This quote should be on your refridgerator

I stumbled across this quote as plan to preach tomorrow from Ephesians 4.

"The church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness and sanctification center, where flawed people place their faith in Christ, gather to know and love him better, and learn to love others as he designed." --- Paul David Tripp

True and Better

True & Better from Peter Artemenko on Vimeo.

Christianity Explored

There are lots of ways to share the gospel. There are lots of kits, canned methods, and there are lots of conferences and seminars that will teach you how to do it. I have become frustrated with some and excited at the simplicity and the biblical teaching of others. Christianity Explored definitely falls in the camp of being solid and biblical.

Check out their website...

http://www.christianityexplored.org/what-is-christianity

God sent His Son (Jesus) into the world as King. We've rejected the loving King by sinning but Jesus died so that His blood would be poured out for many. He took the punishment that we deserve. We can become children of God when we repent of our sins and trust in Christ. This is good news. Really good news!

Tornadoes, Trials, and Tough Questions

Recently, another tornado created havoc and destroyed much of Joplin, Missouri (See Link). This city is the home of my wife's dear relatives. They are fine and are helping with relief efforts. As Joplin recovers and as Alabama continues to recover, more tornadoes are likely to come and hurricane season is around the corner. It is times like these that make us think about life and how short it really is in light of eternity. During these last days, some may question God's plan but without a doubt I trust His hand. He was not caught off guard by the whirlwind or when you or I sin. In the midst of trials and calamity, I am reminded of this precious truth...

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. -- Psalm 18:2

Recently, David Platt, preached on the Trustworthiness of God in the midst of tornadoes. It is excellent and brings joy in the midst of mourning.

Praying for the folks of Joplin!

Summer Reading List

Well, I have been inspired to come up with a summer reading list in part to my brother-in-law's list on his blog. I admit that I my list is not nearly as exciting or challenging as his is but I think I will probably be reading some children's books this summer to our crew of five so maybe that can count towards my summer theological studies.

Before I get to the list, I must say that one of the best books (top 5) I have ever read is How People Change by Paul David Tripp and Timothy Lane. I'm almost through with it and will definitely be rereading and referencing it time and again.

The list...

Desiring God by John Piper (I've picked this up before but have never finished it).

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

War of Words by Paul David Tripp

Speaking the Truth in Love by David Powlison

The Faithful Parent: A Biblical Guide to Raising a Family by Martha Peace and Stuart Scott

Two books that I hope to buy and read in the near future...

Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine by Gregg Allison

40 Questions about Interpreting the Bible by Robert Plummer

Missionary Training

Tomorrow, should be a great day. Sheena and I are going to have some trusted friends watch the children so that we can do some missionary training with Lifeline Children Services. Lifeline

is a great organization and they are sending out a missionary couple to the Dominican Republic very soon. The couple will be working as representatives from Lifeline and living out a small part of the vision of (un)adopted. Sheena and I will be sharing about our church planting journey in Newfoundland, Canada in order to help prepare this couple for what awaits them. We hope our failures and successes in ministry will be of use to them and we look forward to learning from this special couple who have sacrificed their lives to further the gospel in a hurting country. Besides the above, I am looking forward to spending some time alone with my bride. We might be able to even squeeze in a cup of coffee at Starbucks!

Susanna dancing

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance --- Ecclesiastes 3:4

Susanna's 1st Birthday Cake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhZ4mxcBIKk

This is a tradition in the Baker family (Sheena's folks) household. You are sure to enjoy this video. By the way, her birthday was May 6th. I am just late on getting the video up.

Pride is deadly

There are a plethora of good books out there today. Kevin DeYoung lists quite a few that I would love to read in the near future. I remember Danny Akin mentioning in Seminary that there is just not enough time to read all of the good books out there so he tries to read the best ones for his particular ministry setting. One book that should top everyone's list as a GREAT book is The Exemplary Husband by Stuart Scott. I remember reading it thinking, "Wow, I wish I would have read this earlier." Scott does an amazing job of outlining the definition of pride and what it means to crucify pride and cultivate humility as we follow Christ. The manifestations of pride and humility can be seen summarized here. Pride is the source of all sin and reminds us that we often set out to further our kingdom instead of God's by exalting Christ. Pride is blinding and reminds us that our hearts are sick and in need of a Savior (Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 7:21-25). As easy as it is to get discouraged of late, I am reminded that I do not live as one without purpose. God's love is not something abstract but rather an attribute that is embodied in His Son, Jesus Christ. His love reveals the hope believers have to repent of sin (pride) and follow Christ each day. I am thankful for His love that frees me from pride and teaches me to follow His plans. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. --- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15