Free Audio Book for November
0 comments Published by Michael Spotts: . on November 19, 2008 at 8:53 PMAs usual, ChristianAudio.com is giving away their free monthly audio book. This time it is John Calvin's On Prayer and The Christian Life, which is an excerpt from his voluminous Institutes. For those uninitiated, don't be daunted by fears of difficult listening. Calvin's work is direct, edifying, and honest. I listened to it while mowing the lawn and riding my bike to and from work. If you are looking for ornate language, look elsewhere as the great reformer makes no attempt to be superfluously prolix (like I just was). His point is to be understood by the youngest believer, to glorify God in Christ, and to give sound wisdom for effective prayer.
Sufjan Stevens - The Transfiguration
1 comments Published by Michael Spotts: . on November 15, 2008 at 9:09 PMI cannot speak for Sufjan's work as a whole, but I know this song always moves me.
Lyrics (read along):
When he took the three disciples to the mountainside to pray
His countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame
Two men appeared; Moses and Elijah came
They were at his side
The prophecy, the legislation spoke of whenever he would die
Then there came a word
Of what he should accomplish on the day
Then Peter spoke, to make of them a tabernacle place
A cloud appeared in glory as an accolade
They fell on the ground
A voice arrived, the voice of God
The face of God, covered in a cloud
What he said to them
The voice of God: the most beloved son
Consider what he says to you, consider what's to come
The prophecy was put to death
Was put to death, and so will the Son
And keep your word, disguise the vision till the time has come
Lost in the cloud, a voice: Have no fear! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Turn your ear!
Lost in the cloud, a voice: Lamb of God! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Son of God!
“Did You Know” questions concerning St. Augustine as observed in: Christian History: Augustine (Carol Stream IL: Christianity Today, 1987; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996):
That in the modern sense of the term, Augustine’s Confessions was the first autobiography ever written?
That one of Augustine’s duties as bishop of Hippo was to arbitrate lawsuits?
That Bishop Augustine lived almost entirely on vegetables?
That he encouraged conversation at meals—but with a strictly enforced rule that the character of an absent person should never be negatively discussed? He had a warning to this effect carved on a plaque attached to his table.
That according to his biographer, Possidius, Augustine wrote more than 1,000 total works, including 242 books?
That Augustine set part of his written campaign against the Donatist heresy to verse?
Around 394 A.D., Augustine composed a song he titled “An ABC against the Donatists,” and encouraged that it be frequently sung by the orthodox churches in his diocese. It became quite popular.
That at one point early in his career, Augustine was a speechwriter for the Roman emperor?
That a rich pagan man chose the young Augustine to be his protege, in hopes the bright young philosopher would help turn the rapidly Christianizing Roman empire back to paganism?
That while Augustine was still alive, people in France began a movement to canonize his writings and put them on a par with Scripture? And this effort continued for nearly 100 years!
That when Augustine became bishop of Hippo, he was “unalterably fixed there for the rest of his life”? The African church had a rule strictly forbidding the transfer of its bishops.
That Augustine founded a religious order for women, but that all females, even his sister, were excluded from his house and could see him only in the presence of others?
That the pre-Christian Augustine lived with the same woman, out of wedlock, for more than 13 years, and claimed in his writings to have deeply loved her—yet never in his writings reveals her name?
That when the great European universities were formed in the 12th century, the curriculum they used was essentially the same as Augustine had outlined eight centuries earlier in On Christian Doctrine?
That one of Augustine’s duties as bishop of Hippo was to arbitrate lawsuits?
That Bishop Augustine lived almost entirely on vegetables?
That he encouraged conversation at meals—but with a strictly enforced rule that the character of an absent person should never be negatively discussed? He had a warning to this effect carved on a plaque attached to his table.
That according to his biographer, Possidius, Augustine wrote more than 1,000 total works, including 242 books?
That Augustine set part of his written campaign against the Donatist heresy to verse?
Around 394 A.D., Augustine composed a song he titled “An ABC against the Donatists,” and encouraged that it be frequently sung by the orthodox churches in his diocese. It became quite popular.
That at one point early in his career, Augustine was a speechwriter for the Roman emperor?
That a rich pagan man chose the young Augustine to be his protege, in hopes the bright young philosopher would help turn the rapidly Christianizing Roman empire back to paganism?
That while Augustine was still alive, people in France began a movement to canonize his writings and put them on a par with Scripture? And this effort continued for nearly 100 years!
That when Augustine became bishop of Hippo, he was “unalterably fixed there for the rest of his life”? The African church had a rule strictly forbidding the transfer of its bishops.
