"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all." – 1 Timothy 1:15 Sometimes truth appears in a form that is so simple and beautiful that it takes your breath away. You're reading through a passage of Scripture and … More To Save Sinners
This afternoon I returned from my Aunt Mitsu's funeral in south New Jersey. I've been gone since Friday. The funeral was held on Saturday, and the Sunday evening service at her church was dedicated to her, as well. I didn't know her well; mainly from the perspective of a distant nephew. So it was a blessing to … More My Aunt Mitsu: Lessons from Her Life & Death
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. — The Apostle Paul, 1st century A.D. Who says this kind of thing? I mean, what would possess a human being to write such an off-the-wall statement (and to write it honestly)? And how in the world did it ever become normal, even cliche? Sometimes … More “To Die Is Gain”
"Dying is so hard." — Mitsu Nasuti, Friday, November 25, 2005 I talked to my mom on the phone today. She said that her older sister, my Aunt Mitsu, is as close to home as you can get without actually being there. Perhaps it's like that feeling you get when you return home after being gone … More “Dying Is So Hard…”
True repentance is hard to come by. At least it is in my life. There are lots of "I'm-sorry's," plenty of good intentions, loads of transformational plans, and a good number of "I-should's" and "I-need-to's." Short-lasting resolutions of all shapes and sizes are often the name of the game. Overzealous, unripe decisions (with precious little … More True Repentance: Hard to Come By
Today is "Day of Prayer" at The Master's College. There were four hour-long sessions of corporate prayer, a worship night at 9:00pm, and wings of students signed up to pray in hour blocks around the clock. Apart from this there will also be unknown private prayers being offered and unprogrammed groups getting together to pray. About an hour ago … More Thoughts on Corporate Prayer
This past Sunday afternoon I was playing my guitar and singing the song "God of Love." Ryan Boys (a former RD) wrote it as a doxology following D.A. Carson's remarkable sermon on the intratrinitarian love of God at the 2003 Truth & Life Conference. I love the song, because it expresses an otherworldly reality and an eternal … More Parental Involvement in Marriage (Part 1): The Father Loves the Son
I am amazed that Christ never pitied Himself. Of all the people in the world that we would think would have the right to indulge in some well-earned self-pity, Christ is certainly the foremost. He did not come to be served but to serve. He did not come that others might lay down their preferences … More Of All the People in the World
A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! – Proverbs 15:23 Cindi and I received a thank-you note of encouragement today. It was written a few days ago, but I got it today (the Lord is sovereign over timing, too). Cindi’s in Oklahoma with her family for the … More The Delight of a Timely Word
The “problem of evil” has been debated for centuries. How can God allow evil and suffering to go on in the world? If He rules the world, why is there so much pain? Did He create evil? Or did He just allow it to exist (and how does that work)? Is evil under His control? … More The Problem of Mercy
A Theology of Sleep (Part Three) This is the third and final part of “A Theology of Sleep.” It’s a bit more practical than the last couple posts. Even so, it’s heavy on principle. I can’t seem to avoid seeing principles behind the most practical of things. Remember that it was written for those living and ministering in college dorms. … More A Theology of Sleep (Part Three)
A Theology of Sleep (Part Two) David Gunner Gundersen December 4, 2004 6. Theology: It is noble to sacrifice sleep for the honor of God (Psalm 132:3-5). Therefore: Think of yourself as a soldier on a mission (especially when you’re tired). The honor and reputation of the King are at stake. Which is more important—“mission … More A Theology of Sleep (Part Two)
I’ve been asked to share my “Theology of Sleep” which I taught in a Student Life class here at TMC last year. There are ten points, all containing a “Theology” and a “Therefore.” Then there are seven practical applications. I’ll post it in three parts. It can be very hard to think rightly about sleep, and … More A Theology of Sleep (Part One)
My friend Dan Watson, a fellow Okie (an “Okie” being someone from Oklahoma), has written a great post on the second half of Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Seeing God is the blessedness of the pure in heart, and it is therefore the motivation for pursuing heart-purity. … More Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
A few years ago, my dentist discovered my first two cavities. They’re very small, and they’re symmetrical — they’re located in the exact same tooth in opposite sides of my mouth. I tend towards perfectionism (in things of my choosing — that’s how perfectionism works), so I had been faithful to brush my teeth throughout my … More Towards Good Habits: A Meditation on Learning to Floss
American culture has become a mixing bowl for two ingredients that are devastating when combined together. And the church—especially my generation—has not escaped the devastation. Most men have turned women into objects of lust who only serve to satisfy sinful desires. And most women have bought the lie, doing their best to become the most … More A Downward Spiral: The Deadly Blend of Body-Image and Lust
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