I thought that East Tennessee had very little climbing. I still know that it has less than Western North Carolina, but I keep getting pointed to another crag here and there. It was looking ify that the day we had picked would be dry and reasonable temperature, but as the week progressed, the forecast kept improving. Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park is quite the wilderness. It was so good to learn that it had a good amount of climbing, too. It is also encouraging that many state parks are accommodating this non-traditional use of public lands. There are two climbing areas in this park, and all other cliffs are off limits to climbers. It is a good compromise. I think it needs a guidebook now. Mountain Project records what people provide, but that is inadequate for me to find many of the climbs when there are more in front of me not listed. I am too easily confused. It is always good to get a local, frequent flier to show the climbs. To see the beautiful day of climbing that we did, click on “Climbing Sequences.”
Posted in Climbing, Climbing Access, Exploring, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged Climbing, Rock Climbing, Rocky Fork State Park | Leave a Comment »
I was listening to the Salisbury Organists recently as I do almost weekly. His video was titled “COVENTRY CAROL ~ England’s most HAUNTING Christmas Song“. I highly recommend it for quality of communication and context. Understanding that context of a sad lullaby concerning the “Massacre of the Innocents”, I see why such a sad song was written and performed, but I wanted another take that communicates more of the Gospel through this haunting tune. So, I wrote my own words. Click on the music to sing the words, if you like (“Coventry Carol Instrumental”):
When Jesus came to earth that day
Mixture of joy and pain
Birthed in a stable where they stay
Rough in a manger lain
Oh, but the joy of shepherds then
Fresh from the angels’ song
Worship the child who came to win
Sinners from all their wrong
Then came the magi with their gifts
Praise for the Infant King
Gifts symbolize and child uplifts
All of His glory sing
Next sorrow came with Herod’s rage
Children killed cruel and cold
Then Rachel’s weeping came of age
Mothers were not consoled
So were the sorrow and the joy
When Jesus crucified
He suffered our sin to destroy
Rose to be glorified
Posted in Advent, Faith, General, Gospel, Person of Jesus, Poem, Song | Tagged Advent, Christmas Carol, Massacre of the Innocents | Leave a Comment »
Concerning salvation, justification is made right, sanctification is being made right, and glorification is, will be made right. The first is judicial, removing the penalty of sin; the second is progressive, removing the power of sin; and third is completion, removing the presence of sin.
Sanctification is less exciting and joy-inducing than justification and glorification, but I think that may be because we still think on some level that we have to do it. Truth be told, we cannot.
Sanctification is a gift from God like all other parts of salvation. Hear what Paul says about about three parts of sanctification in our lives: “in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” (Ephesians 4:21-24) The three parts of sanctification in these verses are “lay aside”, “be renewed”, and “put on”.
Now you may say, these are things we do, not things God has gifted to us. Hear Paul again: “Consider yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11) You don’t make yourself alive to God, you consider that what God has done is true. You are, no doubt, active in the process, but the Spirit within you enables you. How can you “lay aside the old self”? Romans 8:2-17 shows the way by explaining how one walks according to the Spirit. He is the one empowers and enables. This walking in the Spirit is the route to being renewed and putting on the new self. We consider to be true what God has said He has done and we act on it. This is the walk of faith.
Question 39: What is sanctification?
Answer: Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace by which we are renewed in the whole person after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 4:23, 24; Romans 6:11.
Posted in General | Tagged bible, christianity, Faith, God, Jesus | Leave a Comment »
On Saturday following Thanksgiving, my hiking partner and I started off from out lodgings at my brother’s house at 6:30 for a 2 1/2-hour drive to Savage Gulf State Park. It is not particularly close to anything which is a bane and benefit. We had expected it to be in the low-20’s, but clouds held in heat overnight for a low-30’s beginning. I had never been there before though I had it on my bucket list for years. The draw was the Stone Door. The name seems mysterious if not odd for a natural feature, so I wanted to see it. I knew that we could also see some waterfalls. There were several more than I had expected and more water flowing over them than is usual for the Cumberland Plateau. My brother later told me that it had been raining quite a bit down their way which explains it. If you want to see some of what we experienced, check out “Water Falling.”
