Ebenezer Reformed Church Pastor's Blog

Psalms for All Seasons

2012-01-22T16:08:00.001-06:00

A few of us local pastors along with many others from the area attended a worship workshop Saturday morning (thank you Pastor Jeff and First Christian Reformed Church of Pella) This event was in some ways the debut of a new book for worship coming out next week titled “Psalms for All Seasons.”

The mornings speakers presented three different session during the workshop. The sessions ranged from looking at how to use the Psalms in various liturgical formats from simple song to parts, to seeing the Psalms as divine expressions of everyday life that are to be a part of how we approach God.

To make a long story short, I would recommend picking up this book especially if yours is the duty of leading worship at the church or in the home.

Abortion is now as American as Apple Pie

2012-01-22T15:32:00.001-06:00

Today is right to life Sunday…and many are apathetic to this holocaust, even in the church. Here is an informative article I read from Albert Mohler a few days ago and shared with our church this morning:

“Abortion is now one of America’s most common surgical procedures performed on adults. As many as one out of three women will have at least one abortion. In some American neighborhoods, the number of abortions far exceeds the number of live births.
Most Americans will pay little attention to the 39th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision. In 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that a woman has a constitutional right to arrange the killing of the unborn life within her. Since that decision was handed down, more than 50 million babies have been aborted, at a rate of over 3,000 each day."
One of the most chilling aspects of all this is the sense of normalcy in American life.

Read the rest of the article here

Please do not be apathetic to this issue, I cant imagine how hard ones heart would have to be to be so. Remember as well, there is forgiveness available for you from Jesus if you have had an abortion or supported someone who has. Christ is in the business of fixing things and this includes each of us. Confess the sin to Jesus and repent of it. Vow to work against this sin that has become so normal in our nation and pray for those 3000 women today who are ready to head into the clinic.

Christian Persecution in Pakistan

2012-01-18T12:48:00.000-06:00

I saw this link earlier over at Vit Z and have to pass it on. The author, Vivian Padilla-Chapman, and her husband who is a photographer share their experience both in words and in photos of walking through a Christian Village in Pakistan that had just been overtaken by mobs. Take time to check out each link above and consider your faith in Christ.

People are Great

2012-01-07T11:02:00.001-06:00

What would we do without people? First of all I would have nothing to do (or exist) and second I would not have enjoyed this video as much. For the record I have only tried one of these things on this video, unsuccessfully.

(HT Travis Stewart)

Family Stuff

2012-01-07T10:37:00.001-06:00

I always like the family wisdom from both Doug and Nancy Wilson. I read this yesterday.

Ten Reasons Why Your Kids Might Think You Are No Fun:

1. You believe the heel of the loaf of bread has more nutrients in it because it is browner.
2. You think that kids were made for the living room and not the living room for the kids.
3. You believe that being a disciplinarian consists of using repeated commands in a professional bossy voice.
4. You think that telling stories at the dinner table is weird.
5. You think that laughter at the dinner table is even weirder.
6. You possess a bag of carob chips, which you put into cookies made out of trail mix.
7. You place a high value on "teaching them a work ethic," but that value is not nearly as high as your "slave labor is great ethic."
8. You don't want them to know any dumb music.
9. You think dessert is for sissies.
10. You want them to learn to appreciate you without you ever appreciating them.

National Geographic Photography Contest Winners: 2011

2012-01-07T10:35:00.001-06:00

I love this stuff. Click here or the picture from National Geographic below to check them all out

[Places Honorable Mention - SULFURIC FIRE FESTIVAL: Once a year, Formosa fishermen’s unique sulfuric fire fishing ritual is handed down from generation to generation. Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo and caption by Hung-Hsiu Shih)]

(HT Vit Z)

Iowa Caucus Night

2012-01-04T12:07:00.001-06:00

I thought this was a good summary via “Blog and MaBlog” of last nights caucus here in Iowa:

“I applaud Santorum's genuine defense of marriage and life and, listening to his tax cut proposals, am moderately hopeful he is on the side of the fiscally sane. But given Romney's continued stout defense of his Romneycare, I don't think Romney is going in the right economic direction at all. There are reasons why the establishment still wants to consider him as the heir apparent….

Politics is a contact sport, and you expect a few elbows to be thrown. But dirty ball is still dirty ball. I am convinced that all of the Republicans running need to honor Ron Paul where he is right, and differ respectfully where they believe he is wrong.”

Read the rest here.

Back from Wisconsin

2012-01-03T11:29:00.001-06:00

We had a great trip to Wisconsin this past week. I will post a few pictures later once I look at what we took.

Wisconsin and Iowa though neighboring states are very different places. For example, my brother in law and I went to get some milk for the kids and no kidding we went to a drive through window at a dairy. Just like Starbucks but this time for cheese and milk.

For one other difference consider music. Though Wisconsin and Iowa are both agriculture states, below is the type of music you might find in Wisconsin if you are not already at a Polk party/Catholic Bingo. Take note of the drum beat that carries this (I think Swedish) Jazz band.

Anyway, just a couple of the differences between Iowa and Wisconsin.

And one more unrelated to either Iowa or Wisconsin but just for fun.

(HT 22 Words)

Christmas Sunday

2011-12-23T14:18:00.001-06:00

I had a couple of points I wanted I to make about Christmas this year. I will leave it to one point from the Gospel of Luke following an overview of everything, yes everything. I will then fill the rest of the space with some good ways to redeem your time as you prepare for Sunday (via a great blog I have loved from Justin Taylor over at the Gospel Coalition) Also sorry to my rss subscribers for the multiple updates. I have been having a few problems with live writer lately.

1. Lets begin here for the full story told in an interesting way:

The Story of Christmas - An Animation from Grace in Cranberry on Vimeo.

2. Lets break this down with the Gospel of Luke:

(Luke 2:1-21 ESV) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
    And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
    “Glory to God in the highest,
        and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
    When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
    And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

2. Lets break down the Christmas story a bit more in a way my kids can understand:

3. This good news calls for some music. First a version of a song I have loved for the past few years:

4. And then another song:

5. And then an Idea of what to do about it:

Share the Good News of Christmas from Crossway on Vimeo.

6. And finally one more quick reminder:

That's Christmas (Short Film) HD from St Helen’s Church on Vimeo.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

2011-12-07T10:55:00.001-06:00

As time permits I have been watching "WWII in HD." These events might have been before my time....but not by much. Today we remember Pearl Harbor and the direction that it took our nation.

I minister to a few who served following those events and some who barley made it out. I have heard more stories these past six years than I had previously in relation to the war.

User:Staberinde. Original uploader was Staberinde at en.wikipedia

One member, who has now gone to be with the Lord, would tell of pulling ships with a mile long cable in the Pacific so troops could practice firing upon them.

Another member who remembers like yesterday being aboard a ship as it was being bombed. He barely made it off alive as his friends died around him.

Another member re-tells the stories of having to go into Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the atomic devastation to clean up.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Atomic_bombing_of_Japan.jpg/320px-Atomic_bombing_of_Japan.jpg

What they saw, did, and gave so we could live as we do, for this we are grateful.

Yet I am also forced to consider how much a people can forget in a mere 70 years. I have this lingering feeling in me related to the old adage that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

I am also reminded that this is not something new. In II Kings we read of King Josiah. Josiah became King at an early age and very early on took an interest in following the Lord. At age 25 Josiah took it upon himself to initiate the rebuilding the temple of the Lord. The people of Israel had forgotten about God and His commands in a very short time, but Josiah would remind them of their History. Josiah found the Book of the Lord and had it read to the people reminding them of what they had forgotten in those few short generations.

I am called to an occupation of words. A clear objective I have as a pastor is to lead and re-lead people to the Lord and I do this with words primarily. Words have been what God has used all throughout history. He created the world with words. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. The transmission of the Words of God in Scripture was and is an oral tradition passed on from generation to generation. God calls us as preachers to use words to declare, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. And the words of scripture when applied to us by the Holy Spirit create in us a life of action. Words have the power to build up or to destroy, but the words of scripture as they are proclaimed bring life and life eternal.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”(Romans 10:14-15 ESV)

Words help us us remember our past and know how to direct our future. Pay attention today as words are shared about Pearl Harbor and WWII. Pay attention on Sunday and as you read scripture as Gods Words are given to you.

Might we not forget our history but remember it and press on after Christ.

Iowa Politics Part II

2011-12-06T19:58:00.001-06:00

Today CBS news was in Pella again and a couple of my friends from the area were invited to be interviewed at Smokey Row. CBS News posted the link real quick so I thought I would share it too.

The Christmas Style of “Future of Forestry”

2011-12-06T09:06:00.001-06:00

Some very good Christmas renditions from a group I have come to really appreciate via our missionary in training in Guam right now, thanks Kevin.

And then one to pick up the pace a bit…just because I like it and this is my blog

Here are their Christmas EP’s

Advent Christmas Ep and Vol 2

And then One from the Franz Family…Also quality and filmed with a Canon 5D Mark II to top it off..

Did the Resurrection of Christ Really Happen?

2011-12-05T15:14:00.001-06:00

A friend of mine asked recently “what is the evidence of somebody rising from the dead?” His more specific question is in relation to the resurrection of Christ. Good questions right? A question many people have had, and maybe you have this question yourself. We as those who follow Christ must be prepared with an answer.

I replied to my friend by first pointing out that in regard to the evidence of the resurrection we as Christians consider the eye witness accounts given to us in scripture. The point of tension however between my friend and I is that for Christians we hold Scripture to be true. We bring our bias to the table just as my friend who follows the religion of materialism (all that exists and can be known is material) brings his bias.

Ironically those that are materialist in their understanding of the world are very religious at their core. This only makes sense since God created us to worship Him and if we don’t we will worship something or someone else. But for the materialist, they have to take so much by faith, more than I could ever take by faith anyway as my faith is not blind but rooted in and based upon something explainable.

How about the faith of the materialist? You could start with the assumption of the words they use. How do they account for their meaning when they are non material, unable to be seen, grasped, or tested to be proven true or not? A materialist has to take the meaning of words simply by faith believing that words are in fact real and have some meaning that applies to the speaker and to whomever they are speaking with. If the meaning is defined by the person hearing the words understanding it, this just continues to beg the question. Why do they understand it? Is “understanding” material and can it be tested? How do we account for understanding something? The Christian accounts for the meaning of words and the use of logic that makes them make sense, but I will get into that later.

There are other things as well a materialist must take by faith. For example, if I assume correctly, the materialist has the particular method for finding/testing truth. My question is, can they test that method for finding truth by the same method/standard they are using to test other things, or at what point do they have to assume the method of testing by faith? Then we could get into the details of the materialist religion that have to ultimately borrow from the Christian world view to even make sense. Again I will get into that later, but for now we must make clear that all people are religious if by religious we mean one who lives by faith and worships something.

So what of those eye witnesses to the resurrected Christ? Using my bias of trusting the historical record of scripture we read that there were over 500 witnesses to the resurrected Christ.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV)

Building upon this information further is the notion that many of those eye witnesses, as recorded in scripture, would then have been able to self validate what was written about them or discount the documentation that they were included in. Yet we have no record of retraction from any of those 500 plus eyewitnesses.

All that is fine, but the problem for my friend the questioner is not an argument from silence but the simple question of whether or not the Bible we have today can be trusted so far removed from the original penning? This question has been belabored and there are far better answers than the one I am about to give of the trustworthiness of scripture.

When we consider the Bibles transmission through the ages we see very little translation discrepancies from those early manuscripts that have been found. In fact we have clearer evidence that the translations we have today have been faithfully handed down through the ages because of the age and the sheer number of documents that have been found from antiquity. Yet the Bible is constantly attacked for its reliability by those who gladly assume other ancient writings such as those of Plato or Aristotle while less evidence for their reliability has been found when compared to the Bible. Again, The Bibles ancient manuscripts are much older and more numerous that any of those other ancient writings which are rarely questioned for consistency and accuracy but just assumed.

Just for fun here are some numbers borrowed and adapted from a book I loved in college, “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” by Josh McDowell.

