So, of course I missed last week's edition of UUF, but we're back! And in a major way. This week's UUF is from none other than Jas Knight, a www.lampmode.com artist who's album, "The Psalter" came out a lil' while back. I haven't heard a whole lot of fuss about this album, which I think is unfortunate. This album is a certified sonic masterpiece, IMHO. Peep here as a shai linne assisted "Psalm 37" is played out beautifully. Jas Knight's understanding of the Redemptive-Historical perspective of Scripture is brought to the table on the track "Christ in the Psalms," which is a banging explanation of Christ as found in the Psalms his songs are about. Peep here for more about Christ in the Scriptures from Jas Knight.... http://www.lampmode.com/christ-in-the-scriptures/
ENJOY!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Underrated/Underheard Fridays Presents.............Jas Knight
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Gospel Is For Christians «
There is nothing in us or done by us, at any stage of our earthly development, because of which we are acceptable to God. We must always be accepted for Christ’s sake, or we cannot ever be accepted at all. This is not true of us only when we believe. It is just as true after we have believed. It will continue to be true as long as we live. Our need of Christ does not cease with our believing; nor does the nature of our relation to Him or to God through Him ever alter, no matter what our attainments in Christian graces or our achievements in behavior may be. It is always on His “blood and righteousness” alone that we can rest.
A banging quote by BB Warfield. Thanks to www.5ptsalt.com for tweeting this....
So true. And so holds the wonderful line from the song, "In Christ Alone, my hope..."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Gospel Unmasking...A Quote
"... the more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God's grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God's grace and ACCEPTANCE in Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions and character of your sin. This also creates a new dynamic for discipline and obedience. First, the knowledge of our acceptance in Christ makes it easier to admit we are flawed because we know we won't be cast off if we confess the true depths of our sinfulness. Second, it makes the law of God a thing of beauty instead of burden. We can use it to delight and imitate the one who has saved us rather than to get his attention or procure his favor. We now run the race 'for the joy that is set before us' rather than 'for fear that comes behind us.' "-- Tim Keller, in Introduction to Galatians
Onlookers Cheer, Tape, Tweet Suicide Jumper's Last Moments | NBC Bay Area
Normally for Be Forreal Tuesday, there is something that can be at least construed as funny. You know, a day-lightener of sorts. Today, however, is not like that. The story you see linked here is one I actually saw tweeted this morning and it left me extremely sad, and a bit angry. It is, in a nutshell, more evidence of the fall and depravity of man. I post it as a Be Forreal moment, in part because it's really hard to fathom a crowd behaving and responding to a man and his hopelessness the way this one did. Are you serious? Laughter, taunting and encouraging a man to jump to his death for the entertainment of a crowd? Yes; it happened. There are a number of lessons to be learned from this incidents, and even more Gospel implications to be drawn from it. How would you have responded as this man stood atop a ledge for nearly an hour? Are there ledges of a different sort that many around us are standing on at this moment? What would make a group consider their own entertainment more valuable than a human life? What sorts of things entertain us? This is one of the sadder (and not the first incident of its kind) moments in recent memory. It speaks volumes of where we are as a "civilized" society. It speaks even higher volumes about this society's great need for Christ and His Gospel. Terrible. Be Forreal people, you cannot be serious.........
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church | Culpeper, VA
Back to Media02/14/10
The Second Adam
Category: New Testament, Luke
by Joe Holland
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There is more to Luke's record of Jesus' genealogy than meets the eye. This week we take a look at what it takes to undo the sin and death that haunts us at every turn.
Might I commend this sermon to you? The Gospel as preached from this passage was extremely good for my soul. I praise God for church home where my family and I can be challenged and encouraged on a consistent basis by the truth of the Gospel. Jesus is everything! Enjoy.......
Prayer Is The Priority | TheResurgence
Nice post in a series about the priority of prayer from Joel Virgo-Posted up at the Resurgence.com
Worth a thought...........
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
And the Winner Is.........Be FORREAL Tuesday is Here!
BMW makes Joy like Bees make Grape Jelly.
But they'd like you to think otherwise.
There is no true joy apart from Christ. Doesn't everybody know that?
BMW, Be FORREAL!!!
Hip Hop For Haiti
Excellent work on the part of Reach Life, Lamp Mode, Reach Records, Desiring God and Club 3 Degrees. This effort raised over 20k for Churches Helping Churches.....You can find out how you can help too, at www.reachlife.org/haiti
and www.churcheshelpingchurches.com
Enjoy this recap of a night of selflessness for the Glory of God and the good of Haiti!
The Book of Galatians 2, White Horse Inn, Dr. Michael Horton, Christian Radio Ministry Broadcast
In this letter Paul explains the difference between the covenant of grace promised to Abraham, and the national covenant made with the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai. At the heart of this discussion is whether our eternal destiny is determined by our own efforts and law keeping, or by God's promise to save his people "by grace alone through faith alone on account of Christ alone.
