Wesley Dramatization

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As part of the “starting back” activities at Union we had the opportunity to see “The Man from Aldersgate” performed by B J Johnston. Johnston gave a wonderful presentation of Wesley with humor and good theological application. Sure, I have my differences with Wesley, but this presentation hits they key areas of evangelical agreement- and there is no doubting Wesley was a dear brother greatly used of God. I found this presentation stirring and engaging and would commend it to you if you have a chance to see it.

Spurgeon on Gossip

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I am to preach on Psalm 15 in the morning so I was looking over Spurgeon’s comments in his Treasury of David. Spurgeon’s comments on gossip are worth noting, especially since gossip may tear more churches apart than any other sin. We ought to deal directly and forcefully with any who bring gossip to us. Spurgeon helpfully makes the point of how dangerous this sin is and how we should respond accordingly.

“Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.” He is a fool if not a knave who picks up stolen goods and harbours them; in slander as well as robbery, the receiver is as bad as the thief. If there were not gratified hearers of ill reports, there would be an end of the trade of spreading them. Trapp says, that “the tale-bearer carrieth the devil in his tongue, and the tale-hearer carries the devil in his ear.” The original may be translated, “endureth;” implying that it is a sin to endure or tolerate tale-bearers. “Show that man out!” we should say of a drunkard, yet it is very questionable if his unmanly behaviour will do us so much mischief as the tale-bearers insinuating story. “Call for a policeman!” we say if we see a thief at his business; ought we to feel no indignation when we hear a gossip at her work? Mad dog! Mad dog!! is a terrible hue and cry, but there are few curs whose bite is so dangerous as a busybody’s tongue. Fire! fire!! is an alarming note, but the tale-bearer’s tongue is set on fire of hell, and those who indulge it had better mend their manners, or they may find that there is fire in hell for unbridled tongues. Our Lord spake evil of no man, but breathed a prayer for his foes; we must be like him, or we shall never be with him.

Derek Thomas’ Commentary Guide

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I recently purchased a copy of the revised edition of Derek Thomas’ The Essential Commentaries for a Preacher’s Library and have enjoyed looking through it. I always appreciate seeing what commentaries are found useful by preachers or teachers whom I respect. I must say I find more benefit from Carson and Longman’s commentary surveys though. Thomas tends to list with no or little comment whereas Carson & Longman provide more description and critique (esp. Carson).

Still, this is a useful tool.

I purchased my copy at Solid Ground Christian Books.

Owen on Divine Aid in Bible Study

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In going back over my OT Survey material in preparation for the beginning of term, I came across this quote from John Owen. It is well put in so many ways and a good warning to us not to rest in our own abilities when approaching Scripture. Of course we must study and labor, but we must also pray.

“For a man solemnly to undertake the interpretation of any portion of Scripture without invocation of God, to be taught and instructed by his Spirit, is a high provocation of him; nor shall I expect the discovery of truth from anyone who thus proudly engages in a work so much above his ability.”
– John Owen

Practical Theology for Women

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Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives, Wendy Horger Alsup
(Crossway, 2008), pb., 154 pp.I have been thumbing through this book and it seems quite good. I particularly appreciate her arguments that theology is for everyone, that there are not two tracks for Christians: the theology track and the “practical-only” track. This point needs affirming repeatedly in our churches today.

Here is a good quote on the practical effect of theology:

“I have heard some women argue that they don’t want to know more theology than their husbands know. They seem to fear that studying theology will turn them into theological Amazon queens who naturally relegate their husbands to second-class positions in the home. But this is a terrible way to think about theology. God forbid that women should avoid studying the deep things of the Word lest they surpass the understanding of the men in their lives! Studying theology- such as the Holy Spirit’s role in convicting man of sin, and God’s sovereignty over all creation- will curb, not enhance, a woman’s sinful tendency to nag and manipulate her husband. My husband can bear witness to the fact that a better understanding of God’s character, that is, theology, makes me a better wife. No matter where our husbands, fathers, or pastors may be in their spiritual journey, when we ladies grow in our understanding of God’s character and attributes, it can only be a blessing for our homes, our marriages, and our churches.” (21-22)

New Pastor, New Blog, Old Gospel

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It was my privilege this past Sunday to preach the ordination sermon for Eric Smith, a young man who has just finished his work here at Union and has begun a pastorate here in West TN. Eric is an encouragement to me as I see him pursuing the task of overseeing the souls of his people and hear how his love for his people shapes his preaching and visiting. The Lord has already richly blessed the faithful work being done there. Eric has begun a blog titled “Shepherd of the Sheep” and I look forward to what he will share there.

He has posted the audio of the sermon I preached from 1 Timothy 4:6-16. This text is such a rich exhortation to those of us laboring in pastoral ministry, particularly as Paul stresses the importance of learning, teaching and living the gospel.

