Another Movie On My 2012 List

So far this year has been very mediocre when it comes to movie releases . So far the only movie I have seen has been Thor and it was very good. Next year I'm already excited about the first installment of the Hobbit. This trailer from Pixar studios ,who have an excellent record , really got my bagpipes going . It looks great and who doesn't love a Scottish accent . Can't wait to see a full length one.

Just A Thought

If we are too attached to this world , then we will never be satisfied with the call to pick up our cross and follow Jesus daily.

Standing Our Ground

The Christian faith has always faced points in history where it has had to endure attacks and challenges from within and from without. All the early creeds and confessions we have stem from the debates and conflicts that arose . From the deity of Christ,the Trinity, the canon of scripture to the confessions of faith that came into being because of the reformation , the faith has endured and become stronger . The challenges give opportunities to reveal the truth of scripture and expose those who are hold heresy or will accommodate to the world .

As we enter the 21st century there are many points of contention but two seem to have become the prominent . The first being the gaining acceptance of homosexuality within denominations and a drift that has happened even within so called younger evangelicals. Lets face the fact , to stand on the God's word concerning the truth that gay marriage is not marriage and that the only God ordained sexuality that is holy and sacred is between a man and woman within the covenant of marriage.To call the gay community to repentance and sharing the gospel will only become more offensive and controversial in years to come as the secular world embraces this open affront to a holy God. Many will try I'm sure to accommodate the message of the gospel and God's word to look progressive and not "bigoted".

The second point will be the historical persons of Adam and Eve . Within certain circles there has been a movement to downplay the reliability of the first 3 chapters of Genesis and turn it into a "true" myth or an allegory that is more poetry and should not be considered historical in any real sense. Trying to bridge the gap that they believe between science and the Bible , they want to remove a real Adam and Eve , the garden and even the way we understand the narrative of the serpent (Satan) tempting eve and the entrance of sin into the world. Embracing theistic evolution to try and fit into the world of study they move.

But the thing is , if God created the universe by His word and power , caused all things to occur , upholds all things still , then that is creation even if you hold to a long period of time . It is impossible to reconcile this view with the Bible for it speaks of God actively creating, sustaining and caring for the whole universe. This is in line more with a deist view , that holds God just set things in motion but played no active role,not the Christian God.

As to Adam and Eve , no matter how one views the issue of time before their appearance , the narrative is impossible to read without doing some strange linguistic gymnastics to make it say other than they were real flesh and blood people. The other problem is what do you do with the rest of the Bible when it refers to them as real people. Paul clearly teaches that the sin of one man , Adam caused the whole creation to fall into sin . what of the lineages that trace Jesus line back to Adam , making Him the second Adam. Then how do you get around the fact Jesus held to the truth of Genesis completely . The impact will be a drift to a faith that will no longer have any bearing with the 2000 years that went before it.

Science has become the new gospel and the scientist the new apostles.However in my life span of 47 years I have seen theories come and go . Nothing I have read has diminished my trust in God's word.

So may we stand firm and know that the truth of God's word has nothing to fear concerning honest examination. It may cost us status and even life one day but may we look to the past heroes of the faith that stood what seemed at times , against a whole world.

Verse Of The Day  :    [13] Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
(1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)

Sad To Hear

I have always had a soft spot for Glen Campbell . He is an amazing guitarist and a great vocalist. His hits are many and even though he has had a wild and crazy life , he in the last years seems to have a real faith in Jesus Christ. I still recall watching his variety show between 1969 and 72.

So it was sad to read that he has early onset Alzheimer's disease. It is a devastating disease and one that truly takes a toll on those that love someone suffering from it. This side of heaven is never an easy road , suffering seems to be a road constantly near our door. But in the suffering comes opportunities to love and serve those afflicted. My prayers are with all who have this disease and Mr.Campbell. Oh do we long for that day when the effects of the sin will be done away with and all things are made new . 

