June 30th, 2010 10:06am
Eric Peterman
This entry in the June 22nd Our Daily Bread was so profound that it bears repeating here.
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In a commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:15, Martin Luther cites the story of Themistocles, the soldier and statesman who commanded the Athenian squadron. Through his strategy, he won the Battle of Salamis, drove the Persian army from Greek soil, and saved his city.
He by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man. Ecclesiastes 9:15
A few years later, he fell out of favor, was ostracized by his countrymen, and was banished from Athens. Thus, Luther concludes, “Themistocles did much good for his city, but received much ingratitude.”
The crowd, for some reason, seems to ignore or quickly forget the good that the poor and humble man accomplishes through his wisdom. No matter. “Wisdom is [still] better than strength” even if “the poor man’s wisdom is despised” (v.16). It’s better to be a quiet, honest sage who, though forgotten, leaves much good behind, than a swaggering, strident fool who, though many applaud him, “destroys much good” (v.18). Accordingly, what matters in the end is not the recognition and gratitude we receive for the work we’ve done, but the souls of those gentle folk in whom we’ve sown the seeds of righteousness. Put another way: “Wisdom is justified by all her children” (Luke 7:35). Whom have you influenced through your wise and godly wisdom? – David Roper
Help me to walk so close to Thee
That those who know me best can see
I live as godly as I pray,
And Christ is real from day to day. —Ryberg
A wise person sets his earthly goals on heavenly gains.
October 29th, 2009 05:24pm
Eric Peterman
| Well, ok, maybe it’s not quite as amazing or dramatic as all that. We’re just changing the time of our Sunday service and Wednesday evening Bible study in order to better accomodate the changing needs of folks in our fellowship.
Beginning Nov 1st, 2009 (Daylight Savings – Remember to set your clocks back Saturday night):
- Sunday Services: we’re changing from 9:30am to 10:00am.
- Wednesday Bible Studies: changing from 7pm to 6:30pm.
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October 23rd, 2009 01:15pm
Eric Peterman
| Halloween and paganism are, for some reason, irrevocably linked in some Christians’ minds. However, this should not be so, for modern secular Halloween and paganism actually have very little to do with each other. |
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The Halloween that is celebrated today in the United States is a day when children and adults alike dress up and collect candy. Some people create “haunted houses” to thrill teenagers. People dress as princesses, insects, “witches”, zombies and aliens. Some teens play pranks, throw rotten eggs at one another, etc. Its one of the larger commercial holidays with sales of candy, costumes, decorations, etc. So, what does that have to do with paganism? Very little, really. Actually, pagans don’t even celebrate Halloween as a spiritual holiday. (more…)
October 14th, 2009 11:22am
Eric Peterman
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“I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen, not only that I see it, but by it I see everything else.” — CS Lewis |
October 14th, 2009 10:20am
Eric Peterman
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Al Mohler warns parents of the upside-down portrayal of the proper parent/child relationship found in contemporary picture books for children. It’s an apt warning for all of us trying to raise respectful, God-fearing, well adjusted children to be aware of, and push back hard against such damaging influences. |
October 5th, 2009 02:19pm
Eric Peterman
| Part 2 of the series on self-deception, on SharperIron.org. This one covers group-think and group-deception. |
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October 5th, 2009 02:14pm
Eric Peterman
This article on individual self-deception, part 1 in a series on SharperIron.org, is excellent and a clear mirror for self-examination.
October 2nd, 2009 10:59am
Eric Peterman
One thing that stands out crystal clear in Paul’s articulation of the gospel in his epistle to the Roman church is that the gospel that he preaches begins, and is founded on, a very complete and careful explanation of condemnation – the righteousness of God and the unrighteousness of mankind. Not only does he say in the early chapters of Romans that great masses of people will face the judgment of God and be condemned for their sin, he says that each individual will stand utterly alone in rendering an account for their life and their sin, and that each individual will face, alone, the full brunt of God’s personal offense and anger at their sin and rebellion.
The clearest statement of this and the fact that condemnation and judgment are fundamental to the gospel, see Romans 2: 16, “…on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”
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October 2nd, 2009 09:40am
Eric Peterman
I’ve noticed a troubling twist in a few conversations with believers, and it shows up when one tries to engage these particular folks with the certainty of the nature of God from the Scriptures. They balk at the idea of Scriptural boundaries and doctrinal precision about what the Triune God is and is not. Further they stiffen up when one tries to apply specific doctrinal principles to say a particular belief, behavior or attitude is right or wrong.
They respond with something like:
- “God is bigger than his word.”
- “God is bigger than your systematic theology.”
- “If you think you’ve got a handle on God then you don’t have the real God in mind.”
(more…)
September 4th, 2009 08:46am
Eric Peterman
Here is a great story about a Lebanese Christian family who worked positively through the years against bias against black customers who just wanting to eat some great BBQ.
But it raises a question for the thinking, biblical Christian,,,
(more…)
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Sunday Services
10am - Join us for worship and fellowship in song, prayer and sermon in the Scriptures. We're currently in the Book of Romans. Children's Sunday school during sermon time.
Wednesday Evening
6:30pm - Pastor Dave Kooyers is leading us through the book of the Acts of the Apostles. Join us!
