A Word For The Week From John Piper

A Deep Sense of Gratitude

As we enter into this season of Advent, let us focus on this incredible fact; God came to live among us as a baby boy. The coming of Jesus Christ into this world should be a source of great hope and strength to all of us. As we watch the downward spiral of our culture, may we be found watching and praying for restoration. We are the salt and light and we desire to see both mercy and justice in the earth. One day, God will make every wrong thing, right. At this present time I'm experiencing a deep sense of gratitude toward God and those he has put in my path to inspire me to walk in the light. - Bobby

"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,
and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;
and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,
and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den.
They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious." -Isaiah 11:1-10

Meditative Prayer: Filling the Mind | TheResurgence

Meditative Prayer: Filling the Mind | TheResurgence

One Thing

"One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple." - Ps. 27:4

....but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:42

In our seeking, let us seek the one thing....the thing, King David and Mary sought....the presence of God. Only One thing really matters, being with Jesus while we live out our days here on earth. Gazing at Him by faith in prayer and his word. Looking for Him while serving others, seeing Him in the eyes of poor and broken people. Enjoying Him in community, while fellowshipping with others on the journey. We meet with Him as we partake in the Lord's supper....He's our honored guest. King David was begging for God's presence....Mary was content in His presence, both were sitting and abiding in His presence. Seek His presence. - Bobby

A Word For The Week From John Piper

Adrian Warnock Talks About His New Book

Raised With Christ: How The Resurrection Changes Everything from Adrian Warnock on Vimeo.

Adrian Warnock is sending me a free copy of his new book,"Raised With Christ." I'm one of Adrian's friends on Facebook so I'll be doing a review of his book on my blog soon. - Bobby

Some Thoughts From The Desert

"O Lord, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me?" - Ps. 88:14

We must ask ourselves this question: Is our understanding of the Gospel merely intellectual or is it experiential? Growing in our understanding of Scripture comes through fellowship with the Holy Spirit and obedience to the truth. Study, prayer and meditation on God's word is essential to spiritual growth, but Satan and demons have a head knowledge of scripture without experiencing intimacy with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I've been through a desert type experience in recent weeks, but having been there before, I find I usually come out of these experiences stronger. The desert is a place that we learn about God and ourselves. God hides his face for a season....but remember it's only temporary. - Bobby

Walking With Jesus

.... my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. - Gal.4:19 20

Walking with Jesus can be a very disturbing experience. Just when you think you've got it all together, he shows us the darkness that is still in our hearts. In some ways I feel that I've taken a step backwards, spiritually speaking this past year. I believe in Gods' keeping power and that's the only way to explain why I refuse to give up on my spiritual journey. Setbacks are a part of walking with Jesus (ask the Apostle Peter!)

At the end of the day, it's all about following Jesus and the question we must ask ourselves, is Christ being formed in us? Are we growing in our conformity to Jesus? It's through many tribulations that we enter the Kingdom, so don't give up and keep running the race and make it your goal to finish well. - Bobby

Don Carson Talks About God, Hell and Suffering

How do I know God exists? from A Passion for Life on Vimeo.

How can God be loving yet send people to hell? from A Passion for Life on Vimeo.

How can God allow suffering and evil in the world? from A Passion for Life on Vimeo.

A Word For The Week From John Piper

Some Thoughts On Meditation

I've been listing to Tim Keller teach on meditation and prayer. He said Martin Luther wrote about allowing the Holy Spirit to preach to you through meditating on the Word. As we seek to displace idols in our lives, we must replace them with something better, that's where spiritual disciplines come in. In Psalm 1 blessing is promised to those who meditate on God's Word. I have a very high view of Scripture, it is "God breathed." So I refuse to approach God with some man-made rule that He can't give me a subjective experience. God never contradicts His Word, but it's arrogant of some "fundamentalist" teachers, who teach you to fear all subjective experiences. - Bobby



"How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road,
you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.

Instead you thrill to God's Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom.

You're not at all like the wicked,
who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court,
unfit company for innocent people.

God charts the road you take.
The road they take is Skid Row." - Psalm 1 (The Message)

Lectio Divina - "Divine Reading"

(This article was taken from the Redeemer Presbyterian Church website.)