Quote Sunday

Our justification means not only that our sins are forgiven and that we have been declared to be righteous by God Himself, not merely that we were righteous at the moment when we believed, but permanently righteous. For justification means this also, that we are given by God the positive righteousness of His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.    Martyn  Lloyd-Jones

   

May This Be Our Anthem To Worship This Sunday

Catechism Friday

Heidelberg Catechism (1576 A.D.)

116. Q. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

A. Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which God requires of us.[1] Moreover, God will give His grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them.[2]

[1] Ps. 50:14, 15; 116:12-19; I Thess. 5:16-18. [2] Matt. 7:7, 8; Luke 11:9-13.

117. Q. What belongs to a prayer which pleases God and is heard by Him?

A. First, we must from the heart call upon the one true God only, who has revealed Himself in His Word, for all that He has commanded us to pray.[1] Second, we must thoroughly know our need and misery, so that we may humble ourselves before God.[2] Third, we must rest on this firm foundation that, although we do not deserve it, God will certainly hear our prayer for the sake of Christ our Lord, as He has promised us in His Word.[3]

[1] Ps. 145:18-20; John 4:22-24; Rom. 8:26, 27; James 1:5; I John 5:14, 15; Rev. 19:10. [2] II Chron. 7:14; 20:12;Ps. 2:11; 34:18; 62:8; Is. 66:2; Rev. 4. [3] Dan. 9:17-19; Matt. 7:8; John 14:13, 14; 16:23; Rom. 10:13; James 1:6.

118. Q. What has God commanded us to ask of Him?

A. All the things we need for body and soul,[1] as included in the prayer which Christ our Lord Himself taught us.

[1] Matt. 6:33; James 1:17.

119. Q. What is the Lord's prayer?

A. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.  For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.[1]

[1] Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4.

Why Do I Blog ?

As I sit here and type , I sometimes wonder why I should continue to write this blog. But then as I step back and reflect , I realize if I don't write down my thoughts and share , I think my mind would implode. Anyone who has ever known me for any length of time , know my opinions are strong and when I'm convinced of my position, I will not give no quarter. Although I have grown in grace thankfully when encountering others who disagree.

Plus its an exercise in reaching out to others and sharing my life,my thoughts and things that make me tick and in doing so , hopefully helping others and myself . So I truly hope what I have written and will write , will help others in their pilgrimage on this earth as a Christian . We all need each other in this fallen ,broken world .May we stand for truth, encourage one another and proclaim the truth of the gospel and not flinch. 

Going ,Going ,Gone

In a recent article the closing of local Churches that go back over 100 year was highlighted. This has to be seen as truly tragic and a sign of the changing reality. In my time I have witnessed the decline of the Churches importance in local life to being a museum of what people did back in the day. Now many small rural Churches are either dying off , or used as a burial and maybe marrying sites.But as far as a vibrant worshiping Church , many have barely enough people to even keep them open.

Now we are seeing more and more close their doors . Going back only a little over 20 years ,the field which my Father-in-law ministered has closed 2 churches. There are many others that have shut their doors . The reasons are many and in some cases , population changes played a real part and the ever increasing secular world that sees faith as a waste of time and dumb,all contributed to the decline.However ultimately its God who has removed His blessing for He is sovereign .

If one looks statistically at the Churches that are growing and at the very least healthy are the ones who still preach the word of God .They proclaim the cross of Christ, the exclusivity of the Christian faith , believe that the Bible is the word of God , hold to the great doctrines of the faith. They preach the horrible realities of sin and hell    hand and hand with the love of God found in Jesus Christ and Him alone. Why should God bless His Church when it no longer is a true Church.

If one looks at the denominations that are shrinking rapidly, including the ones that were mentioned in the paper , all have drifted and embraced  open sin . From a denial of God's teaching on womens roles ,to acceptance of homosexuality , rejecting large portions of the Bible etc.. these Churches by their closures and decline ,show a judgement of God. In Revelation 2 Jesus pronounces that He would remove the lamp stand of the Church if it no longer was a valid Church. So it is a clear removing of God's blessing.

Granted at times a Church needs to be pruned and if certain members leave because the gospel is being preached clearly , then that can be a healthy long term thing. But sadly , the very thing that is needed ,repentance and a return to the Lord has not happened and the doors have closed .

