The Everlasting Way

2011-11-15T10:21:00.001-04:00

This blog is now inert. I'll be publishing what's coming across my desk and consciousness here now: http://bradleyrjohnston.wordpress.com/

2011-11-11T14:51:00.003-04:00

These days I am learning that one of the weights of leadership is thinking ahead. As this picture illustrates I'm trying to take my tiny clump of assignments, priorities, and goals (call it my "world") and hold them out in my hand. Specifically, what does God want to do in my life, the Johnston family, and TRPC in 2012?

It takes time, effort, and prayer to envision the next 365 days of life. It takes time, careful communication, and trust-filled cooperation for a body of leaders (i.e. a couple, or a council of elders) to grab hold of a common vision and intentionally pursue it. May the Lord grant wisdom to each one who is pursuing a life of intentional obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Changing Face Of Cyber-Friendships

2009-01-15T14:20:00.002-04:00

I love to blog. I guess I've always been a writer -- a words guy. But having a computer screen and Internet wires between you creates a barrier that it's difficult to overcome. That's why Jesus consistently makes the local church a priority, emphasizing that "where two are three are GATHERED TOGETHER in my name, there I am in their midst..." In this context he's not talking about meeting up on the Internet.

So I've been thinking about cyber-connections. They have their place, and indeed, are important (especially to maintain friendships across the miles). But pounding on a keyboard can never replace personal, verbal relationships. This is why Jesus came in the flesh, because the Gospel had to be INCARNATED.

I want to be consistent in friendships. I also want to be reliably available to friends in need. I really enjoy sharing the interesting (and sanctifying) things on the Internet. But the Internet cannot over-occupy my life. It is a tool, not a toy. It needs to be meticulously (not mindlessly) employed, an addition to life rather than an addiction in life.

That's why I've decided to suspend this blog, and to move into the evolving world of Facebook. I'll still keep this blog, and may even post occassionally. But come to see me (Pastor Brad Johnston) on Facebook. That's where I'll be chatting. And I would much rather sit down face-to-face over a warm cup of coffee.

"Consciences Vexed And Flayed"

2008-10-31T15:51:00.003-03:00

Lord willing,

On November 1st, All Saints Day, I will join with ten thousand others to celebrate the revitalization of heart for the pure Gospel. It was a Monk and a Mallet nailing a Gospel-centered proclamation on a Wittenburg door that caught fire in hearts throughout the Body of Christ (Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed and on). Today let us join with that "great cloud of witnesses" in saying a prayer for that revitalization of heart to continue to burn bright in our day.

I invite you to join me and to consider how the truths that cost so much to defend back-when have perhaps yet to come into full fruition in our own hearts today.

How are we saved? By Grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. (Sola gratia, Sola fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo gloria)

What is the final authority in religious matters? Scripture alone. (Sola scriptura)

What is the Church? The priesthood of all true followers of Christ

What is the essence of Christian living? Knowing God, intimately, where ever we are, whether it's preaching to multitudes or sweeping a broom.

Here's how one faithful preacher long ago said it. It was a day when the doctrines of men ruled and, in his own words, "the consciences of the people are vexed and flayed." Let it never be said of this day.

The Complex World's Soundbite Solutions

2008-10-25T19:46:00.002-03:00

Found this video today as I was meditating upon the 2008 election. Especially, I was asking: what wisdom is the American church bringing to this intensely fought election where partisan politics have now reached a boiling point.

A few words of wisdom from a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Brothers In Arms

2008-10-18T15:05:00.002-03:00

Just completed a delightful Saturday session meeting with my fellows elders in our local congregation. Bruce. Hartley. Jack. These men truly are my brothers in arms. We asked big questioned, and wrestled with where the Lord is taking us.

Unlike this picture, we don't wear a uniform. But we do carry the Sword of the Spirit. We wrestle, but it is not against flesh and blood. We do good to all men, while seeking out those who are the Lord's.

We are brothers, because we have the same Father in heaven. Our Big Brother gave his life that we might have life. Then he sent his Spirit to live within us. This means that we have the tightest of bonds, even as we labor to be what God has called us to be. Guys, I appreciate you. You have gifts and perspectives that I need. You bring substance that fills the many holes in my thinking. I'm glad to lock arms with such men, who are unashamedly servants of the Most High God.

Let's labor to live out the matters we've discussed. Let's BE (together) what God wants us to be. Let's lead his church forward into the Lord's will. Let's focuse together on intentional relationships ("R before I, except after T"). They make all the difference in the world.

Ligonier Is Gearing Up For Christmas!

2008-10-17T13:27:00.002-03:00

Take a look at what Dr. Sproul and company has available this year!

Get your own - Open publication

Sharing Christ In One Verse!

2008-10-15T12:22:00.002-03:00

I think we (by which I mean, "I") make evangelism too difficult. That's because often I'm not clear in my thinking on my part AND GOD's PART in the evangelical endeavor.

But sharing the Gospel is not rocket science. In fact, a wave is sweeping the Internet...the "Gospel-in-one-verse" wave. Hopefully, it's sweepign the world, too.

Below is one online example of how we can draw EVERY vital part of the Gospel from the single verse of Romans 6:23. Meditate upon it. And share it!

Should this come to Walton?

2008-10-10T12:34:00.004-03:00

At our weekly prayer meeting, several local pastors began asking whether our local churches ought to invest effort in bringing this Christ-focused, marriage-enhancing movie to Walton!

Take a look and let me know what your think!

A Blessing From A Fellow Pastor

2008-10-10T12:28:00.003-03:00

One of my favorite sermons from the National Peacemaker Conference was from John Strumbo, who spoke on the subject of integrating biblical peacemaking into the life of a local congregation. Take a look at one excerpt from this sermon.

Keynote Highlight: John Stumbo from Peacemaker Ministries on Vimeo.

Tired But Happy

2008-09-26T23:14:00.002-03:00

My tonight is short, because I really MUST get sleep this night. However, I'll simply report that my heart is FULL of the many helpful and practical wisdom of peacemaking.

Peacemakers have ultimate confidence in the Gospel, which is the power God has ordained. This Gospel is one of grace, meaning it exhibits God's mercy AND justice in my sins being transferred from me to the cross. As a result I am free to love and follow the one true God.

I've talked these past two days with peacemakers who have seen the Gospel free people stuck in bitterness and unforgiveness over and over and over. In his mercy and grace God has already given me a conflict to address when I return home. Pray that I will be humble, a listener, and open to the Lord's direction.

Sleep in the presence of the King.

Our Amazing Opportunities

2008-09-26T00:22:00.002-03:00

Thanks for praying, friends!

I'm bleary-eyed in Orlando typing a (hopefully) brief post on a friend's computer. My brain is tired, but my heart is full of the practical, Gospel-centered principles of peacemaking I've seen displayed over the last two days at the Peacemakers International Conference.

I've been learning all sorts of things...with many "Aha!" moments where things are clicking together for me. I've seen some very creative approaches to teaching. I heard powerful testimonies of how the Lord is igniting church's with a passion to display the Gospel's power in peacemaking.

Tonight the main official conference kicked off with a marvelous plenary session by Ken Sande. He challenged us all to make the Gospel (not the Law!) the center point in our lives, for it is in the Gospel that mercy, compassion, and grace are displayed and transformation comes. Speaking from Exouds 22-23 he pointed out that in this first extended revelation of himself, God revealed himself in terms of the qualities vital to a fallen, broken, stuck humanity being redeemed. This redemption would come to its pinacle at the Cross of Calvary where Jesus received in himself the PENALTY of sin.

The amazing truth is that in that moment of the crucifixion, cosmic justice was satisfied for ALL the sins of ALL God's people past, present, and future. Practically, this means that it is UNJUST for me to count my brother's sin against him when the Sovereign God has thundered forth "paid in full" about that same sin.

Many other marvelous things, but words fail me. The Caribe Royale conference center is really neat. I've met some marvelous people, including Ken Sande and tomorrow (I hope) Thabiti Anyabwile of the First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman Island, another plenary speaker. I had a cool conversation with Kerri, Peacmakers' annual conference manager. She told me that the conference in 2009 is in Dalls, and in 2010 is in Washington D. C.

