Weekly Links (Christmas Edition 2013)

by Stephen Rodgers

We’re actually going to be going on hiatus until early next year, but before we did that I wanted to drop a little Christmas cheer on you, Beacon-style.

First off, long-time readers (and people who know how to use the search box), will recall that we’ve done special Christmas posts before.  The content therein is still as timely as ever:

Seriously, if you’ve never checked those out, you really should.

Most of those sources are still good, but I have a few additional ones that I’d like to highlight:

  • If you need to speak to someone who’s been confused by Andrew Lincoln’s book against the virgin birth of Christ, then you’ll find this to be quite handy in particular, and this to be quite handy in general.
  • Each year, Triablogue highlights a number of Christmas-related resources.  This year is no exception.
  • And if you have a lot of time on your hands, they also have an entire tag dedicated to the subject of “Christmas.”

That’ll do for now. Have a merry Christmas, and we’ll see you in 2014!

Pro Rege

I Will Accept You With Your Sweet Savour

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Ezekiel 20:41

The merits of our great Redeemer are as sweet savour to the Most High. Whether we speak of the active or passive righteousness of Christ, there is an equal fragrance. There was a sweet savour in His active life by which He honoured the law of God, and made every precept to glitter like a precious jewel in the pure setting of His own person. Such, too, was His passive obedience, when He endured with unmurmuring submission, hunger and thirst, cold and nakedness, and at length sweat great drops of blood in Gethsemane, gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked out the hair, and was fastened to the cruel wood, that He might suffer the wrath of God in our behalf. These two things are sweet before the Most High; and for the sake of His doing and His dying, His substitutionary sufferings and His vicarious obedience, the Lord our God accepts us.

What a preciousness must there be in Him to overcome our want of preciousness! What a sweet savour to put away our ill savour! What a cleansing power in His blood to take away sin such as ours! and what glory in His righteousness to make such unacceptable creatures to be accepted in the Beloved!

Mark, believer, how sure and unchanging must be our acceptance, since it is in Him! Take care that you never doubt your acceptance in Jesus. You cannot be accepted without Christ; but, when you have received His merit, you cannot be unaccepted. Notwithstanding all your doubts, and fears, and sins, Jehovah’s gracious eye never looks upon you in anger; though He sees sin in you, in yourself, yet when He looks at you through Christ, He sees no sin. You are always accepted in Christ, are always blessed and dear to the Father’s heart. Therefore lift up a song, and as you see the smoking incense of the merit of the Saviour coming up, this evening, before the sapphire throne, let the incense of your praise go up also.

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Weekly Links (12/20/2013)

He, the Life of all, our Lord and Saviour, did not arrange the manner of his own death lest He should seem to be afraid of some other kind. No. He accepted and bore upon the cross a death inflicted by others, and those other His special enemies, a death which to them was supremely terrible and by no means to be faced; and He did this in order that, by destroying even this death, He might Himself be believed to be the Life, and the power of death be recognised as finally annulled. A marvellous and mighty paradox has thus occurred, for the death which they thought to inflict on Him as dishonour and disgrace has become the glorious monument to death’s defeat. (Athanasius)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope this week has been a blessing to you as we continue to prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior (you are preparing…right?)!

  • Pastor Jeremy Walker has some timely advice for prospective students that is applicable to anyone who is making plans to enter college. This is helpful for high schoolers, parents of high schoolers, and also leaders to be reminded that the primary goal for decisions related to a student’s future should always be the glory of God, and not our personal glory. If you fit any of the above categories, you would do well to look into this article.
  • Speaking of Jeremy Walker, he has also finished a series on doing effective personal evangelism (which Richard pointed us to in October). We are to be effective in the sense of “faithful communication of God’s saving truth to those who have not known it either entirely or accurately.” The completed series can be found with links to all the posts. May we all grow effective in the work of sharing Christ to all.
  • Ligonier Ministries (R.C. Sproul’s main ministry) has made their Crucial Questions booklets available to download for free back in June, but have continued to add more booklets that deal with more questions believers have about different topics. The three new booklets that came out How Do I Develop a Christian Conscience?, What is the Church? and What is the Lord’s Supper? Make sure to grab them (you can get all of them on Kindle, and most on iTunes), and grow deeper in your understanding of the Word.
  • How do we keep kids from expressing greed during Christmas? The ladies at Girltalk give 10 ideas, some of which I think I need to apply myself.
  • Christmas is a time we focus on being with our families (and rightly so), but we can also be thinking about how to bless those who are serving Christ in a foreign country, or who are currently away from family, who need encouragement from the body of Christ. Here are 15 ways we can do this.
  • James White, pastor and apologist (if you haven’t heard of him, let it end this day), was recently interviewed in Germany concerning Roman Catholicism, which is titled and subtitled in Czech (hi Mellwig family…and Hanka!), but is in English. Wise words from a seasoned debater who has engaged in about 40 different debates with leading Catholic apologists.
  • Stephen Meyer, one of the leading advocates of intelligent design, was interviewed by Eric Metaxas, concerning his newest book, Darwin’s Doubt. He gives some concise answers to what intelligent design is, along with some witty comments from Metaxas.
  • Looking for last-minute Christmas gifts for children and families that are solidly biblical? Then look no further.
  • Al Mohler writes a helpful essay on the state of the media in its praise of Pope Francis I and recent outrage at Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame, who are positionally on the same page concerning homosexuality. We all have been warned, and expect to be warned again and again. (Make sure to read Joe Carter‘s angle of this issue, as well as Mark Lamprecht‘s, who also gives some background to Duck Dynasty’s theology.)
  • It’s never too late to begin meditating on the birth of Christ, and what that means for us as believers in Him. Don’t waste your Christmas!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas wherever you spend it! May we truly remember the greatest gift that has ever been given, our Lord Jesus Christ, and rightly view all other gifts as pale in comparison. See you next year!

