Testimony of an Abortion Survivor

These videos are of Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor, speaking at Queen's Hall, Parliament House, Victoria Australia, on the eve of the debate to decriminalize abortion in Victoria. I originally discovered them at a blog called the Unfurling Flower.  I pray that Gianna's Testimony allows you to seek the grandeur of God and not falter in doing what is right.  

Part 1

Part 2

Something to Ponder...

"When principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then battle is your calling, and peace has become sin; you must, at the price of dearest peace, lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy, with all the fire of your faith."

Cornelius Van Til

Total Depravity

Here is a great sermon regarding Total Depravity...

Session III - John MacArthur - The Sinner Neither Able Nor Willing: The Doctrine of Absolute Inability | Play Now | Download

What Does an Unwasted Life Look Like?

The Appearance of the Unwasted Life, Part 1

The Appearance of the Unwasted Life, Part 2

Every now and then I pull these messages by John Piper out of the archive,  and every time I do I find myself broken.  I know it might take about 2 hours to fully listen to these, but I don't think you will regret it.

Food for thought...

"A startling thing has happened among Western Christians.  Many of us habitually think and act as if there is no eternity - or as if what we do in this present life has no bearing on eternity... Being oblivious to eternity leaves us experts in the trivial, and novices in the significant.  We can name that tune, name that starting line-up, name that actor's movie debut, name that country's leading export, and detail the differences between computer models or types of four-wheel drives.  None of this is wrong, of course, but it is certainly revealing when we consider that most Christians, let alone the general public, do not even have an accurate picture of what the Bible says will happen to us after we die.  We major in the momentary and minor in the momentous."

Randy Alcorn

Where is our hope?

Is your Gospel “Me” Focused?

“I have often heard it said, ‘If I had been the only person on earth, Jesus would still have died for me.’ Although our Lord could still have given his life for just one person, it most certainly would not have been because the person was so valuable, but because God was so gracious. Such an occurrence should hardly, therefore, be regarded as a source of pride or self esteem. For me to argue that Jesus would have died for me if I were the only one person on earth simply indicates my sins alone, without the rest of you contributing your share, were sufficient to demand the severe punishment Jesus Christ vicariously assumed in my place. When faced with that reality, we ought to weep for the selfless sacrifice of our Lord instead of finding in it one more opportunity for feeling good about ourselves”

-Dan Mtzat-

It’s amazing how a small shift in perspective can change our entire outlook on self and the cross. To think that Christ died because of our innate self worth is abhorrent. Left to himself, man is a repugnant, egotistical, traitor that celebrates his treason against God. The Cross was the capstone of this disloyalty. It is also the one and only act that enables man to mourn over his betrayal and rejoice in the grace of God. If man has worth it is only because the Cross has applied it, and if this is the case it can hardly be called self worth.

So Much for The Gospel of Positive Thinking...

Having friends that are associated with the Crystal Cathedral in one way or another, I want to clarify that in no way am I trying to celebrate a rift between family members or a "church".  I also realize that not all people associated with the Crystal Cathedral proclaim a "Self Esteem" gospel.   However, the reason I am posting this article is because I do feel the "Self Esteem" gospel is heresy and therefore destructive to the Church. 

http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=2679

Where is the Guarantee?

I have never been one to get “stressed out”. Sure I have had times when I worried about a new job or had anxiety about a paper due in college, but for the most part I have always been able to keep it in check.

Recently, however, this hasn’t been the case. Maybe its too much evening news or the constant barrage of the media but I have found myself becoming concerned, almost worried, about the state of our world and my survival in it. With the economy in the craphole, the cost of gas and food rising, and the ever present cloud of fear that seems to be engulfing our culture, I have found myself asking questions such as: What will I do if I can’t afford gas? What will happen if I can no longer pay rent? What if I lose all the comfort and safety I have grown so accustomed to?

What if?

The question alone causes an avalanche of fear and insecurity. I want to have control so badly but when I realize I can’t, I look for comfort in blaming politics, parents, society, culture, or any other entity I can think of. Is this pleasing to God? After all, didn’t Jesus tell his disciples,“…do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34) Perhaps, instead of asking the question “What If”, I should be asking myself the question “Since When”

Since when did God promise me a nice comfortable life?
Since when was I assured protection from persecution or suffering?
Since when is the USA God’s chosen nation?
Since when am I guaranteed to even finish this blog post?

