GraceNevada

The Sermon that Newt Gingrich heard last Sunday

2012-01-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

This message was preached by Southern Seminary's Russell Moore. It is excellent. Speaker Gingrich was in attendance.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2012/01/29/the-sermon-that-newt-gingrich-listened-to-this-morning/

FW: some thoughts on good books

2011-11-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Well Jim Elliff certainly stirred things up a little bit with some of his comments on reading good books.

Let me first of all affirm something that Jim said, which I think was his main point: We should be above all else Bible readers! I agree wholeheartedly. Our Bible reading should be our priority. Our Bible is the authority by which all other books are tested. So I give a hearty "Amen" that we should be above all else people of the Book, real Bible people.

However, I think Jim "protesteth too much." Good books, solid Christian literature, have been used by God throughout the centuries to help God's people, resolve theological controversy, understand God's Word, bring Reformation and even revival.

Books have played a major role in my life and growth as a Christian. (See Chapter 21 in Feelings and Faith). God has used biographies in my life. God has used theology, books on Greek grammar and exegesis, commentaries and books on the Christian life. I ask myself, "Where would my Christian life be without JC Ryle's Holiness? Or Owen's Sin and Temptation? Or Packer's Knowing God? Or Piper's Desiring God, The Pleasures of God?" My Christian life would be poorer if it were not for Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon and John Murray, and many more. These godly men and their insight into Scripture have enriched my life in a way that I do not have the inherent ability to do. They have gifts that I do not have. In fact, they are not only Christ's gifts to the church, but to me. They have helped me be a better pastor, a better husband, father, and Christian.

So should we read our Bibles more? Absolutely! Should we give up good books? Not all! We need to be careful that we do not inadverently dismiss the gifts of Christ to His people in an effort to do something good.

Below is a helpful piece from John Piper on how to decide which books to read.

Thanks for listening!

in Christ

Pastor Brian

How do you decide which books to read?

1) Largely from other people's recommendations that are within the scope of the kinds of things I want to or have time to read.

If other people I trust tell me that something is astonishing and worth my while, I go for it. They usually read faster than I do, so they read more books than me and know which ones to recommend.

2) Sometimes I just feel very burdened about an issue and very interested in a certain aspect of it.

Take the issue of racial harmony. I'm always thinking about what I should be reading so that I can go deeper and become wiser about ethnic diversity and racial harmony in our country. A woman came up to me after church and said she had just read the autobiography of Clarence Thomas called My Grandfather's Son. She said it was so good, so helpful and that I should consider it. Bang! I bought it. I put it by my bedside and I read it—I devoured it.

So that was for two reasons: a life commitment to grow on that issue and a recommendation from a woman in my church.

3) Another factor is proven time.

I don't think we ought to be reading new books all the time. I think we should read old books. And then the question is whether time and history has proven them. There are some books that have been around forever, and they are, generation after generation, witnessed to as being very shaping to people's lives. So I think we should constantly be exposing ourselves to those classics and not always reading the latest thing.

So I recommend reading 1) things that relate to the passions of your life, 2) recommendations from people that are responsible and that you respect, and 3) time-proven, classic, deep works on various issues.

What are two or three classics that you would recommend to just about anyone?

The Bible, the most proven and most useful book, should be in your reading list every day.

Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Everybody, I think, who can read English can benefit from working their way through that.

In my own life I put The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards very high up the list. And for those with a really strong theological bent, The Freedom of the Will by Jonathan Edwards. Two massively influential books in my life.

Bondage of the Will, by Martin Luther.

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin.

The Mortification of Sin and Communion with God by John Owen.

We have posted the Systematic Theology Notes on Sermon Audio

2011-10-14T10:54:00.001-07:00

We have posted the handouts and notes from Pastor Brian’s Systematic Theology Series on SermonAudio.com

You can view the entire Series here. The notes are posted as pdf files available with the first message for each major section.

For the Canon Notes CLICK HERE

For the Hermeneutics Handouts CLICK HERE

For the Hermeneutics notes CLICK HERE

For the Doctrine of God notes CLICK HERE

For the Christology notes CLICK HERE

For the Anthropology notes CLICK HERE

Most messages after that have the notes for each message attached to that message.

Homeschool Blindspots

2011-09-16T14:53:00.001-07:00

Years ago we had Reb Bradley speak at our church. There were many things that disturbed me. I just read this article today, posted by Josh Harris, written by Reb Bradley.

http://www.joshharris.com/2011/09/homeschool_blindspots.php

I am very thankful for it and believe it contains tremendous wisdom for homeschoolers and everyone else! I was convicted and instructed.

Pastor Brian

Feelings and Faith Study Guide Now availalbe in part

2011-09-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

We have placed a study guide for Pastor Brian’s book Feelings and Faith on our website.

You can visit www.gracenevada.com and navigate to it

use this link to take you directly to the resources page http://www.gracenevada.com/linkspage.htm

Part one is up and ready to go, the following parts will come soon.

Special Thanks to Vicki McGill & Karen Tkaczyk for their work in compiling and editing.

Doctrine and Death: Believing the Truth when it Counts Most

2011-08-12T09:20:00.001-07:00

In Memory of Monty McGill

May 8, 1940 – Aug 11, 2010

Doctrine and Death: Believing the Truth when it Counts Most

Brian Borgman

Monty served as a deacon in our church for many years. When I first met Monty and his wonderful wife Vicki, they greatly enjoyed the fellowship of our church, the God-centered worship and the preaching, but they didn’t realize we were reformed. When it became clear to them what we believed they thought they might need to leave the church. They agonized over what to do. They had been given Norman Geisler’s Chosen but Free, the supposed biblically balanced answer to “extreme Calvinism.” Monty made an appointment with me and my fellow pastor, John. The night before the appointment he scoured his Bible, he prayed, he read, he agonized, he took up the mantle of the Bereans. During the night, the wrestling was so intense, he experienced chest pains. The next morning we arrived, with James White’s book, The Potter’s Freedom, in hand. We were prayed up, having asked for a spirit of gentleness and grace as we discussed the issues that were troubling this wonderful couple. Before we could start the conversation, Monty told us about his night and said, “I have come to a conclusion which has made this conversation unnecessary.” Immediately I thought to myself, “Hey, wait a minute, at least give us a chance!” Then Monty said, “Here is my conclusion after reading my Bible and praying: God is God, I am not, He does what He pleases.”

Monty and Vicki jumped into church life with both feet. They were such excellent students of the Word. Learning God’s Word was part of their love affair with their Savior. Their learning, their maturity and wisdom was constantly marbled with a rare humility. They were humbled by the awesome truths of God’s Word and most especially by His grace. They both served the church with incredible zeal, integrity and organization. Vicki’s health declined and she has endured numerous surgeries. As they both faced more and more physical trials, the confidence in a sovereign and loving God, who plans all things, not only sustained their faith, but also gave them emotional equilibrium during the dark nights. They loved the doctrine, but they loved it not because it made them theologically astute, but rather because it put emotional ballast into their souls. Then Monty was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, which is a wicked disease. Although the cause is unknown, Monty was a highly valued fire investigator, and it is likely that years of examining fire scenes had caught up with his lungs. He never questioned God’s sovereignty over his disease. He constantly had confidence that God had the power to heal his lungs, but in the final analysis God was doing more than Monty could imagine. Monty always understood that. The marching orders for this Navy veteran of the Vietnam War were, “Trust the God who is your father, who loves you and is in absolute control.”

Monty declined quickly. Those who know this disease know that it can wreak havoc in the lungs in no time. Monty couldn’t get approval for special experimental drugs, but still, not one word of complaint. That too was the will of his Father. He went on oxygen. In short order, he was in a wheelchair. Any physical exertion would cause his oxygen levels to plummet. The doctors told him if he lived at a lower elevation (we are at 5,000 feet), he would fare better. He declined; he couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from his church family. On August 11^th 2010, Monty’s rugged, large frame succumbed to the disease. Amazingly, he was thankful for the painful process. He said he would rather die like that and experience God stripping away from him all that is unnecessary than go out quickly. He focused on his Savior’s sufferings, in light of Heb.12:1-3. He read Randy Alcorn’s Heaven, and meditated frequently on the realities he was soon to enjoy. His heart was filled with praise and thanksgiving to the God who sits on the throne. Near the end, nothing mattered except reading his Bible. My last few visits with him in his last days will always be precious memories to me which built up my faith.

Monty exemplified the value of knowing doctrine and the importance of knowing God, who He is and what He is like. Monty coped with this ravaging disease with the fundamental conviction that God is God and he was not, and God does what He pleases. When you can’t breathe, these are not mere words. You cannot get any more real than when you know you are dying and you know it won’t be an easy death. Monty evangelized everyone he could. He left me six pages of instruction for his funeral. He was a man of detail. He was, in fact, many things. He was a successful investigator, a decorated law enforcement office, a teacher of all things fiery and explosive. He was a loving and kind husband, who lived out a Christ-like love for his bride, Vicki. He was an outstanding deacon at Grace Community Church. He was a faithful friend. He was a servant to all. He was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. But above everything else, he was a follower of Jesus, who loved His Word and believed that all of life should be transformed by what you believe. Monty’s life was transformed by what he believed. Monty’s sufferings were transformed by what he believed. Monty died in faith, listening to Scripture, hymns and songs of praise, Christian crossing the Jordan in the Pilgrim’s Progress and the first question of Heidelberg Catechism.

Q. 1 what is your only comfort in life and death?
A. That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, wherefore by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him

Is what you believe important? Are doctrines like sovereignty, providence, election and perseverance mere doctrines? Monty would say, “Those truths are my life. They sustained me and my faith all the way to the end. They instilled a confidence in my soul that I am His and He is mine and that will never change.” Right now Monty is breathing perfectly, worshiping His Savior. His expectation to see Christ was enhanced by the very truths that fed his soul. For Monty, doctrine prepared him for death.

A Word to Pastors: Are we preparing our people to live by faith and die in faith? Are we feeding them the truths that will sustain their faith? Dear people of God, will you receive truth that will equip you to live by faith and die in faith? When the time comes for the family to gather around, it won’t be the helpful hints on getting along in the workplace that will buoy up your faith, it will be the biblical doctrines which extol a sovereign, faithful, loving God. Doctrine is not only necessary for life, it is necessary for death.

My Pet-Peeves about Children's Ministries

2011-06-22T12:00:00.001-07:00

My Pet-Peeves about Children’s Ministries

Pastor Brian Borgman

Sunday School and VBS curriculum which trivializes and moralizes the Bible.

The Bible is a glorious book about God and His Son Jesus Christ. The storyline is drama at its highest, best and most gripping. So why would we diminish the power of redemptive history by making the events of redemptive history about being strong or brave or good boat builders? Why would we reduce the magnitude of the “Word became flesh” by turning him into a cartoon figure who feeds His friends by teaching them to share their lunch? Why would we minimize the maximal power of grace by putting the Bible into little neat “be and do” categories? Sunday School curriculum should point to the power and glory of the Gospel, whether the story is about Noah or Samson or the feeding of the five thousand. Our kids should be wowed with the greatness of God, not the supposed genius of Bible characters, who in reality were sinners in need of grace.

Children’s Church which substitutes for Church

The assembly of God’s people is where the King of Heaven is enthroned upon the praises of His people. The assembly of the saints is where our heavenly Father meets with His family. The Lord Jesus is present in the midst of His church. His worship is glorious. There is truth and heritage in the hymns. There is love and adoration in our songs of praise. The Spirit of God is in His holy temple. So why would we deconstruct the Divinely appointed worship of God for children? Why would we take the majesty of corporate worship and juvenilize it with happy clappy kids songs and crafts and little homilies? “Children think church is boring and children’s church makes God exciting.” Does it really? If you substituted Barney for God, the kids would still have the same excitement levels. Frankly, kids think lots of stuff is boring. They are kids. What do they know? Are you really going to allow their childish worldview to shape itself by allowing them to dictate what worship activities are acceptable to them or are you going to patiently teach them about the wonder of worship by making them worship with you?

