Marvellous Light

I'm excited...

2008-09-11T16:40:00.002+01:00

I have just read about a new project that is beginning in the very near future. This explanation of it has thrilled me about it's appearance. I'm excited!

What's your take...

2008-09-08T19:30:00.003+01:00

Hi to the 4 of you! Hope things are good with you all. Kerry and I are still on honeymoon in Jamaica. It's such a lovely place. In the resort we have been treated like royalty. The weather has generally been brilliant; it's always warm but we have had some rain and today some pretty strong winds. I guess that's what happens when there are hurricanes about. However, the predicted path for Ike shows that we should be safe enough. Married life is amazing so far and we are just enjoying as much time together, as possible, before we head back to the "real world" and all that it entails. Kerry is having a lie down to try and get rid of a splitting headache so I have vacated the room to give her a bit of space and to remove the noise. If I'm being honest I needed to clear my heady anyway, reading The Shack takes its toll on a person.

Just thought I would ask you all a quick question. Who do you think this lady is?

It's sad...

2008-07-30T13:09:00.002+01:00

After signing out of my hotmail account, just now, my eyes were drawn to an article advertised on the MSN homepage. The title was "How to leave your wife or how to leave your husband". It was a sad article as the emphasis was on making sure you are financially secure before you break your vows to your spouse! No advice relationally, just make sure you have made your financial plans!!

Resources...

2008-07-30T12:03:00.002+01:00

Over at the Ligonier blog, the web guys are adding posts from R.C Sproul on revival. There are a number of posts through the main page.

John Ortberg has written an article on the gift of opposition. Check it out here.

John MacArthur has a 5-part article series on distinguishing a true work of the Spirit. Check them out. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.

Tim Challies reviews an upcoming book release from Al Mohler. Check it out here.

Trouble ahead?

2008-06-27T00:56:00.004+01:00

The Telegraph has an article posted concerning the current debates and difficulties facing the Anglican church at the minute. You can read it here. Pastor-Theologian J I Packer has made some comment on the situation here.

Just for your info!

Another great quote...

2008-06-23T20:05:00.003+01:00

I was reading a message by John Piper, called "Why Expositional Preaching is Particularly Glorifying to God", over the weekend. You can read, listen to, or download the message here. This quote, along with many others, has stuck out to me. It's an incredibly challenging quote as it probes the heart on whether we carry this mark, if we preach.

"What gives preaching its seriousness is that the mantle of the preacher is soaked with the blood of Jesus and singed with fire of hell."

Taking a risk...

2008-06-06T09:13:00.001+01:00

John Piper has posted an article on Charles Wesley here. It is a must read, such a challenge.

A Prayer...

2008-06-04T23:27:00.003+01:00

"Forbid it Lord that I should boast
save in the death of Christ my God
all the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to his blood"

May it be Lord!

On Old, Dead Theologians

2008-05-24T14:06:00.005+01:00

I came across this article, by Justin Taylor, on why we should read old, dead theologians (as the title obviously suggests!). The article is an interview with Justin. Check it out here. Also, check out Justin's blog here

Quotes...

2008-05-17T11:19:00.002+01:00

"You can be young, passionate about Jesus Christ, surrounded by diversity, engaged in a postmodern world, reared in evangelicalism, and not be an emergent Christian. In fact, I want to argue that it would be better if you weren't."

Kevin Deyoung (pg 15), Why We're Not Emergent.

A New Arrival...

2008-05-16T20:18:00.004+01:00

The book, pictured to the left, arrived today. I started reading it tonight and so far it is great! You should check it out. Check out the site for the book here. Yes, it is available from Inspire Books and Gifts!!

Young, Restless and Reformed

2008-05-16T08:17:00.001+01:00

Some very wise counsel here. Have a read at it.

H/T: Justin Taylor

Blank Bible Project...

2008-05-15T20:35:00.002+01:00

Check out this series of posts on The Shepherd's Scrapbook blog. It is a list of instructions on how to take apart a bound bible and rebind it again with inserted blank pages for note-taking. It looks like a brilliant project. I keep re-reading them wishing I was handy with things like this or that there was someone else willing to do it and I could join in! Any takers?

Spirit Empowered Preaching

2008-05-15T12:30:00.002+01:00

There is a brilliant interview, with a man called Arturo Azurdia, on the Exiled Preacher blog. Check it out here. I particularly enjoyed the excerpt that is quoted below. Thanks for this interview!

GD: How may we seek God's empowering presence in preaching?

AA: Firstly, we need to connect our preaching purpose to that of the Holy Spirit’s purpose. His aim is to glorify Jesus Christ through the means of the Scriptures—the Christocentric Scriptures. Therefore, I must be resolutely wedded to His intention in the sacred text: explaining the text in its context, applying the text as was originally designed, and displaying its inner-canonical connections which will lead me to Jesus Christ.

Secondly, we need to pray for that which only the Spirit can supply: potency to transform the human heart.

Thirdly, we need to be willing to suffer. Why? Because the apostolic pattern seems to indicate that God’s power is perfected in weakness. Are we willing to be weak so there are no competitors for glory when God does what only He can do?

Beyond this, of course, we must remember that Spirit is sovereign. “The wind blows where it wishes.” Anything that smacks of a formula is sure to quench the Spirit rather than arouse His empowerment. This is the occupational hazard of the Christian ministry.

Gospel in a sentence...

2008-05-14T22:34:00.002+01:00

"Jesus Christ, the Son of God crucified, is the Wisdom of God, by which the love of God can save sinners from the wrath of God, and all the while uphold and demonstrate the righteousness of God."- John Piper.

H/T: PureChurch (Thabiti Anyabwile)

Modesty...

2008-05-14T22:19:00.006+01:00

Over the last number of days Tony Reinke has been adding excerpts from C J Mahaney's chapter in the forthcoming book "Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World". They have now put all the posts into one downloadable PDF file. Check it out here.

The Man of Faith... (Abraham Pt1)

2008-05-14T22:01:00.005+01:00

A cursory reading of the New Testament, especially in Romans 4 and the book of Galatians, reveals that there is a man called Abraham who is a man of great importance in God’s redemptive plan. But who is he? Where did he come from? What can we know, and learn, about him?

Abraham appears as Abram at the end of Genesis 11 with only but a line of introduction. In verse 27 we read “Now these are the records of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran; and Haran became the father of Lot.” The remainder of Genesis 11 then tells us that Abram took for himself a wife called Sarai (v29); that Sarai was barren and could have no children (v30); Abram’s brother Haran died (v28); Abram’s dad, Terah, took Abram, and the family, and left Ur for the land of Canaan but settled in Haran (v31); and the closing verse, v32, of Genesis 11 tells us that Terah, Abram’s dad, dies in Haran. That’s some of the family background.

On to the journey: Today a lot of people continually move house. Their goal, or desire, in moving is to find the ideal home, or better location, or more practical space. The list can go on. In our day, to move house carries stress, i.e. getting all papers signed, arranging mortgages, making sure the chain doesn’t break down in the buying process. To move back in Abram’s day, however, would have been a different story. The stress wouldn’t have been in mortgages or buying chains but in gathering together every possession, animal, servant and moving without the aid of moving companies, shipping companies, or handy airlines, especially in the case of a long move. So, why did Abram and his entire family move?

Acts 7v2-4: "And he said, "Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3and said to him, ‘LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR RELATIVES, AND COME INTO THE LAND THAT I WILL SHOW YOU.’ 4”Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living.”- So the God of glory appeared to Abram and told him to go!

Why Abraham? Isaiah 51v2: "Look to Abraham your father
And to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain;
When he was but one I called him,
Then I blessed him and multiplied him"

So, Abram moved because God called him, commanded him to move and gave him His Word and promise. Let’s think about it! God called Abraham while he was one (Isa 51v2), with no children and, humanly speaking, unable to have children because Sarai was barren. In my mind that is obstacle number one to leaving to go on a mad journey- the promise being something that seems impossible! The second obstacle was leaving to go to a land that you don’t even know the name of (Acts 7v3). So, Abram get up and go somewhere you don’t know to receive a promise that, to your mind, is impossible! What had Abram got? The Word of the God of glory!

Here is the clincher for me though! Joshua 24v2: "Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'From ancient times your fathers lived beyond the River, namely, Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, and they served other gods." Before all this happened his family were deep in idol worship! They weren’t even God worshippers! What must have the appearance of the God of glory done to Abram to cause him to go on such a journey of faith? To bring him to the point of willing obedience and a simple trusting in the Word of God ? What a God! His simple appearance and display of Himself, causes a man’s tight grip on idols to loosen and his life’s direction and allegiance to be totally altered. That appearance changed everything for Abram. What about for you and me? Has the God of glory revealed Himself to you? Have you loosened your grip on your idols? Are you walking in obedience to His Word and calling clinging to it for our hope?