Soli Deo Gloria

Christian vs. Worldly Love

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:32-36)

by Jin Lee

It has been my experience that when people are good to me, it is so easy to treat them well and be good friends. I don’t mind going out of my way to help since I know that they will respond with appreciation and thankfulness. I really enjoy treating a friend to a meal or a nice gift because first we are called to serve but also selfishly, I enjoy receiving their thanks and seeing them happy. The people I have a difficult time with are those who expect things from me and those who just don’t show appreciation or thankfulness the way I expect or desire. God has been teaching me a lot lately in terms of giving and helping with no expectation of anything in return. He’s been showing me how even the giving or helping I do is tainted with my selfishness and once again proves that my “good deeds” are like filthy rags to God. I really love the above passage. In Luke 6:32 – 36, Jesus is teaching his disciples what it really means to love. If I love those who love me back, how is this different from the world? It really isn’t. Even the world loves those who love them. In the same way, if we do good to those who in return do good to us, how is this different from the world? The answer is there is no difference. True love comes when we are able to love those who hate us or do good to those who revile us. This is the love that Christ is talking about. The same way Christ loved me when I hated Him. The same way He was generous to me with His grace while I had no regard for Him. This is the love that Christ expects from me. I can try to do this on my own but eventually I will fail because this type of love is not sustainable on my own. However, this love can only come and be sustained when we plug into the power of God and ask Him to help.

It’s amazing how God continues to reveal to me just the darkness of my heart in the midst of my “good deeds.” It’s a true blessing to know that even with my darkened heart, God continues to love me. Let not my love be like the world’s. Let my love be like Christ’s.

The Love Of Christ Which Passeth Knowledge

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Ephesians 3:19

The love of Christ in its sweetness, its fulness, its greatness, its faithfulness, passeth all human comprehension. Where shall language be found which shall describe His matchless, His unparalleled love towards the children of men? It is so vast and boundless that, as the swallow but skimmeth the water, and diveth not into its depths, so all descriptive words but touch the surface, while depths immeasurable lie beneath. Well might the poet say,

‘O love, thou fathomless abyss!’

for this love of Christ is indeed measureless and fathomless; none can attain unto it. Before we can have any right idea of the love of Jesus, we must understand His previous glory in its height of majesty, and His incarnation upon the earth in all its depths of shame. But who can tell us the majesty of Christ? When He was enthroned in the highest heavens He was very God of very God; by Him were the heavens made, and all the hosts thereof. His own almighty arm upheld the spheres; the praises of cherubim and seraphim perpetually surrounded Him; the full chorus of the hallelujahs of the universe unceasingly flowed to the foot of his throne: He reigned supreme above all His creatures, God over all, blessed for ever. Who can tell His height of glory then? And who, on the other hand, can tell how low He descended? To be a man was something, to be a man of sorrows was far more; to bleed, and die, and suffer, these were much for Him who was the Son of God; but to suffer such unparalleled agony-to endure a death of shame and desertion by His Father, this is a depth of condescending love which the most inspired mind must utterly fail to fathom. Herein is love! and truly it is love that ‘passeth knowledge.’ O let this love fill our hearts with adoring gratitude, and lead us to practical manifestations of its power.

