This is a repost from last year. Tomorrow I'll try to post some of our traditions. At this time, however, I'd like to hear from you.
Noel Piper's book Treasuring God in our Traditions causes Shannon and I to think through what we do to establish traditions for our family in our home. We've learned from several others throughout the years as well. If you don't have that book, I recommend you get it and read it. I hope you will be challenged and think through how to better celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas.
If you've already began thinking through this, what are the traditions that you have/will establish for Christmas?
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
But I Deserve More
Yesterday morning when Abigail woke up she saw a few presents that were wrapped for her under the Christmas tree. However, as she saw the presents her first response was, "I only have two?" I point this out not to pick on my child, but rather to display the heart of most of us in that statement. The underlining thought of such a statement is that we deserve the gifts that we're given.
On a much larger scale is the thought that we all "deserve" the greatest gift in the world: the gift of Jesus Christ. That is the mindset of the culture we live in (church and secular culture). In fact, I think this is one reason the world can celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus (which many people culturally believe). There is something in our DNA that says we deserve this great gift. There is a thought process that actually believes we are good enough to receive these gifts.
So what does Scripture say? Scripture teaches that we do not deserve this great gift. Scripture teaches that we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). The very definition of grace proves that it is undeserved. In fact, James 1:16-18 says, "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." By his own will he saved us. Jesus was born for an ultimate purpose. Matthew 1:21 says that Jesus will save His people from their sins. Jesus was born to die on a cross to redeem those who would believe. That is the greatest Gift there ever has or ever will be. And that gift is solely by the grace of God.
But it's not only for Christians that God gives good gifts. He sends sun and rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). On the cross Jesus also purchased a common grace for all people. Everything good in this life comes from God. For those who are believers and those who are not, God is a gracious God here and now. So we do not "deserve" the gifts in our lives, but rather through the birth of Christ, which led to the death of Christ on behalf of sinners, we receive amazing gifts with the most important being the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Beloved, this Christmas season as you celebrate the gift of Jesus with your families and friends, do not forget that He is a gift. You and I do not deserve it. The mentality that many of us have that says, "But I deserve more," is the result of a fallen, sinful nature. We have done nothing to deserve the good that is in our lives. God has been gracious and has gifted us with many things. The only reason there is good in our lives is because of an almighty, all loving, all sufficient God. Let us fight against our fleshly nature everyday that we might learn to value the precious gifts in our lives.
On a much larger scale is the thought that we all "deserve" the greatest gift in the world: the gift of Jesus Christ. That is the mindset of the culture we live in (church and secular culture). In fact, I think this is one reason the world can celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus (which many people culturally believe). There is something in our DNA that says we deserve this great gift. There is a thought process that actually believes we are good enough to receive these gifts.
So what does Scripture say? Scripture teaches that we do not deserve this great gift. Scripture teaches that we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). The very definition of grace proves that it is undeserved. In fact, James 1:16-18 says, "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." By his own will he saved us. Jesus was born for an ultimate purpose. Matthew 1:21 says that Jesus will save His people from their sins. Jesus was born to die on a cross to redeem those who would believe. That is the greatest Gift there ever has or ever will be. And that gift is solely by the grace of God.
But it's not only for Christians that God gives good gifts. He sends sun and rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). On the cross Jesus also purchased a common grace for all people. Everything good in this life comes from God. For those who are believers and those who are not, God is a gracious God here and now. So we do not "deserve" the gifts in our lives, but rather through the birth of Christ, which led to the death of Christ on behalf of sinners, we receive amazing gifts with the most important being the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Beloved, this Christmas season as you celebrate the gift of Jesus with your families and friends, do not forget that He is a gift. You and I do not deserve it. The mentality that many of us have that says, "But I deserve more," is the result of a fallen, sinful nature. We have done nothing to deserve the good that is in our lives. God has been gracious and has gifted us with many things. The only reason there is good in our lives is because of an almighty, all loving, all sufficient God. Let us fight against our fleshly nature everyday that we might learn to value the precious gifts in our lives.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Running
Today I started week 2. It was an interesting day. We had about 12-14 inches of snow last night and when I left for my run it began snowing again. It actually felt good, however. During one of the trips around the block (it's a short block and I didn't go too far because it was slick) I noticed an elderly lady sitting in the snow by the road. I looked closer and realized she had fallen in the snow. I asked her if she needed help getting up and she did. She had a bad ankle and apparently shouldn't have been out in the snow. Anyway, she was fine. I helped her up. She went back in the house and I finished my run. All in all it was a good run. Thanks for the support.
