U.S. Mint rolls out a new penny
Not everyone is celebrating the new penny.
A Debtor, An Enemy, A Criminal
We are all three.
Just to Recap
Evolution makes sense?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Quote - The Best Career
"Home is the true wife's kingdom.
Very largely does the wife hold in her hands, as a sacred trust, the happiness and the highest good of the hearts that nestle there. In the last analysis, home happiness depends on the wife.
Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere.
Her hands fashion its beauty.
Her heart makes its love.
And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine, that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay, to be . . . the light, the joy, the blessing, the inspiration, of a home.
The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies.
A true mother is one of the holiest secrets of home happiness. God sends many beautiful things to this world, many noble gifts; but no blessing is richer than that which He bestows in a mother who has learned love's lessons well, and has realized something of the meaning of her sacred calling."
J.R. Miller, "Secrets of a Happy Home Life"
Very largely does the wife hold in her hands, as a sacred trust, the happiness and the highest good of the hearts that nestle there. In the last analysis, home happiness depends on the wife.
Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere.
Her hands fashion its beauty.
Her heart makes its love.
And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine, that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay, to be . . . the light, the joy, the blessing, the inspiration, of a home.
The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies.
A true mother is one of the holiest secrets of home happiness. God sends many beautiful things to this world, many noble gifts; but no blessing is richer than that which He bestows in a mother who has learned love's lessons well, and has realized something of the meaning of her sacred calling."
J.R. Miller, "Secrets of a Happy Home Life"
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sermon Notes – Jesus: The Suffering Savior
Jesus: The Suffering Savior, Mark 15:16-39
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended March 28, 2010
Molokai, a leper colony in the Hawaiian Islands, had no minister for seven years before Father Damien. He began his sermon one Sunday with the words, “We lepers.” After twelve years with them he had contracted the disease. He died in his early forties.
God came to where we were and lived among us. He took upon Himself our disease. (Isaiah 53:1-12)
His suffering was not just physical. It was also spiritual, emotional, relational and psychological. It encompassed all human spheres of existence. The suffering He endures is the suffering we deserve. He isn’t suffering because of His sin, but ours. What will you thus do with this Jesus? Will you, like the centurion in this text, acknowledge Him as God and King?
1. The humiliation of Christ – Mark 15:16-32
Mark tells of the scourging and the crown of thorns. He mentions the beating of Jesus. He also mentions that He was unable to carry the cross. He says, “…they brought Him…”, implying that He couldn’t go on His own. He was physically spent, almost to the point of death. Then He was crucified.
Mark communicates all of this in a terse, matter-of-fact way. He doesn’t provide much detail on the physical suffering. It is almost as if it is a secondary issue. He was communicating to people who were going to understand this so there isn’t an overriding reason to provide much detail. Perhaps a greater reason that he doesn't provide much detail, however, is that we are often overwhelmed with the physical and stop there. Mark may be trying to tell us that the most painful suffering isn’t physical.
Mark is trying to communicate the humiliation of Christ by everyone – it was public. He was mocked while naked (complete humiliation). They put a sign above His head while they hurled (meaning to “throw them up” to Jesus) abuse while the crowd was laughing. The passersby, the religious leaders (entertaining themselves rather than being with the crowds) and those crucified with Him all participated in the humiliation.
The truly painful thing was that those hurling abuse, mocking and humiliating were the ones He loved. Could there be a worse kind of humiliation than from those you love? If He were to save Himself then He couldn’t save them.
2. The abandonment of Jesus – Mark 15:33-36
The “cup” of suffering was the wrath of God. He knew the physical suffering was coming. It was the separation from His loving Father that was the most painful. Mark 15:34 was His darkest moment. He was isolated and separated from all the intimacy He had experienced in eternity past because He was taking on the sin of the world. His abandonment leads to our adoption.
Think of all the heartache, pain, and sleepless nights you have experienced because of your sin and because of other’s sin. God is placing all of that upon Jesus Christ. He is taking the wrath, the death, the punishment and the pain that we deserve. God is demonstrating His righteous judgment. He cannot tolerate sin. He is also demonstrating His great love, at the same time.
Sin is man substituting himself for God. Salvation is God substituting himself for man.
Sin is man putting himself where God deserves to be. Salvation is God putting Himself where man deserves to be.
Sin is man claiming the authority that only belongs to God. Salvation is God accepting punishment that only belongs to man.
Mark 15:33 is an outward symbol of the internal darkness Jesus is experiencing.
We are often unmoved by this because we don’t understand the sweet fellowship of God – but Jesus does. He also understands the suffering that those who don’t know about that fellowship will experience.
They walk by Him and don’t have a clue. No one seems to get it. So it is today.
3. The death of Christ – Mark 15:37-39
Mark 15:37 is not so much a conclusion as an introduction to two miraculous events in Mark 15:38-39. It isn’t the end of the story but the beginning of a new story.
