What a Way to Go...

A student at my church asked me yesterday, "Kevin, how would you want to die?" I answered like many people would, "In my sleep. That way I would wake up and see Jesus." Then I read the account of Polycarp's Martyrdom. Needless to say, I changed my mind.

Hearing his captors had arrived one evening, Polycarp left his bed to welcome them, ordered a meal prepared for them, and then asked for an hour alone to pray. The soldiers were so impressed by Polycarp’s advanced age and composure that they began to wonder why they had been sent to take him, but as soon as he had finished his prayers, they put him on a donkey and brought him to the city. Brought before the tribunal and the crowd, Polycarp refused to deny Christ, although the proconsul begged him to ‘consider yourself and have pity on your great age. Reproach Christ and I will release you.’

Polycarp replied, ‘Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has never once wronged me. How can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?’ Threatened with wild beasts and fire, Polycarp stood his ground. ‘What are you waiting for? Do whatever you please.’ The crowd demanded Polycarp’s death, gathering wood for the fire and preparing to tie him to the stake. ‘Leave me,’ he said. ‘He who will give me strength to sustain the fire will help me not to flinch from the pile.’ So they bound him but didn’t nail him to the stake.

As soon as Polycarp finished his prayer, the fire was lit, but it leaped up around him, leaving him unburned, until the people convinced a soldier to plunge a sword into him. When he did, so much blood gushed out that the fire was extinguished. The soldiers then placed his body into a fire and burned it to ashes, which some Christians later gathered up and buried properly.(From Foxe's Book of Martyrs

(From: Tullian Tchividjian. His new book looks sweet.)

Song-writing and Lessons from Brainerd

"Oh, that all my late distresses and awful apprehensions might prove but Christ's school to make me fit for greater service, by teaching me the great lesson of humility." The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, April 10, 1742

Without getting into too much detail, this quote struck a chord with me in my present circumstances. It also seems that during these times the creative juices are flowing. The following is a song I wrote regarding the struggles of believing that God will provide.


Provider

I feel weak
from trying to figure out these things
on my own
I am lost on this long road

It seems that weak
is right where You want me to be
for there I see
the Sovereign God above all things

There I know
that the birds who never sow are satisfied
There I know
that my God on high is the One who will provide

So take my faithless heart
and teach me of Your ways
Your people never move or breathe
apart from Sovereign Grace
Take away my pride
You alone are the God who will provide

How foolish of me
to see the God who parts the seas
and not believe
that He is above these petty things

Who am I
to tell the Potter how to design
I praise You God
that Your grace is not fair at all

Life of David Brainerd and The Blessing of Christian Audio

Christian Audio posts a free audio book every month. This month its the Life of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards.

Things like this remind me of the joy of Christian audio. There are many reasons for this. The first is that it makes me realize that 104.7 the Fish is not the only Christian audio out there (for that I am ever grateful).

The second more spiritual reason is that I have grown closer to God in heart and in mind since I began listening to 4-6 sermons a week.

The third reason is that the advance of technology has made it possible the spread the good news of Christ in a quicker, clearer, and broader way. How amazing it is to see how God spreads His truth!

So
Listen to more sermons
Kevin

Great Resources

There are a ton of great online resources for ministers and Christians who want to grow closer to Jesus. I thought I would list some.

1. Christian Classics Ethereal Library- Offered by Calvin College. Featuring a bazillion commentaries, books, and sermons from all of the old dead guys... That's how you know it's good.

2. Reformed Theological Seminary Courses on Itunes- Yes, there are entire courses for free. All of the courses fall under Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, New Testament, Old Testament, or Church History. They also have chapel sermons as well as other informational downloads.

3. Bible Gateway- An online Bible resource. It's great for comparing translations, looking up key words, and it also has a topical index.

4. Good Theology- This one isn't free but you can't beat the prices. The description is in the title.

5. Westminster Seminary Bookstore- Again, not free but probably the best online bookstore.

6. Monergism- A bazillion reformed essays, articles, etc.

7. Sovereign Grace- Great resources for church planting, worship, great sermons, etc. Get their free sermons
here.

8. Desiring God-Free sermons, articles, etc.

9. Movie Reviews- this is great for parents, youth pastors, and Christians in general. Christian movie reviews that tell you all you need to know about the movies you want to see.




