Machen on Faith, Works, and the Enduring Power of God
August 10, 2009
From J. Gresham Machen’s Faith and Works:
So in the midst of a practical world, the Christian exhibits a practical life of love — a busy life of helpfulness, feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, receiving the strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and the prisoners. And all that accomplished not by his own unaided efforts, not even merely by his own faith, but by the great object of his faith, the all-powerful God.
The Christian preacher, then, comes before the world with a great alternative. Shall we continue to depend upon our own efforts, or shall we receive by faith the power of God? Shall we content ourselves with the materials which this world affords, seeking by endlessly new combinations to produce a building that shall endure; or shall we build with the materials that have no flaw? Shall we give men new motives, or ask God to give them a new power? Shall we improve the world, or pray God to create a new world? The former alternatives have been tried and found wanting: the best of architects can produce no enduring building when all the materials are faulty; good motives are powerless when the heart is evil. Struggle as we may, we remain just a part of this evil world until, by faith, we cry: “Not by might, nor by power, but by Thy Spirit. O Lord of Hosts.”
MTW Bulgaria
August 6, 2009
For many years our church has had the privilege of supporting Dal and Beth Stanton as missionaries. Recently Dal has taken on a new role as team leader for the MTW church planting team in Bulgaria. This video gives a good overview of their work. Visit the MTW Bulgaria website at mtwbg.com.
The Gospel on the Price is Right?
August 6, 2009
Could it be? Well, almost.
HT: Mockingbird
The Magic of Harry Potter
August 5, 2009
Last night, for the first time in too long, I was able to take Lacey on a date. We saw the new Harry Potter movie and had a lovely time together.
And, like any good movie should, Harry Potter opens the door for some greater reflection on significant themes… reflection that R. Scott Clark offers quite well at his Heidelblog.
