What Are You Reading? (4)

Well, we're wrapping up our book of the month: What's The Difference? by John Piper.

How did it impact you?

It gave me a clearer picture of what it means to be biblically feminine and what submission is and is not.

If this book has left you with more questions and a desire to go into greater depth on the subject, check out Recovering Manhood and Womanhood (Crossway, 1990). This larger volume provides in-depth exegesis of relevant Scriptural passages and also more practical guidance on how to live as a biblical female.


I'll end with this statement that really encouraged me--it's the last paragraph of the book, taken from the Danvers Statement (charter statement of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood).

With half the world's population outside the reach of indigenous evangelism; with countless other lost people in those societies that have heard the gospel; with the stresses and miseries of sickness, malnutrition, homelessness, illiteracy, ignorance, aging, addiction, crime, incarceration, neuroses, and loneliness, no man or woman who feels a passion from God to make His grace known in word and deed need ever live without a fulfilling ministry for the glory of Christ and the good of this fallen world.

We might struggle, as women, with the way God has made us and the role He has given us, but that is the fault of our fallen sinful flesh, not His perfect design. God help us all to grow in grace and to become the 'Titus 2 Woman' Gayline has been blogging about.


Next book on the list: Uprooting Anger by Robert D. Jones. Reading starts this Monday and we'd love for you to join us!

Subject-verb-object

it is the same God who empowers them
To each is given
who apportions to each one individually as he wills
God arranged the members
each one of them, as he chose
But God has so composed the body
And God has appointed in the church

Have you noticed the subjects, verbs, and objects in this entire passage? God is the Subject, the Doer, the Actor performing the verbs. We are the objects, the ones benefiting by the Actor's actions.

We receive spiritual gifts because God gave them to us. We don't have them naturally, and we don't go out and shop for them, and we don't develop them through striving. The Creator-God knows perfectly what he is about, and he is so ordering the church and composing the body that he gives spiritual gifts precisely as he deems best.

Where does that leave us with our myriad of reactions to spiritual gifts?

Insignificant Spiritual Gift? Go Stub Your Toe!

21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:21-26


Earlier today I was talking with a sales vendor at work about his broken pinky toe. He looked pretty pathetic limping all over the store. I likened his toe to 'that thing that you never think about until you hurt it.'

Maybe you see yourself as possessing the 'pinky toe' of spiritual gifts. Maybe no one really notices you or thanks you for serving the church or even knows exactly what spiritual gift you possess.

Do not belittle your God-given gifts or envy others' gifts. The Spirit gave you the perfect gifts to serve your church body in the exact way they need to be served. That is amazing!

The body works best when all of its' organs and limbs and parts are working correctly and cohesively. A broken pinky toe causes pain, loss of balance, and over-compensation. Surely the body suffers when the toe is not functioning the way it should; just as it thrives when the toe serves the body in its' intended ways.

Embrace and cultivate your spiritual gifts for the glory of God and for the good of His church. No matter how insignificant you think your gifting is, it is not insignificant to the body/church. There is room neither for pride nor for discontentment in your spiritual gift--each receives what the Spirit of God wisely bestows. We can trust Him.

Gifts vs. Envy

It's interesting to me the whole time we've been reading through 1 Corinthians 12, Girl Talk has been doing a series on envy. (I would have put up a direct link but at the time of posting, none of their blog pages were loading. The series started March 15 and has been going on almost every day since then.)

What is is about women in particular that causes us to be compare-mongers? We're (almost) always putting ourselves up against the haves and have nots of other women. She has better clothes. I have better kids. She has a better husband. I have a bigger house.

Are you like that with your gifts? Do you think of yourself as better off or more spiritual or more blessed because you have a particular set of "important" giftings while most other women around you have "far less important" gifts? Or is it the opposite? In other words, do you feel that you are worth less or can have less of an impact for God because you don't have as "great" a set of giftings as other women around you do?

Both of these positions are a terrible trap. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 that all the gifts--ALL the gifts (even the ones we view as insignificant)--are provided and empowered by the same Spirit, Lord, and God.