But no matter what happens may we take heart with these words from our Lord ,  [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.(Matthew 16:18 ESV)  Amen.

Have a Laugh

Peter Sellers was a comic genius in this role . Great laughs. Still recall my cousin Greg and myself watching one the movies and laughing so hard at some of the scenes , our stomachs hurt. Classic movies.

Quote Sunday

"They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses?"  Martin Luther 

Catechism Friday

Heidelberg Catechism (1576 A.D.)

106. Q. But does this commandment speak only of killing?

A. By forbidding murder God teaches us that He hates the root of murder, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge,[1] and that He regards all these as murder.[2]

[1] Prov. 14:30; Rom. 1:29; 12:19; Gal. 5:19-21; James 1:20; I John 2:9-11. [2] I John 3:15.

107. Q. Is it enough, then, that we do not kill our neighbour in any such way?

A. No. When God condemns envy, hatred, and anger, He commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves,[1] to show patience, peace, gentleness, mercy, and friendliness toward him,[2] to protect him from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.[3]

[1] Matt. 7:12; 22:39; Rom. 12:10. [2] Matt. 5:5; Luke 6:36; Rom. 12:10, 18; Gal. 6:1, 2; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; I Pet. 3:8. [3] Ex. 23:4, 5; Matt. 5:44, 45; Rom. 12:20.

108. Q. What does the seventh commandment teach us?

A. That all unchastity is cursed by God.[1] We must therefore detest it from the heart[2] and live chaste and disciplined lives, both within and outside of holy marriage.[3]

[1] Lev. 18:30; Eph. 5:3-5. [2] Jude 22, 23. [3] I Cor. 7:1-9; I Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 13:4.

109. Q. Does God in this commandment forbid nothing more than adultery and similar shameful sins?

A. Since we, body and soul, are temples of the Holy Spirit, it is God's will that we keep ourselves pure and holy.  Therefore He forbids all unchaste acts, gestures, words, thoughts, desires,[1] and whatever may entice us to unchastity.[2]

[1] Matt. 5:27-29; I Cor. 6:18-20; Eph. 5:3, 4. [2] I Cor. 15:33; Eph. 5:18.

110. Q. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

A. God forbids not only outright theft and robbery[1] but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, deceptive merchandising, counterfeit money, and usury;[2] we must not defraud our neighbour in any way, whether by force or by show of right.[3] In addition God forbids all greed[4] and all abuse or squandering of His gifts.[5]

[1] Ex. 22:1; I Cor. 5:9, 10; 6:9, 10. [2] Deut. 25:13-16; Ps. 15:5; Prov. 11:1; 12:22; Ezek. 45:9-12; Luke 6:35. [3]Mic. 6:9-11; Luke 3:14; James 5:1-6. [4] Luke 12:15; Eph. 5:5. [5] Prov. 21:20; 23:20, 21; Luke 16:10-13.

111. Q. What does God require of you in this commandment?

A. I must promote my neighbour's good wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to deal with me, and work faithfully so that I may be able to give to those in need.[1]

[1] Is. 58:5-10; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:9, 10; Eph. 4:28.

112. Q. What is required in the ninth commandment?

A. I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard.[1] Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil's own works, under penalty of God's heavy wrath.[2] In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth,[3] speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbour's honour and reputation.[4]

[1] Ps. 15; Prov. 19:5, 9; 21:28; Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37; Rom. 1:28-32. [2] Lev. 19:11, 12; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8. [3] I Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25. [4] I Pet. 3:8, 9; 4:8.

113. Q. What does the tenth commandment require of us?

A. That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of God's commandments should ever arise in our heart.  Rather, we should always hate all sin with all our heart, and delight in all righteousness.[1]

[1] Ps. 19:7-14; 139:23, 24; Rom. 7:7, 8.

114. Q. But can those converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?

A. No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience.[1] Nevertheless, with earnest purpose they do begin to live not only according to some but to all the commandments of God.[2]

[1] Eccles. 7:20; Rom. 7:14, 15; I Cor. 13:9; I John 1:8. [2] Ps. 1:1, 2; Rom. 7:22-25; Phil. 3:12-16.

