Sermon Text: Galatians 1:18-24

Gal. 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.
Gal. 1:19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
Gal. 1:20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)
Gal. 1:21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
Gal. 1:22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.
Gal. 1:23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
Gal. 1:24 And they glorified God because of me.

Christmas Eve Service

We will be having a joint Christmas Eve Service with our sister church in Manchester, NH. 5:30 p.m., in Manchester.

Christmas Eve Service
Church of the Redeemer, Manchester, NH
5:30 p.m.

For directions and information on Church of the Redeemer in Manchester, check out there website.

Hope to see folks there!

Sermon Text: Galatians 4:4-7

Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
Gal. 4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Gal. 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Gal. 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Sermon Text: Galatians 3:26-4:3

Gal. 3:26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
Gal. 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal. 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal. 3:29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
Gal. 4:1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,* though he is the owner of everything,
Gal. 4:2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.
Gal. 4:3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles* of the world.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader

It is finally almost here.

My favorite book in the C.S. Lewis Series the Chronicles of Narnia, Voyage of the Dawn Treader is finally being released on the big screen.

This story has everything when it comes to adventure. A quest, dragons, mystery, riches, heroes, villains, etc.... It is a fun story that has a great message at the end.

Enjoy the Movie, can not wait to see it myself.

Who put this 1000-Ton Boulder Here?

I just had to share this, as it is an awesome example of the power of creation.

I am fairly certain this is real and not fake. The WSJ ran a piece on it, not that it guarantees it is true.

But what is being questioned is how this boulder came to rest at that location as it was not there even a few months ago. The answer has to do with the geographic location of the boulder, it is located in Iceland.

To see what put it there, click on the link. Pretty amazing when you think about it.

Sermon Text: Galatians 1:10-12

Gal. 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant* of Christ.

Gal. 1:11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.*

Gal. 1:12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Happy Thanksgiving

One of my favorite holidays, with a wonderful message. Giving Thanks.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Col. 3:17

Sermon Text: Galatians 1:6-9

Gal. 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
Gal. 1:7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Gal. 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Gal. 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

New Sermon Series : Galatians

Starting this Sunday, we will be starting a new Sermon Series on the Epistle to the Galatians.

Since coming to Christ Presbyterian we have studied:

Daniel
Luke
Amos
Micah
First Corinthians
Jonah
Nahum
Proverbs
Psalms
John
Genesis

And now we are moving on to Galatians. I think it will be an important sermon series. Join us this Sunday as we do an Overview of Galatians to introduce the sermon series.

The on going battle in Vancouver

When I was in graduate school from 2001-2004, the conflict with the Anglican Church was taking place in Greater Vancouver. Here we are, 2010, and nothing has really changed. Very sad state of affairs.

Anglican Bishop takes Action Against Conservative Churches.

Guest Preacher: Rev. Karl Dahlfred

This Sunday we have a special guest with us. Rev. Karl Dahlfred who will be preaching at CPC. Karl will be preaching on Zechariah 1:1-17 and the title of the sermon is "Faithful God, Unfaithful People".

To learn more about Karl & Sun Dahlfred, visit their website. Should be a wonderful Sunday.

The Pulse: Prayer

This Sunday is a rare topical sermon. We will look at prayer and how it is "the pulse" of a church. Come join us this Sunday! Sermon Text => Acts 2:41-47

Sermon Text: Genesis 50:15-21

Our very last sermon in Genesis. I always hate ending a series as I have really gotten into the book and found it a joy and privilege to preach. But upward and onward, in a few weeks we start a new series in the New Testament! Come and join us as we wrap up Genesis and celebrate Reformation Sunday.

Lausanne Conference 2010 Cape Town

So if you have not been paying attention, a major major event in the world is taking place in South Africa.

The Lausanne Conference is that largest gathering of Christian World Leaders who are concerned about missions and the gospel.

I have read some great papers submitted at the conference. One that has gotten me thinking is written by a theologian in Germany dealing with secularism, very insightful.

The biggest disappointment is that the Chinese Delegation was barred from leaving China.

Reading the email updates as well as the facebook posts have been very very encouraging.

Sermon Text: Genesis 49:28-33, 50:22-26

As we close Genesis, we get into some themes that are future thinking. Very interesting stuff. We will be looking at the requests of Jacob and Joseph to be returned to the Promised Land. Join us this coming Sunday.