How can we get out of the trap? I think one of the best things to do is to reflect on our memory verse for this month, 1 Corinthians 12:7.

First of all, our gifts are not our own: "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit..." They aren't something that we've earned, or something that's been given to us because we deserved them. They are God's, and they are His to give out as He sees fit. Do you think too highly of your gifts? Remember that they have been given to you. Do you think too low of your gifts? Remember that the God of the universe gave them to you. Does He do anything insignificant?

Second of all, the gifts are not for us: "...for the common good." We are to use them to build others up. God is in the business of bringing us together so that we can encourage each other. Do you think too highly of your gifts? Do you puff up and put yourself above others as the Corinthians were doing, losing sight of their ultimate purpose? Remember that they are for the common good. It's not about you. Do you think too low of your gifts? Are you reluctant to exercise them because they don't mean much, or because you don't think they're important? Remember that they are for the common good. God gives good gifts to His children. If you are one of them, what He has given you is good, and you should put it to good use.

My thoughts for the month's meditation. We'd love to hear yours.

Dignified

Continuing in our series on Titus 2, we learn about another characteristic of godly older women. We read if you want to be an older woman who wants to speak into the lives of younger women, you first need to be dignified.

How does that settle with you? Does it make you shudder? Does it conjure up images of ladies wearing their hair in tight buns, with long noses and serious faces?

During my senior year of high school our class voted on class superlatives. Best looking, funniest, smartest, etc. Guess what I was chosen for? Yup. Most dignified. I'm not sure why. Was I really the best they could choose for this? Couldn't they have chosen me for something else, like "most likely to succeed"? I'm convinced they didn't fully understand the meaning of the term. My picture in the yearbook is back to back with the "most dignified" boy with our noses up in the air, acting all hoity-toity. Did my classmates think I was stuck up? I don't think so. At least I hope not!! I'm guessing that was just a pose they thought best captured the concept.

I was not dignified in much of my behavior back then. I am still embarrassed to think of the things I did, or thought were funny. I was a pretty typical teen and sadly some of my immaturity followed me into my early years of marriage. I can easily relate to the Apostle Paul when he said, "When I was a child I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child." (I Corinthians 13:11)

To be sober-minded has to do with our thought life. To be dignified has to do with our character. It has to do with carrying ourselves with a seriousness and deliberation that is consistent with our age and our calling.

Just as the President must conduct himself in a dignified manner that befits the office, so must older men and women in Christ. They have a reputation to uphold. Dignified men and women who are Christians know that life and faith is a serious business and their behavior and conversations should convey that.

That's not to say they do not have joy!! Part of the serious business of faith is to be seriously joy-filled!! There is no place for long faces in dignified women.

So, here's the question for the OWC (the Older Women Club) this week:

Are there ways in which you need to grow up a bit? Are you dignified in your speech, your humor, your mannerisms, your dress? If you want young women to listen to your message, these are things you must consider.

But remember, a dignified woman enjoys life, her God and her calling. A dignified woman even does cartwheels every now and then!

What's the Difference? (3)

Chapter four of What's the Difference is not a list of do's and don'ts, but rather is a guide toward living wisely and godly as a woman. Dr. Piper gives us a great definition of what mature femininity means and walks us through that definition step-by-step.

One of the most significant conclusions that he reaches is his statement on how praying women exert influence.

Praying women exert far more power in this world than all political leaders put together. This kind of powerful influence is compounded immensely when one considers the degree to which the world is shaped and guided by the effects of how men and women are formed by their mothers. This influence is perhaps more effective than all the leadership of men put together. (p. 61)

Biblical femininity is not an excuse to sit back and let someone else do all the work. Instead, we get the exciting and high privilege of praying to the Lord of all the earth. We don't need take up arms either in the home or in the literal battle. The Lord directs the paths of all people, and He listens to our prayers.

Watch this video. Go to the seminar.

What's the Difference? (2)

So we come to chapter 2 in our current book What's the Difference?, and it's about masculinity. What can we draw from a chapter on masculinity for a women's blog?

