Tappert, 1960, (Vancouver, BC: Regent College Publishing, 2003), 85ff- retrieved from desiringgod.org blog- 7/7/2011

Khloi's B-Day Party

2011-07-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here we are (looking into the sun--pardon the faces) at Khloi's 1 year b-day party:

Kingdom, Covenant, Renewal

2011-07-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

These are three buzz words in my vocabulary...perhaps if you attend Grace you have likely heard these come out of my mouth a lot. I think in short it is because as I look at the overarching message of Scripture, God's Glory through Redemption is a large theme. As sub-themes under that for me would be these three words: Kingdom, Covenant, Renewal.
Kingdom- The overarching reign of the Sovereign God over all things which has never ceased to me and which Christ continually said over and over is here...now. (hence my view on the end times- Ammillenialism).

Covenant- God's arrangement of grace with His one people through a series of lesser covenants (works, Noah, Moses, David, New Covenant, etc.)- All of which are steadfast promises by a rock-solid God to a shaky and utterly sinful people.

Renewal- That which God is doing through the coming of His kingdom in covenants. In fact, not only is God making all things new (Rev. 21:5), in addition to human souls, God is renewing cities, and cultures, and the earth (2 Peter 3:10-13) I believe is clear on this...God is not going to just "blow up the earth" and start over, nor are we going to see earth burn and float on clouds playing harps in heaven...no, God is renewing all things. In translation in the ESV of 2 Pet 3:10 is helpful here as the phrase is that works will be exposed, not burned. The Greek word used for "new" (-2 Pet 3:13 kainos) signifies a more renewed vs. completely new, young. I believe as Revelation 21 makes clear that the new heavens and the new earth will be a merging of where God is now with a renewed earth...Eden on steroids if you will...and does this not utter our prayer now, "Our Father, Who Art is heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name...Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, On Earth as it is in Heaven.

Our prayer is a harbinger of things to come...Kingdom, Covenant, Renewal...and the Gospel is the centerpiece of it all.

Gospel thoughts...4

2011-07-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Q. How does the gospel impact community?
A. Christ has brought me into a family (Heb 2, Acts 2) not solitary confinement.

Q. How does the gospel impact my doubt?
A. Lord I believe, help my unbelief!

Q. How does the gospel impact immigration?
A. I was granted spiritual amnesty and legal citizenship, therefore, within the law, I should be open to minister to those who are both illegally here in this country as well as not yet citizens of heaven...

Wayne Grudem Suggests books on Poverty & Economic Development...

2011-06-30T11:40:00.001-04:00

Click here.

Gospel Thoughts...3

2011-06-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Q. How does the gospel impact my indwelling sin?
A. The penalty of sin has been atoned for, the wrath of God at my sin has been done away with, so I can continue to repent as a child of the God of the Universe and call Him daddy.

Q. How does the gospel impact my money?
A. The gospel has become my life, and my identity is in Christ, so my money is all His. How I spend should reflect Who He is.

Q. How does the gospel impact my good deeds?
A. The only deeds I have are those which God prepared for me before hand (Eph 2:10), therefore, even in those I boast not in self but in Christ.

Great Mercy Ministry Event!!!

2011-06-25T15:26:00.001-04:00

So this morning our church invited many of the families from the poorer parts of the city to come to our church and take clothing, food and housewares that members of our church had donated. These families are the same families that we have been reaching out to with Thanksgiving Baskets, Community Dinners, Cookouts and Give Aways for about two years. We had great conversations, issued invites to worship, gave away tracks. We pray God was glorified in our church this day...

The fallacy of big government provision...

2011-06-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

I don't mean this post to be a political one endorsing a party or a candidate. With that said, there is the view today in our country that espouses a big government philosophy of caring for the poor. The view goes something like this: to be generous, the rich should taxed more and businesses should be taxed more in order to care for the poor. I believe this is ineffective and fallacious for the following reasons:

1). The Biblical call and thus an overarching Kingdom of God call for ministry to the poor is in the hands of the church.

2). Study American history- this never works, in fact the government handling care for the poor only keeps the lower class enslaved to handouts as there are no incentives to work, move forward, etc. (Read Olasky's "The Tragedy of American Compassion" or another book"When Helping Hurts")

3). The Bible is clear that all people, and thus all governments are sinful...therefore socialism will not truly work because God is not the center. Christian, don't call yourself a socialist and think you are honoring God or the poor...you are buying into an imaginary utopia...the only time anything remotely equal to "all sharing as any had needs" has truly worked is within the church...which is a God-centered, not man-driven system. Governments cannot save.

4). Big government control is centered in the atheistic philosophies of Marx, Lenin, etc.

5). Taxing people more and more is not the same as asking them to give freely...giving freely is what the Bible seems to speak of in helping the poor...

As a Christian, I am to honor government laws, including unfortunate high taxes. The Church needs to step up its efforts radically. I am not against government aid...I just don't think the answer is bigger government. Capitalism isn't the complete answer either...churches loving Jesus so much they that radically give according to the principles that Jesus outlines is. God is renewing all things and perhaps this will include human governments. We just must be aware that all things are broken and so entrusting care for the poor to a broken government is naive at best...

What must I do...give and give and give with a gospel mentality and seek to not simply give stuff, but to work for renewal and change until He comes...

I needed this today...

2011-06-24T13:10:00.002-04:00

I needed this this morning and got this from the Desiringgod website:

Luther writes about “Abba, Father” in Galatians 4:6:

The lips say nothing, but the heart says something like this: ‘Although I am oppressed with anguish and fear on every side and seem to be forsaken and utterly cast away from your presence, I am still your child, and you are my Father, and for Christ’s sake. I am loved because of the Beloved.’

In serious temptations, when the conscience is wrestling with the judgment of God, it is inclined to call God not a Father but an unjust, angry, cruel tyrant and judge. And this crying, which Satan stirs up in our hearts, is felt strongly, for it seems then that God has forsaken us and will throw us down into hell. (See Psalm 31:12, 22.)

This is not the groaning that cries ‘Abba, Father’ but the roaring of God’s wrath. This is the time to turn your eyes away from the law and from the sense of your own conscience and to instead lay hold by faith on the promise, the word of grace and life that raises the conscience up again so that it begins to groan and say, ‘Although the law accuses me, and sin and death make me ever so afraid, yet, O my God, you promise grace, righteousness, and everlasting life through Jesus Christ.’ And so the promise brings a sighing, and groaning, which cries, ‘Abba, Father.’

Alister McGrath and J. I. Packer, eds., Galatians by Martin Luther (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1998), 209.