Mark 15:38 is not a symbol or a metaphor but a physical reality. Anyone in the temple at the time would have seen this. Only one person could go into the holy of holies and then only once a year. A person couldn’t just walk in or they would die. Hebrews 9:11-12 shows us the reason for this miraculous event. He paid for sins once and for all! It is open to everyone now if they come through Christ.
Mark 15:39 shows us another profound miracle. We don’t know anything about this soldier. He was probably a part of the mocking and scourging before. He was right in front of Jesus and something made him realize this was God in the flesh. The phrase, “Son of God” has not been uttered by another human being in all of Mark until this time. Mark mentions it in Mark 1:1 and the demons say it in Mark 3:11 but no human has acknowledged his true identity yet. It is at the cross that Jesus is revealed for who He is by this man. Someone finally sees Him for who He is, as we all must – at the cross. There is no salvation apart from the cross of Jesus Christ.
He tells us that on the cross the Son was abandoned by the Father because of our sin.
He tells us that on the cross God initiated a relationship with us.
He tells us that on the cross alone is the place we find salvation.
There is no escape, no forgiveness and no relationship with God outside of Christ and every person who wants to come to Him must bow down at the foot of the cross in humble admission that they deserve to be there and to acknowledge, and receive, His death as payment for their sin.
The sad reality of Mark 15, however, is that the vast majority of people will reject Jesus as failed and humiliated.
There are many reminders of this suffering throughout scripture, specifically Hebrews 12:3 and 1 Peter 4:13-14.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
We surf...so you don't have to - Mar. 23
Preferential Option for the Unequal
78% of the poor have a VCR or DVD player and 62% have cable or satellite TV?
I Love You…No Matter What
A wonderful demonstration of God’s love for us.
The Ten Commandments Motion Typography
The Ten Commandments set to music and pictures.
78% of the poor have a VCR or DVD player and 62% have cable or satellite TV?
I Love You…No Matter What
A wonderful demonstration of God’s love for us.
The Ten Commandments Motion Typography
The Ten Commandments set to music and pictures.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Quote - Up the Down Escalator
"In his book Crazy Love, Francis Chan describes life as a never-ending downward escalator. In order to follow God, we have to sprint back up the escalator - and put up with all the perturbed glances and harsh words of those we bump into along the way. If we're not encountering any opposition, it's probably because we're just going with the crowd."
Alex and Brett Harris, Start Here
Alex and Brett Harris, Start Here
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sermon Notes – Jesus: The Rejected King
Jesus: The Rejected King, Mark 15:1-15
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended March 21, 2010
We must trust His death while embracing His life. We must look like Him, even in His suffering. Peter understood what it meant to live for Jesus. (1 Peter 2:21-24, 4:1)
The vast majority of people rejected Him, especially in our text today. They all rejected Him for the same root reason. The majority of people throughout history will reject Jesus Christ. (Matthew 7:13-14)
1. He was rejected out of personal envy – Mark 15:1, 10
This was the reason the religious institution rejected Him. They had no authority to kill Him. They sent Him to the one place that did have the authority. Pilate sees through the accusations to the real reason they want to kill Him.
Envy is grief or anger caused by someone else’s success. In Mark 1:22 He shows up on their turf and everyone is amazed. By the end of Mark 1 He is so popular He can’t even enter the city. The religious leaders wanted this praise, honor and glory.
Jesus never seems to fit in well with those who want all the attention. He wants all the glory – and He is only One who deserves it.
2. He was rejected out of personal ambition – Mark 15:2
This was the reason the political institution rejected Him. Pilate would have turned the religious leaders back if it was only blasphemy. Pilate agrees to the trial because Jesus claimed to be king. This was Pilate’s territory. Jesus affirmed this accusation but it was a “reserved affirmation”. He affirmed it but He wasn’t the type of king that Pilate thought He was. This was finally the accusation that “sticks’. He was killed because He claimed to be king. Pilate can’t let it go but never quite seems convinced He needs to die.
Pilate is in a political “hot spot”. He can’t appear to be weak and he has to please the public and the religious institution. This political “game” is played out in Mark 15:6-16. Pilate finally does what is best for him. He satisfies his personal ambition. His personal ambition replaces his personal conviction for the betterment of his career.
Jesus doesn’t fit well with those who live for earthly success. Jesus demands the end of yourself and embracing Him.
3. He was rejected out of personal disappointment – Mark 15:6-9
This was the reason the crowd rejected Him. The crowd likes Jesus but never really commits to Him. He is very popular with them throughout Mark. They are given a choice to have Him released and made their king and they refused.
The Jews hated the Romans. Barnabas was a “freedom fighter” trying to overthrow the Romans. While doing this he killed someone. He was a murderer.
Both Jesus and Barnabas love the Jewish people. Both are willing to give their lives. Barnabas is trying to save them from the Romans. Jesus is saving them from the wrath of God. They chose Barnabas over Jesus out of personal disappointment. Barnabas was a sick and distorted “messiah” that they really wanted. They gave Jesus a chance but He didn’t act like they thought He should. They didn’t think their worst enemy was sin but the Romans. Are you choosing Barnabas, i.e. yourself, or Christ?
