Have you ever had someone tell you, "Hey, you have your truth and I have mine. There is no such thing as absolute truth."? At that point you should then ask them, "Is what you've just said, 'there is no absolute truth' absolutely true?" They may say, "Well, I'm just saying that we can't be completely sure about anything." You should then ask, "Are you completely sure that we can't be completely sure about anything?" Then they may say, "Ok, ok... You're not right because we can't know that anything is right or wrong. That's all I'm saying. It's all relative." You should then say, "Is what you're saying, 'You're not right because we can't know if anything is right or wrong' ...right?" Behold, the essence of "post-modernism" or relativism as it's also so called. Here's basically what the philosophy stands for: Self-refutuation. It's a walking contradiction, and it's a lie. When someone says that we can't know if anything is absolutely true, tell them that they are lying and remind them what one is called who tells lies. Of course they will get mad, but anyone who doesn't love truth and says we can't really know what truth is, is opposed to the One who is the Truth, the Way, and the Life and those who believe in Him.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Lies Called "Post-Modernism"/Relativism and Tolerance
Have you ever had someone tell you, "Hey, you have your truth and I have mine. There is no such thing as absolute truth."? At that point you should then ask them, "Is what you've just said, 'there is no absolute truth' absolutely true?" They may say, "Well, I'm just saying that we can't be completely sure about anything." You should then ask, "Are you completely sure that we can't be completely sure about anything?" Then they may say, "Ok, ok... You're not right because we can't know that anything is right or wrong. That's all I'm saying. It's all relative." You should then say, "Is what you're saying, 'You're not right because we can't know if anything is right or wrong' ...right?" Behold, the essence of "post-modernism" or relativism as it's also so called. Here's basically what the philosophy stands for: Self-refutuation. It's a walking contradiction, and it's a lie. When someone says that we can't know if anything is absolutely true, tell them that they are lying and remind them what one is called who tells lies. Of course they will get mad, but anyone who doesn't love truth and says we can't really know what truth is, is opposed to the One who is the Truth, the Way, and the Life and those who believe in Him.
Monday, September 29, 2008
He is our God
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice,” (Psalm 95:6-7)
(Read by Max McLean. Provided by The Listener's Audio Bible.)
Powered by BibleGateway.com
(Read by Max McLean. Provided by The Listener's Audio Bible.)Powered by BibleGateway.com
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Recommendation for reading folks
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| Ministry Podcast | |
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| Faith Talk Radio Feature | |
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Saturday, September 27, 2008
From OnePlace
 | Champions Know How to Repent Dr. Michael Youssef The story of David and Bathsheba has the makings for a Hollywood blockbuster - but it'll also speak wonders to you! |
| Ministry Article | |
 | Tapping into the Power of Prayer Dr. Jack Graham » More Articles |
| Real Answers | |
 | Are natural disasters a sign of God's judgment? Listen to John MacArthur's answer » More Answers |
| Featured Ministry | |
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| Ministry Podcast | |
| Wisdom for the Heart Dr. Stephen Davey » More Podcasts |
| Faith Talk Radio Feature | |
 | New Life Live! Steve Arterburn » Listen Now |
Friday, September 26, 2008
Psa 9:1-20
(1) To the choirmaster: according to Muth-labben. A Psalm of David. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
(2) I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
(3) When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence.
(4) For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.
(5) You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
(6) The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities you rooted out; the very memory of them has perished.
(7) But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice,
(8) and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.
(9) The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
(10) And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
(11) Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!
(12) For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
(13) Be gracious to me, O LORD! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death,
(14) that I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.
(15) The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid their own foot has been caught.
(16) The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
(17) The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.
(18) For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
(19) Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you!
(20) Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah.
(2) I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
(3) When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence.
(4) For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.
(5) You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
(6) The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities you rooted out; the very memory of them has perished.
(7) But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice,
(8) and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.
(9) The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
(10) And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
(11) Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!
(12) For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
(13) Be gracious to me, O LORD! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death,
(14) that I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.
(15) The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid their own foot has been caught.
(16) The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
(17) The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.
(18) For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
(19) Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you!