Gospel thoughts...2

2011-06-24T10:23:00.002-04:00

Q. How does the gospel impact my concern for the poor?
A. There can never be any set of temporal, physical poverty experiences greater than the spiritual poverty which Christ has solved for me, therefore, I can always care for the poor (Ga. 2:10).

Q. How does the gospel impact anxiety?
A. No amount of anxiety is larger than the reality that God has removed all barriers to Himself in Christ.

Q. How does the gospel impact parenting?
A. If God calls me 'son' and Jesus calls me 'brother', I have every bit of strength I need to love my children.

Gospel Thoughts...

2011-06-23T11:03:00.002-04:00

Q. How does the gospel impact marriage?
A. I am to love my wife as Jesus loved me (Eph. 5). How therefore will I die today?

Q. How does the gospel impact community?
A. If Jesus calls me brother because of the gospel (Heb. 2), then I must like my brothers and sisters in Christ the way Jesus loved me.

Q. How does the gospel impact forgiveness?
A. If God in Christ can forgive me, who is there that I cannot forgive?

Q. How does the gospel impact anger?
A. If God's just wrath at sin can be taken away in Christ, why can't my unjust anger at another be done away with in Christ?

OB Appointment today- Baby Shaphan doing great today!

2011-06-22T14:48:00.001-04:00

Creation Care.

2011-06-20T16:14:00.003-04:00

Did you know that you can buy products at Target like "Seventh Generation" cleaning supplies that disinfect, as well as other products at Trader Joe's like dishwasher and laundry detergents all of which are made from natural ingredients, are biodegradable and won't harm the environment in ways that other chemical products will?

If the mandate of Genesis is true (stewardship) and the reality of Romans 8 & II Peter 3:11-13 (that one day the Lord will renew the heavens and the earth) then it would seem to me that a Christ-centered stewardship of the creation is important. Check out those products!

Gospel Wanderings & Kids

2011-06-19T20:04:00.001-04:00

"Dear God, can Jesus take my sins way...can Jesus die on the cross for me."

These were some of Micah's petitions in tonight's bedtime prayer time. Christie and I are constantly seeking to discern the best way(s) to share the gospel with our children...

My wife is 30 weeks pregnant tomorrow!

2011-06-17T13:52:00.001-04:00

Day of Study...

2011-06-15T16:51:00.001-04:00

Spent some time studying Judges 13-16 today for Sunday's sermon, and spent some time looking at James for the new sermon series beginning June 26th on the Book of James.

Evangelical Theological Society

2011-06-13T21:43:00.002-04:00

So my membership was approved today for the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS). Hope this will provide some further outlets for learning and I feel honored to be able to participate in such a group.

www.etsjets.org

I'm proud of you buddy!

2011-06-12T15:56:00.003-04:00

Micah who used to have trepidation about the water just yesterday was walking all around the pool!

Adamic Wonderings...

2011-06-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Christianity Today's cover story is about whether or not Adam & Eve really existed...folks like Francis Collins and Bruce Waltke have been espousing certain theories related to the origins of man and this question has taken the Evangelical World by storm. More information to follow, but suffice it to say, In my opinion, there HAS TO HAVE BEEN a literal, real, historical Adam...some reasons follow:

The Genealogy of Christ mentions it:
Luke 3:38- "the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God"

This does not completely disprove Theistic evolution, but Luke is clearly pointing to a historical person...was he wrong? This goes beyond just the issue of how to interpret Genesis...if Jesus' Scriptural genealogy was incorrect, where does that leave other passages of Luke that say...speak of the Savior's work...

Theological Anthropology Explored

2011-06-10T11:11:00.001-04:00

I opened up the idea of the Constitution of Mean in the previous post. I am posting now a research paper I wrote when in seminary. It is long, so I understand if you don't have time to read, but feel free to glance through. (The sources are listed below, but the footnotes did not copy over, so if you want to know which source a quote comes from, let me know). I believe the study of Theological Anthropology is important and has many ramifications:

THEOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY: A FOUNDATIONAL SUMMARY

