Thursday, May 31, 2007
New Attitude Conference
For those interested you can now download messages for free from the 2007 New Attitude Conference. The messages are by John Piper, Joshua Harris, Albert Mohler, and C.J. Mahaney, Mark Dever, and Eric Simmons. Click here to download the files for free (you will have to register with them first if you have not already, but this is quick and painless). Also if you are unfamiliar with the "New Attitude" conference click here to learn more about it.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
In the beginning...
Answers in Genesis have officially opened their museum and over 4,000 people from 31 different states went through the doors. I have watched some of the videos and read some articles about its grand opening and I must say I am impressed. The media coverage of the museum has been largely unbiased and favorable to the opening. Here is a link to many different responses over the past few days of the museum's opening. Here is a link to an ABC news video concerning the opening of the museum.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
John Stott Retiring!
John Stott announced last month that he will be retiring from All Souls Church in Central London. Now I know this is late but I just found out today and thought I should post it on my blog. John Stott is a tremendous author who has shaped and impacted my thinking time and time again. In fact, as we study the "sermon on the mount" in Matthew, I have been reading, and have suggested to you many times, that you should read "Christian Counter Culture: The Message of the Sermon on the Mount" by John Stott. You can read about his plans for retirement here.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Matthew 5 Study Guide PT 4
This Wednesday, May 30, we will be having our Matthew bible study. Last week we concluded our study of the "beatitudes." That was a very rewarding study for myself and I trust it was the same for you. This Wednesday we will study Matthew 5:13-16. Here are some thoughts, comments, questions, and observations to help you with your study of this passage for our study.
1. This portion of Scripture is easily divided into two parables. The parable of the salt and of the light.
2. What is to be understood by calling us "salt?" Is it seasoning, preservative, both, or are we reading to much into it? What is to be understood about the basic character of Christ's disciples by calling us "salt?"
3. Vincent shares in "Word Studies in the New Testament" this story -
Dr. Thompson (“The Land and the Book”) cites the following case: “A merchant of Sidon, having farmed of the government the revenue from the importation of salt, brought over a great quantity from the marshes of Cyprus — enough, in fact, to supply the whole province for many years. This he had transferred to the mountains, to cheat the government out of some small percentage of duty. Sixty-five houses were rented and filled with salt. Such houses have merely earthen floors, and the salt next the ground was in a few years entirely spoiled. I saw large quantities of it literally thrown into the road to be trodden under foot of men and beasts. It was ‘good for nothing.’ ”
4. According to verse 16, what is to be the purpose, or end result, of our being a "light?"
1. This portion of Scripture is easily divided into two parables. The parable of the salt and of the light.
2. What is to be understood by calling us "salt?" Is it seasoning, preservative, both, or are we reading to much into it? What is to be understood about the basic character of Christ's disciples by calling us "salt?"
3. Vincent shares in "Word Studies in the New Testament" this story -
Dr. Thompson (“The Land and the Book”) cites the following case: “A merchant of Sidon, having farmed of the government the revenue from the importation of salt, brought over a great quantity from the marshes of Cyprus — enough, in fact, to supply the whole province for many years. This he had transferred to the mountains, to cheat the government out of some small percentage of duty. Sixty-five houses were rented and filled with salt. Such houses have merely earthen floors, and the salt next the ground was in a few years entirely spoiled. I saw large quantities of it literally thrown into the road to be trodden under foot of men and beasts. It was ‘good for nothing.’ ”
4. According to verse 16, what is to be the purpose, or end result, of our being a "light?"
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Sermon on the Mount and A.W. Pink
Here is a link to an excellent website (aside from the blaring music) that has A.W. Pink's writings on the sermon on the mount. I would encourage you to make the time to read what he writes concerning the sermon on the mount. He is very insightful and straight to the point. I have already read the first couple sections and have profited greatly from it. Go there now!
After you check that out you should peruse the entire website of www.pbministries.org. It is loaded with a plethora of information, books, and articles.
Andrew
After you check that out you should peruse the entire website of www.pbministries.org. It is loaded with a plethora of information, books, and articles.
