Living to tell about it

Reflections on the past year.

2011-01-17T06:28:00.002-06:00

Obviously, much has happened over the past year. And just as obvious comes unexpected things. So, even though it seems taboo to speak of the obvious, I will do so because the obvious is obviously unknown unless it is spoken so that it can be heard. (the reading is affecting my thought-to-pen pattern, ha!)

In my recollection, it is hard to discern from what I thought to what was actual. Again, obviously, this is my interpretation of what I recollect, as it involves some other people that might have things to add or coincide.(ha)

Highlights and notables.
The majority of the year was surrounded by the anticipation of our baby boy Nehemiah, who was born on August 4th, What a blessing he is! He brings great joy to our home and we are so very thankful for him.

My wife's grandmother passed away. She was my wife's namesake and very much a joy to my whole family. She is greatly missed! It brings us great comfort that she believed in the Savior of the world! Hallelujah!

We became members of a Reformed Presbyterian church in which all my children(at the time) were baptized. Yes, even the ones that cannot profess with their own mouth Jesus as their savior. Why, well, because God promised to be a God to me and my children. I believe that this is true and that He is their one and only savior. Now, do I believe that they are 'saved'? That I do not know, but I hold to the promises that they will be, by His Grace. Who can discern the heart? And, yes, out of the heart the mouth speaks, but remember that the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.

One of my dear friends at one point decided to run for the House of Representatives. We were all very excited, as he had a legitimate chance of doing well. But before we could get too fired up, he had to withdraw because he had not registered to vote in his district in the required time. The fact is that it was not processed in the time that allowed him. Ugh. He learned a hard lesson, that I promise he will make a good thing. I am hoping that he will decide to run again. He is one of my heroes.

I was able to start up a small business called goodSoil Software. On the side, I have been able to make some sites for people I know, for now. I am actually building the new version of a site now that is rather large and very popular in the Reformed christian world. It is taking a long time because of all the pages I have to copy by hand to the db. 1500!

My dear friend and brother in the Lord also started his own business called AnswerSoft. To me, it is a great service with a whole lot of possibilities that can be a great benefit for companies looking to save time and money. My prayer is that he is able to do this full-time so that he can be with his family, training and loving them in the Lord.

On the event of my wife's grandmother passing, one of the oddest and most surprising part of the year came about. Upon finding out of her passing, I asked for bereavement time, which my company provides for even in-laws. The company that my company is contracted through, decided that it did not want to honor that nor keep me on the project. The company I worked for said that they would work it out and to go back home for the funeral which is what I did. After coming back, and seriously looking for other work, my company gave me a couple of options. Houston, Atlanta, or Salt Lake City. I did not want to move to any of these places, but because of the company, I thought I would look into them. We drove to Houston and right back. No Go! Then we set our minds on Atlanta. I had lived there before, so I am somewhat familiar. We had been there before when we lived in TN, we visited friends at a church there. And with the possibilites of churches, including some of my favorite preachers/teachers, we decided to go. After almost 3 weeks of researching homes and places to live, my wife and I decided to not take the job. We are not ready for the big city! In telling my company that I cannot move to Atlanta, that I wanted to work with them, they offered me the opportunity to work from my home office. I could not believe it, but yet immediately accepted. Praise God! Down side is that I no longer work with my friend and brother and I miss him terribly.

To determine which that is closest to the biblical church, by being biblical itself, not just by tradition.
This is what I have been researching and looking for in a church home for my family. It has been almost 2 years since
we left the home church that we originally came to this area for. We were only there for 7 or 8 months off and on. The realizations that came to the forefront at this time were just amazing. I learned much from this time which I am grateful for.
I understand the notion to want to control the environment in and out of the church, especially for our children. This was the crux of this particular home church. They would say that their crux is Jesus, where the other churches separate their children and families with programs and such, they care more about their children because of Jesus. Well, anyone that knows and understands the difficulties of being a parent and choosing whats best for their children would empathize. The more I reflect on this time it still amazes me how I was not able to correctly express my concerns with the other members. They all thought my concerns were unfounded to say the least. One of the leaders though I was dangerous because I read a lot of books and had knowledge of the faith but lacked the maturity in applying it. An interesting statement in and of itself, and I can understand some of their concerns, but the other side of that coin is most concerning. My concerns were about the Gospel. My concerns were that the Gospel was not being preached. They alternated teaching between 3 or 4 of the men and basically gave an historical overview of the text and usually ended with a "God is Sovereign" statement. They were going through the book of Isaiah, and when I had mentioned that Christ was not being preached, it was said that Christ was not specifically in the text, so why would he be preached. Think about that for a second. Huh? That's what I said.

Well, here I am now, and I have to say that one of the most grievous things that disturbs me this day is the low view that they had on the Gospel and the low view that they had on the graces of the church. The church service was never about the Gospel, it was about fellowship. It was bout men supporting their roles as patriarchs and preserving their women and children from the world. To this day I pray that someone preaches to truth to them. That the fellowship hears that they "must be born again". That they hear that without Jesus Christ they can do nothing...yes...nothing. To be so concerned about the outside but yet not give the consideration of what the whole Bible says. Faith comes by hearing the word of God, not just by the head of the household, or mom, but mostly by preachers and teachers that have been called by God to shepherd his people to Christ.
Jesus Christ saves sinners and it is by His Word that the Power of His Holy Spirit changes sinners into a new creation made for the His righteousness, not our own. We are not our own.

I looks like we will be moving soon. We are moving to a place that we have visited many times because of the church. No not a perfect church, which is yet to come. But a God-fearing, Christ-centered-, Gospel preaching, historically confessional church that lets not the modern culture determine their theology of living. Praise God we are blessed that He is faithful!

Redeeming the time

2010-01-05T08:46:00.002-06:00

Question: But what shall we do that we may be godly?
Answer: I shall briefly lay down some rules or helps to godliness:
...
5. Make spending your time a matter of conscience: 'redeeming the time' (Eph. 5:16). Many people fool away their time, some in idle visits, others in recreations and pleasures which secretly bewitch the heart and take it away from better things. What are our golden hours for but to attend to our souls? Time misspent is not time lived but time lost. Time is a precious commidity. A piece of wax in itself is not worth much, but when it is affixed to the label of a will and conveys an estate, it is of great value. Thus, time simply in itself is not so considerable, but as salvation is to be worked out in it, and a conveyance of heaven depends on using it well, it is of infinite concern.
-Thomas Watson, The Godly Man's Picture, Puritan Paperbacks, Banner of Truth Trust, pp. 206-207

reference

Abandon yourself!

