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Be an encourager - a post from Amy
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/8/2010 8:22:09 AM |
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What can I say without sounding like I am bragging? God gave me a great wife. Amy loves the Lord. She loves the church. She has an eye for beauty and a heart for... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/7/2010 4:29:39 AM |
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10) Repetitive Reading.
I am really enjoying my repeated reading of James. Simply reading the same book of the Bible over and over and over again yields so much... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/3/2010 4:19:39 PM |
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On my kindle I have been clicking around in Ambrose Bierce's The Devil's Dictionary.
It is a very clever take on the self-serving way we redefine things in our... More >>
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why are we so content with discontentment?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/2/2010 6:15:20 AM |
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We are so used to responding to difficulties with anxiety or discontentment that we consider these normal reactions to life’s circumstances. That just points out how subtle and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/31/2010 10:20:40 AM |
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Hast thou no scar?
No hidden scar on foot, or side or hand?
I hear thee sung as mighty in the land,
I hear them hail thy bright ascendent star
Hast thou no scar?
Hast thou no wound?
Yet... More >>
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love one another and the world will know
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/31/2010 5:01:20 AM |
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The church that convinces people that there is a God is a church that manifests what only God can do, that is unite people in Christian love.
There is nothing that convinces... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/30/2010 11:26:00 AM |
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Fellowship is a powerful force.
Just take a look at what it does in Acts 2:42-47!
I quoted this yesterday in our services:
JI Packer -- What elevates true... More >>
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What I am praying about and working on right now
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/30/2010 8:26:13 AM |
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I am praying for gospel growth in depth – the gospel going deeper into each life through change, obedience and Christian love.
I am praying for gospel growth in breadth –... More >>
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The prettifying of evolution
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/27/2010 6:38:45 AM |
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Dr. Albert Mohler has been interacting with evangelicals and Catholics who believe and promote evolutionary theory.
I really appreciate Dr. Mohler’s polemical writing on this... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/26/2010 6:05:08 AM |
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This morning I listened to a podcast story about Vin Scully. He is going to be 83 and he is calling games for his 62nd season with the Los Angeles Dodgers (though they... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/25/2010 5:58:52 AM |
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We know you didn’t see what we meant about your blind spot, that’s why it’s called a blind spot.
Stating the obvious, we don’t see blind spots. ... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/24/2010 4:49:58 AM |
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From my Twitter:
I admit it I tear up just about every time I read Genesis 29:20. I love that verse.
So many good things compete for my time & energy &... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/20/2010 9:13:09 AM |
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So I am doing something completely different on Sunday.
It might turn out to be a bad idea.
So why not blog about it ahead of time?
The main points of my sermon are coming... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/19/2010 7:37:53 AM |
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I came back from Turkey deeply convicted.
The issue? Evangelism. Compassion. Boldness.
I have got to change and become more like Christ.
Love as He loved. Find them... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/18/2010 8:17:24 AM |
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I just completed the notes for this week’s ABF leadership training.
Here is something I dropped into those notes a few minutes ago. Take a moment and begin considering the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/17/2010 6:49:40 AM |
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Stuck in sin?
Do you feel reluctant to pray?
When you know you have stepped into disobedience…
When you have let your heart grow cold…
Are you slow to get together with... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/12/2010 5:35:45 AM |
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One of the things I spoke about to the missionaries in Turkey was this simple question.
What is the biggest challenge you face in... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/11/2010 6:30:56 AM |
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I am moved and humbled by these marvelous thoughts from Ray Ortlund at the Gospel Coalition:
Congratulations to the entitled, for they grab what they want.
Congratulations to the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/11/2010 3:16:39 AM |
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I am back in the office today after quite some time away.
The mission trip to Turkey was great. I watched our team members manifest true Christian service in the power of the Spirit.
After... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/5/2010 6:10:32 AM |
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Thanks for praying for the Turkey mission team.
The team made it home and each member will be so happy to share with you as you see them.
Amy and I are taking a few more days away and, Lord willing,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/30/2010 11:00:00 PM |
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Saturday in Turkey.
We drove back to Ankara from the conference site yesterday. I rode with Brian and we talked for four hours about ministry, missions, Bible interpretation,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/29/2010 10:50:48 PM |
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Today is the final day of the conference here.
I am preaching on the Nazarite Vow in Numbers 6 and challenging the workers to make specific committments in their ministries.
After morning worship,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/28/2010 12:12:26 AM |
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Great morning this morning with the conference. We sang “Before the Throne” and “My Redeemer’s Love for Me.”
Amy and Drew did “Thy Mercy”... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/27/2010 6:44:31 AM |
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I just finished the seminar on effective Bible teaching.
They asked great questions. I really enjoyed our interaction. Among other things, they asked…
What... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/27/2010 12:15:35 AM |
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... More >>
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updated pictures from ankara
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/27/2010 12:13:28 AM |
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These pictures are from our first day here when we toured Ankara.
Ankara is a city of 4-5 million. We climbed up into the ancient castle, saw a mosque which was built in the 1100s, shopped in... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/26/2010 4:54:39 AM |
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I am walking over to preach the first message in ten minutes.
Thanks for praying for me.
I will post short updates to my twitter as I am able.
http://twitter.com/SpencerDeBurgh
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/25/2010 11:31:48 PM |
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We are here at the conference center.
The missionary families to whom we will be ministering arrive this afternoon.
So we are spending the day preparing for children’s VBS... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/25/2010 10:48:04 PM |
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correction - these are pics of our team prepping for the conference.
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/25/2010 10:45:15 PM |
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correction - these are pics of the conference center.
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/24/2010 8:07:48 AM |
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Turkey mission trip arrived safely in Ankara.
Our team is John, Terri, Phyllis, Bryce, Drew, Amy, Spencer, Amy, Rick and Gail.
Lightning held us up on the tarmac in Chicago for... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/22/2010 11:13:45 AM |
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RBC is sending a team to Turkey leaving on Friday, July 23. The team will minister at the missions conference for the Phipps and other workers serving with... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/21/2010 6:44:49 AM |
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Adam Clarke, 200 years ago, paraphrased the blessing of Numbers 6 well in praying this way for his congregation:
May God speak good unto thee, by giving thee his excellent... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/20/2010 8:11:38 AM |
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We met from 6 to 10 last night. Four hours is a looong meeting. The first 2 hours is the entire board (deacons, elders, treasurers, secretaries) and the second 2 hours is separate... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/19/2010 12:15:25 PM |
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I enjoyed learning and teaching fromNumbers 6:22-27.
Here are some more common Benedictions
Romans 15:13
2 Corinthians... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/19/2010 7:44:09 AM |
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The Bible reading system I mentioned last night during Q and A with Marquis Laughlin --
Take the time to read the introduction. It is quite convincing. The system has you reading ten... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/9/2010 4:09:56 PM |
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I will be off of the blog for a week, maybe more.
I highly recommend the practice of taking a week, maybe more, away from computer screens this Summer.
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/7/2010 6:18:42 AM |
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This is from a very helpful article up on Challies.com.
I printed out the whole thing to talk about with the family over dinner.
http://www.challies.com/print/4555
It is filled... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/6/2010 7:47:00 AM |
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As I type it is about 11:30 on Tuesday morning.
So far today I have…
Had a good honest accountability time with two of our elders as we broke into smaller groups at the... More >>
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My prayer for our homes and churches
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM |
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O breath of God, come fill this place;
Revive our hearts to know Your grace;
And from our slumber make us rise
That we may know the Risen Christ.
O word of God, so clear and true,
Renew our minds to... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/1/2010 12:42:02 PM |
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I love Rudyard Kipling.
Most of us think of the Jungle Book as a Disney cartoon.
But Kipling’s book is filled with intelligence and humor. I re-read it recently and enjoyed it... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/30/2010 6:21:26 AM |
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I get letters. All pastors do.
I got one recently that started like this…
“Can I bend your ear about some things that have been happening at RBC... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/28/2010 10:44:25 AM |
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Do you think Calvin is cold?
Do you figure that the doctrines of election and God’s sovereignty encourage human apathy and discourage vibrant compassion?
Do you suspect that... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/24/2010 6:15:53 AM |
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From my Twitter:
Sunday evening Shepherding Group study is titled Complaining and Contentment. We are for latter and against the former.
Marquis Laughlin will be at... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/23/2010 11:52:10 AM |
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I wonder why it seems that these things come in waves.
Have you ever been asked a question that you did not expect to be asked?
And then the next day somebody else asks the same... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/22/2010 10:53:41 AM |
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I had the great joy recently of re-reading Martyn Lloyd Jones sermon on one of my favorite verses, Romans 6:17. It is his sermon “Mind, Heart, Will” in the book... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/21/2010 10:25:02 AM |
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Picnic Top Ten
The cakes were amazing. Did you see the triangle? The model of Mt. Sinai?
Wayne in the dunk tank.
Bob Boeck... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/17/2010 10:41:23 AM |
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Ligonier Ministries National Conference is livestreaming today and all this weekend. Tune in to hear MacArthur, Sproul, Begg and others.
http://www.christianity.com/ligonier/
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/17/2010 7:39:09 AM |
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If you are here this Sunday, notice the verse on the top of the order of service in the bulletin. It is Luke 15:20.
And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/16/2010 5:52:09 AM |
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Nobody pursues purely “objective” learning. Everybody pursues “committed” and “socially located” learning. In fact, everybody’s learning is... More >>
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Not the Way it is Supposed to Be
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/15/2010 4:23:38 AM |
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This is taken from Plantinga's very thought provoking work titled Not the Way it is Supposed to Be
Shalom and sin are opposites
The webbing together of God, humans, and all... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/14/2010 6:29:13 AM |
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Top Ten from Sunday 6/13
Kicking Kelly’s flute and almost knocking it over when I roamed away from the pulpit. This only happened in... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/10/2010 12:44:11 PM |
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Here is a pattern that all ministers ought to follow. Publicly and privately, from the pulpit and in private visits, they ought to rebuke all open sin, and deliver a faithful warning to all... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/8/2010 6:39:30 AM |
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In Pastor’s meeting today we discussed this article. It nearly destroyed us. Deeply convicting. Intensely personal. Pray that we would continue to be humble and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/7/2010 5:56:00 AM |
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1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/5/2010 5:19:41 AM |
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I admit it.
I cry when I think about how much John Wooden loved his wife.
From the CT article:
Lest you think Wooden was merely a walking Hallmark card of sports-related clichés,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/3/2010 4:48:20 AM |
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What if we all prayed the prayer I posted here yesterday?
Unexamined sin would be brought out into the light and confessed. With confession comes the renewed joy of salvation.
Unrepentant habits... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/2/2010 7:47:37 AM |
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I jotted this prayer down in my journal recently. I need God to answer it so that I can deal with my biggest problem… (me) …
I desire my own way way too... More >>
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This cracks me up. Wrong Wheaton.