Sending the kids out right before the sermon

This one really bugs me! So here we are, gathered as God’s people, ready to hear the Word of the living God, prepared to receive the manna from heaven, but before we get to this serious redemptive event, we send the kids OUT so that they can go color or get a “lesson geared for their age.” I am in favor of having times where kids get a lesson geared for their age, but it is not when the Word of God is being preached in the other room! We say that faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17. We hopefully believe that preaching is truly a redemptive event. So why would remove our children? Do we think that little of them or that little of God? “Well, they can’t understand the sermons.” Let me say a few things to that objection. We have kept the kids in the whole service for over 15 years now and (1) they understand much more than we give them credit for. (2) The Holy Spirit does supernatural things. If we really removed everyone who was ill-equipped to understand the sermon, most adults would have to leave too! The power is not ultimately in the mind of the listener, it is in the Holy Spirit. (3) Pastors need to be cognizant of their audience. Provide notes for kids and make special application to the kids in the course of the sermon. Believe me they listen. They often understand just as well as any adult and the Holy Spirit can convert a child just as sure as He can convert a middle-aged, college-educated adult.

The way we minister to children often does nothing more than betray our lack of confidence in God’s Word and Spirit and His appointed means. It also often reveals a short-sighted understanding of human nature and the power of God unto salvation.

James White's open letter to Harold Camping

2011-05-23T16:37:00.001-07:00

http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=4645

May 21 Judgment Day

2011-05-17T10:36:00.001-07:00

I would not expect the members of Grace Community Church to follow the aberrant teaching of Harold Camping, especially as it relates to judgment day. But maybe you know of some who have been infected. Here is a five part blog by Westminster Seminary President Bob Godfrey and should prove helpful to anyone who needs to know more.

http://wscal.edu/news-and-events/details/the-end-of-the-world-according-to-harold-camping-by-w.-robert-godfrey

9 Myths About Sex & Relationships Among Emerging Adults

2011-05-10T09:33:00.001-07:00

Everyone should read this brief article from The Resurgence. It applies to most people, single or married.

http://theresurgence.com/2011/05/09/9-myths-about-sex-relationships-among-emerging-adults

Borgman reviews Chediak

2011-05-06T08:24:00.001-07:00

Pastor Brian's new review of Alex Chediak's book is now available from the Gospel Coalition.

http://tgcreviews.com/

A word from Bruce Ware on our conference speaker.

2011-05-04T13:24:00.001-07:00

Our dear friend, Dr. Bruce Ware, who went to seminary with Tom Schreiner and has been his colleague and fellow elder for many years, has this to say about our conference speaker...

Tom Schreiner is a very gifted scholar, teacher, and writer. He's working now on his full biblical theology, having published already a Pauline theology and a New Testament Theology, along with several other books. But along with these gifts comes a kindness and graciousness that is not always found among people in the academic guild. He loves the Lord, he loves his family, and he loves the church. He is an excellent preaching pastor and elder, and he is deeply servant minded. I have the utmost respect and love for Tom, and I know that those who hear him will benefit greatly from his wisdom, insight, and humble approach to God's word.

We trust you are planning on attending this marvelous event!

Pastor Brian

Top Ten Reasons Not to Join a Church Plant

2011-04-26T09:31:00.001-07:00

As a church planter I loved this. I could tell personal stories about all of these.

http://theresurgence.com/2011/04/26/top-10-reasons-not-to-join-a-church-plant?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheResurgence+%28The+Resurgence%29&utm_content=FaceBook

Zambia visitor and the African Spurgeon

2011-04-05T10:09:00.001-07:00

This coming Wednesday night at our Psalm 119 Bible Study we will receive a greeting from one of the brothers from Zambia.

Of special note, one of the pastors I met while I was in Zambia was Conrad Mbewe, the African Spurgeon.

Here is an interview with him, posted today at the Gospel Coalition.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2011/04/05/get-to-know-the-african-spurgeon/

City of Refuge

2011-03-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

Have you thought of another way that you might do something to save babies threatened by abortion?

Have you ever been confronted with the question among your pro-choice friends, “Well, what about a woman who is being pressured or ‘forced’ to abort her baby, or simply doesn’t have the means to bring them to term in an environment where they can both thrive? What are you going to do, bring them all to your house and give them a place to live?”

Enter City of Refuge.

They have recently updated their website and are still working on it, but it is much improved. If you haven’t yet been introduced to Refuge it is a great place to start. Here is a link www.refugenevada.com .

City of Refuge is a well received ministry in our community, but many may not be aware of it. There are lots of new folks at church & sermon audio listeners that might benefit from having a reference when Refuge is mentioned in sermons here at Grace. We thought we would bring it to the attention of those who follow this blog.

We encourage you to take a look at City of Refuge and pray for the ministry. They truly are saving babies.

Thank you,

Gary

The Life and Mission of Patrick

2011-03-17T14:28:00.001-07:00

Some serious stuff…

The Life and Mission of St. Patrick

And some not so serious stuff…

The Orange & The Green

What Does It Look Like to Receive the New Testament for the First Time? Every home should watch this!

2011-03-03T15:17:00.001-08:00

What Does It Look Like to Receive the New Testament for the First Time?

Watch this and then bookmark it so that the next time you don't feel like reading your Bible, you can watch it again!

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/03/03/what-does-it-look-like-to-receive-the-new-testament-for-the-first-time/

Pray for Pakistan

2011-03-03T09:44:00.001-08:00

http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/prayers-for-pakistan-bhatti

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

2011-03-01T12:29:00.001-08:00

For any and all who have any measure of appreciation for Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones, this is a real treat! Watch the bio and the interview and don't fail to read Packer's tribute.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/03/01/martyn-lloyd-jones-2/

FW: New book review from Pastor Brian

2011-02-22T15:23:00.001-08:00

http://tgcreviews.com/reviews/worship-and-the-reality-of-god/

A Multigenerational Vision of the Church and Worship

2011-02-14T11:32:00.001-08:00

A Multigenerational Vision of the Church and Worship

I am still reviewing John Jefferson Davis’s book, Worship and the Reality of God. I am almost done. However, I was struck and blessed by something this afternoon. He argues persuasively for a multigenerational vision of the church that abandons the niche-market mentality which has hamstrung the church for the last 30 years. The niche-market mentality looks at Boomers or Gen X-ers (or what have you) and shapes and markets the church accordingly. As he made his case there were two elements that stood out: having the children in the service and blended worship (ancient-modern). A multigenerational vision of the church not only thinks about the church long-range, it also recognizes that the family of God is made up of babies and the aged and everyone in between. This multigenerational vision is then expressed in our worship by singing traditional hymns (1520-1870), gospel hymns (1870-1935) and early contemporary (1961-1980) and late contemporary (1981-present) songs. Of course doctrinal content and musical quality are non-negotiable. Nevertheless, it is important for the younger generation to know and sing the older songs of Zion. And it is also important for the older generations to sing the newer songs of Zion. The worship wars between “traditional” and “contemporary” are short-sighted and often parochial. The church is multigenerational and her worship should reflect this. I then smiled as I thought of preaching to our children this coming Lord’s Day and all of us singing together these songs:

You are Holy

God of My Days

Not What My Hands Have Done

Blest be the Tie that Binds

Enough

God of Wonders

May we all embrace a multigenerational vision of the church and enjoy it in our worship!

Good & Evil

2011-01-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

Someone has said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are two pictures which show good and evil.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2011/01/22/this-is-good/

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2011/01/22/this-is-evil/

New Book Review

2011-01-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Pastor Brian's newest book review for the Gospel Coaltion

http://tgcreviews.com/reviews/no-other-gospel/

What does your Pastor's Study Leave look like?

2011-01-05T11:10:00.001-08:00

Some may wonder, “is Brian away playing golf or shooting something?” No. Here is what my day looks like when I am on study leave:

7:00 - 8:30 AM: With coffee at hand, I begin by reading my Bible. I am following my own reading plan this year and take time to read extra. Then I read my Greek New Testament, following another plan I developed. I try to read extra in my GNT as well. Then I pick up the David Livingstone biography. This has been very edifying so. After that, I read one chapter from Tom Schreiner's excellent 40 Questions about Christians and Biblical Law. (Tom will be our Bible conference speaker this may).

8:30-9:00 AM I feed Geneva and let her out and check emails.

9:00- 10:30 I pick up another area of study for the day. So Monday was John Jefferson David, Worship and the Reality of God. Yesterday was studies in the book of Revelation and apocalytpic imagery. Today will continue with Revelation and hopefully the Olivet Discourse.

10:30 AM - 1:00 PM I go for a run or a bike ride and come back and shower and eat lunch. I check email again and then get back to the books!

1:00 - 5:00 PM I pick up where I left off before the run. I spend time writing down some thoughts. By 5:00 PM it is getting too dark to read, so I watch one lecture on writing produced by The Learning Company.

By 6:00 PM I am ready for dinner and start missing my family. I am in bed at 9:30PM after watching the channel that has old westerns.

Throughout the day I will pray, usually in response to what I am reading.

For those of you who pray for the fruitfulness of this time, thank you very much!

Back to the books.

Pastor Brian

Setting Godly Goals for the New Year

2010-12-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

Introduction
How many of you make New Year’s resolutions? The gyms will be full this week! What about spiritual resolutions for the New Year?

Not everyone likes the idea of setting spiritual resolutions. It sounds like legalism to some people. Goals must be the opposite of grace – grace is free-flowing, no restrictions, no motives that are controlled by anything that looks like law! Not true!

Do you know someone who has no goals in life? What does their life look like?
Although industrious people like us often look down on people who lack goals and purpose, we can often look just like that in the spiritual realm! Spiritual sluggards with no goals, no drive, no purpose, but really spiritual!

Often resolutions, or, determined goals, simply reflect of a person’s attempt at self-discipline, which according to the Bible is a good thing!

The most famous resolutions belong to Jonathan Edwards

The idea of resolutions should be seen in terms of setting goals, with a determined commitment to keep them and achieve them.

A resolution is a goal that you are resolved to attain. It is a determination to act in a resolved manner to accomplish a goal.

2 Chronicles 19:11, Jehoshaphat charges the Levites, setting out their agenda and says, “Act resolutely and the Lord will be with the upright.”

Here are a couple biblical goal-setters

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. Ezra 7:10

Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may apprehend that for which also I was apprehended by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself yet to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:12-14

“Goals are the causes and aspirations that direct our choices. We use our energy and skill to pursue them. . . The structure our lives” (Dan Doriani).

There are spiritual sluggards who have no spiritual goals; there are self-centered people who only have self-serving goals; and there are God-centered persons who have or want godly goals to direct their life. Which one are you?

The Root of all Godly Goals: a Relationship with Jesus Christ
This is not “Nike Christianity.” Goals need to grow out of our relationship with Christ, empowered by our relationship with Christ, through the Holy Spirit. If we know Christ we want to live lives to the glory of God. If we know Christ we want to live lives under His Lordship. Godly goals grow out that relationship and those desires.

The Purpose of Godly Goals: Growing in our Relationship with Jesus Christ, for His glory, our good and the good of others
Godly goals simply seek to magnify the glory of God in our lives, increase our obedience to Christ’s Lordship, enhance and deepen our relationship with Christ, and do good to those around us.