The Scout of Christiaan de Wet

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The Scout of Christiaan de Wet, Lawrence Penning
(3rd volume in the Louis Wessels Commando series)
(Inheritance Publications, 2008; English translation), pb., 136
Age 10-15

This story is set in 1900 during the Boer War in South Africa. I don’t think you see many books in our area on this war- especially from the Boer perspective- so it is informative. The story follows Louis Wessels as he fights the British and travels behind enemy lines seeking information. Wessels is a scout for Christiaan de Wet who is a true historical character.

This book is set up to be exciting, but it was really disappointing. Probably the first difficulty with the book is our general lack of awareness of South African history. I knew who the Boers were, but the various names of groups were confusing and it is assumed that the reader will recognize the names of leaders on the different sides. Secondly the flow of the story is odd and hard to follow. It seems to jump inexplicably leaving us uncertain at times how pieces of the story connected. Then the writing was just odd at times. The author would occasionally focus on something tangential and at other times go into extensive gory detail when it did not serve the story. For example a leg amputation is described in gory, repetitive detail and then it serves no real purpose in the story.

We do not recommend this book. We were glad to be finished with it. Parts will probably need editing for a younger audience.

Get a copy of How Sleep the Brave instead!

Worshipping the Right God

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Here is a good word from a great new commentary on how the Psalms can help shape our worship and a warning on how we can easily worship a false god under the guise of worshipping the one true God. This is a needed warning for the church.

“Like the temple worshippers, Christians too need to be sure they are worshipping their God in accordance with what he has shown himself to be. They may not be constructing a visible idol, yet their conception of him may not be biblical. They may not think of him simply as just, but also as harsh, not simply as loving but also as sentimental. As we have seen, Psalm 50 shows us that it is possible to call him Yahweh and yet to be thinking of him as if he is Baal. The Psalms with their God-centered theology are a most effective antidote to wrong thinking about God and so may be effective in reforming our worship.”
(Geoffrey Grogan, Psalms, The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary, p. 408)

How Sleep the Brave!

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How Sleep the Brave!: A Novel of 17th Century Scotland, by J. H. Hunter
(Inheritance Publications, 2008), pb., 235 pp.
Ages 8+

This book has joined the list of our top favorites alongside books by C. S. Lewis, Douglas Bond and Allen French! This was a great story, full of action and adventure as well as good teaching. There was also a romance though for my boys that was a negative rather than another positive. 🙂

It seems to me that few people are aware of the Covenanters in 17th century Scotland, their sufferings and their perseverance, but we would do well to acquaint ourselves and our children with these brave believers. Douglas Bond’s Crown & Covenant series is also set in this time period. I first learned of this period during our years in Scotland and have been fascinated with it since.

The story begins in 1685 in the western portion of Scotland around Culzean Castle. As persecution breaks out against the Reformed Protestant Covenanters the rightful lord of Fenwick Hall, Duncan Fenwick, is forced to live among the heather and caves along with many others. As the king’s dragoons harass, pillage and murder people simply because of their faith, Duncan Fenwick disguises himself as the “Black Avenger” and sweeps in thrashing the dragoons and rescuing the faithful. The Black Avenger is essentially a Scottish Scarlet Pimpernel, master of disguise, who overcomes the enemy with superior wit and brute strength. He makes a classic hero. It also adds to the story that one typically hears the Avenger playing his bagpipes in the area before he attacks!

We absolutely loved this story. There is good humor (I often had to quiet my boys so as not to awaken the babies!), rousing action and heroism, real nobility and good theology. It is also provides a good overview of the suffering of the people in this time. The description of the suffering is at times quite straightforward and blunt. Some local words were hard to understand and not included in the glossary, but this did not seriously detract from the book.

The examples of faithfulness in suffering was moving to me. The author includes Sandy Peden (often referred to as “Peden the Prophet”) in the story and the account (often included in books of Covenanter stories) prayer for deliverance from the dragoons and the miraculous answer. These are faith building stories to share with our children.

This is a great book which we would urge you not to miss.

Don Whitney on Pastors’ Clothing

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One of the things I like so much about Don Whitney’s ministry is how he addresses so many concrete practical things- often times things others have not thought to address. I recommend you browse his site occasionally to read the various articles there.
I recently came across a brief piece of his titled, “Clothing Tips for Ministers”. He makes clear that he is not wanting to exalt appearance over godliness, but simply to offer guidance. He states:

So I’m writing these clothing tips specifically to help the minister … who sometimes must dress up, but who feels some need for guidance on the matter and cannot afford to spend a great deal on clothes….
But no minister wants his appearance, especially on more formal occasions, to hinder his ministry in any way or be an embarrassment to those he represents. So to help ministers dress at these events in ways that will not be a distraction or a stumbling
block, and yet be as affordable as possible, I offer these suggestions.

What follows is great advice on ways to save money, including what items and colors are most versatile. Whitney notes that most of what he mentions is what fathers once handed down to their sons, but obviously these things are not being handed down so often today.
I think this is a very helpful article.