The Bible does give promises about this life, but they look more like this:

“You will be hated by all for my name's sake.” Like 21:17 (ESV)

“...If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20 (ESV)

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” 2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)

My reward is not in the comforts of this life. It is not in money, hobbies, work, pleasure, success, power, freedom, safety, status quo, sports or swimming pools. My reward is only in the resurrection that is to come through faith in Christ.

New Blog

Hey Everyone! I have collaborated with some friends to create a new blog. Everyday we present a fun question for people to ponder. Check it out! DeepQuestions.net

Biblical Manhood and Biblical Womanhood

I have had a lot of conversations lately regarding Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Because of this, I thought I would post the Danvers statement, which I firmly stand behind. I realize some of you will agree, some will disagree and some just won’t care, but I believe this topic plays a major role in the future of the Church. You can find more information here. www.cbmw.org

Affirmations

Based on our understanding of Biblical teachings, we affirm the following:

1. Both Adam and Eve were created in God's image, equal before God as persons and distinct in their manhood and womanhood (Gen 1:26-27, 2:18).

2. Distinctions in masculine and feminine roles are ordained by God as part of the created order, and should find an echo in every human heart (Gen 2:18, 21-24; 1 Cor 11:7-9; 1 Tim 2:12-14).

3. Adam's headship in marriage was established by God before the Fall, and was not a result of sin (Gen 2:16-18, 21-24, 3:1-13; 1 Cor 11:7-9).

4. The Fall introduced distortions into the relationships between men and women (Gen 3:1-7, 12, 16).

In the home, the husband's loving, humble headship tends to be replaced by domination or passivity; the wife's intelligent,
willing submission tends to be replaced by usurpation or servility.

In the church, sin inclines men toward a worldly love of power or an abdication of spiritual responsibility, and inclines
women to resist limitations on their roles or to neglect the use of their gifts in appropriate ministries.

5. The Old Testament, as well as the New Testament, manifests the equally high value and dignity which God attached to the
roles of both men and women (Gen 1:26-27, 2:18; Gal 3:28). Both Old and New Testaments also affirm the principle of
male headship in the family and in the covenant community (Gen 2:18; Eph 5:21-33; Col 3:18-19; 1 Tim 2:11-15).

6. Redemption in Christ aims at removing the distortions introduced by the curse.

In the family, husbands should forsake harsh or selfish leadership and grow in love and care for their wives; wives should
forsake resistance to their husbands' authority and grow in willing, joyful submission to their husbands' leadership (Eph
5:21-33; Col 3:18-19; Tit 2:3-5; 1 Pet 3:1-7).

In the church, redemption in Christ gives men and women an equal share in the blessings of salvation; nevertheless, some
governing and teaching roles within the church are restricted to men (Gal 3:28; 1 Cor 11:2-16; 1 Tim 2:11-15).

7. In all of life Christ is the supreme authority and guide for men and women, so that no earthly submission-domestic, religious, or civil-ever implies a mandate to follow a human authority into sin (Dan 3:10-18; Acts 4:19-20, 5:27-29; 1 Pet 3:1-2).

8. In both men and women a heartfelt sense of call to ministry should never be used to set aside Biblical criteria for particular ministries (1 Tim 2:11-15, 3:1-13; Tit 1:5-9). Rather, Biblical teaching should remain the authority for testing our subjective discernment of God's will.

9. With half the world's population outside the reach of indigenous evangelism; with countless other lost people in those societies that have heard the gospel; with the stresses and miseries of sickness, malnutrition, homelessness, illiteracy, ignorance, aging, addiction, crime, incarceration, neuroses, and loneliness, no man or woman who feels a passion from God to make His grace known in word and deed need ever live without a fulfilling ministry for the glory of Christ and the good of this fallen world (1 Cor 12:7-21).

10. We are convinced that a denial or neglect of these principles will lead to increasingly destructive consequences in our families, our churches, and the culture at large.

What is Truth?

Here is something that caught my attention last week that I hope stimulates thought and conversation.  It comes from the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate. 

"What is Truth?"

Help Me Help You

Hi everyone! I will be out of town all next week, so there won't be any new posts until I get back. However, while I am gone I would love some feed back on the blog. What do you like? What needs improvement? Are there certain topics you would like to discuss? Thanks for all your great comments and wisdom.

XOXOXO

Scott

What Did Paul Live For?

