Monthly Archives: February 2023

Jesus Revolution

Karen and I went to see the new movie “Jesus Revolution” at our local AMC Theater this evening with some friends from Calvary Chapel. The theater was filled and, perhaps most importantly, the movie was well done! We highly recommend it. Perhaps the revolution is beginning again, as we see young people in a university south of us holding a revival and others following in their footsteps. Praise the LORD!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. -John 3:16‭-‬17 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.16-17.NIV

Overcoming Worry

From Merriam-Webster: mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated : ANXIETY

Often in my life the distress that is the fruit of worry results from those things anticipated rather than necessarily “impending.” It is perhaps the most personally damaging sin I have to deal with in my life these days. The good news is that there is a solution to the problem written in the sacred pages of scripture: JUST STOP IT.

Many years ago, a mentor of mine was talking with a friend about a problem area in his life he could not seem to gain victory over. My mentor friend looked him in the eye and simply emphatically stated “just stop it!” No psychobabble, formulas or book recommendations — just stop it. If you really don’t want to engage in something, then don’t. I believe that is exactly what Jesus is telling us in Matthew, where the subject comes up more than once, to be certain.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. -Matthew 6:34 NIV

Jesus knew that worry is an effective hindrance to living as God’s Word instructs us to live. We can do little for His kingdom if we are mired down in worldly concerns — about which we can do little, anyway. Consider Matthew 13:22…

The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. -Matthew 13:22 NIV

Through all of our anxieties and fears, there is a path to peace. Real peace…

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-7 ESV

The Baker CSB Study Bible

There will be more to come on Surgeon’s Catechism, but for now a brief pause that I may comment on the Baker CSB Study Bible. I am not a big fan of the CSB translation of the Bible, so the reader will rarely see me refer to it in my writings. I can’t say there’s anything wrong with it, it’s just not a favorite. Perhaps my tastes will change one day if I become more familiar with it. About the only time I pick it up is when I am making use of the study notes found within either the Baker, Evans or Holman’s CSB Study Bibles. I loved the HCSB with it’s bullet notes and particular style. Maybe I just resent the CSB because it replaces the HCSB (which is no longer printed since the advent of the CSB). Now, on to the BAKER…

The Baker is a large, heavy Study Bible that is packed with valuable, conservative evangelical material. At 2,640 pages and almost five pounds, it’s not a Bible you’re likely to carry to Church. However, as a study reference tool it is very valuable. Although this Bible is no longer printed, you can still find new copies at Amazon and other places online. I recommend this as a fine addition to your study library.