Finally, I bought some helpful materials. Please pray that the Lord will guide me in effectively communicating in my 1) words and 2) life & ministry the power of God's peace in its vertical and horizontal dimensions. Pray also the Lord will give wisdom in bring the Biblical truths we've learned into the orbit of the RPCNA. God is good. And I am tired.

May the Lord bless you, and give you peace.

The Four G-G-G-Gs of Peacemaking

2008-09-22T17:43:00.003-03:00

I've been cramming for the Peace-maker pre-conference these days. And learning to fit lots of information into categories.

It's always a challenge: in a knock-down, drag-out, everything-plus-the-kitchen sink conflict...just how do you begin to make distinctions that cut through the emotion-filled static toward a just and reasonable solution?

One place to start is the four Gs. Although really there are five Gs, because "the Big G" foundation stone of all the others is the Gospel. When tempers are flaring and claws are extended, reminding the parties of the presence and power AND GRACE avaiable from the Creator God begins to put a different perspective on things.

Once things calm down a bit, it is helpful to break a conflict down along the following lines.

G #1: Glorify God. We need to get to the HEART of this conflict. What is really at issue are conflicting demands (that have in fact become heart idols). As we all look outside of ourselves to the common Source of our lives and all things, we can learn to rely upon his grace, wisdom, strength, and justice to bring light in the situation that has currently paralyzed us.

Let's work to view this conflict as an OPPORTUNITY live fore God, serve others, and grow to become like the Lord Jesus.

G #2: Get the Log Out of Your Eye. Everyone needs to ask: just what is MY CONTRIBUTION to the present situation? Conscientous people should be willing to admit that "it takes two to tango." On the conflict front, that means that if there's a big blowup, both parties need to look long and hard...what part have I played in this conflict?

G #3: Gently Restore. Here is where parts 1-2 are important, for they bring a new God-focused and Gospel-centered perspective to the question we're all dying to ask: What is THEIR PART in this conflict. Here is where we must learn not to attack, but to go to our adversary winsomely and creatively. We cannot run away or live in denial of the conflict.

G #4: Go & Be Reconciled. With all the facts on the table, and our personal interests clearly outlined in good faith. We can now make wise choices towards a mutually agreeable solution to the conflict. Here is where negotiation properly takes place.

These four components of conflict resolution don't provide all the answers. And conflicts are as diverse as the people who have them. But this mental outline provides a baseline of rational processing that allows a peacemaker to come in with a level head and a place to go.

Please pray for me as I head to the airport tomorrow. I'm almost packed, and eager to learn more about putting wheels on peacemaking.

I feel like the guys who has the "idea" of a car. It works perfectly okay in his head. But in practice, how do you see conflicts resolved in the power of the Gospel? That's where the I need wheels put on my vehicle!

Get On Your Marks...

2008-09-19T16:06:00.004-03:00

The Lord has enabled me to travel to the National Peacemaker's Conference. It is also something he has CALLED me to do (so far as I can discern). As today's news indicates, the need compassionate, competent Peacemakers is enormous.

So I'm busily preparing to head south to Orlando on Tuesday, which entails a lot of details.

But above all, I'm preparing my heart to HEAR God's Word. I need to be renewed in my mind about the importance and ministry of peacemaking. I need to see progress in peacemaking in my marriage. I need to learn to teach peacemaking to my 5-year-old and my 3-year-old, who are often ensnared by conflict with each other. I need to impart a vision for peacemaking to those I am responsible to shepherd.

Those who read here, I would ask you to pray. This trip is expensive. It will separate me from my family and my church family. But you only get out of such an experience what you get into it. Keep track here next week. I'm going to work hard to blog regularly, and hopefully upload photos of the trip. You can also follow much of the Conference on the Peacemaker Route 5:9 Blog.

Tuesday night I'll be crashing (sleeping that is) on the floor of Newark International Airport ahead of a 5 a.m. flight. I'm supposed to be in Orlando by 9:30 a.m. Pray that I make all the connections. Pray that my ears are open to discern the will of the Holy Spirit.

"First take the plank out of your eye, then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:5

A Gospel That Brings Us To God

2008-09-11T18:06:00.004-03:00

What is it that makes the Gospel good? Some people root the Gospel in forgiveness, and it is true that our sins are taken away in the Gospel. Some make the Gospel about heaven and hell, and it is true that those who are justified will escape the wrath to come.

But I ask again: what is the highest, best, final and decisive good that makes the Gospel so very, very good. I am being awakened by John Piper to the truth that the highest, best, final and decisive good of the Gospel is that it brings us to God. It hooks us to him. It brings us to utter delight in him. It makes him our all-sufficient and everlasting treasure.

In a heart-gripping way, our God gives us Himself. Thus it is completely appropriate to say that GOD is the Gospel. The Gospel is not merely about God. Or from God. It is God. Himself.

This changes everything.

The power of the Gospel is the power of God. Heaven is the throne of God. It is the God-ness of propitiation, atonement, the Scriptures, and the Church that make them desireable. It is that same God-ness that means that nothing in all creation rises to absolute, primary being. All other things (including the Church, the angels, and heaven itself) are derived. They have secondary being.

This means that all creation has the glory of the moon, while God himself is the Blazing Center of reality. He himself is reality, and there is no reality apart from him.

There is a God Is The Gospel study guide online that begins to unfold this glorious truth. May the Lord prick your heart with his the Gospel of Himself.

Cutting Loose For Kindergarten

2008-09-03T09:37:00.005-03:00

My five-year-old daughter couldn't go to sleep last night ... and popped out of bed wide awake this morning. She never does either of those things, much less both of them together. But today's her first day of kindergarten.

So we posed for Mommy's picture on the front porch, then headed off to school. There were no tears, and Marta immediately connected with her friends. Nonetheless, I realize today that my job of raising my daughter just got harder.

No longer does she have 24-7 contact with Mom and Dad. Now there is a whole additional influence, and schedule, and set of priorities. Now it's not just our family.

The home-schooler in me revolts at the thought. It says: we are being watered-down. The Christian in me knows better. All good things that happen in this life, in me or in my children, come from the grace of Christ.

Pure ideology does not insure children turning out right.

I find myself as a 30-year-old dad needing to quietly let go. No, confidently send my 5-year-old out into God's big world (to a very kind teacher, for four hours a day. I mean, its just kindergarten, for crying out loud :-)). But because I rest in the sovereignty of God, I can let God be God.

I will be proactive and engaged in the lives of my children. I will memorize the catechism with them. Be faithful members of Christ's church. But what a delightful and joyful thing it is to entrust my children to the Lord, knowing that just like he cared for me so he will care for them.

Because he's a big God.

Study-In-A-Box Bible

2008-09-02T12:16:00.003-03:00

I almost entitled this post, "Bible Study At Your Fingertips" but then thought better of it. Sounds almost like Bible Study Made Easy. I don't want to do "easy" study of the Scriptures, as that will tend to yield simplistic, shallow results. I'm trying to heed the call to do hard things.

That's why today I've researched and bought the ESV Study Bible, which is designed "to understand the Bible in a deeper way."

This formidable book has 2,752 pages in it, and two million words. But that doesn't scare me, because I still have my text-only pocket Bible, which I actually use more often in my personal devotions. But I'm coming to really appreciate good (think Evangelical, Reformed, and practical) study Bibles. In them the authors have enough humility to lay their verbage right along side God's Word, then let you see if their conclusion flows out of Scripture. It takes a box-sized book to do it, but that's just my speed.

All the "study verbage" is designed to help me, a 21-century American, better understand the nuances of meaning in God's Book (like this Introduction to Ephesians, for example). And that book is my life. It is hear that the Voice of the Spirit talks to me each day and reminds me, encourages me, rebukes me, and affirms me.

Here is a picutre of John 1, to give you an idea what this Study Bible is like.

