Mom Kills Self After Abortion

The Sunday Telegraph reports the sad death of British artist Emma Beck who committed suicide after aborting her twins when she was eight weeks pregnant. The note she left read,

"I should never have had an abortion... I see now I would have been a good mum." She then wrote, "I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is to late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies: they need me, no one else does."

This is a sad story, and one that only magnifies the true devastation left in the wake of abortion. I pray that anyone considering one will consider other options.

T4G

I was unable to attend the first Together for the Gospel conference but I have been given the opportunity this time. Needless to say I am very excited! However, I want to be careful to be excited for the correct reasons.

I'm sure I will be encouraged and challenged by the speakers. But, I need to keep in mind that this is "Together for the Gospel" and not an occasion to stand in awe of (worship) heroes in the faith such as John Piper, Al Mohler, CJ Mahaney, and others. By virtue of the purpose of the conference I'm confident they would want us to focus on the Gospel and the unity it brings to believers instead of focusing on them.

I only mention this because I'm already having to battle against it. It is an awesome opportunity to sit under the preaching and teaching of gifted men of God like these, but I don't want to be "star struck" and miss the point altogether. I pray it will be a learning and growing experience, and I really look forward to meeting many new people who are "together for the gospel."

Hope to see you there!

"A Penitent Heart"

Below is a sermon by George Whitefield entitled "A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift." If only we all could preach with such passion:

"O let the love of Jesus be in your thoughts continually. It was his dying that brought you life; it was his crucifixion that paid the satisfaction for your sins; his death, burial, and resurrection that completed the work; and he is now in heaven, interceding for you at the right hand of his Father. And can you do too much for the Lord Jesus Christ, who has done so much for you? His love to you is unfathomable. O the height, the depth, the length and breadth of this love, that brought the King of glory from his throne, to die for such rebels as we are, when we had acted so unkindly against him, and deserved nothing but eternal damnation. He came down and took our nature upon him; he was made of flesh and dwelt among us; he was put to death on our account; he paid our ransom: surely this should make us rejoice in him, and not do as too many do, and as we ourselves have too often, crucify this Jesus afresh. Let us do all we can, my dear brethren, to honor him.

Come, all of you, come, and behold him stretched out for you; see his hands and feet nailed to the cross. O come, come, my brethren, and nail your sins thereto; come, come and see his side pierced; there is a fountain open for sin, and for uncleanness: O wash, wash and be clean: come and see his head crowned with thorns, and all for you. Can you think of a panting, bleeding, dying Jesus, and not be filled with pity towards him? He underwent all this for you. Come unto him by faith; lay hold on him: there is mercy for every soul of you that will come unto him. Then do not delay; fly unto the arms of this Jesus, and you shall be made clean in his blood.

O what shall I say unto you to make you come to Jesus: I have showed you the dreadful consequence of not repenting of your sins: and if after all I have said, you are resolved to persist, your blood will be required at your own heads; but I hope better things of you, and things that accompany salvation. Let me beg of you to pray in good earnest for the grace of repentance. I may never see your faces again; but at the day of judgment I will meet you: there you will either bless God that ever you were moved to repentance; or else this sermon, though in a field, will be as a swift witness against you. Repent, repent therefore, my dear brethren, as John the Baptist, and as our blessed Redeemer himself earnestly exhorted, and turn from your evil ways, and the Lord will have mercy on you."

It is especially interesting to read this due to Whitefield's Calvinism. Many in the SBC would be surprised at such language based on their misconceptions about what this doctrine does to "evangelistic" preaching. Since facts and history seemingly do not help them in overcoming their negative stereotypes, hopefully this sermon will be ample evidence that Calvinism and evangelistic zeal do coexist.

Go Wayne Grudem!

