Tried With Fire

Divorce is a touchy subject. We have our opinions of what can or cannot be done. Those ideas may be based on scripture, the opinion of someone we respect, or even our concept of what is "fair". Sunday's sermon was on the Mark 10:1-12 - a very difficult passage where Jesus answers questions about divorce from the Pharisees. Pastor Ryan made the observation that often our first response is to ask, "What am I allowed to do?" whether it is in terms of pursuing a divorce or remarriage, and I think he's correct.  This question can be mere idle speculation about worst case scenarios from someone who has never suffered the pain of divorce. It may be the question of someone looking for any loophole to get out of a marriage that doesn't meet his/her expectations. This also may be the valid, gut-wrenching question of a cheated, abandoned, and/or abused spouse.  I don't want to minimize anyone in the last scenario. I've been there. But I wonder if there a...

There is no room for the attitude that what I do with my money and my body and my work and my relationships is up to me as long as my heart is fully committed to Jesus. None of this is up to me because He fills all of it. The Spirit is in me to tell me, yes, who Christ is, but also to tell me who I really am and to provide everything for me in Christ that I could actually be that person. Paige Benton-Brown ~ In the Temple, the Glorious and Forgiving God  from The Gospel Coalition Women's Conference 2012.

83. Q. What are the keys of the kingdom? A. The preaching of the holy gospel and Christian discipline toward repentance. Both preaching and discipline open the kingdom of heaven to believers and close it to unbelievers. 84. Q. How does the preaching of the gospel open the kingdom of heaven? A. According to the command of Christ: The kingdom of heaven is opened by proclaiming and publicly declaring to all believers, each and every one, that as often as they accept the gospel promise in true faith, God, because of what Christ has done, truly forgives all their sins. The kingdom of heaven is closed, however, by proclaiming and publicly declaring to unbelievers and hypocrites that as long as they do not repent, the anger of God and eternal condemnation rest on them. God's judgment, both in this life and in the life to come, is based on this gospel testimony. 85. Q. How is the kingdom of heaven closed and opened by Christian discipline? A. According to the command of Christ: Th...

Grant that man received at his creation a power of acquiring life or death; what, then, if we, on the other hand, can reply that he has lost it? Assuredly I have no intention to contradict Solomon, who asserts that “God has made man upright;” that “they have sought out many inventions,” (Eccl. 7:29). But since man, by degenerating, has made shipwreck of himself and all his blessings, it certainly does not follow, that every thing attributed to his nature, as originally constituted, applies to it now when vitiated and degenerate. Therefore, not only to my opponents, but to the author of Ecclesiasticus himself (whoever he may have been), this is my answer: If you mean to tell man that in himself there is a power of acquiring salvation, your authority with us is not so great as, in the least degree, to prejudice the undoubted word of God; but if only wishing to curb the malignity of the flesh, which, by transferring the blame of its own wickedness to God, is wont to catch at a vain defe...

Lavender  in Bellvue, Washington I'm thankful for.... The beauty of God's creation. If it's beautiful now, think of how it will be in the new heaven and new earth. Time with my parents. The ways of Providence. After the cruise, our flight from Seattle to Charlotte was cancelled. US Airways was able to switch us to a red eye that night,. But rather than a 12 hour layover at the airport, my cousin rescued us. I hadn't seen him in perhaps 20 years. We met his lovely wife and adorable little boy. We spent the day with his family, my aunt and uncle who happened to be visiting from the Philippines, and my parents. So a cancelled flight turned into a mini-family reunion. Being home. We may not have mountains like Alaska or cooler temperatures (another heat advisory today), but it's home, and a big part of it being home is our local church. I missed two Sundays in a row and I feel it. I have a taste of what it's like for my daughter when she's away for ...

Here are pics from Tracy Arm Fjord and the Sawyer Glacier. The water in the fjord was dark teal to emerald green, quite a beautiful contrast with the blue chunks of floating ice. The fjord was home to nesting arctic terns and other sea birds. Leaving Tracy Arm and heading towards Ketchikan: Ketchikan - salmon fishing capital of the world:  Yes, Wal-marts are everywhere. One of our guides said the store has helped bring the cost of food down, given that everything needs to be brought in by barge or plane. A gallon of milk can cost $6.