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/1/2010 10:45:58 AM |
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I just put this up on Twitter. It made me laugh out loud.
This cracks me up! Ann Curry Flubs Wheaton College Commencement - TIME NewsFeed http://bit.ly/aNKxss
Here is the linked... More >>
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There is no fickleness in him
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/1/2010 5:23:39 AM |
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The Lord Jesus is “a friend who never changes.” There is no fickleness about Him: those whom He loves, He loves to the end. Husbands have been known to forsake their wives; parents... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/31/2010 6:51:34 AM |
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We are thankful to all of those who faithfully served in the United States military.
Many of our RBC families have a loved one who has served. Thank you.
Many from our... More >>
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I will struggle against it and God will not hold it against me
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/27/2010 11:17:22 AM |
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Heidelberg Confession #58
What do you believe concerning the forgiveness of sins? I believe that God, because of Christ's atonement, will never hold against me any of my sins nor... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/26/2010 4:52:53 AM |
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I hope I do not get in trouble for this.
But I am going to post a private email exchange of mine up on this blog.
It is with Paul, who is church treasurer and John, who is... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/25/2010 8:09:24 AM |
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Think about this one. God does not "punish" His children. He corrects them.
What does that show us about God's love?
How should that help us as mothers and fathers?
This... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/24/2010 5:55:08 AM |
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Some highlights from the weekend...
Praying for our High School ministry while they were up at camp Ripley. Hearing from them, upon their return, about how God challenged them.
Out... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/21/2010 6:22:30 AM |
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I liked this meditation on Numbers 15 over at desiringgod.
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2425_no_more_whoring/
... More >>
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Congratulations to Shepherds
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/20/2010 6:02:36 AM |
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Congratulations to Shepherds Ministries for being a Midwest finalist in the Hope Award for Effective Compassion at World Magazine.
RBC is delighted to... More >>
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constant guilt that i am not doing enough
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/19/2010 8:24:05 AM |
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Do you ever read a challenging book (like Crazy Love) or hear some missionaries’ story and feel totally guilty that you aren’t doing enough?
It is good to be... More >>
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my little bark sails on a restless sea
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/18/2010 9:15:41 AM |
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At staff meeting today I will be sharing this during our prayer time.
It is from Valley of Vision
O Lord of the Oceans,
My little bark sails on a restless sea,
Grant that Jesus may sit at... More >>
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One simple question to share the gospel
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/17/2010 7:51:27 AM |
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Ask People How You Can Pray for Them
Donald S. Whitney
Over and over I've seen one simple question open people's hearts to hear the gospel. Until I asked this question, they showed no... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/12/2010 7:04:05 AM |
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This is from Expositor’s Bible Commentary Introduction to the book of Numbers:
The Book of Numbers is not only a part of Scripture and, hence, inspired, inerrant, and relevant for... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/11/2010 3:55:43 AM |
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Our elder Bible study from last month:
Duties of an Elder: Feeding the Flock
Biblical Terms
The word teach and its cognate nouns teaching and teacher are used in the NT mainly to denote... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/10/2010 8:03:04 AM |
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What I am up to lately...
Thrilled to preach the gospel to many visitors yesterday.
Thankful that opening Colossians 3 enabled me to do more than talk about family. What the church... More >>
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i want to be a burden to my family
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/8/2010 3:10:53 PM |
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Here is the essay on family that I mention in Sunday's sermon.
I Want to Burden My Loved Ones
By Gilbert Meilaender
http://tinyurl.com/287gzgd
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/6/2010 9:01:26 AM |
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Great article about Franklin Graham, the Pentagon, and faithful witness to Christ.
Check it out at Mohler's... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/6/2010 8:05:19 AM |
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This post from Doug Wilson was very thought provoking for me…
The political state in our day is swollen and overgrown, and has gotten into everything. Politics, the great... More >>
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five things I have been up to...
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/5/2010 9:44:36 AM |
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1) Moses really, really knows how to tell a story. Contrary to what you may have previously thought -- the book of Numbers makes for great reading.
2) ... More >>
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we find the glory of marriage incomprehensible
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/5/2010 5:42:39 AM |
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Matthew 19
So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.
John Piper comments on this passage in his book This... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/4/2010 6:26:05 AM |
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I appreciated this article by Tim Challies.
(you can read the whole thing at his blog)
The beep is a purely human sound, one without any equivalent in nature. No... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/4/2010 4:26:42 AM |
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As I was driving in early this morning my prayers were prayers of thanksgiving to God for the elders of this church.
And as our meeting concluded this morning, I have even more thanks... More >>
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A godly mother's word on sin
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/3/2010 8:31:56 AM |
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“Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/3/2010 7:48:39 AM |
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Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord for the people, who came Saturday and Sunday, to set up, cook, serve and clean up lunch for 200+.
Thank you Lord for the many people who are praying... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/30/2010 1:37:12 PM |
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"Let the pastors boldly dare all things by the word of God.... Let them constrain all the power, glory, and excellence of the world to give place to and to obey the divine majesty of this... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/29/2010 12:06:24 PM |
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I hope that many can join us on Friday evening for our prayer summit.
We will meet here at church from 7 till about 8:30.
Wayne, Dan and Tim will be leading us in a time of singing, sharing and... More >>
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What I have been up to lately
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/26/2010 7:51:28 AM |
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Listened to a few of the talks from Together for the Gospel. I really liked them.
Cracked up at Right Ho Jeeves. I can’t remember the last book that had me... More >>
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who spends himself in a worthy cause
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/23/2010 6:15:32 AM |
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Exactly one hundred years ago today Theodore Roosevelt delivered the great speech with these lines in it. Speech at the Sorbonne, April 23, 1910. (thanks to Al Mohler for reminding me)
It... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/23/2010 6:13:04 AM |
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I did something different in my prayer time this morning and really enjoyed it.
I wrote down names (about 25 or so) of people who have been on my heart lately.
Then I read a chapter (Ephesians... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/22/2010 11:10:50 AM |
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I am working on the notes for our Sunday evening parenting class. The subject this week is -- marriage and parenting.
These are a couple of wonderful... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/21/2010 6:58:23 AM |
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It is not about you
I really enjoyed this riff by Carl Trueman about how common it is for Christian teachers to emphasize things like… everyone is special, there is no one else... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/20/2010 4:52:44 AM |
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Last night, at RBC Board meeting, I handed out this prayer guide to all the men before we broke into our prayer groups for the evening.
My son, do not forget my teaching,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/19/2010 6:30:21 AM |
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Yesterday our text was Leviticus four and the topic was unintentional sins.
Repeatedly in that chapter, God calls unintended sins – sins –... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/17/2010 6:01:15 AM |
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Samuel Rogers wrote this poem in 1782.
A Wish
Mine be a cot beside the hill,
A bee-hive's hum shall sooth my ear;
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/15/2010 10:52:02 AM |
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Spent the morning out at Shepherd’s in Union Grove with Bill Amstutz. That ministry has Christ at the center and evangelism as the core value. I so appreciate... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/14/2010 5:47:30 AM |
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Are you thinking about paychecks, taxes and bills? I was last night. I found a great article online about generosity and money. Turns out that the author is one Dan... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/13/2010 9:51:09 AM |
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There is only one thing that can give peace to the conscience, and that is the blood of Jesus Christ sprinkled on it. A clear understanding that Christ’s death was an actual payment of... More >>
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sitting in on sunday's sermon
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/12/2010 11:34:55 AM |
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Some favorite points from Darien’s sermon:
God’s will of decree can never be thwarted. God’s will of command can and often is thwarted.
Our minds need to... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/12/2010 7:23:39 AM |
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Since Darien was in the pulpit on Sunday, I got to do something I absolutely LOVE to do and almost NEVER get to do.
I got to walk around church, pop into every room, and see what... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/9/2010 7:01:37 AM |
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Ten More Things I am Thankful for Today...
The generous gift of a gym membership from a kind couple at RBC. Enables us to run (and/or sit in the sauna) on cold, rainy days like... More >>
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Ten Things I am Thankful for
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/8/2010 4:43:39 AM |
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Ten Things I am thankful for…
“O Happy Day” from last Sunday.
Email exchanges with the Phipps in Turkey. What a great partner in the gospel.
Reeses... More >>
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he will wrap you in a jealous love
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/7/2010 7:56:42 AM |
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This is one of those quotes that hurts and helps. Pondering it again really blessed me today.
OTHERS MAY, YOU CANNOT
If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/6/2010 4:39:08 AM |
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I just came heard this poem yesterday (opening day) and I love it.
Baseball
John Updike, 1932-2009
It looks easy from a distance,
easy and lazy, even,
until you stand up to the plate
and see... More >>
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reading, exhortation, doctrine
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/5/2010 11:21:38 AM |
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Bible study for tomorrow morning's elder meeting is on
1 Timothy 4:13-16
These three things require the giving of attention.
The reading is seen in Luke 4:16-17 and Acts... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/5/2010 4:07:39 AM |
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In my prayer time today, this one from the Valley of Vision really blessed me.
Take some time to read it, pray it and make it your own.
The death and suffering of Jesus was the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/1/2010 5:11:31 AM |
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If you are willing, I have something for you to do each of the next four days.
Friday – Join us at 7pm for the Good Friday service at Calvary Memorial. I... More >>
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RBC, Here let us cast anchor!
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/30/2010 7:19:34 AM |
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Let the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, be the rule of our faith and practice. Holding this principle we travel upon the king’s highway. The road may sometimes seem narrow,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/29/2010 10:56:29 AM |
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Pascal
What sort of wonder is man? How monstrous is he? How chaotic, how paradoxical?
Judge of all things, ruler of all beasts, feeble earthworm himself, repository of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/29/2010 8:52:56 AM |
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Yesterday during welcome and announcements the children’s choir looked so cute that I spontaneously told them “All of your parents should take you out for donuts and chocolate... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/27/2010 5:02:45 AM |
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What a great time of prayer we enjoyed last night.
Thank you to Wayne and Tim for your leadership.
The testimony from Adam&Katie was unforgettable.
The line that keeps ringing in my... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/26/2010 9:40:08 AM |
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Can't wait for the prayer summit tonight at seven.
I'm thinking about sharing from Genesis 18, Exodus 32 and Numbers 14.
I will try not to turn "prayer meeting" into "preaching... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/25/2010 6:58:07 AM |
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Do you think you might be called to ministry? Maybe some of you do.
Do you hope that the Pastors in your life are truly called to the ministry? I trust that all of you do.
So how do you... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/24/2010 5:29:20 AM |
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Really enjoyed a gospel-saturated time of prayer this morning after reading a wonderfully gospel-filled sermon by Martyn Lloyd Jones earlier this morning.
Email exchange... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/23/2010 11:00:49 AM |
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Please join us this Friday at seven p.m.