The psalmist asks of God in a Psalm of worship, “what is man that you are mindful of him…?”(Ps 8:4). The question is at the core of humanity’s existence because within the question there is the acknowledgement that man is subservient to a God Who is mindful of man. How did this arrangement come into being, and what is the answer to this question, “what is man…?” The question is asked rhetorically, for certainly the Psalmist is aware of God having created humankind as written earlier in the Pentateuch. God had acted as the transcendent God in order to create a people for His own purpose and glory. The prophet Isaiah wrote of God’s ultimate calling of people from the ends of the earth unto Himself and in this call a reference to the purpose of creation is seen. He writes, “…everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made” (Isa 43:7). The formation of human beings speaks to the glory of God.
The issues of the constitution of man, how human beings are related to God, humankind’s ultimate purpose as creatures of God, and human freedom or lack thereof as a being connected to a transcendent and yet imminent God, are all questions that are necessary to understand theological anthropology. First, the study of theological anthropology is a necessary task because humanity’s nature in relationship to its Creator is of vital importance. Any being or existent thing speaks volumes about its designer. And in the case of humanity, since humankind bears the image and likeness of its Creator, then this image bearing speaks about the Creator as well as the creation. Human beings created in the Imago Dei are monument to the power and authority of God. Secondly, the relationship that humanity has with its Creator speaks to the ultimate goal(s) of the Creator. Ultimately, the human constitution and the eschatological ramifications of that constitution are of import as well. These are foundational aspects of the study of theological anthropology, and undertaking the task of theological anthropology is ultimately something that can lead to greater biblical understanding.
Imago Dei
The Latin phrase Imago Dei is translated as Image of God. This phrase usually references a human being’s status as a creation made in the image of God. The Image of God is an individual’s status as one bearing God's resemblance, uniquely able among all of the living creation to have relationship with Him, and being one who is a son or daughter of God, dependent upon Him. The image of God involves an individual being one who is God's servant representative of dominion over all of Creation. Mankind was created in the image of God to display the glory, majesty and authority of God, and although not devoid of that original image, when a person restored to God relationally in Jesus Christ from sin, he or she is able to fully live and serve again in God’s image.
Hammett writes, “The most important fact one can state about any human being is that he or she is created in the image of God (imago dei). Many elements of our created nature are shared with animals, but only humanity was created with special deliberation (“Let us make” rather than “Let there be”) and with a special design.” The fact that a human being is an image bearer is of unmistakable ontological importance, for at the helm of humanity’s history is the Creator God. The first Biblical reference to the Imago Dei is in Genesis 1:26. There the text reads, “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” An individual is said to be image bearers of the Creator and as such, as Hoekema writes, “… is a representation of God who is like God in certain aspects.” Within this verse a person is made in the image and likeness of God, and it is this image that sets mankind apart from the rest of creation for here in this sixth day of creation, humans are made in the image of God as opposed to the other creatures being made in or after their own kind.
Later in chapter five of Genesis, the writer gives a rearticulation of the creation of humanity in the “likeness” of God. The text reads, “…When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.” And then, just a verse or so later, the first man, Adam is seen as fathering a son, “in his own likeness, after His image…” It is this furthering of the text that sheds some light on what it means for individuals to be made in the Imago Dei. Adam is pictured as a creation that is made in the image and likeness of God. Then, Adam’s progeny is seen as bearing Adam’s image and likeness. The implications here are at least two fold: 1). Adam’s offspring are like him and 2). Adam’s offspring continue to bear the Imago Dei since Adam is made in the image and likeness of God, and then his descendents are in his image and likeness. Grudem writes, “It is evident that every way in which Seth was like Adam would be a part of his likeness to Adam and thus part of his being “in the image” of Adam. Similarly, every way in which man is like God is part of his being in the image and likeness of God.” This fact makes man distinct from all other creatures and parts of creation. This attribute of humanity’s beginning impacts not only who a person is, but also what a person does.
One other crucial passage in which the Old Testament references the Imago Dei as it relates to humankind is in Genesis chapter nine. Here, the reference relates to the value of humankind specifically because of humanity’s image bearing status. The text reads, “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” The text reiterates the image of God upon humans, and here is gives (post-fall) a connection to humanity’s distinction because of the Imago Dei. Within these three Genesis passages, there is a reference to human beings being created as male and female and also a reference to humankind’s dignity. As part of the original creative order, before the fall of humanity, maleness and femaleness were designed, and inherent to gender is sexuality and gender expression. This aspect in someway relates to humankind bearing the Imago Dei. Also, within the Genesis chapter nine passage, there is a reference to the dignity of humankind and the status of humanity within the created order. And particularly within this passage is a relational component to how human beings should treat one another. The continuation of the generation of persons, which would include the image bearing of God, is seen in the gender of humanity as expressed in the Genesis passages as well as in the dignity of human beings as expressed in the prohibition of murder. Both of these relate to the nature of the Imago Dei in the human race. One must also see in connection with the image bearing status of humanity that an attribute listed (perhaps not as a definition of the image, but as a function of that image bearing) is that people are to have dominion over creation. Other aspects of humanity’s likeness to God could be postulated and could include moral, spiritual and physical aspects.
Church history is full of differing views on what it means for individuals to be made in the Imago Dei. Some such as the Reformers Luther and Calvin held to a substantive view, which conceived of the Imago Dei in human beings as a quality. This view would see an aspect of an individual, such as moral reasoning, or spiritual distinction as that individual bearing the Imago Dei in quality. Others such as Karl Barth held to a relational view, which sees a person’s bearing the Imago Dei as an expression of that person’s relational nature, specifically in interpersonal relationships, both with God and with one another. A third view is the functional view that believes the Imago Dei in a person is largely an aspect of that individual’s function and task. A dominant aspect within this view would be the human race’s dominion over creation, a task that God specifically gives to the first man and woman in the Genesis narrative. This view had some historical connection as it was held by Chrysostom. In addition to these three historical views, there are other avenues by which one could view the Imago Dei. Shults uses the distinctions of functional, existential and eschatological in his work on relationality and the imago dei. A particular focus here is on the state of being and ultimate ontology of the individual.
The Genesis narrative provides the proposition that people are made in the “image” and “likeness” of God, but the essence of those two words is a topic for great debate. It appears that the general principle is that humankind “is like God and represents God.” However, what is the primary essence of the Imago Dei upon humanity? It could be a quality or identity, or it could be a function, such as task to relationship. Perhaps, it could be a conglomeration of both concepts. Erickson sees some validity in each of the views, but ultimately sides with the substantive view. He writes:
“…the image should be thought of as primarily substantive or structural. The image is something in the very nature of man, in the way in which he was made. It refers to something man is rather than something he has or does. By virtue of his being man, he is in the image of God; it is not dependent upon the presence of anything else. By contrast the focus of the relational and functional views is actually on consequences or applications of the image rather that on the image itself. Although very closely linked to the image of God, experiencing relationships and exercising dominion are not themselves that image.”

This appears later in at least two relevant New Testament passages. In 1 Corinthians 11:7, humankind is to do a specific task or function predominately because of being made in the image of God. The text reads when speaking of the covering of the head that, “For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God…” Within this New Testament passage, there is another reference to people being image bearers of God, and because of that substance or essence, they are to perform a certain function. Another such passage is James 3:9, where James writes while speaking of the tongue that, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” Humanity’s functions and relationships are placed in light of and individual’s substance or essence within the Imago Dei.
In terms of the nature of the image of God in human beings, perhaps a question still remaining is whether the terms “image” and “likeness” are simply two identical expressions used to describe the same concept, or whether there is a distinction between the two. If these two words have slightly different meanings, or at least emphases, then this could shed light on the issue of meaning of the Imago Dei upon men and women. The specific meanings of the words “image” and “likeness” are the topic of much discussion, and although very similar, there is a variety of opinion on the exact meanings of these two words in the discussion of theological anthropology. Hoekema writes:
“The words translated as image is tselem; the word rendered as likeness is demuth. In the Hebrew there is no conjunction between the two expressions; the text says simply “let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Both the Septuagint and the Vulgate inset an “and” between the two expressions, giving the impression that “image” and “likeness” refer to different things. The Hebrew text however, makes it clear that there is no essential difference between the two: “after our likeness” is only a different way of saying “in our image…If these words were intended to describe different aspects of the human being, they would not be used as we have seen them used, that is, almost interchangeably.”

Augustine himself did not see a distinction between “image” and “likeness”. Since the early centuries of the church, there has been the view that these two words (tselem-image) and (demut- likeness) were to be understood in different ways. Some have speculated that this is because of the addition of the word “and” between the two words in the LXX. Matthews, who views the terms as interchangeable writes, “Further support for understanding the terms as interchangeable comes from a ninth-century statue recovered from Tell Fekheriyeh (ancient Sikan) in Syria that bears a bilingual text in Assyrian and Aramaic. As a part selem and demut are used with the same meaning in reference to the statue.” Similarly, scholars like Grudem believe the distinction between the two words is very narrow, but others see a distinction between the emphases of the two words that adds differing areas of meaning. In every scriptural reference to the Imago Dei, it could be argued that the primary focus is the glory of God.
Imago Dei and the Kingdom of God
Peter Gentry sees a connection between the words “image” and “likeness” that could shed light on the meaning of the entire text. He writes:
“… the term “the image of god” in the culture and language of the ancient Near East in the fifteenth century B.C. would have communicated two main ideas: (1) rulership and (2) sonship. The king is the image of god because he has a relationship to the deity as the son of god and a relationship to the world as ruler for the god. We ought to assume that the meaning in the Bible is identical or at least similar, unless the biblical text clearly distinguishes its meaning from the surrounding culture.”