A Great Quote...

2008-04-21T07:42:00.004+01:00

"To think that this head shall wear a crown; that these poor fingers shall strike the harp-strings of everlasting song; that this poor lip which now faintly tells the wonders of redeeming grace, shall join with the cherubim and seraphim and rival them in melody. Is it not too good to be true? Does it not seem sometimes as if the very greatness of the thought overwhelmed our faith? But true it is; and though to great for us to receive it, it is not too great for God to give."

Spurgeon.

Check it out...

2008-04-19T13:31:00.002+01:00

While I have my break in work, I thought I would add a few good resources that I have come across in the last week or so.

Firstly, Joshua Harris has posted an article he has written, for the Tabletalk magazine, on the theme of mentoring. As someone truly convinced of the need, and biblical model, of mentoring I enjoyed the article. Check it out here.

Secondly, I have been reading some books by R Kent Hughes recently and have found them to be of incredible challenge and encouragement. So, having been blessed by his writing I searched the internet for some audio messages. To my surprise, and great gain, I found alot of his and some other notable pastors/teachers. Check them out here.

Thirdly, and finally, I came across a cracker site called the Shepherd's Fellowship. It is an amazing site. It does require registration to have full access and use of the site, but registration is a free and simple process. Once registered you have full use of the forums, download of messages and much more. Check it out here.

Cafe Vic-Ryn@ Home

2008-03-01T01:40:00.003Z

For a lot of people reading the blog you will know that I work at the House of Vic Ryn. For those of you who don't, hi, I work at the House of Vic Ryn. It is a developing retail complex situated on the Moira Road heading out of Lisburn. Check out a previous post here. Anyway, the point in the post is to inform you that the very tasty, and always worth a visit, Cafe Vic-Ryn is opening a take-away unit which is located upstairs, in the Vic Ryn complex, in the mall. A place to order your meals, desserts, and other treats and take them home for enjoyment in your own surroundings. A great help if organising a dinner party when short on time, as a treat for family after Sunday lunch to enjoy a Cafe Vic-Ryn lemon meringue (mmmm!!), or for any other reason you can possibly find an excuse to treat yourself for. The Cafe puts alot of laborious effort into preparing the food and it shows in the taste! Check it out! And if you happen to be coming, be sure to drop in down the hall and see us at Inspire Books and Gifts.

A review with a difference....

2008-03-01T01:30:00.005Z

Tony Reinke has posted over at the Sovereign Grace blog on a new album release titled "Atonement". Now the genre isn't really of my taste, as it is rap, but he has posted a track from the album, on the blog, for you to have a listen. Although not my genre, the lyrics were absolutely great! Check it out here. As well as a recommendation there are a few comments that the author felt challenged on regarding the rap artists passion to carry knowledge of truth into work and practice. All in all it's worth a look!

The album is called "Atonement" and the artist is Shai Linne. You can download tracks, or full album, in iTunes.

God of this city...

2008-03-01T01:11:00.003Z

I downloaded a few tracks from the latest Passion album, titled "God of this city". Here are some of the words from the track "Beautiful Jesus", sung by Kristian Stanfill:

"Beautiful Jesus,
Beautiful Saviour,
Nothing is greater,
Brilliant creator,
Friend of mine"

Brilliant! You can preview and download the tracks, or full album in iTunes.

Of course I believe...

2008-02-29T23:15:00.004Z

I was chatting to a guy in the shop today and conversation gravitated towards thoughts he has for a message he is preaching on Sunday. It was in the context of the children of Israel and specifically related to their times of wavering and unbelief. He then turned to me, with total sincerity, and said, "listen it isn't just those guys that had the problem! Peter sank because of unbelief and we can too!" Something to think through, "Peter sank because of unbelief and we can too." Where are your eyes fixed? Are you starting to waver and sink? My hope is built on nothing less than...- what? Replace the dots and be honest.

Why do we preach the gospel?

2008-02-29T00:15:00.004Z

I was preaching, quite recently, on the theme "why do we preach the gospel". Part of the message asked the question "What is the gospel?" from 1 Cor 15v1-4. The second section dealt directly with the question "Why do we preach the gospel?". Here are the ten reasons I gave. They have been challenging me a lot in thinking of how I live with others and communicate the gospel to them, and if I really consider what is at stake or not or if I strive to talk with them about Jesus!

1. Because Jesus commanded us to (Mark 16v15). As it is a command we will give an account as to our response (2 Cor 5v10).

2. Because it's God's chosen means (1 Cor 1v21; Rom 10v14, 17). As it is God's chosen means we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5v11-19).

3. Because it is the only good news (John 14v6).

4. Because God longs for his people to be saved (2 Pet 3v9).

5. Because the judgement and wrath of God will come upon all unbelievers (Zephaniah 1v14-18, John 3v18). Knowing this reality, our response should be to communicate the good news of the gospel (2 Cor 5v11).

6. Because Jesus is coming and after that it will be too late (Matt 24v14).

7. Because the love of Jesus compels us (2 Cor 5v14-15).

8. Because the advantage must be taken now as more difficult days are ahead (2 Tim 4v2-5).

9. Because we represent Christ in His absence (2 Cor 5v20).

10. Because the Lamb is worthy to receive the reward of His sufferings (John 17v1-5).

Confession

2008-02-23T13:21:00.002Z

C. J Mahaney has a great, and very challenging, post on confessing sin. It is an article you must check out.

Read it here.

What Should I Do Next?!

2008-02-22T08:58:00.004Z

Mark Dever has posted a helpful article over at the Together for the Gospel blog. Check the post out here.

Unstoppable...

2008-02-20T22:22:00.003Z

Found this clip ages ago but when I told others to look for it they were unable to find it. So, here it is. It's quite the break from the norm.

How Do You Pronounce That?

2008-02-20T21:40:00.005Z

I was listening to a sermon today by Thabiti Anyabwile, check out his blog here. The sermon was titled, "The Glory of Pervasive Holiness in the Life of a Pastor", you can read, stream, or download the message here. The message, as a whole, was very challenging and I may post more at some stage, realistically maybe not though. Two quotes stood out and brought conviction and challenge. Both things that I knew already but did me well to be reminded of. Here they are:

"judgement begins in the household of God."

"See the exhaustive perfection of God's holy judgement."

The challenge? God's judgement will begin with us, as Christians, and that His judgement will not miss anything about anybody! The reminder that the God of the Bible isn't a passive God who lacks wrath, justice, power or authority. To know this truth should be causing us to live in light of it, knowing that God expects us to live to the fullest for Him and that one day we will be held to account for the life that we have lived. Listen to the message.

Thabiti Anyabwile is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Grand Cayman. Check the site out here.

4O years on...

2008-02-19T09:02:00.003Z

I was talking with a guy yesterday who, in October this year, will have been married for 40 years. He and his wife were both married at age 22. As I am getting married this year I asked what his advice would be as I start out on the road of marriage. His advice was incredibly simple and genuine, as tears welled up in his eyes as he encouraged me to do what he had said. Always tell your wife that you love her and always keep communication open! Be expressive and be approachable! Be affectionate and open! Say you love her and show her you love her by being available and accessible. Don't zone in on TV, or other pursuits, all the time and leave no room for your wife to know, and feel the knowledge, that she is your ultimate pursuit. I was quite challenged by this guy.

He shared with me the story of his daughter who got married, and a week into the marriage had her husband tell her that the romancing was over, it was time to get on with things. He added quickly that the situation had changed, and that they were now in a romance-filled and committed marriage. However, he used that as a springboard into the advice that once you get married the romance doesn't end but simply begins! It is the beginning of making every effort to woo your wife and to surround her with love, encouragement, protection, and everything she may need to be all that she can be for Jesus! It's the beginning of loving her as Christ loved the church. Caring for her needs and desiring her good above your own. There is a big call, and challenge, upon us as men in many areas of life. Especially in marriage. We are called to make sacrifices in almost every sphere of our lives. In marriage, however, the sacrifices are sweet as they are opportunities to show and express your love to your love. I don't think I am an unrealistic guy, making these sacrifices, I know, will not always be easy; sometimes we are going to want to get our own way; sometimes we may not feel like expressing those things, but that is not the point. The point is that we have entered into covenant so we keep on doing those things, and after 40 years my encourager says keep on going; keep telling her you love her; keep talking to her; be accessible for her to talk to you; romance her; and never give up! Good advice I think!

RUN FORREST RUN!

2008-02-19T08:56:00.001Z

Gary Boal has drawn attention, over at his blog, to an article that was posted on The Blazing Centre blog on the topic of exercise. A very challenging read!