Guidelines in Setting Godly Goals
1. Avoid the “eyes are bigger than my stomach” syndrome:

“I am not going to sin this year!”
“I will read my Bible through 7 times.”
“I will pray for 3 hours a day like Luther.”
Goals need to be realistic!

2. Understand the way that grace and discipline work together
Grace is our teacher and our empowerer – Titus 2:11-12
Discipline is grace in action (1 Tim. 4:7)(see Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace for an excellent exposition of this truth).

3. Keep the purpose of the goals in the forefront of your mind
I want to grow in my relationship with Christ.

4. Maintain a warfare mentality in the goals
(Eph. 6:10-13) If setting godly goals, or making godly resolutions are designed for a more obedient walk, then know that the devil will oppose them.

5. Develop accountability with another believer
Make your goals known to a trusted believing friend, who will ask!

Some Worthy Areas of Goal-Setting
1. Personal Devotional Life
a. Bible reading (we always make available a number of different reading plans)
b. Prayer

2. Other disciplines: Memorization, meditation, fasting,

3. Family Devotions

4. Reading
Mark Twain, “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot them.”
a. How do I choose what to read?
Honestly evaluate where you are in your own understanding and maturity level. (Rom. 12:3) Choose some books that will stretch you, that are a little beyond you.
Read both old and new. Set time limits that are reasonable

b. Read a book/books that deal with the inner-life
John Owen, Communion with God; Sin and Temptation; Ryle, Holiness; Piper, Desiring God, Pleasures of God, Future Grace; Packer, Knowing God

c. Read biographies (see Feelings and Faith, pages 213-214 for a biography bibliography).

d. Read doctrine/theology - There is no shortage of books available in the book room!

5. Churchmanship
a. Giving: Can I increase my giving this year?
b. Serving: Is there an area of service I can be involved in?
c. Friendships, accountability: Are there relationships that need to be developed?
d. The Lord’s Day and other church services: Am I faithful in attending and participating in the services of the church and utilizing the means of grace? Where can I improve? Wednesday? Lord’s Day afternoons?

6. Holiness
a. What sins need to mortified in 2011 that have the upper hand in my life?

b. What graces and fruits of the Spirit need to be cultivated that I am weak in?

7. Evangelism
a. Identify specific people
b. Be involved in some form of outreach

Conclusion
Making resolutions or setting godly goals for the New Year can be a great motivator for beginning new habits and growing in your faith.

But remember, the power comes not in the resolution or in the goal, but in the doing. The power comes when we hunger enough and are committed enough to follow through in becoming more disciplined for the purpose of godliness.

Reading the Bible in 2011

2010-12-29T17:02:00.001-08:00

Here is a very helpful series of short articles on reading the Bible through this coming year.

http://andynaselli.com/hoskinson-on-bible-reading

Another Option to Find a church when you are on vacation.

2010-12-08T10:34:00.001-08:00

Here is another option for a way to find a church when traveling. The Gospel Coalition provides a directory map.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/network/church-directory/

Hallelujah Chorus

2010-12-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

Bibles and Bible Reading 2011

2010-11-22T21:50:00.001-08:00

As always we will be printing various Bible Reading Plans for the New Year and have them available for you in the foyer. The Discipleship Journal offers several different programs that will fit most folks easily. If you would like, you can access those same bible reading programs from this link below.

http://www.navpress.com/dj/content.aspx?id=138

You can find some smokin’ deals on the ‘damaged savings’ section of American Bible Sales.

Well worth the gamble as most of the ‘damage’ is to the box that it comes in that usually gets thrown away anyway.

http://www.americanbiblesales.com/mainmenu/mainmenu.php?mm=10

Dont Use Email to Correct Others

2010-11-10T14:44:00.001-08:00

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/11/05/dont-use-e-mail-to-correct-others/

I find it terribly funny that I am posting this link to the blog for Pastor Brian.

It will automatically go out in email to our church google group via email.

Very strange indeed, but I do find this conversation very helpful.

I agonize over this issue all the time.

Please take a bit to enjoy the Gospel Coalition.

Gary

FW: An Important Post -

2010-10-28T11:09:00.001-07:00

Maybe some of you have seen the AOL Health headline: 1 in 10 teens has had a same sex partner. Please read this post by Kevin DeYoung. It is important to set the record straight and expose how Satan uses statistics and half-witted or just plain evil reporters to distort truth to set forth an agenda.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2010/10/28/is-it-true-that-1-in-10-teens-has-had-a-same-sex-partner/

The grace of God in Christ, grace that is full, abundant, free, omnipotent, and insuperable, is the heart of the gospel. Herman Bavinck

http://www.gracenevada.com

Marriage, Judah and Egypt

2010-10-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

One pastor told of the following conversation:

“God spoke to me about my marriage. He told me, ‘It is finished.’ I knew I was free to get a divorce.” The man who said this to me was churchgoing and Bible-believing. He knew the gospel, valued prayer, evangelized, and could even defend faithfulness in marriage. And yet he believed God had mailed him a “Get Out of Marriage Free” card. How can someone be committed to the Bible on one hand and claim special revelation from God on the other? The power and deceitfulness of sin is surely one answer. Rejection of the sufficiency and authority of Scripture is another. (from Aaron Mitchel’s review of D.A Carson’s, Collected Writings on Scripture (http://tgcreviews.com/reviews/collected-writings-on-scripture/)

In the book of Jeremiah, a remnant had been left in Judah. It was a scary time. Nebuchadnezzar had invaded and the remnant was living in difficult and uncertain circumstances. Jeremiah’s message all along had been to submit to God’s discipline at the hands of the Babylonians and all would go well. The remnant went to Jeremiah (Jer. 42:1-2) and explicitly asked for prayer and counsel from the Lord. They vowed that they would listen and obey the Word of the Lord, even if it was unpleasant (42:3-6). Jeremiah received the word of the Lord and called the people back in order to reveal it to them (42:7-9). The message was simple and consistent with his previous messages to the remnant, stay in the land, do not be afraid of the king of Babylon and God would be with them in compassion and would restore them to their land (42:9-12). This was a hard message. Their governor, Gedaliah, had been murdered, the culprits were still at large, posing a threat to them, and the Babylonians did not seem very trustworthy or friendly. Egypt seemed like the much safer and less stressful option. In fact, the remnant was already poised to go to Egypt (41:17-18). Egypt represented the greener grass syndrome (safer, better and easier over there). They wanted Jeremiah to confirm their plans, even though their words were shrouded with submission, obedience and humility.

Jeremiah warned them not to go to Egypt and told them that what they feared in the land of Judah would come upon them if they went to Egypt (42:13-19). Jeremiah’s final application exposed the remnant’s self-deception and confirmed God’s judgment on them (42:20-22). The warning, although fierce, was an act of love to prevent them from making a very bad and destructive decision. How did this remnant respond? Did they give heed to the warning and see their self-deception for what it was? No. Rather they concluded that Jeremiah was lying and then went ahead did what they had already decided they were going to do when they originally asked for the word of the Lord (43:1-4). They went to Egypt (43:5-7).

The remnant pictures many professing Christians today who want to go to Egypt. They are looking for some spiritual confirmation and when God’s clear Word is presented, they dismiss it one way or another, either by denying it or coming up with their own “word from the Lord.” Their decision to go to Egypt, against the clear Word of God, is their destruction and their doom (Jer. 43:8-13). So for those who think God has given them a “get out of marriage free” card, they are self-deceived. Going to Egypt will be their undoing. Obedience to the Word of God is the only safe path (Jer. 38:20), even when Egypt seems safer and happier. Submission to the will of God is ultimately the only rewarding path, even when staying in Judah is the last thing we want to do (Jer. 42:10-12).

A Book Review by Pastor Brian

2010-10-01T13:19:00.001-07:00

http://tgcreviews.com/reviews/crossway-esv-bible-atlas/

The grace of God in Christ, grace that is full, abundant, free, omnipotent, and insuperable, is the heart of the gospel. Herman Bavinck

http://www.gracenevada.com

An Open Letter to My Pastors on Glenn Beck

2010-09-29T14:07:00.001-07:00

Nancy Guthrie is a spiritually minded author who has produced some excellent books in recent years. I found this open letter to be very encouraging.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/09/27/an-open-letter-to-my-pastors-on-glenn-beck/

Glenn Beck, Revival and the Gospel?

2010-09-16T13:42:00.001-07:00

I like Glenn Beck. I like his politics. In fact, Ariel and I sat in wonder as he explained "the gospel" one night on his television show. But there is a subtle danger with Beck that Christians need to be aware of. Instead of writing my own critique, I would like to post Justin Taylor's excellent response to the World Magazine article by Andree Seu. In our day of incredible political turmoil, may God give us true discernment, lest we be deceived!

Pastor Brian

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/09/16/andree-seus-tragic-mistake-on-the-gospel-of-glenn-beck/

Men of Integrity

2010-09-01T13:20:00.001-07:00

For your encouragement…

http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2010/004/august/19.19.html

Big Bad John Lyrics for home and office use

2010-09-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

Big Bad John by Brian Borgman & Gary Wheeler to the tune of Big Bad John by Jimmy Dean

Every morning at the office you could see him arrive

Carrying a Bible and Owen volume five,

Kinda slumped at the shoulders and broad the hip

Everyone knew he didn’t joke or quip – Big John

Big John, Big John, Big bad John

Nobody seemed to know where John called home

Just drifted into church and studied all alone

He didn’t say much… kinda quiet and shy

And if he spoke at all, he’d just say “Hi, this is John.”

Somebody said he came from Washington State

A single man with no prospect for a mate

But that was OK cuz he really loved the books

Watson, Bunyan, Tolkein and Brooks – Big John

Big John, Big John, Big Bad John

Then came the day when the yentas started schemin

A dutchman and a cuban, you’ve gotta be dreamin

A match made in heaven, of this we were sure

A beauty from Florida was finally the cure for Big John

With hurricane Francis - beatin’ down the door
Ol’ Monty and Ernie couldn’t take any more
They dragged out the ring, made the knot get tied
No one really noticed but he really did cry, cause that’s John
Big John, Big John, Big Bad John

Then came the day from the land of Lee

When a man named Bob made a simple plea

“Come over to Virginny and give us the Word

You’re a good preacher, least that’s what we’ve heard’ – Big John

With an open Bible and lots of love

A deacon cried out, “There’s a light up above”

And fifty members scrambled with joy in their heart

They all wanted to know, “When can he start?” - Big John

Big John, Big John, Big Bad John

Well now John, with his family, are heedin the call

Heading out east, in a big U-Haul

We’ll miss him much, our hearts will be sad

But over at Trinity, they’ll be glad, cause they got John

Big John, Big John, Big Bad John

Big Bad John Party Mix

2010-09-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

A Plea for Corporate Prayer

2010-08-26T12:12:00.001-07:00

A Plea for Corporate Prayer

Corporate prayer is not optional for our body. It is a critical part of our life together. A church that does not spend significant amounts of time praying together is a weak and ineffective church. Corporate prayer is one of the primary ways we maintain vital union and communion with Christ; it is how we express the needs of our body to our all-sufficient God; it is how we remain open to the power and operation of God’s Spirit. In addition to this, corporate prayer is a biblical duty, given to us by example and command (Isa. 62:7; Acts 1:12-14; 2:42; 4:23-31; Rom. 12:12; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:8).

The adult Sunday School class is devoted to corporate prayer. Friday mornings also has men’s’ prayer groups.

I am asking every member of our congregation to make it a matter of conviction and conscience to attend and participate in these times of corporate prayer. Your absence has an effect. Your presence has an effect.

When only a few family members are present, they are discouraged knowing that their absent brothers and sisters are missing out on a blessing and skipping out on the labor.

When many absent themselves, it is a reflection of the low priority given to corporate prayer.