For Gentry, the usage of these two words in the context of Ancient Near Eastern language is a demonstration of different emphases that the human race has within the Kingdom of God the Creator. Gentry sees the usage of these two words as a marker that points to a person’s relationship with God and the world. “Image” in his view points to humanity’s relationship to God in an individual being a “servant king”. “Likeness” in his view, culturally and linguistically would speak to humanity’s relationship to God as a son. Matthews echoes aspects of this view when he writes, “Mankind is appointed as God’s royal representatives (i.e., sonship) to rule the earth in his place.” In Luke’s gospel, the idea of people being children of God is pictured in the Lukan genealogy of Christ, where in Luke 3:38, Adam is said to be a “son of God.”
So it appears that Gentry blends concepts within the previously mentioned historical views on the nature of the image of humankind. He speaks of the essence or substance of a person, but views that individual as a relational being, not in functionality first, but in essence. He also speaks to a person’s function, but that this function flows out of an individual’s essence of substance. Gentry writes, “Man is the divine image. As servant-king and son of God mankind will mediate God’s rule to the creation in the context of a covenant relationship with God on the one hand and the earth on the other. Hence the concept of the kingdom of God is found on the first page of Scripture.” Here, a blending of ontology and functionality is seen in context of eschatological implications. By looking into Ancient Near Eastern linguistics, Gentry seeks to expose the words “image” and “likeness” in the language and culture of the day, specifically with reference to kings creating or carving out a likeness of themselves in a statue and placing that statue in a distant location to represent their rule over that location. This explanation seems plausible and yet at the same time incomplete without the full range of explanations for the Imago Dei within Christianity. A strength of Gentry’s work is the connection to the cultural and linguistic applications of the day, as well as to the overarching covenantal redemptive historical theme of Scripture. Matthews seems to arrive at a similar view of sonship and rulership however, while holding to the interchangeability of the two words “image” and “likeness”. The focus on the Ancient Near Eastern word usage does however provide richness to the study of the meaning of humanity’s image bearing of God. Even before the fall of humankind into sinful rebellion against God, the kingdom of God is seen with the human being as God’s chief agent.
Imago Dei and The Fall
The question of the human race’s retention of the Imago Dei after the fall is one of great importance, not only in the area of theological anthropology, but in other areas of systematic theology as well. In the Genesis nine passage seen earlier, people are prohibited from taking the life of one another and the image of God is referenced. And in both of the New Testament passages examined earlier (1 Cor 11:7 and Jam 3:9) there are certain issues discussed, both with references to the image or likeness of God. All of these references occur after the fall of the human race, which takes place in Genesis chapter three. This would seem to indicate that however the Imago Dei has been affected by the fall, it remains existent in every human being. Yet in all three of the historical views of the nature of the image of God in the individual (substantive, relational and functional), implications of how the image of God would be affected can be surmised. Grudem writes, “After the fall, then, we are still in God’s image—we are still like God and we still represent God—but the image of God in us is distorted; we are less fully like God than we were before the entrance of sin.” Shults contends that there is not even a distortion of the image. Others seem to take a middle approach such as Hoekema who suggests that a person is still a bearer of the image of God (in essence and perhaps substance) but now functions wrongly as an image-bearer.
Although a full discussion of the doctrine of sin is beyond the scope of this work, the implications of sin upon theological anthropology are immense. Another system of theology that is involved is soteriology. The overarching theme of Scripture is the redemptive historical act of God in saving and renewing His people. However, the image of God is center-stage in this redemption in the person of Jesus Christ. Both 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Colossians 1:15 declare that Jesus is the image of God. And it is in Jesus Christ that being made in the image and likeness of God is seen in perfection. And not only is Jesus an exemplar of the original design of humanity, he is also the redemptive agent through which humanity is fully restored into the image and likeness of God as it was before the fall. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:8 that Christians are being changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ, and in Romans 8:29 we see that God has predetermined that believers be conformed to the “image” of Jesus Christ His Son. So Jesus is indeed an exemplar and display of the image and likeness of God as He Himself is the God-man, but he is also the agent through which people are changed. His redemptive work on the cross propitiates the wrath of a just God toward sin, and it expiates that sin, thereby canceling that sin and moving that individual into the lifelong process of sanctification whereby that individual is being changed and renewed, “in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Col 3:10).
Therefore, the image motif of Genesis is instrumental in the redemption motif of the New Testament (which is an overarching theme of Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments). This is of importance because salvation is not simply a forgiveness of sin, it is a complete restoration of the Imago Dei. And with this restoration comes the intended outcomes of functionality within the kingdom of God. Ultimately—eschatologically—people shall bear the image of Jesus Christ Himself (1 Cor 15:49). Often times, salvation is pictured too incompletely within the realm of “where you go when you die”. The theme of Scripture however is that the image bearers of God have become distorted and have ceased to function correctly as image bearers, and it is Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is the source of final restoration. The human race becomes what it was, and through it all God gets glory as Creator and Restorer.
The Nature of Human Freedom
One issue that arises in considering the fallen nature of people and the full range of what that means is the issue of the nature of human freedom specifically after the fall of humanity into sin. From the early years of the church, the issue of human freedom has been a source of continued debate and discussion, often times in peaceful conversations, and at other times in bitter division. This debate in modern times, at least in evangelical circles, tends toward a discussion of soteriology. Specifically, the issue of predestination vs. a person’s “free will” in salvation often takes center stage in the discussion. While this is indeed an important discussion, this issue comes as a result of a larger issue regarding the nature of human freedom which has been a part of Christian thought since the days of Augustine and Pelagius and even before. Central to this discussion is not simply salvation, eternal destiny, or the Ordo Salutis, but whether a person in his or her own ability is able to make any decision freely.
By the second century, there were several major theological movements developing which directed the thought of academics and the church alike. Burns writes, “By the middle of the third century, the two movements which produced the dominant anthropologies of the ancient church had begun to flourish: asceticism and Christian Platonism. Although these two tendencies were sometimes integrated both in practice and in theory, they actually involved significantly different perspectives on the human situation…” As these two tendencies developed and interacted with one another through their respective adherents, the dialogue on theological anthropology and specifically on the nature of human freedom ensued.
Asceticism
Asceticism, which taught the practice of self-discipline, specifically evident in the denial of certain bodily pleasures, influenced the debate in a number of specific ways. Of particular focus within asceticism is the issue of a person’s environmental surroundings. There was an acknowledgement of evil and good, and the manner in which humanity could seek good would be through proper environmental surroundings, which included the denial of specific appetites, choices and even social structures. Of course, this led to some forms of monasticism among many of its adherents. Of particular interest to the issue of human freedom is how the original Adamic fall has influenced human decisions throughout the following generations. For the Christian, the challenge is choosing to serve God in an environment bent away from God. Burns writes that within this view, “The person retains the internal resources of human nature: the light of reason to recognize the good, and the freedom to choose it.” So within the ascetic tradition, a person maintains his or her original freedom of nature and choice. In fact, this idea is central to this theology and it can be seen in the attempts at good choices through good actions. And it is through multiple choices that a person can come out from under a fallen nature and return to a level of righteousness. The grace of God plays a part in the entire equation, but of particular focus is a person’s self-determination. “The freedom of self-determination to good or evil, which is the inalienable divine image implanted in humanity at its creation, stands as the foundation of this anthropology.”