(20) Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Psa 8:1-9
(1) To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
(2) Out of the mouth of babes and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
(3) When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
(4) what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
(5) Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
(6) You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,
(7) all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
(8) the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
(9) O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
(2) Out of the mouth of babes and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
(3) When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
(4) what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
(5) Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
(6) You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,
(7) all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
(8) the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
(9) O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Psa 7:1-17
(1) A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite. O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,
(2) lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver.
(3) O LORD my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands,
(4) if I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause,
(5) let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust. Selah.
(6) Arise, O LORD, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake for me; you have appointed a judgment.
(7) Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you; over it return on high.
(8) The LORD judges the peoples; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.
(9) Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous-- you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God!
(10) My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.
(11) God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.
(12) If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow;
(13) he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts.
(14) Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies.
(15) He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made.
(16) His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends.
(17) I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.
(2) lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver.
(3) O LORD my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands,
(4) if I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause,
(5) let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust. Selah.
(6) Arise, O LORD, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake for me; you have appointed a judgment.
(7) Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you; over it return on high.
(8) The LORD judges the peoples; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.
(9) Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous-- you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God!
(10) My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.
(11) God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.
(12) If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow;
(13) he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts.
(14) Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies.
(15) He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made.
(16) His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends.
(17) I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Psa 6:1-10
(1) To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.
(2) Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.
(3) My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD--how long?
(4) Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
(5) For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?
(6) I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.
(7) My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.
(8) Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
(9) The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer.
(10) All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
(2) Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.
(3) My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD--how long?
(4) Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
(5) For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?
(6) I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.
(7) My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.
(8) Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
(9) The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer.
(10) All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Psa 5:1-12
(1) To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning.
(2) Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.
(3) O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
(4) For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.
(5) The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.
(6) You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
(7) But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.
(8) Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.
(9) For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.
(10) Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.
(11) But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
(12) For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
(2) Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.
(3) O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
(4) For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.
(5) The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.
(6) You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
(7) But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.
(8) Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.
(9) For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.
(10) Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.
(11) But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
(12) For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Psa 4:1-8
(1) To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
(2) O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah.
(3) But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.
(4) Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah.
(5) Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.
(6) There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!"
(7) You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
(8) In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
(2) O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah.
(3) But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.
(4) Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah.
(5) Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.
(6) There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!"
(7) You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
(8) In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Friday, September 19, 2008
As long as I live
“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2)
(Read by Max McLean. Provided by The Listener's Audio Bible.)
Powered by BibleGateway.com
(Read by Max McLean. Provided by The Listener's Audio Bible.)Powered by BibleGateway.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Interview with Stuart Townend
A chance to hear Peter Baker's interview with Stuart Townend, the contemporary hymn writer behind such modern day classics as 'In Christ Alone' and 'How Deep the Father’s love for us'.
This is a great interview.
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/wales/atc/atc_20080824-0905.mp3
This is a great interview.
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/wales/atc/atc_20080824-0905.mp3
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Humanity?
Stories like this one really show the depth of the problem with humanity - the depth of sin and depravity, that makes an animal a saint...
Argentine dog saves abandoned baby
By Daniel Schweimler
BBC News, Buenos Aires
An eight-year dog has touched the hearts of Argentines by saving the life of an abandoned baby, placing him safety alongside her own new puppies.
The country's media are calling him "the miracle baby".
He was born prematurely to a 14-year-old girl in a shanty town outside the capital, Buenos Aires.
She is said to have panicked and abandoned the boy in a field, surrounded by wooden boxes and rubbish.
Then along came La China, the dog which somehow picked up the baby and carried him 50m to place him alongside her own puppies.
The dog's owner heard the child crying and found him covered with a rag.
The baby, weighing 4kg (8lb 13oz), had some slight injuries, but no bite marks. The owner called the police and the child is now being looked after by the authorities, while a decision is taken about his future.
The frightened mother appeared shortly after her baby was found.
The Argentine media has descended on the shanty town, talking of "the Argentine Romulus and Remus", the founders of Rome, abandoned as babies and rescued by a wolf, nearly 3,000 years ago.
La China, worried about her own puppies, is reported to be petrified by her new found fame, and her owner says he is worried that she is not eating.
Argentine dog saves abandoned baby
By Daniel Schweimler
BBC News, Buenos Aires
La China has become a celebrity in her shanty town (Photo courtesy of Clarin)
An eight-year dog has touched the hearts of Argentines by saving the life of an abandoned baby, placing him safety alongside her own new puppies.
