"Do Our Loved Ones in Heaven Miss Us?"

By: Jim Umlauf

In this brief video, take a tour of my childhood home in beautiful, snowy Chicago and hear an encouraging response to the question, "Do our loved ones in heaven miss us?"

"No, You Are Not the Center of the Universe"

By: Johnny Coggin

"The heavens declare the glory of God..." (Psalm 19:1)

This brief video is a humbling reminder of just how grand his glory is!




(HT: JT)

Christmas Concert

By: Johnny Coggin

This Sunday night at 6:00pm is Grace Evan's Christmas Concert, an annual, church-wide, musical celebration of our God becoming a man in order to accomplish his great rescue mission. It's a ton of fun, and many of your friends and family have a part in it.

Musically, the styles range across the board - from bluegrass to choir/orchestra, pop/rock to a cappella, Transiberian Orchestra to Guitorquestra.

That's right, Guitorquestra. 60 or so guitar players, young and old, male and female, moms and dads and sons and daughters. All strumming in unison to the glory of Emmanuel. (watch a past video below, or click here.)

To quote Jim Umlauf:

Are you often amazed at how good the special music is at our church, week after week? Imagine if you could listen to a whole concert of that. And imagine if it were all Christmas music, some of it just like you remember it, some of it new, and all of it exciting and fresh.

You’ve got a one time shot this Sunday at 6:00. This is one of those whole-church, body-life events, so don’t miss the opportunity to include your family in the greater family as we celebrate the birth of our Savior in a fun and unique way.

So come on out at 6:00 this Sunday, December 13!

Some Thoughts from the Christmas Story

By: Jim Umlauf

Some thoughts from the Christmas story.

Why "Before the Throne" Would Make a GREAT Christmas Song

By: Jim Umlauf

A few thoughts on the lyrics of "Before the Throne of God Above," and why I think it would make an awesome Christmas song.

Song of the Week (11.04.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

Shane & Shane (also known as Shane Barnard and Shane Everett) released a new album yesterday entitled Everything is Different. If you already like Shane and Shane, you'll probably love it because it's classic S&S fare. If you're not familiar, here's a free sample!

Today's featured song is called "For the Good." This morning while I was running and listening to the album (yes, I really do exercise, I promise), the lyrics really jumped out at me. The theme centers around the familiar concepts of Romans 8:28 ("And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose"), and God's goodness and glory even in the storms of life.

You can hear the entire song for FREE here. (The full album is available for download from iTunes and Amazon.)

And the lyrics are below. Hope the message will minister to you as well.

For the Good

by Shane & Shane

When darkness is surrounding me

By Your Spirit, Lord, help me see

That You are working all things out

And Lord, I really need to hear You speak

So remind me in the waiting

You are working all things out

For the good of those who are called by You

For the good of those who are in love with You

That's why we sing:

Holy God of light

I lay down my life

Holy is the Lord

Even in the storm

Be glorified

We like to take the blessing from You

Shall we not take the trouble too?

You are working all things out

And we like to take prosperity

Shall we not take the suffering?

You are working all things out

For the good of those who are called by You

For the good of those who are in love with You

That's why we sing:

Holy God of light

I lay down my life

Holy is the Lord

Even in the storm

Be glorified

Feeling Guilty?

By: Johnny Coggin

We're all prone to feeling condemned and guilty in light of our many sins against God. You may even question your salvation, lacking any real assurance that you're right with God.

Brothers and sisters, the following response needs to be deeply and permanently woven into your mindset:

“…when the devil comes and says, ‘You have no standing, you are condemned, you are finished’, you must say, ‘No! my position did not depend upon what I was doing, or not doing; it is always dependent upon the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Turn to the devil and tell him, ‘My relationship to God is not a variable one. The case is not that I am a child of God, and then again not a child of God. That is not the basis of my standing, that is not the position. When God had mercy upon me, He made me His child, and I remain his child. A very sinful, and a very unworthy one, perhaps, but still his child!

And now, when I fall into sin, I have not sinned against the law, I have sinned against love. Like the prodigal, I will go back to my Father and I will tell Him, 'Father, I am not worthy to be called your son.' But He will embrace me, and He will say, 'Do not talk nonsense, you are My child,' and He will shower his love upon me! That is the meaning of putting on the breastplate of righteousness! Never allow the devil to get you into a state of condemnation. Never allow a particular sin to call into question your standing before God. That question has been settled.”

(Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Christian Soldier, p. 255)

Basic Bible Study Tools

By: Jeff Sample

Dr. Young introduced the subject of how to feed your soul from God’s word on Wednesday night. Later I will post the important preliminary principles he covered with some brief explanations. In the meantime, though, here is a short list of essential tools to help you become a better student of God’s word with the end of deepening your relationship with him and applying his truth to life.

1. Use a good study Bible with reliable annotations for reading insight. Suggestions would include – The English Standard Version Study Bible or the NIV Study Bible; both are excellent but we predominantly use the ESV which is a great, reliable, but readable text. Another to consider would be the Spirit of the Reformation Bible.
2. Have a concordance at hand in the translation from which you are reading (ESV, NIV, NKJV, or NASB); if you have something other than those don’t tell anyone – (jk, but not much.)
3. You may want to have a solid whole Bible commentary. Purchase, New Bible Commentary by Wenham, Motyer, Carson, and France, 21st Century Edition to help you understand as you read.
4. Add a solid theological dictionary like New Bible Dictionary; want to spend more? Add the International Standard Bible Dictionary (Revised); and/or New Dictionary of Theology.
5. Did you know there are literary guides to the Bible? Here’s one that is a standard: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Fee and Stuart. For Christmas have someone purchase for you, Is There Meaning in this Text by Kevin Vanhoozer.
6. You might want to throw in a good map of Bible lands unless you are the manly type (we never use maps or a GPS, which is why we get lost!). Even if you are the manly type throw in the Moody Atlas of Bible Lands by Beitzel; you will be tour guide before long!
7. Just for fun why not add O. Palmer Robertson’s Christ of the Covenants to your library.
8. Have a plan. You can follow a Bible reading guide. Use the pulpit series; a class topic or series and read systematically. You might read 1 John everyday for 30 days to soak in or you might read the gospel of John a chapter a day or a paragraph at a time but follow a plan.

In another post, I will add to the library and suggest additional means to deepen you devotional life.

Living Like Jordan

By: Will Savell

Do you remember when Michael Jordan decided to play baseball? I will never forget the ESPN commentators pleading with him to put a stop to his nonsense. Jordan, basketball's greatest, was failing at his new endeavor...but why?

You have a man who was undeniably crafted for the game of basketball. By the time he finally ended his career he was able to claim...

