i am chief

Prophet, Priest & King - Alistair Begg Sermons

2008-06-26T13:35:00.007-05:00

In my previous post, I quoted Alistair Begg in one of three sermons he preached for the FamilyLife staff several years ago. I'm pretty sure that's where I got the quote, anyway! I also mentioned trying to find the sermon audio, and I have! These are great messages that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Alistair Begg is pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and heard daily on his radio program, Truth for Life. He's got a great Scottish accent which only makes his preaching that much better! If you've never heard him preach, perhaps you've seen him here. :o)

Click on any title, then "Save" to your computer:

Christ as Prophet

Christ as Priest

Christ as King

Without Conversion, Composition or Confusion

2008-06-23T23:32:00.006-05:00

"Without conversion, composition or confusion"

The divine is not changed into the human - therefore no conversion.

The divine and the human do not coalesce so as to form a third entity - thus no composition.

The two natures are not mixed, so there’s no confusion.

I found the words above tucked away in an old email. They help describe Christ as the God-Man. The actual quote (and post title) is taken from The Westminster Confession of Faith in chapter VIII on "Christ the Mediator". And I think the explanation of the quote came from sermon notes I took while listening to Alistair Begg preach on Christ as Prophet, Priest and King at a conference a few years back. I'll try to find the audio to those three messages and post them here.

Father's Day Gift

2008-06-18T09:41:00.005-05:00

It's hard to find a decent Father's day card (or any greeting card for that matter) that isn't too mushy, corny, empty or tacky. That's why our family most often makes our own cards for special occasions. However, this Father's day, my children each gave me store bought cards (along with their own artistic creations). They were all sweet, but the simple words on my 3 yr old's card gave me that lump in my throat and tear(s) in my eye.

Reading the card below quickly reminded me of my primary duty as a father - to tell my children about Jesus.

Jesus loves me this I know...

He gave me you to tell me so!

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them

when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way,

and when you lie down, and when you rise.

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand,

and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

We will not hide them from their children,

but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord,

and his might,and the wonders that he has done...

that the next generation might know them,

the children yet unborn,and arise and tell them to their children,

so that they should set their hope in God

Psalm 78:4, 6-7a

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up

in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

*The beautiful blue eyes you see in my blog header belong to this same 3 yr. old. If you don't see it.Hit "F5" on your keyboard to rotate the header images.

Todd Murray Sermons

2008-06-16T11:01:00.003-05:00

There have been only a handful of men whose preaching ministry has affected me in life-changing ways. Todd Murray is one of those men. Now, when I say life-changing, I mean my jaw dropped, my world rocked and my theology was better tuned to the sounds of solid doctrine. Life changing.
Well, I just discovered quite a few of his sermons available online in one location. Anyone would do well to download these and listen as you are able. You'll also find all the information on his book about John Newton here as well. Enjoy.

Random Images from Vacation

2008-06-11T12:08:00.006-05:00

Since my wife will undoubtedly post many vacation pics of the fam, I'll stick with the random pics here. These are just some odd & end shots I took while down in Fair Hope & Gulf Shores.

On Vacation...

2008-06-07T21:16:00.002-05:00

...and lovin' it!

Going on Vacation...

2008-06-04T08:05:00.002-05:00

...if I can just get these kids loaded up...

Guess Who?

2008-06-03T07:36:00.004-05:00

This former child actor turns 60 today - can you guess who it is? It'll make you feel old!

I guess this was an easy one! This is Jerry Mathers... AS the Beaver.

Links: TV Land, Jerry's own MySpace Page, imdb, Leave it to Beaver.org

Guess Who?

2008-06-02T12:13:00.005-05:00

This former child actor turns 60 today - can you guess who it is? It'll make you feel old!

Praying for the Steven Curtis Chapman Family

2008-05-22T11:19:00.005-05:00

Please pray for this dear family and the sudden & tragic death of their five year old daughter, Maria. You can meet her here.