I LOVE maps, because maps give me a great deal of information, and help me to "stick my feet in the sandals" of a given Biblical character. That always makes Bible study much more interesting, and communicates to my the GRAVITY of what God does with his people. For instance, in Solomon's temple? It is usually hard. It is usually long. It is usually extremely frustrating. But through the refinement of his people, God prepares them for joys and marvels they cannot dream of imagine.

So whether you use the ESV Study Bible or not, keep going back to the Word of God. It (and He) is a stable and unmoving Rock amidst the storms of this life. The older I get, the more I delight in panting like a little nursing baby for the pure milk of the Word. (Apparently so does fellow blogspot blogger Pastor Chris of First Congregational of Waseca, Minnesota.) When I eat it, I grow. The Bible becomes more familiar, but there are always new trails to search out, new depths to discover.

I think God delights in being like that.

How Grace (Alone) Enables Salvation

2008-08-30T17:48:00.002-03:00

Why is it that, "the letter [of the law] kills, but the Spirit gives life"?

As my daughter turns five, I'm learning important lessons about the doctrines of Christianity. Most important recently has been the multi-faceted distinction between Law and Grace.

Law is the external code, the list of rules that proscribe "good" behavior. The Law cannot reward, but only bark orders. There is no relationship within raw Law. And further, we human beings aren't simple robots. We are made to belong, to relate, to love and be loved.

And that's where Grace comes in. Throughout the all the Scriptures God has given his "precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature..." (2 Peter 1:4). This is an amazing thought!

It is the promises of God that enable relationship. They provide the firm and stable parameters of an unchanging relationship, which in turn supplies me with an identity. God's promises determine WHO I AM, and are the tools God is using to bring about a fundamental change in my very being. We call this change "transformation." It is this grand construction (and destruction!) project that unfolds over the course of our lives. By it we are, in the most literal sense, changed into new people.

The more I grasp this Gospel truth, the more passionate I am that my daughter read and memorize and internalize the promises of God contained in books like this one. From her earliest childhood, I need to impress upon my daughter that her performance flows from who she is, and not vica versa.

In other words, being proceeds becoming. This is the firm foundation upon which a child can confidently pursue learning and growing. All the while they know their essence is determined by someone outside themselves...namely the Almighty God who knit them together in their mother's womb.

Proclaim the promises of God! Memorize and meditate upon them. For it is in the promises of God received by faith alone that the Holy Spirit begins his transforming work in our lives. And when the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent Holy Spirit begins his work in you, well you never know what glory might arise out of the ashes!

Gustav: A Peacemaker Object Lesson

2008-08-29T15:17:00.005-03:00

The theme of this year's Peacemaker Conference in Orlando, Flor. is a word picture. The storms of life...A beacon of light...built on the Rock. A great them for a Gospel-centered and Christ-empowered message to those committed to sowing peace (with God and neighbor) in peace.

Those preparing and praying for this conference the week's Hurricane Gustav provides a graphic lesson of just how black and threatening the storms of life can be. And how important preparation and assistance are.

Projections Friday showed Gustav arriving early next week as a Category 3 storm, with winds of 111 mph or greater, coming ashore anywhere from the Florida Panhandle to eastern Texas. Forecasts are extremely tentative several days out. The storm could change course and strength, according to experts. Yet there is no doubt that Gustav is plowing its way toward American shores.

"Let me say to the people of Mississippi: This is not a time to panic, but it is a time to get prepared," said Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour at a news conference today near Gulfport, Miss. He issued mandatory evacuation orders for those living in trailers, including the 2,700 government-provided trailers still inhabited by survivors of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast three years ago this week.

Standing by to assist as Lousiana residents as needed are 3,000 Louisiana National Guardsmen activated on Wednesday, with another 2,000 activated on Thursday according to Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. He ordered 1,500 Guardsmen to New Orleans, a city devastated by Hurrican Katrina that still has 360 Guardsmen stationed there to police the city in the wake of Katrina.

Needless to say these graphic images of destruction hit us in the core of our being - as do the storms of conflict in our families, churches, and workplace. Devastation results from such violent storms, either in the atmosphere or in our souls.

However, just as our nation's guardsmen are poised to come to the aid of those devasted by such storms, so peacemakers are able to bring assistance into the storms of conflict.

Our prayers are with the residents of the Gulf Coast today. May they bravely and thoroughly prepare to face this oncoming juggernaut. May they find able assistance in the strong arms and logistical support of the National Guard.

And may attendees at Semptember's Peacemaker Conference soberly consider what Beacon is able to penetrate the darkness of such storms. It is only the divine light of Jesus the Messiah, only Son of the Living God who can sustain people amidst such fierce storms.

Come to Orlando prepared to soak in THAT message. And to BE CHRIST amidst such storms.

The One who said "I am the Light of the world" is preparing to shine as light out of (and into) darkness. He is equipping his saints to come alongside those devastated by the deceitfulness of sin. He is the Rock upon which His church is built, who will stand unmoved amidst all the hurricanes.

May our churches be built upon such a Rock, and may we find opportunities to rescue others from the waves.

"The Greatest Public Relations Campaign in History"

2008-08-20T14:53:00.002-03:00

Ken Sande has gripped my thinking, and is forcing me to be EXTREMELY EXCITED about this year's Peacemaker Conference.

Here is a link to the speaker page where this wise man lays out a compelling vision for how it is in the Church that the "manifold wisdom" of the Only Wise God is revealed. (Eph. 3:10)

God has chosen the local church display the mystery and glory of Jesus Christ. It is the Gospel that breaks the power of sin.

I've got my tickets purchased, and I hope to post along the way during this fascinating trip.

God Is Honored By HOT Marriages!

2008-08-19T17:51:00.004-03:00

Came across this most recent movie release from Sherwood pictures. It's a flick no romantic couple would want to miss.

A Pilgrimage Worth Taking.

2008-06-13T14:15:00.003-03:00

This weekend our congregation begins an eight-week journey through The Pilgrim's Progress.

Our goal is to reconnect with this historic Christian classic that "breathes grace" in every paragraph. Like the Scriptures themselves, this amazing allegory equips humans to make their own pilgrimages from wherever they may be to the Celestial City.

If you doubt it's a fun read, just consider that this book has simply never been out of print since it was published in 1678. Especially in modern English, it's in the action category.

Let me invite you to sit a spell and engage your imagination with this parable. It just might change your life. Our congregation wants to place these Bible-soaked images back into our collective consciousness. In Bunyan's classic we find doctrine incarnated in picture. Truth embedded in story. Feast your mind's eye on Christian's tale of travel from this world to the world that's to come.

Participate. CHANGE. Lead.

2008-06-06T18:20:00.008-03:00

These three big words summarize the goals of an ambitious effort from Focus on the Family entitled The Truth Project. This resource is offered with much prayer that the Holy Spirit will bring deep and lasting change to the Christian church. Click the links to view introduction clips and to learn more about this resource.
.
The Truth Project is a DVD-based curriculum (and supporting website) designed to train Christian churches to an "in depth Christian worldview experience." Its aim is to tutor students in a comprehensive, systematic, and practical Christian worldview. In 12 Scripture-saturated lessons expert teacher (and PCA elder) Del Tackett takes viewers on “The Tour” of all the points of the Christian worldview compass. At times he brings in experts such as R. C. Sproul and Ravi Zacharias. Several RP pastors and RPTS alumni have used this resource in a small group context, and have found it a useful tool to engage believers in heart-changing discussion.
.
How do we impart the Lord's truth to the Lord’s people? Tackett answers by first tackling the fundamental question "what is truth" and relating it to the saving work of Jesus Christ. Whatever else may be said, it is clear that a deep transformation must occur. The Christian system of truth must be taught and modeled by leaders who are themselves mature in Christ.
.
Three foundational understandings form the foundtion of the Truth Framework, according to Tackett. Each human MUST answer three big questions: “Who is God?” (theology), “Who is man?” (anthropology), and “What is Truth?” (Veritology). The answers to all three questions are deeply personal. This is why Jesus said "I am the Truth" (Jn. 14:6). Truth is the content-within-relationship that disciples in union with Jesus Christ believe and impart to others. This is why Jesus promised the Twelve disciples that "the Spirit of truth ... will lead you into all truth" and then enabled them to write the New Testament (Jn. 16:13). Truth has a rational, objective component and a personal, love component.
.
Upon the three Biblical foundations of truth Tackett labors to erect the four “pillars” upon which modern culture is built: Philosophy and Ethics (mind and values), Science (matter, especially developments in Intelligent Design theory), and History (time, including the American Experiment). It is here that so often God's people in America are taken captive by the world's lies.
.
The Truth Project’s final lessons are an intriguing 21st century “update”. In a most engaging and simple way Tackett applies Abraham Kuyper’s “sphere sovereignty” concept to modern Sociology: What Is Social Order? Here he engages 21st century pop culture: how do we think God's way about art, media, music, and politics? He argues that each sphere “is all about relationships,” and urges us to view God’s truth in his grand design for social order among individuals & families, for owners and workers in the marketplace, as neighbors in communities of all kinds, and as citizens in our towns, states, and nation (civil government).

