By: Johnny Coggin
Dr. Jimmy Young answers the question: "When did Jesus get his powers?"
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Lamb Chops
By: Russell Jeffares
I’ve been studying Psalm 23 in preparation for a series I’m teaching on joy. One thing that I’ve run into is the discussion of the ambiguities that arise in this very familiar Psalm. Such questions that seem simple on the surface become problems under closer examination. First of all, what is meant by “shepherd”? This can be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. As one writer noted:
I’ve been studying Psalm 23 in preparation for a series I’m teaching on joy. One thing that I’ve run into is the discussion of the ambiguities that arise in this very familiar Psalm. Such questions that seem simple on the surface become problems under closer examination. First of all, what is meant by “shepherd”? This can be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. As one writer noted:
The references to God as shepherd in the Old Testament take us to God as the defender, but also may remind us that others who are described as shepherds, for instance the leaders of the community in Ezekiel, prove to be disastrous.Another question is who we are as readers. Most assume that David is speaking as a sheep in need of a shepherd. Again, this seems to be a good thing at first, until one considers why most sheep were raised in the first place: to be slaughtered for food or sacrifice. Another writer explained:
Even the twenty-third Psalm lays itself open to deconstruction when the worshipper as sheep is comforted by the thought of returning to, or dwelling in, the Lord's house forever; for our knowledge of why sheep go to the Lord's temple—their destiny as lamb chops—undermines the image of security the poem has been at such pains to establish.I would say these are not ambiguities at all. Though it may be difficult to know exactly what David intended by these analogies, we can definitely learn a few things from this Psalm in light of these observations.
- David is calling attention to God as a caring, protective, providing shepherd (cf. vs. 2-3). There is no hint of the type of “shepherds” seen in Ezekiel.
- David writes in recognition of his need as well as the vulnerable position that he stands in with God. God is the Shepherd. He is not. If God wants to make lamb-chops of him, then bon appetit (cf. vs. 4).
- David writes of a good God that has the best interest of his sheep in mind (cf. vs. 6).
- David speaks with confidence that the safest, most satisfying place in the world is in the presence of the Shepherd. We will not want, but will overflow with abundance when we rest in his presence.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
What would you say to Jon and Kate?
By: Jeff Sample
Jon and Kate Plus Eight is minus one as of this week – dad. What God joined together is now split asunder, leaving eight confused children who don’t understand why dad and mom cannot just get along.
Apparently, Jon and Kate don't understand it either. When the reality of the end sank in, Kate curled into a ball and sobbed convulsively; later, she confessed, “I feel like I failed.” How can something as significant as joining two lives by a covenantal “I do” end with an “I don’t.”
If you were their friend, what would you say to Jon and Kate?
I would remind them that marriage requires a greater love, a greater grace, and a greater strength expressed in selfless giving than anyone can muster. It is not in fallen, deeply flawed people like us to live well together in so intimate a relationship as marriage, happily ever after. I would point them to the Savior of souls, who mends broken hearts and homes with transforming grace for any and all who receive and rest on him.
Admittedly, turning to Christ is not a magic wand creating marriage nirvana; the hard work of loving, living, learning, and leaning must still be worked out in the stuff of real life – I know that, and so do you. Still, Christ enables what he has given and to what he calls us. And in the crucible of marriage, grace received from Christ is lived out daily in ways - large and small - that demonstrate practically the realities of the gospel.
Marriage (and parenting!) is so demanding that God uses it as a major means of sanctification – driving us to the end of ourselves and our resources over and over, and leading us to trust his help and wisdom over and over.
So, when the well of human resource, wisdom, and love runs dry, how will you live? Without Christ we will fight, flee, or drift into the tolerated coexistence of living separate lives in the same home.
As a friend, I would beg Jon & Kate to turn from the idolatry of self and celebrity to the only God worthy of worship and in whose service we find real freedom - the kind of freedom that enables responsibilities by turning them into opportunities to experience more of his goodness and power. I would remind them that doing the hard work of home repair will never be regretted as they love and live to see their union reflected in the futures of their sons and daughters.
With as much mercy as God would grant me in that moment of difficult conversation, I would share the experience of twenty-five years as a pastor: divorce is seldom the solution people imagine it to be. Just ask the kids, young and old.
Jon and Kate Plus Eight is minus one as of this week – dad. What God joined together is now split asunder, leaving eight confused children who don’t understand why dad and mom cannot just get along.
Apparently, Jon and Kate don't understand it either. When the reality of the end sank in, Kate curled into a ball and sobbed convulsively; later, she confessed, “I feel like I failed.” How can something as significant as joining two lives by a covenantal “I do” end with an “I don’t.”