The country's media are calling him "the miracle baby".
He was born prematurely to a 14-year-old girl in a shanty town outside the capital, Buenos Aires.
She is said to have panicked and abandoned the boy in a field, surrounded by wooden boxes and rubbish.
Then along came La China, the dog which somehow picked up the baby and carried him 50m to place him alongside her own puppies.
The dog's owner heard the child crying and found him covered with a rag.
The baby, weighing 4kg (8lb 13oz), had some slight injuries, but no bite marks. The owner called the police and the child is now being looked after by the authorities, while a decision is taken about his future.
The frightened mother appeared shortly after her baby was found.
The Argentine media has descended on the shanty town, talking of "the Argentine Romulus and Remus", the founders of Rome, abandoned as babies and rescued by a wolf, nearly 3,000 years ago.
La China, worried about her own puppies, is reported to be petrified by her new found fame, and her owner says he is worried that she is not eating.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Listen to
 | If God Knows Our Needs Why Pray? Dr. R.C. Sproul We serve an all-loving, all-knowing, omnipotent God, who loves to give His children what they need. So why then do we need to pray? |
| Ministry Article | |
 | Discover the Book Dr. John Barnett » More Articles |
| Real Answers | |
 | Does the Bible claim Jesus is God? Listen to Hank Hanegraaff's answer » More Answers |
| Featured Ministry | |
 | Issues in Perspective Dr. James Eckman » More Ministries |
| Ministry Podcast | |
 | Pathway to Victory Dr. Robert Jeffress » More Podcasts |
| Faith Talk Radio Feature | |
| New Life Live! Steve Arterburn » Listen Now |
| OnePlace Recommends | |
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A Supernatural Faith
Today's devotional is brought to you by Dr. R.C. Sproul, Renewing Your Mind
"The God hypothesis is no longer necessary to explain the origin of the universe or the development of human life." This assertion was at the very heart of the movement that took place in the eighteenth century that we call the Enlightenment. God's existence was seen as no longer necessary because He had been supplanted by the "science" of that period that explained the universe in terms of spontaneous generation. Here we see an example of pseudoscience supplanting sound philosophy and theology.
Added to this, we have the agnosticism of the titanic philosopher Immanuel Kant, who argued that it is impossible for science or philosophy to acquire knowledge of the metaphysical realm of God. It was declared that all knowledge must be restricted to the realm of the natural. With the combination of Kant's agnosticism and the hypothesis of the Enlightenment, the door was open wide to a thoroughgoing philosophy of naturalism. This philosophy captured in its wake the academic theologians of Europe in the nineteenth century.
Out of this came nineteenth-century liberalism with its militant anti-supernatural perspective. The liberalism of that era denied all of the supernatural elements of the Christian faith, including the virgin birth of Jesus, His miracles, His atoning death, and His resurrection.
The impact of liberalism and neo-liberalism on the church left it basically as a worldly, nature-bound religion that sought refuge in a humanitarian social agenda. This is the approach to Christianity that has all but completely captured many of today's mainline churches throughout the world.
However, in the last few decades, we have witnessed a comeback of sorts of the supernatural. Yet this increasing interest in the supernatural has been driven in large measure by a fascination with the occult. People are now interested in demons, witches, spiritualists, and other occultic phenomena. Article continues . . .
Have you ever looked around at the world we live and thought that our nation is in a state of moral decline? What can we, as Christians, do to help reverse this?"Destroyed from Within" Greg Laurie, A NEW BEGINNING
When we read the daily news, we cannot help but be concerned over the wars, famine, and lawlessness that we see in our world. "The Daily News" Dr. David Jeremiah, TURNING POINT
The concept of holiness is central to Scripture. Today, however, the Christian church produces truckloads of materials designed to make men healthy and happy rather than holy. So how do we become holy? "The Quest For Holiness" Hank Hanegraaff, BIBLE ANSWER MAN
Love is the longest entry in Webster's Dictionary of Quotable Definitions. For ten columns of small print, authors, poets, scholars, and preachers struggle and sputter to put a box around love. The New Testament frames the concept of love by what it can do in relationships. "The Love Experiment" Dr. James MacDonald, WALK IN THE WORD
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Education and Relation: Truth and Love
by John Piper
Think with me for a moment about education and relationships. Some of you care deeply that education not ignore or marginalize relationships of love. They are essential in real, lasting, life-changing education. Amen.