Check it out here.

Jerry who...?

2008-02-18T10:52:00.004Z

Anybody a fan of Jerry Bridges? Check out the link below to get some free sermons. Anybody that has never read him definitely should, and it would be beneficial to take some time to listen to a few of the sermon messages.

Check it out here.

Accountability...

2008-02-16T10:03:00.005Z

Andy Naselli has a great post up on the subject of accountability. He has also posted a pdf form of questions that he, and his accountability partners, answer on a regular basis for each others viewing. A very worthwhile read!

Mapping "the Conversation"...

2008-02-16T09:40:00.006Z

Both title and diagrams have been stolen from Justin Taylor. Check out his post here.

Now, I'm not sure why the author (Patton) of the diagrams has placed some people where he has, but I think it is an interesting effort. Any thoughts?

The First Project...

2008-02-16T00:01:00.004Z

The first book that I am going to review is C.J Mahaney's "Christ Our Mediator", a title worthy of being in the "Lifechange Books" series.

Read more here.

The Latest on Albert Mohler...

2008-02-15T22:49:00.005Z

Justin Taylor has linked to a press release, from Southern Baptist Seminary, regarding the health of Albert Mohler. His response, in the press release, is a huge challenge and encouragement. Dr Mohler serves as the president of Southern Baptist Seminary. Check out his site, here, to read, or listen to, some of his insightful analysis and biblical exposition. He has a book coming soon, that has already gone to print, which I know I am greatly looking forward to. Pray for Dr Mohler.

Youth in Ministry...

2008-02-15T12:19:00.008Z

Last night Channel 4 ran a documentary called "Baby Bible Bashers". The programme added a whole new dimension of meaning to the term "youth in ministry". The programme covered, bits and pieces of, the lives, and ministries, of three young people. One was a 7 year old evangelist, another (featured in picture to the left) a 9 year old healer and upcoming "pastor", and, finally, a 12 year old female healer and evangelist. If I am being honest, the majority of the show freaked me right out, though, to be fair, some bits were worse than others.

What was not too freaky? I think the main, if not the only, thing that wasn't too freaky, was the fact that the father of the 7 year old evangelist seemed to be very genuine in his concern for the lost and for his son to develop that same zeal. He was trying, at different points, to warn his son of the dangers of street evangelism while affirming the constant nearness and call of God for evangelism to be carried out regardless of the dangers or problems. However, the fact still remains that the methodolgy employed, and the use of his 7 year old son was quite extreme. Not in that a 7 year old does not have his place in serving Jesus, but preaching is a big call for anyone, never mind a young child, who was basically mocked and jeered on the streets as he spoke out against abortion, evolution and called for the people to repent. It was quite sad at one point as the young boy sat down in tears as his dad was greeted with hostility in his attempts to speak. To know in what sense the methodology was etreme, you would have to have seen his sandwich board and his almost aggressive approach. The message of the Bible, and the gospel, always remain the same as it is unchanging and timeless truth. However, sometimes methodology has to change in an attempt to communicate those essential and fundamental truths to people who take reaction to particular methods. I know that in our culture here, in Northern Ireland, I probably sound like a heretic for saying it but most people will agree?!

What was freaky? The kid in the picture is a 9 year old Benny Hinn wannabe. Waving his tissue around for people to be healed and to fall over as "slain in the Spirit". The kids dad said that in the next three years (by the time he is 12), he will be the pastor of a 30,000 member strong church, in a church building worth millions! They are on a campaign for world domination with autograph signing, t-shirts and a ministry in which the 9 year old is the head director who has his dad amd granny working for him. Questions are: what is he preaching? how is he equipped to lead people? to what level is his personal knowledge of Jesus and the Word? And those are only a limited few. I am confused about the motivation of his parents as they are pushing him on in this venture. Surely there comes a point when the desire to see your child move on in the Lord, and doing things for Him, becomes excessive?

The 12 year old girl that was featured was shocking. She has been preaching since she was 3, and is now preaching to thousands and has been for quite some time. She travels to shanty towns and a particular prison, and other places, in Brazil (I think) and people travel to hear her hoping for an experience through her. In fact one girl said, "I have been searching for a faith for 24 years, and I have now found it in her". She is pipped as a minister of healing and deliverance. One major thing that sickened me was her dad schooling her for her "performance", basically telling her when she should raise her voice and become emotional in her delivery. I was dumbfounded!

A few things have come up today in my thoughts reagrding the programme that I will post on again. Did any of you see the programme? What did you think? Don't be frightened to leave a comment now!!

Update: if you go to www.channel4.com, then follow through to the 4oD(4onDemand) section, you can stream the show on the web.

Have A Look...

2008-02-14T18:12:00.002Z

C.J Mahaney has posted a "critique" of Rob Bell over at his blog. Check out the post here. Whether your views of Bell, or Mahaney, are good or bad, you should check it out and see what you think.

A Blast From The Past...

2008-02-14T16:16:00.005Z

Jonathan Edwards, the 18th century theologian, is renowned, among many, for his commitment to Biblical fidelity, his keen theological insight, his deep love and knowledge of Jesus, and his desire to communicate God's truth to others that they may know and love Him, and live their lives to the fullest for His glory.

Joshua Harris posted the following quote from one of Edwards' books, called "Charity and Its Fruits". I found it quite a challenging quote, in many ways. What are your thoughts?

"Do you think the injuries you have received from your fellow-man are more than you have offered to God? Has your enemy been more base, more unreasonable, more ungrateful, than you have to the High and Holy One? Have his offenses been more heinous or aggravated, or more in number, than yours have been against your Creator, Benefactor, and Redeemer? Have they been more provoking and exasperating than your sinful conduct has been to him who is the author of all our mercies, and to whom you are under the highest obligations?"

For more information on Jonathan Edwards, check out Piper's biographical message on him here.

A Great Resource.

2008-02-12T12:48:00.000Z

Monergism is a website that compiles, in one place and easily navigated website, a vast collection of articles, essays and sermons on a broad spectrum of theological issues. In my opinion, not that it is worth gold or anything, Monergism is a great site. They have featured the launch of a new website called "The Puritan Library". The site is a vast collection of free, downloadable material by numerous Puritan writers.

Check it out here.

Oh dear...!

2008-02-10T01:28:00.001Z

You don't have to think too long, or hard, to figure out, at least some of, the meanings here! Makes me wish I could say that it is only reperesentative of certain groups (i.e. Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka) but I think, if we are honest, most of us are included in the practice at one time or another, or more! How many discussions could we get out of this one?!

A New Project.

2008-02-10T01:26:00.000Z

Some new beginnings here.

The Real John Piper

2008-02-08T16:30:00.000Z

I know what you're thinking... my music taste has changed, I have discovered a deep sense of appreciation and liking of Eminem, and am about to "bust a groove" to the tune "Would the real Slim Shady please stand up", except to the words "would the real John Piper please stand up"? I can happily, and hastily, inform you that I am NOT thinking such thoughts!

So, you might be thinking, what's with the title of the post? Over at the Desiring God blog, Abraham Piper has posted his introduction that he gave to his dad, John Piper, at the very recently concluded Desiring God Pastor's conference. The conference was titled "Pastors as Fathers and Sons", or something close to that anyway. Each year at the conference John Piper gives a biographical message, and this year it was on his father, Bill Piper, who died in March 2007(it was the death of his father that prompted the conference theme). Abraham Piper introduced John Piper before the delivery of that biographical message. You can read Abraham's introduction here.

Why comment on the introduction? Simply this, when I listen to John Piper I tend to be blown away by his love for Jesus, the Bible, people, and, combining those, his passion for people to be living their lives according to the Bible so that Jesus may be glorified in, and through, us and that other people may see, in one of countless ways, that He is glorious, as our joyful obedience points toward His immeasurable worth! Now, let me CLEARLY state, this is not a worship session of John Piper, or an elevation of him to the heights of perfection, not at all! I do remember that Romans 3v23 is in the Bible! However, I have no problem in stating the fact that I have a great respect for the man and have learnt, and continue to learn, much from his teaching and example.

So... the point in the post? The undeniable lesson that it takes much more to define a man than a ministry. Great talent and gifting does not mean great character. Knowing the right things to say does not mean that you strive to be the right person to the right people. It is a confirmation that to learn who I really am, and what I am really like, you do not need to hear me preach, but you do need to talk to Kerry. Now, I hope that I am true and faithful while preaching, or ministering in some way to people, but I can fool people just as well, if not better, than anyone. Now, of course, it is possible to fool Kerry, but much less possible. I like Abraham Piper's introduction because it makes me wonder what Kerry would say about me, or what my kids (if the Lord blesses) will say about me. Will they be able to say that I am there for them, that I love them, that I taught them about grace and justice, that I was faithful to them? Will they be able to say that I made sacrifices for their good and enjoyment? Will they be able to say that I was, and am, concerned for God's glory? Concerned, and interested, in academic development? Will they be able to say, that among many things, "it’s best, for me, at least, that he’s a dad. I admire him." Kerry and I get married this summer and I hope someday she can say those things, apart from being the father to her part obviously. I hope she, and others, can say it, not to make me feel big and proud, but because it means I will have been of benefit to them and that it would be a sign of me striving to be all that I can be as a Christian man, husband and father! O Lord, may it be so!