Wayne and I will be leading a prayer summit here at RBC. We are convening this special prayer meeting so that we can plead with God... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/22/2010 9:03:51 AM |
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I mentioned yesterday that I was deeply convicted by my own study and preaching for that sermon in particular.
I hope that my heart is always in it. I pray that my... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/21/2010 11:06:31 AM |
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Six Points from Leviticus about Spiritual Leaders
Courageous to deal with Sin no matter who or what it is
Exodus 32
Covered by the blood
Lev. 8 and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/19/2010 2:29:34 PM |
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Join me in praying for our RBC men this weekend.
Pete H., Steve S. and Wayne are preaching.
Pray for God's Word to convict and for God's men to be really honest with one another about that... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/18/2010 5:31:06 AM |
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Here is the test I shared in the sermon last Sunday. It comes out of the book “Worldliness” edited by CJ Mahaney:
Imagine I take a blind test in which my task is... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/17/2010 9:43:56 AM |
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One year ago today...
We were in Ireland for family reunion:
DunLuce Castle built for Richard DeBurgh
Graveyard at Drumcliff
Trinity College Dublin (John Owen)
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/17/2010 7:09:24 AM |
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JI Packer on Holiness:
Holiness is in essence obeying God, living to God and for God, imitating god, keeping his law, taking his side against sin, doing righteousness, performing good... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/16/2010 9:10:06 AM |
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Some of our Sunday School classes recently collected money to purchase a cart for a farm.
This is a very special farm. It is the drug and alcohol rehabilitation ministry in... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/16/2010 6:55:32 AM |
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Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World
C. J. Mahaney (Editor)
Life in this fallen world can draw our hearts far from God and from growth in godliness. Worldliness... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/15/2010 1:00:12 PM |
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I like Al Mohler's response to something Glenn Beck said...
My concern is very different. As an evangelical Christian, my concern is the primacy of the Gospel of Christ -- the Gospel that... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/15/2010 11:49:13 AM |
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Our study in Leviticus is helping us to understand the importance of living holy lives in this unholy world, godly lives in an ungodly culture, clean lives in an unclean place.
While... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/8/2010 5:14:05 AM |
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I am trying to microblog this week over at twitter.
http://twitter.com/SpencerDeBurgh... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/5/2010 10:48:52 AM |
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A good article for a little bit of weekend theology reading.
Here are a few snippets...
Christianity is often confusing. Reality is often confusing. There are certain things that we believe that... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/4/2010 4:55:05 AM |
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In the book Age of Opportunity Paul Tripp tells a great story about finding out that his teenager daughter got into big trouble at school.
He writes wonderfully about the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/3/2010 6:29:41 AM |
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So I just talked with one of our deacons. Clyde.
He was fixing something in the fellowship hall.
He explained what he was doing and then ends his explanation with this gem:
“I’m not... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/3/2010 4:53:59 AM |
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Proverbs 21
When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
What does it take to become wise?
It takes more... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/2/2010 10:16:00 AM |
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I was very convicted as I looked over this paragraph today.
I’m thankful that our elders spent time in prayer early this morning.
Prayer is so very important.
May it never... More >>
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lay your hand on the head of the lamb
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/2/2010 4:40:46 AM |
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Leviticus 1:4
He shall lay his hand on the head of the offering and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
One of the smallest yet most tightly packed books on my shelf is a... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/1/2010 11:34:46 AM |
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“The church should be regarded as important to Christians because of its importance to Christ. Christ founded the church (Matt. 16:18), purchased it with his blood (Acts 20:28), and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
3/1/2010 5:17:23 AM |
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Top Ten from this weekend.
So many great things happened this weekend…
Hugging Marjorie T. on Sunday morning and finding out that it is her 89th birthday this... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/25/2010 12:28:56 PM |
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I am up on twitter if you want to check it out:
http://twitter.com/spencerdeburgh
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/25/2010 7:15:36 AM |
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This is an 18th Century Italian Hymn.
I came across it in an old sermon on Leviticus I was reading.
I cannot get through it without tearing up...
Glory be to Jesus,
Who, in bitter... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/25/2010 5:55:33 AM |
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The Era of the Narcissist
From a book review in First Things written by Aaron Kheriaty, M.D., who teaches Psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine.
Of all the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/24/2010 6:42:22 AM |
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We begin the book of Leviticus on Sunday and today is my last full study day. I love this book! Seriously, I know Leviticus suffers from a reputation as old, outdated, dusty and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/24/2010 5:04:33 AM |
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This word of correction from a pastor (given almost 400 years ago) is very timely. If you are married, you will do well to keep it. I have had to help many couples... More >>
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If Hamilton could see us now…
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/23/2010 8:19:06 AM |
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Alexander Hamilton in Federalist Papers 78
“The courts must declare the sense of the law; and if they should be disposed to exercise will instead of judgment, the consequence would... More >>
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a fleeting vapor and snare of death
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/23/2010 4:15:32 AM |
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Proverbs 21
I read these Proverbs on Sunday or Monday and plan to meditate on them all week long.
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a snare of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/22/2010 10:38:32 AM |
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Another little gem from Richard Baxter --
Don't conceal the state of your souls, nor hide your faults from one another. You are as one flesh, and should have one heart: and as it... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/22/2010 6:14:11 AM |
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Truth is not enough
The truth can be a motive for holiness only if it is loved, while the natural man does not love the truth, but hates it. Consequently, the truth, presented... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/19/2010 6:09:38 AM |
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Two links that I enjoyed about the Olympics:
The first is written by Chris Tomlinson. It compares all the tears and training and victory of Olympic athletes to the effort and end in... More >>
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Every Thou shalt not mirrors a Thou shall
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/18/2010 11:52:37 AM |
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In preaching on the Ten Commandments John Calvin said that "Thou shalt not kill" is not fulfilled merely by abstaining from all injury or wish to inflict injury; it means... More >>
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Decide to be patient with each other
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/17/2010 11:20:37 AM |
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I re-read Richard Baxter on marriage recently. His advice is frank, realistic and helpful.
Here is Baxter’s advice on living in peace with your husband or... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/17/2010 6:43:31 AM |
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Of the more excellent nature any blessing is that we stand in need of, the more ready God is to bestow it in answer to prayer.
Jonathan Edwards... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/17/2010 3:38:46 AM |
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Last week
Had a good trip to Hutchison Kansas to preach at the Marriage conference.
Amy was all set to come with me – but got Bronchitis! She was up coughing the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/11/2010 12:06:36 PM |
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I read these verses today.
They absolutely thrill me.
They are what my ministry is all about!
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do... More >>
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abortion and Justice Blackmun
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/11/2010 11:13:25 AM |
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Roger Nicole was an esteemed Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
This is his letter to Justice Harry Blackmun upon the occasion of Blackmun's retirement from... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/10/2010 8:48:44 AM |
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“What was God’s purpose in giving the Law?” is a huge question for Bible teachers. To say that “entire books have been written” about this is, in... More >>
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why all the question marks?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/10/2010 6:46:51 AM |
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I really enjoyed this modern piece of poetry.
The poet (Taylor Mali) is just talking about what he sees and hears in the world.
His observation is so dead-on. The... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/9/2010 6:23:29 AM |
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In “A Simple Way to Pray” Martin Luther described how he uses the Ten Commandments as a guide in his prayer life:
I divide each commandment into four parts, thereby... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/8/2010 11:21:32 AM |
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Who needs those Christian dating services when you can get great advice like this --
Young Christian people should seek to become the kind of person that the kind of person they would want... More >>
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And stare as long as sheep and cows
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/8/2010 9:06:40 AM |
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The poem I shared yesterday while talking about the Sabbath:
W. H. Davies
WHAT is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?—
No time to stand beneath... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/8/2010 7:02:30 AM |
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Here are the references distributed on Sunday morning. They are intended for further meditation upon the Ten Commandments.
1st Ex.15:1; Dt. 6:5; 2 Kings 17:29-39; Psalm 73:25;... More >>
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pray for amy, ruby and andrew
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/5/2010 1:11:54 PM |
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Amy is in Iowa with Andrew and Ruby Johnson.
Working with Andrew for my first few years here in Racine was a wonderful privilege. Andrew is a faithful and gifted... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/4/2010 7:38:29 AM |
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I was down the hall meeting with one of our elders who took time out of his day to come in and give me counsel on a matter. I thanked him for taking the time and was reflecting about what... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/4/2010 5:15:29 AM |
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Psalms 4, 34, 64, 94, 124 this morning. Each one gave me something sweet to meditate upon.
I think I am going to keep this one with me all day today. Its... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/3/2010 12:23:14 PM |
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Oswald Chambers in a letter to his sister, Dec 17, 1906:
You see, I believe that Jesus Christ our Lord has all power in heaven and on earth; do you? I find most people believe that He... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/3/2010 7:35:12 AM |
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On my way up to Adell Wisconsin with Darien and John to meet with great like-minded Wisconsin pastors about our joint efforts to help train pastors in Kabardino-Bulkaria.
... More >>
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An extraordinary normal prayer
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/2/2010 7:05:20 AM |
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In elders meeting this morning the text we discussed was Romans 15:14-33.
23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many... More >>
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How to wreck your church in three weeks
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/2/2010 4:20:43 AM |
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This post from Ray Ortlund is all too true!
How to wreck your church in three weeks
Week One: Walk into church today and think about how long you’ve been a member, how much... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/1/2010 8:52:07 AM |
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Somebody got me a Barnes and Noble Card for Christmas.
So I ordered online and the box arrived this weekend:
The Brothers Karamozov
The Essential Edgar Allen Poe... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
2/1/2010 5:56:49 AM |
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Idolatry is a recurring theme in Scripture. It goes much deeper and is far more pervasive than most people think.
Today, there are many ways to talk about idolatry. I... More >>
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give up anything rather than go against Him
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/28/2010 7:57:17 AM |
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I love the way this reads.
I love the way life works when God's people live this way.
Q & A 94 Heidleberg Catechism
Q. What does the Lord require in the first... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/27/2010 8:36:50 AM |
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Driving my car yesterday.
I was thinking about a man in our church who has been through a really difficult situation. I was feeling like a lousy pastor because I haven’t... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/27/2010 4:34:14 AM |
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Read this last night.
I do experience these opportunities so frequently.
I don’t want to miss a single one of them!
Every meeting with another person is a... More >>
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even if it was wrong... would I still pray?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/26/2010 11:52:15 AM |
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Prayer is the vital breath of religion in the soul. It cultivates our sense of dependence and of God’s sovereignty. By confessing our sins, the sense of sin is deepened. By rendering thanks,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/26/2010 7:02:32 AM |
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In pastor’s meeting today as an opening question I asked, “Who has a verse for us?”
The table was quiet for a couple of seconds and then Wayne spoke up.