Jesus doesn’t fit in well with those who create their own Savior, a savior that doesn’t care if we live in sin but go to church.
Those who reject Him out of envy do so because He exposes who they really are, deserving of Hell. He makes us look awful.
Those who reject Him out of ambition do so because they have a plan. They know what they want their lives to be and don’t want anyone else telling them what to do.
Those who reject Him out of disappointment have an idea of who they think Jesus should be. They want a life coach, someone who will make things better. When things turn bad they get mad. They thought everything would change if they accepted Him. They begin to think they deserve better.
Ultimately there is only one root reason for all these rejections – pride. Pride is the love of self and desire for self-exaltation. Pride is the root of all sin and unbelief. All these excuses are just pride; they love themselves more than Jesus. We have to come to the end of ourselves to follow Jesus. Generally, people just don’t want to accept any authority over their lives. Self will always let you down. Humble yourself. (1 Peter 5:5) We need to exchange our self for the holiness of God. Lord, save us from ourselves!
There are many who say they believe in Jesus, yet they have never actually submitted to the authority of Jesus over their lives. They have given mental assent to the truths about Jesus, yet are still living a life that is rooted in self-love, self-gratification, and self-exaltation. This is not the life of a true believer in Jesus Christ. Are you truly in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5)? Is your life controlled by your own self-desires and ambitions or by a desire to submit to Jesus in every area?
The greatest battle of our lives is the battle against pride. Even as a believer, pride rears up its ugly head every moment of the day. Ask the Lord to reveal to you any areas of pride that would keep you from submitting. Ask God to give you a humble spirit and a desire to submit to Him in all things.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended March 21, 2010
We must trust His death while embracing His life. We must look like Him, even in His suffering. Peter understood what it meant to live for Jesus. (1 Peter 2:21-24, 4:1)
The vast majority of people rejected Him, especially in our text today. They all rejected Him for the same root reason. The majority of people throughout history will reject Jesus Christ. (Matthew 7:13-14)
1. He was rejected out of personal envy – Mark 15:1, 10
This was the reason the religious institution rejected Him. They had no authority to kill Him. They sent Him to the one place that did have the authority. Pilate sees through the accusations to the real reason they want to kill Him.
Envy is grief or anger caused by someone else’s success. In Mark 1:22 He shows up on their turf and everyone is amazed. By the end of Mark 1 He is so popular He can’t even enter the city. The religious leaders wanted this praise, honor and glory.
Jesus never seems to fit in well with those who want all the attention. He wants all the glory – and He is only One who deserves it.
2. He was rejected out of personal ambition – Mark 15:2
This was the reason the political institution rejected Him. Pilate would have turned the religious leaders back if it was only blasphemy. Pilate agrees to the trial because Jesus claimed to be king. This was Pilate’s territory. Jesus affirmed this accusation but it was a “reserved affirmation”. He affirmed it but He wasn’t the type of king that Pilate thought He was. This was finally the accusation that “sticks’. He was killed because He claimed to be king. Pilate can’t let it go but never quite seems convinced He needs to die.
Pilate is in a political “hot spot”. He can’t appear to be weak and he has to please the public and the religious institution. This political “game” is played out in Mark 15:6-16. Pilate finally does what is best for him. He satisfies his personal ambition. His personal ambition replaces his personal conviction for the betterment of his career.
Jesus doesn’t fit well with those who live for earthly success. Jesus demands the end of yourself and embracing Him.
3. He was rejected out of personal disappointment – Mark 15:6-9
This was the reason the crowd rejected Him. The crowd likes Jesus but never really commits to Him. He is very popular with them throughout Mark. They are given a choice to have Him released and made their king and they refused.
The Jews hated the Romans. Barnabas was a “freedom fighter” trying to overthrow the Romans. While doing this he killed someone. He was a murderer.
Both Jesus and Barnabas love the Jewish people. Both are willing to give their lives. Barnabas is trying to save them from the Romans. Jesus is saving them from the wrath of God. They chose Barnabas over Jesus out of personal disappointment. Barnabas was a sick and distorted “messiah” that they really wanted. They gave Jesus a chance but He didn’t act like they thought He should. They didn’t think their worst enemy was sin but the Romans. Are you choosing Barnabas, i.e. yourself, or Christ?
Jesus doesn’t fit in well with those who create their own Savior, a savior that doesn’t care if we live in sin but go to church.
Those who reject Him out of envy do so because He exposes who they really are, deserving of Hell. He makes us look awful.
Those who reject Him out of ambition do so because they have a plan. They know what they want their lives to be and don’t want anyone else telling them what to do.
Those who reject Him out of disappointment have an idea of who they think Jesus should be. They want a life coach, someone who will make things better. When things turn bad they get mad. They thought everything would change if they accepted Him. They begin to think they deserve better.
