Gorgeous

Dr. Paul Schaefer (my systematic theology professor) on Anselm’s Satisfaction Theory of the Atonement…. It’s beautiful.

“God could not simply overlook sin; it had robbed God of His honor, leaving him the alternatives of punishment (which would frustrate his purposes) or receiving adequate satisfaction for the dishonor done to him. Yet humankind must take the satisfaction, having committed the offence. Hence, only God is able to provide it, only a human can properly make it. The Solution lies with one who is both divine and human.”

Beautiful

I write," says Ted Donnelly, "as one who, for a lifetime, has sung unaccompanied praise to God. It puts us on our mettle, makes us depend on each other, for there is no fallback - singing or silence! And it can be wonderful! No equipment needed, no obtrusion of human talents, no controversy, nothing to distract from the glorious words - just the voices of the redeemed harmoniously worshipping the Lord. It is my prayer that the following pages may persuade more of God's people to experience in Christ this liberating simplicity. 'Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name' (Heb.13:15)."

These words were written for a new book on worship [I still need to check it out] which can be found at Simon Publishing.

Here is a Trust review

Covenanters

In my research into my family name (McFarland) I found their crest to be of this picture. Scottish Crest's are so fitting for men of that area.

Last night I was reading several biographical sketches on the Covenanters as well as some of the good ol'boys from Princeton. This has lead me to think more about the Killing times in Scotland regarding the presbyterians there in the 17th century. I know that RP's tend to focus exclusively on these moments, but meditating on the lives and testimonies of those who died for the Crown of Christ is very convicting. Not only the Scottish Covenanters did that, there were others who lived and who died for the Cross and that is just as important.
Athanasius though he did not die a martyr was one who fought the good fight and stodd against Christendom for Christ.
Then there are others like BB Warfield who challenged theological liberalism (especially on Scripture) till the day he died. J.G. Machen went against the apostate courts of Christ and magnified the gospel through the Independent board of Presbyterian Missions and the foundation of Westminster Theological Seminary.

There are many others, as I look around for some more sketches of the saints before us - It is my hope to put meditations of their life on here.

Yesterday I went out with a friend for some Chinese. As we were leaving the restaurant a little pamphlet caught my attention by the title, "Why are Millions persecuted for this?" This refered to a picture of a lady in a park in a meditative stance.

Why is a pamphlet like this doing around here? Upon looking at it more I find that it is a tract for religious tolerance. But what got me is a continual realization that the world is bigger than it seems. I can walk out my front door and meet some Jehovah Witnesses, I can think of half a dozen Kingdom Halls in a 30 minute drive from here. The fact is some of our neighbors are not believers, and I would venture to say that most are not. We can go to the local bookstore and we will find that half the store is into New Age, Yoga and Meditation. People are more into Dr. Phil instead of the Gospel.

In a culture that does not know Christ, do Christians know the gospel well enough to share it to their neighbors who think Dan Brown's account of Christianity is true? The last time I vocally shared the gospel with someone was this past summer. When I did so I had difficulty in sharing the Gospel.. I believe that it is because I do not preach the Gospel to myself as I should.

classes

School starts on Monday, it has been a great 4.5 weeks but I am ready to go back. Any opportunity I get to see Jen every day is bound to be fantastic, but there are at least 6 other reasons why I am looking forward to going back to School.

Hebrew 201 (Duguid)
Minor Prophets (Moller)
Systematic Theology 2 (Schaefer)
the Vision and Values Conference: The deChristianization of Europe
Medieval Europe (Graham)
And an independent study on Covenant Theology under Duguid which i am taking with Gilbert (Score)

Though i must say, I slacked off on my hebrew too much that it wont be too much fun learning the Piel all over again right away. (Or worse) :-(

shma yisra'el adonai elohenu, adonai echad
Hear O Israel, The Lord Your God, the Lord is One
Deut. 6:4

STR on 24

Here is the link to the post that I promised you earlier... enjoy

24" Innocent vs. Guilty

read with great clarity.. and yes, 24 does rip the constitution to pieces

24 and sermons

Dude, 24 was the bomb tonight... some serious twistage going on over at Fox... And i have no idea what is going to happen next.... Except that Jack is the coolest guy on television.

I found a sweet post regarding the moral issues of 24 by Nancy Pearcey.... i will link to it soon... You could seriously teach a high school class on ethics by watching this show.

But to the true purpose of this post.. I want to share with the world some sermons by several godly men. You might know but biblicalpreaching.info was revamped when they lost Dr. John Piper's sermons when they were moved to Desiring God. Now the website has the domain Preaching the Bible, at this website they still have Pastor Rees and Hughes, but they also contain the sermons of Dr. Iain Duguid. He is a great teaching and a fantastic preacher. I had him last semester for two classes and wow... every class is fantastic as he teaches the Word of God. (He even makes learning Hebrew a blast)

Some other sermons that are greatly edifying are by Dr. Joel Beeke at Sermonaudio. When I was on the road last weekend to Detroit I snatched my father's ipod and listened to a few of his messages and boy are they edifying. They made the trip fly by. I greatly appreciate his comments on Christ's mercies shown to Malcus when Peter chopped off his ear. Many times do we think we are serving the King and ushering in the Kingdom, but we are only hampering it.. Yet Christ shows mercy to us. Check this guy out, seriously..

by the way... do not forget reformedvoice.com - its a pretty sweet hookup

24 is HOTT

Season 6 of 24 is the sweetest thing since raspberry jelly.... and 2 more episodes tonight!!! I am going over to the Campus and watching it on the big screen... oh yeah...

