John Owen on God's Grace and Our Obedience

Over the last few days, I've been reading through John Owen's excellent book, The Mortification of Sin. This extended quote from Chapter 3 challenges a works righteousness mentality and a lackadaisical 'all-grace' excuse. Take the time to carefully read through Owen's thoughts on the mortification of our sin.

Question: How doth the Spirit mortify sin?
Answer: In general, three ways.

(1) By causing our hearts to abound in grace, and the fruits that are contrary to the flesh and the fruits thereof, and to the principles of them. So the apostle opposes the fruits of the flesh and of the Spirit: the fruits of the flesh, says he, are so and so (Gal. 5:19, 20); but, says he, the fruits of the Spirit are quite contrary, quite of another sort (vv. 22, 23). Yea, but what if these are in us and do abound; may not the other abound also? No, says her (vs. 24); 'they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts'. But how? Why by 'living in the Spirit, and walking after the Spirit' (vs. 25); that is, by the abounding of these graces of the Spirit in us, and walking according to them. For, saith the apostle, 'these are contrary one to another' (vs. 17), so that they cannot both be in the same subject, in any intense or high degree. This renewing of us by the Holy Ghost, as it is called (Titus 3:5), is one great way of mortification: he cause us to grow, thrive, flourish and abound in those graces which are contrary, opposite, and destructive to all the fruits of the flesh, and to the quiet or thriving of indwelling sin itself.

(2) By a real, physical efficiency on the root and habit of sin, for the weakening, destroying and taking it away. Hence he is called a "Spirit of judgment and burning' (Isa. 4:4), really consuming and destroying our lusts. He takes away the stony heart by an almighty efficiency; for as he begins the work as to its kind, so he carries it on as to its degrees. He is the fire which burns up the very root of lust.

(3) He brings the cross of Christ into the heart of a sinner by faith, and gives us communion with Christ in his death, and fellowship in his sufferings; of the manner whereof more afterwards.

The second is,

Question: If this be the work of the Spirit alone, how is it that we are exhorted to it? Seeing the Spirit of God only can do it, let the work be left wholly to him.

Answer: 1. It is no otherwise the work of the Spirit, than as all graces and good works which are in us are his. He works in us 'to will and to do of his own good pleasure' (Phil. 2:13); 'He works all our works in us' (Isa. 26:12); 'The work of faith with power' (2 Thess. 1:11; Col. 2:12). He cause us to pray and is 'a Spirit of supplication' (Rom. 8: 26; Zech. 12:10). And yet we are exhorted and are to be exhorted, to all these.

Answer: 2. He doth not so work our mortification in us as not to keep it still an act of our obedience. The Holy Ghost works in us and upon us, as we are fit to be wrought in and upon; that is, so as to preserve our own liberty and free obedience. He works upon our understandings, wills, consciences and affections, agreeably to their own natures: he works in us and with us, not against us or without us: so that his assistance in an encouragement as to the facilitating of the work, and no occasion of neglect as to the work itself. And indeed, I might here bewail the endless foolish labour of poor souls, who being convinced of sin and not able to stand against the power of their convictions, do set themselves by innumerable perplexing ways and duties to keep down sin; but, being strangers to the Spirit of God, all in vain. They combat without victory, have war without peace, and are in slavery all their days. The spend their strength for that which is not bread, and their labour for that which profiteth not.

This is the saddest warfare that any poor creature can be engaged in. A soul under the power of conviction from the law, is pressed to fight against sin, but hath no strength for the combat. The cannot but fight, and they can never conquer; they are like men thrust on the sword of enemies, in purpose to be slain. The law drives them on, and sin beats them back. Sometimes they think indeed that they have foiled sin, when they have only raised a dust so that they see it not; that is they distemper their natural affections of fear, sorrow and anguish, which makes them believe that sin is conquered, when it is not touched. But that time they are cold, they must go to battle again; and the lust which they thought to be slain, appears to have no wound.

And if the case be so sad with them who labour and strive, and yet enter not into the kingdom, what is their condition who despise all this; who are perpetually under the power and dominion of sin, and love to have it so: and are troubled at nothing but that they cannot make sufficient provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof?

Quote excerpted from John Owen's, The Mortification of Sin, Chapter 3.

December 7th, 2007

Don't forget to place your order by December 7th!!! Yes, we know it's a wee bit early, but our schedule this year is a wee bit different. : )

And the Winner Is . . .

"The Mayflower Compact"!

The votes came in very close with 7 for The Mayflower Compact and 6 for The Landing of the Pilgrims. Thanks for casting your vote. : )

Watch the movies here.

Thanksgiving Day

Story-time with Nathan.


