Unmerited Favor

My Blog Has Moved!

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 07:38:27 PDT

My blog has moved to the church website. You can access it by going to: www.PortageChurch.org/pastor This is the final post on blogspot, so make sure to check out my blog and our new site!--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

The Sacrifice of Isaac

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:57:51 PDT

"The Sacrifice of Isaac"Genesis 22 Click the blue play button below to listen to the Sermon... Click the link below to download this Sermon directly...http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100321.mp3--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

The Sacrifice of Praise

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:14:41 PDT

"The Sacrifice of Praise"Genesis 21 Click the link below to download this Sermon directly...http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100314.mp3--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Proverbs 13 - Contrasts of the Wise & the Fool

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 06:29:50 PST

My reflections from Proverbs 13 this morning The Wise - attends to wise counsel giving by someone who's been there (Prov. 13.1) - receives favor for his wise restrained words (Prov. 13.2) - saves his own life by keeping his words pure (Prov. 13.3) - faithfully does what he should and is rewarded with joy (Prov. 13.4) - can't stand lies and half-truths (Prov. 13.5) - is guarded by his God pleasing lifestyle (Prov. 13.6) - doesn't waste his money, even when he can (Prov. 13.7) - has wealth stored up in case of trouble (Prov. 13.8) - stores up oil so he won't be frantic or in need (Prov. 13.9) - takes advice from others (Prov. 13.10) - accumulates riches over time (Prov. 13.11) - fulfills his goals & dreams, which adds life (Prov. 13.12) - fearfully respects commandments (Prov. 13.13) - drinks up the teaching of wise people and avoids traps for his destruction (Prov. 13.14) - has good sense which helps in his life (Prov. 13.15) - uses his knowledge in all areas to carefully guard his steps (Prov. 13.16) - always sticks to his word & duties and delivers healing (Prov. 13.17) - is honored because he pays...

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Living Above Reproach - Part 2

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:04:52 PST

"Living Above Reproach - Part 2"Genesis 20 Click the blue play button below to listen to the Sermon... Click the link below to download this Sermon directly...http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100307.mp3--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Coming Soon - The MacArthur Study Bible in ESV

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:10:02 PST

For those of you who love the MacArthur Study Bible but also love the ESV, there is good news coming your way this summer! The MacArthur Study Bible is coming in the ESV text! (Release date is August 31st) Check out the following video from John MacArthur for more info: For years, the spiritual lives of countless men and women all over the world have been strengthened with the help of The MacArthur Study Bible. This all-in-one spiritual library contains Dr. MacArthur’s personal study notes below the full-length Bible text. Virtually every Scripture has a matching study note with detailed information, explanantion, and helpful insight. The notes are based on Dr. MacArthur’s verse-by-verse approach to the Bible and nearly forty years of careful study. His goal is to let the Bible speak for itself—nothing more, nothing less. The ESV MacArthur Study Bible is an important resource for growing Christians. It can transform your personal time in God’s Word by clarifying difficult passages, bringing unseen cultural and historical details to life, and helping you understand and apply biblical truth. Click here to pre-order! --- Visit my personal blog...

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

The Dumbest Thing I Have Ever Seen (Holy Ghost Hokey Pokey)

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:15:39 PST

Just when you thought the prosperity gospel couldn't sink any lower... they now have the "Holy Ghost Hokey Pokey". Not only just plain stupid, this is, by far, one of the saddest things I have ever seen in a worship service. --- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Hypocrisy

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:10:59 PST

"He does not believe, who does not live according to his belief." ~ Thomas Fuller--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Worry

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:55:29 PST

Worry is like having faith in the devil.--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Hypocrisy

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:50:59 PST

“The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity” - Andre Gide--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Living Above Reproach - Part 1

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:09:31 PST

"Living Above Reproach - Part 1"Genesis 20 Click the blue start button below to listen to the Sermon... Click the link below to download this Sermon directly...http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100214.mp3--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Pre-Cross Saints

