Paul Tarnow | Blog

Confused About a King

2012-02-06T22:06:00.002-05:00

Greetings Small Groupers,

This week we'll talk about Pastor Dave's sermon from Mark 11:1-22. (audio link available here)

Here are some questions and things to think about:

How did those singing “Hosanna” become the ones who shouted “Crucify him, Crucify him” less than a week later?

How did the Temple make it harder to get to God?

Does “the church” sometimes today?
How do we make it harder in our personal testimonies?
Have we missed who Jesus is, giving lip service but not having our hearts transformed?

If Salvation is free, by faith alone, why is Jesus also presented as a “fruit inspector”?

Mark 11:20-22
Look to John 15 for further insight.

It has been said: “If your faith hasn't changed you, it hasn’t saved you.”

Do you agree with this statement?
How have you seen your faith change you? Your character? Your priorities? Your family?
How does repentance and/or transformation fit in here?

A working definition of faith: “Faith is believing the Word of God and acting upon it no matter how I feel because God promises a good result.”

How does this statement bring together the faith and works issue?

Five essentials necessary to understand the Gospel:

God is Holy
We are sinful (total depravity)
Jesus in my place (substitutionary atonement)
Salvation by grace; through faith
Saving faith requires repentance

(notes and teaching from HBC Spring Lake)

Willing Ransom

2012-01-30T20:56:00.001-05:00

I've been leading a small group in our church for around a year now. We're studying the previous week's sermon. Each week the pastoral staff at HBC Spring Lake release study notes/helps for small group leaders. I've found it helps in preparing to take these notes and format them and supplement them. This is what I'm posting below. Perhaps sharing these notes will be an encouragement to someone out there in the great blogosphere.!? And so, with that I shall start a new "label" called "Small Group".

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Wow. There's a lot to chew on this week. In this week’s passage (Mark 10:32-45) we looked at an extended interaction Jesus had with his disciples upon entering Jerusalem. This passage begins with Jesus in great detail explaining to the disciples what was to happen to him after he entered the city. The disciples, distracted by their ambition and selfishness enter into a debate on who should rule with Jesus causing Jesus to sharply rebuke them.

Discussion:

We live in a world that screams the message “I am the center of the universe!”

How have you seen this played out in culture?
How have you seen this played out in your own life?
Would you say this mind-set is usually damaging in one way or the other?

We see this in the fall ... "self" desiring to be like and have the wisdom of God:

Genesis 3 | The Fall
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

Examination:

Mark 10:32-34

What is Jesus doing/saying here?
What does this show us about his love for us?

Ephesians 1:3-5

Why does this help make personal what Jesus did on the cross?

I Timothy 1:12-16

Is this an encouragement to you in regards to past sin and forgiveness? How? In what way?

Mark 10:35-36

What's the heart condition of James and John?
Is Christ's response gracious?
Can you see yourself in James and John?

Mark 10:37-45

What's so counter-cultural in Jesus's response?
Is this message counter-cultural today? How about among Christians?
How is Jesus our perfect example of this principle?

Do you know we exist to glorify God?

Isaiah 43:5-7
Since we exist to glorify God, does our bitter and begrudging service honor him? Why or why not?
How is it possible that your joy and you serving Christ can go hand in hand?

Our standing with God as forgiven and righteous is the ground of our striving, not the goal of our striving. We must strive to enter because that is the mark of the one who belongs to Christ. If we do not strive, we do not bear the mark of belonging to Jesus. But the striving does not create the relationship. The secure relationship produces the joyful striving. | John Piper

Application:

Have you ever had a time when it has been hard to accept God’s forgiveness?

How does God’s forgiveness speak into how we should forgive others?

What are areas in our lives where we are like the disciples and become consumed with what we want rather than serving Christ?
Would you describe your submission to Christ as begrudging or joyful?

What in your life shows this to be true?
In what ways do you sacrifice joy?

Has there been an instance in your life where serving Christ has brought you joy?

How did that positively impact your walk with Christ?
What causes you to stop seeking his glory and seek after your own?

Story Time Fun

2012-01-08T22:44:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple story time fun things we do in our house. We just started them up again with our girls and it's been a blast!

