tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246058632024-03-05T02:55:41.932-06:00A Quiet Corner to ThinkMatt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-80464950377819052262020-01-01T09:30:00.002-06:002020-01-01T09:30:21.111-06:00The Gospel in Paul's letter to the Galatians, part 3<i>* a continuation of my personal study in the letter to the Galatians</i><br />
<br />
Galatians 3 Summary<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Those who have faith in Christ Jesus, not the ones who subject themselves to the law and rely on observance of the law, are the children of Abraham, who are counted righteous by faith and are heirs according to the promise given him.</blockquote>
<br />
Notes<br />
<ul>
<li>vv. 1-5. The key problem which Paul addresses in this letter seems to be the influence which some who might be called the circumcision group have exerted upon these Christians to go back to observance of the Law as a means of obtaining righteousness. The problems with this are many, as Paul notes by a series of questions:</li>
<ul>
<li>Has someone cast a spell upon you to lead you astray so quickly? </li>
<li>How did you receive the Spirit: by observing the law or by believing what you heard?</li>
<li>Having begun with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain eternal life by human effort?</li>
<li>Was your suffering for the sake of the gospel for nothing?</li>
<li>Did God work miracles among you and give you his Spirit because of your observance of the law or because of your faith in Jesus?</li>
</ul>
<li>vv. 6-9. Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel, was not counted righteous because of his observance of the law but because of his faith in God (see Genesis 15). Spiritually speaking, those who believe the gospel are also Abraham's children, for the gospel was announced even in Abraham's day when God declared to him, "All nations will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12) Abraham was blessed and God will bless those who follow in Abraham's footsteps of faith.</li>
<li>vv. 10-14. The blessing of God—righteousness and justification—comes through faith, and the curse of God comes through the law for those who do not keep the law perfectly. **Think of the "curse" as the opposite of "blessing", not a magical incantation or spell. Most importantly, verse 13 reminds us, "<b>Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us</b>." Another way of saying this is found in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "God made him who had no sin to be a sin offering for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." In doing this, we Gentiles receive the blessing of Abraham through faith in Jesus Christ.</li>
<li>vv. 15-18. The covenant which God made with Abraham and the promise which comes through that covenant was not replaced by the law. The law given to Moses does not set aside the previous covenant and promise.</li>
<li>vv. 19-25. What is the purpose of the law, then? </li>
<ul>
<li>The law was given "because of transgressions" (v. 19), which I take to mean that the law helped regulate the relationship between God and his people so that they might maintain practical holiness and adequately atone for their sins in order to continue drawing near to God in worship.</li>
<li>The law is not opposed to the promises of God because the law was never given as a means to impart life. The law recognizes that "the whole world is a prisoner of sin."</li>
<li>The law was "put in charge" until Christ came. Now that Christ has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.</li>
</ul>
<li>vv. 26-29. Those who have faith in Christ Jesus are sons of God, are baptized with Christ (identified with or belong to), and are Abraham's seed and heirs of the promise.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Application<br />
<ul>
<li>Since the law was given to mankind in recognition of our bondage and slavery to sin, we should recognize its limits (it cannot impart life) and seek to live by faith, giving thanks daily that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law.</li>
<li>Man-centered religion seeks to obtain justification in the sight of God through self-effort and self-justification. This is a losing game! All efforts toward self-justification will ultimately fail.</li>
<li>Understanding the relationship, the covenant, and the promises between God and Abraham helps us who are Gentiles trusting in Christ by faith see where we too are his spiritual seed and recipients of the blessing given to him.</li>
<li>All who have placed saving faith in Jesus Christ are justified by him, baptized into him, clothed with him, and belong to him.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-31457336070017226962019-12-29T09:29:00.002-06:002019-12-29T09:29:39.135-06:00The Gospel in Paul's letter to the Galatians, part 2Chapter 2 Summary<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Paul's conversion to Christ, calling into apostleship, and early communication with the other apostles demonstrates that his gospel does not teach righteousness and justification by observance of the Jewish law but by faith in Jesus Christ alone.</blockquote>
<br />
Chapter 2 Notes<br />
<ul>
<li>vv. 1:13-24. In defense of his calling and ministry as an apostle, Paul gives a brief account of how he and his message came to be recognized by those who were already apostles.</li>
<ul>
<li><b>His unusual conversion</b>. See Acts 9. A most zealous persecutor of the church has a personal encounter with the risen Lord.</li>
<li><b>His subsequent seclusion</b>. Paul did not immediately take the stage or go on tour as a celebrity Christian. He did not become personally acquainted with the apostles until several years later.</li>
</ul>
<li>vv. 1-5. In his own experience among the brethren in Jerusalem, with Barnabas and Titus in his company fourteen years later, Paul set before the church leaders his message that he had been preaching to the Jews and Gentiles. Even among the Jews when some had placed pressure on them to conform to certain aspects of the Law (circumcision), they did not give in so as to demonstrate the freedom from the Law which the gospel brings.</li>
<li>vv. 6-10. When they recognized the calling and the grace of God that was operating through Paul, the apostles Peter, James, and John gave him and Barnabas official recognition ("the right hand of fellowship") and confirmed the area of ministry to which they had been called: the Gentiles.</li>
<li>vv. 11-14. Further evidence that Paul has dealt with the inconsistencies of mingling Jewish law with the gospel of Christ can be seen in his confrontation of Peter's hypocrisy in Antioch. Peter typically ate with Gentiles believers, but when the circumcision group arrived, Peter pulled back and did not eat further with them. Paul clearly teaches that this kind of behavior does not promote the gospel truth that in Christ, Jews and Gentiles are one people of God.</li>
