Burgled 'Burb Brought Back Busted

Our Suburban was stolen on February 25th. We signed off on an insurance settlement on Wednesday, March 28th. This morning, the 30th, we received a call from a friendly RCMP officer who told us that they found our rig. It was right in town in the parking lot of an old apartment building.

We went to a very muddy impound yard to look at it this afternoon. It looked okay. There was a new, large crack in the windshield, but otherwise it looked sound. The insurance company said that we could either keep the Suburban (after an inspection) or take the cheque and watch it get towed away. We thought we might keep it, but after driving it home, I think not. It just doesn't feel right. They only put about 300 km on it, but they were hard kms. The seat frame is bent and there were some strange sounds. Even if it passes inspection, or requires minor repairs, it's still not the same (it's not exactly "busted" as I said in my title, but I was carried away on the wings of alliteration).

One little gripe: The towing company charged 132.50 (after tax) to tow the thing across our little town and drop it in their swampy yard. We'll get reimbursed, but that's just wrong. That's a booming economy for you. I wonder if they jack the prices up when they figure an insurance company is involved?

I'm hoping to follow up on that Wells quote soon. Maybe even tonight.

David Wells on the Kingdom of God

The arrival of this reign of God was not nationalistically but spiritually focused, which was what caused the consternation among many of Jesus' hearers. Nevertheless, the prophetic vision began to be realized, albeit in an entirely unexpected way, that God would scatter his enemies (Mic. 4:11-13; Is. 13:19; cf. Joel 3:1-17; Zech. 12:1-9), for Satan's forces were being thrown into disarray (Matt. 12:28-29) and they recognized with fear who Jesus was (Mk. 1:24; 5:7-8). The note of judgment which fell on the cities (Lk. 21:20-24; 23:27-31; Matt. 11:20-24) fell decisively on the powers of darkness and Satan's household was plundered (Mk. 3:27).

All of this happened under God's sovereign hand. We can search for the Kingdom of God, pray for it, and look for it, but only God can bring it about (Lk. 23:51; Matt. 6:10, 33; Lk. 12:31).* The Kingdom is God's to give and to take away; it is only ours to enter and accept (Matt. 21:43; Lk. 12:32). We can inherit it, possess it, or refuse to enter it, but it is not ours to build and we can never destroy it (Matt. 25:34; Lk. 10:11). We can work for the Kingdom, but we can never act upon it; we can preach it, but it is God's to establish (Matt. 10:7; Lk. 10:9, 12:32). All of this is an expression of the eschatological framework present throughout the New Testament. It has profound ramifications for its doctrines of salvation and the way in which it speaks of hope. God's inbreaking, saving, vanquishing Rule is his from first to last. It has no human analogs, not duplicates, no surrogates, allows of no human synergism. The inbreaking of the "age to come" into the present is accomplished by God alone.

– David Wells, Above All Earthly Pow'rs: Christ in a Postmodern World, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005, p. 214.

 

*Footnote 47 in original: George Eldon Ladd, Jesus and the Kingdom: The Eschatology of Biblical Realism (Waco: Word, 1964), 189.

Odds and Ends

With my wife, son and daughter all blogging, I'm feeling the pressure to keep up. I really am planning to get back into this seriously, but the weeks just fly by.

Tonight I listened to a message by Josh Harris on 1 Corinthians 10. The series on 1 Corinthians at Covenant Life has been great, but this message particularly is a keeper. It is very practical. I think I may burn a few CDs of this one and pass them around.

Our Suburban never turned up. Yesterday was 30 days and we were given a price by the insurance company right away. Not as high as we hoped, but such is life. Sigh. We're not going to be in a big hurry shopping, because we have a surplus car to sell. Spring is coming (here? Dare I hope?), so maybe it will go soon.

I began a sermon series on the book of Proverbs on the 18th of March - with fear and trembling, I must say. I've been enjoying the studying, but I've had a couple of people say, "This is really different for you." On of those people also said, "I don't think I like it." The challenge is having the Gospel present every week without imposing it on the text. Christ is in Proverbs, I just have to pray hard and work hard at making the connections. I may share some of the things I'm learning soon. I have been doing a ton of reading. Starting a new series always means doing lots of introductory reading in commentaries and lots of juggling to come up with outlines.

