The Saturday Post(s)

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Dana Dill

Saturday Post

What Kind of Blessing? Don’t miss this short one. Kevin DeYoung asks us what kind of blessings are we looking for and warns of following the world’s beatitudes instead of Christ’s.

Ladies, Know Your Role. “One of the reasons many wives struggle in their marriages is because they refuse to embrace the role God has given them as helper to their husband. The word “helper” ruffles their feather and their pride demands a higher position, a more noble title. But such desires sabotage marriage and prevent us from fulfilling our calling.”

Theology vs. Racism Primer. With the Ferguson uproar, this is a timely gift.

One of the Best Counseling Tips for Christians. Don’t quote scripture to your friend. “So yes, your friend needs Scripture. So do you – but Scripture that’s personalized, melded to real life. Don’t be content with abstractions. Ask questions. Pray for wisdom. And then speak.”

Defining Forgiveness. If someone were to ask you to define forgiveness, what would you say? “Being in the church and using ‘Christian language’ as much as I do, I have used the term ‘forgiveness’ for decades and a little while ago, I realized that I wasn’t really clear on a definition of the term…”

The White Helmets. This article made me think of Jesus, the Greatest White Helmet. “As the Syrian Civil War continues the death count rises in terrible numbers every day. Since the conflict began in 2011, over 200,000 people have died. But amid the terror, there is a small army of unarmed and politically impartial volunteers bringing hope to as many as they can. They are the Syrian Civil Defense, called the White Helmets, and they do what one journalist who spent time with them called the most dangerous job in the most dangerous city.”

3 Mistakes Our Definition of God Must Address to Avoid Atheism. This is excellent. “It’s important for a Christian ministry to have a good definition of God…In fact, the definition I’m proposing will turn billions of religious people into atheists by the end of this article.”

Dear Single Christian Sister…An very good open letter to all single Christian women. Lots of wisdom. If you are a single Christian lady, read it. If you are not, read it.

Breaking Up to the Glory of God. How should Christian breakups look like? Deepak offers some good counsel. As a supplementary read about Christian dating, check this out.

 When Your Dad is a CG Artist. Coolest thing ever.

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The Most Terrifying Picture in All the Bible

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Dana Dill

Hide us from the wrath of the lamb of GodHave you ever met anybody who champions Jesus as the model of perfect love who never gets angry at anything or anyone? You know, a Jesus that is all mercy and no wrath?

Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds us well of one scene (among many) they may be forgetting:

I know of nothing that is so terrifying in the whole of the Bible, as the statement there in the last book, in Revelation 6, which tells us of those men and women who at the end, when they see (Jesus), will call to the mountains, and the rocks to fall upon them and to hide them – from what? From the wrath of the Lamb, the Lamb of God, the incarnation of love. It is his wrath that is the most terrifying thing of all. (Take from Revival, p. 41).

The wrath of Jesus Christ is the most “terrifying thing of all.” Far from being the harmless teacher whose only message is tolerance and kindness, Jesus Christ is presented in the Bible as the One to fear and turn to for the grace and mercy He alone offers (Matthew 11:28-30) to be saved from the wrath and torment He alone will give (Revelation 6:12-17).

When thinking about Jesus, we must make sure that we don’t think of him lopsidedly. We must make sure we don’t make Jesus all about love and with no hint of wrath and we cannot make him all of wrath with no love. The Jesus of the Bible cannot be contained by just one caption and cannot be adequately described by one attribute.So, let’s not Mr. Potato Head our own version of Jesus. We must let Him be who He says He is and nothing else.

 

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My One Goal Every Morning

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Dana Dill
George Mueller | 1805-1898

George Mueller | 1805-1898

George Mueller (1805–1898) is remembered for his massive ministry to orphans in England over a century ago. John Piper does an excellent biographical sketch of his life here. In listening to his sketch, I will always remember this quote from Mueller about the one goal he sought after each morning.

The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was . . . how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished . . .

Mueller exhorts others with the same counsel.

According to my judgement the most important point to be attended to is this: above all things see to it that your souls are happy in the Lord. Other things may press upon you, the Lord’s work may even have urgent claims upon your attention, but I deliberately repeat, it is of supreme and paramount importance that you should seek above all things to have your souls truly happy in God Himself! Day by day seek to make this the most important business of your life. This has been my firm and settled condition for the last five and thirty years. For the first four years after my conversion I knew not its vast importance, but now after much experience I specially commend this point to the notice of my younger brethren and sisters in Christ: the secret of all true effectual service is joy in God, having experimental acquaintance and fellowship with God Himself.

Don’t just do devotionals or have quiet times as an end in themselves. Remember, God’s Word is a means by which God draws us close to Himself that we may delight ourselves in Him. More than anything, may all we do be a means to be happy in the Lord.

If I am happy in Jesus, a pursuit of and labor for holiness will follow.

