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2010 Highlights

2010-12-31T16:13:00.003-08:00

I've been told that Hogmanay is the word of the day on dictionary.com, and so it should be.

Happy Hogmanay to you all.

I've taken some time today to reflect over the past year. Before really sitting down and thinking about it the only thing I thought I liked about 2010 was that it was a nice clean number. Having taken some more time, I realise that there has been plenty to be thankful for this past year.

Here are my highlights of 2010 (click the links), complete with videos and pictures:

Personal Highlights

Food & Drink Highlights

TV & Movies Highlights

Internet Content Highlights

Book Highlights

Some will interest you more than others, but I hope you're able to smile with me as I look back upon 2010. Maybe you'll even find something that will make 2011 start with a bang.

Happy Hogmanay and Happy New Year To You All,
David Smith

2010 Highlights: Personal

2010-12-31T15:37:00.012-08:00

I've shared my book, TV, movie, internet, food & drink highlights, but life is made up of so much more than what we consume. Here are a few of my personal highlights of this past year.

Most Memorable Moment of 2010: Preaching At My Sister’s Wedding.

Honourable Mention: Dinner with John Piper.

Bible Verse of 2010: ‘The Heart of Man Plans His Way, But The Lord Establishes His Steps’ – Proverbs 16:9.

Honourable Mention: ‘[Jesus] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high’ – Hebrews 1:3.

Prayer of 2010: ‘Help Me Preach Your Word Faithfully’.

Honourable Mention: ‘Heal My Back’.

Sporting Moment of 2010: Being There When Shaun White Won The Men’s Halfpipe Finals During The Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Honourable Mention: Watching Spain Win The World Cup Final With Kenco and Shanks.

News Story of 2010: Haitian Earthquake.

Honourable Mention: The Sovereign Debt Crisis.

Discovery of 2010: The Nature of Fiat Currency and Money.

Honourable Mention: The Gym.

Technology of 2010: Skype.

Honourable Mention: iTunes Movie Rentals.

Gift of 2010: Flights To Scotland For Catriona’s Wedding.

Honourable Mention: Personalised Paper Embosser For My Library.

2010 Highlights Map:

Highlights Home

Food & Drink Highlights

TV & Movies Highlights

Internet Content Highlights

Book Highlights

2010 Highlights: Food & Drink

2010-12-31T14:53:00.008-08:00

There isn't a single day in the past 365 where food and drink didn't feature at some point. Too often we get numb to the joys of food and drink. Eating, drinking, or visiting any of the highlights below will open up your palate and remind you of the possibilities. As always, links are provided, and please do drop your own suggestions in the comments below.

Beer of 2010: Tullibardine 1488 Oak Whisky Cask Aged Strong Ale.

Honourable Mention: Westmalle Tripel Trappist Ale.

Whisky of 2010: MacAllan 18 Year Old Single Malt.

Honourable Mention: Big Peat Islay Marriage.

Pub of 2010: The Alibi Room, Vancouver.

Honourable Mention: The Irish Heather, Vancouver.

Restaurant of 2010: Koki Beach, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

Honourable Mention: The Observatory, Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver.

Home Cooked Meal of 2010: My Wife Amanda’s Roast Beef and Cheesy Mash.

Honourable Mention: Wendy Hayward’s Japanese Chicken Breast.

2010 Highlights Map:

Highlights Home

Personal Highlights

TV & Movies Highlights

Internet Content Highlights

Book Highlights

2010 Highlights: TV & Movies

2010-12-31T13:56:00.006-08:00

As mentioned in my '2010 Highlights: Personal' post, iTunes Movie Rentals featured as an honourable mention in the category of 'Technology of 2010'. It certainly helped me compile my list of favourite TV Shows and Movies below. All shows and movies have trailers linked, and please feel free to leave your own favourite TV Shows and Movies of 2010 in the comments.

Best TV Series of 2010: ‘The Pacific’.

Honourable Mention: ‘The Big Bang Theory’.

Best Action Movie of 2010: ‘Robin Hood’.

Honourable Mention: ‘Kick-Ass’.

Best Comedy Movie of 2010: ‘Grown Ups’.

Honourable Mention: ‘The Other Guys’.

Best Kid’s Movie of 2010: ‘Despicable Me’.

Honourable Mention: ‘Ramona & Beezus’.

Best Drama Movie of 2010: ‘Harry Brown’.

Honourable Mention: ‘Crazy Heart’.

Best Documentary Movie of 2010: ‘The Cove’.

Honourable Mention: ‘Babies’.

2010 Highlights Map:

Highlights Home

Personal Highlights

Food & Drink Highlights

Internet Content Highlights

Book Highlights

2010 Highlights: Internet Content

2010-12-31T13:40:00.006-08:00

Here we are, at the end of a great year of web content. Let's face it, we all spend a lot of time online, plenty of it wasted, here are some links that won't waste your time. The best the web had to offer in 2010. Enjoy, and share your own in the comments below.

Best Blog of 2010: ‘Between Two Worlds’ – Justin Taylor.

Honourable Mention: ‘C.J. Mahaney’s View From The Cheap Seats’ – C.J. Mahaney.

Best YouTube Channel: ‘Mark’s Gospel’ – Max McLean.

Honourable Mention: ‘Why Gold and Silver’ – Mike Maloney.

Best Video: ‘32 Hours: The Church in Haiti’ – Mark Driscoll.

Honourable Mention: ‘Church Planter Intro’ – Darrin Patrick.

Best Sermon: ‘Grace Driven Effort: Colossians 3’ – Matt Chandler.

Honourable Mention: ‘What Is The Recession For? 2nd Corinthians 1:1-11’ – John Piper.

2010 Highlights Map:

Highlights Home

Personal Highlights

Food & Drink Highlights

TV & Movies Highlights

Book Highlights

2010 Highlights: Books

2010-12-31T12:47:00.009-08:00

Welcome to the most geeky section of my 2010 highlights. If you clicked on this link you are most likely a bibliophile like myself and I trust you will be able to share in my excitement over these titles; please feel free to share your 2010 book highlights in the comments below. Also, you can find where to purchase most of the books by clicking on their title.

Book Purchase of 2010: Signed First Edition of ‘The Saint and His Saviour’ by C.H. Spurgeon.

Honourable Mention: First Edition of ‘The Scottish Covenanters’ – James Taylor.

Best History Book Read in 2010: ‘Scottish Martrys and Covenanters: An Interesting Series of Narrative Tracts Illustrative of The Doctrines Which Led To The Reformation From Popery’ – Daniel DeFoe.

Honourable Mention: ‘Drinking with Luther and Calvin: A History of Alcohol in The Church’ – Jim West.

Best Biography Read in 2010: ‘Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers’ – Lewis Drummond.

Honourable Mention: ‘Meet The Puritans’ – J.R. Beeke & R.J. Pederson.

Best Thelogy Book Read in 2010: ‘Harmony of The Gospels’ – John Calvin.

Honourable Mention: ‘The Treasury of David’ – C.H. Spurgeon.

Best Sociology Book Read in 2010: ‘The Shallows: What The Internet Is Doing To Our Brains’ – Nicholas Carr.

Honourable Mention: ‘Notes on A Beermat: Drinking and Why It’s Necessary’ – Nicholas Pashley.

Best Novel Read in 2010: ‘Home’ - Marilynne Robinson.

Honourable Mention: ‘The Young Fur Traders’ – R.M. Ballantyne.

2010 Highlights Map:

Highlights Home

Personal Highlights

Food & Drink Highlights

TV & Movies Highlights

Internet Content Highlights

Conviction and Confession: Scripture

2010-02-01T15:01:00.004-08:00

In the ongoing and painful process of sanctification God often cuts deep. His Spirit does not care for our most precious sins; He goes after them with a special tenacity. The past twenty four hours have seen one of my precious sins targetted by that tenacious and persistent Spirit.

Last night I had the opportunity to pray with someone who desperately needed truth, Scriptural truth. While praying for her I found myself scrambling for Scripture to challenge the lies that she believed. Verses would float to mind and float right back out.

It was painfully convicting, that my Scripture knowledge is glaringly lacking. On the way home I confessed to Amanda that I felt like a soldier without a sword in the throws of battle.

In response I have resolved to finish the books I am reading; to refrain from beginning any new books; and focus intensely and primarily on Scripture this year. Book reading is a big part of my life. I find much of my identity, joy and growth in reading. As is often the case with idolatry, it is a good thing that has taken far too prominent a position in my life.

This was further driven home, ironically, by a Spurgeon sermon I listened to whilst brushing my wife's hair today. He preached,

'LET US CONSTANTLY READ THE SCRIPTURES. Let us read them, I would say, in preference to other books. There is a great, deal of reading nowadays, and a great deal of that is a kind of chaff-cutting, and nothing more. Why, even in religious newspapers and magazines they cannot command readers and make them pay, so they say, unless they include a religious novel. People’s minds must be in a queer state, when they can relish nothing but these whipped creams, and juvenile syllabubs. If they were robust and healthy, with a good appetite for divine things, they would demand something far more solid and satisfying. You will never grow sturdy men and women on such poor stuff as that: you may rear lackadaisical imitations; but the thinking soul with something in it, the Christian woman who serves God and is a true helper to the Christian ministry, the young man who is fired with the longing to proclaim Christ and win souls to him, must have stronger nutriments than this, that modern religious journalism ladles out so plentifully! Oh! my brethren and sisters, read the Bible, read the Bible’; and these things that enfeeble, will lose all their attraction for you.

If the worldling must have these things, let him; but if you have a soul that is above rubbish, and has been accustomed to live on great, solid verities and substantial truths, you scarcely need that I should say, "Search the Scriptures diligently, and your joy shall spread and deepen."

Be this your happy confession,-

“Lord, I have made thy Word my choice,
My lasting heritage;
There shall my noblest powers rejoice
My warmest thoughts engage.”