2009-12-22T11:30:00.001-06:00

For as the surest source of destruction to men is to obey themselves, so the only haven of safety is to have no other will, no other wisdom, than to follow the Lord wherever he leads. Let this, then be the first step, to abandon ourselves, and devote the whole energy of our minds to the service of God. By service, I mean not only that which consists in verbal obedience, but that by which the mind, divested of its own carnal feelings, implicitly obeys the call of the Spirit of God.

John Calvin - Institutes 3.7.1

The Mysterious Islands

2009-12-18T15:05:00.007-06:00

The Mysterious Islands

We recently watched the film "The Mysterious Islands". I have been thinking and
praying about it for the past week. I am not a writer or even one that wants to be, so bear with me here.

The film is epic. It defines the drawn line in the sand. San Antonio is not the home of cowards. This film gives courage to all those who desire the truth to be told, to be heard, to be lived and maybe most importantly, this film testifies that the truth will not lie down and die. The truth is what this film is all about. This film should encourage us all to "Remember the Lord" and to never give up what we know to be true. Jesus Christ came to set us free and to reveal the truth. He will not be defeated. No man nor his theory will defeat the truth of Jesus Christ.

I encourage you all, you must see this film.

This film fortifies ones faith and destroys another's. I pray that all that are dying in the faith of evolution will see this film and I pray that they will gain true faith in Jesus Christ, which is what this film is all about. The Truth.

I have to say that I have been paying attention to Vision Forum ministries for about 5 years now. I have always found them to be likable in manifold ways. What's not to like? Doug Phillips is an amazing individual. From law to fatherhood, politics to religion. He is not only involved but he leads they way. I don't know much about his life but he has been transparent in many ways and he is not afraid of being in the eye of the storm. That being said, I know there are many that contribute to his vision and he puts great people around him. Bravo! to all of them!

I want to thank God for his work in this ministry.

Thank you, Almighty God!

I am sure many of you know of Doug Phillips and Vision Forum, and if not I commend them to you. No matter how much we agree, we cannot deny the great defending of the
faith this ministry does.

Doug Phillips fights for the Family, the Church, America, to name a few things. All founded on his faith. He fights, because his faith fights. His faith will not lie down and die, and I am convinced not even at the stake.

With the Jamestown 400 celebration, Calvin 500, and now with "The Mysterious Islands", I can only hope and pray that the brave and courageous leader, Doug Phillips, will continue his mission (and his sons after him). He has encouraged me and shown by example how one can honor God and give the Glory to God in the name of Jesus Christ!

This is not to puff up or give any credit to Doug Phillips. For he is just a man. An ambassador of faith. As we are and ought to be. Don't follow the man, follow the faith, as He does.

To God be the Glory and may God continue to give us all strength and courage to fight the good fight of faith!

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?
Psalms 106:1-2

Baby born without a brain lives for first birthday

2009-12-18T09:35:00.004-06:00

For all those that have followed the Terri Schiavo story, how does "brain dead" compare with having no brain at all! This little boy has no brain and yet laughs and smiles!

Praise God, the gracious giver and sustainer of life!

Read the article

Do you know what is forbidden in the seventh commandment?

2009-12-12T10:43:00.005-06:00

From the Westminster Larger Catechism.(Read the Scripture proofs!)

Q139: What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A139: The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required,[1] are, adultery, fornication,[2] rape, incest,[3] sodomy, and all unnatural lusts;[4] all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections;[5] all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto;[6] wanton looks,[7] impudent or light behavior, immodest apparel;[8] prohibiting of lawful,[9] and dispensing with unlawful marriages;[10] allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them;[11] entangling vows of single life,[12] undue delay of marriage;[13] having more wives or husbands than one at the same time;[14] unjust divorce,[15] or desertion;[16] idleness, gluttony, drunkenness,[17] unchaste company;[18] lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays;[19] and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others.[20]

1. Prov. 5:7
2. Heb. 13:4; Gal. 5:19
3. II Sam. 13:14; I Cor. 5:1
4. Rom. 1:24, 26-27; Lev. 20:15-16
5. Matt. 5:28; 15:19; Col. 3:5
6. Eph. 5:3-4; Prov. 7:5, 21-22
7. Isa. 3:16; II Peter 2:14
8. Prov. 7:10, 13
9. I Tim. 4:3
10. Lev. 18:1-21; Mark 6:18; Mal. 2:11-12
11. I Kings 15:12; II Kings 23:7; Deut. 23:17-18; Lev. 19:29; Jer. 5:7; Prov. 7:24-27
12. Matt. 19:10-11
13. I Cor. 7:7-9; Gen. 38:26
14. Mal. 2:14-15; Matt. 19:5
15. Mal. 2:16; Matt. 5:32
16. I Cor. 7:12-13
17. Ezek. 16:49; Prov. 23:30-33
18. Gen. 39:10; Prov. 5:8
19. Eph. 5:4; Ezek. 23:14-16; Isa. 3:16; 23:15-17; Mark 6:22; Rom. 13:13; I Peter 4:3
20. II Kings 9:30; Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 23:40

We need more sermons like this!

2009-12-12T04:53:00.004-06:00

Here is a challenging sermon by Rev. David Murray that every Christian should hear!

Should Christians watch Movies?
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=8507171319

A summary of the sermon.
Eight reasons why Christians must exercise careful Scriptural discernment concerning their selection of media for consumption.(Thanks, Paul!)
1. The Precedent of the Psalmist
2. The Power of the Eye
3. The Perverting of Behaviour
4. The Pollution of the Memory
5. The Protection of Others
6. The Passing of Time
7. The Puzzle of Separation
8. The Poverty of Excuses

(If after you read this list and some of your initial thoughts come out "legalism..exaggerating..killjoy..christian liberty..etc.." I beseech you to listen and be exhorted to the Word of God!