Andrew
Suggested Reading for Matthew 5-7
The volume of material available to read concerning the infamous "sermon on the mount" is staggering. One could easily fill several bookshelves full of works written on Matthew 5-7. If you do not believe me, just go to a local christian library or bookstore and see how many books you can find on Matthew 5-7.
In my study of the "sermon on the mount" there have been several books that have stood out and been especially beneficial. The following is a short list of only four books that I would strongly recommend anyone to read when studying the "sermon on the mount."
The Sermon on the Mount: An Evangelical Exposition of Matthew 5-7 by D.A. Carson
The Sermon on the Mount: A Foundation for Understanding by Robert A. Guelich
Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Martyn Lloyd Jones
Christian Counter-Culture: The Message of the Sermon on the Mount by John R.W. Stott
Andrew
In my study of the "sermon on the mount" there have been several books that have stood out and been especially beneficial. The following is a short list of only four books that I would strongly recommend anyone to read when studying the "sermon on the mount."
The Sermon on the Mount: An Evangelical Exposition of Matthew 5-7 by D.A. Carson
The Sermon on the Mount: A Foundation for Understanding by Robert A. Guelich
Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Martyn Lloyd Jones
Christian Counter-Culture: The Message of the Sermon on the Mount by John R.W. Stott
Andrew
Monday, May 14, 2007
Matthew 5 Study Guide PT 3
This Wednesday, May 16, we will continue with our study of the "sermon on the mount." Last week we left off our discussion at the end of Matthew 5:6, so this Wednesday we will begin our study with Matthew 5:7. Here are some initial thoughts/observations/comments.
1. Matthew 5:7 says, "blessed are the merciful..." What does "merciful" mean? What is the difference between being "gracious" and "merciful?"
2. Matthew 5:8 says, "blessed are the pure in heart..." We see and read "heart" all the time in Scripture yet I wonder how many of us have stopped and pondered over what is meant by this word. Does it mean ones feelings, ones emotions, ones actual physical heart, or ones whole inner state, etc?
3. Matthew 5:8 says, "blessed are the peacemakers..." Notice it does not say, "blessed are the peaceful..." This verse, and several others in the "sermon on the mount," have been used to support the doctrine of pacifism. What are your thoughts regarding "pacifism" and using this verse in its defense?
Andrew
1. Matthew 5:7 says, "blessed are the merciful..." What does "merciful" mean? What is the difference between being "gracious" and "merciful?"
2. Matthew 5:8 says, "blessed are the pure in heart..." We see and read "heart" all the time in Scripture yet I wonder how many of us have stopped and pondered over what is meant by this word. Does it mean ones feelings, ones emotions, ones actual physical heart, or ones whole inner state, etc?
3. Matthew 5:8 says, "blessed are the peacemakers..." Notice it does not say, "blessed are the peaceful..." This verse, and several others in the "sermon on the mount," have been used to support the doctrine of pacifism. What are your thoughts regarding "pacifism" and using this verse in its defense?
Andrew
Monday, May 7, 2007
Matthew 5 Study Guide PT 2
This Wednesday, May 9th, we will continue with our study of Matthew chapter five. Last Wednesday we concluded at Matthew 5:4, "blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Here are some observations, thoughts, suggestions for our upcoming study.
1. Let me again encourage you to sit down and read carefully through the entirety of the "sermon on the mount" (Matthew 5:1-8:1). You will benefit tremendously from this exercise. Nothing else you read or watch or listen to concerning the "sermon on the mount" will benefit you more than your disciplining yourself to sit and read through the entirety of the sermon. I want you to know what Jesus actually said, not what others say he said.
2. Remember the definition we are using from "BDAG" for what "blessed" means, "pertaining to being especially favored, blessed, fortunate, happy privileged." These are not quaint sayings but rather formal pronouncements of great grace and privilege bestowed upon the disciples of Christ who are practicing these qualities.
3. The "sermon on the mount" is full of proverbial sayings. Ridderbos defines a "proverb" as "unexpected, paradoxical, absolute manner of speaking that sharply accentuates a particular side of truth without considering the possible exceptions to the rule."