Not helping at all with the reading is the fact that my glasses were broken on Friday. I shipped them off to a repair place yesterday. I hope they're back by the end of the week. I'm not blind without my glasses, but it is somewhat off-putting to be squinting all the time. I've felt a little woozy and I'm sure it's my eyes.

That's it for now. I have to go watch the Oilers lose. Again.

May the Mind of Christ My Saviour

It has been a few weeks since I posted a Sunday hymn. I'd like to get back to this tradition. Tomorrow morning we are singing this hymn at the end of the service. I'm starting a new series tomorrow morning. I thought this hymn was fitting after introducing the book of Proverbs. I've never studied Proverbs closely before. I'm already hooked, thanks to commentaries by Bruce Ware and Tremper Longman. This is going to be fun, I think.


May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.

May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.

May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

Kate Barclay Wilkinson (1859-1928)

The Great Time Saver: Other People's Blogs

Go read what Kirk wrote. That's close to what I was going to write tonight. I'd rather go to bed and read a book right now, so thanks, Kirk!

Amuddleniallism Defined

Today I listened to Dr. MacArthur's message "defending" Reformed theology against amillenial and postmillenial believers who claim to hold to the doctrines of grace. The title was "Why Every Self-Respecting Calvinist Is a Premillennialist" (you have to sign up and buy the message for $2 if you want to hear it).

I'm going to keep my comments brief (I don't want to write anything that I'll regret later), but let me say that the message was worse than the descriptions of it that I have read. I am disappointed.

John MacArthur did not do anyone any favors with this message - least of all himself. What will be the fallout from this message? There is already a lot of discussion on the 'net:

• Some thoughtful Christians who are searching for an eschotological home will study the options more carefully after hearing this message. Some of these will end up in the amillenial camp.
• Postmil and amil folks that were at the conference were offended at the misrepresentation of their position. Some of the guest speakers at this conference are postmil and amil. What a way to welcome your guests.
• I have read that some historical premillenialists are crying foul because their position has not been well represented (I don't have a link yet).
• Some Reformed Christians are pointing out the disconnect between the Reformation heritage and revisionist claims made by people like Dr. MacArthur. We don't need a searchlight pointed on our differences. We should be together for the Gospel, not opening unnecessary wounds.

Dr. MacArthur is entitled to his opinion. However, to say that amillenialism should only be the position of Arminians, evolutionists, process theologians and semi-Pelagians is offensive. His characterizations of amillenialists were muddled with criticisms of some of the wacky elements of pop-dispensationalism and radical spiritualization. He made it sound like any Reformed leaning believer that didn't completely endorse his version of eschatology denied any continuity between the covenants and rejected God's faithfulness to His promises. There were more strawmen in that message than you'd find in all of Oklahoma in August.

Okay, I'm getting carried away - I'd better quit soon.

I have friends that are premillenial and dispensational in their eschatology. We can agree to disagree without attacking one another. I don't beat people over the head with my eschatological perspective. Many people in my church couldn't tell you the name of the millenial position that I hold (though they might remember the message on Matthew 24 that I preached recently). I can appreciate that Dr. MacArthur holds his position passionately. I only wish that he had defended it with more tact, grace and care.

At the beginning of the message, Dr. MacArthur said that he was concerned that Reformed people did not give enough attention to eschatology. It's getting some attention now, but I don't think it's going to help his cause at all.

Blah Day

I'm feeling a little guilty about my title. With all of God's good gifts in my life, I should be the most thankful guy around instead of grumbling about a blah day.

It's a gray day – snowing and just below freezing. Don't I have a right to complain? No, not really. But, hey, blogging is all about being "authentic," right?

Sure.

I do suffer from Monday morning blahs sometimes. It's an occupational hazard for preachers. Yesterday was a good day, but some Monday mornings I have a hard time doing anything productive. I don't know how other preachers get away with not taking Monday off.

Josh and Emily were at a quiz meet in Red Deer on Friday night and Saturday with their mom/coach and two teammates and their mom. This was their best meet yet. They finished first in division 2. They've been working hard. Josh has memorized several verses in the next chapter (Acts 17) already. I'm very proud of them and delighted with this quizzing program. Over 200 kids met in Red Deer to compete this time.

