Pastor Ed's Top Ten

Happy Fourth of July!

My day actually began with a novel activity. I was invited by some of the men in the church to see the movie "Superman Returns." What made this adventure so unique was that we went to see it at 10:20 p.m.! Anyone that knows me, knows what a change of pace that is for me. However, my son, Luke, thought it was great. So, we ushered in our country's birth watching this movie with a overly developed Messiah-complex. Yes, it was visually tantalizing and entertaining, but it also reflected peoples' innate understanding that they need someone from the outside to deliver them from the dark side of human nature - they need a "super" man (what a revelation at 1 a.m. in the morning). Too bad that they look for it in work of fiction rather than from the Word of God, where we learn of the "super" person of Jesus Christ -

John 1:1-4, 14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men...14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Anyway, it was a time of camaraderie.

I thought I would post the ten most influential books (after the Word of God) in my life. I have been giving this some thought over the past few days and let me tell you, it was not as easy as I thought. There are some books that I just knew would be on this list. But then some of the other books, well, I had to really reflect upon how these had impacted or changed me. If you have not read some of these books, I would encourage you to do so. I would also be interested in knowing what books have influenced you. With the exception of the first two books on this list, there is no "rank" of influence per say.

1. The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination (Loraine Boettner)

This book was used by God to bring me into an understanding and love for the Biblical doctrines of grace and a full appreciation of the sovereignty of God in salvation (a.k.a. - Calvinism). I try to read through this book at least once a year. If this title sounds too heady (although I do not consider it an overtly "hard" read) I might suggest a book that served me as a primer for Boettner and this subject (an 11th book in my list) entitled "The Five Points of Calvinism" (Steele, Thomas, Quinn). My original copy of this work was a little booklet that simply and clearly defines and defends the Biblical teaching of God, man and salvation. This work has since been wonderfully updated and is slightly larger than its original print.

2. The Death of Death in the Death of Christ (John Owen)

While I was convinced that the five points of Calvin (TULIP) were really just one point (God's Sovereignty) by the work "The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination" - this work, by one of the premier Puritan scholars, thoroughly explains and defends the case of "Limited Atonement" or "Particular Redemption." Any doubts or concerns regarding my embracing of this doctrine were addressed by this work. This is a "hard" read however, at least it was for me.

3. George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century (Arnold A. Dallimore)

This is a good, straight-forward and easy to read documentation of one of my favorite preachers.

4. The Pilgrim's Progress (John Bunyan)

What list would be complete without this work! Second in influence only to the Bible, yet I am saddened by the fact of how few Christians of our generation have read it. I few years back I went into one of the "Christian" bookstores to pick up a copy for my wife and not only did they not have a copy, but two of the clerks did not even know what it was. When I spoke to the manager, he informed me that they had not carried a copy of the book for some time.

5. Rediscovering Expository Preaching (MacArthur, Master's College Faculty)

This book has influenced me not only in the mechanics of preaching, but also in the great history of preaching, introducing me to several men of the faith whose love for the Word of God has impacted me greatly.

6. A Memoir of the Rev. Edward Payson (Asa Cummings)

Edward Payson was one of the men that MacArthur quoted from in "Rediscovering Expository Preaching." So, I did some research and found this book that contained the journals of this man of God. What a blessing it is to read this book.

7. Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character (Gardner Spring)

This is another author that was introduced to me by MacArthur in a series he preached on Philippians. Both this book and Matthew Mead's, "The Almost Christian Discovered" are challenging to the faith, causing me to examine myself.

8. The Gospel According to Jesus (MacArthur)

Okay, by now you are noticing that MacArthur has influenced me quite a bit. This was the very first JMAC book I read. The Bible College that I attended was in opposition to JMAC's views on "Lordship Salvation." Having read "So Great a Salvation" (Ryrie) and "Absolutely Free" (Hodges), I was determined to read the "other side" and I guess you might say, was converted. What a great work challenging the notion of easy believism and carnal Christianity.

9. Practical Religion (J.C. Ryle)

I just think everyone needs to read this work. This man has a way of opening up the truth of God that is both challenging and comforting.

10. My 1874 leather-bound copy of the Presbyterian Hymnal.

While any good hymnal will do (let me qualify good by saying it has a focus on the sovereignty of God) - I love thumbing through this hymnal in times of devotion and such. If anyone desires to pick up a copy, make sure that it was published prior to 1925 as some gross changes took place in the Presbyterian church at this time that caused them to change some things in this hymnal.

There you have it - my top ten most influential books (and then some). Let me know some of the books that have influenced and helped you. I might need to read them.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Considering Isaiah

I would like to say that I woke up all bight-eyed and bushy-taled this morning, but that was not the case. It seems I have attached myself to a pesky summer head cold. I can hardly talk, it hurts to swallow and I feel as though I am walking about in a dreary fog. Yet, in spite of the cold - Praise the Lord!

Our family devotions are taking us through the book of Isaiah right now. Since I was not in a very talkative mood, I made my way to www.monergism.com where I heard would be found a series of mp3's by Mark Dever that outline every book in the Bible; and then have my family listen to his synopsis on Isaiah. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Dever offered some wonderful insights and considerations that will help all of us as we continue reading and meditating through this great book.

If it is right to say I had a complaint about Dever's summary (and this is by no means a real complaint) - it would be that there was no real outline of where he was going. To be sure, Dever made wonderful transitions and I could clearly hear where he was going from point to point. However, when I asked my children to tell me what they had heard in some orderly fashion, well, let's just say the fumbled around. So then, I shared with them an outline of what I heard, which seemed to help everyone and so now I share this with you. I might need to go back and listen to the message again to make sure that I did not miss a point, but I gleaned from the message four key points to the book of Isaiah:

First, Isaiah is a book concerning the REBELLION of man; Isaiah begins the book describing the rebellion of Israel and throughout the prophecy reveals the man's rebellion and rejection of God.

Isaiah 1:2-5
2 Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; For the LORD speaks, " Sons I have reared and brought up, But they have revolted against Me. 3 "An ox knows its owner, And a donkey its master's manger, But Israel does not know, My people do not understand." 4 Alas, sinful nation, People weighed down with iniquity, Offspring of evildoers, Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD, They have despised the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away from Him. 5 Where will you be stricken again, As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick And the whole heart is faint.

Second, Isaiah is a book about the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God. Throughout the book God is reveals as the Sovereign, Providential God who does as He has planned and does what He does in perfect holiness and righteousness. There is none who compare to the majesty, the power, the wonder, the love and the "RIGHT"ness of God.