115. Q. If in this life no one can keep the ten commandments perfectly, why does God have them preached so strictly?

A. First, that throughout our life we may more and more become aware of our sinful nature, and therefore seek more eagerly the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ.[1] Second, that we may be zealous for good deeds and constantly pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that He may more and more renew us after God's image, until after this life we reach the goal of perfection.[2]

[1] Ps. 32:5; Rom. 3:19-26; 7:7, 24, 25; I John 1:9. [2] I Cor. 9:24; Phil. 3:12-14; I John 3:1-3.

Few Thoughts On a Championship

I have written before about my love of hockey and passion for the Boston Bruins and love for Leafs(my moms team). But my main team has always been the Boston Bruins. From recalling watching Bobby Orr play to vague memories of winning a cup 39 years ago. Then cheering them on through 5 finals and coming up short. However last night in a game 7 , do or die game , my Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-0.

It is hard really to put into words what was going on in my head as I counted down the last 10 seconds. There was a sheer joy,happiness and relief all in one wave. Its hard for a non sports fan to understand the journey it is to follow your team and watch its epic struggle to the promised land. You feel the highs , the lows and the agony of a loss. Your heart attaches itself to their struggle and as weird as it sounds , it also reveals much about your own soul.The good ,the bad and the ugly.

When your team wins it all it would be so easy to gloat and take satisfaction against all those who bullied you,chirped at you and made fun of you in the past. But at the same time , I will take my wife advice and just enjoy the experience of knowing that for the 2010/2011 season , the Bruins are the champs. If it takes another 39 years to get to the dance , I very much doubt I will be around , so I will be happy,content and just glad I had the chance witness the Bruins battle to the end and win the holy grail of hockey.

Boston Bruins , Stanley Cup Champs ......... I'm smiling and its good .

God is Not a Road Map

Old beliefs let us down, many roads lead to heaven.
One love, many faiths all share the world in search of grace.
Across the universe, the same force that moves the earth's
In my heart, makes me whole, wash my doubt and fear away.


Taken form those great "thinkers" Journey . Song title Tantra 


This mantra that all religions or belief systems are equal is one of the biggest chants in music . You can come across it almost in every genre . But anyone with even the basic knowledge of different religions knows this to be utterly false. Each make claims to ways one can achieve salvation that are unique to its own belief sytem. However the truth claims of Christianity fly in the face of all other religions. 


To achieve enlightenment or salvation is by ones own efforts. A following of laws or rituals and at the end of it all it is through self achievement. Against this comes of person of Jesus who's claims about Himself leaves one no wiggle room. We are not called not to just follow Him but to repent and trust in Him for our salvation. It is His life ,death and resurrection that assures us of salvation.


The God revealed in scripture is a God of grace but you will be hard pressed to find grace in other religions contrary to what the great theologians of Journey say . Nor is the "god" revealed in other religions truly knowable. In many it is more an it ,an impersonal force . Once again totally contradicting the true God revealed in the Bible.  

God is not a road map , nor is He a journey of self discovery. He has revealed Himself clearly and we are without excuse. The reason most prefer this fuzz deity is it demands no repentance , no cross , no savior,does not have any real answer for sin or evil and makes you your own savior. This is why we must be discerning when we encounter these messages and realize the culture at large are being bombarded . 


Realize the preaching of Christ and Him crucified is an offense and stumbling block , it shocks us and the natural man hates the truth of God . But God's grace can and will change the dead sinner , if he can do it for me , than anyone can be put on the narrow road .