We take away a few tips on how to let men be men as designed by God.

First up: "At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead..."

When a Christian man benevolently (i.e. for the good of the woman) takes up the responsibility to lead, regardless of our perception of the quality of his leading (i.e. saying "well I wouldn't do it that way"), we have the feminine responsibility to follow.

- When was the last time you asked your husband "how am I doing in my following?"
- Do you allow him to initiate prayer at meal times, gather the family for devotions, set down the moral standards for your children, decide on financial priorities, etc.?
- How do you respond if your husband has appropriately sought your input for an upcoming decision and has chosen a path different from the one you would have chosen?
- Do you maintain a femininity that allows your husband to "[remain] alert to [your] deeper personal needs [as a] woman and [mingle] strength and tenderness to make [your] joy complete"?
- Do you allow and encourage (not command) your husband to take care of discipline issues when he is home?
- Do you together seek "to cultivate and communicate a healthy pattern of complementarity" in who drives the car, who opens the door, who walks on the street side, etc.?

Second: "At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to... provide for..."

Hear this: Piper is sure and careful to clarify that he does not mean women should not work outside the home. There are times when that is necessary. What he is saying is that "...when there is no bread on the table it is the man who should feel the main pressure to do something to get it there." So my question here would be:

Are you letting your desire to work outside the home supersede your husband's natural inclination and responsibility to provide for your family?

Third: "At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to... protect..."

In the world today we often see women scorning the protection of men because they feel it brands them as weak and incapable. However, as Piper points out, "It belongs to masculinity to accept danger to protect women." And not because in dangerous situations man's first thought is that the woman at his side is weak; rather, because he is the man and she is the woman. This does not mean the woman is not able to join in the fight, or that she will not be the one to deliver the decisive blow. But it does mean that the man accepts the primary responsibility to protect the woman when confronted with danger.

Do you allow your husband to protect you and fight for you when you are threatened?

In closing, it needs to be said that we do understand that there are some women reading this blog whose husbands are not Christians, or who are single moms. How can you encourage a proper view of mature masculinity in such situations? Let me remind you of one passage from the book:

[A man's] sense of responsibility will find expression in the ways he... gives moral and spiritual leadership for his family, and takes the initiative to provide them with the bread of life, and protect them from the greatest enemies of all, Satan and sin.

...So is a woman masculine if she is a single parent and provides these things for her children? Are these only for men to do?... A woman is not unduly masculine in performing these things for her children if she has the sense that this would be properly done by her husband if she had one, and if she performs them with a uniquely feminine demeanor.

....If the husband is there but neglects his responsibility and does not provide leadership for the children, then the mature, feminine mother will make every effort to do so, yet in a way that says to the husband, "I do not defy you, I love you and long with all my heart that you were with me in this spiritual and moral commitment, leading me and the family to God."

May the knowledge of true masculinity gained from this book help us all as we allow and encourage the men in our life to be men.

neither hot nor cold

"I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." [1]

So begins Jesus' words to the famously lukewarm church of Laodicia. But Don Carson points out that these verses are terribly misapplied [2]. No first-century Laodician would interpret it as simply an objection to the temperature of water. The real problem was that Laodicia had no fresh water. Neighboring valleys had clear hot springs for bathing and cold springs of good water for drinking. But Laodicia had no clean, usable water.

We're not reading about indifference, but impurity.

"For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see."

Jesus saw them as wretched, blind, naked, covered in shame. They didn't realize there was a problem. We don't realize there's a problem.

"Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."

We heard on Sunday that God speaks to us through our pastors. Let us take the reproof they offer and repent with great zeal. The imPURE seminar is on Saturday, April 24 from 9-3. This is too important to skip.

[1] Rev. 3:15-19
[2] Don Carson, "Revelation part 5"

imPURE

Purity isn't just a male issue. It's a human issue. We all struggle with impurity at one level or another, whether we're young, old, married, single, male, or female.