When we gaze upon the face of God we will be forever changed. Our hearts will be taken captive by the loveliness of God, of his Word, and of his people. Once we've beheld his goodness and truth, the world's imitations lose their deceptive luster. This is when we can begin to pray that others might come to a knowledge of the truth (2 Ti. 2:25).
.
I would highly commend this worldview resource to the Reformed Church (with one or two minor caveats). It is designed to be a discipleship tool that enables regular, everyday folks to engage in transformational discussions with believers and unbelievers in their own homes.
.
Are you interested in this tool to help you multiply your life in others? Then you need to know The Truth Project will not be marketed as a product. You will need to attend a training event in your area, where you’ll be equipped to participate in the lives of others, change the way they think about reality, and lead them in taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. May the Lord bless you as you minister to others.

- Pastor Brad Johnston, Walton NY
- Pastor Martin Blocki, Gibsonia, PA

Coming To Our Father.

2008-06-06T16:39:00.002-03:00

Can you imagine 90 Released Time children learning the Lord's Prayer together. Imagine them being able to QUOTE the Lord's Prayer, SING the Lord's Prayer, and APPLY the Lord's Prayer through memorized First Catechism questions #109-125.

One other part that seems so helpful to younger children. Imagine being able to SIGN the Lord's Prayer in American Sign Language. Here is a sample.

An Historic Address

2008-05-21T16:53:00.002-03:00

Our president addressed the Israeli Knessett this week with a rousing and faith-filled speech.

Watch the whole thing here.

Partcipate.Change.Lead.

2008-05-08T14:25:00.007-03:00

Participate. CHANGE. Lead.

These are the "big three"that summarize the goals of Focus On The Family's The Truth Project, a recent "in depth Christian worldview experience" offered with much prayer and support to the church of Jesus Christ. Click the links in this summary.

The Truth Project is a DVD-based curriculum (and supporting website) designed to expose God's people to a comprehensive, systematic, and experimental Christian worldview within the local church context, then mobilize them to impart that worldview. This tool takes the form of 12 Scripture-saturated lessons from expert teacher (and PCA elder) Del Tackett whom you can learn about here.

This Christian worldview curriculum presents the Christian Gospel and its relational implications. You can learn more about The Truth Project or watch an introduction video.

How do we disciple the Lord's people in the truth? Tackett answers by asking "what is truth" and relating it to the saving work of Jesus Christ. Whatever else may be said, it is clear that a deep transformation must occur. This occurs as the "components" of the Christian system of truth are taught and modelled by mature, godly Christian leaders.

Christian TRUTH is a comprehensive, systematic, Christian worldview of total reality. This is why Jesus said "I am the Truth" (Jn. 14:6). Truth is the CONTENT of what disciples of Jesus Christ believe and impart. This is why Jesus calls the Holy Spirit "the Spirit of truth...who will lead you into all truth" (Jn. 16:13). This notion of truth is rooted in a biblical understanding of anthropology and theology.

Upon the Biblical foundations of truth Tackett explores the four key disciplines of Philosophy & Ethics, Science (and developments in Intelligent Design theory), and the Story of History (including the American Experiment).

When we gaze upon the face of God we will be forever changed. Our hearts are taken captive by the loveliness of God, of his Word, and of his people. Once we've beheld his goodness and truth, the world's imitations lose their deceptive luster. This is when we can begin to pray that others might come to a knowledge of the truth (2 Ti. 2:25).

I would highly commend this Gospel resource to the Reformed Church (with one or two minor caveats). It is designed to be a discipleship tool that enables regular, everyday folks to engage in transformational discussions with believers and unbelievers in their own homes.

Each of us need to grapple with the implications of Gospel Truth in Sociology: how does God's truth unfold God's grand design for individuals & families, as employees and employers (labor), as neighbors (community), and as citizens in our towns, states, and nation (civil government). Del Tackett's articulation of the Six Social Spheres of society are a modern restatment of Abaham Kuyper's sphere sovereignty concept.

Deep transformation. Intimate fellowship. Use this worldview tool as you multiply your life in others. Attend a training event near you.

"Your Require Truth In The Inward Parts"

2008-04-21T14:10:00.000-03:00

There's a new FOX television show bringing the Lie Detector to your TV. Watch here The Moment of Truth episode that has aroused controversy.

.
MOT contestants advance from simple questions to far more embarassing ones, with family members, parents, and even old heart throbs present. Contestants dare to air their dirty laundry in public, all the while working to avoid setting off the dreaded Lie Detector, which analyses each answer.

In reality, a lie detector is a GUILT detector, recording the body's measurable reactions to lies. It seems that our LORD God has embedded truthfulness into his creation. The body revolts against lies, just as it should. In this Moment of Truth episode, the woman is asked "do you think you are a good person." She says yes, and fails the lie detector test. She knew better, but had "suppressed the truth in ungodliness."

Be sure and stay tune for Ray Comfort's penetrating analysis of this novel (and INACCURATE!) reality show's implications. And be careful: in this day of surveillance cameras, miniature microphones, and invisible computer logs any moment could quickly become a Moment of Truth.

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."

Prince Caspian

2008-04-18T17:39:00.000-03:00

The second installment of C. S. Lewis' epic Chronciles of Narnia series is due May 16. Get a preview of Prince Capsian's digital magic!

My excellence test is: Can my 4-year-old daughter nestle in the crook of my arm, squealing in delight then whispering (to herself more than me) "I'm not scared, this is just pretend." All this while I'm also enchanted, fascinated by the full texture of images, music, and theological analogies. This is not in itself excellence, but when all this occurs on the 15th viewing, excellence is apparent!

That's why I'm waiting with baited breath for the Caspian release. Like a 10-year-old, I suppose. But the books have captured my theological imagination like no other, and so far the movies have amplified the books. Here's Narnia: Prince Caspian, a behind-the-scenes trailer that introduces us to the on-screen world.

As a preacher, I'm starting to mull on how I can adorn the Gospel of God (Titus 2:10) with the stories of this distant land. A recent column by Devin Brown has set my mind-gears turning. I'm pondering the dullness of Narnia 1,300 years after The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Gone is the magic of Book #1. Cair Paravel is in ruins. By his cruelty the petty King Miraz has enforced mediocrity upon the kingdom. The trees sleep. Talking animals hide. Treachery rules.

Miraz is a two-bit dictator, himself the son of pirates. His demise is not the jaws of Aslan, but a dagger of his own lieutenant after tripping on a "tussock." Not unlike the dull, self-promoting autocrats heading the world's backwash of dictatorships. It's only a shell of a kingdom. What's lacking is its heart. Imagination. Creativity. All these can only be returned by the presence of Aslan in the land, directing the heroic deeds of the Old Kings and Queens.

Enter with me into this story. One objective I have it to use Prince Caspian as a witnessing tool. Another is to have this story of creation, fall, and redemption imprinted upon my mind. Then I can image WITH my daughter. Hopefully, then she'll learn as much about Jesus as I did when I was her age!

Human Planets: Wandering or Orbiting?