As a confirmation, the comments on Piper led me to examine and question myself, not compare myself in any way.

A Gem...

2008-01-30T10:10:00.000Z

I was reading the Desiring God blog a couple of days ago and came across a quote, posted by John Piper, from the great theologian-preacher Martin Lloyd-Jones. The quote is powerful and a basic reminder of fundamental fact. Here it is:

"You can be so interested in great theological and intellectual and philosophical problems that you tend to forget that you are going to die."

A Great Post...

2007-12-27T10:13:00.000Z

Tim Challies has a great post, over at his blog, on discipline and habits. It's been especially helpful for me as this time of year always causes a reflection on the year that has past and on what needs to be done as we move into a new year and a new chapter.

Check it out here.

Porn...

2007-11-23T19:01:00.000Z

I think we will all agree that the Church today is totally embarassed and frightened to tackle the issue of porn! The truth is that we can't afford to be! We can't afford to be hiding behind silly excuses or long-standing and unbiblical traditions or using the same old cliches as reasons for not dealing with the issue. Our silence allows the devil to hold his power fully over this issue, allows the power of it to increase in individuals lives as it continues to remain secret, allows for the depression to enter into peoples lives who gennuinely want to get out of the web of addiction but can't do it on their own and can't talk of it because of the taboo nature of it! XXXChurch have been over this week and have brought a bit more attention to the issue, and over the next while I will post more. I hope that now is the time for ALL of us to get involved in seeing the issue tackled, people helped, people restored, people saved, chains broken, families restored, sexual crime fall, reality come back, social integration increase and Jesus glorified as the One who has the power ot make it happen and as the One who has MADE it happen! The nature of pornography is progressive and degenerative (as Ted Bundy admits above), the results of pornography are devastating, and the time to act is now! And we must remember that it affects the person in the pew just as much as the person on the street!

A Gem...

2007-11-18T13:23:00.000Z

"For the sake of the undiminished fullness of the glory of Christ and for the sake of the radical sacrificial love that the world needs from us, I plead for your allegiance to a robust, biblical, historic vision of Christ whose obedience is counted as ours through faith alone."
-John Piper.

A Gem...

2007-11-16T12:17:00.000Z

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
- Apostle Paul

A New Graphic...

2007-11-13T09:27:00.000Z

I was preaching on Sunday night at a youth-type Sunday. I put together a powerpoint for the message and I found this graphic to put in. I like it! I think it starts a job to let your mind and imagination finish. The biblical accounts of the crucifixion, so often, in our own remembrance can be passed over so quickly without considering the implications and pain and punishment of every single bit of what happened to King Jesus. Let's think it all through and praise God that "He made him who knew no sin to become sin for us".

Phil Anderson...

2007-11-12T23:44:00.000Z

When my original good intention came about to keep up with blogging, one of the things that was going to appear on the site was interviews. Basically, asking questions of people who have a heart for Jesus and are trying to live out their lives for Him where He has placed them, with the gifts that He has given them. Here is interview number 1...as the title suggests it is with Phil Anderson.

-So Phil, to most reading this blog, you will be a new face and name, so tell us a bit about yourself.

Anyone who knows me knows I love football and I love Jesus. Both of these were introduced to me at a young age and both have influenced my lifetyle and how I live my life today.

-What do you do with yourself? Do you work or study or…?

I recently graduated from the University of Ulster Coleraine with a degree in Business and Computing. Now I have entered the ' Real World' and work 5 days a week as the Floor Manager In Cafe Vic-Ryn.

-What would your main interests/hobbies be?

Main interests include football, golf, and most recently PS3 nights with the lads on the recently purchased 42 inch plasma, Fantastic.

-O.K, so I'm not jealous at all or guilty of coveting!! Anyway, from what I can gather football is more than an interest? Is that true? Does it take up more time than a “normal” hobby?

O yes this is true. From I was able to walk ive had a ball attached to my feet. Whether it be on my own in the garden or on the pitch on a saturday I always have a ball nearby and can get endless hours of enjoyment. It takes up more time probably than it should and as a Manchester United supporter I enjoy watching football and also playing pro evo football on the PS3 so I guess yes it is more than a hobby.

-I know that you are a Christian. Tell us a bit about how you came to trust in Jesus and what He’s been teaching you, mainly, since then.

I became a Christian at the young age of 3. Its hard to fully comprehend becoming a Christian at the age of 3 but I feel no matter what age you get saved you will still have an eternity of learning and growing as a Christian as you strive to know more about God. Ive never wandered to far from God and this is due to my upbringing and how my parents faithfully sent me to every meeting at the church for my younger years. I never really had a role as a Christian and found it hard to express my faith with others even in church, untill the age of 19 when I was introduced to Ambassadors In Sport.

-In your Christian life, who would you say has been the greatest influence on you and why?

In my Christian life my Mum and Dad have had a great influence on me. By the way they brought me up and by our family prayers and their reading of bible stories from such a young age constantly teaching me and helping me grow as a Christian. More recently outside of my family Robert Cuthbert founder of Ambassadors Football Club in Ireland has inspired me due to his vision's and his endless work's and effort into seeing people come to Christ through the medium of football.

-For you, there has been a combining and meeting of your love for Jesus and your love for football. How did that come around?

In 2005 I had the opportunity of heading with a team from Northern Ireland to Senegal to play football on a missions tour to Senegal. For me originally I hadnt played football in over a year and this was a perfect holiday to play football. Over the build up to the tour and the tour itself God opened my eyes and touched my heart by showing how effective using football to introduce people to Christ could be. During the tour we played matches where up to 1000 people got to hear the Gospel spoke, each player we played against received their own bible and links to churches were made. We also coached kids football clinics where we gave illustrative Gospel sketches to introduce Jesus to the kids.

-What involvement have you had with Ambassadors since your first introduction? Are you still involved now?

Since that tour I have been back to Senegal and Guinee Bissau on another playing tour where we played a Senegalese Premier League side and a Bissau premier league side where government officials and Football Association Officials have been in attendance sitting beside pastors who built links. Ive coached kids in America last summer with Ambassadors soccer camps where we have spoke to and had bible times with kids who don't come from church backrounds. And Also I cuurently play in the Ambassadors Football Club here in Northern Ireland where we make it our aim to ' do football different' which sets us apart from others in the league even though alot of the time it is very diffcult and challenging to do.

-Did your trips away leave a lasting impression on you? If yes, then how so?

My trips away have giving me such a lasting impression. Ive seen God work in my life in ways id never imagined. My trips have given me a platform to share Christ with others but also given me the confidence to talk openly about Christ and what he has done for me. In Senegal I seen God's hand on us during travelling and for the first time I believe I encountered God being real to me and to the team in how he led us and looked after us throughout both our trips.

-Do you have any plans for continuing to use your love of football as a medium to witness for Jesus?

Ambassadors Football Club has only started and there is endless opportunities and endless ways we can use football as a medium to witness for Christ. In July next year 2008 Ambassadors is heading back out to Senegal and I hope to be a part of that team. Then in August next year I aim to take up the Internship with Ambassadors where I will be living in England for 1 - 2 years working in local communities and schools.

-For those of us who know very little about Ambassadors, or even just the opportunities that exist, in the sporting world, to witness and take a stand for Jesus, how would you guide us to, either, be involved or to pray effectively for the work?

Check out the website www.Ambassadorsfc.co.uk or www.aisint.net for more information. It is a worldwide organisation with offices I think in 15 different countries. Ambassadors have various coaching tours, playing tours and do lots of school work, work with local communities and in some countries have started prison outreach all using football as their entry into places where otherwise it would be impossible to go. There is opportunites for anyone interested but also lots of areas where prayer is much needed.

-In conclusion, if there is one burning message on your heart that you want people to know, what is it?

Simply don't waste your God given gifts. If something as simple as a football can help save so many souls then what else can we do. Even if you think your gift is insignificant use it for God and he will show you how great a God he is.

I met Phil a few months ago when I started to work in Vic-Ryn and know, from brief chats, that his passions are indeed football and wanting to know Jesus more. It's encouraging to read that in avenues where very few of us expect God is doing things, He really is doing things! It's been good Phil for you to break down some of the corners of the boxes we place around God. Let's pray for Phil as he walks with Jesus, and for Ambassadors as they reach out for Jesus.

