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Published on 2 Comments on Tweets, the Saga Conintues

Don't really get this http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2014/05/a-few-practical-questions.php Purely from Romans 1-5 you can offer some *very* stern pastoral rebukes => Romans 6.

Mary chose the better portion: to BE served by Jesus through His word. Luke 10:42 #EnjoyYourDay.

My mother has style and taste. Style: she's joined Twitter. Taste: she followed @mike_reeves first

"Can't stand those Jesus people, no way would I join them" <-- Sounds anti-hypocrisy right? It also sounds like the Pharisees of Jesus' day

Pharisees were "those who kept themselves separate" and they couldn't stand the Jesus people. But Jesus called *them* the hypocrites

Ps 30:6. Maybe this morning means more weeping 4u. But one morning every tear will be wiped away & today is another day closer #EnjoyYourDay

- "Guevara was easy. Name another one."
- "Given"
- "Ah, Two Che"

I had a history teacher who wd begin lessons by staring blankly into the middle distance &sighing. Coldplay's latest album is basically that

Drove thru Dartford Toll Booth at 5:59:57am avoiding the toll by 3 seconds. This must be how Jack Bauer feels

Listened to Isaiah 40-66 in the car. Imagine if *that* - the depths & the heights - was the tone of our preaching & pastoral counselling?

They didn’t seek 1st the Kingdom, they fled the King. Yet the King pursued the disciples thru death 2 find them & say “Peace” #EnjoyYourDay

We'll fight the neo-Marcionites the way the early church did: not by insisting Christ is the *best* revelation of God but the *only* one

Know the gospel, understand and live a theology of suffering & of work and you're just about as equipped as possible 4 personal evangelism

I’ve come up with a thousand separate arguments against scholasticism. They’re a bit a-Thomistic

321 is all abt the cross. THREE: The One crucified is truly God. TWO: The One crucified is truly Man. ONE: The great exchange truly ‘works’

In #Matthew14, Jesus “begins to” let Peter sink. But “immediately” He responds to his cry. #EnjoyYourDay

Sobering day at Auschwitz. Hearing the horrors of the camp I found myself muttering two things repeatedly: "Those bastards" and "I'm sorry"

Again and again we’re told that God’s Face shines on us. (Eg Num6; Ps80) In Jesus, God beams at you. #EnjoyYourDay

Don't use God and trust your mind. Trust God and use your mind. John Lennox #ELF2014

 

Paul was an 'effective' evangelist (Acts14:1) but he was often experienced as 'baffling' (9:22), 'battling' (13:45) & 'babbling' (17:18)

You can’t undo the past but Jesus has covered it and is now transforming the mess. It really is onwards and upwards #EnjoyYourDay

"Evangelism is a display of our weakness" Craig Dyer on 2 Cor 4:7 #ELF2014

Colonel Sanders: Chick magnate

 

You don’t have to wait to be welcomed into the kingdom. Thru the gospel Christ *has* welcomed u with open arms (Rom15:7) #EnjoyYourDay..

You can’t reverse engineer your theology of evangelism from what has ‘worked’

We do not build bridges to the world. Christ IS the bridge encountered thru our words in the context of cross-shaped love. All else is flesh

"Faith comes by... many and various methods, who knows how the Spirit may choose to work" #evangelism #notinmybible

"The sower mainly sowed on strategic soils and spent most of his time 'weeding' and 'breaking up the ground'" #evangelism #notinmybible

"I am not inclined to share the gospel because God's power for salvation is bigger than our evangelistic efforts" #evangelism #notinmybible

“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom but we cleverly deconstruct their worldviews” #evangelism #notinmybible

 

"We don't just have the status of being married. We are married." Classic @PeterMead on Union with Christ

Some look to the seriousness of wedding vows, others to the security of wedding rings. How bout looking 2your spouse? http://biblicalpreaching.net/2014/05/24/gospel-preaching

"Love rejoices in the Truth"... and has done for eternity. #Trinity

The world is not a factory with u pulling the levers. Consider the birds. It’s your Father’s house & ur His child. #Matthew6 #EnjoyYourDay

Underneath it’s not ‘blind, pitiless indifference’. Underneath are the everlasting arms. Deut 33:27 #EnjoyYourDay..