These have all helped in in personal quiet time, study, and just life in general. I hope they bring you closer to God as they have done for me.

By the Grace of Christ

Save Me From Myself

Last Thursday night my wife and I took a trip to Barnes and Noble. Like many of my friends it is nearly impossible for me to spend more than 10 minutes in the place without buying a book. Also, it doesn't help that I have a membership card which promises at least 10% of each purchase (I highly recommend one to any reader). So I purchased a book that has stirred up some hype in secular and Christian media.

Save Me From Myself is a spiritual memoir by Brian "Head" Welch, the former guitarist of the "Metal" band Korn. The reason I recommend this book is not because of some deep theological discussion or anything like that (In fact, I disagree with some theological views). I recommend the book because it is a great testimony of the power of God in the life of a sinner. It was a reminder to me of the depths of my sin and wickedness and the overwhelming grace of God. He used it to remind me of His Sovereignty over all, even evil.





A less spiritual reason for reading the book is that I used to love me some Korn.

It Has Arrived....

The new ESV Journaling Bible was released by Crossway on August 15th.

Faith/ Works/ In/ Not Of

I have been reading How Then Should We Live? By Francis Schaeffer. The book is wonderful. It’s a classic that I have been wanting to read for a long time and it is everything that I hoped for and more. One of the issues that Schaeffer discusses pretty early on is the extent to which a Christian should be involved with this world. Summed up: “Where is the line between ‘in this world’ and ‘not of this world?’” It got me thinking.

It’s an important question that every Christian must ask. It is also one of the most debatable topics in Christianity. On one end of the spectrum, a Legalistic would ridiculously abstain from things such as sports games. These are those folks who tell me that I am going to hell for going to a Braves game. They would immediately claim that any use of alcohol as a sin, consider Christians in public schools as ridiculous, hate T.V.s etc. On the other end of the spectrum is those who live their lives based on the phrase, “freedom in Christ” taking God’s word out of context in a way that is almost unimaginable. You will find these people often telling others that Jesus hung out in bars. He made weed so its ok to smoke it. Where they got that from? I don’t know. Then there are those who struggle. I would say that’s where most fall.

When I think of the struggle with legalism I think of the churches of Galatia. Paul wrote this epistle to people who failed to embrace the true freedom that is found in Christ and instead trusted in rules and regulations. They depended on the law and not on faith. Galatians 3:1-6 reads as follows,

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness?”

Paul longed for the people to understand that it is the work of the cross that saves and justifies a sinner. It is not any sort of works of righteousness. When a person has a works based mentality of the Christian life, he/she is failing to recognize the indelible work of the Cross. Instead, one should hold unwaveringly to the biblical doctrine of justification by grace through faith in Christ alone.

Like many other Christians, I went through a legalistic phase early on in my life as a believer. If I could choose one word to describe the phase it would be immaturity. I felt that what I did earned me brownie points in the eyes of God. I could keep careful tabs on my brownie points and therefore know my standing with God at any given time. If I read my Bible that morning… point for me. If I called a friend a dirty word later that afternoon, my point from the morning was cancelled out. I felt like I had to do something to get back in right standing with God. It got pretty bad.

I have talked to many Christians who have gone through the same sort of thing. Why do you think that is? The Sunday school answer would be that we are sinners, which is true. But deeper than that, I think we easily act that way because that’s how we often interact with people. When a guy ticks of his girlfriend he buys her flowers and does something nice so that she wont be mad at him anymore. The difference there is that Jesus Christ isn’t some chick that refuses forgiveness until you do something nice.

There was one major thing missing in my legalistic equation of things… THE CROSS!!!! “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God.” That dirty word that I said that afternoon, nailed to the cross. That thing I said to tick of my girlfriend, nailed to the cross. My sin, nailed to the cross.

When we live by the Law we are under a curse. That is the purpose of the Law, to show us our wickedness. Galatians 3:10 says, “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does nit abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’”

In Galatians 3:6 Paul uses the example of Abraham believing in God and it being counted to him as righteousness. This is one of the greatest examples in scripture of justification by faith but many beg to differ. In his letter to the persecuted Christians scattered abroad James uses the example of Abraham to explain the importance of works.

