tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59725655129537401792012-02-13T14:34:32.098-06:00Modest Attempts at Making God Appear More Like He IsJeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.comBlogger761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-53466045139404692162011-12-17T19:40:00.002-06:002011-12-17T19:45:25.980-06:00

About 250 years ago, the pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards said, “There is a conjunction of such excellencies in Christ as, in our manner of conceiving, are very diverse one from another.” What he means by this is that in the diamond of the person of Christ, we do not only see one beam of brilliance, but we see many different edges that defract Christ’s glory into a spectrum of brilliance.

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-34055584918619865532011-12-13T22:25:00.002-06:002011-12-13T22:34:35.635-06:00

Imagine if Jesus never came. No God-man, no angels, no John the Baptist, no glorious incarnation. We would simply live our 70 years or so and then face our dying breaths with a knowledge that we would surely face God's wrath for an eternity.And there would be nothing at all that we could do to avoid it. This is what we deserve. That is the point that the author Luke makes obvious in his Gospel.

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-6643236496266902092011-12-13T10:16:00.002-06:002011-12-13T10:21:02.166-06:00

“And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear…And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” (Luke 2:9, 13-14, ESV)Here is a second simple, breath-taking, awesome aspect of this event

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-61347323540719779032011-12-13T00:52:00.003-06:002011-12-13T00:59:36.210-06:00

Just because Jesus revealed himself first to the lowly, it does not mean that he is lowly, nor does it mean his arrival was not triumphant. Though Christ’s arrival was uneventful in many ways, there were still certain events that subtly made his coming more magnificent than any other ruler in all human history. Perhaps the most breath-taking event was what happened on the countryside that quiet,

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-11734449645133328382011-12-11T18:05:00.002-06:002011-12-11T18:09:59.892-06:00

My goal in these blog posts about Christmas—which I hope to have 20 completed by Christmas day—has been to fan the flame of our passion for Jesus. I want us to worship the Christ all the more fervently. One of the best ways to do this is to take our cue from the original audience. What was their response? Fear? Joy? Confusion? Though the demographic of the audience was incredibly diverse, their

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-3603374779627192482011-12-09T00:32:00.002-06:002011-12-09T00:36:35.700-06:00

If you designed a universe in which you, as God, would come down to earth to save mankind, how would you set up your arrival? Let’s be honest, we would do it with an awful lot of fanfare and be noticed by everyone, especially by the wealthy, influential, and powerful. Deep down, we all crave for the approval and praise of men. This is why it should be so hard not to scoff when we consider the

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-41705343926107675172011-12-08T12:27:00.003-06:002011-12-08T12:33:22.572-06:00

A king coming into a city looks greater if he is preceded by heralds. If there is a lot of fanfare and royal declaration, we would greater esteem the approaching royalty. If there is no herald, we would not think much of this king. God does it the same way with Jesus Christ. He is the coming king. And not just any king, but the King of all the Kings who have ever lived and ever will live. Think

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-25819552725215719522011-12-06T23:06:00.003-06:002011-12-08T11:35:45.331-06:00

Note: We all know it is a struggle to sing songs like the angels did 2,000 years ago. We struggle to view the birth of Jesus as a big deal. So, this is my attempt to stir worship within us. This is the second of 20 blog entries, one for each day until Christmas. Satan is real. And deadly. And he is one million times stronger than you or I. He is a roaring lion, devouring people (1 Peter 5:8). All

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-77937093831709445062011-12-06T10:37:00.005-06:002011-12-06T10:44:14.335-06:00

Note: For the remaining 20 days until Christmas, I plan on writing one post a day about Christmas. The following is the first entry. Six months into the conception of John the Baptist, the angel Gabriel was sent to the virgin Mary. What was his message? She, though a virgin, would bear a son. And not just any son, but a king. Consider that. A meek, lowly child born to a castaway virgin with no

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-78460531664775590732011-06-16T10:34:00.000-05:002011-06-16T10:35:07.544-05:00

Selfishness. Back-biting. Greed. Living loose sexually. Gossip. Addictions to drugs or alcohol. As we look around us, it is not hard to be weighed down by the corruption that surrounds us (perhaps even in our own lives). Despite our boasts as a well advanced culture, our decay seems to be more apparent than ever. Just look at the evening news. What then is our hope to real change? Like the

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-28537903622510006412011-04-21T16:41:00.001-05:002011-04-21T16:42:39.819-05:00