Posted in General, Outdoors, Hike, Nature, Waterfall | Tagged Cumberland Plateau, Hike, Nature, Outdoors, Savage Gulf State Park, Stone Door, Waterfalls | Leave a Comment »
”Be a good little boy (or girl),” we are apt to say. The problem is, even the best of children cannot be truly good. The purpose of the Law is to both to teach us what we should be and that we cannot be that. Many do not want to be good, but those effectually called (“Effectual Calling”) will persist in a desire to be good owing to the enabling indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This pushes them to Christ (Galatians 3:24) who is able to make them right. Justify is “1To demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid. 2To free (a human) of the guilt and penalty attached to grievous sin.” (1) Since no man or woman can prove him/herself just or right before God, the justification must come from without. “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.” (Romans 8:33) What we cannot do, God graciously does.
But how does He justify undeniable sinners? Does He merely overlook the sin and the guilt of the sinner? No, the price was paid in Christ’s death, and a glorious transfer is made. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Without this transfer from Christ to us, God would in fact be unjust. With the transfer, His righteousness is demonstrated “so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26) Trust Jesus Christ who alone can remove the source of your guilt, which is sin, and justify you in the eyes of God.
Justification is so great and gracious, but the goodness of God shines even brighter. What if I pulled someone out of a muddy ditch, cleaned them up, clothed him in clean garments, and then said, “I’ve cleaned you up. Now be on your way and have a good life.” I might even provide him with some food, a little starter money, and a place to live. But where is his sense of belonging, source of counsel, provision of friendship and mentorship? As a part of justifying the sinner, God adopts him into His spiritual family where He is his Eternal Father and other believers are his eternal and temporal, spiritual brothers and sisters. Emotional and spiritual belonging and provision are secured. He is not a cleaned-up orphan but a provisioned, protected, and purpose driven son of his Heavenly Father.
Oh, I give glory to God for justifying this sinner and adopting him into His family. I am blessed beyond understanding even as I seek to understand and pursue the God-given purpose in it all.
Question 37: What is justification?
Answer: Justification is an act of God’s free grace, by which he pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
Romans 3:24, 5:19; Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:16
Question 38: What is adoption?
Answer: Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, by which we are received into the company of God’s children and have a right to all the privileges of his sons.
1 John 3:1; John 1:12; Romans 8:16-17
- “The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Posted in Adoption, Assurance, Baptist Catechism, Doctrine, Faith, Forgiveness, General, Grace, Justification, Salvation | Tagged Faith, Jesus, God, bible, christianity, Adoption | Leave a Comment »
Today we consider effectual calling and its benefits. We are never amiss to repeat and confirm the truths of God. Salvation is totally and absolutely of God. He alone draws the sinner to Himself in a way that cannot be precluded, prevented, or postponed- that is, an irresistible grace. Call is a command from a sovereign Creator and Ruler. All of this occurs in the face of a sinner who hates and resists the very God who calls Him. But the resistance does not persist, because the calling is effectual.
To change this from a theological explanation to a personal application, I ask the following question. What do you personally think is the greatest felt benefit of His effectual calling? Is it empowering to live righteously and for Him? Is it boldness to proclaim the Gospel, knowing that it will land on those He is calling? Is it peace and joy in the knowledge of His care for you?
For me it is the assurance that nothing will, and nothing can separate me from God. As Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And the thing that I feared most separating me from God was me. I would reject or neglect or displease or fail Him. But I can’t and won’t, because it says, “nor any other created thing.” I am a “created thing”, therefore, I cannot separate myself from Him. Can I reject or neglect or displease or fail Him? Yes, but it will be temporary, because His effectual calling leads to the perseverance of the saints. My faith will last to the end because He gave and sustains it in me. I am not passive in the process, and though I fail frequently, I am held tightly, securely, inextricably. Security, peace, joy, and confidence are the result as He trains me to trust Him. His training ground are trials coupled with the need to question and pray. He prevails; He sustains; He wins; I win; He gets the glory.
Question 35: What is effectual calling?
Answer: Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, to convince us of our sin and misery, to enlighten our minds in the knowledge of Christ, to renew our wills, and thus persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9; John 6:44, 45; 16:8-11; Acts 2:37; 26:18; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 12:3.
Question 36: What benefits do those who are effectually called receive in this life?
Answer: Those who are effectually called receive in this life justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life accompany or flow from them. Romans 8:30-32; Galatians 3:26; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11; Ephesians 1:5.