4. The sermon on the mount, especially Matthew 5:1-12, eliminates complacency. It eliminates a disciple from saying, "I have done all I should; I am the complete servant of God." No matter how far we have come in our Christian life, we can go farther. Indeed, we must go farther.
5. I am increasingly appreciating the connections between the "Beatitudes" and Isaiah 61. Clearly Isaiah 61 is the backdrop to the "Beatitudes." One would do well to read and compare Isaiah 61 to Matthew's "blessings." One would also do well to consider the relation of the person of Christ to both of these portions of Scripture.
6. Central theme I thought of this morning concerning the "Beatitudes" (even the entire sermon) is "living with a view of Christ and his kingdom, both in the here and now."
Andrew
1. Let me again encourage you to sit down and read carefully through the entirety of the "sermon on the mount" (Matthew 5:1-8:1). You will benefit tremendously from this exercise. Nothing else you read or watch or listen to concerning the "sermon on the mount" will benefit you more than your disciplining yourself to sit and read through the entirety of the sermon. I want you to know what Jesus actually said, not what others say he said.
2. Remember the definition we are using from "BDAG" for what "blessed" means, "pertaining to being especially favored, blessed, fortunate, happy privileged." These are not quaint sayings but rather formal pronouncements of great grace and privilege bestowed upon the disciples of Christ who are practicing these qualities.
3. The "sermon on the mount" is full of proverbial sayings. Ridderbos defines a "proverb" as "unexpected, paradoxical, absolute manner of speaking that sharply accentuates a particular side of truth without considering the possible exceptions to the rule."
4. The sermon on the mount, especially Matthew 5:1-12, eliminates complacency. It eliminates a disciple from saying, "I have done all I should; I am the complete servant of God." No matter how far we have come in our Christian life, we can go farther. Indeed, we must go farther.
5. I am increasingly appreciating the connections between the "Beatitudes" and Isaiah 61. Clearly Isaiah 61 is the backdrop to the "Beatitudes." One would do well to read and compare Isaiah 61 to Matthew's "blessings." One would also do well to consider the relation of the person of Christ to both of these portions of Scripture.
6. Central theme I thought of this morning concerning the "Beatitudes" (even the entire sermon) is "living with a view of Christ and his kingdom, both in the here and now."
Andrew
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Baptist History: Hanserd Knollys
"My wilderness, sea, city, and prison mercies, afforded me very many and strong consolations. The spiritual sights of the glory of God, the divine sweetness of the spiritual and providential presence of my Lord Jesus Christ, and the joys and comforts of the holy and eternal Spirit, communicated to my soul, together with suitable and seasonable Scriptures of truth, have so often and so powerfully revived, refreshed, and strengthened my heart in the days of my pilgrimage, trials, and sufferings, that the sense, — yea the life and sweetness thereof, — abides still upon my heart, and hath engaged my soul to live by faith, to walk humbly, and to desire and endeavour to excel in holiness to God's glory and the example of others. Though, I confess, many of the Lord’s ministers and some of the Lord's people have excelled and outshined me, with whom God hath not been at so much cost, nor pains, as He hath been at with me. I am a very unprofitable servant, but yet by grace I am what I am."
-Hanserd Knollys
The preceding quote is from a Baptist minister of old named Hanserd Knollys. While perhaps an unfamiliar name to some, others remember him as an "early Baptist hero." While originally a Puritan minister, he later rejected its teaching on infant baptism and began to teach "believers baptism." He was a Particular Baptist, and was a subscriber to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. You can actually listen to three of his sermons here!
Andrew
-Hanserd Knollys
The preceding quote is from a Baptist minister of old named Hanserd Knollys. While perhaps an unfamiliar name to some, others remember him as an "early Baptist hero." While originally a Puritan minister, he later rejected its teaching on infant baptism and began to teach "believers baptism." He was a Particular Baptist, and was a subscriber to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. You can actually listen to three of his sermons here!
Andrew
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