Easter week may be past, but its incredible claims live on. According to the Bible, the linchpin of Christianity centers on the empty tomb (1 Corinthians 15:19). No resurrection equals no Christianity. But if Jesus’ rising from the dead can stand the test of scrutiny, not only is Christianity true, but it makes demands on all people. Let’s survey the evidence for the resurrection. The oldest

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-67436735016726602472011-03-18T15:56:00.002-05:002011-03-24T15:33:57.717-05:00

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3)There is something profound about the way James views hard times. Difficulties in life, of all shapes and colors (“various kinds”), are not view as an irritation, a nuisance, or a tragedy. They are viewed as a testing of one’s faith. How profound

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-51776075086089115172011-03-03T15:42:00.000-06:002011-03-03T15:43:09.929-06:00

For many, Christianity is not good news. It is perceived as a burden, a weight, a guilt trip. Many think it is an endless ladder of self-improvement that must be climbed, never knowing when one has grasped the favor of God. But this is not what the Bible teaches. The core message of the Bible is the gospel, which means “good news.” So when you boil down all of the sermons, the hymns, the baptisms

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-79953807271571993282011-02-10T14:36:00.001-06:002011-02-10T14:36:59.680-06:00

What wonderful news this was! The angel Gabriel just promised the old man Zechariah that he would be the father of a baby boy named John who will be great before the Lord. He would be the only human to be filled with the Holy Spirit for one’s whole life (including before birth!). With the spirit and power of Elijah resting upon him, he would turn the hearts of many toward God. What a forerunner

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-81362880111464763112010-12-15T13:36:00.001-06:002010-12-15T13:36:37.410-06:00

With the Christmas season now upon us, we often hear people say, “Remember the reason for the season.” This reason, they say, is not the presents or the family get-togethers, but it is the wonder of Jesus Christ coming to earth as a baby.But how is it that this reason makes the season? To put it differently, how empty would this season be without the reason, Jesus Christ? Let’s imagine…First off,

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-87322999912228906622010-09-17T11:45:00.001-05:002010-09-17T11:45:28.209-05:00

I always fell to her fake generosity. When I was growing up, my older sister would often approach us younger brothers and innocently say, “Would you like your back scratched?” Seeming like a loving gesture, I would agree. Just as she was finishing up scratching my back, she would invariably turn to me and demand, “All right, now it is your turn. I scratched your back; you scratch mine!”Though

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A stunning sunset. Majestic snow-capped mountains. The smell of rain freshly fallen. The embrace of a lover. It is not hard to notice we as humans revel in moments of pleasure. As soon as one pursuit dies down, we eagerly look forward to the next moment of pleasure. We are by nature pleasure seekers. It may surprise you, but the Bible does not denounce pleasure. In fact, it celebrates it.

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-80233027803446698082010-03-21T15:36:00.002-05:002010-03-21T15:39:04.632-05:00

The Bible says that do not just commit sins, but we are by nature sinners (Romans 5:8), helpless (Romans 5:6), and enemies of the God (Romans 5:10). Isaiah says that mankind is estranged from God (Isaiah 1:4). Because he is a holy God, he is not able to meet with us on our terms.And that is why God took on human flesh to be the go-between for man and God. Jesus is our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-83370108425690672842010-03-05T12:28:00.001-06:002010-03-05T18:12:03.120-06:00

Where will you go in the day of trouble? The death of a child. The crumbling of a career. The disintegration of a marriage. The constant financial stress.Our natural tendency in these difficult times is to be introspective, looking to oneself for comfort and joy. Questions then come to flood our minds: “What if I responded in a different way?” or “How can I possibly have strength to make it

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-52797674111113407852010-03-05T12:23:00.001-06:002010-03-05T12:23:38.860-06:00

1.) You are born again through the Word of God.“Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” 1 Peter 1:232.) He gives us life by his Word.“Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:183.) Faith comes from hearing the Word.“So faith comes

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-68166055087081761062009-12-24T14:42:00.001-06:002009-12-24T14:44:06.690-06:00

The fearful disciple shot back, To servant girl, dignity lacked, Not only once, but thrice was said, ‘This man on trial, cursed as dead,I do not know his originHis teaching, his fol-wers of men,Who sat beside him, day and night,Asking questions, inquiring light On mysteries of things of oldOf whom the prophets patiently told.I say again, this criminal --my verdict comes; there is no lull—You say