Apologies...

2007-11-12T23:39:00.000Z

So, I guess the regular blogging didn't really happen after all. I got off to quite a good start and then it all went downhill from there. Things got quite hectic with the shop opening etc, but now we have been open a week, I hope I can stay a bit more regular. If you haven't been out to visit us at the shop, then please do. We are delighted to see the shop opened, the vision realised, and people using and being blessed through it. God has blessed us so much in the run up to the opening, and now with the customers... so to God be the glory!

I will post more updates from the last while of blogging silence as time goes by!

A Gem!

2007-10-20T09:39:00.000+01:00

"The resurrection is the Father's "Amen" to the Son's "It is finished"!" - S Lewis Johnson.

The World of Mac!

2007-10-18T01:51:00.000+01:00

Now my Mac is operational again, I feel like I can post this picture! What a loser!

Stand.

2007-10-15T21:26:00.000+01:00

The Desiring God National Conference this year was called STAND. All of the audio and video are available online from the Desiring God website (www.desiringgod.org). Tonight, I got round to start listening to the sessions. I didn't begin with the first, but went to listen to the second which was a question and answer session with John Piper and John Macarthur (2 men who have impacted my life greatly!) It was quite a humorous session in general, but there was so much awesome stuff that came out through their answers; their desires that they had been better dads to their kids and husbands to their wives, the influence of their dads on them, the desire to not give up in ministry, how to keep going through tough times etc. One thing sttod out in particular for me though; John Piper giving one of the reasons for the theme of the conference being STAND, the perseverance of the saints, and the answer came through Piper recounting his own experience of going through a season of depression and being downcast that lasted a couple of years:

"I have spent, goodness knows, how much effort developing a theology of suffering. This conference exists to answer that question. I want to last; I want to stand; I want to get through the discouraging times; I want to help you not be fickle, wishy-washy, drop-out, trade your life away, swap wives, leave jobs, trade churches. I just don't want you to be that way, so I make a conference."- Piper.

I enjoyed this thought, and it energised me. One, to know that other people endure discouraging times, which I seem to be enduring at present. And two, that there is an answer in holding on to our theology of God's sovereignty in the midst of evil and trouble, and that He is still on His throne!

New Contact Details.

2007-10-12T03:35:00.000+01:00

For anyone who has any suggestions to make about the blog, or has any questions about the stuff that is written here, please feel free to contact me at the e-mail address below.

Also, for anyone who has any questions, or suggestions, about or for "Worship 247", then, likewise, contact me at the addres below.

simon@worhip247.org

Thanks.

A Much Needed Letter!

2007-10-10T19:48:00.000+01:00

I love books! I love to sit down with a good book, a good cup of coffee, and read and be taught. I put quite a high value on a good book, especially when it comes to teaching us things about God and the things of God. We have to be so careful because it is so easy for all of us to get things so so wrong, and if we are thinking wrong then we will be living wrong because of it! Everything we read, just like everything we watch and listen to, impacts us for good or for bad. Now all I'm saying here is that we have to take care in choosing what to read and take care when reading it!

Quite a while back I bought a book called "What Love Is This" by Dave Hunt. The content of the book can easily be summed up by the sub-title, "Calvinism's Misrepresentation of God". Now, my purpose in this post is not to argue for or against "Calvinism", it's about the book. Dave Hunt writes from a staunch Anti-Calvinism position, and he does it incredibly badly! The people for whom he speaks, on behalf of, should cringe at how bad the book is written and how poor a job it does in articulating that particular position. The reason why I am writing this post is because, over recent days, it has come up as a book that has helped to shape people's thinking. Now, what I am not doing here is picking at people, or claiming to be the all-knowing one, I just want to sound an alarm that if you want a book to read on this topic, to help explain the positions, then this is not the one- it will mislead all who read it in their understanding of the subject because the simple facts are wrong!

The letter, that the title of this post mentions, is by a man called James White. James White is a well known apologist, who has responded to Dave Hunt's book by an open letter that he sent to the author. I found the letter only today so my thoughts have not been shaped or formed by this man's letter. I do encourage you all to read it though, if you have read Dave Hunt's book or are just interested.

I would recommend James White and Dave Hunt's book "Debating Calvinism". Ultimately though, if you want something to read on the subject, I say read the Bible- go to Romans or Ephesians to begin! I'm not here to sway your views, just to warn you about the errors in the book and, if you do read it, take care!

The letter is here.

Coffee anyone?

2007-10-10T12:02:00.001+01:00

The City Hospital currently have one on order for me, haha! I wish!!

Steve who...?

2007-10-10T00:09:00.000+01:00

To most people, the name Steve Lawson means very little. If we were to ask those of our friends who read alot and listen to alot of sermons, even to them, he is relatively unheard of. I want to publicly say that this is an absolute shame! I have been greatly blessed by the ministry of Steve Lawson. He is one of the most active voices heralding for a return to expository preaching in our pulpits today. Expository wha?- a clear presentation and proclamation of God's Truth, letting the Bible speak for itself! But, not only is he active in heralding for this return, he is also active in this ministry himself. He reads the Word, then explains the Word. He is a man who is absolutely convinced of the authority and power of God's Word, and a man who is set on fire by it! Absolutely awesome stuff!

Why the post? His website has been overhauled and is now online again. This is good news because there are loads of free sermons and articles for us to benefit from. Let me be clear, my promotion of this man is not my Corinthian way of saying ""I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."" (1 Cor 1v12), it is me saying that God has revealed Himself to this man and he has one heck of a burden to proclaim Him. The messages will truly be of benefit, not just because it's Steve Lawson, but solely because he unashamedly preaches the truth and the messages are God-glorifying and Christ-centred, leading us again to where we need to be, at the cross! Enjoy New Reformation Ministries!

A New Effort...

2007-10-08T23:07:00.000+01:00

Well... this blog has existed for some time. I have been so inconsistent with updates due to laziness, lack of discipline and lack of things to say. However, over the last while, I have been enjoying looking through quite a few different blogs and websites, and being taught and refreshed by the things that I have read. So, I thought why not use this blog in an attempt to gather together all of those things for other people to see, and also to introduce some new people to all 4 of you through interviews.

So, from now on, this will be a new sustained effort to accomplish just that. Over the next few days, the page will be updated with all the good links that you will need and the posts beginning to be added.

This venture is not my way of telling the world that I have it all together and that I am the fount of all knowledge. It is my way of saying I have so much to learn, and that God is using so many different sites and teachers to show me,

1. how much I really do still need to learn
2. how great He really is
3. that we should tell of His greatness and His glory and His truth to others so that we can all rejoice in the great and true and gracious God that we have.

So make yourself at home. Please add your comments and discuss what is being put up! Enjoy the journey of learning! If you have any suggestions for interviews or improvements, then please e-mail them to me and I will consider them all! Thanks, and don't be strangers.

We Have To Feel It!

2007-09-27T22:03:00.001+01:00

I was on Youtube tonight looking for the song "By His Wounds" from an album called "Glory Revealed". I came across this video instead. Someone has taken the song and put it to a clip from the film "The Passion of the Christ". I know that there are many problems held in regard to this film, and a number of them I understand and agree with fully. There are also a number of people that have a problem, in general, with there being any cinematic or artistic portrayl of Jesus, and again I see where they are coming from in one sense. However, in this clip, there is a bit of nonsense feartured, although very briefly, so do guard your minds! However, as an illustration, and illustration only, please read on.

The one thing that stands out for me, with this clip, is that we are seeing, to a large extent, what is being sung (the Scripture of Isaiah 53). Now, I don't believe that we need this film to add anything to what the Bible says, or that without the film or the clip our understanding would be deficient as the Bible says it plainly and clearly enough. What I think we all do, however, is block out the true physical and spiritual realities of what Jesus went through, i.e, He was torn apart when whipped and beaten and crucified and that when Jesus went to that cross the wrath of God was poured out in an incomprehensible way, in that "the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him" (Isa 53v5). We, I, talk of being saved and yet in my heart, far too often, there is a lack of horror that my sin would cause the holy Son of God to be punished in my place ("For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."-2 Cor 5v21) and that He did it all willingly ("he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death even death on a cross"-Phil 2v8; "For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord."-John 10v17-18). And because He did all of this, and willingly, that horror should be sweetened by gratefulness and joy, that because of what Jesus has done for me, I can say those words of Isaiah 53, but it should always be with heartfelt thanks for Jesus' sacrifice and not just words that we repeat in a similiar fashion that we carry out normal coversations about the weather or fulfill menial tasks-it should hit us! We should feel this truth in the depths of our hearts! It should cause us to weep, and to be filled with joy, that bitter-sweet reality that, in spite of the wretched state of our own hearts, in our natural state, that we are accepted in the beloved, adopted into God's family, declared righteous in our justification, redeemed, made right with Almighty God and only because of King Jesus.
Again, I don't think we need this clip to show us this. But, for those of us who are expert runners when it comes to pondering the sacrifice of Jesus, it is something that is right before us that will, hopefully, cause us to think about what the Bible says. As a graphic illustration, and illustration only, it may cause us to return to the Bible, to read the truth, and force us then to drop on our knees before Jesus, in awe of the great Saviour that He is! "By his wounds we are healed"! Praise God!