F.Schaeffer wd say there are 'no little people' with Jesus. Now there are no little people with social media. We're all our own press agents

Your Aaron has entered the Holy Place, bearing your name over his heart as a continuing memorial before the LORD. Exodus 28:29 #EnjoyYourDay

#1John1 Pretend righteousness, unconfessed sin, lonely independence = darkness. The Fellowship, Blood & Family of God = light #EnjoyYourDay

Alain de Botton's take on modern marriage: Finding someone in particular to save me from people in general

God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1John5:11 #EnjoyYourDay..

Philippians 4:6 “@trouteyes: If you're anxious and you know it, clasp your hands.”

Groaning under the weight of your “sacrifices” 4 the gospel? Don’t think sacrifice, think sound investment (Mark 10:29-30) #EnjoyYourDay..

- To get the sequel shd I see 21 Jump St?
- Yes but now u know there's a sequel the 1st is ruined
- Who knew it'd be so hard to catch "22"?

 

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Published on 11 Comments on We Do NOT Balance Licence and Legalism

Here's the poem I wrote last week performed:

Let me explain some of my thinking...

In the first kingdom everything is framed in transactional terms. There is a reward for the girl and, naturally, people want to talk about the terms and conditions. So there is a battle between legalism and licence: give the girl too much and she'll spend it on prodigal living. Impose too many terms and she's little more than a slave.

And so a debate ensues. One side may want the goodies given freely, no strings attached. The other side wants the girl to prove how serious she is about royal living.

These debates can get tiresome. But the worst development of all is the person who stands up claiming to have discovered the optimal payment structure - not too strict, not too liberal. These sanctification Goldilockses are just right - balancing license and legalism with their perfectly measured pastoral pronouncements.

But the answer is NOT to balance licence and legalism. The solution to this problem does not lie in between these errors. We need to come out of this transactional kingdom and enter the realm of gracious union. If we miss union with Christ, we miss everything, and we will be doomed to ping-pong back and forth between "grace" and "holiness" - as though those things were extremes to be avoided!

In Christ's kingdom, He marries His wicked bride - freely giving her His righteousness, graciously taking on Himself her sins. She offers Him nothing. He gives her everything.

And in that utterly gracious union, she finds herself both captive and crowned. She has a new Lord forevermore. And she has new freedoms she could never have imagined. Both. At the same time.

The bride now has everything - but not apart from her Lord. In her Lord she is free and she's possessed. In her Lord she is freely forgiven and given a new life. In her Lord, she is loved in spite of all sin and she's claimed for royal living.

If you take your eyes off your gracious Lord, you might celebrate the security of your wedding ring - surrounding you no matter what your behaviour. On the other hand, you might emphasize the seriousness of your wedding vows - binding upon you at all times. But neither focus is the Scriptural one. Look at Jesus - freely given to you in all your sin, fully possessing you for all your life.

Don't balance licence and legalism. They're both errors and the answer is not in between. In Christ we are both captive and crowned.

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Published on 4 Comments on Podcast: Christianity and Science

tep-podcastcover-1024x1024

Episode 57: Andy and I speak about science and how the truths of 3, 2 and 1 give us the strongest possible foundation for scientific enquiry.

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For more on the issue of science:

Previous Podcast

Hasn't Science Disproved God?

Are You Sitting Comfortably? Then Let's Do Science!

Why The World Exists

We All Have Our Creation Stories

Faith Seeking Understanding

 

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Published on 1 Comment on Happy Ascension Day

My favourite depiction of ascension: THIS VIDEO from 1:55

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New Paper From Union Theology

Seven Things To Like About the Ascension by Gerrit Dawson

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For Sermons...

Paul Blackham's teaching also now on the Union website
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For Prayers...

The Collects from BCP:

Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

or this

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell; who liveth and reigneth with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

The South Indian Anglican Collect:

O God, whose blessed Son, our great high priest, has entered once for all into the Holy Place and ever liveth to intercede on our behalf: grant that we, sanctified by the offering of his body may draw near with full assurance of faith by the way which he has dedicated for us and evermore serve thee, the living God; through the same thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

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For Songs:

words here

We thank Thee Jesus, Dearest Friend

...