When many family members are not present, it is a reflection of the low commitment to the needs of the family.

Those are absent, do in fact miss out on a time where we meet with our heavenly Father, and what could be more important?

When many are in attendance, there is a greater enthusiasm among the faithful. Although God is not constrained to move through many or through few, the presence of many seems to be more inviting to the presence of God.

When many are in attendance, it gives a greater number an opportunity to share in our mutual joys and trials, lightening burdens, multiplying gladness and magnifying God’s glory in the answers (2 Cor. 1:11).

Attendance in corporate prayer is a simply way to say “I care about the concerns of God’s Kingdom and Christ’s family.”

We must all remember that there is more to church involvement than preaching and fellowship. We must pray! We must pray together.

Recommendation of sermon by Pastor John Scheffer from Johnny Farese

2010-08-25T10:53:00.001-07:00

Dear Brethren,

On the Lord's Day of 8/22/2010, Pastor John Scheffer preached his inaugural sermon as the new Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia. I've listened to that sermon entitled, "Beginning Resolutions". Personally, I found that message to be very refreshing, convicting and encouraging. I would highly recommend this sermon to everyone who calls themselves a disciple of Christ. For those who would like to hear this message, I provided the link below:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=82510942365

In His service,
Johnny

jfarese03@aol.com
johnny@farese.com

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do."
_______________________________________________________________

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
http://www.farese.com

YOUTUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/faresecom

FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=637891588
_______________________________________________________________

You can support FARESE.COM whenever you purchase products from Amazon.com. Simply use the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/faresecom

6th Annual GCA Sunset Gala tickets on sale now

2010-08-24T09:02:00.001-07:00

The link for purchasing tickets to the 6^th Annual GCA Sunset Gala is now active to purchase your tickets on line.

We are getting some fantastic stuff this year, so please feel free to send this link around to friends and family.

http://www.gcasunset.com/

We are still in need of donations and volunteers. No talent will be turned away.

Thank you,

Gary Wheeler

Grace Christian Academy

www.gcanevada.org

El hombre

2010-08-20T13:14:00.001-07:00

Watch for a few moments. It will all become clear.

http://www.youtube.com/conferenciabiblica

Big John

2010-08-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

A Review of The Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament from Pastor Brian

2010-08-18T16:06:00.001-07:00

This is a review of The Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament

http://tgcreviews.com/reviews/exegetical-guide-to-the-greek-new-testament-colossians-and-philemon/

A Review of The Making of an Atheist

2010-08-10T13:58:00.001-07:00

Pastor Brian has written a review for the Gospel Coalition on The Making of an Atheist.

http://tgcreviews.com/reviews/the-making-of-an-atheist/

FW: For google and the blog

2010-07-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

This is for all those who love to snipe at worship music, whether old or new:

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2010/07/06/i-saw-the-great-merit-in-it/

The grace of God in Christ, grace that is full, abundant, free, omnipotent, and insuperable, is the heart of the gospel. Herman Bavinck

http://www.gracenevada.com

A Call from Voddie Baucham, a Lesson in Brotherhood and the Downside to the Internet

2010-06-30T14:15:00.001-07:00

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

Today I received an unexpected call from Voddie Baucham, pastor of Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, TX. His name may sound familiar to many of you because he is the author of What He Must Be If He Wants to Marry My Daughter (Crossway). He called me because he wanted to talk to me about something I wrote about Family Integrated Churches, which had been posted on a larger blog and had been getting much attention and response.

The Downside to the Internet

First, the article that was posted was an article I wrote in February and posted on our church blog. I also posted a follow-up link where Sam Waldron qualified some of his criticisms and where Voddie Baucham made some helpful clarifications on his position. I thought the exchange between these two godly men was worth posting because it brought further clarification and qualification to the issues at hand.

However, another blog picked up my article and without my consent, posted it on their more widely read website. We had no idea the article had been posted, we were just getting all kinds of responses. The real problem was that the follow up link was not posted; therefore those applauding my critique did not know that I had acknowledged these brothers’ efforts and those despising my critique did not know either. The fact is, if I had been asked permission to post it, I would have declined. But this is the downside to the internet.

A Call from Voddie and a Lesson in Brotherhood

Since Voddie is a leader among Family integrated churches and since my critique addressed certain issues that he did not believe were fair representations of his position, he called me directly on the phone. It would have been very easy for this brother to simply unleash an atomic blog-bomb. Instead, he called to talk to me directly. His tone was courteous and he wanted to honestly ask me questions about my article. I responded with my observations and concerns. We had a very edifying conversation.

This was a great lesson for me and one that I hope I and others will learn. The World Wide Web is not conducive for promoting Psalm 133 unity and brotherhood. None of us are above criticism or biblical critique, but we must do it in a way that preserves the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. What Voddie did expressed true brotherhood and a concern for both unity and truth. I am thankful to God for this good example today!

Pastor Brian

Pray for Joni Eareckson Tada

2010-06-23T16:59:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, then Joni Eareckson Tada has ministered to you over the years. Here is an opportunity for us to pray for her as she faces surgery for breast cancer.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/06/23/pray-for-joni-eareckson-tada/

A Sincere and Pure Devotion to Christ

2010-06-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Here is Pastor Brian's first book review for the Gospel Coalition

http://tgcreviews.com/reviews/a-sincere-and-pure-devotion/

Thoughts on the Death Penalty

2010-06-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on the Death Penalty
Pastor Brian Borgman

Yesterday a jury sentenced Brianna Dennison’s rapist and murderer to death. Biblically, this was a righteous decision. The Bible is clear about the death penalty, our culture is not. Here are some thoughts from God’s Word on the subject:

And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. (Genesis 9:5-6)

I. The capital crime: murder
“The stress falls upon the heinousness of the offense; an assault upon man’s life is a virtual assault upon the life of God. So aggravated is this offense that the penalty is nothing less than the extremity” (John Murray, Principles of Conduct, 111).

II. The capital punishment: death
“Men can reflect the judgments of God against criminals because men- those appointed to the task- are the image of God, able to understand and apply His standards of civic rectitude” (Greg Bahnsen, By This Standard, 274).

III. The capital reason: man bears the Imago Dei
“Nothing shows the moral bankruptcy of a people or of a generation more than disregard for the sanctity of human life. And it is this same atrophy of moral fiber that appears in the plea for the abolition of the death penalty. It is the sanctity of life that validates the death penalty for the crime of murder. It is the sense of this sanctity that constrains the demand for the infliction of this penalty. The deeper our regard for life the firmer will be our hold upon the penal sanction which the violation of that sanctity merits” (Murray, 122).

“To be punished, however severely, because we have deserved it, because we ought to
have known better, is to be treated as a human person made in God’s image” (Lewis, God
in the Dock, 292).

IV. The Perpetuity of the institution
“When we ask about the perpetuity of this institution, no consideration is more pertinent than this: the reason given for the exacting of such a penalty is one that has permanent relevance and validity. There is no suspension of the fact that man was made in the image of God; it is true today as it was in the days of Noah. To this must be added the observation that, in respect of our relations to men, no crime is as extreme and, as concerns the person who is the victim, none is as irremediable, as the crime as taking life itself. Furthermore, in no other instance of biblical jurisprudence is the reason or the infliction of a penalty stated to be that man is made in the image of God” (Murray, 112).

V. The justice of the institution
“When we cease to consider what the criminal deserves and consider only what will cure him or deter others, we have tacitly removed him from the sphere of justice altogether; instead of a person, a subject of rights, we now have a mere object, a patient, a ‘case.’” (C.S. Lewis, 288).

Zambia Blog

2010-05-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

Pastor Brian will be going to Zambia soon.

http://www.lionofzambia.blogspot.com/

Rebbeca Jones, Does Christianity Squash Women

2010-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

"Guilt comes when a woman gives her body over and over again to various clients, whether to high school friends, a series of husbands or hundreds of clients. The argument that a woman owns her own body has, ironically fostered sexual profligacy, encouraging a woman to give her body to men who have no respect for it! The "sex-positive" feminists may mock the advocates of abstinence, but they have a hard time convincing us thay they show ownership of their bodies by giving sex to the auto mechanic.”

Rebbeca Jones, Does Christianity Squash Women

Posted by Pastor Brian

Select Principles on Being a Biblically Faithful Man and Husband

2010-04-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

You don't have to be at Grace Community Church very long and hear very many sermons before you start finding out who my mentors have been and who my heros are. Bruce Ware was my theology professor at Western Seminary and has been a good friend ever since. He has preached many times at our church.

Here is a message he gave at his church, Clifton Baptist in Louisville, called, "Select Principles on Being a Biblically Faithful Man and Husband." The audio is not very good, but please note there is a pdf for notes to download.

http://audio.cliftonbaptist.org/index.php

Forget About Good Works

2010-04-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Last Friday morning the men read this from Luther in the daily devotional Faith Alone (reading was for March 1).

FORGET ABOUT GOOD WORKS

Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear.
Forget your people and your father's house.
Psalm 45:10

Faith is very fragile and needs to hear the command: "Forget your father's house." Something inside of us strongly compels us to keep trying to earn God's approval. We look for good works, in which we can place our trust and which will bring us praise. We want to show God what we have done and say, "See, I have done this or that. Therefore, you must pronounce me righteous."

None of us should be overconfident when it comes to forgetting our own good works, Each one of us carries in our heart a horrible religious fanatic. We would all like to be able to do something so spectacular that we could brag, "Look what I've done! With all my prayers and good works, I've done enough for God today that I can feel at peace." This happens to me too after I have accomplished something in my ministry. I'm much happier than if I hadn't done it. Being happy isn't wrong in itself. But this joy is impure because it isn't based on faith. It's the kind of happiness that can make your conscience confused. Consciences are delicate. We need to guard them against the sin of arrogance. So we can't be overconfident. We who confess Christ should always walk in fear and grow in faith. We should realize that we all carry in our hearts a horrible religious fanatic, who will destroy our faith with foolish delusions of good works.

The Holy spirit provides us with a way to counter this godless delusion. We need to hold tightly to what we have received through the grace of God. God's approval doesn't come to us by what we do. Rather, it comes through the holiness of Christ, who suffered for us and rose again from the dead.

Remembering Dietrich Bonhoeffer

2010-04-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

Remembering Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed 65 years ago today…

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/04/09/bonhoeffer-pastor-martyr-prophet-spy/

Trembling Joy: Emotional Paradox in the Christian Life – The Gospel Coalition Blog

2010-03-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

Trembling Joy: Emotional Paradox in the Christian Life – The Gospel Coalition Blog

The Gospel Coalition has a remarkably useful number of blogs flying under thier flag. We have always enjoyed Justin Taylor's blog.

They have posted one of Pastor Brian's articles there for viewing.

Enjoy!

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/03/30/trembling-joy-emotional-paradox-in-the-christian-life/

The Historical Reliability of the Resurrection

2010-03-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Pastor Brian’s messages “The Historical Reliability of the Resurrection” parts one and two will be airing on Pilgrim Radio on March 20^th & 27^th

3/20, 21 – Pt 1

3/27, 28 – Pt 2

Some More Thoughts on Self-Loathing from Job

2010-03-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

Some More Thoughts on Self-Loathing from Job

Last night we saw in Job’s repentance that he had come to despise himself. Job 42:6 “Therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (ESV). Job had previously confessed self-loathing (Job 7:16; 9:21; 10:1). But that self-loathing was directly related to his suffering and misery. He hated himself because he had come to hate his miserable life. But in his repentance, his self-loathing was directly to his sin (42:5-6). He had said some horrible things about God, spoken in ignorance and arrogance. Those ugly words about his glorious God and King came from his heart. His self-loathing in Job 42 was a hatred of his own sin and its putrid source.