And before you start hitting the "legalist" car horn, remember the meaning of legalism. This is not about opinions, what does God's Word say?)

Here is an edifying discussion from others thoughts and questions about the topic of Christian Entertainment

http://www.puritanboard.com/f24/christian-entertainment-56319/

War against Christmas..as John Calvin did!

2009-12-09T08:07:00.003-06:00

an excerpt from a sermon preached on Micah 5:7-14 by the great Reformer of Geneva, John Calvin on December 25th, 1551.

. . . Now I see here today more people than I am accustomed to having at the sermon. Why is that? It is Christmas day. And who told you this? You poor beasts. That is a fitting euphemism for all of you who have come here today to honor Noel. Did you think you would be honoring God? Consider what sort of obedience to God your coming displays. In your mind, you are celebrating a holiday for God, or turning today into one. But so much for that. In truth, as you have often been admonished, it is good to set aside one day out of the year in which we are reminded of all the good that has occurred because of Christ's birth in the world, and in which we hear the story of his birth retold, which will be done Sunday. But if you think that Jesus Christ was born today, you are as crazed as wild beasts. For when you elevate one day alone for the purpose of worshiping God, you have just turned it into an idol. True, you insist that you have done so for the honor of God, but is more for the honor of the Devil.
Let us consider what our Lord has to say on the matter. Was it not Saul's intention to worship God when he spared Agag, the king of the Amalekites, along with the best of the spoils and cattle? He says as much: "I want to worship God." Saul's tongue was full of devotion and good intention. But what was the response he received? "You soothsayer! You heretic! You apostate! You claim to be honoring God, but God rejects you and disavows all that you have done" [see 1 Sam. 15:8-9]. Consequently, the same is true of our actions. For no day is superior to another. It matters not whether we recall our Lord's nativity on a Wednesday, Thursday, or some other day. But when we insist on establishing a service based on our whim, we blaspheme God, and create an idol; though we have done it all in the name of God. And when you worship God in the idleness of a holiday spirit, that is a heavy sin to bear, and one which attracts others about it, until we reach the height of iniquity. Therefore, let us pay attention to what Micah is saying here, that God must not only strip away things that are bad in themselves, but must also eliminate anything that might foster superstition. Once we have understood that, we will no longer find it strange that Noel is not being observed today, but that on Sunday we will celebrate the Lord's Supper and recite the story of the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. But all those who barely know Jesus Christ, or that we must be subject to him, and that God removes all those impediments that prevent us from coming to him, these folk, I say, will at best grit their teeth. They came here in anticipation of celebrating a wrong intention, but will leave with it wholly unfulfilled.
In light of this holy doctrine, let us prostrate ourselves before the face of our gracious God, in acknowledgment of our faults. . . . (Sermons on the Book of Micah, trans. Farley, P&R, 2003, pp.303,4).

It is true the pendulum swung back and forth in Geneva. The ecclesiastical holidays were abolished at the first reformation of Geneva in 1536 by the civil magistrate, but were brought back in when Calvin, Farel and Corauld were exiled in 1538. Upon Calvin's return in 1541 there was some modification, again by the civil government, but it was not until 1550 that the days were outlawed again, though the birth of Christ was the subject of the sermon on the Lord's Day following the 25th of December. (The reader may consult Geo. Gillespie's Dispute Against English-Popish Ceremonies (1637, rpt. 1993, Naphtali, I:9) to see his handling of Calvin's position on the day itself versus the ruling of the civil government due to the arguable ambiguities contained in Calvin's correspondence.)

Still, for presbyterians, the answer to the question is quite clear in “AN APPENDIX, Touching Days and Places for Publick Worship” to the Westminster Assembly's Directory for the Publick Worship:

There is no day commanded in scripture to be kept holy under the gospel but the Lord's day, which is the Christian Sabbath.
Festival days, vulgarly called Holy-days, having no warrant in the word of God, are not to be continued.

In other words, the Scripture saith, Remember the Sabbath, not Santa Claus; Christ's resurrection, not Christmas.

(ref:Reformed Presbyterian Veritas)

We do not observe Holy Days!

2009-12-07T19:41:00.003-06:00

This was printed in The Confessional Presbyterian, Vol 1.

Messrs. Editors:

As you have, in your paper of yesterday, availed yourself of your editorial privilege, to plead in behalf of the religious observance of Christmas, and undertaken, moreover, to “condemn the error” of the Puritans in refusing to observe this festival themselves (for in no other sense, that I know of did they ever “prohibit” the observance of it),* will you allow a subscriber to your paper, and one of the descendants of those venerable men, to say a word in their vindication? No controversy on this subject is intended; and if I know how to pen these few lines in such a manner as to preclude the possibility of any further discussion, I should be glad to do it. I assure you, sir, it makes no part of my present plan to “condemn,” or even to find the least fault with, those who think it their duty to observe Christmas, and other holy days. “Let every one be fully persuaded in his own mind.” I venerate and love many who are of that opinion, though I cannot think with them. But you, surely, will not deny me the privilege of saying a word, the only object of which is to alleviate, if not to advert, the sentence which you have passed against a body of men “of whom the world was not worthy,” and whose example I wish many were as willing to follow as to praise.

The “Pilgrims,” then, for themselves only, refused to observe Christmas, and other holy days, for the following reasons.

I. They thought that no warrant for any such observance was to be found in Scripture. They believed that every institution of this nature, pertaining to the Old Testament economy, was abolished at the coming of Christ; that no similar days were appointed in their place; that neither the Savior nor his inspired Apostles gave the least countenance, either by precept or example, to the sanctification of any other day than the Sabbath.

II. They considered the Bible as the only infallible rule of faith and practice. They denied that the Church, or any member of it had a right to institute new rites or ceremonies. They were persuaded that the Lord Jesus Christ alone was the Supreme Head and King of the Church; and had no doubt that He, and those Apostles whom He inspired by his own Spirit, were as competent judges of what was proper, and for the edification of the Church, as any individual or body of individuals have been since; and, of course, that for uninspired, and therefore fallible men, to undertake to add to the number of Christ's appointments, is a measure, to say the least, of very questionable propriety.