Isaiah 45:19
"I have not spoken in secret, in some dark land; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, 'Seek Me in a waste place'; I, the LORD, speak righteousness, declaring things that are upright."

Third, Isaiah presents to us the REMEDY of God for man's sinfulness. Isaiah painstakingly offers forth the prophetic vision of Jesus Christ, the Messiah as the remedy to both Israel's as well as mankind's condition before God. Jesus will be the perfect ruler (Isaiah 9:6) and offer Himself for the spiritual healing of men.

Isaiah 52:7
How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Isaiah 53:3-5
3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.

Finally, the book of Isaiah speaks about the REDEEMED of God - and the redeemed in the book of Isaiah are not merely those of Israel, but all who turn to God.

Isaiah 59:20
"A Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob," declares the LORD."

Isaiah 56:8
The Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel, declares, "Yet others I will gather to them, to those already gathered."

Isaiah 63:16
For You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not recognize us. You, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is Your name.

Isaiah 66:2
But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.

Isaiah 55:1-11
1 "Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. 2 "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. 3 "Inline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David. 4 "Behold, I have made him a witness to the peoples, A leader and commander for the peoples. 5 "Behold, you will call a nation you do not know, And a nation which knows you not will run to you, Because of the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you." 6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

If you are interested in listening to some of Dever's book outlines you may find them at - Click Here

Then scroll down to "Courses on Scripture" and look for Dever's Messages.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Salad Bar Success

Yesterday the youth hosted a salad bar at the church as a fundraiser for their upcoming camp. Everything was delicious and there was some good times of fellowship and friendship. Also, the youth raised $250 toward camp, which was extremely helpful. For the youth that have participated in all the fundraisers (two car washes and two luncheon bars), they have raised about $100 each toward their $140 camp.

The Youth wish to thank the congregation for their support and generosity. Some were even so generous to give even when they were unable to attend the luncheon. Below are some pictures of the event:

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

For Whom Did Christ Die? by John Owen (1616-1683)

The Father imposed His wrath due unto, and the Son underwent punishment for, either:

• All the sins of all men.
• All the sins of some men, or
• Some of the sins of all men.

In which case it may be said:

• That if the last be true, all men have some sins to answer for, and so, none are saved.
• That if the second be true, then Christ, in their stead suffered for all the sins of all the elect in the whole world, and this is the truth.
• But if the first be the case, why are not all men free from the punishment due unto their sins?

You answer, "Because of unbelief."

I ask, Is this unbelief a sin, or is it not? If it be, then Christ suffered the punishment due unto it, or He did not. If He did, why must that hinder them more than their other sins for which He died? If He did not, He did not die for all their sins!"

(Adapted from "The Death of Death in the Death of Christ" by John Owen - It was this book that solidified my understanding of "Partiuclar Redemption.")

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Another Car Wash Success

I just got back and cleaned up from our latest youth group car wash. Who would of thought that so few people could have so much fun in the 95 degree heat. In reality it was a slow day and one of the least profitable - however, we did make $300 (which is $300 closer to our goal), which works about to about $30 per camper off the price of camp.

In the picture above, Kristina is explaining to Josh the fine art of car washing.



ARE WE HAVING FUN YET? - - - - - - ->

Special thanks to our non-youth group workers, Tina and Mike. We also want to thank Kristina, for even though she will be in Arizona when we have camp, she worked hard.


The theme of this year's camp is officially "No Pride" - but our desire is to talk about the issue of respect; respecting God, respecting the Church, respecting other believers and unbelievers. I am not sure that it went over well, but at one point I challenge the whole group with the question, "If this was Jesus' car, how would you wash it?" At this point many of the youth were hot and tired, so their car washing skills had quickly deteriorated. Of course, this all digressed into a discussion regarding what king of car would Jesus drive - and so the silliness progressed. But we are called to glorify God in the smallest and most mundane of all activities - even in our eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31 - "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.")

May God be glorified in our lives, be we eating a sandwich, washing a car, or singing His praises! Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

A MUST READ!!! - Give Me That Old Time Religion

It is amazing to me as a Pastor to consider how far the modern church has moved away from concepts like true Christian piety as well as what constitutes basic propriety when it comes to the gathering of the saints for the worship of our great God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

There was a time when the saints pursued, as best as they could, absolute purity in thought, word, preparation and deed, particularly as it concerned the meeting of the congregation for worship. Unlike the highly undisciplined ways in which Christians prepare themselves (or do not prepare themselves) for worship and regard the most solemn day of the week, our brothers and sisters of the Puritan church had a uniform and very devout approach to Sunday. Our 24/7 culture and mentality has utterly ruined and obliterated the concept of truly setting aside one day of the week for concentrated focus and attention on our Majesty on High. The result has been a weakening of God’s people and therefore a weakening of the church and the message she is called to proclaim.

In 1644, the reformed Puritan churches created a document entitled A Directory for the Public Worship of God. This document directed the people to consider very practical issues when coming to the place of corporate worship. Although it may seem impractical and impossible today, I fear that if we do not heed the suggestions called for in this work, we will simply continue our weak and pathetic form of Christianity. There may be something to that very “old time religion.” The following is simply an excerpt from one section of this document called “The Sanctification of the Lord’s Day.” Please consider well what is written here. The issues addressed are not a matter of light importance. What is stated here goes to the very core of what we are as the Body of Christ and individually as believers.

I have come to the firm conclusion that much of the problem faced in the church today is due to a continual disregard for those things that reveal a true honor, respect and appreciation to the Lord our God. And, as we lose respect for God, we will most assuredly lose respect for one another and for the lost, to who we are to proclaim the gospel.

I have changed the old spelling of some of the words and have interjected some commentary between each paragraph. The commentary will be indentified by italics so as not to be confused with the document itself, which will be bolded.

Of the Sanctification of the Lord’s Day

The Lord’s Day ought to be so remembered beforehand, as that all worldly business of our ordinary Callings may be so ordered, and so timely and seasonably laid aside, as they may not be impediments to the due sanctifying of the Day when it comes.

We are called to make every preparation necessary to put aside every aspect of worldly life when it comes to the day of corporate worship.

The whole Day is to be celebrated as holy to the Lord, both in public and private, as being the Christian Sabbath. To which end it is requisite, that there be a holy cessation, or resting all the Day, from all unnecessary labors, and abstaining, not only from all sports and pastimes, but also from all worldly words and thoughts.

How often are we more concerned about the football or baseball game? How often do we entertain ourselves with racing, fishing or recreation on the day our hearts and minds are to ponder the vastness and greatness of our God? How often do our conversations reveal that our hearts are more willing to speak of base, temporal and generally evil things, particularly on the Lord’s Day?