1. Writings of Aristotle: Written between 384-322 B.C.. The earliest copy we have is from around 1100 A.D. which makes a time span between copy and original about 1400 years.
2. Writings of Plato: Written between 427 – 347 B.C.. The earliest copy we have is from around 900 A.D. which makes a time span between copy and original about 1200 years.
3. The New Testament: Written between 50-100 A.D.. The earliest copy we have is from around 120 A.D. which makes a time span between copy and original between 20-100 years giving us a recorded accuracy of near 100%

How about a different way to consider the trustworthiness of the Bible and the resurrection?

For this I will use an argument that I have heard against the resurrection with my answers based partially in Greg Bahnses’s presuppositional apologetic approach as taught in his lectures. This is the approach I used with my skeptic friend thinking it a better reasoning tool than just the numbers alone.

The argument states that we have no pattern for resurrections in the past to indicate that it would happen in the future? Being the scientific people we are in our day and age we agree that science is based in uniformity, regularity, consistency etc. From this we presume the future will be like the past and in the past we don’t see any resurrections from the dead so we assume the future will be like this.

Because we can assume the future will be like the past NASA can send a rocket to the moon because they know what to expect. Things work in a consistent way, chickens will lay eggs, gas will burn, the grass will grow, the Earth will rotate, the Sun will heat etc. But the question for the skeptic to Christianity, and that I posed to my friend who is a middle school science teacher and materialist (i.e. all that matters and can be known is matter) is what is the foundation for this thinking that allows for the future to be like the past? I continued by asking “how can you account for this regularity that brings you to your answers? To say just because is not a sufficient answer.”

If I were asked the same question as a believer in God, of why the world works like it does in this regular consistent pattern, the answer at its root reveals another reason we can trust the Bible and thus trust the resurrection account given to us in the Bible. Christians account for uniformity by accounting for a God who made and upholds all things and having done this in a certain way.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16-17 ESV)

But there is so much more than that. Christians account for wisdom because God is wise. We account for the use of logic because God is logical. We account for rational ability because God is rational. And we account for our accounting of these things because according the Genesis 1 God created us in His image. These things and the suppression of these things can also be accounted for:

(Romans 1:18-20 ) "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."

The question again we have to ask the skeptic is how do they know the future will be like the past? How do they account for knowing this? We agree with the skeptic that there is uniformity in the world but we as Christians can account for it. If the skeptic says it has always been this way again that is meaningless. If they say the past has always indicated the future how do they know it is uniform, regular, and consistent and always has been this way minus God?

As Christians we account for its uniformity outside of citing uniformity as our base for accounting for it, but by citing the God who created all things.

So this brings me back to the resurrection. Having stated that the God who made you and all things is they very base for understanding the world we then have to ask, can this God who made you and your mouth, can He Himself then speak to you? And if He can, has He? And to that we answer yes again.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV)

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21 ESV)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

The Bible can be trusted. The God who made you in His image, who gave you wisdom, who made your very mouth can Himself speak and has done just that. But more than that, we are able to comprehend what He has said because He made us in His image.

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27 ESV)

The Bible accounts for what many skeptics assume but cannot account for. Since the Bible can be trusted we can then go and read such scriptural accounts as the resurrection and those eye witnesses to the risen Christ and trust what God has said.

Remember not only can we trust the Bible, we can account for making sense of what we read because we account for our use of wisdom, logic, and rationality because God is wise, logical, and rational. We can also then trust that words do in fact have meaning. So when we read something in the Bible it can make sense to us because God has set up this world in certain uniform ways and He continues to uphold it that way.

So how do we know Christ rose from dead? God has said, I have read it, it makes sense, and the last ingredient is the confirmation of the Holy Spirit in us. The Holy Spirits confirmation comes through repentance of sin and trusting Christ for your right standing with God the Father.

I’m sure there are better and clearer answers, but this will do for now.

Ravi Zacharias answers A Muslim Students Question

2011-11-27T08:24:00.001-06:00

I saw this this morning over at Vit Z. Ravi Zacharias gives a great answer to an honest question here.

God’s Word vs. Personal Preference

2011-11-23T10:36:00.001-06:00

I found this encouraging today and I hope you do as well. Pastor Driscoll speaks of dealing with God’s Word vs. dealing with personal preferences, and dealing with God’s law vs. adding our own laws to God’s Word.

My Fall 2012 News From the Flock Submission

2011-11-21T11:23:00.001-06:00

(1 Corinthians 3:19a For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.”) In a more biblically illiterate age that we as Americans now live in one consequence that we are finding is that many of the challenges we face are often due to not knowing what it is that God has said. We experience trial, hardship, or confusion and then try to answer what we face using the wisdom of the world instead of God’s. This takes many forms, both in the life of the believer and in the life of the church, from seeking happiness through financial gain towards drawing a crowd through pragmatic means. The question however that we must always be asking ourselves is not what works, or what do I prefer, but what hath God said.

Jesus, as he was being tempted by Satan could have answered with a very fleshly answer but instead responded to Satan with the very words and wisdom of scripture. Consider the answer Jesus gives to Satan’s temptation in Mathew 4 as he cites Deuteronomy 8:3:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:1-4 ESV)

We face challenges and trials every day and those challenges and trials can either serve our Christian growth or stifle it depending on how we respond. When we face those challenges we are called to put away the wisdom of the world and to put on Christ. As we put on Christ we are to deal with each challenge and trail that comes our way the way Christ dealt with them, by asking “what hath God said?” However, Before we can ask that question and come to the right conclusion there are few things we need to consider first.

Number one, how are we approaching God? Are we approaching Him like a good buddy or with fear and trembling? If its not reverently we have to ask why we lack any fear and reverence of the one who created us? Consider the words of the Psalmist:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. Psalm 111:10 ESV”
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 ESV)”

Second, we have to ask if the Bible can be trusted and even if it can be understood? We have an answer to that from the second letter to Timothy:

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV)”

Third, we have to ask ourselves in light of the first two questions are we then going to stand in judgment over the very words of God in comparison to our own perceived wisdom or will we allow the Word of God to judge and guide us?

    For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
    “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
        and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
    Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.(1 Corinthians 1:18-25 ESV)

How will you face the next challenges and trials that come your way? How you answer that will either help or hinder you in your spiritual growth of Christ likeness. Might your answer always be like that of Christ, that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Iowa and Politics

2011-11-19T20:38:00.001-06:00

One of the benefits of living in Iowa, like no other place I have ever lived, is being right at the heart of the political process. It is starting to feel like the presidential candidates are residents around here. So you can’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of this. I have had the chance the past few weeks to attend a couple forums and meet and greets thanks to a few good friends (thanks Ricky D. and Brian N.).

One forum two weeks ago was held at Vermeer Manufacturing.

Tonight was the Thanksgiving Forum held in Des Moines.

Just a few thoughts about tonight.

1. Newt: If he would acknowledge his past marital mistakes more publically I think he would skyrocket forward in this campaign. He is one of the best speakers and clearly very knowledgeable. The moderator gave him a great chance to address the marital issue but he didn’t grab it. He hinted at it, but missed a good chance tonight.

2. Santorum: Wow. We have a few good choices, but he delivered tonight. He is a man I feel like I can trust and respect. He’s got the integrity factor.

3. Bachmann: Very well done as well. The thing I love about her is that she is very direct, confident, and clearly a lady. Some of my liberal female friends just don’t like her (a lot) because she doesn’t fit the strong woman mold. She is a strong woman and clearly a woman, you have to love that.

4. Cain: Weathering some storms yet, talks like a business man and I think that is why people like him. At one point I felt like I was at a job orientation for Godfathers Pizza as he was listing off core values. There is overlap regarding dignity for people in the business world and the govt. (and all areas for that matter) so it only makes sense, but I felt like I was to get to work right after that part.

5. Perry: Articulate and passionate but I'm still trying to figure him out.

6. Paul: He is exciting and dangerous in my mind. I love some of his ideas, and really don’t love some others. He is so radical and clear that he is appealing so often and well unappealing other times. How's that for clarity?

If you want to watch the forum in its entirety I have attached it below. If you are curious about the candidates Christian convictions and how those convictions will affect their policy it is worth the watch.

Thanksgiving Presidential Forum In Des Moines, IA

Anyway, those are my quick thoughts from tonight. All in all I'm glad I went but I still have not made up my mind.

Achieving Worldview Training Goals for 2012

2011-11-09T16:23:00.001-06:00

Outreach is a very specific goal for ERC in 2012. We are planning not only outreach opportunities but also evangelism and outreach training. Behind this training however we must start with having a solid Christian worldview. We cannot reach out to people or defend the faith if we do not understand the world as God has created and ordered it.

To achieve worldview training at ERC so far we have gone through in 2010 “The Truth Project.”

Let me first make my plug for “The Truth Project.” “The Truth Project” is put out by Focus on the Family and has been one of the best worldview curriculums I have ever used. Another reason I want to recommend the “The Truth Project” for worldview training is that this curriculum uses many resources from a ministry I have also become very fond of, Summit Ministries. On that note we do hope to get one of Summit Ministries teachers, through a local connection we have, to join us at some point to continue to deepen our Christian worldview.

So now onto the next step of worldview training for ERC. For that next step I plan on introducing a book we will go through together this year by Greg Koukl titled “Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.”

This book was recommended to me by one of the instructors for Summit Ministries and I have not only enjoyed it but wished I could have read this back in high school.

Below I have included a video from Greg Koukl as he speaks on themes that he also shares in his book on discussing your faith with others. (HT JT)

Greg Koukl: Christianity Worth Thinking About, Part 1 - "Columbo" from Metropolitan Bible Church on Vimeo.

One final note, if you are interested in studying Christian worldviews and/or apologetics on your own let me suggest a resource I find myself constantly going back to. The resource is by the late Greg Bahnsen and is titled “Basic Training for Defending your faith.” Greg Bahnsen was a master apologist employing the Van Tilian (Cornelius Van Til) form of presuppositional apologetics to defend the faith. Presuppositional apologetic is simply worldview apologetics. Not only do you get to know your worldview as a Christian but you come to understand the worldviews of others. One important key you will see as well from this training is that everyone has a worldview, that no one is neutral and that you as a Christian should not be as well. I have linked the source in its multiple formats below.

“Basic Training for Defending the Faith” links.

DVD

CD’s

Book form

ERC and 2012

2011-11-09T15:19:00.001-06:00

Last night was our 2011 congregational meeting. It went well and was a joy to gather with the body of believers here at ERC to discuss the upcoming year. Below I have listed the sheet I handed out as both a reminder and a trajectory for the upcoming year.

ERC Mission Statement:

We believe that God has called Ebenezer to welcome God’s children into vital worship and nurture. To Challenge each member of the church family, equipping them to impact the world with Christ’s unconditional love.

ERC Ministry Purpose:

We believe that God has called Ebenezer Reformed Church to worship Him, and to make Christ known through evangelism, and missions. Ebenezer Reformed Church is called to do and encourage acts of mercy within the church, the community of central Iowa, and throughout the world, and to nurture those who worship the Lord with us into a fuller relationship with Him through fellowship and education enhancing our congregational life.

Core Values:

· Christ centered- We exist to glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is God incarnate. He not only rules and reigns over all things, He is ERC’s Leader and Savior.

· Submission to Biblical Authority: We are committed to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired and inerrant Word of God and as the only infallible authority for faith and life.

· Reformed and Confessional: We are committed to the systems of doctrines set forth in Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dort

· Worship- We are committed to gathering together as a body of believers to worship the Triune God who has saved us while seeking to worship Him as He has commanded.

· A Biblical World View: We will strive to equip the church with the tools necessary to cultivate a Christian world view rooted in the Word of God.

· Changed People- We believe we grow as Christians through community so we encourage one another to take radical faith steps for God as we apply the Word of God through obedience by the Power of the Spirit in us.

· Witness- We seek to bear witness to the Supremacy of Christ over all things by the way we live and serve our families, our neighborhoods, and to the rest of the world.

Worship:

Corporate worship service Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM and Sunday Evenings at 6:00 P.M.
Communion offered Semi Monthly
Blended music (Palms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Eph 5:19)
Prayer/testimonies will be a regular part of our worship during the corporate prayer time
Prayer team will pray after the worship service with those that desire prayer.