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-29616623577130802912009-09-24T12:06:00.006-05:002009-09-24T12:44:41.995-05:00

If you were asked to define what true faith is—a faith that God honors—what would you say?Some might say sincerity is paramount: “The reliability of the source of our faith is not as important as the strength of our faith. Sincerity is essential, not what god(s) you serve. If a Muslim, Hindu, or Jew sincerely trusts in their god(s), then that is a faith that God will honor. After all, who are we

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-46981992988449527872009-09-24T12:06:00.005-05:002009-09-24T12:23:08.997-05:00

Immediate-Application Amy: She immediately looks at a text asking what it is saying to her today. Jacob teaches us that we should never have more than one wife; Ruth shows us that we should be aggressive in our pursuit of a husband; and Isaiah gives justification for walking around naked years at a time. She justifies this approach because she wants to make the Bible real and alive. Slowly she

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-25009266672906759362009-08-06T12:00:00.002-05:002009-08-06T12:01:33.413-05:00

One will only obey a coach part of the time in a short slice of the year. During the offseason the coaches advice is (usually) not followed. Only when it is convenient will the coach’s advice be heeded.For a master, one cannot divide one’s life up so conveniently. Every aspect is under the control of the master, from recreation to the pace of work. No area of a slave’s life does the master not

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-3191262112720790732009-08-06T11:53:00.002-05:002009-08-06T11:55:19.161-05:00

Is that, in their assertation that real truth--if it exists--cannot be known, they leave behind the biblical position of a world over which God exercises his sovereign rule, including over cultural contexts (language, reader response, etc.).

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-81846516783763738322009-08-06T11:40:00.004-05:002009-08-06T11:47:39.419-05:00

An inadequate question to ask is: "Is this translation readable?"A necessary question to ask is: "Does this translation accurately portray the world of the Old and New Testament?"Leeland Ryken makes a helpful point: "A good translation preserves the full exegetical or interpretive potential of the original biblical text. Conversely, a translation is inadequate to the extent to which it diminishes

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-48173975542720634282009-07-10T14:54:00.002-05:002009-07-10T15:09:49.517-05:00

Some time ago, James wrote us this question. I thought it would be helpful to put up as a main post:"I have one question from you that I'm curious about. Since you said the song is idolatrous, if I same this song to my wife [singing "All I ever need is you"], would I be committing idolatry? "To which I respond:James,I am so sorry that it has taken me a while to write back to you. I have not

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-87987282197835391422009-06-11T11:04:00.003-05:002009-06-11T11:08:39.595-05:00

View 2: Divorce Only in Case of Breaking the Betrothal, Incest, Etc. John Piper is a well-known proponent of this view. Here is a helpful document by Piper presenting 11 points and detailed justification for why the Bible only allows for divorce in case of breaking a betrothal. I would encourage you to work through it; it is very thought-provoking, especially point 11. 1.) Luke 16:18 calls all

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-66091261619165490412009-06-08T16:25:00.002-05:002009-06-11T10:23:31.055-05:00

View 1: The “Divorce and Remarriage for Adultery or Sexual Immorality” View This is the most widely held view among evangelicals. They argue that porneia generally refers to sexual immorality (cf. Mark 7:21; Gal 5:19; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5). Marriage and the consequential breaking of the marriage covenant, not simply breaking a betrothal, is assumed by Christ. His view is different from the more

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-77709650082894688702009-06-08T16:20:00.000-05:002009-06-08T16:21:24.971-05:00

The infamous exception clause. Things would be much easier without it. Jesus says in Matthew 19:9, “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery” (ESV). Jesus does not rule out divorce for any reason. Nobody argues with that. The question is not whether divorce is ever valid, but when and under what conditions it is valid. The

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-51835398487897172372009-06-08T16:19:00.001-05:002009-06-08T16:20:45.535-05:00

A foundational verse on divorce and remarriage in the Old Testament is Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which reads as follows:When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and if she goes and becomes another man’s wife, and the latter

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-45821591870134136542009-04-21T13:39:00.001-05:002009-04-21T13:39:43.763-05:00

1.) Our body is God’s and is not to be joined with another woman outside marriage. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)2.) The sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. “Or do you not know that the unrighteous

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-60200307159567926202009-04-18T10:54:00.001-05:002009-04-18T13:14:40.340-05:00