We say further, prefer the Scriptures even to all religious books. We say this of the best book, and sermons. We do our best to teach you God’s truth: but we are, like gold-beaters, we get a little bit of truth, and we hammer it out so thin. Some of us are mighty hands at this, and can make a tiny fragment of truth-gold cover an acre of talk. But the best, of us, those who really do seek to bring out the doctrines of grace and love, are but poor workers at it. Read the Bible more, and do not care so much about us. If my sermons kept people from reading the Bible for themselves, I would like to see the whole stock in a blaze and burned to ashes’. But if they serve as finger-posts, pointing to the Scriptures and saying, “Read this, and this, and this;” then I am thankful to have printed them. But if they keep you from your Bibles, burn them, burn them, burn them. Do not let them overlay the Scriptures, but lie beneath them, for that is their proper place. Keep you first, to God’s revealed Word.

Let me here say, that when you read the Bible, remember there are several ways of doing it. There is the superficial reading: being satisfied with the mere letter of it. There is, however, a diving into it, a going deep down into the soul of it. Read it in natural sections. What would Milton’s “Paradise, Lost “ be if you only read one line a day, and began at the middle and went back to the first line? You would never understand his meaning thus. Read the Bible through. Read Johns gospel: not a bit of John and then a snippet of Mark, but read John through, and find out what John is at. Remember that Matthew-, though he speaks of the same Savior as Mark, yet he does it not in the same style, nor for the same purpose; as he. There is a very distinct purpose in each gospel. Matthew tells of Jesus, the King; the parables he records all hold references to the King. “Then shall the kingdom, of heaven be likened,” Mark show us Christ as the Servant devoted and tireless in his activity of loving toil; Luke as the Man Christ Jesus, full of human tenderness and sympathy, and his parables begin “A certain man.” John reveals to us Christ in his true Deity and God-head; and gloriously does he preface it, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Get a hold of what the books mean, and may the Holy Spirit to show you the aim of each writer’-the one book, and that studied, not scampered through, and you shall stand firm where others fall.'

Spurgeon, C. H., 'How To Become Full of Joy'. 1865.

How merciful God is that He would convict me of my very idolatry whilst indulging in it.

I do not mean to say that none should read Spurgeon - or any other excellent Christian author - but if Scripture has taken a back seat in your study and life then you are most likely guilty of similar idolatry.

I am resolved, that 2010 will be a year bathed in Scripture. Thank you for your conviction and forgiveness Lord.

Calvin on Unity

2009-08-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

Commentary on Ephesians 4:2

'On the subject of unity, humility is the first step... Whence come quarrels, insults, and reproaches? Come they not from this, that every one carries his love of himself, and his regard to his own interests, to excess?'

A Preacher's Prayer

2009-08-26T10:20:00.005-07:00

My Master God,
I am desired to preach today,
but go weak and needy to my task;
Yet I long that people might be edified with divine truth,
that an honest testimony might be borne for thee;
Give me assistance in preaching and prayer,
with heart uplifted for grace and unction.
Present to my view things pertinent to my subject,
with fullness of matter and clarity of thought,
proper expressions, fluency, fervency,
a feeling sense of the things I preach,
and grace to apply them to men’s consciences.
Keep me conscious all the while of my defects,
and let me not gloat in pride over my performance.
Help me to offer a testimony for thyself,
and to leave sinners inexcusable in neglecting thy mercy.
Give me freedom to open the sorrows of thy people,
and to set before them comforting considerations.
Attend with power the truth preached,
and awaken the attention of my slothful audience.
May thy people be refreshed, melted, convicted, comforted,
and help me to use the strongest arguments
drawn from Christ’s incarnation and sufferings,
that men might be made holy.

I myself need thy support, comfort, strength, holiness,
that I might be a pure channel of thy grace,
and be able to do something for thee;
Give me then refreshment among thy people,
and help me not to treat excellent matter in a defective way,
or bear a broken testimony to so worthy a redeemer,
or be harsh in treating of Christ’s death, its design and end,
from lack of warmth and fervency.
And keep me in tune with thee as I do this work.
Amen.

-The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers

Advance 09 Audio and Pictures

2009-06-11T14:50:00.002-07:00

We're back in B.C. now and all the audio is available now thanks to Desiring God. I'm including some photos from the conference taken by Gabriel Boone. Be sure to check out the rest of photos on flickr. I've put a few stars besides the ones I'd recommend first. Enjoy.

Mark Driscoll - "What Is the Church?"
Mark Driscoll - "Ministry Idolatry"

John Piper - "Let the Nations Be Glad, Part 1" *****
John Piper - "Let the Nations Be Glad, Part 2" *****

Ed Stetzer - "Keys to Understanding the Church and Kingdom"

Matt Chandler - "Preaching the Gospel to the De-churched" *****

Tyler Jones - "The Resurgence of the Church"

Bryan Chappell - "Communicating the Gospel Through Preaching"

J. D. Greear - "Planting Is for Wimps: Revitalizing a Church Around the Gospel"

Eric Mason - "The Ultimate Shepherd"

Danny Akin - "Marks of a Healthy Community of Faith" *****

Chandler, Driscoll, and Chappell - Q&A Session

Piper, Driscoll, Greear, and Stetzer - Q&A Session

'It Was Like Drinking From A Fire Hydrant'

2009-06-06T22:42:00.006-07:00

After weeks of anticipation since Amanda and I spontaneously decided, 'we need to be there!' after watching the Advance09 teaser on youtube it's now over. What a stunning few days. One of the fascinating things to watch was how this generation of 'New Reformers' *cringe*, or whatever you want to call us, utilizes the internet. The hashtag '#advance09' was one of the top trending tweets over the conference and I've been told that 'Matt Chandler' made it way up the rankings too. Of course there was the usual liveblogging, but 'tweeting' really has changed things. I don't have an iPhone or net compatable phone of any type yet so I had to get home to see what people had been tweeting. What a useful tool this has been to share notes, or more accurately, short moments of brilliance. Here are a few examples from only the most recent twenty of the hundreds, probably thousands, of tweets from the conference.

teamallred Piper: 'Missions' is not being invited. If there's someone to invite you, it's not a mission field. #advance09

jaysonwhelpley Driscoll: Evangelicals are blind to the idol of family. Don't worship family; worship God as a family. #advance09 - @PiperTravel

sistrbride RT @ggrobinson #advance09 orthodoxy + orthopraxy -love = the death of the church in Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7). Matt Chandler

danwadams RT @PiperTravel: Piper: Missions is not the ultimate goal of God and history; worship is. #advance09

myklf RT @NationsBeGlad: Piper - Don't let your theology get in the way of the Bible. #Advance09 (via @lovebrokethru) GREAT!

You may not be immediately struck by the usefulness of Twitter, but in this context it's certainly been helpful for sharing notes.

Now, to the conference itself. The title of this blog post was featured multiple times on different men and women's twitter streams. I have to agree. These three days really have been 'drinking from a fire hydrant'. The sheer amount of wisdom made it almost impossible to remember anything once the day was done. I tried to shoot vlogs (video blogs) at the end of each day but found myself just friend and unable to remember much at all. It will be necessary to listen to all of the messages again taking notes. I knew this might be the case, so during the messages themselves I just sat there, soaking it in, allowing them to affect me. I'm not ashamed to admit that when Piper spoke of the glory of God, or when Chandler hit hard, there were a few tears of both joy and repentance in my eyes.

Once I've had more time to relisten and reprocess maybe I'll post some thoughts, but I don't think you'll really care. I wouldn't waste time reading my thoughts about the messages before listening to them yourself.

PLEASE VISIT the Advance 09 messages to listen for yourself. If you're pressed for time, I'd recommend Chandler's first, Akin's second, and - if you're feeling brave enough - endulge in both of Piper's messages. That said, all of the messages, without exception, were excellent.

On a personal note, Amanda and I are now sitting, well, she's sleeping, in Raleigh-Durham International waiting for the next flight to Seattle via Atlanta. We were supposed to stay until Wednesday, arriving back on the Thursday, but we simply did not enjoy the Carolinas (North and South) at all. Our experience was rather disappointing unfortunately. We have saved our money for months to take this vacation so it's a shame that we're now having to spend it on early flights home. But we'd rather cut our loses now rather than waste any more of it down here. Maybe we'll take a night or two in Tofino or Whistler if we've got any of our savings left by the time we get home. We're obviously very disappointed, and quite upset, but it's been a good lesson to learn. It's very difficult to have a good holiday anywhere else when you have some of the most beautiful places in the world in your backyard.

Signing Out,
Tired But Thankful Dave

QUESTIONS FOR YOU (Use the Comments Section Below): What do you think about Twitter? Any recommendations for a relaxing break next time we can afford to go anywhere? What did you think of the Advance09 messages?

Gospel Coalition Messages

2009-04-25T14:11:00.004-07:00

While I was away on Youth Pastors Retreat the Gospel Coalition 'Entrusted With The Gospel' Conference took place in Chicago. I believe this conference to be the most important of the year so here are the session videos that are online. Feel free to work through them as I do the same.

Click on the sermon title for the link.

Session 1: Tim Keller: "The Grand Demythologizer: The Gospel and Idolatry" (Acts 19:21-41)

Session 2: John Piper, "Feed the Flame of God’s Gift: Unashamed Courage in the Gospel" (2 Timothy 1:1-12)S

Session 3: Phil Ryken, "The Pattern of Sound Words" (2 Timothy 1:13-2:13)

Session 4: Mark Driscoll, "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:14-26)

Session 5: K. Edward Copeland, "Shadowlands: Pitfalls and Parodies of Gospel-Centered Ministry" (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Session 6: Bryan Chapell, "Preach the Word!" (2 Timothy 3:10-4:5)

Session 7: Ajith Fernando, "Gospel-Faithful Mission in the New Christendom"

Session 8: C.J. Mahaney, "The Pastor's Charge"

Session 9: Ligon Duncan, "Finishing Well" (2 Timothy 4:6-22)

Session 10: Don Carson, "That By All Means I Might Win Some': Faithfulness and Flexibility in Gospel Proclamation" (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

Panel Discussion: Don Carson, Stephen Um, John Piper, Ligon Duncan, Tim Keller, Crawford Lawrence, "Panel Discussion"

We're Going To...