III. They were confident that, for a long time after the death of the Apostles, no stated festival or Fast Days whatever were observed in the Church. Justin Martyr, who wrote a little after the middle of the second century, and who gives a particular account of the institutions and habits of the Christians, gives no hint of any day being kept holy, excepting the first day of the week, or the Christian Sabbath. Before the time of Origen, who flourished about the middle of the third century, the Christians had introduced several holy-days, partly to gratify the converts from Paganism; who, on coming into the Church, wished to have some substitute for the Pagan festivals which which [sic] they had abandoned. But even at this time, the observance of Christmas was unknown. — Origen give [sic] a list of the holy-days observed at the time in which he wrote; but says nothing about a festival for Christ's nativity; from which Lord Chancellor King, in his “inquiry into the Primitive Church within the first three hundred years after Christ,” confidently infers that no such festival was observed till after the time of Origen. Indeed the Christians during the first three centuries, differed so widely concerning the month and day of the Savior's birth; some placing it in April, others in May, etc. that there is an utter improbability, on this ground alone, that they commemorated the event by an ecclesiastical festival.

IV. The Puritans attached no little importance to another consideration. Supposing, (what they could not admit) that the church possesses the power to institute observances, which Christ and his Apostles never knew: supposing that [“]teaching for doctrines the commandments of men,” or in other words, adopting “human inventions in the worship of God,” could be justified; what limit they asked, could be set to this power? How far may it be carried? When the door to uncommanded observances is once opened, by whom or when will it be effectually closed? You, and a few others, Mr. Editor, might think two or three will-adjusted church festivals, besides fifty-two Sundays in the year quite sufficient. The Protestant Episcopal Church, however, in this country, has appointed about thirty stated festivals, besides a still larger number of Fast-days. The Church of England has a greater number, it is believed, both of fasts and festivals. The Church of Rome, from whom the Church of England selected her list, observes a far greater number than either. In favor of every one of these days, serious, respectable men have something very plausible to say; and have actually uttered very contemptuous, and even indignant things against plain, simple-minded Protestants, who could not easily allow such a mass of superstition. Is it any wonder, then, that the Puritans, perceiving the tendency in all churches to go to extremes in multiplying such observances, whenever they began to be introduced; and knowing that there was no way to prevent this, but by shutting them out altogether: deliberately preferred the latter as the safer course? — and truly, if there be no Bible warrant for festivals; — no solid warrant for them in the practice of the Christian Church for the first 300 years, and, above all, none for Christmas; if the whole business of bringing institutions into the Church for which there is no Divine authority, be unlawful and of dangerous tendency; and if, whenever the practice has been admitted, it has been almost always abused, that is, carried much further than it ought to have been, I cannot help thinking that the Puritans had at least plausible, if not conclusive, reasons for taking the course which they did.

I must again protest, Mr. Editor, that I have no desire to shake the faith, or alter the practice, of those who differ from the Puritans on this subject. But I could not, for my life, help doubting, whether, when you “condemned” those venerable men, as in “error” as to this point, you were really acquainted with ALL the reasons which led to their decision. I make a much more favorable estimate than is correct, both of your intelligence and candor, if you do not think the few of their reasons which have been stated worthy of some regard.
by Samuel Miller

and here is a more thorough and stronger argument..
Presbyterians Do Not Observe Holy-Days.

a name's sake

2009-12-05T13:33:00.004-06:00

Taken from an amazing story, truly a Godly man..

THE martyrdom of John Brown of Priesthill has been read with deeper sorrow and has caused more tears to trickle down the cheeks than ever did the representation of the fate of the Desdemona of the Othello of Shakespeare on the stage. John Brown was a man of some fifty eight years when in May 1685 he was so barbarously put to death by Graham of Claverhouse. John Brown, more perhaps than any other of the Covenanters of that period, was a man peculiarly characterised by a meek and quiet spirit. He was called "The Christian Carrier." Although dwelling far from the busy haunts of men, it may be thought strange that he should have been engaged in such an occupation as that of a public carrier. These then, however, plied their occupation in a very different way from what they do now. There were no wheeled carts in the country, and all goods were brought from the cities and larger towns to places in the country on pack horses.

But besides being a carrier and a farmer, John Brown was also a Sabbath school teacher, quite a century before Robert Raikes of Gloucester popularised Sunday schools. He had long been in the habit of gathering in the children and young people of the district, and by this means many souls were won to the Saviour. Many of these people, it is interesting to add, walked miles to attend these Sabbath afternoon meetings at the lone Priesthill.

It was in one of his raids that Claverhouse came upon John Brown on the bill above his house in the early morning of the 1st of May 1685. There was a mist and Brown did not see the troops till they were upon him When they had taken him they marched him down to his house, to the great alarm of his wife and a daughter of some ten years by a former wife. Here he was asked why he did not attend the curate's ministrations, and if he would pray for the King. Having given his reasons why he could do neither, he was roughly told by Claverhouse to go to his prayers, for that he must immediately die! Brown knelt and prayed with great fervour, and then rose and kissed his wife and children, imploring in so doing that "all purchased and promised blessings might be multiplied upon them." At this Claverhouse thundered out" No more! You six there "counting off six soldiers" shoot him instantly." Although there are two different accounts of the shooting of the martyr, yet there can be no doubt that the following is the true account of the last scene.

The soldiers, hardened as they were with scenes of debauchery and blood, were so greatly affected by Brown's prayer that they hesitated to obey the order, one of them as the poet puts it saying in a low, broken voice

'Tis work for butchers. and not for soldiers.

I'd sooner dip my hand in burning brimstone

Than in such innocent Wood. My conscience stings me.

" So say we all," resounded through the troop. Claverhouse, however, drew a pistol and shot Brown dead.

"What thinkest thou of thy husband now, woman?" fiercely and fiendishly demanded the hardened soldier.

" I ever thought much good of him, and now more than ever," sobbed the weeping widow.

""Wretch! " replied Claverhouse. " It were but justice to lay thee beside him."

"If you were permitted, I doubt not but your cruelty would go that length," she bravely answered. " But how will you answer for this morning's work? "

" To man I can be answerable," said the remorseless soldier; "I and as for God, I will take Him in mine own hand."