That Augustine founded a religious order for women, but that all females, even his sister, were excluded from his house and could see him only in the presence of others?
That the pre-Christian Augustine lived with the same woman, out of wedlock, for more than 13 years, and claimed in his writings to have deeply loved her—yet never in his writings reveals her name?
That when the great European universities were formed in the 12th century, the curriculum they used was essentially the same as Augustine had outlined eight centuries earlier in On Christian Doctrine?
This past Sunday I shot some photographs of an old friend's brother. Our session was about an hour and Philip was a breeze to work with. I love when clients are not overly self conscious, letting me direct them comfortably. Editing took about three hours, maybe less, in no big hurry. This work-flow is becoming very natural, thank God.
Just click the image to advance through them. Thumbnails at the bottom.
Just click the image to advance through them. Thumbnails at the bottom.
Systematic Theology is the process of comparing isolated truths from the scriptures for the purpose of discovering and understanding other, resultant truths. For instance, two passages from the book of Proverbs can be systematized like this:
The math is in parentheses.
a.) (if) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. (Prov. 9:10)
b.) (and) The fear of the Lord is the hatred of evil. (Prov. 8:13)
+ _______________
= (Therefore)
c.) Hatred of evil is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.
These two passages combine their truths to confirm that the more we hate evil for God's sake, the wiser we are in God's sight. Oppositely, the more we approve of evil, the more foolish we become. In the book of Proverbs, wise people are always those who abstain from sin, not necessarily intellectuals. Similarly, Solomon considers fools not to be people with low IQ's, but with low morals. Simple persons, in the context of Proverbs, may be very complex personalities, but have little foresight regarding God's everlasting judgment.
The math is in parentheses.
a.) (if) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. (Prov. 9:10)
b.) (and) The fear of the Lord is the hatred of evil. (Prov. 8:13)
+ _______________
= (Therefore)
c.) Hatred of evil is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.
These two passages combine their truths to confirm that the more we hate evil for God's sake, the wiser we are in God's sight. Oppositely, the more we approve of evil, the more foolish we become. In the book of Proverbs, wise people are always those who abstain from sin, not necessarily intellectuals. Similarly, Solomon considers fools not to be people with low IQ's, but with low morals. Simple persons, in the context of Proverbs, may be very complex personalities, but have little foresight regarding God's everlasting judgment.
The precious blood - Valley of Vision
1 comments Published by Michael Spotts: . on November 08, 2008 at 6:17 AMAs a wedding gift this summer, some of us bought several books for our dear friends. Amongst them was The Valley of Vision, a collection of anonymous prayers taken from the journals of godly puritans. The little black leather-bound version is a treasure that I recommend to everyone.
This prayer recently brought tears to my eyes.
I have found so much comfort in those pages. To read the Valley of Vision is to stand quietly outside the closet door of great saints, to hear their private prayers and learn that they were not great in stature, but in humility.
This prayer recently brought tears to my eyes.
The precious blood
blessed Lord Jesus,
before Thy cross i kneel and see
the heinousness of my sin,
my inquity that cause Thee to be 'made a curse',
the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath.
show me the enormity of my guilt by the crown of thorns,
the pierced hands and feet,
the bruised body,
the dying cries.
Thy blood is the blood of the incarnate God,
it's worth is infinite, it's value beyond all thought.
infinite must be the evil and guilt that demands such a price.
sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper,
born in my birth,
alive in my life,
strong in my character,
dominating my falculties,
following me as a shadow,
intermingling with my every thought,
my chain that holds me captive in the empire of my soul.
sinner that i am, why should the sun give me light,
the air supply breath,
the earth bear my tread,
its fruits nourish me,
it's creatures subserve my ends?
yet Thy compassions earn over me,
Thy heart hastens to my rescue,
Thy love endured my curse,
Thy mercy bore my deserved stripes.
let me walk humbly in the lowest depths of humiliation,
bathed by Thy blood,
tender of conscience,
triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation.
I have found so much comfort in those pages. To read the Valley of Vision is to stand quietly outside the closet door of great saints, to hear their private prayers and learn that they were not great in stature, but in humility.
I have to disagree with George MacDonald, who said,
The difference between a faithless fear and the type of holy aversion which Jesus had is that he was always willing to do even that which he feared, if it was the Father's desire.
Fear is natural; it is a gift given to preserve us from self reliance and to drive us to faith in the One through whom all things can be done.
If there is a place for idealism of the type George MacDonald put forward in that quote, it is probably in fiction. I thank God for the fragility He has set us in. Weakness elevates the triumph of deliverance.
