BAD

As everyone already knows, quicker than ever before through twitter and FB updates, MJ is dead. Whatever you think about who he was as a person and the terrible things that he did. His music made him the king of pop and gave us some of the best dance grooves ever. He was a genius when it came to music. My first cassette  tape was Bad, I remember cranking it loud in my room and dancing around as a 11 year old.

The one thing that celebrity death does remind us of though is that we do die. Death is tragic and loss and pain is felt when it happens. Death is a heavy topic, but I am thankful for Jesus who has conquered death, sin and the devil. That there is eternal life found in Him and His death and resurrection.

 

Monday Sync #6

After a three week hiatus I’m back to writing for my blog. Not sure if it was laziness, busyness or guilt for not studying or essay writing.

The guilt has left now since I have an exam tomorrow for New Testament.

Thanks:

• God’s Word has really been impacting me lately and in studying for my exam reading it in greek to elucidate some of the detail has been beneficial to my own life.
• Friends getting married, I have a wedding this weekend and was measured up for a suit to wear for another wedding in october that I get the privilege of sharing the best man honours at.

This Week:

• Most pressing need is my exam tomorrow, I’m just struggling to remember all my grammar terms for the syntax section of the exam.
• Holidays start after my exam, but will be writing an essay to get it done early so I can go on holiday later on in my break from college.

Thanks for your prayers, will be posting more again.

 

Monday Sync #5

It’s late in the day, possibly an indicator of the week ahead. Possibly not.

This week I want to return to the theme of college. I’ve worked out what my major dislike of college is. I enjoy reading and studying, but hate academia. Working this out in a clear way has made me enjoy college a lot more recently. Now I just get the academia done and out of the way and enjoy the rest of the ride.

Thanks:

• College continues to stretch my thinking about how theology is done. This year I think my ability to discern truth has become sharper. No longer to I just agree with what I always thought was right and dismiss straight away what I think to be wrong. I assess both positions now and am more inclined to reach my own conclusions. I think this is a big step for me, at times I still will trust the work of much smarter theologians, but slowly I am developing a more independent mind.
• Being between two years is lame, but I am slowly building some friendships with those in 2nd year.

This Week:

• I am working on an Old Testament essay on Marriage based around Deut 24:1-4. My work so far has been enjoyable. Pray that I will be diligent in writing the essay and that it will show the fruit of my hours spent reading the last two weeks.
• The mid year New Testament exam is approaching (4 weeks) and I need to pick my Greek grammar up again. Cause I passed greek last year I am not learning it alongside my NT work. So discipline in learning it again would be great.
• Other: I have a thigh injury that I would love to heal quickly, thanks.

 

More on Limited Atonement

My doctrine class at college has reminded me of the limited atonement issue that I started but never finished discussing at the start of the year.

So when it comes to the atonement it can be said that generally unless you are a universalist or Pelagian you hold a limited view of the atonement. The atonement is still limited in who it ends up saving, if some are still left unsaved.

It seems in my understanding that at the Council or Dort (where they essentially put forward the 5 points of Calvinism), that point 3: Limited Atonement stipulated that Christ’s death on the cross for the sins of the world was sufficient for all but efficient only for the elect. This is how I have always understood this and seems to line up with Unlimited Limited atonement put forward by men such as Driscoll and Ware.

I cant see how limited atonement understood as only sufficient for elect is either logical or biblical. In addition unlimited atonement is actually limited, I cant see how when they propose only those who have faith will salvation be applied is greatly different to the view that the atonement is only efficient for the elect.

I’m still thinking this through and so your thoughts and corrections would be great.

 

Garage Hymnal

When it comes to Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) my typical response is cringe and run for it. Not so with Garage Hymnals latest instalment. Their self titled album is a fantastic testimony to well thought out Christ focused music. In fact it would be an insult to throw it into the CCM genre. It is holy, and by that I mean set apart.

On Saturday Garage Hymnal launched their album at Chpter House behind the cathedral to a sell out crowd of about 650. Their live performance combined God glorifying performance mixed with well led congregational singing. Last night I was speaking with Andy Judd (pianist) over dinner about the balance that they seek and it was great to hear his thoughts on the nature of performance within the context of singing songs to and about Jesus. His comment that despite the fact that the album launch gave them additional licence to perform, that did not detract from their desire to glorfy God and not themselves as they did so.

As a band they have evolved from a co-oprative of various artist, to a defined band. This move is a positve move and is evident in the album. The general unity of the album is stranger than in the past. There is a distinct style and although I enjoyed the male vocals of previous albums, both Alanna and Steph deliver the goods. Their singing has matured and watching them live was a delight as they complimented each other. Both have a relaxed but classy stage presence that adds to the overall energy of the band.