Ultimately there is only one root reason for all these rejections – pride. Pride is the love of self and desire for self-exaltation. Pride is the root of all sin and unbelief. All these excuses are just pride; they love themselves more than Jesus. We have to come to the end of ourselves to follow Jesus. Generally, people just don’t want to accept any authority over their lives. Self will always let you down. Humble yourself. (1 Peter 5:5) We need to exchange our self for the holiness of God. Lord, save us from ourselves!
There are many who say they believe in Jesus, yet they have never actually submitted to the authority of Jesus over their lives. They have given mental assent to the truths about Jesus, yet are still living a life that is rooted in self-love, self-gratification, and self-exaltation. This is not the life of a true believer in Jesus Christ. Are you truly in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5)? Is your life controlled by your own self-desires and ambitions or by a desire to submit to Jesus in every area?
The greatest battle of our lives is the battle against pride. Even as a believer, pride rears up its ugly head every moment of the day. Ask the Lord to reveal to you any areas of pride that would keep you from submitting. Ask God to give you a humble spirit and a desire to submit to Him in all things.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Book Review - Start Here: Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are
Start Here: Doing Hard Things Right Where You AreAlex and Brett Harris
Multnomah Books (March 16, 2010)
In short: A handbook of practical steps and real-life stories to encourage and equip, this is a book that every teen should take to heart, and every parent should appreciate.
Wise beyond their years, Alex and Brett Harris have written a sequel to their first, inspiring book. They describe Start Here as,
“…a handbook of practical steps and real-life stories to encourage and equip you on your journey of doing hard things…this companion book continues the Do Hard Things message and piles on stories, practical suggestions, and detailed how-to’s…[this is] your personal field guide to jumping in and getting involved.”
This second book is filled with great stories of young people doing “rebelutionary” works with the intent of keeping the focus on glorifying God.
“Attention gives us the opportunity to humbly say thanks and then point people back to the One who made us, sustains us, and gives us everything we have.”
“Whether you become a preacher, plumber, lawyer, chemist or the guy in charge of all pork products, you only have one real job: to reach people for Jesus.”
The brothers emphasize that, “Faithfulness in small hard things is always the fuel for bigger hard things.” (Luke 16:10) and, thus, “hard” things aren’t just big things.
“Sometimes doing hard things now is as simple as smiling and giving my mother or father a hug even though I’m depressed that day.”
I appreciate this as a parent. They also emphasize motives but realize that,
“The day will never come when we stop feeling afraid and our motivations are perfectly pure…good motives now are better than perfect motives when it’s too late.”
Tackling peer pressure, media influence (calling it “the power of companionship”, from Proverbs 13:20, they emphasize that the media are our “companions” also), glorifying God and growing up “prematurely” this is a book that every teen should take to heart, and every parent should appreciate.
“Does doing hard things mean growing up prematurely?...[responsibility] is – a muscle to be strengthened…if we fail to prepare adequately as young adults…the problem will not be that we grew up too fast but that we weren’t prepared when we did grow up and become adults.”
This second book is filled with great stories of young people doing “rebelutionary” works with the intent of keeping the focus on glorifying God.
“Attention gives us the opportunity to humbly say thanks and then point people back to the One who made us, sustains us, and gives us everything we have.”
“Whether you become a preacher, plumber, lawyer, chemist or the guy in charge of all pork products, you only have one real job: to reach people for Jesus.”
The brothers emphasize that, “Faithfulness in small hard things is always the fuel for bigger hard things.” (Luke 16:10) and, thus, “hard” things aren’t just big things.
“Sometimes doing hard things now is as simple as smiling and giving my mother or father a hug even though I’m depressed that day.”
I appreciate this as a parent. They also emphasize motives but realize that,
“The day will never come when we stop feeling afraid and our motivations are perfectly pure…good motives now are better than perfect motives when it’s too late.”
Tackling peer pressure, media influence (calling it “the power of companionship”, from Proverbs 13:20, they emphasize that the media are our “companions” also), glorifying God and growing up “prematurely” this is a book that every teen should take to heart, and every parent should appreciate.
“Does doing hard things mean growing up prematurely?...[responsibility] is – a muscle to be strengthened…if we fail to prepare adequately as young adults…the problem will not be that we grew up too fast but that we weren’t prepared when we did grow up and become adults.”
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
We surf...so you don't have to - Mar. 16
Cellar Door
The most beautiful combination of English sounds?
HT: First Things
Unbelievable Unbelief
“If Jesus would only show Himself to me then I’d believe in Him.” Really?
HT: Take Your Vitamin Z
The Gospel and The Poor
“…they are physically what I was spiritually when my heart was closed to Christ.”
The most beautiful combination of English sounds?
HT: First Things
Unbelievable Unbelief
“If Jesus would only show Himself to me then I’d believe in Him.” Really?
HT: Take Your Vitamin Z
The Gospel and The Poor
“…they are physically what I was spiritually when my heart was closed to Christ.”