No word on the Suburban yet. I'm ready to start shopping, but we have to wait for a couple more weeks. There is no point in shopping until we know, a). if it's going to turn up in 30 days, and b). what the insurance settlement will be.

I'm thinking about writing a little more about eschatology, but my heart isn't in it. I may do another quote from Above All Earthly Pow'rs. Wells has an amazing section on the nature of the Kingdom of God that I have been thinking about in the weeks since I read it. A lot of bloggers have said this, but let me add to the chorus of voices urging you to read this book. It's worth the work.

End Times Tension

I have read some interesting eschatological blog posts lately – sort of eschatological, anyway.

The first one I saw wasn't eschatological at all, but it got me thinking about end-times views (not enough to leave a comment, though). Dan Phillips at Pyromaniacs wrote a post that included praise for Dr. D.A. Carson. Good on ya, Dan. I couldn't agree more. Brilliant is a great word in the case of Dr. Carson. I was not at all surprised, but it made me think about the not insubstantial differences in Kingdom perspectives between Dan and Dr. Carson. Dan's a sharp guy, so I know he appreciates great scholarship from people that he wouldn't agree with on all issues. I hope I'm wise enough to do the same. Interesting, though.

The second one was a little pot-stirring from that very likable, prolific blogger Justin Taylor. He did a sly little comment connected to a conference link. I got a smile out of that one. He did get a reaction in the comments – more than the post warranted. He toned down the title from "you've been warned" to "eschatology" (though the original title is still in the address bar).

The third and last post was by Kirk Wellum expressing concern over some news that he received from The Shepherds' Conference. You'll have to read it. I'll be interested in reading more about this, though I hope everyone involved can keep things gracious. I don't think Dr. MacArthur is doing anyone a service by going after amillenialism.

I hope we're not going to see eschatology wars among Reformed evangelicals. That would be a real waste of time.

Update: I just read Tim Challies' live-blog of the first John MacArthur message. Sheesh. It's his church and all, but what an unfortunate presentation. Kirk was rather tame in his response.

A New Kind of Blogging

This post is a test. I upgraded to Office 2007 (a long story), and I see that they have a "New Blog Post" option when you click on "Blank Document." I filled in my blogger info. when prompted, and here I am trying out this new feature. I'd better go take a look at what this looks like before I spend more time typing here.

Odds and Ends

No word on the missing 'Burb yet (thanks for asking, Annette). The insurance company said they'd wait 30 days before considering it a write-off. We've been trying to remember what we left in the thing. Not much, thankfully. Josh realized on Tuesday morning that his math book was in the Suburban. That's inconvienent, but not a tragedy in his world.

Speaking of tragedy, Juanita and I have been talking about the fact that it is not a big deal to lose our Suburban. We appreciate the concern that people have expressed to us, but this is not in the same league as a serious illness, injury or even a house fire. It's a little bother in the grand scheme of things.

Jumping to another topic, I recently did a brief post on baptism. Two commenters unknown to me asked good questions. Ntutak asked about our church recognizing a different mode for believer's baptism. This is a tough one for me personally. I don't represent Terry Stauffer as pastor, but Edson Baptist Church. Of course I represent Jesus Christ and His Word, but in that I am not any differernt from other Christians. As a representative of Edson Baptist, I have to stand by our statement of faith, which says immersion is baptism.

Laura asked about infant baptism. Are Christians who have only been baptized as infants living in disobedience? The short answer to this is, "No," but they couldn't be members of a Baptist church (barring innovative exceptions in some churches). That's not the end of the world, contrary to the opinion of some Baptists - including Baptists that she has apparently encountered (maybe that's what you get for living in Louisville).

I will make an exception to that disobedience answer, however. If a person has been baptized as an infant and is convinced theologically that this is the biblical position, then they should seek out fellowship in a Gospel-teaching paedobaptist local church. If an infant-baptized person is convinced that baptism of disciples alone is the biblical pattern, then they ought to go ahead and be baptized. If they are a Baptist by conviction and unbaptized, then they obviously are living in disobedience to Christ. This should be obvious, but I hope it answers the question.

