A God-intoxicated church

A good word from Martin Luther King Jr. on the early church in Letter from a Birmingham Jail:

The Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were “a colony of heaven,” called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be “astronomically intimidated.”

Read the rest here.

Mark Driscoll on ABC Nightline

I think the interview was fair to Pastor Mark and Mars Hill Church. Sure, there are probably some things I would have liked a little more time on (e.g. the whole “Calvinism” bit being cut short right when it started to get good), but it was a great interview overall.

I admire Mark Driscoll for his interaction with culture and for his unwavering love and devotion to the Word of God.  I pray that God will guard him and make him fruitful, for God’s glory, in Seattle and around the world.

Read the interview here.

(HT: The Resurgence)

Be Courageous, Mr. President

This past weekend, Pastor John Piper blessed my heart as he spoke to the people of Bethlehem Baptist Church on Sanctity of Life weekend. He gave a sermon entitled The Baby in My Womb Leaped for Joy.  Here is an excerpt where he speaks to our President for a few intense moments:

May we be Christ-like as we pray for our President, Barack H. Obama.  May we be bold and wise as we fight against the things in our culture and society that our God hates.

How should believers give during this recession?

Many believers may be tempted to use the present recession as an excuse for substandard, second-rate giving. This was not the case for the believers in Macedonia. Even while experiencing utmost penury, they gave lavishly:

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

They didn’t have the means to give, but they gave anyway. Why? How?  They had an abundance of joy which overflowed into a “wealth of generosity on their part.” The conclusion I make is that I will give more as I become more joyful in Jesus. I am also reminded that if I can’t give joyfully, or cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-8), then I probably shouldn’t give at all.

Give. Cheerfully. Joyfully. Give some more.

Holy Hip Hop

More on Hip Hop coming soon, but, for now, check out this video:

If My Words Abide In You

Pastor John Piper typically ends one year and begins the new year preaching on the matters of prayer and the Word of God.  This past weekend he opened his sermon, If My Words Abide In You, by reciting Psalm 1, Psalm 16, Psalm 103, Romans 5:1-8, Romans 8, Matthew 6:25-34 and 1 Corinthians 13.  It was an overwhelming encouragement to my soul to hear my Pastor recite, from memory, the Word of God with such passion and conviction.

I encourage you to listen, watch, or read the sermon for yourself.  It was one of the most outstanding sermons, on the matter of the Word of God, that I have ever heard.

Generous Giving

We, as a country, are in an economic crisis.  I know this isn’t breaking news, but I do have extraordinary news for you.  Ready?  If you find yourself running out of money, then give more!  It sounds crazy, but it’s an entirely biblical idea.

Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church, is preaching a sermon series entitled Generous.  I encourage you to follow along as he preaches through this series.  You will be thoroughly blessed and challenged.

Advent Devotional

Today is the first day of Advent.  Christ the King Presbyterian, in Raleigh, NC, has put together this wonderful devotional that anyone (singles, families, churches) can use this Advent season.  Rebecca and I have mutually agreed to put aside our regular devotional book so that we can go through this one.  May your hearts be encouraged and your families strengthened by the special readings and songs in this devotional.

(HT: Justin Taylor)

Church Uniforms?

Who has ever heard of having Church Uniforms?  It may not be that bad of an idea, you know.  What do you think?

HT: Tim Challies