This... More >>
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How to initiate gospel conversations
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/25/2010 7:45:37 AM |
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Do you want to share the gospel more frequently and more effectively?
Do you sometimes struggle with a lack of compassion or boldness?
The first half of this is funny and the second... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/22/2010 1:58:25 PM |
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Yesterday I stayed home sick. Rested all day in hopes that this head cold and throat issue wouldn't get worse. So far it hasn't. I feel better today. Felt well enough to take... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/20/2010 10:47:17 AM |
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I listened to The White Horse Inn yesterday. It was their 20th anniversary episode.
I only catch this program once in a great while. It is usually thought... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/20/2010 6:30:39 AM |
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Pray for 20 minutes every morning
A simple guide for getting going with 20 minutes of prayer…
20 minutes is easy if you go 5 and 5 and 5 and 5.
5 minutes... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/20/2010 4:42:27 AM |
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God spoke all the world into existence.
God speaks to us in His Word.
God’s Word forms words in our minds and hearts.
And now God calls us to speak back to Him in prayer.
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/19/2010 8:07:28 AM |
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Highlights from RBC Board meeting last night:
Wayne sharing about men getting into the Word of God every day. It is so simple and yet it is what it’s all about. Wayne... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/14/2010 2:08:38 PM |
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It has come to my attention that I may have, however inadvertently, disparaged the good name of a certain youth pastor in my previous post.
Though all I wrote about him giving us as gifts our... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/14/2010 6:34:04 AM |
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The best commercial I have seen in a long time:
The Sports Center guys in line behind Arnold Palmer making an Arnold Palmer.
The best book on... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/13/2010 11:05:22 AM |
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This is the type of thing I have been working on for school:
The sacred author’s intended meaning is the critical starting point but not an end in itself. The task of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/13/2010 7:55:50 AM |
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Some things are so obvious to us that we never see them.
I remember this little poem from someplace, perhaps you have heard it before…
Oh where is the sea the fishes... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/12/2010 9:16:04 AM |
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I do not love charts.
But I do love studying the Bible.
I liked this post by Justin Taylor and his suggestion to draw up some charts for yourself.
One tip to... More >>
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blessings in the last 24 hours
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/12/2010 8:16:10 AM |
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Enjoyed breakfast with eight of my favorite men this morning at the Golden Keys. I just love sitting around the table with men who are examples to me.
Apologized to a church member... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/11/2010 6:08:28 AM |
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So we had a pretty small evening service last night. We were up against two factors.
First, lots of our people were away at Fort Wilderness and second, Packers playoff... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/9/2010 6:19:30 AM |
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I sent one middle school son, one high school son, one high school daughter, and one super-fun wife up to winter camp this weekend. Meaning I am home alone. (Not really alone if you... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/8/2010 9:34:06 AM |
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So I'm reading Christianity Today this morning with my apple and cinnamon cheerios.
A good article by Ed Stetzer on the abuse of statistics by pastors and churches. We... More >>
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Pray for our Youth Ministry
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/7/2010 1:12:26 PM |
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Our junior and senior high school ministry leaves for Fort Wilderness Winter Retreat Friday!
Please be praying for...
Dan Miller as he leads the leaders and students.
The RBC youth staff who will be... More >>
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Living my life with all my might
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/7/2010 7:51:19 AM |
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Most of us made some sort of resolutions for the new year.
Our six pastors are currently sharing the pulpit on six areas of resolutions.
This short summation of Edwards' resolutions is particularly... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/4/2010 11:00:24 AM |
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I read this today.
It matched up with some thinking and journaling I had already been sifting through so I really liked it. Hope you do too.
"A Time To Talk,"... More >>
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Be here Sunday for something different
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Spencer DeBurgh |
1/2/2010 7:41:21 AM |
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We are trying something different for the next couple of Sundays.
It is an idea that had been brewing in my mind for a while - and the first two Sundays of the new year seemed to be the right time... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/30/2009 6:19:34 AM |
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Please join us for the New Year's Eve Communion Service at 7:00.
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/23/2009 6:58:26 AM |
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Please join us on Christmas Eve at 5:00.
Our worship service will last about an hour.
We will read Scripture, sing Christmas hymns and worship our Christ.... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/23/2009 6:57:03 AM |
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When we depend upon organization,
we get what organizations can do;
when we depend upon education,
we get what education can do;
when we depend upon man,
we get what man can do;
but when we... More >>
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Avatar, Star Wars, The Lion King and the God who takes on flesh
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/23/2009 5:09:42 AM |
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I really liked Ross Douthat's column from the New York Times.
He writes about the James Cameron movie "Avatar" and makes some serious sense...
It’s fitting... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/23/2009 3:46:39 AM |
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After supper last night the boys and I hit up Lockwood for some night sledding.
Rylie took a jump, turned a complete 360 and landed it.
In the process of perfecting the trick, he... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/22/2009 10:28:11 AM |
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"I’m amazed at the amount of time people spend on the internet. I’m not against technology, but all tools should be used to their best advantage. We should be spending our... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/22/2009 7:53:40 AM |
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This hit me hard recently!
"Sin is fundamentally antisocial, because sin causes me to love me more than anything else and to care for me more than anything... More >>
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can't stop thinking about it
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/21/2009 5:40:55 AM |
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If you were with us yesterday, you should remember this.
I went to sleep last night dreaming about it.
I awoke this morning praying that God will soon bring it to... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/18/2009 9:17:11 AM |
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Here's what I'm up to today...
Eating Junior Mints
Drinking Papa Nicholas French Roast
Working on Chapter Three of my doctoral project (I wanted to... More >>
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Are you ready to face your family?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/18/2009 6:22:15 AM |
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Opening presents, grinning about sweaters you don't really like, having second helpings of your aunt's jello-salad, answering relative's questions about school or the weather or grades or jobs in a... More >>
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i know what you should do next
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/17/2009 7:59:52 AM |
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Not too long ago, I had lunch with one of our RBC men.
A godly man who loves the Lord and puts that love to action in this church.
He told me that he is considering... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/17/2009 4:49:51 AM |
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David Brainerd described his spiritual desires this way –
“When I really enjoy God, I feel my desires of Him the more insatiable, and my thirstings after holiness the more... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/16/2009 9:52:36 AM |
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I am reading (actually skimming) Dr. Mohler's book "Words from the Fire" subtitled "Hearing the voice of God in the Ten Commandments.”
I like it a lot.
I checked it... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/16/2009 7:28:40 AM |
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This good word on prayer comes from Kevin Deyoung:
If you know you are needy and believe that God helps the needy, you will pray. Conversely, if we seldom pray, the problem goes much... More >>
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one of my very favorite passages
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/15/2009 9:31:16 AM |
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Read Philippians 1:3-11 with the elders this morning.
So many stand-out phrases in that passage. And they are structured together in such an interesting construction which is, in itself,... More >>
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suggested office improvement
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/15/2009 7:42:35 AM |
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I left my lunch in the car this morning. Poor bag has been sitting out there since 5:30am. It froze.
I’m eating a banana a day (doctor’s orders about something... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/15/2009 5:03:28 AM |
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Here is a great word about the gospel from JC Ryle...
Let us take comfort in the thought that the Lord Jesus does not cast off His believing people because of failures and... More >>
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the aforementioned pictures
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/14/2009 11:09:35 AM |
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Cutest choir in the world -
These four are adorable -
These four are no longer kids, but I think they are still cute --
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/14/2009 10:15:31 AM |
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Kindness isn’t a personality trait, it’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and an expression of biblical love (1 Corinthians 13:4). Kindness does not have its origins in... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/14/2009 9:19:59 AM |
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Amy took a bunch of pictures on yesterday.
I will try to post them up here on the blog tonight when I get home.
The pictures are from the first service Sunday. We had a great time here and all... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/10/2009 10:08:59 AM |
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Amy shared some things with me recently that she had been learning from the Lord. I love the way the Lord gets at me through her.
It is a crowning blessing to share common... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/9/2009 4:40:01 PM |
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Here I am at church on Wednesday night.
Watching the weather predictions yesterday…
We all figured we would probably have to cancel.
But I just walked the halls... More >>
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Sin is subtle where we are strong
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/9/2009 3:23:14 PM |
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Ouch. This hit my like a ton of bricks today!
We foolishly assume that our real struggles with sin are in the areas where we are "weak." We do not well understand... More >>
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the modern worship of progress and novelty
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/8/2009 9:20:53 AM |
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Over Thanksgiving I read another Chesterton story, The Club of Queer Trades.
I laughed out loud.
A lot.
He takes these witty shots at our contemporary, short-sighted errors while... More >>
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To not be angry is a dreadful spiritual and moral malady
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/8/2009 7:01:47 AM |
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This outstanding sentence comes from Walter Kaiser’s, Exodus commentary chapter eleven verse eight:
“To be in the presence of evil and not be angry is a dreadful spiritual... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/8/2009 4:41:04 AM |
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We read this prayer at elders meeting this morning and discussed Carson’s explanation of it.
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/7/2009 12:00:30 PM |
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You can find a nice summary of his life here:
http://www.wholesomewords.org/missions/biobrainerd.html
You can find a stirring biographical sermon about him... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/7/2009 7:32:26 AM |
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Today we have our Racine Bible Church office Christmas party.
Here are my pre-party feelings in three words bursts:
I can’t wait
Should be fun
Love these... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/7/2009 7:01:30 AM |
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You ever hear something, read something or see something and then find that exact same thing coming up in an unrelated conversation just a little while later?
This happened to me... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/3/2009 11:51:00 AM |
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Great day of study in Exodus 11 through 13.
These chapters have the most amazing alteration of literary styles.
They alternate between narrative of events in real time (the story) and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/2/2009 11:03:04 AM |
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I am looking forward to having lunch with one hundred of my favorite people tomorrow.
The Pacesetters/Sunday school luncheon is a highlight every year.
This year Timothy Botts... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/2/2009 8:50:12 AM |
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I thought this was funny...
You know how there are advertisements or smart-suggestions on the top-banner or sides of web pages?
I was on some Christian website today and on... More >>
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Asking Good Questions of the Bible
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/2/2009 5:31:15 AM |
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I love this simple post from Justin Taylor.
Justin was executive editor of the ESV Study Bible.
He also edited a great new edition of some of John Owen's... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/1/2009 11:12:01 AM |
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I brought my gym bag to the office today.
I was going to head into the gym over my lunch hour to run on the treadmill because I thought it was supposed to be rainy and cold.
Happily, my... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
12/1/2009 5:53:08 AM |
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Our spiritual disciplines class is reading this chapter by Donald Whitney in preparation for class discussion next Sunday night.
http://biblicalspirituality.org/silence.html
Do... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/30/2009 11:59:01 AM |
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Famous people born on November 30th
Bo Jackson
Billy Idol
Dick Clark
Winston Churchill
Mark Twain
And, best of all, my mom.