If you were their friend, what would you say to Jon and Kate?
I would remind them that marriage requires a greater love, a greater grace, and a greater strength expressed in selfless giving than anyone can muster. It is not in fallen, deeply flawed people like us to live well together in so intimate a relationship as marriage, happily ever after. I would point them to the Savior of souls, who mends broken hearts and homes with transforming grace for any and all who receive and rest on him.
Admittedly, turning to Christ is not a magic wand creating marriage nirvana; the hard work of loving, living, learning, and leaning must still be worked out in the stuff of real life – I know that, and so do you. Still, Christ enables what he has given and to what he calls us. And in the crucible of marriage, grace received from Christ is lived out daily in ways - large and small - that demonstrate practically the realities of the gospel.
Marriage (and parenting!) is so demanding that God uses it as a major means of sanctification – driving us to the end of ourselves and our resources over and over, and leading us to trust his help and wisdom over and over.
So, when the well of human resource, wisdom, and love runs dry, how will you live? Without Christ we will fight, flee, or drift into the tolerated coexistence of living separate lives in the same home.
As a friend, I would beg Jon & Kate to turn from the idolatry of self and celebrity to the only God worthy of worship and in whose service we find real freedom - the kind of freedom that enables responsibilities by turning them into opportunities to experience more of his goodness and power. I would remind them that doing the hard work of home repair will never be regretted as they love and live to see their union reflected in the futures of their sons and daughters.
With as much mercy as God would grant me in that moment of difficult conversation, I would share the experience of twenty-five years as a pastor: divorce is seldom the solution people imagine it to be. Just ask the kids, young and old.
Song of the Week (06.24.09)
By: Johnny Coggin
If you've been keeping up for long, you've figured out that I'm a fan of Sovereign Grace Music. Our music at Grace Evan has benefited greatly from them, and it wasn't long ago that I recommended one of Sovereign Grace's children's albums on this blog.
And now they've made another one, called To Be Like Jesus. The entire album is built around the theme of the fruit of the Spirit, and it all centers on knowing and living for Jesus.
I love their reasons for making this album:
(iTunes and Amazon will likely offer this album soon, but for now, you can hear samples and get the CD or mp3's directly from Sovereign Grace. They also offer free lyric sheets and music charts for this and all other albums.)
If you've been keeping up for long, you've figured out that I'm a fan of Sovereign Grace Music. Our music at Grace Evan has benefited greatly from them, and it wasn't long ago that I recommended one of Sovereign Grace's children's albums on this blog.
And now they've made another one, called To Be Like Jesus. The entire album is built around the theme of the fruit of the Spirit, and it all centers on knowing and living for Jesus.
I love their reasons for making this album:
*Why another kids' CD? A few reasons:Our Song of the Week is "Because You First Loved Me" (track 2), based on the Spirit's fruit of Love. The message for kids (and adults!) is fantastic. I love this line: "Jesus, set me free to love You more than me!"
- We think there’s a need for more children’s songs that aren’t simply adult songs with kid’s voices.
- We’d like to see more kid’s songs that proclaim truth rather than express love for God, which many children don’t have yet.
- We wanted kids to see that God wants us to be joyful, loving, faithful, gentle, etc., because that’s the way he is.
- We also wanted kids to see that it’s impossible to be joyful, loving, faithful, gentle, etc. apart from believing the gospel and being empowered by God’s Spirit.
- We wanted to serve children’s ministries and families who are looking for contemporary worship songs with substance for kids.
(iTunes and Amazon will likely offer this album soon, but for now, you can hear samples and get the CD or mp3's directly from Sovereign Grace. They also offer free lyric sheets and music charts for this and all other albums.)
Because You First Loved Me
By Doug Plank
Love is patient, love is kind
Everywhere and every time
It gives its place in line to serve another
But my heart it struggles so
I need Your grace to grow
Lord, help me give and show this love to others
Jesus, set me free to love unselfishly
Because You first loved me
I can love You with all my heart
Because You first loved me
I’ll love others too, the way You do
I’ll love them too
When I love, it looks like this:
It always gives and gives
To God and then it lives to help my neighbor
That’s a love I haven’t got
It’s me I love a lot
Stuck here I’m tied in knots, I need a Savior
Jesus, set me free to love You more than me
Monday, June 22, 2009
Youth Visions Job Shadowing Program
By: Johnathan Todd
How can you be used for the Kingdom?