20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:20-24)

How do we reconcile the two passages? They seem to contradict each other. What must be understood is that Paul’s teaching on justification was being distorted by many. People took his words and twisted them, cheapening grace by living an anything-goes lifestyle (Romans 3:8). James speaks out against this Phony faith. We can see that by what he says in verse 14. “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?”

That faith which cannot save is not true faith. It is a head-knowledge and a fruitless “Christianity.” James wanted us to understand that true saving faith is shown by our works. Paul and James would both agree that saving faith is not merited but given by Christ. They also would have agreed that faith that bears no fruit is not real faith at all.

This has incredible implications on how we should live in this world. We should live as those saved and justified by grace through faith in Christ. As the redeemed our lives should be abundant with good works, kind and truthful words, loving and Christ-like attitudes. We should seek to build others up and not cause them to stumble. When it comes to specific things: cigars, alcohol, television, music, etc. Know that Christ calls us to live holy, sober-minded lives. Seek His truth and live for His glory above all else.

been gone so long...

I don't like the fact that I haven't been on here in so long and I still don't have much to say.

I will recommend a book for anyone who cares. Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches is a book that consists of five different authors (Mark Driscoll, John Burke, Dan Kimball, Doug Pagitt, and Karen Ward). Each author contributes a chapter while the others offer a brief response. As a young guy in ministry who feels called to preach and pastor in this day and age, I highly recommend it. It presents many different theological views as well as methodologies. I have read everyone's chapter except Karen Ward's. I've laughed, wondered, almost cussed (Doug Pagitt), and smiled at truth (Mark Driscoll).

Don't take my word for it. Read it yourself.

Thabiti's New Book

In January I was blessed by the teaching of Thabiti Anyabwile at the 2007 Desiring God Conference. He mentioned a book he wrote about African American Preachers. The book doesn't come out until December but the excitement is staring to rise. Here is an explanation of the book.

In Christ
Kevin

Augustine's On Christian Doctrine

Go to Christian Audio and click on the "free download" button at the top right corner. They give away free audio books every month. The give away this month is Augustine's On Christian Doctrine.

Here is a book description:

“There are certain rules for the interpretation of Scripture which I think might with great advantage be taught to earnest students of the word, that they may profit not only from reading the works of others who have laid open the secrets of the sacred writings, but also from themselves opening such secrets to others. These rules I propose to teach to those who are able and willing to learn.” With these words Saint Augustine (354-430 AD) began one of the finest theological treatments ever written on reading and interpreting Holy Scripture. Pastors, monks, and educated laypersons cherished De Doctrina Christiana from the time Augustine wrote it through the Middle Ages. Today, if this wonderful little book is less well-known, it nevertheless remains as insightful as ever."

Mortify Sin

Mortify sin.
This is the command of God’s word that has been on my heart so heavily lately. The importance of mortification has been echoed in the lives of two close friends who feel the same conviction regarding the subject.
It all started at the Desiring God Pastor’s Conference in February. R.C. Sproul listed several books that have had a great impact on his life. One of the titles interested me. The Mortification of Sin by John Owen was highly recommended by Dr. Sproul. The bookstore at the conference had the book in stock so I picked it up after the session. I also picked up a copy of the January edition of Table Talk (Dr. Sproul’s monthly publication). The topic for that month was, unbeknownst to be, The Mortification of Sin. It’s funny to see how God uses little things to pound ideas into my little head.
This morning I listened to a lecture by Dr. John Piper on John Owen from a conference in 1994. All this to stay that God has been moving me to the important command that Owen, Sproul, Piper, and many other Christ exalting theologians consider so important. This command is found clearly Colossians 3:5-6:

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.”

In an article entitled The Practice of Mortification Sinclair B. Ferguson points out that we need to

“learn to admit sin for what it really is. Call a spade a spade- call it ‘sexual immorality,’ not ‘I’m being tempted a little’; call it ‘impurity’ not ‘I’m struggling with my thought life’; call it ‘evil desire, which is idolatry,’ not ‘I think I need to order my priorities a bit better.’”

