Does God Speak to People Today?

This past week I came across this great, great posting from John Piper. I have posted it below in its entirety.
It is very important that if you start reading it, that you read it all the way through. Do it. You will be blessed, I promise.

If you would rather listen to it than read it, you can do that here.

Pastor Gene

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Let me tell you about a most wonderful experience I had early Monday morning, March 19, 2007, a little after six o’clock. God actually spoke to me. There is no doubt that it was God. I heard the words in my head just as clearly as when a memory of a conversation passes across your consciousness. The words were in English, but they had about them an absolutely self-authenticating ring of truth. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God still speaks today. . .

Is "Heaven is for Real" for real?

I finally found time to sit down and read the book, “Heaven is for Real,” by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. I hadn’t really had any desire to do so, since I figured I kind of new what was coming. The subtitle, “A little boy’s astounding story of his trip to heaven and back” sort of spills the beans as to what will be found between its bright yellow and orange covers (complete with a picture of little Colton). After a few requests from members of my congregation, however, I dove in and after two sessions, had it finished off.

To give my impressions of it, I think it needs to be dealt with on different levels.

Gaining and Keeping the Hearts of Our Young People

In our men's study breakfast this past month we discussed the importance of having a biblical mindset in the critical task of raising our children. We talked about the importance of Proverbs 23:26, "My son, give me your heart." Notice it does not say to give me your obedience or give me your physical presence (as noted by the author of the book we are studying), but "give me your heart."
That is the challenge, isn't it, to gain the hearts of our children. It cannot be done without much prayer (with and for our children) and much time spent with them (the modern mantra of "quality time instead of quantity time" is an un-biblical idea).
One of the greatest tragedies that a Christian parent can face is to see their child come to their teenage years and reject the faith. But how do we do all that we can to see that does not happen? Obviously we can't guarantee that it won't, even if we apply ourselves biblically to the task. Even those who have done all the "right things" to encourage their children to "give me your heart" have no absolute divine promise that such children will remain in the church, though we pray that they will. 
The other day I came across a really insightful and rightly-focused article on the Christian Coalition's blog. It takes a fresh and helpful approach; instead of considering those who have left, and trying to see "what went wrong?" he considers those who have stayed in the church and to whom God has given a vital faith and asks the question, "what went right?" What is it that sets apart the kids who stay in the church?
Give this a read. If you are a Christian parent of young children be sure to give this a read.

Here is the link.

Blessings,
Pastor Gene

Casey Anthony, Justice, and You

If you heard a strange sound around 11:00 this morning (July 5) what you likely heard was the nation's collective jaw dropping as the verdicts in the Casey Anthony murder trial were read in Florida.

After the biggest media circus trial since the O.J. Simpson trial, the jury, after a deliberation of only 10 hours, returned Not Guilty verdicts on all the counts except for the "relatively minor" charge of lying to police (that this is a minor offense in the eyes of man can be the topic of a future post). After adjusting for time served, Casey Anthony could be back out partying before the end of the week.

The shock at the verdicts was palpable, and the pundit reactions were immediate and forceful. How could this happen?
Let me add this right here, I am not going to re-try the case here. I have my own thoughts, like everyone else, but my purpose is not to rehash or second-guess the jury's verdict.

Glorifying God in Your Work

I picked up this bit of wisdom from John Piper's blog the other day.
I'm reminded of the statement that is often attributed to Martin Luther, erroneously it turns out, but a proper understanding nonetheless; namely, that if you are a shoemaker, make the best shoe you can for the glory of God. Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Some good practical advice. The link is below.

12 Ways to Glorify God at Work

What is Pastor Gene Reading?

I thought it may be of some interest, especially to members of my congregation, to know what books I am currently reading, and have read recently.

Why We're Not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should Be - Kevin DeYoung, Ted Kluck

I have been doing quite a bit of reading online regarding the Emergent Church when I came across this book by a couple of guys from west Michigan, one of whom is a pastor in a Reformed church. It is a helpful, and a think fair-handed treatment of the Emergent church "conversation."

Love Wins - Rob Bell

One of the hottest books out . . . and one of the most controversial, and with good reason. Rob Bell, the author of Velvet Elvis, has taken a further step in demonstrating how far he is from orthodox Christianity. In taking notes on the book as I read it, my ongoing thought was where does one begin in critiquing the book and its teaching. Every pastor should read this book, but only to be able to intelligently interact with it and as a watchman on the wall, to warn those under his care to keep as far away from this unbiblical and thoroughly dangerous book.

Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth About the Antichrist - Kim Riddlebarger 

A great book on the theology. The title really says everything that needs to be said about the content of the book. Kim Riddlebarger (some of you may know him as one of the hosts of the White Horse Inn) has done a fine job of wading through the texts concerning the mysterious figure of the antichrist and presenting it at a popular level.

A Praying Life - Paul E. Miller

Just got started on this one, on the recommendation of a blogger that I read and respect. A book on prayer is certainly something we could all stand to read.  

The Masculine Mandate - Richard D. Phillips

I'm reading this one along with the men of our congregation as we go through it at a monthly study / breakfast. It is refreshing, biblical look at manhood and masculinity. Phillips bucks the trend of evangelical treatments of masculinity; books such as "Wild at Heart" by John Eldridge and presents a scripture-centered look. The book is really an expanded exposition and application of Genesis 2:15.
I, and the other men, are enjoying working through it. 

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

I include this one for the sake of completeness. I don't get to read too many novels, but when my wife Cindy finished reading this bestseller I thought it would be a good read, and it was. 

Pastor Gene