Lectio Divina, or "Divine Reading" involves meditative listening to the reading, out loud and slowly, of a short passage or a few isolated verses of Scripture. It can be down on your own or with a group. Those who listen are encouraged to set aside analysis, and what they "know" already about the passage, seeking instead to open themselves to God's Word, listen with their hearts and receive it expectantly and passively. They then attend to what they receive from God. God's Word is received personally, as an individualized gift to each person.


Lectio Divina, on your own:
Choose a short Scripture passage for your meditation, and it is to be read out loud slowly. Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.

First reading. One minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.

Second reading. One minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.

Third reading. 3-5 minutes silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.

Fourth reading. 3-5 minutes silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God's Word, and give thanks for His gift to you.

Lectio Divina, with a group:
Begin
One participant opens with a brief, spoken prayer.

Read
Another participant reads the passage aloud, slowly.

Reflect
After one minute of silence each participant writes down an answer to the question: "What word/phrase caught my attention?"

Share
Each participant shares his/her word or phrase without comment.

Read
Another participant reads the same passage aloud from a different translation.

Reflect
After 3-5 minutes silence each participant writes down an answer to the question: "Where does this passage touch my life experience?"

Share
Each participant shares his/her answer in turn, without comment.

Read
A third participant reads the passage aloud from yet another translation.

Reflect
For 3-5 minutes participants write an answer to the question: "From what I have heard and shared, what is God inviting me to be? How is He inviting me to change?"

Share
Each participant shares, beginning: "I believe God wants me to..."

Pray
Each participant then prays aloud for the person on his/her right, praying only for what that person expressed in the prior step. (option: each person continues to pray for that person throughout the day or evening.)

Notes for Group Lectio Divina:
Leader preparation: Select a short passage of scripture. Having 3 translations available will add richness, but this is optional. Allow ~ 25 minutes for a group of five, longer with more participants. A digital timer or stop watch is helpful.

Group preparation: None, except access to pen and paper.

Source: Material adapted from Sacred Companions by David Benner, 2002 by John Smed, Grace Vancouver. Materials used with permission, Redeemer Prayer Conference, June 2006.

Martin Luther's Way of Praying

Happy Reformation Day!

"When Martin Luther’s barber (and friend) asked him how to pray, Martin Luther responded with a brief treatise published in the spring of 1535 under the title A Simple Way to Pray, for a Good Friend. Luther explained his own practices of prayer.


The following are some of the suggestions Luther gave to his barber:

There is need for concentration

Let prayer be the first business of the morning and last in the evening. Do not be sidetracked. Luther writes, “So, a good and attentive barber keeps his thoughts, attention, and eyes on the razor and hair and does not forget how far he has gotten with his shaving or cutting. If he wants to engage into much conversation or let his mind wander or look somewhere else he is likely to cut his customer’s mouth, nose, or even his throat. Thus if anything is to be done well, it requires the full attention of all one's senses and members. . .” (p. 32-33).

There is a sequence of prayer

Luther writes ". . .kneel or stand with your hands folded and your eyes toward heaven and speak or think as briefly as you can. . .” (p.20). Offer a brief prayer “O Heavenly Father, dear God, I am a poor unworthy sinner, I do not deserve to raise my eyes or hands toward thee or to pray. . .” (p. 21) Begin to pray one petition of the Lord’s Prayer or one of the Ten Commandments. Never doubt you are alone in your prayer. “Do not leave your prayer without having said or thought, ‘Very well, God has heard my prayer, this I know as a certainty and a truth.’ This is what Amen means” (p. 29).

The heart must be ready for prayer

Keep prayers meaningful. Unclutter your mind by focusing on one thought, perhaps one petition of the Lord’s Prayer or one of the Ten Commandments.

Prayer is like a garland of four twisted strands

This garland is especially true when using Holy Scripture, Lord’s Prayer, or Ten Commandments. Each strand can be posed as a question:

What is the (petition, commandment, etc) teaching/meaning for me?
What prayer of thanksgiving does this prompt?
What confession or lament does it evoke?
What is the prayer petition?