2008-04-03T12:24:00.000-03:00

I've begun studying Earth's solar system -- the Sun, its eight planets (yeah, Pluto is demoted!), its three dwarf planets, and their 66 orbiting moons. It's jaw dropping.

But the principle of an orbit has intrigued me. We think in linear terms, yet without any center. Today I am learning that I am like these planets. I NEED to have an orbit, a primary grounding around which my life turns. Just as the Sun is the blazing center of this sytem, so the One True God is the blazing center of the Christian's system.

You simply cannot understand why Earth, or Saturn, or Eris are the way they are apart from understanding their relation to the Sun. So no one can begin to understand me as a believer apart from my relationship to the One True God, Jesus.

I've been learning to think this way from John Piper's teaching The Blazing Center: The Soul-Satisfying Supremacy of God in All Things. It's been helping me connect my happiness and God's glory as I learn that the only thing to truly make me (and others) happy is the Person of God himself.

So he blazes, and I orbit. I love to orbit him. The view is phenomenal. And he loves me to orbit him, for then he is constantly my grounding, my warmth, and my stability. I pity the wandering celestial body (an asteroid, I guess) that has no center. It is cold. Alone. Lifeless. How I long for that wandering asteroid will be sucked into our system. Our system will become a little more complex -- and complete. And that wandering planet will now also revolve around the Blazing Center. Soli deo gloria!

Tracing Humiliation and Exaltation

2008-04-02T17:01:00.000-03:00

It's called the Kingda Ka, and it is simply the highest, most gut-wrenching roller coaster in the world. It was built in Jackson, NJ (not too very far from here) in 2005. Imagine going from 0 to 128 m.p.h. in 3.5 seconds, then getting rocketed 456 feet into the air (that is 45 stories) before plummeting 418 feet (41 stories) back to earth on what is the largest drop in roller coaster history. Can't imagine? Get a front-row seat by watching here.

This gut wrenching drop from height to depth can help us to envision what Jesus went through when he became a human being. The Apostle Paul (Phil. 2:6) states that Jesus exists "in the form of God," meaning that as the pre-incarnate Son of God he existed in a state of "equality with God."

Yet for the sake of his Father's glory he "was humiliated by being born as a man and born into a poor family..." He was "made subject to the law and suffering the miseries of this life." More shockingly he faced "the anger of God and the curse of death on the cross...being buried and remaining under the power of death." (Shorter Catechsim #27)

The "drop" out of heaven into the womb of a Nazare teenager is breath-taking, and beautifully captured in the 2006 filme The Nativity Story. Such stories convey the condition of Jesus in his birth in the backwaters of a minor Roman province to parents who were simply nobodies: the highest of Kings was born as the lowest of men. Why, even the Apostle Paul would never face crucifixion. He was born as a Roman citizen exampt from such torture. But not Jesus.

Jesus' state of humiliation meant that he took the "form of a servant" (Phil. 2:7). He was "found in human form" (v. 8) by the most undesireable elements of his day.

First, Jesus was found in Bethlehem on the night of his birth by shepherds (Luke 2:15-16). In first-century Palestine shepherds were the poorest of the poor, a despised class among men. They were the ones who first found the Son of God resting in a manger.

Later, Jesus was found by Satan in the wilderness. Three times Satan came at him, assaulting Jesus where he thought he'd be vulnerable: his growling stomach, his public identity as a prophet, and his desire to possess all the kingdoms of the world. Why must the Son of God endure such mind-tricks from the Blasphemer he spoke into being?

Finally, Jesus was found by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane. He went there often, and the peace of that place was shattered as armor-clad soldiers apprehended the King of Kings. It was the kiss of a treasonous disciple that sealed his fate.

Paul powerfully understates Jesus' descent when he says, "he humbled himself." The Son of God was invaded and voilated in every possible way.

Yet there was an inscrutable purpose here. Even Jesus' murder fit into a divine plan. In enduring these things Jesus had "become obedient" to his Father's will. Because God was committed to his own glory above all else, he did the truly loving thing in sustaining his own Son through suffering....even suffering that ended in death.

And that's where the story changes. Jesus' obedience was the basis for the second part of the Kingda Ka ride -- back to the summit. "Christ was exalted by rising again from the dead...going up into heaven...sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and His coming to judge the world at the last day" (SC #28). In Paul's language the Father bestowed The Name (hashem) upon Jesus: namely he revealed to all creation that Jesus is LORD (Yahweh, Jehovah). The day is coming when a world of creatures will bow and the murmur of confession will ripple through the masses of humanity, "Jesus is Lord." And the Father will be glad.

It was a heart-stopping drop Jesus endured in his incarnation. Yet the divine Son of God won the victory where the first Adam failed. He was an obedient Son, and his Father was pleased.

Are you willing to follow this same outline: humiliation first, followed by glorification? Are you willing to humble yourself for the sake of Christ? to lose yourself in HIS purpose for history? To be found by those who would tempt you and betray you -- to the glory and praise of your Father?

The Apostle John finishes this thought: "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked" (1 Jo. 2:6).

The Word and the Voice

2008-02-25T14:17:00.000-04:00

Does a word exist in your head before it is spoken? Or is it merely a thought?

Today I embark on a fascinating journey of dissecting the relationship between the Son of God -- the Eternal Word -- and John the Baptist, "the voice of one crying the wilderness" (Jn. 1:23).

So I go back to my question: does a word exist BEFORE it is spoken? The Psalmist says (139:4) "before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether." It seems then that words do come into being in our head, particularly as we meditate upon God's Word. But does that word have any power if disconnected from our tongues?

This is an interesting question. Duck-tape everyone's mouth closed, and chaos would break out. Our heads would explode with un-expressed thoughts. Many would also wander in ignorance because they would not learn answers. The entire next generation would go to Hell.

That is a chilling thought. It seems that God's design brings together the noun (person, place, or thing) with the verb (action). "In the beginning the Word already existed...I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness" (Jn. 1:1, 23). It was through the mission and proclamation of John that Jesus the eternal Word came into people's ears. And through their ears that same Person came into their hearts.

How powerful is this Word? It brought the universe into being. It sustained a nation for millenia. It converts the souls of humans everywhere today. But the big news is that this Word is a person.

Gone is the detachment of impersonal communication (I hate those automatic-lady telephone voices, "For English press 1, for Spanish press 2...!). In the Christian faith the Word becomes a living, blood-warmed Person whom I can embrace. Whom I can trust.

No longer is the Word mere proposition. There is more than just agreeing with the Word. This Word is himself a Promise -- One whom I can take at his Word. I understand and believe -- and He understands me.

So any word (think: "idea"?) needs a voice: an advocate, an incarnational embodiment of it. That's when people begin to notice it. Ideas have consequences, for good or ill. That's the genius of Christianity. God-ordained thoughts have delightful consequences. Call it the good life unearthed. In other words, we followers of Jesus (the Word-Body anomaly) are sitting on a goldmine of ideas.

All it takes is voices. Tongues. Teeth. Lips. Speaking. The words are electric with power. They lie with current pulsing through them as a bundle of un-tapped potential. But the circuit is not closed. The loop remains incomplete until the voice kicks in.

All this means that -- as Moses dreams (Nu. 11:29) -- when all God's people become God's prophets ideas get turned loose. In fact, the Person who is himself the Big Idea, begins to move. Where the Gospel is being voiced the saving power of Christ will be. And people will be saved. The elect will be gathered. Transformation will come.

If we will be the voice, like John the Baptist was. Remember, it may cost us our life.

Super-Tuesday, Server-Thursday

2008-02-05T15:19:00.000-04:00

A year of campaigns, talking heads, and election slogans, and it boils down to this: 25 seconds in the election booth. Today is Super-Duper Tuesday, and I have now cast my ballot in the presidential primary. Hang on for the fireworks yet to come!

Now I'm trying focus my affections on next Thursday -- a unique chance to show selfless service to those around me. Okay, so Valentine's Day has been made into a "girly" consumerized holiday. I'll grant that. But rather than writing off the whole thing, I would rather recapture a godly, manly, and self-sacrificing view of the day: a thing well within our grasp. Here is what one missions organization reminds us.