As you may know, TFC is holding a purity seminar on Saturday, April 24, from 9-3. We wanted to take the next couple of weeks to speak to purity, and to encourage you to attend the seminar. Topics include:

1. bePURE: Inward grace, outward honor - where our hearts should lead if our lives are to follow (Tim Shorey)

2. nowPURE: Old sin, new grace - how to turn things around (Steve Cassarino)

3. imPURE: In the world but not of the world - making sex small and God big in our media habits (Tim Bowditch)

4. Breakout sessions

a) PURE (married couples): Sex is a good - questions and answers about sex, marriage, and the world (pastoral staff)
b) stayPURE (singles): Don't waste your singleness - encouragement and practical advise for singles (adults w/ TW Shorey; teens Q & A w/ Brian Solik)

5. i'mPURE: Sex, Hope, and the Gospel - Grace that is greater than all our sins

Our RMMR reading plan brought us to Romans 8 today. Consider this from the ESV Study Bible footnotes regarding Romans 8:13:

God and believers each have a role in sanctification: it must be by the Spirit and His power, but you put to death shows that one must take an active role in battling sinful habits.

As you can see from the topics list, we're planning to cover both of these aspects.

Trust me, you don't want to miss this.

Join us.

Under the Influence

There is so much that weighs heavily on a woman's mind. Not only is she occupied with the needs of her family but she is processing all of life at the speed of light. These days we are bombarded with news, texts, emails, twitters, and blogs. The information that comes to us in any given day far exceeds what a woman would have had to process in New Testament days. The distractions that come with managing a household are similar to those experienced by our NT sisters, but add to that the precious minutes of life that are lost being left on hold while contacting customer service for a malfunctioning appliance, or tech-support to handle a computer glitch, or managing files for insurance, banking, DMV, etc and your head spins out of control.

Today's older Christian woman faces these challenges all the while being called to teach and train younger women. And so, like the NT older women are called to sober-mindedness, we are as well!!

The women in Titus 2 needed to be taught how their thought life was critical for their Christian witness and ministry. One might think it is not difficult for an older woman to be sober minded, but I'm here to tell you it is. For, after all the physical duties of a day are completed, the older woman facing the challenges of aging, is tempted to indulge in mindless activity. Believe me. I know. There comes a point in a day when a woman says, "enough!". And the temptation is strong to indulge the mind in habitual mindless television viewing, oversleeping, popping a few pills or drinking too much alcohol. Quite possibly an older woman may even find a mental and emotional escape in overeating. There comes a point in every day when an older woman is tempted to rationalize selfish behavior for the momentary mental relief from responsibilities.

Sober-mindedness has to do with temperance: showing moderation or restraint. To be sober-minded is to not be under the influence of anything that would not allow for clear minded thoughts about life, faith and service to God and others.

Sober-mindedness isn't something we tack on to the end of our day. It isn't something we fit into the schedule. Sober-mindedness is processing all of life through the truth of God's word. It is being able to process a response, or an answer, or an attitude, a crisis or a counseling situation with a mind ready for action. It is a mind that is poised to speak and act wisely. It is not mindlessness. It is not a mind dulled by substances or slothfulness.

All Christians are called to be sober-minded (I Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8). But pastors, deacons, older men and older women are specifically called to sober-mindedness. This is because they (we) bear a greater responsibility to teach and to set an example for those that are learning from us.

So, this the challenge: What is there in my life that is keeping me from thinking soberly?

What patterns of behavior are dulling my mind?

Am I truly:
"[setting] my mind on the things of the Spirit" (Romans 8:5)
"[setting] my mind on things above" (Colossians 3:2)
"[preparing] my mind for action" (I Peter 1:13)
"mature in my thinking" (I Cor. 14:20)
"taking every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5)

If I am, then I am living "under the influence" of something very powerful and very good.

On the Lighter Side

This desperately cute video is made bitter-sweet by the knowledge that almost three years ago, this family suffered the stillbirth of their baby girl. A great deal of sorrow preceded this joy.