1. One word or one phrase "make-it-up".

Gather the kids around. Each person says one word, in order, to create a story. It's all made up on the fly ...

Once ...
... there
... was
... a
... green
... goose ... (continue)

The phrase "make-it-up" goes like this ...

Once there was a pretty princess ...

... She also could fly.

... But she crashed a lot. (continue)

The kids love it! Lots and lots of laughs.

2. The Continuing Saga

Other big hit is the continuing saga of Princess [girls name] and her sister Princess [girls name]. These two are always on a crazy adventure. When the story begins no one knows what's going to transpire ... (even me, I make it up as I go)! You can just have fun with it or try to weave in some teaching moments and talk about "what the girls did wrong, or what the girls did right".

Try one of these! We don't do them as often as we should but they're a bit hit when we do and they're building some good memories.

Agnus Dei

2011-12-10T22:34:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow morning one of the songs in the set list is "Agnus Dei". After listening and taking a few musical notes I began to wonder what it really meant. The title of the song, "Agnus Dei", means "Lamb of God", but I found so much more in the full translation of Mozart's Requiem. I've laid it out below.

While holding these lyrics up to the light of Scripture (Sibyl, absolved, etc.) one may question a few things, but I still can't help be fascinated with the structure, the message, the portrayed worship, and the depicted separation between humanity and a Holy God.

Also, far below is a MWS video of his version of today's song.

Mozart's Requiem

I. Introit: Requiem

Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them.
You are praised, God, in Zion, and homage will be paid to You in Jerusalem.
Hear my prayer, to You all flesh will come.
Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them.

II. Kyrie

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

III. Sequence

1. Dies irae

Day of wrath, day of anger will dissolve the world in ashes, as foretold by David and the Sibyl.
Great trembling there will be when the Judge descends from heaven to examine all things closely.

2. Tuba mirum

The trumpet will send its wondrous sound throughout earth's sepulchres and gather all before the throne.
Death and nature will be astounded, when all creation rises again, to answer the judgement.
A book will be brought forth, in which all will be written, by which the world will be judged.
When the judge takes his place, what is hidden will be revealed, nothing will remain unavenged.
What shall a wretch like me say? Who shall intercede for me, when the just ones need mercy?

3. Rex tremendae

King of tremendous majesty, who freely saves those worthy ones, save me, source of mercy.

4. Recordare

Remember, kind Jesus, my salvation caused your suffering; do not forsake me on that day.
Faint and weary you have sought me, redeemed me, suffering on the cross; may such great effort not be in vain.
Righteous judge of vengeance, grant me the gift of absolution before the day of retribution.
I moan as one who is guilty: owning my shame with a red face; suppliant before you, Lord.
You, who absolved Mary, and listened to the thief, give me hope also.
My prayers are unworthy, but, good Lord, have mercy, and rescue me from eternal fire.
Provide me a place among the sheep, and separate me from the goats, guiding me to Your right hand.

5. Confutatis

When the accused are confounded, and doomed to flames of woe, call me among the blessed.
I kneel with submissive heart, my contrition is like ashes, help me in my final condition.

6. Lacrimosa

That day of tears and mourning, when from the ashes shall arise, all humanity to be judged.
Spare us by your mercy, Lord, gentle Lord Jesus, grant them eternal rest. Amen.

IV. Offertory
I. Domine Jesu

Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, liberate the souls of the faithful, departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit.
Deliver them from the lion's mouth, lest hell swallow them up, lest they fall into darkness.
Let the standard-bearer, holy Michael, bring them into holy light.
Which was promised to Abraham and his descendants.

2. Hostias

Sacrifices and prayers of praise, Lord, we offer to You.
Receive them in behalf of those souls we commemorate today.
And let them, Lord, pass from death to life, which was promised to Abraham and his descendants.

V. Agnus Dei

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them eternal rest.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them eternal rest.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them eternal rest forever.

VI. Communion:
Lux aeterna

Let eternal light shine on them, Lord, as with Your saints in eternity, because You are merciful.
Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them, as with Your saints in eternity, because You are merciful.