That the diet on that Day be so ordered, as that neither servants be unnecessarily detained from the public worship of God, nor any other person hindered from the sanctifying that day.

I have shared the concern with many before of the idea of going out to eat on the Lord’s Day. Why is Sunday such an important day to restaurants? The Christian community, because she is more concerned for herself, her comfort and her gluttonous passion, would rather employ people to feed them than to evangelize them with the gospel. How can we dare give testimony to the priority of Christ in our lives and call others to that priority when, by our own patronizing of food establishments, we are the ones hindering persons from sanctifying the Lord’s Day? I wrestle with this issue greatly. I am not necessarily calling for a complete abstention from such an activity, but at very least I am calling the church to consider well and carefully what it is that we communicate by such actions. I dare say that if the whole of the Christian community abstained from “going out after church” to eat, that many restaurants would at minimum have fewer people working (people who could be encouraged to come to church) or might even have to shut down for some or part of the Day (I know it is a long shot). I do desire that we are thoughtful about what our actions communicate to the unbelieving world.

That there be private preparation of every person or family, by prayer for themselves, and for Gods assistance of the Minister, and for a blessing on his Ministry, and by such holy exercises, as may further dispose them to a more comfortable communion with God in his public Ordinances.

This is simply a call to genuine and concerted prayer for the presentation of the Word of God by the Pastor and that God’s people would be drawn closer in their relationship and love to God through the labors and efforts of the Pastor.

That all the people meet so timely for public worship, that the whole Congregation may be present at the beginning, and with one heart solemnly join together in all parts of the public worship; and not depart till after the Blessing.

Nothing in my mind shows a greater disrespect to God and to God’s people than being late to the worship service. For most of us to show such a complacency or apathy as to be late to work or school would result in our eventual termination or expulsion. If we are so disposed to not make appropriate preparation in this regard, we reveal an utter indifference to God and to His people, particularly those whom He has called to minister to you. To reverse a Biblical phrase, “He who is not faithful in little, will not be faithful in much.” May we be faithful in the little (or not so little) issue of managing our time.

Another concern here is the idea that the worship service has ended with the presentation of the Word of God. Particularly in our church, where there is a concerted effort to discuss and apply the Word of God (a regular practice of the Church in ages past), the worship does not end until the close of our “Fellowship Groups” (i.e. Sunday School). One of the reasons why we do not have our “benediction” until after our “Fellowship Groups” is to place a greater spiritual onus upon each attendee to consider carefully whether or not the activity they are leaving the fellowship for would bring more glory to God than what He has expressly revealed as His will for His people.

That what time is vacant, between, or after the solemn meeting of the Congregation in public, be spent in Reading, Meditation, Repetition of Sermons, (especially, by calling their families to an account of what they have heard) and Catechizing of them, holy conferences, Prayers for a Blessing upon the public Ordinances, singing of Psalms, visiting the sick, relieving the poor, and such like duties of piety, charity, and mercy, accounting the Sabbath a delight.

I was so encouraged by the thought that our brothers and sisters before us were purposely called to repeat the sermon especially by calling the congregation “to an account of what they have heard.” Such an activity was to be done, among other things as listed above, either between meetings or after, but it was to be done for the imparting and applying of God’s truth God’s people. The bottom line is that our goal for our corporate day of worship is to delight in it as an opportunity to fully devote ourselves to God and the tasks He has called us to engage in. In short, our great goal is to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” and we are to make every necessary preparation, sacrifice and labor to ensure that we ourselves, our families, our fellow believers and even as possible those outside the fellowship are taught how to worship, respect and honor the Lord.

Let me know your thoughts. And please, I humbly request that no one view me as seeking legalism. It strikes me as odd that whenever someone simply questions the "status quo" he is quickly dismissed as being legalistic. My desire is to ask ourselves why we do what we do and, does what we do glorify God?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Walking in a Manner Worthy - Part 3

I trust that these questions for private devotions have proven to be profitable. I know that they cause me to have much more candid and open conversation with my God (does that mean I am becoming “conversant”?). May the Lord continue to bless us as we pursue conformity to the image of Christ.

As you may notice, I have included all twenty-two questions (without comment) for consideration:

The Twenty-two Questions
George Whitefield and John Wesley AskedThemselves Every Day In Their PrivateDevotions More Than 200 Years Ago.

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression than I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what I was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrusting?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? I If so, what am I doing about it?
21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Thoughts on the Lord's Supper

As I was preparing my thoughts for our celebration of the Lord's Supper this Sunday, I found myself reading from one of my favorite authors, Edward Payson (thank you John MacArthur for introducing Payson to me via Rediscovering Expository Preaching). I thought I would post these thoughts here for your own preparation before the Table of the Lord.

The Lord’s Table
Edward Payson
Italics – Edward K. Godfrey (at the end)

At the table of our Lord, each of us should recollect the personal favors and marks of kindness which he has himself received from Christ, or through His mediation. Our temporal mercies, our spiritual privileges should all pass in review.

We should look back to the never to be forgotten time of love, when He found us, poor, miserable, wretched, blind and naked; dead in trespasses and sins, having no hope, and without God in the world.

We should remember how He pitied us, awakened us, convinced us of sin, and drew us to Himself by the cords of love.

We should remember how often He has since healed our backslidings, pardoned our sins, borne with our unbelief, ingratitude, and slowness to learn; supplied our wants, listened to our complaints, alleviated our sorrows and revived our drooping spirits when we were ready to faint.

In short, we must remember all the way by which He has led us, these many years, through a wilderness of sins, sorrows, trials and temptations.

Thus we shall be convinced that no sickly infant ever cost his mother a thousandth part of the care, and labor, and suffering which we have cost our Savior; and that no mother has ever shown her infant a thousandth part of the watchful tenderness, which our Savior has shown to us.

This then is forgiveness of sins. This is our redemption. This is our communion with Jesus – that He suffered and died on the cross so that we might remember these things, that we might reflect upon His goodness, that we might rejoice in so great, so wonderful a salvation.

May we partake of the Lord’s Supper together in a manner worthy of our Lord – in a manner that gives to Him all glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Walking in a Manner Worthy - Part 2

Okay, there has been some time to think and contemplate the first questions that Whitefield and Wesley asked themselves in their private devotions. I am not sure why I am stringing these questions out. Someone suggested to me that it was so I would have a consistent line of blog entries. Maybe he was right.

In light of that, I have decided (no I am not going to sing the Amy Grant song) - but I have decided to include more, but not all the questions from the list. I do hope and pray these spark confession and communion with God. I have included some comments in the brackets.

