[retro] evangelical

NEW BLOG

2009-04-09T12:56:00.004-05:00

This is the 559th, and final post on [RETRO] EVANGELICAL.

I'm moving to www.matthewwesterholm.com for my new web site.

Come on over. There's a blog, and resources for all the songs I've written.

How will the new blog compare to the old blog? Well . . .

. . . if you took the old blog and broke it into 10,000 pieces
and you took each of those pieces and planted them in the ground;
sun rain sun rain sun rain sun rain sun rain sun rain sun rain sun rain
up from the group emerges “blog plants.”
Now — quick — harvest the “blog plant fruit”
placing each juice-filled morsel into a gigantic wooden basket.
Pile these baskets into dozens of towers - each a mile high.
===============================================
That’s what the new blog will be like.

New Threadless shirts! Big sale.

2008-12-19T08:48:00.004-06:00

For $15 and less, you can get some pretty great shirts from Threadless.com. I love 'em. Here's my favorite.

Communist Party

Also, Despair's DIY helped me make this:

The original threadless shirt.

Worship Vote!

2008-12-19T08:35:00.001-06:00

Go to Worship Leader Magazine and vote for their praise awards!

I voted for Psalms, from Sovereign Grace Ministries for "best worship compilation."
AND Meredith Andrews for "breakout artist of the year".

Who did you vote for?

Huh? Talk louder?

2008-12-10T15:36:00.001-06:00

Chinese girl gets 'kiss of deaf'

Couples are advised to "proceed with caution"

A young Chinese woman was left partially deaf following a passionate kiss from her boyfriend.

The 20-something from Zhuhai in Guangdong province arrived at hospital having completely lost the hearing in her left ear, said local reports.

The incident prompted a series of articles in the local media warning of the dangers of excessive kissing.

"While kissing is normally very safe, doctors advise people to proceed with caution," wrote the China Daily.

The doctor who treated the girl in hospital was quoted in the paper explaining what had happened.

"The kiss reduced the pressure in the mouth, pulled the eardrum out and caused the breakdown of the ear."

The chorus of warnings was echoed by the Shanghai Daily, which wrote: "A strong kiss may cause an imbalance in the air pressure between two inner ears and lead to a broken ear drum."

The young woman is expected to regain her full hearing within about two months.

Christmas Music: Cheap Download!

2008-12-01T11:19:00.003-06:00

You can get the whole Charlie Brown Christmas Album from Amazon.com for $1.99.

You are welcome.

[ht: vitZ]

From Wikipedia:

A Charlie Brown Christmas is an album by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, released in 1965 as the soundtrack to the CBS Christmas television special of the same name. It is among the most popular holiday music albums of all time. There was also a book-and-record set featuring music, dialogue and stills from the Christmas special released in 1977 on a 45 RPM vinyl record by CBS Records. The song "Christmastime is Here" would later be covered by the rock band Stone Temple Pilots.

Gospel Remorse

2008-11-29T08:11:00.002-06:00

“Legalistic remorse says, ‘I broke God’s rules,’ while real repentance says, ‘I broke God’s heart.’
Legalistic repentance takes sin to Mt. Sinai, gospel repentance to Mt. Calvary.
Legalistic repentance is convicted by punishment, gospel repentance becomes convicted by mercy.”

- Timothy Keller, Church Planter Manual

[ht: O'1stI]

Colbert: Catholic, Jane Austin, and Comic Books

2008-11-27T20:47:00.001-06:00

Classic Colbert. Prepare to laugh. . .

Shai Linne: Storiez - GET IT.

2008-11-24T07:46:00.001-06:00

It is the first album that rhymes the name "Carolyn Mahaney." Will it be the last? Only time will tell.

FOCA Petition

2008-11-19T13:12:00.001-06:00

From B2W, Fight FOCA.

Consider signing the Fight FOCA [Freedom of Choice Act] Petition.

No matter your political persuasion or feeling on the role of politics, it's a simple thing you can do to help fight against this legislation, which would:
eradicate state and federal laws that the majority of Americans support, such as:
Bans on Partial Birth Abortion
Requirements that women be given information about the risks of getting an abortion
Only licensed physicians can perform abortions
Parents must be informed and give consent to their minor daughter's abortion
FOCA would erase these laws and prevent states from enacting similar protective measures in the future.

Haunting song

2008-11-11T22:37:00.001-06:00

Drummer defends himself from hundreds of "hand jivers"

2008-10-30T18:53:00.001-05:00

Tim Keller: Hints for Preaching Christ In The Old Testament

2008-10-29T06:31:00.007-05:00

I've been finding a series of lectures by Tim Keller and Edmund Clowney very interesting and beneficial. The topic of the lectures is "Preaching Christ In A Post-Modern World." You can find the lectures on ITunes for free.

The topic I listened to most recently was on preaching Christ from the Old Testament, and Keller was answering the question "What commentaries present a redemptive-historical orientation on the Old Testament?" Keller answered with this gem:

Sometimes the New Testament scholars today are more sensitive to the Old Testament backgrounds than the Old Testament scholars feel free to move forward...

I do think the most recent commentators on the gospels are feeling very free to look back, and they recognize the enormous number of allusions that are really there. Look in the scripture index in the back of your New Testament commentaries when you're preaching on Isaiah or Exodus or Chronicles.

We have a tendency to say "Okay, I'm preaching on Chronicles" and you look at your [bookshelves] "O gosh, I don't have any commentaries on Chronicles!" You order some, you go to the library.

Maybe you better look in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John -- all your commentaries on the gospels -- and look back for allusions to your passage in 2 Chronicles. And to your surprise, you'll find sermon-breaking comments: exegetical insights that just break open the whole thing for you as a preacher on your Old Testament texts in your New Testament commentaries. I do that all the time.

What is a retro-evangelical?

2008-10-19T16:04:00.002-05:00

Here's an email that I recently sent to a kind pastor who asked "What is a retro-evangelical?"

Hi Pastor!

A retro-evangelical is a person who is saddened by the current direction that evangelicalism is taking, and longs to return to the roots of "the evangel" -- or gospel.

A retro-evangelical fully embraces the fundamentals of the faith
The inspiration and innerancy of the Bible.
The virgin birth of Jesus Christ.
The doctrine of substitutionary atonement.
The bodily resurrection of Christ.
The historical reality of biblical miracles.
A retro-evangelical, while rejecting modern liberalism, and preserving a doctrinal focus on the Bible, also rejects the legalistic rigidness and social disengagement of Fundamentalism.