Why this man is thematic, he’s charismatic, he’s systematic,
Why he’s Wayne Grudem! (Wayne Grudem)
He did not author Scripture but provides a clearer picture - Oh Yeah!
(Keep reading whoa keep reading)
Wayne may not be Jesus but he writes mean exegesis- Oh Yeah!
(I’ll buy a copy, I’ll kill to buy a copy)
You put it on the flo-or and it props open your door,
Or if you need to sit- you can climb on top of it - With Wayne Grudem
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go
Go Wayne Grudem with your intellectual writing style,
(Wayne Grudem go Wayne Grudem)
Go Wayne Grudem you make ha-rd doctrines less of a trial
(Wayne Grudem go Wayne Grudem)
You are extreme, but God’s supreme, oh Wayne Grudem
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go
(There are) many heresies which we-e now clearly see- Oh yeah!
(oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Despite him being bald, hundred-thousand copies sold - Oh yeah!
(oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
His six appendice-es leave you praying on your knees.
Although he’s not inerrant he’s a heresy deterrent - Wayne Grudem
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go
Go Wayne Grudem with your intellectual writing style,
(Wayne Grudem go Wayne Grudem)
Go Wayne Grudem you make ha-rd doctrines less of a trial
(Wayne Grudem go Wayne Grudem)
You are extreme, but God’s supreme, oh Wayne Grudem
Go Wayne Grudem with your intellectual writing style,
(Wayne Grudem go Wayne Grudem)
Go Wayne Grudem you make ha-rd doctrines less of a trial
(Wayne Grudem go Wayne Grudem)
You are extreme, but God’s supreme, oh Wayne Grudem
Grudem, grudem, grudem, grudem
Grudem, grudem, grudem, grudem yeah!

HT: The Blue Fish Project

Political Correctness Gone Crazy!

A children’s story based on the tale of the Three Little Pigs, entitled The Three Little Cowboy Builders, was rejected for an award after judges worried it would offend Muslims. It was also criticized for its potential to offend builders. The judges’ remarks included this question: Is it true that all builders are cowboys, builders get their work blown down, and builders are like pigs?

Click here to read the full story from The Times of London

I-N-T-E-G-R-I-T-Y

The issue of Calvinism within the SBC continues to frustrate me. Not because of the issue itself, but because of the number of Southern Baptist leaders simply lying about the facts. I want to believe it is out of ignorance but surely they know better.

I'm hoping and praying they will begin showing some integrity on the issue. Although, no doubt there are those on both sides of this issue that need to present a little more grace and integrity.

We get that you don't agree but at least let your reasons be based on facts. Calvinists are NOT anti-missionary or evangelism (what about William Carey, Adonirum Judson, or Spurgeon?) and are NOT necessarily anti-invitation, although reducing regeneration to simply raising your hand or walking the aisle is problematic for a number of reasons.

The most misunderstood aspect, and usually the most misrepresented, is the fact that there will not be anyone in hell who truly desired Christ, and there won't be anyone in heaven who didn't want to be there.

The thing I find most troubling is something I've witnessed personally. I've experienced a person's very Christianity being questioned because of their position on this issue. Unless someone is blatantly refusing to accept the essentials, then I fear for anyone with such an unloving attitude toward a brother or sister. Timmy Brister over at Provocations & Pantings puts it best:

"Young Calvinists in the SBC are not expecting you to agree with Calvinism or be a “five-point Calvinist.” We are not even asking you to go back and appreciate your Baptist history and what God did through the founders of the SBC. But what we (if I can speak for the younger generation) are asking is to cease misrepresenting the truth and attempting to rewrite history.... the trouble that young Southern Baptists have is not that you have a trouble with TULIP but that you have trouble with those who believe the TULIP." (referring to current SBC President Frank Page's inaccurate book Trouble with the TULIP).

Grace and peace to you all!

Piper's Response to "The Common Word"

Watch John Piper respond to "The Common Word Between Us and You", written by an Islamic Amman, and the response to it from 300 Christian scholars. These call for Muslims and Christians to come together to acknowledge their supposed similarities. Unfortunately, as you'll see when you see the names on the response, many respected Christian leaders have given their support.



HT: Justin Taylor

Suicide...

Over at Parchment & Pen Michael Patton has posted a couple very personal posts within recent days about the suicide of his sister Angie and the toll it has taken on members of his family. I would recommend reading them as well as previous ones that provide more of the history.