Member of six NBA championship teams (1991-93, 1996-98)
Five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991-92, 1996, 1998)
Six-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (1991-93, 1996-98)
Ten-time All-NBA First Team (1987-93, 1996-98)
Nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team (1987-93, 1996-98)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1985)
Holds the NBA Finals record for highest single-series scoring average -- 41.0 ppg (1993)

Those awards just scratched the surface of everything he was credited with.

The fact is, MJ was a basketball player - not baseball. And when he tried to do something that he wasn't, he failed. The experts, the fans, and deep down (though he won't admit it) even Jordan recognized that.

What pulled Jordan away? If he was obviously a basketball player, what made him decide to go and do something that he wasn't?

What pulls us away from who we were created and called to be?

You see, our primary function is to be one who is in union with Christ. And it’s not merely our function, it’s who we are on a fundamental level. It’s our ultimate calling, and if we neglect it and move away from it, we fail.

Paul urges us in Ephesians 4 to live consistently within our calling. Check it out. It begins like this... "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Stop deviating from the path that God has intended you to walk. Live... function... be who you are called to be. Are you confused as to what that might look like? Why don’t you finish up chapter 4 in Ephesians.

Song of the Week (10.28.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

I first heard this song about two months ago, and liked it immediately for two reasons:

1. The melody is so simple and catchy that I could immediately sing along with it.
2. The message is so simple - yet profoundly central to worship - that it immediately resonated with me.

The theme is the glory of God, and a heart of worship that seeks to live solely for his glory. 1 Corinthians 10:31 comes to mind: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

The song is called "Glory to God Forever," written and performed by Atlanta-based worship band, Fee.

You can hear the whole song in the embedded video (for email/rss readers, click the song title if the video doesn't show up). The song can be purchased at iTunes or Amazon.

Glory to God Forever
by Fee

Before the world was made
Before you spoke it to be
You were the King of kings
Yeah you were, yeah you were

And now you're reigning still
Enthroned above all things
Angels and saints cry out
We join them as we sing:

Glory to God, Glory to God
Glory to God forever!

Creator God, you gave me breath so I could praise
Your great and matchless name
All my days, all my days

So let my whole life be a blazing offering
A life that shouts and sings
The greatness of our King

Glory to God, Glory to God
Glory to God forever!

Take my life and let it be
All for you and for your glory
Take my life and let it be yours

We sing:
Glory to God, Glory to God
Glory to God forever!

Parents, Don't Forget to Teach

By: Landon Ditto

So Miley was in town last night at the Fed Ex Forum. (those who aren’t aware of who Miley Cyrus is probably haven’t discovered email technology yet anyway so I’ll assume we’re on the same page) Sell out crowd, as usual. Screaming fans varying in age from kindergarten to 17, check. Take one look at concert footage on facebook today and there is no doubt that she is a cultural phenomenon. Now before I go on any further I’ll state that I’m in no way condemning those who attended this ear-piercing high-pitched squeal fest at the Forum last night or questioning your judgment. I simply want to point out a principle that we as parents ‘can’t forget to teach’.

A product of Disney, Miley has clean lyrics and generally exudes a girly, cutesy, fun vibe that most view as harmless and admirable. And for the most part, it pretty much is. But as the sadly predictable trend of the entertainment industry ‘growing up’ young women is proving true, there is possibly a valuable teaching moment at hand. For example, there was some controversy back in August over a performance that involved Miley dancing on what appeared to be a pole (hint: it wasn’t an American flag pole outside a little country schoolhouse) protruding from an ice cream cart. The principle we must be aware of as parents is this; Are we consistently taking every opportunity possible to teach and point our children to God’s standards of holiness as found in His Word?

This isn’t a ‘pick on Miley and pop culture’ or ‘let’s lock our kids in the Christian bunker’ or ‘we don’t have cable or internet so our family is in a higher bracket of holiness’ mentality. This is a mentality that calls us to sift through the good and bad of our culture and our kids’ world while accurately communicating to them what living a life that honors the Lord looks like. Maybe a teaching opportunity for you looks like this; ‘Wow that was a fun concert wasn’t it? But what were some of those outfits of hers about? Hot pants? Really?? Have you heard about this pole controversy thing? What do you think? Can you see how maybe the pressures of the world are causing her to bend on some areas we’re not called to bend on?’ It’s easy to give Miley a free pass because her lyrics aren’t ‘drugs, sex, and rock-n-roll’ but what about the simple fact that the hip thrusts and hot pants ARE communicating something to your daughters??

One of my biggest fears for this generation is that they grow up completely desensitized to the seriousness of the very sin that Christ descended to take the punishment for. So in short, it’s your call as a parent as to which concerts you hit, but don’t let even the smallest opportunities pass you by that the Holy Spirit could use to call your child’s attention to the truth of Scripture.

Parents, don’t forget to teach…

Featured Book: Counterfeit Gods

By: Johnny Coggin

Idolatry is sin. This we know. But admit it -- it seems like an ancient concept, far removed from our modern culture, right? So how does the Bible's warnings about idolatry apply to your life today?

This is exactly why best-selling author and trusted pastor Tim Keller wrote his new book, Counterfeit Gods, which is available today.

In this brief video, Keller talks a little further about the book, and who it was written for. If you're not already familiar with Tim Keller, this might be a good time to get acquainted! (see here and here)

Watch the video, and consider putting this book on your reading list.

Ever-increasing Repentance

By: Johnny Coggin

“We need to realize that while God’s acceptance of each Christian believer is perfect from the start, our repentance always needs to be extended further as long as we are in this world. Repentance means turning from as much as you know of your sin to give as much as you know of yourself to as much as you know of your God, and as our knowledge grows at these three points so our practice of repentance has to be enlarged.”

- J.I. Packer, Keep in Step with the Spirit: Finding Fullness in Our Walk with God, 87.

Spiritually Invigorating

By: Johnny Coggin

". . . one of the best things that could happen to many believers would be for them to be led to give away, all at one time, a substantial part of their savings. That is, they should give a substantial part of their capital. Why? Because there is something about giving away a sizable percentage of one’s money – and, of course, the amount would vary entirely from one individual to another – that is spiritually invigorating. And there is seldom a case in which a large gift does not throw the Christian back on the Lord and increase the feeling that he is all-wonderful and that he is more than able to care for the one who trusts him. I have seen this happen in many instances. And I have never known a true Christian to be sorry for even the most sacrificial giving afterward."

James Montgomery Boice, Philippians, page 290.

(cited from Ray Ortlund)

How Eternity Influences a Mom's Daily Tasks

By: Johnny Coggin

The daily routine of life can sometimes become suffocating. At the workplace, in the home, driving kids from place to place - it's easy to get bogged down in the mundane details and lose track of the bigger picture, the ultimate purpose.