From www.whitehorseinn.org- Take a bit to dive into the Book of Galatians, one of the most widely misunderstood in the Bible. Our understanding of the Gospel of Grace as laid out by Paul is a key in the unfolding Redemptive Plan of God. Listen as the guys of WHI dig in in this 4 part series. You'll be blessed by it. Grace and Peace
Monday, February 15, 2010
Joining God in His Work: Quotes From Christian Leaders on Tithing
This was tweeted by @hereiblog, I find the quotes very interesting, in a good way. What are your own thoughts about Christian giving? What is the distinction between OT and NT, and does that cause our giving to increase or decrease? Discuss if you will, by heading over to www.lesliepuryear.blogspot.com
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ministers All? « Heidelblog
I thought this was a very interesting read. What are your thoughts concerning the essence of "minstry," and who actually is a "minister?" I welcome your feedback.
Underrated/Underheard Fridays Presents.............Shachah
Yes, I know; there were a few formidable contenders in this weeks UUF, true enough. Just know that Shachah is a BEAST of a group and deserve more shine (I know, none of us TRULY deserve anything). Give them a listen. They have music on iTunes too. Their newest album is called "Let the Light In" and is roughly 4.3 out of 5 Crowns in my opinion. BTW, for the other nominees, I don't ever take the slip of paper with your name on it out of the box. You still have shot after shot in the upcoming weeks' UUF. Spread the word, Shachah is serious. Enjoy!!
Not Just a Great Story....A Quote
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Keller on Christ Centered Sermons-A Quote
**Pictured is Al Mohler, BTW
“The ‘informational’ view of preaching conceives of preaching as changing people’s lives after the sermon. They listen to the sermon, take notes, and then apply the Biblical principles during the week. But this assumes that our main problem is a lack of compliance to Biblical principles, when … all our problems are actually due to a lack of joy and belief in the gospel. Our real problem is that Jesus’ salvation is not as real to our hearts as the significance and security our idols promise us. If that’s our real problem, then the purpose of preaching is to make Christ so real to the heart that in the sermon people have an experience of his grace, and the false saviors that drive us lose their power and grip on us on the spot. That’s the ‘experiential’ view of preaching (Jonathan Edwards).”
On Earth as it is in Heaven » Blog Archive » How To Identify A Reliable Preacher
This is a blog post by Tullian Tchividjian, Pastor of Coral Ridge PCA. Here he lists a few ways to spot a reliable preacher. Would you add, subtract, or clarify any of these points? Thoughts?
What is Christ-Centered Preaching? This. « My Two Cents
How many sermons have you preached (on virtues, parenting, responsibilities, sins, etc.) that would have been well-received in a Jewish synagogue, Muslim mosque, JW Kingdom Hall, or Mormon…whatever?
Very good short piece on Christ-Centered preaching........More to come soon from Chris....
YouTube - Pastor Eric Mason @Legacy
I had the privilege of asking a couple questions of Pastor Eric Mason while in Starbucks at the Legacy Conference, Chicago. Hear his insightful answers here. Glad I have this captured to revisit. Banging perspectives. Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Wait is On.........
I remember when this fitted first found its way into my closet. I loved the fact that folks would consistently ask me, "what is eleven six?" LOL. Gave me a chance to explain the meaning behind it, which is simple yet profound. Not to mention, it was a real fitted, not a cheap knockoff that fit like spongebob on top of your head. Those are fails. This was legit. Now it's out of stock. After tons of wear, and machine washings, my old one is dead. Let's get back on deck @reachrecords, and bring back the classic lid. Chea!
Acts 29 > Events > ONE: Racial Reconciliation & the Gospel | Charlottesville, VA
In VA? This looks to be an interesting conference. I'm planning on trying to attend at least one day. Maybe you should too?
YouTube - Lecrae - Far Away (Haiti Relief)
http://bit.ly/a1sxJg
Fund-Raising Efforts for Haiti are far from over. Here’s a song by Lecrae, “Far Away,” that is aimed at such efforts. Proceeds from purchase of this song go directly to aid Haiti……Support…..song can be found on iTunes here: http://bit.ly/a1sxJg
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
And the Winner Is............
You guessed it! This is without a doubt, this weeks Shoo-in winner for Be FORREAL Tuesday!!! (Click Post Title to read article) Peep this quote and get a glimpse at this landslide victory. This referring to the tackle Tim Tebow fake delivered to his mom in the “controversial” commercial:
“I am blown away at the celebration of the violence against women in it,” she told the Los Angeles Times. “That’s what comes across to me even more strongly than the anti-abortion message. I myself am a survivor of domestic violence, and I don’t find it charming. I think CBS should be ashamed of itself.”
