Simply Brilliant

Recently I have embarked on a four year reading program developed by Mark Dever and Michael J. Thate. I was led to the plan by D.A. Carson at a conference I attended in Fargo, ND. You can find the plan at the Gospel Coalition web site. Only being in the second month of the first year I'm still a newbie but I can say that I have enjoyed it so far. This month's read is Augustine's Confessions. I am enjoying the read very much and I came across a paragraph that I wanted to share. It is simply brilliant as it discusses the nature/depth of why sin is so offensive to God.

Book 2, Chapter 6, Paragraph 13:

For thus cloth pride imitate high estate, I whereas Thou alone art God, high above all. And what does ambition seek but honours and renown, whereas Thou alone art to be honoured above all, and renowned for evermore? The cruelty of the powerful wishes to be feared; but who is to be feared but God only,(Ps. lxxvi. 7.) out of whose power what can be forced away or withdrawn—when, or where, or whither, or by whom? The enticements of the wanton would fain be deemed love; and yet is naught more enticing than Thy charity, nor is aught loved more healthfully than that, Thy truth, bright and beautiful above all. Curiosity affects a desire for knowledge, whereas it is Thou who supremely knowest all things. Yea, ignorance and foolishness themselves are concealed under the names of ingenuousness and harmlessness, because nothing can be found more ingenuous than Thou; and what is more harmless, since it is a sinner's own works by which he is harmed? (Ps. vii. 15.) And sloth seems to long for rest; but what sure rest is there besides the Lord? Luxury would fain be called plenty and abundance; but Thou art the fellness and unfailing plenteousness of unfading joys. Prodigality presents a shadow of liberality; but Thou art the most lavish giver of all good. Covetousness desires to possess much; and Thou art the Possessor of all things. Envy contends for excellence; but what so excellent as Thou? Anger seeks revenge; who avenges more justly than Thou? Fear starts at unwonted and sudden chances which threaten things beloved, and is wary for their security; but what can happen that is unwonted or sudden to Thee? or who can deprive Thee of what Thou lovest? or where is there unshaken security save with Thee? Grief languishes for things lost in which desire had delighted itself, even because it would have nothing taken from it, as nothing can be from Thee.

Think about it a little..."And sloth seems to long for rest; but what sure rest is there besides the Lord?"

Calling Barry or Ron

Ok so it's Super Tuesday and I'm as excited as anticipating tuna casserole for supper. Political overload has hit way too early for me. They look good, they sound good but every "man on the street" type of interview just leaves me scratching my head. I know that the media wades through the people they interview to get the one reaction they want so I don't fall for it being "mainstream." But good-googly-moogly some voters do not make sense to me.

All is not lost though. I believe firmly in Christian people participating in the political arena. I believe firmly in prayer to God for the right choices to be made for our governing officials. And I, with my whole heart, believe that God ordains governing bodies. I submit to His will for our elections and trust in His grace and goodness while still doing my part by voting, praying and following His self revelation in Scripture.

I was just hoping for somone more like Barry Goldwater or Ronald Reagan rather than Barry Gibb or Ronald McDonald. Just needed to get that off my chest.

Al Franken in Minnesota

If you go to NEWSMAX.COM and sign up your e-mail for their Newsmax Insider report there is a funny little blurb on Al and has bid for the Senate seat now occupied by Norm Coleman. We don't hear much about this in Minnesota and considering that most of the people I know in MN are registered DFL voters I am very interested in seeing what they decide here in a few weeks. Wonder if my local CBS, NBC, ABC affiliate will cover it?

Pastors and Politics

Here's a link that is very enlightening. If you're a pastor read it...if you know a pastor, print it out and give it to him.

http://www.newsmax.com/falwell/church_politics/2008/01/18/65600.html

Furthermore, look over to the left of this page and take the poll on whether or not it's important to you that 'your church' has a tax-exempt status? Just a quirk of mine.

Ooops...I filtered it too

Found this on the web recently. Thought it was worth a link.

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/prayingfields/2007/12/tebow_talks_god_and_media_igno.html

I'm not sure exactly what to think about this. So as I consider how this applies to loving God with my whole mind. I know that I can tell you how I feel. Which would be loving God with my whole heart.

First I am glad that Tebow claimed that Jesus was his Lord and Savior. It seems to me that when a professional athlete experiences their fifteen seconds of fame they should witness of their saving faith. I can also extend grace to Tebow. He didn't claim the forgiveness of his sins by the completed work of the Cross but I guess that is wrapped up in his "title" for Jesus...his Lord and Savior.

The problem the "saved" face today is that most people who aren't "saved" don't have the foggiest idea nor most likely do they really care to be "saved." "Saved from what?" In all fairness to Tebow didn't have time to enter into a conversation about salvation with the news media so should he have kept his faith quiet...no he shouldn't have but the idea that the authors of the article were putting forward was their personal dismay at the media ignoring Tebow's comment.

Second I feel pity for the columnists. Is this news to you? Whining about not being invited to the prom by the Main Stream Media is a colossal waste of time. Maybe the authors of the article could have helped Tebow out and presented the rest of the Gospel. They commit the same error that they claim the media made the day after Tebow won the Heisman. They filtered his message.