In Romans 13:8, Paul writes, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” The one who loves has fulfilled the law. What does this mean? Immediately after this statement, Paul then gives different commands: “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and any other commandment, are summed

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-43385791186463269792009-04-14T11:58:00.003-05:002009-04-14T12:00:14.318-05:00

Note: From early February to mid-March, I taught a series of lessons on sexuality and relationships for the youth group at First Baptist Church in Webster, WI. This article, hopefully followed by a number of others, will draw from those talks. Some men follow rainbows, I am told,Some search for silver, some for goldBut I have found my treasure is in your soulAll I ever need is youWithout love I

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-91184834323029180892009-02-25T22:24:00.002-06:002009-02-25T22:28:31.479-06:00

If you have not purchased the new ESV Study Bible, I would encourage you to save your money and purchase one. It is well-laid out, and the study notes and format are thorough without being overbearing. Great study aid!Until then, check out this post by David Porter, where he is giving away one free Calfskin Premium Leather ESV Study Bible (retail: $239).

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-44016012298324231692008-12-25T22:00:00.001-06:002008-12-25T22:01:59.480-06:00

"Irony from Bethphage"A clatter shot up from BethphageIn the small town awoke a sageA worn face stretched from its slumberA lack of sleep he encumberedThe sun was high, laborers goneCaring for sheep outside of townThe old man, from his napping chair,At the intruders he did stare“What are you doing?” he growled,His face tight and clothed with a scowlTaken aback, the rope they heldAround the colt

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-61456401214234707952008-04-25T00:17:00.002-05:002008-04-25T00:33:12.986-05:00

One of my favorite theologians to listen to and learn from is D.A. Carson. He has such a keen wit, but he is also a faithful preacher of the Word; He loves the gospel. The other day, I was listening to him while falling asleep late at night (it wasn't his talk that put me to sleep!), and I came across this great comment on men and women in the 20 and 30's who shun responsibility in dating and

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-57634205004825932782008-04-10T13:13:00.005-05:002008-04-12T10:49:55.375-05:00

Old Man Winter doesn't want to call it quits for the year. According to weatherforyou.com and kare11.com, the Minneapolis/St. Paul area is set to get a whopping 7-12 inches of snow over the next day and a half. God sure does have a sense of humor.Update: The warm front from Mexico just barely pushed the storm north of us, sparing us of this unwelcome April blizzard. While we only got a dusting,

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-5783001048254167042008-04-10T11:49:00.002-05:002008-04-10T12:00:35.481-05:00

Our prayer that we will look at from Paul is found in Ephesians 3:14-21.14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-67098268169660940792008-04-10T11:47:00.007-05:002008-04-10T17:40:41.752-05:00

Note: This post originally was penned at my other blog, www.gmtf.blogspot.com. >All words and terms contain preconceived notions, some more loaded than others. The terms "patriarchy" and "hierarchy" consistently draw a sort of "knee-jerk" reaction from egalatarians and some complementarians alike, assuming that authority necessarily leads to male abuse. Equal authority and mutual submission, some

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-11114893572279056422008-04-04T15:52:00.002-05:002008-04-10T12:53:16.727-05:00

Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all sentences short or avoid all detail and treat subjects only in outline, but that every word tell.William Strunk, Jr., The Elements of

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-82155053394033921842008-04-04T15:27:00.003-05:002008-04-04T15:43:41.526-05:00

We have a few more prayers from Paul that D.A. Carson analyzes in his book, A Call to Spiritual Reformation. The following has been absolutely transforming in my life as of late, shaping my understanding of what it means to be a Christian, to be "born again." Paul prays that the Ephesian believers would come to grasp more fully the power that is at work within them, the same power that raised

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-12214919579696236022008-03-30T00:58:00.003-05:002008-03-30T01:07:18.659-05:00

And on we march, continuing with our series from D.A. Carson's marvelous book, A Call for Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. Carson does a masterful job of engaging difficult aspects of prayer, like exploring the tension of our requirement to pray with God's sovereignty, and expositing Paul's train of thought in his prayers. I have chose to forgo, at least at this moment

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-73297783579453549342008-03-26T23:58:00.003-05:002008-03-27T14:54:59.139-05:00

