We must of necessity be servant to someone, either to God or to sin. The sinner prides himself on his independence, completely overlooking the fact that he is the weak slave of the sins that rule his members. The man who surrenders to Christ exchanges a cruel slave driver for a kind and gentle Master whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light.
– A W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God
Current
Here are some good posts about current events and issues related to the church and culture – and this week especially related to the president and the primaries:
Do You Pray For The President As Much As You Complain About Him? – Mark Altrogge
Ten Things to Remember as the Presidential Campaign Season Gets Into Full Swing – Kevin DeYoung
Have Evangelicals Who Support Trump Lost Their Values? – Russell Moore (NYT)
In Welcoming Sanders, Liberty University Shows the Left How to Handle Dissent – Andrew Walker (NR)
Sermon Songs: Ephesians 1:4-6
Chosen in Christ to be holy
Predestined his children to be
According to the Father’s will
His grace he offers to us still
So enter in and now believe
His saving blessings to receive
Live as his child – blameless, holy
In awe give him all the glory
(To the tune of the Doxology)
Doctrine Collection
A new semi-often collection pondering the beliefs of the Church:
Not All Doctrines Are at the Same Level: How to Make Some Distinctions and Determine a Doctrine’s Importance – Justin Taylor
He provides three helpful models for thinking this through.
Take a Test on the Trinity – Tim Challies
To use one of the models from the above post, this is an absolute doctrine that all Christians hold. How well can you do on this little quiz?
3 Objections to the Doctrine of Election – Tim Keller (TGC)
Actually, it very helpfully answers three objections to election. We talked about election this past Sunday at my church, so here is a little follow-up to continue thinking through this doctrine.
Good Works
Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing.
– Martin Luther
You Were Chosen
You were chosen.
Before the foundation of the world. Before time and space existed. Before all of creation. You were on God’s mind. He was thinking about you.
You were chosen.
According to the purpose of his will. His purpose. His will. It was his purpose, his good pleasure, to choose you. It was his desire to choose you. It was his delight to choose you.
You were chosen.
To be holy and blameless before him. To have your sin and guilt and shame removed. To be declared righteous in his sight. To live as one set apart unto God. To live for Him. To one day stand before him holy and blameless forever.
You were chosen.
For adoption as sons. To be God’s beloved child. To be part of God’s family. To receive an inheritance forever.
You were chosen.
In Christ. Through Jesus Christ. All because of Christ. As we are united to Christ.
You were chosen.
To the praise of his glorious grace. That God might be praised, exalted, lifted up, worshiped, glorified. For his grace toward us, his underserved favor, his unearned blessing, his glorious gift of salvation for us.
You were chosen.
Passion Points
Here are some good posts on Bible reading and study for your weekend reading:
Five Strategies for Daily Bible Reading – Gavin (Soliloquium)
Re-ignite Bible Reading That’s Become Boring – David Murray
Four Prayers for Bible Reading – David Mathis (Desiring God)
4 Tips for Using a Study Bible Well – Justin Taylor
7 Great Study Bibles (Infographic) – Tim Challies
Hope you have a great Lord’s Day studying God’s Word with your local church!
Sermon Songs: Ephesians 1:3
May God the Father e’er be blessed
For in Christ we have all been blessed
With Christ raised to the heavenlies
The Spirit is our guarantee
(To the tune of the Doxology)
Sermon Songs: Ephesians 1:2
Behold the riches of His grace
That saves, empowers me
To serve Him as I run this race
From guilt and sin set free
Behold the wonders of His peace
Our God now to enjoy
Christ died for us that strife might cease
His love we might employ
(To the tune of the “Amazing Grace”)
Current
Here are some good posts about current events and issues related to the church and culture:
The Difference Between Being Offended and Being Persecuted – Russell Moore
The Day Christians Were Martyred on American Soil – Todd Starnes
The Targeting of Christians and How Christians Respond – Ed Stetzer
Christian Virtue in the Age of Authenticity – Kevin DeYoung