(translation found here at St. Matthews)

Behold, the Lamb of God | John 1

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Isaiah 12

2011-11-14T23:29:00.001-05:00

The Lord Is My Strength and My Song

You will say in that day: "I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me."

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.

“Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

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When Jesus comes to set up His Kingdom, God’s regathered people Israel and all the redeemed, shall as one man, with one mind and mouth, praise Him, who is One and His name one.

The Christian does not have to wait until the Kingdom is set up to joy in His praises, for by Jesus Christ, the root of Jesse, God’s anger has been turned away, and the believer can say “He is my peace.”

Universal Joy and Muesli

2011-09-27T12:19:00.001-04:00

This morning was such a joy.

I'm in Germany this week for work. The breakfast spread in the hotels here are really great. Every morning there's a huge, somewhat formal, buffet of yogurt, cold meats, breads, eggs, etc. This morning was no exception as I sat down to partake.

Having scoped out the breakfast scene the first day, today I brought down my Bible to read, eat, and prepare for the long day ahead. I was about half way through breakfast when I heard a broken mix of English, German, and Spanish behind me say, “Are you evangeli?”

In the interest of time I won’t try to recreate the five minute, painful and broken conversation we tried to have; but, the waitress was a believer and she just couldn’t hold it in. She had to tell me! It was awesome to see her joy literally boiling over as we tried to understand each other. She finally threw her hands up (as if to say I can’t talk like this anymore, it’s too difficult) and said, with a tear in her eye, “I LOVE JESUS!”

Her colleagues were now watching this go down and she ran off to get back to work.

I wasn’t really sure what happened, but I was also completely filled with joy and amazement. It’s completely amazing how the love of Jesus fills a believer. There’s an identity with Christ which creates a bond between people. Peoples. All peoples. This joy and understanding is a universal joy fueled by the Holy Spirit. Really, really amazing.

I left for work, somehow not able to finish my muesli, and walking in universal Christian joy.

Electrical Engineering Jokes

2011-09-21T22:21:00.001-04:00

I've been a bit busy lately, so I don't have anything serious to post tonight. I would, however, like to share some nerdy electrical engineering humor. Below are three different jokes and/or puzzles my kind prefer to snicker over. If you know the answers or would like to comment, please do. ;-)

(click the pic to enlarge it)

Electrical Engineering Jokes

The last one reads, "There are 10 types of people in the world. Those that understand binary and those that don't."

Wise Choices

2011-09-04T15:39:00.000-04:00

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Proverbs 4:7

For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. Proverbs 8:11

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Proverbs 2:6-7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10

We all desire to make wise choices in life. Good choices. Right choices. God's written, revealed Word contains all that we need "for life and godliness". In this post I hope to pass along some practical knowledge I learned this morning concerning making wise choices.

This morning at HBCSL we continued in a series called Decision Point: Trusting in God's Will. This was week three of four and it went a little like this ...

God's Three Wisdom Dispensers

God's Word (Colossians 3:16, Jeremiah 8:9, Psalm 119:105, Romans 12:1-2)

The Word of God has been given to us to transform us, to renew us, and to discern the will of God. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. It is also a lamp to our feet. This doesn't mean it's a flood light. We may not see around every corner or the entire picture, but God reveals one step at a time. Perhaps we don't need to see the whole thing. Could we handle it?
Godly Council (Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 15:22)

Scripture clearly teaches it is wise to seek council from others. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. We must learn, drop some pride, and seek out other believers for help. Don't just look for those who may agree with you or tell you what you'd like to hear - find someone to give you all perspectives.
Praying and Fasting (Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Fasting and praying helps focus. It eliminates the noise and concerns of the day by providing focus. When your stomach brings up a sacrificial growl, you're reminded to focus, to pray, to ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and insight. (Romans 8:14-15, John 16:13, John 14:26-27)

Having reviewed three "dispensers" of God's wisdom there are also some practical considerations to keep in mind when making wise decisions. These considerations are Spiritual, Relational, and Internal.