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Weekly Links (12/13/2013)

The biblical teaching regarding the incarnation of Christ and the person of the Mediator is awe-inspiring. This doctrine amazes us not simply because it is mysterious and somewhat beyond human comprehension, but because there is a sense in which the hypostatic union of the two natures in Christ is the greatest miracle in Scripture. In order to save us God had to become man. The Son assumed a genuine human nature in order to: perfectly obey God’s law (in order to fulfill the covenant of works), suffer and die on the cross as a vicarious atonement and rise again victorious over Satan, sin and death. Even now the God-man sits enthroned at the right had of God interacting and applying redemption to His people. It is a tremendous blessing to us that the Mediator will forever and ever be both God and man. For eternity we will be able to look at the scars in our Lord’s hands, feet and side. His glorified human body will be an eternal testimony to His supreme love; the love that caused Him to descend from the room of heaven to the filthy manger in Bethlehem and the painful road to Golgotha.

If you are not a Christian, then it is now time to behold the God-man with the eyes of faith. Believe in His person and His work of redemption. There is no other name given among men by which we can be saved (Ac. 4:12). There is only one mediator between God and man, the Man Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:5). Dear Christian, you know that there is no other greater motivation for obedience and good works than our love and adoration for Christ. Lord enable us to be continually faithful to our precious Lord and Savior—Immanuel. Amen. (Brian Schwertley)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Hello, everybody! It is with great joy that I get to partake in the weekly links for you this week. I hope that what is linked here will be of interest as well as draw the church closer to our Lord, all in the hopes of making God big (finish strong!). With that said, let’s get to it!

  • CCEF (Christian Counseling & Education Foundation), the leading biblical counseling “think tank,” has just come out booklets that deal with a number of issues that we all go through. Each of them has selected articles that address a specific area, which are: anger, parenting, redeeming psychology, relationships, and suffering. Currently, the set is at a discount, but ends this weekend.
  • Clint Archer, a South African native and graduate of The Master’s Seminary, reflects on his life and how Nelson Mandela had changed his view of race, leading him to learn how to love a terrorist.
  • Justin Taylor recently interviewed Gerald Hiestand, co-author with Jay Thomas, about their recently released book, Sex, Dating, and Relationships, which covers the themes and main argument of the book. This interview is a good primer on how Christians should view this area, which will not only be helpful in clearing the haze, but a point of entry in bringing a Christian worldview to bear on the lives of non-Christians. No doubt they have their own ideas of dating and marriage, and clear, biblical thinking in relation to this can definitely dispel myths as well as create opportunities to share the Gospel. Don’t enter a discussion on this subject unprepared.
  • Russell Moore addresses the nature of many Christmas songs and the lack of what is normally sung (to which I give a hearty amen). This sprung up in overhearing a conversation from a ‘grinch’ of sorts in “Rethinking Our Holly-Jolly Christmas Songs.”
  • In their most recent podcast, “Mortification of Spin,” Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt discuss with Christopher Bogosh, a Christian nurse who just came out with a new book entitled Compassionate Jesus: Rethinking the Christian’s Approach to Modern Medicine, end-of-life issues and challenging the modern medical worldview. Shout out to all LBC members who work in a hospital (doctors, nurses, etc.).
  • The Master’s Seminary Journal is now being made available online only, and it looks like a feast of articles ready to be devoured. This new issue has to do with the Trinity, and the connection between the Triune God we worship and creation, inspiration, eschatology, and the early church witness prior to the Constantine. Many who disagree with God’s Triune nature (falsely) believe brought the doctrine into existence. Though not quite as many book reviews as Themelios puts out, TMSJ has 14 new reviews worth looking into. Check it out!
  • Has America become too vulgar? Al Mohler would argue in the affirmative. Find out why.
  • What is the relationship between Christians, sports, and manhood? Owen Strachan provides some insight for us.
  • How can you increase in your love for God and others by using first person pronouns (I, me, my, mine)? Bill Smith gives some helpful words that will cause you to think even harder on our Passion statement.
  • If you have known me for some time, you know I love sending articles that are worth reading and would like to begin linking to a weekly article that, like beef jerkey, take awhile to chew on. This week, since we’re ever coming closer to Christmas, a classic read on the incarnation is On the Incarnation by Athanasius, a 4th century bishop well-known for his unwavering defense of the deity of Christ against Arius (precursor to Jehovah’s Witnesses). You can read it online, in PDF, or even listen in MP3.

Make sure you have time in between reading to come to our Christmas Concert this Saturday! Don’t forget to come and worship God with us on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

Unexpected News

by Elder Johnny Kim

Like any other guy, I like a good war movie, but I particularly appreciate those war movies that are based on actual events. “We Were Soldiers” is one such movie and one of my favorite scenes is at the end when Mel Gibson’s character comes back home after fighting in Vietnam and is reunited with his wife. In one of the final scenes, she waits at home and her doorbell rings, gripping her with fear as she expects to receive news that her husband has been killed in action. However, when she opens the door, she sees her husband standing there having returned safely from the war. In that moment, her feelings of fear and the expectation of receiving tragic news instantly turn to joy.