Self-loathing is biblical (Ezek. 16:60-63; 20:42-44; 36:31-32; Rom. 7:24). But self-loathing must be qualified because it can easily be nothing more than worldly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10). Two good questions to ask regarding our self-loathing is (1) where is it coming from and (2) where is it leading? If it comes from disappointment with self, it could be nothing more than wounded pride and not godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:9-10). If it only leads to despair than it is nothing more than worldly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:9-10). However, if it comes from a sight of our sin in light of God’s beauty and grace, then it is good self-loathing (Rom. 7:22-23). If it leads us to exuberant joy in Christ and His grace then it is Gospel-self-loathing (1 Tm. 1:15)!

God does not intend for us to live cowering with fear and shame, but He does expect us to own our sin, feel the weight of condemnation and guilt and then revel in undeserved grace and mercy (Lk. 7:47)!

I close by repeating the words of B.B. Warfield:

The attitude of the “miserable sinner” is not only not one of despair; it is not even one of depression; and not even one of hesitation or doubt; hope is too weak a word to apply to it.

It is an attitude of exultant joy.

Only this joy has its ground not in ourselves but in our Savior.

We are sinners and we know ourselves to be sinners, lost and helpless in ourselves.

But we are saved sinners; and it is our salvation which gives the tone to our life, a tone of joy which swells in exact proportion to the sense we have of our ill-desert; for it is he to whom much is forgiven who loves much, and who, loving, rejoices much.

(For the whole article, see http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/03/09/warfield-on-the-joyfully-exultant-tone-of-miserable-sinner-christianity/

Let Them Follow and Please the Lord for Themselves!

2010-03-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Let Them Follow and Please the Lord for Themselves!

Pastor Brian

Last Sunday afternoon I noted that singleness provides a unique advantage in pleasing the Lord. I quoted 1 Cor. 7:32-34.

One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided. The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord that she may be holy, both in body and spirit, but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

This morning I am at home sick, reading a pre-publication copy of Jim Newheiser’s and Elyse Fitzpatrick’s book, You Never Stop Being a Parent. It is great and we will carry it in the bookroom.

As I read and think about pleasing the Lord, it occurs to me that so often we do not want to extend grace and liberty to others who are doing their best to please the Lord. We want to lord it over others in how they please the Lord. In other words, we want them to please the Lord in ways that please us. A clear violation of Romans 14!

This is especially true when it comes to our children who are either entering adulthood or who are in adulthood. We raise our kids to follow Christ, to live a life that is pleasing to Him, and then we try to play the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding them. If we have raised them right, we should yield to the Lord’s leading in their lives and not try to control them under some misguided concept of parental authority. If we have raised them right, they will seek our counsel and even the counsel of other godly people. If they are seeking to please the Lord and serve Him, then by all means let them! Do more than that, rejoice! It is sheer grace, not the wisdom of your parenting that brought them to that point.

The Church and the Family

2010-02-19T11:13:00.001-08:00

I recently posted some thoughts and concerns about the Family-Integrated Church movement. I wanted to post two other links that are helpful. The first is by Dr. Sam Waldron on the relationship between the family and the church. The other is a letter that Voddie Baucham posted by Sam Waldron in a follow-up to his original article.

http://reformedbaptistfellowship.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/the-relation-of-church-and-family/

http://www.voddiebaucham.org/vbm/Blog/Entries/2010/1/5_Sam_Waldron%E2%80%99s_Open_Letter_on_the_FIC.html

"God is better to us than we deserve, and far better than we ever acknowledge." Derek Thomas

http://www.gracenevada.com

Heb. 11:1-3 and Circular Reasoning

2010-02-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Problem of Competing Circularities
Or The Problem of Competing Claims to Self-Attestation
Brian Borgman

In our assertion that the Bible is the infallible, inerrant and authoritative Word of God, we say that the Bible is self-authenticating or self-attesting (e.g., Calvin, Inst. Book I, ch. 7). We build our doctrine of Scripture from Scripture, since there is no higher authority
than God Himself. Scripture needs no outside authority to verify its
own authority.
Yet a problem comes when we think about this apologetically in reference to other religions with "inspired Scripture," like Mormonism or Islam. How is the self-authenticating nature of Scripture properly only the Christian's domain? Cannot the Mormon or Muslim make the same argument that we are making? How do we disprove a Muslim's claim that the Koran is self-authenticating? Can he take the same principle and use it in an unassailable way for his "holy book"?
As we think about this problem, we need to look at circular arguments in general (self-authentication is a circular argument) and the justification of such arguments. Then we can proceed and see if the Koran or the Book of Mormon can make the same claims.

There are different kinds of circular arguments
Most people believe in the fallacy of circular arguments: that they are all fallacious. Their reasoning usually goes like this:
If an argument is circular it is false
Self-authentication is a circular argument
Self-authentication is false
(this is a circular argument by the way)

We could easily point out to the skeptic that:
All circular arguments are false
This is a circular argument
This argument is false

There are small circle and big circle arguments. Small circle arguments are usually less persuasive. Larger circle arguments, which provide more data and qualifications, can be more persuasive (see John Frame, Cornelius Van Til, An Analysis of His Thought, 302-303). But the fact is that circular reasoning can be enlightening. If you travel around something enough times you will surely learn something every revolution!

The universality and justification of circular arguments
What must be acknowledged is that all reasoning is ultimately circular.
The rationalist begins with his assumptions about rationality, the empiricist begins with his presuppositions about empiricism. Even the one who argues for inductive argument only still has an a priori assumption about the validity of inductivism. (See Frame, Apologetics to the Glory of God, 9, 10).

The question about circular reasoning is can it be sustained under the weight of its own assumptions, claims or starting point? If that is the question that should be asked of circular reasoning, then to assume God and the truthfulness of His Word based on His authority is a justifiable starting point. With God and His Word as our starting point, we have set forth the principles of the laws of logic, rational thought, intelligibility, internal coherence, etc. These are biblical standards.
But these standards are also innately verifiable because of the image of God in us. For instance, we know innately that the law of non-contradiction is true. The image of God in us testifies to the
standards and premises of truth as they are presented in the Word of God. Therefore, Scripture is subject to the standards of its own claims, and meets them. Note that Scripture is not subject to human reason, external standards and criteria, but rather Scripture is subject to its own standards. Scripture passes the test with flying colors. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that this book is God's Word. This book itself is consistent, it is intelligible, it provides meaning
and meaningful communication, it is rational, not irrational, logical, not illogical.

Competing Circularities
Claims for self-authentication must meet the standards of divine revelation: intelligibility, internal consistency, coherence, etc.
Both the Koran and the Book of Mormon claim to be divine revelation, but both fail to meet the claims of self-authenticating divine revelation. In other words, the evidence does not stand up to what these books claims for themselves. Both books borrow "Christian capital" and yet are incoherent, inconsistent, and unstable. They invalidate their own claims to self-authentication through contradiction, factual errors, and lack of coherence, necessary to reflect divine, infallible revelation.
Both books resort to a fideism, "This is an inspired book because I believe it is an inspired book." However, fideism is no substitute for living up to one's own claims of self-authentication. The Bible alone lives up to its claims. Therefore, the Bible's own testimony and claim of self-authentication, although circular, passes the test of valid circular reasoning. Its starting point is valid, its conclusions are valid. The circle is sound.

When Sinners Say "I do"

2010-02-10T12:18:00.001-08:00

When Sinner's Say "I do"

I know many of you have read this book, and it is excellent! Here are some lectures you might enjoy
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/02/08/when-sinners-say-i-do/

"God is better to us than we deserve, and far better than we ever acknowledge." Derek Thomas

http://www.gracenevada.com

The Racism of Abortion

2010-02-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

In reference to the racism of abortion see John Piper's sermon,

A Critique of the Family-Integrated Church Movement

2010-01-29T09:22:00.001-08:00

A Critique of the Family-Integrated Church Movement

Brian Borgman

This critique concerns a specific church model which has grown into a movement. The movement’s visible leader is Doug Philips of Vision Forum. This brief critique does not address the various other issues that revolve around Phillips, but simply his structure of family-integrated churches.

Another preliminary point should be made as well. Our church does have Sunday School and various other age-segregated ministries, but we also have the children sit in both morning and afternoon services with their families.

I would personally share the concerns with FIC over the cultural forces which wage war against the family. However, my complaint is that their remedy to the attacks on the family are unbiblical, unhelpful and may be worse than the societal diseases they seek to fight.

1) FIC exalts the nuclear family to an unbiblical place

The nuclear family is seen as central to life and the life of the church. The primacy of the family, family roles, domestic order subtly undermine the truth that the family of Christ is central and primary for the Christian (Mk. 3:31-35; Lk. 11:27-28; 14:26-27).

Although there is much Old and New Testament instruction to the family, it is the spiritual family that supersedes because of loyalty to Christ.

2) FIC redefines the church under the NC as a family of families

Under the Old Covenant, Israel was a family of families, held together by blood lines and circumcision. Under the New Covenant, the Church is the family of God, not a family of families (Gal. 3:28-29; Eph. 2:19-22). In fact, under the New Covenant, nuclear families may be fragmented because of loyalty to Jesus (Matt. 10:34-39).

3) FIC inadvertently excludes or marginalizes singles and others, which is contrary to the principles of Christ's Kingdom (Matt. 19:11-12; 1 Cor. 7:7).

Ask if a single person would feel welcomed as a brother or sister in Christ and a real part of the church family in a FIC.

4) FIC elevate certain principles of liberty or personal conviction to the standard of holiness and/or church polity (homeschooling, no women working outside the home, full quiver, no daughters in college, courtship only), which amounts to legalism. In such a church culture it is very easy for the Gospel not to be the main thing and to communicate to the next generation that being a Christian means you do these things (Mk. 7:13).

My overall evaluation assessment of this movement is not positive. I am aware that there are some churches in the movement which have identified these weaknesses and have sought to address them. Nevertheless, there are subtle inroads the movement makes through Vision Forum and their homeschooling and family-oriented materials. Although much (not all) of Vision Forum’s material is helpful, it promotes a Victorian vision of patriarchy, rather than a biblical one. Many people are exposed to the materials and confuse biblical principles and ethics with those promoted by VF. They are not one and same.

For those families who use VF materials, I would simply caution them to be on guard against an unbiblical exaltation of the family, an unbiblical view of the church, and the subtle elevation of “family-centered” principles to the place of “the teaching of God’s Word.”

Dr Roger Nicole's Letter to Justice Harry Blackmun

2010-01-27T14:00:00.001-08:00

Dr Nicole is one of my favorite living theologians. In 1994 he sent the following letter to the retiring Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun.

http://www.baylyblog.com/2010/01/tim-wthanks-to-ali-my-two-brothers-david-and-nathan-and-i-sat-under-roger-nicole-at-gordon-conwell-theological-seminary.html

Mugged By Ultrasound

2010-01-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

Mugged By Ultrasound

Why so many abortion workers have turned pro-life.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/mugged-ultrasound

The Evil and Oppression of Abortion

2010-01-22T13:01:00.001-08:00

The Evil and Oppression of Abortion

Brian Borgman

On this 37^th anniversary of Woe v Wade, I want to keep in the forefront of our minds two related facts about abortion: it is evil and it is the worst form of oppression in the world.

Abortion is a Systemic Evil
Systemic evil is evil which exists in social structures, social institutions or deeply ingrained social, cultural patterns, norms or laws. Such things as economic exploitation, racism and bureaucratic political machines that exist for their own self-indulgence, would be examples of systemic evil.

