To Whom Shall We Go?

The Christian life, according to John Calvin (1509-1594) is to be one marked by holiness. Indeed, for a Christian to continue on and on in a life of impurity is simply unChristian. Calvin says the one who dwells before God in his Sanctuary (which is done only through the blood of Jesus!) must strive to do so with increasing growth in holiness. Here is the great quote with which Calvin summarizes this idea: "For it is highly unfitting that the sanctuary in which [God] dwells should like a stable be crammed with filth." With the Spirit's help, rooted in the Scriptures, let us strive towards ever-increasing Christ-likeness. In other words, don't be crammed with filth! By the way: in case it's not clear, "Sanctuary" doesn't refer to the place where we gather on Sunday mornings. Rather, Calvin is speaking of the very throne room of God into which Christ brings us when we repent and believe in Christ. The book of Hebrews especially unpacks this.

Well another busy month has passed without a post. Now that I am flat on my back with some kind of flu-like bug I actually have the time and opportunity to post something! But I am worn out from being sick, so I have very little to say. In fact, all I will say is that being sick is a helpful, humbling reminder of humanity. I truly am a dependent, not independent, being. I am grateful to read in Hebrews 1 of Jesus, "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" who "upholds the universe by the word of his power." I am wonderfully dependent on him.

God is utterly incomprehensible. To "comprehend" literally means to wrap your mind around something, to the point that you fully understand it. Without a doubt, then, it is impossible for us to fully comprehend God. But this does not mean he is unknowable. Deuteronomy 29:29 reads, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we might do all the words of this law." Among other things, Moses here tells us that we can know some things about God, just not everything. We can know God truly, but never exhaustively. I thought of this as I read a quote from a wonderful Christian thinker of the past who spoke of the goal of the Christian when he or she sits down to study the Bible. We should "reverently embrace what it pleases God there to witness of himself." God has graciously made himself known to us in the Bible. It is not everything that might be known about him, but it is more t...

My good buddy Michael Scott Daniel (that's right, 3 first names) has started a blog . He hopes to post at least occasionally. I guess that's sort of like me... He is sharp and thoughtful, and he truly desires to please the Lord. I would recommend checking it out from time to time to get your wheels turning.

The title of this post is taken from a book by R.C. Sproul . I have not read but a few excerpts from the book, but the title alone is convincing. We don't live in a world surrounded by tall buildings, cable modems, and microwaves that sprung up from the ground. We know instinctively that ideas have consequences: Either for good or for ill. As we watch TV, search on Google, read newsmagazines, or even casually glance at billboards, let's be alert! We are surrounded by competing ideas. With the Holy Spirit's help, let's root ourselves deeply in the truth of Scripture so that we may take every thought captive to obey our Lord Jesus Christ . We are in Nashville with Liz's parents and sister. This week is Steve and Judy's last week in Greenville. Lord willing, they will make their way to Avon, Connecticut this coming Friday to begin a new phase of ministry at Valley Community Baptist Church. Enjoy Labor Day weekend!

Lizzie and I are about to walk out the door to our church's Sunday evening service. We are truly blessed by the loving fellowship, the sound teaching, and the Christ-centered life exemplified by our church. Our gratefulness for this place returns each Sunday, even as we are reminded throughout the week how good a place it is for us. I hope you can say something similar about your church. Also, I just finished a very approachable, very excellent book for a class called Trusting God . Read it when you are or when you aren't. Blessings to all.

To catch up on the last few weeks, I have several bits of information that are important to note. Today I will mention one...Liz and I are expecting our first child! The due date is February 1, 2008, and we will find out the baby's gender in about 3 weeks, Lord willing. Needless to say, we are overjoyed. We have seen anew the kindness of the Lord. Indeed his mercies are new every morning. More to come...