Wednesday 10th of March 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
Review: Living The Cross Centered Life

The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing.... The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing. This is so true in life. It's vital that we keep the main thing the main thing, and yet in a Christian world with so many centers the obvious question that can so often come to us is... 'What is the main thing?'

Well, Scripture clearly centers the Christian life around the cross. It was in the cross of Christ alone that Paul rejoiced and boasted. When pressed for order of importance, Paul made clear the cross (which comes packaged together with the resurrection) was of "first importance." His religious trophy case was emptied out "because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" and he was now found "not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith." But the cross - being the center of Paul's life - was not just a  personal preference. The Apostle reminds Timothy (and all pastors by application) to "guard" the gospel, and warns that flirting with a slanted gospel is to flirt with damning lies. Paul's hope for the spiritual transformation of sinners was centered in the gospel, as were his affections, personal testimony, public preaching, priorities, assurances and warnings concerning the church's greatest dangers (see Gal. 1:6-9, 6:14; Phil. 3:2-11; Col. 1:23; 1 Cor. 2:1-5, 15:3; 2 Tim. 1:8-14).

It may sound simple that the cross is the center of the Christian life, but Paul drives this point further by reminding the church that she is always in danger of "shifting from the hope of the gospel" (Col. 1:23). We become easily distracted by secondary pursuits.

It is with this backdrop in mind, that I am personally so very grateful for C.J. Mahaney's book, 'Living The Cross Centered Life'.
The purpose of this single volume can be summarized with these words:

"If there's anything in life we should be passionate about, it's the gospel. And I don't mean passionate only about sharing it with others; I mean passionate in thinking about the gospel, reflecting upon it, rejoicing in it, allowing it to color the way we look at the world and all of life" (15).

This book is in my top ten all time favourite books, and back when I first read it for the first time, it had a serious impact on my life. All I can say is that if you are passionate about 'keeping the main thing the main thing' then buy this book, read it, and apply it... you'll love it!



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Friday 26th of February 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
Cross-Centered Books
One of the things I so appreciate about C.J.Mahaney, is his clear love and passion for the Gospel.


Whenever you hear CJ speak, or you spend time with him privately, it never takes long for the Gospel to come into conversation. He is affected by the Gospel... He loves the Gospel... And so a question that he is often asked is, “What books on the cross of Christ have affected you the most?”.

CJ's love for the Gospel is infectious, and so here's what he said...

I love answering this question (the challenge here will be brevity). But before I do, let me briefly describe why it’s so important to consistently read about the cross.

We awaken each day with a tendency to forget that which is most important: the gospel. All of us should assume this tendency and be aware of this tendency. Because of the Fall and due to the effects of remaining sin, we have a daily tendency and temptation to forget stuff in general and to forget that which is most important in particular.

Assuming this tendency, we must create practices that will enable us to remember what we must not forget—the cross. So each day I seek to spend time in a location where I am not distracted, unhurriedly reading and meditating on Scripture and finding my way in Scripture to a hill called Calvary to meditate each day on Christ and him crucified. Each day I need to remind myself of the gospel. I cannot live on yesterday’s recollection of the gospel. I need to review and rehearse the gospel each day or I will assume the gospel, forget the gospel, and prove vulnerable to all manner of temptation and sin.

So here are some of the books I have read and re-read as a supplement to Scripture (providing insight into Scripture) that have been a means of grace to my soul and in pastoral ministry. As I read these books I am reminded of the gospel, I experience fresh affection for the Saviour, and am freshly amazed by grace.

I’ve broken these down into the following categories: personal, pastoral and one recent title.


(1) Personal: The Cross of Christ by John R.W. Stott



I’m not sure the opening line of a preface—not even the first chapter—of any other book I’ve read has affected me. This one did.

Stott opens by writing, “I count it an enormous privilege to have been invited by InterVarsity Press to write a book on that greatest and most glorious of all subjects, the cross of Christ.” If you looked in my book I have a check mark on the left, part of the sentence underlined (“that greatest and most glorious of all subjects”), and to the right of that is a star. These marks are my simple and feeble attempt to communicate on this book the immediate impact of this sentence upon my soul.

I can remember thinking for just a moment, Is that sentence just hyperbole? Is that well-meaning exaggeration from someone who has just finished writing a book on this topic?Quickly I realized this was not hyperbolic, not a well-meaning exaggeration, but from a man deeply affected by this topic.