Posted in Assurance, Baptist Catechism, Dependence, Faith, Salvation | Tagged Assurance, bible, christianity, Effectual Calling, Faith, God, Irresistible Grace, Jesus, Perseverance of the Saints, Security | 1 Comment »
There is nothing in salvation brought about by man, not conviction, not faith, not the purchase of the sinner, not conversion, not assurance. I rejoice with Jonah, who said, “I will sacrifice to You with a voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord.” (Jonah 2:9)
The catechism questions before us touch on the work that God, the Holy Spirit, does to bring about the “regeneration and renewing” of the sinner. He opens a person’s heart to respond (Acts 16:14) and be born of the Spirit (John 3:5) by washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-6), so that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
As Horatius Bonar well put it,
“Not what these hands have done
can save this guilty soul;
not what this toiling flesh has borne
can make my spirit whole.
Not what I feel or do
can give me peace with God;
not all my prayers and sighs and tears
can bear my awful load.” (1)
He goes on to praise the Christ for the singular excellence and efficacy of His saving work on our behalf. It is wonderful. From that work the Spirit applies the grace to the sinner.
Isaac Watts voices this collaborative work by saying,
”’Tis through the purchase of His death
Who hung upon the tree,
The Spirit is sent down to breathe
On such dry bones as we.” (2)
All glory goes to God for saving the unworthy sinner.
Question 33: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
Answer: We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effective application of it to us, by his Holy Spirit. John 3:5-6; Titus 3:5-6
Question 34: How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
Answer: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. 1 John 5:1; Philippians 1:29; Ephesians 2:8; Acts 16:14; 18:27
- “Not What These Hands Have Done” by Horatius Bonar, 1864
- “’Tis Not by Works of Righteousness” by Isaac Watts,
Posted in Baptist Catechism, Doctrine, Faith, Forgiveness, General, Grace, Salvation, Work of Jesus, Work of the Holy Spirit | Tagged bible, christianity, Faith, God, Jesus, Regeneration, Work of the Holy Spirit | Leave a Comment »
I am happy to have gone outdoor climbing for the 5th month in a row, and the young people who I am with are lively, cheerful, challenged to climb hard, and respectful. We had the best of November weather, low 60’s, overcast which was great on a south-facing crag, and dry with a pleasant breeze. The small line of broken cliffs at Bays Mountain Park, as Mountain Projects euphemistically calls it, is “not a destination” crag with only 10 mostly top rope climbs, but the climbs are good moderates 50-yards from the car. Once again we had a goodly crew, seven of us in all. The difference was the ease of setting up top ropes and the use of four ropes and four belay devices. Everyone attempted all seven climbs that we set-up, and a few of us multiple times to clean the anchors. If want to see a little of the action, click on “BMC“.
Posted in Climbing, General, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged Bays Mountain Park, Climbing, Outdoors, Rock Climbing | Leave a Comment »
From the glories of heaven incessantly praised by angels, willingly and purposefully submitting to the humility of vulnerability and dependence as a baby, pains of bruised knees, cut fingers, hunger and thirst, conflicts, turmoil, misunderstood, disrespected, denied, accused, rejected, falsely condemned, suffered, died, descended, raised, ascended, seated, “highly exalted” because He emptied Himself, “becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this is nothing short of positional and experiential whiplash: exalted…humbled…highly exalted, and all for our good. We joyously add praise to His name for His grand and gracious rescue!
Question 31: What do we mean by Christ’s humiliation?
Answer: By Christ’s humiliation we mean that he was born, and that in a low condition; that he was made under the law, and underwent the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; that he was buried, and continued under the power of death for a time.
Luke 2:7; Galatians 4:4; Isaiah 53:3; Luke 22:44; Matthew 12:40; 27:46; Philippians 2:8; Mark 15:45-6.
Question 32: What do we mean by Christ’s exaltation?
Answer: By Christ’s exaltation we mean his rising again from the dead on the third day, ascending up into heaven, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and coming to judge the world at the last day.