Monday, March 15, 2010
Quote - The Purpose of God's Provision
"God is not glorified when we keep for ourselves (no matter how thankfully) what we ought to be using to alleviate the misery of unevangelized, uneducated, unmedicated, and unfed millions. The evidence that many professing Christians have been deceived by this doctrine is how little they give and how much they own. God has prospered them. And by an almost irresistible law of consumer culture (baptized by a doctrine of health, wealth, and prosperity) they have bought bigger (and more) houses, newer (and more) cars, fancier (and more) clothes, better (and more) meat, and all manner of trinkets and gadgets and containers and devices and equipment to make life more fun.
They will object: Does not the Old Testament promise that God will prosper his people? Indeed! God increases our yield so that by giving we can prove our yield is not our god. God does not prosper a man's business so he can move from a Ford to a Cadillac. God prospers a business so that 17,000 unreached peoples can be reached with the gospel. He prospers a business so that twelve percent of the world's population can move a step back from the precipice of starvation. "
John Piper, from Desiring God
They will object: Does not the Old Testament promise that God will prosper his people? Indeed! God increases our yield so that by giving we can prove our yield is not our god. God does not prosper a man's business so he can move from a Ford to a Cadillac. God prospers a business so that 17,000 unreached peoples can be reached with the gospel. He prospers a business so that twelve percent of the world's population can move a step back from the precipice of starvation. "
John Piper, from Desiring God
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Book Review - The Big Picture Story Bible
The Big Picture Story BibleDavid Helm
Crossway Books (September 17, 2004)
In short: Pointing to Christ throughout, with an emphasis on the importance of Scripture, and with “God-focused” illustrations this Bible for children is highly recommended.
I am a little leery of “condensed” Bible versions for children. It seems, at least to me, that they often talk down to kids, focus on moralism instead of grace, or are so fragmented as to lose sight of the big picture. In other words, I would have never picked this book up myself. I would have missed a gem had this not been graciously provided to me by Crossway Books.
Focusing on the narrative, or the “big picture”, this Bible points to Jesus throughout. With an underlying theme, as stated in the acknowledgements of, “God’s people in God’s place under God’s rule”, this is, as Tim Challies calls it, a Christ-centered telling.
“This stone temple wasn’t God’s place anymore.
Jesus was God’s special place.
His body was God’s holy temple.
His blood would pay for sins.
He was better than the places
built by Solomon, the Israelites, or Herod.
But on that day no one understood Jesus,
although there was a man who thought he did….
Jesus explained
that Nicodemus had not been
born into God’s kingdom.
Instead, God’s kingdom had to be born in him.”
This is one book where the illustrations truly enhance and emphasize the text. Drawn from the perspective of looking down at the earth, they capture the fact that this is God’s perspective and thus focus on God and how He sees rebellious man.
Even the choice of “stories” to include brings our focus back to God instead of ourselves. How many times have you seen the prophet Jeremiah and king Zedekiah mentioned in a children’s book? They are mentioned here, and very effectively, as, once again, the focus is on God’s people under His rule. I was pleased to see the flood portrayed in a manner appropriate to children but, at the same time, focusing on the true reason for the flood – God’s judgment. It was not a cheery scene, as it is often portrayed, with smiling animals, heads sticking out of the ark and a rainbow overhead.
With an emphasis on the importance of Scripture, and seeing Jesus throughout, and wonderful illustrations I can heartily recommend this Bible version for your toddler, or even as an overview of the story of the Bible for your tween or teen.
“Do you see the Lord?
painted on the pages of Israel’s
hard and happy history is the
big picture of God’s forever king."
I am a little leery of “condensed” Bible versions for children. It seems, at least to me, that they often talk down to kids, focus on moralism instead of grace, or are so fragmented as to lose sight of the big picture. In other words, I would have never picked this book up myself. I would have missed a gem had this not been graciously provided to me by Crossway Books.
Focusing on the narrative, or the “big picture”, this Bible points to Jesus throughout. With an underlying theme, as stated in the acknowledgements of, “God’s people in God’s place under God’s rule”, this is, as Tim Challies calls it, a Christ-centered telling.
“This stone temple wasn’t God’s place anymore.
Jesus was God’s special place.
His body was God’s holy temple.
His blood would pay for sins.
He was better than the places
built by Solomon, the Israelites, or Herod.
But on that day no one understood Jesus,
although there was a man who thought he did….
Jesus explained
that Nicodemus had not been
born into God’s kingdom.
Instead, God’s kingdom had to be born in him.”
This is one book where the illustrations truly enhance and emphasize the text. Drawn from the perspective of looking down at the earth, they capture the fact that this is God’s perspective and thus focus on God and how He sees rebellious man.