The blog contains biographies of heroes of early Evangelicalism, such as Carl Henry, Machen, Kantzer, and Schaeffer. I find kindred spirits within the Together for The Gospel group and The Gospel Coalition.

I hope that helps!

<><
Matthew Westerholm

cheap new music

2008-10-14T16:33:00.003-05:00

New Keane album is $2.99 on Amazon. Sounds like they've made some progression from the first two albums. Is that good? You decide.

Thanks, Z.

Do It Yourself Demotivator

2008-10-09T22:40:00.004-05:00

I'm having a lot of fun with the free DoItYourself Demotivator. Try it for yourself, and leave your best work in the comment section.

Just to get us started, here's two easy jokes that came to me during my constant commute back and forth from Chicago to Grand Rapids!

Upcoming Music: Shai Linne, "Storiez"

2008-10-01T10:59:00.002-05:00

The release date for new album from Shai Linne has been bumped back to November 18th.

Check out this preview:

Shai's most recent project, The Atonement, has been on heavy rotation for me since it first came out. Well, that's an understatement. I've played it for everyone who's ridden in my car for the past 6 months.

It's ON . . .

2008-09-27T16:54:00.001-05:00

like Donkey Kong.

Authentic Jesus Yard Sign Information

Special ITUNES visualizer secrets!

2008-09-27T16:27:00.001-05:00

Do you use ITUNES?

Then you'll love this.

You're welcome.

ESV Study Bible is coming . . .

2008-09-26T13:34:00.001-05:00

Videos from The Gospel Coalition

2008-09-13T16:25:00.003-05:00

From John Piper

Tim Keller:

Josh Harris:

And this guy :-):

The Key!

2008-09-10T13:29:00.001-05:00

Which keyboard is playing that great sound? (1) The Present; or (2) Truth

explanation: Johannes Brahms!

2008-08-27T11:39:00.001-05:00

sorry for the delay in blogging, everybody. i have VERY limited computer access right now . . . so enjoy this!

Don't Waste Your FAKE Cancer

2008-08-21T09:03:00.002-05:00

John Piper had real cancer. Michael Guglielmucci had FAKE cancer.

Who is really sick? And should we now pray MORE or LESS for Pastor Guglielmucci than we were praying before?

Please open your hymnal . . .

2008-08-19T15:06:00.003-05:00

"Please open your hymnal to hymn number 199."

Really Big News

2008-08-14T08:27:00.003-05:00

So . . . maybe you've heard . . . I've taken another job.

After ten years (and eight months) working at Harvest Bible Chapel, I've taken a new position at Cornerstone University that begins this fall.

I'll be doing three main things at Cornerstone. (1) I'm going to be overseeing music and worship for their chapel services; (2) I'm going to be serving as adjunct faculty in their music division; and (3) I'm going to get a Master's degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

For some of you, this announcement might seem to come out of no where, others of you who might know me a little better can see this as the next divinely inspired step for both my ministry and my family. We are thankful to God for leading us.

Now, the most difficult part of this decision has been the decision to leave HBC. I have been attending Harvest Bible Chapel since September of 1993. I have grown and learned so much there. We love the church, and if my goal was to stay in a place where I am the most loved, respected, cherished, and well-paid, I would never leave.

But Jesus said, "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit" and so my life has to be about more than gathering appreciation and resources. I must be about stewarding my strength, gifts, and opportunities for maximum impact in the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

I believe that Cornerstone is entering a new season of ministry that has fantastic potential for bearing much fruit. Their new President, Dr. Joe Stowell, is a proven leader and a friend who I believe in. Cornerstone will provide a great place for me to sharpen my musical and leadership skills and talking with their students will help my sharpen my thinking about worship and the Lord. It will be a joy to advance the kingdom in Grand Rapids for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Welcome Chair

2008-08-08T13:31:00.004-05:00

Read a church website welcome sign, and find two problems.

First, spelling. Second, theological. Can you find 'em?

Terrible Bible Teaching for Kids!

2008-08-06T14:36:00.003-05:00

A great article by John Walton (who teaches Old Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School) over at Koinonia (which is about to make my "LINKS" list) on the five basic fallacies that appear repeatedly in biblical children's curriculum.

I'm going to paste in the fallacies and one sentence, but if this piques your interest, please READ THE WHOLE THING.

The fallacies (and brief descriptions) are

1. Promotion of the Trivial: The lesson is based on what is a passing comment in the text (Josh 9:13, they did not consult the Lord), a casual observation about the text (Moses persevered in going back before Pharaoh over and over) or even a deduction supplied in the text (Joshua and Caleb were brave and strong).

2. Illegitimate extrapolation: The lesson is improperly expanded from a specific situation to all general situations (God helped Moses do a hard thing, so God will help you do a hard thing. But the hard thing Moses was doing was something commanded by God whereas in the lesson the hard thing becomes anything the child wants to achieve).

3. Reading Between the Lines: This occurs when teachers or students are asked to analyze what the characters are thinking, speculate on their motives, or fill in details of the plot that the story does not give.

4. Missing important nuance: This occurs when the curriculum pinpoints an appropriate lesson but misses a connection that should be made to drive the point home accurately.

5. Focus on people rather than God: If in the end, the final point is “We should/shouldn’t be like X (= some biblical character)” there is probably a problem unless the “X” is Jesus or God. Better is “we can learn through X’s story that God . . .”

I thought this sentence serves as a great summery:

If we are negligent of sound hermeneutics when we teach Bible to children, should it be any wonder that when they get into youth groups, Bible studies and become adults in the church, that they do not know how to derive the authoritative teaching from the text?

NoiseTrade: Synthar

2008-08-06T14:29:00.001-05:00

a SWEET new service called NOISETRADE found this album for me by SYNTHAR. I love it.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

WorshipGod '08

2008-07-31T16:01:00.002-05:00

Having a great time at WorshipGod '08. I'm here with Andi Rozier, Steve Busch, and Matt Stowell. It's great to have Matty back, and we've all connected again without missing a beat.

Very refreshing times of worship, including a very special time this morning. I really feel like I received a "word" from the Lord this morning. It doesn't happen very often, but it was such a comfort to my own soul. Very kind of the Lord.

Cubbies sweep. It's all good.

Best Game Ever

2008-07-22T11:23:00.001-05:00

Brian Blade Fellowship

2008-07-19T23:22:00.002-05:00

Check out this live show by the Brian Blade Fellowship, live at the Village Vanguard.

It's very accessible jazz, which dips toward the movie soundtrack sound, in a good way.

Chess boxing

2008-07-19T20:26:00.002-05:00

I think the summer Olympics may have just found their own bi-athalon.