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Twelve Reasons to Go to Church

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Dana Dill

churchA lot of Christians don’t know quite what to do with the church. Some say they are better off not going to church. Others think the church is an option for Christians if they want. Few would be as bold to say that going to church is essential for the Christian life.

I am one of those few.

Far from thinking the church is a possible add-on or accessory for Christians, I believe that Jesus Christ came to save sinners and bring them into the church. The design of our salvation lands us smack in the middle of God’s people. Intentionally being a part/member of the church is essential for anyone wanting to follow Jesus obediently. To support this, I offer twelve reasons from Donald Whitney’s excellent book Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church for why going to church is essential for the Christian life.

Going to Church is a Biblical Requirement for All Christians. “The Bible is very plain: ‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25)…If this chapter ended here, no further proof would be needed concerning God’s will about church attendance…Ultimately whether or not you go to church is a question of whether you will obey God and submit to the authority of His Word.”

Going to Church Prevents Backsliding & Apostasy. “Church attendance is no automatic guarantee against spiritual setbacks. No Christian progresses in faith with perfect consistency. But without going to church, backsliding – or worse 0r is almost a certainty…If you can miss church and not miss church, then something is absent from your heart and faith.”

Going to Church Bring Spiritual Fellowship & Encouragement. “If a child is going to be emotionally healthy, he needs the socialization and encouragement a family can provide. in the same way, every child of God needs the fellowship and encouragement that God intends for him to receive from a church family if he is going to be spiritually healthy.”

Going to Church Expresses Obedience to the Greatest Commandment. “How can we believe we’re trying to fulfill the greatest of all God’s commandments (Mark 12:28-30), and how can we say we want to love the Lord our God with all we are, if we won’t even obey his command to meet regularly with other Christians? We should go to church because we love God more than anything.”

Going to Church Follows Jesus’ Example. “Do you want to be like Jesus? Do you realize that Jesus made it His regular practice to attend the public worship of God the Father with the people of God (Luke 4:16)?”

Going to Church is a Testimony of Support for God’s Work in the World. “(People) see where you go on Sunday…They see by this what’s important to you and that you are committed to the support of God’s work in this world…Staying away from church does not help gather people to Jesus.”

Going to Church Enables You to Hear in Person the Preaching of God’s Word. “I can understand the Christian who can’t get enough of the Word from the sermons at church, but not the one who gets enough without church.”

Going to Church Allows You to Take the Lord’s Supper. “The Lord’s Supper was given to the church for observance, not to individual Christians. This is an ordinance that should be celebrated in the fellowship of the local church.”

Going to Church Enables You to Experience Special Blessings from God. “In ways that He does not do when we worship Him alone, God blesses us with strength, instruction, and encouragement when we come together at church to worship Him.”

Going to Church Helps Prevent an Unbalanced Christian Life. “Christians who don’t attend church are usually the most unbalanced Christians. The difficulty, however, is that they don’t realize it. It’s not easy to discern when your Christian life is unbalanced. Other can usually detect a lack of balance in us better than we can see it in ourselves…The Lord uses His body, the church, to protect us against the common temptations that lead to imbalance.”

Going to Church is One Indication of Eternal Life. “Church attendance is not proof that a person has eternal life, but it is one favorable indication. 1 John 3:14 leads us to believe that those with eternal life will want to go to church. That verse says, “‘We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers…’ How can anyone say he has this kind of heaven-generated love for the brothers (other Christians) when he doesn’t even love them enough to be with them? Can you imagine a person affirming his love for his family, but then saying that he doesn’t care if he ever sees them again?”

Not Going to Church is One Indication of Not Being in God’s Family. “While church attendance typically characterizes Christians, people who aren’t interested in going to church may have that attitude precisely because they are not Christians. I make such a bold statement based upon God’s Word in 1 John 2:19. In this verse John clarifies for his readers why some people had stopped being a part of their fellowship. ‘They went out from us,” he explains, “but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.’ If they really belonged to the Christian family, John reasons, they would show it by their presence with the family. Their absence reveals the spurious nature of their Christianity.”

I think Whitney’s conclusion is spot on:

Anyone who, without regret, is persistently willing to disobey the Lord’s command to meet with the people of God when they gather for public worship (Hebrews 10:25), and who is willing to forsake all the privileges and blessings God provides through the local church, may have some “religion,” but he or she does not have biblical Christianity.

In a day of such rampant individualism, I think Whitney’s book, from which these excerpts came, is one of the most needed books for Christians today. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Buy it for yourself and be blessed.

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Two Jews Named Smith & Jones

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Dana Dill
I realize the picture is anachronistic, but deal with it.

I realize the picture is anachronistic, but deal with it.

One of the big lessons Christians grow to learn is the difference between trusting in their performance for God’s approval and resting in the performance of Christ on their behalf for God’s approval. Essentially, it is learning what to put our confidence in.

