Making Memories in Texas

Happiness: Squished in the van with our dearest brother Peter.

Happy Reformation Day!

The Rallying Cries of the Reformation
by Pastor Marcus Serven

It is appropriate for Christians to remember the significant heroes of the past. This is especially true for Protestants, since there have been so many truly great champions from the Reformation era (c.1517-1650) who made a major impact upon the present day church.

Men such as: Theodore Beza, Martin Bucer, Heinrich Bullinger, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer, John Hus, John Knox, Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Pierre-Robert Olivetan, Caspar Olevianus, Nicolas Ridley, Samuel Rutherford, Menno Simons, William Tyndale, Zacharias Ursinus, John Wycliffe, Ulrich Zwingli, and many other lesser known persons.

Each of these Reformers, despite some of their individual differences, greatly influenced the church in their own particular region to hold to right doctrine (orthodoxy) and to develop a practice in their churches rightly based upon the Bible (orthopraxy). This is why taking time to remember these men on Reformation Day (October 31st), the very day that Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral, is good and right and proper.

Consider the following “rallying cries” as hard-won blessings which have been “bought with blood” for the benefit of Christ’s Church during this current era in which we live.

1. “By Christ Alone” (Solus Christus): Jesus Christ is the only name by which we may be saved (Isaiah 53:1-12; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

2. “By Scripture Alone” (Sola Scriptura): The Bible alone is the source of God’s revelation; it contains the Law, the Gospel, and principles for how we should live and worship and think (John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Hebrews 4:12-13).

3. “By Grace Alone” (Sola Gratia): God’s grace alone is the ground of our salvation, and this is received by faith alone (Psalm 31:1; Ephesians 2:4-10; Titus 2:11-14).

4. “By Faith Alone” (Sola Fide): God-given faith is the only way to receive the imputed righteousness of Christ, which results in our justification (Romans 1:16-17, and 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9).5. “In The Presence Of God” (Coram Deo): Christians are exhorted by the Bible to live all of life in the presence of God. This implies that there is no area of life where we do not have “business with God” [Negotium cum Deo] (Proverbs 15:3; Ephesians 5:1-14; Col. 3:1-17).

6. “To God Be the Glory” (Soli Deo Gloria): God alone is the proper recipient of our gratitude in the matter of salvation and the Christian life (1 Cor. 10:31; Titus 3:5-7; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

7. “The Priesthood of Every Believer” (Communio Sanctorum): Every believer is exhorted by God to live-out the Christian life as a “holy venture” that pleases God (1 Peter 2:9-10). Our sanctification and assurance of salvation are based solely upon the finished work of Christ on the Cross (Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 1:9; 1 Peter 2:21-25).

8. “After Darkness, Light” (Post Tenebras Lux): This was the motto of Geneva, Switzerland during the time of the Reformation. It reflects the wonderful deliverance from their former way of life that the local population came to feel as they lived by the doctrines of the Bible (John 3:19-21 and 8:12; Colossians 1:13-14).

Sources of Information for further study:
Beeke, Joel R., & Ferguson, Sinclair B., Reformed Confessions Harmonized, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
Douglas, J.D. (ed.), The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church (rev. edit.), Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.
George, Timothy, Theology of the Reformers, Nashville, TN: The Broadman Press, 1988.
Godfrey, Robert W., Reformation Sketches, Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 2003.
Lindsay, Thomas M., A History of the Reformation, (2 vols.), New York, NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1949.
McKim, Donald K. (ed.), Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith, Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992.
Muller, Richard A., Dictionary of Latin & Greek Theological Terms, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1985.
Sproul, R.C., Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1995.
Sproul, R.C., Jr. (ed.), After Darkness Light, Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 2003.

© October 2005, Rev. Marcus Serven, Th. M.
Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved by The Genevan Foundation.

Click here to read more of my Dad's articles.

Destination Texas

Texas Flag.

We've arrived safe and sound in the sunny land of Texas!

We enjoyed the gracious hospitality of the Reins family for bed and breakfast, and now are settled in at the wonderful Manteufel Hotel.

Many adventures await us over the next few days. We'll are excited to help a little with the set-up/running/take-down at the Film Festival. We can't wait to see our brother Peter, probably later today down near the Alamo. We are also looking forward to visiting with many dear friends and of course, voting for our favorite movie from the festival!

San Antonio, Here We Come!