“If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Cor.15:19)

People can debate whether or not life after death exists, but you cannot debate whether or not Paul believed it. Everything about the way Paul lived shouted something better was to come. He believed that living for the Kingdom of God was more important than living for the kingdom of man, and that the reward of doing so outweighed any physical consequence on earth. He didn’t waste his life on the pursuit of wealth, power, prestige, influence, possessions, health, or business. There was no way he could say, “Well… true or not at least it was a comfortable life”. He didn’t live for comfort; he lived to see the Gospel proclaimed. He knew if he was wrong, he should be pitied more than any other man. What causes a man to go from a persecutor of the Church to someone who is persecuted for the church? I want the Gospel proclaimed, but confess I want to be comfortable doing it. I talk about loving the unloved and unlovely, but very little do I go out of my way to seek them out. I talk about the importance of serving the poor and the weak, but can’t seem to find myself putting much action to those words. What took place between Jesus and Paul (at the time Saul) that caused him to undergo such a radical change? So much of me wants that, and yet if I am honest, a part of me doesn’t.

Importance of a Father #2

Still not convinced that fathers play an important role in the home? Check out the stats Donald Miller placed in his book, "To Own a Dragon". 

63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes - 5 times the average. (U.S. Dept. of Health/Census)

85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes - 20 times the average. (Center for Disease Control)

80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes - 14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior, Vol. 14 p.403-26)

71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes - 9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report)

75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes - 10 times the average. (Rainbows for All God's Children)

70% of youths in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes - 9 times the average. (U.S. Dept. of Justice, Sept. 1988)

85% of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes - 20 times the average. (Fulton, CO. Georgia, Texas Dept. of Correction)

www.belmontfoundation.org

Men we need to step up!  Please add your thoughts.

How Does Jesus View The Church?

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV)

We live in a society that says, “I love Jesus, but I don’t like the church.” Imagine a friend telling you the following: “I love to hang out with you but want nothing to do with your spouse.”* What would you say to that person? Do I think that the church is perfect? No, but what I think makes no difference in the matter. Jesus loves his church! This fact alone should cause us to love it as well. Please share your thoughts.


*As much as I would love to take credit for these thoughts most of them came from Matt Ford.

Does God Still Speak Through Prophets?

Twenty minutes ago I was praying with both Matt (My Pastor) and Magid (The Egyptian Pastor that meets in our church) for our churches and the community. At one point they laid their hands on me and began to pray for God’s blessing and provision in my life. As they were doing this, I began to plead with God silently that He would not let my past sin affect my ministry or His church.

My past is filled with wickedness, both before and after I became a Christian, and because of this I have always been scared that one day it will come back and effect both my credibility and the churches credibility in regards to ministry and God’s glory. Over the last few months this has been a source of fear and anxiety for me and has been in my prayers constantly. Though, in typical Scott fashion my pride had kept me from telling anyone this.

OK back to the story… As soon as I finished pleading silently before God, Magid looked at me and began to speak…

“God keeps telling me that the past is done and not being held on to. He’s telling me the past has been wiped away and He is bringing you into a new place that you have never been with him before. Do not worry about the past”

I have always believed in the power of the Holy Spirit, but have not seen it like this before. God brought a comfort today that words could hardly capture. Through Magid he spoke two fold: “Scott, I have heard your cry; you are not alone.” and “Scott, I will grant your request. Do not fear.”

So now, with tears streaming down my face, I can tell you God is alive, worthy of all praise and without question still does the miraculous!

Essentials of Christian Faith

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)

What do you think, are these them?

#10 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy

10. Unwillingness to Accept Forgiveness

“A tenth and final reason for lack of joy is unwillingness to accept forgiveness. On the surface, that attitude can appear to reflect humility, but it is the furthest thing from that. It is, in fact an insult to God’s righteous character and clear teaching of His Word.” (John MacArthur)

When we tell ourselves that “God cannot forgive our sins”, what are we really saying? Is our sin greater than what Jesus did on the cross? Is the cross really that weak? It might be wrapped in a different package but the root is still pride! There is nothing more freeing than accepting the forgiveness of Christ. Embrace, rest and find comfort in it!

# 9 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy

9. Living by Uncontrolled Feelings

“A ninth factor in loss of joy is living by uncontrolled feelings, living by flesh instead of by the spirit. …Contrary to what the world continually touts, self-centeredness is the surest source of dissatisfaction and discontentment. Neither does talking properly to one’s self involve some sort of “positive confession” that supposedly creates reality. That is foolish. Talking to oneself about God, His Word, and His will is the issue.” (John MacArthur)

Mankind seems to be constantly obsessed with himself and his esteem. And yet, isn’t this the problem from the fall? I say less self-esteem and more God-esteem! (Maybe I can make a really cool sticker with God-esteem peeing on self-esteem!*)

*sarcasm laid on pretty thick

#8 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy

8. Forgetfulness

“An eighth cause of lack of joy is forgetfulness. Forgetting the Lord is not a mark of innocence but of faithlessness and sin. …The spiritual disharmony that causes division in churches is not incited by new converts but by those who have left their first love” (John MacArthur)

Here are 5 ways that I shamefully forget the Lord. Any you'd like to share?