To help bring the power of this lesson home, D.A. Carson offers an unforgettable illustration.

Picture two Jews with the remarkable names of Smith and Jones. They live in the land of Goshen almost a millennium and a half before Christ. It is early evening, and they are talking to each other near the end of the ten plagues. Mr. Smith says to Mr. Jones, “Mr. Jones, have you daubed the two doorposts and the lintel with the blood of the lamb tonight?”

Mr. Jones replies, “Oh yes, I certainly have. You heard what Moses said. The angel of death is passing through the land. Some of the plagues have afflicting just the Egyptians, but some of the them have been over the whole land. Moses insisted that this plague was going to run throughout the entire land of Goshen where we live, as well as the rest of Egypt. The firstborn of people and of cattle are going to be killed. The only exceptions are in those homes that have been daubed with lamb’s blood, the way that Moses prescribed.” He pauses and then adds, “I’m really excited about this because this means that our redemption is drawing near. Of course, I’ve slaughtered the lamb. My friends and relatives are all here, and we’re ready to go. I’ve daubed the blood of the lamb on the two doorposts and on the lintel. How about you, Mr. Smith?”

Mr. Smith replies, “Well, of course, I’ve done the same thing. But boy, am I worried. Have you seen the things that have gone on around here the last few months? Frogs, lice, hail, death. Now Moses is talking about every firstborn. Look, I’ve got only one son; you’ve got three. I love my Charlie, and I don’t want to lose him. I am scared witless. There is not going to be any sleep for me tonight.”

Rather surprised, Mr. Jones replies, “What are you worried about? God himself has promised through His servant Moses that if you have daubed the blood on the two doorposts and on the lintel, you are saved. Your child will be saved. Charlie will be here tomorrow morning. You’ve already put the blood on the two doorposts and on the lintel.” Mr Smith replies, “Well, you’ve got that last bit right. I’ve certainly done that, but I am scared witless just the same.”

That night the angel of death passes through the land. Who loses his son? Mr. Smith of Mr. Jones? The answer, of course, is neither – because the promise was based not on the intensity of their faith nor on the joy of their obedience but on whether they hid under the blood of the lamb. (Taken from Scandalous, p. 100-101).

You see? Our salvation is not based on the strength of our faith or the joy we demonstrate, but on whether or not we have faith in Christ as our sacrifice. God does not judge us by our maturity or strength or courage, but by whether or not we have covered ourselves in the blood of the lamb (Rev. 12:11). God will make good on His promise to save all those who trust in Jesus – even if they do so shaking in their boots. Our salvation is not based upon our subjective feelings of being saved, but on the objective work of Christ in saving us.

As the old song says…

I need no other argument.

I need no other plea.

It is enough that Jesus died

And that he died for me.

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The Saturday Post(s)

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Dana Dill

Saturday Post

Atheistic Morality. A brilliant display of what atheistic morality naturally looks like. Amy Hall sums it up well, “There is no “just as moral” here; we’re differently moral.”

Ferguson Analysis. Justin Taylor offers a helpful look at the Ferguson controversy. “One of the confusing things about the fallout from the shooting of Michael Brown by Officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri, is the differing perspectives of many blacks and whites, even those who are united in the gospel and share the same theology. There seems to me to be four basic positions one could take—and have been taken—at this point…”

Especially If You Are a Pastor, Read This. “We preach and visit and serve under the gospel of grace, and God accepts us because of his Son.”

What’s Up With the Crackers & Juice? Joe Thorn recently completed a very good and thought provoking series on the Lord’s Supper. You can access all eight parts of the series and get a good load of resource recommendations for your own study.

It’s Time to Annihilate the ISIS. I 100% agree.

Four Short Truths on Suicide. Lots of people are talking about suicide right now, here are four simple truths that should help guide the conversation.

The Heart of Christ. One of my middle school interns shares some golden quotes from his reading of Thomas Goodwin’s The Heart of Christ. Try to not be stirred.

College Doesn’t Change Your Heart, It Reveals It. Excellent. This is what I think the reason so many students leave the church when they get to college; they were not really of the church (1 John 2:19).

Which Gospel Tracts Do You Use? Although many think they are out of style, I am a big fan of using gospel tracts to evangelize. Here is a list of several very good gospel tracts to choose from.

This is Incredible. It all makes sense at 1:52.

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What Our Marriage is Built Upon

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Dana Dill
August 21, 2010

August 21, 2010

Yesterday, my wife and I celebrated our four-year wedding anniversary. For us that has marked 12 years knowing each other, 10 years dating, and 4 years marriage. Each year with her is a gift of which I am growing increasingly thankful for. Proverbs 18:22 has proven true with each anniversary, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.”

