Ask Doug: What's your favorite beer? from Canon Wired on Vimeo.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Douglas Wilson on Beer
As alcohol is being restored to its proper place in the church there are numerous dangers that must be avoided. One is believing drinking is a sin. Another is believing that you are more holy because you can handle alcohol. A third is thinking that freedom in Christ to drink means that I can dishonor my parents (Exodus 20:12) and my elders. (Leviticus 19:32) In the video below Douglas Wilson tells us what his favorite beers are and tell us to be careful not to be snobs.
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 11
Q: 29. Why is the Son of God called "Jesus", that is a Savior?
A: Because he saves us, and delivers us from our sins; and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any other.
Q: 30. Do such then believe in Jesus the only Savior, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else?
A: They do not; for though they boast of him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Savior; for one of these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Savior; or that they, who by a true faith receive this Savior, must find all things in him necessary to their salvation.
A: Because he saves us, and delivers us from our sins; and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any other.
Q: 30. Do such then believe in Jesus the only Savior, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else?
A: They do not; for though they boast of him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Savior; for one of these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Savior; or that they, who by a true faith receive this Savior, must find all things in him necessary to their salvation.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 10
Q: 27. What do you mean by the providence of God?
A: The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by his hand, he upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by his fatherly hand.
Q: 28. What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence does still uphold all things?
A: That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from his love; since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move.
A: The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by his hand, he upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by his fatherly hand.
Q: 28. What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence does still uphold all things?
A: That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from his love; since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 9
Q: 26. What believe you when you say, "I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth"?
A: That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them; who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence) is for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father; on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt, but he will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me, in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage; for he is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.
A: That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them; who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence) is for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father; on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt, but he will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me, in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage; for he is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 8
Q: 24. How are these articles divided?
A: Into three parts; the first is of God the Father, and our creation; the second of God the Son, and our redemption; the third of God the Holy Spirit, and our sanctification.
Q: 25. Since there is but one only divine essence, why do you speak of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
A: Because God has so revealed himself in his word, that these three distinct persons are the one only true and eternal God.
A: Into three parts; the first is of God the Father, and our creation; the second of God the Son, and our redemption; the third of God the Holy Spirit, and our sanctification.
Q: 25. Since there is but one only divine essence, why do you speak of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
A: Because God has so revealed himself in his word, that these three distinct persons are the one only true and eternal God.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 7
Q: 20. Are all men then, as they perished in Adam, saved by Christ?
A: No; only those who are grafted into him, and, receive all his benefits, by a true faith.
Q: 21. What is true faith?
A: True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word, but also an assured confidence, which the Holy Spirit works by the gospel in my heart; that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God, merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits.
Q: 22. What is then necessary for a Christian to believe?
A: All things promised us in the gospel, which the articles of our catholic undoubted Christian faith briefly teach us.
Q: 23. What are these articles?
A: 1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: 2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: 3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary: 4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell: 5. The third day he rose again from the dead: 6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: 7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead: 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit: 9. I believe a holy catholic church: the communion of saints: 10. The forgiveness of sins: 11. The resurrection of the body: 12. And the life everlasting.
A: No; only those who are grafted into him, and, receive all his benefits, by a true faith.
Q: 21. What is true faith?
A: True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word, but also an assured confidence, which the Holy Spirit works by the gospel in my heart; that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God, merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits.
Q: 22. What is then necessary for a Christian to believe?
A: All things promised us in the gospel, which the articles of our catholic undoubted Christian faith briefly teach us.
Q: 23. What are these articles?
A: 1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: 2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: 3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary: 4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell: 5. The third day he rose again from the dead: 6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: 7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead: 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit: 9. I believe a holy catholic church: the communion of saints: 10. The forgiveness of sins: 11. The resurrection of the body: 12. And the life everlasting.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Old Earth vs. Young Earth
Tim Challies is blogging from Ligonier Ministries Annual Conference. It sounds like they are addressing numerous thorny issues in the Church. One of these most thorny and contentious issues in the Church recently has been the age of the earth. Al Mohler gave a lecture on "Why Does the Universe Look So Old?" Challies gave a summary of the lecture on his blog. You can find it here. The article summarizes some of the main problems with the old earth theory from a theological standpoint. Mohler's point is that Christians give up way too much when we say the earth is millions or billions of years old.
Bridges on Preaching: Not the Same Thing
There is a great deal of difference between people admiring the preacher, and being edified by his sermons. (Bridges, The Christian Ministry, p. 316)
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 6
Q: 16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?
A: Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned, should likewise make satisfaction for sin; and one, who is himself a sinner, cannot satisfy for others.
Q: 17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
A: That he might, by the power of his Godhead sustain in his human nature, the burden of God's wrath; and might obtain for, and restore to us, righteousness and life.
Q: 18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person both very God, and a real righteous man? A: Our Lord Jesus Christ: "who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."