The confidence of our faith, which develops vulnerably in a shell thinner than an egg's, is not in ourselves, but in the wings of the Hen who birthed it.
"fear is faithlessness... a perfect faith would lift us absolutely above fear."Christ had real, blood sweating fear, the night before he was crucified. Was it faithlessness which moved him to pray, "Father, if it be possible, take this cup away from me"? God forbid the thought.
The difference between a faithless fear and the type of holy aversion which Jesus had is that he was always willing to do even that which he feared, if it was the Father's desire.
Fear is natural; it is a gift given to preserve us from self reliance and to drive us to faith in the One through whom all things can be done.
If there is a place for idealism of the type George MacDonald put forward in that quote, it is probably in fiction. I thank God for the fragility He has set us in. Weakness elevates the triumph of deliverance.
The confidence of our faith, which develops vulnerably in a shell thinner than an egg's, is not in ourselves, but in the wings of the Hen who birthed it.
I hope never to own a grass-covered lawn or any other landscape requiring routine maintenance which does not produce a usable crop of some kind. What mindless vanity, to be owned of social conventions into weekly work that gives no other benefits than preserving status quo in the neighborhood.
What will I grow? Ingredients for salsa are high on the list, followed by corn for tortilla chips.
Did I mention that I'm about to go mow the lawn?
Michael McCalebb's sock tan.
What will I grow? Ingredients for salsa are high on the list, followed by corn for tortilla chips.
Did I mention that I'm about to go mow the lawn?
Michael McCalebb's sock tan.
November Book Give Away - Profiting from the Word
8 comments Published by Michael Spotts: . on November 01, 2008 at 12:27 AM
I am pleased to announce the winner of the October Providential Classic Book Give-Away, of Watson's Body of Divinity. There were some last-minute entries, but the Elect One is Tanner Thetford, from Reno, Nevada. Congrats!
This month's classic is one of my all-time favorites, A. W. Pink's Profiting from the Word, from Banner of Truth. If there is one book that I wish every professing Christian would read, this might be it. Pointedly practical, Pink's insightful little volume disassembles any false notions of what real growth is and replaces them with valuable wisdom for spiritual sanctification. Formed into twelve devotions-length chapters, this diminutive volume will teach in two weeks what others struggle to realize in ten years.
This months scripture passage: Colossians 3:1-3
Bonus!!* If you memorize verses 4-7 as well, you can add any one of the Puritan Paperbacks series. If you win, that's two books for memorizing seven verses!
Terms and Eligibility:
In case you are unfamiliar with how this works, participants will have their names added to a drawing, and the 'Elect One' will be chosen 'providentially' by lot. All books are brand-new from monergism.com or Cumberland Valley Books and are shipped at no cost to the winner.
These books may come free-as-grace, but let's not forget that grace employs means...
If you win: On December 1st, the 'Elect One' will be announced, along with the next free book. If your name appears on the blog, then it will be time for you to post another comment with your name and mailing address. Your post will remain private.
God bless you all, and tell your friends!!
PS: Here's the code for the 250px-wide banner, if you're interested in posting it to your blog:
This month's classic is one of my all-time favorites, A. W. Pink's Profiting from the Word, from Banner of Truth. If there is one book that I wish every professing Christian would read, this might be it. Pointedly practical, Pink's insightful little volume disassembles any false notions of what real growth is and replaces them with valuable wisdom for spiritual sanctification. Formed into twelve devotions-length chapters, this diminutive volume will teach in two weeks what others struggle to realize in ten years.
This months scripture passage: Colossians 3:1-3
Bonus!!* If you memorize verses 4-7 as well, you can add any one of the Puritan Paperbacks series. If you win, that's two books for memorizing seven verses!
Terms and Eligibility:
In case you are unfamiliar with how this works, participants will have their names added to a drawing, and the 'Elect One' will be chosen 'providentially' by lot. All books are brand-new from monergism.com or Cumberland Valley Books and are shipped at no cost to the winner.
These books may come free-as-grace, but let's not forget that grace employs means...
*Your shipping address must be in the Continental United States, sorry global people!Note: Do NOT post your email address or street address in the comment box, unless you are the selected winner.
1.) You must memorize the monthly passage of scripture. (Use the translation you prefer. I use KJV, and sometimes compare it to the ESV for clarity.)
2.) Wait at least one hour without looking at the aforesaid passage.
3.) Type that passage from memory into the comment box for this post.
4.) Include your first and last name, or a memorable moniker, plus your City and State.
5.) Wait and pray.
If you win: On December 1st, the 'Elect One' will be announced, along with the next free book. If your name appears on the blog, then it will be time for you to post another comment with your name and mailing address. Your post will remain private.