In our marriage, we have made a habit of reading through our wedding vows with each passing anniversary. Our vows are very special to us not only because they are the promises our marriage stands on, but also because they encapsulate our best understanding of what God calls us to be for one another. In creating our vows, Chawna and I did our best to scour the Scriptures for what God calls husbands to be and do for their wives and vice verse. Rereading our vows refreshes us in what God calls each of us to be.

So, this year, with the creation of this blog, and upon Chawna’s permission, we thought it would be fun to share our vows with whomever would like to read them. We hope they bless you as they do us.

My Vows to Chawna 

I, Dana take you, Chawna, to be my beautiful wedded wife and I promise before God, His Holy Church and all His Creation that…

I will make every effort to be used by God to make you more like His Great Son Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Lord.

I will labor to bring you happiness all the days of my life.

I will strive to lead our family to the heart of the Holy Trinity where there is unity undivided, peace undisturbed and love unsearchable.

I will sacrifice to put your needs before my own, honoring you as a daughter of the King.

I will protect you with all my might and power.

I will fight to provide all that you need even if it means I go without

I will love you with Christ as my example. As He has given Himself for you, so will I. As He has sought your growth in holiness, so will I. As He fights to protect you, so will I. As He cherishes and loves you, so will I.

Chawna’s Vows to Me

I, Chawna take you, Dana, to be my wedded husband and I promise before God, His Holy Church and all His Creation that…

I will be faithful to you all the days of my life.

I will respect you and keep an attitude of submission in everything as you submit to Christ.

I will strive to be the helper God has created me to be as I support, encourage, and serve you so you may be the man God has created you to be.

I will labor to bring you good and never harm as I walk beside you.

I will freely give of myself for your benefit all the days of my life.

I will labor to make our house a home; where peace is known, love is given, and Christ is honored.

I will love you with Christ as my example. As He has given Himself for you, so will I. As He has sought your growth in holiness, so will I. As He cherishes and loves you, so will I.

Four years ago we promised these things to each other. Four years later, they still guide, instruct, encourage, and correct us. These are the promises that fuel our love and anchor our marriage.

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A Very Old-School, But Helpful Scripture Memory System

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Dana Dill

The Bible is the source from which Christians draw their comfort, hope, and joy. It is food for our hunger, water for our thirst, and sunlight for our eyes. Not only do we want to read it, meditate on it, learn it, and share it, but we want to memorize it as well. However, in such a fast-paced, distracting, and loud world, the slow and steady work of memorizing scriptures is becoming increasingly difficult for us. We need all the help we can get.

My wife and I have recently found what is turning out to be a very helpful system of memorization and review. It is explained below. Before you listen to the video, let me encourage you to watch it until the end. The beginning of the video seems like the system will be very overwhelming, but it will all make simple sense once you reach the end.

 

As for materials, you can get creative. My wife and I decided to buy this 3X5 index card box with these 3X5 index card dividers that organize these 3X5 index cards that will have our scriptures on them. I took a picture of our box which you can look at below.

Our little treasure chest.

Our little treasure chest.

As an extra encouragement toward the practice of memorizing the Bible, listen to Chuck Swindoll’s exhortation…

I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.

May your mind be filled with God’s Word so your heart may overflow with His love and your hands may be quick to do His will.

HT: Stand to Reason who got it from Justin Taylor who got it from Simply Charlotte Mason. Now that’s sharing!

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Would There Be a Difference?

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Dana Dill

Test-TakingC.J. Mahaney:

Imagine I take a blind test in which my task is to identify the genuine follower of Jesus Christ. My choices are an unregenerate individual and you.

I’m given two reports detailing conversations Internet activity, manner of dress, iPod playlists, television habits, hobbies, leisure time, financial transactions, thoughts, passions, and dreams.

The question is: Would I be able to tell you apart? Would I discern a difference between you and your unconverted neighbor, coworker, classmate, or friend?

Have the lines between Christian and worldly conduct in your life become so indistinguishable that there really is no difference at all? (Taken from Wordliness, p. 24)

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A Throne & a Cross

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Dana Dill

Crosscrown.svgIn a day where there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding of what following Jesus actually entails, I found this simple point and illustration to be profoundly helpful.

J.D. Greear writes:

Jesus said following Him meant “denying ourselves” and “taking up our cross.” It is important to note that He didn’t give us a list of things to deny; He said we must deny our very selves, that is, the center of our desires, decision-making faculties, and source of identity. in those days, “taking up your cross” would have meant forfeiting any hold on your life.

My childhood Sunday school teacher used to say it like this, “In every heart there is a throne and a cross. If Christ is on the throne, self must be on the cross. But if self is on the throne, Christ will be on the cross.” (Taken from Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart, p. 60-61).

Which is it for you, my friend? Who sits on the throne and who hangs upon the cross in your heart? Who is neglected and forsaken and who reigns as king? You or Jesus?

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