Sermon Text: Genesis 48

Gen. 48:8 When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?”
Gen. 48:9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.”
Gen. 48:10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.
Gen. 48:11 And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”
Gen. 48:12 Then Joseph removed them from his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
Gen. 48:13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him.
Gen. 48:14 And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands (for Manasseh was the firstborn).
Gen. 48:15 And he blessed Joseph and said,
“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,
Gen. 48:16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys;
and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
and let them grow into a multitude* in the midst of the earth.”
Gen. 48:17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.
Gen. 48:18 And Joseph said to his father, “Not this way, my father; since this one is the firstborn, put your right hand on his head.”
Gen. 48:19 But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”
Gen. 48:20 So he blessed them that day, saying,
“By you Israel will pronounce blessings, saying,
t‘God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh.’ ”
Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh.

My favorite Comic Strip of All Time

Can't believe it has been 60 years. Remember reading them as a kid over and over again. Even bought some for my kids, although not as into it as I was when I was their age.

Peanuts Turns 60

Sermon Text: Genesis 46-47

Now that the brothers have reconciled, it is time for the family to move to Egypt. Join us this Sunday as we wrap up Genesis over the next few Sundays.

The Commercial Church

A church member heard this program today on NHPR and passed it along to me.

Very relevant topic and a frustration of mine being a minister in 21st Century America.
Take a listen when you get a chance.

The Commercial Church on NHPR

The Forum (9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning)

This Sunday we are going to try something a little different. I am calling it "The Forum"

The purpose is to engage participants on topics that are relevant to culture. I am hoping it will be time discussing various resources and listening to one another about the world we live in.

To get us going, we will be looking at a book I read over the summer, that I found useful.

Everts, Don & Schaupp, Doug. I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus, IVP Press: Downers Grove, 2008.

If you interested, come check us out on Sunday Mornings at 9:15 am.

Sermon Text: Genesis 45

Next Sunday we complete our series on Reconciliation with Genesis 45. It will also cover the important conversation between Judah and Joseph in Ge 44 that leads to the emotional breakdown for Joseph.

Please plan and join us this coming Lord's Day.

Sermon Text: Genesis 42-44

We are continuing with the Reconciliation of Joseph and His Brothers. We will focus on Genesis 43 in particular. Join us this Sunday as we talk about Reconciliation.

JI Packer & the Trinity Hymnal

Interesting article on CT Online.

I know I have noticed several differences to familiar hymns in the Red Trinity Hymnal and knew there must be a reason why. This article confirms it.

Glad to know some thoughtful people put this together for our benefit.

And as a bonus, a good illustration from Packer.

Next Scheduled Historical Tour

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Sermon Text: Genesis 41

We are getting back to Joseph at the "hinge" of this amazing story. An important chapter and moment in Joseph's Life. Come join us this Sunday.

Sermon: Joseph: Prisoner to Pharaoh's Officer

Text: Genesis 41

Lausanna Movement Cape Town 2010

I am still learning about this gathering, so forgive me if I sound vague and ill informed.

But from what I have gathered, it is a very very significant gathering of Christian Leaders from all over the world that are hoping to help direct the church in the coming years towards to Gospel.

Well known ministers like Tim Keller and John Piper will be in attendance.

Since I won't be going to Cape Town, I am hoping to follow it via the world wide web.

For more information, go to their Website, Lausanne Movement

Why is church coffee so often bad?

Great Article on the ChristianToday.com website.

Why is church coffee so often bad? web article

Having been apart of various churches over the last 20 years I have seen this time and time again, and often find it frustrating. I have also seen the effects of a church doing an outstanding job on a ministry outreach or preparing to worship God and have been blessed to be apart of it. Why do we not put our best foot forward always? I think the article makes several good points, and I think gets to the heart of the issue. From the article...

"Ultimately, the weaknesses in our churches and organisations have a common root: the fact that we do not value our faith as we should. What we believe, and in particular what we believe about our local church, has ceased to become the central point around which our lives are built. It has gone from being a foundation of our lives to some sort of accessory and we need to adopt a very different mindset.

That we have poor coffee in our church is the most trivial of matters, yet I believe it is often a symptom of something very serious. It is too easy for us to be substandard in what we do for God. Friends, let us resolve to pursue excellence for the glory of God."