<li>How then is a person justified in the sight of God? Paul uses the term <i>justified</i> to mean a legal declaration of righteousness. Are we justified by observing the law or by believing in Jesus Christ? It is not by observing the law but by faith. He will go into further details of the relationship between law and faith in chapter 3.</li>
<li>In the gospel, a Christian has been so identified with Christ that it can be said, "I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I live now is a life of faith, for if I were still trying to gain righteousness through the law, the Christ died for nothing."</li>
</ul>
<br />
Application<br />
<ul>
<li>The grace of God is strong enough to overcome the will of man. It would be difficult to find a person more zealous for religion than Paul, and yet when he had a personal encounter with the risen Lord, he could do nothing other than obey.</li>
<li>The gospel message has no room for the intermingling of religious observance as a means of obtaining righteousness. The gospel brings freedom and rest, but religious observance will inevitably bring slavery. Law and religious observance have a place, but not as a means to righteousness.</li>
<li>We should offer affirmation and fellowship to those who preach the same message of grace and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.</li>
<li>We should examine our own lives and be open to the input of others when someone sees that we are not acting in line with the truth.</li>
<li>No one is justified in the sight of God by keeping the law.</li>
<li>A Christian has spiritual union with Christ by faith, such that one can say, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."</li>
</ul>
Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-43455069864677730712019-12-28T12:16:00.000-06:002019-12-28T14:04:53.781-06:00The Gospel in Paul's letter to the Galatians, part 1Chapter 1 Summary<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The gospel message of grace
and peace which comes through Jesus Christ, who rescues us from sin,
comes from God, was preached by Paul, and must not be deserted by those
who have received it in favor of another gospel.</blockquote>
<br />
Chapter 1 notes<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>vv. 1-2. Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ, a person who had seen the Lord after his resurrection and had received a special commission to take the gospel message to Gentiles. These men were unique in the sense that they helped establish the church by their ministry (Ephesians 2:20).</li>
<li>vv. 3-5. The apostle's message was chiefly about Jesus and the grace and peace that comes through Him. His life of perfect obedience to the Father, his sacrificial, substitutionary, and atoning death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead provides the basis for our sins to be forgiven.</li>
<li>vv. 6-9. The apostles preached one consistent message of good news in Christ Jesus. Those who preach a different gospel than was preached by the apostles is no gospel at all, and Paul warns in the strongest terms possible than any who do so, let him be "eternally condemned!" (NIV), "accursed" (KJV, ESV).</li>
<li>vv. 11-12. Paul did not make up his message, nor did he receive it from another man like Peter, James, or John. He received it directly from the Lord.</li>
<li>vv. 13-17. Paul may have been the most unlikely candidate to be an apostle, as one who persecuted the church, tried to destroy it, and was religiously zealous as a Jew, but God's purpose for Paul and Paul's role in God's plan would not be hindered, for God had set him apart from birth. This is reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets like Moses (Exodus 2) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5).</li>
</ul>
Applications<br />
<ul>
<li>The core message of the church of Jesus Christ is that grace and peace comes to you through Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins. We should expound the gospel and make it plain to people so that they may respond to God's mercy and come to Christ in faith.</li>
<li>We should be careful ourselves to maintain the integrity of the gospel message and preach nothing else than what the apostles preached (nothing against it and always consistent with it). We should call others who claim to be Christians to preach this same message.</li>
<li>When God has a purpose and intends to use someone in that purpose, he can and does radically intervene to change the heart and set that person on the path which will fulfill God's purpose.</li>
</ul>
Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-18596042776659176472019-12-25T09:21:00.000-06:002019-12-25T09:21:08.725-06:00A few thoughts on Christmas morningWhat does Christmas mean for the Christian? How is this time of year distinctive from other forms of holiday celebrations? We care about family, gift giving, "peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind" but the basis of, the reason for, and expressions of our joy are very specific.<br />
<br />
Christians believe that something unprecedented happened approximately 2,000 year ago in a remote area of the Middle East. We believe that the eternal God who created all things and sustains the existence of all things, who has no beginning and no end, who sovereignly rules over creation and guides history toward a final moral examination, who has no equal, whose perfection in all degrees and directions guides his knowledge and wisdom, who transcends space and time ... humbled himself and visited mankind in the form of human flesh, breathed air, felt cold, hungered for food, thirsted for drink, and longed for the loving touch of a mother. The baby whose birth was miraculous ushered in a new era where God's relative silence had been broken and his promises to send a Messiah were fulfilled. The arrival of the long-expected One was announced to the humble and righteous by angelic messengers. He was feared by kings. He was praised and worshiped by wise men.<br />
<br />
His name is Jesus of Nazareth, and his life was no ordinary life.<br />
<br />
According to eyewitness accounts, he did miracles, performed signs and wonders, taught the way of God with authority, saw into the hearts of people, confronted religious hypocrisy, made claims of equality with God, loved sinners, raised the dead, freed people who were under spiritual oppression, fed thousands of hungry seekers, and taught concerning the kingdom of God as no man ever has.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, Jesus was put to death by the Romans at the insistence of the Jews, and his closest disciples understood that his death, just like his life and birth, has a special and unique significance. Jesus' death took place during the time of Passover, and he was known to be the true "lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus' death paid the debt which God requires for our sin, and those who humbly confess that their own efforts of self-righteousness are in no way adequate to God's holy requirementsMatt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-39905654993985188282019-12-22T07:41:00.002-06:002019-12-22T07:41:32.878-06:00Cleaning out the inbox<br />
