The Spirit of Python

This morning I preached from Acts 16 concerning the story of the girl possessed by a spirt of Python and the story of the Philippian Jailor. Below is a video that goes along well with what I said this morning concerning the spirit of Python. A member of the church sent it to me. It is from a godly preacher--John Piper. Be blessed.

FOUND Part III: Invincible

Pastor Dan's sermon from 3/2/2008
Scripture Reference: John 5:16-24
Click here to listen.

This week we concluded Regeneration. We learned from the Scriptures the nature and effects of the new birth. I am looking forward to moving on to conversion this Lord's Day as we take a look at "Blind Faith and several other lies about Christianity".

I know it is a long title but at least it makes you think. What kind of faith is saving faith? What is involved with conversion? What is our responsbility when we hear the Gospel? I am looking forward to preaching this Sunday as we dive into these and many other questions.

Why I Hate Cats

My wife and I used to own a cat. I inherited the cat when I married my wife. The cat and I never really took to each other. I always felt as if the cat never really liked me. Maybe that's because cats are smart and she knew I didn't like her so she was just returning the favor. I don't know what it is about cats. Maybe it is the smell of the litterbox, or their arrogance, or their perceived independance. I just don't like them that much. I also think my prejudice probably comes from that fact that I believe that cats are always planning. I think that when they are sitting in the window sill and won't take their eyes off you that they are planning. They are planning how they might stalk you and take you down. I think they understand that if they were just a little bit bigger that you would be food rather than a caretaker.

This is what sin is like. Yes, sin is like cats. It is pretty, fluffy, attractive, lying around in wait, purring, looking innocent...but yet just under the surface is a ferocity, a stench, an arrogance and disloyalty. My wife and I were watching a "scary animals" video when we saw an incredible sight. Some tourists were in India on vacation filming one of the Bengal tigers. It was a huge cat that was very pretty. Everyone on the tape was admiring this gigantic cat. The cat looked innocent enough as it stood there proudly among the admiring crowd. But all of the sudden in an instant, the cat went from a beautiful sight to a terrifying entity. When the tape was slowed down you could observe a magnificent transformation as the cat went from docile to killer machine as it charged its prey--the tourist bus.

Words cannot explain the picture of this tiger as every muscle was flexed, every tooth was bared and every hair standing on end. This was a picture of sin. Sin is teasing, beautiful, fluffy, purring, cuddly and attractive. Some times we stand in awe of what sin offers. But in an instant it becomes our worst enemy, looking to destroy us.

This is the danger that lies in the regenerate person. The flesh in the Christian has been dealt its final death blow. The flesh is dying yet always recoiling and gathering its forces to pounce when we least expect it. The flesh no longer has dominion over us yet it is still struggling to live. The flesh will never have complete victory but will win battles from time to time. When we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ the battle has just begun. Now there is a real war going on. That is why we can echo Paul's words when he says, "I know there is nothing good that lives in me, that is in my sinful nature." AND we can also say, "I have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in me. This life I live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."

There is one nature in the Christian--the Spirit born nature. But the principle of sin still infiltrates throughout as it dies its slow death. One day, when either Christ returns or you go home to be with the Lord you will finally realize the promise from Romans 8:30, "Those he predestined he also called, those he called he also justified and those he justified he also glorified." Ah, let the day come quickly.

FOUND Part II: Divine Prep-Work

Pastor Dan's sermon from 2/24/2008
Scripture Reference: Acts 10 & 16
Click here to listen.

Update: Master Thesis

Well, I am through! I will be the 43rd person to graduate RTS virtual campus. I am very excited about this. I couldn't stop smiling when I was finished with my 2 hours of presentations. There are only a few more small things to do (exit exams etc) but for all intents and purposes I have finished my Master's Degree with RTS!

Thanks again for all of your prayers and encouragement through this long journey. I can't wait to be with all of you this Sunday for the Lord's Day celebration.

PD

My Masters Thesis Presentation

Here I am in Charlotte, NC in the library of RTS waiting for the last 45 minutes to tick down before I present my Master Thesis. I is Monday at just about 2pm. Myself, Chuck L., and Scott Winchester (all RTS students) made the flight. As Chuck begins his journey toward his seminary degree (he already has his Doctorate!) I am finishing mine. It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in this library thinking about how much time I had yet to finish my degree, become licensed and ordained and "move on" with life.

Well now there are only a few more minutes to go before I present my thesis on "the Perpetual Significance of the Lord's Day". I am slightly nervous and also very excited and am hoping that all goes well.

But as I sit here I am reminded of how appreciative I am of GRPC and the position I am in. There are many men and women who take seminary classes, receive a degree and never are able to serve in a church like GRPC. I thank the Lord every day for the calling he has given me. I was reminded of that once again this past week as I was given another opportunity to preach the Gospel at 9:15.

Well, I better get back to it. I need to sharpen up a few points and just get ready for the fun. I will be sure to report in a few hours as to how things progressed. Well, that is if it is good news to report! I covet your prayers.

PD