One of the most deeply ingrained systemic evils is abortion. Of course abortion is an individual, moral evil because it is one person taking another person’s life. But abortion is an example of a systemic evil because of the way it has become amalgamated with our political, economic, legal and social institutions, as well as the racial elements which are inextricably bound up with the institution of abortion.

Politics
Abortion is woven into the fabric of American politics. Some would say that it is more of a political issue than a moral one! Just watch senate judiciary hearings for Supreme Court nominees! As medical technology has advanced, the debate over abortion has shifted from the objective question of when does human life begin to the constitutional issues of privacy and choice. Since medical technology has debunked much of the pro-abortion rhetoric, the rhetoric by necessity had to change.

The political thrust of the abortion debate is no longer on reversing Roe v Wade, but creating a “life-friendly” atmosphere where there are fewer abortions. This is the position of many pro-life politicians. This indicates that we have given up the moral high ground for the sake of politics. Many politicians, realizing that they could not win as pro-life candidates in their districts or states became pro-choice in order to win elections.

Abortion has become a political symbol for women’s rights. In many states there are fetal homicide laws. There is fetal surgery. There are sonograms and ultrasounds, and yet this great moral issue which has to do with God, His Law, Truth and Life, has been boiled down to a political hobby horse. It is a part of the political bureaucracy. This is systemic evil.

Law
A master stroke has taken place in the abortion debate. Borrowing from post-modern perspectives, our society has been divided into two spheres: Private and Public. The private sphere is marked by values (individual choices). The public sphere is identified by fact (binding on everyone). Values are private truths, facts are public truths.

Thus, values encompass religion, morality, etc. Facts are inviolable. In the abortion debate, our social engineers have efficiently convinced the public and politicians, that Roe v Wade is a matter of public truth, it is fact. Why? Because it is the rule of law, settled by the Supreme Court. Whether or not you would have an abortion is in the private sphere, it is a matter of values, individual choices.

By bifurcating the morality of abortion from the legality of abortion, the enemy has successfully set forth a fact/value distinction – so you can have people saying we should have fewer abortions (i.e., more people should be making more responsible personal choices based on values) but we cannot touch the legality of abortion because that is settled fact. You can easily see that this is two-story theory of truth that is a house of cards! Once Roe entered the public sphere, and became a matter of fact, then our system of justice became unjust and thus a part of the systemic evil of our own society.

Economics
There are approx 1.3 million abortions per year in the US. Abortion clinics make @$1,000 for every abortion performed. Planned Parenthood clinics grossed $302.6 million in 2007, with $104 million coming from surgical abortions. Total PP income for the year was $810 million (grants, donors, gifts), with one-third of that, or $265.2 million, coming from public funds given by our elected officials, paid by tax-payers.

Whenever huge profits are made by killing and exploitation, that is systemic evil. Nations will go to war to protect financial interests, lobbyists will spend whatever it takes to protect their financial interests. Politicians will do whatever it takes to maintain their support, which means that they (the politicians) look out for the financial interests of the lobbyists. This is systemic evil. Abortion is lucrative and those profiting will protect their profits at any cost.

Race
Margaret Sanger, the great "heroine" and the founder of Planned Parenthood was a racist, whose eugenics were originally designed to help curb the growing black and other minority populations. She sought to limit fertility among the “physically and mentally deficient” She was a contemporary Hitler, they were mutual admirers!

What is her real legacy? Although 63% of abortion patients are white, however, black women are more than 3 times as likely to have an abortion, and Hispanic women are 2.5 times as likely. Abortion is racist to the core. If this does not qualify as systemic evil, I am not sure I know what does!

Conclusion

Abortion as a systemic evil is the height of injustice and oppression.

Abortion is the Worst Form of Oppression For the following reasons:
It victimizes the most helpless. The magnitude of oppression is measured by the helplessness of its victim. The unborn are doubtlessly the most helpless in our society.

It steals, by force, the most basic human right – life. Another thermometer of the magnitude of oppression is what is taken and how much force is used:

The ultimate is taken, human life
It is taken in the most violent way – invading the womb to burn or dismember with edged weapons or chemicals.
It deceives those whom it claims to help

Oppression is not always immediately violent, sometimes it takes place through deception. To offer help to someone and then to oppress them is wickedly unjust. And yet that is what happens in abortion. It deceives those it claims to help! It withholds facts about procedures, risks and basic reality (unthinkable for a doctor to do if performing a simple appendectomy!)

The Bible and Oppression
God’s character requires both personal and social justice and righteousness

Deut. 32:4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

Psa 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;

Because God is just, righteous and compassionate, He cares for the poor and the oppressed:

Psa. 9:9 The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble;

Psa 12:5 "Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, Now I will arise," says the LORD; "I will set him in the safety for which he longs."

Therefore, all injustice and oppression is expressly forbidden

Deut. 10:17-21 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. ¹⁸ He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. ¹⁹ Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. ²⁰ You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. ²¹ He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.

Deut. 24:17 You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow's garment in pledge, Prov. 14:31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

Social justice for the oppressed and the needy is required

Isa. 58:6-7 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? ⁷ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Mic. 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Prov. 24:11-12 Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. ¹² If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?

We ought to hate abortion with the utmost hatred because it is the worst, most evil form of oppression being practiced on this planet. We ought to hate all forms of injustice and oppression. Slavery and the sex-trade, especially of children, ought to cause us righteous anger and even give rise to imprecatory prayers. But the murder of the unborn, right around the corners from our homes, ought to cause us such indignation that we do what we can to help confused women and helpless babies.

As Christian men and women we have a responsibility to the unborn. This is why, we as a church, delight in our involvement in the Community Pregnancy Center and the City of Refuge. But may God help us do more. Pray for the requests sent out by the CPC. Give to the CPC and other pro-life organizations. Let your representatives know exactly where you stand. Be fearless in the public square. One day abortion will end. One day the justice of Christ’s Kingdom will spread from shore to shore. Until then may God give us to fortitude to oppose this evil oppression.

Most Influential Books (Pt 7) Salvation & The Christian Life

2010-01-15T09:38:00.001-08:00

Here are the books on Salvation and the Christian Life

Steele and Thomas, The Five Points of Calvinism
Martin Luther, The Bondage of the Will
John Stott, The Cross of Christ
John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied
Schreiner and Canedy, The Race Set Before Us
Lorraine Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
Tom Wells. A Price for a People
Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness
Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections
John Owen, Volume VI, Sin and Temptation
J.C. Ryle, Holiness
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress
JI Packer, Keep in Step with the Spirit
Sinclair Ferguson, The Holy Spirit
DA Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation
John Piper, Future Grace

Most Influential Books (Pt 6) Theology

2010-01-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

Here is the list of Theology Books which have influenced me most:
John Murray, Systematic Theology (Vol. 2)
John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion
Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Geerhard Forde, On Being a Theologian of the Cross
Herman Ridderbos, Paul: An Outline of His Theology

God is better to us than we deserve, and far better than we ever acknowledge. Derek Thomas

http://www.gracenevada.com

58th anniversary of Jim Elliott's martyrdom

2010-01-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

Today is the 58th anniversary of Jim Elliott's martyrdom (along with four other missionary friends). Justin Taylor provides a page from his journal and a few links (2 sermons by Jim Elliott and one talk delivered by David Howard, Jim's roommate at Wheaton and Elizabeth Elliott's brother).

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/01/08/he-ws-no-fool/

If you have never read Through Gates of Splendor, it is a must.

God is better to us than we deserve, and far better than we ever acknowledge. Derek Thomas

http://www.gracenevada.com

Most Influential Books (Pt 5) Eschatology / Prophecy / Parenting / Marriage

2009-12-30T19:56:00.002-08:00

Eschatology/Prophecy
Anthony Hoekema, The Bible and the Future
George Ladd, The Presence of the Future
George Ladd, The Blessed Hope

Parenting/Marriage
Bruce Ray, Withhold Not Correction
Tedd Tripp, Shepherding a Child's Heart
Paul Tripp, Age of Opportunity
Piper and Grudem, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
Tim Gardner, Sacred Sex
Dave Harvey, When Sinners Say I Do

God is better to us than we deserve, and far better than we ever acknowledge. Derek Thomas

http://www.gracenevada.com

Most Influential Books (Pt 4) Preaching/Church/Missions

2009-12-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

Preaching/Church/Missions
John Piper, The Supremacy of God in Preaching
CH Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preachers and Preaching
Tom Wells, A Vision for Missions
John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad
Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership
Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death

God is better to us than we deserve, and far better than we ever acknowledge. Derek Thomas

http://www.gracenevada.com

Most Influential Books (Pt 3) Biographies

2009-12-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

Most influential biographies

Over the years I have enjoyed reading many biographies. The following have influenced me the most:

Arnold Dallimore, The Life and Ministry of George Whitefield
Arnold Dallimore, Spurgeon: A New Biography
Ian Murray, Jonathan Edwards, A New Biography
The Memoirs and Remains of Robert Murray McCheyne
John Thornbury, God Sent Revival: The Story of Asahel Nettleton
Courtney Andresen, To the Golden Shore, the Story of Adoniram Judson
Jock Purves, Fair Sunshine
Elisabeth Elliott, Under the Shadow of the Almighty
David Daniell, William Tyndale, A Biography
Robert Mackenzie, John Brown of Haddington

Most Influential Books (Pt 2) Biblical Interpretation

2009-12-22T14:35:00.001-08:00

This section covers biblical interpretation.

DA Carson, Exegetical Fallacies
Daniel Fuller, Gospel and Law
Daniel Fuller, The Unity of the Bible
(Although I would take exception with some of Fuller's interpretations, his exegesis was challenging and his ideas were life changing).

Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology
Ed Clowney, The Unfolding Mystery
O Palmer Robertson, The Christ of the Covenants
Daniel B. Wallace, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics
Walter Bauer, A Greek-Lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature - (Yes, it is true, a grammar and lexicon have changed my life)

“God is better to us than we deserve, and far better than we ever acknowledge.” Derek Thomas

http://www.gracenevada.com

JC Ryle on Not Regularly Attending Church

2009-12-18T13:40:00.001-08:00

Dear Church family,
I hope that each family and every member of Grace reads the words of Ryle and takes them to heart. May we apply these words to our own hearts and habits! May every head of every family examine himself in light of these words.
Pastor Brian

J.C.Ryle on How much Christians may lose by not regularly attending the assemblies of God's people (Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Vol. 4, Jn. 20:24-31).

We should mark, for one thing, in these verses, how much Christians may lose by not regularly attending the assemblies of God's people. Thomas was absent the first time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, and consequently Thomas missed a blessing. Of course we have no certain proof that the absence of the Apostle could not admit of explanation.
Yet, at such a crisis in the lives of the eleven, it seems highly improbable that he had any good reason for not being with his brethren, and it is far more likely that in some way he was to blame. One thing, at any rate, is clear and plain. By being absent he was kept in suspense and unbelief a whole week, while all around him were rejoicing in the thought of a risen
Lord. It is difficult to suppose that this would have been the case, if there had not been a fault somewhere. It is hard to avoid the suspicion that Thomas was absent when he might have been present.

We shall all do well to remember the charge of the Apostle St. Paul, "Forsake not the assembling of you together, as the manner of some is." (Heb.10:25)
Never to be absent from God's house on Sundays, without good reason,-never to miss the Lord's Supper when administered in our own congregation,-never to let our place be empty when means of grace are going on, this is one way to be a growing and prosperous Christian. The very sermon that we needlessly miss, may contain a precious word in season for our souls. The very
assembly for prayer and praise from which we stay away, may be the very gathering that would have cheered, and established, and quickened our hearts. We little know how dependent our spiritual health is on little, regular, habitual helps, and how much we suffer if we miss our medicine. The wretched argument that many attend means of grace and are no better for them,
should be no argument to a Christian. It may satisfy those who are blind to their own stake, and destitute of grace, but it should never satisfy a real servant of Christ. Such an one should remember the words of Solomon: "Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." (Prov. 8:34.) Above all he should bind around his heart the Master's promise :" Wheresoever two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matt. 18:20.) Such a man will rarely be left like Thomas, shut out in the cold chill of unbelief, while others are warmed and filled.