We awoke to blue skies and sunshine in Skagway . This little town was founded as a result of the  Klondike gold rush .  Many of the buildings are original to the period, and it's quite a tourist attraction. My favorite part, however, was the surrounding mountains. I would love to return here someday. The Coast Mountains along the Klondike Highway between Skagway and the Canadian border: We climbed by road to 3800 feet surrounded by 6000-7000 ft mountains. Sunset on the Lynn Channel. These pics were taken around 9:30 PM. The combination of water, mountains, and the changing sky was so beautiful. We stayed on our balcony into the night not wanting to miss anything. We saw several whales - spouts and one tail. More tomorrow...

We had a wonderful time with my parents in Alaska. Words fail to describe the beauty and majesty of God's creation. We saw ranges of snow-covered mountains that stretched far into the horizon, dense forests of hemlock and spruce, glaciers, ice cold fjords, whales, bald eagles, and much more. Here are a few pics: Our ship could hold 2960 passengers and at least 1000 crew members. It's only 160 ft shorter than the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier. Maybe it's the introvert in me, but I was happy to avoid all the cruise social amenities and use it as a place to sleep and eat. The main attraction was Alaska itself IMO. The Seattle skyline from the deck. The reason we were seasick the first day. Hope the video doesn't make you queasy.  Early morning in the Chatham Strait on the way to Juneau Chatham Strait around 6:30 AM. If you look at the pic full size (right click and open in new window), you'll see the top of a humpback whale...

80. Q. How does the Lord's Supper differ from the Roman Catholic Mass? A. The Lord's supper declares to us that our sins have been completely forgiven through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ which He Himself finished on the cross once for all. It also declares to us that the Holy Spirit grafts us into Christ, who with His very body is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father where He wants us to worship Him. But the Mass teaches that the living and the dead do not have their sins forgiven through the suffering of Christ unless Christ is still offered for them daily by the priests. It also teaches that Christ is bodily present in the form of bread and wine where Christ is therefore to be worshiped. Thus the Mass is basically nothing but a denial of the one sacrifice and suffering of Jesus Christ and a condemnable idolatry. 81. Q. Who are to come to the Lord's Table? A. Those who are displeased with themselves because of their sins, but who nevertheless trust tha...

In regard to the rewards of righteousness, is there any great absurdity in acknowledging that they depend on the kindness of God rather than our own merits? How often do we meet in Augustine with this expression,—“God crowns not our merits but his own gifts; and the name of reward is given not to what is due to our merits, but to the recompense of grace previously bestowed?” Some seem to think there is acuteness in the remark, that there is no place at all for the mind, if good works do not spring from free will as their proper source; but in thinking this so very unreasonable they are widely mistaken. Augustine does not hesitate uniformly to describe as necessary the very thing which they count it impious to acknowledge. Thus he asks, “What is human merit? He who came to bestow not due recompense but free grace, though himself free from sin, and the giver of freedom, found all men sinners,” (Augustin. in Psal. 31). Again, “If you are to receive your due, you must be punished. What t...

78. Q. Are the bread and wine changed into the real body and blood of Christ?  A. No. Just as the water of baptism is not changed into Christ's blood and does not itself wash away sins but is simply God's sign and assurance, so too the bread of the Lord's Supper is not changed into the actually body of Christ even though it is called the body of Christ in keeping with the nature and language of the sacraments. 79. Q. Why then does Christ call the bread His body and the cup His blood, or the new covenant in the blood? (Paul uses the words, a participation in Christ's body and blood.) A. Christ has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that as bread and wine nourish our temporal life, so too His crucified body and poured out blood truly nourish our souls for eternal life. But more important, He wants to assure us, by this visible sign and pledge, that we, through the Holy Spirit's work, share in His true body and blood as surely as our mouths...