The display of extreme emotions, from complete fear to ecstatic joy, is something we can also find in the Bible. In the account of the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:8, we read about an angel of the Lord appearing to the shepherds tending to their flock. Upon seeing the angel, the shepherds were “filled with great fear” and rightly so, for past visits from such angels and heavenly beings sometimes resulted in death and destruction. The shepherds, perhaps fearing the same for their own lives, were deathly afraid, but then the angel spoke to reveal his true intentions. He delivers the good news of the birth of the One who had come to save them. The angel’s news wasn’t about death and destruction, but rather about life and salvation. In that moment, their fear turns to joy and they excitedly hurry to travel to witness their newly born Savior.

What a roller coaster of emotions it must have been for the shepherds! I can only imagine that the swing of extreme emotions then made the eventual good news that much sweeter. The expectation that something bad was going to happen had to have then made receiving the good news in the end that much more appreciated, meaningful, and precious!

For Christians today who understand the truth of the Gospel, we should recognize that we ourselves were in a similar situation. Because of our sin and rebellion against God, we fully deserved to receive the worst news of all, that we would be damned to hell and separated from God forever and that that would be it. And yet, for those who believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, the news of Christ being born into this world means that we can have salvation and eternal life instead. It’s a complete reversal of what we should have deserved and because of that, the news of Christ’s birth should be that much more sweeter to those who hear it and understand it.

Should we find it difficult to be joyful during the Christmas season, a time when we celebrate Christ coming into this world to save us, we need to remind ourselves that this good news is hardly the type of news we deserved at all. As we look forward to cultivating a true joy in our lives this season for the world around us to see, let us consider just how precious the good news of Christ’s birth ought to be in light of the news we truly deserved and should have expected.

The Dogs Eat Of The Crumbs Which Fall From Their Master’s Table

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Matthew 15:27

This woman gained comfort in her misery by thinking GREAT THOUGHTS OF CHRIST. The Master had talked about the children’s bread: ‘Now,’ argued she, ‘since Thou art the Master of the table of grace, I know that Thou art a generous housekeeper, and there is sure to be abundance of bread on Thy table; there will be such an abundance for the children that there will be crumbs to throw on the floor for the dogs, and the children will fare none the worse because the dogs are fed.’ She thought Him one who kept so good a table that all that she needed would only be a crumb in comparison; yet remember, what she wanted was to have the devil cast out of her daughter. It was a very great thing to her, but she had such a high esteem of Christ, that she said, ‘It is nothing to Him, it is but a crumb for Christ to give.’

This is the royal road to comfort. Great thoughts of your sin alone will drive you to despair; but great thoughts of Christ will pilot you into the haven of peace. ‘My sins are many, but oh! it is nothing to Jesus to take them all away. The weight of my guilt presses me down as a giant’s foot would crush a worm, but it is no more than a grain of dust to Him, because He has already borne its curse in His own body on the tree. It will be but a small thing for Him to give me full remission, although it will be an infinite blessing for me to receive it.’ The woman opens her soul’s mouth very wide, expecting great things of Jesus, and He fills it with His love.

Dear reader, do the same. She confessed what Christ laid at her door, but she laid fast hold upon Him, and drew arguments even out of His hard words; she believed great things of Him, and she thus overcame Him. SHE WON THE VICTORY BY BELIEVING IN HIM. Her case is an instance of prevailing faith; and if we would conquer like her, we must imitate her tactics.

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Weekly Links (12/6/2013)

by Stephen Rodgers

Happy Friday everyone! In accordance with the ancient pact, I’m here with a collection of free resources for you to peruse:

  • The free audio book from Christianaudio is an odd one this month: Leadership Secrets of the Salvation Army.  I don’t know anything about it, but there it is.
  • On the other hand, the free resource from Logos is Horatius Bonar’s How Then Shall I Go To God? That has a far more established pedigree, and is certainly worth your time (if you do the Logos thing).
  • The free book from Ligonier is Keith Mathison’s A Reformed Approach to Science and Scripture.  It sounds interesting, and I’d be especially interested in comparing it to Pothress’ book at some point (which is also free).
  • The December issue of Tabletalk is on the subject of the Millennium. That should pair nicely with Pastor Patrick’s eschatology class, right?
  • And hooray! Themelios 38.3 is out! I know I’m the only one who reads this monster, but what can I say? There’s a lot you can learn from five-dozen book reviews…

And here’s a couple of quick updates regarding resources I’ve mentioned before…

  • CBMW has a new website, and you can finally find all the back issues easily.  That’s something to celebrate (long-time readers will remember my Wayback Machine hack, but fortunately that is no longer necessary).
  • If you haven’t checked out Credo yet, be sure to take a gander at both the current issue and the archive.  They put out some really good stuff.

That’s it! See you Sunday!

Pro Rege