Why do I recommend them? It is something I don't talk about much but my mother committed suicide when I was 10 years old (1980). I didn't know this until years later but my mother had been diagnosed with brain cancer. She went to the doctor alone and nobody knew about the diagnosis until after her death. Her rationale was that she didn't want to be a burden to her family.

I don't resent God and really have never found myself asking him why. Of course I have tried to understand why she did it (other than the reason she gave) and have wished on occasion that she was around to witness the big events of my life. However, I have never once felt bitterness toward God or hatred toward my mother, even during times when others around me may not have felt the same way. I give God glory for that and do not pat myself on the back.

Another reason I recommend these posts is because of the personal nature based on first hand experience. He is a good writer and you can feel & see the results of such a tragedy in Michael's writing. Patton has laid bare in detail how his sister's decision has impacted each member of his family in the years following her death.

My concern is that the church often ignores the reality of mental illness and the person falls through the cracks. It is obvious, Angie's case is a good example, that there are times when even our best efforts cannot prevent someone from taking their life. But, I pray that church leaders and laypeople alike will educate themselves on this issue and realize that mental illness isn't the plague or leprosy.

Finally, maybe you or someone you know is considering taking your life. I would urge you to seek help because there are many people who care even if it doesn't seem like it. Here are some helpful resources:

• 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - 24 hour help line for immediate assistance.
  
  
• CLICK HERE to find a trained biblical counselor near you.

Grace & peace to you!

The SBC & Calvinism, Part II

Several folks have written good posts in recent days concerning the SBC and Calvinism. On the heels of my previous post I thought it would be good to share those links with you:

Provocations & Pantings (Timmy Brister) - "Evangelism, Calvinism, and the SBC"

Founders Ministries Blog (Tom Ascol) - "Southern Baptist Evangelists Lament the Recovery of Calvinism"

Baptist Press - "Evangelists Lament Calvinism, SBC Trends" (the story prompting the posts by Brister & Ascol)

Dr. Mohler, the SBC, and Calvinism

It is now old news that Dr. Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, will be nominated for president of the SBC at the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, IN. He is the third announced candidate behind Wiley Drake and Bill Wagner.

I predicted when the news first broke that Dr. Mohler's position on Calvinism will become an important issue leading up to to the Convention. It seems as if my predictions are becoming reality already. The current edition of The Western Recorder, the state baptist paper for Kentucky, discusses Mohler's position on this issue at length in its story announcing his candidacy.

I guess it is no surprise really. The rising controversy within the SBC on this issue makes it an important part of the story, at least among many in the SBC. Unfortunately, I fear that the closer we get to the Convention the more we will see Calvinism misrepresented in an attempt to try and sway the vote away from Mohler; I hope I'm wrong.

I'm not stumping for his presidency necessarily. I am, however, stumping for integrity within the convention when it comes to the facts of this doctrine. Regardless of which theological cloth you are cut from we must resist the temptation to misrepresent each other.

No top ten list for me...just thankful

It seems that the proper thing for bloggers to do during these early days of 2008 is to create a 'top 10' list of some kind. For seminary students or professors it seems to be mostly their favorite books.

I just want to thank God for a wonderful year in 2007. He was there with me and Michelle through some trying times as well as times of great ease & comfort. We praise Him for abundant grace in all of our experiences.

Personally, the most trying experience for me during 2007 was the complications my dad experienced following knee replacement surgery. I don't know if it was the fact that he could have easily died, or if I just can't accept the fact that he is no longer the strong, healthy man I remember from my childhood... probably both.

It forced me face the reality that we are all dying slowly each day and that every breath we take is a gracious gift from God. I am thankful things turned out the way they did, but I know my dad would've been at the feet of his Savior if things would have turned out differently. This has made me more thankful for him in general.

At 75 years of age the prospect of death for him is getting closer than I want to think about. There are more years behind us than there will be to come. But, those years are full of wonderfully happy memories.

He will leave a wonderful spiritual legacy and he taught me more than I could ever list here. In particular, he taught me by word and deed to show respect, work hard, and do the right thing even when it isn't easy or popular. Most importantly, he taught me about Jesus. Thanks dad!

As 2008 picks up steam and we get back into the hustle and bustle of our daily routines I pray that we all will seek to honor Christ in everything. Trust in His grace and don't take anything for granted.