While I admit that those who hold that man has no ability in himself to do righteousness, hold what is most necessary to be known for salvation, I think it ought not to be overlooked that we owe it to the special grace of God, whenever, on the one hand, we choose what is for our advantage, and whenever our will inclines in that direction; and on the other, whenever with heart and soul we shun what would otherwise do us harm. And the interference of Divine Providence goes to the extent not only of making events turn out as was foreseen to be expedient, but of giving the wills of men the same direction. If we look at the administration of human affairs with the eye of sense, we will have no doubt that, so far, they are placed at man’s disposal; but if we lend an ear to the many passages of Scripture which proclaim that even in these matters the minds of men are ruled by God, they will compel us to place human choice in subordination to his special influence. Institutes of the Christi...

I have a few posts scheduled, but I'll be taking a much-needed internet/blog break. See you when we get back from the great white cooler and slightly rainy Northwest.

How to write a country song... ht: Challies 

swamp mallow  - Hibiscus moscheutos This week's thankful list: Cooler weather. After the week-end in the low 100's, 80's even with humidity is a welcome relief. I'm also thankful for working AC. My daughter. I missed her when she was away. It's been so nice to laugh and talk in person and just be together. Small group last night.  Christian fellowship in the Word is no small thing. Our upcoming trip. We're heading off to Alaska with my parents. I'm thankful for their love and generosity which made this trip possible. I'm looking forward to spending time with them, seeing God's creation, and having a bit of an Internet break. This quote from Spurgeon from this sermon : …this man did well in looking for the help against his unbelief to the right quarter. He did not say, “Lord, I believe. And now I will try to overcome my unbelief.” No, but, “Lord help,” as if he felt that the Lord alone could do it. No physician can cure unbelief but ...

It's been a busy week, so I will cheat and link to posts I liked: Misquoting Francis of Assisi , who never said "Preach the gospel at all times, use words if necessary." The Gospel Coalition Women's Conference media is available. I've listened to Nancy Guthrie 's workshop on word-based ministry for women and the panel discussion on training women to teach the word. Excellent so far. Parents and Children: Don't Drop the Baton by Chris Brauns. "Christian parents: it’s not enough to learn a lesson in life. We need to leave a legacy with our children." 50 Shades of the Curse by Wendy Alsup at Practical Theology for Women .  "After 3 waves of feminism, countless laws, and much education, there remain millions of women who'd run after the sulky vampire in their fantasies, choosing to suck blood for the rest of their lives rather than living in the light." A interesting look at why women gravitate towards books based on the lie...

My daughter was away for her June and July visitation back to back, so it was the longest time she's been away from home. Thankfully we were able to talk or Skype almost every day. When I hung up after speaking with her on Saturday, I realized that in all likelihood I will probably be alone for a good part of the rest of my life. At first it was a matter-of-fact acknowledgment, not a morbid pity party. But then the doubts started to creep in. "What will I do about [fill in the blank]? What will happen to me? Will I be okay?", etc. In my right mind, I do believe God's will is good and there will be grace for whatever He's ordained.  But if I'm honest, the unmortified part of my brain began to churn and fret. I could make excuses for myself and justify my right to be anxious, but the underlying unbelief that's coming to the surface is sin. It's a denial of God's character and questions whether or not He will keep  His word. It's the same old, ...

75. Q. How does the Lord's Supper remind you and assure that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all His gifts? A. In this way, Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup. With this command He gave this promise: First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup given to me, so surely His body was offered and broken for me and His blood poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of the one who serves and taste with my mouth the bread and cup of the Lord given me as sure signs of Christ's body and blood so surely He nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life with His crucified body and poured out blood. 76. Q.  What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink His poured out blood? A. It means to accept with a believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ and by believing to receive forgiveness of sins...

