Jesus Manifesto: Review May 31, 2010

Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola have thoughtfully written their newest book, Jesus Manifesto, in an “ancient devotional tone,” seeking to “show the difference between invoking the name of Jesus in vain and using His name in a way that reveals His beauty and honors His person” (introduction, p. xx). They explained that the purpose of [...]

Jesus Manifesto: Introduction May 31, 2010

I’ve been working my way through Leonard Sweet and Paul Viola’s book Jesus Manifesto. So far, I’ve read a lot of great insight calling the church back to seeing and savoring the sovereignty and supremacy of Jesus Christ. I’ll be posting some of my favorite quotes as I continue. From the introduction, pages xix-xx, Sweet [...]

LOST in the Gospel May 24, 2010

Fair warning: SPOILERS! The finale of LOST is clearly a big topic of interest to the millions of faithful fans who have been following it since 2004, or who have picked it up sometime along the way. The show has always represented the concept of a journey by faith into an unknown world, and many [...]

Grace — just “amazing”? January 12, 2010

I suppose words just can’t do grace justice.  Yes, it’s certainly amazing.  But a lot of things are “amazing”, today, just like a lot of things (that probably don’t merit the title) are “awesome”. Every once in a while, when I can see for an instant above the haze of my utter failure and sinfulness, [...]

Things that are too tough for me. [Introduction] June 9, 2009

It’s so easy to talk about objective issues that don’t affect or challenge the way I live. I figure it’s about time to address some of the things that I struggle with and that I simply can’t do right, since I definitely don’t want to come across as one who thinks that he’s perfect and doesn’t need any help from anyone. That’s simply not the case. This series will hit a number of issues that are of personal relevance to me (and hopefully expose my sinful humanity), but I’m going to start with the foundations of why these issues are issues. Therefore, this introductory post will be applicable to all of humanity whereas the following posts will focus on what I personally am wrestling with (though others undoubtedly will share some of my struggles).

Part of this idea comes from something Derek Webb said in his “Intro to I Repent” from his “The House Show” album:

“[The best thing that could ever happen to you] is that your sin would be literally exposed in the five-o’-clock news. Your deepest, darkest, most embarrassing sin. The one you work the hardest to hide, would be broadcast on the five-o’-clock news. Best thing that would ever happen to you… Because I am so weary, I am so tired of having to hide my sin from people. Of deceiving people about who I really am–I’m tired of it!”

The Purpose for Singing and Poetry May 29, 2009

John Piper references Jonathan Edwards in “One Reason God Created Singing and Poetry“, painting a picture of what true faith is in regard to the affections. As a music student and a budding theologian, this is pretty meaningful to me.

Revisiting Hymns May 28, 2009

It is astounding how the beautiful, pure, clean words and melody of an ancient hymn refreshes the soul.

This is my Father’s World May 27, 2009

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done: Jesus Who died shall be satisfied, And earth and Heav’n be one. What a hope we have in our Father, who works [...]

Spiritual Gifts May 26, 2009

Mark Driscoll has been posting an awesome series on spiritual gifts.  How silly I often am to not consider the useful gifts that God freely grants me so that I might magnify His name.  I was talking on the phone with an admissions representative from Covenant Theological Seminary, and he asked me about spiritual gifts.  [...]

Raising an Anthem to His Glory May 26, 2009

Isaiah 48:9-11 For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I [...]