Gregory of Nyssa would further this connection between self-determination and the image of God. His view was that human freedom is central to choice and the choice of specific virtues, and if humans cannot choose certain virtues, then they are unable to share in the divine image because virtue is a part of the divine image. This tradition continues to modern times in a variety of circles. One tradition influenced by this early ascetic movement, and particularly the monastic desert fathers it Eastern Orthodoxy. Harrison writes, “In the Eastern churches, both in ancient times and today, grace and human freedom go together. Grace does not conflict with out capacity to choose but brings our freedom to fullness of life, creativity, and activity.” This movement would have profound impact upon Christianity up to the present day, and it would be a base of theological anthropology for men like Pelagius who would continue to assert that humanity’s nature is free and that self-determination is not hindered by the intervention of a Sovereign God. Pelagius and his counterpart Augustine would disagree over this issue and that disagreement has continued down through ages through men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jacobus Arminius and Jonathan Edwards.
Christian Platonism
With a particular grounding in the Greek philosophical stream, Christian Platonism while sharing some basic propositions with asceticism held to an altogether different view of anthropology specifically as it related to human freedom. “Christian Platonism identifies the divine image in humanity not as the autonomy of self-determination but as rationality, the human capacity for knowledge of God.” While there is a level of human choice within Christian Platonism, the focus on anthropology is different in that a particular focus of the Imago Dei is not predominately choice, but knowledge—rationality. The Christian life within this tendency is one of growing in desire for God and through the grace of God, which is seen as predominantly a helping agent, an individual can grow in union with God. Of influence here as well is the Platonic view of the dualism between the material and the immaterial—the body and the spirit. Freedom from the bodily or fleshly prison was a large part of Platonic thought. The focus is less on human choice and self-determination anthropologically because of the focus on desire, and more on that of earned reward.
Implications and Early Church Figures
Due to the differentiation in focus, the primacy of human freedom within the Ascetic stream was not as dominant within the Christian Platonic stream. This led to the consideration of soteriology out of a focus on anthropology. While a view of salvation is not the only implication, it is certainly a dominant piece. The issue of a focus on soteriology coming out of a particular view of humanity’s human freedom is that there is indeed a connection to the Imago Dei. While the Ascetics and the Christian Platonists differed in the level of focus on human freedom, they also differed in aspects of their views on the Divine image within the human race by implication. Viewing salvation as something that has impact on the divine image within an individual—for both sets agreed that there was a type of union with God or Christ to include an expression of the divine image—makes theologizing about salvation an anthropological issue. Differing adherents arose in the second to fourth centuries from within these tendencies to further the discussion of theological anthropology as it related to the nature of human freedom.
Irenaeus. A focus of Irenaeus was the disputation of Gnosticism particularly within his teaching and writing as it related to the negative view of the body. Unique to his anthropology was a view that humanity was created in immaturity and needed to grow through constant decisions between good and evil. Irenaeus maintained that humanity’s nature was free largely because of the need to be good and to mature through evil and good. While predating the dominance of the Ascetic and Christian Platonism movements, Irenaeus’ adherence to areas of both of these streams can be seen. Perhaps it could be better stated that it is likely that Irenaeus influenced both of these streams that would occur a century or so later.
Gregory of Nyssa. According to Harrison, Gregory of Nyssa considered human freedom an important part of what makes people image bearers of the God. His anthropology as it related to the nature of human freedom results from his view of what being an image bearer of God means for the individual. Influenced by the Ascetic tradition, Gregory focused on aspects of human merit because of a focus on human capacity. He wrote, “…would the Lord really command us to do something that is beyond our nature and issue a commandment whose enormity oversteps our human capacity? That is not possible.” This would ultimately be a view that would contradict Augustine in his understanding of how the grace of God affects the human being’s desire or awakening of desire for God.
Pelagius. Pelagius maintained that the human will remained intact after the fall and he specifically viewed that salvation was possible by human merit apart from a full reliance on the grace of God. He wrote, “We do either good or evil only by our own will; since we always remain capable of both, we are always free do to either.” He was involved in an ongoing debate with Augustine regarding the nature of human freedom and he held that the result of human salvation was initiated as well as sustained or lost in and through the will and ultimately the effort of and individual.
Augustine. While influenced by some aspects of both Asceticism and Christian Platonism, Augustine’s predominant emphasis that the individual was unable to complete good in an of himself or herself, including the initial work of salvation. Burns writes of Augustine’s view that, “Before God grants a person the love for Himself, that person exercises no option for good; once God brings this love to perfection, the person will not actually choose to turn away.” This would be exactly the opposite of Pelagian thought and it would be the primary influence of the later work of many of the Reformers like John Calvin and Martin Luther as well as the foundation for the intellectual work of many a Christian thinker like Jonathan Edwards. However, his view (Pelagius) is at odds with later Reformed thinkers such as Hoekema who writes when speaking of an individual’s spiritual inability that, “…the unregenerate person is unable apart from the special working of the Holy Spirit to change the basic direction of his or her life from sinful self-love to love for God.” While this issue is often thought of when considering the Ordo Salutis, the implications of a person still bearing the Image of God while being able or unable to have relationship with God, his or her Creator without divine intervention has direct implications for the particularities of theological anthropology, specifically the Imago Dei.
Continuing Developments and Ideas
Although the above-mentioned figures are predominantly related to theology and/or the early Christian church, their ideas also greatly impacted epistemological study. Growing out of the intersection between natural theology and revelation, they studied theological anthropology. There were of course many other figures that added to or sought to dispute their various thoughts, but these individuals in the early patristic period set a foundation in place for much theological discussion that would follow. Martin Luther in the 1500’s espoused the view that a person indeed had a will, but that that will was in bondage due to sin, and much like Augustine before him, he viewed the injection of divine grace as absolutely necessary in order for that person to come to faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, the period of the middle ages displayed a return to the Augustinian and Pelagian debate. Luther’s thought while impacted by Augustine was also formulated to discuss the views of certain theologians that had lived just a few centuries before him, namely Peter the Lombard (mainly Augustinian) and Thomas Aquinas (whom Luther viewed as semi-pelagian).
However, not only did they impact Christian theology, there was the larger impact on the area of the nature of human freedom in general even as it related to other areas besides theology such as that of philosophy at large. Jeeves writes:
“The topic of free will and choice has a very long history in the writings of philosophers. A reference to such writings alerts us to the fact that it is a problem to know how were should define freedom of choice. Relevant to out present discussion is the philosophers’ reminder that there have been two distinct definitions of freedoms, often referred to as the liberty of spontaneity and the liberty of indifference…The liberty of spontaneity is often referred to as a compatibilist view of freedom. This is because it is compatible with determinism. The liberty of indifference is referred to as a libertarian view of freedom.”