This opening statement reflects the clear teaching of Scripture. The only question left unanswered was, does that statement reflect my heart? Does that statement reflect my heart personally and pastorally? Do I view the cross of Christ as “that greatest and most glorious of all subjects?”

I can certainly say that if I wasn’t fully convinced at the outset of this book, soon into it I was convinced.

For example, I was struck when Stott writes about how we must see our guilt in relation to the cross. First, he paints a brief historical overview of those historically responsible for the crucifixion, recounting the actual history as recorded in Scripture. But then he turns to address the reader with these sobering words:

If we were in their place, we would have done what they did. Indeed, we have done it. For whenever we turn away from Christ, we ‘are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace’ (Heb. 6:6).… ‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord?’ the old negro spiritual asks. And we must answer, ‘Yes, we were there.’ Not as spectators only but as participants, guilty participants, plotting, scheming, betraying, bargaining, and handing him over to be crucified. We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate. But our attempt will be as futile as his. For there is blood on our hands. Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance). Indeed, ‘only the man who is prepared to own his share in the guilt of the cross’, wrote Canon Peter Green, ‘may claim his share in its grace’. (59–60)
And then he transitions to this incredible hymn that’s really difficult (if not impossible) to read without being affected and moved to tears. Horatius Bonar writes,

‘Twas I that shed the sacred blood;
    I nailed him to the tree;
I crucified the Christ of God;
    I joined the mockery.

Of all that shouting multitude
   I feel that I am one;
And in that din of voices rude
   I recognize my own.

Around the cross the throng I see,
   Mocking the Sufferer’s groan;
Yet still my voice is seems to be,
   As if I mocked alone. (p. 60)

Do you hear your voice? This book will help you recognize your own voice among the shouting multitude.

Repeatedly I return to these words to be freshly affected by my role and responsibility for his death. And to be reminded of my role and responsibility and my sin and what my sin required in the Savior’s death—“in my place condemned he stood”—is to be freshly reminded of grace. In reading and re-reading this book, my personal life and pastoral ministry have changed.

This is one book I pull from the shelf when I pull away for an extended period of time in order to survey the wondrous cross. Countless times, this is one of those books where I have read from and been deeply affected.

But I don’t assume everyone who reads this book will have the same experience. The important point is that we have a set of supplemental books that help us in our comprehension of the most important book (the Bible) and serve our souls in drawing our attention to Christ and him crucified. I would recommend that every Christian build a small library of books where that experience can take place and their hearts can be refreshed when necessary.

I really cannot turn a page of The Cross of Christ without wanting to read and quote. I think that in many ways you can locate the theological origin for my passion for the cross in this book.


(2) Pastoral: The Cross and Christian Ministry by D.A. Carson



Page after page, this book is marked up. Sentences are underlined, checked, bracketed, starred—all simple reminders of this book’s importance in my life.

Every page seems to contain a quote worthy of reflection. But since I need to choose, let’s center on this one:

Western evangelicalism tends to run through cycles of fads. At the moment, books are pouring off the presses telling us how to plan for success, how “vision” consists in clearly articulated “ministry goals,” how the knowledge of detailed profiles of our communities constitutes the key to successful outreach. I am not for a moment suggesting that there is nothing to be learned from such studies. But after a while one may perhaps be excused for marveling how many churches were planted by Paul and Whitefield and Wesley and Stanway and Judson without enjoying these advantages. Of course all of us need to understand the people to whom we minister, and all of us can benefit from small doses of such literature. But massive doses sooner or later dilute the gospel. Ever so subtly, we start to think that success more critically depends on thoughtful sociological analysis than on the gospel; Barna becomes more important than the Bible. We depend on plans, programs, vision statements—but somewhere along the way we have succumbed to the temptation to displace the foolishness of the cross with the wisdom of strategic planning.…Rather, I fear that the cross, without ever being disowned, is constantly in danger of being dismissed from the central place it must enjoy, by relatively peripheral insights that take on far too much weight. Whenever the periphery is in danger of displacing the center, we are not far removed from idolatry. (pp. 25–26)

As I read this quote I’m frightened. These words were written 15 years ago and yet appear as though they were written last week. This book is filled with discernment that we as pastors need to hear and must have. Dr. Carson’s fear was justifiable when he wrote this book. His fear is a continuing fear. I have now adopted this fear as my own. How about you? Does this fear reside in your soul?