Verse Of The Day  :  [3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, [4] who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, [5] to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
(Galatians 1:3-5 ESV)

Quote Sunday

"God saves believers by imputing to them the merit of Christ's perfect righteousness - not in any sense because of their own righteousness. God accepts believers in Christ. He declares them perfectly righteous because of Christ. Their sins have been imputed to Christ, who has paid the full penalty. His righteousness is now imputed to them, and they receive the full merit for it."   John MacArthur




Verse Of The Day  :  [21] 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 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)

This Song Is So True If We Are Honest

Hockey and Inward Sin

With the Stanley Cup finals on , I have to admit that my head and heart has not been into writing. The reason , my Boston Bruins are on a run that has them playing for the Stanley Cup.As I write they trail 3 games to 2 and face a hard up hill battle to win. One  more loss and they will be eliminated. That is a hard thing to swallow to be so close and still not win. Its hard to make it to the championship and its been 21 years since  Boston has played for the cup. So to possibly watch your team lose , hits you in the gut hard. Its hard for a non sports fan to get this , but cheering for your team since a child , it becomes part of your identity.

So when they lose you take it personal.You actually feel sick to your stomach. So what does this have to do with inward sin? For me when your team is winning ,life is good but when they lose , my soul turns sour and downcast. I'm edgy ,angry and feel totally lost . The sinful man that lurks within me finds an entrance with a loss and all the disappointments and personal mistakes rise up like a serpent and shows its fangs. It is truly irrational and ridiculous to allow a game affect me so . But it shows how close to the surface sin can be .

So should I stop watching hockey and therefore eliminating the temptation ? Sometimes I wonder if I should . Jesus said that if anything causes you to sin , to cut it out of your life. I take it so personal that it boils over and  into all past failures and struggles. So in a loss it cuts deep . I realize that many Christians are great sports fans and probably do not struggle with the anger I have.

So hockey in reality really just reveals that within my heart I have many unresolved issues. So I don't think its my love of the Bruins has to go but I must turn to Christ to uproot the true nature of my sins . So my prayer is that first ,my Bruins make a comeback and win the cup (please Lord) and that God will forgive me , renew me and help me uproot and put to death the old man .


Verse Of The Day  :  [15] For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
(Romans 7:15 ESV)

Catechism Friday

Heidelberg Catechism (1576 A.D.)

100. Q. Is the blaspheming of God's Name by swearing and cursing such a grievous sin that God is angry also with those who do not prevent and forbid it as much as they can?

A. Certainly,[1] for no sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of His Name. That is why He commanded it to be punished with death.[2]

[1] Lev. 5:1. [2] Lev. 24:16.

101. Q. But may we swear an oath by the Name of God in a godly manner?

A. Yes, when the government demands it of its subjects, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote fidelity and truth, to God's glory and for our neighbour's good. Such oath-taking is based on God's Word[1] and was therefore rightly used by saints in the Old and the New Testament.[2]

[1] Deut. 6:13; 10:20; Jer. 4:1, 2; Heb. 6:16. [2] Gen. 21:24; 31:53; Josh. 9:15; I Sam. 24:22; I Kings 1:29, 30;Rom. 1:9; II Cor. 1:23.

102. Q. May we also swear by saints or other creatures?

A. No. A lawful oath is a calling upon God, who alone knows the heart, to bear witness to the truth, and to punish me if I swear falsely.[1] No creature is worthy of such honour.[2]

[1] Rom. 9:1; II Cor. 1:23. [2] Matt. 5:34-37; 23:16-22; James 5:12.

103. Q. What does God require in the fourth commandment?

A. First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained[1] and that, especially on the day of rest, I diligently attend the church of God[2] to hear God's Word,[3] to use the sacraments,[4] to call publicly upon the LORD,[5] and to give Christian offerings for the poor.[6] Second, that all the days of my life I rest from my evil works, let the LORD work in me through His Holy Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal sabbath.[7]

[1] Deut. 6:4-9; 20-25; I Cor. 9:13, 14; II Tim. 2:2; 3:13-17; Tit. 1:5. [2] Deut. 12:5-12; Ps. 40:9, 10; 68:26; Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:23-25. [3] Rom. 10:14-17; I Cor. 14:26-33; I Tim. 4:13. [4] I Cor. 11:23, 24. [5] Col. 3:16; I Tim. 2:1. [6] Ps. 50:14; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 8 and 9. [7] Is. 66:23; Heb. 4:9-11.