Discipleship and Outreach:

Core discipleship opportunities for ERC
- Sunday School following the morning service
- Family night activities
- Lydia/Dorcas Bible Study
- Sisters in Christ Bible Study
- Saturday Morning Men’s Prayer group
- ERC’s Women’s Ministry
- Celebrate Friendship Visitation
- Shift
- Bethel Mission
- Gems/Cadets
- Ballpark for community and surrounding area
- Weekly Prayer Letter
- Vacation Bible School

The following are New Goals to be implemented at ERC

Door to door prayer requests twice a year
Church and community Game night 3 times in 2012
Craft day once a month
Growth Partners (3-4 person groups that meet once a week for prayer and Bible reading together)
Christian Stepping Stones (Church, history, beliefs, etc. A 4 class session in 2012)
Basics of the Faith (ALPHA course or equivalent for 2012)
Training Tools (leadership development course held for five consecutive weeks between the counting of the single slate until the congregational meeting in November)
Christian Witness (evangelism training offered in some form)
Strength Groups (Goal to develop 3 new in Home Bible studies in 2012 to invite friends and unbelievers to as the church setting might be to intimidating)
Corporate Prayer service with a short teaching the first Sunday evening service of every other Month
The Gate service ( the first Sunday evening service of every other month (alternate with above) geared towards those who are thinking about the faith. This service will include a few songs, a testimony, and a presentation of the gospel from the pastor, elder, or church member)

ERC Witness:

Financial support and energy will go to selected ministries along with the designated support for RCA missionaries.

Local Goals:
- Adopting area churches to come along side and help with worship services.
- Car pooling/bussing service into church for worship and activities.
- Food shelf to provide help for families in need through taking them to the grocery store etc.
Global Goals:
- Financial support from the church to missionaries and ministries we support.
- Individual support of missionaries from members of the congregation
- Two minimum local mission trips per year,
- One bi-annual long distance mission trip (preferably Niger Africa)
All-church serving opportunities specific monthly goals
- March - Free childcare night to the public for parents to go out
- April-Recognition meal for all city employees in downtown area
- May-I cubs Game church outing
- June- Church Campout
- July-Meal night for Leisure living either at Ball park or L.L. courtyard
- September-Food packaging as a church in Des Moines
- October- Fall fest or Reformation day party at church
- November-Soup Supper free to public (around Thanksgiving)
- December-World Vision Christmas Gift Oversees Program

Finances:

Goal of 50% of the church budget designated for missions and 50% for operational costs/staff.

Jack Sparrow vs. Grandpa

2011-11-04T10:27:00.001-05:00

Kevin Deyoung, RCA pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing Michigan, writes a great commentary over at the Gospel Coalition calling men to man up.

As I speak at different venues across the country, one of the recurring questions I get comes from women, young women in particular. Their question usually goes something like this: “What is up with men?….They often follow up their initial question by exhorting me, “Please speak to the men in our generation and tell them to be men.”

Read the whole article here

Yes on 26

2011-11-02T12:54:00.001-05:00

This e-mail from a friend says it all, (then watch the video on the tougher issues related)

This vote next Tuesday could be huge. From what I understand it is very likely that Mississippi will be the first state in the nation to declare children in the womb to be “persons” thus granting them the protection of life recognized in the U.S. Constitution, and essentially making Roe v. Wade irrelevant and meaningless in Mississippi. Of course, if it passes other states will likely follow suit. Please pray that Initiative 26 passes in Mississippi next Tuesday.

And then watch this from http://www.180movie.com/

Birthdays and Surprises

2011-10-31T16:02:00.001-05:00

I am a hard one to surprise for birthdays and apparently an even tougher one to shop for according to my wife, but she thought she would try this year.

She placed her order and then barred me from checking our e-mail to see what she bought. However, the receipt came to “my” inbox so I tried to hide it from my eyes but caught the quick glimpse of a camera. “Oh no” I thought, “she got me a new lens, but she doesn’t know exactly what to get for my camera!” “Oh well” I think silently, “let’s let it be a surprise.”

Fast forward two days. I go to get the mail and in the mail is a package. Surprise number one. You can’t send a lens through USPS it would be to rough and would risk breaking it.

Fast forward two more days to birthday time. I finally get to open the package to my likely broken lens. I open it and am stunned, saddened, and excited. She bought me a $2,000 dollar lens. I instantly thought to myself, “Ooooh noo!! I really hope she didn’t yet I really hope she did.”

My surprise was not over. Opening the box I could not get past the words printed on the outside, “CUP”. She surprised me this year, its much more in our price range…. and I like it. Thanks Cara, best coffee mug ever.

Hallelujah! Praising God at Macy's in Center City Philadelphia

2011-10-31T15:14:00.001-05:00

This (surprise) rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah" has been one of my favorites.

10 Reasons Why the New NIV is Bad for Women

2011-10-18T11:46:00.001-05:00

It looks like the NIV just released a new version of the Bible. My advice…stick with or make the move to the ESV, it is the most faithful to the original text.

I saw this well written article this morning on a friends link that explores the damage done by this new gender neutral version of the NIV Bible and maybe why you should consider something else for your next translation.

10 Reasons Why the New NIV is Bad for Women

1. It obscures the profound symbolism of gender:

2. It exalts gender above that to which it points:

3. It diminishes the unique beauty of womanhood:

4. It is less inclusive of women:

5. It demeans women:

6. It patronizes women:

7. It calls God’s attitude toward women into question:

8. It calls God’s wisdom into question:

9. It encourages further changes to Scripture:

10. It leads women away from truth:

Read the full article and the explanations they give here

Brush up on the arguments why Gender-Neutral Bibles are not a good idea here

Below are some good outlets to buy the ESV at a good price

Westminster Bookstore Link

Amazon Link to ESV Study Bible

Here is an ESV tool set online that I use weekly

Steve Deace and Campus Preaching

2011-10-14T21:05:00.001-05:00

We had a great day today. I finished up my sermon for Sunday and then my friend from Seminary Keith Darrell (refer to post below) and I headed up to Des Moines for an interview we set up with radio talk show host Steve Deace.

Steve Deace and his crew were very gracious and the interview went well. Keith was interviewed (video below) for this first hour and then there are some closing thoughts at the end of hour two.

Keith will be back in the Spring for another interview, campus preaching at Iowa colleges, and for a debate with the religious studies professor Hector Avalos from Iowa State. I will update the plans for the debate as they are put together, but for now enjoy the interview below. Also, if you appreciate the work Keith is doing consider supporting him by going to whitefieldfellowship.org/.

Video streaming by Ustream

Campus Preaching

2011-10-11T11:55:00.001-05:00

It’s been great having my friend Keith stay with us while he visits area college campuses to preach. Keith is not your typical open air preacher and if you want to know more about him tune into 92.1 KNIA for an upcoming interview they did with him this morning.

The first campus we visited was Grinnell. After arriving on campus, praying, and getting a little food, it was time for Keith to find a spot to preach on that was accessible to students. Being a private school this was a bit trickier but thanks to a kind police officer who came to talk with us he pointed out a public sidewalk where Keith was allowed to proclaim openly the Word of God. (The pic below is an older photo as I didn’t have any from Grinnell)

The day started off slow with a few students stopping to interact and talk. While there was a lull in the activity we turned to see the religious studies professor leading his class across the lawn over to Keith. For the next forty minutes or so the class brought questions for Keith and a great dialogue began for the duration of their class time.

We left Grinnell encouraged by the work God had allowed us to do, Keith preaching and myself praying for his preaching. Today Keith is up at Iowa State. He has developed a good relationship with the Atheist club there and so will both be preaching and hopefully spending some time with club members again. Pray for Keith and his evangelism as he proclaims the Grace of God seen clearly in the work of Jesus Christ.

You Can’t Always Trust What You Hear

2011-10-08T08:13:00.001-05:00

This is very interesting…..

(HT JT)

That Time of Year Part II

2011-10-07T21:42:00.001-05:00

Just like you expect to see turkey on the table at Thanksgiving or presents under the tree at Christmas, you come to expect a familiar sight in the fields around here this time of the year as well. We appreciate the hard work those in our church and community do throughout the year. And my kids and I want to say thank you to Keith for letting us ride along today as you harvested. This will be a great memory for my kids.

It’s That Time of Year Again

2011-10-06T16:14:00.001-05:00

I went for a ride with my daughter the other night as we had some free time which seems to be few and far between now-a-days. We drove a bit out of town for these. I didn’t get as many photos as I was hoping for as we ended up stopping often to talk with neighbors and friends who were out enjoying this weather as well.

This next two I took in Pella a few weeks ago at soccer practice. Aside from the paving machinery in the front I thought it made a nice photo.

Finally, I was playing around with my blog banner recently and decided to take a couple quick photos of the chess set in my office to make a new banner.

First things first, the chess board was made for me by a church member who is a masterful carpenter and good friend. I cannot get over the things he can craft from wood. I had mentioned one time that I would love to try and make a chess board. A few weeks later he brings one over he put together. Amazing!! (There is a sermon illustration here somewhere of the creativity and craftsmanship of God that He has called us to display in the work we do.)

To top off the Chess board I found at our local Good Will, a store I enjoy checking out from time to time, a Lord of the Rings Chess Set. I had priced them out on eBay awhile back and they were just to much for me. Not so at Good Will, just my price. So thank you to whomever from our area donated it.

Creativity, Eternal Value, and My Ipod

2011-10-06T11:41:00.001-05:00

Al Mohler writes a thought provoking reflection on the life of Steve Jobs and things eternal.

Here is just a bit of the fuller article:

“He exited the scene with grace, ensuring that the company he founded would endure when he was off the scene. There is much to learn from his life and his legacy.
At the same time, Christians cannot leave the matter where the secular world will settle on Steve Jobs’ legacy. The secular conversation will evade questions of eternal significance, but Christians cannot. As is the case with so many kings, rulers, inventors, leaders, and shapers of history, Christians can learn from Steve Jobs, and even admire many of his gifts and contributions. Yet, we must also observe what is missing here.”

Read the whole article here.

(HT JT)

And now a Note from our Sponsors….and to our Sponsors.

2011-10-04T14:24:00.001-05:00

Attention VBS families! This past summer we collected money for evangelist Keith Darrell. He is an evangelist to students on various college campuses. He will be in Leighton this week and your family is invited to come hear him. He will be at Ebenezer Reformed Church at 6:00pm on Sunday, October 9. He will share about his ministry during the 6:00 church service. We will have coffee time afterward for anyone who would like to visit with him. Please come! If you can't make 6:00 but would like to stop in at 7 to meet him, that is fine. We'd love to have all our VBS kids back together to hear about his exciting ministry and encourage him as he travels across the country sharing God's word.

PS - Please pass the word to other VBS families you meet. Not everyone included a phone number or e-mail address on their registration form.

Russia, Worship, and College Campuses

2011-10-03T14:26:00.001-05:00

We were privileged to have with us on Sunday evening as part of the Slavic Reformation Society Russian pastor Ruslan Moroz from village Romanovka Christian Presbyterian Church in Primorsky kray, Russia. Pastor Moroz, with the help of a gifted translator, shared with us an exposition from Luke 17:11-19 and then his story of coming to faith in Christ.

Sunday as a church we also celebrated World Wide Communion Sunday so to have pastor Moroz here with us connected us in a very visible way to the body of Christ around the world. Thank you Pastor Moroz for taking the time for our small country church this past weekend in sharing the grace of Christ in your life.

We also have to thank my friend Pastor Brian Nolder for getting this all set up. Pastor Brian is a mover and a shaker, he gets things done. So far this year we have benefited from a few different speakers he has brought in. Pastor Jeff Myers who held a Worship Conference for Pastor Brian’s Church here, and Pastor Blake Purcell whom came to speak on ministerial training in the seminaries of Russia.

But there’s more to come.

Next week my friend Keith Darrell will be back. Keith is a Presbyterian (PCA) traveling campus preacher. He has one of the most exciting ministries I know as he travels across the nation to speak on various college campuses.

