This video is certainly in the category of must-watch. So good.
What is the Bible about?
Message excerpt from Tim Keller, video by Heath McPherson.
“It’s okay to wrestle with a biblical text, so long as at the end it masters you and not the other way around.”
Leg Crossers –Jason and Sam
I got to meet fellow Rabbit Room writer Jason Gray in Nashville a few weeks ago, as well as hear him perform some songs. Then this past weekend got to hear him again here in southern West Virginia (thanks Matt and Mark). Gina and I (and the kids) got to spend some extended time with him and it was really special. I encourage you to check out his music. It’s good, ya’ll.
Fake Scholarship –Jason and Gina, fakers
His emphasis on weakness, brokenness and the power and completeness of God in our weakness is beautiful. His song from several years ago, Blessed Be, has been a welcome reminder of something I have needed to hear lately.
I am going through some health issues now, again (I have a medical test today, in fact, and would appreciate prayer). This idea of being perfected in weakness, of being blessed in brokenness (which is so evident in Matthew, and all of Scripture) has been a comfort to me. Jason’s music has added to the chorus of truth I need to hear now and all the time.
The Gospel is for the broken, the needy, the ones who know they need it. Not for the morally superior. Again, consider this amazing passage in Luke 18. I need that!
So, after the jump here I put Jason’s song, Blessed Be, up for you to hear. I didn’t ask him, so mum’s the word. It’s not the best audio (or video), so I put up the words. But he tells the same story on Acoustic Storytime, which is a great record.
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”Even if no command to pray had existed, our very weakness would have suggested it.”
Francois de Fenelon
HT: Scotty Smith
“If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer–His grace sufficient, His promises unchangeable.”
John Newton
HT: Scotty Smith
A little while back I asked the question: Doing Anything for Orphans? Here’s a little more on one of the parties I mentioned.
I urge you to watch this video and consider supporting New Hope Uganda. Bringing the Fatherhood of God to the Fatherless Children of Africa.
The folks at New Hope Uganda are carrying out a mission that is very dear to me. Their points of emphasis are heartening.
The Gospel. Fatherhood. Motherhood. Work ethic/Industry. Loving families.
Beautiful.
Consider helping them out.
Are there others doing this kind of thing as well? Are there those doing good work that lines up with your passions? Tell us about them.
“God’s blessings at times came to us through our labors and at times without our labors, but never because of our labors.”
Martin Luther
Photo from New Hope Uganda.
This won’t be a guilt-inducer, I hope. At least not in the way we often process things like this. It goes like this: “I’m a Christian, but if I’d just do more, I’d really be acceptable with God.”
No.
That is Moralistic thinking, trying to add to the perfect work of Christ. But Christ’s work needs no addition. It isn’t, “Christ’s work, plus my bit and we’re in.” It’s Jesus’ Work, plus nothing. So please don’t see this in that way.
Why should we help orphans? Because we serve a Lord and he has commanded it? Yes. Oh, and for joy.
Here is what James says, by the Holy Spirit. The context contains this:
“Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”
(James 1:9-11 ESV)
James goes on to talk about being quick to hear, slow to speak, and bridling tongues. He is advocating true religion and condemning disobedience.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27 ESV)
Visiting orphans and widows in their affliction is more than just sending a check. That’s a wake-up to many of us. But when you have a lot of money, then it’s a good place to start. It’s a good way to rejoice in what our brother James refers to as our “humiliation,” or “lowly position.”
Note: If you are an American, then it is likely you are very rich (by world, and historical, standards). Don’t listen to the envy-inspiring politicians who beg us to covet our neighbor’s possessions and vote to steal them. Nor the ones who say we have a right to greed and self-indulgence. My advice: pretty much avoid getting theology (truth) from politicians in general.
I have a a few friends who are involved heavily in orphan care. You probably do too. I plan to highlight them more in this space in the future.
But for now, a couple of places to consider supporting if you want to jump on it.
New Hope Uganda. This is a organization our family loves and supports. “Bringing the Fatherhood of God to the Fatherless Children of Africa.” Beauty. See them on Facebook here.
Photo from Keith McFarland of New Hope Uganda.
Perry’s Adoption Journey. The Perry’s are doing just that, working toward adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. You can visit them here, or catch them on FB here. Consider supporting their mission. They need a lot of money to love one girl a whole bunch.
There are others who are adopting in their communities. You know them. Ask them how you can help.
Here’s a good explanation form Southern Seminary.
What is the Gospel? from Southern Seminary on Vimeo.
The happy truth that God does not need us is a tonic against the fatal illness of self-reliance. It pleases God to work in and through us, but he is not dependent upon us. He is never biting his nails. He is never on the edge of his seat, worrying over outcomes.
If your god is like that, may I suggest you kill him and turn to the Triune God of the Bible. He is the Sovereign King. In actual fact.