For parents, John Piper offers a wise reminder about keeping in mind the eternal perspective. Here's an excerpt pertaining to moms:

A mother will delight most in the little baby in front of her when she has a vision of God and a vision of the world that's big enough to admit that this little child has a destiny in front of him or her and might become this or that.

If she is totally circumscribed by her little home—with no vision for the world—then I think her domestic scene is probably going to shrivel up on her, and she is going to feel that it is small and constraining. But if she sees it in the wider context of what she is a part of in the missionary enterprise, I think every detail of her life can take on a global significance, indeed, an historical significance.

And to dads, there's this:

The goal isn't just to fulfill some little task that dads are supposed to do. Rather, you're building men who hopefully someday will have absorbed so much of God and so much of the Bible that it's going to shape their whole world. And they might wind up going to Pakistan to help build shelters for earthquake victims.

Read the rest here.

Song of the Week (10.14.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Sovereign Grace Music, and it seems I'm not alone: Worship Leader magazine picked SGM's recent Psalms album as one of the “Best of the Best” for 2009. (For the record, I've never read "Worship Leader" magazine... not that there's anything wrong with that. I was made aware of this by the internet machine, thank you very much.)

To celebrate, SGM has dropped the price for the Psalms CD to $8 through the end of November. The downloadable album is also on sale, for $6.

Psalms contains twelve songs echoing the passion, prayers, and praises of the psalmists. It's excellent (in my opinion), and if you haven’t heard it yet, you can preview it with a free download of the song “Praise the Lord,” which is our song of the week.

It's a happy, celebratory song based on Psalm 150, exhorting us to praise the Lord with everything we have and are, because of everything He is and does. And how can you go wrong with Scripture songs?

(it's also available on iTunes and Amazon, but not at the discounted rate!)

Praise the Lord (Psalm 150)

Music by Doug Plank

Words by Doug Plank and Bob Kauflin

Praise the Lord, O praise His name

From the heights of heav’n He reigns

Seated in the highest place

Surrounded by unending praise

Praise Him for His mighty deeds

Awesome in His majesty

Praise Him now with trumpet sound

Lift your voice and dance around

Everything that has breath, praise the Lord

Everything that’s in us, praise Him

Everything that has breath, praise the Lord

Praise the Lord with instruments

Praise Him for His excellence

Look at what He’s done for us

Bore our sins upon the cross

Praise the Lord with all you are

Mind and soul and will and heart

From His hand comes everything

He alone is God and King

Everything that has breath, praise the Lord

Everything that’s in us, praise Him

Everything that has breath, praise the Lord

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/

Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

Walking with Jesus - A Pastor's Perspective

By: Johnny Coggin

As Christians, we often hear about the importance of "walking with God" or "spending time with Jesus." But it seems far more rare to hear anyone describe how he or she actively pursues a consistent relationship with the Lord. It doesn't just magically happen, does it?

Here's a brief but helpful video of pastor Matt Chandler (Dallas, TX) describing the proactive steps he takes to walk close with Jesus.

Song of the Week (10.07.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

This week's featured song is a new one from well-known worship leader and songwriter, Matt Redman. It's called "You Alone Can Rescue," and it comes from Redman's new album We Shall Not Be Shaken. About the album, Redman says:

"This album praises God's steadiness. We're being reminded how shakable earthly things are: job losses, home foreclosures. When we traveled to Korea, there were high profile suicides due to the failing marketplace. So it feels appropriate now to address the economy in a worship song. Nothing in the Psalms was ever detached from its era. We Shall Not Be Shaken is intentionally Psalm-like, using simple poetic lyrics to express unbreakable truth in an age of utter brokenness."

The song "You Alone Can Rescue" is a simple song of salvation, and a great example of this Psalm-likeness. Verse 1 asks a question, "Who, O Lord, could save themselves, their own soul could heal?" and the chorus then answers, "You alone can rescue, You alone can save."

Simple and true. Comforting and God-exalting.

You can hear the song in the youtube video below (or click here if your email/reader doesn't display the video). This song/album can be also purchased at Amazon or iTunes.

You Alone Can Rescue
By Matt Redman

Who, O Lord, could save themselves,
Their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea
Your grace is deeper still

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

You, O Lord, have made a way
The great divide You heal
For when our hearts were far away
Your love went further still
Yes, your love goes further still

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

Success in Marriage

By: Johnny Coggin

What's the key to marital success? Finding your soul mate? Having enough money?

John Piper offers this answer:

Success in marriage is not finding the right person, but being the right person in the power of the one perfect Person.

(For more truth daggers like this, follow @JohnPiper on Twitter.)

Approved

By: Johnny Coggin

"For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

Wise commentary from pastor Ray Ortlund of Immanuel Church, Nashville:

Paul had lived for human approval. That's what his uppity legalism had really been about. It's why the word "still" is in there: "If I were still trying to please man . . . ." Paul gave it up, in order to please God.

It is so freeing to stop caring so much about what people think. It is so freeing to lift your eyes to Christ, whose approval is all that finally matters. What does he want from you? Not that people would think you're wonderful, but that your gospel would be pure and honoring to him. You can't control how people respond. That is their own responsibility before God. And if your gospel is pure, some will inevitably disapprove (2 Cor 2:15-16) and will blame you for it. Why? The impenitent are incapable of self-awareness. Don't be discouraged. Just keep your gospel clear. And keep your heart close to the Lord.

Here is his word to you: "Approved."

Justification and Suffering

By: Russell Jeffares

One of the most glorious, foundational, life-transforming teachings in the Bible is that we are justified by faith in Christ. This means we are declared righteous through the death of Christ on the cross. Interestingly, the Apostle Paul put this idea side by side with the reality of suffering. In Romans 5:1-5 Paul says,

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. … we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

In these verses Paul parallels these two profound themes. Why is that? According to Paul, our ability to face suffering with “rejoicing” is directly dependent upon our grasp of the fact that we are declared righteous and made at peace with God.

So how does our being declared righteous and at peace with God give us the ability to rejoice in the midst of suffering? Simple: We can now rejoice in suffering because we know that God is now fighting for our good. Paul says it this way:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. …What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies. (Romans 8:28, 31-34)

So Paul tells us that because we have now been declared righteous, are at peace with God, and are even adopted as His sons and daughters, we can rejoice in any circumstance—even if it means terrible suffering. As our Father, God is working all things together for our good. He is fighting for our good as our loving, heavenly Father, who -- by the way -- is truly good.

So if you are facing difficult, uncertain, painful times, rest and rejoice in the beautiful truth that you are justified—declared righteous, approved, and precious in God’s sight.

Song of the Week (09.30.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

This week's song is called "Fullness of God," and it comes from a church in Austin, TX called Austin City Life. ACL recently released a 6-song EP called One, with song contributions from each of their three regular worship leaders.