1. I become consumed with status quo rather than spiritual growth.
2. I rely on my own skill rather than the Holy Spirit.
3. I celebrate my own goodness rather than the work of Christ, which made me righteous.
4. I blame God when things go wrong, and praise myself when things go right.
5. I become more upset with the “injustice” of a bad sports call rather than the injustice of a perfect Lord and Savior being crucified.

#7 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy

7. Ingratitude

“A seventh negative element that robs believers of joy is ingratitude. Few things are more repugnant than ingratitude. Paul commanded that prayers and supplications to God be made with thanksgiving. (Phil. 4:6)… Rebellious sinners are indicted and sentenced to divine judgment because of their ingratitude (Rom. 1:18-21).” (John MacArthur)

What is there to be said about ingratitude? Few things bother me more than a person who complains or is not thankful when they receive a gift, living as if the world revolves around them and owes them a favor. And yet, I am that ungrateful person! The only difference is that I do it with my Savior’s grace and love. Please Father forgive me!

#6 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy

6. Focusing on Circumstances

“A sixth way believers lose their joy is by focusing on circumstances. Despite the abundant blessings all believers have in the Lord, many become dissatisfied with their circumstances. They are unhappy with their physical or mental capacities, their appearance, the opportunities that came their way, or with countless other things they do not have but think they deserve." (John MacArthur)


Guilty! I am embarrassed to admit how often I complain about "Manna" and completely forget about God's deliverance, provision, and promises.

The Importance of a Father

I will finish the 10 things that rob us of joy but I wanted to share some thoughts of mine.

What is it like to grow up without a positive influence from a father? Often I feel like I was dropped into the wilderness and told to survive alone. There was no one to warn me about dangers, no one to show me how to find shelter, and no one to guide me home. I feel like I missed out on information that was essential early on. I needed someone to tell me the dangers of pornography, I needed someone to show me that God takes us in under his wings, and I needed someone to remind me that following Christ is difficult but worth it. My Heavenly Father has since taught me these things, but I carry the scars of someone who learned much to late. On top of all this is pride. Because I grew up without a father, I think I can now do everything on my own. This causes me to isolate myself, not have compassion on those struggling, and become defensive when others try to teach me. There is hope though. Because of Christ, I am able to say a few things. The first is that I forgive my earthly father, the second is that I want to see my earthly father in heaven, and the third is that I am able to understand the difference between my earthly father and Heavenly Father. (The last of these I am so grateful for because I know not everyone can) Why do I post this? Partly to help me heal the hurt inside and partly to help others who struggle. There is hope my friends and it is found in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

# 5 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy

5. Spiritual High Followed by Emotional Low

“A fifth cause of joylessness is the emotional low that frequently follows a spiritual high… Such times are surprising and bewildering, and can rob unwary believers of their joy.” (John MacArthur)

What makes this point stand apart from all the others is that this is something we cannot necessarily control. Sin, prayerlessness, and an understanding of God’s sovereignty are all things that we can correct. However, coming down after a spiritual high is inevitable. The key, which MacArthur alludes to, is being wary. Being able to recognize the patterns that follow a spiritual high will help us to avoid sin and will serve as encouragement when we return back down.

# 4 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy

4. Prayerlessness

“A fourth negative element that steals joy is prayerlessness. Believers who fail to pray inevitably lose sight of God’s sovereignty and His love and care for us. Such believers either give up hope, as Habakkuk did for a while, or else seek help from other sources.” (John MacArthur)

Give me your thoughts on this. Is there a relationship between pray and joy or prayerlessness and bitterness?

# 3 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy

3. Inadequate Understanding Of God’s Sovereignty

“A third factor that robs believers of joy is an inadequate understanding of God’s sovereignty. For believers to fret and worry over their circumstances and to fear what the future may hold is tantamount to doubting God’s sovereignty, as well as his power and love." (John MacArthur)

I find it interesting that MacArthur would tie doubting God’s power and love with an inadequate understanding of God’s sovereignty. I remember a time when I struggled with the circumstances of leaving my old church and the difficulty of finding a new one. I recall telling people, “I trust that God has a plan, but I don’t trust humans to carry out that plan”. What?! As if God’s sovereign plan could be thwarted by human decision, whether right or wrong! In reality, I was questioning God’s ability (power) to control what was going on in my life and the world around me. Though I did not realize it at the time, I also doubted God’s love and found myself questioning whether or not God knew what was best in my life. This resulted in a bitterness that took root in my heart and absolutely robbed me of joy.