Molly Piper

Beautiful Truth

Many years ago Tim and I, along with 2 other couples, signed up for introductory ballroom dance classes in preparation for a formal event where it would have been nice to know some basic dance steps. It was an enlightening experience to say the least. Let's just say, Tim and I now have a greater appreciation for those couples who can glide effortlessly across a dance floor, moving in fluid motion as one. We also have a better understanding of the need for one of the dance partners to lead. Without the strong, confident guidance of the leader, the couple ends up with four left feet (not a pretty sight). When the leader does his part, and the partner follows it is a beautiful thing to behold.

In the first chapter of What's the Difference? Dr. John Piper gives us his reasons for writing it. He says:

Over the years I have come to see from Scripture and from life that manhood and womanhood are the beautiful handiwork of a good and loving God. He designed our differences and they are profound. They are not mere physiological prerequisites for sexual union. They go to the root of our personhood. This essay is an attempt to define some of those differences as God wills them to be according to the Bible.

And so, in this book Piper is attempting to convince his readers of the reasonableness of man and woman's differences and purposes. He begins by building his case, "according to the Bible." Evangelical Christians should want to know what the Bible teaches on manhood and womanhood. Piper helps us by presenting in this short book a clear and concise argument for this truth.

But Piper also recognizes there is another convincing way for the truth of Biblical manhood and womanhood to become attractive to us. He answers the question:

Is the vision beautiful and satisfying and fulfilling? Can I live with it? ....Not only must there be thorough exegesis [the study of words and context], there must also be a portrayal of the vision that satisfies the heart as well as the head. Or to put it another way: we must commend the beauty as well as the truth of the vision. We must show that something is not only right but also good. It is not only valid but also valuable, not only accurate but also admirable.

Are you reading along? If you are, how are you learning more of the beauty and truth of God's design for the "dance" of biblical manhood and womanhood?

Time for a Food Revolution?

I try not to watch too much television, probably primarily because it puts me straight to sleep. But there is a show I've been watching lately. It's called Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. The plot is this--Jamie Oliver, a English chef who "revolutionized" the food in the British public schools, has come to the most unhealthy town in America to try to change the way an entire town eats.

I love the idea. I confess to being an organic consuming, whole-grain chewing food snob. I plan on preserving my health by consuming as few preservatives as possible.

On the show, the local radio host shows his adamant disgust with the idea of "healthy eating" by protesting that he doesn't want to eat only salad. Jamie Oliver's protests that healthy food is a lot more than just salad fell on completely deaf ears.

Spiritually, we need to eat. But do you remember the cartoon that Josh Harris drew in Dug Down Deep? We feed ourselves every day. The question is, are we feeding our flesh or our spirit? Are we taking in wholesome foods or fast food?

Some signs that your food might not be the healthiest:
1. it takes little to no thought
2. convenience is the top priority
3. it's all one color or texture

Does that describe our private worship? Does that describe how we pray or meditate or study Scripture? Does that describe the doctrine we adhere to or the leaders we follow?

If so, what is stopping us from revolutionizing our food?

Comfort--Lies vs. Reality

I was so convicted by Brooke's post yesterday. So often, I go to something other than God for comfort.

Idols lie and entice us with false promises and we, weak sinners that we are, are often guilty of tasting the bitter fruit of idols rather than feasting on the sweet, nourishing promises of God.

Like eating Hershey kisses instead of fine Belgian chocolate (to borrow Pastor Tim's analogy). Think of how foolish it would be, once having tasted Belgian chocolate, to keep going back to your bag of Hershey kisses thinking, 'Maybe this one will taste like the Belgian...maybe this one will taste like the Belgian...maybe this one.........'

And your Belgian chocolate is sitting there untouched because you are beguiled by the pretty silver wrappers and the advertising ploys of Hershey that promote their little chocolate's as 'The Best!' One taste and you will know that one lives up to its' claims and one...well, falls short.