I love their description of the song's origin and meaning:

Fullness of God is a song inspired by Colossians 1:15-23, which richly explains the preeminence of Jesus Christ. It is a song of worship to the person of Jesus who, surpassing all others, was fully man and fully God, reconciling us to Himself through His cross to make us blameless before him. Because of His supreme deity and redeeming love, we sing and proclaim that He is "above all" and cling to Him, our "hope of glory."

This song was originally written during a sermon series on Colossians at Austin City Life, where we spent three four weeks working out the lordship of Christ in these verses. Almost every time we sing this song we are powerfully confronted by the beauty and power of King Jesus.

Colossians 1:15-23 is a magnificent passage on the glory of Jesus. Read it, and listen to this song. I hope you'll be "powerfully confronted by the beauty and power of King Jesus" as well.

(full song can be heard here, and can be purchased from Amazon and iTunes)

Fullness of God
by Jordan Whitmore

The very image of the invisible God
You were here before all creation
And by your hands we were made
And we see you today
Through the things your hands hold together

In you all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell forever
Through you we are reconciled, by the blood of your cross

So we sing to the name above all:
The name of Jesus, the name by which we are saved
So we sing to the King above all, King Jesus
You are worthy of all praise, so we sing to you

We were once far away from the reality of grace
Sinners estranged from our Father
But in love you came to take away our shame
And to present us as clean sons and daughters

In you all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell forever
Through you we are reconciled, by the blood of your cross

So we sing to the name above all:
The name of Jesus, the name by which we are saved
So we sing to the King above all, King Jesus
You are worthy of all praise, so we sing to you

We’ll cling to the hope of glory proclaimed in all the earth

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

By: Will Savell

I was studying today and ran across a great illustration having to do with worship, which is the essence of our life in Christ. I thought I would pass it along.

There is a story told of a concert pianist by the name of Paderewski, who was doing a concert and had not come out yet to begin. A young boy slipped away from his mother and went up to the stage where this concert grand piano was and started playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." The crowd was pretty upset. What mother would bring a child to this very formal, highbrow event and then to let him slip away and go up and ruin the evening by playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"? Well, this great concert pianist comes out from behind the curtain and motions to the crowd. He comes up and puts his arms around the little boy and says, "Keep playing," and plays this grand and beautiful counter-melody to "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," to the standing ovation of the crowd. And I am sure when the crowd went home, they didn't talk about the other songs that the pianist played that night.

Most of us think that our approach to worship is like the concert pianist. Well, I have news for us. Our worship is like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Now, play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" with all your might, with as much excellence as you can, but recognize that the only reason that the equivalent of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in our praise to God is acceptable to the Father is because of our older Brother. Jesus comes and wraps His arms around us and plays the grand and beautiful melody and counter-melody that perfects it and enriches it and makes it pleasing to our Father's ears.

Two Rebukes

By: Russell Jeffares

Have you ever been rebuked? Put in your place? No one likes it, but it happens sometimes for good reason. The Apostle Peter experienced rebuke at least two times that we know of: one by Jesus himself, and the other by the Apostle Paul.

In Matthew 16, Peter makes the great confession that Jesus is indeed the “Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Then Jesus tells this disciple that he will suffer and die at the hands of the religious leaders. Peter actually rebukes Jesus for speaking this way, but Jesus responds, “Get behind me Satan… For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Then in Galatians 2:11-14, Paul rebukes Peter again. This time it is because Peter chose to disassociate himself from the non-Jewish believers once the Jewish believers arrived in town. Paul notices this and blasts Peter for his apparent hypocrisy.

So what do these two rebukes have in common? I would say that they are, in essence, the same rebuke. Jesus reprimands Peter for having the mind of man and not realizing that the way of the cross includes suffering and dying. Paul does the same. Peter, for whatever reason (probably his reputation), chooses to abandon the way of the cross by not living out its implications in his relationships.

You see, the “way of the cross” (the Gospel) demands that we live out its implications fully throughout every aspect of our lives. In Matthew 16, Peter desired for Jesus to follow the way of man using power, self-reliant means and sufficiency. In Galatians, Peter abandoned the implications of his justification by seeking his righteousness and approval by means of “another Gospel.” One author wrote:

If there’s anything in life we should be passionate about, it’s the Gospel. And I don’t mean passionate about sharing it with others; I mean passionate in thinking about the Gospel, reflecting upon it, rejoicing in it, allowing it to color the way we look at the world and all of life.” (C.J. Mahaney, Living the Cross Centered Life, 15)

We’re pretty good about understanding the cross as the means of forgiveness for sins and for personal salvation, but we often leave it behind when it comes to our lifestyles, how we do business, how we relate to others, how we spent our money, etc.

May we stand rebuked by how we so easily abandon the way of the cross, and may we -- in an act of repentance -- go running into the arms of our heavenly Father who will help us do this.

Shots Hurt

By: Will Savell

I was able to sleep an extra hour this morning, and it was great! What wasn't so great was the reason I had for sleeping in. My daughter wasn't going to school - at least until mid-morning. She first had to visit her pediatrician for the annual flu shot.

My wife and I kept this small detail from her this past week because we knew what the reaction was going to be, and boy were we right. When we sprung the news on her this morning, the tears started to flow and they never stopped... no matter what sort of rational thought I laid before her. It's funny how that never works on a five year old girl.

When we arrived at the doctor's office she was somewhat subdued, yet still crying. But when the needle was revealed, she went crazy. The screams were ear piercing and nothing had even happened. Finally, the needle went in and came back out - the small hole to be quickly covered with a band aid.

Five minutes later we were in the Jeep on our way to McDonald's for a sausage biscuit. I have found that the teaching opportunities are endless while riding around in the Jeep. Emma looked at me, eyes still puffy and red, and asked, "Daddy, do all shots hurt?" And there was my moment...

"Yes Emma, all shots hurt. Some hurt worse than others, but it's never fun having a needle poked in your skin. But they only hurt for just a little while."

"But Daddy, why do we have to have shots?"

"You got that shot so you won't get sick. You see, a little pain now is much better than a lot of pain later. Do you understand?"

"Yes Daddy."

For the next few minutes I explained to her, in the best way that I could, a lasting truth about those things that seem so painful to those in Christ. I paraphrased Hebrews 12. For you, I'll give you some of the actual verses.

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons...If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons...For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness...For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:4-11)

My daughter learned today that all shots hurt. Yet even though they hurt, and even among her tears, she can view them as something good.

For those found as a son or daughter of God, you'll go through His discipline. And just like a shot, it hurts and you might cry. But take heart, it's a good thing.

Get Engaged

By: Johnathan Todd

A challenge from our pastor, Dr. Jimmy Young.