Luther said, “Nothing can be said here about the part of faith and Holy Scriptures [in prayer] because there would be no end to what could be said. With practice one can take the Ten Commandments on one day, a psalm or chapter of Holy Scripture the next day, and use them as flint and steel to kindle a flame in the heart” (p.56). "

--Quotes are from Martin Luther, A Simple Way to Pray, Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster Knox Press, 2000.

Check my prayer blog out for more teaching from Martin Luther on prayer. - Bobby

My Thoughts on Tim Keller's Book Counterfeit Gods

It's much worse than I ever thought; my idolatrous heart, that is? The book "Counterfeit Gods" by Tim Keller gets to the root of our human condition.... "our hearts are idol factories." Here are some questions to think about: What do we meditate on the most? Who is your functional savior? The Republican party? The Democratic party? Your family? Your religious views? Is God on the throne of your heart or is it sex, moralistic religion or financial security? Do you live in anxiety about the further? If you are like me, I have to answer, yes to some of the questions above. By God's grace I have repented and will continue to repent on my spiritual journey and learn to fear God and not the future.

Here's a quote from the book on page 174. "The gospel ask, What is operating in the place of Jesus Christ as your real, functional salvation and Savior? Whatever is it, is a counterfeit god, and to make a change in your life, you must identify it and reject it as such." - Bobby

Tim Keller: Counterfeit Gods

This is one of the best books I've read in years!

A Word For The Week From John Piper

Redeemer Free Sermon Resource | Redeemer Sermons

Redeemer Free Sermon Resource | Redeemer Sermons
Check this out! 150 free sermons from Tim Keller. In my opinion Keller is one of the most significant voices in the church today. Enjoy the free downloads. - Bobby

A Word For The Week From John Piper

Video of What would you say to someone who feels like the Spirit's leading has authority over Scripture?" :: Desiring God

The following is an edited transcript of the audio.

What would you say to someone who feels like the Spirit's leading has authority over Scripture?

I would take them to 1 Corinthians 12-14 where the whole issue of prophecy and speaking in tongues is at stake. And I would show them how the apostle Paul relates his authority to those spiritual gifts.

Because Paul acknowledges that the Spirit can lead. And he acknowledges that there is such a thing as speaking in tongues. And he acknowledges that there is such a thing as a prophetic gifting by which God may bring something to mind that somebody needs at that very moment that would penetrate their hearts in ways that you wouldn't any other way.

He acknowledges all of that, and then he puts it all under his authority. He says, "I say this; and if you judge otherwise, you are not recognized."

Whoa! What about the Holy Spirit, excuse me? And Paul would say, "I'm speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit."

The apostles viewed their teaching as from God in an authoritative, inerrant way. All of the spiritual gifts are from God in a non-authoritative, non-inerrant way, and therefore always subordinate to the inspired word of God.

That's what I would do first is take them there.

A supplementary thing I might do is just tell them some stories about horrific mistakes people have made, and how lives have been deeply damaged by people who are absolutely sure they heard from God, and then they hurt people very badly because it didn't turn out the way that they thought it might.

Prophecy in the Church Today: an interview with Michael Sullivant - The Pneuma Foundation

Prophecy in the Church Today: an interview with Michael Sullivant - The Pneuma Foundation

I recently added Michael Sullivant's blog to my link list. Michael spoke at Sam Storms church a few weeks ago. If you're interested in balanced prophetic ministry download the podcast from Bridgeway Church and read the article above. Michael wrote a really good book entitled, "Prophetic Etiquette" in 2000. - Bobby

Jesus Speaks Clearly About Prayer by Dudley Hall

In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:23-24 (ESV)

"The transfer is about to take place. Jesus has been modeling what life on earth looks like when lived in fellowship with the Father. He is only a few hours away from the most glorious and tragic event in history when redemption will be purchased and the passage way cleared for his disciples to have the same relationship he has enjoyed right before their eyes.