This movement of the will is not of that description which was for many ages taught and believed—viz. a movement which thereafter leaves us the choice to obey or resist it, but one which affects us efficaciously. We must, therefore, repudiate the oft-repeated sentiment of Chrysostom, “Whom he draws, he draws willingly;” insinuating that the Lord only stretches out his hand, and waits to see whether we will be pleased to take his aid. We grant that, as man was originally constituted, he could incline to either side, but since he has taught us by his example how miserable a thing free will is if God works not in us to will and to do, of what use to us were grace imparted in such scanty measure? Nay, by our own ingratitude, we obscure and impair divine grace. The Apostle’s doctrine is not, that the grace of a good will is offered to us if we will accept of it, but that God himself is pleased so to work in us as to guide, turn, and govern our heart by his Spirit, and reign in it as his o...

Lace cap hydrangea before the heat wave I'm thankful for God's protection during the severe thunderstorms last week-end. Some folks in Virginia are still without power, so I'm praying it's restored quickly especially with this heat. I'm thankful for much grace during my daughter's absence. I've stayed busy with work, reading, and puttering around the house. We've been able to talk/Skype almost every day which has been good. I do miss her, though, and can't wait to pick her up on Sunday. In the meantime, I'm thankful for faithful, furry companions: Big Bun, the cuddlebun Lizzy doing her sphinx imitation

There are times when I still get anxious about the future sometimes triggered by the oddest things.  I love this hymn because it reminds me of God's love and faithfulness when "storms may howl and clouds may gather" and in its ultimate demonstration, the cross.  Even if I could go back in time and change what has happened in the last 5 years, I wouldn't want to undo what God has done. Think what Spirit dwells within thee,  Think what Father’s smiles are thine,  Think that Jesus died to win thee,  Child of heaven, canst thou repine? Henry Lyte's father abandoned him and his mother. He later remarried and wrote letters to his son and signed them "Your Uncle". He never let his son call him "Father". Can you imagine the pain? These words by Lyte are a testimony to the power of the gospel. (source: The Hymn Sing - Live in Nashville - Indelible Grace)

Sarah Flashing: As a complementarian, I am continually bothered by the lack of women in the church implementing their intellectual gifts as theologians, philosophers, apologists, ethicists, economists and so forth because I believe we have put women and their gifts, needs and interests in a box and tied it up—tightly—with a pretty lace bow. Because of the important role she plays in the family, there is often the perception that women’s gifts and needs are limited to the realm of the home. I am not suggesting that those women who abide in this realm are excluded from the community of intellectually-gifted women, many, in fact, are one and the same. But when “keeping the home” (Tit 2) is reduced to teaching women how to make pot-holders out of old socks to the exclusion of developing the life of the mind, then we run the risk of not only losing more women to theological wimpiness, but their children as well. All of this causes me to wonder if the complementarian community is losing i...

D. A. Carson: At the same time, I do worry a bit about women's ministry and men's ministry. Now there is something to be said for it, and sometimes you have to target particular groups, but have you noticed how many women's conferences there are that focus on the book of Ruth and the book of Esther? So that the whole conference is about women , and now we are getting men's conferences, men's conventions. I know I speak at them, but they trouble me just the same. These men's conferences where the whole aim is to be a hunk, to be a hunk for Jesus. Unless you really like UFC , you are definitely second class. Greek scholars need not apply....  I understand we are trying to fight the feminization of the church and all of that, but there is something ugly about that too, isn't there? So that at the Gospel Coalition Women's conference we are having next June...  it's not about women . It's a women's conference but it's about the gospel for ...

72. Q. Does the outward washing with water itself wash away sins? A. No, only Jesus Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins. 73. Q. Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins? A. God has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that the blood and Spirit of Christ wash away our sins just as water washes away dirt from our bodies. But more important, He wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sing, that the washing away of our sins spiritually is as real as physical washing with water. *74. Q. Should infants, too, be baptized? A. Yes. Infants as well as adults in God's covenant and are His people/ They, no less than adults, are promised the forgiveness of sin through Christ's blood and the Holy spirit who produces faith. Therefore, by baptism, the mark of the covenant, infants shroud be received into the Christian church and should be distinguished from the children of unbelievers....