Posted in Baptist Catechism, General, theology, Work of Jesus | Leave a Comment »
I had never been to Hidden Valley climbing area north of Abingdon, Virginia. Not knowing what I was getting into, I bought a climbing guide and researched the climbs that I wanted to attempt. The line of cliffs running near the top of the ridge has a rich climbing history. There are moderate climbs, but many are stout. It is so good to have climbing partners who will give it a try. We climbed a 5.8+, two 5.7’s, and a 5.10a. As I gain my confidence back after several years off, I may try some a bit harder, but safety for me and my partners is key. It has solid sandstone with many varying feature for interesting and challenging climbing. It was such a beautiful day and the drive was shorter than the others we have gone to. I plan to go back and explore more of this area. We had a very good time.
Check out the party at “Hidden Valley Revel.”
Posted in Climbing, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged Climbing, Fall Colors, Hidden Valley Climbing Area, New Adventure, Outdoors, Rock Climbing | Leave a Comment »
In the last entry we considered that the offices of prophet, priest, and king are the means and authority by which our Redeemer Christ accomplished our grand rescue. Jesus is the only one in Scripture who fulfilled all three offices. Some, like David who was both prophet and king, fulfilled two offices, but only Christ fulfilled three.
Now we consider the offices of priest and king (1).
Who can imagine a priest who crawls up onto the altar? That is what Jesus did, becoming the sacrifice as well as the mediator and intercessor before the Father, and a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (2).
As sovereign king, He has power to bring about all that He has purchased for us. “For You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9) Thus, He rules over His church as Head (3), indeed “over all rule and authority” (4), and will at last rule visibly over all the earth and then forever (5).
Question 29: How does Christ perform the office of a priest?
Answer: Christ performs the office of a priest by once offering himself as a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and to reconcile us to God; and by making continual intercession for us before God.
1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 2: 17; 7:25; 9:28; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 8:34.
Question 30: How does Christ perform the office of a king?
Answer: Christ performs the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
Psalm 110:1-2; Matthew 2:6; Luke 1:32-33; 1 Corinthians 15:25.
- For an introduction and consideration of Christ as prophet, click on “Kinsman-Redeemer“.
- Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:6, 6:20, 7:17.
- Colossians 1:18
- Colossians 2:10
- Daniel 7:14, Revelation 20:4, Daniel 2:44
Posted in Baptist Catechism, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Gospel, Person of Jesus, theology, Work of Jesus | Leave a Comment »
Before I gave brief commentary on and reading of the catechism questions before my church, I would greet my brothers and sisters in Christ with “Good morning, _________,” the blank being different monikers for believers. After a few times, I realized that I would need 59 different phrases for them if I was to continue with new greetings every time. My desire was to encourage the believers in how much God cares for them and is able to do so. As I considered it, I doubted that I would come up with that many biblically accurate greetings. I ended up thinking of more than 60. The congregation would call back with “Greetings” or “Good morning” in response to my greeting. Following is the list I made in the my journal and drew from for the catechism. You will notice that some are holiday oriented and that they all allude to a Scriptural passage.
Greetings……..
Church of the Living God, Assembly of the Saints, Beloved of the Lord, Followers of the True God, Believers in the Triune God, Favored of the Father, Justified of Jesus, Sanctified of the Spirit, Glorified of God1, Servants of the Most High, Pillar and Support of the Truth, Household of God, Sheep of His Pasture, Wisemen and Women of God, The Jachin2 of God, Citizens of God’s Kingdom, Saints who are in the Earth3, Godly Ones of the Holy One, Indwelt of the Holy Spirit, Empowered of the Spirit, Abiding Branches of the True Vine, Children of the Heavenly Father, The Elect, The Equipped for the Work of the Service, The True Israel of God, Warriors of Our Sovereign Lord, Purchased of Christ, Righteous Ones of God, Apple of His Eye, Servants of the Almighty, Thankful People of the Abundant Provider, Bond-servants of the Good Master, Followers of the One Wo Walked on Water4, Disciples of the Good Teacher, The Sheep wo hear His Voice, Flock of the Good Shepherd, Those Enlightened by the Light of the World, Pursuers of the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Christians, Harvest of the Son of Man5, Branches of the True Vine, People of His Pleasure6, Bride of Christ, Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, Saints by His Calling, Soldiers of His Kingdom, Beneficiaries of the Mediator of a Better Covenant, Lights of the world of the Light of Men, Fellow Soldiers of the Cross7, Celebrants of His First Advent, Citizens of Heaven, True Circumcision who worship in the Spirit8, Redeemed from the Slave Market of Sin, Redeemed from the Domain of Darkness, Redeemed of the Lord, Called of God in Christ Jesus, Co-heirs of the Resurrected One, Faith-Resting Ones of the Father, The Boaz9 of God, Living Stones of His Temple, Friends of Christ.