"That day" is very close to them at this point. The disciples have looked for the day when God would judge righteously against the wicked and for the good. They expect it to have immediate military, political, and economic dimensions. It isn't going to play out the way they anticipated, but the day is coming quickly and the ramifications for the disciples are enormous. They will have the same access to the Father that Jesus has demonstrated for them. They will be able to do the works of God as they represent the Son on earth.

Just as Jesus had no need to beg, they will not beg or bribe the Father. He doesn't have to be convinced. He initiated this whole arrangement. They don't have to go through intermediaries. No lieutenant is going to stop them from entering the main office. No personal assistant is going to give them the runaround. They will have the attention a Father gives to his only Son.

They will have to adopt a new perspective. They have depended upon Jesus to relate to the Father and they have lived on what he received. But he is leaving now, and they will have to get accustomed to asking on their own. It will not be easy to believe that the Father loves them as much as he loves the Son. It will not be easy to believe that they can hear his voice and see his hand like the Son.

Circumstances will assist them. They are about to enter the world of intense warfare. Everything they thought was nailed down will come lose. They will be forced to pray. They cannot do what they are called to do with just some lessons they learned from Jesus while walking with him on earth. They will need to trust the Father. It is the only way they can survive. They will find him faithful. He is anxious to show them how much he loves them and how willing he is to answer their prayers as they carry out the work initiated by the Son.

We have the advantage of their testimony. They changed the world around them. They lived in victory and died in triumph. The sword did not deter them, and the courts could not intimidate them. The lived by asking the Father in Jesus' name.

We are the recipients of the same privilege. We have been given the name of Jesus and the invitation of the Father. He promised that it was the way to fullness of joy. No other way will get us there."

Christian Hedonism :: Desiring God Christian Resource Library

Rebuilding Some Basics of Bethlehem: Christian Hedonism :: Desiring God Christian Resource Library

In case you haven't noticed I'm a Christian Hedonist! Men such as Jonathan Edwards, C.S.Lewis, John Piper and Sam Storms are all Christian Hedonist. Read this blog post from John Piper and you might decide to become one too!- Bobby

Did You Think To Pray? A New Book By R.T. Kendall

Dr. R.T. Kendall is one of my favorite writers. I like R.T.'s books because they're both inspirational and practical. In his book, "Did You Think To Pray?" Kendall shares from his own personal experience in prayer and gives practical advice for developing your own prayer life. I was personally encouraged to keep a prayer list again. I've been inconsistent over the years in praying for others when I haven't used a list. I like this quote by Kendall on page 27, "It may take time time before you appreciate, that the most important thing prayer does for us is to help us to get to know the true God. I would understand, if you said there are other things about prayer that mean more to you than that. But you will eventually come to see that the greatest thing prayer does for you is to help you to get to know personally the God of the Bible." This may be R.T's best book. - Bobby

The Spirit of Truth Comes by Dudley Hall

"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you." John 16:12-15 (ESV)

"The disciples have no idea that what they are about to experience is so cataclysmic. A new world is about to be born. It will be traumatic, confusing, and painful. But it is not just another hard time. It is the birth pangs of the new creation. Jesus has been as thorough as possible in explaining the meaning of history and his role in bringing it to a climax. But there are some things that just won't make sense until after the cross and resurrection. In addition, it will take the illuminating power of the "Helper" to cause them to see what is happening and what it means. It cannot be explained to the rational mind.

We often misunderstand biblical texts because we don't interpret them in light of the cross and resurrection. We stop short of their fullest meaning because the dynamics of the cross and resurrection are essential to hearing the word of God. So we end up with nice principles, lessons, and laws, but we miss the ultimate intention of every biblical text. Like the Pharisees in Jesus' day we search the scriptures thinking that in them we can find life, but we neglect the perspective of the Son as revealed by the Spirit.

The "Helper" Jesus promised earlier is now identified as the Spirit of truth. He comes to define and establish reality as found in God's kingdom. He is not interested in a new religion or novel interpretations of scripture. He is all about exposing the relationship Jesus has with the Father and showing believers how to access it for themselves. He takes the words Jesus spoke and reveals the life that is in them. He makes sense of all the injustice and mess-ups that occur and puts the puzzle together for the benefit of the sons of God. He shows how the Father gives everything to the Son and how the Son gives everything to his followers. He makes sonship real and unlocks the treasures contained in the inheritance.