In addition to these two freedoms, there is full determinism, which could be seen as directed by any number of things (i.e. a Divine Being, Nature, Biology, Social and Cultural norms, etc. ). Branching out into other fields, the issue of the nature of human freedom in regards to determinism, compatibilism, and libertarianism also arises. Martin et al. discuss the implications of human agency or choice in the field of psychology. Unlike many in their particular field, they argue that, “human agency cannot be reduced to purely biological and/or cultural determinants, yet must be understood as arising nonmysteriously within appropriate developmental, historical, and sociocultural context…humans can be both determined and free, and not merely in the sense of demonstrating voluntariness in their activities.” They seek to counter some of the reductionistic thought within the field of psychology and related areas that view a biological determinism as the main indicator of behavior, thought, emotions, etc.
Of course, the impact of this discussion could continue to other areas and indeed has during the history of thought. Not only are theology, philosophy and psychology interconnected in this area, but other sciences and humanities as well. However, as it relates particularly to theological anthropology, these larger terms are of distinct importance. And once again, in connection with theological ideals, these terms have a bearing on the original issues of those early church fathers because unlike certain tendencies in secular thought, Christianity sees a continuing relationship of the individual to God even as it relates to eternal life. And within this continuing relationship of a person to God is the issue of restoration of relationship because of the fall. This of course is interconnected with the study of mankind’s freedom because choice is impacted in some way by the fall of the human race into sin. Therefore, the intersection of theology and the larger themes of determinism, compatibilism and libertarianism become apparent.
Bruce Ware deals with this concept in his groundbreaking work dealing with the issue of God’s sovereignty and the nature of human freedom. Ware first takes the earlier idea of Molina (1535-1600) called middle knowledge wherein God is said to know everything that will be as well as all the possibilities of what could be but are not and connects with it compatibilism whereby God directs the circumstances of humanity so that a person will choose what God desires, but that that person is still responsible for those decisions since it was indeed his or her choice. This idea combines God’s utter and complete Sovereignty with humankind’s responsibility for decisions without placing persons in a completely deterministic existence. Ware points to passages such as Acts 2:23 and Proverbs 16:33 to show God’s complete control over all of existence. He also discusses Ephesians 1, where the doctrine of predestination and election are laid out with great power. He extends his discussion of God’s control to not only humanity’s ontological reality, but also to nature, life and death and much more. The view that Ware posits is entitled “compatibilist middle knowledge” and it can take on a Reformed theological emphasis without the criticism that God simply determines every decision thereby leaving an individual without freedom. In Ware’s view, a person exhibits choice, but God’s will is fully accomplish leaving God completely and sovereignly in control.
Biblical Material
Psalm 135:6-14 (ESV) reads: "Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast; who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants; who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings, Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel. (13)Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages. (14)For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants."