As a father of three little girls five and under, my heart aches. But we do not grieve as those who have no hope - for our hope is in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-20). May our Shepherd lead them through the valley of the shadow of death.

And... dance with your daughters today.

Logos, Ethos, Pathos

2008-05-22T04:08:00.000-05:00

From Kent Hughes’ commentary on Philippians:

There are times when I am preaching that I have especially sensed the pleasure of God.... There is nothing quite like it — the Holy Spirit filling one’s sails, the sense of his pleasure, and the awareness that something is happening among one’s hearers.

What has happened when this takes place? How do we account for this sense of his smile? The answer for me has come from the ancient rhetorical categories of logos, ethos, and pathos.

The first reason for his smile is the logos—in terms of preaching, God’s Word. This means that as we stand before God’s people to proclaim his Word, we have done our homework. We have exegeted the passage, mined the significance of its words in their context, and applied sound hermeneutical principles in interpreting the text so that we understand what its words meant to its hearers. And it means that we have labored long until we can express in a sentence what the theme of the text is — so that our outline springs from the text. Then our preparation will be such that as we preach, we will not be preaching our own thoughts about God’s Word, but God’s actual Word, his logos. This is fundamental to pleasing him in preaching.

The second element in knowing God’s smile in preaching is ethos — what you are as a person. There is a danger endemic to preaching, which is having your hands and heart cauterized by holy things. Phillips Brooks illustrated it by the analogy of a train conductor who comes to believe that he has been to the places he announces because of his long and loud heralding of them. And that is why Brooks insisted that preaching must be “the bringing of truth through personality.” Though we can never perfectly embody the truth we preach, we must be subject to it, long for it, and make it as much a part of our ethos as possible. As the Puritan William Ames said, “Next to the Scriptures, nothing makes a sermon more to pierce, than when it comes out of the inward affection of the heart without any affectation.” When a preacher’s ethos backs up his logos, there will be the pleasure of God.

Last, there is pathos — personal passion and conviction. David Hume, the Scottish philosopher and skeptic, was once challenged as he was seen going to hear George Whitefield preach: “I thought you do not believe in the gospel.” Hume replied, “I don’t, but he does.” Just so! When a preacher believes what he preaches, there will be passion. And this belief and requisite passion will know the smile of God.

The pleasure of God is a matter of logos (the Word), ethos (what you are), and pathos (your passion). As you preach the Word may you experience his smile — the Holy Spirit in your sails!

$200 Book Shopping Spree!

2008-05-21T09:14:00.004-05:00

Just click on the banner below to register for a $200 shopping spree at Mongergism Books - a great source of solid literature. The contest is hosted by Tim Challies, so you don't have to worry about your email being sold to the pharmeceutical companies. :o)

Also, you can get your own "referral number" and for anyone who registers under your number, you'll get another entry in the drawing. The link below should put you under my number automatically, but in case you're asked, my referral number is 70837.

Thanks & hope you win something! BTW, the second & third place prizes are a $75 & $35 dollar shopping spree (T-shirt included!)

Comic Relief - Act Two

2008-05-16T23:11:00.002-05:00

Here are the other comic ads I promised on an earlier post.

Grip of steel. Power packed wrists. Rippling, bulging, sledge-hammer forearms. I can only think of one other simple piece of rubber that can do this much... you got it! Squeegee.

Here's the deal. The Junior Sales Club of America will send you 12 boxes of seasonal cards (21 cards per box) on good faith - no money up front! All they ask is that you sell each box for $1.25, return the unsold boxes within 30 days and keep 50 cents per box. Or, you can earn "nationally famous" prizes based on your sales.

Field Glasses, Flash Camera, Hi-Fi LP Record 8 Pack, Diving Submarine Kit... just a few of the valuable prizes that could be yours.

I thought the layout & typography on this roller skate ad was interesting... there's no concern for correct punctuation nor are the words in any type of eye pleasing arrangement. It's like the words "are yours on" was a cut & paste error that made it to the printer.