6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
[ouch - there is way too much of this in me]

7. Did the Bible live in me today?
[let me see?! - oh that I might have a ready answer]

8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day?
[slow down - be still and know that He is God]

9. Am I enjoying prayer?
[Oh yes, Lord, let me rejoice in your presence where there are joys forevermore]

10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith?
[but I was stuck in my office - Lord, let me be a witness!]

11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
[This does not mean after you spend it]

12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
[Oh how the flesh loves to rest]

13. Do I disobey God in anything?
[NO - said with pride! Oops]

14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
[Only when I listen to my conscience]

15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
[Who will deliver me from the body of this death?]

16. Am I jealous impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrusting?
[Ok, who has been watching?]

I do not mean to be overly light-hearted with my bracketed comments, but these questions are well worth asking often. Let me know how they help you.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Walking in a Manner Worthy

"Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called..." (Ephesians 4:1).

Truly one of the more trying aspects of Christianity is self-examination. There is just something about comparing oneself to the perfection of Christ that causes mental anguish – either because one see himself as being truly vile and in desperate need of the grace of Christ, or, on the other side, one see himself as not being “so” bad, thinking that such self-examination unprofitable.

I long to be like Christ and I thank the LORD that this is His ultimate purpose for me (Romans 8:29). But I confess, I need help. I need to be accountable to brothers and sisters in Christ who are likewise committed to sanctification.

One of my heroes of Church History is George Whitefield. So powerful was the ministry of Whitefield that Horatius Bonar made this simple declaration, “Oh, for one day of Whitefield again!” While he was just a man and more precisely, a sinner, Whitefield was a man of passion, endurance and love for the Lord. So, I believe that anything that I might learn and then emulate from this man will draw me closer to Christ. The other day I came across an article entitled simply, “Twenty-two Questions.” These are the questions that Whitefield and Wesley asked themselves every day in their private devotions. It is my intention to post only a handful a day for a couple of days that I (and anyone who reads this) might contemplate them more carefully and fully. May these spark deeper love and devotion to Christ. May these help us identify sinful tendencies in our lives so that we might experience more of the fullness of life and joy that Jesus secured for us (John 10:10).

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression than I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what I was told to me in confidence?

4. Can I be trusted?

5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Do not let the sun go down on your anger...

The Lord truly works in mysterious ways, revealing to us the strength of our faith as well as its weaknesses. The other day, as my wife and I were traveling home from Tulsa, we experienced a most unusual occurrence. It was about 9:15 pm and we were less than a half mile from the house when, upon preparing to make a left turn onto the side street, we heard this loud CRACK and THUD, and saw upon the windshield a dizzying spread of GUNK.

At first I had no idea as to what had happened. Because of the way the windshield looked through the GUNK, I could not tell if it was cracked. But then, a realization hit me. As I heard the screams and yells of the little white car that perpetrated the deed, I realized that we had been egged. I had no idea that an egg thrown at a moving car could have such an impact!

Anyway, as I completed the left turn, I looked back to see the little white car speeding off in the other direction. Now, here was my flesh. I could feel a sense of anger welling up inside. I quickly made a turn in the parking lot and sped off to find the eggers! Of course, my thoughts were nothing but noble. I just wanted to tell them of the dangers of throwing objects at moving cars and request of them to clean the car (with their tongues!). But the Lord, in His providence, did not allow me to get far as I lost them, not seeing really where they turned. My wife did ask me what I would have done if I had caught up with them. And while I would like to think I would have handled the situation well, I did have to consider my initial response. To be sure, disappointment and anger at such an act is not in itself wrong. But remember, it was 9:15 pm. The sun had just a few moments left. The words of Ephesians 4:26 sprang up in my head,

"BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger..."

I was running out of sun light and staying angry wasn't going to solve anything. So, we made the final trek home and I washed off the egg from the hood and windshield, noting some minor damage to the paint, but oh well, we were safe. Believing in the providence of God as I do, I began to ask the Lord the lessons I was supposed to learn, handing my sense of vengeance over to the Lord, praying for the salvation of the youth that had nothing better to do and coming to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

How to Read

As some of you know, I have long desired to take some kind of speed reading and reading comprehension course. There are so many books, so many issues, and so much to know that I often feel woefully inadequate by way of the information I possess (or lack). Sometimes, feeling this deficiency, I seek to justify not reading more with the classic passage of Ecclesiastes 12:12 -

But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.

While there may be some of you out there who are execessively devoted to books, I certainly am not. I know that I need to be stretched in this area.

To this end, I was reading Tim Challies blog (http://www.challies.com/) and found a great blog/article on reading. What was most interesting about it is that the few book I have read on speed reading and comprehension were either summarized in this blog or debunked. Now, being somewhat new to the whole blogging world, I am uncertain as to whether what I am about to do is taboo, but for both my benefit and for those who read my blog but might fail to visit http://www.challies.com/, I post the entirety of Mr. Challies article. If I am out of line in doing so, please forgive me and I will make necessary adjustments. I figure that so long as Mr. Challies gets the credit, then I must be in good shape.

So then, consider the following. And if your reading skills needs a push, may this properly stimulate you to greater devotion to reading. Here is Challies on the matter:

As you might imagine, I receive a good deal of email from people who read this site. More often than not I am glad to receive these emails and to respond to them. Communication with readers has proven to be a tremendous challenge and encouragement to me, for which I am exceedingly grateful. Probably the most common questions I receive deal with the subjects of books and reading. It seems that I have established a reputation as a bookworm (which may be justified: I did a Google search on my site this morning for the term "reading." Google turned up 10,700 results) and people often ask just how I find time to read so many books. I thought that today I might share a little bit about how I read as well as why I read and hope it proves interesting and perhaps helpful.

I love to read and have always loved to read. There have been times in life where I have preferred other hobbies, but on the whole reading has been my favorite past-time since I was just a child. When I was younger my parents gave me books by Christian authors like R.C. Sproul and encouraged me to read biographies of great men and women. They modelled a love for reading as both of them constantly read good books. While I chewed on the books they gave me dealing with spiritual topics, I positively devoured books on history, and in particular, military history. My love for this subject took me through university and into adulthood. About four or five years ago, though, I began to be drawn towards Christian books. As far as I can recall, the first of these I bought was Classic Christianity by Bob George and it was soon followed by Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur. That began a trend that has only intensified a the years have gone by.