Jack is Back

Luther on Prayer

When Luther's puppy happened to be at the table, he looked for a morsel from his master, and watched with open mouth and motionless eyes. Luther said, "Oh, if I could only pray the way this dog watches the meat! All his thoughts are concentrated on the piece of meat. Otherwise he has no thought, wish, or hope."

Prayer

The past few weeks I went on a mental journey trudging through a few quotes by my friend John Owen. He spoke to my heart which the Lord has used to convict me and remind me often (I was reminded of his words today as I heard the Word preached). Owen told me that, a man on his knees before the Almighty God, that he is and that alone.

How true a statement? We can read comments, posters on a person's character all we want. One of these posters would say, "character is when no one is watching." The truth be told that God is always watching, and before God there are two responses - either spiteful rebellion or loving submission.

I like how Edward Payson says it, (taken from The Threshold)
"We may judge of the state of our hearts by the earnestness of our prayers. You cannot make a rich man beg like a poor man; you cannot make a man that is full cry for food like one that is hungry: no more will a man who has a good opinion of himself, cry for mercy like one who feels that is is poor and needy. The symptoms of spiritual decline are like those which attend the decay of bodily health. It generally commences with loss of appetite, and a disrelish for spiritual food, prayer, reading the Scriptures, and devotional books. Whenever you perceive these symptoms, be alarmed, for your spiritual health is in danger; apply immediately to the great Physician for a cure.
The best means of keeping near to God is the prayer closet. Here the battle is won or lost. If a man begins to be impatient because his prayers for any blessings are not answered, it is a certain proof, that a self-righteous dependence on his own merits prevails in his heart to a great extent; for the language of impatience is, "I deserve the blessing: I had a right to expect that it would be bestowed, and it ought to have been bestowed ere this." It is evident that a man who feels that he deserves nothing, will never be impatient because he receives nothing; but will say, "I have nothing to complain of, I receive as much as I deserve." Again, when a man wonders, or thinks it strange, that he does not receive a blessing for which he has prayed, it shows he relies on his own own merits. The language of such feelings is, "It is very strange that I, who have prayed so well, and so long, and had so much reason to expect a blessing do not receive it." Persons who feel truly humble, on the contrary, are surprised, not when blessings are withheld, but when they are bestowed. It appears very strange and wonderful to them that God should bestow any favors on creatures, so unworthy as themselves, or pay and regard to prayers so polluted as their own. This is the temper to which every person must be brought before God will answer his prayers."

Jonathan Edward's Resolutions

May these words be of help to you as they convicted me and continue to show Christ more fully, and how I must think of Him. Shallom in the King

THE RESOLUTIONS of Jonathan Edwards
BEING SENSIBLE THAT I AM UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITHOUT GOD' S HELP, I DO HUMBLY ENTREAT HIM BY HIS GRACE TO ENABLE ME TO KEEP THESE RESOLUTIONS, SO FAR AS THEY ARE AGREEABLE TO HIS WILL, FOR CHRIST' S SAKE.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God' s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Proverbs 20:6,‹A faithful man who can find?Š may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.
34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,- what sin I have committed,-and wherein I have denied myself;-also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord' s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, never to do any thing of which I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.
43. Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God' s; agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12, 1723.
44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. January 12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving and sincere temper; and to do at all times, what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5, 1723.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age, say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if, I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as providence orders it. I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty, and then according to Ephesians 6:6-8, to do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man:‹knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.Š June 25 and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. January 14 and July 13, 1723.
64. Resolved, when I find those ‹groanings which cannot be utteredŠ (Romans 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those‹breakings of soul for the longing it hath,Š of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness, of which I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton' s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what am I the better for them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. August 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. August 17, 1723.

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Grand Duke Robert the Waspish of Walk upon Water Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

a recap of 2006

Happy New Year! God has been good and gracious this past year. Here are a few snaps of my past year with my friends during this past school term (and the semester beforehand).

Here is the 2nd place Intramural Basketball team. We lost to a better team that was more muscular and more physical than we were (certainly not taller)

Here is a picture of the men from the Spring Gala 2006. In front of our manly mantle piece (it is a tradition as you will see later) , we show off the charming good looks of certain young men. (I.e. The man in white) :-)

















Again in front of the mantle, but this time it was at the Crimson this past December, I had two good friends return to accompany their dear ladies to this formal. And also it was the first formal i went to with Seth G. (He is the guy to my right with some nice hair and a really cool tie.)









It was also my last with Jon - he got hitched last week :-) And he also graduated early.





I love this picture - It is Jen with her lovely ladies. This was a little pre Christmas celebration. But my year would not be complete without these four young ladies. (Especially Jen)

I thank God for the many friends he has blessed me with this past year, you all mean a great deal to me, thank you for your time, companionship and love.