http://www.betweenpatients.com Integrating Faith and Practice Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:26:08 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en "Whatever has been rightly said by the heathen, we must appropriate to our uses." A couple of posts ago we discussed the utility of the academic discipline of philosophy in the study of theology.  I mentioned that the minister of God... ...has a responsibility to have the subjects of his calling and profession well ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/11/19/augustine-plunder-the-egyptians/ This is the testimony of my friend and brother in Christ, Joel Upton, concerning his mother's battle with cancer. Powerful. Watch it! http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/11/17/but-if-not/ ‘Inquiry should be made more strictly after his other learning, and whether he hath skill in logic and philosophy’. - Directory for the Ordination of Ministers, Westminster Assembly of Divines, 1643 Recently I was talking with a friend in the ministry, and we were exchanging thoughts about coursework in our ongoing seminary studies.  ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/11/12/the-utility-of-logic-philosophy-for-theologians/ In our Sunday morning my Connection Group I am teaching a series entitled, "God in the Old Testament."  This week we looked at God's revelation of Himself to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3).  The very first thing Moses encountered in this experience was God's holiness: Then He said, “Do not come ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/11/10/thoughts-on-the-holiness-of-god/ With savages, the weak in body or mind are soon eliminated; and those that survive commonly exhibit a vigorous state of health.  We civilised men, on the other hand, do our utmost to check the process of elimination; we build asylums for the embecile, the maimed, and the sick; we ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/11/04/charles-darwin-darwinism-eugenics/ Outline: Womanhood Race Abortion Prophetic perspective Sovereignty of God Gospel NOTE: In this video you will note that Piper does not attempt to tell you who to vote for. http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/11/03/john-pipers-heart-in-this-election/ A news article from the UK Telegraph reports that infamous atheist Richard Dawkins is stepping down from his post at Oxford University to study the effect of fairy tales on children and write a book aimed at youngsters in which he will warn them against believing in "anti-scientific" fairytales.   Dawkins, the ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/31/atheist-richard-dawkins-stepping-down-from-his-post-at-oxford-to-study-the-effects-of-fairy-tales-on-children/ Watch and listen carefully to this song and video from Casting Crowns entitled, "Slow Fade." Here are the lyrics... "Slow Fade" Be careful little eyes what you see It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings Be careful little feet where you go For it's the little feet behind you that ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/28/slow-fade-a-video-with-a-powerful-message/ A very helpful article by Dr. John Piper... 1. Can you earnestly do all the parts of this job “to the glory of God,” that is, in a way that highlights his superior value over all other things? “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/27/questions-to-ask-when-considering-a-job/ A final post to round out last week's discussion of the ancient debate over the nature of human freedom. In this clip, Dr. Bruce Ware discusses the differences between the compatiblist view and the libertarian view. http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/20/the-nature-of-human-freedom-compatibilism-vs-libertarianism/ Read James, chapter 3, then watch this video.  Perhaps you'll find it as convicting as I did... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/17/james-3-a-modern-story/ A continuation of yesterday's post on the "domino" effect of our views of divine sovereignty and human freedom.  In this case, how does our theological understanding of these issues effect our view of the absolute inerrancy of Scripture? Watch this clip of one of my very favorite professors at Southern ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/14/divine-sovereignty-human-freedom-the-inerrancy-of-scripture/ What is the nature of human freedom? Some of the most important debates in the history of the Church have centered on questions like this: Augustine vs. Pelagius, Luther vs. Erasmus, Calvin vs. Pighius, the Remonstrants vs. the Synod of Dort, Wesley vs. Whitefield, to mention a few. It is ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/13/doctrine-the-domino-effect/ Here's a video from Paul Tripp relating to his book, Lost in the Middle: Mid-Life Crisis and the Grace of God.  As a forty-six year old, I can assure you this book is on my "to read" list... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/10/lost-in-the-middle-mid-life-crisis-and-the-grace-of-god/ Dr. R. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary writes: The evolutionist is locked into an intellectual box from which there is no rescue.  Evolutionary theory is naturalistic by necessity -- everything must be explained in purely naturalistic terms.  Only nature can explain nature, and there is no other ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/09/the-end-of-evolution/ http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/06/fresh-hope-for-the-battle-weary-christian/ "To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect." -- John Owen (17th century Puritan) http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/06/quote-of-the-week-2/ Several weeks ago I went out on a limb and recommended a book I hadn't even read yet:  Mark Driscoll's book, Death by Love: Letters from the Cross.  If you didn't catch that piece, you can read it by clicking here.  