Quote from Phil Harris

I have been a fan of the Discovery Channel Show, Deadliest Catch. Not family friendly, but for a variety of reasons, I enjoy it when it is on.

It has been a hit on Discovery for some time, and one of it's leading character's, Capt. Phil Harris passed away this crab season. Very sad, and the rest of the Captains gathered to honor him. One of them shared this quote which I thought was priceless.

On Capt. Phil Harris's voicemail:

"You have reached Phil Harris' cell phone, please leave a message, if it is important I will get back to you, if I don't get back with you, you will know why."

Pretty funny.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader Movie Trailer

I enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia Series as a whole, but by far, the best book in the series is "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader".

The movie version is due out Christmas 2010. The trailer was just released. I hope they stuck close to the book. We will see. Enjoy!

Summer Schedule, New Worship Time 10:00 am

For those visiting the church and regular attenders, we start a bit earlier in the summer.

10:00 a.m.

Plan to join us this coming Sunday.

6 Years and Counting.....

This Sunday is our annual "State of the Church" Address. One of the few times I do not preach a traditional expository sermon.

However, that does NOT mean the Word of God will not be central to the sermon. We are going to use 2 Thessalonians as a blueprint for prayer.

I am very excited about the sermon, please plan to join us.

Sermon: 6 Years and counting

Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

2Th. 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,

2Th. 3:2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.

2Th. 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.*

2Th. 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.

2Th. 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Sermon Text: Genesis 40

We continue to follow the life of Joseph in Egypt. This week we look at his ability to interpret dreams. A unique gift for sure. Please plan to join us this coming Sunday.

CNN : Unplugged Christians Living off the Grid

I like the title of the CNN Article, but not necessarily endorsing the methods and message of this movement in Western U.S.

This article is about Christians who are taking more of a Amish approach to life, separating one's self from the corruption of the world.

It seems every so often, Christians feel a need to distance themselves from the world around them. Desert Fathers, Monastic Traditions, Amish, etc..... This seems like a modern version of these traditions.

As I sympathize with their approach, I am not sure this is what Christ called us to do. Christ came to change the world, to engage it and rescue humanity. And He called the church to follow that path as well. Distancing one's self from society just does not mesh with Christ's Great Commission.

CT Article: Adamant on Adam

Dr. Bruce Waltke and Tremper Longman III are 2 Old Testament Scholars I have a lot of respect for, and have found helpful in my exegetical research.

Both of them have found themselves in hot water over their views on Genesis. Dr. Waltke lost his teaching position at RTS Orlando, but was offered a new position immediately at another seminary. This did not effect his relationship with Regent College, my alma mater, and I am happy to hear that.

I took Dr. Waltke for classes and can tell you he is a very devout Christian and a top top scholar. I am very thankful for his influence.

Click here to read the CT Article.

CT Article on Bible Reading

Click Here to read the Christianity Today Article.

One of the greatest problem the church faces in the 21st Century is the trend in society and the church of not being familiar with the Word of God. The Bible.

Many recent surveys are revealing that more and more people have no clue how the 66 books fit together. Basic Biblical References as well as being able to name all 4 gospels is increasingly difficult for most people.

Anyhow, 2 groups, BibleMesh and BibleFresh are trying to reverse that trend both in North America and Great Britain. Tim Keller is involved in the BibleMesh project, I hope it makes a significant difference.

Sermon Text: Genesis 39

Now that we have begun the final section of Genesis, we will follow Joseph through the ups and downs of his life in Egypt. It ends in a similar way that Genesis 37, with little hope of the future.

Plan to join us as we continue the "Joseph & Judah" story this coming Sunday.

CT Article on "LOST"

So along with many other folks across the world, our family will be watching the finale of "LOST".

I have been interested to observe how many people, particularly Christians, who enjoy the show. Certainly there are biblical references, but I think it is more than that when it comes to the fascination with the show.

I found this article on CT that I think explains the connection between Christianity and the world of "LOST". It mentions the C.S. work, "The Great Divorce". Good stuff.

When you get a chance, read it through, interesting read.

CT Article on "LOST"

Sermon Text: Genesis 37

This Sunday we begin a new section in Genesis.