And here are a couple of my own:

.He Rose Up

He Rose Up

He rose up among us, as told.
He rose up the Promise of old.
My Brother in strife,
Assuming my life.
Exalted, the Father’s Decree
He rose up, He rose up for me.

He rose up humanity’s Last
Man’s Answer in life unsurpassed
My Champion living,
God’s life of thanksgiving.
Exalted as I’m meant to be
He rose up, He rose up for me.

They raised Him, my Saviour, on high
Man lifted, accursed, left to die.
My Priest in atonement,
My Lamb in enthronement.
Exalted on destiny’s tree,
He rose up, He rose up for me.

He rose up from death He arose,
Immortal to crush all His foes.
The Lord of all history,
My Christ has the victory.
Exalted the darkness must flee,
He rose up, He rose up for me.

He rose up to heaven, He rose,
Ascended beyond other thrones.
My Friend in high places,
My Fountain of graces.
Exalted, my heavenly Plea,
He rose up, He rose up for me.

I rise up, I rise up in Him,
Emboldened in spite of all sin.
In Jesus attaining,
My destiny – reigning.
Exalted, with angels to sing,
I rise up, I rise up in Him.

Published on Leave a comment on Tweet as a nut

"To 1 who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly their faith is credited as righteousness." Rom4:5 #EnjoyYourDay

I used to have an NY State of Mind. I'm OK now

How come all roads only *lead* to Rome?
Cos there's no two-ways about It.

If you think repentance is a work you offer to God or a religious disposition you summon up: repent.

#1Cor1:2 Dear Christian, you are set apart as special by Jesus Christ and called holy in Him. In other words, You're a saint #EnjoyYourDay

Words Jesus did not use w disciples: Please, Sorry, Thank you.
Words Jesus did use w disciples: Come, Follow, Take up your cross, Well done!

People talk about Jesus as the "fullest" revelation of God who would never dream of calling Him the "best" way 2b saved. Why the disconnect?

Turning over a new leaf? Ur 2000 years too late. A whole new world born from the virgin womb & virgin tomb: yours 4 free #EnjoyYourDay

What this Premier League season teaches: it's where you stand on the Last Day that counts

Inspired by recent tweeting I'll soon be releasing a tangy, wheat-based snack called Cheesy Aphorisms

#Isaiah25 Salvation = shame removed, death swallowed up, tears wiped away & global feasting with Christ #EnjoyYourDay

“The Life has appeared. We have seen it & proclaim 2u the eternal life which was with the Father.” 1John1 #EnjoyYourDay

Everyone wants to take charge. No one wants to take responsibility.
The cross is Jesus taking charge by taking responsibility.

Listened to a lot of Steve Levy in the car: his Armour of God sermon was a favourite: http://www.mountpleasantchurch.org.uk/getfile.php?type=sermons&id=347.mp3

In the battle between Light and darkness, the Light has arrived => No contest! #EnjoyYourDay

The Bible never speaks of discipleSHIP, only disciples. It's not interested in the *art* of following Jesus, just in following Jesus.

Love God. Love neighbour. Love em 4 God's sake & 4 their sake. If "sanctification" is something else, it can only be self-love 4 self's sake

“I’ve seen the misery of my people, heard their cries & am concerned 4 their suffering so I’ve come down 2 rescue them” Ex3 #EnjoyYourDay

"Jesus turned the pose of execution into the pose of everlasting blessing" Gerrit Dawson https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1210961-father-forgive-them-for-they-know-not-what-they-do

Jesus was not a tourist. He took all we are & then all that belongs to us: sin & wrath included. He’s ours: flesh AND blood #EnjoyYourDay

You're so ad hominem I call you the Ad Hominid #checkmate

You know who else loved to cite Godwin's law? The Nazis #checkmate

I'm afraid your argumentum verbosium reveals a superfluum latine #checkmate

 

Though He disgusted many, Jesus was never disgusted. He’s not ashamed to be your Brother and to bring you to His Father #EnjoyYourDay

Systematic theology *does* take priority over biblical theology because no-one reads the meaning of Scripture like a bar code

Was it intentional that "The Future of Protestantism", after some vigorous opening salvos, turned tepid? An allegory perhaps?