It was just about three years ago that I decided, mostly on a whim, that I would try to read a book each week for what I hope will be the rest of my life. Subsequently, I also decided that I would attempt to provide reviews of the majority of these books. My reasoning was simply that through these reviews I could help other people who are interested in reading only a few books per year focus on books that are worth their while, while helping them avoid the mountains of trash on the bookstore shelves. My primary inspiration in both reading and reviewing was Gary Gilley of Southern View Chapel and I will always be grateful to him. I realized that if I were to live for another fifty years, this commitment would mean that I would be able to read over 2500 books before I die. The thought of being able to learn from what God has taught 2500 other people was inspiring. Since I set that goal I have found that I can actually read closer to two books every week, so now tend to read and review between 100 and 120 books a year. I suppose this raises the potential to reading over 5,000 books in the next fifty years. I'm going to need some more bookshelves. What follows is some seemingly-random points about reading that you may find helpful.

The more I read, the easier it is to read. A couple of years ago I read four books that discussed godly principles for decision making. Three of them were based primarily on the fourth (and anyone who has read about this subject will know what book I am referring to). Needless to say, it became progressively easier to read and understand each subsequent book. I have found that this is true of any topic. It is also true of reading in general. The more I have dedicated myself to reading, the better I have become at it. I have often spoken to people who have given up on reading because they have found it difficult. To these people I offer this encouragement: press on. Like any discipline, reading will become easier as you dedicate yourself to it.

A lot of the books I read are short. The majority of the books I read are under 250 pages, and quite a few have fewer than 200 pages. I generally do not discriminate against a book based on its page count, so this is either a product of coincidence or of percentages. It seems to me that the average "Christian Living" book weighs in between 160 and 200 pages. Biographies and books dealing with theology or church history tend to be longer and require greater effort.

I read all the time, or most of it anyways. I do not watch all that much TV, but even when I do, I usually have my nose in a book. I also get out of bed a couple of hours before everyone else so I can have some quiet time to read. When I go to the doctor or the barber, I tend to stick a book in my pocket so I can use that fifteen minutes doing something other than reading old copies of People magazine. It is amazing how many ten and fifteen minute periods there are in life that can be used for reading. I realized two Sundays ago that the perfect Sunday afternoon involves being sprawled out on the couch reading systematic theology, sipping on a Coke (with Lime, and in a glass with ice) and having a baseball game (the Toronto Bluejays, of course) on in the background. Life does not get much better.

I do not advocate reading while driving or while operating heavy machinery.

For those who insist that they have no time to read, consider this. If you were to read one page of a book per day, you would be able to read at least two of the average Christian Living books in a year. And, of course, a bathroom break is the perfect time to read a page or two of a book. So consider: if you were to keep a book in the bathroom and read only when you were going to the bathroom, you could read two books per year. If you were to read only when you were brushing your teeth, you could read another book or two a year. So if you feel that you do not have time to read, why not keep a book in the bathroom and commit to reading it there? Here is a good book to keep in the bathroom. [Pastor Ed comment - I have practiced this for years, a great place to read].

One of my peculiarities, but one I have found helpful, is reading two or even three books at a time. I used to find that I would sometimes mistake physical fatigue for what was actually a fatigue brought about by dwelling too long on a particular subject. A perfect example is the biography of William Tyndale I was reading last night. It is a difficult, dense book and I found myself growing very tired as I was reading, even though it was only nine o'clock. When I put it down and began reading a second book, I immediately felt refreshed. My mind was tired and this was making my body feel tired.

I have never been taught how to best read a book. It is entirely conceivable that I do things all wrong. I know there are some excellent books on the topic, but it seems somehow strange to me to read a 500-page book that will teach me how to read a book. Over the past years I have tried a few different methods, some of which have worked and some of which have not. Here is a basic outline of how I read a book.

I begin by giving the book a quick scan, hoping to understand what it is about, what the author is going to attempt to prove and how he is going to set about this task. I read the back cover and the endorsements. I skim over the table of contents and look through the endnotes and bibliography. Having done that, I tend to linger a little bit over the introductory chapter(s), for I find this to be the most important section in the book. It generally lays out the basic framework of the author's argument and lets me know what he is arguing against. I read with a pencil in hand (I buy those clickable Bic pencils by the box) and underline liberally (usually using a Monergism.com bookmark as a ruler). I also tend to jot short notes and questions in the margins or at the end of chapters. Points that are important to the author's argument tend to receive a *, and points that are exceedingly important receive a bigger *. I often also make a list of important page numbers and questions on the inside front cover of the book. In some cases I'll make two or three columns of page numbers. For example, when I was reading Mark Driscoll's Confessions of a Reformission Rev. I found myself writing down the page numbers that contained his best points in one column and the page numbers containing his irreverent, crude points in another. I don't know if there is an objectively good way of marking books, but I doubt it. So work on a system that works for you and stick with it.

This method does not always work. Lately I find myself doing a lot of reading while holding a baby. I can hold a baby and a book, or a pen and a book, but not a baby, pen and book all at the same time. I also tend to spend a lot of time reading while walking the baby in endless circles from the living room to the dining room to the kitchen to the hallway and back to the living room. In such cases I continue reading and try to return later to mark down important points. Looking over the books I have read recently, I can tell which chapters I read while walking the baby as they tend to have far less markings.

I forget a great deal of what I read. Anyone who tells you otherwise may not be telling the truth (unless he has a Spurgeon-like photographic memory). I used to be discouraged if, a year after reading a book, I could barely remember the content. I have since realized that this is inevitable. I focus on remembering what I can and trust that simply because I do not remember the complete outline of a book, this does not prove that a book has not been edifying to me. After all, if this was our standard, every sermon would be a complete failure. I trust that the Spirit works in me as I read good books and that He works despite my imperfect memory.

Reviewing books is an excellent way of driving home the main points of a book. It is as good a memory device as I can imagine. In fact, I would encourage every reader to review the books they read, even if those reviews will never be made public. It is a good discipline to think through the main points of the book and is as valuable a discipline to formulate thoughts on whether or not the reader agrees with a book.

When looking for a good book to read, find a person whose judgment you trust and read what that person is reading. I am collecting lists of recommended books from a wide variety of discerning Christian authors and leaders and will soon post these lists at Discerning Reader. I believe these lists will prove valuable and I am excited to work my way through the books on some of these lists. [Pastor Ed comment - both myself and other pastors I know have had some real problems with Discerning reader in the past. However, Tim Challies has taken over and has no relationship to the former owners. So, I can once again recommend "Discerning Reader" http://www.discerningreader.com/index.php].

Let me wrap it up this way. I see reading as a discipline, but a pleasurable one. I love it and have found it to be tremendously beneficial to my spiritual life. Reading and writing have together brought me untold benefit. I can honestly say that most evenings there is nothing I'd rather do.