Tomorrow morning early marks the beginning of our much anticipated trip to Texas. It has been amazing to see how the Lord has sovereignly worked out all the details--and we are really going! We can't wait to see our brother Peter, visit with friends new and old, and attend the SAICFF.

We won't be posting much this week, though we'll try to check in once or twice to moderate comments for the Pepper Post. Who knows, we might even have a moment to say hello to you all via the blog.

Have a beautiful week!

Last Harvest Before the Frost

Tons of Peppers.

In our last minute preparations before leaving, we are winterizing the garden. The last pepper harvest is due to be picked, as the first frost will be coming while we are in Texas. Beth and the little kids picked an amazing number of peppers this afternoon and are chopping away.

Anyone want to hazard a guess as to how many peppers we picked? Leave a comment with your answer.

Important Addendum: We forgot to say, but whoever guesses the closest to the real number of peppers, wins a copy of Hymns for Kith and Kin! One guess per household please. Guessing is open 'till we arrive home, November 1st, noontime.

Note: Beth said to tell you that the reason there are so many green ones this late in the fall is because she kept watering them into the summer a little too long. The plants were so lush, they didn't see the need to bear fruit. : ) They finally cooperated here in the fall, as soon as the watering stopped.


Sarah making something yummy for our trip.

A Boy and His Fort

Defending his castle . . .


. . . From every intruder.

Lunchtime, Christian Culture, and Music

Mealtime at the ServenClan is a family affair. Even if various people are absent working in the city, or out running errands, the members who remain in the house all gather round the table to break bread together. Today Sarah made some delicious tuna sandwiches (we used our yummy bread recipe, but I had mine on my favorite sourdough), and served fresh carrots, apples, bananas, and a few last peppers from the garden.

The subject of conversation varies depending on who has joined the table. During today's lunch, Dad read to us chickens who happened to be home, from an interesting book he is reading.

Music is the foremost of the arts in its adaptability to worship. The object of music is God and his creation. The glory of God and the elevation of man are its goal, and the inspired Psalms are its means.

Since it is the goodness of God emanating through the universe that makes men sing, God ought to be the center of man's thoughts and feelings when he sings. Seriousness, harmony, and joy must characterize our songs to God. And, although Calvin does not reject the use of hymns, he prefers to use the Psalms of David in public worship.

Song is the unlimited reservoir of power, since it moves our hearts to call upon the name of God more earnestly. By it we are strong in temptation and in the face of persecution (witness the Huguenots and many martyrs who went to the stake singing), and it renews the soul. By singing the church is builded and its members united in the holy bond of love.

Calvin did not condemn secular music, namely, that which had the creation of God as its object, out of hand. But the secular may not be godless; it must serve to glorify God indirectly through our joy and elevation.

Therefore, music that degrades, that corrupts good manners, that flatters the flesh, must be rejected. For music has a secret and incredible power to more the hearts. When evil words are accompanied by music, the penetrate more deeply and the poison enters as wine through a funnel into the vat.

The Calvinistic Concept of Culture, by Henry Van Til, excerpt from page 110.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

In the Good 'ol Summertime: Concerts in the Park.
Picture courtesy of Peter J. Serven.

On the Changing of the Guard, er, Clothes
The bi-yearly ritual peculiar to the states north of Mason-Dixon line is happening in our home. Breezy summer clothes must be washed and sorted, while the warmer garments take their place in the closet. When I peek into our walk-in closet, the colors have changed. The jewel tones and white linens have exchanged for wintery navys, rich crimsons, deep browns.

Before we moved to Missouri, we hadn't a clue about this necessity. California is a year-round-wardrobe state. The first winter in the Midwest found us a wee bit chilly and under prepared. Happily, we were instructed on the virtues of layering, wool coats, and lots of socks. Remnants of our west coast thought process have remained--we still keep just a few short sleeved shirts out. You know. Just in case there is a sunny day.


On the Road Again: Autumn Travels Coming Up.
Picture courtesy of Google Images.

Hither and Yon
The early part of next week takes us on our first Fall adventure. Texas is calling. The SAICFF and our brother Peter remain our primary objectives, but we will be-bop around the state visiting a few friends on the way to and fro.

The last part of this week promises to be full of long to-do lists and company. I hope to put up some pictures of the kid's most recent bike trip. And I'd love to write an article. But don't hold your breath. : )

Coming to a Mailbox Near You

A little bird told us you can now browse the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Vision Forum Catalog! Enjoy! : )

If you want to sign up for their mailing list, click here.

