Wednesday, September 30, 2009

An Economist on the Human Condition

"Few things blind human beings to the actual consequences of what they are doing like a heady feeling of self-righteousness during a crusade to smite the wicked and rescue the downtrodden."  Thomas Sowell

Sowell writes this in his new book The Housing Boom and Bust.  He is addressing how the government's affordable housing crusade played a major role in making the economy tank.  Whether he knows it or not, Sowell is also addressing every human heart in matters far beyond economics.  

Oh how easy it is for us to do great damage to the Church, our families and other relationships all because we have convinced ourselves that we are taking a stand for what's right.  We need God's grace to protect us from cold, heartless self-righteousness as we live in accordance to His word.  Don't just pray for the Spirit to help you to do the right thing.  Ask Him to help you to do the right thing with the right heart and the right motives.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Why Exodus?

On Sunday mornings I will spend the next few weeks preaching through the book of Exodus.  Exodus isn't exactly the most popular book in the Bible.  When most people think of it their minds are immediately filled with images of Charlton Heston, long genealogies and the wrath of God.  Here are three general answers to the why Exodus question.

1.  Because every book in the Bible is the inspired word of God.  Each of these 66 books, though unique, are connected by the common thread of the cross of Jesus Christ.

2.  Because it is almost impossible to teach life principles from the book of Exodus and still be faithful to the scriptures.  Exodus doesn't have a lot to say about how to deal with a slumping economy and fussy kids.  It has everything to say about the holiness and sovereignty of God.  Preaching through Exodus, I pray, will serve as a great reminder that it's not about us.

3.  Exodus portrays God as holy, sovereign, patient and loving.  He keeps His promises, sets captives free, pours out His wrath on evil, gives loving guidelines for His people to follow and makes Himself known in grace and mercy.  God has not changed.  Today, we see His holiness, sovereignty, love, deliverance, wrath and guidance most clearly in the person of Jesus Christ.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Spurgeon is a Quote Machine

I came across this one while preparing for last week's opening sermon on the book of Exodus.

"Avoid a sugared gospel as you would shun sugar of lead. Seek the gospel which rips up and tears and cuts and wounds and hacks and even kills, for that is the gospel that makes alive again. And when you have found it, give good heed to it. Let it enter into your inmost being. As the rain soaks into the ground, so pray the Lord to let his gospel soak into your soul."  Charles Spurgeon

Another Good Read

I just finished Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot.  I had to read this book a few times in school but this is the first chance that I've had to read it at my own pace.  This book will change the way you view missions.  It's a good, quick read.