As an addendum to this subject, let me recommend one of the best conversations that I've heard on cooperation among Christians. In this program, the Together for the Gospel friends - particularly Dr. Mohler - distinguish between different kinds of Christian cooperation. The MP3 is available for free at the 9 Marks website. The link is here. You can stream or download it.

There is an important tension to be maintained between a healthy, disciplined local church and a celebration of Christian unity across traditions. It is not always easy to know where that line lies.

I'm still having a hard time getting blogging time in. I did most of this post back on Tuesday, now here it is Saturday and I'm just getting it done. Life just gets in the way.

The distraction certainly isn't hockey. My Oilers are in the tank. Josh is quite philosophical about the Ryan Smyth trade. He likes the fact that they have 3 first round draft picks coming up (one from the Smyth trade), and Ryan O'Marra is nothing to sneeze at (15th in the 1st round in 2005). Robert Nilsson (the other Smyth component) and Rob Schremp have been going great guns with the Wilkes-Barre Penguins. The future should be interesting. They're playing Calgary tonight. Josh is rooting for them to get a goal. Just one goal. He's fully expecting them to lose tonight. Can't say I blame him.

Burgled 'Burb

Between the time Juanita took the car to church this morning and the rest of the family and I came out to the Suburban, someone had run off with it. That was about a 10 minute window of opportunity.

Yes, I was a bad boy and left it running with the doors unlocked, but can't a guy do that in a small town on Sunday morning?

I guess not.

We've never experienced a stolen vehicle before, so we're off on a new adventure.

We won't be taking the Suburban, though.

Whew!

If life is a highway, I think I just pulled off the 401 near Toronto on Canada Day weekend.

It hasn't been unbearably busy, but things have been hopping. I like to think of myself as a mellow fellow, but I do get stressed about things more than I usually admit.

Juanita has chronicled some of the happenings on her blog, including our daughter Emily's baptism. That was a good day!

The next day we went downhill skiing at Silver Summitt, a neat little hill about an hour north of town (it was big enough for us!). Juanita and Anne didn't do the downhill thing, but it was the first time for Emily, Petra, Josh and dad. I must admit, I wasn't too impressed for the first bit, but once I got the hang of it, it was lots of fun.

We had our church annual meeting last night. It went very well. I always get nervous about annual meetings, but they haven't been a problem here in Edson. Still, that is the reason that I've been uptight lately. We're thankful for our church. We have a lot of fine people here. I do hope we can stay for a long time. 10 years in September. So far, so good.

A Baptism Primer

This is a handout that I wrote this morning for our church. Any feedback as to how I can improve it would be appreciated, though I do want to keep this one short.

Question and Answers about Baptism*

Edson Baptist Church

What is baptism?

Baptism is an English word taken from the Koine (common) Greek word baptizo (Koine Greek is the language in which the New Testament was written). Baptism means to dip or immerse. We know this by comparisons with the common usage of the word in Greek from the time the Bible was written and from the context of the New Testament itself.

Baptism is the step of obedience commanded by Christ for believers who have experienced regeneration (new life) from God. Jesus said,

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Baptism of disciples (those who follow Jesus) is assumed in the New Testament. When people repented of their sins and confessed Christ as Lord and trusted Him as Saviour, they were baptized (compare Acts 2:37-41, 8:12, 19:5, etc.).

What purpose does baptism serve?