Flipping the Bird.


The Dinner Table.


After dinner walk.


Dessert Table.


Singing Psalms.

Thanksgiving Movie Festival

Thanksgiving Day found our creative wheels turning a bit. We divided our dinner guests into two teams and tasked them to create a short film about the Pilgrim Fathers. Now you get to decide which one you like the best! Leave a comment with your vote.


Movie #1: The Landing of the Pilgrims.


Movie #2: The Mayflower Compact.

Thanksgiving in the Kitchen

Busy Times.

Thanksgiving preparations have been underway all morning. Everyone has a job and a recipe--from young to old.


Little Kitchen Helpers.

I get the honor of making the turkey--if you don't yet have a recipe for the illustrious bird, make sure to glance at this no-fail version of Thanksgiving Turkey. Crisp, seasoned and roasted to perfection, we love this recipe. : )


Famous Cheesecake Chef.

My recipe does include some unorthodox features such as brining the bird overnight, and starting to roast the turkey upside down, then flipping it after an hour. The extra steps add to a scrumptious presentation; don't leave them out!


Cousins in the Kitchen.

In the midst of preparations, don't forget the point of Thanksgiving. The meaning is not found in turkey, stuffing, cranberries, or family.


Budding Sweet Potato Casserole Connoisseur.

Thanksgiving is exactly that--"Giving Thanks" to our gracious God. Yes, for the blessings of the last year, for food, friends, and family. More importantly, we are giving thanks for His sovereign kingship over all creation, for His holy acts of providence throughout all of history and in our lives today, and most significant, for His sending of His Son Jesus Christ to purchase us to be His children, redeeming us to Himself. This is the meaning of Thanksgiving. This is the reason the Pilgrims celebrated it so long ago. This is the story started before the foundations of the world, when "God chose us in Him."


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“Turkey for a Crowd”
Cook’s Illustrated, with adaptations by Rebecca Serven.
Serves 20 to 24

Introductory Comments
You can use any roasting pan to roast the turkey, even a disposable one, but make sure to use a V-rack to keep the bird elevated. Be careful to dry the skin thoroughly before brushing the bird with butter; otherwise it will have spotty brown skin. Rotating the bird helps produce moist, evenly cooked meat, but for the sake of ease, you may not opt to rotate it. In that case, skip the step of lining the V rack with foil and roast the bird breast side up for the entire cooking time. Because we do not brine the bird, we had the best results with a frozen Butterball (injected with salt and water) and a kosher bird (soaked in salt water during processing).

Turkey Brine

1. Place turkey in container large enough so water can cover it by 1 or 2 inches (if at all possible): Large stock pot, 5 gallon white bucket, etc.

2. Make room in the fridge for container.

3. Make sure turkey is completely thawed. Rinse well.

4. Make water and salt solution. Ratio is 1 cup salt to 1 gallon water. Make sure salt is dissolved!! Add seasonings (I use ¼ cup dried thyme as it compliments the Turkey for a Crowd Recipe).

5. Pour solution over bird until it covers it by 1 or 2 inches. You may need to make additional solution (remember to dissolve salt).

6. Brine for 10 to 12 hours, rotating if needed (so that all parts of the turkey are evenly brined).

7. Remove from brine, rinse in sink with cold water until all traces of salt are removed.

8. Safely discard brine and cook turkey as normal (omitting salt in recipe).

Variation: Combine 1 gallon of cold water with 1 cup kosher salt in a large stockpot. Heat until salt is dissolved. Add 4 ounces of cracked black peppercorns, 6 bay leaves, 4 sprigs of rosemary, and 1 cup brown sugar. Stir until combined; cool to room temperature. Place the defrosted or fresh turkey in a large plastic bag, fill with brine to submerge turkey, and refrigerate for 12-15 hours. Rub, roast and baste as usual.

Turkey Roasting Methodology

2 medium onions, chopped coarse
2 medium carrots, chopped coarse
2 celery ribs, chopped coarse
1 lemon, quartered
2 sprigs (3 to 4 inches each) fresh thyme
1 frozen Butterball or Kosher or Fresh Brined Turkey (18 to 22 pounds gross weight) turkey rinsed and thoroughly dried with paper towels
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons kosher salt or 1 teaspoon table salt (omit if you just brined the turkey)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position; remove remaining racks. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line large V rack with heavy duty foil and poke holes in foil; set V rack in 15 by 12 inch roasting pan.

2. Toss onions, carrots, celery, lemon, and thyme in medium bowl; set aside. Brush turkey breast with 2 tablespoons butter, then sprinkle with half or salt (or omit) and half of black pepper. Set turkey breast side down on V rack. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and sprinkle with remaining salt (or omit) and black pepper. Fill cavity with half of onion mixture; scatter rest in roasting pan and pour 1 cup water into pan.