2009-04-17T23:05:00.002-07:00

It's true, out of nowhere, we decided 'we need a break, and this is exactly the kind of thing that brings life to us'. So, we're jumping on a plane in Seattle on June 3rd and flying to Raleigh, North Carolina to spend three days listening to Piper, Driscoll, Chandler and many others. We'll also get the chance to fellowship with other Brothers and Sisters stoked on the Gospel. We've never been to a conference like this before, so it will be a real experience for the two of us. We're going to try to follow up the conference with a couple of days on the coast for a well earned rest. We praise God for this opportunity. He is faithful and has provided us this opportunity just at the right time.

Vintage Reel Life

2009-04-15T18:09:00.003-07:00

Hey all, this coming Sunday will be the first night of 'Vintage Reel Life'; a film and theology evening at a local coffee house here in Cloverdale, B.C.

I've never done this before, so it should be a good experience. We're going to watch and then discuss
'Iron Man' this week. This may become a regular event with Vintage Young Adults depending on it's success.

Hopefully see as many of you out as possible!

Blessings,
Dave

The Resurrection

2009-04-12T06:43:00.003-07:00

O GOD OF MY EXODUS,
Great was the joy of Israel's sons,
when Egypt died upon the shore,
Far greater the joy
when the redeemer's foe lay crushed in the dust.
Jesus strides forth as the victor,
conqueror of death, hell, and all opposing might;
He bursts the bands of death,
tramples the powers of darkness down,
and lives for ever.
He, my gracious surety,
apprehended for payment of my debt,
comes forth from the prison house of the grave
free, and triumphant over sin, Satan, and death.
Show me herein the proof that his vicarious offering is accepted,
that the claims of justice are satisfied,
that the devil's sceptre is shivered,
that his wrongful throne is levelled.
Give me the assurance that in Christ I died, in him I rose,
in his life I live, in his victory I triumph,
in his ascension I shall be glorified.
Adorable redeemer,
thou who wast listed up upon a cross
art ascended to highest heaven.
Thou, who as man of sorrows wast crowned with thorns,
art now as Lord of life wreathed in glory.
Once, no shame more deep than thine,
no agony more bitter, no death more cruel.
Now, no exaltation more high,
no life more glorious, no advocate more effective.
Thou art in the triumph car leading captive thine enemies behind thee.
What more could be done than thou hast done!
THY DEATH IS MY LIFE, THY RESURRECTION MY PEACE,
THY ASCENSION MY HOPE, THY PRAYERS MY COMFORT.
Amen.

- 'The Resurrection' - Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers

Happy Easter Everyone!
Dave

My Google Life

2009-04-01T22:12:00.005-07:00

Last week's computer problems really brought home the face that I really am unbelieably reliant on this complicated piece of machinery. Without it, my ministry and life in general grinds to a near standstill. Sure, I can still converse with people face to face, or on my cell phone, but I lose all my sermon notes; half my library which is contained on Logos, not to mention the exegetical capabilities that have been so useful; emails; online sermons; blogs; and so much more.

I've taken the opportunity of this collapse to update my computer setup, including going wireless with my keyboard and mouse, picking up a large monitor that I can use whilst sitting on the couch (honestly, not just lazy, my fused vertebrae make laptops/books rather painful viewing after a few minutes), and picking up some more powerful speakers that I can hear around our little basement suite now that the computer is grounded.

I've also began to use a few different organisational/networking tools; most notable of which are Twitter, Google Reader and Google Calendar.

Twitter: This little micro-blog tool has already thrown up some diamond links. I follow other pastors, authors and theologians as they update their personal lives, research and general thoughts; including links. So far I've been linked to a Sinclair Ferguson lecture on the puritans; a 10 question evaluation tool to determine how missional our church is; a video of Pastor Josh Harris and his family enjoying a day off; stats from the Resurgence website; and lots of insight into the lives of pastors I look up to, appreciate and enjoy.

Google Reader: There's a list of blogs that I read daily on the right-side navigation bar, right here on my blog. If you, my readers, wanted a constant stream from these blogs you would only have to access this blog and then jump from there. I was using bookmarks still! Of course, it's not THAT hard, but Google Reader gathers all the blogs I follow into one place and I can enjoy them from there. Great tool.

Google Calendar: This has been the most useful and practical of my updates. It's helped Amanda and I look ahead at this coming month and plan together. It's also helped me visualise where I'm taking my various ministries over the coming month in regards to meetings, sermons, study topics, etc.

All of these have handy little quick links that allow me instant access. April is looking like a quieter month, which we're looking forward to. Now, because of these helpful little tools, we'll be able to free up even more time.

Pray For My Computer

2009-03-26T15:50:00.003-07:00

It seems in the run-up to preaching any Sunday there is always an issue. This week's issue is particularly irritating. There seems to be an issue with my keyboard's 'firmware' that is making the letter 'e' repeat itself constantly, making it impossible to write sermon notes, insert passwords, search on Logos; it's driving me crazy. I spent hours and over $300 yesterday trying to get it to stop. It seems completely random, but happens less now that I am using a Bluetooth Keyboard. If anyone's got any ideas how to fix this I'd love to hear them. I've already had the key taken off and cleaned underneath. On the up side, Cam Dailly is preaching for me tonight to help me focus on Sunday's message. Unfortunately this time has mostly been spent trying to fix my 'e' problem; but I am very much looking forward to sitting back and enjoying my gifted young friend preach tonight.

Twitter Time

2009-03-23T02:07:00.004-07:00

You can now follow me on Twitter: 'ReformedDave'.

As for a quick blog update: I'd like to complete a blog post on Spiritual Disciplines and New Media over the next few days, between sermon prep and other ministry related stuff. That should be up before this time next week, Lord willing.

Also, take a look at my new blog roll. These are the blogs I check daily. I hope they can serve you as well as they have served me.

For Not Blogging

2009-03-22T01:55:00.005-07:00

It's about time I start blogging again. It's been 14 months and a lot has changed. I'm joining the blogosphere again. Accompany me if you like. Blessings.

Dollar A Day

2008-01-22T15:52:00.001-08:00

WWW.DOLLARADAYCAMPAIGN.COM

It's about time you visit dollar a day. This is one of the many things that Jon, myself and a few others have been up to this year. Please join us in spreading the word. Thanks. Dave.

Good and Evil: Bomb Scares and Blessings

2007-12-18T02:35:00.000-08:00

It now being 2:50am I am in my prime evaluating time of the day. And quite a week to evaluate. I realise it has been some time since my last blog. I apologise.

To business, on December 13th, last Thursday, I arrive at church having slept in. For some unknown reason my cell phone decided that my alarm would be silent that morning. Myself and Adam Cornford were supposed to be driving all over the Lower Mainland checking out other church's youth rooms for ideas. Due to my sleeping in I was at the church, rather than somewhere in Richmond, at 10:45am. I walk in to the foyer of the church to hear these words, 'Charles Best is evacuating, there's been a bomb scare, they're coming here'. The next few minutes were pretty exciting for myself and the Reverend Pastor Jon Morrison (that's right, he's a Rev now) as we ran around dreaming up ideas of how we could entertain the 900 students about to pile in our doors.

Next thing we know we are up on stage in front of just short of one thousand high school students and teachers, beginning to warm themselves after the short walk in the snow to the church. We lead them in a game that Jon thankfully remembered was still on the AV/Sound Booth computer after our Wednesday evening's youth meeting the week previous. Some students sang the opening lines to Christmas Songs the rest of the students finished them off, as I ran around throwing out prizes to the fastest groups to respond. The games then proceeded to dance offs, an impromptu 'Silent Night' from a student with quite the voice, drum battles, Buck Buck, Guesstures, and more. Jon and I were simply in our element, supported by the amazing staff at the church. Jared and Brad dropped everything to run the sound and AV, Adam faithfully guarded one of the doors, the office ladies helped in countless ways, and most humbling of all, Steve (our incredible janitor and friend) gave up his lunch to some of the students and then cleaned up after them all once the day was done.

The truth is, we all had fun, we enjoyed the day, Jon and I especially. Once the students and teachers has eventually all left and what just happened began to sink in we were struck with God's faithfulness. As Jon writes in his blog, much more readable than my own, we had recently been very aware of our need to get into the high schools more, and prayed accordingly.

Theologically both myself and Jon were quite aware that 'we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.' (Romans 8:28, ESV) however, we never expected such a concrete example of this to walk through our doors in the shape of 900 local high school students. Some student(s) had called in a bomb scare and God used this for His own glory.

It had been a frustration of ours for some time that although Charles Best Secondary School is literally 100ft from our building, many of those students did not know we existed, much less came out to youth or church. We were afforded the chance to give shelter, food and entertainment to these young men and women.

I am reminded of Joseph and his reaction to his brothers' terrible treatment of himself, as they grovel before him for their lives he replies to them, 'you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.' (Genesis 50:20) God took the evil of those brothers, and used it for good, saving the lives of some. Our prayer should now be that God would save some lives out of this event. That Jon and I, and the church in general, would be able to make the most of the favour God has won us. The morning after the bomb scare, the friday, Jon and I were invited to the school for their assembly. We were heralded as heros, rather unfairly if you ask me, we were just having fun, by the 1400 students. Pray that we are able to build better relationships with a much greater number of the students and that some of them will come to know Christ through this.

Glory to God.

The Rebel's Guide To Joy Part 1: Acts 16, Philippians 1:1-1a

2007-10-22T02:18:00.000-07:00

First off, the beginning to this sermon is hilarious. That's my first observation. Secondly, 'culture is not THE place to look for happiness'. Agreed. Pastor Mark begins by outlaying what the culture has to say about happiness and joy. Beginning with the easy to write off hedonism, moving to the pop-spirituality, and then a bolt out of the blue... 'Joel Osteen'. Who is this guy?! Haha... I've completely missed something here. Supposedly he's on the radio, on the TV, in magazines, is number 1 on itunes, and has published books. Maybe I've been so wrapped up in frantically trying to get my head around what's going on in Church by reading commentators that I've missed what's actually going on down south? Anyone else missed out on who this Joel Osteen guy is? *I just checked out Amazon, it's true, this guy's a pretty big deal by the looks of things, but not really any different from the 90s dudes with the nice teeth, he'll pass into history without making too much of a dent I suspect*

Anyways... supposedly he's suggesting that 'joy is to be found in the same place that culture and pop-spirituality tells us'. And it seems to be 'health and wealth'. I'm so frustrated with the current 'Gospel', the reactionary anti-health and wealth 'Gospel', that I'd forgotten that in many places the 'health and wealth Gospel' still has many followers. I just don't bump into many these days. Anyways, I'm getting tired of the polarized 'health and wealthers' and the 'sexy servants of the poor' discussion. In case you're a lazy blogger and don't read other posts, I do believe that the Church as the body of Christ has a responsibility to tend to people's physical needs, as well as spiritual needs. Love the poor, go for it. Swiftly moving on...