<br />
Twenty-one years ago this year (2019) I began my first on-campus classes at Dallas Theological Seminary during the winter session. It was incredible to actually be in Dallas with my young wife and infant child to start a new journey of in-depth discipleship at a place known for equipping and preparing people to rightly handle the word of God and communicate it to others in a way that was understandable and clear.<br />
<br />
I still receive emails from the school encouraging me to support the mission of DTS, to pray for current students (one in particular, as we are paired together), to take advantage of free online courses, and so on. I am grateful for the seminary and its role of spiritual formation in my life. Sometimes I meet people who jab at the concept of seminary because it sounds similar to cemetery, as if it is a given that people who go there will die spiritually when they undertake the Bible as an academic exercise. That certainly wasn't my experience, even though it is something to caution seminarians against.<br />
<br />
I also receive emails from former professors who not only teach or taught at the school but also lead pastoral training ministries like RREACH (Ramesh Richard Evangelism and Church Health) and Leader Formation (Bill Lawrence). Through their examples, these men have taught me the importance of serving the Lord strategically and passionately. I was a student under Bill Lawrence in spiritual formation and preaching classes. He trains pastors to be spiritual leaders in places such as Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, East Asia, and South America.He is in his 80s, has recovered from a stroke, and is still being used by God to train pastors to be spiritual leaders and godly shepherds.<br />
<br />
In January of this year, I had been preaching at a small country church for 3 1/2 years when some of the men asked to meet with me after the service. They politely asked me to resign, stating this was the desire of the church membership. Since that time, I've not preached or taught in a church setting and I have wondered what my call from the Lord really is (or if I have one at all). Bill Lawrence encourages me to believe that serving the Lord may take the different forms (he has been a pastor, seminary professor, and ministry leader) over one's lifetime, and that there may be seasons where I sit on the sidelines, but if I use those times to reflect, rest, and learn, then there still may be opportunity in the future, if He wills, to be useful to the Church. For now, I am striving to be content and faithful in support of my family, our church, and our church leaders in the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
It is not always easy. I can become discouraged and impatient like anyone else. My prayer has been, "Lord, however you want to use me, let me be willing and ready." And during this time, I have had greater opportunity to spend time with family, coach high school and middle school athletes, serve on the board of our homeschool athletic organization, start a new full-time job that I truly enjoy, and serve my wife and children in support of their needs. Although I can feel sidelined, I have not been idle, and I have tried to say "yes" to those opportunities which are right before me.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dts.edu/" target="_blank">Dallas Theological Seminary</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.leaderformation.org/" target="_blank">Leader Formation</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://rreach.org/" target="_blank">RREACH</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://tnheatsports.com/" target="_blank">Tennessee Heat Sports</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://greenhillchurch.com/" target="_blank">Green Hill Baptist Church, Mt. Juliet</a>Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-51766958675596504262014-08-16T00:27:00.000-05:002014-08-16T00:27:13.879-05:00The Precious Things of GodTonight, before bed, I read the book of 1 Peter to the family. No pauses to discuss; just simple reading. One of the benefits of doing an extended reading of scripture, rather than a small portion, is being able to see themes that repeat and expand within the course of chapters. <br />
<br />
Octavius Winslow published a work in 1867 titled <i>The Precious Things of God</i>. I haven't read it yet but would like to some day. Reading 1 Peter this evening reminded me to reflect on those things which are precious in the spiritual life.<br />
<ol>
<li><u>Your faith</u> (1:7). "... so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold ... may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Here, faith is compared to gold, a precious metal, and is found to be more valuable. Gold can never lay hold of God's promises, but faith can.</li>
<li><u>The blood of Christ</u> (1:19). "... but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ." Some things are precious because of their efficacy (the power to produce a desired effect). The blood of animals could not atone for sin in a final sense. The blood of Jesus does.</li>
<li><u>A gentle and quiet spirit</u> which hopes in God (3:4). "... with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." When a person comes to God with humility and endures suffering for the sake of doing what is right, God sees this and it is precious to Him. When God sees a person who values the inner spirit over outward adornment, it is precious in His sight.</li>
<li><u>Jesus Christ</u>, the choice cornerstone of God's living temple (2:4, 6). "Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone..." Today, God is not building a physical temple for all to come and see, but a spiritual temple made of living stones (believers in Jesus), and Christ is the precious cornerstone. The stone which the builders rejected has become the stone upon which they have stumbled. Though he was put to death by men, he is precious to God.</li>
</ol>
And if these things are precious to God, shouldn't we give them priority in our heart and life as well?Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-84094451996758483312014-08-14T23:02:00.000-05:002014-08-14T23:02:34.404-05:00Aliens, Scattered and Chosen<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout [...], who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood." (1 Peter 1:1-2) </blockquote>
In one sense, those who belong to Jesus Christ by faith are not at home in this world. We are strangers, sojourners, pilgrims passing through Vanity Fair, aliens who are citizens of another country, of another city which has eternal foundations and whose architect and builder is God. Our hope of reaching this city is not an empty hope because the triune God--Father, Son, and Spirit--has set in motion a plan to bring us home. The Father, in his eternal wisdom and foreknowledge, chooses. The Son, in his limitless love, laid down his life to redeem. The Spirit, in his power and presence, sanctifies and transforms along the journey, to prepare us for our eternal home.