Happy Birthday Mom!
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/28/2009 8:17:19 AM |
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I'm looking forward to worship tomorrow morning.
We will pray and sing with great joy. Our Christ has come.
One of our families will read the Advent Scriptures and light the first... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/25/2009 7:19:24 AM |
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I like this cartoon.
http://www.cartoonbank.com/2009/Johnson-look-at-the-lilies-of-the-field-They-neither-spin-nor-toil-Fire-them/invt/133922
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/25/2009 6:06:43 AM |
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I am thinking about using this prayer during tonight's service. It is from the Common Book of Prayer
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we thine unworthy servants
do give thee most humble... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/25/2009 4:31:44 AM |
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Please join us tonight at seven.
We will share words of thanksgiving, sing praises, and read from the living Word of God together.
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/24/2009 3:25:12 AM |
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This good word about the gospel comes from Pastor Jared C. Wilson
The gospel is resilient. It is miraculously versatile. It proves itself every day for those awake to it. Because... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/23/2009 6:40:30 AM |
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Thank you for a great Sunday yesterday.
I loved the handbells, choir, organ, and violins.
Drew and Tim did an excellent job leading in song.
Preaching and teaching from Genesis 22 and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/21/2009 7:25:58 AM |
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Tomorrow we will enter one of the greatest short stories in all of Scripture, Genesis 22.
We will read the narrative and then, for the inspired interpretation, we will turn over to Hebrews 11.
Read... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/20/2009 7:55:24 AM |
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Yesterday's post about praying for me is important.
This post isn't.
Nevertheless, you may find these enjoyable.
My favorite dog:
My favorite Culver's worker:
My favorite pastor's... More >>
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I should never be allowed to enter the pulpit
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/19/2009 11:12:57 AM |
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From Gardiner Spring's "Prayer for Ministers" (first published in 1848):
O it is at a fearful expense that ministers are ever allowed to enter the pulpit without being... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/19/2009 8:57:24 AM |
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That was weird. I caught just three minutes of something on the AM radio. It was like everything weird, aberrant, cheesy and misleading all rolled into one…
I... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/19/2009 5:31:09 AM |
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I might as well go ahead and admit it.
I am partial. You are too.
We should be.
I know what James 2 says about a church leader not being partial to a rich congregant over a poor... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/18/2009 10:08:57 AM |
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3:14 I AM WHO I AM.
This name for God points to His self-existence and eternality; it denotes “I am the One who is/will be,” which is decidedly the best and most contextually... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/18/2009 8:31:12 AM |
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Time after time I see it happen here at RBC.
A crisis strikes one family (a death, an illness, an acute financial need) and the church family rallies around them with love and support... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/17/2009 10:16:51 AM |
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Peace in a sinful course is one of the greatest of curses.
... More >>
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cowboys, indians and poodle skirts
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/17/2009 7:09:53 AM |
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Our middle school ministry had events for the guys and girls Friday night.
Two pictures -
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/17/2009 5:58:52 AM |
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In the Pentateuch as a whole, there are six major themes: (1) God's blessing on all nature and humanity; (2) God's promise to the patriarchs; (3) God's deliverance in the exodus from... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/16/2009 11:37:48 AM |
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Did you know?
One of our elders is on the international board of fragrance toxicology.
Seriously.
Now you know.
If we should begin to experience toxic fragrances at... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/16/2009 9:13:51 AM |
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I love this list. It comes from Pastor Jared Wilson.
Things good pastors say
1. You're right.
Good pastors know they're not always (not usually?) the smartest, most... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/13/2009 9:26:14 AM |
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In my book bag right now -
All the King's Men, Robert Penn Warren
Heartbreakingly well-written. Corruption in politics... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/13/2009 6:05:41 AM |
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Leadership is knowing what needs to be done but it is much more than that. Any complainer on the sidelines can talk about what needs to be... More >>
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Great deal on a great Bible
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/12/2009 10:53:20 AM |
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The MacArthur Study Bible is still my favorite.
Get yourself one.
Buy one for a friend.
The hardcover is on sale at gbi... More >>
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from the breakfast table to the convalescent home
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/12/2009 7:57:55 AM |
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2 Peter 1:3-5 and 10-11
We opened this passage this morning around the breakfast table.
Cereal, English breakfast tea and observation-interpretation-application about the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/11/2009 10:08:28 AM |
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Somebody brought a big box of donuts to the office today.
The white box sat in the copy room.
I entered the room intending to abstain.
Really. I was going to abstain.
But then... More >>
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Are we liberal or conservative?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/11/2009 5:21:42 AM |
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Following is a summary of Rodney Stark’s ten marks identifying the social practices of the earliest Christians.
The conclusions following the ten points are particularly... More >>
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pardon me but you must give place
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/10/2009 10:40:50 AM |
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If thy dearest friends intrude unseasonably between thee and thy God, it is neither rude not unmannerly to bid them give place to better company.
John Flavel... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/10/2009 4:26:09 AM |
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Personal confrontation
It is a challenge that most of us simply avoid because it is so difficult.
Yet this practice is essential in God... More >>
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Dispensationalism and end times
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/9/2009 12:36:46 PM |
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These notes are from the IFCA doctrinal statement. Racine Bible Church is a member church in this organization.
(13) Dispensationalism - We believe that the Scriptures interpreted... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/9/2009 8:09:50 AM |
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Student Ministry Intern – assistant to the Junior High Pastor.
That was the first “ministry job” I ever had.
I had a small group of seventh and eighth grade... More >>
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The Rapture and the Tribulation
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/8/2009 3:26:47 PM |
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These notes come from materials in one of the appendices to the MacArthur Study Bible:
The Rapture of the Church
We teach the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ before the seven-year... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/6/2009 2:10:52 PM |
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We are going to the skating rink tonight.
Somehow... at the fair or some place we went this Summer... Rylie won a bunch of free passes.
We are headed out there tonight and I will be skating.
I... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/6/2009 11:56:51 AM |
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That couple I visited last night...
They now have (another) girl.
I'm sure you have it figured out by now.
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/6/2009 4:36:17 AM |
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I was up in labor and delivery last night with a very special couple.
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/5/2009 10:31:05 AM |
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I have an interesting job.
On my desk at this moment is the following:
Biblical Theology by Geerhardus... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/5/2009 9:02:31 AM |
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Meekness is power harnessed by love. It is an expression of humility that will not bristle or defend when challenged. In marriage, to be meek is not to be weak or vulnerable, but to... More >>
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Truth as a foundation for error?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/4/2009 8:08:38 AM |
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Many err the more dangerously because they take a truth as the foundation of their error. This mistake lies, not in believing a falsehood, but in regarding one truth to the exclusion of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/4/2009 6:00:30 AM |
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The story you are about to hear is true.
This happened relatively recently.
Disclaimer: The name is being withheld in order to protect the guilty and save me some major grief at... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/3/2009 8:07:09 AM |
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I encountered this verse in studying the faith of Abraham (he is mentioned in verse 13).
It has been rolling around in my mind and is starting to bear fruit in my... More >>
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The Project Serve Group Picture
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/3/2009 4:03:15 AM |
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... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/2/2009 7:04:00 AM |
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Truth must be necessarily be stranger than fiction for fiction is the creation of the human mind and is therefore congenial to it.
GK Chesterton
Think about that one for a... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
11/2/2009 5:43:52 AM |
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Dan Miller took a small group of students up to Fort Wilderness this weekend for a service project.
I love the emphasis on humility and service in our youth ministry. I love... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/31/2009 5:38:39 AM |
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This powerful word comes from Russell D. Moore of SBTS:
For most conservative American evangelicals, "Reformation Day" is not a big deal. Many, if asked, might think it to be a special... More >>
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I want to want something else
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/30/2009 11:06:55 AM |
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Here is a little bit more from the David Powlison article.
I took it home and shared it with Amy because it related to a few “discussions”* we have been having lately.
She... More >>
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What do I want? Why do I want it?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/29/2009 9:04:28 AM |
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I asked Darien to lead Pastor’s meeting this week by bringing us something good from the biblical counseling training he has been receiving. He did not disappoint.
He led us through... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/29/2009 5:17:17 AM |
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Here is a good word for each one of us.
“It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God -- but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/28/2009 8:34:15 AM |
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I almost showed up to the office today with forty kids!
I was anticipating the look on Scott, Sharon and Linda’s face when I pulled into the parking lot followed by a caravan of a... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/28/2009 5:31:57 AM |
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O Thou loving One, O Thou blessed One, Thou deservest to have my all. Thou hast paid for me ten thousand times more than I am worth.
John Bunyan
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/27/2009 10:48:57 AM |
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Why did God work the wonders recorded in the Old Testament?
Why did God save me?
Why did God save us?
Turn to these passages to hear Him give the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/27/2009 6:38:56 AM |
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Crossway have just published a brand new edition of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, edited by C. J. Lovik with superb illustrations by Mike Wimmer.
"If any smoothing of Bunyan's seventeenth... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/26/2009 10:34:51 AM |
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Some pictures from the missions weekend...
High School Ministry Fall Fun Night with the Longs (Botswana) and Char (Papua)
A balanced meal of chips, sandwich and grapes -
Amy and me with Dan... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/24/2009 7:16:11 AM |
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This is the most thought provoking thing that has come through my ear buds in quite some time:
Marvin Olasky delivering a lecture at Southern Seminary about Scripture,... More >>
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the last thing a Christian ought to be is...
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/22/2009 11:06:52 AM |
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The first verse of the Bible shows him to be a creative God. His nature is to create, and there may be no end to this, in time or in eternity. It is impossible you come into contact with a... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/21/2009 11:05:23 AM |
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I am in my office studying.
Working on the life of Abraham.
Within easy grasp I have…
· Multiple Bible... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/21/2009 10:24:43 AM |
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“The spirit of the age does not ask a man what he can do well but what he can do fast and cheap.” Wendell Berry... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/21/2009 8:04:28 AM |
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I have been remembering this from Darien’s sermon a couple of months ago –
If we are going to understand sin and the gospel it is important to get this... More >>
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A short board meeting & jamocha almond fudge
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/20/2009 9:17:15 AM |
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Last night the deacons, elders and church officers had our monthly board meeting.
It was relatively short - and the elders did not have to stay after for an additional meeting –... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/20/2009 6:32:02 AM |
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Filled up at the gas station yesterday.
The station has the new pumps with the inlaid television screen.
There was a ladybug crawling on the inside of the screen.
... More >>
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Like holding a wet bar of soap
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/20/2009 4:59:51 AM |
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Kent Hughes really captures the essence of parenting with a particularly helpful word to Pastors:
Some fathers exasperate their children by being overly strict and controlling. They... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/19/2009 7:28:28 AM |
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I loved hearing the orchestra on Sunday.
Violins, cellos, flute, trumpet...
When they all join together it creates such a full, joyful, lovely sound.