104. Q. What does God require in the fifth commandment?

A. That I show all honour, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over me, submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and discipline,[1] and also have patience with their weaknesses and shortcomings,[2] since it is God's will to govern us by their hand.[3]

[1] Ex. 21:17; Prov. 1:8; 4:1; Rom. 13:1, 2; Eph. 5:21, 22; 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-4:1. [2] Prov. 20:20; 23:22; I Pet.2:18. [3] Matt. 22:21, Rom. 13:1-8; Eph. 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-21.

105. Q. What does God require in the sixth commandment?

A. I am not to dishonour, hate, injure, or kill my neighbour by thoughts, words, or gestures, and much less by deeds, whether personally or through another;[1] rather, I am to put away all desire of revenge.[2] Moreover, I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself.[3] Therefore, also, the government bears the sword to prevent murder.[4]

[1] Gen. 9:6; Lev. 19:17, 18; Matt. 5:21, 22; 26:52. [2] Prov. 25:21, 22; Matt. 18:35; Rom. 12:19; Eph. 4:26. [3]Matt. 4:7; 26:52; Rom. 13:11-14. [4] Gen. 9:6; Ex. 21:14; Rom. 13:4.

Hiding From The Truth

During the normal  run of the day on TV,in Newspapers and even Radio countless adds and commercials are run with the emphasis on looking younger,fresher , to beat the aging process. It could be wrinkle creams,to magic foods and then you have the more radical of cosmetic surgery and botox. To be young , youthful and whatever it takes is worth it.

Now I'm not saying we should not take care of our bodies or even dress with some style , get our hair styles or maintain a vibrant lifesytle but the fact is much of the "youth" driven industry is focused on what I think is the need or want to bury the idea of our own mortality as far from our minds as possible. Death is not a subject we like to talk about , and unlike the past it has become a sterilized thing in the west. Thanks to advances in medicine we are indeed living longer and we hide from that reality.

So when people get botox or surgery to feed first their vanity, by hiding the wrinkles and sagging skin ( even if you work out ,it will drop ,sorry) it gives the illusion that death is far off . Lets face it , when you see more wrinkles,less hair,begin to feel pain you never felt before you are acutely aware the the bottom line is time is ticking. No one can out run the grave . Rich and poor , there is no discrimination. Although it is true the rich live longer in general because of numerous factors , they cannot out run it .

In general no one when pressed goes death is great , can't wait. Its like we know something more awaits. Unless one is a hardcore Atheist , and even they honestly can't say they like the fact of their demise , most wonder what lies beyond . They ask what if there is something more , whats it like , where do we go and is there  a judgement.

As a Christ follower we have much to say concerning all these questions and answers. The Bible is clear and honest about why we die , where we go and the truth about death. If we truly believe in these truths , we must begin to be bolder and truthful . The gospel of Christ is the answer and some may not like that truth and want to continue in their hiding from the grave that awaits but time is not on anyone's side. The word of God declares today is the day  of salvation , to redeem the time for the days are evil and calls all to repent and believe on Jesus Christ or die under the wrath of God .

There are second chances , no do overs .

Verse Of The Day  :      [27] And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, [28] 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.
(Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV)

Preaching The Gospel To Yourself Each Day

This song by Casting  Crowns reflects this truth . We need to be saturated in the gospel to do war against sin that lingers within the flesh or old man. It is war and sometimes it is not pretty but fight we must , but not in our own strength but in the might of the gospel , in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Verse Of The Day  :  [13] Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
(1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)

Quote Sunday

"Though the church is not filled with hypocrites, there is no denying that hypocrisy is a sin that is not limited or restricted to New Testament Pharisees. It is a sin with which Christians must grapple. A high standard of spiritual and righteous behavior has been set for the church. We often are embarrassed by our failures to reach these high goals and are inclined to pretend that we have reached a higher plateau of righteousness than we’ve actually attained. When we do that, we put on the mask of the hypocrite and come under the judgment of God for that particular sin. When we find ourselves enmeshed in this type of pretense, an alarm bell should go off in our brains that we need to rush back to the cross and to Christ and to understand where our true righteousness resides. We have to find in Christ, not a mask that conceals our face, but an entire wardrobe of clothing, which is His righteousness. Indeed, it is only under the guise of the righteousness of Christ, received by faith, that any of us can ever have a hope of standing before a holy God. To wear the garments of Christ in faith is not an act of hypocrisy. It is an act of redemption."   RC  Sproul

Catechism Friday

Heidelberg Catechism (1576 A.D.)