<br />
The King will not leave his citizens behind. The Father will not abandon his children. Whom He has chosen, He shall ultimately glorify. Be of good cheer today knowing that God Himself has taken the initiative to call, rescue, cleanse, and empower you for the journey that leads back home.<br />
<i> Father, though I am a stranger in this land, remind me during times of discouragement that You will finish the work which You began, and You will send your Son to come again, so that where He is, we also may be eternally. Amen.</i><br />
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**Hebrews 11:9-11; Ephesians 1:4; John 10:17-18; Romans 8:30; Philippians 1:6; John 14:3<i> </i>Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-61506235179805330182014-05-09T07:18:00.001-05:002014-05-09T07:18:35.407-05:00<h2>
Money and Witness</h2>
Being in the middle of a major vocational transition for the past 8+ months has caused me to think often about money. How can I earn it? How much do we need as a family? Is it God's will for us to be poor, comfortable, or wealthy? Or should we simply be content, whatever the circumstances may be? The short answers to these questions ... I can earn it through honest work, not get-rich-quick schemes or gambling (lottery), using an able body and able mind. We need enough to pay for our home, utilities, food, clothing, and other essentials. That which is over and above is a blessing. I do not believe that God has a specific will for me to be poor, middle class, or especially wealthy, but whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, we are to trust God for provision, not trust in wealth which is very fleeting in nature, and practice contentment in all things.
<br />
<blockquote>
"Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed." 1 Timothy 6:17-19</blockquote>
If you haven't given much thought to place money has in your life, you may want to do that. Nothing will emphasize it's place in your heart more as when you have too little of it or too much of it.<br />
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Another passage of scripture that has given me food for meditation is 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12.
<br />
<blockquote>
"But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more [in the practice of brotherly love], and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need."</blockquote>
Being away from the pastorate and (somewhat) public eye has caused me to think about the way my Christian life is viewed by others. In the world of Protestant evangelical Christianity, it is common to put forward a view of Christian life which is outspoken, brash and brazen, which always makes public commentary on the issues of the day. And when I don't fit into that mold as someone who isn't always willing to debate atheists and even Christians via Facebook posts, or make it a regular habit to admonish people outside an abortion clinic, or who has condemning critiques of our president and his policies, then I can become morbidly introspective, asking myself why my faith doesn't stand up to the test. I mean, weren't the disciples of Jesus transformed into bold, evangelistic machines when the Holy Spirit came down from heaven and filled them? Aren't we all supposed to be extroverted evangelicals who wear their faith on their sleeves?<br />
<br />
While there is always a need to rely on the power of God for living, witness, and testimony, I am also learning to be okay with myself and the kind of person I am in Christ Jesus. My Spirit-filled personality is elastic--I can take the role of an extrovert for a time-- but at the core of me is an introverted, inner-life-valuing, thinker whose most natural means of influence may be through life example, non-confrontational witness, the written word, and testimony about the life change which accompanies saving faith in Jesus Christ.Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-23065902168731976622012-10-10T22:30:00.000-05:002012-10-10T22:30:58.383-05:00Having Confidence in a Promise<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you. I will not fail you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5</blockquote>
In less than a month, the United States of America will undergo a cherished tradition: the election of a president. It is difficult to quantify or grasp the amount of words that have been spoken to the American public regarding this election. Words like "this is the most important election in our generation" or "the choices facing our country have never been as stark as they are today" or "if you elect me President, I promise to ..." We put our hopes in a president who promises prosperity, security, and equity.<br />
<br />
But when God puts a man into office, as he did with Joshua, He is the one doing the promising. <em>I will not fail you or forsake you.</em> And have the fulfillment of God's promises every been found lacking? "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)<br />
<br />
Did God promise to flood the earth? Yes.<br />
Did God promise to give Abraham a son in his old age? Yes.<br />
Did God promise to deliver Israel from the yoke of slavery in Egypt? Yes.<br />
Did God promise to send a Messiah? Yes.<br />
Does God promise to send His Son again and to visit the earth with judgment against His enemies? Yes.<br />
<br />
Does God promise never to leave you nor forsake you who have trusted in Him for eternal life? Yes, He does. There are many things we think God has promised but one thing is for sure: He is near to those who have loved him and he will not fail nor forsake those who hope in Him.Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-22050585506587400052012-02-03T17:17:00.002-06:002012-02-03T17:19:49.047-06:00Review and recommendation: ESV Grow! Bible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.crossway.org/products/medium/9781433528743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://static.crossway.org/products/medium/9781433528743.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
The ESV Grow! Bible from Crossway is designed for kids between the ages of 8-12.<br />
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Some basic features:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Hard cover that is durable; kids can be tough on their books</li>
<li>attractive, clean look and feel without being too "cartoonish"</li>
<li>simplified maps and glossary of terms that are appropriate for this age group</li>
<li>smart use of color to highlight paragraphs, chapter numbers, book / chapter / verse references</li>
<li>Q/A inserts that provide short, straightforward answers
(i.e., What are the "keys of the kingdom"? Matthew 16:9)</li>
<li>simplified book introductions and helpful time lines</li>
<li>"Cross Connections" that help a child see biblical connections to the meaning and need for the cross of Jesus Christ</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
As a kid and teenager, I read the NIV and found it to be helpful in clarifying the biblical meaning of passages without getting bogged down with "thee's" and "thou's". As I grew older, I learned the value of having a more literal translation of the Bible, like the NAS. In recently years, the ESV has found a growing presence in conservative, evangelical churches. As a pastor, I use it and the NAS in my studies and think that children will generally do fine reading it.</div>