Music is one of God's sweetest... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/19/2009 3:43:44 AM |
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We had a great elders retreat in Lake Geneva:
Are we/how can we be sure that every member understands the gospel?
Are we/how can we be sure that the good stuff happening all around the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/15/2009 11:16:21 AM |
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The RBC elders have some extended meetings this weekend.
We really need your prayers. Would you please pray for us?
These are the men attending our meetings:
Steve... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/15/2009 7:10:59 AM |
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I’ve learned the hard way that the primary thing which separates the spiritually mature from the spiritually immature is what one does with his/her burdens and fears and frustrations and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/14/2009 11:13:25 AM |
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In the last two or three hours…
Ate lunch of leftovers from Los Mariachis. Steak fajitas. Great when they were sizzling on the platter last night. Still very good... More >>
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Far from being a measure of our maturity
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/14/2009 9:44:08 AM |
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From DA Carson:
One of the most important entailments of the doctrine of creation is this: it grounds all human responsibility. The theme repeatedly recurs in the Bible, sometimes... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/13/2009 4:38:33 AM |
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If everyone around is telling the lie then it is the one who tells the truth that sounds like a crazy idiot.
... More >>
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Practical Suggestions for Getting into the Word
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/12/2009 11:16:18 AM |
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We had a great discussion in firm foundations class last night about getting into the Word of God every day.
Several people shared some best practices that have worked well in... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/12/2009 7:16:45 AM |
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I’m reading Psalm 119 as homework for the spiritual disciplines class on Sunday nights.
We are a Bible Church where the Bible is always talked about.
Some people have... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/10/2009 5:50:37 AM |
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I don't know how many practices have been put in but I know the number is large.
Between my drummer/keyboardist, violinist, and vocalist we have been been to several of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/8/2009 12:02:57 PM |
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I wish this post was about blowing fifty foot bubbles with the kids in the backyard.
I wish.
Instead, this post is about shameful “protected-speech-bubbles” the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/8/2009 5:14:10 AM |
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As I am reading through the book of Genesis I am compiling a list. If you are reading it (even just the first twelve chapters) add to... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/7/2009 2:45:03 PM |
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My father is testifying before a congressional subcommittee tomorrow.
I know – for a fact – that he will talk some straight sense to them... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/7/2009 10:44:45 AM |
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I talked with someone today.
Someone outside the church.
This person was hurting, really hurting because of somebody else’s sin.
I was able to listen.
I was... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/7/2009 7:13:30 AM |
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This is an article by Tim Challies about Genesis chapter three.
As I continue reading through Waltke’s Old Testament Theology I continue to dig up pure gold. Today I’ll... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/6/2009 10:21:46 AM |
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I am praying for all of those who have been invited to the music for the masses concert this Saturday.
What a great opportunity to bring a friend through our doors and share!
If you are around here... More >>
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Humility and blueberry bagels
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/6/2009 6:46:53 AM |
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John A., John M. Wayne, Darien, Dan and I just finished pastor’s meeting.
Dan brought panera.
We discussed this article on humility and approachability by Ken Sande.
The... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/6/2009 4:35:55 AM |
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If you want to pick up one volume to help you in your Bible studies, your best move might be to get the ESV Study Bible. The study notes are very, very good. It is published... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/5/2009 7:40:20 AM |
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This theological summary of Genesis one is taken from D.A. Carson. I am addicted to his book(s) titled “For the Love of God.” These books follow... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
10/1/2009 5:43:33 AM |
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Do you write thank you notes?
Do you send emails of encouragement?
I got one last week.
It is from a guy I don’t really know.
He was at something I preached at in... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/28/2009 9:32:22 AM |
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You ever read something and find it so thought provoking that your thoughts return to it again and again over the subsequent days?
That happened to me with this text:
Psalm... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/28/2009 4:37:50 AM |
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What a great weekend!
A few highlights off the top of my mind Monday morning...
Spending a couple of hours with Rylie on Friday
Dinner with Mark Cahill at John and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/24/2009 6:07:06 AM |
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Don’t you think that most of the time we use the word “most” we are mostly exaggerating?
Is what we are talking about really the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/23/2009 5:49:32 AM |
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So last night I’m thumbing through a collection of essays by Yale historian Edmund S. Morgan. He is one of our nation’s most respected historians.
This is... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/22/2009 6:15:04 AM |
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“I formulate the Gospel this way: it is information issuing in invitation; it is proclamation issuing in persuasion. It is an admonitory message embracing five themes. First, God: the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/21/2009 8:37:01 AM |
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If you were here, I think you will agree that God’s goodness was especially evident yesterday.
So many stand-out moments in the morning and the evening. Among... More >>
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His name is Love, it is also Light
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/17/2009 6:51:56 AM |
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William Newell wrote several volumes titled Old Testament Studies.
He also preached here at RBC several times in the 50s and early 60s.
I have been re-reading some of his introductory... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/16/2009 9:14:12 AM |
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I am super excited to start a new series on the First Five books of the Bible.
I am also coming to some painful conclusions in the middle of a looooong day of study.
Conclusions... More >>
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Psalm 19:12-14 and secret faults
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/15/2009 6:45:21 AM |
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Psalm 19:12-14
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me…
Let the words... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/14/2009 9:43:06 AM |
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I made a mistake. I regret making it.
But I am not apologizing. My mistake does not merit an apology.
Nevertheless, it was a mistake that caused a bit of trouble and... More >>
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guilty, vile and helpless we... spotless lamb of God was He
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/14/2009 5:58:46 AM |
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Justification by Faith, Not by Works
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Vain are the hopes the sons of men,
On their own works have built;
Their hearts by nature all unclean,
And all their actions... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/11/2009 6:36:45 AM |
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Some great advice here from N.D. Wilson's new book. I think he is on to something good here. We live with the fractures of sin rumbling all around us. From being grumpy with each... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/10/2009 6:05:41 AM |
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Do you…
Have enough? Want more? Worry about it?
Use it too quickly? Hold it too closely?
We should pray about it. It is in the Lord’s... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/9/2009 6:13:22 AM |
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Elaine J. snapped this picture on Sunday morning:
Do you know what you are seeing here?
What you are seeing here is amazing.
It represents one of the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/8/2009 8:42:00 AM |
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The book of Proverbs was written to impart God’s wisdom to His saints.
Moreover, it is an exceedingly important way to learn, remember, and utilize truth. Most proverbs are... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/8/2009 4:18:12 AM |
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I visited Johann last Thursday.
He sits, propped up, in the cardiac unit.
His body is weak.
His spirit is strong.
I said, “I came here to pray for you. But could... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/3/2009 10:50:11 AM |
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These are excerpted from an excellent article by Matt Schmuker on the 9marks website.
To be a faithful steward of your children you must abide in Christ (John 15:5: "I am the... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/3/2009 5:56:09 AM |
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Last night my premarital counseling appointment here at the church office ended, youth group wrapped up and we were all headed home in the van.
What follows is what you would have... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/2/2009 2:16:02 PM |
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Next to my keyboard here I see my notes from Darien’s sermon on repentance. You need to hear this again. I do too...
Repentance does not stop once we... More >>
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one triviality after another
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/2/2009 9:27:57 AM |
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Life is short.
Heaven and Hell are real.
Every single person that I have ever known is headed for one or the other.
Why is it that so many ministers - preachers... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/1/2009 8:18:16 AM |
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School starts today.
Pray for our students.
Pray for our teachers.
Lord I pray…
Help our believing young people to show themselves examples of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
9/1/2009 6:45:22 AM |
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Are you a hectic sluggard?
Today in pastor’s meeting we discussed the first half of this... More >>
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Government intervention and economic cooperation
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/31/2009 9:33:14 AM |
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Pastor Doug Wilson summarizing a book by author Rodney Stark:
In Rodney Stark's very fine book, The Victory of Reason, he notes a problem with using the word "capitalism" in... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/31/2009 8:21:15 AM |
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Join me in giving thanks for a great Lord’s Day yesterday.
The testimonies from the students in the morning and evening were a blessing.
I loved hearing of their growth in... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/29/2009 3:11:47 PM |
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We are back from a week's vacation.
Separate vacations.
The kids were in California.
Amy and I were at a house on the lake thirty miles north of the Dells.
I know you know... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/24/2009 10:50:54 AM |
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I heard the best sermon on Sunday!
The sermon on repentance that Darien delivered here was solid.
It should be required listening for every member and potential member of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/24/2009 6:37:36 AM |
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So I see this bumper sticker (again) while out on my jog.
Can we talk about this?
Can I ... ask a ... question?
Here it is:
Your statement/motto/practice to... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/22/2009 8:33:59 AM |
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I am delighted that Darien is preaching in our corporate worship services tomorrow.
Let me take one small blog post to tell you how much I love this man.
He is a great... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/20/2009 7:26:49 AM |
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From an article in The Briefing by Tony Payne
An ‘affection’ is not quite an ‘emotion’—at least not in the way we now use the word. For us, an emotion is a... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/19/2009 7:18:44 AM |
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RBC has partnered with Transport for Christ. This ministry reaches truckers through providing chapels (converted trailers) at truck stops. The chapel is filled with Bibles, books,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/18/2009 6:38:49 AM |
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We have been having a great time in the leadership course on Sunday evenings. Each week we read an article or two and then gather to discuss.
Last week the subject was dating,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/17/2009 10:29:41 AM |
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Two of RBC’s own have accomplished mighty feats this summer!
Amy Papillon, leader in our youth ministry, took first place for her age division in the triathlon.
Pete... More >>
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what are the hearts of most of us?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/17/2009 7:41:35 AM |
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What are the hearts of most of us, but so many nests of foolish hopes and fears? These hopes and fears entertain us day and night and steal away our precious hours from us, hours... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/14/2009 6:28:35 AM |
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So last night after supper we read a couple of passages about creation and the knowledge of God.
Then we read this... More >>
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the joy of living to please God
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/13/2009 7:53:14 AM |
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The joy of living to please the Lord
A few more thoughts from Richard Baxter
Remember still that the pleasing of God is your business in the world, and that in pleasing him your souls... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/12/2009 8:53:21 AM |
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On a sunny afternoon last week, I got yelled at.
I mean it.
I got curses and threats screamed at me.
What did I do to deserve such treatment?
I was getting a... More >>
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Pleasing God rather than men
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/12/2009 6:48:22 AM |
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Here is a little bit more from Richard Baxter:
The Advantages of Pleasing God rather than Men
1.If you seek first to please God and are satisfied therein, you have but one to please instead of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/11/2009 10:11:47 AM |
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The first verse of First Timothy six fascinates me on a number of levels.
The more I think about it, the bigger it gets.
Consider the second half of the verse –
... so that... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/11/2009 5:53:45 AM |
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So yesterday, after helping with VBS in the morning, we headed out to the State Fair in the afternoon.