God bless you all, and tell your friends!!
PS: Here's the code for the 250px-wide banner, if you're interested in posting it to your blog:
Halloween Tracts - Print and pass out!
1 comments Published by Michael Spotts: . on October 31, 2008 at 12:18 AM***Update***
About 120 kids received tracts at my door. Thank God for the opportunity.
*************
Did you know that October 31st is the anniversary of the day when Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to door in Wittenburg?
Don't let the devil steal Reformation Day! Redeem Halloween, and pass out tracts with your treats.
I'm planning on inviting others over to pray, watch Luther movies, and discuss salvation by grace alone through faith alone, while passing out gospel leaflets to the kiddies. The idea is to drop the little home-printed papers into their bags, along with some tooth-decaying sweets. "Do unto others..."
Here are the front and back .pdf files, if you would like to print out some for yourself...
Halloween Tract Front.pdf
Halloween Tract Back.pdf
Simply print on one side of the paper, reverse it and print again on the other side. I'll be printing mine on orange paper that I found at Wal-Mart.
Here is the text of the tract, hopefully written on a level that 5th and 6th graders can understand:
Don't forget to pray for each child!!
About 120 kids received tracts at my door. Thank God for the opportunity.
*************
Did you know that October 31st is the anniversary of the day when Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to door in Wittenburg?
Don't let the devil steal Reformation Day! Redeem Halloween, and pass out tracts with your treats.
I'm planning on inviting others over to pray, watch Luther movies, and discuss salvation by grace alone through faith alone, while passing out gospel leaflets to the kiddies. The idea is to drop the little home-printed papers into their bags, along with some tooth-decaying sweets. "Do unto others..."
Here are the front and back .pdf files, if you would like to print out some for yourself...
Halloween Tract Front.pdf
Halloween Tract Back.pdf
Simply print on one side of the paper, reverse it and print again on the other side. I'll be printing mine on orange paper that I found at Wal-Mart.
Here is the text of the tract, hopefully written on a level that 5th and 6th graders can understand:
*~~*~~*
Which is scariest to you?
a.) Vampires
b.) Zombies
c.) Goblins
Monsters are scary because they look dangerous and evil. We all fear being hurt or frightened. Good thing these ghastly creatures are just make-believe. But what about this: how scared would it be if you were brought into a court room and found guilty of a bad crime?
Guilty people get punished. Some criminals pay fines, or go to jail, or worse. Can you imagine going to jail for the rest of your life? Are you guilty of any thing?
Everyone has a rule-book written in their heart, a voice telling us there is right and wrong. We know we should not lie. We should not steal, or cheat, or do anything to others that we would not want done to ourselves.
God's Son, Jesus, said that,
"God's whole Law is summed up like this: love God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." Breaking God’s law is called sin. People who sin, even once, are sinners. Parents punish kids for breaking rules, and God punishes sinners for breaking His rules.
After we die, we will judged by Almighty God. He will show whether we obeyed His Law or dishonored Him. Those who have broken His law will be found guilty, and their punishment will last forever. That is scary. Everyone has sinned, including you and me. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." God is a fair, good judge so all sin is very evil in His sight. Therefore the punishment for even one sin is everlasting death and torment.
But there is hope. God is also very kind, even to bad people like us. He made a way for people to be saved from his fair punishment. God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to rescue sinners. Jesus lived without sin, perfectly obedient to God's laws. He loved God perfectly, only doing good to others. When he was grown, he chose to die painfully on a cross, taking the punishment that sinners deserve. While Jesus was dying, God poured on him the payment for sins. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead to prove that he beat death and sin. Now he lives forever. Soon He will return to bring all his people to heaven.
Even if you are good from now on, that can’t erase your earlier sins. Don’t try to be “good enough”. Instead, have faith that Jesus took away the punishment of everyone who trusts Him to save them. He suffered in the place of all who believe on Him. Cast your doubts and fears on Jesus. You have nothing to fear from a judge if you are innocent. Those who trust Jesus alone to save them are innocent in God's sight. Know that God loves you and rejoices over every sinner who repents of sin and trusts on Jesus alone. Don't trust in your goodness - trust in Jesus’ death and life.
From now on, show your thankfulness to God by keeping his commands. Do your best to love God and others. Study the bible so you can know God, and spend time praying. God will teach you how to live for Him. Worship Jesus, who loved you so much that He came and died for you!
Ask your parents to read 1st John with you, from the bible. For more info or a free bible, visit
www.theopenlife.com
God bless you!
Don't forget to pray for each child!!
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