Spiritual Considerations

Does this glorify God? (1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 119:1)
W.W.J.D? (1 Corinthians 11:1) Yes, sorry, the what would Jesus do question must be aske, don't you think? It's not just a bracelet.
I will give an account some day. (Romans 14:10-12)

Relational Considerations

Would I want this done to me? (Luke 6:31)
Could this appear to be wrong even though it is not? (1 Thessalonians 5:22) (Titus 1:6-7)
Don't be a stumbling block to others. (Romans 14:20)

Internal Considerations

Could this lead me to bondage? (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Is this something I would be prone to over due? This isn't just a substance abuse or pornography question. What are those things you spend too much time on - Facebook, golf, eating, clubs/leagues, coffee, etc.?
Am I confident this is right? (Romans 14:5)

There may be things, events, or issues in your life which are bothersome to you, but not to others. These same items may not have a moral right or wrong as a characteristic. You must make this decision. If it's wrong for you, then don't do it. If it's right for you, then do it. (I'm not making a relativistic world view point here; rather, some issues are not clear in Scripture. Read all of Romans 14)
Did I give my word? (Psalm 15:4, Colossians 3:9)

God's will and making wise decisions really isn't about trying to decipher a secret code for your life. It's more about being sanctified in the process, becoming more Christ like, living by the Spirit, and taking one step at a time with the lamp provided.

Revival

2011-08-20T16:30:00.000-04:00

1. Awareness of God’s presence: “The first and fundamental feature in renewal is the sense that God has drawn awesomely near in his holiness, mercy and might.”

2. Responsiveness to God’s Word: “The message of Scripture which previously was making only a superficial impact, if that, now searches its hearers and readers to the depth of their being.”

3. Sensitiveness to sin: “Consciences become tender and a profound humbling takes place.”

4. Liveliness in community: “Love and generosity, unity and joy, assurance and boldness, a spirit of praise and prayer, and a passion to reach out to win others, are recurring marks of renewed communities.”

5. Fruitfulness in testimony: “Christians proclaim by word and deed the power of the new life, souls are won, and a community conscience informed by Christian values emerges.”

Originally posted by Ray Ortlund at TGC

J. I. Packer, writing in God in our Midst (Ann Arbor, 1987), pages 24-35

Christian Communications At Work

2011-08-18T23:25:00.000-04:00

Below is a real email thread which I was involved in today. I've changed the names to protect the ~~gilty~~ innocent. :-) What a creative individual Mr. Huntington is! Enjoy the smiles.

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Email #1:

From: Huntington, Dave
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 8:23 AM
To: Tarnow, Paul
Cc: Lennard, Scott
Subject: FW: DOORS Exchange

Brother Tarnow,

Could I beseech thee to humble thyself on behalf of an associate in need? The request involves a visit to your misguided past, a time before God himself blessed you with the mission of [Project B] discipleship. Brother Lennard requires that a [Project A] DOORS module be updated to maintain compliance with a holy document. The document must be retrieved from the heavenly electron cloud we call cyberspace, in a segment known to us as PANAMA. Read the words of Brother Parker below for the path to this sacred knowledge.

May the Lord use your mighty fingers as instruments to do his will and accomplish this task in servitude to his holy name. God be praised.

With reverence to the great ‘I AM’,

Brother Huntington

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Email #2:

From: Huntington, Dave
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 8:39 AM
To: Tarnow, Paul
Subject: FW: DOORS Exchange

It appears that God has provided Brother Lennard with the skills to accomplish the holy task, and he has completed it in the Lord’s name. The Lord must feel that your current sacred mission rules supreme.

God be praised!

Brother Huntington

Do Not Lose Heart (Demand #13)

2011-08-03T18:51:00.000-04:00

Always pray and do not lose heart! Jesus intends to create a praying people. His demand is clear, and the issue is so important that he tells us why, how, for whom, and what we are to pray.