Pig races
Cream puffs
Clydesdales
Amazing Acrobatic show
Chocolate covered bacon... More >>
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A short (!) treatise on the fear of man
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/10/2009 5:11:08 AM |
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Richard Baxter preached several messages about the fear of man to his congregation in Kidderminster around about the 1650s and 60s.
When the government clamped down on true gospel... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/8/2009 7:39:13 AM |
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John Calvin told me something scary this morning.
Really scary.
I was on my second cup of coffee, watching the rain cascade down, and Calvin says this...
The most hurtful of all... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/7/2009 8:46:24 AM |
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These verses spoke to me this morning.
I had Luke six open next to my waffles and coffee.
I am going to be thinking about these verses all day long and longer than that.
Be... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/6/2009 11:35:19 AM |
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I got called a physical therapist.
Tuesday I was visiting two of our older members in their assisted living facility. They are long time members.
Clyde W. recently told me... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/6/2009 6:31:10 AM |
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Several of our leaders climbed in to the church van Tuesday night and headed to Maryland for the WorshipGod conference.
http://worshipgodconference.com/
The conference is... More >>
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the fear of man in some more stories
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/5/2009 8:58:03 AM |
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If you want to understand and overcome the fear of man, read these stories, observe, and learn.
The fear of man caused some serious problems in these stories…
Abraham... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/5/2009 7:15:32 AM |
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The highest happiness consists in holiness. This will make a man happy without anything else. But no other enjoyments or privileges whatsoever will make a man happy without... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/5/2009 5:35:14 AM |
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It’s not every day that dear friends sell the house, pack up and move across the country in order to be together.
Joe and Makeesha did that a few years ago, heading... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/4/2009 7:13:50 AM |
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I appreciated these thoughts about capitalism from a lecture on economics by Michael Novak. They fit in with what I believe about man being made in the image of God and being given the... More >>
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signs that you may be a people-pleaser
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/4/2009 6:31:14 AM |
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These come from Lou Priolo’s book:
I go fishing for compliments.
I value the approval of certain individuals from whom I expect to receive certain honors more than the... More >>
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Two great books on the two great fears
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/3/2009 12:59:18 PM |
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I know of two fine books about overcoming the fear of man.
People Pleasing by Lou Priolo
When People are Big and God is Small by Edward Welch
Here are some... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/3/2009 8:47:36 AM |
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Amy and I ran along the lakeshore this morning.
I love seeing the sun break through the clouds on the water.
Here are a few things that popped up on my ipod:
Interview with Kevin... More >>
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The fear of the Lord, a definition from Ed Welch
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/2/2009 1:33:29 PM |
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“The basic idea behind the fear of the Lord, is much broader than our modern understanding of fear. While the holiness of God will leave many knees knocking when Jesus comes again, a... More >>
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The fear of man, a definition from Ken Sande
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/2/2009 1:32:56 PM |
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“Fear of Man. This can take many forms. Sometimes it involves an actual fear of what others can do to us (Prov. 29:25; Luke 12:4-5), but it is most commonly seen as an excessive concern... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
8/1/2009 6:10:10 AM |
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I love it when strong theology is put into a beautiful form of poetry.
That's why I like Isaac Watts so much.
All Things Decreed
by, Isaac Watts
There's not a sparrow nor a worm
But's... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/31/2009 2:35:15 PM |
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Clyde, Maynard and me at Lambeau and touring the Ray Nitschke training facility.
... More >>
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Where I will be on Thursday
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/29/2009 5:28:22 PM |
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So I'm spending the day with two of our deacons tomorrow.
Clyde, Maynard and I will be here:
www.packers.com/community/shareholders/
They tell me that I... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/29/2009 9:17:20 AM |
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Sunday we attended church.
I got to do something I almost never do.
Walk into church (without a tie), take a seat (not in the front row), just sit there (not make sure we are all... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/29/2009 6:55:29 AM |
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We just returned from attending a wedding in Grand Rapids.
I hated to miss the Badger evangelism event and missed seeing Brian Phipps.
It was a bummer of a weekend to be... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/24/2009 12:17:07 PM |
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Please pray for our outreach event with the Wisconsin Badgers tomorrow.
Faith - On display in our lives
Hope - Clearly spoken as found in Jesus Christ
Love - As the surest evidence that we belong to... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/23/2009 8:05:40 AM |
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I totally relate to this from an article about author N.D. Wilson.
N. D. Wilson had an instructive beginning to his life as a writer. Like many writers, the spark was lit when he... More >>
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Did you know? Middle School Mission Trip
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/23/2009 6:17:47 AM |
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A service team from our middle school ministry is in St. Louis at the headquarters of Child Evangelism Fellowship. The team is doing volunteer work and service projects all week... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/22/2009 10:30:51 AM |
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“The holiest Christians are not those most concerned about holiness as such, but whose minds and hearts and goals and purposes and love and hope are most fully focused on our Lord Jesus... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/22/2009 9:08:47 AM |
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Amy punished me again on our run this morning. Barely kept up with her.
The following came up on my ipod at one point or another during the run:
Ed Clowney’s lecture... More >>
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Did you know? Tailgate with the Badgers
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/22/2009 7:44:27 AM |
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There are over eight hundred hot dogs in the RBC refrigerator.
We are preparing for our big outreach event with the Badgers this Saturday.
It has been fun for me to walk into... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/21/2009 11:30:18 AM |
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True repentance is a displeasure at sin, which, along with love and desire for righteousness, arises out of reverence for God.
John Calvin
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/21/2009 7:21:51 AM |
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Did you know?
We have a small team in Romania right now.
The team is helping with construction, renovating a building to be used for apartments and ministry.
Cristian and Anne... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/21/2009 6:30:37 AM |
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Our family has had a subscription to world magazine for several years now. All five of us love it.
I love it because it brings up all sorts of Christian world-view/ What should we... More >>
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why is he always harping on prayer?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/20/2009 9:37:58 AM |
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JC Ryle, speaking to church members, shared this inside scoop with them:
Never be surprised if you hear ministers of the gospel dwelling much on the importance of prayer.... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/18/2009 7:06:02 AM |
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We took the boys to the skate park downtown.
I agreed to a run with Amy on the lakeshore path.
Woman punished me! Six miles.
I could not keep up with her.
Stopped at the store on... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/16/2009 10:19:28 AM |
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Our church board receives a one page report from each pastor every month.
I always try to include a passage of Scripture in my report.
Sometimes it is directly related to something I... More >>
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macaroni and civil disobedience
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/16/2009 6:11:25 AM |
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Last night at the dinner table we had a great discussion over our macaroni.
I shared that the Obama Administration may pass a health care plan that uses our taxes to pay for... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/15/2009 9:20:04 AM |
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What comes to mind when you hear the phrase – “the close reading of a text”?
I picture someone holding a textbook really, really close to his eyeball.
But,... More >>
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like two ants arguing in front of everest
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/14/2009 4:13:04 AM |
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Has someone hurt your feelings lately?
Were you overlooked in an important decision? Left out in a way that wounded you?
The next time something like that happens -- remember this simple yet... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/13/2009 9:57:30 AM |
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From an interesting article on our government and current economic situation:
Once government has the deciding vote in the financial system, however, one of two things can... More >>
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Ice Cream and Christian Maturity
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/13/2009 8:48:49 AM |
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It is my turn to lead the men’s leadership course on Sunday nights. The topic for this eight week course is biblical manhood and womanhood in singleness, marriage and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/9/2009 8:25:14 AM |
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I believe this:
“No man who is full of himself can preach the Christ who emptied Himself.”
... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/7/2009 8:05:28 AM |
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Twitter
Hyper-link
Switch tabs
Multitask
Click
Everything around us wants to move faster, faster, all the time.
It wants to suck us into its... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/6/2009 11:44:55 AM |
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Good meeting up in Sheboygan.
The meeting ended just before noon.
We were hungry as we walked out of the church and piled into the car.
I told the guys that if we drove back toward... More >>
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From Sheboygan to Kabardino-Bulkaria
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/6/2009 4:33:08 AM |
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John, Darien and I are driving up to Sheboygan for a meeting this morning.
RBC has partnered with Slavic Gospel Association in the Antioch Initiative to train church planters in... More >>
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The sense of my father has been wonderful lately
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/2/2009 8:44:25 AM |
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This paragraph is taken from a letter Oswald Chambers wrote in 1907.
I want to tell you a growing conviction with me. That is that as we obey the leadings of the Spirit of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/1/2009 12:23:59 PM |
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This is the best article I have read in a long time.
It is from the on faith section of newsweek/washington post.
These guys tell it like it is.
I love... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
7/1/2009 6:14:35 AM |
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I need this verse
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to a listening ear.
Proverbs 25:12
Lord, show me my need for rebuke.
Please give me... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/30/2009 10:54:59 AM |
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I just hung up the phone.
A ten minute phone call.
You never know what will happen when that phone rings…
This person called the church and asked to speak... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/30/2009 4:39:13 AM |
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The best models for prayer are found in the Book.
Here are several passages that you can open to in your efforts to pray.
In our Shepherding Group on Sunday evening we... More >>
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If it's not your fault... it might be mine
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/27/2009 4:48:35 AM |
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If you fall asleep in church tomorrow...
If your mind wanders...
If your eyes glaze over...
If your imagination flies away during the sermon...
It might not be your fault. It might be... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/26/2009 9:59:28 AM |
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So I am home today working on my school assignment. I want have it in the mail to my faculty advisor by Tuesday.
And I am actually working.
Really I am.
But I took a... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/26/2009 3:00:29 AM |
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I have just one more prayer to post from The Valley of Vision.
I hope that you long for the mortification (I love that old fighting word) of indwelling corruption and pride.
And... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/25/2009 9:04:31 AM |
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Our dear friends in Spokane just lost their 18 year old son.
We know that he is with his Savior.
Our hearts ache for his mom and dad, his brother and sisters.
When I was a Pastor in... More >>
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What is the point? Is it demonstrably based in the Bible?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/25/2009 5:52:55 AM |
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This guy may be a bit pessimistic.
I sure hope he is exaggerating.
But he is certainly seeing a significant problem.
His name is T. David Gordon and he teaches... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/25/2009 3:06:08 AM |
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This prayer is found in the beginning of Augustine’s Confessions:
Great art Thou, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is Thy
power, and Thy wisdom infinite. And Thee would man... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/24/2009 10:08:07 AM |
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Another outstanding prayer from Arthur Bennett’s “The Valley of Vision.”
Use it when you find discontentment in your heart or when you find your affections toward Jesus... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/24/2009 5:14:22 AM |
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So lately, I’m trying to use this space to supplement the teaching on prayer. And I am hoping that it has been helpful.
But I wanted to post something a little more personal... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/23/2009 4:31:25 AM |
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Scripture commands us to pray and also equips us to pray.