Q: 19. From where do you know this?
A: From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise; and afterwards published by the patriarchs and prophets, and represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; and lastly, has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son.
A: Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned, should likewise make satisfaction for sin; and one, who is himself a sinner, cannot satisfy for others.
Q: 17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
A: That he might, by the power of his Godhead sustain in his human nature, the burden of God's wrath; and might obtain for, and restore to us, righteousness and life.
Q: 18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person both very God, and a real righteous man? A: Our Lord Jesus Christ: "who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."
Q: 19. From where do you know this?
A: From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise; and afterwards published by the patriarchs and prophets, and represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; and lastly, has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son.
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Art of Pettiness
A good friend recently gave me a stack of old Credenda/Agenda journals. This journal was published by Douglas Wilson and friends. They no longer publish the journal, but instead post articles on the web. The web version of Credenda can be found here. I encourage regular eating at their site. The food is good and the fellowship is usually cheerful.
Anyway, back to the print copies that currently sit in a magazine rack near the throne. The articles from the magazine are a delight. Numerous articles filled with practical advice on parenting, church, preaching, marriage and politics. They also featured movie and book reviews and works of fiction. Most of all the articles were often very funny, a mixture of satire and joy that is rarely seen in the Christian Church today.
One very funny article was by Doug Jones on The Art of Pettiness. It is a great blend of insight into what pettiness is and satire about why Christians are petty. I thought I would post some of his "insight." The entire article is tongue in cheek. Jones talks as if he is teaching someone how to be petty. I thought I would just post one portion of it. He lists several things that must be avoided if one is to remain petty or live small as he calls it. Here is what he says:
1. Avoid Holidays: They can sometimes break through and remind people of what's "really" important to the masses. It's best to avoid them altogether; after all holidays are also quite wasteful and unnecessary. Especially Christmas.
2. Avoid Fiction: Trusts us on this one. Famous novelists often practice the technique of jumping from one character's prespective to another, and this often feeds the illusion that others have important angles on the issues. Over time, it will weaken your commitment to the sanctity of your own perspective. Dangerous stuff.
3. Avoid Comedy: We've lost so many pettiness artists because of comedy. Wear the smile of laughter but don't fall for its silliness. You don't have time for comedy.
4. Avoid Children: You may need to reproduce, for some reason, but try to avoid unncessary contact with children. Everything they stand for works against the petty.
5. Avoid National Parks, Oceans, Cathedrals, etc.: These things were made by enemies of pettiness with the goal of undermining our whole vision. Don't fall for them. They all obsess pathologically about "the big picture, the big picture," over and over. They're really quite selfish. They suck attention away from your perspective just to hog it to themselves.
6. Avoid Sex: Be sure to call it this; avoid it as much as possible, except when you can use it as a weapon. But too many times yikes--it just obliterates a good pattern of pettiness in a marriage and you have to start all over again.
Anyway, back to the print copies that currently sit in a magazine rack near the throne. The articles from the magazine are a delight. Numerous articles filled with practical advice on parenting, church, preaching, marriage and politics. They also featured movie and book reviews and works of fiction. Most of all the articles were often very funny, a mixture of satire and joy that is rarely seen in the Christian Church today.
One very funny article was by Doug Jones on The Art of Pettiness. It is a great blend of insight into what pettiness is and satire about why Christians are petty. I thought I would post some of his "insight." The entire article is tongue in cheek. Jones talks as if he is teaching someone how to be petty. I thought I would just post one portion of it. He lists several things that must be avoided if one is to remain petty or live small as he calls it. Here is what he says:
1. Avoid Holidays: They can sometimes break through and remind people of what's "really" important to the masses. It's best to avoid them altogether; after all holidays are also quite wasteful and unnecessary. Especially Christmas.
2. Avoid Fiction: Trusts us on this one. Famous novelists often practice the technique of jumping from one character's prespective to another, and this often feeds the illusion that others have important angles on the issues. Over time, it will weaken your commitment to the sanctity of your own perspective. Dangerous stuff.
3. Avoid Comedy: We've lost so many pettiness artists because of comedy. Wear the smile of laughter but don't fall for its silliness. You don't have time for comedy.
4. Avoid Children: You may need to reproduce, for some reason, but try to avoid unncessary contact with children. Everything they stand for works against the petty.
5. Avoid National Parks, Oceans, Cathedrals, etc.: These things were made by enemies of pettiness with the goal of undermining our whole vision. Don't fall for them. They all obsess pathologically about "the big picture, the big picture," over and over. They're really quite selfish. They suck attention away from your perspective just to hog it to themselves.
6. Avoid Sex: Be sure to call it this; avoid it as much as possible, except when you can use it as a weapon. But too many times yikes--it just obliterates a good pattern of pettiness in a marriage and you have to start all over again.