So I turn to the Bible. I find in place of the words, "education" and "relationship," the words, "truth" and "love." So what does the Bible say about how truth and love relate to each other? There are at least four ways of talking about this relationship.
1. Truth aims at love.
"The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Note: instruction is not the goal, love is. Instruction is the means. It is subordinate. Truth serves love. Education serves relationships - mainly the relationship between us and God, but also between Christian and Christian, and between us and unbelievers. The "goal" of all our education is love.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider one another how to stir up to love and good deeds, . . . encouraging one another" (Hebrews 10:23-25, literal translation). The aim of our "considering one another" and "encouraging one another" is that we stir up love. We mingle insight into "the confession of our hope" with insight into "each other," and the effect is stirring each other to love. The truth of doctrine and truth of people-watching unite to aim at love.
2. Love aims at truth.
"Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6). Love is glad when truth is spoken. Therefore love aims at truth. It supports truth.
"Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you" (2 Corinthians 2:4). Here is an example of how love aims at truth. Paul is filled with love and it compels him to write a letter that was hard, and caused sorrow in him and in the Corinthians. But it needed to be said. So love said it. Love speaks the truth personally and doctrinally.
3. Love shapes how to speak the truth.
"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). There is an unloving way to speak the truth. That kind of truth-speaking we should repudiate. But there is a way to speak the truth in love, and that we should seek. It is not always a soft way to speak, or Jesus would have to be accused of lack of love in dealing with some folks in the Gospels.
But it does ask about what is the most helpful thing to say when everything is considered. Sometimes what would have been a hard word to one group is a needed act of love to another group, and not a wrong to the group addressed. But in general, love shapes truth into words and ways that are patient and gentle (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
4. Truth shapes how to show love.
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:2). It is not always obvious which acts are loving. So John tells us some truth will help us know if our acts are loving.
One truth test for our love is whether we are keeping the commandments of God toward people. In other words, love cannot be cut loose from the truth of God's will. Truth shapes how to show love.
Let us pray that God will cause his love and truth to abound and mingle in us in all these ways for the glory of his truth-filled love and love-filled truth.
Pastor John
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Psa 3:1-8
(1) A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
(2) many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah.
(3) But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
(4) I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah.
(5) I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
(6) I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
(7) Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
(8) Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah.
(2) many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah.
(3) But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
(4) I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah.
(5) I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
(6) I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
(7) Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
(8) Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Psa 2:1-12
(1) Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
(3) "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us."
(4) He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
(5) Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
(6) "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."
(7) I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
(8) Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
(9) You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
(10) Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
(11) Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
(3) "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us."
(4) He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
(5) Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
(6) "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."
(7) I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
(8) Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
(9) You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
(10) Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
(11) Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Psa 1:1-6
(1) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
(2) but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
(3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
(4) The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
(5) Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
(6) for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
(2) but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
(3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
(4) The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
(5) Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
(6) for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Christ is God
Dan 7:1-28
(1) In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter.
(2) Daniel declared, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.
(3) And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.
(4) The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it.
(5) And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, 'Arise, devour much flesh.'
(6) After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it.
(7) After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.
(8) I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
(9) As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.
(10) A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
(11) I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire.
(12) As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
(13) I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
(14) And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
(15) "As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.
(16) I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things.
(17) 'These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.
(18) But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.'
(19) "Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet,
(20) and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions.
(21) As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them,
(22) until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
(23) "Thus he said: 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.
(24) As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings.
(25) He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.
(26) But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.
(27) And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.'
(28) "Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart."
(1) In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter.
(2) Daniel declared, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.
(3) And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.
(4) The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it.
(5) And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, 'Arise, devour much flesh.'
(6) After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it.
(7) After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.
(8) I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
(9) As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.
(10) A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
(11) I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire.
(12) As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
(13) I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
(14) And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
(15) "As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.
(16) I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things.
(17) 'These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.
(18) But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.'
(19) "Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet,
(20) and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions.
(21) As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them,
(22) until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
(23) "Thus he said: 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.
(24) As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings.
(25) He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.
(26) But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.
(27) And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.'
(28) "Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart."