It is often referred to as the "Joseph Story" as he is certainly the main character of Genesis 37-50. However, he is not the only son of Jacob to be featured in this section.

In fact I would argue it is very much like other stories in Genesis featuring brothers => Cain & Abel, Jacob & Esau, Joseph & ??????. If you want to know whom I am talking about, join us this Sunday!

Sermon Text: Genesis 35

We are wrapping up our time focused on Jacob. It has been a wild ride, and Genesis 35 is very much a wrap up of Jacob's Journeys and Adventures.

Please join us this coming Lord's Day.

Sermon Text: Genesis 32-33

"The Reunion of Jacob and Esau," by Italian painter Francesco Hayez, 1844 (Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo, Brescia, Italy)

One of the many events I have been anticipating in Genesis and looking forward to preaching is the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau. Very important and significant. Please plan to join us this coming Sunday.

Sermon Text: Genesis 30

Plan to join us this Sunday as we look at the many many births of Jacob, and the very beginning of his journey home after 20+ years in exile.

Guest Speaker: Matthew Parks

This Sunday, we have a real treat. Ruling Elder Matthew Parks from Exeter Presbyterian Church will be preaching at Christ Presbyterian.

His Sermon Text is Hebrews 3:1-2.

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.

The Sermon Title: "Consider Jesus."

Come and join us this Sunday.

Sermon Text: Genesis 29

Sermon Title => Laban : The Good Uncle

We will focus mainly on Jacob and Leah and their need for love. Please plan to join us this coming Sunday.

The Year I Smelled Like Milk

In 2010, I have been making an effort to read more at night before going to bed. It is going well so far. I think the reason in the past I have not been great reading at night was that most of my books were theological, textbook format. I decided to mix it up and read some biographies.

One recent biography I just put down was written by a friend of mine, Michael Hobson. It was written about our time in China in 1993-1994 as English Teachers. The book is specifically about Michael's experience, living in Beijing and riding a bike in Western China. It is well written, and for me, really brought back a lot of great memories.

So I would highly recommend picking it up at Amazon.com. It is a delightful snapshot of a China that no longer exists. A lot has changed in a few years, this book captures life in China for foreigners before the Internet, Olympics and automobile craze.

Enjoy!

Book's Website

Sermon Text: Genesis 26 & 27

We are looking at a real soap opera this coming Sunday. In the center of all of this is Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Esau. Please plan to join us this coming Sunday.

Good Friday Service

Good Friday Service
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Seventh Day Adventist Church, 20 Robinson Rd., Nashua, NH

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” - Matthew 27:50-54

Sermon Text: Genesis 28

Gen. 28:10 Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran.
Gen. 28:11 And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep.
Gen. 28:12 And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder* set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!
Gen. 28:13 And behold, the LORD stood above it* and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring.
Gen. 28:14 Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
Gen. 28:15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Gen. 28:16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is bin this place, and I did not know it.”
Gen. 28:17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

John Piper takes some time off from ministry

As I ponder some time off this summer, I was somewhat surprised to find out that Rev. John Piper has taken very little time out over his years of pastoral ministry. But that comes to an end in April.

Click to Read the Article

I have always respected hard working individuals and particularly those who faithfully minister in churches for years with out a break. But at the same time, I think we need to take breaks, rest, and evaluate our effectiveness, and ability to fulfill our call. And that is not taking into consideration time with family.

Glad to hear he is taking some rest, I hope it is time well spent.

Holy Week Schedule

CPC Prayer Mtg.
Monday
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wakefield's Home


Small Groups
Wednesday
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.


Good Friday Service
Friday
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Seventh Day Adventist Church, Nashua, NH


Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sunday
10:30 a.m.
Seventh Day Adventist Church, Nashua, NH

Sermon Text: Genesis 23 & 25

This Sunday's sermon is titled : "Life & Death - Abraham, Sarah, Jacob & Esau"

Please plan to join us this coming Lord's Say.

Sermon Text: Genesis 24

Isaac & Rebekah... A Love Story?

Come join us this Sunday.

"Spring Ahead"

Just a friendly reminder, set your clocks ahead one hour. Don't want to see folks late for church!