Ok, so now Driscoll is doing what I'm doing basically. Only he's watching a Joel Osteen sermon and discussing it. So what's going on here is I'm discussing a Mark Driscoll sermon in which he discusses a Joel Osteen sermon... I know it's confusing.

The Osteen clip really, genuinely, hurts. There is a real pain in me when I hear that garbage. And it pains me even more to see tens of thousands of people buying it. I agree with Mark, we have to be careful not to accept garbage because it is popular, even... ESPECIALLY... among Christians. That's one thing I noticed in the Christian bookstores here (North America). The majority of their shelves are stacked with books that are pop-spirituality, feel-good, garbage. Again, enough about this, I don't want this to become endlessly frustrating as well. I want to learn from the Word of God in Philippians. It will suffice to say that Jesus does not guarantee painfree health, stressfree finances or troublefree relationships.

Where does the answer to 'how to find Joy?' lie? Having read 'Desiring God' and a bunch of other Piper books I'm guessing where Driscoll's going with this. Let's see.

Joy is not found in culture, Joy is not found in religion, Joy is found 'in Christ Jesus' (Phil 1:1). Good.

As Christians we are 'saints'. This is something that I've fought hard to be made known for a few years now. Paul repeatedly addresses Christians as... saints. As a Christian I am a saint. This says something of who I am now. My identity no longer lies in my sin, my identity lives in the freedom of being a Christian, won by Christ. I live in a fallen world. I do sin. However, I am forgiven, when I come to God humbly with a repentant heart acknowledging that I have sinned against Him, that I do not deserve His forgiveness, but appealing to the sacrifice made on the cross of Christ. Our identity is that of a forgiven saint. Cool.

We are all slaves, to something. I'm a bondservant of Christ (Gal 1:10). I don't want to be a slave to sin. I don't want to be a slave to religion. I don't want to be a slave to the idol of service. I want to be a servant of Christ. I know He's a Master that loves me. My slavery is voluntary to Jesus.

And I appreciated the clip on Robert Robinson, I love the media stuff Mars Hill puts out. It's just well done. The music at the end, maybe not my taste, I loved the original, but hey, they're being missional, so GREAT. The lyrics are phenomenal. I'm looking forward to a sermon series on Hymns here at Catalyst in the New Year.

Anyways, that's that. It's 5am. I was away at a youth retreat all weekend. I'm tired.

The Rebel's Guide To Joy Preview

2007-10-22T02:01:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been spending a lot of time thinking about the Church. I'm reading D.A. Carson's 'Becoming Conservant with the Emerging Church' and John Piper's 'Brothers We Are Not Professionals'. Tonight I'm considering whether or not I should put this study on hold and simply focus on 1. A book of Scripture and 2. J.I. Packer's 'Knowing God'.

I spent some of this evening on the 'Ask Anything' blog. This blog gives individuals anywhere the opportunity to raise questions they'd like to see Mark Driscoll deal with in a sermon series in the New Year. This series will also be followed by a book published by Crossway. As expected, Ecclesiology (Doctrine relating to the Church) is very much at the forefront of what is being discussed there. And to be perfectly honest, I'm feeling like I've spent too much time thinking about that recently. I need to focus on Scripture, not with the purpose of proving something to be 'Doctrinally Sound' but to hear God speak. So, I'm going to work through Philippians (with the help of the good people at Mars Hill Seattle), grab a few commentaries on it, and simply let God minister to me through it.

At the moment I think I'll begin blogs by posting the video, picking out some interesting points, and discuss them with you. I'm going to go watch the first sermon...

Unlikely Bed-fellows and Tolerance Today

2007-10-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

In an interesting paper D.A. Carson suggests that Science and Christianity are rapidly finding themselves with unlikely bed-fellows... each other! I would like to pluck a handful of interesting insights from the article, in particular relating to the topic of 'tolerance'.

"It used to be that tolerance was the virtue of the person who held strong views about something or other, but who insisted that those who disagreed had an equal right to defend their views – the sort of stance picked up in the slogan, 'I may detest your opinions, but I shall defend to the death your right to speak them.' Today, however, tolerance is the virtue of the person who holds no strong views, except for the strongly held view that it is wrong to hold strong views, or to indicate that someone else might be wrong." - D.A. Carson, 'Maintaining Scientific and Christian Truths in a Postmodern World.'

This is an outrageously insightful observation of postmodernism. The only 'sin' in today's western culture is almost certainly the suggestion that another person is 'wrong'. As Carson supports later in the article;

"In the domain of evangelism, not least university evangelism, the hardest thing to get across these days is the notion of sin. To talk about sin is to say that certain behaviour and attitudes and beliefs are wrong, and that is the one thing postmodernism does not permit us to do. The one heresy postmodernism condemns is the belief that there is heresy; the one immoral act is the articulation of the view that there are immoral acts. But unless people adopt biblical views on sin, transgression, rebellion, trespass, guilt, and shame, it is virtually impossible to articulate faithfully the good news of Jesus Christ. If we cannot agree on what the problem is, we most certainly cannot agree on what the solution is." - D.A. Carson, 'Maintaining Scientific and Christian Truths in a Postmodern World.'

This is one of the primary reasons that I am dedicated to preaching God as both full of wrath and love. If we do not accept what more reformed thinkers would call 'our total depravity' we cannot understand why God should justly destroy us. And without an understanding of our deserved fate we cannot be stuck as deeply by the beauty of the Grace described in the Gospel that we must proclaim as truth.

"Christians who have prematurely declared victory over modernity are in for a cruel disillusionment. . . . It is true that modernism was openly hostile to religion and that postmodernism is much more sympathetic on the surface. But it is naive to ignore the price tag. Postmodern openness allows all religions and beliefs to present and practise their claims. But it demands the relinquishing of any claims to unique, absolute, and transcendent truth. For the Christian the cost is too high." - Os Guinness, 'Fit Bodies, Fat Minds: Why Evangelicals Don’t Think and What To Do About It'

It certainly can be exciting for a Christian when they are amazed they are allowed the freedom to 'evangelize' his or her friends and family in this 'postmodern' west. This excitement is often eclipsed by hopelessness as said Christian slowly comes to the realization that their friend listened to everything they said and decided to put it on the shelf alongside all of the other 'truths' they heard that day. We must be at the table. However, we must not drop our claim to THE Truth for the sake of being invited back to a table of 'people [that] will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths' (2 Tim 4:3-4, ESV).

"It is a great help to acknowledge that no truth which human beings may articulate can ever be articulated in a culture -transcending way – but that does not mean that the truth thus articulated does not transcend culture. This point is extraordinarily important, and often overlooked. If we articulate a truth in English, since all language is a cultural artifact our articulation of the the truth is culturally constrained. But that does not mean that the same truth cannot be articulated in another culture, often in another way." - D.A. Carson, 'Maintaining Scientific and Christian Truths in a Postmodern World.'

What a quotation. Does this not demand of today's Church the necessity of a missional mindset? We may have an excellent grasp of THE Truth; but without an understanding of our cultures this Truth lies in the hands of the comfortables, in the words of Christianese, and in the walls of our clinical sanctuaries.

The full article by Carson can be found here

We're Engaged! Facebook Says So!

2007-10-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

Jokingly after my proposal I looked at my fiance with a very serious look on my face and said, 'Do you know what this means?' and she was gripped with suspense.

I put her out of her misery by revealing the incredible truth. I replied, 'we can change our facebook status...'

That's a pretty big deal if you ask me.

Shake Hands With the Devil

2007-09-28T22:22:00.001-07:00

Tonight was a reminder for me. We need Christians everywhere. We need Christians in the UN, we need Christians in the military, we need average joe Christian tax-payers, we even need Christian film-makers. I was imagining what I would write about the movie as I watched it, and I was passionate about reminding Christians that we have a responsibility for being agents of God's Justice. This can be defending a proposal for housing for single moms in Coquitlam from horrified comfortable citizens. This can be defending the guy at work who has everything blamed on him. This can be praying for our leaders to be just. This can even be joining a facebook group supporting the liberation of sex-slaves.

That blog went out of the window on the way home as we, to my astonishment, debated whether or not it was the responsibility of nations to stand for justice in other nations. Don't get me wrong, this movie isn't about the Americans in Iraq, it's about the UN Peacekeeping force in Rwanda during the genocide there. The person, whom shall remain nameless, argued (from what I can understand, this is completely beyond me) unless it benefited the country providing the 'peacekeeping force', then that country should leave the other nation to it's destruction. Due to the government's 'responsibility to the tax payer'. This is a professing Christian telling me this.

I am horrified! I confess I let the words 'THAT'S BULLS*IT!!!' come out of my mouth, and I recognise that in my anger I should not have sinned. I am literally left shaking like a leaf though. Wondering, 'am I being hpocritical?'. Do I stand for justice? Would I hide a Jew in my attic during the 'Great Wars'? Would I jump in the way of a hutu with a machete? The answer... I don't know... maybe in my selfishness I would save myself. But we're not even talking about that here, we're talking about using our tax dollars to save innocent lives. I am flabbergasted!

HOW CAN A PROFESSING CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE MOST DESIRABLE PLACE IN THE WORLD TO LIVE, IN COMPLETE COMFORT, WITHHOLD TAX DOLLARS (WHICH ARE EQUIVILANT TO THE POPCORN, POP AND CANDY HE BOUGHT AT THE MOVIE THEATRE) FROM BEING USED TO SAVE INNOCENT MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN FROM BEING TORTURED, RAPED AND HACKED TO DEATH?