Only four years after this blackest of deeds was done and this blasphemous vaunt was made, the summons to answer to God for the blood he had that morning so wantonly sited, and for many similar acts, came to Claverhouse suddenly in the Pass of Killiecrankie, just as his eye was being kindled with joy at the short lived victory which his troops were gaining.

And poor Isobel Weir - Brown's widow - how did she comport herself in that awful hour? After composing the limbs, and gently drawing a cloth over the bleeding corpse, she drew her terrified children around her, and, with not a friend or a neighbour near, sat down and wept. In a little while, however, David Steel, of Lesmahagow, and his wife arrived, and the little company sang with tremulous voices these consolatory verses of the 27th Psalm

For he, in His pavilion, shall

Me hide in evil days;

In secret of His tent me hide, And on a rock me raise.

And now even at this present time

Mine head shall lifted be,

Above all those that are my foes,

And round encompass me.

His epitaph contains an acrostic poem:

Here lies the body of JOHN BROWN martyr who was murdered in this place by GRAHAM of Claverhouse for his testimony to the Covenanted work of Reformation Because he durst not own the authority of the then Tyrant destroying the Same, who died the first day of May A D 1685 and of his age 58.

In deaths cold bed the dusty part here lies
Of one who did the earth as dust despise
Here in this place from earth he took departure
Now he has got the garland of the martyr

Butchered by Claverse and his bloody band
Raging most ravenously over all the land
Only for owning Christ’s supremacy
Wickedly wronged by encroaching Tyrrany
Nothing how near soever he to good
Esteemed, nor dear any truth his blood.

Worthiness in Christ alone

2009-12-04T09:22:00.004-06:00

John Calvin states in his Institutes(IV, XVII, XLII)

It is now easy to judge what is the nature, and who is the author, of that doctrine which prevails in the Papacy, and which, by its inhuman austerity, deprives and robs wretched sinners, oppressed with sorrow and trembling, of the consolation of this sacrament, a sacrament in which all that is delightful in the gospel was set before them. Certainly the devil could have no shorter method of destroying men than by thus infatuating them, and so excluding them from the taste and savor of this food with which their most merciful Father in heaven had been pleased to feed them. Therefore, lest we should rush over such a precipice, let us remember that this sacred feast is medicine to the sick, comfort to the sinner, and bounty to the poor; while to the healthy, the righteous, and the rich, if any such could be found, it would be of no value. For while Christ is therein given us for food, we perceive that without him we fail, pine, and waste away. just as hunger destroys the vigor of the body. Next, as he is given for life, we perceive that without him we are certainly dead. Wherefore, the best and only worthiness which we can bring to God, is to offer him our own vileness, and, if I may so speak, unworthiness, that his mercy may make us worthy; to despond in ourselves, that we may he consoled in him; to humble ourselves, that we may be elevated by him; to accuse ourselves, that we may be justified by him; to aspire, moreover, to the unity which he recommends in the Supper; and, as he makes us all one in himself to desire to have all one soul, one heart, one tongue. If we ponder and meditate on these things, we may be shaken, but will never be overwhelmed by such considerations as these, how shall we, who are devoid of all good, polluted by the defilements of sin, and half dead, worthily eat the body of the Lord? We shall rather consider that we, who are poor, are coming to a benevolent giver, sick to a physician, sinful to the author of righteousness, in fine, dead to him who gives life; that worthiness which is commanded by God, consists especially in faith, which places all things in Christ, nothing in ourselves, and in charity, charity which, though imperfect, it may be sufficient to offer to God, that he may increase it, since it cannot be fully rendered. Some, concurring with us in holding that worthiness consists in faith and charity, have widely erred in regard to the measure of worthiness, demanding a perfection of faith to which nothing can be added, and a charity equivalent to that which Christ manifested towards us. And in this way, just as the other class, they debar all men from access to this sacred feast. For, were their view well founded, everyone who receives must receive unworthily, since all, without exception, are guilty, and chargeable with imperfection. And certainly it were too stupid, not to say idiotical, to require to the receiving of the sacrament a perfection which would render the sacrament vain and superfluous, because it was not instituted for the perfect, but for the infirm and weak, to stir up, excite, stimulate, exercise the feeling of faith and charity, and at the same time correct the deficiency of both.

(emphasis mine)

today's Grace Gem

2009-08-26T12:33:00.001-05:00

When you stand over your child's dead body

(Charles Spurgeon)

May you so live, that when you stand over your child's dead body, you may never hear a voice coming up from that clay, "Father, your negligence was my destruction! Mother, your prayerlessness was the instrument of my damnation!"

"Impress these words of Mine on your hearts and minds . . . Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 11:18-19

from GraceGems.org

a friend...

2009-08-18T12:59:00.003-05:00

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Proverbs 18:24

My wife mentioned this verse to me this morning and my mind has been wondering around it all day. It makes me think of Jonathan and David. It makes me think of Christ and his sheep. It makes me think of all the "friends" that I have had, and the "friend" that I may have been.

What is a friend who sticks closer than a brother?

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Wonderful Gospel of Grace!

2009-07-26T06:34:00.001-05:00

This comes from a preface John Calvin wrote for Pierre Robert Olivétan’s French translation of the New Testament in 1534.
Calvin wrote:

Without the gospel everything is useless and vain; without the gospel we are not Christians; without the gospel all riches is poverty, all wisdom folly before God; strength is weakness, and all the justice of man is under the condemnation of God. But by the knowledge of the gospel we are made children of God, brothers of Jesus Christ, fellow townsmen with the saints, citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, heirs of God with Jesus Christ, by whom the poor are made rich, the weak strong, the fools wise, the sinner justified, the desolate comforted, the doubting sure, and slaves free. It is the power of God for the salvation of all those who believe.