I'm not sure if Chicago Roller Skate Company is still in business... unless they've changed their name to Chicago Skates.

A Living Epistle

2008-05-13T08:53:00.004-05:00

In preparation for a recent teaching opportunity, I came across this sermon by Cornelius Tyree called "THE MORAL POWER OF A PIOUS LIFE" or known also as "The Living Epistle". It's long - so you probably won't read it all in one sitting, but you might take a few small bites at a time.

I was studying the salt & light passage in Matthew 5, and Tyree's words are helpful for us to know the importance of letting others see our "good works" that they might "give glory to God."

How can the attention of men be most effectually drawn to the great subject of Christianity? If there can be no sound conversion to God without thought and investigation—then how can men be induced to entertain the gospel proposition? The most effectual way to enlist general attention to the religion of Christ—is for its professors to display it in their tempers and conduct.

The best commentary on the Bible that the world has ever seen--is a holy life of growing likeness to Christ. The most eloquent sermon in behalf of the gospel that the world has ever heard--is a uniform, active life of piety. The best version of the Bible that has ever been made--is a consistent pious example. The Christian whose light thus shines, not only correctly renders--but beautifies the sacred text. His life and conduct are a sort of second edition of the written Scriptures--a living epistle which all can read, all understand, and that convinces and convicts all.

So, how are others reading your life?

"A New Earth" is an Old Lie

2008-05-08T08:27:00.003-05:00

By now you've probably heard of the book by Eckhart Tolle titled "A New Earth" that has been catapulted to the best seller list by the midas touch endorsement of Oprah Winfrey.

If you're still unsure of what the book is about - and frankly, what Oprah is about, then you'll do well to check out the following links.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss just aired two special programs addressing this new age teaching that Tolle & Winfrey are spreading. She interviews Dr. Erwin Lutzer and Dr. Don Whitney. You can listen here.

And Don Whitney has his own brief but extremely helpful article explaining Tolle's background and his books (he wrote another before "A New Earth"). You can read or download this article here.

Finally, see for yourself - a quick search on YouTube will provide you with plenty of material straight from Oprah's mouth.

Comic Relief - Act One

2008-05-02T14:33:00.015-05:00

I was recently going through some of my dad's old comic books. There are a few still in decent shape - but the majority have lost their covers & are falling apart. From these I clipped the following offers. I can't help but think of my friend Kirk & his short film about the false expectations that these companies hold out like Lucy and Charlie Brown's football.

"It's huge, over 3 ft. high, approx. 23 cu. ft. interior, covers almost 9 sq. ft. of floor space"

Huge?! C'mon! Check out the age range of 4 to 14! Any 14 year old that can fit in this cardboard cabin is gonna be walking around with it hanging on him like a sandwich board. This thing can't be much larger than a microwave oven.

Notice my dad filled out the order form - thankfully my grandparents enlightened him to the folly of such an investment.

From the looks of the picture - this projector is only about 4 times as wide as the actual 8mm film tape.

You can click on any of these images to enlarge & read the sensational sales pitch. They also make cool desktop backgrounds. Once you click & enlarge, just right click on the image and select "Set as Background". Anyways - here's what this one says (with my own commentary added):

Here's high powered speed combined with the thundering excitement of the "Hot Rod" class. Powered by it's own electric motors [that's right, it takes two piston pumpin' bad boys to make this cat scream], this marvelous automotive miracle [wait - did they say, "miracle"? Miracle?! Miracle.] will give you a thrill as it zooms along at tremendous scale speeds. Realistic in detail, it's great fun to build and even more fun to race up and down courses, over hills and on the thundering straightaway. Imagine [because it will never be reality] the thrill as this speed-merchant outraces all the other kids in the neighborhood. And [did we mention already...] it's great fun to build. Complete with all [i.e., both] parts and instructions. Only $1 plus 25 cent shipping charges. [we'll send you your change]

It's fun - it's exciting. It's high speed. [It's a rip off even by QVC standards.]