Now all of us have heard campus preachers before but Keith brings a different flare. Not only is he reformed, but with his Vantilian presuppositional apologetics ‘which always begs the question,’ he is quick on his toes for any and every question that comes his way.

I have been with Keith on campuses where he has drawn a crowd of multiple hundreds and have witnessed students being encouraged in the faith, challenged, and through the help of campus ministry groups find a place to connect and go further with Christ. Of course there is much opposition and resistance to his presence on campuses because he brings the gospel of Christ, but Keith feeds off of that as he has been given the gift of evangelism.

Keith will be sharing in our pm service on October 9^th and you are welcome to join us for this 6pm service. Pray for Keith this week or just right now as you are reading this. That is the support he needs the most, and without the work of our fellow evangelists like Keith we who are workers in the field planting, watering, and harvesting would not have much to do.

Severing the root of Racism

2011-09-30T14:46:00.001-05:00

“Bloodlines”, a documentary with John Piper. This might be the best twenty minutes you will spend all day. This short documentary is a look at racial diversity and racism in Dr. Piper’s life but with a clear application for those who watch this. Good stuff again Dr. Piper, thanks.

Bloodlines Documentary with John Piper from Crossway on Vimeo.

Doug Wilson Interviews Mark Driscoll (Part 1 and 2) | “Men & Masculinity” then “Spiritual Gifts & Cessationism”

2011-09-30T13:34:00.001-05:00

Doug Wilson Interviews Mark Driscoll (Part 1) | Men & Masculinity from Canon Wired on Vimeo.

Doug Wilson Interviews Mark Driscoll | Part II - Spiritual Gifts & Cessationism from Canon Wired on Vimeo.

It’s Great to have Kevin in the RCA

2011-09-29T10:29:00.001-05:00

Well…that’s pretty much right on.

2011-09-29T09:36:00.001-05:00

Maybe you have already seen this one circulating. If not here you go.

HT Ed Stetzer

Hitting Close to Home

2011-09-29T09:35:00.001-05:00

CRC and RCA: The Fundamental Differences from theaquilareport.com

On paper it is true that the CRC and RCA have little that divides them anymore. Less known, however, is that the two denominations emerged from two distinct legacies. To this day the two administrations reveal fundamental differences in roots, character, and priorities. To be sure, neighboring CRC and RCA congregations can certainly find much in common. Members of both churches will frequently see no difference at all in worship or beliefs. Taken as a whole, however, the CRC and RCA are two very different institutions. As a CRC pastor trained at an RCA seminary, I have had many experiences that reveal deep and usually unnoticed differences between the two denominations.

Read the full article here
As much as I would love to see our denominations join, I wonder if it would ever happen in our lifetime. I do hope so.

Very Well Done Animations to these Songs.

2011-09-28T14:06:00.001-05:00

I am preparing for our Classis meeting and came across these today. Very well done.

Keith Green, Queen, and Lot’s O’ Links

2011-09-26T10:13:00.001-05:00

I have to post this, just because it is amazing. I was floored. I have always loved the music of Keith Green even with it’s deep revivalistic overtones which in some other settings for me makes me react a bit. But as far as Keith Green’s music, I’ve always found it beautiful and encouraging. We even from time to time sing one of his wife's songs in our worship service (“There is a Redeemer”). Anyway I saw this on a friends site and thought I would share it with you, my vast and diverse blog fan base, thank all of you so much…I mean both of you so much…all right, thanks mom and dad for reading the ramblings of your son…ok ok, I just proof read my own blog “sometimes” and this may not be one of those times so be careful…but I digress.

Anyway, so here's the shakedown. I guess Queen, you remember the old 70’s group, I guess the group is being put back together with new members and they have a talent search. So applicants upload videos to be voted on to see if they are good enough for the group.

Marc Martel, a member of the Christian group Downhere submitted his entry here, which is amazing. But then low and behold he sounds exactly like Keith Green as well. If I could only sing ….at least I could grow the mustache as seen in his queen audition

Anyway, enjoy. (Here's Keith Green’s Original Version) followed by Marc Martel’s video below.

Here is Keith Green

MUTEMATH and an old Friend

2011-09-26T09:48:00.001-05:00

I am looking forward to seeing this concert with an old friend from Minneapolis. MuteMath has an interesting story from the wakes of the Christian music industry machine to the main stream music roads, its worth the google sometime. I wonder however which one offers them more freedom as artists and ultimately helps them glorify God in the greatest way possible. Either way, I'm glad God gave us music.

*Update: Had a good time with Adam who came down for this show on Saturday. It was a surprisingly small venue in downtown Des Moines as we were standing just behind them…very small venue. I snapped a few photos with my wife's phone below. It was a fun show, and it was great to see an old friend. Come on down anytime Adam.

Temptations of Silence

2011-09-26T09:37:00.001-05:00

Private Library from David Vegezzi on Vimeo. (Ht D. Burk; Vit Z)

As much as I would love this for a place to write my sermons and read, I would not trade the sound of my kids in the next room from my home office for anything, a sound much better than any silence can tempt with. A sound with the cries, the laughs, the talking, that daily remind me of God’s covenant promise to us and our children. I am a fortunate pastor dad who can write my sermons with sounds of whispering through the walls or the closed office door of what I am doing because to shepherd ones church well I must first be able to shepherd my family well. Let the whispers, the cries, and the laughter continue…you can keep the tempting room with a view.

1 Timothy 3 1:The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into ha snare of the devil.

Work when there is none.

2011-09-14T12:19:00.001-05:00

In our down economy when many are looking for employment, I found this advice today very good and thought I would pass it along.

Man & Work: What if I can’t find a job? (Part 6) from Canon Wired on Vimeo.

Homeschooling and Other Things

2011-09-13T12:10:00.001-05:00

We considered homeschooling but for our eldest decided the formal school environment would be the best. As advocates of homeschoolers, as we have many friends and family who do, added to the possibility that we might with one or some of our other children, I found this article very informative. Even if you have no interest in homeschooling it is a valuable article with many applications that hits at the heart of our pride and rebellion before God.

Taken from the article: Homeschool Blindspots

When pride is working its work in us, we sincerely believe our personal opinions reflect God's utmost priorities and standards. What we believe to be our "enlightened" perspective becomes a filter by which we gauge others' spirituality, and therefore limits our options for fellowship. We develop a very narrow definition of what we call "likeminded" people, based on the outworkings of our values and opinions. Now we are on a path to exclusivity when we will no longer associate with those who will be with us in eternity. Is it possible we have lost sight of fellowship based on love and devotion to Jesus, and have substituted personal standards and a narrow view of Christian liberty?

Tilt Shift Photography and Us

2011-09-11T15:39:00.001-05:00

I have found tilt shift photography very interesting. I have not played around with it yet but enjoy checking out photo’s of those who have. Here are couple video’s of tilt shift video. What I love about this is that it captures a good perspective of life. We are so tiny compared to God who created all things. (The Hubble telescope photo’s capture our tininess for me this way as well.) It is a great perspective shift as we have the tendency to think it is all about us….but…its really about Jesus. So enjoy. (HT Jeff Myers)

A little town festival from René Raab on Vimeo.

Community

2011-09-06T13:44:00.000-05:00

Worth the Repost. HT Vit Z.

Community from Crossway on Vimeo.

Leighton Iowa Photo History

2011-08-28T21:16:00.001-05:00

I love old photos. I love the history that you get with them, the people and the places and the stories. Digging through some old files in my office awhile back I found some old photos of our town and our church and I thought I would share them with you. So here is a short photo history of our little town. Enjoy!

As the caption reads this photo (illustration) is from 1880. This was the hotel and store of John Walton.

The old train line came through town for many years. We had our own Depot which is now gone but what remains are numerous stories of riding the train from Leighton to Des Moines. I would have loved those days. If you walk to the south side of town you can still see where the train came through.

I remember hearing stories of former pastors who would keep a shotgun above the front door because of some of the clientele the train line would bring to town from time to time. Evangelism may have changed a bit around here since then.

A photo from the south side of town looking north Cir. 1900’s

A view of downtown Leighton on Main street.

An earlier church building of ours and an earlier parsonage. I think this was the church that burned down. The parsonage was eventually moved to a different area of town. The pulpit was saved from the fire and can been seen in an upcoming photo.

One of our members gets a kick out of the hammock in the front lawn of the parsonage and makes sure I see it there every time we look at this photo.

Here is the interior of the older church that burned down. That pulpit pictured here is now in our chapel and gets used yet from time to time. I love the old choir loft in the upper left hand side.

Another view of Ebenezer Reformed Church.

Here was our next church that was built. You can see the new parsonage behind it. Also pictured between the buildings is a stall for carriages and horses.

Here is the old Leighton CRC church followed by Ebenezer. Funny side story, I get calls often from telemarketers asking if Ebenezer is home. However the most recent call asked for Mr. Reformed. I guess it was rude to use the full name of Mr. Ebenezer Reformed.

Here is a look around town from 1910 to 1920. Pictured you see our old Elementary school, our Lumber Company, and the West Side of Town.

Time for a new parsonage. Below is the old parsonage being moved to a different area of town. The house is still used and appears to be in good shape to this day.

Another picture of the parsonage being moved. I imagine this was sometime in the early 1950’s as the next parsonage was built in 1953 (as seen in an upcoming photo)

This was the construction of our current parsonage in 1953. We love the home the church has provided for us and its fun talking with those here who helped build it. Our choir director lived in this home as well for a number of years as a child as her father pastored our church then. It has been enjoyable the last few years meeting others as well who have lived here as their fathers pastored our church. I'm sure one day our daughters will be sharing stories of their own of our little town and our home in Iowa.

Here are a couple of more recent photos from downtown Leighton. Most of the building pictured are still in use today.

For many years Leighton had an Elementary school. Many memories are shared from our members of going to school there.

Leighton Leisure living is pictured below as well and is still home to many Leighton families.

Here are the current two churches in town. Though Leighton over the years housed a few more churches of various denominations these are the two that remain today.

And now for a couple more recent photos of ERC

Change And Not The Pocket Type

2011-08-28T17:29:00.001-05:00

The Leighton Feed Mill has represented for our small town both employment, access to farm necessities for our farmers, good morning conversation over coffee for those same farmers, and lots of other memories for many people in our small town. Today it got torn down.

I talked with a few people who were there when it was built and a few who helped put the various parts of it up. Change is often hard not because of the change in and of itself but because it represents a piece of us.

Just watching the mill come down reminds me of our lives with Christ. God created us with purpose and intent and in His image. He created us and all things and said all that He has done was good.

Gen 2:2 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.

We were to give God glory and worship Him alone, but then a terrible decision was made in that perfectly created place by two of Gods own creation. A decision that would alter everyone's life.

Romans 5:12- 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Things changed quick as sin entered the scene. Sin is like that rust, it eats away at us, causing what was once operational to no longer function like it should. But the story doesn’t end there, the history of the world would continue and then Christ would come to create once more, to tear down the old and rebuild something new. It was another creation story in a sense even with a new Sabbath rest to follow.

We read in the book of Colossians that Christ was right there at creation.

Col 1 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by [6] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

All things in the beginning were created through and for Christ. The apostle John reminds us of this in the following verses and then says what Christ did next.

John 1:1-5;14 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Christ came in the flesh with a similar mission to what he had in the beginning with the Father, but now to re-create, to make new out of what is worn and tattered. Making fresh out of what is tired and old giving it new life.

We gather on Sunday for Church, the Sabbath rest, to consider this re-creational work of Christ. We gather to consider the rest he entered into on that first day of the week when he rose from the grave. We as the people of the true God set aside now the first day of the week to worship the one who tears down and builds up. We gather to worship together as a people being built up together into this new family by this rebuilding process of Jesus.

Colossians 2:13-15 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Here in Leighton we wait to see what will happen with the site of the old mill. Will it be the location of a new home for a family? Maybe corn or beans will grow there? What sort of “new” will it be when the old is completely hauled away? For sure it will be new memories combined with many old ones as the final pieces are trucked out of town and as whatever new is trucked in. In this process however I don’t want you to miss Christ, he is telling us something.