The following is taken from the February twenty-ninth entry in Voices From the Past. (excerpt written by Richard Sibbes, edited by Richard Rushing)

All of God's ways are merciful and true though we might feel much forsaken at the present. The Holy Spirit teaches us to see that God is our best friend, and he will never forsake us...He is always present in power and providence by his Spirit in supporting, comforting, and strengthening the hearts of his children.
God alone can fill every corner of the soul of man. God is a fountain that will never run dry. If it is good to be near God, then the nearer we are to him, makes it even better...Labour to be near to him. God is near to all that call upon him.

Amen.

"But for me it is good to be near God." Psalm 73:28a

Comfort

If you're friends with me on facebook or you follow me on twitter, you saw this excerpt in my status this morning:

It is as ordinary for the righteous to be comforted as it is for the day to dawn. Wait for the light; it will surely come.

It's from Beside Still Waters, a collection of writings from Charles Spurgeon, edited and put into updated language by Roy Clarke.

As I've been thinking on this during the day, I've been reminded of the first couple of sermons from the current preaching series at TFC, Behold Your God.

How does God comfort his people in Isaiah 40? He basically awes them with himself. He says, "Look at me! Look at who I am! This will comfort you!"

Have you been needing comfort lately? Maybe your husband has been out of work for months. Or your own job is in jeopardy. Maybe you have a child who has wandered from you, or you've recently lost a close family member. Maybe you're dealing with health issues or a strained relationship. Maybe you are lonely.

We women--especially those of us with families--have lots of places to look for comfort. Are you looking to your husband for comfort? Your kids? Are you looking to your friends or coworkers? Or maybe your boyfriend? Is it food? Or television, or movies, or games, or books, or going out?

There is only one who will bring you true and lasting comfort. It is God. And that is why it is "ordinary" for a righteous person to be comforted. A righteous person has one gaze: the gaze at God.

It is the gaze that brings comfort.

"Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous" (Psalm 112:4).


p.s. Don't forget we started reading What's the Difference? yesterday. Join us.

Likewise

We will be spending some time thinking about the godly character of members of the OWC. It isn't enough to simply be a certain age. A member of the "older woman club" must have godly character that is consistent with her profession of faith. Before a woman opens her mouth with teaching, she must first humbly examine her life and character closely.

This isn't to say an older woman has to be perfect (we all know too well, that isn't possible this side of heaven). But her deepest desire and the direction of her life is to be as "godly as a redeemed sinner can possibly be."

In Titus 2, Paul doesn't give vague generalities. I find this interesting. Throughout the New Testament, Christ and the apostles are not hesitant to give us clear guidelines for how to live the christian life. We are not at liberty to pick and choose which of God's clear commands we will obey. We must, with dependence on the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us live, do as Peter says: "as obedient children do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:14,15).

Membership in the OWC carries with it certain responsibilities.

First we read women are to be like the older men. Verse 3 reads: "Older women likewise..." Like what? Verse 2 tells us: "Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love and in steadfastness."

So are we.

In the next six weeks we will dig into each of these, to find their meaning and hopefully learn together how we can be pursuing a mature and godly perspective and lifestyle.

And, if you are not yet an OWC member, may I suggest you read along so that you may be inspired to begin to pursue these qualities? One thing is certain. When you turn 50 you are not zapped with godliness. These are things that are learned and pursued, by God's grace, over a lifetime. And yet, if you are a new believer (or an older believer), despite years of living otherwise, God is ready to pour out His grace upon you to enable you to pursue these things beginning right now.

If we have been given the incredible gift of salvation through Christ alone, may we all ask ourselves this question, "How shall we now live for the Glory of God and the good of the church?"

And the winner is...

Leah! Again! Congratulations on winning a copy of our next book: What's the Difference? Catch up with Robin on Sunday to claim your prize.

Hope to see more comments about the impact of Living the Cross Centered Life even though the contest is over.

Thanks everyone!

On the Lighter Side

Two weeks away from TFC's Silent Auction!!!

Do you have your tickets yet?

I mean, where else can you get a dessert buffet, fun fellowship, and entertainment all for $10?!?! Ask a neighbor, coworker, or friend and come out for the fun!

The proceeds will benefit TFC's Roots to Fruit 20th Anniversary Celebration, as well as, 10 percent being donated to America's Keswick.

