Springtime Under the Steeple

I snapped a few shots around the church the other morning.  Who doesn't love dogwoods in the Spring?!  The changing of seasons provides us with a glimpse into the power and glory of God's creation.  As wonderful as it is, the taint of sin is still present.  Consider what awaits us when all of this is redeemed.

Love Springtime.  Hate allergies.  "I will glory in my Redeemer!"

It Is Not Death to Die

Today I preached the funeral for a man I first met about six years ago.  He lived a mile from our church and only visited 2 or 3 times.  We had developed a friendship.

A few weeks back I sat with a church member in a hospital room as their spouse passed from this life.  It had been a long and difficult road. 

A week ago tragedy struck our nation and many were injured and several lost their lives.

Week by week our prayer list is full of those who are grieving and suffering.  Death is all around us.

As the Apostle Paul sat in Roman custody he wrote, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain."  The longer I walk this earthly road the more I feel and see the effects of sin and the fall.  That is why I am so thankful for the mercy and grace of God.

While I love my family and much about my life, I know that in entering glory and the presence of Christ there is so much to "gain."  That is why the words of this song are so poignant for the follower of Jesus.

It Is Not Death to Die (Henri Malan/Bob Kauflin)


It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

© 2008 Integrity’s Praise! Music/Sovereign Grace Praise

Just plain Gone!

Quite by accident I have learned that the wise guys at Google are "retiring" Google Reader.  Who do I complain to about this?  This is worse than the time I stopped by a local BBQ joint only to find a handwritten sign on the door that said, "Sorry, out of business!"  What?!  You can't just up and shut something down when there are people starving for BBQ or poised to read the latest blog.  Its just not right!

I'm really quite low tech.  I obviously have a computer and know how to use it, mostly.  That's  about as far as it goes for me.  I have a cell phone, but not a smart phone.  I don't have a "tablet" unless you count the actual paper one I carry in my briefcase.  I do use Facebook (mainly to spy on my kids).  I stay comfortably connected via my chosen means of communication and I DON'T LIKE CHANGE!  Google Reader has served me well.  I'm used to it.  Now, I can't access my subscriptions via the handy link-thing-drop-down-box at the top of my email page.  It just vanished, without so much as a warning.

I get the sneaking suspicion that me and 2 old dudes in Montana are the only ones who really care...and they're still using dial-up.

If I'm in YOUR Google Reader...well I guess you will have to find a new place to, whatever you call it.  The times they are a change'n  Next thing you know, you'll be able to talk to someone through video on your computer screen, like George Jetson did. Crazy stuff.

The Good News for the World

The Great Commission (or Jesus' famous last words) gets a lot of press among evangelicals, and rightly so.  After all Jesus was giving his disciples and us marching orders.  Although opinions may vary on the primary aim of the local church, most agree that making disciples through the gospel is of utmost importance.  But what is "the gospel?"  [there is actually a nice little volume by the same title]

In case you are unfamiliar with it, let me give you a brief summary of the gospel:

The gospel is the good news that actually starts with some pretty bad news.  Mankind is completely ruined because of sin.  Because of our sin we all face the judgement and wrath of God, and rightly so.  There are no good deeds or religious acts that we can do to make ourselves acceptable to God.  However, God in His grace and mercy provided a way for our sin to be removed and His wrath to be appeased through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus lived a perfect life and died sacrificially on the cross in the place of sinners. In demonstration of victory and power, Jesus was raised from the dead.  His sacrifice for our sins was totally sufficient and accepted by God the Father.  Everyone recognizing their hopeless condition, their offense of sin against God, turning from their sinful/selfish life and believing in Jesus Christ - they will be "saved" and made right with God. Jesus takes our sin and we receive His perfect righteousness when we repent and believe.  Believing in Jesus is the expression of faith, resting one's entire life on what Jesus accomplished by His sinless life, purposeful death and victorious resurrection.  Having come to believe in Jesus, the "born again" Christian will remain a faithful follower of Jesus forever.  All of this is a gracious work of God.

Perhaps more could be said about the gospel and one can certainly elaborate some of the details.  But the heart of this truth is seen in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is the good news that we are commissioned to share, it is for the whole world.  I noticed that in addition to the US, there are individuals from many other countries who find there way to this blog.  While I suspect most visit here without genuine interest in my thoughts, I understand the power of the gospel and the reach of the Internet.  So I publish this post in an effort to reach the world with the good news.  My prayer is that someone will read this wonderful truth and embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord.  To the glory of God!

Home Run the Movie

I'm looking forward to seeing the new film, Home Run.  It will be in theaters beginning mid April 2013.  Looks like another very inspiring movie that may resonate with many people.  You can watch the trailer here.

This one is not produced by Sherwood Pictures, my mistake.  However, it still fills the same niche as a faith-based film with a redeeming message.

Why Men Oppose the Bible

Many who articulate an opposition to the Bible do so by dismissing it as merely "a book written by men."  Of course men were the vessels used by God.  Still others claim the Bible is simply an ancient relic and not valid for modern times.  However, I submit there is something much deeper that causes men to oppose the Bible.

Here are four reasons men oppose the Bible:

1) The Bible contains the law of God - this reveals man's sin

2) The Bible proclaims the judgement of God - punishment for man's sin

3) The Bible depicts God as Sovereign - and man is not (and we desperately want to be)

4) The Bible asserts that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ - not works, religion or man's goodness

The irony is that these are some of the very things that we all need to know and understand.  When the Holy Spirit brings us to the point of repentance and faith, these four truths become foundational in our understanding of God, His grace and who we are in Christ.  And God has provided all of this and preserved it for us in His Word.  "Take up and read!"

Landscape of Hope from Lecrae

Watch Lecrae Extended Interview on PBS. See more from Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.

Take a few minutes to hear a fresh perspective from Christian Hip-Hop artist Lecrae.  If you are unfamiliar with this sort of music OR fearful that it is incompatible with genuine Christianity, you need to listen intently.  You may just be blessed.  Lecrae has become a favorite around our house.  And my kids LOVE when I "throw down!"

If you have difficulty watching the video, try this link.

HT: JT