A Sad Report...

2007-09-25T20:53:00.000+01:00

WARNING:LONG POST!!!

27"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment," (Heb 9v27)

This verse from Hebrews 9 has been a dominant and recurring thought in my mind over the last couple of weeks. There are quite a few solid theological reminders contained in this 1 verse. None of us are prone to joy when thinking about death, which is probably a big reason for why we never think about it. That issue should be left for another post as it will cause too much of a digression into why our joy seems to fade when thinking about death and its consequences, being with Jesus! What does this text show us?

1. Death is an appointment: In many of our times of distress, thoughtlessness or ignorance of Truth we have a tendency to fear circumstances, incidents or illnesses. Our thinking goes along the lines of, "these things could kill me, they could take my life". In one sense that is true, but they are means only and not the cause. The Psalmist put it this way-

"Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them." (139v16)

And in the book of Job we read- "And he said, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.""(1v21).

The Bible stresses again and again that God is sovereign, and totally sovereign at that. He reigns over our coming and our going, our life and our death, our waking and our sleeping. We have not and do not determine the time and date of this appointment, God has determined it.

"'In him we live and move and have our being'" (Acts 17v28). All this is quite hard to accept and get our heads around, hence the need for us to not be "conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Rom 12v2). O pray that we may be! Seek that renewal so we can trust in His sovereignty!

2. We are sinners: Where do I get that from? From the very fact that we die! Romans 5v12 says-

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned"

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3v23)

The Bible is clear- we die because we sin!

God appointed the curse of death as a punishment for sin! Now to clarify, I'm not saying that the death of those who die of illnesses or horrible circumstances is a direct consequence for a particular sin but it is a consequence of sin generally and us all being guilty of it.

3. We die once: Two things here; one is that there is no such thing as reincarnation. It is a false idea, an absolutely unbiblical notion. And secondly, there are no second chances. This text says we die and then we are judged. No time to be coming back to do it all again, or making any other sort of restitution!

4. God is just: God is always true to His character and praise Him for that! However, that causes problems for us who are sinners because the attribute that defines all of God's other attributes is His holiness-

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" (Isaiah 6v3). What other attribute of God's is raised to the level of being repeated three times? In the time and culture in which Isaiah wrote, there were no Stabilo highlighters so the way to draw attention and to make your point was by repetion. Isaiah, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, definitely made his point, GOD IS HOLY!

"You who are of purer eyes than to see evil
and cannot look at wrong" (Hab 1v13).

So God judges because He is holy and He cannot look at sin. He cannot fellowsip with us in our sin so judgement has to come! A punishment, just punishment, for our wrongdoing and sin!

5. All this highlights something extraordinary and overwhelming! Not from this verse but the next-

"so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."

Jesus was offered up once (to death, to punishment, to judgement), to bear sin ("of many"-not His own and not all), so that when He comes again He will save! What a message, what a truth!

That "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God [in Him]" (2 Cor 5v21)

"But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all." (Isa 53v5-6)

Jesus paid it all! He has removed our filthy rags and dressed us in His righteousness, and all because He died, and He was raised and has finished the work of salvation ("After making purification for sins He sat down at the right hand of Majesty on high"-Heb 1v3), and He has shown us grace-

"8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Eph 2v8-9)

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 Jn 1v9). Praise God for salvation!

Where has it all come from?

The picture is of a young Adrian Lyttle involved in some redecorating at Orangefield Presbyterian Church. Adrian and I went to and grew up through B.B there together. Since I left the B.B and Orangefield, Adrian and I had no contact. However, a while back, another guy from that B.B told me that Adrian was sick. While away on holiday, a couple of weeks ago, I got word that Adrian had died, at roughly the same age as myself (23). The reason why this verse has been a dominant and recurring thought is because at times like this, things can seem to not make any sense and to be messed up. But then we remember, God is in control, we sin, we die, we face judgement, but then the clinker, we hang on to the hope that on the other side of death, for those who know Jesus, is eternal life and rest and joy in His presence! Adrian knew Jesus and is, at present, consumed in awe! He's more alive now than ever, with the Lamb!
Thank God for the gospel and the assurance of eternity with Jesus because of it, because of His substitutionary death and for His being raised which is proof for our justification:

"That is why his faith was "counted to him as righteousness." 23But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone, 24but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." (Rom 4v22-25)

"Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?"
56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor 15v54-57).

Although we may affirm the truth of the joy following death for the believer, there is a gap left and pain remaining in the life of Adrian's family. It does sting for them, it will hurt badly! This is a prominent stress and tension that exists due to living in the already but not yet period. If you are moved to, please pray for them (his family) and thank Jesus for saving Adrian and giving Him such a life now, even in spite of the horrible period preceeding his entry into the presence of Jesus.

What does Paul go on to say in verse 58 of 1 Corinthians 15? "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." Hold on, press on!

Leadership...?

2007-09-01T10:20:00.000+01:00

While reading through a few blogs, that are linked to Gary's blog, I came across a very helpful post on Gemma Roche's blog. Gemma quoted from a book that she has been reading through called "Doing Things Right In Matters Of The Heart" and added to that quote her own personal commentary, which I encourage all of you to check out as the honesty and genuineness of it has resonated with my own heart. Here's the quote from "Doing Things Right In Matters Of The Heart":

In matters of the heart, it is right that men should lead and women welcome and guide that leadership. She is helpmate (gen2v18). Her goal is to give her man all the help he needs to lead well. His goal is to humbly accept the responsibility and not run from it or wield it like a club.
The guidance that she provides him comes mainly in two forms: in helping him think clearly and encouraging him to act confidently. What comes from this is a shared victory. If it proves a mistake, it is borne together. Either way, what is fostered is true unity of spirit which is the heart of the matter, where the two become one. We have to work at it, but if we do, true unity is fostered and preserved in the complementary exchange of male leadership and female guidance.

Since Kerry and I got engaged, many thoughts and fears of inadequacy and failure on my part have flooded in at times. The fear of failure I mean is the failure to lead well, to live in the model that Christ Himself has displayed for us in His relationship with the church. At times in my own ignorance, and with my lack of understanding, I see the job of leading in a way that is not practical, never mind having to question its biblical roots. Thtat's why this quote is so helpful, and Gemma recounting her own experiences in a different relationship and different position in this "leadership struggle"-it shows the struggle is universal.
We know that what God has told us to do, in all areas and aspects of life and practice, are primarily for His glory but also for our good and benefit. So, when we obey the teaching given on the roles of husband and wife in marriage, Christ is glorified and exalted and seen clearly in the relationship and also the couple live in peace and unity and with a greater and deeper love resulting because we are living according to God's precept for marriage.
Obviously, we would hope, there would be few believers who get married for the sake of it, but because of the love for our future wives/husbands or, as the case is for alot of you, our husbands or wives. For this reason then, and for the glory of the Lord, we need to strive to live in this way. And the above quote helps shape it I think. It is a JOINT effort! The man leads and his wife helps him to see things that he may not already see and to clarify his thoughts and then encourages him to act confidently. Awesome! It's not the rule of the dictator but of the man who loves his wife so intently that he must do what is right firstly, before God, but secondly for his wife's good and pleasure. Obviously, i love Kerry a heck of alot and for that reason want to be a good man, a good husband, a good leader so that she feels safe, loved, respected, honoured and cared for. So, will you pray for me to this end? And if you want this same thought and prayer reciprocated, please leave a comment and I will be sure to remember you as we all strive to live and to love in the way that Christ has shown and commanded.

A Wonderful Discovery...

2007-08-23T15:41:00.000+01:00

For many of you, the 4 people who read the blog (yes it has increased by 1), this may not be a new revelation but please be excited with me anyway. While on a break today I was flicking through the Josh Harris website and discovered that Sovereign Grace Ministries have now made all sermon audio downloads free! That is right... FREE!! Messages by the legendary C.J Mahaney, Joshua Harris, Wayne Grudem and the list goes on! So please do avail yourself of this incredible blessing! O may we be instructed and edified through these messages and Jesus be glorified in the lives of us through the change and transformation effected. Soli Deo Gloria.