Bridges on Preaching: Preaching to No Body
The general sermons that are preached to every body, in fact are preached to no body. (Bridges, The Christian Ministry, p. 272)
What he means by this is that if a sermon does not have specific application to the people sitting in front of the preacher and the situation they are in the sermon was a waste of time.
What he means by this is that if a sermon does not have specific application to the people sitting in front of the preacher and the situation they are in the sermon was a waste of time.
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 5
Q: 12. Since then, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, is there no way by which we may escape that punishment, and be again received into favor?
A: God will have his justice satisfied and therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by another.
Q: 13. Can we ourselves then make this satisfaction?
A: By no means; but on the contrary we daily increase our debt.
Q: 14. Can there be found anywhere, one, who is a mere creature, able to satisfy for us?
A: None; for, first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man has committed; and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver others from it.
Q: 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?
A: For one who is very man, and perfectly righteous; and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is also very God.
A: God will have his justice satisfied and therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by another.
Q: 13. Can we ourselves then make this satisfaction?
A: By no means; but on the contrary we daily increase our debt.
Q: 14. Can there be found anywhere, one, who is a mere creature, able to satisfy for us?
A: None; for, first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man has committed; and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver others from it.
Q: 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?
A: For one who is very man, and perfectly righteous; and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is also very God.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
How Psycho Changed the Movies
I have always enjoyed Alfred Hitchcock's movies. His influence upon modern cinema is profound, even if many of those who currently watch movies do not realize it. The movies he made hold up to multiple viewings. He also worked with some of the best actors and actresses of his day. Here is an interesting article on how his most famous movie Psycho changed cinema.
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 4
Q: 9. Does not God then do injustice to man, by requiring from him in his law, that which he cannot perform?
A: Not at all, for God made man capable of performing it; but man, by the instigation of the devil, and his own willful disobedience, deprived himself and all his posterity of those divine gifts.
Q: 10. Will God suffer such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?
A: By no means, but is terribly displeased with our original as well as actual sins; and will punish them in his just judgment temporally and eternally, as he has declared, "Cursed is every one that continues not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them."
Q: 11. Is not God then also merciful?
A: God is indeed merciful, but also just; therefore his justice requires, that sin which is committed against the most high majesty of God, be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment of body and soul
A: Not at all, for God made man capable of performing it; but man, by the instigation of the devil, and his own willful disobedience, deprived himself and all his posterity of those divine gifts.
Q: 10. Will God suffer such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?
A: By no means, but is terribly displeased with our original as well as actual sins; and will punish them in his just judgment temporally and eternally, as he has declared, "Cursed is every one that continues not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them."
Q: 11. Is not God then also merciful?
A: God is indeed merciful, but also just; therefore his justice requires, that sin which is committed against the most high majesty of God, be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment of body and soul
Tamar and Ruth
Here is an interesting article called "Wasted Seed" by Ben Merkle showing how Tamar and Ruth are very similar to one another. A good example of showing how themes we see earlier in the Scriptures tend to show up later.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Prayers for the Worship Service
I write out my prayers for our worship service. However, I do not usually read them in worship. Instead I review them throughout the week until I know the outline of the prayer. I then pray from memory on Sunday. This means that much of the written prayer finds it's way into my spoken prayer, but there are some things that I pray on Sunday that were not on the paper. This method keeps my prayers from being haphazard, but also leaves room for the Spirit to move.
Here are my prayers for this coming Sunday. I always base my prayers on a Scriptural passage or event. I have noted that passage or event before the prayer. For the Lord's Supper I use an Old Testament passage prior to the bread and a New Testament passage prior to the wine. I try to find some correspondence between the two. This week it is Noah passing through the flood waters and our washing of regeneration found in Titus 3.
Prayer of Praise: Psalm 132:13-18
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of Heaven and Earth, You have chosen us for Your dwelling place. You have promised that You will be our God and we will be Your people. Because of your great promises we have come to your tabernacle and now seek to worship at your footstool. We cry out to you that would keep these promises as we enter the heavenly sanctuary. We ask you to clothe us, your priests, with salvation and put shouts of joy in our mouths. We pray that all our enemies would be put shame and that for the sake of Christ we would flourish like a well-watered vine. This we pray in the strong Name of Jesus. Amen!
Prayer for Illumination: Psalm 119:65-72
O Lord our God we praise you for your Word, which is mighty unto salvation for all men. We give you thanks for you have dealt well with us according to your Word. O Lord speak to us now as we hear your Word read and preached. Afflict us if we have gone astray and help us to keep your Word. For we know that it is good to be afflicted that we might learn to keep your statutes. Above all teach us to delight in the Scriptures, for the law of your mouth is better to us than a thousand gold pieces. In the strong name of Christ we pray. Amen!