The Unfolding Birthday Celebration: Part 4

Pictures of the Birthday Girl.

At long last the day has arrived! Over a month of planning and preparation has come to culmination in this joyful celebration for our dear mother's 50th Birthday.


Pathway to where? Just around the trees is . . .


Our Concert Stage.

Be impressed! The guys moved our little piano out to the backyard with the help of a piano dolly and a pickup truck. We practiced our last indoor run-through earlier in the day (while Mom and Nana were conveniently in town), then spent the afternoon transporting everything out of doors. When Mom came home, she knew we were up to something. Who wouldn't? : ) But she still did not really know what.

Since Peter had come home from Texas, we spent a little time capturing our Serven Clan 2007 family picture and got all the last minute stuff ready to go for our final surprise.


Autumn Flowers make a lovely addition to the decorations.


Andrew assisted with passing out the programs.


Moments of tenderness before we begin..

As Mom made her way to the alcove in the backyard, the surprise came to fruition. And we got our reward. Tears of joy.


Waiting to start.


Nathan welcomes our guest of honor.

In light of our Mom’s love for music, we chose several well loved songs of our childhood to sing to her.


A Family Tradition: Five Little Ducks, complete with hand motions.

When we were very young, Mom taught us a counting song titled "Five Little Ducks". She would always encourage us to sing for our great-grandparents when we would visit their home. We were always quite shy. Mom would always encourage us to sing, to not think of ourselves, but to serve and bless others.

The words go like this . . .

Five little ducks went out to play,
over the hills and far a-way,
when mother duck went, "Quack, quack, quack",
four little ducks came waddling back.

The song continues as you might think, loosing ducklings all the way, until "No little ducks came waddling back". [Editor's Note: Not to fear--this song has a redeeming ending].

But when Father duck went, "Quack, Quack, Quack",
Five little ducks came waddling back!

Nathan and Peter with guitar.


Singing.


Dad giving introduction for "Getting to Know You".


Notice the Flashlight. : )

The only downside of our evening under the stars, was the lack of light. Our audience was very sweet. They said it only contributed to the aumbiance of the evening. But . . . for us performers, it got trickier as the night grew darker. We improvised with a flashlight.


Beth's introduction.

Each selection was introduced by one of us ServenClan members. We told stories about the song, recalled lessons taught to us by our mother, or reminiced at the blessed years the Lord has given my mom.


"Teach Me While My Heart is Tender", a Judy Rogers song we learned while growing up.


Lydia plays Whitewater Chopstixs.


Sarah made all our luminaries--I thought they turned out darling.


Rebecca sings "Find Us Faithful".


Little Boys join in singing "The Mouse Madrigal", a spoof on "Three Blind Mice".


Beth and Lydia play "My Love is like a Red Red Rose", introduced to us by Charlie Zahm.


Our Most Important Guests: Nana, Mom, Dad.


Peter flew up from Texas for Mom's birthday. We were so happy he could come.


Sillouettes.

This is how the concert looked by the end of the night. It was very beautiful with the backlighting, but a wee bit shadowy for us "performers".


All us kids.

We ended the concert with everyone singing a song that Dad and Mom sang as their wedding blessing:

“May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever.
Grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in ev’ry endeavor.
Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever.
May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever.”

The whole set-up.

Peter was gracious to be our running sound man; literally, running back and forth as the need arose!


The ServenClan with our Birthday Girl.


Mom telling Sarah thank you.


Luminaries heading back towards the house.


Stopping by the Bonfire on the walk back.


Pie anyone?

Beth amazed me with her pie baking. The morning before the concert, I had woken up and gone upstairs to start breakfast. Beth was just putting the last pie fillings in the fridge--she had been up for an hour before and made seven different pies! The crusts were constructed in a similar secretive fashion. Mom never suspected anything!


A Bountiful Feast.


The Birthday Girl with a few little friends. : )

We are so honored to have our Mom for our Mom. She is such a blessing to us. The Lord knew we would grow best under her loving encouragement. We are so grateful to be her children.

Proverbs 31:28
"Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her."

168 Hours Ago

Dress Rehearsal.

ServenClan Private . . . for now

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your flexibility with http://www.servenclan.com/ set to "private". Lord willing, we will be able to set it to "public" viewing, sometime over the next several weeks.