One way is through Youth Visions Job Shadowing Program. Share your occupation with a student from Youth Visions and provide them with a window into your world. For us, it's just a minor adjustment to our regular schedule; for them, it is the opportunity to envision what their future might be like.
Watch this video to get an idea of what Job Shadowing is all about:
How can you be used for the Kingdom?
One way is through Youth Visions Job Shadowing Program. Share your occupation with a student from Youth Visions and provide them with a window into your world. For us, it's just a minor adjustment to our regular schedule; for them, it is the opportunity to envision what their future might be like.
Watch this video to get an idea of what Job Shadowing is all about:
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Song of the Week (06.17.09)
By: Johnny Coggin
Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me. I know better, but my brain succumbs to the modern Western brainwashed ideal that God really wants me to have a smooth ride, all the time, no matter what, and any bumps in the road must be "outside of his will" somehow. What a load.
But when you're used to having it so good (as, relatively speaking, most of us do), and then the economy crumbles, jobs are lost, marriage is hard, and the kids grieve you (or just drive you mad!), it's easy to grumble. In fact, it's hard not to.
But what does that say about our hearts? Or should I say, what does it reveal about what we treasure most? It's called idolatry.
Idolatry often looks like this: Loving the gifts more than the Giver. And so I may be happy when things go well and God pours out blessings in my life... but then gripe to him when things go sour for a season, uncovering the lesser "gods" my heart is really after. (by the way, check out Job's wise response to pain and suffering.)
This week's "Song of the Week" gets the attitude right. It's another great song from Sovereign Grace Music called, "As Long As You Are Glorified" (click to hear a sample - it's track 3). I sang this song at Grace Evan on the last Sunday morning of 2008. Thankfully, their recording is much better. Oh, to have the mindset of these lyrics emblazoned on our hearts and minds!
*Do yourself a favor: Read the lyrics, and make them your prayer today, tomorrow, every day.
(available to purchase from iTunes or directly from Sovereign Grace)
Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me. I know better, but my brain succumbs to the modern Western brainwashed ideal that God really wants me to have a smooth ride, all the time, no matter what, and any bumps in the road must be "outside of his will" somehow. What a load.
But when you're used to having it so good (as, relatively speaking, most of us do), and then the economy crumbles, jobs are lost, marriage is hard, and the kids grieve you (or just drive you mad!), it's easy to grumble. In fact, it's hard not to.
But what does that say about our hearts? Or should I say, what does it reveal about what we treasure most? It's called idolatry.
Idolatry often looks like this: Loving the gifts more than the Giver. And so I may be happy when things go well and God pours out blessings in my life... but then gripe to him when things go sour for a season, uncovering the lesser "gods" my heart is really after. (by the way, check out Job's wise response to pain and suffering.)
This week's "Song of the Week" gets the attitude right. It's another great song from Sovereign Grace Music called, "As Long As You Are Glorified" (click to hear a sample - it's track 3). I sang this song at Grace Evan on the last Sunday morning of 2008. Thankfully, their recording is much better. Oh, to have the mindset of these lyrics emblazoned on our hearts and minds!
*Do yourself a favor: Read the lyrics, and make them your prayer today, tomorrow, every day.
(available to purchase from iTunes or directly from Sovereign Grace)
As Long As You Are Glorified
by Mark Altrogge
Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt
Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long as You are glorified
Are You good only when I prosper
And true only when I’m filled
Are You King only when I’m carefree
And God only when I’m well
You are good when I’m poor and needy
You are true when I’m parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You’re still God in the darkest night
Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long as You are glorified
So quiet my restless heart, quiet my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart in You
Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long as You are glorified
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Song of the Week (06.10.09)
By: Johnny Coggin
Our song this week is called "Depth of Mercy" (click to hear an extended clip), and it comes from the music of Red Mountain Church in Birmingham, AL. Red Mountain Music focuses on resurrecting all-but-forgotten hymn texts of the Christian faith, and writing new tunes for those texts.
One particular verse of the song caught my attention today. This week, I'll be preaching God's word to our Jr. High students on the Fall Creek Falls trip, and one night I'll be making a brief point about Paul's loathsome self-description, "chief of sinners" - my preaching point being that anyone who truly "gets" the gospel and begins to understand his own soul will feel the exact same way as Paul - "I must be the worst offender on the planet."
Yet God's mercy is lavished on even the chief of sinners, like myself - and by this, I'm stunned:
(This song can be purchased from iTunes or directly from Red Mountain Church)
Our song this week is called "Depth of Mercy" (click to hear an extended clip), and it comes from the music of Red Mountain Church in Birmingham, AL. Red Mountain Music focuses on resurrecting all-but-forgotten hymn texts of the Christian faith, and writing new tunes for those texts.