From his exposition of 1 Corinthians chapters one through four, it’s clear the cross must occupy and enjoy the central place in my soul and in my pastoral ministry. But that cross is constantly in danger of being dismissed from the central place. And dismissed by what? “Relatively peripheral insights that take on far too much weight.”

Another classic quote from this book:

He [Paul] cannot long talk about Christian joy, or Christian ethics, or Christian fellowship, or the Christian doctrine of God, or anything else, without finally tying it to the cross. Paul is gospel-centered; he is cross-centered. (p. 38)
Every time I preach, every text I address, every topic I teach, must be derived from and related to the cross. And at some point in my sermon that must be obvious to those who are listening. And if it’s not obvious I have not truly preached the gospel or truly executed my unique pastoral role to serve them with the gospel. Dr. Carson goes on to discuss how this commitment to being cross-centered must shape not only our message but our style of ministry, too.

This whole book is peppered with choice wisdom to protect a pastor from assigning centrality and excessive authority to peripheral insights. As we devote ourselves to the centrality of the cross we are—by God’s grace—protected from idolatry.

To each pastor I interact with, I say this book is on the top of a short list of must-reads for them. What I’ve learned has been learned by review and repeated reading. So actually this book is not only a must-read, but also a must re-read.

In all book recommendations I must be careful in recommending books, but in no way am I cautious about recommending this one. The Cross and Christian Ministry defined (and still defines) pastoral ministry for me.


(3) Most recent: Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution by Steve Jeffery, Michael Ovey, and Andrew Sach



Sadly, this book was needed because of distortions and criticisms of the doctrine of penal substitution. The book was designed to protect the church from errors that (to a surprising degree) have become popularized through those who are professing evangelicals. And Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution is a unique and recent gift to the church.

One is immediately struck by the pages of endorsements. I’m not sure I own another book with more endorsements. In fact, it may set the endorsement record. It sets the endorsement record in the number of endorsements, but then who endorsed this book is also something to read and marvel. Having been endorsed by the finest leaders in evangelicalism today makes a very loud statement about the importance of this book.

And it’s not just the number of endorsements or who endorsed it, but it’s also impressive from the content of their endorsements. I have received instruction about the content of the book just by reading through the endorsements of this book! Don’t skip over them too quickly.

But this book has immeasurable devotional value as well. And through this book and the passages they teach from, you will—by God’s grace—survey the wondrous cross where the Prince of Glory died and will be freshly amazed by grace.

Wisely, my friend Mark Dever has taken the primary Scripture passages addressed in this book and created a sermon series. The series is taught by Mark and the associate pastor Michael Lawrence at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. I would recommend that pastors not only listen to this series for the sake of their own souls, but also emulate the example of Mark and Michael and create a similar series at some point in the next year, where they can systematically teach from these important and most relevant passages related to the atonement. Your church will surely experience the affect of this series.

This book is necessary to help protect the gospel in the church, but also it’s a personal gift to Christians in their study of what Mr. Stott calls “that greatest and most glorious of all subjects, the cross of Christ.”


Conclusion

I know this was not brief, but it’s my answer to the most common question I receive. Know that if you ask me this great question in person, I hope you’ll have a few hours to hear my lengthy answer.

What a joy to recommend these books, each with the potential to impact your life as you preach the gospel to yourself daily!


Thanks C.J., this is so helpful! I also have a book to add to this list, a Cross-Centered book that C.J. will never mention which has seriously affected my life. More on that in the next post...

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Monday 15th of February 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
Future Sovereign Grace Albums
Here's some more from Bob Kauflin, Sovereign Grace Music Director...



In a previous post I talked about the Sovereign Grace songwriting retreat and where our songs come from. While we’d love to simply produce songs that are being written by writers in their local churches, we’re trying to steward our songwriting resources in a way we think will better serve the church at large. So we talk and pray about what gaps exist in the modern worship song repertoire, or what topics we think might serve our churches and the church at large. That means our albums are more intentional and thematic. We also asked our Sovereign Grace Music Facebook fans for their thoughts and got some great ideas.

So here are some of the albums we’ve been writing songs for, and the albums you’ll be able to listen to Lord willing, in the coming year. All titles are tentative.

