John Piper’s message at T4G ‘08 (How the Supremacy of Christ Creates Radical Christian Sacrifice) has been the theme of my year so far.
Heb 13:12-13 has led me to challenge several decisions to glorify God rather than maintain a comfortable life. It has become clear that God has been growing me through battling egalitarianism in accepting my responsibility to lead my wife and family in the face of opposition. The fear of God has to reign supreme over our fear of man.
JB1
Yesterday I came across a slide show from the Together for the Gospel 2008 conference via challies.com. The pictures were set to a wonderful hymn being sung by the attendees. I can say without hesitation that as far as corporate singing, I have never been as moved by the presence and praise of God as I was while being surrounded by 5000+ men singing great, God-glorifying hymns of the faith. Perhaps my favorite happens to be the one selected for the slide show (How Sweet and Awful is the Place by Issac Watts). My favorite verse reads, “Why was I made to hear thy voice, and enter while there’s room, When thousands make a wretched choice, and rather starve than come.” Notice the theology behind that one word in bold font….made. Praise God for his merciful, sovereign choice! All that can be said in response is, “Why me?”
If interested in seeing the slide show, here’s the link: http://t4g.org/08/media/slideshow.php
JB2
Although a word I had never encountered prior to this morning, diorthosis (see previous entry for complete definition) could not be a more fitting description of my past spiritual condition. Especially from the standpoint of “setting things to rights“. I was a Christian, but my path (i.e. my priorities – thought process – worldview – etc.) was off center at best. I knew of God, but I didn’t know God. He was a priority, just not the priority. He was in control, just not completely…more reactionary than active. However, in His grace, He has been “setting me to rights” for some time now, a journey I hope to document here. That’s my intent with this blog…..to share (most importantly with myself!) the awesome, sometimes painful, always grace-filled journey that God has ordained for me.
JB2
Verse:
John 3:16; Jn 3:16; John 3
Keyword:
Salvation, Jesus, Gospel
With Operators:
AND, OR, NOT, “ ”