One particular verse of the song caught my attention today. This week, I'll be preaching God's word to our Jr. High students on the Fall Creek Falls trip, and one night I'll be making a brief point about Paul's loathsome self-description, "chief of sinners" - my preaching point being that anyone who truly "gets" the gospel and begins to understand his own soul will feel the exact same way as Paul - "I must be the worst offender on the planet."
Yet God's mercy is lavished on even the chief of sinners, like myself - and by this, I'm stunned:
Depth of mercy can there beYes, he spares even me. But only because:
Mercy still reserved for me
Can my God his wrath forbear
Me the chief of sinners spare
Jesus speaks and pleads his bloodWhat a glorious thought for the worst offender on the planet. (No, not you... ME.)
He disarms the wrath of God
Now my Father's mercies move
Justice lingers into love
(This song can be purchased from iTunes or directly from Red Mountain Church)
Depth of Mercy
Words: Charles Wesley, 1740
Music: Jeff Koonce, Brian T. Murphy, Clint Wells, 2003
Depth of mercy can there be
Mercy still reserved for me
Can my God his wrath forbear
Me the chief of sinners spare
I have long withstood his grace
Long provoked him to his face
Would not hearken to his calls
Grieved him by a thousand falls
I have spilt his precious blood
Trampled on the Son of God
Filled with pains unspeakable
I, who yet, am not in Hell
I, my master have denied
I afresh have crucified
And profaned his hallowed name
Put him to an open shame
Jesus speaks and pleads his blood
He disarms the wrath of God
Now my Father's mercies move
Justice lingers into love
There for me the savior stands
Shows his wounds and spreads his hands
God is love, I know, I feel
Jesus weeps and loves me still
Pity from thine eye let fall
By a look my soul recall
Now the stone to flesh convert
Cast a look and break my heart
Now incline me to repent
Let me now my sins lament
Now my foul revolt deplore
Weep, believe and sin no more.
© 2003 Red Mountain Music
www.redmountainmusic.com
Monday, June 8, 2009
Be Still and Know
By: Johnathan Todd
When I was a child, my favorite summertime activity was playing outside as long as possible. As an adult, my favorite summertime activity is to sit on my front yard bench as the sun is setting while my children are playing outside.
This past Monday evening I was enjoying my bench when I experienced one of those “Be Still and Know” moments. The hot afternoon was fading into the comfortable evening when I looked up and saw the moon. As I gazed at its features, the thought swept through my mind of God having created the moon, the earth, and all that is in it. The seasons, the rotation of the earth, the phases of the moon – all these and more continue because my Lord has ordered it to be so!
I felt small and insignificant, yet reassured that this same Lord was my Lord. He not only knows every feature of this giant rock millions of miles away reflecting light to the earth, but he also knows the very hairs on my head. He knew me before I was born and he knows all the days of my future.
I thoroughly enjoy such moments - when joy reigns and all seems ordered and correct - yet they are so fleeting and isolated. Just moments later the drive to "get up and do" conquered the moment. I recall the moment, but am unable to recall what I left that moment to go and do.
Was it important? Was it eternal? Why do I choose to live in such a way that restricts those moments? Seems pretty stupid.
Here is the Psalm where we find the command to "be still and know":
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
When I was a child, my favorite summertime activity was playing outside as long as possible. As an adult, my favorite summertime activity is to sit on my front yard bench as the sun is setting while my children are playing outside.
This past Monday evening I was enjoying my bench when I experienced one of those “Be Still and Know” moments. The hot afternoon was fading into the comfortable evening when I looked up and saw the moon. As I gazed at its features, the thought swept through my mind of God having created the moon, the earth, and all that is in it. The seasons, the rotation of the earth, the phases of the moon – all these and more continue because my Lord has ordered it to be so!
I felt small and insignificant, yet reassured that this same Lord was my Lord. He not only knows every feature of this giant rock millions of miles away reflecting light to the earth, but he also knows the very hairs on my head. He knew me before I was born and he knows all the days of my future.
I thoroughly enjoy such moments - when joy reigns and all seems ordered and correct - yet they are so fleeting and isolated. Just moments later the drive to "get up and do" conquered the moment. I recall the moment, but am unable to recall what I left that moment to go and do.
Was it important? Was it eternal? Why do I choose to live in such a way that restricts those moments? Seems pretty stupid.