Even the choice of “stories” to include brings our focus back to God instead of ourselves. How many times have you seen the prophet Jeremiah and king Zedekiah mentioned in a children’s book? They are mentioned here, and very effectively, as, once again, the focus is on God’s people under His rule. I was pleased to see the flood portrayed in a manner appropriate to children but, at the same time, focusing on the true reason for the flood – God’s judgment. It was not a cheery scene, as it is often portrayed, with smiling animals, heads sticking out of the ark and a rainbow overhead.
With an emphasis on the importance of Scripture, and seeing Jesus throughout, and wonderful illustrations I can heartily recommend this Bible version for your toddler, or even as an overview of the story of the Bible for your tween or teen.
“Do you see the Lord?
painted on the pages of Israel’s
hard and happy history is the
big picture of God’s forever king."
This book was provided for review by Crossway Books.
Rating: Hardback
Friday, March 12, 2010
Book Review - Raven's Ladder
Raven’s LadderJeffrey Overstreet
WaterBrook Press (February 16, 2010)
In short: This is book three in a series and “like walking into the middle of an awkward conversation” it was hard to get into for me.
Arbitrary as it may be, if I’m not engaged within the first fifty pages I have to move on. “Too many books, too little time”. Backseat Writer sums it up,
“Starting the Auralia Thread series with Book Three, Raven’s Ladder, is not a good idea. It’s like walking into the middle of an awkward conversation or trying to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop without first biting into the candy covering—difficult, but not impossible.”
Impossible for me. The writing was a little overwrought with too much backstory for me to tackle right now.
“Up a ragged stair to a low-ceilinged cave, she had moved like a moth to a flicker of light. A host of slaves, hands joined, arms bruised from long days of tunneling for the chieftain, sand House Abascar’s Evening Verse. Its melody unfurled like a watchtower’s flag. The exhausted prisoners seemed to draw strength from that rhythmic ritual, prodding at the darkness until it bled hope.”
I will try again at a later point - with the first book. Until then, here are some random reviews from around the web that may be fairer than I at this point.
Backseat Writer
Novel Teen Book Reviews
Bibliophile’s Retreat
Musings of a Book Addict
Library Journal
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Book Review - Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue
Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue Chuck Black
Multnomah Books (March 16, 2010)
In short: Pilgrim’s Progress or the Chronicles of Narnia it's not but still an enjoyable Biblical allegory capturing the spirit of the great and mighty battle that all of us, as Christians, engage in on a daily basis.
Lady Carliss, a devoted servant of the Prince, can’t seem to get away from danger or Sir Dalton. Returning from a mission with her friend Salina they arrive at Salina’s home a bit too late to stop the abduction of her family. Dalton soon joins them in their pursuit of the kidnapper. When Dalton is savagely attacked by a poisonous lizard Lady Carliss must choose between saving Dalton or Salina’s family. This choice is complicated by the internal struggles she continues to have in regards to Dalton.
“…she had long assumed that her zeal to serve the Prince made her less attractive to most young men. She was too single-minded to play the necessary games. Besides, she was a plain, quiet girl, very different from the smiling, pretty creatures the young men seemed to like…With her heart protected and her mind focused on work, she was able to cast aside any concern about the perceptions of others, and this freed her to just be Carliss.”
I enjoy allegories and the symbolism involved. It helps me to think about abstract concepts in more realistic settings. Visualizing the evil lizards of this novel scurrying from the light solidifies John 3:19-21 for me. Remembering that the identifying mark of a Christian, love, should be as readily identifiable as a branding mark on a medieval horse’s saddle pad is convicting. Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue will not win any writing awards but it is still helpful and inspiring to see things from a different perspective.
Ironic as it may be to offer a fantasy series on the topic of escapism, this book offers a subtle way to engage thinking on today’s habitual practice of retreating from reality through the diversion of video games, internet and television.
“He had great power and wealth because of the fantasies of men and women who refused to face reality for what it was, who refused to hold themselves accountable for their own actions. It was a pleasure-filled state of existence that led to apathy and laziness that the King never intended for His people.”
“I could never wish to be as I once was –blind. Though I suffer, and my family and others suffer, our blood is not wasted on the vanities of an ignorant life. Our suffering gives proof to the good cause for which we serve, and I will serve the King and His great Son all the more because of it!”
As stated before in a review of a previous book in this series, this is not high literature. It may not be Pilgrim’s Progress or the Chronicles of Narnia but it is still an enjoyable Biblical allegory capturing the spirit of the great and mighty battle that all of us, as Christians, engage in on a daily basis.
“It isn’t how far down the road you go that is important…but rather which road you choose to travel on.”
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Multnomah Books (March 16, 2010)
In short: Pilgrim’s Progress or the Chronicles of Narnia it's not but still an enjoyable Biblical allegory capturing the spirit of the great and mighty battle that all of us, as Christians, engage in on a daily basis.
Lady Carliss, a devoted servant of the Prince, can’t seem to get away from danger or Sir Dalton. Returning from a mission with her friend Salina they arrive at Salina’s home a bit too late to stop the abduction of her family. Dalton soon joins them in their pursuit of the kidnapper. When Dalton is savagely attacked by a poisonous lizard Lady Carliss must choose between saving Dalton or Salina’s family. This choice is complicated by the internal struggles she continues to have in regards to Dalton.