Nuff Said. Congrats NOW, you win the coveted “BE FORREAL!!!!”
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Prayer-The Expression of Selfless Reliance on God
14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.As I was reading through Mark 9 this morning I got to the verses you see above. I couldn't help but see the situation unfold and think of Jesus' rebuke of the disciples when they were unable to cast this demon from this boy. "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?" Of course, Jesus referred to, but not ONLY to, His disciples here. There were crowds of people there at the time, and the message was for all of them as well. Faithless generation. Then there was the question the disciples didn't pose openly, but waited until they and Jesus were back in the house to say "why could we not cast it out?" Wonder why they asked him that privately? Jesus responds simply, "this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer. I have heard so many sermons preached on this passage, and many reasons why Jesus said this to the disciples. As I think about it now, I can only wonder since the text doesn't lay it out specifically, what the disciples said during their attempts to cast out this demon. I imagine they could have just shouted at it to come out; they might have even evoked the name of the Lord while attempting. I don't know-but what appears evident by Jesus' answer to them is that whatever they did/said, it wasn't prayer. I think of so many instances in my own life that have me perplexed. Issues that keep my stomach in knots, and my head hurting with thought. Problems, quagmires, and the like that I feel I have to come up with an answer for. You know, the man thing, solving problems...I wonder if the disciples felt like they not only had this problem to solve, but had the ability within themselves to solve it. "Oh, this kid has a demon, let's cast it out!!" Zealous, excited, confident, sure......all good at times, but at other times deadly. I've been zealous, excited, confident and sure too. Sometimes though, that zeal, excitement, confidence and sureness were elements of prideful thinking. Such thinking has often caused me to look to self to accomplish a particular end. This is the opposite of the type of dependence we are to have in our Lord. Looking back on many of those instances I see the evidence of self-reliance in the fact that I didn't stop to pray....When that problem arose, I depended on my own wisdom instead of heeding the text in James that says clearly: But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God....(James 1:15). Maybe, just maybe, the disciples failed here as I have many times before. AW Pink has said, "Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude—an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God." Now, while I still believe prayer to indeed be an act as well as an attitude, I think the key is dependency upon God. The disciples possible lack of this attitude in their casting out attempt could be at the core of their inability, no? Self-dependence is a strong enemy of prayer. A few short verses after this encounter, the disciples were arguing over who was greatest. What does the content of their argument reveal about their heart attitudes? Seems a short walk from self-reliance in the case of the demon-possessed boy to the prideful discourse about personal greatness, yes? "Why could we not cast it out?" Reading through the Westminster Confession, I see in the section on the commandments something interesting. As the various commandments are enumerated, they are expounded by dealing with BOTH what duties are commanded, and as a logical conclusion, what is forbidden. In other words, God says "don't make a graven image to worship...." and by it we know what to DO and what NOT TO DO. Jesus tells the disciples, "this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." In that statement we can see the messages, "don't trust yourself to accomplish these ends," AND "rely only on God." Perhaps I've read too much into this passage. I'd love to hear your comments. What I know, is that I've been caused this morning to reflect upon my own self-reliance, and my sometimes confusion about the lack of results (or the nature of the results) I see. God is not vindictive to His children, so I know that His revelation of my own pride, illusion of personal strength, and self-reliance are for my sanctification. Prayer is a grace that God has given to us to aid us in the putting off of these traits. When I pray, I'm conceding that I don't have the answer, I don't have the strength and ability required to accomplish any end. He does. ONLY He does. May God grant me the grace to pray not just as a list item, but to KNOW Him better, and as a result depend on Him more. Otherwise, I'll continue asking like the disciples, "what happened? the results were quite different than my expectations. I did everything I knew how to do, and it just didn't work." "Well," asks various texts of Scripture, "did you turn FROM you and TO the Lord in prayer?" Seems simple enough, but elusive enough to escape the grasp of both the disciples and myself at times. Have you just poured out your heart about a bunch of concerns, problems etc to a friend only to have them respond, "well did you pray about it yet?" And you have to embarrassingly admit, "well, no, not yet"? Yeah, it's sort of like that. We need reminding sometimes. I need reminding a lot. This passage served such a purpose, for which I'm thankful. I know this post went way beyond a drop of thought LOLOL, but it's just some random thoughts. What are yours? ---Philipians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
How Deep the Father's Love For Us
Stuart Townend
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measureThat He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Snow like a Big Dog
Well, not yet, but it's supposed to by the end. We're ready though. Thank God for meteorologists and their instruments. Can you imagine not being able to find out what's what with the weather?
Underrated Friday
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Be Forreal Tuesday-The Winner is..........
Neo-Pagans Get Worship Circle at Air Force Academy
"Now, they meet every Monday night, they get to go on retreats, and they have a stone circle."
----Be Forreal