Tuesday Quick Quote

“That very church which the world likes best is sure to be that which God abhors.” 
― Charles Haddon Spurgeon


Wise words indeed when so many want to make the unchurched comfortable by embracing a  seeker sensitive style of worship. 

Monday Musings

Just a few thoughts to start the week . The first concerns the Oscars . I don't watch them unless a film I really loved is up for the big prizes . So the last time I even paid attention was 2004 when LOTR: Return of the King won an amazing 11 awards. But as I was reading about the I came upon this quote from the host , Billy Crystal. I think it really puts the whole affair into perspective I think.


“Enjoy yourselves, because nothing can take the sting of the world’s economic problems like watching millionaires present each other with golden statues.” Billy Crystal  


Next as I was reading different news items it is really apparent , that the normalization of sinful sexual behaviours  within our society is really taking root.  To hold to a biblical view of sexuality is seen as backwards , out of touch and by many as hateful . From more and more couples living together , to pre - marital sex , the whole homosexuality debate , these issues are going to confront Christians who  hold to their convictions. We must be prepared to answer and brave enough to stand . This is the one area in the west that real persecution will come , mark my words.

Lastly , I was reading that apparently Richard Dawkins , one of the loudest voices of the new Atheism , has said that there might be a very slight chance that a "God " might exist. I guess its only less than a percentage point but does that make him a agnostic now. It must be hard for him to suppress the truth daily given how often he has been exposed to the gospel truth in all his debates and exchanges with Christians. May we pray God will break his stone heart and reveal the grace of Christ in his life .

Thursday Follies

Oh the memories! I was only about 4 years old when I recall tuning into CBC and watching the Caped Crusader fight crime. It was colourful , with its bam , zonk and pow fights. Spending time with the Batman transformed me into the pretend fighter , making my own mask , putting a towel around my neck for the cape . Man I was the coolest . It doesn't hold up very well of course compared to the new , intense and uber serious Dark Knight but for a little boy , it was the best . Still has the retro fun factor.

The Two Johns

If I was to recommend to a new Christian a couple of Pastors to read and listen to , they would be the 2 Johns . Both John Piper and John MacArthur have had long and fruitful ministries. Both have Pastored their Churches faithfully for over 30 years and the influence has been wide sweeping. They have been the backbone to many discovering the distinctives of reformed theology form a baptist , evangelical perspective .

Both their websites offer a depth of teaching which spans the years of solid preaching and teaching. The sermon wealth is deep and will lead you into solid doctrine .

If I were to suggest which books to pick up and read I would suggest Ashamed of the Gospel by MacArthur and Desiring God by Piper . They are solid introductions to both the mens writing styles and will give a feel for their strong dedication to the gospel and firm defence of God's revealed word .
Both these men have laboured faithfully for the Lord over these years and we have been richer for it .

Quick Quote

J.C Ryle  on the total depravity and corruption of the human nature. 


“The corruption of human nature is no slight thing. It is no partial, skin-deep disease, but a radical and universal corruption of man’s will, intellect, affections, and conscience. We are not merely poor and pitiable sinners in God’s sight: we are guilty sinners; we are blameworthy sinners: we deserve justly God’s wrath and God’s condemnation. I believe there are very few errors and false doctrines of which the beginning may not be traced up to unsound views about the corruption of human nature. Wrong views of a disease will always bring with them wrong views of the remedy. Wrong views of the corruption of human nature will always carry with them wrong views of the grand treatment and cure of that corruption.”

Monday Musings

Just the other day I listened to a brief podcast  Pastor David Platt concerning the truth and nature of hell. Briefly he touched on the nature , conscious  reality of eternal torment and the fact that from the lips of Jesus Christ , the doctrine of eternal punishment has its deepest revelation. It was a truly sober and somber listen. You cannot encounter this teaching without coming away a bit shaken. If you can , then you do not understand the scripture or have some of the biggest blinders on in the world .

So many times within many Churches today the doctrine of hell and the wrath of God is completely ignored or not even touched. You have certain type of "preachers" who will smile and tell you God has a wonderful plan for your life and you will not hear the words repent ,the cross, hell ,wrath etc... these words never leave their lips.

But the reality is there is a hell , wrath is being revealed and one day Jesus Christ will pour out the wrath of God on all who are enemies of God on that last day.

This should shake us , stir us and move us to pray with more fire and earnestness .  It should brake our hearts for those we know do not confess Jesus as Lord . It must loosen our lips to proclaim the gospel and tell of God's grace of the gospel found in Jesus . Plus it must awaken the need for both local and global missions .

When scripture tells us to redeem our time for the days are evil , may we heed this and realize we must wake up from our sleep and comforts .

Thursday Follies Oops

I forgot to put up my fun clip for Thursday so here it is . Two of my favorite things growing up , the Muppet Show and Bob Hope. How can one go wrong. Enjoy.