3. Roast turkey 1 hour; remove roasting pan with turkey from oven. Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees. Using clean dishtowel or 2 potholders, turn/flip turkey breast side up (long ways works best—grab drumsticks); return to roasting pan with turkey to oven and continue to roast until legs move freely and instant read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 170 to 180 degrees, about 2 hours longer (usually a little longer than they say). Transfer turkey to carving board and let rest, uncovered 35 to 40 minutes. Carve and serve.

4. Make gravy from drippings and flour.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Need a new Thanksgiving tradition? Learn about the Pilgrim Fathers and Squanto.

You can read the articles aloud at the mid-day feasting table, send the articles home with each of your guests as a Thanksgiving "thank you for coming gift", sit around munching pumpkin pie and read one paragraph a person, or even (if you have little children) lay out on your tummies in front of the roaring fire and read them the stories of God's work of yore.

The Pilgrim Fathers: Diligent Seekers of Religious Liberty

Squanto: A Special Instrument of God

Fort in the Making

What have we here?!


The brains behind the fortifications.

Thanksgiving Recital

The participants in last night's Thanksgiving Recital.

Every six months or so, we help organize a musical recital for some of the children in our church and community. It is a joy to see the children maturing in their musical abilities, both technically and with greater musical sensitivity. They are growing with the purpose to steward their gifts to reflect God's glory.

Last night's performance included impressionistic masterpieces, rollicking beginner tunes, old-time fife marching pieces, hymn arrangements, baroque perfection, Appalachian folk music, and even a barbershop octet! Instruments varied from piano, violin, harp, and cello, to dulcimer, fife, penny-whistle and voice. Solos, duets, ensembles--what ever configuration, all joined together to present a wide variety of musical offerings to the praise of our Savior.

Past Recitals:
2007 Spring Music Recital
2006 Thanksgiving Music Recital

Cheap Labor

The Boss.

Though the outside of Nathan's house has stayed the same, excepting a fresh crop of new green grass, the inside has been a hive of activity. Nathan passed the Open-wall Inspection hurdle last week. Insulation here we come!


The Dynamic Duo.

This was my first experience with insulation. I have a much greater appreciation for the construction workers who deal with the prickles, lack of oxygen, dust, debris, headaches, strained backs, and soreness everyday. Nathan reassured us that no one loves to do insulation. : )

Ben and I had to yank the insulation between the ceiling rafters and a 5" to 8" gap where the old ceiling was. I thought we had the harder task, until I tried working in the new part of the house using the staple gun.


Working hard.

Beth and Sarah did the traditional method of insulation installation in the new addition. They did a great job. I couldn't quite get the hang of it when I tried later.

Happily, the walls were way easier to hang. Nathan also had me perch on a ladder and attach enormous Styrofoam egg cartons to the vaulted ceiling. He said they were for airflow . . . but who would think of putting egg cartons inside of your roof!? : )


Checking out the job.

Mom stopped by with the necessary break equipment--Big and Tasty's from McDonald's. When you're on the job, gourmet does not have the same priorities. : )


Fall colors in the yard.

Despite the tongue in cheek attitude above, we were overjoyed to assist our brother as he speeds along to the end of this project. Lord willing, drywall will be up soon; then it's just painting, finish (trim, cabinets, etc), floors, fixtures, and the project is complete!!

Hello World

We're back! : )

Scenes from SA: Time with Peter

Scenes from SA: Manteufel Style Hospitality

Scenes from SA: Film Festival

Reflections on Death

Friday afternoon, we joined in a beautiful worship service to our sovereign Lord. We praised God for His holy and righteous ways, yet acknowledged how His ways are a mystery to us. Fitting tribute was given to the Lord for the way He used His servant Michael Billings in our lives. Many tears were shed. But the tears, through full of grief, were full of hope. We know where Michael is by grace. He was purchased by Christ before the foundations of the earth and now resides with Him in heaven.

I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh will also dwell in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with you presence.
Psalm 16:8-11

Many conversations revolved around the legacy of Michael's life. A common theme revolved around his love for God's law-word contained in the Scriptures. What a encouragement it was for me to strive to be a good steward of the days the Lord gives.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Psalm 119:36-37

The effect of Michael's death has a million repercussions. It causes people to ask questions about God's sovereignty, His purpose, His will, and our stewardship over our life. Some have questioned--"How could God take this young man? He was honoring His parents; he was a "good" man; he was following God's call on his life." Indeed, the secret things belong to the Lord. God has never promised an earthly life without death. When we are adopted into His family, our life is swallowed up in Christ's death and resurrection--and that is the victory.