Agree or Disagree? What are your thoughts?

# 2 What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy?

2. The influence of Satan and his Demons

“A second factor that hinders joy is the influence of Satan and his demons… In many ways, including false teachers, the devil attempts to deceive believers. Although he cannot rob them of salvation, he can, and often does, rob them of joy (as does their sin).” (John MacArthur)

Isn’t this the truth! I don’t know any other influence that steals away my contentment in God more than my own sin. Whether this plays out in lust, pride, bitterness, or any other sin amongst the long list I struggle with, the result is always the same; feeling alone, empty, and unloved.

What Robs Believers of Biblical Joy?

In John MacArthur’s commentary on the book of Philippians he gives 10 factors that rob believers of biblical joy. Over the next few days I plan to post them one by one and give my own personal experience and reflections on each of them. I would love to hear your own thoughts and personal experiences with each of these as well.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Scott


1. False Salvation

“First and by far the most important is false salvation. The church has always included those whose faith is not genuine. Because they do not possess the indwelling Holy Spirit, such false professors cannot possess biblical joy. They may attend churches where God’s word is taught, and they may fellowship with genuine believers. Yet because they do not know the Lord, they cannot experience His joy. If they laugh, it is sadly, “the laughter of the fool, [which] is futility” (Ecc.7:6)” (John MacArthur)


I suppose we need some understanding of biblical joy to fully comprehend this truth. Biblical joy is a deep rooted satisfaction or contentment that can only be found through Jesus Christ. Happiness is often thought to be synonymous with biblical joy, however I believe happiness is tied more closely with human emotion rather than satisfaction in God. For example, one can be in the midst of deep pain, whether physically or emotionally, and still be satisfied or content. There is definitely happiness in joy, but circumstances will often distinguish the difference between the two.

Now with that said back to MacArthur’s quotation…

Without question, I think this is a sad truth that plagues our churches more than we realize. The ironic truth to MacArthur’s statement is that you can’t even say this person is being robed of biblical joy, simply because they never had it to begin with. The bible continually reminds us that there will be those among us who never really knew the shepherd. The parable of the sower, Jesus’ teaching on “The Sheep and Goats”, and the sad reality of Judas’ life all testify to this truth. Having been in ministry over 10 years, I have many times seen people seemingly come alive in Christ only to wither away later. Now please hear me out on this, I do not think we are responsible for passing judgment on whether or not someone has salvation. I realize that people will go through all sorts of different periods in their lives, and some may even seem to walk away from God, only to return later. The parable of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son emphasize this. When they, who seem to be lost, return scripture tells us there is a par-tay in heaven. Needless to say, not everyone will return.

There is a stigma that those who hold a reformed theology are not concerned with the lost. I think this partially has to do with our view of God’s sovereignty in election and because of poor representation in the past (A little yeast can ruin the whole batch). Do I hold a reformed view of God’s election? Yes, but that does not stop me from morning over the lost and pleading that God will open their eyes. It absolutely breaks my heart to know that I have friends and family members that will perish. Like Paul, I continue to pray that God will save them and allow them to experience biblical joy.

Is the recog​nitio​n of sin impor​tant?​

In Mark Dever's book "The Gospel & Personal Evangelism" he has a quotation from a very famous TV evangelist, which caused me to stop and reflect. Here it is....

"I don'​t think​ that anyth​ing has been done in the name of Chris​t and under​ the banne​r of Chris​tiani​ty that has prove​n more destr​uctiv​e to human​ perso​nalit​y,​ and hence​ count​erpro​ducti​ve to the evang​elist​ic enter​prise​,​ than the unchr​istia​n,​ uncou​th strat​egy of attem​pting​ to make peopl​e aware​ of their​ lost and sinfu​l condi​tion"​

Does anyon​e else have a probl​em with this?​ Our great​est probl​em is that we are sinfu​l from birth​ and there​for enemi​es of God. Chris​t is our great​est need!​ In order​ for us to under​stand​ the neces​sity of Jesus​ Chris​t we need to under​stand​ why. The why is becau​se we are lost and sinfu​l.​ Our great​est need is not healt​h or wealt​h,​ it is not happi​ness,​ it is not even food or water​.​ Our great​est need is to be saved​ from the Wrath​ of God! If we teach that the recog​nitio​n of sin is not impor​tant are we not sayin​g that Chris​t died in vain?​