Well, I'm still waiting for my copy to arrive, ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/10/01/book-review-death-by-love/ "If any man doth ascribe of salvation, even the very least, to the free will of man, he knoweth nothing of grace, and he hath not learnt Jesus Christ aright." -- Martin Luther http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/30/a-quote-from-the-annals-of-history-martin-luther/ "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God..."  (1 Peter 4:10-11a) O that we would all model our speech in this way...after the very pattern of Scripture! http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/29/paul-tripp-on-the-importance-of-speaking-the-bible/  In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul says to the Corinthian church, "Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove yourselves." (emphasis added)  Periodic self-examination is biblical and good.  But there is a danger for some of us... it is the peril of moving from the biblical idea of self-examination to ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/25/the-peril-of-morbid-introspection/ On October 15th, Crossway will release the ESV Study Bible.  Many believe it may be the best, most comprehensive, one-volume study Bible ever made.  In the video below, Dr. J.I. Packer, theological editor for the notes of the ESV Study Bible, comments on why he believes the ESV Study Bible will be ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/22/the-esv-study-bible/ Some powerful insights on the 'seeker-sensitive' movement that has crippled the modern church in its effectiveness in reaching the lost.  R. C. Sproul says of the seeker-sensitive movement: "...It's a strategy of unbelief. The 'minister' wants to grow his church, the 'minister' wants to see success, and so he's looking for all ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/17/whats-wrong-with-the-so-called-seeker-sensitive-movement-some-important-insights/ Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm rules for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him. -- (Isaiah 40:10) This verse brings to mind two others: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/16/behold-he-cometh-a-personal-meditation-on-isaiah-4010/ Existentialism* meets football.  A little Monday morning humor for the philosophically-minded. Pre-Game Coin Toss Makes Jacksonville Jaguars Realize Randomness Of Life * Existentialism is a philosophical movement which posits that individuals create the meaning and essence of their lives, as opposed to it being created for them by deities or authorities or ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/15/monday-morning-humor-break-what-happens-when-existentialism-meets-the-gridiron/ Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, recently posted an interesting article on his blog entitled, "When Conscience and Medical Practice Collide."  It's a fascinating read about an issue that has been heating up for some time, and may soon come to a full boil.  I ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/12/rights-of-conscience-the-practice-of-medicine/ PART 4:  Lot-What Can We Learn From His Example? We learn the dangers of leaving our "first love" (Rev. 2:5). We learn the dangers of being weak in our devotional life. We read that Abraham frequently called upon the Lord (e.g., Gen. 13:4), but we never read such about Lot. Moreover, had Lot ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/11/the-life-of-lot-a-warning-to-all-part-3-of-3/ PART 3-Lot's Descent into Worldliness (Gen. 13:5-13; 19:1-38) Lot started out well. But he acquired riches and with his wealth came trouble. Lot made a selfish and worldly choice (Gen. 13:10-13). Lot was so greatly influenced by Abraham that his character weaknesses did not show up until they separated. Lot, who had lived a separated ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/10/the-life-of-lot-a-warning-to-all-part-2/ Today we begin our discussion of the lessons to be learned from the Old Testament figure, Lot of Sodom.  As one writer puts it, “Lot is like a lighthouse set upon the rocky shores of time to warn believers at all times and in all places against shipwreck.” As we saw yesterday, the ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/09/the-life-of-lot-a-warning-to-all/ WARNINGS AS A FUNCTION OF OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY In one of his letters to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul recounts several of the experiences of Israel in the wilderness following their exodus from Egypt.  Then Paul tells us the purpose for which these stories are recorded: "Now these things happened to them as an ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/08/warnings-as-a-function-of-old-testament-history/ "A lazy Christian will always want for things--      1)  comfort,      2)  content,      3)  confidence, and      4)  assurance. Assurance and joy are choice donatives that Christ gives to laborious Christians only.  The lazy Christian has his mouth full of complaints, when the active Christian has his heart full of comforts." --Thomas Brooks Smooth Stones ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/04/a-smooth-stone-from-an-ancient-brook/ The folks at New Attitude asked their readers to list their top 5 Bible difficulties. One of them addressed the issue of Canaanite Genocide: "How could a good and just God command Israel to slaughter the Canaanites?" Truly this is one of the most common questions I have gotten since coming to my current staff ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/03/the-justice-of-god-in-the-destruction-of-the-canaanites/ Charles Spurgeon's work ethic was legendary, in spite of the fact that he struggled with health issues for most of his life.  Today on this Labor Day we can benefit from Spurgeon's wisdom on how to avoid regrets when our health fails us.  Spurgeon wrote in 1876: If I have any message to ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/09/01/labor-day-we-must-work-while-we-can/ I recently purchased Sam Storms' new book, To the One Who Conquers: 50 Daily Meditations on the Seven Letters of Revelation 2-3.  It looks like its going to be a great read.  I have immense respect for Dr. Storms.  