CHESS BOXING.

ht: challies

Conversations With Ethan: Mad Scientists

2008-07-10T09:14:00.000-05:00

Ethan just turned six. I am his father. The following conversation took place this afternoon, as I drove our family back to our house.

Dad, when I grow up, I want a job where I serve Jesus.

Well, Ethan, you can serve Jesus with whatever job you get.

Um, Dad? Not "Mad Scientist".

. . . I'm sorry, Ethan. What did you say?

A Mad Scientist is a person who makes things that COULD help the police, but they use the things to get money for themselves. That doesn't serve Jesus.

Luke 8:39 - Did you read that too fast?

2008-07-09T14:51:00.004-05:00

Jesus speaking to the demon-possessed man He had just healed.

"Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Don't read it too fast. Read it one more time to see if you get it.

"Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

There's a parallel in the two sentences. Let me show you with some formatting:

"Return to your home,
and declare
how much
God
has done for you."

And he went away,
proclaiming throughout the whole city
how much
Jesus
had done for him.

Return to your home = went away
declare = proclaiming
how much = how much
GOD = JESUS
has done for you = had done for him

It's a great little signal flare from Luke, telling us of the divinity of Jesus. But you miss it if you read too quickly.

CD: Video review

2008-07-07T23:35:00.001-05:00

Here's a very kind review of my hymns CD.

Thank You, Jesus, For The Cross

2008-07-07T10:34:00.004-05:00

I co-wrote a song with Andi Rozier entitled "Thank You, Jesus, For The Cross", and it is receiving some very kind words from such Internet blogs as BISH, and HEART&VOICE.

You can find a demo and lyrics here.

My life lived for only me
My days spent so sinfully
My heart was dark, my eyes too blind to see
My pride destroying me

Your life, sent for sin to die
Your blood shed to justify
Upon the cross, My ransom to afford
This sinners great reward

Thank You, Jesus, for the cross
Thank You for the price You paid for us
Giving up Your life to save the lost
Thank You, Jesus, for the cross

The crown placed upon Your head
The nails meant for me instead
Your death became the only way to life
For me to live is Christ

You knew no sin, but You became sin
The great sacrifice
so we’d become the righteousness of God

The story on this one is pretty fun. Andi and I have been trying to co-write a song for about, um, seven years. It just never worked. There's a lot of hilarious stories, though (Mate - the word "ORBIT" does not belong in a praise song. That's a brand of gum.).

At a song writers retreat about two years ago, we got a verse we both liked, but felt the melody and chorus were "pants" (a British phrase for "awful"). Then, we were helping our good friend Steve Busch write a bridge for one of his songs, and we came up with something Andi and I felt "chuffed" about (British: very excited).

Steve hated it. :-)

Fast forward about two weeks later, and Andi and I were co-leading a song writers retreat. The Lord gave us all a very sweet time. Andi brought out this lyric that we had co-written and played this new melody and brand new chorus. It was so moving. I told him it needed a first verse and ran to a quiet room. I came back 30 minutes later with the verse. We wrote, like, three more verses and kept one of them. AND we put the bridge that Steve Busch didn't like onto our song.

It got some tweaks. Most notably, there was a LOT of debate on the first line of the chorus. Was it better to say "Jesus, Thank You" or "Thank You, Jesus"? It seems strange now, but those of you who write songs know how much you agonize over that stuff.

So - that's how it happened.

Shai Linne: rap and sound check

2008-07-01T21:35:00.004-05:00

Shai Linne killing it. And, yes, even Christians have monitor problems.

Vacation '08

2008-07-01T15:20:00.006-05:00

Lisa and I got back from vacation. I was very excited to go, especially after hearing such a great exhortation from CJ Mahaney on vacationing for the glory of God.

The grandparents came in waves to watch the kids back in Illinois while my bride (of 10 years) and I ran down to St. Thomas with some really great friends, The Elliotts.

In case you couldn't tell, I didn't get very tan.

Here's some pics.

Calvin's Institutes - WORDLED!

2008-06-24T15:01:00.002-05:00

Lots of guys are doing this now:

Buy a bible, train a pastor!

2008-06-12T09:45:00.003-05:00

Do you want to buy the new ESV Study Bible? Are you sad that you missed out on the 35% discount? Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people that I read at C.J. Mahaney's blog:

35% Pre-Order Discount

From now until July 31, friends of Sovereign Grace Ministries are invited to pre-order the Study Bible at a 35 percent discount. Simultaneously, Crossway will donate five percent of these purchases to Sovereign Grace Ministries. These donations will be used to support families who are training at the Pastors College. The Pastors College exists to train men to serve, lead, and plant Sovereign Grace Ministries churches and to support men currently serving as pastors within Sovereign Grace.

To receive the discount—and support men in the PC—simply click here. You will be directed to a customized webpage where you can see an overview of the Study Bible and place your order.

Click here for more.

(Note: This offer does not apply to other Crossway products.)

Baby Beatle

2008-06-10T10:17:00.002-05:00

Hey Jude

Yesterday

Reading Scripture the Way Jesus Did—Aloud!

2008-06-08T19:09:00.003-05:00

Leadership Journal has an article on the team of scripture readers at Redeemer Presbyterian in New York, which is led by Max McLean.

The opening paragraph starts:

Actors Needed – To serve as Scripture readers for our morning worship services. Audition required. Please send acting resume to persons-name @ redeemer.com.
When this ad ran in the bulletin at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, New York, more than one worshiper wondered why the church wanted entertainers to read God's Word. Or why people had to audition.
Six years later, the jury's verdict is long in, and the comments are heavily affirming.

[ht: h&v]

DVD Video

2008-06-06T21:22:00.001-05:00

A lot of you know we were filming a worship DVD this week. What do you think?

"How Great Is Your Blood"

2008-05-29T17:24:00.002-05:00

I recently composed a song (called "The Sacrifice") which included the lyric "How Great Is Your Blood". Wanting to make sure I could justify that, I did some research.

"How great is Your blood!"

Definitions of “Great”
* unusual or considerable in degree, power, intensity, etc.: great pain.
* wonderful; first-rate; very good: We had a great time. That's great!
* being such in an extreme or notable degree: great friends; a great talker.
* notable; remarkable; exceptionally outstanding: a great occasion.
* important; highly significant or consequential: the great issues in American history.
* distinguished; famous: a great inventor.
* of noble or lofty character: great thoughts.
* of extraordinary powers; having unusual merit; very admirable: a great statesman.

