Seeing is Believing is Obeying
In our “in-house seminary” we’re studying through the Gospel of John this summer. I think John would agree with this statement about obedience and the Christian life:
“Seeing is Believing is Obeying”.
Does that seem too audacious? Read John 1-12–especially chapter 3–thinking about the question of how does “believing” in / on Jesus relate to “obeying” Him (and thus the Father). There is an unbreakable connection between having spiritual eyes (=spiritual life) to see the light of the glory of Jesus, and being drawn into that light like a moth to a flame. Then, rather than being consumed, we are transformed by it into its likeness.
Said another way, more John-ishly:
Seeing the light of the glory of Jesus is an essential and necessary component for walking in the light. Those who see the light, come to the light, and they walk in the light. Those who do not walk in the light walk in darkness. Those who walk without the light walk in darkness. To worship in spirit and truth, walk in the light.
One Duty: Worship
Psalm 50 14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
You and I need to hear this (or at least the psalmist thinks we do). God doesn’t care about your tithes and your devotions and your church attendance and your church office and your heartless prayers. In fact, those things done with a wrong heart will make Him livid at you.
Here’s what grabs His ear, His attention, and His pleasure: thanksgiving (because that honors Him as the source of everything in your life, and appreciates Him for it), following His ways (because that honors Him as your King, as His wise, good ways are followed), and calling on Him for deliverance (because that honors Him as your only hope in the present and the future). And then you praise Him some more.
It’s a good life.
The Yali Tribe :: Celebrating 50 Years of Jesus
It’s so easy to not be consciously thankful to God for the Christian heritage we live in, and for the work that He is doing in the world right this moment. This may stoke that fire in you!
On May 21, 1961, Stan Dale and Bruno de Leeuw made first contact with the Yali tribe in what is now Papua, Indonesia. In the week of May 16, 2011, the Yali held the Yubileum, or Jubilee: they celebrated fifty years since the coming of the Gospel to their tribe, and fifty years of its transformational impact on their society. This video captures some of the highlights of that celebration, as well as the Holuwon Yalis’ welcome of John and Gloria Wilson and their family, who had lived among them for twenty years.
A longer video will eventually be released, containing more footage including interviews with several Yali leaders, Bruno de Leeuw and others.
Video by Jonathan Wilson.
Indepedence Day Sale :: Isaac Watts Hymns by Sojourn
I try not to post things to buy just because they’re there. I post things to buy that I think are worth the money or time. This is one of those items. I bought it.
If you haven’t heard Sojourn, they’re taking old hymns and putting them to new music. They sound much edgier (“alternative”) than the Indelible Grace albums if you’re familiar with those (which I like). But aside from the high calibre sound they’re putting out, what a joy and blessing to have RICHES of God’s character and might coming out the car speakers. These 2 albums–for sale for $10 total–are all hymns of Isaac Watts.
Listen to song samples or buy HERE.
Enjoy.
Adoption IS Worth It!
I’ve not adopted (yet) but there is strong reason from Scripture and the testimony of God’s church throughout history to think that all Christians ought to consider whether or how God would have them (YOU!) adopt. I don’t intend to delve into all of that here. But here are some really strong considerations from my sister and brother-in-law (who recently, finally completed their first international adoption):
http://thehappyneills.blogspot.com/2011/06/is-it-worth-it.html
Warning: Not for the faint of Spirit.
Is Sanctification by Faith Alone? by Kevin DeYoung
I’ve been thinking about the relationship of sanctification and justification for a while. And there are some very insightful comments here from Kevin DeYoung. One of my conclusions that is solidifying more and more in this issue, is that whatever we think (or want to think) THE MOST important thing for all of us to let Scripture tell us about both. Let the words, the language, the ideas, the categories, the imperatives, the indicatives shape how we understand these hugely important doctrines.
Praying as a Way of Life
Here are 2 good messages on prayer I listened to recently, from John Piper’s annual pastor’s conference. If you only have time for one, listen to Francis Chan’s.
Francis Chan: “Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love: A Personal Journey”
Q and A with conference speakers on prayer: click HERE
You, Your Money, Your Retirement, and Jesus
A Theology for Church Picnics
I’ve been thinking together with some of our college men about what fellowship is and is not, and how to cultivate it in the church body and on the college campus. Here’s some thoughts from John Piper on why church picnics are something you OUGHT to go to.
My “Favorites” Resource List
Here are links to a lot of great audio. Outside of the teaching from our church, it’s usually these links that keep my iPod well-supplied–though admittedly I’ve only listened to a few classes from the seminary websites below. These 4 pastors are ones that I repeatedly get helped by, and keep going back to for more.
Librivox:
Classic literature as free audio
Covenant Seminary classes
free seminary classes
Reformed Theological Seminary classes
free seminary classes on iTunes
I love Tim Keller and Ed Clowney’s class
Tim Conway
our pastor from San Antonio; his recent series “God, Church, and Family” is excellent for learning and living the CHRISTian life
John Piper
His biography sermons are a really unique kind of sermon / message / history lesson; some of my favorite audio material
C. J. Mahaney and company
I listen to these just to cultivate love for Christ and humble, grace-loving spirit in me. Also, their application of the Gospel has helped me see the tangible connections of the Gospel to all of life.
Tim Keller
Here’s a link to his free sermons