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:38:59 PST

--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Humility

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:08:44 PST

If someone offers reproof, and your first response is to boast of your age, maturity, or experience, either in years or Christ, then you lack humility and pride is the great stumbling block to your further sanctification.--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Lent

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:50:35 PST

Some are talking about preparing for Lent, and I’ve received some questions about this practice that is upheld in many churches. I thought I would share my thoughts and opinions on this long time tradition of most churches in our area. If you attend River, you know that this is something that we don’t practice formally. It isn’t that we are “against” the religious tradition of Lent, it is more that we don’t see it the 40 day custom as significant as other churches do. River has never been a liturgical church, however we do not look down on those that might value some rituals. So reading this, you may agree or disagree with me, but either way I hope to give some helpful, thought-provoking opinions on this subject. 1 - Is It Biblical?When I ask those who practice this tradition of Lent I get a few common responses. One of them is “Its Biblical”. Lent observers are quick to point out that Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, thus they say Lent is Biblical. But is it? Well I suppose that depends on your definition of “Biblical”. If you mean its found in the Bible, or rooted in something that you read in the...

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Preserving the Righteous Among the Wicked 2

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:03:06 PST

"Preserving the Righteous Among the Wicked 2"Genesis 19.1-13 Click the blue play button below to listen to the Sermon... Click the link below to download this Sermon directly...http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100214.mp3 --- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Drinking My Cup For Me

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:09:03 PST

Tonight while my family was eating dinner together something amazing happened. Alisha had made chicken enchiladas and they were delicious, as is normal with her cooking! Samantha (my 5 year old) finished her dinner first, clearing her plate. She asked if she could be excused from the table. It is a rule at our house that the kid's father must approve of their finished supper and then give permission to excuse them from the table. I told her that she had to finish drinking her cup of milk before getting down. So she did and then took her plate and cup from the table and put them in the sink. What a good girl! Sarah (my 3 year old) sees this and gets a bright idea. She finishes her plate and asks if she can be excused. I told her that she had to finish her milk also. She put up a big dramatic fit and said "I don't want to!". Now we've been through this game many times before, so I reminded Sarah that she will not be excused from the table until she drinks all of her milk and then takes her plate and cup to the sink. She then slumped down in her chair with her arms crossed and simply refused to drink her...

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:50:19 PST

Psalm 5.4-12 “For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. 5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. 6 You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. 8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. 9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. 10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. 11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. 12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” It is God’s glory to punish those who do not take refuge in Him. Those who do, rejoice and find safety. Those who refuse are destroyed to the...

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Celebrating God's Word - New Bibles in Malawi

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:23:25 PST

My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. (Psalm 119:171-172)When was the last time your lips poured forth praise and your tongue sang because you possess the very words of God in the Scriptures? For me, this kind of joy in God and his Word does not come often enough. I take it for granted that I have multiple copies of the Scriptures at my fingertips every day. I have a friend, Katie, who serves in Malawi, Africa. She was able to distribute Bibles to a village there, and when they received these Bibles, they ecstatically broke out in thanks, praise, and dance over their new possession of God's Word! See for yourself: I love the description of God's Word printed in the Gideon Bibles: THE BIBLE contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is...

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Preserving the Righteous Among the Wicked

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:38:15 PST

"Preserving the Righteous Among the Wicked"Genesis 19.1-13 Click the blue play button below to listen to the Sermon... Click the link below to download this Sermon directly...http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100207.mp3 --- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Free Audiobook: Religion Saves...