Friday, September 05, 2008
We belong to the Lord
“If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)
(Read by Max McLean. Provided by The Listener's Audio Bible.)
Powered by BibleGateway.com
(Read by Max McLean. Provided by The Listener's Audio Bible.)Powered by BibleGateway.com
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Palin’s Speech at the Republican National Convention
PALIN: Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens, I will be honored to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States.
(APPLAUSE)
I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America. And I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election against confident opponents at a crucial hour for our country.
And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions, and met far graver challenges, and knows how tough fights are won, the next president of the United States, John S. McCain.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Admissions of Ignorance in Evolutionary Theory
August 11, 2008 — For a scientific idea some have proclaimed as a fact no longer in need of proof, and as well-established as gravity, Darwin’s theory of evolution still reveals surprising weaknesses when its defenders speak about the details. Detecting these weaknesses requires tuning out the media hype, and tuning into scientific papers and pro-evolution journals where evolutionary theory is debated. Elisabeth Pennisi wrote one such account in Science last week.1 It revealed that the public is getting a very misleading view of evolution – both its operation and the strength of the evidence for it.
It would seem obvious that evolution needs a genetic basis. Darwin attempted to explain it in his day, unsuccessfully. The neo-Darwinian synthesis of the 1930s was supposed to explain it. Serious questions about how evolution works at the genetic level remain, however, to this day. This was evident in Pennisi’s use of war metaphors to describe two groups of evolutionists that are “locking horns” over a current issue: whether genes or regulatory elements (in particular, cis regulatory factors) are key to evolutionary change. The latter, a “fashionable idea,” has been growing in popularity among those in the evo-devo subculture: i.e., evolutionary biologists who focus more on developmental than genetic influences. When Jerry Coyne and Hopi Hoekstra wrote a pointed critique of the regulatory-element hypothesis in the journal Evolution last year, “Egos were bruised. Tempers flared. Journal clubs, coffee breaks at meetings, and blogs are still all abuzz,” she wrote.
None of the combatants doubt Darwin’s theory in the slightest, of course. Still, some statements in Pennisi’s account could give a Darwin-doubter cause for gloating. Consider this paragraph:
Continue reading...
It would seem obvious that evolution needs a genetic basis. Darwin attempted to explain it in his day, unsuccessfully. The neo-Darwinian synthesis of the 1930s was supposed to explain it. Serious questions about how evolution works at the genetic level remain, however, to this day. This was evident in Pennisi’s use of war metaphors to describe two groups of evolutionists that are “locking horns” over a current issue: whether genes or regulatory elements (in particular, cis regulatory factors) are key to evolutionary change. The latter, a “fashionable idea,” has been growing in popularity among those in the evo-devo subculture: i.e., evolutionary biologists who focus more on developmental than genetic influences. When Jerry Coyne and Hopi Hoekstra wrote a pointed critique of the regulatory-element hypothesis in the journal Evolution last year, “Egos were bruised. Tempers flared. Journal clubs, coffee breaks at meetings, and blogs are still all abuzz,” she wrote.
None of the combatants doubt Darwin’s theory in the slightest, of course. Still, some statements in Pennisi’s account could give a Darwin-doubter cause for gloating. Consider this paragraph:
[Sean] Carroll [U of Wisconsin] argued that mutations in cis regions were a way to soft-pedal evolutionary change. Genes involved in establishing body plans and patterns have such a broad reach--affecting a variety of tissues at multiple stages of development--that mutations in their coding regions can be catastrophic. In contrast, changes in cis elements, several of which typically work in concert to control a particular gene’s activity, are likely to have a much more limited effect. Each element serves as a docking site for a particular transcription factor, some of which stimulate gene expression and others inhibit it. This modularity makes possible an infinite number of cis-element combinations that finely tune gene activity in time, space, and degree, and any one sequence change is unlikely to be broadly disruptive.This sounds like damage control. Is the standard explanation too risky? Yet critics of the evo-devo alternative argue that every such “fine-tuning” change must be adaptive to persist through natural selection. Precious few examples, they say, can be found to illustrate a regulatory change related to a morphological change. One regulatory change in a mouse, for instance, can make its digits grow slightly longer (see 01/18/2008), but the mutant mouse is hardly ready to take off flying like a bat.
Continue reading...
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
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