It is no wonder the early disciples were unstoppable. They believed that they were recipients of the same fellowship enjoyed by the Father and Son. They actually believed they were living in a new world with a reality defined by the Spirit. They lived in the culture of the cosmos but they were citizens of another sphere. The Holy Spirit was more than another religious tool to be used in gaining some leverage in ministry endeavors. He was a true Comforter in confusing times and an Advocate to plead their case when the defeated powers of this age tried to usurp their authority.

We live on the "after" side of the cross when the Spirit has already been given. We have the privilege of receiving the "rest of the story" that He reveals. We cannot ignore such a great grace. We can, by faith, live in a new order and express that order in the world. It will cause confrontation and consternation, but ultimately transformation. Truth will win out over deception. The Father of lies has been stripped and exposed by Jesus on the cross. Now the sons of God the Father get to do our part in applying the truth wherever the pockets of darkness remain."

Simplify Your Spiritual Life

"But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ." - 2 Corinthians 11:3

It seems most of us are suffering with information overload. We as Christians have an incredible amount of books, blogs and podcast to sort through. I rarely ever go into a Christian bookstore or shop on-line unless, I have certain authors in mind. I'm open to learning from new teachers, but it seems best to me, to stick with those that you trust, and who feed you spiritually. Over the years I've bought into many of the latest fads, and eventually found myself throwing some of those books in the garbage can! I go through seasons when I can hardly read a book, and prefer to listen to my ipod instead. When I find my senses being overloaded, I know it's time to be still and know that He is God. I begin to work on the spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation. We must never spread ourselves so thin that we don't have enough time to meditate on and study scripture. As we seek to simplify our spiritual lives, we will experience greater peace and intimacy with God. - Bobby

What If ?

What if God showed up at your Church next Sunday morning?

What if He acted differently then you expected?

What if He took charge of the service?

Are we ready for that?

I pray that we are. - Bobby

Messages and Books on the Holy Spirit | Worship Matters

Messages and Books on the Holy Spirit | Worship Matters

I really like Bob Kauflin, a worship leader with Sovereign Grace Ministries. He is both theologically Reformed and Charismatic. I have his blog, Worship Matters on my blog list. Enjoy this article. - Bobby

Dreams

"For God speaks in one way,
and in two, though man does not perceive it.
In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on men,
while they slumber on their beds,
then he opens the ears of men
and terrifies them with warnings,
that he may turn man aside from his deed
and conceal pride from a man;
he keeps back his soul from the pit,
his life from perishing by the sword." - Job 33:14-18

Prophetic dreams have been extremely helpful on my journey with God. God still speaks to us in dreams today....I'm convinced of that. My wife and I once had the same dream in the same night. Now that will get your attention! A few of the details were different but the dream was basically the same. It was a warning dream. I had a dream recently that I felt God strongly warned me not to take on a problem at work that was too big for me to handle, and I heeded that warning. I believe if I hadn't changed my direction, I would have hurt my testimony. God teaches us through Scripture how to live, but sometimes he intervenes in our dreams to protect us from situations we need to avoid.

We must be careful not to base important decisions on dreams alone, but I think it's foolish not to take them seriously. I find it helpful to write them down and pray over them. Sometimes when I dream about someone I know, I share it with them to see if it's relevant or not. Dreams are usually symbolic so it's important to pray for an interpretation. Sometimes it comes quickly and at other times it takes a while to understand them. The more time we spend in the scriptures, the better we're able to discern if it's God speaking or the Mexican food we had the night before! - Bobby

Some Thoughts on My Prophetic Journey

"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." - I Thess. 5:19-22

"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." - Acts 17:11

If I had been blogging ten years ago all my links would have probably been to prophetic ministries. I've been to so many Morningstar (Rick Joyner) and Streams (John Paul Jackson) conferences I've lost count. Unlike many "Internet prophets" I refuse to attack these men. I don't agree with them on some things, but the spirit behind many of the "Internet prophets" is un-Christ like! I became interested in prophetic ministry around 1989 and I've benefited from the training I've received over the years at these conferences. Having said all of that; just as many in the church have elevated the office of teacher, as have become enamored with prophets. I've been guilty of both!