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<div>
The challenge with any study Bible or niche Bible (women's, men's, teen's, truck drivers, Purpose Driven (!)) is that people can be tempted to read the notes and study helps more than they read the Bible itself. This particular Bible doesn't overpower you with notes and seems to have the right balance.</div>
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With all the choices out there for a child's Bible, here's one that I can recommend without reservation and with a prayer that it is used to develop the hearts and minds of young followers of Christ.</div>
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For more information on this resource, please visit this address: <a href="http://www.crossway.org/bibles/grow-the-bible-case/">http://www.crossway.org/bibles/grow-the-bible-case/</a></div>Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-27211359016691341542012-01-02T22:09:00.002-06:002012-01-02T22:09:32.999-06:00Thoughts at the end of the day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_1768830043"></span><span id="goog_1768830044"></span>Mondays this winter are proving to be long days. A few years ago, Mondays were off days. Time to spend with the family. Time to rest. My Sabbath day. Now it's not, and that concerns me. It's not that I feel the need to sleep in. (What's that?) It's that I know my body, mind, and spirit need the rest. I believe it is part of the ebb and flow of total health. I believe it is the pattern that God modeled and we should follow. And right now, I'm not living it like it was intended. And, no, I don't feel a New Year's resolution coming on. Just an observation and an stimulus to pray.<br />
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Yesterday I began a new Bible reading plan. Ten chapters per day, from ten different books Will let you know how it goes and what benefits can be gained from that style of reading. I am also reading other books and trying my hand at the Kindle. Bought one for Sally for her birthday, and my hope is to make it through <i>God, Marriage, and Family</i> by Andreas Kostenberger.<br />
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Yesterday I began a new preaching / teaching series in the book of 1 Corinthians. Chapter 1, verses 1-3. Main homiletical point: Commit to the will of God for your life by walking in a sanctified manner, and experience the grace and peace that God gives. I look forward to digging and discovering every week, but the challenge continues to be maintaining focus throughout the week and disciplining myself to shape and craft exegetical information into words that pierce the heart. I give what I can to the work, but only the Holy Spirit can make the impact.<br />
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On the running side of life, my training has slowed down. I desire to run a 10k in mid-February down in Georgia. Thinking ahead to the summer and fall, my goals are to continue working on distance and speed. If I can stay injury free during the track season, I'd like to improve my 400m time and then work toward a respectable 10k and 5k time. Is it too much to wish for a 10k pace of 7:45? My PR for 10k is in the 45 min range (7:15 pace). My desire for the 5k is to be under 21 minutes (6:45 pace?). My goal for the 400m is 55-57 sec. Either way, I am grateful to have the ability to move and exercise at will without pain.Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-85148997055076551482012-01-01T06:52:00.000-06:002012-01-01T06:52:16.342-06:00A new year to live, a new year to serveSo today is January 1, and I am doing what I always do on Sunday morning. Rising early, waking up the brain, and looking over my notes for the day's message for our people at Grace Bible Church. Sprinkling the time with prayer, looking for new insight, and asking God for clarity in my own mind and when I speak.<br />
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Sometimes I think to myself, "one of these days I will be finished with sermon preparation on Friday," but that causes me to wonder. Why not continue to think and pray and edit all the while until I stand up and walk to the pulpit? This habit of reviewing and meditating late on Saturday and early on Sunday is not a burden but a blessing because it helps me to stay focused.<br />
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<i>Heavenly Father, stir up your Spirit in my heart and mind to reveal your message today in a manner that challenges, convicts, equips, and ushers in a degree of life change in your servant and your people. Amen</i>.Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-49137476325740783732011-11-09T20:53:00.001-06:002011-11-09T20:53:30.771-06:00Book Review: The Barber Who Wanted to Pray by R. C. SproulIllustrated by T. Lively Fluharty<br />
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The Barber Who Wanted to Pray is a wonderfully illustrated account of Martin Luther and his barber, Master Peter, who takes the opportunity to ask his hero in the faith how to pray more effectively. While R. C. Sproul is known for his biblical teaching and knowledge of church history, the illustrations make this book a treasure. I read it over the course of two evenings with my youngest children (ages 7 and 5) who studied each page intently.<br />
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The story of Luther and Master Peter is couched within the life of a modern family who are having evening devotions and the question of one of the children prompts this particular tale. Luther's method for prayer centers on the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostles' Creed. Those who are not familiar with the Apostles' Creed might stumble a bit over it but should know that it has an important place in the development of Christian doctrine.<br />
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In terms of the story-telling, I found myself wanting to change the wording for my young children, to soften its meaning for their ears. For example, one part of the story speculated that Master Peter could easily cut the throat of Luther the outlaw with his razor blade. Another part of the story mentioned capture, burning at the stake, and execution. These were realities of the day, I'm sure, but I found myself improvising with a new way to say the same thing.<br />
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This book is not for Lutherans only or Reformed Christians only. It is for anyone who wants to know more about church history and to understand a simple way to pray. Click <a href="http://www.crossway.org/books/the-barber-who-wanted-to-pray-hccase/">here</a> for more information on Crossway's site. Also available in <a href="http://www.crossway.org/books/the-barber-who-wanted-to-pray-ebook/">ebook format</a>.<br />