Sermon Text: Genesis 21-22

Gen. 21:1 The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised.
Gen. 21:2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him.
Gen. 21:3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac.*
Gen. 21:4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
Gen. 21:5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
Gen. 21:6 And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.”
Gen. 21:7 And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
Gen. 21:8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.
Gen. 21:9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing.*
Gen. 21:10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.”
Gen. 21:11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son.
Gen. 21:12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.
Gen. 21:13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.”
Gen. 21:14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
Gen. 22:1 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.”
Gen. 22:2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
Gen. 22:3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.
Gen. 22:4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar.
Gen. 22:5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy* will go over there and worship and come again to you.”
Gen. 22:6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together.
Gen. 22:7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here am I, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
Gen. 22:8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.
Gen. 22:9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
Gen. 22:10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.
Gen. 22:11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.”
Gen. 22:12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”
Gen. 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.
Gen. 22:14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide”;* as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”*
Gen. 22:15 And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven
Gen. 22:16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son,
Gen. 22:17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his* enemies,
Gen. 22:18 and win your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Gen. 22:19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba.

The Pacific: HBO Mini Series

I have been a fan of Band of Brothers, the story about the men of Easy Company in Europe during World War 2. If you have not watched the Mini Series, I would urge you to do so. I will warn you, it is very violent, not suitable for children.

Hollywood likes World War 2, but for reasons I have not understood, many of the films produced in the last decade or so have focused on the European Theater of Operations. The Pacific Theater of Operations was much bigger and was way more costly. And often we only think of Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima when it comes to the War in the Pacific. That's about it.

Finally, HBO is doing a mini series on the War in the Pacific. It follows 3 Marines and looks very promising. It is produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, the same men who did Band of Brothers. It is called => The Pacific

I don't have HBO, but I will look forward to seeing this when it comes out in DVD.

Sermon Text: Genesis 20

Gen. 20:1 From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar.
Gen. 20:2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.
Gen. 20:3 But God came to Abimelech uin a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.”
Gen. 20:4 Now Abimelech had not approached her. So he said, “Lord, will you kill an innocent people?
Gen. 20:5 Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.”
Gen. 20:6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.
Gen. 20:7 Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you, and all who are yours.”
Gen. 20:8 So Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things. And the men were very much afraid.
Gen. 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.”
Gen. 20:10 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see, that you did this thing?”
Gen. 20:11 Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.
Gen. 20:12 Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife.
Gen. 20:13 And when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is the kindness you must do me: at every place to which we come, say of me, He is my brother.’ ”
Gen. 20:14 Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him.
Gen. 20:15 And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.”
Gen. 20:16 To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all* who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated.”
Gen. 20:17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children.
Gen. 20:18 For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Forget the iPad, consider an ADAM

We have a lot of very intelligent tech folks at our church, and I recently asked one of them what they thought of the iPad. He liked it, but told me about a device coming out of India this summer called the ADAM.

I read an article on the ADAM and its comparison to the iPad.

Very cool stuff.

A New Kind of Christianity: Book Review

I am not a fan of Brian McLaren, but I think he is worth listening too from time to time. He provides insights into the church that I rarely come across in my ministry circles.

He has a new book out entitled: A New Kind of Christianity where he is highly critical of the Western Evangelical church. I like the premise, but he goes way to far.

Here is a good review on CT's website. Check it out and make sure you read the entire article. I think the review is very helpful.

Talk about ambitious!

Talk about ambitious!

The breakaway Anglican Church in North America ACNA has an Archbishop that thinks big. Very big. From an article in Christian Today.....

"In the next five years, I want us to plant 1,000 new churches," Duncan said last summer when he was installed as the first Archbishop of the ACNA. "We can do that."

Duncan is the new archbishop for the ACNA. Wow, I am stunned. Would love to see the blueprint for this plan, which is called, not surprisingly, Anglican 1000.

Time will tell....

The Dickin Medal Cat

I found this amazing, the British Army has a medal, called the Dickin Medal that they award to animals who have served in the military. This year, a black lab has been awarded the medal for his bomb sniffing abilities. That does not surprise me, labs are great. But this snippet in a BBC article really caught me off guard.

"A total of 26 other dogs, 32 World War II messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat have won the award"

Yes, you read correctly, a cat has won this military award. A cat. I found that unbelievable and had to find out why.

Here is the reason....