The Blood of Christ . . .
1. was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Mt. 26:28
2. must be drunk in order to abide in Christ and have eternal life. John 6:53-56
3. is how God obtained the church. Acts 20:28
4. shows God’s righteousness regarding sin before Christ. Romans 3:25
5. is a term to show participation in the life of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:16
6. is the means by which the believer is redeemed. Ephesians 1:7
7. is the means by which all things are reconciled to Christ. Colossians 1:20
8. secures an eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:12
9. is superior to the blood of goats and bulls. Hebrews 9:13
10. purifies our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Hebrews 9:14
11. was needed to forgive sins. Hebrews 9:22
12. is superior so as to only be offered once. Hebrews 9:25
13. gives the believer confidence to enter the holy places. Hebrews 10:19
14. when profaned, outrages the Spirit of Grace. Hebrews 10:29
15. is superior to the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:24
16. is superior to silver and gold. 1 Peter 1:18
17. is the ransom that was paid to win believers back from futile ways. 1 Peter 1:18-19
18. is precious. 1 Peter 1:19
19. cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
20. testifies to the authenticity of Christ Himself. 1 John 5:6-8
21. frees us from our sins. Revelation 1:5
22. ransomed people from every tribe, language, people and nation. Revelation 5:9
23. wash and make white the robes of those who come out of the great tribulation. Revelation 7:14
24. gives believers the power to eventually conquer Satan his demonic host. Revelation 12:11.

[retro quiz] Obscure Christian Trivia!

2008-05-28T08:27:00.002-05:00

I designed a quiz for all the [retro] evangelicals out there!

Obscure Christian Trivia!

You got 100% correct!

You are amazing! You know just about everything about evangelical trivia! Or maybe you're a good guesser?

My guess is . . . yes. You are a good guesser.

Now, my question is "Am I a good guesser to guess that you are a good guesser?"

Obscure Christian Trivia!
Make Your Own Quiz

Interview With Bob Kauflin

2008-05-25T22:06:00.001-05:00

Great interview with a great man: Bob Kauflin.

Required watching for everyone involved in music ministry.

Ribs, Travel, and Family

2008-05-23T07:45:00.003-05:00

I've been out for a bit. First we had a Harvest staff retreat in Michigan. We had a wonderful time with a fantastic group of people, complete with two broken ribs. There's a man on our staff named Ed Boness who is . . . um . . . very large. I'm going to guess . . . three or four spins. Anyway, he fell onto Jeff Donaldson. And while Jeff is not small, he's not made of titanium.

Next, I got back to Chicago late (11:30) Wednesday night and flew out first thing Thursday morning to North Carolina for Meredith Andrews and Jacob Sooter's wedding. It's zany out here. Lots of music to be done, and people involved, and details that have to be ironed out, but there's nothing a generous helping of SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY can't fix quite easily.

Seeing the strength and love of the Sooter and Andrews families makes me miss my family all the more. I'm flying back Saturday morning.

Westerholm Kids' Summer Bible Curriculum

2008-05-19T20:39:00.003-05:00

My boys (Ethan, almost 6 and Owen, almost 4) are getting done with school and are going to be home for a 13-week summer vacation. My wife and I sat down last night and came up with a plan for some summer bible teaching.

The Books:

Big Picture Story Bible - by David R. Helm (Author), Gail Schoonmaker (Illustrator)
Big Book of Questions and Answers - by Sinclair Ferguson
The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name - by Sally Lloyd-Jones (Author), Jago (Illustrator)

The Plan:

Week 1: Creation- Memory verse Genesis 1:1
Day 1-Big Picture Bible; Part 1
Day 2-Big Picture Bible; part 2
Day 3-Big Book of Questions & Answers #5 (Why did God create the world?)
Day 4-Jesus Storybook Bible; The Beginning
Day 5-Jesus Storybook Bible; The Terrible Lie

Week 2: Flood and sin- Memory verse Psalm 1:6
Day 1-BPB; Part 3
Day 2-JSB; The New Beginning
Day 3-BBoQ&A #10 (What is Sin?)
Day 4- BBoQ&A #11 (What happens to us because of sin?)
Day 5- BBoQ&A #12 (What does our sin deserve?)

Week 3: Abraham’s faith & Joseph’s forgiveness- Memory verse Prov. 3:5, Rom. 12:17a
Day 1-BPB; part 4
Day 2-JSB; Son of Laughter
Day 3-JSB; The Present
Day 4-BPB; Part 5
Day 5-JSB; The Forgiving Prince

Week 4: Moses and God’s Commands- Memory verse Deut. 6:5
Day 1- BPB; part 6,7
Day 2-JSB; God to the Rescue
Day 3-JSB; God Makes a Way
Day 4-JSB; 10 ways to be perfect, BBQ&A #41 What is the first commandment?
Day 5-BBQ&A #51 How Does God help me keep his commandments?

Week 5: David- Memory verse Phil. 4:13
Day 1-BPB; Part 8
Day 2-BPB; Part 9
Day 3-JSB; Teeny Weenie… True King
Day 4-JSB; Young Hero and Horrible Giant
Day 5-JSB; The Good Shepherd

Week 6: Prophets- Memory verse Matt 6:24
Day 1- BPB; Part 10, BBQ&A #42 What is the second commandment?
Day 2-JSB; Daniel and the scary sleepover
Day 3-JSB; Operation no more tears, BBQ&A #15 How did God prepare the way for the Savior?
Day 4- JSB; Get Ready
Day 5- BPB; Part 11

Week 7: The Nativity- Memory verse Phil 2:7
Day 1-BPB; part 12,13
Day 2-BBQ&A; #17 How did Jesus come into the world?
Day 3-BPB; part 14
Day 4-JSB; He’s Here
Day 5-JSB; Light of the World, King of all Kings

Week 8: Jesus’ Teachings/ Prayer- Memory verse Matt 7:7
Day 1-BPB; part 17,
Day 2- JSB; The Singer, Treasure Hunt
Day 3-JSB; Running Away, The Servant King
Day 4-JSB; How to Pray, BBQ&A; #55 What is Prayer?, #56 How can we learn to pray?
Day 5-BBQ&A; #63 How can I be sure that God hears my prayers?, #64 Will God always answer me when I pray?

Week 9: Jesus’ Miracles- Memory verse Luke 18:27
Day 1- BPB; part 18
Day 2- BPB; part 19
Day 3- JSB; Little girl…
Day 4- JSB; Captian of the Storm
Day 5- JSB; Filled full

Week 10: The Cross- Memory verse 1 Tim. 1:15
Day 1-JSB; Sun Stops Shining,
Day 2- BBQ&A; #21 What was the most important thing that Jesus came to do
Day 3- BPB; part 20
Day 4- BPB; part 21
Day 5-BBQ&A; #22 How does Jesus save us?