I've got several other comic ads to show you... I'll save them for next time. But in the meantime, check out Kirk's blog category of mail order madness. Besides, he writes much better than I.

Superboy

2008-04-23T22:56:00.003-05:00

Having fun with Gimp.

Under Construction

2008-04-22T12:06:00.003-05:00

For my faithful three readers... I'm finally intiating my template change. I'll be making changes over the next couple of weeks.
Lemme know whatcha think.
Thanks.

Good Monster

2008-04-03T09:50:00.003-05:00

A friend of mind pointed me to this August 2006 interview with Jars of Clay frontman Dan Haseltine. It gave me a new appreciation for their album, Good Monsters, and reminded me of how much I already loved it.

In the article, Dan speaks candidly of his former struggle with secret sins and self deception. I found this quote by him to sum it up perfectly.

"I am my own worst pop music station, constantly telling myself what I want to hear-and coming up with creative ways to do it."

Kids Say the Cutest Things

2008-03-27T13:42:00.013-05:00

I was trying to get the boy (3 yrs. Old?) to say “Revive Our Hearts is an outreach of Life Action Ministries” for a project at work.

Other than adding the music – I didn’t edit this one bit!

Carsonisms

2008-03-06T20:30:00.006-06:00

Over a year ago now (Wow! It sure doesn't seem that long ago!) I read Don Carson's book "A Call To Spiritual Reformation". It's an exegetical (yet readable) study of several of Paul's prayers in the New Testament. I've blogged about it before here.

One of the extra perks of reading this book was finding what I call "Carsonisms". Carsonisms are interesting and colorful phrases used by Dr. Carson throughout his book. His vocabulary is amazing and the way he groups his words together in clever phrases is remarkable, as you'll soon see.

I'm not sure how I determined what qualified a true Carsonism. But a couple of things that I'd look for were unusual words and/or interesting combinations of rarely used words.

Below are 11 Carsonisms I found in the book, along with two honorable mentions. Now, if you want to understand the context of each of these phrases, you'll have to buy the book! But I think you'll find that the Carsonisms are amusing enough by themselves. it helps a bit to remember that the book is about prayer.

1. "liberally larded with cliches", p. 17

2. "wretched bastardization", p. 57

3. "sentimental twaddle", p. 65

4. "a superficial froth regurgitated in all directions", p. 86

5. "cheap religious cant", p. 88

6. "mere jingoism", p. 88

7. "debilitated by the virus of indifferentism", p. 106

8. "stupidity and ham-fistedness", p. 126

9. "cheap sentimentality and myopic nostalgia", p. 126

10. "mawkish sentimentality", p. 126

11. "the blind rigidities of inexorable fate", p. 165

Honorable Mentions:

1. "shame squirrels gehind a masking foliage of pleasantries", p. 120

2. "the death of entrenched mediocrity", p. 126

Lies Young Women Believe - UPDATE

2008-02-28T09:08:00.001-06:00

**UPDATE 02/28/08: The official website is now up and running and being updated regularly. Go to www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com or just click on the banner above.

Several months ago we had an unsual and exciting day in the studio. I thought it might be neat to give a small snapshot of the goings-on, since this wasn't a typical day.

The day revolved around Nancy Leigh DeMoss' new book co-authored with Dannah Gresh titled, "Lies Young Women Believe". If you're familiar with Nancy's ministry, you'll know this is a much-anticipated follow-up to her first book "Lies Women Believe."

During the day we recorded an interview with Nancy & Dannah, hosted by FamilyLife's Bob Lepine, where they discussed the new book. We also had an outside video crew come in and film the radio interview. That evening, Nancy & Dannah discussed the book again, only this time in front of cameras, crew and 40+ high school & college girls. I'm not sure yet how the video will end up being used.