Most Influential Books (Part 1) Theology

2009-12-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

Most Influential Books

Someone recently asked me to give them a list of the 20 most influential books of my Christian life. The list was bigger than 20, but it was a great exercise for me. What I am going to do is put the list out in sections. I hope you enjoy it and maybe even pick up a few of these for the new year.

I will begin with books about God. Out of all the books, these books about God have made the deepest impression on me and my thinking about God. I think the reason is summed by Tozer, "What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."

A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy
J.I. Packer, Knowing God
John Piper, Desiring God
John Piper, The Pleasures of God
A.W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God
John Owen, Communion with God

“God is better to us than we deserve, and far better than we ever acknowledge.” Derek Thomas

http://www.gracenevada.com

Daniel Wallace on liberals

2009-12-11T11:35:00.001-08:00

Dan Wallace just returned from the Society of Biblical Lit meetings in New Orleans. He has some interesting observations http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2009/11/frustrations-from-the-front-the-myth-of-theological-liberalism/.

But here are the two sections that really grabbed me:

A genuine liberal used to be someone who was open to all the evidence and examined all the plausible viewpoints. Now, “liberal” has become a hollow term, invested only with the relic of yesteryear’s justifiably proud designation. Today, all too often, “liberal” means no more than left-wing fundamentalist, for the prejudices that guide a liberal’s viewpoints are not to be tampered with, not to be challenged.

If we’re to judge liberal vs. conservative by one’s method, then the new liberal is the evangelical and neo-evangelical who is willing to engage the evidence, examine all sides, and wrestle with the primary data through the various prisms of secondary literature. He’s open. I tell my students every year, “I will respect you far more if you pursue truth and change your views than if you protect your presuppositions and don’t.” And they know my mantra, “Go where the evidence leads.” Sadly, some of the most brilliant scholars in biblical studies have become radically intolerant of conservatives. When conservative professors have that same attitude, they’re usually afraid of having their ideas challenged because they’re insecure in their beliefs. And they’re labeled as fundamentalists. When many “liberal” scholars are just as intolerant, what should we call them?

God is better to us than we deserve, and far better than we ever acknowledge. Derek Thomas

http://www.gracenevada.com

ReThinking A Much Abused Test

2009-12-10T09:15:00.001-08:00

Pastor Brian's 2002 Reformation and Revival Journal article on 1 Cor. 3 was featured on Monergism.com's weekly features yesterday.

Here is a link if you would like to read the article.

http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/ref-rev/11-1/11-1_borgman.pdf

A Word to the Next Generation

2009-11-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 15^th Pastor Brian preached the afternoon sermon mainly to the young people.

We have received comments from the chronologically enhanced folks among us that they benefited as well.

Please use the link below to listen to this important message from Daniel.

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=1116091148166

An article by Pastor Brian

2009-11-16T14:36:00.001-08:00

http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/a/overcoming_fear_anxiety_and_worry

Everything minus Jesus equals nothing, but Jesus plus nothing equals everything.

http://www.gracenevada.com

A Proposal for Daniel as the Author of Psalm 119 from Pastor Brian

2009-11-12T16:13:00.001-08:00

This coming Lord's Day I will be preaching to our young people from the book of Daniel. I will make reference to Psalm 119. Copies of this will be available this Lord's Day, but for those who want to explore it before then… here you go:

A Proposal for Daniel as the Author of Psalm 119
Brian Borgman (4/17/05)

There is no superscription identifying the author in Psa 119. It is an anonymous Psalm. Jewish tradition has suggested Ezra or one of his disciples. Christian tradition has generally assumed Davidic authorship. It seems clear however, from internal evidence that the author was living under conditions which were hostile to his faith. Franz Delitzsch (who thinks it was written during the Maccabaean period) says, “It is natural to suppose that the composition of the Psalm falls in those times of the Greek domination in which the government was hostile, and a large party from among the Jews themselves, that was friendly towards the government persecuted all decided confessors of the Torah.”

A few considerations make Daniel a good candidate. Delitzsch is certainly right about the hostility, but it seems that the hostility is directed towards an exile. There is no mention of the Temple (or Tabernacle), sacrifices, etc. The Psalmist seems to be in a strange land. David was from time to time on the run, but ultimately the hostility shown to David was not because of his commitment to Torah, or his faith, but his throne. The Jews in the Maccabaean period were dominated in their own homeland. Ezra and his disciples would also have been returnees. The situation which was both hostile and exilic was the Babylonian exile, of which Daniel was a deportee.

Internal Evidence
Psa. 119:1-2 cf. Dan. 1:8-9
Psa. 119:9, 11, 30, 101 cf. Dan. 1:8
Psa. 119:19 cf. Dan. 1:3-4
Psa. 119:23, 78, 85, 86, 95, 110, 157, 161 cf. Dan. 3:8; 6:4-5
Psa 119:46 cf. Dan. 2:27-28

It appears to me that the tone, the petitions, the confessions, et al reflect Daniel and his situation. In other words, the evidence is more than just linking up individual verses, but rather getting a “feel” for Daniel’s character in the book of Daniel and then seeing that character expressed in the piety and circumstances of the Psalmist.

Examples:
Psa. 119:17 cf. Dan. 1:12-16;
Psa 119:29 cf. Dan. 1:4;
Psa 119:36-37 cf Dan 2:48; 5:16;
Psa 119:63 cf. Dan 3:17-18;
Psa 119:87 cf Dan. 6:10, 16;
Psa. 119:98-100 cf Dan. 1:4, 17-20; 2:24;
Psa 119:119 cf Dan 6:24;
Psa. 119:136 cf Dan 9:5-6;
Psa 119:18, 27, 169 cf Dan. 9:1-3

Conclusion
The internal evidence seems to me to point most consistently to Daniel. However, since it is anonymous we cannot be dogmatic. Professor George Zemek helpfully states, “Therefore, if for no other reason than illustration, it is suggested that the reader ‘think Daniel’ as we roam through this sacred territory.’”

Planned Parenthood Leader Resigns

2009-11-03T09:08:00.001-08:00

Planned Parenthood Leader Resigns After Watching Ultrasound of Abortion Procedure

Planned Parenthood Leader Resigns After Watching Ultrasound of Abortion Procedure...

Everything minus Jesus equals nothing, but Jesus plus nothing equals everything.

http://www.gracenevada.com

An embarrassed Atheist

2009-11-02T11:00:00.001-08:00

Wanna see an embarrassed atheist?

Justin Taylor posted this last week http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/10/24/what-science-cant-account-for/

Everything minus Jesus equals nothing, but Jesus plus nothing equals everything.

http://www.gracenevada.com

Church Membership

2009-11-02T10:56:00.001-08:00

Here is a good article on church membership from Kevin DeYoung

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2009/09/29/why-membership-matters/

Everything minus Jesus equals nothing, but Jesus plus nothing equals everything.

http://www.gracenevada.com

Reformation Week 2009 - Calvin's Preaching

2009-10-29T13:32:00.001-07:00

His style was simple and concise. His sermons discursive and familiar or personal. There was no rigid structure, but a flow, which although not casual was conversational. Calvin excelled in application. It was exhortation, correction, rebuke or comfort and consolation, woven throughout the exposition.

Calvin noted that the preacher needed to speak in a way “that showed he was not pretending.” This gave his preaching a sense of seriousness and sobriety, but not morbidity.

He was not averse to using humor. His humor was often in the form of sarcasm, but sometimes it was everyday funny stuff. “When women who put on make-up come out into the sun and get hot, the make-up comes off and we see the wrinkles. So it is with hypocrisy.”

He believed the Bible was God accommodating Himself to us. So in preaching, the preacher accommodates himself to the people. As a result, he rejected scholastic methods and structures, as well as medieval hermeneutics, and simply explained the text.

His sermons were historical, grammatical and applicatory. He and the congregation would be immersed in an author’s mind for extended periods of time… weaving OT and NT together. His sermons move from “them to us”.

Frequency and length: Calvin preached twice on Sundays, then once M-F every other week. On his “off week” he would lecture M-F in theology.

His sermons usually lasted about an hour (although there are exceptions you can see in the sermons/lectures, 30-40 minutes is also common).

Content: Sundays he preached in the NT; M-F he preached in the OT.

He preached consecutive, expositions, with only his Hebrew OT and Greek NT, without notes, having prepared specifically and generally (e.g., he wrote his commentary on Galatians in 1546 and then preached it in 1557).

Calvin's delivery has never been speficially described, but his preaching was extemporaneous and probably lively. He himself said that preaching should be lively, “Now this preaching ought not to be lifeless, but lively, to teach, to exhort, to reprove…So indeed, that if an unbeliever enters, he may be so effectually arrested and convinced, as to give glory to God.”

For those interested in seeing samples of his preaching, here are 25 sermons from John Calvin http://www.reformedsermonarchives.com/calvintitle.htm

Reformation week 2009 - The Necessity of Reforming the Church

2009-10-28T09:12:00.001-07:00

The post for today is John Calvin’s The Necessity of Reforming the Church.

Come, Holy Ghost!

2009-10-28T09:01:00.001-07:00

Come, Holy Ghost!

“Even the best grounded and most experienced Christian is still a sinner, preferring his own ideas and ways to God’s teaching. If this week he loves the sacred Word, next week he may feel cold and uninterested; worst danger of all, he may feel bored, knowing it all already. The task of the congregation is a continuous life-long battle against their own rebelliousness, apathy, and arrogance in favor of God’s teaching and call. The members of the congregation, no less than the preacher, need continually to pray, ‘Come, Holy Ghost!’ ” -- -- -- -- -- THL Parker, Calvin’s Preaching

Everything minus Jesus equals nothing, but Jesus plus nothing equals everything.

http://www.gracenevada.com

Girolamo Savonarola, the Almost Reformer

2009-10-27T12:04:00.001-07:00

Girolamo Savonarola, the Almost Reformer

Brian Borgman

Girolamo (Jerome) Savonarola was born in 1452 in Italy. As he grew to adulthood, he was deeply concerned about the health of the church. However, the doctrinal issues that were raised by Wycliffe, Huss and others, were not his concern. His concern was the moral apostasy he saw in the Church. He spent some time in a Dominican monastery and then went to Florence where he began to preach powerfully on the necessity of repentance and a moral life. He was bold, his oratory was captivating, and he fearlessly identified corruption in the church and called for moral reformation. His messages were fiery and apocalyptic. He was a sensation. He was wildly popular.

During this time, the powerful and famous House of Medici ruled Florence. Lorenzo de Medici hated Savonarola with a passion. He attempted to silence Savonarola through bribery, but to no avail. Lorenzo later fell ill and called for Savonarola (men do desperate things when they think they are dying). When Savonarola saw that Lorenzo had no desire for repentance, he withheld his blessing and left him to die. After Lorenzo died and his son became his successor. However, Savonarola’s popularity with the people was so widespread that they wanted him to rule Florence over de Medici. The people got their wish and Savonarola was in the role of civil servant, holding political power.

Savonarola was a brilliant administrator and a tireless reformer. His zeal, however, made his popularity short-lived. He sought to implement moral reforms and abolish vice anything connected with moral laxity (dancing, drinking, gambling, make-up, etc.). Opposition grew up like a weed. People are usually happy to have someone denounce someone else’s sins, but when it touches home, the sentiment shifts. Unscrupulous Pope Alexander offered him a position as Cardinal to get him out of Florence. He refused. Savonarola remained undaunted by the criticism and opposition and continued to move ahead full steam.