I am so shocked I could cry. I want to be careful I'm not a hypocrite here. Do I hold anything in my heart equivilent to this incredible display of the flesh? Probably. If a Brother wants to bring that to my attention and call me to repentance, great. Anyways, I'm shocked enough for one night. What do you think?

Here's my question: Can a Christian believe this without it having serious consequences on the health of his/her relationship with God?

I'm reminded of Amos 5:21-24, you probably know it...

" 21 "I hate, I despise your feasts,
and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them;
and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,
I will not look upon them.
23Take away from me the noise of your songs;
to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
24But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

My New Hero Is... A WOMAN!

2007-09-28T16:02:00.001-07:00

As many of you will already know I am a complementarian in relation to women in ministry. One critique of this stance is that it may encourage me to disrespect, look down upon or simply ignore women. I am devoting this post to my new hero... Monnica of Milan.

Monnica of Milan was the mother of Augustine. I could give you a load of historical details but you probably don't particularly care and I'd just end up sounding like some pompous historian; when really it's the story of this woman's Faith that inspires me. Almost all of what we know about her is from 'The Confessions of St Augustine' so I'll be quoting from there. You really need to read this book. It's very short, get it in contemporary english and you'll understand. The book is so packed with wisdom it's incredible. Augustine is another of my heros, so you know I really do love this book.

Out of the 13 chapters, Monnica plays a major role in 5 of them but her influence penetrates each one. I'm going to pass on a few quotes that fill me with amazement at the Faith God had granted her. Feel free to read the quotes alone, they are highlighted by bold text.

First she appears in 'Infancy'. Incredible for it's time this Augustinian autobiography records God's revealing of Himself through the Faith and works of a woman. He ironically writes, "We can learn much about Your care by seeing those 'weak females' who cared for us as infants." This is a massive advance from the thinking of the time; and it cannot be passed over without note.

Secondly she appears in 'Monnica: His Mother's Care':

"It was her earnest desire that You, my God, should be my father and take the place of my earthly father. In this You helped her prevail over her husbandm to whom she gave submission (although she was the better person) in obedience to Your command."
What a passage in a day when there are real questions over how a Christian woman should interact with a 'pagan' husband.

"My mother foresaw what would come. She preferred to expose me to temptations while the clay was still soft, that afterward I might be reworked and cast in the shape of Your mold."

This displays such Faith! Again this speaks to us today as Christian men and women try to get their heads around what we should protect our kids from. Do we really trust God with our kids? Or do we want to put more legalistic restrictions on them (yes, because we love them, but also because our Faith is often lacking)?

Monnica next shows up in the chapter 'At Carthage' where she is told by a Bishop that she was berating to speak to her son, "Go home with God's blessing. For it is not possible that the son of all these tears should perish." We are told repeatedly throughout his autobiography that Augustine's mother "had been weeping to You for me more than mothers weep at the physical death of their children." This must be our reaction to the lost state of our children; we mustn't be tempted to show our lack of Faith by imposing legalistic restrictions upon them. (I do accept that often it is not a lack of Faith that requires rules, we must also encourage our children to respect our God given authority, with love).

We are later brought to Milan in 'Monnica at Milan', the backdrop to the image above. Monnica followed her son to Milan. He tells us of her bravery as she travelled (as a WIDOW), "She was in danger at sea, and she encouraged the seamen, although it is usually the mariners who have to comfort the passengers who aren't used to sailing. Mother assured the mariners that the ship would arrive safe. She told them that You had promised her of a safe journey's end in a vision." The most feeble in the world's eyes demanding faith from the strongest.

When she is reunited with her son in Milan, who has shaken off the lie of Manichaeanism, she was not fully satisfied by this as it was not the complete fulfillment of what she had been praying for and promised.

"She was totally calm, though, for she had been utterly certain that You would give to her all that You had promised one day. She had rested in full confidence in the Lord. She explained that she had accepted as a certainty that before her death she would see me come to orthodox faith. This had been her serene conviction, even as she poured out her overflowing prayers and tears to You, the Fountain of mercy. She has cried that You would hasten to set the light in my dark world."

This is Faith on a scale I rarely see, read of or hear of. And for my friend Jonny Mo and others interested in God's heart for the poor (which should be all of us);

"She still gave what she could to the poor; so the sacrament of the Lord's Body might be celebrated fully."

She understood the purpose of works! And we're even told that the great 'Ambrose of Milan' "abounded with her praise. He congratulated me that I had such a mother."

Back to the issue of a woman and her husband. Monnica again displays incredible trust, faith and obedience.

"When she was of marriable age, she was given to a husband and served him as her lord. She did her best to win him unto You, speaking about You to him through her speech, her amiable reverence, and other traits that her husband admired. She so endured his offenses of infidelity and did not quarrel with her husband about them.

For she looked for Your mercy to come to him, that he might become chaste through belief in You. Besides his unfaithfulness, he was a man of great passions, both in his affection and in his explosive temper: She had learned to submit to her husband in word and deed, even when he became angry. Only after his anger subsided, when he was able to listen, did she explain and defend actions that he had hastily taken offense at.

Other wives of milder husbands openly showed resentment on their faces and would complain to the family about their husbands' lives. When she heard such complaints, she would tell them to hold their tongues, giving serious advice in the humorous quip that, from the time they heard the marriage voews, they should regard their marriage contract as a servant's contract of indenture.

Those who understood what a difficult husband she endured marveled that she never spread reports of ill treatment... In confidence she was asked why she put up with such faults. This is when she made the statement about the indentured servant."

Now, I'm careful not to portray this as 'women should put up with abusive husbands'. We know from Scripture that men must love their wives. But is this witness not incredible? I have again, never heard anything like this.

Among gossiping and quarelling we hear, "She listened to both side of a bitterly dispute" and "She never would disclose anything that one side would say about the other unless she could use it to encourage reconciliation."

To touch upon the subject of her husband one final time as we come across her in 'The Death of Monnica'...

"In the end, toward the end of his earthly life, this worthy wife did gain her own husband for You. Never did she again have the problems she had suffered before he became a believer."

He continues, writing "She was also the servant of Your servants. Those of Your servants who knew her had reason to give to You much praise and honour and love because of her. They witnessed in her the fruits of Your holy fellowship with her and percieved Your presence in her heart. For she had been the wife of one man, had honoured her parents, had governed her house piously, and was well reported of for good works. She had brought up children after travailing in birth, and she travailed when she saw them swerving from You. Lastly she took care of all of us who are Your servants." What a woman! What a testimony to recieve from one's son.

She most impressed him when on her death bed she told him, "Son, for mine part, I have no further delight in anything in this life. What I am to do and why I am here any longer, I do not know. My hopes in this world are accomplished. There was one thing that I longed to see while I lived, and that was for you to be a catholic Christian. My God has been more than generous in giving this to me, for I have seen you despise earthly happiness to become His servant. So now what am I doing here?" Are these not some of the most magnificent words ever to be printed? Does this not give a heavenly glimpse of the beautiful calling to mothering a child?

This is but a mere slither of the vast delicacy that is Monnica of Milan recorded in 'Confessions'. Augustine's masterpiece contains some of the deepest and most significant sentences in all Christian literature. Please read this book.

Monnica is, in my opinion, the best example outwith Scripture of a Godly Woman. And what an example. If I ever had the chance to meet a woman of such faith, or a man, I expect I would have many reasons to praise God.

To conclude, may it be known that I do not write off my Sisters.

It's Been A While! Time For An Update!

2007-08-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

That's me standing in my favourite place in the world. Tofino. What a pleasure it is to be there. I'm convinced Tofino will be my place of refuge over the years here as a Pastor, Husband and Father. Thank you God for making such a place, you didn't have to make this world so beautiful.

Well, it's the second last week of summer at camp qwanoes. It's been a funny summer actually. Let's talk for a while about what I've been learning and what's been happening. There's no way that I can sum up the whole summers thoughts so here are a few key ones. There will be more blogs to come.

Prayer: I think we need to change the way we do prayer in the West. I'd like to devote a whole blog to this at a later date. It's exciting though and I've been convicted personally.

North American Church Culture: Ok, I conceed that I'm going to have to become more knowledgable on the whole Creation/Evolution/Old Earth/New Earth... deal. I don't want to. I'm sickened by how insignificant the argument seems in relation to salvation. It seems like a bit of a leftover from the evangelical Christendom North America suffered under for the past few decades. That's why I'm confused as to why some of the more 'emerging' people I know still get so worked up over it (I'm not emerging, but it seems to be an example of everything they hate so I don't understand why they're still determined to have non-Christians accept what they believe). Today in staff meeting a counsellor spoke of a kid who stopped talking altogether because he believed in evolution and knew the counsellor believed in creation. This is an issue that is stopping Christians from sharing the GOSPEL in this culture. This is probably worth a blog too.

Book Review: Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches: Five Perspectives. This book contains 5 authors (Mark Driscoll, John Burke, Dan Kimball, Doug Pagitt and Karen Ward) and editor, Robbert Webber. Zondervan decided that it was time to try to get to grips what what the Emerging Church believed. As Webber notes at the end of the book, it is absurd to ask the more 'Emergent' lot what their theological beliefs are. For two reasons; 1. They don't exactly know, it's supposed to be a 'mystery' and 2. They refuse to communicate in theological language as they're trying to escape that kind of thing. As Webber notes, other than Driscoll the authors fail to give their standpoints on theological issues such as the Trinity, authority of Scripture and the Atonement. Here's roughly where they seem to stand:

Mark Driscoll: Same old Driscoll, able to articulate himself in relevant theology speak. 'Reformed Biblicist' approach leaves no suprises. Had the best paragraph I've ever read on the Atonement.

John Burke: Pushes Scripture, evangelical without the baggage. Also writes in an understandable fashion.

Dan Kimball: Would like to see a return to Nicean Christianity. Still relatively understandable.

Doug Pagitt: One of the head honchos at 'Emergent Village'. Very difficult to understand. Airy Fairy. Fails to pin down any theology, very emergent... he's all about 'conversations'.