Eucharistic Prayers
Bread: Noah’s Ark
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, it truly, right and good and our duty that we should at all times and in all places give You thanks and magnify Your Holy Name, therefore with the Angels, the Archangels and all the company of heaven we praise You saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Glory be to You, O Lord Most High.
We praise you Almighty God for the great flood you sent upon the earth so long ago. The earth was corrupt. The wickedness of man was great. Indeed, every thought of his heart was evil. Yet Noah found grace in your eyes and you delivered him through the flood. He came forth upon a purged earth and gave to you a burnt offering in thanksgiving. We like Noah have been delivered from your wrath because of your grace. As we eat , nourish us upon Christ and give to us hearts of thanksgiving for your great salvation. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen!
Wine: Titus 3:3-8
O Lord you are worthy of blessing and honor for you sent your only begotten Son into the world to deliver us from sin and the Devil’s snare. We know that we were once disobedient fools, serving our lusts and pleasures, full of malice, envy and hate. But then your kindness and love toward us appeared and you saved us, not by works of righteousness, but according to your abundant mercy shown to us Christ, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. For this great work we give you hearty thanks and praise. As we drink this wine, strengthen us upon Christ that we might be a people zealous for good works. For the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen!
Here are my prayers for this coming Sunday. I always base my prayers on a Scriptural passage or event. I have noted that passage or event before the prayer. For the Lord's Supper I use an Old Testament passage prior to the bread and a New Testament passage prior to the wine. I try to find some correspondence between the two. This week it is Noah passing through the flood waters and our washing of regeneration found in Titus 3.
Prayer of Praise: Psalm 132:13-18
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of Heaven and Earth, You have chosen us for Your dwelling place. You have promised that You will be our God and we will be Your people. Because of your great promises we have come to your tabernacle and now seek to worship at your footstool. We cry out to you that would keep these promises as we enter the heavenly sanctuary. We ask you to clothe us, your priests, with salvation and put shouts of joy in our mouths. We pray that all our enemies would be put shame and that for the sake of Christ we would flourish like a well-watered vine. This we pray in the strong Name of Jesus. Amen!
Prayer for Illumination: Psalm 119:65-72
O Lord our God we praise you for your Word, which is mighty unto salvation for all men. We give you thanks for you have dealt well with us according to your Word. O Lord speak to us now as we hear your Word read and preached. Afflict us if we have gone astray and help us to keep your Word. For we know that it is good to be afflicted that we might learn to keep your statutes. Above all teach us to delight in the Scriptures, for the law of your mouth is better to us than a thousand gold pieces. In the strong name of Christ we pray. Amen!
Eucharistic Prayers
Bread: Noah’s Ark
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, it truly, right and good and our duty that we should at all times and in all places give You thanks and magnify Your Holy Name, therefore with the Angels, the Archangels and all the company of heaven we praise You saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Glory be to You, O Lord Most High.
We praise you Almighty God for the great flood you sent upon the earth so long ago. The earth was corrupt. The wickedness of man was great. Indeed, every thought of his heart was evil. Yet Noah found grace in your eyes and you delivered him through the flood. He came forth upon a purged earth and gave to you a burnt offering in thanksgiving. We like Noah have been delivered from your wrath because of your grace. As we eat , nourish us upon Christ and give to us hearts of thanksgiving for your great salvation. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen!
Wine: Titus 3:3-8
O Lord you are worthy of blessing and honor for you sent your only begotten Son into the world to deliver us from sin and the Devil’s snare. We know that we were once disobedient fools, serving our lusts and pleasures, full of malice, envy and hate. But then your kindness and love toward us appeared and you saved us, not by works of righteousness, but according to your abundant mercy shown to us Christ, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. For this great work we give you hearty thanks and praise. As we drink this wine, strengthen us upon Christ that we might be a people zealous for good works. For the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen!
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 3
3. Lord's Day
Q: 6. Did God then create man so wicked and perverse?
A: By no means; but God created man good, and after his own image, in true righteousness and holiness, that he might rightly know God his Creator, heartily love him and live with him in eternal happiness to glorify and praise him.
Q: 7. From where then proceeds this depravity of human nature?
A: From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise; hence our nature is become so corrupt, that we are all conceived and born in sin.
Q: 8. Are we then so corrupt that we are wholly incapable of doing any good, and inclined to all wickedness?
A: Indeed we are, except we are regenerated by the Spirit of God.
Q: 6. Did God then create man so wicked and perverse?
A: By no means; but God created man good, and after his own image, in true righteousness and holiness, that he might rightly know God his Creator, heartily love him and live with him in eternal happiness to glorify and praise him.
Q: 7. From where then proceeds this depravity of human nature?
A: From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise; hence our nature is become so corrupt, that we are all conceived and born in sin.
Q: 8. Are we then so corrupt that we are wholly incapable of doing any good, and inclined to all wickedness?
A: Indeed we are, except we are regenerated by the Spirit of God.
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