"Valentinus was a courageous saint who dared to tell the Roman emperor about the love of Jesus in third-century Rome. Against the emperor's edicts Valentinus performed secret marriage ceremonies. He was arrested by the emperor, who was furious not only about the marriage ceremonies, but also because Valentinus refused to worship the gods of Rome. For this, he was sentenced to death. Before the emperor Valentinus boldly proclaimed Jesus as Lord and invited the empoeror to believe in Christ."

It was this man's commitment to the Christian ideal of one-man-one-woman-for-life that led him to civil disobedience based upon the commands of God's Word. Lord, give me this same kind of passion for your institution of marriage next week as I seek to intentionally and authentically love my wife.

Hmmmm. This takes planning. A personal touch. Attentiveness to the subtle clues. Above all, I need to "express my feelings." There may be others to whom I need to show selfless love on this Server-Thursday, but my Lady is priority Uno. At least now its on the radar screen. Now I just need to lay plans.

The Gospel To The Gray-Headed

2008-01-30T14:57:00.000-04:00

God has always been concerned for the aged. He laid down certain manners to guide his people. In his own law the LORD prescribes, "you shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man" (Lev. 19:32).

Unfortunately, my children are growing up in a culture preoccupied with staying young. There is nothing wrong with diets, workout machines, pretty actors, or even Botox. However, as we idolize the young (and naive) we marginalize the old (and wise). Too often, we sanitize our culture of anything resembling aging and death. One result is that a child does not "bear the yoke in his youth" (Lam. 3:27). He does not see that "all flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field...the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever" (Is. 40:6, 8).

Another result of noticing only peers in our culture is that our children miss the life-enriching opportunities to show Christ's love to the elderly. This is a growing burden of my heart. If the Church would have "religion that God our Father considers as pure and faultless" then prominent upon our agenda should be "looking after...widows in their distress." Surely this includes the frustrations and challenges of a modern-day nursing facility. Let us consider letting our light shine in these places. Health care professionals are also in need of perspective and encouragment amidst their sometimes tedious work. Old folks can be cantankerous, and their caretakers need to be reminded of their sacred duty to care for these precious (though difficult!) human beings.

Sola Deo Gloria!

2008-01-25T16:28:00.000-04:00

"For from him, through him, and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom 11:36). With these words the Apostle Paul brings to a crescendo the transforming Gospel truths of Romans 1-11.

He's about to dig into the knitty-grittys of the Christian life, but first he takes a tour of the heavenlies, addressing matters of prime importance such as the origin, means, and purpose of "all things" such as humanity, grace, and even the universe itself.

Once again we see the Grand Themes of Creation and Redemption written large in the pages of Scripture. We once again face the tension between Scripture's passionate Deo Gloria! (God's Glory) and the dominate cultural norm of Me-o Gloria! (My Own Glory).

Our members should grapple seriously: for this "Sola" addresses our motivations. Are we in our run-of-the-mill lives motivated by concern for self or concern for God? "Me-o-Gloria" will focus upon perception...what I think everyone else thinks about ME. "Their" opinions (whoever "they" are) crowd and choke out any though of what GOD might think. My reputation is the root concern that guides all I do. This mindset leads me to thrown myself down before the puny and very UNglorious idol of Self. And invariably these idolaters are very grumpy, short, and foolish-looking. For they have called glorious what is most un-glorious.

But, O, what a contrast are those who make the honor of Christ the center-point of their life! They are freed from slavery to serve the true and living God. They can fall on their faces before the Glorious One and say "my prime reason for existence is to glorify and enjoy God forever." They can grasp the Creator-creature distinction, and see they are a derivative being, not a Primary Being. This means they can truly know why they exist -- for Another.

What freedom, for now they simply ENJOY the glory of the One who is himself the Glorious One. They have finally -- by tranferring their allegiance FROM an idol TO the True and Living God -- broken through to Real Reality.

Man Knows Not His Time

2008-01-22T18:16:00.000-04:00

I must admit, when I saw the youthful Heath Ledger fearlessly jousting in A Knight's Tale -- well, I was envious. Of course it was fiction (I mean, they did "the wave" at the jousting match). But that fairytale picture of knighthood seemed so much more....flashy.....desireable.....than my hum-drum Christian life.

But once again, proof that it's illusion. Reality is that Heath Ledger was a struggling actor. Reality is that two hours and two minutes before this writing he was found dead in his apartment in Manhattan, possibily a drug-related death according to the FoxNews story. He leaves behind a two-year old daughter and her mother.

Lord, my heart breaks for this young man. He looked so tall and strong in Hollywood's spotlights, but behind the image his heart ached for reality. I do not know where he's spending eternity. I have no evidence that he trusted in Jesus Christ.

But I do know that "I was envious of the proud." (Psalm 73:3). I knew that Ledger had houses in New York, Los Angeles, and Sydney, Australia. I know he sold one home for $7 million. Please teach me the goodness of contentment (taught in the Tenth Commandment, "You shall not covet.") Please give me a heart that breaks for those who do not have the light of Christ.

I do not know MY time either. Teach me to make my days count. I am happy and blessed through Christ.

Our Church Is Singing Online!

2007-12-14T16:16:00.000-04:00

Hey Folks:

We've been entered in the RPC Psalm-Tube competition. Check it out here!

Good News From A Far Country

2007-12-14T15:42:00.000-04:00

Telephones never cease to amaze me. I just got a call from three states away. My friend just wanted me to know that over breakfast he and his wife were praying for me.

I told him he was also in my heart, and I had prayed for them, for his aging mother, and for Dan, with whom he's shared the Gospel.

Then we prayed together on the phone. In between us were 800+ miles of cables, switches, and (now) computer software. Yet we were connected by "word."

This is a mystery...two believers uniting in long distant prayer toward Another even more distant. For both of us those prayers are an exercise of faith. I.e. we believe God hears, though we can't "see" his hearing of those prayers (2 Co. 5:7). We can't see him, yet we love him (1 Pe. 1:8).

Kinda like we called him and left a message on his answering machine.

But I think there's more to it. We don't call into the Heavenly Switchboard, and get the Master's Voicemail. No, I think that He is too personal for that. When we received his Spirit, we were given his private cell number. We can catch him in whatever he's doing. He's always available to us, if fact he's always actively listening.

As Romans 8:27 says "[The Father] who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit..." The very Source of the Spirit who moves within us is searching, scanning, laser-reading what the Spirit is bringing about within our hearts. That is personal.

The end result: we need a lot more prayers going on -- even over telephones. I participated in a pastor's conference call the other night with 500+ pastors. We were led in prayer, and the distance was nothing as God's people collectively sought after Him and His will...even over the phone lines.

It's All About Relationships

2007-11-16T11:32:00.001-04:00

I wound up being the middle of the base of a human pyramid last week. That's because my 5th grade Released Time Class came over Friday night to watch The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe. Before we settled into the movie we played soccer, monkey-in-the-middle, and -- most anticipated of all -- Human Pyramid.

These kids never cease to amaze me. Such energy. So easy to distract. So impulsive. So much potential.

These children are teaching me. I can't sit around a lecture about the Incarnation of Jesus. I must MODEL Jesus in my incarnational ministry. Instead of abstractly lecturing about God-In-Flesh in need to live by the Spirit and get busy being a "little Christ" -- a Christian -- to these dear kids.

I guess my mentors were right. It really is all about relationships. Even if you do get squished.

A Bundle of Potential!

2007-06-05T13:58:00.000-03:00

Peter is now three weeks old, and looks nothing like this picture taken about 3 minutes after his birth.

Yet in reviewing pictures today, I remember the nurse in the delivery room cooing to my exhausted wife, "He's a little bundle of joy." In my big-picture head, I retorted, "Yeah, and of potential." After his circumcision I again thought, "Lord, what mysterious plans are wrapped up in this little bundle of flesh."