Thanks for your patience.

In Christ,
Rebecca Serven

P. S. Don't forget, if you know someone who would like to be invited to read our blog, feel free to have them contact us via Genevan Foundation. We are glad to include them in the list of readers. We probably just didn't have their e-mail address on file. : )

The Unfolding Birthday Celebration: Part 3

Sound System Check.

Many fishy things have been happening over this past month.

Under cover of darkness, isolation, and secrecy, the children of the ServenClan have been working on a project. Doors have been firmly closed to keep out prying eyes. Muffled sounds come from inside walk-in closets. Out in the "back- forty", digging, pounding, and staking have been the order of the day.

Other people would whisper secrets to the youn'un's and they would diligently work away--sometimes even in other's homes. A phone call from "someone"; an e-mail from "you-know-who"; a letter from the ubiquitous "they". The kitchen was bustling with life in the wee hours of the morn, but by the time most people awoke, it was back to normal. Hasty half conversations would jump from person to person, with earnest reminders to "keep it a secret".

Everything slipped silently into place until the proper moment.


Lydia tickling the ivories.


Finding old pictures.


Plugging in to the power source.


Transportation to the Venue.


Watching the proceedings.


Setting up shop.


Harp and violin practicing [Editor's Note: Notice the kitty helping].

Reflecting God's Glory

Mom recently enjoyed reading Discovering Jesus in Genesis with the younger children. I read the book last Sunday evening and was blessed by the simple theological explanations and engaging story. Here is an excerpt that helped me better understand what is meant by "reflecting God's glory". In the story, the family is in the middle of evening devotions. Cassie and Caleb are children in their younger years.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,

do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

"Hey, you two," laughed their dad, "let's talk about this. Do you know what it means to glorify God?"

"Sort of," said Cassie. "But I don't know how to explain it."

"Let me see if I can help you," Dad offered. "God's glory is the beauty and goodness of His character. We glorify Him when we reflect His character. Do you know what reflect means?"

Caleb scratched his head. "We've been studying about the moon reflecting the light from the sun. Is that the same thing?"

"Bingo!" said his dad. "That's the perfect example. How much light does the moon have?"

"None," said Caleb. "The light we see is the reflection of the sun's light bouncing off the moon."

"Exactly. Now, my young astronomer, why do we sometimes see a full moon and sometimes just a little sliver of the moon?"

Caleb could hardly wait to answer. He loved books about the solar system, and he loved to talk about it. "It all depends on the position of the moon as it travels around the earth," he explained. "The position of the moon determines how much of it reflects sunlight to earth."

"So," asked his dad, "what does all of this teach us about reflecting the light of God's glory?"

"I think I understand," Caleb said, intrigued. "We are like the moon. We have no light of our own. And I guess we have to be in the right position to reflect God's glory."

Cassie stared at her brother in wonder . . .

Their dad wanted tot be sure they understood. "You see," he explained, "when we are in a right relationship with the Lord Jesus, we will reflect His glory. We will be more and more like Him. We will show His goodness. What do you think moves us away from the right position to reflect His glory?"

"I'm not sure," answered Cassie, "but I'll bet it's sin."

"Bingo again!" said their dad. "So when we sin, we must quickly ask God to forgive us so that we get back in the right position to reflect His glory. And remember, 1 Corinthians 10:31 says that we are to glorify God in everything we do. In our work and in our play, in how we worship God and in how we treat others, in what we think and what we say--in all of life we are to glorify God."

Excerpt from Discovering Jesus in Genesis, by Susan Hunt. Chapter 10, page 55-56.

The Unfolding Birthday Celebration: Part 2

Some of the Serven Clan at the Zoo.

With Nana so wonderfully in town, we just had to squeeze in a visit to the St. Louis Zoo. We always enjoy seeing God's marvelous creation at the Zoo--plus it's a free entrance! And, if you get there before 10 AM you can ride on the Carousel and visit the Children's Zoo for no cost.


The landscaping.

It was very helpful observing the landscaping during this visit to the Zoo. Beth and my brains have been in "plant" mode recently, so I think we noticed the plantings much more than previous trips. We saw several wonderful ideas which we may try to incorporate into our landscaping plan.


Andrew down the slide.

One of the features in the Children's Zoo was a clear slide that went through the River Otter's exhibit. That's right--through the water. We had high expectations, but the slide was so quick you couldn't really get a good view of the otters swimming around. Maybe next time.