I hope this series has been edifying. May these brief summaries of Carson's book cause you to examine the way you pray, and, if needed, may it reshape your priorities. We are thus far halfway through the series. This upcoming post will be on Colossians 1:9-14. It reads:For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-40854015598608794542008-03-24T23:56:00.004-05:002008-03-25T00:27:42.021-05:00

If you would, allow me to make a quick interjection into this mini-series on prayer. You will soon notice this block will not deviate far from our discussion. In fact, not only is the issue of discerning one's call to ministry deeply connected to prayer, but my thoughts about to be written spring from the same book from which this mini-series is based, A Call to Spiritual Reformation. I bring up

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-40761310164403659882008-03-24T23:43:00.003-05:002008-03-24T23:48:41.112-05:00

Consider today the priorities from Paul's prayer in this passage. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 reads as follows:9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-82595494386599616082008-03-24T09:18:00.003-05:002008-03-24T09:22:17.574-05:00

Today we shall examine Paul's train of thought in 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12.1Paul, Silas[a] and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Thanksgiving and Prayer 3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-55351017104181902772008-03-23T23:02:00.004-05:002008-03-23T23:31:16.869-05:00

Prayer can often be very difficult for me. The trouble is not necessarily in finding the time to pray, but it is knowing the motives and goals of our prayers. What shall I pray for? More pointedly, why should I pray? I deeply desire to pray as God would have me pray, cultivating a heart by his grace that longs after what he longs, that desires what he desires. Nevertheless, most probably from my

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-47304225334794601382008-03-11T23:31:00.004-05:002008-04-25T10:04:27.949-05:00

Rest is a wonderful thing. It is most blessed when one rests in such a way that a delight in God is strengthened. Praying, reading good books, studying the Scriptures, having sweet communion with friends and family—these have produced a Spring Break ’08 for which I will always be grateful. Consider it a blessing or a curse, God has given me a voracious appetite for books. Whenever I have a break

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-81028555571993210762008-03-02T18:48:00.003-06:002008-03-24T09:25:35.205-05:00

Note: This is an article I recently penned for the Northwestern College school paper, The Column.“Oh, come on! Be a man!” Undoubtedly you have heard this phrase. More often than not it is used by a group of rather snobbish delinquents daring a naïve friend to do something quite stupid. Point is, if he does this daring physical feat, he is a man. If he does not, he has come up short in attaining

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-49728527130269801162008-02-04T22:32:00.001-06:002008-03-24T09:26:01.956-05:00

Ever felt convicted about your lack of prayer? Ever wondered what the connection is between regeneration and intentional communication with God? Does the former lead to the latter? If you have thought of these questions, read Lee Irons' wonderful article.

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-77210006464228420782008-02-01T23:13:00.001-06:002008-03-24T09:26:28.653-05:00

“Jesus Christ is not merely the means of our rescue from damnation; he is the goal of our salvation. If he is not satisfying to be with, there is no salvation.He is not merely the rope that pulls us from the threatening waves; he is the solid beach under our feet, the air in our lungs, and the beat of our heart, and the warm sun on our skin, and the song in our ears, and the arms of our beloved.”

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-46720447042990740972008-01-29T18:48:00.001-06:002008-03-24T09:27:08.363-05:00

Here are some more words from Carson. My index card is now full, and the process of writing them down is becoming more of a distraction than an opportunity to satisfy my curiousity. Well, here are the new words. Perhaps you can add this list to your array of words, or maybe it is a refresher for you. Once again, the definitions are from dictionary.com. Tautologous: needless repetition of an

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-31782384971728204402008-01-15T17:33:00.002-06:002008-03-24T09:27:31.948-05:00

D.A. Carson sure has an expansive vocabulary. Even though I had not read very much of him prior to his commentary on John, I realized rather quickly that he has great dexterity with the English language. At times it is rather comical. I have been keeping writing on a notecard all the words Carson uses that of wich I am not familiar. After only 100 pages of keeping track, my notecard is nearly

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-86891392865572105562008-01-15T17:22:00.002-06:002008-03-24T09:27:59.754-05:00

D.A. Carson, Research Professor from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, gives a very helpful analysis of freedom in his commentary on John. He writes:"True freedom is not the liberty to do anything we please, but the liberty to do what we ought; and it is genuine liberty because doing what we ought now pleases us" (350). How true, and what a clever, pithy statement. It should be disclosed that

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-23990934147245853732008-01-09T23:46:00.001-06:002008-03-24T09:28:33.770-05:00