"1949: Simon – the ship's cat on HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident, noted for surviving injuries from a cannon shell, raising morale and killing off a rat infestation during the incident, by doing this duty despite being wounded. He was raised to the fanciful rank of "Able Seacat" and awarded a campaign medal. "

True Story.

Sermon Text: Genesis 18:9-15, 22-26, 19:23-29

Gen. 18:9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.”
Gen. 18:10 The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.
Gen. 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah.
Gen. 18:12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?”
Gen. 18:13 The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’
Gen. 18:14 Is anything too hard* for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Gen. 18:15 But Sarah denied it,* saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

Gen. 18:22 So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham jstill stood before the LORD.
Gen. 18:23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
Gen. 18:24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it?
Gen. 18:25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”
Gen. 18:26 And the LORD said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

Gen. 19:23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar.
Gen. 19:24 Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven.
Gen. 19:25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
Gen. 19:26 But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
Gen. 19:27 And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD.
Gen. 19:28 And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace.
Gen. 19:29 So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.

Trans Siberian Railway via Google

When I was living in Shenyang in Northeast China, every Sunday an extension of the Trans Siberian Railway stopped on it's way to Vladivostok, Russia. I wanted to travel home after my one year teaching assignment via the Trans Siberian Railway. I would travel from Shenyang => Vladivostok => Moscow => Warsaw => London.

The only problem was, I could not find anyone to go with me. And in 1995, it was dangerous to travel alone on the Trans Siberian. So my adventure was never realized.

Well Google has a project that is a decent compromise. They have created a virtual trip on the Trans Siberian for anyone to experience from the comfort of your home. It is not the same, but really really cool experiment.

Check it out for yourself.

Sermon Text: Genesis 17

Gen. 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty;* walk before me, and be blameless,
Gen. 17:2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.”
Gen. 17:3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him,
Gen. 17:4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations.
Gen. 17:5 No longer shall your name be called Abram,* but your name shall be Abraham,* for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
Gen. 17:6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you.
Gen. 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
Gen. 17:8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”
Gen. 17:9 And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.
Gen. 17:10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised.
Gen. 17:11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.
Gen. 17:12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring,
Gen. 17:13 both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant.
Gen. 17:14 Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”
Gen. 17:15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah* shall be her name.
Gen. 17:16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give* you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”
Gen. 17:17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”
Gen. 17:18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!”
Gen. 17:19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac.* I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.
Gen. 17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation.
Gen. 17:21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.”
Gen. 17:22 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.
Gen. 17:23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.
Gen. 17:24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Gen. 17:25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Gen. 17:26 That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised.
Gen. 17:27 And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

Sermon Text: Genesis 16

Gen. 16:1 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar.
Gen. 16:2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children* by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
Gen. 16:3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife.
Gen. 16:4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress.*
Gen. 16:5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me!”
Gen. 16:6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.
Gen. 16:7 The angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur.
Gen. 16:8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.”
Gen. 16:9 The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.”
Gen. 16:10 The angel of the LORD also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.”
Gen. 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said to her,
“Behold, you are pregnant
and shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,*
because the LORD has listened to your affliction.
Gen. 16:12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man,
his hand against everyone
and everyone’s hand against him,
and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.”
Gen. 16:13 So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,”* for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”*
Gen. 16:14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi;* it lies between Kadesh and Bered.
Gen. 16:15 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Gen. 16:16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.

Pagan Christianity Critique

Yes, George Barna is at it again, co writing a book entitled Pagan Christianity which is suggesting the institutional church is a pagan concept.

George Barna, really annoys me and I find him arrogant and terrible at his exegesis and understanding of Christianity. I have not read the book, but I have no plans to send him or the publishers $$$.

Mark Driscoll has a critique of the book on his blog. It is a good read, I would encourage you to review it. Glad to see someone is on the ball and seeing through Barna's arguments.

Mark Driscoll is far more gracious than me in regards to Barna, and I think he is very fair in his treatment.

