Quote - Augustine

"They, then, who are destined to die, need not be careful to inquire what death they are to die, but into what place death will usher them." Augustine

Who Do You Think You Are?

I do not know if I would use the same language, volume, and anger as Mark Driscoll in the video below...but maybe I should. When you think of sports coaches growing up, you might think of getting chewed out for a horrible loss, performance, or laziness. Many men need to be called out in such a manner for their failures in leading their family, loving their wives, and living in purity. Such harsh and pointed talk can motivate a man in love towards change in a way soft spokenness often won't. How great would it be if all of us men were called out specifically, personally, and convictingly on the areas of sin in our lives that we have given over to Satan? That sort of accountability can happen from an individual friend, a small group leader, a pastor in the pulpit, or through another form of teaching. You know where, as a Christian, you can go to get INSTANT conviction, accountability, and loving rebuke? The Word of God. For many of us our tolerance of sin (and lack of righteous anger over sin) is a direct result of our light use of Scripture. When we ignore God's Word, we do not allow Him to sanctify us through His Holy Spirit. 1 Timothy 5:20 "Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning." Luke 17:3-4 "So watch yourselves. 'If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." Revelation 2:2 "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. " HT: iMonk

The Power of Spoken Scripture

These two videos of Ryan Ferguson dramatically reciting Scripture are a reminder to me of: 1) the power of Scripture 2) the power of the spoken/audible Word 3) the appropriateness, value, and effectiveness of accurate expression, tone & volume variety, and non-verbal communication in giving Scripture the appropriate emphasis 4) making Scripture boring is just plain wrong and inexcusable 5) my need to enhance and improve my own memorization abilities and delivery skills 6) the weakness of human-contrived poetry, drama, visuals, and videos in comparison with a God-breathed message Hebrews 9-10 (ESV) Psalm 25 (ESV) HT: (Hat Tip) to Justin Taylor for posting these videos on his blog