Conversation with Kevin Twit of Indelible Grace on Retuned Hymns

Here is a video of an interview with Kevin Twit of Indelible Grace, about "retuning" hymns.  Especially if you have an interest in hymns, and in not having hymns be lost to the next generation, this is a worthwhile watch.

The Book of Revelation

We are beginning a study on Revelation in our adult Sunday School in March.  In preparing for that, I found this very insightful introductory comment on Revelation (in a "Shorter Commentary" on Revelation by Greg Beale and David Campbell, p. 1):
"One of the great tragedies in the church in our day is how Revelation has been so narrowly and incorrectly interpreted with an obsessive focus on the future end time, with the result that we have missed the fact that it contains many profound truths and encouragements concerning Christian life and discipleship.  The prophetic visions of Revelation can easily disguise the point hat it was written as a letter to churches, and a letter which is pastoral in nature.  The goal of Revelation is to bring encouragement to believers of all ages that God is working out his purposes even in the midst of tragedy, suffering, and apparent Satanic domination.  It is the Bible's battle cry of victory, for in it, more than anywhere else in the NT, is revealed the final victory of God over all the forces of evil.  As such, it is an encouragement to God's people to persevere in the assurance that their final reward is certain and to worship and glorify God despite trials and despite temptations to march to the world's drumbeat."
This certainly whets my appetite for Revelation, and I hope it does yours as well!

Clarity on Homosexuality

Kevin DeYoung has written an excellent summary (and refutation) of sophisticated-sounding arguments in favor of the acceptance of homosexuality by the church and by Christians.  It is titled, "Not that Kind of Homosexuality" (click on the link to read it).
As this is ever more present in our culture; and as Christians are called to preach Christ to all (notice, we are nowhere called to "change" homosexuals, or push them back onto the closet, or any such thing; but to point them to Christ, who alone can redeem them and reconcile them to God); it seems to me that clarity is an essential part of our thinking about this.
DeYoung shows that to give moral affirmation to homosexuality is to say that biblical teaching is wrong; and that many (non-Christian) pro-homosexual writers agree. That is an important point.
Of course, there are a lot of people who, by their behavior, show that they think the Bible is wrong. Christians, myself included, all too often show by our sinful actions that we think, at least in the moment of disobeying it, that the Bible is wrong.  When I burst out in sinful anger, or covet what I don't have, to give only two examples, I am saying, "God says that if I do not do these things, I will be better off.  I differ with God on that point at this moment; I think I am better off for coveting, exploding in anger, etc."
Still, clarity on that point with regard to homosexual behavior is an important thing.  We do not (or ought not) despise another for disagreeing with God about something. For we know the only remedy is a work of God's Spirit in the human heart that comes through the gospel (Romans 10:9-17 comes to mind).
So the next time someone tries to tell you that the Bible really does not condemn homosexuality as practiced today, plead for clarity.  And plead for clarity in love (see 1 Peter 3:15-17), and take your licks for being "intolerant" with grace.  It's not about you; it is about the gospel.

What Can We Do about Events in Ferguson, MO?

This morning I received something from Ken Sande's blog.  (Ken Sande is the author of The Peacemaker, and is now focusing on the connection between the gospel and emotional intelligence)  This week he wrote a post on Ferguson, MO, the place where racial tensions have again escalated following the grand jury's decision not to press charges against the white police officer who shot an 18-year-old black youth in a police action.  I encourage you to read it.
Now I have prayed about this privately, but I did not pray about it in the pastoral prayer on Sunday.  As I read a letter Sande quotes from a 35-year-old black woman, I am convicted.  In my life I think I am fairly isolated from racial tensions; but then again, perhaps they are all around me, and I am just oblivious.  If you find the same is true for you, read Sande's blog post.  Even if you aren't isolated from that--read his blog post.  And let me know what else you have seen that addresses these matters well.

What Led You to Become an Atheist? Some Surprises...

Here is a blog page that you will be interested in reading.  It is David Murray summarizing an article in The Atlantic.  i am tempted to cut and paste it below, but don't know if that is proper, so I'll just give you the link and you can see it for yourself:

http://headhearthand.org/blog/2014/10/28/what-led-you-to-become-an-atheist-some-surprising-answers

Christian Arbitration Positively Portrayed on CBS' "The Good Wife"

Here is something different: on a recent episode of "The Good Wife" there was a very positive portrayal of two Christian neighbors resolving a conflict outside the courtroom, through the church.  You can see the full episode here, Hat tip: Ken Sande's blog, where he also adds his remarks, under the heading, "Befuddled Lawyers and Sensible Christians."  It really is true in that episode that the lawyers are portrayed as befuddled, while the process by which two men come to agree on a resolution for their conflict is very sensible.  (Warning: this is prime time network television, so in the beginning there are short flashbacks to adulterous scenes)

Prayer

I hasten toward an hour when earthly pursuits and possessions will appear vain,
    when it will be indifferent whether I have been rich or poor,
    successful or disappointed,
    admired or despised.
But it will be of eternal moment that I have mourned for sin,
    hungered and thirsted after righteousness,
    loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity,
    gloried in his cross.
May these objects engross my chief solicitude!

Sobering Words from Psalm 49

Psalm 49:16-20:
Be not afraid when a man becomes rich,
     when the glory of his house increases.
For when he dies he will carry nothing away;
     his glory will not go down after him.
For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed
     —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—
his soul will go to the generation of his fathers,
     who will never again see light.
Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.