• Obedience / Submission to Jesus Christ: Jesus said that His disciples were to baptize disciples. Jesus Himself submitted to baptism in order to identify with sinful people, even though He Himself is without sin (see Matthew 3:13-17). Christians submit to baptism out of reverence for Christ. This reason alone should be enough of a motivation for a believer to be baptized.
• Testimony to God’s salvation: Baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual reality. It speaks of what God has done for sinners in Jesus Christ. The New Testament uses spiritual language to describe baptism by the Spirit of God: For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13, compare Matthew 3:11). Baptism is a physical act of obedience to and identification with Jesus Christ that illustrates a prior spiritual work of God in the heart and mind of the believer. One of the messages of baptism is washing, the cleansing of sin. Note the Apostle Paul’s testimony to his own experience of baptism. He was told, “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16. Baptism says, “I am changed because of what Christ has done for me.”
• Identification with Jesus Christ. Examples of the principle of identification through baptism:
• When the Children of Israel went through the Red Sea with Moses at the time of the flight from slavery in Egypt, they identified with God’s message through Moses that they would be delivered to the Promised Land. See 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 (note phrase “baptized into Moses”).
• When the Jewish people heard John’s call for repentance in preparation for the coming of the Promised Deliverer (Messiah), they identified with his message by being baptized by him in the Jordan River. See Matthew 3:1-6.
• Christian Baptism is identification with Jesus Christ and the reality of His death and resurrection for our salvation and eternal hope. Read Romans 6:3-5. When we are baptized, we are saying, “Jesus died to purchase my forgiveness with His blood, Jesus rose so that I might live a new life forever with Him.”

When we identify with the work of Jesus through baptism, we are demonstrating what the Christian message is all about. Baptism is like a sermon written in water. It tells the story of what God has done for sinners. Sinners who repent and believe may have their sins washed away, die to their old futile lives and live forever in joy.

• Christian Love and Unity: Baptism is entrance into unity with Christ and unity with Christ’s people in the church. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 (see also 1 Corinthians 12:13 quoted above).

Must a person be baptized to be saved?

Water baptism is a work that we may perform. As such, it is inconsistent with biblical teaching to say that you cannot be a Christian unless you have been baptized. Salvation (being forgiven and counted righteous through faith in Christ’s finished work) is by grace through faith, not works. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

When Peter preached the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, they were baptized by the Holy Spirit before they were baptized in water (though they were baptized immediately afterwards). By this, the Holy Spirit is pointing to the fact that salvation is a sovereign act of God, not a reward for obedient behaviour (compare Acts 2:37-38 and Acts 10:43-48).

There are some passages that appear to point to the necessity of baptism for salvation:

• “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16
• Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 3:21

Note that in both of these passages baptism is connected with an appeal to Jesus Christ (his name and his forgiveness, that is, a good conscience before God on the basis of Christ’s work). As a bare act, baptism does not save. Water baptism is a demonstration of the believer’s appeal of faith to God for salvation.

Who should be baptized?

Baptism is for those who believe the gospel. The gospel is the good news that God’s Promised Deliverer has come to bear the penalty for our sin (for all have sinned). Jesus died in our place so that we might have peace with God. Jesus demonstrated his power over death by His bodily resurrection from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-3). This resurrection is a pattern for us. We who have faith in Christ’s promise of eternal life, secured by His righteous death and bodily resurrection, will be raised to live with Him one day (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

What about infant baptism? Is that a legitimate form of baptism?

Though we rejoice in the common ground that we share as Baptists with many believers in other denominations that practice infant baptism (Presbyterian, Reformed, etc.), we only recognize believers’ baptism as legitimate baptism.

The reason for this is our conviction that the New Testament teaches that baptism is for disciples alone. If you have more questions regarding infant baptism, we recommend that you read an online document entitled “A String of Pearls Unstrung” which is available online at http://www.founders.org/library/malone1/string.html.

*All Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version™, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.

Wise Words in Hard Times

True Christianity shines in the hardest times of life. Like a lot of people, I watched the recent illness of Dr. R. Albert Mohler with concern. I'm glad he has recovered and is back in the saddle, but what happens when Christians pray and people still die? Dr. Mohler addressed his illness in a thoughtful way more than once recently, and he did answer the question about prayers for healing that are not answered as we desire. Here are some links:

Dr. Mohler’s Commentary on his illness.

Time article with Dr. Mohler

Opening Convocation at SBTS

In this convocation address, Dr. Mohler talks about his illness and reviews an excellent testimony of a leader who did not recover from his illness, Dr. James Montgomery Boice, the former pastor of Tenth Avenue Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Dr. Boice died of cancer in 2000. Here is a link to his testimony before his church, the testimony that Dr. Mohler cites in his address at SBTS.

Dr. James Mongomery Boice testimony

Consideration of these matters is worth our thought, prayer and conversation in good times. Grace in times of crisis is not accidental, nor is it purely a matter of temperament. We need to cultivate a good theology of suffering and, more importantly, a healthy appreciation for the goodness and sovereignty of God in the good times so that we will be ready when the trials come.