The Leadership Paradox

2011-08-20T19:12:00.001-05:00

“Leadership is a paradox - glory and ruin, privilege and torment. People look for leaders, who are in short supply, and look to leaders, whose skills they often exaggerate. People assist and advise them, criticize and condemn them, favor and flatter them, haunt and hover over them. No wonder people hesitate to enter.” - Pastor Dan Doriani

Summit Ministries: Michele Bachmann, and Correct Worldviews

2011-08-16T09:14:00.001-05:00

I read this morning from a recommendation the article: My Take: I could have become Michele Bachmann. The article is by Alisa Harris who blogs at CNN for the religious section. The recommendation was not for that article per say, but for a response to that article written by Kevin James Bywater over here. “I could have become Michele Bachmann: a response” Kevin Bywater is director of the Summit Ministries Oxford Study Centre, a division of Summit Ministries which has influenced both Alisa Harris and Michele Bachmann and a ministry I would highly encourage anyone looking for a solid world view to attend. Here is the link to Summit Ministries site.

Hipsters and Chaplains

2011-08-15T13:28:00.001-05:00

Yes, these are funny. Got these two from over at “TakeyourvitaminZ.” His blog has always been one of my favorites and way better than mine, so if you haven't checked it out its time to head over there. .

Evolution of a Hipster

A Nascar Chaplains opening prayer…

Wisconsin Vacation

2011-08-05T15:37:00.001-05:00

God is the one who makes a family. He gives us earthly families to tell us about the family He builds through Christ. I enjoy and love family, both my immediate, extended, and church families.

For vacation we headed to WI to see our extended family and had a wonderful time.

Part one of our trip…Athens Wisconsin.

For fun….my dad builds homes. This was not his profession, he just likes it. This is the home he built for my mother and himself after we kids moved out of the other one (which he built as well.)

I have found memories of pounding nails with him into 2x4’s and putting up new shingles on the homes he built and worked on. To this day the smell of new carpet, fresh cut wood, or newly plastered walls are nostalgic for me with memories of my childhood.

One of the reasons we love visiting WI is the beauty. Dad and mom, you picked a great place for this home, thanks for sharing.

My parents love to share. My father picked up this older corvette a few years back that he also loves to share. In fact he insisted for a time that I take it back with me to Iowa. I had to refuse over and over. As much as I would not mind having it I think a pastor who drives a vette, no matter what the year, that it might be counter productive to some of my ministry goals. So I will save that fun for WI. Plus you have the garage room.

After a quick battery adjustment, it was ready to go so dad and I headed up to Merrill WI for a drive.

Merrill was just recently hit with a tornado that tore part of the north side of town up, so we went to see what was left to be fixed yet.

This tornado started just one mile north of my families house. Lots of trees down near their place. Below I've attached a video of the tornado as it crossed the highway near their home.

There are many buildings on Merrill's north side that have yet to be fixed or tore down.

The weather was great for our trip however. One night storms rolled in so I thought I should take a few photo’s.

The following morning this is what we awoke to.

For the second part of our family visit vacation we headed to Auburndale Wisconsin. We like to split our time to visit both sides so we visited one half of the family the first part of the week and the other half the second. So with that said we packed our bags and headed to my wife's brothers house.

We again had exceptional weather, mid 60’s in the evening and lower 80’s during the day. However my daughter must have still thought it was too hot so she thought it a good idea to pour water on her head for a time. This might have been more for fun than cooling off, either way she’s a cutie.

Our niece and her husband visited us at Tulip Time. We checked out the classic cars while they were here. I remember Jason saying, “I would love one of those old cars,” so he got one. Love the car Jason and thanks for letting us try it out.

Cara’s brother Bob and sister-in-law Linda are wonderful hosts as well. While with her brother and sister-in-law they cooked up some great food and invited lots of family over to visit with. This was one of our morning breakfasts. They called it “slop” but it sure tasted a lot better than the name.

One thing I got a kick out of, Bob did the cooking on old barn gutter grates. Yea that's right, the stuff that the cows use in the barns to keep the isle free of mess…yea that’s right that’s where the cows do their dirty work, but these were new unused barn gutter grates so all is safe for the morning slop.

We thank God for family and giving us family's that know Jesus as Savior and Lord. It is through Jesus that we come to understand the reason God gave us families to be a part of in this life…to tell us about the family we are joined to through Christ.

God is the family builder (and restorer) as He builds His family of adopted sons and daughters through Christ. The enjoyment we have now with family will only be magnified on that last day when all those who called upon Jesus as Lord will join their brothers and sisters for an eternity of good cooking, laughter, friendship and joy. All this not only is with Christ at the center of it, but because Christ is the center of this family he builds.

Central Iowa Summertime

2011-07-16T13:10:00.001-05:00

A couple of older photos of Iowa summertime since I haven't taken any in awhile.

Ready for flight

Our fearless dog.

Super-Mario Jesus and Men in Skirts

2011-07-12T09:57:00.001-05:00

“Where have the Good Men Gone?” The title from an article written in the Wall Street Journal. Quoting the article:

"We are sick of hooking up with guys," writes the comedian Julie Klausner, author of a touchingly funny 2010 book, "I Don't Care About Your Band: What I Learned from Indie Rockers, Trust Funders, Pornographers, Felons, Faux-Sensitive Hipsters and Other Guys I've Dated." What Ms. Klausner means by "guys" is males who are not boys or men but something in between. "Guys talk about 'Star Wars' like it's not a movie made for people half their age; a guy's idea of a perfect night is a hang around the PlayStation with his bandmates, or a trip to Vegas with his college friends.... They are more like the kids we babysat than the dads who drove us home." One female reviewer of Ms. Kausner's book wrote, "I had to stop several times while reading and think: Wait, did I date this same guy?"

I read often of husbands who just come home and play video games after work and have a few friends who fit the stories very well thanks to World of Warcraft. Just recently there was a joke sale on Craigslist where a woman was selling her husband because he didn't do anything. I hear the similar recurring story of many husbands not coming home at all until the kids are in bed. These are not abnormal stories, I have heard a constant theme over the years from friend after friend, but let me not jump the gun here.
I think it was Pastor Scotty Smith who once said on the campus of Covenant Seminary to the single men “get a wife get a life.” As a single man at the time I took offense to it, but years later I know exactly what he meant. Some clarity from his statement years back came today when I read two articles that made my stomach turn:
The first from the Wall Street Journal Where Have The Good Men Gone?
And then next from Resurgence, “The Decline of the Nuclear Family.”
Having just come back from the Reformed Church in America’s General Synod Meeting one of the RCA’s greatest challenges at the moment in the church is finding that lost generation that is leaving the church, the 30 something's and below.
After the stats were read of what is happening in the church with that demographic one man got up to the microphone and drew the correlation of the young adults leaving the church to the fathers and men who are leaving the church as well. Armed with stats of his own that made the correlation between fathers and children clear I thought the conversation was going to take a wonderful turn, but sadly pragmatism won out. Instead of seeing the abdication of many fathers today and the result it has on the kids when they abdicate their duty, we discussed pragmatics once again. “We need to listen to that generation” we were told. What? We are listening, look at what we are hearing. We have an epidemic on our hands. An epidemic not only of the laziness of men failing to understand and take their responsibility seriously, but at the root of this we are seeing the rotten fruit of the radical feminist agenda taking a foot hold in families, culture, and denominations.

It’s time for our men to be men and stop being boys. I’m happy to have been raised by a father who knew what it meant to be a man. To take care of his family, to love our mother clearly before our eyes, and to lead by his example in all this.   I also feel privileged to live in an area where most of our men don’t just spend their days on the couch but are out in the heat sweating away to take care of their families.
I hold some views in our denomination that set some people against me. I believe God has clearly created the sexes, both male and female for a purpose as Paul lays out in Ephesians 5 to start with. Our sexual identity was not just created without a thought. Men and women who are equal in value before God yet complimentary in the roles He has given us.
Both men and women having been called by God for specific roles and callings in life but here's the issue, our men are jumping ship for Xbox 360 or playing in Indi bands instead of leading their families and the church. The radical feminist agenda has taken root and has filtered the water of our culture.
It is time for men to step up and be men. Put the PlayStation controllers down. Turn off your computer screens and get a job, get a wife, and lead a family, but until then I'm afraid the church will keep seeing this lost generation vanishing.
For males who desire to step forward into manhood, here are a couple good resources to start with:
1. A good read from Philip Lancaster

2. Portions of a great book series from Doug Wilson. Now I'm not a big proponent of the Federal Vision, I guess maybe I don’t understand it fully enough yet, but Doug Wilson’s books on the family are top notch. I have never read any better.

Church Campout

2011-07-11T17:09:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago was our annual church campout. Turned out to be the nicest weather we have had for a campout in a few years.

Sitting outside a sandbox my kids played in at the campground was this elderly looking toy tractor wrinkled and tired from years of obvious use. That toy, resting against the tall grass seemed like it was listening to the echo from behind it of a greater calling it had somehow missed.

Eating together, laughing together, praying together, and worshiping together. Camping is good. People are better. God is the Best.

My family and I didn’t stay to camp at night. We like our sleep which we don’t seem to get much of while camping with our kids right now. But more than that the sleep of our kids makes for a better day to follow especially if we have church, (and my wife whispers an amen as she reads this). So we headed home Saturday night and came back in the morning for the service and meal.

The topic of focus this campout was both fellowship and taking time to consider Gods natural revelation and how He speaks that way too. I read in a book recently that as we consider God speaking to us, all we have to do is step outside and look and listen. His voice is almost overwhelming and without pause or rest if we have ears to hear. Consider Nate Wilson’s words from the book “Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl” of our speech and Gods speech:

“Tree, I say, and you know what I mean. You see one in your mind, or glance out your window and remember the much needed pruning. Tree, God says, and there is one. But He doesn’t say the word tree; He says the tree itself. He needs no shortcut. He’s not merely calling one into existence, though His voice creates. His voice is its existence.” (pg 43.)

Corn fields and Grave yards, I find both interesting.

In my college days there was this old graveyard in the bluffs of Minnesota we would often visit. It snaked up and down the bluff along the Mississippi River with sections looking barely traveled and almost forgotten by time. Some stones there if readable along these hidden sections dated around to the late 1700’s.

As you drive along the Des Moines river in our area you can find graveyards hidden in the Timber. The shadow of the woods peering over and glancing down upon the cleanly moved grass keeping the tombstones warm in these resting grounds.

I was walking once on a trail near Lake Red Rock off into the woods and I came across a graveyard. Walking off the Path I checked out the head stones that were hiding under the leaves that had fallen as if they wanted to be found. A family had lived there once, they now rest together there.

As you drive down Hwy 163 near my home you often see both graveyards and cornfields scattered in the scenery. Often one flowing naturally into and against the other like it was meant that way. Flowing together like the ocean of those who labored those fields for years against the shoreline of those who plant the fields today.

So what do graveyards and cornfields have in common? In a cornfield corn has been planted. In a graveyard as Nate Wilson points out something else is happening:

“[H]uman seeds have been planted in neat little rows. Stone stakes label the crop….the sun is bright, but doing less than I had hoped it would. The ground is wet and cold…It doesn’t matter. These seeds (in the graveyard) need more than the sun can give. ” (Ibid pg 61.)

What a compelling observation by Nate Wilson. We watch the sun bring life to the corn seeds and the corn bursts forth from the grave of the dirt and rises to new life. It’s stalks stretching and following the sun as it moves in the sky in their form of worship for giving them life.

The day is coming when the Son, Jesus himself, will cause those who have been planted in these graveyards along the road ways, scatter in the woods, and along the bluffs to spring forth to new life too. They have been planted in a sense as Nate Wilson pointed out above, and we await the spring day when new life comes for them and for us.

Many around here have lost loved ones in the past few years but as we watch the corn grown this year may we find hope as God speaks through the stalks, the cobs, and the trees:

I Thessalonians 4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, [4] that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Little Iowa Town Fireworks

2011-07-04T10:04:00.001-05:00

Our little town in this part of central Iowa throws a pretty good fourth of July party. The fireworks each year are very impressive (thanks Dave and Doug!). Here are a few photo’s from last Friday night.