It follows that every good thing we could think or desire is to be found in this same Jesus Christ alone. For, he was sold, to buy us back; captive, to deliver us; condemned, to absolve us; he was made a curse for our blessing, sin offering for our righteousness; marred that we may be made fair; he died for our life; so that by him fury is made gentle, wrath appeased, darkness turned into light, fear reassured, despisal despised, debt canceled, labor lightened, sadness made merry, misfortune made fortunate, difficulty easy, disorder ordered, division united, ignominy ennobled, rebellion subjected, intimidation intimidated, ambush uncovered, assaults assailed, force forced back, combat combated, war warred against, vengeance avenged, torment tormented, damnation damned, the abyss sunk into the abyss, hell transfixed, death dead, mortality made immortal. In short, mercy has swallowed up all misery, and goodness all misfortune. For all these things which were to be the weapons of the devil in his battle against us, and the sting of death to pierce us, are turned for us into exercises which we can turn to our profit. If we are able to boast with the apostle, saying, O hell, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? it is because by the Spirit of Christ promised to the elect, we live no longer, but Christ lives in us; and we are by the same Spirit seated among those who are in heaven, so that for us the world is no more, even while our conversation [life] is in it; but we are content in all things, whether country, place, condition, clothing, meat, and all such things. And we are comforted in tribulation, joyful in sorrow, glorying under vituperation [verbal abuse], abounding in poverty, warmed in our nakedness, patient amongst evils, living in death. This is what we should in short seek in the whole of Scripture: truly to know Jesus Christ, and the infinite riches that are comprised in him and are offered to us by him from God the Father.

I pray that I will not only be quick to listen..

2009-07-11T07:26:00.003-05:00

Jeremiah 15:19 "..Let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them."

"Our father, it is our hearts desire, that we should become faithful handlers of the Word of God. Not so much that we be masters of it but that we might be mastered by it.

Forbid that we should touch scripture with profane hands, profane minds.
Grant that our passion may be to know what you think as you have disclosed yourself to us. And then to learn to think your thoughts after you. Constantly, to desire to reform our thinking, our Theology, our outlook, our worldview, our values, by your most Holy Word.

Help us always to remember that you yourself have declared "to this person will I look, he who is of a contrite spirit and trembles at my Word".

Grant that it may be so of us, we beseech you."

a prayer by D.A Carson that stands through all time!

And that is all our happiness.

2009-07-04T07:44:00.003-05:00

I find Christ to be Christ, and that he is far, far, even infinite heaven's height above man. And that is all our happiness. Sinners can do nothing but make wounds that Christ may heal them; and make debts, that he may pay them; and make falls, that he may raise them; and make deaths, that he may quicken them; and spin out and dig hells to themselves, that he may ransom them.

-Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ, pg.82-83

..as one extreme heat burneth out another

2009-07-02T08:51:00.003-05:00

"Among many marks that we are on the journey, and under sail towards heaven, this is one, when the love of God so filleth our hearts that we forget to love and care too much for the wanting and having of other things; as one extreme heat burneth out another."

-Samuel Rutherford, The Lovliness of Christ, pg 78

The American Church!

2009-06-23T20:47:00.002-05:00

"What would things look like if Satan really took control over a city? Over a half a century ago, Presbyterian minister Donald Grey Barnhouse offered his own scenario in his weekly sermon that was also broadcast nationwide on CBS radio. Barnhouse speculated that if Satan took over Philadelphia, all of the bars would be closed, pornography banished, and pristine streets would be filled with tidy pedestrians who smiled at each other. There would be no swearing. The children would say "Yes, Sir" and "No, Ma'am," and the churches would be full every Sunday...where Christ is not preached."

from the book Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

a loving man

2009-06-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

"A man who loves you the most is the man who tells you the most truth about yourself."

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Robert Murray McCheyne's poem on seeking God

2009-06-09T09:12:00.001-05:00

I will arise and seek my God,
And, bowed down beneath my load,
Lay all my sins before Him;
Then He will wash my soul from sin,
And put a new heart me within,
And teach me to adore Him.

O ye that fain would find the joy -
The only one that wants alloy -
Which never is deceiving;
Come to the Well of Life with me,
And drink, as it is proffered, free,
The gospel draught receiving.

I come to Christ, because I know
The very worst are called to go;
And when in faith I find Him,
I'll walk in Him, and lean on Him,
Because I cannot move a limb
Until He say, "Unbind him."

reference

...obtaineth favor from the Lord!

2009-06-08T10:25:00.002-05:00

From the Lord I have obtained,
favor in stupendous ways.
From the Lord his abounding grace,
so merciful is He, all my days,

From the Lord, my wonderful wife,
oh what favor He hath given to me,
From the Lord, my heart stands still,
astounded with love, how blessed I be,

From the Lord, comes justice true,
faith and obedience ours to live by,
From the Lord, it can only be,
triumphant mercy, steadfast, He draws nigh,

From the Lord, comes his only Son,
humiliated and scorn that we be free,
From the Lord, I cannot apprehend,
that he died, a cursed sinners penalty,

From the Lord, comes such great grief,
but he rose and took his rightful seat!
From the Lord, comes courage so bold,
Praise our King, death he did defeat!

From the Lord, comes his greatest work,
his work in us, the fruit of the vine,
From the Lord, this brief earthly time,
to glorify him and enjoy the savior mine

Get our own hearts into a humble frame

2009-06-01T14:32:00.000-05:00

Get our own hearts into a humble frame; and abhor all the motions of pride and self exalting. A humble man hath no high expectations from another; and therefore is easily pleased or quieted, He can bow and yield to the pride and violence of others, as the willow to the impetuous winds. His language will be submissive; his patience great; he is content that others go before him; he is not offended that another is preferred. A low mind is pleased in a low condition. But pride is the gunpowder of the mind, the family, the church, and state; it maketh them ambitious and setteth them on striving who shall be the greatest. A proud man’s opinion must always go for truth, and his will must be a law to others, and to be slighted or crossed seemeth to him and unsufferable wrong. And he must be a man of wonderful compliance, or an excellent artificer in man-pleasing and flattery, that shall not be taken as an injurious undervaluer of him: he that overvalueth himself, will take it ill of all that do not also overvalue him.

Richard Baxter, Christian Directory

Are you a fool?

2009-04-16T15:53:00.000-05:00

a Sacrifice

2009-04-10T10:09:00.002-05:00

Imagine if this was a man

(Warning: this video is graphic and horrific)

The Atonement

2009-04-10T10:08:00.001-05:00

The Belgic Confession, Article 21: The Atonement

We believe that Jesus Christ is a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek-- made such by an oath-- and that he presented himself in our name before his Father, to appease his wrath with full satisfaction by offering himself on the tree of the cross and pouring out his precious blood for the cleansing of our sins, as the prophets had predicted.