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:06:38 PST

Free Audiobook: Religion Saves...and Nine Other Misconceptions By Mark Driscoll "Pastor Mark Driscoll addresses the nine most pressing questions posed by visitors to the Mars Hill Church website." You can download the audiobook free at ChristianAudio.com during the month of February 2010, click here. Here's the book form at Amazon: Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions (Re:Lit) Note: This isn't necessarily an endorsement of Pastor Driscoll or all that he does. I know there are mixed opinions on him in the Reformed community and you will notice I have very little (if any) material from him on this site. This audiobook could serve as a research tool for those that are not Driscoll fans.--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Gospel Salvation or Easy-Believism

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:36:32 PST

John MacArthur lays out nine characteristics of a true understanding of salvation and the Gospel and how they contrast to "easy-believism": 1.) Scripture teaches that the gospel calls sinners to faith joined in oneness with repentance (Acts 2:38; 17:30; 20:21; 2 Pet. 3:9). Repentance is a turning from sin (Acts 3:19; Luke 24:47) that consists not of a human work but of a divinely bestowed grace (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25). It is a change of heart, but genuine repentance will effect a change of behavior as well (Luke 3:8; Acts 26:18-20). In contrast, easy-believism teaches that repentance is simply a synonym for faith and that no turning from sin is required for salvation. 2.) Scripture teaches that salvation is all God’s work. Those who believe are saved utterly apart from any effort on their own (Titus 3:5). Even faith is a gift of God, not a work of man (Eph. 2:1-5,8). Real faith therefore cannot be defective or short-lived but endures forever (Phil. 1:6; cf. Heb. 11). In contrast, easy-believism teaches that faith might not last and that a true Christian can completely cease believing. 3.) Scripture teaches that the object of faith is Christ Himself, not a creed or a...

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Obama Gets Heat For Teaching Responsible Stewardship

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:15:33 PST

Ok, this might surprise some of you, but I can honestly say that I agree with President Obama on something. He recently got a lot of heat for making a comment calling Americans to be responsible with their money. This is what he said: "When times are tough, you tighten your belts. You don't go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage. You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices." Now Las Vegas is angry with Obama, along with others. They are saying that Obama should not have made those statements. "Let Americans spend their money how they choose" is what they are protesting. How sad, when our country is upset with our leader for telling us to be responsible with our resources in tough times. Now one thing that should be pointed out is that this is coming from the President who spent more money on his inaugural bash than any other in history. In-spite of our financially tight times, President Obama spent $157 Million dollars for his grand celebration. This, along with his suped-up Limo named "The Beast" seem to contradict his words. So, while I agree with his recent statements, I wish...

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Why Did God Destroy Sodom?

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:52:45 PST

"Why Did God Destroy Sodom?"Examining two different perspectives to appraise correctly from the whole counsel of God. Click the link below to watch Sunday's Sermon.... Watch live streaming video from riveroflife at livestream.com--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

Article Quoted for my Sermon on Sodom

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:45:00 PST

A few months ago I was involved in a debate about homosexuality, and if it is a sin. The person that claimed it was not a sin pointed me to a gay church website. This website has many articles claiming that homosexuality is not a sin to God. I told the person that I would take some time and look into the articles on the website for further investigation and curiosity. Today we are starting Genesis 19 for the preaching at River of Life Church. So I decided to start with a topical sermon called "Why God Destroyed Sodom". Before stating the conservative, Biblical point of view that I hold, I decided to be fair enough to quote an excerpt of the article on the gay church's website on this topic. Here is the excerpt that I quoted from their article, annotated by me, including my 5 problems with their article, as well as some Scriptures I went over in the sermon. The article is in plain text, my comments are bolded and italicized: Why God Destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah from http://gaychurch.org The story of Sodom and Gomorrah takes place primarily in Genesis 19 with God about ready to pass judgment on the evil people of Sodom. But before He does so, He elects to give them one...

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

A Topical Sermon on Expository Preaching

Bob@PortageChurch.org (Pastor Bob Turner) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:37:43 PST

"A Topical Sermon on Expository Preaching"By Pastor Bob Here is the video that we played just before Pastor Bob preached Click the blue play button below to listen to the Sermon by Pastor Bob: Click the link below to download this Sermon directly...http://portagechurch.org/audio/20100124.mp3--- Visit my personal blog by going to: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

This is a summary of my blog post. You can read more and access the rest by going to my blog: http://www.PortageChurch.org/pastor