Recently preached @ 2 churches within hrs. At 1 they thanked me 4 being 'Faithful' at the other 4 being 'Freeing'. We need double F churches

As Witness He sees yr suffering, as Advocate He sticks up 4u, as Intercessor He prays always, as Friend He sympathises. Job16 #EnjoyYourDay

On Yom Kippur every offering was important but the centre was the High Priest himself. Apply this to atonement debates

Why do sneezers get all the blessings? I'm gonna bless coughs & hiccups too. Burpers get an ironic blessing #HeapingCoals #IronicNotAaronic

"Yeah sure, I'm like totally blessing you or whatever." -- The Ironic Priesthood

What kind of holiness do you want that's not a love of God & neighbour? Oh you'd like a spiritual status to call your own? I see.

So we're all clear: God hates the "holier than thou" types http://kingsenglish.info/2012/06/04/holier-than-thou-2/ Turning goodness into your spiritual Klout score is wicked

Grace alone gives the strongest possible foundation for pastoral rebuke: "You CANNOT do that, you are Christ's" (cf 1Cor6:12-20)

Christ is the only way to the Father. If that were merely a New Testament reality it would be a funny use of "only"

#Ps146 The LORD reigns. How does He reign? He liberates, restores, lifts, loves & watches over. No other King like Jesus. #EnjoyYourDay

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Published on 11 Comments on Cheap Grace – A Poem

AlanRickman

Enthroned upon fear with a sneer for the mob,
this Lord gives a job to a girl,
his lips curl,
as he lobs her the list.
Dismissed with a wave,
she flees to behave as a slave
and return to be scored:
to earn her reward.

And so, one year later,
before this dictator,
the beggar proceeds to establish her deeds.
The Lord must concede,
that all he had billed, to the letter's fulfilled.
So the purse of a king he flings
to this servant, observant of duties.
She pouches the booty,
and springs from the court,
to romp and cavort,
her life, uncontrolled, now financed in gold,
By royal appointment: the wastrel bank-rolled.

The king's chief adviser then frowns to despise her:
"My lord you're too lavish, the girl is a savage.
In future such treasure we'll measure much wiser.
Instead of cheap grace, each case we'll discern -
have them earn their commission,
maintain their submission.
With deals comprehensive we'll make grace expensive."
And the Lord well approved of this prudent petition.

Meanwhile far away, where a new king held sway,
A young felon in court
came to grovel, contort all her frame,
and declaim all her hitherto deviance,
to pledge fresh allegiance, nay royal obedience.
Yet all there suspected her airs were affected,
This bowing appeared just a game.

"My lord, do not crumble," the courtiers grumble,
"This dame in distress, may impress with finesse
but do not acquiesce to her schemes.
This wench is not all that she seems."

Ignoring their counsel, the King then dismounts from his place, face to face
with the girl to embrace,
and as gasps echo round, he then falls to the ground on one knee
and with right royal plea he asks, "Will you have me,
my throne and my kingdom, my future, my life?"
Receiving his hand she consents as his wife.

The palace erupts with indignant outcries:
"She cannot be trusted, her act's a disguise!"
The king sighs:
"I see what you see and much else besides!
It's not for her looks or the oaths that she swore.
It's not for her sorrow or pledge to do more.
I haven't been duped or swept off my feet.
I am not sweet.
I'm a King stooping strong, looking long past the present,
with love luminescent,
transfiguring gloom into dawn.
Do not warn me that scorn lies ahead, I know whom I've wed
and I'll see it through night-time to morn.

"There are kings" he continued "who give only things
to their subjects and then let them go.
But, no.
I refuse to be used as a means to an end
So I give them myself instead.
See my wife is possessing all possible blessing,
but I am the treasure, not she.
For free all things handed with no fee demanded,
but nothing is had without me.
Some fear such free grace and replace it with earning,
with works and their proper reward.
But consider my wife:
now, all through her life,
she belongs, heart and soul, to her Lord."

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