And he told them a parable to the elect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.—Luke 18:1

Pray for those who persecute you.—Matt. 5:44

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.—Matt. 6:6

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do.—Matt. 6:7-8

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”—Matt. 6:9

Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.—Matt. 9:38

How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!—Luke 11:13

Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.—John 16:24

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.—John 14:13

-- "stolen" from John Piper's book: WJDoTW

Greater Than The Temple

2011-07-24T22:18:00.000-04:00

This week I came into a stronger understanding of how the Pharisees must have been completely enraged (
Matthew 26:64-66) by Jesus. The claims, either directly or indirectly, are quite clear - He is the Messiah and the Temple is no longer needed. Thousands of years of sacrifice, tradition, obedience, adherence to the law, etc., no longer required. What? Are you kidding me?

"The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." | John 4:16-26

In that passage (in larger context), Jesus moves the woman's attention from worshiping in Jerusalem to Himself. Jesus also told her, “Neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.” (John 4:21) A bit later He says, “I who speak to you am he [the Messiah].” (John 4:25) There will now be a radical new way in which people worship - in spirit and truth - through Jesus.

In reference to His resurrection, Jesus said if the temple was destroyed He would raise it up in three days ... He was speaking of his body (John 2:19-21). He meant that He would become the new temple.

Even more startling is the account in the grain fields, on the Sabbath, in which the disciples were hungry and cracking the grain to eat it (doing work) ...

But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath." He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." | Matthew 12:2-8

Amazing to me! "... something greater than the temple is here." Put yourself in the shoes (flip-flops) of the Jewish leadership. If you refused to believe in the Christ, the Messiah, and instead thought Him to be a blasphemer, this would have made your blood boil.

Jesus is to be worshiped.

Have you ever noticed in Scripture, when angles (Revelation 19:10) or the apostles (Acts 10:25-26) are revered, they never allow the subject of their message to bow and worship them. They always stop them. Not Jesus - He accepted it.

And when they got into the boat,the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." | Matthew 14:32-33

So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. | Matthew 28:8-9

Coming to grips with this truth and allowing it to sink in a little deeper this week has been sobering. Assuming the view of the Pharisees, for some reason, also triggered interesting perspective.

What am I missing? What am I refusing to move on? What am I holding with pride?
How have I hardened my heart to the truth of God's Word?
Do I value tradition and practice over worshiping in spirit and in truth?
Have I elevated Jesus to His proper place in my life - at the top? Do I fully understand who He is?

The gospel is now. Salvation is here. The Kingdom of God is in Christ and we must become less, bow down, take hold of His feet, and worship Him!

Sound of The Trumpet

2011-07-21T22:28:00.000-04:00

In light of having just watched Secretariat, how about a little Job 39:19-39 in which the Lord answers Job ...

Do you give the horse his might?
Do you clothe his neck with a mane?
Do you make him leap like the locust?

His majestic snorting is terrifying.

He paws in the valley and exults in his strength; he goes out to meet the weapons.

He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; he does not turn back from the sword.

Upon him rattle the quiver, the flashing spear, and the javelin.

With fierceness and rage he swallows the ground; he cannot stand still at the sound of the trumpet. When the trumpet sounds, he says 'Aha!'

He smells the battle from afar, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.

Never Once

2011-07-17T00:22:00.002-04:00

Working on this new song at church by Matt Redman. Below are a couple clips about the song.

O Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
plans formed of old, faithful and sure. | Isaiah 25:1

Matt's story behind the song.

Live version of the song Never Once in it's entirety.

Messy Marvin

2011-06-21T22:40:00.001-04:00

My daughters used to share a room. Their room was usually quite messy. I would often walk in and ask the question, "Who's the Messy Marvin?" Without fail, the question was followed by, "Not me!" (x2).

Due to their oldest brother being off at school, a room freed up in the house and the girls now have their own rooms. I was really excited about this because I would now be able to determine who the Messy Marvin was. Perhaps it was each of them?!

The first few weeks were great, as far as clean rooms go, but not so great for me. They were both doing so well keeping up with their own business I just couldn't pin down which girl was the culprit ... until the last couple of days.

They broke down. Yep, the both played a part! They just couldn't keep up with the pressure of trying to out-do the other. Their rooms are now both a little messy. Not horrible, just a few clothes here and there, but they each have fallen short of the mark. Their rooms are no longer perfect.

What's the point? I'm getting there ...