Teachers make mistakes in their teaching just as prophets misapply the meaning of prophecies. We need to be like the Jews in Berea and test the messages of the teachers as well as the prophets. At this point in my spiritual journey, I'm pursuing sound Biblical doctrine and at the same time trying not to quench the Spirit. The Word and Spirit go together....it's not a choice. - Bobby

An Evening of Eschatology: Desiring God Ministries

This is a great debate on the end times! The panel discusses different views of eschatology and they discuss the new heavens and new earth. I really like the round table format.

A Word For The Week From John Piper

Tim Keller on The Gospel and Idolatry

Tim Keller Session 1 from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

The Church at Brook Hills • The Radical Experiment

The Church at Brook Hills • The Radical Experiment - Click here to watch the question and answer videos.

The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham Alabama is becoming one of the most radical Churches in America. If the body of Christ in the western world would begin to examine what the Scriptures say about giving to the poor, we would radically impact the planet! - Bobby

The Love of Human Praise as the Root of Unbelief: John Piper

You can download all of John Pipers Sermons on the Desiring God website, but I think I'll start posting an excerpt of his messages on my blog each week. - Bobby

The Problem With Prophecy

There is no problem with the gift of prophecy. We should all earnestly desire to prophesy (I Cor. 14:1.) The problem comes when prophets teach doctrine based on their own personal spiritual experiences. Teachers need to teach Biblical based doctrine to the church and prophets need to encourage and share strategic vision to churches. Prophecy is not all about spectacular experiences but a gift that's main purpose is to encourage and strengthen the local New Testament Church.

I like this quote from Sam Storms in his book, "The Beginners Guide To Spiritual Gifts" Storms says,"Prophecy, unlike teaching, does not entail the exercise of an authoritative position within the local church. The prophet was but an instrument through whom revelation was reported to the congregation." Storms quotes Wayne Grudem: "Those who prophesied did not tell the church how to interpret and apply Scripture to life. They did not proclaim the doctrinal and ethical standards by which the church was guided, nor did they exercise governing authority in the church." (Page 98) - Bobby

Now Is The Time

Now is the time to pursue God.

Now is the time to push back darkness with godly living.

Now is the time to spend that extra time in prayer you've been thinking about.

Now is the time to do something for someone asking nothing in return.

Now is the time to reach out to that hard hearted person and to love the unlovely.

Now is the time to abandon yourself to God.

All we have is now....someday it will be to late. - Bobby

John Piper On The Glory of God and Panel Discussion

John Piper preaches on the glory of God and the panel discussion deals honestly with the times in which John Calvin lived. - Bobby

Calvin On The Joy Of The Last Resurrection : Dr. Sam Storms

This is a great message by Dr.Sam Storms at the recent Desiring God conference on John Calvin. As I've said before, I don't agree with everything John Calvin taught but this year in celebration of his 500th birthday his influence on the Church and western culture needs to be recognized. Calvin sought to do all things for the glory of God. - Bobby

What Is Suprising About John Calvin: Sam Storms

Greatly Annoyed

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12


"Greatly annoyed" that describes the Sadducees, Priests and other people who where listing to Peter and John as they were preaching the name of Jesus Christ in Acts Chapter 4. "Greatly annoyed" could be said about many in the western world today. I believe the spiritual decline we are seeing in America and Western Europe will continue to get worse but will ultimately be reversed. As the powers of darkness, wage war against the Name; we as Christians must continue to declare the name of Jesus even in the face of opposition. The Bible is clear "there is salvation in no one else." If we follow Christ we must believe who he said he is and obey his teaching and the teaching of the Apostles. You might say that sounds arrogant, but it's not, it's faithfulness to God's word and his opinion is the only one that matters. If you're a professing Christian and have bought into the prevailing lie of our pluralistic culture that there are many ways to heaven, it's time to choose between salvation in Christ alone or to follow a shallow and confused culture. We can't have it both ways- Bobby