I think the photo’s I took a few years ago of the fireworks (here and here) with my old Nikon D50 actually turned out a bit better but the D90 is a much more fun camera.

I had the camera set to bulb setting, mounted on a tri-pod, with a remote. That way I could leave the shutter open as long as I wanted to get as many fireworks into one scene. The other advantage was that my five year old could take a few photos as well just by pressing the remote. So these are a mixture of her photos with mine from Friday night.

The only draw back to having a five year old take photos of fireworks is that it means she is up until 11pm that night. It was a great memory for her but wow, crabby little girl the next two days seeing she still got up around 6am.

You can see how long the shutter was open for this photo by looking at the stars on the top of the picture. You can start to see a bit of their motion. Some night I am just going to point the camera up and leave the shutter open for a half hour or so and see what I get.

So this is a bit of the fireworks from our 4th celebration here. It was a great night but a night mixed with sorrow. There was a man in our parade who upon leaving town with his tractor was hit on the highway and killed. If you are reading this post just say a short prayer for both his family and also the man that hit him. Tough days ahead for both families but we pray the comfort of Jesus is evident during this difficult time for them.

Tim Keller “Getting Out” Preaching Christ from the OT

2011-07-01T13:47:00.001-05:00

A few of us pastors from central Iowa went to this years Gospel Coalition conference in Chicago and we were very happy we did. This was one of the best sessions in my opinion in regards to typology and preaching Christ in the OT.

I think most of the audio and video are up now and you can find them here.

But while you wait, watch this:

Getting Out - Tim Keller - TGC 2011 from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/conferences/2011/#media

John Piper on Retirement

2011-07-01T13:42:00.001-05:00

I remember hearing this a few years back. Humbling.

John Piper has a way with words. I read this article yesterday on homosexuality. Humbling is the only way to put it. The way he is dealing with the issue should be an eye opener for many churches who are not dealing with it well. I think he nails it on this one.

Article link: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/my-eyes-shed-streams-of-tears-thoughts-on-the-new-calamity

(HT Vit Z)

A Tiny Desktop Afternoon Break

2011-06-30T17:08:00.001-05:00

It has been a busy day around here. Today is the day we test students for ministry from our Classis (Classis simply=grouping of RCA churches by region). I was responsible for testing on our standards and confessions. It is a fulfilling day of fellowship but it makes for a full spread out day.

I have spent the time between testing to work on Sundays sermon from Hebrews chapters two. Between writing and reading and before I head off to the next test I paused for a moment and followed two links from two friends (did you get that). Now I want share them with you because I liked them and I like you. At least I think I do because you are kind enough to read my ramblings here on my blog. Or…maybe you are my nemesis just plotting against me and gathering info from my random scatterings here. Either way, enjoy my friend/foe .

1. The first I found over at Jeff and Aubrey’s blog, “Pilgrim at Oak Ridge.” Aubrey found a site similar to the one I shared the other day, but this time the theme is centered on WWII. It is a series of modern photos that were pieced together with photos from the past during that tumultuous time in our worlds history. I encourage you to check it out here.

2. I found this next one from my friend Adam. Adam by the way looks just like Charles Spurgeon and probably preaches like him too.

The link will take you to NPR. NPR not only from time to time allows you to stream new albums, they also post “Tiny Desk Concerts.” This one is from Adele, I just love her voice.

Notes From the Tilt-A-Whirl

2011-06-27T11:27:00.001-05:00

The Video “Notes From the Tilt-A-Whirl” is a must buy if you like great art work, great story telling, and Jesus. I happen to like all three, not in that order of course so this purchase was a no brainer for me.

The movie is based on the book which is also worth your time.

Because I thought the book was so good I have handed out many copies of it already to friends. But back to the newly released video.

I have enjoyed the “Notes From the Tilt-A-Whirl” video because It is a perfect combination in my opinion. The visual imagery is stunning. The story telling is superb. And the world view it is based upon…well it is right.

Though many world views only one of them can be right. I understand the right world view to be the one with Jesus at the center of it and us as characters on his stage playing our part that he has given to us as seen both in geography of where he has placed us and gifting in what he has enabled us to do. I cant wait to show this to our church at some level whether it be the youth or those older. Better yet maybe we can all read the book together and then watch the film, it would create a good discussion.

Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl Movie Trailer from Gorilla Poet Productions on Vimeo.

Dear Photograph

2011-06-22T12:06:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine posted this link on Facebook this morning. Dear Photograph is a fun site and I would bet that after many of you read this and follow the link you will thumb through some of your old photos and do this yourself. It is a great idea.

http://dearphotograph.com/

Synod, Sandals, and Shutter Speeds

2011-06-21T08:00:00.003-05:00

The two things I didn’t pack with me for my trip to Grand Rapids for General Synod were the two things it turned out I wished I had the most, my camera and my sandals. I wasn’t sure if there would be time for taking photos. Turned out I had time one evening and one morning. Luckily I brought my wife's Olympus FE-320 point and shoot camera and I have been impressed by what you can do with a point and shoot and Photoshop.

So below is a bit of our trip to General Synod (minus the Synod photos which are on the other post.)

Calvin Colleges campus was beautiful, maybe the nicest campus I have been on.

I loved my experience at Covenant Seminary and since Calvin College also had a seminary I was eager to go on over and check it out.

I thought crossing the street from the college to the seminary would make a nice photo and I think it kind of did.

In St. Louis the seminary I attended was landscaped very nicely.. Though beautiful the seminary is located on the corner of two major highways so all you hear is traffic…all day…and all night. Calvin's seminary was much more peaceful (noise wise) and the landscaping was great (even though I know those are secondary issues for seminaries where the primary ones are what’s taught but a nice landscape does help study.)

All the while wishing I had my Nikon for some fun shutter effects of the landscape I thought maybe I could do just as good with my wife's Olympus camera. Turned out pretty good with the water I thought.

I had some more free time so I headed on over to the enclosed walkway to the other side of campus. The walk way is called “Calvin's Crossing.” No big deal right? What’s in a name? As it turns out it appeared that everything on campus has the name “Calvin” on it. Now I know this “is” Calvin college, but even the speaker podiums, soap dispensers, and hand sanitizers have all been labeled with “Calvin.” Would it not have been more fun to name them “Calvin’s Soap Dispenser”, or “Calvin’s hand Sanitizer” or “Calvin and the chipmunks.” I just say that because there were lots and lots of chipmunks. I even spent ten minutes one afternoon watching this little boy chase this chipmunk all over campus trying to catch it. The chipmunk did get away through a hedge of bushes. Score 1 chipmunk, 0 little boy.

On the other side of “”Calvin’s Crossing” I found myself at a conference center. Behind the conference center was a nature preserve that the seminary owns…Calvin’s nature preserve I presume.

“Calvin’s little trail into the woods.” I didn’t make it very far on here however as it seemed to just go into peoples backyards.

“Calvin’s outhouse.” Actually that is Todd, another pastor I traveled with. We took one morning and headed on over to Holland Michigan to see both Holland and Lake Michigan. I had heard so much about Holland from my Pella friends I just had to check it out.

While there we drove through the campus of Hope College and Western Seminary. It was nice to finally see both of those as well. I have many friends who attended there and it put some of their stories into context for me.

After our short tour of Holland we headed on over to Lake Michigan for the morning as we had a bit of time off from the long, long, long meetings. I also praise God for coffee.

At Lake Michigan we met Sarah. We were told by Sarah’s owners that Sarah was a turtle and that Sarah doesn’t like bathtubs. Her owners brought her out to the Lake to see if she liked that better than the bathtub. I actually think Sara is a tortoise and maybe a Robert or Tom and not a Sarah but that might not matter in a tortoise world. While watching Sarah crawl ever so slow on the shore line I was half waiting for some good citizen of Holland to run over to her thinking she had just accidentally come ashore and proceed to throw her back into the lake.

The Beach was real nice. It was a beautiful day, the breeze was off the shore towards the water so it stayed pretty warm that morning. Warm enough to take your shoes off. The water was cold as ice and one crazy Michiganian was swimming. Waiting for his skin to turn blue we watched for a moment as he showed off for some girls sitting on shore. I wonder what he would have done if Sarah floated by? Now that might have been a show.

Below are the guys I traveled with.

Now for something whiter than my white feet. Actually the sand is not white it just looks white on this picture.

Just like near us there are always many people fishing where there are fish. And Lake Michigan must have fish because there were plenty of fishing poles.

And even some fish.

And a light house. This one is so classic looking. I wonder when it was built and how it works? I also wonder why they picked the design they did for this one?

If you wonder too you can just read this next picture.

Now back to more fishing.

Or swimming if you want. They have life jackets for you but the water is really really cold. Unless you are Sarah the tortoise.

Close up

A little wider shot and this is what you see.

Last but not least I saw this couple sitting on the end of the pier framed by the signal. I couldn’t resist taking their picture and after I took it I did not know which one I liked better, this one in black and white or the color one. So I just put them both on here.

I hope you enjoyed my Michigan trip with me. I hope to get my family up here soon for a little vacation. I know they would love it.

General Synod 2011(with the CRC on day one)

2011-06-21T05:00:00.001-05:00

The RCA General Synod opened up on Thursday morning at the Campus of Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan.

The reason Calvin was chosen this year was to overlap our Synod with the Christian Reformed Church’s whose meeting ended on this same day that ours began.

The plan indirectly was to set up once for both denominations. The plan more specifically was for the RCA to join with the CRC for a time of worship, fellowship, and working towards a closer union between our two groups who divided so long ago. Will it ever fully happen? I don’t know this side of redemption but it is nice to think.

After the joint session we heading over to Calvin’s chapel for worship together.

We then closed out our worship by celebrating communion together with the CRC delegates before they headed home.

And then it was time for us to get down to business

Here’s a link to all the photos taken by RCA staff.

If you are interested in watching the Synod unfold live, here is the stream link.

Also if you follow those links you can see all the work that we did this year. The decisions made and resolutions passed.
Some of the highlights for me this week:
1. Joint Session with the CRC
2. Election of the new General Secretary of the RCA
3. Installation of the new General Secretary
4. Good food
5. Many great new friends

Check out the full listing at RCA.org

So the Dalai Lama Walks into a Pizza Shop…

2011-06-18T20:51:00.001-05:00

If I were a news reporter…well I'm sure this would be pretty close.

(HT JT)

The Muchakinock Creek

2011-06-10T14:13:00.001-05:00

After the rains last night the Muchakinock Creek was up to no good again. This was a photo taken this morning.

Behind our house was the new Lake Leighton. Considered calling in some lifeguards but the beans began to poke their heads through fairly quick. Now by later in the day it looks like all will be well.

There are so many variables for our local farmers but clearly the primary one is trusting God.

Jeremiah 10:13 (ESV)
    When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
        and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth.
    He makes lightning for the rain,
        and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses.

Vacation Bible School

2011-06-10T13:58:00.001-05:00

We had a great week of Vacation Bible School. I enjoy it for a number of reasons. The first was being able to teach and present Christ to a whole lot of kids. The other is that I got to play with cardboard and duck tape and make forts, and boats, and castles. Some might ask “how is that different than the typical work week for me?” Well it is a bit different

The material we used again this year was from Answers in Genesis. I have enjoyed much of their martial over the years. This year we used their new Gold Rush: Discovering the Rock of Ages.

Two years ago for our Sunday evening family night series we went through the Answers Academy Curriculum. I would recommend this material to any high school aged group or older. It was well worth every hour we spent studying it.

Proper Perspectives

2011-06-04T15:36:00.001-05:00

Our perspectives are very important.

We see something's as much bigger than ourselves.

We see other things as much smaller.

Some things in fact are just a bit bigger like this water fountain. While other are just a bit smaller like her legs. When we understand these realities we then have no choice but to adjust to them.

This past Thursday was our Ascension Day service. A service where we are given a clear perspective of the ascended Christ.

Our job must be to adjust to this reality, and when we do we of all people should become the most optimistic and joyful people.