Last night I was tucking in the younger of the two. I passed along the results of my investigation with respect to the Messy Marvin test - they are both a Messy Marvin! She responded, quite quickly I might add, "Yeah but, she has a bigger mess than me!" I tried to keep the focus on her, "Yes, yours is less, but you still have one, right? You still have a little mess going on here. Can you see it?" She continued, "Yeah but, ..."

We went on to talk about the "little bit of sin" we have vs. what we see or what we think we see in others.

I'm still not too sure how deep the concept went into her pretty little head, but this impromptu little moment hit me pretty hard. I was reminded of the following verses ...

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What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written:

"None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."
"Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive."
"The venom of asps is under their lips."
"Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness."
"Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known."
"There is no fear of God before their eyes." | Romans 3:9-18

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But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. | Romans 3:21-26

We all fall short ... but now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law! Jesus has come to earth, to fallen man, to the Messy Marvins, to justify us before an Almighty Holy God. There is no distinction between being a little Marvin or a huge Marvin. You're still a Marvin. I'm still a Marvin.

So, when was the last time you've justified your own life, your actions, your thoughts? Do you feel better when you compare yourself to others? Try comparing yourself to holiness, it cuts a bit deeper (Hebrews 4:12-13).

Praise be to God, through Jesus Christ! He has justified our lives, so we don't have to. | Acts 11:16-18

Do Not Be Surprised

2011-06-13T00:05:00.001-04:00

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

¹⁸ And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

¹⁹ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. | 1 Peter 4

God In Atlanta

2011-05-14T01:17:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful picture of a living, breathing, authentic, gospel community in Atlanta. God is good. God is moving amongst His people. I love the gentle spirit of this pastor and his church family, yet there is a profound, focused purpose behind their mission. It's the gospel of Christ reaching deep into their community.

Renovation Church - Atlanta, GA from Verge Network on Vimeo.

Leonce Crump is a graduate of Re:train and a pastor
at Renovation Church an A29 church in Atlanta, GA.

Make Him Stop!

2011-05-13T19:33:00.000-04:00

This is why Christians shouldn't try to mimic the world. If you'd like to lose a couple minutes of your life, well spent elsewhere, click play. It won't be too long until you screaming, "Make him stop!"

The Severity of Hell

2011-05-12T19:42:00.000-04:00

Charles Spurgeon once advised fellow-preachers, “Shun all views of future punishment that would make it appear less terrible.” Yet another timely word from Spurgeon—efforts to extinguish the flames of hell abound in our day, just as they did in his.

As you listen to popular views about hell, you can test what you hear with a few biblically-discerning questions:

Does this view of hell diminish the threat of God’s judgment?
Does this teaching soften the urgency of repentance?
Is this offering the sinner any hope of salvation beyond this life?

Modern views of hell won’t survive the test of biblical fidelity. They’ll allow the sinner to feel more comfortable and complacent by defanging God, making Him appear less severe.

Challenges to the doctrine of hell start out by questioning what the Bible clearly says, but they don’t end there. Wayne Grudem, recognizing the trend to make hell appear more bearable, noticed a tragic pattern:

The doctrine of eternal conscious punishment…tends to be one of the first doctrines given up by people who are moving away from a commitment to the Bible as absolutely truthful […]. Among liberal theologians who do not accept the absolute truthfulness of the Bible, there is probably no one today who believes in the doctrine of eternal conscious punishment. (Wayne Grudem,Systematic Theology)

Two of the more prominent campaigns against hell are attacks against its eternality and severity.

Read the full article here.

Posted by Tommy Clayton, Content Developer and Broadcast Editor, Grace To You, May 11th 2011.

Demand #3 Come To Me

2011-05-10T00:41:00.000-04:00

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.—Matt. 11:28

Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”—John 7:37

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.”—John 6:35

You refuse to come to me that you may have life.—John 5:40

When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out.—John 11:43-44

Demand #3 - 'Come to Me' seems to be easy, doesn't it? It's welcoming and amazingly powerful at the same time. Some refuse, they refuse abundant life. Come to me. I'm the Creator of the Universe, the One who conquered death itself; yet, take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

An oxen yoke is for two. Often one ox is the lead and the other is the learner, the younger, the weaker, the one whose burden is light. What an amazing thought that we are under the shaping and molding of Christ.