My father, who is a pastor, and I will be going to the Desiring God Pastor's Conference on February 4-6, 2008. It looks great. The theme this year is the Pastor as Father and Son. The following is an excerpt of John Piper's welcome:The theme of the Desiring God 2008 Conference for Pastors is owing most immediately to my father’s death on March 6, 2007. He was a fruitful evangelist. He preached

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-74449808569733586952008-01-09T23:35:00.000-06:002008-01-09T23:41:21.576-06:00

Barack Obama. Terence Jeffrey notes: He is so pro-abortion he refused as an Illinois state senator to support legislation to protect babies who survived late-term abortions because he did not want to concede -- as he explained in a cold-blooded speech on the Illinois Senate floor -- that these babies, fully outside their mothers' wombs, with their hearts beating and lungs heaving, were in fact "

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-20214639654736933492008-01-09T14:14:00.001-06:002008-03-24T09:28:54.985-05:00

I am currently reading through D.A. Carson's Commentary on the Book of John. I am 300 pages in, and it has been an eminently enjoyable read thus far. John 7:24 reads: Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. Giving a helpful note on judgment and discernment of all sorts, he writes: In an age when Matthew 7:1 ('Do not judge, or you too will be judged') has displaced John 3:16 as

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-25977097445447742072007-12-31T17:19:00.000-06:002007-12-31T17:34:10.667-06:00

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him. Luke 17:3-4In this second post, allow me to return to my initial question, namely, "Is unforgiveness the same as bitterness?" I do not think it is. In the above passage, Jesus seems

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-33796636465409400242007-12-26T23:27:00.000-06:002007-12-26T23:37:45.662-06:00

Is unforgiveness the same as bitterness? To most people, this question would seem silly. "Of course it is!" they'd quip. "When someone has withheld forgiveness from an offender, aren't they always consumed with bitterness?" they would reason. It seems like a legitimate plea, does it not? Separating bitterness from unforgiveness seems unfair and unreasonable, but in these upcoming series of posts

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-78321260857396474222007-12-25T23:18:00.000-06:002007-12-25T23:20:25.315-06:00

Ponder again the blessings and the wonderful grace God gave to mankind in sending his Son. Have a wonderful holiday season. May our hunger for him and his glory be made strengthened in the upcoming year! Merry Christmas!

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-31047400708579147672007-12-23T18:04:00.000-06:002007-12-24T08:04:00.915-06:00

Over my Christmas break, I have begun to dive headlong into my reading, finishing up about five books I started in the fall. While reading these books, I am once again reminded at the wealth of wisdom past saints still hold for us, and how lamentable it is that we are often so ignorant we are of these gems. In his magnificent book, The Reformed Pastor, the seventeenth century Puritan Richard

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-68208437586913034272007-11-17T00:08:00.000-06:002007-11-17T00:43:52.445-06:00

It is painstakingly obvious, but all buildings need a foundation. The larger, more glorious a building, the more firm its undergirding structure needs to be. All right-minded men would scoff at the builder who plans to construct a Sears Tower-like building on a foundation sufficient for a small cottage. It simply would not work. Similarly, if we desire to know God rightly, a right foundation must

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-47253154775453243972007-11-01T12:32:00.000-05:002007-11-02T15:23:56.702-05:00

In the past decade or so, the emerging movement, lead by the likes of Dan Kimball, Brian McLaren, and Scot McKnight, has gained incredible influence over the evangelical world. Their critiques of traditional evangelicals are tantalizing; their suggestions for reform have encompassed the passions of many. And yet, I fear that the emerging movement has many things that it must address for it to be

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-39474458083984818392007-10-31T14:20:00.000-05:002007-10-31T14:26:15.378-05:00

Here is a worthwhile quote from Bernard, a saint many hundred years ago, as quoted by Richard Baxter in his book The Reformed Pastor:Some desire to know merely for the sake of knowing, and that is shameful curiosity. Some desire to know that they may sell their knowledge, and that too is shameful. Some desire to know for reputation's sake, and that is shameful vanity. But there are some who

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-34028090439307481652007-10-23T16:28:00.000-05:002007-10-23T16:57:10.327-05:00

Over the last century, the uprising of the charismatic movement has yielded many questions; not least of which is the notion of whether apostleship exists today. Questions on the definition of an apostle abound in this age. Many believe that apostles do exist today. Experience and Scripture are appealed to on both sides. For those who affirm its existence, Paul's statement in Ephesians 4:11-12 is