Of course the content was great, in fact you can hear it on ROH as early as February 20-25. We'll air part one in February, with part two to come several weeks later. You can read about the book, published by Moody, here. It's not due out until February 1st.

The day was unusual and exciting and untypical mainly because of the camera crew. Scott Edge and his team did the filming, and it was neat watching how it all works, since I'm used to radio - where you just talk into a mic and push "RECORD".

Below are a few photos taken by my friend Dennis Leake (who also took these great shots of Johnny Cash back during the Vietnam war). He was trying out his new digital camera.

This first picture (click on any pics to enlarge) is taken in the control room looking through the glass into Studio One - where we always record Nancy's teaching sessions. Here's what's going on:

In the foreground you have Justin (left) and Kenny (right) playing some video games on the flatscreen. The screen is off camera just to the right, so you can't see it. But trust me, they're playing video games. See how much fun they're having?!

That's me on the far right, talking to Wes. Wes is the Media Director for ROH up in Michigan, he's eating. We're probably talking about some real important things... I can't remember. Justin & Kenny sure are having fun though. Just look at 'em.

Those two guys sitting in the back of the control room in front of the computer screens are Scott & his monitor guy (I'm sure there's a cooler name for that job than "monitor guy") Monitor Guy (far left) watches several monitors showing each camera shot & decides which ones are keepers. He communicates to the camera men via headsets.

There's Wes eating again. Looks like Kenny tore away from his gaming just in time to realize that there's a recording session going on.

Beyond the glass is the studio, where you can see Bob & Dannah sitting around the table preparing for the interview. And, there's me again on the left, standing around doing important stuff.

Here's a shot taken just before we started rolling that evening. Both Nancy & Dannah are adjusting their headset mics. Kim is helping Dannah with hers, Nancy's trying to get me to help with hers, but I'm trying to tell her that I'm doing something important.

Below are a few other great pics of the video shoot.

So there you have it - a very brief "behind the scenes" look at an ROH recording.

Pronounced: tsid-kay'-noo

2008-02-14T21:54:00.004-06:00

“Jehovah Tsidkenu”

( Jeremiah 33:16 )

which means
“The Lord Our Righteousness”

by Robert Murray McCheyne

November 18, 1884

I once was a stranger to grace and to God,
I knew not my danger; and felt not my load;
Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree,
Jehovah Tsidkenu was nothing to me.

I oft read with pleasure, to soothe or engage,
Isaiah’s wild measure and John’s simple page;
But even when they pictured the blood-sprinkled tree,
Jehovah Tsidkenu seemed nothing to me.

Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll,
I wept when the waters went over His soul,
Yet thought not that my sins had nailed to the tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu — ’twas nothing to me.

When free grace awoke me by light from on high,
Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die;
No refuge, no safety in self could I see —
Jehovah Tsidkenu my Saviour must be.

My terrors all vanished before the sweet name;
My guilty fear banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life-giving and free—
Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me.

Jehovah Tsidkenu! My treasure and boast,
Jehovah Tsidkenu! I ne’er can be lost;
In Thee shall I conquer by flood and by field—
My cable, my anchor, my breastplate and shield!

Even treading the valley; the shadow of death,
This “watchword” shall rally my faltering breath;
For while from life’s fever my God sets me free,
Jehovah Tsidkenu my death-song shall be.

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

Jeremiah 23:5-6

Pronounced: tsid-kay'-noo

True Woman '08 Website Launch

2008-01-16T10:05:00.000-06:00

I just received word that the official "True Woman '08" website has been officially launched. Click on the image above or just go to TrueWoman.com to check it out. This national conference hosted by Revive Our Hearts is one you ladies won't want to miss.

The speaker line-up is nothing to sneeze at! Along with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, ladies will get to hear from John Piper, Joni Eareckson Tada, Mary Kassian, Carolyn McCully & many more. You can read the complete line-up and everyone's bio here.

Looks like they'll be maintaining a blog soon, and you can even help promote this event on your own blog with these nice banners.