Tim Challies - June 8,2006 Blog

I hope you find some helpful encouragement from these words. In short, be consistent; be persistent and keep on reading to the glory of God!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Hope and Joy

As mentioned in the previous post, I have been involved in a study that has brought much conviction - reminding me of the solemn and severe duty of being a shepherd of the flock of God ("Words to Winners of Souls" - by Horatius Bonar, 1809-1889). While it is, and has been a profitable time to examine my life and be rightly pruned of the LORD for growth, I was reminded this morning by my reading of Spurgeon that the believer is not to wallow in the muck and mire of his depravity. No, our Savior is too gracious, too loving and too anxious to impart to us life and joy. Let me share with you the reading of Spurgeon that reminded me of the blessed joy that is the possession of every believer in Christ (particularly as he or she is pruned by the LORD):

"The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad."— Psalms 126:3

Some Christians are sadly prone to look on the dark side of everything, and to dwell more upon what they have gone through than upon what God has done for them. Ask for their impression of the Christian life, and they will describe their continual conflicts, their deep afflictions, their sad adversities, and the sinfulness of their hearts, yet with scarcely any allusion to the mercy and help which God has vouchsafed them.

But a Christian whose soul is in a healthy state, will come forward joyously, and say, "I will speak, not about myself, but to the honour of my God. He hath brought me up out of an horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings: and He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God. The Lord hath done great things for me, whereof I am glad."

Such an abstract of experience as this is the very best that any child of God can present.

• It is true that we endure trials, but it is just as true that we are delivered out of them.
• It is true that we have our corruptions, and mournfully do we know this, but it is quite as true that we have an all-sufficient Saviour, who overcomes these corruptions, and delivers us from their dominion.

In looking back, it would be wrong to deny that we have been in the Slough of Despond, and have crept along the Valley of Humiliation, but it would be equally wicked to forget that we have been through them safely and profitably; we have not remained in them, thanks to our Almighty Helper and Leader, who has brought us "out into a wealthy place." The deeper our troubles, the louder our thanks to God, who has led us through all, and preserved us until now. Our griefs cannot mar the melody of our praise, we reckon them to be the bass part of our life's song, "He hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad."

Charles Spurgeon: Morning and Evening

Our blessed Savior said:

John 10:10 - I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

John 15:11- These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

We have such a hope and the possession of such joy. Lord grant that we might rightly experience the great joy that is ours by means of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

How Certain Are You?

I have had the privilege and honor of taking our weekly Home Bible Study group through a little booklet entitled, “Words to Winners of Souls” by Horatius Bonar (1809-1889). This study has been most gut-wrenching as it lists and catalogs seemingly every excuse one might give for being complacent when it comes to seeing souls won to Christ. Coming up this week is a look at what Bonar calls “Past Defects” – where he examines the fruit of the minister’s life. Has the minister of God effectively and substantially called and confirmed (as best as humanly possible) souls to salvation. Let me include just a portion of what Bonar has written for your consideration:

Multitudes have perished under such a ministry; the judgment only will disclose whether so much as one has been saved. There might be learning, but there was no tongue of the learned to speak a word in season to him that is weary. There might be wisdom, but it certainly was not the wisdom that "winneth souls" (“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls” – Proverbs 11:30). There might even be the sound of the gospel, but it seemed to contain no glad tidings at all; it was not sounded forth from warm lips into startled ears as the message of eternal life -- "the glorious gospel of the blessed God." Men lived, and it was never asked of them by their minister whether they were born again! Men sickened, sent for the minister and received a prayer upon their death-beds as their passport into heaven. Men died, and were buried where all their fathers had been laid; there was a prayer at their funeral and decent respects to their remains; but their souls went up to the judgment seat unthought of, uncared for; no man, not even the minister who had vowed to watch for them, having said to them, Are you ready ? -- or warned them to flee from the wrath to come.

Now then, while this is certainly a call to the minister to know the spiritual state of the souls to which he is guard, I also asked myself the question, “What is the individual soul’s responsibility in this matter?” In other words, are you certain that the minister knows the spiritual condition of your soul? How certain are you that he knows the reality of your salvation? What assurances do you give him to this end? What are the consistent fruits of salvation you think he should be able to pluck from your tree of life? You see, not only should the minister pursue with great eagerness and all diligence the evidences of salvation in the lives of flock entrusted to him, but I say to you that each “believer” is also duty-bound to diligently endeavor to make their election and calling sure for himself, for the body of believers and for the minister given to him by God, the minister who must…

“keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).

How certain are you that your minister knows the reality of your salvation? What are you going to do to insure this knowledge?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Luke 11:46

So - how about it? How many of you know what Luke 11:46 says? I must admit that when I saw the bumper sticker in front of me that said nothing but "Luke 11:46" I was intrigued. "What could it say?" I thought to myself. Being slightly shocked and almost embarrassed that I could not recall the significance of Luke 11:46 (particularly because my daughter was with me and asked what it said), I found my mind racing to figure it out. Remember that I am in the car at the time.

Trying to think through the outline of Luke in my head I got to chapter 11 and recalled the Lord's Prayer and some parables, but I could not get further (back to Bible class for me!). Then I had my daughter get my Bible and read for me Luke 11:46, thinking or course that once I heard the verse, the point would be understood. Well, my daughter read it to me and upon conclusion we both looked at each other as if to say, "Huh?" I am not sure what this person's point was and if there is anyone who might want to venture a guess as to why someone would have a bumper sticker that says nothing but "Luke 11:46" please enlighten me.

And yes, I know that I have not included in this post Luke 11:46. I thought it best if you looked it up for yourself.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

A Perfect Path of Purest Grace

I was reading this hymn in my study and it caused me to meditate especially on Christ. I pray it speaks to your spirit as well:

A perfect path of purest grace,

Unblemished and complete,

Was Thine, Thou spotless Nazarite,

Pure, even to the feet.

Thy stainless life, Thy lovely walk,

In every aspect true,

From the defilement all around,

No taint of evil drew.

No broken service, Lord was Thine,

No change was in Thy way;

Unsullied in Thy holiness,

Thy strength knew no decay.

The vow was on Thee—Thou didst come,

To yield Thyself to death;

And consecration marked Thy path,

And spoke in every breath.

Morning by morning Thou didst wake,

Amidst this poisoned air;

Yet no contagion touched Thy soul,

No sin disturbed Thy prayer.

Thus, Lord we love to trace Thy course,

To mark where Thou hast trod,

And follow Thee with loving eye,

Up to the throne of God.