Song of the Week (09.23.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

This Sunday morning, we'll be learning a new song together at Grace Evan. It's really an old song made new -- one of my all-time favorite hymns, "Man of Sorrows, What a Name," with an added chorus and a new tune. The result is called "What a Savior," and it's the Song of the Week, so you can get a head start on learning it before we sing it together on Sunday.

You may recognize it when you hear it. Beth Bittner sang it in our worship services back in July, and not only did many of you immediately email me about getting the recording, but it was suggested publicly that Beth needs to get an agent.

While that's probably true, it's the song that I'd like to focus on here. Written by Devon Kauflin (with original hymn text by Phillip Bliss), the song was intended to be sung in corporate worship. It's a great worship song because it combines rich, cross-centered truth with a heart-cry of praise and rejoicing in response. And it doesn't hurt that the tune is immediately singable.

So here's a way to get ready for Sunday's worship service, both learning a new song AND preparing your mind and heart with the gospel. Click the button below to listen, or download it for FREE by right-clicking the song title and choosing "save as" (or "download as").

What a Savior
Verses by Phillip Bliss (1875)
Music and chorus by Devon Kauflin

Man of Sorrows, what a name
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim, hallelujah!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude
In my place condemned He stood
Sealed my pardon with His blood
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Savior, You showed Your love
Defeated our sin, poured out Your blood
So we praise You, Lamb that was slain
We offer our lives to proclaim:
What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we
Spotless Lamb of God was He
Full atonement, can it be? Hallelujah!

Lifted up was He to die
“It is finished” was His cry
Now in heav’n exalted high
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Savior, You showed Your love
Defeated our sin, poured out Your blood
So we praise You, Lamb that was slain
We offer our lives to proclaim:
What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King
All His ransomed home to bring
Then anew this song we’ll sing
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Savior, You showed Your love
Defeated our sin, poured out Your blood
So we praise You, Lamb that was slain
We offer our lives to proclaim:
What a Savior!

Am I Really That Bad?

By: Russell Jeffares

Imagine this scene with me: My wife comes to me and says, “I forgive you.” My immediate response is (with an awkward face), “Why?” For all I know, I have no need to be forgiven. So her statement makes very little sense.

I believe this is how many respond to the typical Gospel presentation, “Jesus loves you and died to forgive you.” In response many think, “So what?” Then we're left trying to convince them how sinful they really are. John Ensor is correct in saying:

In terms of the Gospel … It seems to scratch where we feel no itch. It offers as a matter of first importance what we consider the least concern--God's forgiveness, reconciliation, and a new life through the life and work of Jesus Christ. (The Great Work of the Gospel, p. 21)

In order to receive the Gospel, we must first realize the enormity of our sin. Ensor also points out that, as we read God’s word, we find a shocking discovery:

The wrath of God revealed in the Bible is so terrible, so fierce, so awful, that it forces us to reach a shocking conclusion: either our sin and guilt is far, far greater than we ever knew, or God’s punishment far, far exceeds the crime. ... If we conclude that God is just and believe that his punishments always fit the crime, then we will have made the frightful discovery of what the old preachers called "the exceeding sinfulness of sin." (The Great Work of the Gospel, pp. 46-47)

But we must ask ourselves. Are we really that bad? Are we really that sinful? Well, the Bible seems to think so. The prophet Jeremiah summarized the nature of Israel’s sin before God like this:

… for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:13)

So the essence of sin is 1) we have rejected God (Creator) as our source, and 2) have turned to other things (creation) as our source. In other words, we first of all reject our Creator, Father, and Spouse (all images of our relationship to God) in an act of rebellion, betrayal, and adultery. And we have turned to any number of other sources in replacement of God. There is no small rebellion, betrayal, or adultery. So the slightest of our sin stands infinitely egregious. As one Puritan put it, "... the heinousness of sin lies not so much in the nature the sin committed, as in the greatness of the Person sinned against."

The nature of sin is that we make a million false gods or “functional saviors” in order to replace God. Even the best things in this life (sex, relationships, love, ministry, etc.) can be turned into a new source.

This means that I must live a life of constant repentance. It means repenting of my sinful acts. It means repenting of my “goodness.” It means constantly turning back to the true Source of life, joy, and everlasting satisfaction.

Because yes, I am that bad.

Passing God's Tests

By: Dr. Jimmy Young

Character is both built and revealed by tests.

What amazes me is the nature of some of the God-sent tests. Who would want Abraham’s? Go sacrifice your son (Gen. 22:1)! What could be harder?

But even more perplexing than that, for me, is God’s willingness to allow the wicked to do big, splashy things with the intent of testing His people (Deut. 13:1-4). God grants or permits even miraculous power to false prophets in order to test folks like you and me. That’s one scary test! Passing the test requires a diligent application of all we know of God to all that is facing us.

Knowing the true God helps me spot the false one. I think I’ll go study some more...

The End of the Rope

By: Russell Jeffares

Have you ever been to that place that everyone dreads and seeks to avoid? I’m speaking of coming to the complete end of yourself. It’s sometimes called “wit's end,” “the end of the rope,” “hitting bottom,” or “hanging by a thread.” David called it “the valley of the shadow of death.” It’s a place of utter desperation in which our own personal sufficiency isn’t quite enough.

The good/bad news, however, is that God loves it when we are at that place. I don’t mean to say that God is maliciously enjoying our suffering. Rather, I believe God’s heart breaks when we are there, but he also knows how much we need it.

The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to be there. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, Paul says:

"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death."

Now listen to what Paul is saying here. They had come to the end of their rope. It was the end. They “despaired of life itself.” Paul, the Apostle no less, had come to that dark valley of death that the Psalmist writes about. But it was not a meaningless circumstance orchestrated by a vicious God. Paul knew that God had a purpose. He finishes out verse 9 by saying, “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

Paul knew that God needed them to come to that extremely difficult place of despair. Why? So that they we rely on the God who raises the dead! So that they would cease relying on their own assets and begin to rely on the God who is able to do the impossible … even raise the dead.

Many of us are, have been, and will be at that place of hopelessness and desolation, but may we through these excruciating times rely on the God who raises the dead.

Song of the Week (09.16.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

The song of the week is a new one from Sovereign Grace Music called "Completely Done." (Click the song title for a FREE mp3 download, or go here to hear a sample and check out the rest of the album.)

The message is clear: Fear, worry, doubt, and condemnation are driven out by the powerful gospel of Jesus Christ. Who he is, what he has done, and what he is continuing to do are our only confidence and refuge.

Through the Apostle Paul, the Holy Spirit gave these glorious truths (all referenced in the song) for our confidence and hope:

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1

May you live daily in light of this: "We’re heirs with Christ, the victory won/What You complete is completely done."