Yet again they have redone some old hymns and these are great tracks (’Beneath the Cross’ and ‘Fathers World’). The two strongest songs for adaption to congregation settings are the the energetic and fun ‘The Light Has Found Us’ along with the more reflective and proclimational ‘Halllujah’.  My personal favourit of the album is ‘I Am’. The song builds as it progresses and climaxes in the bridge as Alanna and Steph overlap each other beautifully. As a bass player I also enjoy ‘Child’s Play’ as the bass drives the song along.

Garage Hymanl have yet again given us quality music deviod of the shallow and often corny lyrics and music arrangements overcrowded with extended synth organ or simple 3 chord accoustic formulas. I am thankful for their contribution to the Christian music scene in Australia and look forward to seeing them continue to glorify our Lord and Saviour in all that they do.

 

Monday Sync #4

At times I wish I was more creative and knew how to use the English language to my advantage in creating clever introductions, but that isn’t going to happen. It’s just not my gifting.

This past week has brought much to be thankful for, and although I have things to pray for I want to give thanks today.

Thanks:

• Salvation, this weekend I have felt an indescribable joy founded in faith I have in Christ and seeing so many around me being changed to be more like Jesus.
• The word of God. Been digging into Acts in my quiet times, loving it. Been convicted to be bold in my preaching of the truth and to not back down.
• For the Holy Spirit’s work in making me more like Jesus. Preached on this yesterday. Has open my own eyes to the times when legalism has crept into my life instead of a true love of Jesus.
• Music. Saw Garage Hymnal launch their new album on Saturday. Fantastic stuff, They are a band who are really working hard to make good music.
• For the Ark (Youth Group). God has blessed us with new people and there has been a new energy this term.

This Week:

• Working on an Old Testament essay for college. It’s on marriage (and divorce) from Dueteronomy. I have enjoyed do the research so far.
• Energy, Feeling really exhausted today (possibly post preaching drain). Not keen to get sick.

As always, thanks for praying.

 

Cosmetic Surgery to the Glory of God

A friend and I were discussing the ethics of cosmetic surgery a few nights ago.

The questions we were left with were;

• If we are created in God’s image, what modifications can we make to the bodies He has given us?
• Is corrective cosmetic surgery (i.e. from burns, cuts, deformities) different from a purely superficial procedure (e.g. botox, rhinoplasty).
• Is cosmetic surgery different to tatoos?

There were others, but I am interested in others thoughts on the issue. I realise I have left a lot unsaid, but hopefully that will create discussion.

What do you think?

 

Monday Sync #3

I love my mates, it is so much fun hanging out with them.

With college and church cruising along in 3rd I thought it would be good to take time to give thanks for and pray for my mates. Last night I had dinner with one of my mates who is now living down in Batemans Bay. It was great to catch up and spend time encouraging each other. It reminded me of the holiday me and the boys had in January to Mollymook. On the last night we sat on the beach after hitting golf balls into the ocean and prayed for each other. It was interesting to see how we were all at different crossroads in some way or another. Whether it was looking work, preparing for marriage, dealing with the heavy demands of Uni while continuing to serve at church, strength to stand up for Jesus in a hard environment, changing churches or dealing with what the new year would bring.

Thanks

• Friends are a blessing, Thanks for the many friends that God has blessed me with.
• My friends are also encouraging and willing to challenge me too. I give thanks that they say the hard things.

Requests

• At times I feel spread thin in many of my friendships (happens when you move somewhere else a few times). Work out which friendships are a priority and invest in them.
• Invest in the friendships I have with those who aren’t followers of Jesus.

 

Daniel Dylan Baker

Congratulations to my mates Peter and Pamela Baker for the birth of their second son today.
Vitals: 3.2 kg and 51cm long
Children are a blessing from the Lord. Please pray for them.

 

Monday Sync #2

Preaching the word of God is such a great privilege but also a huge responsibility. God’s word is powerful and changes lives. The preaching of His word is of utmost importance.

This week I am preaching on the role of the Holy Spirit in a Christians sanctification. Essentially it’s the transformation of our lives from disobedient sinners to living live like Jesus did.

Thanks

• Had 30+ (20 is normal) crew at youth on Friday. It was exciting to see the crew invite their mates along. It was a lot of fun, even if it was a struggle to get through my talk with the larger group a little agitated. But who wouldn’t laugh at the Samson story!
• God’s Word in the Bible. Thanks that through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit working in the human writers, that we God has breather out his Word to us and it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Tim 3:16).

This Week

• This Sunday, as mentioned, I am preaching on the work of the Holy Spirit in sanctification. My prayer is not only for good and faithful preparation but that through God will continue to sanctify my own life.

• I would continue to enjoy my personal reading in Acts and as I read Unceasing Worship by Harold Best. It has been great so far.

Thanks