Week 11: The Resurrection and Ascension- Memory verse 1 Cor. 15:22
Day 1-BBQ&A; #23 Is Jesus Still Dead?
Day 2-BPB; Part 22, 23
Day 3-JSB; God’s Wonderful Surprise
Day 4-BBQ&A; #24 Where is Jesus Now?, JSB; Going Home
Day 5-BBQ&A; #26 Can Jesus be my Savior?

Week 12: Apostles and Early Church- Memory verse 2 Cor. 4:5
Day 1-BPB; part 24
Day 2-BPB; part 25
Day 3-JSB; God Sends Help
Day 4-JSB; A New Way to See
Day 5-BBQ&A; #65 What is church?, #66 What is church for?

Week 13: Jesus Coming Again- Memory verse John 14:3
Day 1-BPB; part 26
Day 2-BBQ&A; #75 What will happen when Jesus comes back?
Day 3-JSB; A Dream of Heaven
Day 4-BBQ&A; #77 What will it be like to be with Jesus forever?
Day 5-

What's Cooler than Jazz Hand Whistle?

2008-05-12T21:31:00.002-05:00

One man's attempt:

Save Money! Slow Down!

2008-05-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

CNN says:

In a typical family sedan, every 10 miles per hour you drive over 60 is like the price of gasoline going up about 54 cents a gallon.

Read the whole thing here.

2008-05-01T14:27:00.002-05:00

Some of you remember my post about my friend Joel Noland, who is going back to active duty with the Marines.

He's set up a blog to keep people in the loop, at joelnoland.com.

Ethan: His New Book

2008-05-01T08:23:00.003-05:00

Context: My wife, Lisa, reads a book to my five-year-old, Ethan, at night.

Daddy, Mommy let me pick the new book.

Which one did you pick, Ethan?

Well, I just finished "The Voyage of The Dawn Treader" and I picked another Narnia book.

Which book?

"The Nuhgician's Matthew".

"They are the same thing, aren't they?"

2008-04-28T10:52:00.003-05:00

A fun and thought-provoking story from a Harvest University attender.

I asked one of the hotel staff if she knew where Harvest Bible Chapel was. She did not but went to ask her manager. Upon returning the manager said she did not know the location but with radio in hand contacted one of the shuttle drivers. She then proceeded to ask the driver if he knew where Willow Creek was. I, as a good Canadian and not wanting to offend my American Harvest friends, promptly corrected her and said, "no not Willow Creek but Harvest Bible Chapel". Her response was a Master Card moment, "priceless". She said, "they are the same thing aren't they?"

The blogger went on with this insightful comment:

For most who are not into church the two mega churches are just really the same thing. They don't care to know or don't see the philosophical or theological differences.

Let me speak for myself here. As an employee of Harvest Bible Chapel, I have done a lot of thinking about what our church should be about. We have tried to grow biblically, minister carefully, and steward wisely the people who have looked to learn from our church. Obviously, having a church as large, intentional and influencial as Willow Creek nearby has been a great stimulus to my thinking.

But I'd love to know the hotel's answer to this question: Is there a group of people in this town who have two things in common: 1) they love Jesus Christ, and 2) they love this city.

I hope she could correctly identify someone. Harvest, Willow, somebody else? Fine with me.

In the end, the only people who like "large" churches are pastors. "Intentional" is only good if you have good intentions, and no one in heaven is going to hear "well done, good and influencial servant."

Thyroid Update! April, 08

2008-04-25T08:52:00.004-05:00

To read previous posts about my thyroid, click here.

Well, good news / band news.

Thank you to the many of you who prayed for my radiation treatment to kill off part of my thyroid. However it appears, [sarcasm] too many of you prayed, [/sarcasm] and too much of my thyroid died.

It's a pretty common problem that's treated with medication. So right now, I alternate between crazy periods of extreme energy and crazy times of fatigue. (Here's a little game! See if you can guess which period each of my upcoming posts come from!) I'm taking a nap almost every day right after work, and usually falling asleep by 9:pm - 9:30.

The good news is that the Lord has been unusually close to me in this time. He has been especially gracious, near, and tender with me. When I pick up the bible in the morning, I feel like I'm wearing 3D glasses: the truth just jumps off the page!

My heart is especially tender to the things of God, and I see His hand quite clearly in all of this. As strange as this is to type, the Lord knows it's true: I am thrilled to be in the middle of this.

Study Bible BATTLE! Part 1: Editorial Boards

2008-04-19T22:36:00.011-05:00

Last week, Crossway publishers announced they would release a new study bible for the ESV. Ligonier Ministry released their Reformation Study Bible in 2005.

There's been a lot (o.k. -- maybe just some) people looking to judge which study bible is better. Well, there's several months before we know for sure, so [Now entering extremely absurd sarcasm] LET'S SPECULATE!!!

Let's start (and perhaps finish) with the Editorial Boards!

All pairing are listed in ESVSB vs. RSB order.

<><><><><><><><><>

Executive Editors: Lane Dennis vs. NONE
Advantage: none.
NOTES: There is no advantage in an executive editor. As long as someone is generally editing the study bible, things should stay on course. Which brings us to . . .

General Editors: Wayne Grudem vs. R. C. Sproul
Advantage: draw.
NOTES: Sure, Grudem has degrees from Harvard and Cambridge on his resume. But Sproul taught at Gordon AND Conwell seperately before they joined to form . . . Voltron.

Theological Editors: J.I. Packer vs. NONE
Advantage: ESVSB
NOTES: J.I. Packer is almost always better than nobody.

Old Testament Editors: C. John Collins vs. Bruce Waltke
Advantage: RSB
NOTES: C. John Collins isn't even the most decorated Old Testament scholar NAMED John Collins. And let me ask you this, which Bruce Waltke knows the Old Testament better than Bruce Waltke? This just in: I just received a list of the translators for the NIV, and it appears . . . TIMES UP!

New Testament Editors: Moise Silva vs. Thomas R. Schreiner
Advantage: ESVSB
NOTES: Intially, I was at a loss to compare these two fantastic New Testament scholars. Then I thought, ANAGRAM WAR! Dr. Silva's anagram is "Massive Soil" while Thomas R. Schreiner's anagram is "Sir North Cashmire". Schreiner wins hands down!

Associate Editors: NONE vs. James Boice/Edmund Clowney/Roger Nicole/J.I.Packer
Advantage: RSB
NOTES: You would hope that the ESVSB would be able to defeat a team of people consisting of three deceased theologians, but to again follow the airtight logic of our previous thoughts, J.I. Packer is almost always better than nobody.