Justin Taylor recently posted an interesting evaluation of Storms' book along with ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/28/do-you-care-what-christ-thinks-of-the-church/ “Evangelical Christianity is now tragically below the New Testament standard. Worldliness is an accepted part of our way of life. Our religious mood is social instead of spiritual. We have lost the art of worship. We are not producing saints. Our models are successful business men, celebrated athletes and theatrical ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/27/the-tragedy-of-a-worldly-church/ "The Christian must trust in a withdrawing God." William Gurnall In chapter four of his book, Soul Keeping, Howard Baker discusses the alternating cycle of consolation and desolation which he terms "rhythms of the soul."  Consolation is simply the sense or knowledge of God's presence, while desolation is God's withdrawal of the ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/25/trusting-in-a-withdrawing-god/ The older I get, the more I become aware of the brevity of life. Someone might say, "That's morbid. Don't think about such things!" But the Bible seems to see things differently. In fact, throughout the Scriptures we are frequently reminded of our mortality. James 4:14 tells us that our ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/21/thoughts-on-the-brevity-of-life/   I have often contemplated the biblical command in 1 Corinthians 10:31 which says, "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  In his short but excellent article, "How to Drink Orange Juice to the Glory of God", Dr. John Piper tells us ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/19/how-to-drink-orange-juice-to-the-glory-of-god/ Charles Spurgeon's church was a praying church.  Spurgeon biographer Lewis Drummond writes, How the people of New Park Street Baptist Church did pray!  They actually prayed down revival.  But prayer must be personal as well as corporate.  Could Spurgeon himself pray?  He could; he actually seemed to walk in a spirit ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/17/the-throbbing-machinery-of-the-church/ I usually reserve comment on books until after their release, but I must say, this book appears very intriguing indeed!  Not only that, I have come to trust Crossway's reputation for publishing good quality Christian books. Here's the publisher's description: Real people. Real sin. Transformed lives. A compilation of heartfelt letters written ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/12/death-by-love-letters-from-the-cross/ Yesterday after church I attended a get-together for our Connection Group at the home of a wonderful couple in our group.  Imagine my surprise when what I thought was just a "routine" get-together turned out to be a surprise celebration for my and Debi's 25th wedding anniversary!  What a wonderful ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/11/thank-you-for-the-blessings-of-fellowship/ We opened the work week on Monday with worship performed by The Church at Pinnacle Hills Worship Team.  I think it's only appropriate that we should close the work week today with the same, right?  So enjoy this beautiful worship song, "In Christ Alone." Have a great weekend! http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/08/friday-worship-in-christ-alone/ What is Christian joy?  Recently I came across this interesting definition and thought I'd share it with my readers: JOY. A delight in life that runs deeper than pain or pleasure . . . not limited by, nor tied solely to external circumstances . . . a gift of God . ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/07/what-is-christian-joy/ "Love seems the swiftest, but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century." Mark Twain I believe Mark Twain was onto something.  Today I'm celebrating 25 years of marriage with my lovely bride, ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/06/celebrating-25-years-of-marriage/ Not long ago I purchased a copy of Dr. Bruce Waltke's Old Testament Theology (Zondervan, 2007) ).  I had intended to begin reading it by now.  Blogger Tim Challies beat me to it, however, and recently posted this intriguing commentary on Waltke's discussion of man's fall into sin and what he calls, ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/05/the-shape-of-temptation/ Wow, do I have a treat for you today.  It's the Revelation Song, as performed by my beloved friend and brother, Josh Stanbery, and the praise team at The Church at Pinnacle Hills.  This was also the first time I'd heard soloist Frances Manning, who is using her beautiful voice ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/04/midweek-worship-revelation-song-at-pinnacle-hills/ Last night we arrived home from our annual staff advance.  What an incredible week it turned out to be!  It was just what I needed, and I come back pumped and excited to see what God is going to do in and through our staff team and church in the coming year.  During ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/08/01/back-from-staff-advance-2008/ We have had a great staff advance this year.  What a great group of people I serve with!  Today we will wrap things up with a final round of discussions before heading home this afternoon.  Please pray for us in the coming days and weeks as we kick-off another big ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/07/30/staff-advance-what-a-great-week/ In my last blog I mentioned that the Old Testament book of Esther contains not one mention of the divine name Yahweh, nor does it contain the word elohim, the Hebrew noun for God.  But as the old Puritan Bible commentator Matthew Henry remarks of this great book, "If the name of God is not ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/07/29/the-finger-of-god-more-reflections-on-the-book-of-esther/ Today we are in Kansas City for our annual staff advance.  This is an important time as we advance to the future and hammer out our vision for the coming year.  Please pray for us, that God will use this week to impart a new and fresh vision to each ... http://www.betweenpatients.com/2008/07/28/staff-advance-in-kansas-city-gods-providence/