“…she had long assumed that her zeal to serve the Prince made her less attractive to most young men. She was too single-minded to play the necessary games. Besides, she was a plain, quiet girl, very different from the smiling, pretty creatures the young men seemed to like…With her heart protected and her mind focused on work, she was able to cast aside any concern about the perceptions of others, and this freed her to just be Carliss.”
I enjoy allegories and the symbolism involved. It helps me to think about abstract concepts in more realistic settings. Visualizing the evil lizards of this novel scurrying from the light solidifies John 3:19-21 for me. Remembering that the identifying mark of a Christian, love, should be as readily identifiable as a branding mark on a medieval horse’s saddle pad is convicting. Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue will not win any writing awards but it is still helpful and inspiring to see things from a different perspective.
Ironic as it may be to offer a fantasy series on the topic of escapism, this book offers a subtle way to engage thinking on today’s habitual practice of retreating from reality through the diversion of video games, internet and television.
“He had great power and wealth because of the fantasies of men and women who refused to face reality for what it was, who refused to hold themselves accountable for their own actions. It was a pleasure-filled state of existence that led to apathy and laziness that the King never intended for His people.”
“I could never wish to be as I once was –blind. Though I suffer, and my family and others suffer, our blood is not wasted on the vanities of an ignorant life. Our suffering gives proof to the good cause for which we serve, and I will serve the King and His great Son all the more because of it!”
As stated before in a review of a previous book in this series, this is not high literature. It may not be Pilgrim’s Progress or the Chronicles of Narnia but it is still an enjoyable Biblical allegory capturing the spirit of the great and mighty battle that all of us, as Christians, engage in on a daily basis.
“It isn’t how far down the road you go that is important…but rather which road you choose to travel on.”
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Rating: Paperback
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sermon Notes - Seeing Jesus in the Darkest Moments
Seeing Jesus in the Darkest Moments, Mark 14:27-52
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended March 7, 2010
When we see someone in their darkest moment it reveals them for who they really are.
Jesus is in His darkest moment here but we also see the disciples in their darkest moment. Christ is at His strongest while they are at their weakest. He submits, they resist. He weeps, they sleep. He stands, they run.
He walks right into His suffering to glorify the Father. We see His deep love for the Father and we see His deep love for us.
1. Jesus is sovereign in His darkest moments – Mark 14:26-31
Peter really speaks for all the disciples, “And they all said the same”, and is a good representative for us also. “You will all fall away…”, in Mark 14:27, speaks to a “passive stumbling”. “…one of you will betray me…”, in Mark 14:18-19, speaks to a “active willfulness”.
Jesus knew and rested in the sovereign plan of the Father. He is sovereignly aware of His suffering and of His sheep. He knows how it is all going to play out. Jesus was not a victim of the religious institution. He was sovereign, and aware. This was all the will and the plan of the Father. Jesus was willingly giving His life. (John 3:16 – “…gave…”)
If He is sovereign in His darkest so He is sovereign in our darkest moment. Don’t be like the proud, self-confident disciples who couldn’t see their need.
2. Jesus is submissive in His darkest moments – Mark 14:32-36
His soul hurt so bad He felt physical pain. He knew what was ahead but physical pain wasn’t His main concern. It can’t be because He had said to not fear those who can cause physical pain. (Matthew 10:28)
He addressed the Father in a way no one would have ever considered, “…Abba, Father…” (Mark 10:36) Not “God, Father” but “Daddy, Father”. He was revealing the intimacy He had with the Father.
All the pain and consequences of all sin were poured on Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
He knew the sweetness of communion with the Father thus He knew of the Father’s absolute hatred of sin. He knows that this intimate relationship will soon be broken. He is submissive. He is not trying to get out of the moment but we do catch just a glimpse of what it will cost Him. We see the spiritual pain.
The world leads us to believe (in films, etc.) that the physical pain is the worst. Jesus shows us that it is the broken relationship with the Father that will pain Him the most, as it should us.
The will of the Father takes Him to the cross. This destroys the idea that Jesus always leads us out of suffering. He walks into it willingly.
The disciples, on the other hand, are not submissive. He finds them asleep multiple times. They appear to have no sorrow, no prayer and no need for God at all.
3. Jesus is alone and sufficient in the darkest moments – Mark 14:41-52
He basically says, “Let’s walk into the trap set for me.” They had all these secret meetings and planning sessions which meant nothing. He wasn’t unwillingly taken. If He didn’t want to He wouldn’t have been taken.
Mark 14:50 – They had all left Him. All the ones in Mark 14:19 and Mark 14:31 had left. What a warning against self-confidence. Mark 14:51-52 could possibly be Mark himself. All of them would rather walk home naked than to stand with Jesus at this moment. He was capture alone and suffered alone.