Here is the Psalm where we find the command to "be still and know":
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Ask the Pastor: How should Christians view the recent murder of a late-term abortion doctor?
By: Johnny Coggin
You may have heard the news about the murder of late-term abortion doctor, Dr. George Tiller, this past Sunday. This event raises significant questions for Christians who believe that abortion is also murder.
*Was the murder justified because of the multitude of horrific abortions performed by this doctor? Or even because the lives of many unborn babies may now be spared?
*Or is murder simply wrong, regardless of the intent and the potential for positive outcome?
Dr. Jimmy Young offers an answer here.
(For further thoughts on this issue, read the responses of Dr. Al Mohler and pastor James MacDonald.)
You may have heard the news about the murder of late-term abortion doctor, Dr. George Tiller, this past Sunday. This event raises significant questions for Christians who believe that abortion is also murder.
*Was the murder justified because of the multitude of horrific abortions performed by this doctor? Or even because the lives of many unborn babies may now be spared?
*Or is murder simply wrong, regardless of the intent and the potential for positive outcome?
Dr. Jimmy Young offers an answer here.
(For further thoughts on this issue, read the responses of Dr. Al Mohler and pastor James MacDonald.)
Song of the Week (06.03.09)
By: Johnny Coggin
This week's "Song of the Week" comes from Indelible Grace, a ministry of Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN that's closely tied to RUF ministries. We sing some of their songs in our worship times here at Grace Evan ("Arise, My Soul, Arise" is one example that comes to mind). If you're not familiar with them, here's a brief description of their mission:
Isaac Watts wrote the words, so you'd expect them to be stellar. How about this line, in response to our deep slavery to sin: But there's a voice of sov'reign grace, Sounds from the sacred word: "O, ye despairing sinners come, And trust upon the Lord."
Listen to the cool tune, but most importantly, drink in and pray the lyrics, and cry out to God, "Oh help my unbelief!"
(This song and the full Wake Thy Slumbering Children album can be bought from iTunes or Amazon, as well as directly from Indelible Grace)
This week's "Song of the Week" comes from Indelible Grace, a ministry of Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN that's closely tied to RUF ministries. We sing some of their songs in our worship times here at Grace Evan ("Arise, My Soul, Arise" is one example that comes to mind). If you're not familiar with them, here's a brief description of their mission:
Our hope is to help the church recover the tradition of putting old hymns to new music for each generation, and to enrich our worship with a huge view of God and His indelible grace.They do a great job of it, and this week's featured song is no exception. It's called O Help My Unbelief (click, then click on track 2 on that page to hear the song).
Isaac Watts wrote the words, so you'd expect them to be stellar. How about this line, in response to our deep slavery to sin: But there's a voice of sov'reign grace, Sounds from the sacred word: "O, ye despairing sinners come, And trust upon the Lord."
Listen to the cool tune, but most importantly, drink in and pray the lyrics, and cry out to God, "Oh help my unbelief!"
O Help My Unbelief
Words: Isaac Watts // Music: Justin Smith
1. How sad our state by nature is!
Our sin, how deep it stains!
And Satan binds our captive minds
Fast in his slavish chains
But there's a voice of sov'reign grace,
Sounds from the sacred word:
"O, ye despairing sinners come,
And trust upon the Lord."
2. My soul obeys th' almighty call,
And runs to this relief
I would believe thy promise, Lord;
O help my unbelief!
To the dear fountain of thy blood,
Incarnate God, I fly;
Here let me wash my spotted soul,
From crimes of deepest dye.
3. Stretch out Thine arm, victorious King,
My reigning sins subdue;
Drive the old dragon from his seat,
With all his hellish crew.
A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,
On thy kind arms I fall;
Be thou my strength and righteousness,
My Jesus, and my all.
© 2007 Justin Smith Music
(This song and the full Wake Thy Slumbering Children album can be bought from iTunes or Amazon, as well as directly from Indelible Grace)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Ask the Pastor: Why was polygamy so rampant and unpunished in the Old Testament?
By: Johnny Coggin
Dr. Jimmy Young answers the question: Why was polygamy so rampant in the Old Testament? And if God is so opposed to it, why does it seems as if he just let it continue unhindered and unpunished?
(If you have a question you'd like answered, email it to Johnny Coggin in a concise form, and we'll do our best with it.)
Dr. Jimmy Young answers the question: Why was polygamy so rampant in the Old Testament? And if God is so opposed to it, why does it seems as if he just let it continue unhindered and unpunished?
(If you have a question you'd like answered, email it to Johnny Coggin in a concise form, and we'll do our best with it.)
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