1. Alli en la Cruz (May 2010) - This will be our first “non-translated” Spanish worship CD, Alli en la Cruz, featuring the songs and vocals of Mauricio Velarde, a member of Iglesia Gracia Soberana de Gaithersburg

2. Walking with the Wise (June 2010) - a project for kids 6 years old and up based on themes from Proverbs (similar to our last kid’s album, To Be Like Jesus, based on the fruit of the Spirit). Since we don’t assume that all kids who’ll be singing these songs will be Christians, our emphasis will be on proclaiming truths rather than expressing personal experience. We’ll also be weaving our need for a Savior into many of the songs.

3. The Gathering (Nov. 2010) -an album of songs that follow the flow of a “gospel liturgy” (see Christ Centered Worship by Bryan Chappell) that has been around for centuries and is reflected in the Old Testament sacrificial system as well as numerous New Testament passages. The songs can be used as stand alones, or as part of an entire meeting. Potential topics include songs that can be used for call to worship, adoration, confession, assurance of pardon, thanksgiving, intercession, a creed, preparation to hear the Word, baptism, the Lord’s supper, and dismissal. This album will stretch us in terms of themes and also enable us to highlight how the gospel should shape and inform our entire meeting.

4. Risen (Feb. 2011) - songs that focus on the resurrection of Jesus and its implications for our lives. We’ll probably touch on themes related to the second coming as well. Can’t wait to see how this one turns out.

5. Jesus is Able (release date TBD) - This will be a black gospel project, to be released some time this year. The pieces for that are still falling together, although we’re making progress. It will be a mix of previously written Sovereign Grace songs and some new ones. Our goal is to provide the church with more congregational songs that combine gospel-centered theology with soulful passion. This is a project we’ve been thinking about for a couple years now for a number of reasons. We want to serve the African-Americans already in our churches, as well as contribute to more biblically substantive congregational songs in the black gospel genre.

I know I’m going out on a limb mentioning these albums before they even exist. But I’m trusting that God will enable us to produce everything He wants us to. And in the mean time, if you wanted to pray for us, that would be great.

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Friday 12th of February 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
Where Do Sov Grace Songs Come From?
It's a good question, and one that Bob Kauflin, my friend and Sovereign Grace Music Director, answers for us...

  
I have a sweet job. One of my responsibilities is to oversee the production of Sovereign Grace albums.

Some of you have asked where the songs for those albums come from, and what the process looks like. I’m right in the middle of a three day retreat with 18 songwriters from various Sovereign Grace churches, so I thought now would be a good time to answer that question.

Preparation

About two months ago I sent out an email to our primary songwriters (those whose songs have been recorded or who have significant experience), giving them the details of the projects. We have a songwriter’s forum (powered by phpBB) where writers can post songs or ideas for songs. Some writers also collaborated through Google Wave and Skype. We had about 25 songs posted by the time the retreat started.

Orientation

The writers flew in at their own expense, and we provided housing and most meals. The first night I shared updates on Sovereign Grace Music and described the kinds of songs we were seeking to write for each project.I reminded them that the songs we write fill shape people’s understanding of  who God is, who we are, how we’re to think about our relationship with him, and what we’re to feel. Writing songs is no insignificant task.

I also talked about our goal to write as a community. Who gets songwriter credit is not nearly as important as seeking to produce the best songs, no matter who writes them. I encouraged everyone to be quick to share their thoughts with others, and slow to demand they be accepted or that they receive credit.

Evaluation

The first morning began with prayer and worship in song, then the writers began to play their songs for an “evaluation panel” that consisted of me, Steve & Vikki Cook, and Mark Altrogge. Kind of like a Christian songwriter American Idol. We’ve found it helpful to limit evaluation primarily to a small group rather than hear from everyone in the room (which can be confusing). It’s also helpful to evaluate as a team. If we’re all saying the same thing about a song, it’s easier for a songwriter to receive it. When our comments don’t agree, it helps both the songwriter and those of us on the panel to know that.

Each songwriter played their songs until they shared one that we thought was worth working on. At least 1/3 of the songs are just a verse and a chorus. That way a writer can find out if a song is worth working on before laboring on it for ten hours. Our goal in evaluating songs is first to determine whether or not its even worth finishing. If it is, we’ll give specific thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses.