Karen Ward: I wanted someone to put me out of my misery reading her chapter. Her authority seemed to be anything. She quoted non-Christian poets, blogs and other girly garbage. Wants to rename everything. Church = 'New Monastic Community'. Her as Pastor = 'Abbess'. Painfully liberal.

Robbert Webber: Discerning evaluation and summary. 'Ancient-Future' vision seems a little useless.

Book Review: The Irresistable Revolution: Shane Claibourne: Hmm... lets wait for the blog perhaps. It'll be interesting talking about this though as the book has a lot of people talking.

Biographies: I've recently downloaded a lot of biographies of some legends like Athanasius, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, and a load of others. I'm going to read more and more biographies this year. More blogs to come.

Post-modernism, pluralism, relitavism, consumerism, Church and today: Culture seems to be more and more dissatisfied with itself. I still believe Reformed Biblical theology will have a big role in address this dissatisfaction.

Well, I'm out of time. There will be many more blogs on the way. I start at Coquitlam Alliance Church in September. To finish off, I had a cool moment the other day. My mail box had three items in it that made me realise I was actually out in British Columbia as a Missionary Pastor. I had a cheque from a church I preached at; I had a wedding invitation from two local friends; and I had a bank statement from my Canadian bank account. I really live here. Wow. Until the next time.

P.s. I graduated.

I Love Pro Plus

2007-05-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

So I just hit the 7,000 word mark on my dissertation. And it's mostly thanks to Pro Plus. So I usually only crack out the Pro Plus the night before an exam, but I decided to give them a try tonight. Those caffine highs in a pill helped! Somehow I managed to research and write for 3 hours. I trawled through countless books and wrote over 1,500 words. So life is good right now. I can certainly see light at the end of the tunnel.

Amanda arrives a week today, and I seriously hope to have my dissertation as good as finished by that point. On a less positive note Inter Bread FC's season is over, knocked out in the quarter finals. But, as I prefer a positve spin on most things... at least I get to rest my tired body.

Ok, I think I'm beginning to crash now after the high. Time for some sleep, I have a tutorial in the morning I still need to do the reading for. Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral architecture and how theological reform changed their design. How exciting...

Good Night Bloggerdom.

-Dave

Final Month In The Homeland + Financial Ponderings.

2007-04-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to May, the last month I'll spend in my homeland of Scotland for as far as I can see, God Willing. That's quite the call there, take a step back, read it over, appreciate the magnitude. And continue...

The above room has become home. I've lived with the lads for 2 years now, and it's been a real pleasure. Granted, our antics have calmed down considerably, but this is mostly due to our growing comfort with nakedness. It's not so fun when you burst in on someone in the shower with a group of people when their only reaction is, 'Hey Guys, how you doing?' Where's the fun in that? Flat 32 has been known for quality banter for 3 years now, and it shall continue next year, without me. This would make me sad, if I'd forgetten where I will be.

The past few days have been strange. Yesterday I blitzed a few issues in my dissertation and I'm over half way now. Which is crazy, I basically did a quarter of my dissertation in a day. I also got an email from my supervising professor asking me to attend a debate on the topic of women in ministry. I've grudgingly accepted. I hope to have my paper done by then, the 9th of May. Wow, that's like... 10 days away?! And I never ever want to read the nonsense 'egalitarians' write ever again. Roll on graduation.

My observation today is that it's ironic that much of the practical teaching on 'Biblical Manhood' from Driscoll appears almost impossible for a young man starting out in ministry. Here are the things I'm getting sick of hearing.

'You should be buying a home for the security of your family and good stewardship of your finances'... Excuse me? Even if I was on a salary where I could get a mortgage I'd still be very catious of gambling on the Vancouver housing market right now. For a start, it's not possible, even for a getting a mortgage on a condo you're looking at a 5-10% downpayment, and a minimum income of $60,000 (yes SIXTY THOUSDAND DOLLARS) to even be given a mortgage. This would be to buy a property that there is no guarentee on making a profit on.

'You should start a college fund for your kids now'... with what? I have no money and my wallet's not going to be bursting anytime soon by the looks of things. A college fund for my kids? I'm struggling to get the money together to even buy an engagement ring, to marry a wonderful Christian girl, to have babies with in MANY years. It's not like I wouldn't like to start a college fund.

'The car you drive, is it a beater that you're constantly having to fix yourself? That time could be better spent. Get a car that won't break down all the time'... I mean, where is this money supposed to come from?

I could go on and on with this kind of practical financial practises that Biblical Man are supposed to practise but it wouldn't get me anywhere. I just find it incredibly ironic how difficult it is for me to even dream of any of these expressions of Biblical Manhood currently. Don't get me wrong, some of his teaching on this stuff is great. Mostly because he uses a lot of Piper, Grudem and Moo's work on it. But the financial stuff?

Who knows, maybe it's just another manifestation at my frustration of being 20 years old with life spread out in front of me. Often I just think, 'how do Pastors do it?'. I mean, honestly, how do they do it? Surely I'm not supposed to be up to my neck in debt 'for the Lord', that's simply poor stewardship and would kill my ministry and relationships. Add into the equation ongoing education, downsizing to one income when kids come along, that added expense a child brings... I mean, is it just me... or do you wonder 'how on earth do they do it?!' too?

I'm not doubting God will bring everything together. I know He will. He's not going to stop now. I suppose my ponderings of the day have been,

1. How on earth are there so many Pastors? How do they support their often large families? Are all pastors supposed to have high earning jobs before going into the ministry? How do I, a young, poor, soon to be married man move to the other side of the world (expensive); begin full-time ministry (very expensive); get married and prepare for a family life (very very expensive)?

2. Should this practical teaching be incorporated into the general teaching of what is essentially a Spiritual matter? Surely the importance lies with what you do with what God has provided. God has not provided such wealth and comfort to the vast majority of men, why is this being taught as a practical outworking of Biblical Manhood?

To be honest, I've had to look at the teaching and think to myself, what impact is this having on me? I've anxiously looked at hundreds of properties all over Vancouver, when as painful as it is to admit, buying a place in Vancouver currrently, in a lot of cases, is equal to going to Vegas and putting my money in a slot machine; hardly good stewardship. I've looked at investment funds for putting my kids through college, when I can't pay for a ring, nevermind the appliances and furniture we'll need for a home to live in, for my future wife. This kind of thinking is absurd.

Really, I'll leave this teaching to the Christian suits that work in the city. It's good teaching, if it's being taught to men with sizable incomes that are able to afford such luxuries. I've resolved myself to being content with the fact that I'm trusting God for every cent, and I will contiue to do the same. I'm blessed to have someone beside me that's content scraping by for a few years as we get our feet on the ground, this is normal for any newly weds. There have been lots of questions floating around today. I'll finish with these ones...

Is Driscoll in a dream world when it comes to finances? Has he forgotten that there are young men striving to be Biblical too?

Actually, I'll finish with this...

"Do Not Be Anxious

25"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Jesus, Matthew 6:25-34.

The Life and Times Of Dave Smith's Groin...

2007-04-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hello All. I'd just like to take a moment to pay my respects to the greatest football team in the world, Inter Bread FC. We've had many a good game together, and it's been a pleasure playing alongside this crop of fine young footballers. It looks like we have qualified from our league into the knockout stages; with an excellent record of 5 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses.

As many of you already know, my right groin has been torn since november. However I always intended to soldier on until we were knocked out or won the trophy. I played 90 minutes for the 'Buckfast Monks' today, against the crudely named 'Albion Yer Maw'. Things seemed to be alright, my fitness is on it's way back, which is always nice. The game was a non-event, with the monks having a non-existant midfield it didn't make my job any easier. But I had fun. Anyways, my groin is still torn, but a new revelation I can reveal exclusively on 'Blogheart' is that I may have broken my 4th metatarsal in my right foot.

A challenge almost as crude as their name seems to have severely damaged my chances of playing again this season. I will try to soldier on though. I'll see how it goes, but it may be time to listen to my body and slowly build up my fitness again and only then get back on the field. As long as Inter Bread are playing, I shall play, if I can. But after that, the season is over.

Now to get more philosophical, it really is quite a strange thing getting old. I mean, for the first time in my life I realised the other day... 'I'm unfit'. That's a bit of a tough one to take?! So once I'm recovered, I'm totally going to have to get fit again! It's very strange! I don't like it.

Anyways, I'm going to go and work on my dissertation again. I'm sick of it. The Bible supports a complimentarian view of women in ministry, accept it. I don't want to have to read another person who's like, 'but that's not ethical!'... who are you to tell God what is 'ethical'?! I also hate that there are 'Biblical Scholars' out there who openly tell us they're not Christians?! They can't know the Bible that well then can they?!

I haven't forgotten about that Piper review incidentally, it's still on the way. Anyways, enjoy your evening/morning/afternoon where ever you are.

-Dave

It's Monday!

2007-04-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hey All. It's been nice to hear from some of the people reading my blog. Feel free to drop comments as always. So, today's monday. Let's start with yesterday though. Well, I spent most of the day reading a John Piper book. A book review will follow in the next couple of days. I read three books this weekend, and I didn't want to review them all immediately and make you think my blog is simply a book review blog. It was a good book, as is expected from big JP, and spoke to me.

Then it was off to church last night. Which was good, I appreciate Matthew's preaching usually and I have a great deal of respect for him in sticking with his congregation. It's beautiful to see the impact God's had there, a lot of it through Matthew. Students really being involved in the elderly folk's lives, and vice versa. If my church is as well integrated at Gerrard Street Baptist, I'll be pleased. Obviously it's not perfect, but it is certainly a good church.

So this morning it's back to reality. As opposed to the dream world I lived in for much of last week in which I denied I had a 10,000 word dissertation and an exam. I was just sick of it. But this week I have to hit it head on, and this morning I've breached the 2,000 word mark and have a decent introduction. I had a class today, the picture above is where I have had most of my classes. It's a shame that in my final semester I'm in the chemistry building, which is significantly uglier. This week's class is on the development of cities in the Middle Ages and how they mirror the Mendicant orders. I know it doesn't sound riviting, but it's interesting to see how evangelism to urbanites developed, as before there wasn't really evangelism to one's own people, and certainly not to city dwellers. They don't teach it like that, but it's the way I'm looking at it.