In this text, God is clearly seen as the Sovereign, Omnipotent One who "does as He pleases." Both direct, deterministic actions can be seen, as well as indirect actions (compatibilist middle knowledge) inferred. His direct intervention in the cosmos is seen, even through the inference that God directly causes meteorological events. His direct intervention in the lives of men and women is seen and given the mention of Pharaoh combined with the Genesis context of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, compatibilist middle knowledge is an element of this idea and not simply complete determinism alone. His Sovereignty over salvation is seen in the last sentence, verse 14. God's deterministic actions and His compatibilist middle knowledge are all for the glory of His name.
The list of biblical texts on the issue of the nature of human freedom and the sovereignty of God is enormous. Reaching back to the thinking of Augustine, texts such as: John 6:44 where God is seen as the One drawing men to salvation; Acts 13:48 where Gentiles believe in the gospel, but only because they were previously appointed; Romans 3:10-11 where God declares that no man seeks after God; Romans 9 where God’s sovereign choice is displayed and Ephesians 1 where the anatomy of God’s predestining work is discussed, are all a part of a backdrop which displays God’s control over salvation even in terms of the irresistible nature of grace. However, within the biblical context, there is the call for persons to come to God volitionally as well such as in Joshua’s call for people to choose to serve God (Josh 24:15) and in Jesus’ call in Matthew 11 for people to come to Him for rest. It cannot be denied that there is a call to make a choice, and yet as a backdrop to that call, God is seen as sovereignly in control of the call, the process, and the outcome, not to mention the issue of predestination and even the inferred theological doctrine of limited atonement or particular redemption.
Summary Conclusions on The Nature of Human Freedom
Perhaps Ware’s compatibilist middle knowledge theory is exactly the answer to the seeming theological quandary. From Augustine and Pelagius to the present day, the issue of human freedom has been a key aspect within theological anthropology. And although one must focus on the anthropological aspects of the nature of human freedom, other areas of systematic theology will connected. In fact, if one focuses solely on the anthropological question(s) when seeking to understand human freedom, the inquiry could be become stilted or anthropologically focused. For an individual to be made in the image of God as a created being, means that individual is a dependent being. Therefore, any accurate theological study of anthropology will have as its backdrop a biblical understanding of God. God and specific revelation would then become the rubric for study regarding theological anthropology and not simply a quest to understand humanity through natural theology. The anatomy and doctrine of sin, an understanding of biblical soteriology, and an understanding of the God of the Bible are necessary systems to consider before one can fully understand theological anthropology, and specifically the nature of human freedom.
In connection to human freedom are also the eschatological implications of humanity’s existence. The Imago Dei, the nature of human freedom and the ultimate eschatological reality of humanity are all interconnected. With the biblical assertion that an individual exists past death, there is a need to understand the constitution of human beings but also the potential of an intermediate state after death and before final resurrection.
The Human Constitution
Paramount to this type of study is the understanding that what Scripture teaches about the Image of God does not stay within theological anthropology alone, but affects other areas of Systematic Theology as well. Connecting anthropology and soteriology for example through the study of the Imago Dei is also an issue when the human constitution and the intermediate state are considered. As it relates to the human constitution, there are several theories; namely the trichotomous, dichotomous and monistic views. The issue then in thinking about the nature of humanity is that of the individual’s constitution—of what makes up a human being. An analysis of the biblical view of anthropology will show that there are physical and nonphysical aspects to an individual, and how those aspects interact is what must be considered when undertaking the task of understanding theological anthropology.
Biblical Reference
Scripture is full of references to both material and nonmaterial aspects of humanity. There are various words used to describe them. Of particular interest to the issue of humanity’s nature and constitution, the words for the nonmaterial aspects of humanity become important to understand because they are less clear than the words for the material aspect of the individual (body). In Hebrew, the word that has many meaning but usually translated as “soul” is nephesh. Within the Hebrew mindset, this word was a non-material word, but it could relate to many different aspects of the soul, and therefore it should not be seen only in a platonic sense of the word “soul”. Another important Hebrew word is ruach. This word has many meanings and contexts as well but generally could refer to either “breath” or “spirit”. This can be seen in Genesis 2:7 in the early formations of mankind. As it relates to the words translated as “soul” and “spirit”, there are corresponding Greek words that appear in the Greek New Testament, but also in the Greek Septuagint. The word usually translated for “soul” is the Greek word psyche. However, this word can also have varying meaning. Bauer et al write, “It is oft. impossible to draw hard and fast lines betw. the meanings of this many-sided word.” The Greek word often translated as “spirit” and most often in correlation to the Hebrew word ruach is pneuma and it too has a similar “breath” and/or “spirit” definition. Although original language words particularly the word for “body”, are a part of the conversation, certain views often become differentiated based on the words for the nonmaterial aspects of man.
Summary of Views
Trichotomy. Within the trichotomous view of the human constitution, the human being is made up of three distinct parts: (body, soul and spirit). The body is seen as the physical component of an individual, whereas a division is seen between the soul and the spirit. In support of this view, there are multiple scriptural references that are used. A primary text would be 1 Thessalonians 5:23 which reads, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here, for the trichotomy view, the listing of all three words (spirit, soul, and body) is a proof text for a tripartite human constitution. Another such text would be Hebrews 4:12 which says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Here the argument is made that the text actually speaks of a division between the words “soul” and “spirit”. However, the trichotomous view seems to take the usage of words literally and does not seem to see interchangeability between words such as soul and spirit.
Dichotomy. The dichotomous view would indeed see a division between the material (body) and the nonmaterial (soul/spirit), but it would see the nonmaterial as a unified part of a sort of two part or dualistic system. Grudem, a proponent of this view writes, “Scripture Uses “Soul” and “Spirit” Interchangeably. When we look at the usage of the biblical words translated “soul” (Heb. Nephesh and Gk. Psyche) and “spirit” (Heb. Ruach and Gk. Pneuma), it appears that they are sometimes used interchangeably.” Adherents to this particular view would also hold that the reference to multiple nonmaterial aspects of a human being could simply be a use of emphatic synonym listing. This view in particular is also easily connected with the issue of the Christian’s intermediate state upon death. Specifically, this concept is that though the body is dead, but that the nonmaterial soul exists temporarily in bodiless form until the final resurrection of the believer at which time a glorified, resurrection body would be given to the individual.
Monism. Within a monistic framework, there is no division between material and nonmaterial. Erickson writes, “In the monistic understanding, the Bible does not view man as body, soul, and spirit, but simply as a self.” Within this system, there is no room for any type of dualistic system, much less a tripartite emphasis. However, because of the lack of a division, this view does not hold open the possibility of an intermediate existence between death and the final resurrection due to the fact that human reality is a physical reality.
Holistic View(s). There other terms that are used to express aspects of these views, or combinations of the views. Hoekema asserts that both the Trichotomous and Dichotomous views of the human constitution should be rejected in favor of a viewing the human being as a whole. However, given the possibility of an intermediate existence, he would also reject a full monism as well. This then connects us to the further aspects of anthropological study that he takes up as well as those like Cooper, who embrace a Holistic Dualism when thinking about the death of a believer prior to full consummation at the resurrection he or she in Christ. Hoekema espouses what he terms “psychosomatic unity” in which the individual is thought of as a whole, and that there is not division, but rather human existence is a holistic reality. Where Hoekema would differ from the monistic view would be that he sees the intermediate state between death and final resurrection as a biblical. Therefore, he allows for a nonmaterial type of existence for the believer, but the emphasis is not on dualism, but on holism. For Hoekema, this also provides a greater emphasis on the reality that true life is a bodily existence, and that the intermediate state is not a final consummation. Cooper seems to have a similar view but chooses to maintain the word “dualism” to show the differing aspects of the material and nonmaterial parts of mankind. Hoekema prefers his own phrase because of the holistic or unified focus. He writes, “My preference, however, is to speak of man as a psychosomatic unity. The advantage of this expression is that it does full justice to the two aspects of man, while stressing man’s unity.” It appears that in this view, an individual is one being with two aspects (material and nonmaterial). Cooper maintains his choice of words specifically because of his treatment of the intermediate state. Could it be that if aspects of Hoekema and Cooper were merged and they are correct, then an individuals’s intermediate state prior to the resurrection is time with Christ, and yet is not a full return to the Imago Dei of Eden? The overarching theme of Redemption from Genesis to Revelation is that of people being “saved”, but further than that, it is God being the primary character of the story by returning His image bearers back to who they were created to be…(Rev. 21:5a)…
The Intermediate State And Subsequent Implications
It is clear that there is indeed a material and a nonmaterial aspect that makes up the human constitution. As created beings, people are dependent on their Creator and the hope of the Christian life is that there is eternal life with God (John 3:16). There are multiple views of what happens to an individual upon death, and these are directly connected to one’s view regarding the constitution of the human being. While there are a variety of views that would deny any existence between death and resurrection (monism) as well as views that would deny the consciousness of the individual between death and resurrection (soul sleep), Scripture is clear in its teaching that there is some type of conscious reality in between death and the consummation of all things and resurrection of the body into eternal life. Luke 23:43 references Christ’s assurance to the repentant thief that there would be a relational existence even that very day upon death. The book of the Revelation speaks of deceased saints existing in a conscious, even active reality before the resurrection. The Apostle Paul speaks to the issue within the context of the constitution of the human being when he states that when an individual is absent from the body, he or she is present with the Lord. And while there is not a wealth of biblical data to depict what that reality will look like, there is the evidence that there is a nonmaterial, conscious reality that exists in between death and the resurrection where the believer is in the presence of the Lord.
This Scriptural truth is directly connected to one’s view of the constitution of the human individual. The monist who sees no division at all in the human being cannot conceive of an intermediate state. However, the trichotomist may have difficulty in explaining biblically which nonmaterial parts of an individual are present during an intermediate state (soul or spirit). The dichotomist would have no difficulty here except that he or she would have to concede that either there is an immediate glorified body at death,which would go against a wealth of biblical teaching on a final resurrection (Rom 8), or that the intermediate state is an existence that is not fully whole until the final resurrection.
Summary
While there is merit in considering each of the views regarding the constitution of an individual human being, it appears that Cooper and particularly Hoekema have much to add to the understanding of the human constitution. Hoekema provides for the biblical teaching of an intermediate state while avoiding the platonic type dualism that can exist in some forms of a dichotomous view. He also speaks to how a psychosomatic unity view provides for a holistic view of Christian ministry as well, and yet does not embrace a monistic view of the human constitution, which would deny the teaching of an intermediate state. Cooper provides a good defense against a monistic view of the human constitution and gives a hearty treatment of the reality of an intermediate state. He writes, “Thus the Bible indicates that humans do not cease to exist between death and resurrection, a condition sometimes euphemistically termed “soul sleep,” or that final resurrection occurs immediately upon death.”
Final Summation
Theological anthropology is a vast and broad topic, and one that must be undertaken with scholarship and biblical faithfulness. Any attempt to fully understand the intricacies of the doctrine of anthropology, and of humanity in general will invariably fall short. However a proper study is fruitful not only for academic pursuits, but for a variety of practical reasons, Christian ministry perhaps being the foremost. Necessary to the study of theological anthropology is a study of the humanity’s relationship to its Creator, specifically in a study of the Imago Dei and the related area of the Kingdom of God and humanity’s fallen nature. Further aspects of study would need to include a treatment of the human being’s agency or freedom as well as that individual’s constitution. This research is meant to be a summary of these topics and like all attempts, will likely fail to be fully exhaustive. Yet, theological anthropology is properly understood in the context of biblical revelation including an utter reliance on the glory of God in all things. And given the complexities within theological anthropology, the complexities of the God of theological anthropology are much greater. Indeed the psalmist is correct when speaking to God, “what is man that you are mindful of him?” (Ps 8:4).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books