For it is written that "the chastisement of our peace" was placed on the Son of God and that "we are healed by his wounds." He was "led to death as a lamb"; he was "numbered among sinners" (45) and condemned as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, though Pilate had declared that he was innocent.

So he paid back what he had not stolen,(46) and he suffered-- the "just for the unjust,"(47) in both his body and his soul-- in such a way that when he senses the horrible punishment required by our sins his sweat became like "big drops of blood falling on the ground." (48) He cried, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" (49)

And he endured all this for the forgiveness of our sins.

Therefore we rightly say with Paul that we "know nothing but Jesus and him crucified"; (50) we consider all things as "dung for the excellence of the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (51) We find all comforts in his wounds and have no need to seek or invent any other means to reconcile ourselves with God than this one and only sacrifice, once made, which renders believers perfect forever.

This is also why the angel of God called him Jesus-- that is, "Savior"-- because he would save his people from their sins. (52)

45 Isa. 53:4-12

46 Ps. 69:4

47 1 Pet. 3:18

48 Luke 22:44

49 Matt. 27:46

50 1 Cor. 2:2

51 Phil. 3:8

52 Matt. 1:21

Without the Word of God We Fall

2009-03-20T11:07:00.003-05:00

I have been reading much about our country and the Constitution as of late. From the Federal Papers to God and Government. Bastiat's "the Law" was very good. In all of this that I have read so far, it is very clear that our constitution was not made for an immoral and Christ-less nation.
It is clear that this United States c. 2009, is nothing like the United States in the Constitution.
The "We The People" means "We the God Forsaken Socialist Government" now.

Patrick Henry knew it would happen.

That being said. Should we call for a Constitution Convention and come up with a new Constitution for an immoral people? That way there is no confusion for the moral Christian. Right now, the moral Christian seems to have hope in spokes without a wheel. The Constitution means nothing still, for the Marxist President continues to prove that with his Rex Lex agenda.

Our Lord and savior says "We must be born again!"

"For Errors can never be rooted from human hearts until true knowledge of God is planted therein."

John Calvin, Institutes, Book I, Ch.VI, 3

A blessing in courtship and honor-full children

2009-03-19T13:53:00.003-05:00

Back in the fall of 2006, my family and I were able to attend a Homeschooling meeting at Fall Creek Falls, TN, in which the Notgrass family would be attending. We were greatly blessed by this time and hearing and meeting some of them. I had a short conversation with their son, John. He was a joy and encouragement to talk with. I have been on their email list since.
This past weekend John was married and He and his new bride have shared their story online for the rest of us. It is very encouraging, and I have to add that as a Father reading this story, I could not help but to Praise God! What a blessing!

Congratulations! To both the families!

Here is the story.

Interpreting God Through Experience

2009-03-17T10:50:00.002-05:00

Recently, Michael Patton (Reclaiming Your Mind) posted about this article about his misinterpretation of God in his experience through the most horrifying time when his sister took her own life.

Michael concludes...

"We had to interpret the experience of three months before anew, in light of the change of events. Did we misinterpret God? Yes. Experience can be a beautiful thing that clearly communicates messages about particulars in our life that cannot be found in Scripture. Indeed, experience is something we cannot live without. But it can also be very misleading, giving us a message in which we set our hope, not realizing that we have misunderstood God’s voice through it. As was the case with me and my family, we took the miraculous events that transpired as a particular message that God was not going to let Angie die. This turned out to be false. God did not speak such a message through those events, even though it was easy to interpret it as such. We must be very careful when interpreting experience."

Interpreting the Constitution

2009-03-17T10:43:00.000-05:00

Justin Taylor has recently posted regarding the Interpretation of the Constitution and what Joseph Scalia's thoughts are on the matter.

Here is a little of what Scalia says..

Justice Scalia argues for a "dead" Constitution, not a "living" one. It's about 8 minutes in length and is worth your time. After admitting that "originalism" is not perfect and that there are some difficult issues, he also says:

The originalist has easy answers for many things, especially the most controversial things in modern times. [Does] the equal protection clause require that states permit same sex marriage? That is not a hard question for an originalist. Nobody ever thought that is what the equal protection clause meant. . . .[Is there] a right to abortion? For Pete’s sake, it was criminal in every state for 200 years. . . . So I have easy answers to a lot of stuff. Whereas, for the "living constitutionalist," there are no answers.

Go here for the rest of what Justin Taylor posted in full.

The best article ever written in Christianity Today!

2009-03-16T16:01:00.003-05:00

Long Live the Law

What would John Calvin say to Dick Cheney?

Although the author thinks that the current administration understands that the President is not above the law(if so, why the executive orders?), he does a very good job here using the most unlikely paired subjects. John Calvin and Dick Cheney.

Ends with a good quote from Calvin.
As Calvin wrote: "Those who desire that every individual should preserve his rights, and that all men may live free from injury, must defend the political order [against tyranny] to the utmost of their ability."

Culture of UNTRUTH

2009-03-16T13:10:00.004-05:00

I was raised in this culture of untruth. I was raised in government schools. I am not saying they teach no truth. I am saying they teach untruth. What is the end goal of government education? Can it be to make us wiser?( we all know America spends more and is taxed more, yet our scores are significantly lower than smaller, poorer countries). Can it be to make us richer?(some get quite rich selling this insufficient untruth and the Federal Government bails them out). Can it be for any moral standard?(yah...right). What is it then? I do know that I have been taught many things that are subjective and sold as fact. Like evolution. Many historical so called facts that mention nothing of the christian heritage that this country was founded upon, has been driven into most of who is alive today. Everyday, I read more or hear more of the untruth that I have been taught. The news reads of what our country really is, even though we are a republic. Socialism is the end goal of government education. The untruth has been told and we are losing our republic.