Joel's turn.

This was quite a popular part of the Children's Zoo; it was quite jammed with small bodies trying to crowd onto the slide. Ben and I went up to hold the line back so our guys could take their turn without a ton of people smooshing them through. : )


And then Sarah.


How tall are you?


Watching the California Sea Lions.

A highlight of the morning was observing the California Sea Lions at breakfast time. The zoo keeper enthralled everyone by her well aimed throws, and the sea lions were quite appreciative of the fishy meal.


Feeding the Seals.


Posing for the camera in front of the Bird House.

We had never visited the Bird House before, but had heard that it was a fun place to walk through. We found a little adventure inside that we hadn't expected . . .


Catching the bird in cage.

As soon as we entered the Bird House we noticed some commotion taking place around the corner. Apparently, the keepers were trying to relocate a bird to another cage, when suddenly, it escaped their nets and flew into a neighboring cage where it just wasn't supposed to be! Operations were in full swing. The keepers in, out, and all around with their trusty butterfly nets, trying to capture the escaped convict.


Our Crowd.

Of course, we stuck around to catch the excitement. All of a sudden, their was a flutter, then a shout--the bird had escaped again! It flew straight through the flexible wire of the cage and out into the open area.


Holding Back the Crowd.

Let's just say the keepers were less than happy. They made it clear to stay off the blue floor. I turned of the flash on the camera so our observations were less intrusive.


The landing place.

The Bird had located itself on a small balcony near the ceiling. The keepers brought in an enormous ladder and sent one of the men up to retrieve the bird.

Getting that troublesome bird.

If you look closely in the picture above, you can see the man on the ladder. Once he reached the top, he yelled, "Got it!", then dropped the net to the floor. We all gasped--but, wait, no, the bird was safely in his hand. : )


Coming down the ladder.

The keeper carefully made his way down the ladder safely to the ground . . .


Unobtrusive.

. . . and tried to nonchalantly walk quickly by with a valuable "bird in hand". Definitely worth more than "two in the bush."


Reading about the amazing creation . . .


. . . the African Hornbill.


Three generations of ladies.


What's going on here?

Before we left the zoo, we noticed a large crowd gathering around the Giraffe enclosure.


Looks like someone wants to have a snack.


Uh . . . there is just one problem. Well, perhaps no one saw the sign?


It's kind of obvious don't you think? : )

Africa Interior Missions

"We interrupt these messages for a Missionary Report from members of Africa Interior Missions."


A few members of the Africa Interior Missions.

To the Africa Interior Missions Group:

Greetings and good afternoon to you all. I understand that today is the birthday of one of your august members and on such a noteworthy occasion I am very pleased to be able to pen this letter to your board of directors.

First of all, I want to encourage you in your very worthy goal of bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Africa and more specifically to the Congo. Combining the aforementioned aim with scientific discovery is also a wonderful idea.

In our day there are very few young men who are willing to think and act on things of a serious nature. What you are seeking to do is a very noble task. In the book of II Timothy, Paul states that we are not to let youth be an impediment to taking on large and somewhat daunting tasks. And so I would encourage you in a similar way that just because you are young, does not mean that you can not try to accomplish great things.

As a young man, one of the gifts God has given you is strength and energy to see mighty things done. These are wonderful gifts and you must use them well. However, in your zeal to do good you must also remember to temper your energy with respect and honor toward those in authority over you. God has placed these authorities above you to guide you and keep you on the right path. He promises that those who’s lives are characterized by honor will be blessed with long life and good days. This principle is one that you must not forget, not only now, but also in years to come. God is not slack in rewarding those who obey his laws.

I would also exhort you to make it your daily habit to read the scriptures. As you continue to become a man, you will not be fully equipped to meet the daily challenges that come your way without a thorough understanding of God’s word. Colossians 2:3 says that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. From this passage and others we see that without the Bible to guide us, all our actions will be confused. This is why we must know Gods word.

In closing I would leave you with a quote from a man who has shaped my thinking about life.

