HOW BIG IS YOUR UNIVERSE?

Posted by Pastor George

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

I have discovered in my old age that in my sinful, self-centeredness, I often think the universe ought to revolve around me. I may have seen it in a few others too.. I remember reading that when Teddy Roosevelt thought he was someone really important, he would look to the heavens and be reminded how vast the universe was and how small he really is.

Take a few minutes to watch this video (ignore the mention of the big bang) that measures out the universe as we know it at this point in time in terms of vastness and then remember how big you really are and that God has marked off the heavens by the span of His hand (Isaiah 40:12)

J C RYLE AND PARENTING

Posted by Pastor George

One of my favorite writers is J.C. Ryle. His book, “Holiness” written in 1877 was one of the most nourishing books to my heart I have ever read. Known as a great theologian, bishop, preacher and man, many folks may forget that John Charles Ryle was also a parent to five children.

J.C. Ryle suffered much heartache in his life. Most heartbreaking was the fact that he was widowed three times. Here is a brief snapshot of Ryle’s marriage and family life as described by William P. Farley:

“Ryle suffered through the poor health of his first two wives. At age 29, he married Matilda Plumptre. After a few years, she died leaving him a baby daughter to care for. Then, death took his mother, older brother, and younger sister. He felt like Job undergoing God’s trials."

“At age 33, he married longtime friend, Jessie Walker, and once again, joy and happiness filled his rural cottage. After 6 months of marriage, Jessie developed a lingering sickness from which she never recovered. Ryle nursed her for 10 years while managing their growing family (Jessie gave birth to four children). In addition to this stress, he managed his pastoral responsibilities."

Read more »

THE MYSTERY OF MARRIAGE

Posted by Pastor George

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Southern Seminary’s Jim Hamilton has posted online his excellent essay, The Mystery of Marriage, from For the Fame of God’s Name: Essays in Honor of John Piper.

Here is the opening paragraph, which provides a preview of the essay:

Marriage holds a unique place in all the Bible: what else joins two image-bearers together as one, serves as a key concept for understanding the relationship between Yahweh and Israel then Christ and the church, and consequently affords to every married couple the opportunity to live out the gospel? God sets himself on display in marriage, which means that God shows his glory in marriage. Thus, the thesis of this essay is that marriage exists as a unique display of God’s glory.

In order to establish and exposit this thesis we will look first at the way that marriage joins two persons in the likeness of God as one.

From there the second section explores the way that Yahweh’s relationship to Israel is treated as a marriage, and the third section of this essay will examine the way that marriage exists to portray the relationship between Christ and the church.

The final section will look at marriages as mini-dramas of the gospel.

This is a rich biblical-theological reflection, well worth reading. You can read the entire chapter at this site: http://jimhamilton.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/fameofgodsnamechap13.pdf or better yet, purchase the book, For the Fame of God’s Name: Essays in Honor of John Piper.

BACK ON-STATION

Posted by Pastor George

Thanks to all of you who told me that you had been praying that I would find refreshment and restoration during my vacation time. God met Deb and I in very special ways and we made a good dent in the work around the farm. It is never done but progress was made. I did not get out to fish but I am still itching to with the good weather. Deb and I did cover alot of miles keeping a horse between us and the ground and enjoyed the changing colors of the countryside. Thanks again for your care to pray.