Helpful audio here from Dr. Dominic Aquila on the Challenges Confronting the PCA.  He discusses two theological challenges the PCA is dealing with today - Federal Vision and the New Perspectives on Paul.  We must always be working for doctrinal purity in our churches.  I am thankful for Dr. Aquila highlighting these important points.

This is Grace's first solo during church.  She sung this song in the morning service at our church in front of 350 people.  She did so well and we are so proud of her.  I preached after she was done that morning.

I am trying to post a video of Grace's song on 2/10/08, but MSN Live Spaces will not let me do it.  I need some technological know-how.

Until then, it is available here - http://nlicc.org/4sean/
  

I should be in bed ... but I am up late working on some youth group stuff.

In light of the new Cinderella song by Stephen Curtis Chapman I made a "Guilty Parent" genre on my Windows Media player.  I added Pachelbel's Kanon in D on my list.  Sometimes I sit and listen to the song and imagine my girls walking down the isle to get married.  What does God want them to be like when they get to that day.  Then I cry and pray for them.

Change of pace now...

I wanted to know more about the Kanon, and I ended up finding this YouTube video.  I pray they would not go down the aisle to this, but it does jam nicely!

 

Good, and simple article describing how a man can determine if he is called to ministry.

Has God Called You? Discerning the Call to Preach - by Al Mohler

USA Today talks about the problem of powerful evangelicals not going to church ...

A gated community in the evangelical world

This article comes from a liberal perspective, recognizing the contributions that evangelicals have made to some of the same causes they care about:
Evangelicals a Liberal Can Love

This article explains how we deal with the fact that the world doesn't like Christians - I like his answer: knowing the difference between Church and Kingdom.

And finally, no matter what you think about him, you have to appreciate the wittiness of Mike Huckabee (would he win the election for the most easy quoted?):

Republicans in the states still to hold nominating contests "deserve more than a coronation, they deserve an election," Huckabee said to applause.

"I know the pundits and I know what they say -- that the math doesn't work out," he said. "Folks, I didn't major in math, I majored in miracles, and I still believe in those too."

I was watching a movie earlier this week where a man and a woman suddenly hook up and end up in bed together with absolutely no relationship building or character development.  At first, I thought, that was lame.  But upon reflection this morning (as I prepare for a youth group study on courtship) I realize that many movies (especially action ones like this) don't have the time to develop a relationship based on character or spiritual things.  They don't even have the time to build off of emotional connections. 

So, many contemporary movies short-circuit the relationship process by jumping straight into the bedroom scenes.  They want to show the high degree of intimacy that a couple shares without taking the time it normally requires to build a relationship.  To me, the end result is that I think that the on-screen relationship is very shallow.

This shows the folly of building a worldview based upon the movies.  And yet, we do it.

Relationships take time, especially the ones that really demonstrate biblical love.  Let's take our example from the Bible.

Song of Songs 8:4 - "Do not awaken love until the time is right."

Al Mohler has very helpful guidance as we approach the upcoming election - and for our own home state of Virginia in our primary election on February 12 (you were planning to vote next Tuesday, right?)  (you are registered right?).  His reflection is available on his daily talk show.

Three things should inform our voting, according to Mohler:
1. Competence - does the candidate have experience in leadership that proves he can successfully serve in the elected position?
2. Character - does the person have integrity, honesty, and an overarching "goodness" to them that could instill confidence in the nations people?
3. Convictions - what positions does the candidate hold to?  Are they in line with a biblical worldview?  What does the Bible say about moral and civil practices?  The big question I think Christians need to ask is if they will protect the ministry of the church.  An individual conscience is important, but the church is also important as it provides spiritual guidance to our whole culture.  Many policies affect the church including a candidates view of hate crimes, national health care, abortion, and welfare.

Let us bring a Christian Worldview with us as we vote this year!

I think this is an important article to consider as we seek to minister the gospel to our neighbors around us. 

Article: Is religion losing the millennial generation?

It asks the question - what are people looking for in a religion?  The key thing with all is they seek justification to do what will make them happy.  But the Bible has so much more to say.  First, the Christian faith may looks to care for others in love.  True religion is full of joy in serving others.  It is not about having our own needs met, but living for God and for others

Some thoughts:
1. I think the Christian faith will really satisfy the desire that people have.  It does give joy.  It's protection of the body, of sex, or alcohol are given so we may enjoy God and His gifts.
2. The Christian faith must be continually presented in terms of relationship.  That is primary - Yes, doctrine and law instructs us in relationship, but the relationship is central.  The gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ is so relevant here.
3. We need to connect the gospel with everyday life, not just heaven and hell.  Still, heaven and hell are real and we need to continue to talk about these ultimate things.
4. In some ways, there will never be a connection between the Christian faith and the "passions of youth" (2 Tim. 2:22).  We continue to hold out a hope that is biblical, no matter how people may dislike it.  God will draw as He chooses.

There are three ways we can think about our life:

• We can focus on the things we have done (this produces guilt or pride)
• We can focus on what others have done to us (which makes us feel dirty, corrupted, and defiled)
  
• We can focus on what Christ has done for us (which gives joy and freedom)