Here's a sneak peak of the centerpieces that will decorate the tables--see the 'roots to fruit' theme???


We need your help! We need twenty clear vases for the evening. If you are willing to lend your vase for the event, bring it to the church building and drop it off in the kitchen (just make sure it's labeled on the bottom or identified in some way so that we can label it!)

Hope to see you all at the auction!

Living the Cross Centered Life (3)

It's hard to think of a better book to have been reading in the month leading up to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday than Living the Cross Centered Life. We should always be meditating on this stuff, and yet, anniversaries, memorials, and celebrations are wonderful reminders for us to focus and pay attention because this is important. Because today is Good Friday, I am going to hopscotch my way through the book, highlighting a few passages that just deserve to be highlighted any day of the year, but on Good Friday especially.

A holy God can respond only in furious wrath to sin; how much more so when the sin is persistent, intrinsic evil! How could He ever forgive, pardon, save, and be reconciled with those who are entrenched and enslaved in such blatant hostility toward Him? (63)

Because of God's amazingly gracious heart toward those who thoroughly deserve only His wrath, He both planned for and provided this mediator to resolve the divine dilemma. In the mystery of His mercy, God--the innocent, offended party--offers up His own Son to death, to satisfy His righteous wrath and save the guilty party from it. (70)

With whom do you most identify in the events of this dark day? I identify most with the angry mob screaming, "Crucify Him!" Unless you see yourself standing there with the shrieking crowd, full of hostility and hatred for the holy and innocent Lamb of God, you don't really understand the nature and depth of your sin or the necessity of the cross.(86-87)

When we begin to grasp that we joined that mockery--that we are to blame for the Savior's death--we start to understand the seriousness of our sin.(88)

Easter cards are pretty and are nice to send to people. But the cross doesn't grow out of a cluster of spring flowers tied together with ribbon. Let's not skip the horror and bloodshed and guilt of Friday, or we'll totally miss the resurrection-bringing joy of Sunday.


Don't forget to enter our contest by leaving a comment on this post. So far we only have one comment...

Where Does Love Come From?

Top Five Google Results for 'Love':

1) Wikipedia Definition--"Love is any of a number of emotions related to a sense of strong affection and attachment."

2) "The Love Calculator"--Calculates the chance on a successful relationship between two people
(Who knew it was so simple?!?!)

3) LOVE Nightclub NYC

4) Image Results for Love--a LOT of hearts and a fat cupid

5) The Beatles LOVE--Cirque du Soleil show at The Mirage, Las Vegas

Of course, if you were thinking of something different at the mention of the word 'love,' just keep looking. There were 1,339,999,995 more results. Apparently, love is a popular topic!

You know, some of the most loving people I know are non-Christians. I would never say that only Christians can love; non-believers can love deeply. The world, in a sense, is aware of the beauty of sacrificial, faithful, and true love.

Love is a human trait. It is a human trait because it is a God trait and humans are image-bearers of God. We love because God loves. Our love, albeit, is a fallen, imperfect love, while God's love is perfect: God is love!

If you read 1Corinthians 13:1-13 to an unsaved friend, they would probably agree wholeheartedly with the text. They might even think it profoundly beautiful. It describes exactly how we want everyone to behave toward us. But actually live this way??? "Come on...we're only human!" is the cry of the age. By their deeds, unbelievers deny their God-given conscience.

So here are five thoughts on 'love' and the reality of its' origin:

1) The Bible is beautiful and speaks to the heart of man.

2) A loving atheist and a hateful Christian are both living contrary to their respective worldviews.

3) Being a 'loving person' does not merit salvation. Christ loved perfectly and it is in His obedience alone that we stand before God.

4) Non-Christians love because they are image-bearers and because God restrains their hatefulness. Christians love because they are image-bearers and because Christ breaks the bond of sin and frees them to live in obedience to God.

5) Evolution provides no explanation for love. The Bible does.


Just a few random thoughts about the reality of love and the witness it bears to a beautiful Creator.

"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10).


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