It's OFFICIAL!!

2007-07-17T13:42:00.000+01:00

As I am sure you, the three people who read this blog, have already heard... Kerry and I got engaged. On Thursday past (the 12th July) at Crawfordsburn Country Park, I got down on the one knee and asked Kerry would she do me the greatest honour and give me the greatest privilige and pleasure in consenting to be my wife... and she said yes. Any of you who know Kerry will know how blessed and fortunate I am for her to say yes!! We are making arrangements at the minute and although no date has been set we are hoping for the end of August/ start of September 2008. I think I speak for both of us when I say that we are busting for it to come around and that we would value your prayers as we make the plans, and prepare ourselves to live as husband and wife in the model shown to us in the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church.
On this note, I would like to thank any of you reading this who have made a point of making Kerry and I a point of prayer. We have valued it greatly, and may it continue into this new stage of our relationship together.

Congratulations!

2007-07-09T13:51:00.000+01:00

Kerry has graduated! The graduation ceremony was to be on Wednesday 4th July, but as that clashed with Kitchy's (Kerry's brother) wedding, Kerry was unable to attend. So, to mark the occassion, Kerry's proud parents (in the picture) held a "fake graduation" to celebrate her success!
Kerry is probably the most diligent, determined, studious person I know. Kerry Kitchen doesn't believe in doing things with anything less than 100 per cent of effort and application. Kerry's university success, of graduating with a high 2:1 degree, is not based on three years of work in Queens University, but has been the culmination of years of diligent study and application in the area of academics.
So, congratulations Kerry! Let's be sure that we pray that God would guide Kerry very clearly as she navigates her way through this next stage of life! I'm very very proud of you Kerrs!

The Happy Couple!

2007-07-09T12:37:00.000+01:00

I saw Kitchy today! They are back from their honeymoon and David is heading back into work today. He was still wearing a big smile, and very happy to be married! Let's be sure, that as the wedding has passed, that we continue to pray for David and Victoria. That they will continue to grow spiritually, both individually and collectively; that they will grow in love for one another and that the fires of romance will burn stronger as the days and years pass! They are well suited, and the wedding day was such a joy, now on to the marriage! God bless you both, Kitchy and Victoria!!

New Beginnings...

2007-07-08T13:54:00.000+01:00

As from the 31st of July, I will no longer be an employee of the Faith Mission bookshop. My employment is moving closer to my new home here in Lisburn. As of the 1st of August, I become an employee of the House of Vic Ryn, which can be found in Lissue Industrial Estate on the Moira Road. Let me explin why this is such a big deal for many people.

The House of Vic Ryn is a very unique business centre. The website makes it clear that they do not exist to simply provide a service, or simply to make money for the sake of making money, but they are a business with an incredible, God centred and God glorifying vision. Yes, The House of Vic Ryn exists to provide a service, to run business in a proper way but the passion and vision that fuels everything that they do is a deep-seated desire to give help to those who have committed their lives to helping others, and to see the gospel spread and people won to the Lord.

The big deal about me having a new job is not that I have got a new job, although that is big to me. The big deal is what the job means and provides. The next stage of the Vic Ryn vision is the opening of a Christian bookshop in their centre. It is an incredibly exciting veture for two reasons:

1. The service that will be provided

2. The place it will have in the larger Vic Ryn vision.

The Service:
Most of us will agree that the vision of a bible-based ministry is to see people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and for people to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and all to the glory of God. The new bookshop holds this as a major facet of its vision in its immediate context. The location of the bookshop opens it up to reaching people that a normal Christian bookshop can't. Being in the middle of a soon to be retail centre, with already existing businesses in place, the possibility of attracting the passing, non-Christian market gives the exciting prospect of getting good, sound and solid Christian literature, and mainly/especially the Word of God, into peoples hands with the earnest hope and prayer that with the reading of the material, God would move in peoples lives, giving them eyes to see and savour the beauty of Christ and for them to shun sin and hell and cling to Jesus for everything. I think you will agree, a mighty opportunity.
Secondly, to see people grow in their knowledge of Jesus and to be built up in their most holy faith. We get a glimpse of the heart of Jesus when He prays in John 17. We are very priviliged to get an opportunity to hear of such a conversation between the Christ and His Father. We catch a glimpse of the things that are most important to Jesus in those moments, and some of those things that concern us. I am specifically referring to Jesus' request in verse 17 of the chapter when Jesus prays "Sanctify them[b] in the truth; your word is truth."
Clearly, the desire of Jesus is that we become more like Him. We are also told that the way in which that takes place is by "the truth", the Word of God. So, the Word of God is of vital and primary importance. The bookshop will exist to get the Word of God into people's hands, and books that explain the Word and stay true and faithful to it. Many shops have no problem in selling overtly heretical books, this shop will strive to stock only those books that stay frimly true to the fundamental tenets of Christianity. Part of the service of the shop will be to cater for the needs of varying denominational beliefs etc, but there will be NO compromise on those beliefs that are fundamental to Christianity or those things that are just plain wrong!

The Larger Vic Ryn Vision:
Basically, whatever you buy in this shop, the profit will also be a part in accomplishing the larger Vic Ryn vision which is to give help and support to missionary and charitable causes. When you shop with us, you won't be making me rich, or making the directors of the firm rich, but will be helping to fund incredible causes and be a part of the gospel being spread across the world. I think this is an incredible vision that enables us who buy items from the shop, or any of the other businesses, be a part of a global mission and all we do is simply buy the same things but just from a different shop! I will post again soon and let you know what the money so far is accomplishing. It will blow your mind!

Your Part:
Come and use us when we open! There is already a cafe, furniture showroom, bathroom showroom and plumbing merchants that you can use, and the money goes to the same use. In terms of the bookshop, benefit from the resources and materials in the shop, knowing that, not only do you benefit, but many people will benefit from your purchase. The proposed opening date is October 1st, I will keep you up to date.

Amazing!!

2007-06-12T19:30:00.000+01:00

Found this video while blog surfing! You won't believe it!!

Piper On The Prosperity Gospel

2007-06-10T16:14:00.001+01:00

This clip was posted on the Desiring God Blog and I highly reccomend all to listen. I have been convinced more and more lately that our passion and determination to fight for the purity and clarity of the gospel of Christ needs to be increasing and burning stronger but is rather in a state of waning as we compromise truth and lay it on the altar as a sacrifice for the sake of so called popularity and relevance! It's not exactly a great insight or discovery on my part, but the clear declaration of Scripture that there is one truth and it is to be defended and declared with hearts full of burning zeal, with no compromise!

3Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude v3-4)

6I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- 7not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. (Gal 1v 6-9)

We are not in the first time in history in which error has enetered into the church! However we do seem to be in a time where the church, generally speaking, is losing its determination and passion to contend and fight firmly for the truth for the glory of Christ, as many people seem to be happily swallowed up in man-centred thinking or easily deceived by the smooth talking promises of many of todays prominent and popular teachers. We have no choice but must fight for the glory of Christ, for in the gospel He is seen as the founder and perfecter of our faith and as the all-sufficient and all-satisfying treasure and gift of the gospel! Let's develop this passionate love for the truth and "hatred" for error!

A Long Time In Coming...

2007-05-08T23:05:00.000+01:00

Well, I wish I could say that my return to the blogsphere is an occasion for joy and adulation but it is not the case. A while ago, our dear brother Gary posted about Piper's article on abortion. I think many will agree that it was an article that proved heart rending for many of us as we read of a particular procedure that had been carried out. Tonight I was working my way through the archives of Justin Taylor's blog and found the following video. I watched it, along with two dear brothers, and we all were given much to contemplate and hopefully much to fight for! Watch it! Then pray! I think another post on the topic will probably come, but not now. Not after the video. The reality is devastating!

Currently...

2007-01-20T23:57:00.000Z

In the last couple of days I have started to read "Courageous Leadership" by Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Church in Chicago. I know that a lot of people hold a lot of views about the man that would not be favourable. If I am being honest, I too probably would have been skeptical. (And probably based on fear, speculation, and hearsay). Now, I am not saying I am his biggest fan, or that the whole book is amazing (because I haven't finished yet), but what I am saying is that already he has provided a lot of food for thought.

In chapter 1 of the book, he paints an incredible picture of what the church should be and should look like if it was functioning correctly, as church was done in the book of Acts. There is one quote I would like to leave with you, and, for me, if this is all that is in the book it has been more than worth it. Get your minds working on this one...

"People supernaturally gifted to lead must yield themselves fully to God. They must cast powerful, biblical, God-honouring visions. They must build effective, loving, clearly focused teams. They must fire up Christ followers to give their absolute best for God. And they must insist with pit bull determination that the gospel be preached, the lost be found, the believers be equipped, the poor be served, the lonely be enfolded into community, and God gets the credit for all".