Which 'burden' would you prefer - the burden of being a slave to sin and to your flesh or the burden of serving and worshiping the One who has freed you? He has freed us from Satan's yoke and gently placed His yoke around our necks and said, "There, settle in ... and rest."

If you have a few minutes, in light of this truth, let this song sink in a little ...

Inspired from Piper's book: What Jesus Demands from the World

You Are in Danger

2011-04-22T23:42:00.001-04:00

Knowing Is Weighty

2011-04-21T23:47:00.000-04:00

Knowing what's coming can be awful. We all know what it's like to have a target, a task, a burden, or a hard truth waiting out in front of us to confront. Many times, knowing what's about to take place is more agonizing than the follow-through.

Imagine knowing you were about to take on the sins of the world ...

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane ... And going a little farther he fell on his face rand prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

... yet you do it anyway.

He became sin for us. For you. For me.

Knowing the sinful weight of the world lay ahead must have been incredible. The next time a trial, suffering, or a difficult task comes your way, ponder the weight upon our Suffering Savior.

Nothing Is More Valuable

2011-02-17T08:49:00.001-05:00

Last night we kicked off our small group season!

During our discussion in 1 Peter we parked for a bit and talked about being grateful for our salvation and what Christ has done for us. Gratefulness keeps our spirit and thoughts above rather than on earthly matters like fear, worry, and things like this we so naturally gravitate toward. It also moves us along, progressively, in holiness ...

... knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. | 1 Peter 1:18-19

Can there be anything else in the entire world more valuable?

During small group prep, I found this little note as well ...

The blood of Christ is precious because it redeems (v. 19). Brings us close to God (Eph. 2:13). Blots out our sins (Rev. 1:5). Brings peace (Col. 1:20). Justifies (Rom. 5:9). Cleanses (1 John 1:7).

May we walk in holiness, as an expression of gratitude, because of the precious, ransoming blood of Christ.

Now, you go do.

Nearer The Truth

2011-02-16T23:08:00.000-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted, and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches, and it would be still nearer the truth. ~ Charles Spurgeon

Check out some expounding thoughts on this from C.J. Mahaney

Our Hiding Place

2011-02-05T23:33:00.002-05:00

The man Christ Jesus is our hiding place ...
(Originally posted at The Resurgence | Spurgeon's Sermon Notes)

As truly man
- Sympathizing with us, and
- Bringing God near to us.
As more than man, ruling every tempest, covering every feeble traveler, as within the cleft of a rock.
As Substitutionary Man, interposing, breasting the storm for us, hiding us by being weather-beaten himself.
As Representative Man, more than conqueror, and glorified.
- In him we are delivered from divine wrath.
- In him we are covered from Satan's blasts.
- In him we dwell above trial by happy fellowship with him.
- In him we are victors over death.
As Ever-living Man: we live because he lives, and thus we defy the tempest of death (John 14:19).
As Interceding Man. He says, "I have prayed for you," when Satan is seeking to destroy any one of us (Luke 22:32).
As the Coming Man. We dread no political catastrophes, or social disruptions, for "he must reign." The end is secured, "Behold, he is coming with the clouds" (Rev. 1:7).

Paul Tarnow | Blog

Confused About a King

Willing Ransom

Story Time Fun

Agnus Dei

Isaiah 12

Universal Joy and Muesli

Electrical Engineering Jokes

Wise Choices

Revival

Christian Communications At Work

Do Not Lose Heart (Demand #13)

Greater Than The Temple

Sound of The Trumpet

Never Once

Messy Marvin

Do Not Be Surprised

God In Atlanta

Make Him Stop!

The Severity of Hell

Demand #3 Come To Me

You Are in Danger

Knowing Is Weighty

Nothing Is More Valuable

Nearer The Truth

Our Hiding Place

The man Christ Jesus is our hiding place ... (Originally posted at The Resurgence | Spurgeon's Sermon Notes)

The man Christ Jesus is our hiding place ...
(Originally posted at The Resurgence | Spurgeon's Sermon Notes)