The Papacy lost out when the corrupt House of Medici lost power. With Florence spinning out of control and the corrupt House of Medici no longer able to rule Florence, the Pope intervened. He had Savonarola excommunicated and arrested. He was tortured and burned at stake at age 45 (1498).

I cannot help but admire one who defied a wicked Pope and stood up to a corrupt church and ruling House. There is something attractive about courage and determination that is not side-tracked by greed and the love of praise. But no matter how much virtue Savonarola demonstrated in his efforts to bring about moral reform, he was a reformer without the Gospel and he was a preacher without Christ. Let us remember that winning the culture wars of morality is not Christianity. Let us not be deceived, moral reformation is not salvation.

Reformation Week 2009

2009-10-26T09:50:00.001-07:00

Reformation Week

Oct. 31 is Reformation Day. On that day in 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.

To celebrate the Reformation, we will try to post something every day. I will also give the Annual Reformation Lecture on Wed PM. This year's subject will be in honor of Calvin's 500th birthday (July 10, 1509), "John Calvin, Preacher of the Word."

Today's post is Max Maclean presenting a dramatic reading of Luther's speech at the Diet of Worms.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/10/25/here-i-stand-2/

Sola Gratia
Pastor Brian

Stott The Prophet - 27 Years Ago

2009-10-23T12:03:00.001-07:00

Read the following from John Stott, written 27 years ago, in light of Hebrews 10:24-25.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/10/22/stott-the-prophet/

Everything minus Jesus equals nothing, but Jesus plus nothing equals everything.

http://www.gracenevada.com

Singing in Church

2009-10-22T12:26:00.001-07:00

In Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together there is a chapter called, "The Day Together." He makes some comments on singing that are worth repeating.

There are several elements hostile to unision singing, which in the community ought to be very vigorously weeded out. There is no place in the worship service where vanity and bad taste can assert themselves as in the singing. . . There is the solo voice that drowns everything else, bellowing and quavering at the top if its lungs, reveling in the glory of its own fine organ... Finally, there are often those who will not join the sining because they are particularly moody or nursing hurt feelings; and they disturb the community (Works, Vol 5, 67).

Everything minus Jesus equals nothing, but Jesus plus nothing equals everything.

www.gracenevada.com

The Tongue

2009-10-16T14:52:00.001-07:00

We had the pleasure of having Judy Rogers in Septmeber. One of her songs from the CD Guard Your Heart is called "The Tongue." In light of our mini-sermon series from Prov. 18:20-21, "Christian Commnunity and Communcation," I thought I would post the lyrics.

He said that you said that I said that he was a liar
But what he said that you said that I said, it just isn't so!
Can't you see - that the tongue can destroy like a fire
When we whisper and spread around gossip wherever we go?

Oh, the tongue - it can cut like a knife!
Oh, the tongue can ruin an innocent life
Stop! Think about, think about the way that you say the things that you say
Oh, the tongue can encourage a friend
Or the tongue can cause a friendship to end
What will you say today?
What will you say today? - with your tongue

A forest can burn to the ground when a fire is started
It begins with a very small spark, then grows to a flame
Oh, the tongue be just like a fire, unguarded
It has power to bring about or cause trouble and pain

Oh, the tongue - it can cut like a knife!
Oh, the tongue can ruin an innocent life
Stop! Think about, think about the way that you say the things that you say
Oh, the tongue can encourage a friend
Or the tongue can cause a friendship to end
What will you say today?
What will you say today? - with your tongue
© 1989 Judy Rogers

Job Talks to God

2009-10-14T14:22:00.001-07:00

"Job's prayers may shock his religious friends, but at least he keeps on talking to the heedless God. His friends talk about God. Job talks to God. And this makes him the only authentic theologian in the book."

Francis Andersen

Watch this before you come to church this coming Sunday

2009-10-08T14:58:00.001-07:00

Watch this before this coming Lord's Day worship services!

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/41/3794_James_3_A_Story/

FW: The Word of Faith Movement and the Book of Job

2009-10-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Word of Faith Movement and the Book of Job
Brian Borgman

Today is the first annual International Blasphemy Day. I am not going to say anything about this, Albert Mohler has addressed it and you can read what he says (http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/09/25/why-do-the-heathen-rage-international-blasphemy-day/).

It is not only the heathen who rage and blaspheme. Many years ago I was watching Frederick K.C. Price, a Word of Faith teacher, and he said, “As long as Job walked in faith, the wall – the hedge – was up. But when he started walking in unbelief and doubt, the hedge was pulled down. Job pulled the hedge down!” Price was spouting the standard Word of Faith view of Job, which obviously proves to be a problem to the false gospel of healing and prosperity. Years earlier, Charles Capps, a “pioneer” in the Word of Faith movement, wrote a book called, Kicking Over Sacred Cows: Rightly dividing some of the most misunderstood scriptures in the Bible. The short version of Capps view, which is regurgitated by Price and others, is that Job began living in fear. This is obvious to them from Job 1:5. Job continually offered sacrifice for his children because he thought, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.”

For centuries, Bible commentators and Bible readers have seen Job’s sacrifices for his children as a demonstration of his genuine piety and godly fatherhood. The Word of Faith teachers see it as fear. This fear, in turn, pulls down the hedge which God had set up to protect Job’s blessings and prosperity. Capps actually says, “God didn’t put Job in Satan’s hands. Job’s fear put him in Satan’s power. It wasn’t something that God did at all.”

After Satan does his wicked work, Job says, “The LORD gave, the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” This declaration, according to the Word of Faith teachers, is flatly wrong. Capps again, “It is true that Job said it. But what he said was not the truth.” So where is God in this whole situation? Well, he is evidently held captive by Job’s fear and Satan’s right to plunder since Job pulled down his own hedge. Capps, and the other usual suspects, conclude, “Job’s faith gave, Job’s lack of faith let the devil take it away, the LORD isn’t even on the radar.”

If this take on Job is right, then Job did sin by attributing these tragedies to God. Job did ascribe moral impropriety to God, according to the Word of Faith-ers. But the inspired text says that Job did not sin and did not charge God with moral impropriety (Job 1:22; 2:10). I will stick with the inspired Author, not the un-inspired imagination of Bible-butchers.

Such a view is blasphemy. In fact, it is worse blasphemy than the heathen. They twist the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Pet. 3:16). They blaspheme the character of God, whereas Job honors God. They undermine the bedrock of our faith, God’s sovereignty. They actually follow the counsel of Job’s worthless friends – “Job it is your fault. You stopped operating in faith and started living in fear!” They take the precious counsel of God, found in the book of Job, and blaspheme His counsel by their own carnality and wickedness. Frankly, these so-called teachers are more offensive to me than all the heathen who want to blaspheme the sacred. It may be that it is blasphemy day every day one of these Word of Faith teachers takes their Bibles and open their mouths.

Relevant to our sermon this past Sunday

2009-09-29T11:22:00.001-07:00

Ray Ortlund's blog is very relevant to our sermon this past Lord's Day.
Here it is http://christisdeeperstill.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-church-or-kingdom.html

Sermon Connection

2009-09-29T11:12:00.001-07:00

Sermon Connection

“It stands to reason that no provocation to love is possible unless suitable opportunities occur for the stirring process to take effect.”

Donald Guthrie

Faithful is He Who Promised

2009-09-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Faithful is He Who Promised: Thinking about God’s Promises

No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Romans 4:20-21

I heard many years ago that there are about 7,000 promises in the Bible. Even more impressive to me is that the structure of biblical revelation is promise and fulfillment. The very fabric of the Bible is promissory. Old Testament scholar Walk Kaiser has pointed this out in many of his books that the Bible is the promise plan of God. New Testament scholar Scott Hafemann says the message of the Bible is, “The God of promise and the life of faith.”

The promises that are structural are Gospel-Christ-centered and often covenantal (that is, they come in the context of a covenant). Most of the other promises flow from that general structure in one way or another. Many of God’s promises are for His elect, those in the covenant (believers). These cover a vast array of present situations and our future. Some of the promises are warnings, which are conditional. Some of the promises are for blessing, but also are conditional. Others are simply unilateral, unconditional promises of grace. Some promises are for those outside the covenant (unbelievers) and are frequently called “threats.”

Some of God’s promises are embedded in less obvious ways. For instance, God’s names and titles are embedded promises. The revelation of His name or attribute or characteristic is an embedded promise that He will be all of that to His people. God’s commands are often promises in disguise.

When we come across a promise (on virtually every page), we need to look at the context. Sometimes those promises will clearly apply to God’s people at all times, like Romans 8:28. However, some promises are time, situation and person specific. Don’t automatically conclude that the promise doesn’t apply, but rather look for the principle which should be clearly supported by other Scripture. One of my favorite examples of this is in Jeremiah 38:20. It is a specific word to King Zedekiah from Jeremiah, “But Jeremiah said, ‘They will not give you over. Please obey the LORD in what I am saying to you, that it may go well with you and you may live.” Zedekiah was facing the Babylonians, they were “at the gates.” Jeremiah’s message had been that Zedekiah needed to submit to God’s discipline and surrender to the Babylonians. Zedekiah was afraid of the Jews and what they would do to him if he surrendered. He feared them more than God. The promise comes in that context, obey God and it go well, disobey God and it will not go well. In applying the promise, we have no Babylonians to submit to, but there may be a situation where we know clearly what God requires of us and there will be a definite negative reaction by those around us. God’s promise to us in Jer. 38:20 is to obey Him and know that obedience to God is the only way things will turn out well for us. We draw the lines of situational application, we reset the promise in our situation, we respond to the promise by faith and have confidence that God will keep His Word.

There is much more we can say about God’s promises and how they apply and don’t apply, how to use them and not use them, but until later, here are some texts to nourish your soul.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

Deuteronomy 32:4 "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.

Psalm 36:5 Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

Psalm 40:10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.

1 Peter 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

To all Dads or soon to be Dads

2009-09-17T12:47:00.001-07:00

Last night in our study of Job we saw Job as not only a godly man, but also as a godly father, who ministered redemptively to his kids. Although the study was broader than Job 1:4-5, that section on Job's family and fatherhood was a major point of application. So if you are a dad, or will be a dad, we encourage you to get the cd and listen to the exposition.

You can email tapes@gracenevada.com and request the cd for 9/16/09 entitled “Introducing Righteous Job (Pt 2)”.

We will be posting the sermon on sermonaudio.com next week.

We would also like to remind you that you can request a subscription the cds of Studies in Job. If you would like to receive these messages on a subscription basis, please email tapes@gracenevada.com and we will give you more detail.

See you on Sunday,

Pastor Brian

Thinking About God

2009-09-17T12:34:00.001-07:00

Our text this Lord's Day is another glorious text, throbbing with life-giving truth. Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope, without wavering, for faithful is He who promised" (my translation).

The text tells us something about God, "faithful is He who promised." In order to hold fast, we need to know something true about God, in this case, He is faithful. In order to hold fast, we need to know what the Faithful One has promised, in this case all the promises that are connected with the priestly ministry of Jesus (that's a lot of promises!).

NT scholar Paul Ellingworth sums it up like this, “The basis for the believers’ endurance is the reliability of God’s promise… The statement that God is faithful is self-evident and forms the basis and motive for the believers’ faithfulness."

So do you think about God? Who He is? What He is like? Is it food for your soul and fuel for your faith? Do you know His promises? Do they govern your life and characerterize your faith? In other words, is your faith actually marked by clinging to certain promises?

See you on Sunday,

Pastor Brian