Managing Editor/Assitant Editors: Justin Taylor vs. William Evans and John Mason
Advantage: ESVSB
NOTES: No contest. When I saw Justin Taylor has a discreet adoption fund, I thought "if any child would be deeply blessed to have that man as his father, how much more would he be blessed to have that man as the Managing Editor of his study bible."

<><><><><><><><><>

NEXT: a comparison of articles and features!

"Servant of Jesus Christ"

2008-04-19T04:34:00.000-05:00

A quote from a much smarter Westerholm:

If human existence is an accident, if the functioning of the cosmos is merely mechanical, if the language of right and wrong is rooted in nothing deeper than human convention, if the world is but the indifferent stage on which we give shape to our lives, then we may as well resent any attempt to curtail our freedom and self-determination.

If, on the other hand, human existence is a gift of love, if the functioning of the cosmos is providential, if language of right and wrong reflects our appropriate and inappropriate responses to reality, and human existence--indeed, all creation--has been cursed by human self-assertion; and if, moreover, Jesus Christ represents God's refusal to abandon his willful creatures to their sin; if Christ demonstrates the goodness of a life lived in obedience to God, his self-sacrificial death atones for human wrongdoing, and his resurrection makes possible eternal life in communion with God as a member of his redeemed people: if all these basic convictions of Paul are true, then (perhaps even people today would agree) there can be no prouder title than that claimed by the apostle--a "servant of Jesus Christ.

Steven Westerholm, Preface to the Study of Paul, Eerdmans 1997; p. 162

(ht: srt)

Worship Matters: videos

2008-04-18T15:57:00.002-05:00

Many of you know of my deep respect and admiration for the ministry and life of Bob Kauflin, the director of worship for Sovereign Grace Ministry.

He has a brand-new book out that I consider must reading. I have my copy sitting on my desk. It will be the next book I read -- and if you serve your church in worship, it should be the next book you read as well. And a panel of endorsers as diverse as Matt Redman and D.A. Carson agree.

I'll be writing a full review soon, but till then, allow these videos to whet your appetite.

P.S. - After viewing these videos, in addition to admiring the "ministry" and "life" of Bob Kauflin, I'd also like to add "wardrobe".

GASP! ESV STUDY BIBLE!

2008-04-16T09:03:00.002-05:00

Looks amazing.

Thank you, Justin Taylor. And Jesus. Not in that order.

Westminster, pt. 3: The Orthodox Response

2008-04-12T10:30:00.004-05:00

Read pt. 1 and pt. 2.

J. Gresham Machen wrote:

If the proposed ... dissolution of the present Board of Directors is finally carried out ... [and] the control of the Seminary passes into entirely different hands—then Princeton Theological Seminary as it has been so long and so honorably known, will be dead, and we shall have at Princeton a new institution of radically different type.

As we saw at the end of part two, the PCUSA did dissolve that Board of Directors in 1929, and Machen was left with a choice.

(1) He could stay at a well-known, well-established, and stable institution. Or, (2) he could be true to his convictions about Scripture and attempt something radical and daring.

To be fair, Machen was never personally in financial danger. He had inherited $50,000 from his grandfather when he was 21 (his starting salary at Princeton was $2,000 a year). Between his teaching and book sales, he died with personal assets valued at over $250,000. However, do not let us think that this is the source of Machen's confidence.

Instead, J. Gresham Machen and some of his fellow faculty members left Princeton, forming Westminster Theological Seminary in 1929.

(This blog's text has been freely adopted from Wikipedia articles on Machen, The Orthodox Presbyterian Church, as well as the DG biography of Machen.)

The new ESV Study Bible is "Filthy and Sick"

2008-04-12T10:16:00.003-05:00

You have to read the whole thing to understand.

ht: jt

Ministry in North Carolina

2008-04-10T04:03:00.002-05:00

Short trip to North Carolina for an event with Walk In The Word. Please pray? Thanks.

More Westminster to come. :-)

Westminster: pt. 2: The Rise of Liberalism

2008-04-03T20:17:00.005-05:00

While there had been a thirty year controversy between Fundamentalist and Modernist viewpoints, the leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA) had stood by its orthodox roots in many key doctrinal positions.
In 1910, 1916, and again in 1923, the General Assembly declared that every candidate seeking ordination ought to be able to affirm these "Five Fundamentals":

Inerrancy of the Scriptures
The virgin birth (and the deity of Jesus)
The doctrine of substitutionary atonement
The bodily resurrection of Jesus
The authenticity of Christ's miracles

In 1924, in response to this, an eleven-member Conference Committee drafted the Auburn Affirmation which 1274 ministers signed. Besides these signatories, the document claimed the support of "hundreds of ministers who agree with and approve of the Affirmation, though they have refrained from signing it."

The Affirmation's more controversial portions can be summarized as:

The Bible is not inerrant. The supreme guide of scripture interpretation is the Spirit of God to the individual believer and not ecclesiastical authority. Thus, “liberty of conscience” is elevated.
None of the five essential doctrines should be used as a test of ordination. Alternated “theories” of these doctrines are permissible.
Liberty of thought and teaching, within the bounds of evangelical Christianity is necessary.
Division is deplored, unity and freedom are commended.

They wrote:

Some of us regard the particular theories contained in the deliverance of the General Assembly of 1923 as satisfactory explanations of these facts and doctrines. But we are united in believing that these are not the only theories allowed by the Scriptures and our standards as explanations of these facts and doctrines of our religion, and that all who hold to these facts and doctrines, whatever theories they may employ to explain them, are worthy of all confidence and fellowship.

Between 1924 and 1925, relations among the Princeton faculty, divided along Fundamentalist and Liberalist lines, further deteriorated when their newspaper, The Presbyterian, questioned if there were two different parties on the faculty. In the 1926 General Assembly, moderates succeeded in securing a committee to study how to reconcile the two parties at Princeton.

The committee reported back at the General Assembly of 1927, where the Robert E. Speer was elected as moderator. Their report concluded that the source of the difficulties at Princeton was that some of the Princeton faculty (i.e. Machen) were trying to keep Princeton in the service of a certain party in the church rather than doing what was in the best interest of the denomination as a whole. They recommended re-organization of the seminary. General Assembly renewed the committee's mandate and ordered them to study how to re-organize the seminary.

The 1929 liberal General Assembly voted to reorganize Princeton Seminary and appointed two of the Auburn Affirmation signatories as trustees.

NEXT: What Machen and his orthodox friends did about it!