Completely Done

What reason have I to doubt
Why would I dwell in fear
When all I have known is grace
My future in Christ is clear

My sins have been paid in full
There’s no condemnation here
I live in the good of this
My Father has brought me near
I’m leaving my fears behind me now

The old is gone, the new has come
What You complete is completely done
We’re heirs with Christ, the victory won
What You complete is completely done

I don’t know what lies ahead
What if I fail again
You are my confidence
You’ll keep me to the end
I’m leaving my fears behind me now

The old is gone, the new has come
What You complete is completely done
We’re heirs with Christ, the victory won
What You complete is completely done


written by Jonathan Baird, Ryan Baird, and Rich Gunderlock
© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

The Most Influential People in the World

By: Johnny Coggin

Who are the most influential people in the world? Presidents and kings? CEOs? Athletes? Hollywood actors and recording artists? Maybe pastors or missionaries?

Here's an answer offered by pastor John Piper this morning:

"The most influential people in the world are those who pray big in Jesus' name. The second most influential are mothers."

Many of you fall into that #2 spot. And guess what: Every single one of us can be #1.

Be encouraged, and be boldly influential in this world.

God’s World Mission

By: Will Savell

I'm currently taking a class called God's World Mission, and something that my professor said really stuck out to me about the book of Romans and God's purpose. I thought I would share it here, hopefully serving as an encouragement about what God has done and is continuing to do all over the world.

"God has His great plan to redeem all peoples, and He has gathered us up into His plan. That is God's world mission. In Romans, Paul does not simply write a detailed theological treatise. He wants to get those Jews and Gentiles to be able to live together within the church there. He says God has called them from among the nations. Those who thought that because they were Jews they had a market on knowing who God was, He is the God of Jews and Gentiles alike. It is not just the ones who have been given the Law; it is the ones who do the Law who are saved. But no one obeys the Law perfectly. It is by faith alone that Jew and Gentile alike are saved. Paul says this very explicitly in Romans 3. God is the God of all peoples, and there is only one God. Therefore all are saved by faith alone.

Paul talks about all sorts of people in Romans. We have been justified, both Jew and Gentile alike. This was a remarkable, revolutionary statement that the Judaizers hated. We are justified and saved together by faith alone. All of creation longs to see this full redemption of the people of God, Paul says in Romans 8. Historically this is what we have seen happen with the children of Israel, but God has not left the others alone. I am an example of someone who has come into the faith. Those of you who are Gentiles have been grafted in, and together we are the Israel of God. That is the way Israel is saved, as it says in Romans 9-11. How we live together is from Romans 12 on. When you get to Romans 15, Paul talks about how God has been at work in this way as we see and the prophet Isaiah foretold.

One voice, Jew and Gentile together, can worship God. To me that is what the book of Romans is all about. Justification by faith highlights the fact that all of us together receive the good news of Jesus Christ. There is no advantage that anyone has ethnically, and there is no disadvantage either. It is all by faith alone. It seems to be very clear in Romans, Ephesians, and throughout the Scriptures that God's world mission burst forth."

-Nelson Jennings

The CV (Curriculum Vitae) of God’s Man

By: Russell Jeffares

Like most people, I’ve grown up with the notion that greatness is determined by the measure of success an individual has experienced. Indeed, when interviewing for jobs we tend to tout our past victories and positive experiences, quite intentionally leaving out those areas that might be weakness.

But what astounds me over and over again is this: The men God has used most profoundly are those who have been served a big dose of failure.

Here are three of the most well-known leaders in the Bible who were used by God after great failure:

1) Moses—murdered a man and fled for his life
2) David—committed adultery and then murder to cover it up
3) Peter—rebuked Jesus to his face and later denied him three times

Then there’s Paul, who was notorious for his persecution of the early church before his conversion. What is most interesting is Paul’s own take on why God chose him as a leader:

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. … 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Tim. 1:12-13, 16)

Paul states that the very reason God chose him to service was because he is the “foremost of sinners” (v. 15). God chose Moses, David, Peter, and Paul for service because they had experienced enough failure to position them as agents of grace.

I once heard Sinclair Ferguson say that when his church hires staff, they always inquire where that person has been broken. This is because they will not hire someone for the ministry that has not experienced some measure of failure and brokenness.

I believe that as Christians, we need to reconsider the role of failure in our lives to shape us into tools worthy of God’s service.

Longing for Humility

By: Dr. Jimmy Young

Moses is described in one place as “very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth" (Num. 12:3). The meekest man in the world…what a reputation, and one I long to have but have yet to establish.

In fact, is there any one who would describe me as meek? I doubt it, and that I regret. I long to be a humble man, knowing that God resists pride, but grants grace to the humble. And any one who has tasted grace wants more of it.

I also know that the Bible commands me to "humble myself," and sadly, I’m not really sure how that is done. I have some hunches, but that is about all.

But there is one part of humility I’m sure about. Late in Moses’ life, he complains about not being able to enter the Promised Land, and asks God if he can make a brief visit (Deut. 3:23-25). God says no, and tells him, “Enough from you…” Amazingly, that’s the last time Moses mentions his desire.

Thus, one thing humility is… a quick yieldedness to the instructions of God, even when they go against the desires of my heart. I drag my restless heart to the place of sweet submission to a God that I know is good.

It’s not all that humility requires, but it is a good start.

Song of the Week (09.09.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

...and now for something completely different:

You would never have guessed it, and neither would I, but today's featured song is from the genre cherished by so many of you, I'm sure: Hip-Hop. Also known as Rap. Yes, you read that right.

The song of the week is called "Don't Waste Your Life" by Lecrae, a rapper who was radically changed by Jesus at age 19, and almost immediately began using his talents to preach the gospel to anyone who would listen. Now, several years later, he's becoming more well-known, and his message is being heard all over the U.S. and the world. His latest album debuted at #3 on the iTunes rap charts. Not bad.

And Lecrae's the real deal, folks. Not only has he been partnering with the ministries of guys like John Piper and Mark Driscoll, but he spends much of his energy trying to reach misguided, lost urban youth with the gospel. And that includes those right here in Memphis, where he himself resides.

The lyrics to today's song are so abundant that I'm not even going to print them all here. Besides, they're shown in real time in the music video below. But if you're not sure about the gospel message being set to rap music, catch this excerpt from the last verse (regarding people chasing the American Dream):

But guess what - they didn't ever really live at all
To live is Christ, yeah that's Paul, I recall
To die is gain, so for Christ we give it all
He's the treasure you'll never find in the mall

See your money, your singleness, marriage, talent and time
They were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine

That's a message we all need to hear, and Lecrae is hitting a specific demographic with that message... and in full force. May God continue to empower him and bear much fruit for Christ through him.

