Here is a rare second post for you, my dear friends. I’ve been so busy lately with Kayleigh’s Homeschooling, studying for the CNA exam, and taking care of a new puppy, that I missed this video for a week! I still haven’t been able to watch The Fool, but when I do I’ll give a full review. Until then, you’ll have to settle for another moving, and telling, video by LivingWaters. Please join me in praying for the young lady in this movie, and the young people Ray spoke to. This 30 minute video certainly gives us plenty to pray for! I’m sure it will bless you, and encourage you to share the Gospel, as it did me.
Month: September 2018
Hymns of the Past – Alas! By Nature How Depraved
Hello dear ones, I hope this post is finding you all doing well! You all know, if you’ve followed this blog long enough, that I adore hymns. And this hymn is a prime example of why! It’s Scripturally sound, and gives the Gospel to the hearers. What other reason is there to sing, than to proclaim the Good News? This hymn was written by John Newton, author of Amazing Grace. I pray it blesses you, beloved brethren, as always be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Alas! by nature how depraved,
How prone to every ill!
Our lives to Satan how enslaved,
How obstinate our will!
And can such sinners be restored,
Such rebels reconciled!
Can grace sufficient means afford
To make the foe a child!
Yes, grace has sound the wondrous means
Which shall effectual prove;
To cleanse us from our countless sins,
And teach our hearts to love.
Jesus for us a ransom paid,
And died that we might live;
His blood a full atonement made,
And cried aloud, Forgive.
Yet one thing more mus grace provide,
To bring us home to God;
Or we shall slight the Lord, who died,
And trample on his blood.
The holy Spirit must reveal
The Savior’s work and worth:
Then the hard heart begins to feel
A new and heavenly birth.
Thursday Book Review: The Institutes of the Christian Religion Book 2
I’m so excited, dear ones, to finally be writing this book review. If you missed my review of Book 1 you can find it here. The four books of the Institutes of the Christian Religion were written by the French Reformer John Calvin, who was a theologian and a pastor in Geneva. This work was originally published in 1536, although he updated it, and translated it, in the years following. The second book, while still addressing the papacy and other heretics of his time, focusing mostly on the will of man, and the similarities and differences between the New and Old Testaments. Amazingly, at the time, this was considered introductory reading on the Protestant Faith. That I could agree with in the first book, which was not just easy to read and understand, but a complete joy to do so. This book, on the other hand, is deep and rich, and precise. While still joyful, it required much more time and study.
Why? Well for starters, as a toddler in the faith, much of what he wrote about I hadn’t considered deeply enough to comprehend the conclusions. So, during the reading of his second book I did a great deal more study and prayer than was needed in the first. I would say that this was a great joy! Anything that pushes us to pray, and study, is needed. Again, I failed to see any hot button issues in this book, nor did I read even a hint of the accusations lobbied against Calvin today. On the contrary, it seemed as if, perhaps, those who judge so harshly haven’t read the Institutes. I genuinely hope that’s not the case, as believers we need to be very careful before we accuse our brethren of anything as weighty as the accusations I’ve seen lightly banded around the internet.
The two main issues I had expected to see in these books were the often repeated accusations that Calvin taught not to evangelize, and that Calvin taught man has no will therefor blaming God for mans mistakes. The exact opposite can be found in these first two books, both of which preached the Law and the Gospel more than once, and both place the blame of sin squarely on mankind’s fallen nature. Perhaps there is confusion in regards to the difference in word usage from then to now? Or perhaps there are some claiming to be Calvinists who have also not read and understood the Institutes, which teach incorrectly? I’m not sure yet, perhaps I will understand better the more I read and study.
I do recommend this book for all theologically inclined believers, or anyone who is confused by the divide between the Calvinists and Arminians. So far, the only difference I can see is whether or not man plays any roll in salvation. There are so many who fall on a range of explanations in that area, although all born again believers will give God the glory for His grace in sending His Son to save us. I certainly do not mean to make light of such a serious issue, but am inclined to suspect the other allegations against the Institutes are either misunderstandings, or incorrect arguments being repeated. Only time will tell, beloved brethren, as I eagerly delve into the third book!
I can tell you, friends, that the differences in opinions should not stop you from reading these masterpieces of Christian theology. Calvin outlines every chapter precisely, so notes are easier, and explanations are clearer. He makes his points using Scripture, church fathers, and brethren from the past, though mostly leaning on Scripture. It’s not the type of book I would recommend for a quick read, or for those who barely have time to read the Bible. Gods Word is of upmost importance, though this book is a great accompaniment with Bible study as it digs into verses with careful exegesis. The second book, like the first one, is in the public domain. Yay, free! You can read the PDF here, the audio here, the Kindle here, or a hard copy (which I recommend for a book this deep in theology) here. As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Wednesday Testimony – Francisca from Chili
My friends, it’s time for another Wednesday Testimony. We’re going to continue to highlight HeartCry Missionary Societies wonderful work all over the world, bringing the Gospel to the lost and glorifying the name of God. Francisca’s testimony is one like many of ours, she created a false god, and when that failed she eventually came to hate the one true God. I wept as I read her words, recognizing the wretchedness of my own heart so resembled what she was saying. That God saved those that are His enemy is beyond my small minds ability to understand.
This is a true, genuine miracle, beloved brethren. Not gold dust in the ventilation system, not falling down uncontrollably in laughter, not statues crying blood, no that is all owing to a small view of the Holy Spirit. What God does in a sinners heart, what God did in Sauls heart, in my heart, in Francisca’s heart, is a miracle. We were His enemies, dead in our sins, and He, out of the richness of His mercy and grace, rescued us from the wrath to come. He gave us knew hearts, new desires, and a hope! Below is Francisca’s testimony, if you read it and realize you’ve never experienced anything like this. If you look into your own heart and see a love, not for God, but for your sin, please work through your salvation through fear and trembling. Over 150,000 people die everyday, young and old alike, so today is the day of salvation. Don’t let this go, or shrug it off, cry out to God, repent of your sins, and put your faith in Christ alone.
Francisca’s Testimony by HeartCry Missionary Society
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. If you’ve missed some of the other HeartCry Missionary Society’s testimonies I’ve been highlighting on Wednesday’s, there are some links below. As always dear ones, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Dynamic Series – Hydrodynamics Part III The Principles
Hello and happy Monday my friends! Today is another fantastic opportunity to stretch our brains and glorify God in His marvelous creation. As you know, if you follow this blog, we’ve been discussing briefly the varies studies of dynamics. Currently we’re on Hydrodynamics, the principles involved specifically. Hydrodynamics is more than just a fun word, but also applies to our everyday lives in fascinating ways.
There are three forces that impact fluid movement, those three are gravity, pressure, and stress on the surface. The main principle is Bernoulli’s Equation, which we’ve discussed previously. The equation is as difficult to explain as it is to understand, so I’ve found a video to help. Below is a video that really helped Kayleigh and I put the Laws and the principles together. I have not checked the other videos, so I certainly couldn’t endorse this YouTube channel, but this particular video was super helpful.
I love how she simplified the example given, can you imagine how complex this gets when viscosity is changed? While this is certainly not my favorite corner of science, it’s important to see how orderly Gods creation works. What we see is that everything God has made obeys the laws given to it, whether that be the planets in orbit or the molecules in our bodies. We certainly serve a great God, one that not only upholds the universe, but also took out my cold, dead, heart and replaced it with a living one. Miraculously, without my ability to earn it, God saved me from the wrath to come. I deserved that wrath because I broke Gods Law, the Ten Commandments. God gave me the air I breath, the blood in my veins, the love of my family, and chocolate, I should have worshipped Him gladly. Instead I created a god in my own image, one who didn’t mind when I sinned. I’ve broken all ten laws in thought, if not in deed, which is why I deserved wrath. Unlike fluid, humanity disobeys God daily, and as a just, righteous God, He must condemn sinners. In His loving kindness He condescended to become man, Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect, sinless life. Christ died in our place, to bare the wrath we deserved, so that we could be forgiven and saved. We must repent of our sins, and put our faith in Christ alone. If you have any questions about this, or about the principles involved in Hydrodynamics please feel free to ask. As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Hymns of the Past – Why Should I Sorrow More?
Yesterday, dear ones, I was listening to Ray Comforts Hell’s Best Kept Secret yet again. If you’ve listened you know he uses the example of a passenger on a plane who will eventually have to jump. Something that struck me as oh, so true and sweetly so, was how he described the born again believer. He explained that, though the parachute is heavy and other passengers make fun of you for wearing it, though the flight be bumpy, or difficult, you can rest in the knowledge that you’re safe come time to jump. It’s so true that we have no need to sorrow more, we have this great hope for when we step into eternity. What a beautiful truth! This hymn fit so perfectly with that, I pray it blesses you as it blessed me.
Why should I sorrow more?
I trust a Saviour slain,
And safe beneath His sheltering cross
Unmoved I shall remain.
Let Satan and the world,
Ever my heart allure;
The promises in Christ are made
Unchangeable and sure.
The oath infallible
Is now my spirits trust;
I know that He Who spoke the word,
Is faithful, true, and just.
He’ll bring me on my way
Unto my journeys end;
He’ll be my Father and my God,
My Saviour and my Friend.
So all my doubts and fears
Shall wholly flee away,
And every mournful night of tears
Be turned to joyous day.
All that remains for me
Is but to love and sing,
And wait until the angels come
To bear me to the King.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
The Rock – But Can He Lift It?
Hello, beloved brethren, I hope this post has found you all doing well! It’s Friday, usually I only post on Fridays if there’s something I want to talk to you all about that doesn’t fit any of my other obsessively themed days of the week. I’d call it our Friday Funday, but that would be a theme. Themeless Friday? I’m digressing…this is why I have themes. I do actually have something important to discuss with you all, it’s in regards to a statement I’m sure we’ve all heard. “Can God create a rock so big He couldn’t lift it?” This is usually thrown about by atheists and is one of the easiest questions to segue into the Gospel that you’ll get. Law to the proud, grace to the humble, this question sets you up to do just that.
The question itself has been long since dismissed by philosophers as illogical, due to it committing the dreaded equivocation fallacy. If you’re beginning statement is that the God of the Bible is real, He is spirit and will be worshipped in spirit. This means applying the attributes of lifting anything to such a God is giving Him anthropomorphic qualities that go against His nature. Thus the God you begin with is not the god you end with, in such a statement. Logic is fun, huh? Fortunately it’s not taught in schools, so we’re still going to be asked this question. Smile, dear ones, when you hear this question! The lost are asking you to tell them about God!
When this is brought up I usually address the logic first, then I answer it in two ways. First the Law, explaining that there are things God can not do. He can not sin, He is righteous, He is holy, He is not man that He should lie. Run the person through the ‘Good Person Test’ or explain the Law and how we’ve broken it. That’s the best way to show how God is a just Judge, who can not let criminals go. That’s when you can address God made man, Jesus Christ, who lived a holy life and died in our place. Grace to the humble!
It wasn’t very long ago, beloved friends, that we went through logical fallacies. If you missed that series here are all the links.
We must always be prepared to give an answer for the hope which is within us. Anytime someone wants to talk about God, or the Bible, remember that they’ve asked you about that very hope, even if they’ve done so in a malicious or facetious way. We should be overjoyed when this happens, and lovingly give an answer. It’s possible that the person asking is not truly open to an answer, they might just enjoy the argument that follows. This is why the Law is for the proud, and grace is for the humble. Some sow, others water, but only God can bring the increase. Share the truth as lovingly as you can, and move on. By moving on, of course, I mean pray for that individual. Daily. Don’t be discouraged by these type of questions, or let them hinder you from sharing the Gospel. The power to save has never, and thankfully will never, rest on us. We must do what we can, weak and flawed as we are.
If you’re interested in hearing refutations for the so called ‘contradictions’ in the Bible our brother in Christ, Pastor Jim, deals with those here. Also, another brother in Christ, Tom, has been dealing with verses twisted by Roman Catholics, and how to handle those situations, here. I’m so thankful for these brothers diligence, and careful handling of Gods Word! I pray they’ll be an instrument of edification for you all, as they have been for me. If you have any questions, or have spoken to lost friends and family members and would like me to join you in prayer for them, let me know in the comment section. Have you heard this question? What kind of odd questions have you heard? As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Wednesday Testimony – Chhihno from Cambodia
This weeks testimony is from Cambodia, dear ones. HeartCry Missionary Society is sharing the Good News of the Gospel all over the world, even in places where it’s dangerous. Please join me in praying for our Cambodian brothers and sisters, and the missionaries of HeartCry. Let us also rejoice in Gods goodness that He saves wretched like us! To God be the glory!
Below is the testimony of our brother in Christ, Chhinho from Cambodia. I pray his story blesses you as much as it blessed me. As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Dynamic Series – Hydrodynamics Part II The Laws
Hello again, beloved brethren, I hope this post finds you all doing well. If you’ll recall, in our series through dynamics, we’re on Hydrodynamics now. Today we’re going to discuss the laws of hydrodynamics. Isn’t it wonderful how God designed everything, put it all in motion, and upholds it minute by minute. Without this consistent obedience to Gods law, the blood flowing in our veins might cease, the waters running down our rivers could settle, life would stop. God truly has revealed Himself in His creation, we are all without excuse. What are these laws that literally keep our heart beating? The Laws of Conservation.
No, we’re not talking about reusing plastic. The Laws of Conservation of mass, energy, and linear momentum are the three laws used when referencing fluid dynamics. The conservation of mass is simply that mass can not be added or removed in a closed system. It’s the same law as matter not being created nor destroyed. Remember, dear ones, God finished His work on day 6, and rested on day 7. Nothing will be added to, or removed from, Gods work until Christ returns. In regards to Fluid Dynamics, Conservation of Mass has implications for movement through things such as ships in an ocean, or blood cells through veins. You can move the mass of fluid, you can put pressure on it to manipulate the flow, but you can not create fluid from nothing, nor can you destroy it.
The second law listed is the Conservation of Energy, most often called the first law of thermodynamics. I left thermodynamics last because, well one it’s my favorite, and two, it ties these all together. This Law states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, like mass it just changes forms. Again, my friends, God rested on the 7th day from all His works. The last law mentioned is linear momentum, also known as Newton’s Second Law of Motion. This just states that the movement of a fluid is equal to the force applied. Our heart pumps our blood at a certain rate, rushing oxygen to the needed places. The movement is equal to the force.
Those are the three laws that Hydrodynamics follows, Conservation of Mass, Energy, and Linear Momentum. I can not stress enough to you, brethren, that our universe is orderly, not chaotic. From the planets orbits, to the microscopic atoms, everything does what it’s supposed to do. To look around at these laws, so beautifully and intelligently designed, and suggest that an explosion created them is genuinely repressing the truth in unrighteousness. I hope this series blesses you all, and glorifies the Creator by showing yet again that He truly is upholding all things. As always, dear friends, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Thursday Book Review – A Divine Cordial by Thomas Watson
Hello again, dear ones, I hope this post finds you all well! Today I’d like to review another Thomas Watson book. As you’ll recall, Thomas Watson was a Puritan preacher in the 17th Century. His books have been a tremendous blessing to me, so it should come as little surprise that I loved A Divine Cordial as well. This book was first published in 1663, so you guessed it, it’s in the public domain. Translate free. I read it as a result of the wilderness wondering I’m in at the moment. This past month has been a series of difficulties, which made this book a beautiful read. A Divine Cordial is Thomas Watson’s exposition of Romans 8:28, in which he explains how God works the joyful, and the sorrowful for our good as born again believers.
I recall when I was first born again that year was simultaneously the best of times, and the worst of times. The wilderness I was brought through effectively worked sanctification in my life, and drew me to lean more fully on Christ crucified. I earnestly look forward to the results of the hardships I’m facing now, though I’d not wish the pain on my worst enemy, the pruning always brings forth greater fruit. And that, beloved, I do wish on you all. This is why A Divine Cordial was so timely, although I wish I had read it a few weeks ago. Not only does Watson exegete this verse, along with many other, in a clear and concise manner, he also presents the Gospel. Which makes this book a perfect gift for everyone struggling, including those we love who are lost. It explains why we go through difficult times, and how we can still bring glory to God in them. That being said, I whole heartedly recommend this book to all believers, with a suggestion that you read it before the hard times come, so you’ll be better prepared. This book is, like I said, in the public domain so you can read it for free here, listen to the audiobook free here, get the kindle here, or a hard copy here.
Tulips & Honey 