It is in God’s perfect Word that we find the right words to lift up from our hearts to His ear.
My best times of prayer... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/22/2009 8:04:10 AM |
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Prayer is theology at its most relational.
Prayer is supposed to be a time of communion with God sustained by a sense of deepening commitment. It is that.
But it is also hard... More >>
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One hour of prayer?! I have three kids in diapers!
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/18/2009 6:20:13 AM |
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Donald Whitney shares the story of a woman who successfully navigated the challenge of not having enough time to do all that she wanted to do in her prayer life.
Do What You... More >>
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Prayer is hard and prayer is worth it
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/17/2009 5:12:54 AM |
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“PRAYER IS THE GYMNASIUM OF THE SOUL”
Prayer is one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life. We get a glimpse of Paul’s recognition of this fact when he... More >>
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Is it possible that our prayers change God's mind?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/16/2009 10:05:19 AM |
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Is it possible that our prayers change God's mind?
RC Sproul provides a good answer to this question.
This material is taken from the question and answer section of the Ligonier... More >>
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If God is sovereign over all things then how does prayer change things?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/16/2009 6:05:45 AM |
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If God is sovereign over all things then how does prayer change things?
R.C. Sproul provides a good answer to this question.
This material is taken from the question and answer section... More >>
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What does it mean to pray always? How do I?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/15/2009 10:10:32 AM |
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What does it mean to pray without ceasing?
EM Bounds “Always does not mean that we neglect the normal duties of life. But it means that the heart is always going out to... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/15/2009 4:49:25 AM |
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An Intimate Hour with God
by Jim Elliff
The Lord invites us to know Him better. What a privilege! If the joy of heaven is in knowing the Lord's presence without any sin... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/11/2009 11:02:36 AM |
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This one gets me every time I hear it. Read it slowly and take it in.
In evil long I took delight,
Unawed by shame or fear,
Till a new object struck my sight,
And stopped my... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/10/2009 6:35:25 AM |
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Be much alone with God. Converse everything with Him. Unbosom yourself wholly - every thought, every feeling, wish, plan, doubt, to Him.
Do not shrink from being alone. Much of a... More >>
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inexplicable apart from her
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/9/2009 4:57:15 AM |
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The cover story in this month’s Christianity Today is a profile of New York Pastor and best selling author Tim Keller. The article tells a great story. I enjoyed it.
I... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/8/2009 11:52:53 AM |
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JC Ryle preached several wonderful sermons on prayer.
Here is some of his wisdom.
There are others of the Lord's people who seem to be always advancing. They grow like... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/8/2009 8:43:06 AM |
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I love the truth of the gospel.
I love hearing the truth of the gospel crystallized in a sentence.
And I love to experience the truth of the gospel when it is applied to my... More >>
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There are lessons everywhere
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/4/2009 12:15:54 PM |
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I found an important lesson in this Sherlock Holmes mystery I was reading recently.
Holmes has just deduced conclusions that leave Watson amazed. Holmes rattles off conclusion... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/3/2009 10:05:01 AM |
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I read Proverbs three this morning.
It is so good!
I immediately resolved to go over it with the family tonight at dinner time.
The study note I found in the ESV Study Bible was... More >>
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A great investment at $6.79
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/3/2009 5:13:44 AM |
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Invested $6.79 in family together time yesterday.
Best money I have spent in quite a while.
For after dark fun on these summer nights, took Rylie out and bought one of... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/2/2009 6:32:36 AM |
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I read one short story out of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes recently.
The poor fellow never did fall in love.
Here Watson is describing the one woman who most occupied the... More >>
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The Word depends on the Word
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/1/2009 10:13:55 AM |
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Jesus memorized Scripture.
In the middle of temptation, Jesus depended on the Scripture He had memorized.
What an example He set for us!
Andrew Murray’s... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
6/1/2009 6:33:13 AM |
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The Lord gave us a great day yesterday, morning and evening.
Those 20 minutes we meet corporately before breaking into our Firm Foundations classes mean a lot to me. Last... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/29/2009 8:43:58 AM |
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I love talking with Amy.
She has such a heart for the Lord, love for His church and reverence for His Word.
We talk (like all parents do) about raising children into... More >>
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Would you pray for me today?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/28/2009 6:46:28 AM |
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Please pray for an important meeting I have this afternoon.
It is my evaluation.
I did a self-evaluation and each member of the elder board did one for... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/27/2009 11:24:50 AM |
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I’m trying to study here in my office.
I’m working on the meaning of the participle “being watchful” in Ephesians 6:18.
I’m unraveling how it relates to... More >>
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How kind do you want your Pastors to be?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/27/2009 5:16:14 AM |
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“Sheep are to be kind to sheep. Shepherds are to be kind to sheep. But if a shepherd is kind to wolves, that is just another way to let them savage the sheep. Kindness to sheep is... More >>
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orientation, disorientation, and reorientation
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/26/2009 8:28:11 AM |
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I included this bit from a book by Tremper Longman III in our Psalms class notes. He is explaining, crisply and effectively, the three main types of Psalms and our relation to... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/26/2009 4:55:58 AM |
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Here is the homework assignment I gave the Psalms class on Sunday night.
We are having a great time growing in our ability to appreciate and use the Psalms!
Homework
Read... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/22/2009 8:32:37 AM |
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Read this poem today and loved it.
The poet is Julie Stoner, a stay at home mom who publishes poetry while homeschooling her kids.
This poem speaks right to many of us here at... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/21/2009 12:37:55 PM |
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This verse pulled me through today.
2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Be strong.
Be strong in the grace.
Be strong in the grace... More >>
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Lifts up things light but drowns things solid
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/20/2009 9:14:40 AM |
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The longer I live, the more I love the classics.
Books, music, movies, whatever it is.
Pop music can be fun, but it doesn’t bear up after repeating listening.
Web pages can be fun... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/20/2009 5:13:26 AM |
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My heart is a vain heart; a vagabond and unstable heart, seeking rest, finding none. It agrees not with itself; it alters its purposes, changes its judgments, frames new thoughts, pulls... More >>
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Be wise, be patient, overlook it
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/19/2009 6:23:29 AM |
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Opened the Word this morning while munching raisin bran.
This verse stuck with me.
Proverbs 19:11
A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an... More >>
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weak as you are, you shall not faint
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/18/2009 5:16:00 AM |
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Be strong in the strength of the Lord.
Stand firm in the faith.
Grip the shield of faith moment by moment.
These lines from John Newton put it very well.
Though... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/15/2009 4:23:42 PM |
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What am I doing this weekend?
I should post a picture of the two tables in our living room.
One table is covered with 22 books (all opened and marked up) and a... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/14/2009 11:30:43 AM |
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Charles Simeon (Pastor and friend of William Wilberforce) preached several messages on the shield of faith.
Here is his conclusion about the tremendous promise which belongs to those... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/14/2009 8:22:25 AM |
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Tonight is the best night of the week, though this week has already presented some great ones.
Sunday night we had a good time of singing and then enjoyed journeying through Psalms 147,... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/13/2009 9:02:34 AM |
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Charles Hodge’s comment on the fiery darts of Ephesians 6:
“It is a common experience of the people of God that at times horrible thoughts, unholy, blasphemous, skeptical and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/13/2009 6:47:48 AM |
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Just pulled Future Grace by John Piper off the shelf to look something up that I kind of recalled.
What I found to be actually in the book was even better than what I had recalled.
What a... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/12/2009 9:32:03 AM |
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This has got to stop.
Seriously.
It is a certain Pastor’s birthday today.
I don’t want to embarrass him here on the blog.
Therefore, I will refrain from giving... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/12/2009 4:08:53 AM |
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Providence is the name of the biblical teaching that God not only planned His work, but actively works His plan.
Since we know that “all things work together for good to those who love... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/11/2009 6:08:24 AM |
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Do you remember asking your parents for something and being highly anxious about their response? We can probably all remember those feelings.
As a young man beginning... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/7/2009 7:36:32 AM |
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A couple of days ago the post was a little kid’s backhanded compliment about my sermon. The post today is up on the other end of the age measure.
This comes from an article... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/6/2009 5:43:04 AM |
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Psalms 6, 36, 66, 96, and 126 made up this morning’s readings.
Two lines from Psalm 36 are going to stick in my mind all day.
There is no fear of God before his... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/5/2009 7:18:42 AM |
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We had a great time of prayer with the men today.
We just did Scripture prayer.
Here is the method we follow:
“We are going to go around the room and pray. Let's... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/4/2009 11:47:53 AM |
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Malcolm Muggeridge was a journalist who became a Christian later in life. He died in 1990.
I have an old copy of some of his writings that somebody around here gave me. As... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
5/4/2009 8:41:07 AM |
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I couldn’t make this stuff up.
There are so many, many reasons that I love being Pastor to the RBC family.
Real life that God gives us in relationships is sweeter and... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/30/2009 11:25:23 AM |
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"Friends, do not let the weight of your sins drive you to despair…rather use them to drive you to Christ."
I scribbled that down and forgot who said it.
It... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/30/2009 5:48:56 AM |
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This line from a Flannery O’Connor story made me laugh out loud.
O’Connor’s description of Mrs. May is just too perfect. Don’t you love stories that... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/29/2009 8:21:06 AM |
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I admit I had to read this two times to figure it out.
Okay, maybe three.
But once I got it, I could not get it out of my mind. I don’t want to.
There is not any... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/29/2009 5:48:54 AM |
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This week had a strange start to it for me.
Sunday I had a killer toothache.
I had to schedule a root canal so we made an appointment for Tuesday morning.
I... More >>
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breathing deeply in the gospel
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/28/2009 10:08:07 AM |
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Here is a testimony from a fellow who preaches the gospel to himself every day.
This is from a little book written by a fellow I went to school with. His name is Milton Vincent... More >>
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Preach the gospel to yourself
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/27/2009 4:34:49 AM |
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Preach the gospel to yourself.
This phrase was popularized by author Jerry Bridges in his book, The Discipline of Grace where he explains: “To preach the gospel to yourself, then, means... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/24/2009 6:05:26 AM |
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This morning I stopped on one third of a verse.
It is the middle part of a tricolon in the 24th psalm.
he who does not lift up his soul to what is false
The one being described here is the one who... More >>
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What am I excited about right now?
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/23/2009 11:13:31 AM |
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Fundamentals of the Faith Class on Sunday nights.
We purchase this FOF curriculum from Grace Community Church.
It is very well... More >>
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An Advertisement custom made for the RBC board
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/20/2009 11:04:49 AM |
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When I saw this, it appeared to be custom made for the Racine Bible Church Board.
I hear that the wives of RBC board members believe in the power of this new idea.
I have to agree with... More >>
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Spencer DeBurgh |
4/20/2009 7:04:36 AM |
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John Piper’s advice to Pastors on what to do with the television: | | |
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