All too often we voice our sin as less violating than it actually is. How are we to mortify it if we are denial of its severity? Paul meant what he said in verse 6: On account of these the wrath of God is coming. We are new men in Christ (Col.3:9). We should seek to destroy the deceitful pleasures of our flesh! A constant killing of sin and the flesh provides an entry way for the true joy that is found in obedience to Christ! Why should we dance around the truth of our sin in order to save face and keep our pride intact? Why shouldn’t we run to the promises of Christ and put of our old self for the joys of the new? It is my hope and prayer that Christians everywhere will seek to master this concept as the move upward in the process of sanctification.

PS- Reading ANYTHING by John Owen is stinking hard!!

Seeking to Mortify,
Kevin

The Blood

Enjoying the artistic side of life, I have just decided to start a musical project. Such discussion is rare on this blog but I'm just that kind of guy... edgy (I don't know what that means).

Anyways, God has been really driving home the central truth of substitutionary atonement. The project will consist of a series of songs addressing different aspects of Christ's death on the cross. I'm not sure that it will be anything worth listening to but I can say that I look forward to spending time in deep thought, prayer, and worship during this project.

Also, I am looking forward to reading a brand new book on the subject entitled Pierced for Our Transgressions. Check it out.

Pierced for Our Transgression

More Info on the Subject...
Theopedia

Read a Book

Lately, God has been showing me the importance of growing in knowledge. I have met so many people in ministry who don't read because it's a "waste of time." They think they sound holy when the say, "the only book I read is the GOOD book." I agree that the Bible is the most important book and the inherent Word of God. But there are some amazing books out there that will point readers directly to God's word. Here are a few that changed my life...

1. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
2. Desiring God by John Piper
3. Confessions of St. Augustine (Reading it right now)
4. A Legacy of Sovereign Joy by John Piper (About joy in the lives of Calvin, Luther, and Augustine)
5. The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
6. Reason to Believe by R.C. Sproul
7. I am Not but I Know I Am by Louie Giglio
8. The Unquenchable Worshipper by Matt Redman
9. The Westminster Confession of Faith
10. The Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689
11. Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
12. Spurgeon's Sermons


I don't read so I can look, act, or seem smart. I read because Christ has given me a very specific command to make disciples. If we are to be disciples and disciple makers we should long to excersise our minds for the glory of Christ.

For all 4 of you who are reading this, go read a book.

All For His Glory
Kevin

I spent five hours in Barnes and Noble yesterday. I have been reading a lot from The God Delusion and A Letter to a Christian Nation (Written by blatant Atheists).Without getting into too much detail, I have to say that I have been made aware of the challenging fact that America has a completely skewed view of Christ (I know... not old news). The Church needs to be actively breathing truth into the culture of today and we have totally fallen short. I don't know what I'm going to do about it, but I'm going to do something.

The One True God is worthy of all praise. I want to spend my entire life spreading the truth of His holiness with a passion for His name.

Anyone with me?

Grace, Grace, God's Grace...

I have recently been challenged to question the way I view grace. I have been reading "The Purifying Power of Living by Faith in Future Grace" by John Piper. I realized that all too often I view the Christian life, it's qualities, and works as something done out of payment to God. Now, I know this view is skewed and far from the truth but it's just something that I subconsciously do. Maybe it's the "debtors ethic" view of American culture. You do something good for me... Now I owe you one. That sounds nice and easy but that's just not how God works. Grace is not something given with the expectation of being paid back. It is given by God with the expectation of faith in more grace! Gratitude is very important in Christian living. I don't doubt that. But it should not replace faith as our motivation for a Christ centered, God honoring life.

The illustration Piper uses is that of a house given as a completely free gift. The house represents salvation. God gives us this house, right? It's the best house there is. It protects you and has everything thing you would ever need to survive. Your food, your drink, everything. God asks that we shelter no other gods in this house. He asks us not to put others before Him. Say we take the house then immediately call up a lawyer and set up monthly mortgage payments. The house is no linger treated as a gift. It's now treated as something purchased. And we all know that grace can never be purchased.

I highly recommend that you buy this book, meditate on the insight it offers and most importantly, search for the scriptural basis.

"Grace to You"