The Promises of God

From the Sermon: Covenant with Abram, Genesis 15

Is. 9:6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

wand the government shall be upon* his shoulder,

and his name shall be called*

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Is. 43:1 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

Is. 54:10 For the mountains may depart

and the hills be removed,

but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,

and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”

says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.*Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Rev. 7:9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

Rev. 7:10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Rev. 21:1 Then I saw ya new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

Rev. 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Rev. 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.*

Rev. 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Rev. 21:5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Sermon Text: Genesis 15

Gen. 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
Gen. 15:2 But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
Gen. 15:3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.”
Gen. 15:4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.”
Gen. 15:5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Gen. 15:6 And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
Gen. 15:7 And he said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”
Gen. 15:8 But he said, “O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?”
Gen. 15:9 He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
Gen. 15:10 And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half.
Gen. 15:11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.
Gen. 15:12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him.
Gen. 15:13 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.
Gen. 15:14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions.
Gen. 15:15 As for yourself, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age.
Gen. 15:16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
Gen. 15:17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.
Gen. 15:18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,
Gen. 15:19 the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites,
Gen. 15:20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim,
Gen. 15:21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites.”

Sermon Text: Genesis 14:17-24

Gen. 14:17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
Gen. 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)
Gen. 14:19 And he blessed him and said,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Possessor* of heaven and earth;
Gen. 14:20 and blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Gen. 14:21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.”
Gen. 14:22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand* to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,
Gen. 14:23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
Gen. 14:24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.”

Women in the PCA

So for a third straight year, it looks like the focus will be again on women in the Presbyterian Church in America. Anyone who has been following the denomination, knows this is a hot topic. Women in Leadership, Deaconesses, etc.... In 2008 and 2009 the issue was left unresolved, and so now it reappears in 2010.

This attempt is more surgical in nature. Meaning that it is directed at a specific part of the Book of Church Order and comes with an amendment. In the past, it was often said the overtures and motions were too vague. That could not be said of Overture 3 for this coming GA.

I am wondering if this will be the showdown everyone has been dreading, or if it will be a non issue. I am not sure, but I, along with many in the PCA will be watching closely as this develops.

Stay tuned.

Click Here to read the byFaith Article

It's about time...

Being a married couple that has family on both coasts, flying long distances is common place. And when doing so, trying to get some sleep while flying is almost impossible. The seats are not comfortable and sometimes the arm rests are in the way. Frustrating.

Well Air New Zealand has finally come up with a way to make economy seats more comfortable to sleep.

All I can say, it is about time! I hope other airlines catch on fast.

Click Here to see Photos and Video on the new seats.

Disappearing New England Farms

The Northern New England Presbytery has a minister in Northern VT working with farmers and reaching out to them with the gospel. Wonderful ministry and I think it is very much needed.

What I have learned from his ministry is that farmers in the Northeast are disappearing. They are in real trouble and farms are being foreclosed and auctioned off. In fact, so many farms are in trouble, banks have recently stop the auctions because there are no buyers. A very sad situation.

This deepening problem has gotten the attention of a New England Grocery Chain, Hannafords and they launched this website to educate the public.

Keep Local Farms

I like supporting local merchants, and farmers in this region desperately need it. I would encourage folks to check it out.

Sermon Text: Genesis 13

Gen. 13:1 So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb.
Gen. 13:2 Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
Gen. 13:3 And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,
Gen. 13:4 to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the LORD.
Gen. 13:5 And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents,
Gen. 13:6 so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together,
Gen. 13:7 and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.
Gen. 13:8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.*
Gen. 13:9 Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
Gen. 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)
Gen. 13:11 So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other.
Gen. 13:12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom.
Gen. 13:13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.
Gen. 13:14 The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward,
Gen. 13:15 for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever.
Gen. 13:16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted.
Gen. 13:17 Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.”
Gen. 13:18 So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks* of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.

Quote of John Newton

I am not what I ought to be — ah, how imperfect and deficient! I am not what I wish to be — I abhor what is evil, and I would cleave to what is good! I am not what I hope to be — soon, soon shall I put off mortality, and with mortality all sin and imperfection. Yet, though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor what I hope to be, I can truly say, I am not what I once was; a slave to sin and Satan; and I can heartily join with the apostle, and acknowledge, "By the grace of God I am what I am." - John Newton

paraphrase...

"I am not the man I ought to be, I am not the man I wish to be, and I am not the man I hope to be, but by the grace of God, I am not the man I used to be."'

Living in the Middle of the Atlantic Ocean

Call it strange, but I have always been interested in remote locations on the planet. I am not a lover of crowds or dense population, although I love Asia, so go figure. But remote landscapes and communities have an attraction, and I am not sure if it is good or bad.