You can check out more Lecrae at Amazon or iTunes, and watch the video below (or click here to view it)

Reggie and the Cuban

By: Jeff Simons

This Summer we had our first mission trip to Honduras, doing evangelism through basketball. I never would have dreamed that on our return to Memphis, a coup would arise in Honduras. The last one occurred in Central America 15 years ago.

Two coaches from Honduras assisted us in the clinics this year and we called them Reggie and The Cuban. Reggie, originally from Panama, had played against Michael Jordan and Larry Bird in a pre-Olympic Basketball game years ago. Gentle and teachable, he quickly learned the fundamentals we were teaching, and relationships developed between Reggie and our coaches. On the second day, when Floyd (one of our volunteer coaches) was leading the campers in the sinner's prayer following the presentation of the Gospel, I observed an amazing sight. Reggie had jumped to his feet and with high volume was following Floyd in the sinner's prayer. Of course we know a prayer can’t save you, but all the coaches would challenge anyone who did not believe God had called Reggie to salvation before our very eyes. The Cuban was a 69 year old veteran basketball coach who had escaped communism in Cuba to become a youth coach in Honduras. He had a deep bass voice and the campers had a deep admiration for his coaching style.

After Reggie’s conversion we had given him a Bible, and imagine my amazement when on the last day, The Cuban asked for a Bible. Through an interpreter, he stated "I have never been told in my entire life I am a sinner in need of a Savior." What a joy to realize The Cuban too had embraced the Savior. There were tears all around our coaches and Reggie and The Cuban as we departed the Coliseum the last day.

Campus Crusade for Christ has both Reggie and The Cuban in discipleship classes in Tegucigalpa. What a joy to await observation of their spiritual growth next summer and to think God could take a sport like basketball as a catalyst to bring two men to faith in Christ.

Wanted

By: Russell Jeffares

I didn’t really support any political candidate during the last presidential election, but I wish I had. I recently saw a video testimony by Mike Huckabee on the website www.iamsecond.com (click to view). Though I don’t necessarily agree with all his opinions, I wish we had a guy like this in our nation’s highest office. In this video, Huckabee affirms that his life is defined by his relationship with Christ, not his political success. He states:

"Following Jesus doesn’t mean that I’m following him to the Whitehouse or following him to the governor’s mansion or following him to do television. No, I’m following him to be with him. Then wherever it is he puts me or places me, my real job is not to be the Governor or President or a television personality. My job is to somehow be that person that God has created me to be and to have influence on the world wherever he has placed me. It doesn’t matter where that is. And when I fulfill that, there is real joy."

In a time when greedy ambition, crass hypocrisy, and political double talk seem to rule the day, we need more men who live out this Christ-centered conviction. We need men who are committed to Jesus over their political careers. We need men who are transformed by the gospel and ever aware of their need for Christ.

It is my prayer that God will raise up more men who live out the gospel to engage the political sphere of our country.

Song of the Week (09.02.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

If you haven't heard the music of Matt Papa, I'd like to change that today. Not because he's a musical virtuoso, or because he's a supremely praiseworthy guy - though he may just be those things.

Rather, I want you to hear the words that are pouring out of this guy.

Don't get me wrong - his music is fantastic. In fact, I'd say his latest album, Your Kingdom Come, is quite possibly my favorite album of this entire year. And no, I don't mean of all Christian music this year. I mean favorite. Period.

His style ranges from full-on, driving rock to simple, melodic piano-based hymns. But regardless of the musical genre, one thing is constant in Matt Papa's music: His lyrics are incredibly raw, honest, biblical, passionate, God-glorifying, and - get this - convicting. To be honest, he reminds a lot of a certain Keith Green.

On Your Kingdom Come, there's a theme that's quite evident, and it's very appropriate for those of us at Grace Evan as we're leading up to our Mission Conference later this month. The theme is, unsurprisingly, God's Kingdom, both his reign over the earth and our involvement in it. And that's where it gets convicting. (Just read the lyrics below.)

You can hear the Song of the Week, "Here Am I, Send Me" at Matt Papa's MySpace page, along with several other tracks. But I'd strongly encourage you to check out the full album at iTunes (hey, 19 tracks for only $9.99 is a steal). It's also at Amazon, though they're missing one song at the end.

Here Am I, Send Me
by Matt Papa

Gen 12:1, Isaiah 6:1-8, Rom 12:1

Lord, here am I, won't You send me to
The broken and the weak
To the desperate and forgotten, Lord
I'm giving You everything
All my selfish plans, my greedy hands
My hope in the American dream
Lord, I give my life, lay down my pride
I'm giving You everything, God

Here am I, send me
I’ll follow wherever You lead
I will tell the world that Jesus is the way
Send me, Lord, here I am
I offer my dreams, my plans
I will give my life a living sacrifice
Lord, here I am

I can see You, Lord, upon Your throne
You're high and You're lifted up
All the angels singing, “Holy, Holy”
I'm broken and undone
Now an angel comes to touch my lips
Says your sins are all taken away
Jesus paid the price, yeah He gave His life
So, Father, hear Your people say

Here am I, send me
I’ll follow wherever You lead
I will tell the world that Jesus is the way
Send me, Lord, here I am
I offer my dreams, my plans
I will give my life a living sacrifice
Lord, here I am

Whom shall I send?
Who will go for us?
Whom shall I send?

Pastor in Passing: Jim Umlauf (09.01.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

"Pastor in Passing" is a new video segment in which any given pastor at Grace Evan is asked to answer a random question in passing with no warning. Could be about the Bible, God, their life, advice they might give, or even "what's your favorite ______."

The purpose is three-fold: (1) to give a little window into the minds of your pastors, (2) to give some pastoral encouragement and insight, and (3) to keep the staff on our toes.

Plus, it might just be kinda fun.

Here's the first "Pastor in Passing" video: Jim Umlauf on God's blessings in marriage.

Go, Send, or Disobey

By: Johnathan Todd

"Go, send, or disobey" is a quote from John Piper (as noted in the missions video posted by Johnny earlier on this blog). What is John Piper meaning by these three words?

The mission of God begins in Genesis with “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth…” God is bringing about a world full of God-glorifying humans. Sin enters and alters humanity’s ability to be God-glorifying and God begins the story of redemption through Jesus. The continuation of God’s plan is tasked to redeemed humans by Jesus: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18-20)

So, everything you do after saying "I believe" is missions related:

• You Go by leaving the known to learn the unknown in order to live and share the gospel.
• You Send by staying and by prayerfully and financially supporting the work of those who go.
• You Disobey by staying and ignoring your part of prayerful and financial support.

Go, send, or disobey…there isn’t a fourth option.