93. Q. How are these commandments divided?

A. Into two parts. The first teaches us how to live in relation to God; the second, what duties we owe our neighbour.[1]

[1] Matt. 22:37-40.

94. Q. What does the LORD require in the first commandment?

A. That for the sake of my very salvation I avoid and flee all idolatry,[1] witchcraft, superstition,[2] and prayer to saints or to other creatures.[3] Further, that I rightly come to know the only true God.[4] trust in Him alone,[5] submit to Him with all humility[6] and patience,[7] expect all good from Him only,[8] and love,[9] fear,[10] and honour Him[11] with all my heart.   In short, that I forsake all creatures rather than do the least thing against His will.[12]

[1] I Cor. 6:9, 10; 10:5-14; I John 5:21. [2] Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:9-12. [3] Matt. 4:10; Rev. 19:10; 22:8, 9. [4] John 17:3. [5] Jer. 17:5, 7. [6] I Pet. 5:5, 6. [7] Rom. 5:3, 4; I Cor. 10:10; Phil. 2:14; Col. 1:11; Heb. 10:36. [8] Ps. 104:27, 28; Is. 45:7; James 1:17. [9] Deut. 6:5; (Matt. 22:37). [10] Deut. 6:2; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7; 9:10; Matt. 10:28; I Pet. 1:17. [11] Deut. 6:13; (Matt. 4:10); Deut. 10:20. [12] Matt. 5:29, 30; 10:37-39; Acts 5:29.

95. Q. What is idolatry?

A. Idolatry is having or inventing something in which to put our trust instead of, or in addition to, the only true God who has revealed Himself in His Word.[1]

[1] I Chron. 16:26; Gal. 4:8, 9; Eph. 5:5; Phil. 3:19.

96. Q. What does God require in the second commandment?

A. We are not to make an image of God in any way,[1] nor to worship Him in any other manner than He has commanded in His Word.[2]

[1] Deut. 4:15-19; Is. 40:18-25; Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:23. [2] Lev. 10:1-7; Deut. 12:30; I Sam. 15:22, 23; Matt. 15:9;John 4:23, 24.

97. Q. May we then not make any image at all?

A. God cannot and may not be visibly portrayed in any way.  Creatures may be portrayed, but God forbids us to make or have any images of them in order to worship them or to serve God through them.[1]

[1] Ex. 34:13, 14, 17; Num. 33:52; II Kings 18:4, 5; Is. 40:25.

98. Q. But may images not be tolerated in the churches as "books for the laity"?

A. No, for we should not be wiser than God.  He wants His people to be taught not by means of dumb images[1] but by the living preaching of His Word.[2]

[1] Jer. 10:8; Hab. 2:18-20. [2] Rom. 10:14, 15, 17; II Tim. 3:16, 17; II Pet. 1:19.

99. Q. What is required in the third commandment?

A. We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the Name of God by cursing,[1] perjury,[2] or unnecessary oaths,[3] nor to share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.[4] In short, we must use the holy Name of God only with fear and reverence,[5] so that we may rightly confess Him,[6] call upon Him,[7] and praise Him in all our words and works.[8]

[1] Lev. 24:10-17. [2] Lev. 19:12 [3] Matt. 5:37; James 5:12. [4] Lev. 5:1; Prov. 29:24. [5] Ps. 99:1-5; Is. 45:23;Jer. 4:2. [6] Matt. 10:32, 33; Rom. 10:9, 10. [7] Ps. 50:14, 15; I Tim. 2:8. [8] Rom. 2:24; Col. 3:17; I Tim. 6:1.