Allison, Greg. Humanity, sin, and Christian education, In A Theology for Christian Education. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2008.

Bauer, Walter, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, ed. and trans. William F. Arndt and F. Wilber Gingrich. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1967.

Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001.

Burns, J. Patout ed. and trans. Theological Anthropology. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress, 1981.

Cooper, Body, Soul, and Life Everlasting; Biblical Anthropology and the Monism-Dualism Debate. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1989.

Erickson, Millard J., Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1994.

Erickson, Millard J., The Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology, Rev. ed. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001.

Grudem, Wayne, Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.

Hammett, John S., “Human Nature,” in A Theology For The Church, ed. Daniel L. Akin Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2007.

Harrison, Nonna Verna, God’s Many-Splendored Image. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.

Hoekema, Anthony A., Created in God’s Image. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1986.

Janz, D., Luther and late medieval Thomism: A study in theological anthropology. Ontario, Canada: Wilfrid Laurier University, 1983.

Jeeves, Malcolm A., Human Nature At the Millennium: Reflections on the Integration of Psychology and Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1997.

Luther, Martin. [1525]. Martin Luther on the bondage of the will, trans. H. Cole. http://books.google.com

Matthews, Kenneth A., The New American Commentary; An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture, Genesis 1-11:26. ed. E. Ray Clendenen. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1996.

Martin, J.; Sugarman, J.; and, Thompson, J. Psychology and the question of agency. Albany, NY: SUNY, 2003.

Sailhamer, John H., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 2 ed. Frank E. Gaebelein. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1990.

Smith, Christian, Moral, Believing Animals. Oxford, UK: Oxford University, 2009.

Shults, F.L. Reforming Theological Anthropology; After the Philosophical Turn to Relationality. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003.

Ware, Bruce, God’s Greater Glory. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2004.

Articles

Gentry, Peter, “Kingdom Through Covenant.” The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 12 (2008) (1): 16-42.

Jones, Timothy Paul, “John Calvin and the Problem of Philosophical Apologetics”, Perspectives in Religious Studies 23 (1996): 387-403.

Theological Anthropology

2011-06-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

Is man body, soul, spirit (Trichomomist)
OR
Body, soul/spirit (Dichotomist)
OR
One with body/soul with no real distinction (Monist)?

I have my thoughts...but how did God put us together--what does the Scripture conclude...

Need a good book? Consider entering...

2011-06-08T12:26:00.001-04:00

One of our dear friends at our church has a blog as often does book give away drawings. You should consider entering...good stuff!:

triedbyfire.blogspot.com

Just finished reading...

2011-06-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Just finished reading this following my recent seminary graduation. Christie noticed I was interested in this and picked it up for me at Southern (along with a very beautiful wife to husband inscription of encouragement). I commend it to you if you're in ministry, or if you simply value the work of an ordinary, non-famous pastor. This is the Father of D.A. Carson.

You can buy it here-(Click here)

Ephesians 1

2011-06-06T11:24:00.001-04:00

Yesterday's sermon (click here) was a challenging and yet very enriching text. Oh the measureless mercies of our Triune God...

Lifelong community...

2011-06-06T11:22:00.002-04:00

This past Friday night, we went to my grandmother's house to see one of her lifelong friends who came into town to visit. This friend used to go to my grandmother's church when I was growing up. I can remember well the many Sunday's that my family would join my grandparents and all their couple friends for lunch after church (my parents met at that church years before and so they knew many of these people). Now, most of the ladies to include my grandmother have lost their husbands and are stil lin contact, still in some cases doing life together. Christie and I drove home and remarked to each other that we want to still be in relationship when we're in our 70'2 & 80's with people who we know now...

Prayer time

2011-06-02T23:18:00.002-04:00

Lydia and Micah usually pray out loud every night before bed time. After pajamas are on, teeth are brushed and the potty is attended to, we pray...and Lydia is now praying for each person in our house, by pointed to the them as she prays with her eyes squeezed shut...it is such a blessing to see--directing her prayers.

We have so much to be thankful for...

2011-05-27T13:24:00.002-04:00

Dad loses two small sons in Oklahoma Tornado...CLICK HERE

Community

2011-05-27T13:03:00.002-04:00

Our small group spent some time in reflection this past week thinking about Hebrews 10:23-25 and ultimately the value of community. It was a blessing to spend time together as a family and seeking each other as such...
It was a special blessing to have members of the group celebrate my recent graduation and sincerely take joy in the joy of another. The particular members of body of Christ that journey with us are a gift that God gives us on the road...