As the Psalmist says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord." A heritage is never static. It's always growing, expanding, deepening. Peter is my heritage from God -- an 8 lb. bundle of cells, synapses, and wiggling fingers and toes. What will MY heritage to Peter be? What will be his earliest conscious memories? Will he be pursuaded of the reality of Christianity by the lifestyles of his Dad, Mom, and fellow church members? O Lord, may you be pleased to INCREASE this heritage from you to me and me to my son!

Looking Down -- And Up

2007-05-22T15:58:00.000-03:00

Here's the moment when my daughter met her baby brother for the first time. Marilyn was holding him. Marta (at a whopping 4 years old!) thinks she's so big compared to Peter. She looks down at him, and deep in her soul rumble the "motherly impulses."

My prayer is that even as Marta looks down, she -- and a thousand other women -- will also look up to the faithful, wise, and loving ladies in their churches. These women are a wellspring of support, friendship, and practical advice about living for God.

Ladies, look around. Ask God to give you a close, older friend to be your mentor. Look for someone whom you can mentor. And ask God to bless all three of you. Just like I asked God's blessing on Marilyn, Marta, and Peter.

'Fessing Up On Fathering...

2007-05-16T17:06:00.000-03:00

"I believe this child is a possession of God entrusted to my care..."

So I believe with regard to my son Peter Edward Johnston: born May 15 at 7:47 p.m. weighing 8.0 lbs, 21 inches long at Fox Hospital, Oneonta, NY.

Obviously, I am a proud father. But on this "day after" I find myself a humbled father as well.

Fatherhood is so influential. But so dependent. I can't "make" my son love Jesus, obey Mom, or anything else. At least not in the sense of manipulating or coerscing. A father's duty is to persuade, model, inspire, consult. His job is to BE what he dreams of his son being...planting God-centered dreams in his little heart...be a rock of integrity upon which little lives are built.

Little children inspire big thoughts. For they are the future. Another chance (through procreation) or recreating children to emulate their Lord. May the old things (of my and Sue's natures) pass away, and may we impart deep, abiding character traits to our children. Use them for your glory, Father!

Sanctify Them In The Truth

2007-05-05T22:09:00.000-03:00

Just yesterday I registered for the Truth Project Conference! I'm amazed at how the duties of a growing family and church make it so difficult to get away. But at last.

It's caused me to reflect upon the nature of Truth. Francis Schaeffer called it "true truth" to distinguish from the moral relativist's relative use of this term.

Jesus says, "sanctify them in your truth. Your Word is truth." This Word is ultimately Jesus himself, conveyed to us through the prophecies, miracles, teachings, and example embedded in the Holy Scriptures.

But Truth is comprehesive. As Del Tackett would assert, "you cannot travel in any direction where God has not spoken." This means that we need a COMPREHENSIVE knowledge of Scripture and how its teaching encompass a reality-based, robust, common--sense world and life view. Hopefully, this conference will equip me. Transform me. Motivate me to impart a Christian worldview to my neighbors and friends in Walton, NY.

If God Doesn't Matter To Him, Do You?

2007-04-16T16:49:00.000-03:00

It's been a spooky "day off" for a pastor. Monday is my day of rest. This morning I leisurely read my World Magazine Article, noting the Answers In Genesis ad. It's a gripping picture of a child holding a gun (similar to the picture at right). It's caption reads:

"As a society we reap the consequences of the unquestioned belief in evolution every day. It diminishes our worth and reduces human beings from being "made in the image of God" to being mere players in the game of survival of the fittest. Find hope. Find truth. Find answers today. www.answersingenesis.org

I agreed. Theoretically. Then just a few moments ago I check www.foxnews.com and found this lead story..."students and faculty at Virginia Tech University were in shock Monday after a gunman shot and killed at least 31 people and injured 21 during the most deadly campus shooting spree in U.S. history." The story went on to record the most deadly campus attacks in history. 1966 - University of Austin: 16 killed, 31 wounded. 1991 - University of Iowa: 5 killed, two wounded.

The proverbial chickens of Darwinism are coming home to roost in the ethic of Moral Relativism. 31 dead and 21 wounded...on a college campus. I'm trying hard to find this shocking. I'm trying not to be jaded and cynical. Only Scripture will keep my focus:

"I am fearfully and wonderfully made...my souls know it very well" (Psalm 139:14). Lord, have mercy on the sons and daughters gunned down by the murderer. "You have made [mankind] a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:5). Lord, this rampage has the fingerprints of the Thief all over it. His mission: to steal away precious human life, to kill those who are made in God's image, to destroy those who could be in heaven.

It must be the 21st century. This happened at 7:30 this morning. Here I am publishing a blog account at 3 p.m. Lord, the drama of your story in coming more and more to life. Your creatures are now caught up into a drama far bigger than any one of us. Lord, save! Lord, help! Break the teeth of your enemies! Set the sights of your people upon the Gates of the Everlasting Home.

Father, thanks for being Sovereign. I will look for you to bring "straightness" out of this crooked situation. Just one month ago we had the story of Rachel Scott come to our school. She died in the 1991 shooting of Columbine High School. You will bring good from this crisis also.

Lord, give me prophetic words to speak about this crisis on Lord's Day. Expose the Black Lie in the hearts. Draw your People to yourself. For Jesus' sake.

To The Sources!

2007-04-12T15:02:00.000-03:00

When the Church loses its history, it's a shame. When the Church loses her literature, it's a CATASTROPHE. If you have the literature, you can relearn the history. But lose the records, and they're gone forever. Then straightforward prophecies about specific events are twisted in bizarre ways.

It seems such has nearly happened to Matthew 24, to the point where Futurist interpretations are regarded as "traditional," and End Times perversions such as "Left Behind" are considered mainstream. The noble Preterist tradition has been lost because we've forgetten the history surrounding the "Great Tribulation" -- the Destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. This event loomed large in the visions of the prophets (eg. Daniel 9). Jesus' prophecies -- inlcuding the promise that "this generation will not pass away until all these things take place" (Mt. 24:34) -- WAS indeed fufilled in the first century!

But, alas, we forgot our history. We've even lost sources. As recently as the 19th century Hegesippus' first-century Memoirs (composed c. 150 B.C.) were preserved in Eastern libraries. But they were ignored, and destroyed in the turmoil of the nations. Today we have snippets of this first-century historian in Eusebius' Church History, but nothing more.

O Christ, may you draw your Church back to what sources remain. May they be found, devoured, evaluated, and published for all!

In My Place - Christ's Substitution

2007-03-28T16:41:00.000-03:00

It's a question with drastic ramifications: did Jesus' death make redemption possible for everyone, or did Jesus' death actually redeem His chosen ones.

As good Friday approaches, such questions make us (me) acutely aware of how little we actually grasp God's plan to bring about His Kingdom in a rebellious world.

What sets me apart from those who will spend eternity in hell? Person A above would say it's that I chose Jesus. But that makes me the "Master of My Destiny." Person B above would say that what sets me apart from those who will spend an eternity in hell is THE CROSS. There the wrath of God -- which was due unto me -- was spent. Christ was my substitute. That means that all my sins have been covered over by His righteousness.

Have the sins of all people been covered over by Christ? Then they'll all be in heaven like me. It seems that to assert universal atonement is to drastically skew the Message of the Cross. Then salvation is possible for everyone, but I must do a "good work" to actually "get it."

Lord, I praise you that my eternal destiny is determined, "not by might or by power, but my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts." (Zec. 4:6) Holy Spirit, thank you for coming to me, for bringing me the knowledge of Christ, for persuading me of my desperate need of the Cross. Thank you for enabling me to embrace Jesus as He was offered to me in the Gospel.

As Good Friday approaches, and I consider my fallenness and ignorance, I thank you, Father, that my salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone because of Christ Alone. You have humbled me and dragged me into the Mystery -- why did you choose me?

A Shield Maiden Shines

2007-03-24T19:47:00.000-03:00

Move over, Eowyn. Another example of feminine heroism burst onto the screen this winter in One Night With the King. Hadassah -- a.k.a. "Esther of Susa" -- stands firm amidst the intrigues of a mighty Empire.