While we’re evaluating songs, other writers are either listening in or working on songs together in other parts of the building. They’ll either be editing songs we’ve evaluated, or trying to write new ones. Yesterday we heard 32 songs. I’m guessing about a dozen of them, maybe more, will make their way on to one of the albums. Today, we’ll probably hear about 25 more songs, and hopefully try to do some writing or co-writing ourselves. This afternoon we’ll begin recording demos of “finished” songs. Of course, songs can and will be edited until they’re actually recorded.

When it’s all said and done, we’ll probably write over 100 songs for four albums.

Our Motivation

Why do we do this? Because God’s saving acts in history and in our lives demand new songs. Because 1000 tongues or a 1000 songs will never be enough. Because Jesus Christ is a great Savior worthy of unending praise. Because the Word of God is eternal and life-changing. Because this is one small way we can contribute to building up the church, comforting God’s people, and advancing the gospel, all for the glory of God.
And because, in the words of King David, “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD” (Ps. 40:3). And that’s our prayer.

(This article has been written by Bob Kauflin and can be found on his blog, www.worshipmatters.com)

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Tuesday 9th of February 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
NEXT - You're invited!

Many years ago Sovereign Grace Ministries had a yearly conference for young singles called 'New Attitude'. I used to love it... But somehow then, I got old & increasingly out of touch. I married a lovely lady called Emma, had three wonderful children and found myself mysteriously enjoying things like 'Antiques Roadshow' on television. It was a strange season.... A season in which I knew I was aging and therefore sadly, my New Attitude days were over.

BUT maybe they're not over for you! If you're young, single and passionate about the Lord, then let me introduce you to New Attitude's successor, NEXT... You're so invited!

Next 2010 is in Baltimore, May 28-31.

This years speakers are: D.A. Carson, Kevin DeYoung, Mark Dever, CJ Mahaney and Jeff Purswell. Worship will be led by Bob Kauflin.

Click here for further information... If you can possibly get over to the US for this, then got for it! I have every confidence that you will have one seriously fantastic time!

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Thursday 4th of February 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
February Sale + 50% Off Shipping
Huge sale on Sovereign Grace books, music, and more...



For the month of February, you’ll find these ridiculously low prices offered by our store: www.SovereignGraceStore.com

Music:
$5 – all downloadable albums from Sovereign Grace Music
$6 – all CDs from Sovereign Grace Music

Books:
$4 – all our Pursuit of Godliness books (including How Can I Change? and Disciplines for Life)
$5 – C.J. Mahaney’s books The Cross-Centered Life and Christ Our Mediator
$7 or less – most other books.

Songbooks, audiobooks, and DVDs are also on sale.

Even more good news for Aussies = International shipping is 50% off!

Load up at www.SovereignGraceStore.com, and tell your friends. Happy Days!

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Sunday 31st of January 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
Haiti Fund Update
Here's an update on what has come into Sovereign Grace from around the world for Haiti... thankyou!!

Since we activated our Disaster Relief fund on January 14, we’ve received more than $125,000 in donations. Every dollar of this fund will go to relief efforts in Haiti.

Last week, thanks to your generosity, we sent $25,000 to churches in the Dominican Republic who have medical clinics in Port-au-Prince and other areas of Haiti. These churches are already helping earthquake survivors, and your donations allow them to purchase much-needed medical supplies. While they provide medical care, these churches are bringing the hope of the gospel. In addition to these efforts, we’ve begun sending relief funds to a group of churches and orphanages based in Jacmel, with whom we’ve had ministry relationships for some time.

We’re also looking to the future. As the first stages of emergency relief are completed, we want pastors and churches in Haiti to have the tools they need to serve their communities. Most of all, we want to support their efforts to bring the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to their neighbors. So we’re continuing to look for ways to support the Haitian churches we’re in contact with, not only for immediate relief, but also for long-term rebuilding efforts.

Thankyou so much!

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Thursday 28th of January 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
New Book From Joshua Harris
  
Over the years, Josh Harris has proven that he’s a fantexcellent (see ‘fantastic’ + ‘excellent’) writer and teacher. His first book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye was a conversation-shaping book within many churches, and basically set the parameters for the dating/courting/dorting issue.

I like reading Josh’s books. They’re always well written, insightful, and challenging. Dug Down Deep, which releases on 01/19/2010, is no different in that respect.

This book, however, is a little different than Josh’s previous books. It’s very conversational and autobiographical. It’s like you and Josh are hanging out, talking about the Bible and knocking back lattes at Starbucks. And I think the conversational element of the book is part of what makes it so good.