God and Government

2009-03-16T12:49:00.003-05:00

Up until the first of this year and after the latest federal elections, I would have to say I have been a firm believer that politics is all corrupt and no one stands for truth, so why waste my time being involved. That is my simple answer, anyway. Well, this past January, I was asked to attend a meeting over lunch by a Pastor friend of mine, called OCPAC (Oklahoma Conservative Political Political Action Committee). He insured me that is was encouraging and spoke of how much they have done in electing officials in Oklahoma that were constitutional(for the most part).

I was very encouraged and have been attending ever since and have become good friends with the President of this committee, Charlie Meadows. A fellow brother in Christ, I appreciate his vigor and integrity in this fight in this cultural war called America. So, I have been encouraged and am reading as much as I can to understand this war we are in. Praise God and I pray that I may be of use to propagate His truth in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, first and foremost, that hearts may change, and that America may be changed for His Glory!

That being said, I recently found Gary Demar's "God and Government", a 3-book set. I have made it through the first and I am just amazed at how well it is put together. I would recommend it to anyone that would like to understand the real meaning of government and how the Bible is very clear on this issue. A step by step study through what history and the Bible say about government and America.

I am encouraged by the Truth that God has set out for us all.

Leadership Summit

2009-03-12T13:34:00.003-05:00

I recently attended the Leadership Summit in Indianapolis, IN. The speakers were incredible and the conference was a most encouraging and exhorting time. The speakers were, Voddie Baucham, Doug Phillips, Kevin Swanson, Chris Klicka, and Dr. Brian Ray. The conference was sponsored and directed by CHEC. CHEC did an outstanding job indeed! I cannot say enough about the accommodations, the service, the speakers, the food, the cost. I was able to go to this conference because of the price, and it was worth much more. I am still in awe and taken back by what all was accomplished. The mp3's can be purchased here.

I was able to meet with people I had not seen in a while. I spent most of my time with a brother in Christ from Tennessee and a brother in Christ from Utah. We had not seen each other in a while. It was truly a blessed time. I also had the pleasure of seeing some guys from Hope Baptist Church in Wake Forrest, which we attended for a short time before we moved. It was good to see and talk with them. I was also able to speak with Scott Brown(who also gave a short inspiring speech) and his son David. It meant a lot to see them and hear them. I met some new folks. I met a man from Illinois(roomed with me) that owned a Funeral Home. He was very kind and Godly, I appreciated getting to know this man. I also had the privilege to meet Paul Vaughn and his son Patrick, who is a friend of one of my brothers in Christ here. It was a great pleasure. I look forward to meeting him again.

The messages are still resonating in my ears and my heart, and I hope they continue to.

The Unequivocal Creator

2009-03-12T13:12:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had a moment when you realize that although you can see details of the beauty and wonders of God's creation as you look upon the mountains, or the heavens, or animals, or human beings, how all that God has created has just amazing detail? Our creator in his depth of detail shows us the unequivocal. I cannot fathom his detail, and it is right in front of my eyes.

In my walk in faith, I have had many of these moments. True epiphanies of an Awesome God! Although I may not see, our Almighty God reveals new details to me through his Graces and Mercies in His son, the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Oh, what a Great God, indeed!

Rejoice in God alone!

2009-01-15T07:43:00.000-06:00

John Calvin from his commentary on Psalm 9:2..

I will rejoice and exult in thee. Observe how the faithful praise God sincerely and without hypocrisy, when they do not rest on themselves for happiness, and are not intoxicated with foolish and carnal presumption, but rejoice in God alone; which is nothing else than to seek the matter of their joy from the favor of God, and from no other source, since in it perfect happiness consists. I will rejoice in thee We ought to consider how great is the difference and opposition between the character of the joy which men endeavor to find in themselves, and the character of the joy which they seek in God. David, the more forcibly to express how he renounces every thing which may keep hold of or occupy him with vain delight, adds the word exult, by which he means that he finds in God a full and an overflowing abundance of joy, so that he is not under the necessity of seeking even the smallest drop in any other quarter. Moreover, it is of importance to remember what I have previously observed, that David sets before himself the testimonies of the divine goodness which he had formerly experienced, in order to encourage himself with the more alacrity to lay open his heart to God, and to present his prayers before him. He who begins his prayer by affirming that God is the great source and object of his joy, fortifies himself before-hand with the strongest confidence, in presenting his supplications to the hearer of prayer.

The necessary fruits of our doctrines

2009-01-06T05:49:00.000-06:00

From Grace Gems

(John Angell James, "Christian Love", 1828)

Let us remember that HUMILITY and LOVE are
the necessary fruits of our doctrines, and the
highest beauty of our character!

True Christian love must be . . .
blended with all our habits,
diffused through all our conduct,
forming our character,
breathing in our desires,
speaking in our words,
beaming in our eyes.

This is true religion--practical religion.

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom
all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have
a faith that can move mountains--but have
not love, I am nothing!" 1 Corinthians 13:2

"Whoever does not love does not know God,
because God is love." 1 John 4:8

Philip Doddridge resolution..

2009-01-05T12:58:00.000-06:00

After hearing that his students approved of his lectures but thought his sermons were "quite chaotic". Doddridge began to take great care of his preaching. Being resolved to..

“preach experimentally man’s fall, sin, and misery; the necessity of regeneration; the imputation of Christ’s righteousness; the necessity of holiness, as the evidence of acceptance before God; and the absolute need of the Holy Spirit to begin and carry on a saving change in heart and life.”

read the full article here

God is not safe

2009-01-02T14:02:00.000-06:00

When asked "How does this view of God counter the popular belief that “God is always there for me”?"

Timothy Stoner answers in his interview.

"God is not safe; nor can He be manipulated. He is perfect in His wisdom and love and knows much better than we what we really need. And He is not averse to allowing/causing pain, struggle and disappointments that He knows are essential for our maturation, growth, refinement and strengthening.

He tells us that He is like a gardener who will not let sympathy for his plants dissuade Him from trimming or cutting off (sometimes ruthlessly) branches that are unproductive or that are preventing maximum fruit bearing.

Because of our inveterate selfishness and idolatry it is not unusual for God to orchestrate deep suffering that we might learn to draw our comfort from Him alone and to shape us into vessels filled with comfort for others.

God is always there for me only in the sense that He is working all things: pain, sorrow, loss, sickness, defeat, sins and successes, together for my maximum good and His ultimate glory."