The Empire where the Sun never set (United Kingdom) has some locations that are in this category, Falkland Islands, Ascension and St. Helena to name a few.

Take St. Helena, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with no airport and a small tiny town. How do they survive? How do they like it? or not? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

This article on the BBC Site does a pretty good job of looking at those questions. So are you interested in a move to a remote location?

Dakar Rally 2010 is History

I have to admit, I am little sad.

Yes, I am enjoying the NFL playoffs, but I have found the Dakar Rally 2010 far more exciting and fun to watch. I so want to go watch this in person, but if I was really honest I want to participate in it.

For Highlights, go to www.sbs.com.au for excellent coverage.

Guest Preacher : Jeremy Mullen

This Sunday we will welcome Rev. Jeremy Mullen to preach God's Word from the Book of Genesis.

Jeremy is a Chaplain at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. We are looking forward to having him with us this coming Lord's Day. Please join us.

Hannafords call to buy Local

I found this very encouraging. Click here to read further.

We have a minister who works with Dairy Farmers, and I have heard the stories first hand what these men and women are going through. Very very sad. I am very glad to hear there is a way to ensure we are supporting local farmers.

Hannafords will label Dairy Products so you know you are supporting local farmers. I personally think this is a great idea. I guess we will be buying milk at Hannafords in the near future.

Dakar Rally 2010

For most of us in North America, we are engrossed in the NFL playoffs this time of year. Just an observation, I certainly enjoy the playoffs. But during the first few weeks of January, a very unusual and amazing race is takes place South of the Equator.

The Dakar Rally is probably the hardest most grueling motor race on the planet. Motor bikes, Cars, Suvs and Massive Trucks race for 2 weeks over the most difficult terrain. Last year, only half of the participants actually finished the race. Traditionally, the Dakar Race takes place in Africa, but the last 2 years it has been in South America winding through Argentina and Chile.

Anyhow, I am fascinated with the "Truck" Division. They are the scariest and baddest trucks you will ever see. They are not pickups, real trucks, massive in size.

Take a look at the "Trucks" in Stage 5 of the Dakar Rally, simply incredible.

Here is also a video from the traditional course in Africa. Scarey

So here is my one complaint, it is an international race and the USA has almost little presence and with that zero success. The Russians have been the King of Dakar with their amazing Kamaz Trucks, probably the toughest trucks on the planet. Don't believe me? => watch them in action.

I want to see a USA Truck Team with USA engineering take on the Dakar. I fear, it may never happen. Personally, it would be a dream to see this Rally, it would be incredible to drive one of those "trucks" out in the open. A thrill of a life time.

So who wants to launch TEAM USA for the Dakar Rally? Let's go!

Fresh Persecution in Asia

I can't say I completely understand why this is so offensive, but it is offensive enough to cause people to want to hurt Christians and their facilities in Malaysia & Indonesia.

If your not familiar with what I am talking about, there has been a recent change to allow Christians to use the Muslim word for God, and it is causing violent protest among Muslims.

Read this article by the BBC to get a quick overview.

In many many many places in the world, the freedom of religion is not regarded. Very sad.

Sermon Text: Genesis 11:27-12:9

Gen. 11:27 Now these are the generations of Terah. Terah fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran fathered Lot.
Gen. 11:28 Haran died in the presence of his father Terah in the land of his kindred, in Ur of the Chaldeans.
Gen. 11:29 And Abram and Nahor took wives. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and Iscah.
Gen. 11:30 Now Sarai was barren; she had no child.
Gen. 11:31 Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife, and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan, but when they came to Haran, they settled there.
Gen. 11:32 The days of Terah were 205 years, and Terah died in Haran.
Gen. 12:1 Now the LORD said* to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
Gen. 12:2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
Gen. 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”*
Gen. 12:4 So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
Gen. 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan,
Gen. 12:6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak* of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.
Gen. 12:7 Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
Gen. 12:8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.
Gen. 12:9 And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.

Guest Speaker Sunday

Happy New Year 2010

This first Sunday, weather permitting, we will be having James Cochell preaching from God's Word. James is from Charlotte, NC and is a recent graduate of Gordon Conwell Seminary. Please plan to join us.