In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
Proverbs 12:28

Last Saturday evening (the day before the Lord called Michael home), we were sitting around the dinner table, and Dad was reading to us from Scripture. We were discussing Hebrews chapter four and "entering His rest".

Out of the blue, Mom said, "Isn't it loving of the Lord to not let our life continue forever in sin on the earth?"

Inwardly, I gasped. Death has always been a great grief to me; something of which I've been afraid.

In my mind, I know the right answers: that God's children need not fear death, Christ has paid for their eternal salvation, etc. But I never really understood the benefits of dying. When Mom mentioned how loving and kind it was of God to have his children die and not be forever stuck in their sin, that got me thinking.

When we die, we no longer have to mortify the flesh. We need not strive any more with the world and the devil. The work the Lord had for us on the earth is ended. The blessed Sabbath rest of Heaven is our calling now.

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
John 17:24

Sunday morning, I wrote in the margin of my Bible, next to John 17:24, "Our death is because God loves us so much to not let us continue under the curse in the Garden."

Sometimes people think that Heaven is a place where people sit around strumming harps. While we might do a little harp strumming, the picture of the new heavens and the new earth is such a glorious thought. I believe it will be much like our Sundays now, filled with joy and gladness, feasting, fellowship with the saints, music, worship of our Mighty God; even deeper and richer than we can ever imagine. Truly, the City of God has many glories.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the rive, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. The will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. they will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Revelations 22: 1-5

Let us live our life each day to the fullness of reflecting His glory; trusting God's perfect timing for when He might call us home to Him.

His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."
Matthew 25:21

Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647)
37. Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves, till the resurrection.

38. Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
A. At the resurrection, believers, being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.

Please Pray for the Billings Family

Michael Garrett Billings
May 12, 1988 - November 4, 2007

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed", says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"
Revelation 14:13

"His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."
Matthew 25:21

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Philippians 1:21

In the sovereign will of God, Michael Garrett Billings was called home, Sunday, November 4th, 2007. Family and friends are gathering to worship God, give remembrance of Michael's life well lived, and comfort one another in the Lord.

Please Note: We will be taking a break from blogging this week. We hope to resume this following Monday. Please be in prayer for the Billings family.

Great is His Faithfulness,
Rebecca for the Serven Clan

"Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:50-57

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Darnell's Post
Caleb's Post
Service Information

Scenes from SA: Road Trip

Fall Colors.

The glorious autumn foliage painted the scenery as we sped along down the highway. With each turn of the road, the vibrant picture grew even more beautiful. As we traveled south through Missouri, the colors waned then as we entered Oklahoma, entirely disappeared.

We had started our journey to San Antonio with the typical travel wake-up time of 4AM. It seem no matter how hard we try, if it includes breakfast, 2 hours is the shortest turn around time in which we can get our family on the road. Have any other large families noticed this phenomena?

With our early morning leave time, and the beauty of the colors now absent, we settled into our normal driving routine. Reading, sleeping, and handwork are the usual plans. However, Mom made a special addition to our typical journey.


Practicing the Presidents.

Mom instructed the younger children that we were going to be doing something special during this trip. They were to memorize the first 15 presidents of the United States, and then she had a prize. With much anticipation they diligently worked away. Sarah, Lydia, and Andrew had accomplished the task all without guessing the prize. When Mom finally revealed the treat they were plenty excited! To warm up our movie analyzing skills, she had borrowed a DVD player from a friend. The children were excited to have a break from the long car drive. : ) This pattern continued the course of the entire journey, with the children eventually completing the memorization of the entire list of Presidents.

We arrived that evening in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area to spend the evening at the home of our friends the Reins. Their gracious hospitality was a wonderful rest from the close quarters of the van and broke up the monotony of the drive time. We enjoyed the evening spent with their kind family, and the delicious breakfast in the morning.

To be continued . . .

A Peck of Pickled Peppers

Drum Roll Please . . .

And the winner is Mr. Nick Jesch!! He guessed 335 peppers and in actuality there were 345. Quite a bountiful harvest for our table. We chopped and flash froze many peppers, passed some out to friends while on our trip, and came home to a few more. : ) They are so delicious.

Congratulations Mr. Jesch! We'll be sending a free copy of Hymns for Kith and Kin to your home. Enjoy!

Speaking of Hymns for Kith and Kin, we have some exciting news!! At long last, after the recent helpful instruction of Nolan Manteufel, we have an audio clip up from the CD. You can preview Amazing Grace by clicking here or by visiting the product page and scrolling down. : )


Click the picture to get your own copy of Hymns for Kith and Kin.