The author of the text is Macleod Wylie - I was unable to find out any signficant information about the author. Let me know if you find any such information.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Inter-Trinitarian Harmony and Particular Redemption

Okay - I know that the title of this blog sounds a bit mushy; but believe me, it is not. I was reading through Ephesians the other day and doing some research on chapter 1 when I came across the term "Trinitarian Harmony." The term is used to describe the truth and teaching that no one member of the Godhead works in a manner contrary to the expressly revealed will and actions of the other members of the Godhead.

I have modified the phrase to "Inter-Trinitarian Harmony" (borrowing from a concept I learned from John MacArthur) because the purpose and will of God is in perfect balance or harmony "within" (inter) the Godhead. This concept can be used to help understand or illuminate a number of passages and issues found in Scripture. The issue that I find it most illuminating however is in supporting the doctrine of "Limited Atonement" or "Particular Redemption" - the doctrine that teaches that the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross did not merely make salvation possible for every and all men, but that the "atonement" actually secured salvation for a specific or particular number of people.

Let me point out how this works as seen in Ephesians 1:3-14. The first thing to notice in a reading of this text is that there is a repeated refrain. The first time this refrain is used, it is in its fullest or broadest scope followed by two shortened uses. This refrain of praise to God is found in 1:6, 12, 14 respectively:

Ephesians 1:6 - "to the praise of the glory of His grace."

Ephesians 1:12 - "to the praise of His glory."

Ephesians 1:14 - "to the praise of His glory."

Each of these refrains serves to praise God at the conclusion of some aspect of the salvific work of a member of the Godhead. In verses 3-6a, God the Father is praised for His work in election, in choosing a people for salvation. In verses 6b-12, God the Son is praised for His work in redemption, in shedding His blood for His people. And, in verses 13-14, God the Spirit is at work in sealing God's people for the final day of full redemption.

What must be noticed is that God the Father did not choose "all" people or every person, but a specific number of people to be holy and blameless (1:4). In other words, not everyone was chosen. Considering the Spirit's work of sealing believers, it is obvious that He does not seal everyone, but only those who have chosen and reveal their being chosen by having believed (1:13).

Now, if the concept of Inter-Trinitarian Harmony stands true, then it could not be that the purpose and will of Jesus would stand in contrast to the other members of the Trinity. How could it be rightly said that Jesus' blood paid for a people not chosen by the Father and not sealed by the Spirit. Rather, from the context of these verses and specifically verse 7, redemption is not for "all" but for the "we" who are in Him and "us" upon whom He lavished the riches of His grace. This is consistent with the whole testimony of Scripture, but particularly Matthew 1:21 which specifically states that Jesus "will save His people from their sins" - the qualifier being "His" people.

So, we find that for there to be consistency in the Trinity, all the members of the Godhead must have had the same purpose in salvation - to actually save a specific group of people "from every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9). The essence here is of "all" men; that is, all kinds and subsets of men - not "all" as in every single individual). This group of people was particularly chosen by the Father (Ephesians 1:3-6a); particularly redeemed by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:6b-12); and was particularly sealed with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). Hence we have another clearly revealed picture of particular redemption in this concept of Inter-Trinitarian Harmony.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

George Whitefield on Faith

Consider this simple thought:

"For where reason ends, faith begins. And, however infidels may stile themselves reasoners, of all men they are the most unreasonable: For, is it not contrary to all reason, to measure the Infinite by a finite understanding, or think to find out the mysteries of godliness to perfection?"

From "Abraham's Offering Up His Son Isaac" by George Whitefield.

Isaiah 55:8-9
8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

More Thoughts on the Da Vinci Code

The Apostle Paul makes a startling statement in the opening verses of his letter to the Galatians:

Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

These verses remind us that the church has a grave and solemn duty to know and preach the true gospel as well as knowing what is a false gospel and accursing it. The word for "to be accursed" is "anathema" - which, according to the United Bible Society Handbook "can refer either to a thing or a person under the curse or the wrath of God and therefore set apart for destruction." It goes on to say,

"The whole expression is a petition to God that the person referred to may be deprived of God's favor and be the object instead of his condemnation. Precisely what Paul has in mind is hard to determine, but may he be condemned to hell! captures the intensity of the original phrase. In some languages the phrase may he be condemned to hell! is rendered as "he will surely suffer in hell," "God will certainly destroy him," or "I ask God to make him suffer."

The Da Vinci Code, whether intentional or not (I believe intentional), attacks the very gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It does not matter whether it is intended only for entertainment or not, to "entertain" the thoughts contained in the Da Vinci Code is nothing short of blasphemous. I am not saying that it would be blasphemous to read or even see the movie. I leave that decision to each individual conscience. However, believers, as they have opportunity to talk with others concerning the true person of Jesus and the true authority of Scripture are to have an answer for the "accursed" lies propagated in the Da Vinci Code. As noted in my previous blog, 1 Peter 3:15 is appropos:

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

Dr. Al Mohler, has a well-written response or expose on the Da Vinci Code that I recommend you read. May the Lord open up doors of opportunity to spread the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-05-19

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Bill O'Reilly, Da Vinci and Martin Luther

As I was driving to a meeting yesterday I thought I would listen in on what Mr. Bill O’Reilly had to say. The topic of the day was the Da Vinci Code and specifically the idea propagated in it that says Jesus was married and had children. Several callers were making the point that some people might draw their theology from such a movie. Now here is where things got interesting. Mr. O’Reilly was correct in the assessment that anyone who gets his theology from a movie is a “moron” (his terminology). Many callers still expressed their concerns about how the movie might impact people’s ideas concerning Christianity. So, in typical, provocative O’Reilly fashion, Bill made the following statement (this is my best paraphrase):

“Look, Dan Brown (author of the Da Vinci Code) wrote a theory, his opinion about what might have happened with Jesus – but it is just a theory and anyone who believes this theory is a moron. It’s like a man named Martin Luther. He had a theory about Christianity and thus broke away from the church (the Catholic Church).

In one fell swoop, Mr. O’Reilly linked those who would draw their theology from Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” with those who draw their theology from Martin Luther (i.e. Calvinism; Sovereignty of God in salvation, etc). In other words, just as those who believe in the Da Vinci Code theory are “morons”, so are all those of the Protestant Church, who believe in the Martin Luther “theory.” The only problem is that Luther’s “theory” was not a “theory” or opinion at all. With regard to the salvation of man, Luther sought not the contrivings of men, but the very Word of God. Read Luther’s statement when called upon to recant his position in order to follow the traditions and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, teachings that stood against God’s revealed Word:

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture or by clear reason (for I trust neither pope nor council alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have cited, for my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since to act against one’s conscience is neither safe nor right. I cannot do otherwise. Here I stand, may God help me.”