The Look - Sunday Hymn

This week, I'm going to post a link to Bob Kauflin's blog, Worship Matters. He writes on a new/old hymn (read the post to understand that description) that has astonishing lyrics. Bob links to a free MP3 download, too!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Christianity vs. Spirituality

It is by the Word of God, given to the Church, that all religions and all spiritualities are to be judged. The “faith” of the spiritual seeker and the faith of the Christian believer may, in some ways, look alike but, in fact, they are radically different. The one is the upward questing of the human spirit which speaks of human emptiness and uncertainty; the other is the work of God which speaks of his grace and judgment. As authentic as the human questing may be, it is still in biblical terms, unbelief. For the searching is not a search of the one locus in which God has spoken and decisively acted; it is a searching for its own sake, a searching for its own rewards. In religion of a Christian kind, we listen; in spirituality of a contemporary kind, we talk. In religion of a Christian kind, we accept a gift; in spirituality of a contemporary kind, we try to seize God. In the one, we are justified by the righteousness of Christ; in the other, we strive to justify ourselves through ourselves. It is thus that spirituality is the enemy of faith.

-- David Wells, Above All Earthly Pow’rs, pp. 161-162.

What I Have Liked Lately

As I emerge from my unintentional hiatus, what better way to appease my few readers than a link post? Since my content has been sparse, I hope you can enjoy some other things from around the web.

• Kim's blog is one of my favorites, but this post raises a subject that should be discussed more often in our churches. Well done.
  
• John's blog is always a thought-provoking read. I have recently given him a link on my sidebar, but in my blogging drought I haven't highlighted this fact in a post. Good work, John - I go back because I wonder "what's next?" Great range of topics.
  
• Over at Renewing Your Mind Radio, Dr. Sproul is going through "The Last Days According to Jesus" (start at the message "Crisis in Eschatology"). Sure to raise the hackles of my Dispensational friends, this subject should not be lightly dismissed by thinking Christians. If you choose to listen to the series and find your blood pressure rising, repeat the mantra, "If the plain sense makes good sense, seek no other sense." I think Dr. Sproul is following this advice on Matthew 24.
  
• If you don't listen to the White Horse Inn, I would recommend that you give it a try. Start with this wrap up message on Romans. It's a classic.
  
• This blog is great, but the writer doesn't update often enough (cough, cough). I think she must live in a hectic household or something.
  
• Homeschool hockey (Monday, 1:30-3:30 at the Edson Leisure Centre). No link for this one, but I like it better every week. Today I have sore ribs, a fat lip and a headache from various unintentional bumps, but it sure is fun when I'm on the ice.
  

That'll do for now. If you're sad you're not on the list, please know that I like you too. I'm just getting ramped up on this blogging business again and I'm out of steam now. Whew.

The Solid Rock

1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
(Refrain)

3. His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
(Refrain)

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
(Refrain)

Edward Mote (1797-1874)
Public Domain

A Post

Hi folks!

Every day I think, "Maybe today I'll do a real post." Hope springs eternal.

Thank you to the people who have commented on the old stuff here. I haven't even had the courtesy to comment on your comments (especially to Christopher all the way from Finland).

I am over my cold, but just keeping up with the busyness of life (and the occasional hockey game) has kept my attention away from this blog.

Speaking of hockey, the Oilers are about on par with Toronto (though in a different conference), so they must be doing rather poorly. Good game last night, though!

My next real post is going to be a personal story of how we started homeschooling.

Late Sunday Hymn

This is not a hymn that I have ever really liked - I haven't given it much thought, actually. However, this week I felt the burden of sermon preparation weighing particularly heavily upon me and this hymn came to mind when I was praying about the responsibility of preaching a difficult text.

I'm close to the end of my Matthew series that I started ages ago. I preached on our Lord in Gethsemane this morning. How can I communicate what Christ went through in that garden? Thus the prayer, "Lord, speak to me that I may speak."

Lord, Speak to Me

1. Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.

2. O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.

3. O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

4. O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

5. O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, when, and where,
Until Thy blessed face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.

Francis Havergal (1836-1879)