Archive for August 2008
Fireproof, from the makers of Facing the Giants
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:40 AM by David Zavadil
Posted in (RSS)
Interesting Sites to Check out
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:03 AM by David Zavadil
Grace and Peace - The Blog of a friend of mine.
Trophies of His Grace - Everything Banner of Truth
Challies - One of my favorite blogs to read
Posted in Just For Fun (RSS)
A Prayer of Hope
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 10:35 AM by David Zavadil
O GOD OF MY EXODUS,
Great was the joy of Israel’s sons
when Egypt died upon the shore,
Far greater the joy
when the Redeemer’s foe lay crushed in the dust.
Jesus strides forth as the victor,
conqueror of death, hell, and all opposing might;
He bursts the bands of death,
tramples the powers of darkness down,
and lives for ever.
He, my gracious surety,
apprehended for payment of my debt,
comes forth from the prison house of the grave
free, and triumphant over sin, Satan, and death.
Show me herein the proof that his vicarious offering is accepted,
that the claims of justice are satisfied,
that the devil’s sceptre is shivered,
that his wrongful throne is levelled.
Give me the assurance that in Christ I died, in Him I rose,
in His life I live, in His victory I triumph,
in His ascension I shall be glorified.
Adorable Redeemer,
Thou who wast lifted up upon a cross
art ascended to highest heaven.
Thou, who as man of sorrows wast crowned with thorns,
art now as Lord of life wreathed with glory.
Once, no shame more deep than Thine,
no agony more bitter, no death more cruel.
Now, no exaltation more high,
no life more glorious, no advocate more effective.
Thou art in the triumph car leading captive Thine enemies behind Thee.
What more could be done than Thou hast done!
Thy death is my life, Thy resurrection my peace,
Thy ascension my hope, Thy prayers my comfort.
The Valley of Vision - Resurrection
Posted in Commentary (RSS), Puritans (RSS)
Respectable Sins Chapter 4
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 2:04 PM by David Zavadil
It has been a while since I have posted an entry about this book. We are now working through this in our Adult Sunday School class.
The author begins this chapter by introducing to saints of the past, John Newton and the Apostle Paul. He illustrates through their lives and their writings the way they viewed themselves as they grew in relationship to Jesus Christ. Newton summed it up best when he said, "My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior." Before we can deal with sin we need to understand our standing before God. We are sinners, fallen far short of God's glory. (Romans 3:23)
The question we all want to know is what is the remedy for our sinfulness? The short answer is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel does four things for us in dealing with sin.
- It plows the ground of our heart so that we can see our sin. (pg 34)
- It frees me up to deal with my sin. (34)
- It motivates and energizes me to deal with my sin (35)
- It gives me assurance that God no longer counts my sin against me (35)
Each day we are to "preach the gospel to ourselves." This personal sermon prepares us to deal with our sinfulness throughout the day.
Here are some questions to think about. Why do we think everyone else needs to hear the gospel but us? What are some ways that I can preach the gospel to myself?
Posted in Bible Study (RSS), Books (RSS)
Surprised By Hope
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 1:10 PM by David Zavadil
I have begun reading. Wright begins by discussing the views held by many in the world about death, resurrection and heaven. I wonder how many people, even in the Church, have a TV or Movie view of these issues. Many treat them as is they are "great unknowns." Since we really don't know what happens, why dwell on it at all?"
What does death mean to the Christian? What do you believe the resurrection means to a believer? Is heaven really a place up high that we all will ascend to one day? Join me in thinking on these things over the next few weeks. Share thoughts with me as I prepare to teach on the hope we have in Christ.
Edited on: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:24 PMA Prayer we should all pray
Posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 3:44 PM by David Zavadil
O LORD, I am shell full of dust, but animated with an invisible rational soul and made anew by an unseen power of grace; Yet I am no rare object of valuable price, but one that has nothing and is nothing, although chosen from thee from eternity, given to Christ, and born again; I am deeply convinced of the evil and misery of a sinful state, of the vanity of creatures, but also of the sufficiency of Christ.
When thou wouldst guide me I control myself, When thou wouldst be sovereign I rule myself.
When thou wouldst take care of me I suffice myself.
When I should depend on thy providings I supply myself, When I should submit to thy providence I follow my will, when I should study, love, honour, trust thee, i serve myself; I fault and correct thy laws to suit myself, Instead of thee I look to man's approbation, and am by nature an idolater.
Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back to thee.
Convince me that I cannot be my own god, or make myself happy, nor my own Christ to restore my joy, nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, rule me.
Help me to see that grace does this by providential affliction, for when my credit is god thou-dost cast me lower, when riches are my idol thou doest wing them away, when pleasure is my all thou dost turn it into bitterness.
Take away my roving eye, curious ear, greedy appetite, lustful heart; Show me that none of these things can heal a wounded conscience, or support a tottering frame, or uphold a departing spirit.
Then take me to the cross and leave me there. (bold and italics mine)
The Vision of Valley - "Man of Nothing"
Edited on: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 3:44 PMWhat is going on here?
Posted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 1:13 PM by David Zavadil
Things have been crazy here at EPC the last few weeks. If you have been checking my site out you have probably noticed things changing back and forth and looking kind of wierd. I am reconstructing my site and will also be changing my focus on here. I am beginning with the site name and a new look. In coming days you should notice a differenct frequency in posts and a change in what is posted. Bear with me as I make a move necessary to maintain my sanity.Posted in Ministry (RSS), The Church (RSS)