You see, this book is about doctrine. People tend to react in two ways when they hear the word ‘doctrine’. One group gets a wicked grin across their face that says, I can’t wait to beat someone into submission with this doctrine! The other group shudders in a way that says, Doctrine is cold, boring, divides churches, and is only enjoyed by boring people. But Josh won’t let you fall into either category.

Josh makes it clear that everybody is a theologian. Theology is simply what we believe about God, and we all believe stuff about God. The question is, are you a good theologian or a bad one? He also makes it clear that theology really matters. I mean really matters. He says:

Theology matters, because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong.

But theology isn’t supposed to be boring. On the contrary, good, biblical theology is at the heart of a vibrant, loving relationship with God. Josh comments:

I write in hope that you’ll catch a glimpse of how good and beautiful the old paths of orthodoxy are, how firm and trustworthy the solid rock of sound doctrine can be for your life.

Because doctrine is so important, Josh then spends eight chapters talking about essential Christian doctrines. He dives into the doctrines of God, scripture, the incarnation, the atonement, salvation, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, and the church.

Don’t misunderstand though. This isn’t a systematic theology. Josh certainly explains each doctrine from scripture, but he doesn’t stop there. He also revels, marvels, and rejoices in each doctrine. It’s obvious that he’s on an all-out mission to show the reader why these doctrines matter and why they’re so glorious. For example, when talking about the atonement, he says:

Do you see how essential the atonement is to the Christian faith? Apart from the cross of Jesus Christ, our lives dead-end in hopelessness and terror.

In the final chapter of the book, Josh argues for what he calls ‘humble orthodoxy’. It’s not enough to simply know the truth. Our attitude matters as well. Doctrine isn’t a weapon for us to use in theological fistfights. Rather, a true understanding of God should bring us to our knees before God. True thoughts of God always lead to humility.

If the thought of studying about God seems boring, you need to read this book. You can’t read this book without being persuaded that theology matters. A whole lot.

If you don’t know much about God, you need to read this book.

And if you’re a theology buff who has a dog named ‘Propitiate’, you should also read this book. It may give you fresh perspective on glorious truths you’ve known for many years.

Dug Down Deep, reviewed by Stephen Altrogge

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Tuesday 19th of January 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
Haiti - How Can I Help?
With matters continuing to unfold in Haiti, I received this Sovereign Grace Ministries e-news through from Pat Ennis this week...

  
Friends,

In response to the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti on Tuesday, Sovereign Grace Ministries has opened a Disaster Relief fund to help deliver food, medicine, and other needed aid there. We will distribute the funds we raise primarily through existing ministry contacts we have on the island—both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic—who are already involved in relief efforts.

If you want to join us in our support of these efforts, you can donate to the Disaster Relief fund on our website or by calling 800.736.2202. On behalf of our friends in Haiti, thank you for considering this opportunity to give.

Regardless of your ability to make a donation, please join us in praying that those affected by the earthquake would receive aid quickly, and that despite these hardships the gospel would continue to go forward in that nation.

With appreciation,

Patrick Ennis
Executive Director
Sovereign Grace Ministries


Folks, with all that is taking place over there, let's do all we can to help.

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Sunday 17th of January 2010 | Posted by Dave Taylor
Al Mohler on God's Message to Haiti
Having just watched the ten o'clock news, one thing is for sure - Haiti is in a mess. The nation is going through great tragedy and to watch things unfolding on the television is simply heartbreaking.

Suffering on this scale can be a very real challenge for Christians can't it. It can fill our minds with questions about God's character and very presence in nations like this.

Praise God then for men like Dr Al Mohler. I believe Dr. Mohler's biblical and gospel-centered insight can equip up as Christians to think about natural disasters like this rightly and also prepare us to turn conversations about Haiti toward gospel-hope. I so appreciated this, I just had to share it with you...


Does God Hate Haiti? by Al Mohler

The images streaming in from Haiti look like scenes from Dante's Inferno. The scale of the calamity is unprecedented. In many ways, Haiti has almost ceased to exist.

The earthquake that will forever change that nation came as subterranean plates shifted about six miles under the surface of the earth, along a fault line that had threatened trouble for centuries. But no one saw a quake of this magnitude coming. The 7.0 quake came like a nightmare, with the city of Port-au-Prince crumbling, entire villages collapsing, bodies flying in the air and crushed under mountains of debris. Orphanages, churches, markets, homes, and government buildings all collapsed. Civil government has virtually ceased to function. Without power, communication has been cut off and rescue efforts are seriously hampered. Bodies are piling up, hope is running out, and help, though on the way, will not arrive in time for many victims.