And - just so you'll know that I'm putting my money where my mouth is... I just finished registering my wife. Suprise my dear!

Now... I just need to find some other ladies from our church who might want to go with her!

UPDATE: Anita just found out - and let me just say that she was EXTREMELY ELATED!! I don't know when I've seen her so excited!

Pretend Reality

2008-01-03T22:00:00.000-06:00

This past summer, before we moved, my 6yr old son and 4yr old daughter were playing with our 10yr old neighbor. We'll call the neighbor, "Tina". The three have lately been playing "house".

Aah...the memories.

They usually "set up house" in the corner of the yard, but when I walked outside, Abby & Tina had some of their stuff in the garage, while Aaron Job was sitting out at the other "house". I really didn't think anything about it until Tina voluntarily explained.

She said, "We're living here now, 'cause we got a divorce."

WHAT??!! DIVORCE??!! WHOA-HO-HO - WAIT A MINUTE!!!

I called my son up into the garage and without thinking, began my speech with what I'm sure should've pierced the sin-shriveled conscience of any 6 & 10 year old. "Do you know what a divorce is?"

Tina: "Um, it's when two people aren't together anymore...and they sign some papers."

Me: "Aaron Job...do you know what a divorce is?"

Aaron Job: "Breaking the 10 Commandments?" (not quite what I expected from him)

Me (still a bit shocked at this) "No. A divorce is when two people say they love each other and then make a vow before God that they will love each other until the day they die then when things don't work out as they like, they decide to break that vow they made before God and go their seperate ways, leaving the little children in the middle of a big mess and the poor children don't know what to do or who to live with. It's a very bad thing."

So...how'd you think I did? Don't answer yet...there's more...

Tina: "Ok then. We'll just be seperated."

Me: "You know...um, no. No, you're not going to just be seperated. I don't mind if you guys play house and pretent to be a family, but if you're having problems, you need to work them out. You guys need to learn to talk about your problems and forgive each other. Ok?"

Kids: "Ok! We'll work it out."

End of teachable moment.

I know I probably didn't take advantage of this opportunity like I should, but I was a bit taken by suprise. Why? I don't know... I shouldn't have been. This is the culture in which we live. I happen to know that in real life, Tina's mom just recently remarried, so she's probably never really known what a functional family looks like. I can't really blame her for her choice of pretend-marital-problem-solving options. To her, that indeed is reality.

However, I don't believe that we should let "reality" inform us. Actually, that would be backwards wouldn't it? "Reality" is what we create, isn't it? Which is kind of what frustrates me with all the justification for "reality" television shows - or any tv/movie that portrays "reality".

We just don't see much of the Waltons, Ingalls, Cleavers & Bradys anymore. "That's just not reality", they say. Well, granted, solving all of life's problems in 30 minutes certainly isn't reality, but the idea that families actually get along for the most part and can act civil toward each other and can use clean language and CAN solve life's problems in a respectable way can be reality. It works in my house (for the most part), seriously. How 'bout yours?

The point of this isn't to launch a campaign for cleaner entertainment, though I'm all for that. My point is that we have allowed the culture's dysfunctional "reality" to become the norm for our own families. Our perception of what is attainable within our home is grossly skewed and dwarfed by what we're seeing on tv, which is supposed to be accurately portraying reality. We don't expect our children to speak kindly to each other because "that's just not reality", we don't expect our teens to stay chaste until marriage because "that's just not reality".

Not to mention the unrealistic expectations in the husband/wife relationship - you'd be labeled a fool at best if you actually thought a home should be lead by the husband and kept by the wife. Though I'm not sure if this is what it should look like.

Problems are inevitable because sin exists - but that's what the Gospel is for. The Gospel brings hope for reconciliation - first and foremost between sinful men and a holy God, but the Gospel also allows reconciliation between sinful people - husbands and wives, children and parents, etc.

The Gospel is reality.