<ul></ul>Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-50097138643898772262011-11-09T10:10:00.000-06:002011-11-09T10:10:18.700-06:00Being justified, having peace<blockquote class="tr_bq">“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2</blockquote><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In the apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, he has made a case like a trial lawyer: all stand guilty before God in unrighteousness, but the righteousness that comes from God has been revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the cross, the Son of God was made to be an atoning sacrifice for sins so that all who believe in Christ and receive this sacrificial payment by faith might be declared righteous. God is both just in adhering to the standards of His law (the soul that sins shall die) and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> And what is the result of this great work of God, the justification of sinners? We have peace with God. Many are those who, when they stop the ears from the noises and distractions of this wicked generation, can hear the cry of their souls: “where can I find peace?” From an early age, it is normal to discern this voice even though it may be difficult to determine its purpose. Why do I behave in this way? Why do I fear death? Can I find rest from my troubles? Is there lasting satisfaction to be found in material wealth, accomplishments, and worldly pleasures? Ultimately the answer is “no” because nothing within a man's own strength can repair the rip in one's heart caused by alienation from God due to our sin condition. But God acted outside of us, on our behalf to repair the rip and bridge the gap so that we who were the object of his wrath might be reconciled, introduced into a state of grace, and called friend.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-82083876333550889312011-10-15T11:52:00.000-05:002011-10-15T11:52:59.981-05:00Book Review: The Most Important Thing You'll Ever Study by Starr MeadeHomeschoolers have lots of choices when it comes to good curricula. Sonlight, Abeka, My Father's World, Bob Jones Press, Alpha Omega, and so on. Our family has had very limited exposure to the Bible portion of these same curricula and still believe the foundation to teaching the Bible to our children is direct reading of the text, one-on-one discussion, prayer, and making personal application.<br />
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This workbook series by Starr Meade will meet a need for incorporating Bible exposition into home school study plans.<br />
<ul><li>Five workbooks targeted for middle school to early high school, providing a survey of the entire Bible</li>
<ul><li>Volumes 1-2, Old Testament</li>
<li>Volumes 3-4, New Testament</li>
<li>Volume 5, Answer key</li>
</ul><li>"Students can either use the text as a supplementary companion to their own reading of Scripture, or they can simply use the study guide to move through the Bible from beginning to end."</li>
<li>These workbooks are very word intensive. You won't find a lot of fancy graphics, color schemes, charts, timelines, basic maps, internet links, etc. </li>
<li>The studies are designed to be read along with chapters of the Bible, about 3 chapters per study section.</li>
<li>They are arranged in chronological order.</li>
<li>Tests and assessments provided are typically short answer, fill in the blank, and matching.</li>
<li>Not much commentary is provided. This is not a Bible handbook and does not seem to be geared toward life application although it would be difficult NOT to get life lessons by simply reading the Bible. However, students of this age may need a bit of help to cross the bridge to application.</li>
<li>It is designed to be done at the student's own pace and can easily fit a 1-year or 2-year plan.</li>
<li>Future editions could prove helpful if they include key doctrinal words, highlighted and defined for appropriately for this age level.</li>
</ul>I have two sons who are ages 13 and 11, and while we haven't used it with them personally, I am eager to find some time to do so. For more information on this workbook series, visit this link:<br />
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<a href="http://www.crossway.org/books/the-most-important-thing-youll-ever-study-tpb/">http://www.crossway.org/books/the-most-important-thing-youll-ever-study-tpb/</a>Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-28153876688435836332011-10-13T20:58:00.001-05:002011-10-13T20:58:42.110-05:00Pilgrim Ascends the Hill called Difficulty<p>I beheld then, that they all went on till they came to the foot of the hill Difficulty, at the bottom of which there was a spring. There were also in the same place two other ways besides that which came straight from the gate: one turned to the left hand, and the other to the right, at the bottom of the hill; but the narrow way lay right up the hill, and the name of the going up the side of the hill is called Difficulty. Christian now went to the spring, Isa. 49:10, and drank thereof to refresh himself, and then began to go up the hill, saying, <blockquote> <p>"The hill, though high, I covet to ascend;<br>The difficulty will not me offend;<br>For I perceive the way to life lies here:<br>Come, pluck up heart, let’s neither faint nor fear.<br>Better, though <i>difficult</i>, the right way to go,<br>Than wrong, though <i>easy</i>, where the end is woe."</p></blockquote> <p>The other two also came to the foot of the hill. But when they saw that the hill was steep and high, and that there were two other ways to go; and supposing also that these two ways might meet again with that up which Christian went, on the other side of the hill; therefore they were resolved to go in those ways. Now the name of one of those ways was Danger, and the name of the other Destruction. So the one took the way which is called Danger, which led him into a great wood; and the other took directly up the way to Destruction, which led him into a wide field, full of dark mountains, where he stumbled and fell, and rose no more. <p><a href="#_ftn1_3587" name="_ftnref1_3587"></a> <p><a href="#_ftnref1_3587" name="_ftn1_3587"></a>Bunyan, J. (1995). <i>The pilgrim's progress : From this world to that which is to come</i>. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.</p> Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-43273540060600278392011-10-13T20:55:00.001-05:002011-10-13T20:55:27.706-05:00Book Review - The Hidden Smile of God<p><i>The Hidden Smile of God</i> by John Piper <p>This book is a compilation of three biographical studies (John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd) which seeks to display what Piper calls "the fruit of affliction" in the lives of each man. Each of these men suffered in varying degrees but all suffered greatly. Bunyan was imprisoned for 12 years for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ without state approval. Cowper suffered the harsh realities of parental loss and constantly struggled with depression, suicidal tendencies, and fear of finally being rejected by God. Brainerd endured great physical suffering (tuberculosis) for the last seven years of his short life and spent much of it in the wilderness preaching to Indians. Each of these men endured their suffering as part of the wise bestowment of God. They did not reject it as a cruel turn of events, nor did they have a blind eye to the realities of the pain which was present with them, but saw it through biblical lenses as a normal experience of the Christian life. <p>If we were to look at our day and compare the concerns of modern Christianity with those of previous generations, then we might not be surprised at the level of soul strength which so often seems to be absent. This book and the message of these men's lives was a tremendous encouragement to me as I have looked at suffering in my own life. Don't read it because you're a Piper fan. Read it because the men he holds out to us had a powerful impact on Christendom precisely because of how they handled affliction. Piper is great at peeling back the layers of our own hearts so that a word of truth and conviction can be implanted.