C.S. Lewis: The Man who Made me Think

I came across this very cool picture from an old Time magazine. It was first published over 60 years ago (Sept. 8, 1947), and it is amazing to see the influence that C.S. Lewis still has in America. He is probably the extra-biblical writer who has had the greatest impact on me. He gave me a greater desire to read Scripture, and most importantly gave me the confidence to know that the Christian faith was not an intellectual crutch for the ignorant. This was a great turning point for me- society has generally categorized Christianity as either being a tradition or a superstition. I used to hold a similar belief. But Lewis showed that one can be an orthodox Christian and be a thinking man. In fact, Lewis showed that the Christian must think in a more sophisticated manner than the unbeliever. The critic often throws out what seems like a contradiction- "I could never believe a God who is loving would send people to Hell"- and does no further examination beyond that. The Christian takes these great truths and must recognize that simple thinking will not do, and pursues a greater understanding of God. Lewis showed that when one thinks, Christ and Christian faith become even more beautiful.


"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right then, have it your way.'"

- C.S. Lewis

Superman Video

Here's the video from the pictures I posted last night... Still pretty amazing.

Superman

One of the top five sports moments I think I've ever seen...

Kingdom - Alistair Begg

A few days ago I posted some sermon jams I had enjoyed. After listening to a few more, I think I have found this one by Alistair Begg to be one of the best in terms of content. Plus, you can't beat the awesome accent. Enjoy.


Alistair Begg's thoughts on politics, humility, and the need for a Savior.

http://www.relevantrevolution.com/download3.html

Thank you

Megan and I wanted to thank all of those who have been so generous by giving to us for our mission trip. I was, unfortunately, becoming very anxious this time last week as we were over $1000 away from being able to go to Mexico. In the past week, both God and His people have been very faithful, and we are now only $345 away from being able to go to Mexico on our first mission trip together! I feel funny putting in actual amounts in this post, but I wanted everyone to know exactly how blessed we have been. This has been an amazing week, and we are so thankful to those who have given, as well as those who have committed to pray for us. We are now about a month away from heading South of the border, and please pray for us and our team that we would be used as much as possible in our short time down there.

Megan said it perfectly this week: "may we always be as generous as people have been with us."

A Featured Hymn - 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Hymns have become more and more intriguing to me. Not only are they full of wonderful theology, but every hymn has a great stories behind it. Below I've put together some of the background of "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" from a variety of resources.


(from http://www.igracemusic.com which is a great site)

“’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” was written by a woman, Louisa M. R. Stead. Out of one of her darkest hours—the tragic drowning of her husband—this hymn was penned.
Louisa Stead was born in England. She felt the call of God upon her life for missionary service. She arrived in America in 1871. In 1875, Louisa married a Mr. Stead, and to this union was born a daughter, Lily. When the child was four years of age, the family decided one day to enjoy the sunny beach at Long Island Sound, New York.
While eating their picnic lunch, they suddenly heard cries of help and spotted a drowning boy in the sea. Mr. Stead charged into the water. As often happens, however, the struggling boy pulled his rescuer under the water with him, and both drowned before the terrified eyes of wife and daughter.
And out of her struggle with God during the ensuing days, flowed these meaningful words—“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.”
(from http://www.tanbible.com/tol_sng/tissosweettotrustinjesus.htm)

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me’
Neath the healing, cleansing flood!(Refrain)

3. Yes ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.(Refrain)

4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.(Refrain)

Sermon Jams

I have to admit that putting some music in the background adds something. Maybe a new staff position can be "Pastor of DJing" to give sermons a little more zing. Here's a few of the better ones I've found...


Ravi Zacharias - "Death is Dead"


John Piper - "Real"


Ravi Zacharias/Alistair Begg - "Antinomy"

And here's the main site where there's a number more...

http://www.relevantrevolution.com/download.html