I find O’Reilly’s statement to be “moronic.” While I understand that he, being Catholic, does not agree with Luther’s apologetics, Luther’s apologetics concerning the nature of salvation and justification by faith alone are nonetheless based upon the Scriptures and sound Biblical interpretation. This is not something that Dan Brown can claim for his book.

If I had been in a position to call in to O’Reilly’s program, I would have in order to “set the record straight” and so that I might fulfill the Scripture saying:

“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” (1 Peter 3:15)

I might have to refrain from using the word “moron” (for that might be without gentleness and reverence) but the truth of salvation by faith alone, by grace alone and by Christ alone, a teaching that adheres to the clear teaching of Scriptures and is opposed the Catholic doctrine, must be declared. So, “what say you?”

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Sin Follows

I was reading through some of William Cowper's Olney Hymns when I came across one that reminded me of the deceitfulness of sin as well as sin's ability to follow us into the most noble and sacred of our activities. Before I share the hymn, consider this statement from Proverbs 4:23

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

What a call and duty of the Christian, to watch, or guard our hearts from all that would rob of life, of joy and of peace. The great and cruel enemy of the heart is sin, which, as I noted above, is always present and always seeking and opportunity to bring us to ruin. In our most precious of prayers, sin is there. In our highest worship, sin is there. In our most sincere labors and efforts in the Lord, sin is there. This is why we are called to "watch over" our hearts with "all diligence."

Let us pray that we may "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us" (Hebrews 12:1).

Consider then the hymn of William Cowper entitled "Jehovah Our Righteousness"

My God, how perfect are Thy ways!
But mine polluted are:
Sin twines itself about my praise,
And slides into my pray'r.

When I would speak what Thou hast done
To save me from my sin,
I cannot make Thy mercies known
But self-applause creeps in.

Divine desire, that holy flame
Thy grace creates in me:
Alas! Impatience is its name,
When it returns to Thee.

This heart a fountain of vile thoughts,
How does it overflow?
While self upon the surface floats
Still bubbling from below.

Let others in the gaudy dress
Of fancied merit shine;
The LORD shall be my righteousness;
The LORD for ever mine.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

A Paradox

A paradox is a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true. Life is full of paradoxes. I was speaking with one of the men in the church about the Christian life and we spoke of the need to be humble and broken before the LORD and how this leads to great joy. As it is written,

Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

And yet, this humility, brokenness and repentance is not seen in this text, or in the rest of Scripture, as “a downer.” Notice, “O God, You will not despise.” There is a joy, a fullness; an overflowing of grace and life that comes from such brokenness and contriteness – a realization that God does not despise such an attitude. Rather, such an attitude is received and blessed by the LORD. As it is written,

Psalm 32:1-5
1 How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! 2 How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit! 3 When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, " I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

The paradox is that genuine brokenness and contriteness of heart is the true path to a joyous, God-exulting life. You might recall a time in Israel’s history when the people were broken and contrite, yet we read the command:

Nehemiah 8:9-10
9 Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, " This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

O LORD, teach us the delicate balance of manifesting a broken spirit and contrite heart and yet may it result in an exuberant joy that draws attention to You – not to self; that magnifies Your goodness and not our wickedness.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"

Some months back someone in the church asked me about a story I gave concerning the author of the hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” As the story was told to me, Robert Robinson (1735-1790), once a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and who penned the words, “prone to wander, Lord I feel it; prone to leave the God I love…” did, in fact forsake the Lord. This would certainly be a tragic happening, for a professing believer to fall away from the Lord.

But, as I mentioned, this is how the story was told to me. So recently, I thought I should seek to verify the story one way or the other, and this is what I found:

Robert Robinson (1735-1790), the author of "Come, Thou Fount," knew what it was to be "prone to wander." As a teenager, Robinson went to a George Whitefield meeting with the purpose of ridiculing him. Instead, Robinson was converted and later entered the ministry. The text of this great hymn was written when he was only twenty-three years of age while he ministered at the Calvinistic Methodist Church in Norfolk, England. Read the text of this hymn as follows (I particularly like the last verse which is absent from most hymnals):

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer*;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.


*In 1 Samuel 7:12, Saul erected a stone as a memorial to God which he named “Ebenezer” because, he said, “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.” (KJV)


As the story goes, some years later, Robinson did begin to “wander” and he eventually left the ministry. After some time, he found himself sitting by a lady in a stagecoach who was humming the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount.” When asked by her what he thought of it, he said, “Madam, I am the unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds to enjoy the feelings I had then.”

Now some of the accounts have Mr. Robinson coming back to the Lord while others leave the question hanging. But may all this serve to remind us to heed th words of the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 10:12,

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”

We must be ready to raise our "Ebenezer" in recognition that it’s only by God’s doing that we have come this far. May we also long for “that day when freed from sinning,” we shall see His lovely face and sing of His sovereign grace!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Free Will

Okay, so it has been a while since I have posted anything of significance. I do have one excuse, well, actually two. First, I have been unable to connect to the internet at work for four days (what a mess)! Second, I have had a head cold (do you all feel sorry for me?).

Anyway, I thought I would get back into the groove as it were by simply offering a quote that I recently read by Augustus Toplady (who penned the hymn, "Rock of Ages"). He said,

"A man's free will cannot cure him even of a toothache or a sore finger, and yet he madly thinks it is in his power to cure his soul of sin. Actually, the greatest judgment which God Himself can in this present life inflict upon a man is to leave that man in the hand of HIS OWN BOASTING FREE-WILL!"

I leave this post with the words of another Toplady hymn that speaks to the praise we ought to have to our God who has graciously redeemed us from own sinful natures and is making us like unto our Savior!

A DEBTOR TO MERCY ALONE

A debtor to mercy alone, of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear, with Thy righteousness on, my person and off’ring to bring.
The terrors of law and of God with me can have nothing to do;
My Savior’s obedience and blood hide all my transgressions from view.

The work which His goodness began,
The arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen, and never was forfeited yet.
Things future, nor things that are now, nor all things below or above,
Can make Him His purpose forgo, or sever my soul from His love.

My name from the palms of His hands eternity will not erase;
Impressed on His heart it remains, in marks of indelible grace.
Yes, I to the end shall endure, as sure as the earnest is giv’n;
More happy, but not more secure, the glorified spirits in Heav’n.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Ed

Busy, busy, busy!

It dawned on me that it has been a while since I last blogged. So, here goes:

I have been busy and have nothing to say! - Tell me what you think!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Ed