(This blog's text has been freely adopted from Wikipedia articles on Machen, Auburn Affirmation, fundamentalist-modernist controversy, as well as the DG biography of Machen.)

Westminster: pt. 1

2008-04-01T08:21:00.002-05:00

This begins a series of posts about the creation of Westminster Seminary.

To say it in a paragraph:

Princeton Seminary was a main institution for biblical training for many years and had been the academic home of noted bible teachers like Archibald Alexander, Charles Hodge, A. A. Hodge and B. B. Warfield. Professor of New Testament, John Gresham Machen, led a conservative revolt against a growing movement toward modernistic theology that denied basic elements of orthodox Christianity. In 1929, he left his position at Princeton and, with several other men, founded Westminster Theological Seminary.

Our series is going to learn about the men behind this paragraph and inspire ourselves to live boldly and without compromise today.

NEW SERIES: starts with new header

2008-03-29T19:18:00.001-05:00

the new series I'm doing this next week was so important, it demanded a new header.

Can you guess? Can you guess?

Open Door Poetry

2008-03-29T01:45:00.004-05:00

Many of you know I'm a poetry buff, which makes this very exciting. Borders is doing a new webvideo poetry thing here. Start with billy collins.

Morning Devotions With CJ Mahaney

2008-03-21T22:21:00.003-05:00

A great quote from one of Christ's servants, C.J. Mahaney on morning devotions.

Actually, I would say that the initial challenge is just getting out of bed. That is why I would recommend for all who are listening to set your radio alarm across the room. Here has what’s helped me in the past: place the radio alarm across the room and set it to a country radio station. That motivates me out of bed.

But the point here is that we must have these practical strategies. I have people approach me at times who seem to assume that if one is called to pastoral ministry there is some special provision from God.

No, in my flesh, in your flesh, these battles take place. Take great comfort. If you watched me in the morning, you would not be amazed. There is no incredible display of giftedness present because I am called to ministry. No. I am a guy hearing these same protesting voices every morning as I get out of bed, making his way downstairs, eventually to his Bible, accompanied by a hot drink and a power bar.

And there I don’t have any angelic visitations. I am aware of numerous things in terms of distraction and aging and aches and pains, and certainly the day in front of me is seeking to rush in and interrupt me right now from what I am doing.

Get the full thing here.

Preparing for Easter

2008-03-19T16:34:00.003-05:00

Just preparing a little prelude for the Easter service.

Bonus Joke: it's an Anthony Berger arrangement.

Ethan: "The Time Has Come"

2008-03-15T13:25:00.003-05:00

"Dad, the time has come. Maybe when I do something good, instead of a treat, I could get some money."

Verse of The Week

2008-03-10T21:48:00.001-05:00

Psalm 30:4-5

Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Early Easter!

2008-03-07T17:11:00.006-06:00

Worship pastors are downing coffee in record numbers. Check it out:

Easter Sunday occurs unusually early in 2008.

Do you realize how early Easter is this year? As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Found out a couple of things you might be interested in! Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare.

Here 's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:

1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).

2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

big series coming next week

2008-03-07T17:11:00.001-06:00

including a new banner!

Verse of The Week: Philippians 4:6-8

2008-03-03T14:24:00.003-06:00

special treat: this bible is probably the first one ever printed with verse numbers.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

For Better or Worse

2008-02-29T22:08:00.001-06:00

A video from church celebrating marriage. Check out :34 - :40.

Affirmations of Faith

2008-02-29T10:24:00.004-06:00

I've been gathering statements of faith from different church groups.

Desiring God Affirmation of Faith
Gospel Coalition Foundational Documents
Together for The Gospel Affirmations and Denials

This post is mostly for me, so I can find all of these in the same place.

Now THAT's the perfect shirt . . .

2008-02-28T18:11:00.002-06:00

ht: gt

Conversations with Ethan: ancestors

2008-02-20T01:39:00.005-06:00

Daddy, who are my "ancestors"?

Well, Ethan, who is your daddy?

You.

Then who is my daddy?

Pappa.

Who is his daddy??

Great-grampa.

And who is great-grandpa's daddy?

...um... God?

Verse of the Week: Psalm 27:13-14

2008-02-20T00:47:00.000-06:00

I believe that I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord. Be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.

What are you looking forward to?

2008-02-14T11:12:00.001-06:00

Watch the Trailer on Yahoo! Movies

Verse of the Week: Psalm 27:4-5

2008-02-12T08:07:00.000-06:00

One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.

The Sacrifice: part 3

2008-02-11T19:03:00.000-06:00

the fourth stanza of this post haunts me each year.

Therefore my soul melts, and my heart's dear treasure
Drops blood (the only beads) my words to measure:
O let this cup pass, if it be thy pleasure:
Was ever grief like mine?

These drops being temper'd with a sinner's tears,
A balsam are for both the Hemispheres,
Curing all wounds, but mine; all, but my fears.
Was ever grief like mine?

Yet my Disciples sleep: I cannot gain
One hour of watching; but their drowsy brain
Comforts not me, and doth my doctrine stain:
Was ever grief like mine?

Arise, arise, they come! Look how they run!
Alas! what haste they make to be undone!
How with their lanterns do they seek the sun!
Was ever grief like mine?

Explanation

2008-02-08T08:33:00.001-06:00

Sorry for all the quote posts recently, everybody.

I've got nine string players this weekend who require sheet music arranged for them. And a God who requires my perfection. And a Savior who provides it for me. And a thankful heart.

The Sacrifice: part 2

2008-02-08T08:16:00.000-06:00

Read part 1.

Mine own Apostle, who the bag did bear,
Though he had all I had, did not forebear
To sell me also, and to put me there:
Was ever grief like mine?

For thirty pence he did my death devise,
Who at three hundred did the ointment prize,
Not half so sweet as my sweet sacrifice:
Was ever grief like mine?

The Sacrifice: part 1

2008-02-06T08:41:00.000-06:00

A poem from George Herbert (1593 - 1633) that I ponder every year to prepare my heart for Good Friday and Easter.

The Sacrifice

Oh all ye, who pass by, whose eyes and mind
To worldly things are sharp, but to me blind;
To me, who took eyes that I might you find:
Was ever grief like mine?

The Princes of my people make a head
Against their Maker: they do wish me dead,
Who cannot wish, except I give them bread:
Was ever grief like mine?

Without me each one, who doth now me brave,
Had to this day been an Egyptian slave.
They use that power against me, which I gave:
Was ever grief like mine?

Who's Hungry?