</p> Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-78392164482145037092011-10-13T20:28:00.001-05:002011-10-13T20:28:18.310-05:00Book Review - Walking in the Spirit<p><i>Walking in the Spirit</i> by Kenneth Berding <p>This short book gives a practical explanation of how the believer is exhorted to live in relation to the Holy Spirit as described in Romans 8 and summarized by the phrase "walking in the Spirit." You might call it "the Romans 8 guide to Spirit-filled living." <p>The chapters are organized by the major exhortations: <ul> <li>Walk in the Spirit. (4; cf. Galatians 5:16) <li>Set your minds on the things of the Spirit. (5-8) <li>Put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit. (13) <li>Be led by the Spirit. (14) <li>Know the Fatherhood of God by the Spirit. (15-17) <li>Hope in the Spirit. (18-25) <li>Pray in the Spirit. (26-27)</li></ul> <p>What I liked about the book: <ul> <li>a helpful explanation of how biblical metaphors work (pp. 21-22) and why they are needed <li>illustrations from his personal life: how being filled with the Spirit causes us not to desire that which would satisfy the flesh, <li>clear explanation of biblical concepts like flesh, mindset, mortify <li>The author is careful not to make walking in the Spirit formulaic and encourages us to learn as we do it. <li>An appendix is provided which gives an overview of Romans 8 and helps us to see that the chapter is not simply about the individual. <li>short, very readable and accessible; study questions at end of chapters</li></ul> <p>I would recommend this book to people who want to know what it means to live a spiritual life in Christ, to small groups, and church members of denominations where the Holy Spirit is seldom discussed. This book is not an exhaustive treatment of the subject but brings out important truths that every believer should know.</p> Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-86593985655856517582011-09-09T14:34:00.000-05:002011-09-09T14:34:18.771-05:00Book Review: The Hardest Thing to Do by Penelope WilcockBack in July, I was accepted to the Crossway Publishers' Blogger Book Review program. They send me a free book every couple of months and I agree to write a review and publish it on this blog as well as use social media to get others to read my review. Crossway is not just any publisher. Their purpose is expressly to help spread the gospel message, and I have found myself consistently blessed in my own spiritual life through their resources.<br />
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<i>The Hardest Thing to Do</i> is a novel, the fourth in a series by Penelope Wilcock. I have never read anything by this author and typically do not read fiction, but my hope was to break out of a reading rut to stimulate other parts of my brain! <br />
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Here is what I like about this book:<br />
<ul><li>Set in pre-Reformation England, this book has the feel of historical accuracy as it details the lives of a community of Benedictine monks. You get the sense that Wilcock has lived what she writes.</li>
<li>The author writes very descriptively and joyfully. She uses words that I don't know (but probably should!) without making me feel illiterate.</li>
<li>It is a story about monks. As a protestant, my opinion of monks is colored by Martin Luther's experience of works-sought-righteousness. After reading this story, I found myself longing for the monastic lifestyle, not so much for it simplicity but for the portrayal of genuine Christian community.</li>
<li>The characters are honest in their longings, struggles, and joys.</li>
</ul>Here is what I struggled with in reading this book:<br />
<ul><li>There are myriads of characters to keep up with (Brother so-and-so, Father so-and-so) but fortunately the book begins with a catalog of characters and where they belong in the narrative. By the end, I finally felt less confused.</li>
<li>Latin! Wish it were translated somewhere in the footnotes.</li>
</ul>If you want to get a synopsis of the story and other reviews, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hardest-Thing-Do-Hawk-Dove/dp/1433526557/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315596112&sr=1-1">click here</a>. What I can add is this: I will definitely put Penelope Wilcock on my list of authors to follow. If Christian fiction is written so that we will know what the gospel looks like, fleshed out in everyday life, then give me more of this. Life is full of difficult choices : whether to forgive and believe that God can change a person's character (mine too!), how to show mercy to an offender without disrespecting another who has been hurt in the process, facing the ugly realities in one's heart that keep us from obeying the gospel. Wilcock shows us that there is a way forward but it takes effort, understanding, a giving up of one's rights, and trust that God bring beauty out of ashes.Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-1907360685657893502011-07-24T07:32:00.000-05:002011-07-24T07:32:24.872-05:00Book Review on Jonathan Edwards: Lover of God<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Jonathan Edwards: Lover of God</i> by Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeney</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This book is one of five in The Essential Edwards Collection published by Moody, which also includes topical books dealing with Edwards' thoughts and writings on beauty, heaven and hell, the good life, and true Christianity. At the time of writing Strachan and Sweeney were doctoral student and professor, respectively, at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. I received this book as a free gift while attending the 2010 Together for the Gospel conference in Louisville, KY .</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I have not read or examined the other books in this series but this one is biographical in nature and takes the reader through Edwards' life from beginning to end. Each of the eight chapters tackles a season of life, includes a sampling of his writings pertinent to that time, and then exhorts the reader to apply Edwards' life and ideas. Obviously, the sections of his earlier life contain less of his personal writings, and the later ones contain more. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Before reading this book, I had begun (and almost finished!) George Marsden's work, <i>Jonathan Edwards: A Life</i>, and this gave me a framework to begin with, so that reading this smaller, condensed work was more like a refresher and summary, making it easier to recall the patterns and lessons.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I suspect that many people were introduced to Edwards in high school literature classes as a sample of Puritan life, and therefore have a one-sided perspective. But as this title suggests, Edwards was not a self-rightoues man who scowled at sinners unconditionally condemning them to hell but was a man who sought to know and live under God with all of his heart, mind, and strength.