Our salvation is not dependent on our faithfulness but on His alone. He stands alone to save us. We, on the other hand, have fled our commitments in our darkest moments. He never will.
Because of His faithfulness He is sufficient to save us from the darkest moment of Hell and the darkest moments of this earth. This doesn’t mean He will deliver you from the moment but that He will stand with you. We overestimate our own strength and underestimate His.
To stand with Jesus in the darkest moments:
We must rest in the sovereign plan of our Father – We may not know His plan but we must rest in Him with no anxiety or worry. He is in control of even the darkest moment (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
We must submit to the will of the Father – His plan is best. There is perfect peace in absolute submission. In all situations we must come to a place in which we can say, “Not my will, but your will be done.” (Romans 8:28)
We must trust in the sufficiency of the Son – We can run from Him, like the disciples, or to Him. He is sufficient to restore us after our times of faithless running. Run to Jesus! (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Sovereign, submissive and sufficient.
The worst pain you could ever experience is the wrath of God for eternity. He endured it so you could escape it. How good, gracious and great is our God!
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended March 7, 2010
When we see someone in their darkest moment it reveals them for who they really are.
Jesus is in His darkest moment here but we also see the disciples in their darkest moment. Christ is at His strongest while they are at their weakest. He submits, they resist. He weeps, they sleep. He stands, they run.
He walks right into His suffering to glorify the Father. We see His deep love for the Father and we see His deep love for us.
1. Jesus is sovereign in His darkest moments – Mark 14:26-31
Peter really speaks for all the disciples, “And they all said the same”, and is a good representative for us also. “You will all fall away…”, in Mark 14:27, speaks to a “passive stumbling”. “…one of you will betray me…”, in Mark 14:18-19, speaks to a “active willfulness”.
Jesus knew and rested in the sovereign plan of the Father. He is sovereignly aware of His suffering and of His sheep. He knows how it is all going to play out. Jesus was not a victim of the religious institution. He was sovereign, and aware. This was all the will and the plan of the Father. Jesus was willingly giving His life. (John 3:16 – “…gave…”)
If He is sovereign in His darkest so He is sovereign in our darkest moment. Don’t be like the proud, self-confident disciples who couldn’t see their need.
2. Jesus is submissive in His darkest moments – Mark 14:32-36
His soul hurt so bad He felt physical pain. He knew what was ahead but physical pain wasn’t His main concern. It can’t be because He had said to not fear those who can cause physical pain. (Matthew 10:28)
He addressed the Father in a way no one would have ever considered, “…Abba, Father…” (Mark 10:36) Not “God, Father” but “Daddy, Father”. He was revealing the intimacy He had with the Father.
All the pain and consequences of all sin were poured on Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
He knew the sweetness of communion with the Father thus He knew of the Father’s absolute hatred of sin. He knows that this intimate relationship will soon be broken. He is submissive. He is not trying to get out of the moment but we do catch just a glimpse of what it will cost Him. We see the spiritual pain.
The world leads us to believe (in films, etc.) that the physical pain is the worst. Jesus shows us that it is the broken relationship with the Father that will pain Him the most, as it should us.
The will of the Father takes Him to the cross. This destroys the idea that Jesus always leads us out of suffering. He walks into it willingly.
The disciples, on the other hand, are not submissive. He finds them asleep multiple times. They appear to have no sorrow, no prayer and no need for God at all.
3. Jesus is alone and sufficient in the darkest moments – Mark 14:41-52
He basically says, “Let’s walk into the trap set for me.” They had all these secret meetings and planning sessions which meant nothing. He wasn’t unwillingly taken. If He didn’t want to He wouldn’t have been taken.
Mark 14:50 – They had all left Him. All the ones in Mark 14:19 and Mark 14:31 had left. What a warning against self-confidence. Mark 14:51-52 could possibly be Mark himself. All of them would rather walk home naked than to stand with Jesus at this moment. He was capture alone and suffered alone.
Our salvation is not dependent on our faithfulness but on His alone. He stands alone to save us. We, on the other hand, have fled our commitments in our darkest moments. He never will.
Because of His faithfulness He is sufficient to save us from the darkest moment of Hell and the darkest moments of this earth. This doesn’t mean He will deliver you from the moment but that He will stand with you. We overestimate our own strength and underestimate His.
To stand with Jesus in the darkest moments:
We must rest in the sovereign plan of our Father – We may not know His plan but we must rest in Him with no anxiety or worry. He is in control of even the darkest moment (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
We must submit to the will of the Father – His plan is best. There is perfect peace in absolute submission. In all situations we must come to a place in which we can say, “Not my will, but your will be done.” (Romans 8:28)
We must trust in the sufficiency of the Son – We can run from Him, like the disciples, or to Him. He is sufficient to restore us after our times of faithless running. Run to Jesus! (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Sovereign, submissive and sufficient.
The worst pain you could ever experience is the wrath of God for eternity. He endured it so you could escape it. How good, gracious and great is our God!
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
Posts
