J. I. Packer

"Every single thing that happens to us expresses God's love to us, and comes to us for the furthering of God's purpose for us."

"'Even when we cannot see the why and the wherefore of God's dealings, we know that there is love in and behind them, and so we can rejoice always, even when, humanly speaking, things are going wrong.  We know that the true story of our life, when known, will prove to be, as the hymn says, "mercy from first to last"--and we are content.'"

From Knowing God, pages 122-123.

Amazing Grace

The Blind Boys of Alabama put John Newton’s lyrics to the tune of the traditional folk song, “The House of the Rising Sun.”

2019 Favorite Books

Here is a short list of five books that I enjoyed in 2019.

5) Didn't See It Coming, Carey Nieuwhof

 4) The Big Fella, Jane Leavy

3) The Pioneers, David McCullough

2) Hearers & Doers, Kevin Vanhoozer

1) On the Road with Saint Augustine

Honorable Mention:

What books did you enjoy in 2019?

What books are you planning on reading in 2020?

Merry Christmas!

I hope your Christmas is merry and bright!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lots of transition with our family this year.  We have a lot to be thankful for in the midst of much change.

What are you thankful for this year?

Temple

Watch this short video for a Biblical Theology of the Temple.  It is less than 5 minutes.

How To Gospel Yourself

Romans 4:7-8

"Blessed am I whose lawless deeds of __________ are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed am I against whom the Lord will not count sin.

Christ's work for me is finished!

The Plan of Man or the Provision of God?

Romans 4:23-25

Reminder #4:  Justification is NOT based on the plan of man, but on the provision of God.

***THE WAY OUT IS BY BELIEF IN JESUS!

Religious Rituals or The Faithfulness of God?

Romans 4:9-16

Reminder #2:  Justification is NOT based on the religious rituals of man, but on the faithfulness of God.

Galatians 5:6

Genesis 12:1-3

NOTE "the promise" in Romans 4:13, 14, and 16.

The Effort of Man or the Grace of God?

Romans 4:1-8

Reminder #1:  Justification is NOT based on the effort of man, but on the grace of God.

Genesis 15:6

Abraham did not "do" something to get right with God.  He believed something and was counted right.

Why Did Jesus Do It?

1 Peter 3:18

Result--2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (Reconciliation!)

Propitiation

We can be justified because a sacrifice has been made.

Romans 3:25

1 John 4:10

Redemption

You can be justified because a price has been paid.

Romans 3:24

1 Peter 1:18-19

Mark 10:45

Jesus redeems us from:

1. God's Wrath
2. The Curse (Galatians 3:13)
3. Death

Why Is Justification Necessary?

Romans 3:23

Sin is Great, but...

Romans 3:1-20

Sin is Great.  God's Grace is Greater!!!

John Newton, who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace, was visited by a friend near the end of his life.  Newton could barely speak but said:  "My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things:  that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior."

Who do you trust to help you out of the mess?  Trust Jesus.  Though our sin is great, His grace is greater!

Anger & Actions

Romans 3:15-17

Sin expressed through a bitter tongue (Romans 3:13-14) builds to violence.  The result is "shed blood, " and "ruin and misery."  Paul is not referring to how we feel, but on the misery and destruction that we bring to others.

Tim Keller asks:  "Why do we become angry with people?"  He writes:  "Because they have blocked us from access to an idol--they have compromised our comfort, or prevented a promotion, or made us feel our of control, or are enjoying a relationship we feel we need."

As a result, we go on the warpath.

Romans 3:18

Thomas Schreiner believes that sin at its heart decenters God...it rejects God's rule over our lives.

How do your actions reflect a threat to your idols?

The Power of Words

Romans 3:13-14

Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:34; James 3:8

Our words are powerful and do much evil when our hearts are dark.  With our words we can deceive, curse, and slander.

Everyone wants to get their way and when they don't, everyone hears about it!!!

Are you wise with your words?  What do your words reveal about your heart?

The Miracle of Desire

Romans 3:10-12

The interest of the sinner is not towards God.

In verse 12, "turned aside" often indicates deliberate avoidance. 

Mankind is totally depraved.  This does not mean that people are incapable of doing something good.  It means that they are incapable of keeping God's standard and saving themselves.

If a person shows any indication towards God, it is the "miracle of desire" at work.  On our own, we do not pursue God unless He stirs us first.

Entrusted

Romans 3:2...

To "entrust" is to give responsibility for something.

N. T. Wright:  '"The point about being 'entrusted' is that the thing that's been given to you isn't actually for you; it's for the person to whom you are suppose to deliver it."'

Christ-followers are entrusted and commissioned with the Gospel.  They have a responsibility to proclaim the news on all occasions!

Consider Colossians 4:2-6 and be on the lookout for opportunities to proclaim the Gospel!

Favorite Books from 2018

Here is a list of my favorite books from 2018.  I'll list my top eight--8 in 18!  Then add a few more at the bottom that were close...

8. The Last Lion:  Defender of the Realm, Manchester and Reid

7. Advent, Fleming Rutledge

6. The Prodigal Prophet, Tim Keller

5. Destiny of the Republic, Candice Millard

4. What About Free Will? Scott Christensen

3. John Newton, Jonathan Aiken

2. The Gospel Comes with a House Key, Rosaria Butterfield

1.  The Terminal List, Jack Carr

A few others that I found compelling, interesting, or helpful.

• Deep Work, Cal Newport
• Newton on the Christian Life, Tony Reinke
• Love Big Be Well, Winn Collier
• Unlimited Grace, Bryan Chapell
• Britt-Marie Was Here, Fredrik Backman
• Leadership Mosaic, Daniel Montgomery
• A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Peterson

I also added audiobooks this year.  I listened to 12.  My favorite was Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas.