Hip-Hop Weekend--Shai Linne (Pt. 2)

This is the second post featuring Shai Linne for the weekend. Today's song is a song about Charles Spurgeon, one of the greatest preachers God has ever graced us with. Enjoy!!

Hip-Hop Weekend--Shai Linne

For the month of May, I have decided that my weekend posts will be dedicated to Gospel-Centered Hip Hop Music. This weekend's posts will be dedicated to rapper Shai Linne. Shai is a rapper who has his theology straight, and it shows through every one of his songs. Today's clip is his song, "The Cross".

10 Christian Sites You Should Visit

Today's final Top 10 List is 10 Christian Sites that you should visit. Enjoy!!

1. Challies.com

2. Wretched Radio

3. Sacred Sandwich

4. Grace to You

5. Competent Counseling

6. Jovan Mackenzy

7. The Museum of Idolatry

8. Nathan W. Bingham

9. Solid Food Media

10. Tullian Tchividjian

10 Reasons Heaven Will Be Amazing

Today's Top 10 list is 10 reasons Heaven will be amazing.

1. Jesus will be there!

2-10. Do we really need anything else? ...

10 Biblical Names You Shouldn't Give Your Children

Today continues the Top 10 list with 10 Bible Names that you shouldn't give to your children.

1. Jezebel

2. Ahab

3. Nabol

4. Nimrod

5. Judas

6. Mahalalel

7. Balaam

8. Aholibamah

9. Basemath

10. Gomer

10 Ways You Know You Are A Calvinist

The top 10's continue today with the list of 10 ways you know you are a Calvinist.

1. You don't have a "problem of evil"--thanks to Romans 9.

2. You don't redefine words such as "predestined" when you come across them in your Bible.

3. You preach the Gospel to your friends without needing a "prompting."

4. Your worship is God-centered.

5. You understand you are a mer by-product of the Gospel--not the center of it.

6. You understand that grace is supposed to be "unfair"--because it is grace.

7. One of your children has the name "Calvin" or "Luther".

8. You understand that "free-will" is a philosophical concept and not a Biblical one.

9. You've bookmarked Ephesians 1, Romans 9, Hebrews, and John in your Bible.

10. You believe there is actually a plan of salvation which involves the entire Trinity.

Easter Weekend Worship (Pt. 3)

Today, Easter Sunday, continues the Easter Weekend Worship theme. Jesus is Risen!! Hallelujah! Today's song, while not being specifically about the Resurrection, nevertheless explains the great grace that we have received because of Christ. Enjoy!!

Easter Weekend Worship (Pt. 2)

Today continues the Easter Weekend celebration of Jesus Christ--both His death and His resurrection. Today's post is of Stuart Townend singing "In Christ Alone."

Easter Weekend Worship

This weekend, as we celebrate Easter, I wanted to post a few videos of worship songs which will put the focus where it should be--on Jesus. Jesus is the One who has paid the debt of His people's sin. Jesus is the One whom God raised from the dead after 3 days. So, it seems fitting to put our thoughts on Him not just this weekend, but every day, in gratitude for what He has done. Today's video is of Stuart Townend singing "How Deep The Father's Love For Us". Enjoy!!

10 Ways You Know You Are An Arminian

Today's Top 10 list is 10 ways you know you are an Arminian.

1. You have been "saved" 142 times.

2. You use John 3:16 (specifically the "whosoever") to interpret the whole Bible.

3. You don't have a problem giving away motorcycles to get people to "make a decision".

4. You go to a Calvary Chapel.

5. You think that election is "unfair".

6. You have no problem adding "omni-agape" (indiscriminate love) to God's attributes.

7. You believe that salvation is up to man--but somehow all the glory still goes to God...

8. Revelation 3:20 is your favorite Gospel verse.

9. Charles Finney is your favorite "theologian".

10. You've "asked Jesus into your heart," but you don't necessarily have to let Him run the place.

10 Things Atheists Should Stop Saying to Christians

Today continues the Top 10 lists. Today's list is 10 things that atheists should stop saying to Christians.

1. "Jesus never existed"

2."Do you believe in Santa Claus and the Flying Spaghetti Monster too?"

3. "I can be good without God!"

4. "Do you wear blended fabrics?"

5. "Evolution disproves the Bible."

6. "The Bible was written by men."

7. "Christians are hypocrites."

8. "There's no proof for the existence of God."

9. "I just believe in one less God than you do."

10. "Religion was just created to suppress people."

10 Reasons Not to Believe in Evolution

To continue the list of "Top 10's," here's 10 reasons you should not believe in evolution. Enjoy!!

1. The Ever-Missing Link--Whether Lucy, Java Man, Piltdown Man, or whatever other "missing link" that have been found, there has never been found a cross-species evolutionary example.

2. The Missing Links--Even if the "missing link" is found, it won't really solve the overall problem--the fact that there should be billions of "missing links" that would show the evolution from Goo through the Zoo to You.

3. The Ever-Changing Age of the Timeline--Dinosaurs lived 2.4 billion years ago. Or was it 2.4 million years ago? I can't keep it straight because it is always changing. If Christians tried to pull the same timeline tricks evolutionists play with the age of the earth with the Gospel, no one would believe it for one minute.

4. Fossil evidence--Fossils give evidence for the fact that the species we have are all based on the Biblical "kinds," not on evolutionary shape-changing.

5. Carbon Dating--Carbon Dating, when done without a presupposition that we know how the universe has always been (despite evidence to the contrary...), does not lead one to conclude that the earth is millions of years old.

6. The need to explain absolutely everything--if there was nothing, how did something ever occur? Things do not spontaneously explode and form organization, ala the second law of thermodynamics.

7. Richard Dawkins--The fact that one of the leading evolutionists shows such a lack of knowledge of how to defend his position against those who contradict should speak volumes to the nature of the arguments themselves.

8. DNA--the complexity of even one strand of DNA leaves one to assume that it would have taken a "whole lot of luck" in the evolutionary process to end up with such a complex structure.

9. Devolution--The passage of information from one generation to another has never, ever, ever resulted in a gaining of information in the DNA structure. It has instead proved a devolution--a loss of information from generation to generation.

10. The Bible--God says He created the earth in 6 24 hour days. In fact, according to the structures of the Hebrew language, God could not have made more explicit the timeline of creation in Genesis 1. While this will not satisfy atheists (because nothing really will...), God said it, and when the Infinitely Omnipotent and Wise God says He did something, we should trust that He knew what He was saying when He did.

Confessions of a Functional Pharisee

This is a link to an blog post by Nathan Bingham, which I found to be tremendously convicting, and yet I really enjoyed the way in which he writes. My apologies for the lack of posting this evening of "top 10" lists; I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion this evening at my church about the Bible (which was amazing... a true blessing to spend the evening with some men who are much wiser than I and some people who brought some great questions about the Bible).

The link to the post is at NWBingham.com. Enjoy!!

C.J. Mahaney Weekend (Pt. 3)

This is the final post of a C.J. Mahaney weekend. Today's video is a sermon jam of C.J. preaching on Christ's love for sinners through Gethsemane and the Cross. Enjoy!!

C.J. Mahaney Weekend (Pt. 2)

This is the second post of a C.J. Mahaney weekend! Today's clip from C.J. is about preaching the Gospel to yourself everyday. This video is a much needed bit of information for Christians as well as unbelievers. Enjoy!!

C.J. Mahaney Weekend

Today begins a C. J. Mahaney weekend. C. J. is one of the most passionate, Cross-centered preachers of our day, and I think you will be able to hear that as you listen to the clips I have for you this weekend. Today's clip is speaking of Christ's cup of suffering in Gethsemane. Enjoy!!

10 Ways to Deepen Your Love for Your Spouse

Today, I continue the "top 10" spectacular extravaganza. With today's list, I can honestly say that this is personally convicting, even though I am the one writing it. I fail my wife in many of these areas constantly, but I am praying that God will grow me in my love for my wife until He calls us home. Enjoy!!

10 Ways to Deepen Your Love for Your Spouse

1. Realize they are not Jesus--there was only one perfect man, and it certainly isn't your spouse. They are a sinful human being, so to expect anything more than that is quite possibly expecting too much.

2. Realize they are not even close to Jesus--God may be growing your spouse in certain areas; but as I said before, don't expect them to "never let you down." They certainly should be battling sin, but falling is inevitable (ala Romans 7) while still trapped in this "body of death."

3. Realize that you are not Jesus--You are not the perfect spouse either. Realizing this should help you in your struggle to forgive your spouse's failures.

4. Realize you are not even close to Jesus--God is still growing the both of you, and you still need the Gospel as much as you did the first day you were saved.

5. Pray (sincerely) for them--Praying for your spouse is a great way to deepen your love for them. It is hard to be praying for someone and continue to be hostile toward them (unless it's an impreccatory or self-righteous prayer).

6. Pray with them--Praying with your spouse is another great way to grow in your love for them. There is nothing that brings a couple closer than to be bowed together at the feet of the King in prayer.

7. Read with them--Reading with your spouse is a great way to deepen the love you have for them. Not only do you get the privilege of learning together fresh truths (from the Word of God), but it opens up conversation on the deepest levels--at the heart.

8. Self-sacrificially serve them--Serving your spouse, at the expense of your time and energy, is a great way to deepen your love for your spouse because it affords you the opportunity of loving like Christ. Christ loved His bride at the expense of everything He had--even His own life. Showing love to your spouse through giving your life in service will allow you the opportunity of being a living example of the Gospel toward your spouse everyday.

9. Forgive them (even when they are the wrong one...)--Forgiving is in God's nature, and forgiving when one has been offended is one of the greatest opportunities for us to demonstrate Godliness toward our spouse. When they don't deserve it is the best time to show forgiveness to your spouse.

10. Preach the Gospel to them--The person in your life who needs to hear the truths of the Gospel everyday (besides yourself, of course) is your spouse. Reminding your spouse of the truths found in the Gospel everyday is the greatest way that you can deepen your love for your spouse. The Gospel is the only thing strong enough to bond two people together for a lifetime and continue to deepen their love for one another. As with prayer, you cannot genuinely preach the Gospel to someone and not grow in your love for them. This most certainly applies to your spouse as well. Preach the Gospel to your spouse--remind them everyday that their sins have been put on Christ on the cross, and they are righteous before God because of Him. Remind them of their acceptance before God because of Christ, and their continual state of acceptance before God because of His unfailing and unchanging mercy.

Apologies...

My apologies, but tonight's post continuing my "top 10" list is going to be postponed until tomorrow's post. I'm down for the count, and I don't think I could string together 10 of anything right now. I will continue the spectacular extravaganza tomorrow.

10 Reasons God Doesn't Owe You Anything

This is the second "Top 10" list in the 100th post spectacular extravaganza. Enjoy!!

Todays list: 10 Reasons God Doesn't Owe You Anything (with minor commentary as to why, listed in ascending order today)

1. He made you--just as the macaroni art I made in first grade isn't owed anything by me as its creator, God doesn't owe anything to His creation as its Creator. Anything He does provide is a gift of grace.

2. He does not need you--God did not have a human-shaped hole in His heart that only you could fill (sorry to disappoint you...). He did not create you because He needed you, but simply because He desired to create you (and to redeem you, but we'll see that later in the list...)

3. He has given you a whole universe in order to see His infinite genius--an almost infinite universe which shows His infinite power and wisdom.

4. You've rebelled against Him--You have sinned against Him (think 10 Commandments).

5. You've rebelled against Him constantly--You sin against Him everyday.

6. He has given you abundant blessings daily--think house, car, wife, kids, job, working lungs.

7. He lets you borrow His air--You have gulped down air that He made without thanking Him nearly enough.

8. He has given you a revelation of both Himself and yourself--aka the Bible.

9. He sustains your life--you've rebelled against Him daily, He has given you blessings, you have refused to thank Him--and yet He continues to give you life.

10. He has offered to forgive you--not only has He put up with your rebellion, but He has also made possible a way for you to be forgiven through repentance of your sin and faith in Jesus Christ, who obeyed God's law perfectly as a substitute for all those who put their trust in Him.

100th Post Spectacular Extravaganza!!

Ok, so this is actually my 101st post for the year, but who's actually counting? (I mean it... there's only 3 of you, and I'm one of them, so who's counting?)

So, in honor of the 100th post, I'm going to do something special--a 10 day celebration of top 10 lists (100 in all!) Enjoy!!

Today's list: 10 things you should never say to Jesus

10. But you promised me health, wealth, and prosperity!

9. I thought you had a wonderful plan for my life.

8. I accept you.

7. I will now make you Lord.

6. You never really existed historically--you were just a legend like Mithra and Zeus.

5. You were a very good moral teacher.

4. Really, the only Way? Why so exclusive?

3. Forgiveness? Are you calling me a sinner?

2. Thanks for dying, but I think I'll be good without You on judgment day.

1. Thanks for dying on the cross; now I will pay for the rest myself.

Al Martin Weekend (Pt. 3)

This is the final installment of an Albert Martin weekend. This is part 2 of Al Martin's sermon on Gospel modesty. A very needed sermon (and not aimed only at the ladies...) in today's church. Enjoy!!

Al Martin Weekend (Pt. 2)

This is part 2 of an Al Martin weekend! Today's post is actually part one of a sermon on Gospel modesty. Part 2 will be posted tomorrow. Enjoy!!

Al Martin Weekend

This weekend's posts will feature Al Martin, an older preacher who knows how to bring the heat in his preaching! Enjoy!!

Win a Free Resolutions Poster

Today's post is a link to an offer (expiring Monday, so do it quick!) to win a Resolutions poster. The poster contains Jonathan Edwards 70 resolutions, a great motivation to holiness for any believer. Enter soon! Enjoy!!

Win a Resolutions Poster!

What to Preach to Yourself Everyday (Tullian Tchividjian)

This is an article posted on the Gospel Coalition website by Tullian Tchividjian. Tullian is one of the foremost proclaimers of the need for Christians to daily preach to themselves the Good News of the Gospel. However, this can sometimes seem very far-off--it's a great concept, but what does it actually mean? Tullian explains that in his article "What to Preach to Yourself Everyday". Enjoy!!

Heaven is for Real? (Tim Challies Review)

Today's post is a link to a review of the new sensational book Heaven is for Real. I agree whole-heartedly with Challies on the need to rely fully on the Word of God and discard our feelings that don't line up with it. Enjoy!!

The Gospel

This is a lesson I taught this past Saturday. It was somewhat on the fly, so it's not as drawn out as I would have loved for it to have been, but it was still a pleasure to speak on the majesties of the Gospel. Enjoy!!

The Gospel

Who is the Gospel (Good News) for?

· “The Gospel is for unbelievers, so that they can become Christians.”

· The “front-door” message of Christianity.

· Once you’re in, you use the Gospel on others.

· This is only partly true.

· The Gospel is for unbelievers.

· The Gospel is the message that brings people into the Kingdom of God.

· But is that all?

· Read Romans 1:14-17.

· Paul says he is “eager to preach the Gospel” to the recipients of this letter.

· Who is that? Read verse 7.

· To the Church? To those who were already considered “saints”?

· Did Paul not get the memo that the Gospel is only about evangelism?

· Why is he trying to “win souls” in a place that’s already been won?

· Seems redundant.

· Or does Paul know something else about the use of the Gospel?

· Look at verse 16. What does it say that the Gospel is the “power of God for”?

· Conversion? No, what does it say?

· Salvation.

· So, apparently, the Church at Rome had not been saved.

· What does this mean?

· I think sometimes we have too narrow an understanding of this word.

· When we hear this word, we think of Heaven.

· We’ve been “saved”.

· Therefore, the Gospel has done its powerful work—in our “salvation”.

· But the word has a deeper meaning than just “being a Christian.”

· It has to do with the whole process of salvation—from conversion until we are glorified when Jesus returns.

· So, if we have not been “saved” completely yet, then should the Gospel still have power in our lives?

· Yes!

· The Gospel is not for the “lost” only—it’s for sinners.

· Let me ask you something—are you still a sinner? Anybody perfected themselves to the point of never sinning yet?

· If you’re confused on whether you have, ask your neighbor—they’ll tell you.

· If you’re still a sinner, you still need the Gospel’s power.

What is the Gospel?

· So, then, if we need it’s power to live, then what is the Gospel?

· What is the Gospel?

· Well, the Good News actually begins with some very bad news.

· We are all guilty before God.

· Our lies, stealing, and pride make us guilty before God.

· We are all guilty of many, many sins before God.

· We all deserve the just condemnation of God when we die.

· We deserve Hell.

· So far, that sounds like terrible news.

· “But God,” as it says in Ephesians 2, “being rich in mercy, according to the great love with which He has loved us”.

· This is the Good News part.

· The Good News is that “For our sake, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

· “He Himself bore our sin in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.”

· “In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”

· The Good News is that, despite our inability to accomplish our own righteousness, God has offered us righteousness in His presence because of the One who did live obediently.

· And His name is? Jesus

· Jesus lived obediently to God, and died on a Cross “for our sake” according to 2 Corinthians 5:21.

· We deserved the punishment, Jesus took it for us.

· Because of Him, those who have put their trust in Him get His goodness accounted to them before God, and their sin went on Jesus at the Cross.

· This is the Gospel—the Good News that Jesus died to pay for our sins against God.

· And I’m sure this seems pretty simple to you as well.

· This is why Paul said that most of the world rejects it—it’s too simple.

· They call it “foolish” according to I Corinthians 1.

· Why foolishness?

· Because it goes against our prideful hearts.

· See, we are all natural born moralists.

· Our hearts naturally think that we can “make up” for our sins by doing something in return.

· That is the way we all tend to go.

· We think that if we make a “mistake,” we can make up for it by doing something nice in return—like a balancing scale.

· I forgot to read my Bible this morning—so, I’ll read 2 Chapters tomorrow and God will be happy with me again.

· I hit my brother, so I’ll buy him some ice cream, and then me and God will be back to even.

· I ran over my neighbor’s cat—well, that might actually be considered a good work, so…

· We naturally try to make up for our sins by doing something good.

· But that is the opposite of the Gospel.

· The Gospel says that, despite our sins, we are still righteous before God because Christ is our goodness.

· In light of that, why then would we try to pay for our own sins too?

· This is not at all saying that you shouldn’t show repentance for your sins—if you failed to read your Bible, read it the next day; if you hit your brother, you should seek his forgiveness; if you hit your neighbor’s cat, you should tell them to get a dog.

· But the point of the Gospel is that sinners who trust in Christ can have their entire fine paid by Him.

· So, the Gospel is not just about “reaching the lost”.

· The Gospel isn’t just the welcome mat into the Kingdom of God—it is the entire house!

· We all need the Gospel every day.

· We all need to be reminded of the fact that Christ is our goodness before God.

· We need to preach it to ourselves every day, until we believe it!

How Does the Gospel apply?

Parents

Siblings

Friends

Bible reading/prayer

Praise!

Gospel Math, Pt. 3 (Tullian Tchividjian)

This is the third part (of 5) of Tullian Tchividjian's message at the 2011 Desiring God Regional Conference. Enjoy!!

Gospel Math, Pt. 2 (Tullian Tchividjian)

This is the second portion of Tullian Tchividjian's message at the 2011 Desiring God Regional Conference. Enjoy!!

Gospel Math (Tullian Tchividjian)

This is actually going to span 2 weekends, but this is such an amazing topic that I figured everyone (or at least all three of you...) needed to hear it. Tullian Tchividjian speaks on "Gospel Math: Jesus + Nothing = Everything." Enjoy!!