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">As a disciple of Jesus Christ and a student of the Bible, life application is essential. This feature of the book was most helpful to me. The authors do well at translating Edwards' life and ideas into exhortations for today, showing that a life lived 300 years ago, in full devotion to Christ, is relevant for today because each of us, no matter how gifted or talented can learn from this how how to be humble under the sovereign hand of God.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This quote summarizes the book well: "Through dogged study of the Bible and regular meditation upon its realities, Edwards entered into the great battle for souls on the side of the Lord. He knew great trial in his life, and he struggled with sin all of his days, but he never stopped seeking the reward set before the saints of God. Edwards's life is a living example to all the children of God in the current day, to put aside the things that hinder our faith and distract our focus." (144)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I can easily recommend this book to anyone wanting a balanced view of this important pastor / theological and an introduction to his writings. There is abundant material on his life and writings available today. Happy reading!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-85593917890835527992011-04-05T14:56:00.001-05:002011-04-05T15:01:39.730-05:00And again...To preach the gospel to yourself, then, means that you continually face up to your own sinfulness and then flee to Jesus through faith in His shed blood and righteous life. It means that you appropriate, again by faith, the fact that Jesus fully satisfied the law of God, that He is your propitiation, and that God's holy wrath is no longer directed toward you.<br />
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To preach the gospel to yourself means that you take at face value the precious words of Romans 4:7-8:<br />
<blockquote> Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him. (Bridges, 59 -- see previous posting)</blockquote>"When you set yourself to seriously pursue holiness, you will begin to realize what an awful sinner you are. And if you are not firmly rooted in the gospel and have not learned to preach it to yourself every day, you will soon become discouraged and will slack off in your pursuit of holiness."Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-91981549309689031762011-04-05T14:45:00.002-05:002011-04-05T14:45:49.385-05:00This is what I need today."It is not our contrition or sorrow for our sin, it is not our repentance, it is not even the passing of a certain number of hours during which we feel we are on some kind of probation that cleanses us. It is the blood of Christ, shed once for all on Calvary two thousand years ago but appropriated daily or even many times a day, that cleanses our consciences and gives us a renewed sense of peace with God."<br />
~ Jerry Bridges, <i>The Discipline of Grace</i>, 58.Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-92141458847645666812011-03-30T07:10:00.001-05:002011-03-30T07:10:12.815-05:00Happy Birthday Hannah!<p>Our little girl turned 7 yesterday. She is full of life. Sally had taken the kids out for lunch yesterday, and the waitress asked her, “what do you want for your birthday?” She answered, “a little sister.” Hmm…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUt9EVuKxcaeT5yk8lVCT0nAEu9WhQBk0-wCGxN0A_sywA5iajH03WKQtBnr2f9JZ_EZyjrGW7IlfrY1jgtlgmrDWBRpudm2-qsM_ObW32WY2DegtfhkGKf2n6n3BdRo2E2IcVA/s1600-h/DSC05659%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC05659" border="0" alt="DSC05659" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrA1_VVaBPdgQmVw4gHtquYVtd0RBWDQo5wBAiV40f6wzBVDK6EZ34IeJTbsvgWo9ktcdALym9c1KjsrSWxSSiS2UxMeVK0xVOf4PCIwrGI2VtXGupDx5HBEHhhzOZMvyFHNmOQw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-34690851220943271172011-03-08T12:30:00.000-06:002011-03-08T12:30:41.324-06:00Tips for better Bible reading (and reading in general):<br />
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<ul><li><b>Slow down</b>. Yes, the Bible is a big book and becoming fluent in its meaning can take years but you will gain more by reading slowly, thoughtfully, and carefully. Think of yourself as a backyard gardener hand-picking vegetables off the vine rather than a volume-oriented combine farmer whose main goal is to get as much yield as possible in one pass.</li>
<li><b>Read longer</b>. A verse a day just doesn't cut it for me. Our culture pushes everything to go faster but does that really help you understand? Don't get me wrong; there are days when I fail to open the Bible for my own sake, but when I do, reading longer helps me get the sense of story and purpose. It allows my mind to make connections from Old Testament to the New, and it helps me see how much of Scripture's message is summed up in the person of Jesus Christ.</li>
<li><b>Ask questions and take breaks to pray about what you are reading</b>. God has given the gift of his Holy Spirit to every born-again believer, and He is available as the "Spirit of truth" (Jn 14:17); He is the one who will "teach you all things" (26).</li>
</ul><div>Interestingly, I am applying this same advice to my recreational activities the older I get. Running used to be something I could just do without any thought given to the consequences on my body! Now it helps to slow down (who wants all that joint pain anyway?), jog longer, and take breaks along the way. It's hard for a has-been sprinter to get used to it, but on the bright side, this is how I got to know my wife when we were dating. We'd jog around Baylor campus for 30 minutes in the morning, something very counter-intuitive for me to do.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Here's a short quote discovered today:</div><blockquote>"<i>Beware the fury of a patient man!</i>" (John Dryden, 1631-1700)</blockquote><div>I don't think this is referring to a patient man as someone who let's pent up anger build until he explodes. Maybe it was meant to say that whatever "fury" comes from a patient man is certainly deserved in light of his patience, especially when it is all used up. God is patient with people, but there is a limit to it. He continues to call out that now is a time to receive His mercy through the cross of Jesus Christ, but someday soon, that time will end and all that will be left is his fury on the wicked (Revelation 14:7). Or...maybe the "fury" is his patience, similar to Romans 12:20, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head." </div><div><br />
</div><div>Feel free to comment and share you thoughts with me, and thanks for reading.</div>Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24605863.post-16059233008826247982011-03-07T16:16:00.000-06:002011-03-07T16:16:27.868-06:00New DirectionHoping to take this blog in a new direction. I have many interests but not much expertise. Hoping to share some thoughts and things that catch my attention, subjects and interests which provoke growth of the whole person -- spirit, mind, and body.<br />
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"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." ~ John 10:10Matt Smarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12511683598417803378noreply@blogger.com0