2008-02-05T14:12:00.000-06:00

ht: hbcproductions

Favorite Commercial

2008-02-04T20:51:00.001-06:00

Verse of The Week

2008-02-04T06:21:00.000-06:00

Psalm 27:1-3
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

Inductive Bible Study

2008-02-02T15:22:00.000-06:00

Rick Phillips from the Ref21 Blog.

The inductive Bible study is a purely post-modern practice, and one of the effects of post-modern spirituality will be the flight of its refugees to the false order and authority of Rome.

Thinking about blogging

2008-02-01T15:57:00.001-06:00

I'm making a proposal to change the blog over at jamesmacdonald.com. Any suggestions?

Target audiance? Graphics? Topics of interest?

C.J. Mahaney on Perceiving God's Work

2008-01-31T08:25:00.000-06:00

From C.J.'s new blog:

Most people are more aware of the absence of God than the presence of God. Most people are more aware of the presence of sin than evidences of grace. What a privilege and joy it is in pastoral ministry and small-group ministry to turn one’s attention to ways in which God is at work, because so often people are unaware of God’s work.

Whistle blowers

2008-01-31T07:08:00.000-06:00

The ratings are in, and people HATE my jazz hand whistle on youtube.

You could turn the tide by voting HERE.

meetings

2008-01-30T17:16:00.001-06:00

I had a meeting today from 9 till 12:30. Then 1:30 till 4:30. Easter plans. Good Friday. February.

Question: why does it take 20 jelly bellys to have a good idea?

Have your own meeting to discuss. :-)

Verse of the Week: Colossians 4:6

2008-01-29T13:19:00.001-06:00

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Get comfortable with mystery

2008-01-26T07:50:00.000-06:00

A great video from C.J. Mahaney.

Isolation Journal: entry #2

2008-01-24T15:22:00.000-06:00

This time is not being wasted. I have used it to hone an ancient craft into a powerful vehicle for personal musical expression.

Ladies and gentleman, I give you, the Jazz Hand Whistle.

Isolation Journal: entry #1

2008-01-23T08:27:00.000-06:00

I'm spending five days in isolation. Why?

Well, my thyroid is very ambitious. We tried to slow it down with medicine, but it made my liver go crazy. So, we going nuclear.

Yesterday, at 7:45am, I ingested a dosage of radioactive iodine. My thyroid loves iodine, so it's going to absorb it, and part of it is going to die.

Meanwhile, I have to make sure that I don't get any of this stuff on my three little boys or beautiful wife. So, I'm down in my basement. Eating with plastic silverware. Washing my clothes seperate. And trying to support my wife's single parenting efforts with vain threats to my boys. ("You better listen to your mom and obey THIS SECOND!")

My friends have dedicated songs to me. Matt Stowell dedicated "Toxic" and Andi Rozier dedicated "Don't Stand So Close To Me."

Meanwhile, I'm finishing up some writing (more details to come) and transcribing a Brad Mehldau song called "Blues For Eden". I'm up to measure 102.

Verse of the Week

2008-01-20T14:51:00.000-06:00

Colossians 3:1-3

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden in Christ with God.

Word Link Fun

2008-01-20T00:06:00.000-06:00

Black
Photos and Shorpy
Crazy

Health Update

2008-01-19T08:18:00.000-06:00

Things were going pretty well. Most of my symptoms were disappearing with the medicine I was taking.

Then, my doctor called my cell phone and asked if I had started "binge drinking." Well, the holidays had been stressful, but not *that* stressful. He took me off of the medicine, and all my symptoms have returned.

I'm going in for treatment next week. They are going to treat me with radioactive iodine. That will kill of part of my thyroid and give me the best chance of staying off medicine.

The bad news is, however, that I'll be in a sort of isolation for five days until I'm no longer radioactive. :-)

Verse of the Week: 2 Chronicles 16:9a

2008-01-16T20:13:00.000-06:00

2 Chronicles 16:9a

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blamesless toward Him."

[retro] evangelical

NEW BLOG

New Threadless shirts! Big sale.

Worship Vote!

Huh? Talk louder?

Chinese girl gets 'kiss of deaf'

Christmas Music: Cheap Download!

Gospel Remorse

Colbert: Catholic, Jane Austin, and Comic Books

Shai Linne: Storiez - GET IT.

FOCA Petition

Haunting song

Drummer defends himself from hundreds of "hand jivers"

Tim Keller: Hints for Preaching Christ In The Old Testament

What is a retro-evangelical?

cheap new music

Do It Yourself Demotivator

Upcoming Music: Shai Linne, "Storiez"

It's ON . . .

Special ITUNES visualizer secrets!

ESV Study Bible is coming . . .

Videos from The Gospel Coalition

The Key!

explanation: Johannes Brahms!

Don't Waste Your FAKE Cancer

Please open your hymnal . . .

Really Big News

Welcome Chair

Terrible Bible Teaching for Kids!

NoiseTrade: Synthar

WorshipGod '08

Best Game Ever

Brian Blade Fellowship

Chess boxing

Conversations With Ethan: Mad Scientists

Luke 8:39 - Did you read that too fast?

CD: Video review

Thank You, Jesus, For The Cross

Shai Linne: rap and sound check

Vacation '08

Calvin's Institutes - WORDLED!

Buy a bible, train a pastor!

Baby Beatle

Reading Scripture the Way Jesus Did—Aloud!

DVD Video

"How Great Is Your Blood"

[retro quiz] Obscure Christian Trivia!

Interview With Bob Kauflin

Ribs, Travel, and Family

Westerholm Kids' Summer Bible Curriculum

What's Cooler than Jazz Hand Whistle?

Recommended Reading: T4G

Save Money! Slow Down!

Ethan: His New Book

"They are the same thing, aren't they?"

Thyroid Update! April, 08

Study Bible BATTLE! Part 1: Editorial Boards

"Servant of Jesus Christ"

Worship Matters: videos

GASP! ESV STUDY BIBLE!

Westminster, pt. 3: The Orthodox Response

The new ESV Study Bible is "Filthy and Sick"

Ministry in North Carolina

Westminster: pt. 2: The Rise of Liberalism

Westminster: pt. 1

NEW SERIES: starts with new header

Open Door Poetry

Morning Devotions With CJ Mahaney

Preparing for Easter

Ethan: "The Time Has Come"

Verse of The Week

Early Easter!

big series coming next week

Verse of The Week: Philippians 4:6-8

For Better or Worse

Affirmations of Faith

Now THAT's the perfect shirt . . .

Conversations with Ethan: ancestors

Verse of the Week: Psalm 27:13-14

What are you looking forward to?