Blessings on you!

Health Update

Thanks to all who prayed for my health situation mentioned in the previous post. My cold/flu is much better now. I still have a little head congestion, raspy voice, and an occasional cough but the chest congestion, body aches, fever, and overall 'blah' feeling are gone for the most part.

My back is also doing much better but it is probably going to take a while to completely heal. I still can't stand or sit for long periods of time but it seems to do fine if I alternate between the two. I was virtually pain free until all the coughing and sneezing (I assume that is what caused it to start hurting again). It doesn't hurt near as bad when actually moving around although bending over is still a little tricky at times.

As mentioned in the previous post, I have the name of a doctor I intend to contact if it doesn't improve dramatically soon. I'm giving it until the first of the year since I won't be in town to go to the doctor anyway.

I had this problem once before and it eventually cleared up with rest, pain medicine, and muscle relaxers (all legally prescribed of course). So, I'm hoping & praying a week of rest when we're home for Christmas will help more than anything. Losing weight wouldn't hurt either.

Until next time... grace & peace!

Prayer Request

It is nearly 2:00am and I am finally able to sit for a few minutes after dealing with nagging back/hip pain most of the day. I have the flu or a bad cold and cannot sleep because it is nearly impossible to breathe when laying down (or sitting up for that matter). So, it is kind of a double whammy going on at the moment.

The pain started over two weeks ago and had me laid up in bed for two whole days. Once I was able to get out of bed I was still unable to sit, stand, or move without much pain until last Friday night and Saturday. It had gotten much better, virtually pain free, until last night when I started coughing and sneezing.

I humbly request your prayers that I can get some relief so that I will be able to meet my responsibilities at work and with church duties. I have missed three days of work so far because of it, and possibly more depending on what the morning brings, and I hate that tremendously. Everyone is understanding and I'm pretty sure they know I wouldn't miss unless I really needed to, but I desire to be a responsible employee and not leave the company or my coworkers short handed.

I have gotten the name of a doctor I plan to contact if this situation doesn't clear up considerably in the very near future. I'm a little stubborn when it comes to going to the doctor but I know it may be for my own good. So, please pray that I can drop the prideful tough guy act.

I've rambled enough and have been sitting long enough as well. So, I'm going to go try and get some sleep. Thank you to all who will say a short prayer for me.

Who to vote for?

If you were to ask 100 Christians what criteria should be used in casting your ballot in the 2008 presidential elections you would probably get 100 different replies. Most would agree on the need to support the sanctity of human life, but it becomes less clear after that... at least from what I've been reading in the world of Christian blogs.

What do you think? is it wrong to vote for someone who basically holds the same moral values as the typical Christian although they are Mormon (Romney)? or, should we support a Baptist preacher just because he is 'one of us' (Huckabee)? Are key issues like abortion and homosexual marriage the primary litmus test for voting as a responsible Christian citizen (with other issues weighed accordingly of course)?

I'm asking a lot of questions without giving much in return. So, let me say that I'm leaning toward Huckabee as I write this. Remember, he is Chuck Approved and we share the same first names... what other reasons do I need?!

However, someone did mention Huckabee's relationship to Kenneth Copeland on a blog I read. Drats!!! I thought I found an acceptable candidate and now I learn that he should be anathematized too (Mike says with tongue firmly planted in cheek).

I'm hoping to get some helpful and godly guidance so that I will be better prepared to vote. I also want to prompt readers to carefully consider the motives behind their choice for President. I'm not so naive as to think someone is going to meet every little standard I set, unless I run personally, but I think that we need to be careful about deciding on what constitutes a deal breaker.

Let me make clear that there are many candidates on both sides that I am not considering because of their position on issues such as abortion and family issues (i.e. homosexual rights, etc.).

Your thoughts?

Association & Church Update

I posted recently about a Kentucky Baptist Convention association that removed a church for calling a pastor who came from an independent Baptist background. In an effort to get full and accurate information, I contacted the Director of Missions (DoM) directly and learned that was in fact the sole reason for their removal. Please pray for this association, its leadership, and this church.