Let's think over that one and see how we are measuring up!!

Sorry... who?!

2007-01-20T00:52:00.000Z

So... does anyone recognise the guy in the picture? Any takers... no? To be honest, I would not have known either until tonight. Tonight was the 50th Anniversary Celebration Service for the Campaigners movement in Northern Ireland. Campaigners is a uniformed youth organisation that had its beginnings in 1922 in the mainland UK and in 1957 it was introduced to Northern Ireland by Mr J. B McClelland (the man in the picture) as the first boy Campaigner clan.

To be honest I went tonight, basically, because I was asked. I had no idea of what was going to happen or of what to expect. This year is only my 2nd year of being involved with Campaigners so I knew very little of the history and had little to none (basically none!!) of a sentimental or an emotional attachment to it or memories of it in my own childhood. However, I think tonight may have changed that and the man in the picture has a big part to play in it for 2 reasons:

Vision
Humility and God-Centredness

VISION...

This man saw a need and had a passion to see it filled! A member of the Ulster Temple, Mr McClelland realised that young people that were attending his church for other youth events and clubs were going to other churches for the uniformed organisations and eventually staying there. That, and I'm sure other reasons, spurred him to seek a solution of beginning a uniformed organisation. In his search, Mr McClelland became impressed with the Campaigner movement because of its firmly evangelical foundation and its goal: "The Campaigner Movement is neither military nor political. It seeks by means of its various activities to develop a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and to bear witness to the need for Christian thoroughness in all the relationships of life; thus the Motto 'UNTO HIM' and the Password 'THROUGH AND THROUGH'" (from http://www.untohim.co.uk/history.htm). So... Campaigners in NI was underway in 1957.

Mr McClelland, however, did not stop there and rest when a Clan was established in his own church. Other churches saw a need in their own situation and became interested in Campaigners and as a result of that interest Campaigners began to spread. Mr McClelland continued to pioneer the work of Campaigners here and in 30 years introduced it to around 60 different churches...and the work still continues today.

I wonder if we could even begin to imagine the amount of young people whose lives have been radically transformed because this man saw a need, had a vision, trusted God and went after it?! Campaigners is not confined to the history books of Nothern Ireland's day of the "has-been", it is alive and kicking today, albeit in a different approach but with the same goal- to see young people won to the Lord.

HUMILITY AND GOD-CENTREDNESS

Listen to this!! Mr McClelland was at the service tonight and the new Regional director (Chief) made a presentation and awarded him with a certificate to mark his faithful service to the Movement. This man rose to accept his certificate and was met with ground-shaking clapping and a standing ovation (was actually quite moving!) He then got the microphone...now listen, here's the clincher...! Through tears, he said "Do not give me the glory! Give Him the glory! It's because of Him... To God be the glory great things He hath done" and he then proceeded to offer thanks to those who helped and gave themselves in doing what he called "his part" which was "simply doing what [he] felt the Lord would have [him] to do". In this man's mind it was all because of Jesus, and he is right but I was overwhelmed with the man's sense of humility as he genuinely acknowledged that it was of the Lord, from the Lord and for the Lord. He has left an impression...

WHAT IS THAT IMPRESSION?

Start to dream... seek the Lord for vision... when seeing a need consider what the Lord might have for us to do... be God-besotted, Christ-centred, God-honouring, Christ-exalting people...commit ourelves to working with young people and having a vision for their lives, a burden to see them saved and a perseverance that will never let go of them!! Quite a few thoughts I'm left to ponder. What about you?

Can we have a drum roll please...

2007-01-19T01:53:00.000Z

So, it has been quite a long time since a post has been added to the site. I don't know what has got me thinking about posting again, but I have. However, I have to admit to a bit of confusion over the blogs: what are they for? I know they are for posting anything you want, but about what actually? The ones I read are mainly thoughts on the Word or current happenings or changes etc, but they are written by popular, respected men who have the influence to have such a following and interest in their writing! I think there is definitely a benefit in the Blogworld for us commoners and I think we should maximise that! Now in my mind this is actually quite a practical thing and not just stupid questions, let me explain:

1. I have seen certain blogs in which individuals give us every miniscule detail of their days, sparing only the information as to whether they scrunched or folded the paper on their 2nd poo-dropping session that lasted 20mins in which they listened to 5 songs and solved the problems of the universe. Works for them but bores me!

2. I have seen other certain blogs that consist of so much(eqivalent of Calvin's Institutes per blog), and so frequent (5 times a day), profound spiritual material (often high-brow, ivory tower type stuff) that the writers are either a combination of the Apostle Paul, Augustine, Calvin, Luther and Piper rolled into one body, or there are certain people guilty of astronomical levels of plagiarism! Works for some but scares me!

3. The other option is that I am in fits of jealousy because I can't solve the world's problems on the toilet, am embarrassed to disclose my paper-handling techniques, and do not have anything of any benefit or encouragement or purpose to add on spiritual matters-at times maybe a credible option.

WHAT'S MY POINT?

In trying to figure out what is appropriate to share etc, which is a big deal because otherwise I won't write, a friend's words came to me again. Gary Boal, whose blog is linked here, originally sent out an e-mail asking people to jump on the Blog bandwagon, but he did so with a purpose. If I can remember rightly it was to have a presence for Jesus on the net, and to be of encouragement to one another, and in ways to establish an online community to enable more frequent contact and involvement in other people's lives. (Correct me if I'm wrong Gary!) That has helped clarify, for me, what I should do. I should write about Jesus and His great worth and immeasurable glory so His name may be seen and known on Blogworld; encourage the fellow blogging saints, either directly, or through what God is teaching and showing me in various ways, or what God is doing in me and with me; and then give details of everyday life so people who read can keep in contact and up-to-date with me and to enable us to share all of or lives with one another!

RANDOM?

To most, this blog will be stupid but to me it was a source of stress! Mainly because I do not want to waste precious time writng something that is of no benefit at all and of course I got worried that people might have to be tolde my toilet manner!! Listen, that is a private thing!

P.S

The blogs spoken of above do not belong to any friend or person with whom I currently have a connection! This is my disclaimer, I'm not dropping hints!!!

Whare are we heading?! Should we be?

2006-10-28T01:08:00.000+01:00

So... these last few weeks, well months, have been...interesting? In alot of my studying I have returned to focus on the basics of the cross, salvation, our justification and all topics and doctrines that are associated. This has been due to a strong sense of my own total unworthiness in relation to the absolute worthiness of Jesus and His holiness and the need to focus on Him and what He has done. It has been an attempt to break away from my very common and regular tendency to slip into a mode of "earning my way" with God, among many other reasons.
It has been both an encouraging time and a frustrating time. Encouraging because I have been reminded that all that does matter and is important is the work of Christ on that cross and not His work supplemented by my effort. The most powerful reminder has come from the book of Romans in chapter 3. From chapter 1 verse 18 to chapter 3 verse 20, Paul outlines and, in thorough detail, sets before us God's indictment of the human race because of our sinfulness and rebellion against God. And this indictment is a universal condemnation as we see in chapter 3 verse 23 when he says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (ESV). Then he moves into verse 21, following his summary in verse 20 ("For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his [God's] sight"), with the words "But now"- I love this transition because we know that something great and good is coming! "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law...the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe". Nothing can be more encouraging- the righteousness of God apart from the law (we can't keep the law Rom 3v10-18), available through Christ (meeting the demands of God's holy justice) and accepted by faith! We can be free and it is not dependent on us! "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed...There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"- John 8v36, Romans 8v1.
Now after reading such glorious truth, you might be wondering how I meant it has been frustrating? The more I have lifted my eyes off myself and my own accomplishments and achievements and focused on Christ and His complete and perfect work, the more I have seen my own sin and failure. The more liberation I feel and know from the need to "earn my way" and just to long to live to say thank-you and please Jesus, the more evil I see in me. In some way, I guess, it is an echo with Paul when he says "So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand" (Romans 7v21). Jerry Bridges, in his book "The Pursuit of Holiness", said in relation to Romans 6v6-7 "Many Christians have a basic desire to live a holy life, but have come to believe they simply cannot do it...The promise of Romans 6v6-7 seems impossibly beyond them. The strong commands of Scripture to live a consistently holy life only frustrate them...In our search for answers to our sin problems, a troublesome question arises: 'What should I look to God for and what am I responsible for myself'". Now, I understand that our frustrations and struggles and temptations come at different and varying levels and degrees, but what do you think is the answer to Bridges' "troublesome question"? What do you think Paul's answer and response was to that same "troublesome question"?