Friday, December 18, 2009
What if Jesus was not Born?
As I prepare for this Christmas I have been thinking a lot lately about all that has taken place since the birth of Christ. From there I began to ask myself, "What if Jesus had never been born?" I feel this is a question many of us overlook or take for granted since He was born. But let's take some time to meditate on that question. What if He wasn't born? What would be different today? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
One implication (major implication) is that if He had never been born, then we would still look for a Savior and not trust in the Lamb of God who bore the sins of the world.
I hope this leads you into worship and adoration of Christ. He was born, and named Jesus, because He would save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). May we all worship Him!
One implication (major implication) is that if He had never been born, then we would still look for a Savior and not trust in the Lamb of God who bore the sins of the world.
I hope this leads you into worship and adoration of Christ. He was born, and named Jesus, because He would save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). May we all worship Him!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Lectures on John Owen
I came across this post by Tony Reinke. It is Derek Thomas giving lectures on the Pastoral Theology of John Owen. Since I want to learn about and from Owen, it is very helpful for me. I hope you enjoy it.
Matt Chandler's Pathology results revealed
Matt Chandler's messages have really impacted my life up to this point. Please read the report and pray for him, his family, and his church family.
Pathology results revealed
Pathology results revealed
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Firm Foundations for your Faith
I am preparing a sermon series at FBC on firm foundations. I am still working through the layout, but would love to hear some thoughts from you. If all goes as planned, I'll probably begin this in February. Here is what I have thus far and may change this list by addition or deletion of what is there. What am I missing? What would you take away?
1. The Word of God (Bible)
2. God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
3. Man (creation, Fall, depravity)
4. Christ (Son of God, Substitue, Redeemer)
5. Salvation (grace, faith, repentance, etc.)
6. Church (body, bride, family)
7. Future (Christ's return, judgement, final salvation)
Update: It looks like I have at least 25 sermons working through this at this point. I'm sure some will change. I may combine, delete, or add some still. Thanks for the suggestions.
Also, you do not need to know me to make suggestions. I would welcome any serious thoughts on this subject.
1. The Word of God (Bible)
2. God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
3. Man (creation, Fall, depravity)
4. Christ (Son of God, Substitue, Redeemer)
5. Salvation (grace, faith, repentance, etc.)
6. Church (body, bride, family)
7. Future (Christ's return, judgement, final salvation)
Update: It looks like I have at least 25 sermons working through this at this point. I'm sure some will change. I may combine, delete, or add some still. Thanks for the suggestions.
Also, you do not need to know me to make suggestions. I would welcome any serious thoughts on this subject.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Still Running...
Ok, so it's only my second day on the plan, but I just wanted to post for those helping hold me accountable that I did indeed run today. It was difficult actually. I think that lack of sleep last night, and not waiting long enough after lunch made it tough, but I did it. Thanks for the support!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Accountability
Ok, so I've been trying to exercise for a while now, but never really stick with it too long. Tonight I decided it was time to try again, and this time to put it on here for accountability purposes. I'm using the Couch to 5K training program (and yes, there is an app for that) because I've heard good things about it and I've realized that I'm in the worse shape I've been in my life. So I completed day one today. I would appreciate your support and accountability as I work to get in shape.
With that being said, let me say why I'm concerned about this. There are of course the health reasons. There also is the fact that I want to be able to play with my children. But the main reason is that I want to glorify God with every aspect of my life. That includes how I treat my body. So I'm not only trying to run, but also trying to eat healthy and stop drinking (and this is the hard one!) Mt. Dews. So help me as I seek to glorify God.
With that being said, let me say why I'm concerned about this. There are of course the health reasons. There also is the fact that I want to be able to play with my children. But the main reason is that I want to glorify God with every aspect of my life. That includes how I treat my body. So I'm not only trying to run, but also trying to eat healthy and stop drinking (and this is the hard one!) Mt. Dews. So help me as I seek to glorify God.
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