Why? At the ascension Christ was seated at the right hand of the Father. Why seated? Was Christ tired from 33 years of perfect obedience to the Father. Was Christ exhausted from taking the wrath of God in our place. No, to be seated at the Fathers right hand is a place of power, authority, and rule. It was at that place that God the Father made Christ heir of all things

Hebrews 1:2 (ESV) [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

This same Christ who was there in beginning with God (John1:1). This Jesus through whom and for whom all things were made and who sustains all things (Col 1:15-20). This Jesus whom God is subjecting all his enemies under the feat of (Psalm 110; I Cor 15:20-26).

What does this ascension perspective mean? This simply means that Jesus rules it all. All nations, all people, and all of history. At that is good news. At least it should be if your faith is in him….but this is terrible news if your faith is not.

This means history has a pointed objective. This means that Christ has a plan that cannot fail. This means that if your faith is in him you have been called to join him in his mission and are gifted by him to do your part in the body of Christ which is the church.

But because we live in a fallen world that is being redeemed it also means that there are some things we will not understand that he allows to happen until we are with him.

Perhaps like the Missouri river which is rising as I write this. People sandbagging to keep the water out of their homes and businesses. Or like those in Joplin who are still cleaning up after the tornado and will be for months. Or like my friend who's four year old is being treated for Leukemia.

We may not understand why he allows some things under his sovereign rule but we must trust him. And we trust him not generally but in the way Paul told us to.

Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

We serve a big Jesus. Not some meek and mild flower child who once lost his temper in the temple. No, this is a huge Christ who was there in beginning. A Christ whom all things were created through and for. A risen Christ who has ascended to heaven and who was made heir of all things. A Christ who will return one day putting the finishing touches on what he is doing now. At that return defeating his last enemy and creating a new heavens and new earth.

Jesus has all of history under his control. It is all his. And when we get the proper perspective of the King of kings and Lord of lords then we become the most joyful of people because this is really really good news.

Lord's Day 19

Q & A 50

Q. Why the next words:
"and is seated at the right hand of God"?

A. Christ ascended to heaven,
there to show that he is head of his church,
and that the Father rules all things through him.

He is King Forever

2011-06-02T10:27:00.001-05:00

Psalm 29:9-11 (ESV)
    The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
        and strips the forests bare,
        and in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
    [10] The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
        the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
    [11] May the Lord give strength to his people!
        May the Lord bless his people with peace!

Ascension Day

2011-06-02T10:24:00.001-05:00

Today we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus. Of the calendar of world history this may be one of the most important days we celebrate.

Together grouped with Ascension Day we have Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, then Easter. Forty days after Easter, after Jesus appeared to his disciples and prepared them to minster in a new way, we then come to his ascension to the right hand of the Father.

We read throughout scripture that at the ascension Christ was seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Christ wasn’t tired and needed a rest. To be seated at the right hand of the Father is a place of all authority and rule.

Psalm 110:1 (ESV)
   A Psalm of David.

    The Lord says to my Lord:
        "Sit at my right hand,
    until I make your enemies your footstool."

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV) looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

So why is Ascension Day so important for the church? This is the day that Jesus was given full, complete, and universal authority over all things, all people, all rulers and rules, all nations, and all things.

Let’s be crystal clear here Christ doesn’t just rule in your hearts. His rule is very much outside of you as well. His sovereign rule extends from the fibers in your socks you put on this morning to the engulfing black holes billions of miles away. His rule extends from China to the US. His rule and authority are over every king and ruler and even you who have put faith in Christ….and also you who haven't.

Rev. 19:16 (ESV)
On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Philip. 2:9-11 (ESV)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

RCA Integrity Audio is up

2011-06-01T15:06:00.001-05:00

The audio from the RCA Integrity conference has been posted along with a few resources. All session from the conference were very good. My personal favorites were session 3 by Ligon Duncon as he talked on Developing Biblical Leaders, and session 5 by Adam Barr as he discussed gender and the current debate in our denomination

Here is the link to the audio: http://www.rcaintegrity.org/#/media

Here is the list of the audio you will find at the above link:

1. Building Ministry on a Biblical Foundation by Ligon Duncon

2. Being a Biblical Shepherd by Ligon Duncon

3. Developing Biblical Leaders by Ligon Duncon

4. Why I love Theology and the Reformed Faith by Bob Bouwer

5. Thinking Biblically About Homosexuality by Adam Barr

6. Gospel Priorities and the Missional Church by Kevin DeYoung

Time Management

2011-05-30T13:56:00.001-05:00

This was a helpful post today from Blog&Mablog as I was wandering the afternoon blogs of the midlands on this sunny Memorial Day:

1.The point is fruitfulness, not efficiency. You should want to be fruitful like a tree, not efficient like a machine.
But this fruitfulness is a function of God's blessing, and it is surrendered work that is blessed work. Seek that blessing, and seek it through concrete surrender. Such surrenders are not abstract. Put your Isaacs on the altar. Every interruption is a chance to surrender your work to the only one who can bless your work, particularly when the interruptions come from your kid wanting to play catch.
We can see the principle with the sabbath and the tithe. Less blessed is more than more unblessed. 90% blessed goes farther than 100% unblessed. 6 days blessed are far more fruitful than 7 days unblessed.

Read the rest HERE

A Good Night for a Drive

2011-05-26T23:45:00.001-05:00

Friday is our family day around here. I realize that most pastors choose Mondays for their day off, but Fridays seem to work best for us. I chose Fridays because on Mondays I am just too tired from preaching on Sunday am and pm. Too tired you say? Well then Monday would make sense wouldn’t it?. Well hold on the way I see it I want to give my best day to my family and that day is Friday. So then you say doesn’t that mean I give my tired Mondays to the church? Well I give Mondays to administration, mailings, sermon planning, reading, order of worship stuff. Mondays are always good for that. Doesn’t take as much brain power and it has to be done anyway.

The way I see it when Paul wrote to Timothy the requirements for elders we ought to consider them, believe them, and pursue them just like the rest of the Bible. And the way it plays out for me is to take Fridays off and give my best day to my family.

This is part of what Paul said regarding the requirement for elders:

1 Tim. 3:4-5 (ESV)
He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, [5] for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?

So that is some of what I am required to do if I want to continue in ministry. My first church is a little church of five people. The running, screaming, dirty diaper changing, cuddling, dinner together, nap time, Candy Land playing church of my home. If I cant make that one work then I better not expect to make the other a bit bigger one next door work either. So I give my wife and kids my good day. All part of the order of things.

Anyway, with that said since Friday is our day off, I took a little ride on Thursday night around our area. I used to have more time for this when life was minus three kids. But it has been a great trade off, my time wandering the evening roads here and there for tuck-em in talk time with dad. So tonight after the baths were given and the prayers were prayed I wandered a bit and here's a little from my night before our family day.

So what's the big deal with Geese? Nothing really, but they sure seem intently focused on something as they stand on the built up banks of the creek near our house. Anyway, it made for an interesting shot.

Before I moved to Iowa I was told you could hear the corn grow in the quiet of the evening with wind shifts, and twists, and bustling. Can’t say I have heard it growing yet but I think I could probably watch it grow if I spent a day just staring at it. This stuff was just planted!

Here's a wide short I pieced together from a few photo’s of a neighbors field.

This one is a photographic Ode to my county named after the Native American Chief Mahaska. Mahaska, pronounced Maxúshga means White Cloud .

At an early age after killing many Sioux avenging his fathers death, Mahaska was made chief. As the story is told, after taking the life of a French trader, Mahaska was sent to prison in St. Louis.

When Mahaska was content that the death of his father had been avenged he laid down his weapons for good and sought to live the life of the settlers around him. He began farming and the building of homes.

Having adopted the peaceful lifestyle when a request was given to him to aid in avenging the death of another chief, Chief Crane, Mahaska refused and instead helped in their arrest. This led eventually to his own death. When some involved in the plot for avenging the chief escaped from prison at Fort Leavenworth they found Chief Mahaska and shot him in the back.

As the article that I got most of my information from states,“Chief Mahaska became a symbol of the virtues of his native lifestyle and of the possibility of peace between natives and settlers.”

This tower in Mahaska county is near a city called Oskaloosa named after a creek princess who married chief Osceola. The name means "last of the beautiful.” Also my blog back drop picture was taken in downtown Oskaloosa. You can see Smokey Row in the back ground which by the way is a great coffee shop.

The best light for photos is a half hour after sunrise and a half hour before sunset. My half hour was just about to expire as you can see below so it was just about time to head home.

Getting ready for Sunday

2011-05-26T10:56:00.001-05:00

I like to remind our church that every Sunday is an Easter Service one way or another. We are to rejoice in the resurrection of Christ.

One thing I love about preaching through the book of Hebrews is that we are turned to consider the supremacy of Christ over all things. If you want to know what the “all things” are that he has supremacy over just plug anything that comes to mind into “all things.”

As Paul says in Colossians and also in the first part of Hebrews all things were made through Christ, all things were made for Christ, and he rules and sustains all things. You are only reading this right now because Christ is sustaining you. You are not your own, really, you aren't.

To drive home the point we read in Hebrews that after Christ rose from the grave he was seated at the right hand of the father, a place of authority not rest, to rule and to reign over all that is his as God the father has made him heir of it all. So whatever way you look at it, it is all his. All nations, all people, all things for him to do with as he pleases for his good purpose.

Paul tells us what he is doing with all things as he rules. We read

1 Cor. 15:25-26a (ESV) For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy to be destroyed is death. [27] For " God has put all things in subjection under his feet…”

The application I want to keep pursuing as well in this section as I preach through it is that we need a huge picture of Christ. Not the meek and mild hippy Jesus who wore a long flowing gown and talked like Gandhi…whom you walk through the garden alone with.

We need a much bigger view of him, because this is what the Bible gives us. He is King of all rulers, and Lord of all authorities. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord….because he is. He is King of the world and the real master of the universe. We don’t elect him there, we don’t make him that. This is who he is. King of kings, Lord of lords. This reality exists outside of us and we accept or reject that. One day this will be seen clearly by all, but how much better to see that now.

So what is your view of Jesus? A bit small? Jesus who is just the good example for a way to live? That is the not the Jesus of the Bible. He has existed long before the Bethlehem stable and has continued to be around a lot longer than after the crucifixion.

So what I suggest is a large view of Christ, and really it could never be too large. The larger the view, the more joy you have, the more contentment in life you experience, the more hope for the future you see. To have a Christian world view with Christ at the center of it allows us to see the world as it is. When you see Christ as he is, we see ourselves in the proper place. We see our sin more clearly and the victory of the cross over our sin as much more glorious.

Tornadoes and Jesus

2011-05-25T15:21:00.001-05:00

Account after account keep flooding the headlines of homes destroyed and lives devastated. My heart is heavy. I am sobered when I let my mind go there. The stories of children being sucked out from the arms of a parent or through the sunroof of a car by the force of the tornadoes.

Reports of search teams coming back with deceased children in their arms. The tears speaking louder than the news anchors ever could from the pain of lost siblings, parents, or homes from these storms. My heart is heavy with these families.

In the heaviness of my heart my prayers are richer and fuller than they have been for awhile. And I pray that each broken mother and father who has lost their child, each broken son or daughter who has lost their father or mother. Each man and women who has lost their home or business. That each would see amidst this pain the sufficiency of Christ who will see them through this if their hope is in him.

The Dutch Theologian Geerhardus Vos has written:

“What the Lord expects from us at such seasons is not to abandon ourselves to unreasoning sorrow, but trustingly to look sorrow in the face, to scan its features, to search for the help and hope, which, as surely as God is our Father, must be there. In such trials there can be no comfort for us so long as we stand outside weeping.

If only we will take the courage to fix our gaze deliberately upon the stern countenance of grief, and enter unafraid into the darkest recesses of our trouble, we shall find the terror gone, because the Lord has been there before us, and, coming out again, has left the place transfigured, making of it by the grace of his resurrection a house of life, the very gate of heaven.”