In a clever spin, this film links the Greeks (purveyors of democracy) with the Jews (who believes no mortal can dominate), and puts them both in the sights of the Imperial ambitions of Xerxes. Nonetheless, this hero is presented as a manly man fed up with the "protocol" of his Empire. He truly craves and respects the noble Hebrew maid who reads to him. He and Hegai, the king's chief eunuch, grow to deeply respect this beautiful commoner whose heart is taken captive by the Word of God. Therefore, paradoxically, even amidst the oppressive manners of the royal court her heart is free to know, love, and serve the One True God. Ladies, here's a movie to challenge you in your faith, bravery, and Biblical womanhood.

I'll never read the book of Esther the same again...and I've got a lot of Persian (that is, Iranian) history to catch up on.

Christ The Firstfruits -- Then Those Who Are His

2007-03-23T11:12:00.000-03:00

This week's sermon is about resurrection. First-century skeptics used Deut. 25:5 to create a hypothetical "dilemma" to show the absurdity of human resurrection. These Sadducees reject the Prophets and the Writings, then reduce the Torah to moralistic principles devoid of a supernatural Creator. In short, they were first-century secularists. Their strategy with Jesus wasn't to outright deny God, but to "put him on the reservation" by raising "questions" about Theocentricity. "It's fine for you to have God," they say. "But he must be YOUR God. A god who is tame." So today, I'm pushed to believe in the "god of my values," not the President of presidents and Prime Minister of prime ministers who rules over all -- including the public square and the government schools. Ah, how delightful a benevolent, religiously free, Christian state would be!

I can't decide if I like the above picture or not. It pushes me to think how the Firstborn of the Dead marched into this old creation in a resurrected, glorified body. It entices me to think in terms of the dominion of the Promise over the enslavement of the Curse. It reminds me that Resurrection Day is coming.

I think the picture of Jesus is a little cheezy. I wish I could see Jesus, but He has gone away. He tells me that is better, because now He dwells in power in the hearts of ALL His people. It's no more teaching just the Twelve. Now it's the Twelve Million whom His Spirit comforts and leads into all Truth. So the Icon spoils that teaching.

But I still like it. It reminds me that Jesus is the first to bust out of the Grave. Someday it will be my turn, because "if I have been united with him in death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his" (Rom 6:5).

Easter is coming. I heard a robin this morning. The snow is nearly gone. This picture causes Hope to stir in my veins, like the sap starting to run in the maples. Someday the world will be green again. Forever.

Up And At 'Em, Tender Warriors

2007-03-20T18:26:00.000-03:00

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17).

Nothing can replace deep, authentic relationships among men. That's because true manhood involves balance between two opposing poles. I call the authentic man a Tender Warrior. Miss the "tender," and you have Attilla the Hun. Miss the "warrior," and you have Peewee Herman.

True manhood is tough. Steady. Rock solid.

These men do the heavy lifting of a culture sqaurely perched upon a rock that will never be moved. "All flesh is as grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field...but the Word of our God will stand forever" (Isaiah 40:6-8). A generation of men will rise, flex their muscles, then descend into the dust. But Biblical, pure, passionate masculinity will forever be a potent ingredient in God's plan for Planet Earth.

O Father in Heaven,

Would you be pleased to equip your church to produce a million Tender Warriors? Would you forge in the Fellowship and through trials a Band of Brothers ready to fight shoulder to shoulder against a Vile Foe who would ravish our souls, our wives, our children? Would you raise up a generation of humble, confident, strapping young Knights who hold to a Code of principled obedience to the Great Lord? May your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give orders to your Tender Warriors.

"A More Perfect Union" There Isn't

2007-02-28T17:19:00.000-04:00

God has a plan for the World, and marriage is at the heart of it. That's why He said "it's not good for a man [or Adam] to be alone. I will make a helper corresponding to Him..."

That's why God made Adam full of desire and Eve so amazingly beautiful. That's why He gave us the Seventh Commandment. That's why God chews out men who have "been faithless, though she is your companion by covenant." (Mal. 2:14) God goes on to ask, "did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union...guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth."

I for one think God's plan is a pretty good one. He make them one, and mysteriously multiplies them as "Little Imagebearers" come into the picture. Announcement to all -- we are expecting Number Three in early May!

The key in this whole picture is God. Without him, you've only got 50/50 performance relationship. With Him at the center -- you've got a transformational commitment that will make you more like the Savior. Have your way in our families, O LORD God!

Amazing Grace Campaign

2007-02-22T15:38:00.000-04:00

The story of William Wilberfore is breaking out of obscurity into theaters this Friday as Amazing Grace celebrates the 200th anniversary of England's abolition of the Slave Trade. The Reformation of Manners (the name of Wilberforce's own book) has now become hip Hollywood fair. Thanks, LORD. Now give your people wisdom to critique and give feedback to this film. Ours was one of the 4,500 churches that sang Amazing Grace this past Sunday (God's Hymns in worship, Newton's song in a Sabbath afternoon lecture). We were blessed.

There are good things happening in the movie industry. Yet I fear that many are marketing morality rather than preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let's remember the origin of the term "Grace" (the Scriptures), and not reduce it to MERELY a marketing gimmick. It's up to us Christians to follow up this non-Christ-centered film with the Christ-centered Gospel that animated and sustained this Christian Giant, William Wilberforce. May his name and his example be followed through the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!

Reformed AND Evangelical

2007-02-12T15:50:00.000-04:00

It seems that the word "evangelical" has fallen on hard times. In the media-games it is instantly tied to Ted Haggert, "Religious Right," and other scary inneuendos. Yet the Greek word "euanngelion" -- Good News, is a word often used in Scripture. Even more often is the verb form of that word "to proclaim." This was the activity that Jesus and the apostles were passionately engaged in during their ministries.

So don't throw the baby out with the bath water! Despite "spin-zone" associations, this is a good, Biblical term to describe the orthodox and apostolic church . To be orthodox is to be evangelical. Part of growing in Christ-likeness is to grow in certainty of, and speaking about the "faith once for all delivered to the saints." Let's aspire to be a church Reformed in our theology and Evangelical in our outlook. We are a people-centered church. That means souls are more valuable than theological axes. But souls are saved by believing doctrinal truths. You can't have love without truth. Or truth without love. They go together "like a horse and carriage" or "love and marriage." This is the vision of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. Keep up the good work, brothers.

A Jewel In The Crown

2007-02-03T15:59:00.000-04:00

I've become fascinated with the faith we call Christianity -- and with it's original name. For it was not until years (possibly decades) after the death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah that "Christian" became a popular title (Acts 11:26) -- and that was hundreds of miles away in Antioch.

Originally, this faith movement was simply called "The Way" (Acts 9:2; 16:17; 18:25; 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22). This was likely because Jesus himself said, "I am the way..." (John 14:6). It has been tremendously helpful for me as a pastor recently to see my life, and the lives of my flock, as a PATH, a journey. It is the teaching (doctrine) of the Christian faith that motivates and sustains us on this journey. It is a hard journey, a long journey. Frought with perils. Yet "the LORD of hosts will protect them...as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land" (Zech. 9:15-16, ESV).

This is the Everlasting Way: with the LORD circling overhead, and the promise that if I follow Christ with zeal, He will transform me into one of his Crown Jewels.

Everlasting Way To The WWW

2007-01-05T14:36:00.000-04:00

It's been a step I've intended to take for a long time. But haven't. 2007 is a good time to step into regular writing. Then, maybe, my friend Eric will quit poking me!

The objective of this blog is EXEGETICAL insight. As a Scripture-honoring pastor in a Reformed and Presbyterian congregation I seek to base every thought in my mind upon the sacred text of Holy Writ. A secondary objective is WORLD VIEW articulation. Everyone has a world view. But it takes maturity to get "outside" your own mental ruts and actually understand where your thoughts come from, and what they presuppose.

It will be brief. It will be to-the-point. And no guarantees on how regular posts will be! "O greatly blessed is the man who walketh not astray...he shall be like a growing tree set by the waterside..." (Psalm 1:1-2)

Pastor Brad