I should get going. Maybe I'll do that book review this evening. Where ever you are, whatever you're doing, be joyful.

-Dave

Book Review 2: "Confessions Of A Reformission Rev" - Mark Driscoll

2007-04-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. Mark Driscoll again?! I thought as I highlighted some of the authorship background on him in my review of his first book The Radical Reformission in my first review that I could maybe capitalise on that by focusing on the material the book contains; rather than getting tied up in the usual furore over Driscoll.

But as is tradition, I shall give you a couple of quick details. Mark Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill in Seattle; 'the least-churched city in the United States' as he is constantly reminding us. He's seen the Church grow massively from the humble beginnings as a Bible study he organised. It's actually this Church and her story that Driscoll casts in the female lead role of Confessions; giving ultimate Glory to her Groom, Jesus.

Driscoll attempts to record Mars Hill's growth, and give good Godly advice on each stage of growth. His humerous deployment of Biblical truth is refreshing, and I would suspect offends less people than his first publication. I don't mean the good 'offense' that the Gospel causes; I mean the bad offense that our lack of Grace can cause. Pride is an issue that all male leaders deal with and, like alcoholism, is a continuing struggle that only Glory will cure us of. Driscoll openly admits to this, and has a habit of humbly coming before his congregation (and readership) admitting his failings. I respect this, and in the areas where I'm tempted to get all puffed up about his lack of humility I remind myself I'm just as guilty of it as he is. That's one of the things I do love about Mark Driscoll, his very public struggle with 'the mother of all sins' and his ability to repent publically. Such an aversion to pride (and sin in general) is smattered throughout the text.

Confessions contains a far better structure than The Radical Reformission; which was, in all honesty, diabolical. 'Chapter Zero' contains the facts we need to know before he goes on to lead us through subsequent chapters. These chapters are cleverly structured around the number in the congregation; and are attatched to witty and amusing chapter titles. The title for the chapter focusing on an early plant of 0-45 people is a comedic reflection of many of Driscoll's characteristics; 'Jesus, our offering was $137 and I want to use it to buy bullets'. At first you might want to laugh and agree (it's nice to know pastors are reading this) or maybe just frown (God loves you too, even although you're not a pastor, it's alright friend).

As with The Radical Reformission the first word is therefore... 'Jesus'. Everything Driscoll preaches and writes starts, begins and ends with a desire to Glorify Jesus Christ. If it's not for Jesus' Glory, we may as well all go home and stop playing Church.

The above chapter title also lets us know that he's not scared to speak about money. It's recorded pretty early on in the book that the subject of money used to be avoided in Mars Hill, with the idea that money was 'dirty'. I would agree with Driscoll that this simply cannot be the case. His methods of members pledging and phonecalls may appear brutal, but applied with the Grace the team of elders show it is actually often the beginning of prayer and support. Money is essential for Church. Now, I'm just as sick as you are of 'prosperity gospel' churches, that 'gospel' is a false one and is straight from the pit of Hell, this is not remotely similar. There is no money grabbing techniques going on here either. We simply have to recognise that the Church requires money to continue reaching the lost and equipping the saved to do so.

As for 'buying bullets', well... Driscoll's refering to arms is something I've grown to overlook as a 'cultural' difference. The idea of a pastor with a gun to me is absurd, but then I live in Scotland, where we're not as stupid as to allow such free access to guns. The idea revolves (ok, no more gun puns, I promise) around 'shooting your dogs'. These 'dogs' are the people in your plant that simply have to go. As grusome as it sounds, I agree that there are people that need to be removed from congregations because they are hindering the growth of God's Kingdom among the community of those people. Of course sensitivity and Grace are required, and removal from a congregation is a last resort.

Anyways, he moves on to go through 45-75 people ('Jesus, if anyone else calls my house, I may be seeing you real soon'); 75-150 people ('Jesus, Satan showed up and I can't find my cup'); 150-350 people ('Jesus, could you please rapture the charismatic lady who brings her tambourine to Church?'; 350-1000 people ('Jesus, why am I getting fatter and meaner?'; 1000-4000 people ('Jesus, today we voted to take a jackhammer to your big Church'); and 4000-10,000 people ('Jesus, we're loading our squirt guns to charge Hell again').

It should be made clear that this book recounts the story of a church growing in Seattle, to Seattelites. We are on mission to our own people, some issues will be different. But there are issues covered in here that can be expected at all churches, and in all church plants.

The humble tone of the book is reflected in the title 'confessions', with Driscoll once again hinting at his respect for Augustine. It would be hard to attribute Glory to anyone but Jesus for the growth of Mars Hill. Driscoll himself would readily confess his mistakes, as many around have been only too happy to do for him.

The fact is, this book is incredibly useful for any pastor or planter. Infact, I would recommend it to anyone interested in Church. The Church needs to be made more aware of what a pastor does. It's not just a 'Sunday job' and the wider body of Christ needs to understand that. Weekly we hear stories of pastors who fall into the precise traps outlaid in this book; with more congregational support and volunteering I believe pastors would be better equipped to fulfil their callings. As you'll see below, I really was quite impressed by this book!

Enjoyability: 4/5
Theology: 5/5
Structure: 5/5
Relevance: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

I thought I'd share Driscoll's final page; as it left me weeping tears of agony for him and in realisation that, God Willing, I have the same destination. It serves as a good conclusion to this review.

"I wish I did not have to suffer demonic attacks that include seeing raw and real footage of the times my people were raped and molested that plays in my mind like a film even though I was not present. I wish I did not have to sometimes struggle so mightily to be intimate with my wife. I wish I did not feel so completely alone, especially when I am in a crowd. I wish I was not a target for critics who seem to put me on a pedestal only to get a better aim. I wish I did not have the responsibility of standing before God to give an account for the church that I lead. I wish I did not have to continually weep while watching people I dearly love shipwreck their faith and lives through folly, rebellion, sin, hard-heartedness, and deception. I wish I never had to climb on another airplane to go preach the gospel, because the picture of my children crying as I drive away haunts me while I am away from them. I wish I knew the future and how Jesus will prune me next so that I would wince to lessen the sting before the blow lands. But Jesus has called me to trust him by faith and to endure more pruning so that more fruit can be harvested for his kingdom. And for this reason, it is my deepest wish that Jesus keep pruning me, because Ilove him, want to be with him, want to be like him, and enjoy being on mission with him more than anything.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.
Amen."

Blog Title

2007-04-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

A Blog Title is nearly as important as, well, a book having a great front cover. And as we all know that books should certainly be judged by their front covers I am appealing to you for your blog title suggestions. Please feel free to comment with your suggestions.

-Dave

Book Review 1: 'The Radical Reformission' - Mark Driscoll

2007-04-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

To many of you the author will need no introduction. As one of the most influencial pastors in North America, Driscoll has been at the fore of many a debate recently. At the 2006 Desiring God conference (Best Site on the Internet - Desiring God ) Driscoll did his usual preaching of Contextualisation whilst sticking to a Calvinistic Reformed Theology. Piper later in the conference stood up and said something many found confusing along the lines of "What I care about is Doctrine. And Driscoll has sound Doctrine. But I do acknowledge that to many of you the way he presents this may be a 'stumbling block'". Driscoll and his Church, Mars Hill in Seattle have been at the centre of many controversies, debates and even protests. I won't focus on this however, what I will say is that I agree with John Piper (no suprises there). I love Driscoll's Theology, and I greatly appreciate his teaching on the Church. As with any other author everything he writes has to be weighed against Scripture.

The Radical Reformission is Driscoll's first book. His writing style resembles that of his preaching style. When he says his Theology comes from dead guys and his homiletical deployment comes from present-day stand-ups he's not kidding. Using interesting cultural (one of his favourite words) observation Driscoll speaks of his desire to see 'Reformission' sweep over his city of Seattle, and to see other leaders bring 'Reformission' to their localities. What is 'Reformission' I hear you ask?

The name itself gives a couple of major hints. 'Reform' is obviously at the root of the Theology Driscoll expounds week in and week out at Mars Hill. Not just 'Reform', but 'Reformed Theology'. With his favourite authors being Calvin (so much so he's named a son after him), Luther, Wesley, Spurgeon, and other Puritans he would certainly describe himself as a Calvinist. Reformed Theology lies at the heart of a huge movement at the moment, and I'm happy to jump on the bandwagon in the vast majority of cases. The other side of 'Reformission' is of course 'missional Theology'. This is mission to our own culture. This is one of my favourite elements of Driscoll's teaching. Time after time as I listen to him preach to pastors at pastors' conferences he speaks passionately about building a 'City within a City', rekindling some 'City of God' material from Augustine, but mostly reflecting upon Nehemiah and Pauline epistles. For Driscoll, and me, mission does not start with an expensive flight to the third world; mission begins in our homes, our neighbourhoods, our circle of friends, our sports clubs, and our cities.

He stresses how important having a relationship with Jesus that transforms every single element of our lives is to 'Reformission'. Of course he has a raging desire to see people spend time every day in the Word, spend hours a day conversing with our Creator, reading good Theology, allowing the Spirit to minister to us, etc... but that is HOW we get to know Jesus more! He has high expectations of Christians to be disciplined. I say, 'Good!'. This is what allows us to be transformed. He speaks of Jesus impacting the way we do employment, parenting, marriage, food, alcohol, sex, sport, sleeping... you get the idea. Jesus plays a role in everything we do.

This transforming of our lives to Glorify Jesus is attractive to people, and as they're involved in our lives they are often so attracted that they decide to let Christ transform their own lives.

The main debate within the book is how not to fall into the traps of syncretism and sectarianism. 'Syncretism' would be the straying too far into culture and thus compromising Scriptural Truth for the sake of 'relevancy'. 'Sectarianism' would be the seperation of ourselves from culture, to make absolutely sure that our Salvation is not risked by the sin of the world. Of course both are sinful and Driscoll's advice for the Church in these areas is very useful.