“I wish to preach not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life, the life of toil and effort, of labor and strife; to preach the highest form of success which comes, not to the man who desires mere easy peace, but to the man who does not shrink from danger, from hardship, or from bitter toil, and who out of these wins the splendid ultimate triumph.” - Teddy Roosevelt

May God continue to give you the strength to live the strenuous life for his glory,

Your Friend and Brother,
Nathan Serven

The Unfolding Birthday Celebration: Part 1

When we went hiking last Wednesday, it was to commemorate a very special day in the life of our dear mother--her birthday! We had a birthday breakfast that day, moseyed around the house, shared a quick lunch, went hiking, and came back for dinner and a quiet evening at home. Or so Mom thought . . .


Our Nana surprised Mom by coming out from California for a birthday visit!


And during dinner, Peter called to wish her a happy birthday . . . and say he was coming home for a visit!


Watching Mom open presents from her children.


Our dear Nana.


Mums for Mom (from Joel); Little Mommy (from Nana).


Sarah setting up the home videos. Sorry; no clips. They are entirely too unbloggable. : )


All the family videos got us in the history mode. Mom pulled out a bunch of old letters from Nana's side of the family and we listened to tons of stories.


A Birthday Pumpkin Pie.


Happy Birthday Dear Mommy!

River Otters

What a bunch of cuties. : )

Exploring

Soaking in the Landscape.

We decided to jump in the car yesterday afternoon and explore a nearby landmark--Cuivre River State Park (pronounced "Quiver"). The trees are barely turning to their autumn brilliance; the newly crisp air whisked around us; the gently lapping water refreshed us with it's sound. What a delightful afternoon.


A local school group was out en mass, learning to fish.


Trees reflected in the stream.



A long stairway to the top of the mountain--it went on forever!

Best of the Blog

Since we have a few new visitors from Biblical Womanhood [Editor's Note: Thanks Crystal! Make sure to enter the drawing for Hymns for Kith and Kin!], we thought you might enjoy reading some of the most popular posts of The Serven Clan Blog.

1. The Dress of War:
A Christian View of Modesty and Femininity

2. Hero Makers:
Encouraging a Visionary Perspective of Life

3. The Refridgerator That Will Change the World:
Cultural Dominion by Christ Honoring Families

Looking for you own copy of Hymns for Kith and Kin? Click here.

Mortification of Sin

Once a quarter, we receive a treasure in the mail. The folks at Mt. Zion Church faithfully publish and disseminate a wonderful booklet. The essays, sermons and quotes are often from Puritan pastors, or those who are endeavoring "To humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation, and to promote real holiness in heart and life" (purpose of Mt. Zion's "Free Grace Broadcaster" booklet ministry).

The fall edition was on "Mortification". When the booklet in arrived in the mail last month, I was not sure if I could even define the term "mortification", let alone understand how to mortify my sin. After reading through the booklet several times, the Lord brought much conviction of the heart from the scriptures and sermons.

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."Romans 8:13

"Sin sets its strength against every act of holiness and against every degree we grow to. Let not that man think he makes any progress in holiness who walks not over the bellies of his lusts." John Owen

"Mortification is a task to which every Christian must apply himself with prayerful diligence and resolute earnestness. The regenerate have a spiritual nature within that fits them for holy action, otherwise there would be not difference between them and the unregenerate. They are required to improve [Editor's Definition: "make good use of for spiritual profit"] the death of Christ, to embitter sin to them by His sufferings. They are to use the grace received in bringing forth the fruits of righteousness. Nevertheless, it is a task that far transcends our feeble powers. It is only "through the Spirit" that any of us can acceptably or effectually (in any degree) "mortify the deeds of the body." He it is Who presses upon us the claims of Christs: reminding us that inasmuch as He died for sin, we must spare no efforts in dying to sin--striving against it (Heb 11:4), confessing it (1Jo 1:9), forsaking it (Pro 28:13). He it is Who preserves us from giving way to despair and encourages us to renew the conflict. He it is Who deepens our longings after holiness and moves us to cry, "Create in me a clean heart, O God" (Psa 51:10)." A. W. Pink

"Be Killing sin or it will be killing you." John Owen

Mt. Zion's "Free Grace Broadcaster" is a wonderful gift--and it is free. Don't request a copy unless you will really read it, but if you really will benefit from it's pages, get one today. You can also read them online.

Testing . . . Testing . . . 1-2-3 . . .

Playing Smashball before the Symphony at Forest Park.

Our first attempt at video on the blog. The content is not as crucial as the fact that we uploaded it!! Remember the days of dial up?! What a blessing to have DSL capabilities.


A few fireworks at last week's concert.