Paul in the book of Romans says it this way:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. [19] For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. [20] For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. [23] And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? [25] But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:18-25 (ESV)

And the Psalmist himself declares:

Psalm 46:1-11 (ESV)

God is our refuge and strength,
        a very present help in trouble.
    [2] Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
        though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
    [3] though its waters roar and foam,
        though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
    [4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
        the holy habitation of the Most High.
    [5] God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
        God will help her when morning dawns.
    [6] The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
        he utters his voice, the earth melts.
    [7] The Lord of hosts is with us;
        the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
    [8] Come, behold the works of the Lord,
        how he has brought desolations on the earth.
    [9] He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
        he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
        he burns the chariots with fire.
    [10] "Be still, and know that I am God.
        I will be exalted among the nations,
        I will be exalted in the earth!"
    [11] The Lord of hosts is with us;
        the God of Jacob is our fortress.
               Selah Psalm 46:1-11 (ESV)

Encouragement comes in various forms. I have posted two video clips below from a preacher I have come to respect, Pastor John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church. His words ring as true now for the families of the south as they did to the crowds he spoke too. One is in response to suffering as Christians, the other in response to a false gospel that has no answer for suffering.

My prayer is for the same encouragement for the families today who grieve, that they will not grieve as those who have no hope. For if we are in Christ we are not our own but belong body and soul, in life and in death to Jesus.

Hell and Love Wins

2011-05-24T09:01:00.001-05:00

Wow, Francis Chan makes it clear. This is worth the 9 minutes and 42 seconds it takes to watch as this is one of the best responses to Rob Bell’s "Love Wins" many of us have seen.

A Letter to Harold Camping and Those Who Expected Judgment Day

2011-05-23T09:25:00.001-05:00

Here is a well written open letter from Timothy Dalrymple to Harold Camping and those who followed his improper and destructive interpretation of scripture:

“ If some of you find that “your faith” is crumbling as the reality dawns that you believed in a falsehood, let me suggest to you, gently, that any faith that capsizes when Judgment Day fails to arrive is not a proper faith to begin with. If your faith is shattered here, then your faith was not in God but in a particular way of thinking about God and God’s plans. There’s a very important difference between the two.” Read the rest here

*footnote from Justin Taylor over at The Gospel Coalition where he blogs:

(The only qualifier I’d offer is that Mr. Camping is not simply a well-intention but mistaken teacher. In addition to his end-time pronouncements, he has also been arguing for years, according to this careful critique, that “the institutional church, guilty of apostasy, should disband, ceasing its clerical ministries and its administration of the sacraments.” Sad to say, the man is guilty not only of this false teaching, but is a false teacher.)

You can read Justin Taylors blog HERE

Ebenezer Graduation Sunday

2011-05-22T15:45:00.001-05:00

This next Sunday we will recognize the graduates from our congregation. This is always a fun Sunday. I particularly enjoy it because I get to pick up a bible for our seniors who will be headed off to college. (I hope they aren't reading this post because this will spoil it for them.)

This year we only have two seniors so I picked up a Bible and an extra book for each.

I love the ESV Study Bible. Best study notes I have seen in a study bible so far. Also a few of my teachers from Covenant Seminary were on the board that put the ESV together so I am a bit biased that way as well.

I also got them Tim Keller’s book “The Reason for God.” Pastor Tim Keller is a wonderful preacher and talented author. If your looking for a good read this summer of course start with the Bible, but “The Reason for God” would be a good second.

Its hard to order books and not get a couple for my library. A contractor needs a hammer right? Well a pastor needs a few hammers and screw drivers, and drills, and drill bits, and nails, etc. as well. They just look a little different but they help get the job done.

When I worked construction I remember a boss saying “the right tool for the right job.” What he meant by that was that you don’t use a wrench to pound a nail. It works right when you use the right tool. So with that said its nice to add a few tools for the work I am doing right now.

Sound Advice for Ministers

2011-05-21T11:49:00.001-05:00

I read this today over at Blog&Mablog. Simple, challenging, and encouraging words to those of us in ministry.

Doug Wilson writes:

1. You are a minister of Christ, for the people. You are not a minister of the people, for Christ. Always preach Jesus.

2. Acknowledge your sins to God, and do what He says to do about them.

3. Your principal credentials for ministry are maintained, or not, within your marriage and family.

4. Your family is a community within the larger community of your ministry. But this community of family still needs to be a gated community.

5. Your toolbox is the Bible, always the Bible. It is the only book you have that is infallible and absolute.

6. If this makes you neglect other books, it is proof that you are neglecting the one book you pretend to have.

7. You are to preach, teach, lead, admonish, and encourage with authority. Don't do it like a muttering scribe.

8. Surround yourself with men who respect you, not men who cater to you.

9. Attack sin from the pulpit. Proclaim grace from the pulpit. You have a high vocation that should require some level of courage. Thunder the Word.

10. In the fulfillment of the Great Commission, never forget the big picture. The point is the success of the army, and your church is simply a platoon. You should want a successful platoon, of course, but only to the extent that it advances the larger mission. And always remember that Jesus is the supreme commander.

Times of Ministry Privilege

2011-05-20T09:32:00.001-05:00

Wednesday was one of those times in ministry where I feel very privileged to be doing what God has allowed me to do here. A friend of mine passed away from our church. I've had five years to get to know him, and this week not only did he pass on he was ready to meet Jesus.

Sitting in the hospital room is always painful, but with a believer it is that mixture of what the Apostle Paul described as “sorrowful yet always rejoicing.” My friend was not able to speak or move much the last few hours of life but he was clearly well aware of all that was going on in that room.

The family and I, with my friend at our side, prayed together. We read the psalms together. After a short time of silence I grabbed his hand and together with everyone else we recited the Lord’s Prayer. Though to weak to speak that morning my friends eyes began to fill with tears as we came to the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer. And then with one last breath he went to see Jesus face to face.

I count these moments as ministry privileges. To walk with people in life towards Jesus and from time to time to be with them when they go to meet Jesus. I thank God that my friend was ready, his faith was in Christ. And I, along with his family, look forward to the time when we will stand together again but next time it will be together in the presence of Jesus whom our hope rests in too.

End Times Madness, Harold Camping and the Rapture

2011-05-19T15:39:00.001-05:00

I don’t mean to mock, and I hope people are dealing with these issues in a way to see the doom and gloom of the supposed rapture on May 21st as just end times madness. The rapture itself is just bad theology let alone date setting. Come on. Be prepared always for the return of Christ but please be men and women of the Word of God and if you are maxing out your credit cards and eating lots of bacon and Big Mac’s because Saturday is almost here get ready for Sunday.

Here is also is a good supplement talk to help you get a better perspective of the end times madness going on and the church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Link: http://www.wordmp3.com/stream.aspx?id=12046

*Also, if you want to dig further into the various views of the return of Christ I would recommend this video to you as four different pastors hash out four different perspectives of the end times.

In the bleak light of the Depression:

2011-05-19T08:53:00.001-05:00

I saw this set of photos from a friends link yesterday. They are photos from the great depression era. Now that is not all that special in and of itself. We all have seen many photos from the great depression. Long sullen faces dirtied with hard labor and little money, presented to us in black and white.

What makes these photos stand out however is that they are in color, and honesty that changes a whole lot in stepping into that era through a photo (maybe because I haven't seen it present this way until now.) One friend noted as well that the simplicity and mastery of these photos make these that much greater.

Take a few minutes to look at this set and be taken to a time not that long ago, a time our parents and grand parents could tell you stories about. So maybe that is the next thing to do after you look at this set. Go and hear some first hand stories of those that lived through it.

Link: “In the bleak light of the Depression: Rare colour photographs of the era that defined a generation”

Download the audio from all 38 TGC11 workshops and more

2011-05-18T12:42:00.001-05:00

This too was a great conference

I would encourage you to check out some of the sessions at the link below

Here's the Link http://thegospelcoalition.org/conferences/2011/#media

The Drama of Worship Conference CD’s

2011-05-17T13:19:00.000-05:00

If you missed the Drama of Worship conference with Pastor Jeff Meyers you can still order the cd's. Use the linked page from my friends church here to order CDs of the conference. He is also offering for only $10 more, Jeff Meyers book on worship, "The Lord's Service."

cd order: http://www.redeemerpella.org/#/media/conference-cd-order-form

Book Review:

RCA Integrity (and update)

2011-05-14T15:14:00.003-05:00

Headed to the RCA Integrity Conference Monday with a fellow pastor from Pella. I am really looking forward to this as we seek to encourage and make a push for a more conservative direction for the future of our denomination.

The key note speaker will be Ligon Duncan. Here’s his bio taken from the rcaintegrity.org website:

“J. Ligon Duncan III (Ph.D., University of Edinburgh) is senior minister of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi having served in this capacity since 1996. Duncan is also a Council member with The Gospel Coalition and serves on the board of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. Dr. Duncan is one of the founding members of Together For the Gospel, a bi-annual conference committed to encouraging pastors in gospel ministry. A prolific writer, some of Duncan’s most recent books include, Does Grace Grow Best in Winter?, Women’s Ministry in the Local Church, and volume three of The Westminster Confession in the 21st Century.”

(*update: I didn’t know what to expect of this weekend in Chicago with this gathering. It turned out to be an excellent time with old and new friends mixed together with some “very solid” sessions. What I loved most is that this group believes all the Bible as inspired from God….and that is refreshing. The audio and video will be posted soon.)

To make up for another few days in Chicago away from my wife I picked up a desk and shelf she wanted from IKEA. This is what my car looked like on the ride home. This is how I say I love you and thanks for being ok with me being gone for a bit again.

A Little Tulip Time a Week Late

2011-05-14T15:04:00.001-05:00

Pella Iowa has just celebrated their Tulip Time Festival last weekend. It was a perfect weekend for the celebration, best I can remember in the five years we have been here and much better than the rainy weekend this weekend. Anyway, here are a few photos from there to give you an idea.

What I’m Reading and on the Docket

2011-05-13T14:52:00.001-05:00

I just started this and so far pretty interesting. Considers the Bible’s oral history.

The elders and I have been going through this book for the past few months. We actually just wrapped it up. Pretty insightful with many good suggestions for church leadership.

I started preaching through the book of Hebrews two weeks ago. Found this book on my shelf and it has opened my eyes to some things I missed these past few weeks in relation to the book of Hebrews.

For our evening services we are doing a full Bible overview. I have found this book to provide great supplemental insights into typology, history etc.

This is my fun reading book right now. Wish I had more time to dig in though.

I picked this book up at The Gospel Coalition Conference we went too a few weeks back. It is on the docket next for me and I can’t wait to get into it. If you have not read Nancy Pearcey’s other book “Total Truth” I would recommend it to you as a must read.

Some Older Photo's

2011-05-03T13:34:00.005-05:00

In my previous Blog I had published many of my older photo's. Instead of re-posting them here the link below will take you to my Flickr site where they are uploaded.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/markandcaraj/

Amazing Arm She must Have :)

2011-05-01T17:22:00.001-05:00

The Drama of Worship Conference at ERC this Saturday

2011-05-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

Post Conference update: Great Conference and Great Attendance! We are making audio cd’s available for a minimal cost. If you are interested in hearing this conference please send me an e-mail and I will get one out to you. Just head on over to our church web site and send me a message with your info. Ebenezerreformedchurch.com

Church Before and After in HDR

2011-04-30T14:36:00.001-05:00

It has been about a year since our building project but I thought it would be fun to post an HDR before and after picture of the work

Together for The Gospel 2011

2011-04-30T14:28:00.000-05:00

Two other pastors and I from central Iowa took a few days to attend this conference in Chicago. It was a good conference as we considered seeing the gospel and Christ throughout all of scripture. The video will be up next week at the link below. The audio is already there from the main sessions. If you have some time this is a good way to redeem it.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/conferences/2011-media

Blog Take Two

2011-04-30T14:26:00.000-05:00

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:21 (ESV)

It's been awhile since I've blogged. I miss it. More than that I need a place for my photos to go from around central Iowa, plus some others thoughts here and there. So my theme is simple, photos and theology, the two things I love most behind Jesus and my family. So here is post one, take two in the blogging world.