Song of the Week (08.26.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

At Grace Evan, we've benefited so much from Sovereign Grace Music and their commitment to biblical, Christ-exalting, cross-centered music. I've featured their music here before, and I do so again today.

The song of the week is called "All I Have Is Christ," written by Jordan Kauflin, and found on the Next 2009 live album.

Though it's a very new song, the verses actually read like a hymn, both in their rhythm and their richness of content. You'll find stout doctrine here, folks:

• Our deep depravity and helplessness
• The empty promises of sin
• The unfathomable love of God
  
• The saving work of Jesus
• And the redeemed soul's desire to live a life that points only to his glory
  

The beauty of this gospel leads to a simple chorus of celebration. Blogger and Crossway Publishers editor Justin Taylor made this helpful observation regarding the song's chorus:

One of the consistent raps against contemporary Christian music is its repetitiveness. But for me and my house, I see few downsides to having this refrain as the default setting in my mind throughout the day:

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Below are the full lyrics, followed by a video of the song being sung live at a recent Sovereign Grace young adult conference called Next. (The song can also be purchased here.)

All I Have Is Christ
words & music by Jordan Kauflin

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Video: All I Have Is Christ from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

Sounds Like Life To Me

By: Will Savell

Crazy morning. My wife and I put our daughter on the school bus for the first time. There's something about seeing a five year old climb those steps and look out the window and drive off in the distance that sure brought a sense of reality that my world is different than it was just a couple of weeks ago. As I was thinking through this reality, I jumped in the Jeep to head to the church when a song came on the local country station. Darryl Worley was singing "Sounds Like Life To Me," and some of the lyrics stood out...

He was singing about a buddy who was going through some tough times...

• the car's falling apart
• the washer quit
• he just put his mom in the nursing home
• the baby is cutting teeth
• bills need to be paid

And hey, "three kids and a wife depend on me, and I'm just one man."

Maybe the specifics don't apply, but maybe they do. Or maybe there are other things in life breaking down. Who knows? But we all understand this man. Who hasn't felt completely overwhelmed with life? Who hasn't felt as though your world is crashing down and you just can't fix it.

Well, the singer has some advice for his buddy. The chorus goes something like...

Sounds like life to me, it ain’t no fantasy
It’s just a common case of everyday reality
Man, I know it’s tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk, you’re caught up in some tragedy
It sounds like life to me

I don't know about everyone else, but as much as I would like to "suck it up" and just move on with life, that doesn't seem to always work. Sometimes I can't pull on the old bootstraps hard enough. And there lies the problem...

We experience this everyday reality, yet the problems and pain still exist, and life gets more and more exhausting.

You know, it doesn't have to be this way. I believe there's a better life to be lived. However, this doesn't happen by the good ole college try. It doesn't occur through positive thinking or a weekly yoga class.

Real life occurs only through union with Jesus Christ. It’s in Christ where we're able to experience “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3). It’s in Christ where we become “the righteousness of God” (II Corinthians 5:21). It’s in Christ where we find ourselves “alive in God” (Romans 6:11). Real life begins and ends with Christ’s own words found in John 15:5.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

In Christ…Now that sounds like life to me.

People Groups & The Gospel

By: Johnathan Todd

Ok, we pseudo-grasp the inconceivable concept that the completely other God has granted us forgiveness for our full rebellion through Jesus Christ. And we know Jesus has commanded us to make sure this message permeates the globe so spiritual and physical living is altered. But what is this language of “people group” and “unreached” all about? Here are some definitions:

People group – the largest group within which the Gospel can spread as a church planting movement without encountering barriers of understanding or acceptance.

Unreached - a people group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group.

Now, if you want to explore the status of the Gospel’s Global Expansion further, check out Joshua Project’s Website.

Finally, here in the United States, the bulk of our population is considered reached (simply meaning there are Christians in that people group who have the numbers and the resources to evangelize). Yet there are over 360 people groups living within the United States, and 60 of these are considered unreached. Has God granted you the privilege of encountering a person from one of these unreached people groups right here in our city?

Song of the Week (08.19.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

Alright folks, this one won't be for everybody. But just to keep things interesting, this week's song is All Creatures by the up and coming singer/songwriter Josh Garrels (click either link to visit his site, and the song will play automatically).

Garrels has a funky quality to his voice that's instantly attention-grabbing, and this song's groove is just so cool and refreshing that I loved it immediately (it kicks in at about 0:45).

Lyrically, it's quite different than the stuff I usually recommend. Garrels begins with a catchy chorus that borrows the first verse of the familiar hymn, "All Creatures of Our God and King." Then he quickly launches into a fast-paced hip-hop flow about the marvels of creation, God's masterful design in it, and its deep groaning for restoration. I admit: I don't necessarily "get" all of his lyrics, but those themes stand out for sure. Ultimately, it's just a cool, unusual song that calls on all of creation to praise the Creator.

Hope you enjoy. If not, come back next week.

(click here if you're interested in purchasing his music)

All Creatures
by Josh Garrels

all creatures of our God and King
lift up your voice and let us sing
o praise him, o praise him, alleluia

creation sent to me the centipede
to witness the complexity of 100 legs
that were moving unexpectedly
ironically just as they were meant to be
they’re fearfully and wonderfully made

an organism praising, circadian rhythms
sun will rise and then the sun will set
and then the sun will rise again
so lift up your head, this is life
not a static object preserved and displayed
like a relic of the dead
you are not a fruitless tree with a rootless disease
growing in a bucket in a rich man’s home
next to the tv, tamed and alone
learning to lust for the things you don’t own
like an armchair warrior who’s been dethroned
declawed and fixed, fighting for your life
with unattended slit wrists

don’t let your name get intermingled with the number
cause it’s time to awaken from the devilish slumber
to freely follow the forerunner to the fatherland
and rally 'round the renaissance man
and the wisdom of his ways and all the work of his hands
catch come as catch can
concentrating on the good words of the Son of Man
the plan is to withstand
the demands of a confused oppressor
a wolf in sheep’s clothes with monotonous lectures
and questionable gestures, unequal measures,
cultural pressures and synthetic textures
force-fed instead of the most beautiful architecture
of our long lost forgotten origins
birds see fiber in the blood of my kin
and that old rock where we confessed our sins

o my God, fellow man, in this great land
they all cry out for full restoration
and this’ll take patience
and this’ll take the tribes and the tongues of all the nations
and all of creation groans in anticipation
waiting for the Son of God to be manifest
i can feel it burning in my chest
the liberation for the oppressed

and it’s beautiful like the feet that bring good news
beautiful like this freedom tomb
beautiful like the power to choose to change
beautiful like the long awaited rain
beautiful like the healing pains
beautiful like the holy flames, coming down

all creatures of our God and King
lift up your voice and let us sing
o praise him, o praise him, alleluia