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-15055038432525983332007-09-26T14:52:00.000-05:002007-09-30T19:55:16.783-05:00

One thing that is often neglected for many believers is the continual dependence upon the Lord in prayer. Sure, we may give thanks for each meal, blurt out a quick blessings on our drive to work, or beg God to heal a loved one, but could we be described as a man or woman steadfast in prayer (1 Thess 5:17)? When one analyzes the answer to this question, do we dismiss it as a lack of time or an

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-35227043641082329182007-09-20T01:01:00.000-05:002007-09-20T01:07:07.239-05:00

I admit I am becoming a little obsessive on this topic. Nevertheless, the article John Piper wrote soon after the collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis has generated a lot of discussion. Weighing in this time is Ben Witherington III. Here is a sampling of his critique:John Piper on his website of course recently had a post about the disastrous collapse of the bridge over the Mississippi in

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-39746613032190744432007-09-05T15:26:00.000-05:002007-09-05T15:35:07.458-05:00

When Pastor Greg Boyd posted his reply as to how the book of Job corresponds with his understanding of God's sovereignty, he was particularly responded to Denny Burk. In his blog, Burk asserted that Boyd's theology directly contradicts the teaching of Job. As you can read in my previous blog entry, Boyd responded in a lengthy fashion to Burk's accusations. In likewise fashion, Burk has offered a

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-76070013643167208342007-09-04T22:10:00.000-05:002007-09-04T22:17:51.218-05:00

The blog world has recently been filled with numerous posts from theologians debating the extent of control God had in the collapse of the 35W bridge. Pastor John Piper began the discussion a few hours after the tragedy, as Pastor Greg Boyd responded about a week later. Postconservative Roger Olson also weighs in here. These men bring many varying viewpoints, resulting in extended dialogue and

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-18678103341122249002007-08-29T23:32:00.000-05:002007-08-29T23:37:44.219-05:00

This is perhaps the most God-glorifying short testimony I have heard in my entire life. How it puts me to shame for my occasional hard heart toward God's sovereign workings. And O how God is magnified through this message!(HT: JT)

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-23940512860427488622007-08-28T23:29:00.000-05:002007-09-05T00:35:14.320-05:00

As I continue on in my month long break from school, I continue to trudge along through various books. My previous class, History of Christianity, sparked a keen interest in the lives of Christian men that have gone before us. As the writer of Hebrews admonishes us, I desire to "remember our leaders" and "imitate their faith" (Heb 13:7). Undoubtedly this author had our joy that we receive in mind

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-90506442326638581042007-08-22T11:26:00.000-05:002007-08-28T23:50:30.931-05:00

Since my previous class concluded about two weeks ago, I have been given a total of a little of a month to speak and camp and dive into various theological discussions. I have always been intrigued with the topic of God's sovereignty and human responsibility; it is a most central doctrine. Thus, I have been reading Loraine Boettner's book, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination. His comments on

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-85390604925052341712007-08-09T23:01:00.000-05:002007-08-09T23:14:33.541-05:00

As many of you are probably very well aware of, the 35W bridge located just north of St. Paul collapsed last week. That very night Pastor John Piper gave a wonderful reflection located here. In essense, Pastor John briefly exegeted Luke 13, noting that just as the tower of Siloam fell to enable sinners to have more time to repent, so also the 35W bridge collapsed so that we too would turn and

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-42171132158289248322007-07-24T23:48:00.000-05:002007-07-25T01:23:26.811-05:00

Because of various circumstances, I have recently been forced to quickly pick up my grasp of Koine Greek. Having taken two years at Northwestern, I have a fair comprehension, but as it is true with most things, when you do use it, you lose it.Today I translated half of 1 John, and as I was teaching myself again the art of detecting augments, reduplication, and hortatory subjunctives, I came to

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972565512953740179.post-10753682106266501642007-07-20T00:12:00.000-05:002007-07-20T00:28:16.189-05:00

With this post, I will have made the complete plunge into the blogosphere. And what a blogosphere it is! With the variety of blogs being so vast, I feel is is necessary for me and perhaps helpful for you for me to establish the purpose of this blog.1.) To strengthen and stretch my mind as I struggle and grapple with complex issues that I come across in my study or daily interaction with others.

Jeremiahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15573615693273364700noreply@blogger.com0