Even as boots are finally hitting the ground and relief efforts are reaching the island, estimates of the death toll range as high as 500,000. Given the mountainous terrain and densely populated villages that had been hanging along the fault line, entire villages may have disappeared. The Western Hemisphere's most impoverished nation has experienced a catastrophe that appears almost apocalyptic.

In truth, it is hard not to describe the earthquake as a disaster of biblical proportions. It certainly looks as if the wrath of God has fallen upon the Caribbean nation. Add to this the fact that Haiti is well known for its history of religious syncretism -- mixing elements of various faiths, including occult practices. The nation is known for voodoo, sorcery, and a Catholic tradition that has been greatly influenced by the occult.

Haiti's history is a catalog of political disasters, one after the other. In one account of the nation's fight for independence from the French in the late 18th century, representatives of the nation are said to have made a pact with the Devil to throw off the French. According to this account, the Haitians considered the French as Catholics and wanted to side with whomever would oppose the French. Thus, some would use that tradition to explain all that has marked the tragedy of Haitian history -- including now the earthquake of January 12, 2010.

Does God hate Haiti? That is the conclusion reached by many, who point to the earthquake as a sign of God's direct and observable judgment.

God does judge the nations -- all of them -- and God will judge the nations. His judgment is perfect and his justice is sure. He rules over all the nations and his sovereign will is demonstrated in the rising and falling of nations and empires and peoples. Every molecule of matter obeys his command, and the earthquakes reveal his reign -- as do the tides of relief and assistance flowing into Haiti right now.

A faithful Christian cannot accept the claim that God is a bystander in world events. The Bible clearly claims the sovereign rule of God over all his creation, all of the time. We have no right to claim that God was surprised by the earthquake in Haiti, or to allow that God could not have prevented it from happening.

God's rule over creation involves both direct and indirect acts, but his rule is constant. The universe, even after the consequences of the Fall, still demonstrates the character of God in all its dimensions, objects, and occurrences. And yet, we have no right to claim that we know why a disaster like the earthquake in Haiti happened at just that place and at just that moment.

The arrogance of human presumption is a real and present danger. We can trace the effects of a drunk driver to a car accident, but we cannot trace the effects of voodoo to an earthquake -- at least not so directly. Will God judge Haiti for its spiritual darkness? Of course. Is the judgment of God something we can claim to understand in this sense -- in the present? No, we are not given that knowledge. Jesus himself warned his disciples against this kind of presumption.

Why did no earthquake shake Nazi Germany? Why did no tsunami swallow up the killing fields of Cambodia? Why did Hurricane Katrina destroy far more evangelical churches than casinos? Why do so many murderous dictators live to old age while many missionaries die young?

Does God hate Haiti? God hates sin, and will punish both individual sinners and nations. But that means that every individual and every nation will be found guilty when measured by the standard of God's perfect righteousness. God does hate sin, but if God merely hated Haiti, there would be no missionaries there; there would be no aid streaming to the nation; there would be no rescue efforts -- there would be no hope.

The earthquake in Haiti, like every other earthly disaster, reminds us that creation groans under the weight of sin and the judgment of God. This is true for every cell in our bodies, even as it is for the crust of the earth at every point on the globe. The entire cosmos awaits the revelation of the glory of the coming Lord. Creation cries out for the hope of the New Creation.

In other words, the earthquake reminds us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only real message of hope. The cross of Christ declares that Jesus loves Haiti -- and the Haitian people are the objects of his love. Christ would have us show the Haitian nation his love, and share his Gospel. In the midst of this unspeakable tragedy, Christ would have us rush to aid the suffering people of Haiti, and rush to tell the Haitian people of his love, his cross, and salvation in his name alone.

Everything about the tragedy in Haiti points to our need for redemption. This tragedy may lead to a new openness to the Gospel among the Haitian people. That will be to the glory of God. In the meantime, Christ's people must do everything we can to alleviate the suffering, bind up the wounded, and comfort the grieving. If Christ's people are called to do this, how can we say that God hates Haiti?

If you have any doubts about this, take your Bible and turn to John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. That is God's message to Haiti.

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