This is of course just the tip of the iceberg, and of course Driscoll pushes the limits in some chapters, but this is to be expected. I am also encouraged personally by his desire to see the Pacific North West come to Christ. The past few days have seen him preach alongside Piper, Packer, Ware, Neufeld and others at Willingdon in the Tri-Cities area of Vancouver - a city I have a great deal of passion and hope for. His second book Confessions of a Reformission Rev goes into far more detail over Church structure and growth. I will be reviewing this in the near future.

I would recommend The Radical Reformission to any believer, especially those in leadership or called to leadership. It is a short and readable piece, packed with wisdom, comedy, emotion, passion, and a desire to see people won to Christ. The structure is lacking in places, but this is to be expected from his first book. Especially as scholarly training is something Driscoll has only picked up recently. He does not intend for this to be a scholarly text, and it should not be read this way. It is the writings of a pastor, who is contantly reminding himself to try to remain humble. This makes it a lot more enjoyable to read than 'scholars' holed up in their Ivory Towers. There is no doubt that Driscoll is at the fore of discussion over how to best reflect Christ to this generation, and I am pleased he is.

Enjoyability: 4/5
Theology: 5/5
Structure: 2/5
Relevance: 5/5
Overall: 4/5

The First Of Many Todays

2007-04-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, April 21st. What you don't know yet is that April 21st is a rather big day in my life. Not only is it the day I shall post my third blog, it is also the day that I finish an 18 month cell phone contract. I shall miss you phone. We've had some interesting times together.

The day's two major events will not be further integrated however, and herein ends any discussion of my phone contract.

Hello! Once again, welcome to my life. You join me today at 3:40pm, eating a breakfast of red bull and chocolate. I'm sitting here at my desk in Aberdeen. On my left is aforementioned red bull and chocolate, next to a pile of notes that say the word 'GAY' on them. These notes will be hidden around my respective flat mates' rooms for them to find today, tomorrow, and far off into the distant future. On my right, 18 books and multiple articles on my dissertation subject; 'Women And The Teaching Ministry In The Pastoral Epistles'. My life currently is torn between these left and right sides.

My flat mates, Graeme and Ben, are suprisingly not in the 'game chairs' seen in the picture at the top of today's post. They must be at the pub watching a game. When they return those game chairs will soon find us on them. So, yes, I'm in Aberdeen. Up on the North-East coast of Scotland. No doubt it is a beautiful place. Take a look at my pictures taken up here during my time of study in Aberdeen here.

I'm studying Divinity. More on that will come in future posts. I play for the mighty Inter Bread FC, the self-proclaimed 'hotty tipped favourites for the Champions League 2012'. Unfortunately I doubt we will even win the top competition in Europe, but we do have a lot of fun together. I should really devote a future post to the team; infact, I commit right here and right now to do so.

My time in Aberdeen has been tough. Having known for so many years I am to move to British Columbia has been difficult. Imagine always knowing that your future lies somewhere else? That to settle would be stupid. Relationships you build will not last long. All your free time is spent trying to cultivate relationships on the other side of the world. And among all of that you're trying not to have your Faith suffocated at the 'Best Divinity School in Scotland'. I haven't learned anything from my courses other than observing the damage done by a selfish desire for knowledge. I've watched as students that aren't even Christians are portrayed as great candidates for the ministry. It's terrified me, and made me despair at times. Thankfully I know God is bigger than their 'wisdom'.

What have I learned then? I've actually learned that Theology is incredibly important. If you have poor theology, don't be a Church Leader, go home and get Doctrinally Sound! And hey, Theology doesn't even matter if you've not got an intimate, loving and personal relationship with Jesus Christ that acknowledges our depravity and His Grace! So I've been swallowing good Theology whole, I'm going to do some book reviews on this blog too I think. I think I'm going to do a ranting post about God stuff soon. And topical blogs on different subjects. It's good to get it all down on paper (or blog) sometimes.

I've also learned first hand that building relationships is the best way to do 99% of evangelism. Of course I knew this from books, but from experience it was really cemented. I mean, I suppose a huge chunk of my Christian walk has been here, so I was always going to experience practically the things I was learning in my reading.

And the continuing lesson that I've been learning through my whole Christian walk is that I'm never alone. God's had me in some very lonely situations since becoming a Christian, and He's shown me that I never have to be alone. There has also been the continuing humbling and growing. Really, there's been too much. So I'm going to just pretend that's me covered the past 20 years and get on with living so I can write about that.

Ok! I need more red bull! That is the first of my todays.

Good Today.
Dave.

Blog Purpose & Groin Update #1

2007-04-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

The manifesto for this blog is such...

"1. To record my moving from Scotland to British Columbia.
2. To take a joke with Jonny Mo way too far"

It's pretty simple. The idea of having a blog was inspired by a conversation with Jon this afternoon, after his blog 'It's Playoff Time' in which he crafts the quote,

"-Canuck players, Willie Mitchell, Sami Salo and Matt Cooke have all had groin injuries of recent and we can expect to hear frequent updates on the status of these players groins.

-You know you made it when the public is being regularly updated on the status of your groin. Though it won’t make headlines, mine is fine in case you were wondering."

My groin is currently in a state of disrepair. The injury being widely covered by Sports writer (and team goalkeeper) Joey Farnham of Inter Bread Football Club on the club's bebo and facebook pages. I have decided to blog my life, weeving through the tapestry of my existance a thin golden thread of groin injury updates.

As mentioned above, my right groin is currently torn. I cannot hit a football (soccer ball) with my good foot. I shall rest it and then make sure to do many stretches as show in the image above.

That is all for now. Good day.

-Dave

Welcome

2007-04-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

Hey there. Now, the pressure of making the first 'post' on my new 'blog' is a rather overwhelming experience; similar to that of my first soccer tournament (I cried and left); my first day at school (I got sick and didn't go); or my first kiss (I nearly threw up and wondered 'is this it?'). I'm determined to make this a more enjoyable experience.

I should introduce myself. A good place to start is usually the beginning, but as that's an awful thought that I will never allow to infiltrate my mind, let's skip forward a few months. I decided I wasn't happy in my mother's womb, it was too warm in there and I'd heard there was a 'sick snowfall' outside. Being a skier I decided it would be a good idea to get out and enjoy the snow. Nobody had told me that 6 week premature babies can't breathe or eat without help, so skiing was out of the question supposedly. I quickly regreted my decision; which was as premature as my birth. Despairing of my life, I decided to try to end it a few times by pulling those tubes that the nurses liked to put in my nose out. This began my lifelong flirtation with death; not really, I just thought that would be dramatic and might make you want to read on?

Eventually I was allowed out into the snowstorm that was Glasgow in late 1986 / early 1987. Due to my 'early' entrance to the world much of my childhood was spent rather 'sickly'; but it also meant I began school early; and left early. From the age of four to sixteen I bluffed and joked my way through school until I could get out of there.

Around sixteen I let God really get a hold of my life; His plans seemed better than mine, which amounted to, 'get out of school... sleep?' This changed things, I moved to the Scottish Highlands to work as a slave, I mean 'kitchen and house helper', at a 'Christian Outdoor Centre'. This experience nearly killed my newfound Faith. I didn't understand why Christians didn't like it when I got excited about God. I didn't understand how they could treat each other with such a lack of love. A few months in and I was nearly broken. God said, 'get out while you still can'. I said, 'No, I'm scared, people will think I failed'. So God did what He does when we go against His Will and He's feeling generous, He broke me (the less generous alternative was to let me stay and have my seedling Faith uprooted). I found myself in hospital after a skiing accident, not able to work. So having been humbled and broken, it was on to University.

Somehow through those years of doing nothing except from joke, fool around and generally avoid work I'd been allowed grades that got me into every course I applied for. Stupidly I hadn't applied for anything I wanted. So I asked God what to do. He said, 'Do Divinity, why do you never listen?' He was right to think I was being stupid. When I was fifteen I'd had one of those weird moments I wasn't even sure were real. I was at a Christian camp, and was praying with some lads, anyways. So I had this vivid image all of a sudden appear in front of me. There was me, teaching a group of kids, in a town that I later found out was Nelson in British Columbia, Canada. God said, 'British Columbia is your mission'. I wet myself and pretended nothing had ever happened.

So! Off I go to study Divinity at 'The University of Aberdeen'. I thought my study would be about becoming a Christian minister, but really it's about learning how to be a post-modern, liberal, relativist that causes no offense to anyone. I was a Christian, so I was offensive to these people. I didn't really enjoy my time studying there. I certainly learnt a lot outside of the classes though. And I used the long summers to visit British Columbia; with God helping me lay some foundations there.

My summers were 'Camp Qwanoes', a Christian camp on Vancouver Island. I was a 'Senior Counsellor', trying to disciple a 'Junior/Co Counsellor' and nine or ten children, whilst building some great friends and surviving. These summers have been used by God to keep breaking and humbling me; with times of reconstruction going on in between.

As I'm coming to a close on my quick fly through of my life I feel there are some people that deserve a mention. Well, really, there are thousands. And this isn't an Oscar, so I won't be placing 'God' at the end, or the beginning, of any lists. He gets the credit throughout, every letter, character and symbol here should really just read 'God'. But then it would be very hard to read. "GodGodGodGodGodGodGodGodGodGodGodGodGodGodGod" could translate, 'My Name Is Dave', 'I Love Chicken!', '123456789......', or any other variation of numbers, letters and grammatical aids. So after that short aside.

My Family: The Smiths. Michael (Mikey), Christine (Smokey Joe), Catriona (Stink) and Abbie (Miss Terrorist Toddler 2007). They've always let me be different, even when it meant watching me get hurt, even when it meant I left home so young, even when it means I'll be moving to the other side of the world in June.

My Friends: Those who didn't believe; your lack of Faith in what God could do in my life has inspired me to have more. Those who did; your encouragement means the world to me and I can only pray to encourage you as you have encouraged me.

Well, there were fewer tears than my first soccer tournament; I haven't had to go home with chickenpox; and I'm not reminding myself to 'breath through my nose'. I have enjoyed writing this blog more than the three events listed in the introductory paragraph. Now that the history is over; I look forward to telling you of my todays.

-Scottish Dave Smith