Many of these titles I thought of as I did my daily Scripture reading. I know that many of these have overlaps. Most have both a name for the church or saints with a name for God, so that the connection is brought to mind. I feel as though there must be more. Add any you may think of in the comments. It would be helpful if you provide a Scripture reference as I should have with all that listed, not just a few. I hope that it encourages you and points you toward God’s love, watch care, and grace.
- Romans 8:30
- ”established” I Kings 7:21
- Psalm 16:13
- Provided by a brother who got excited about me coming up with new greetings each week
- Matthew 13
- Psalm 149:4
- Philippians 2:25
- Philippians 3:3
- “strength”, I Kings 7:21
Posted in Faith, General, God Thoughts, The Church | Tagged bible, christianity, Faith, God, Jesus, The Church | 2 Comments »
The Hebrew word for Redeemer is used once in the book of Ruth to refer to Boaz, who redeemed the widow Ruth. Then also, Isaiah refers to “your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel,” using the word Redeemer 13 times. A similar Hebrew term is used used twice in Ruth, kinsman or intimate friend. These are terms that show that someone like us who cares for us, rescues us. The idea is one who buys back another from slavery, debtor’s prison, or the destitution of widowhood. This concept originates in Leviticus 25:25 where God says, “If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.” The book of Ruth gives the example that specifically has the kinsman-redeemer, Boaz, marrying Ruth which is a picture of Christ and His Church. Then Isaiah fills our the description of Messiah as strong, able, willing, loving, diligent, and patient to carry out the rescue of His people. Jeremiah proclaims strongly, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, “The sons of Israel are oppressed, and the sons of Judah as well; and all who took them captive have held them fast, they have refused to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong, the Lord of hosts is His name; He will vigorously plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to the inhabitants of Babylon.”” (50:33-34)
Jesus best fulfills the dual role of kinsman-redeemer, having taken on flesh to become one of us and having died in our place to pay our sin debt, rescuing us from the wrath of God and the domain of darkness. By nature God, He had the power and purity to take the sin of everyone who believes. By nature man, He had the standing in the heavenly court to die in our place.
But wat do the offices or duties of prophet, priest, and king have to do with being a redeemer? The offices are the means and authority by which the Redeemer accomplishes this grand rescue. Consider the office of prophet. We think of a prophet as one who can reveal the future. Jesus certainly did that predicting His own future: death, resurrection, the destruction of Jerusalem, and His second coming. But in a wider sense, He reveals God, most notably in redemption through God’s justice and mercy in the plan of salvation.
Next time we will talk about Jesus as Priest and King.
Question 27: What offices does Christ perform as our Redeemer?
Answer: Christ, as our Redeemer, performs the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his condition of humiliation and exaltation. Acts 3:22; Hebrews 5:6; Psalm 2:6.
Question 28: How does Christ perform the office of a prophet?
Answer: Christ performs the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. John 1:18; 14:26; 15:15.
Posted in Assurance, Baptist Catechism, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Person of Jesus, Salvation, Work of Jesus | Tagged Baptist Catechism, bible, Catechism, Faith, God, Jesus, King, Kinsman, Kinsman-Redeemer, Priest, Prophet, Redeemer, ruth | 1 Comment »
Consider the mystery of Christ’s nature. Theologians refer to the hypostatic union of His divine and human nature. Hypostatic is a fancy word composed of “hypo”, underneath, and “stasis”, position. It means what is underneath all else, essential, or foundational, and by extension, unchanging.
I remind you that a catechism is an abbreviation of the a confession, just as a confession is an abbreviation and condensation of the essential truths of the Scriptures. In chapter 8.2 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession it says, “that two whole, perfect and distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person.” How mysterious and wonderful it is that eternal, divine nature eternally takes on a second human nature, now equally essential to the divine. By this act, Jesus has exalted redeemed mankind far above all other created things, angels included. He cares about us more than we can imagine.
In this description of Christ’s human nature, the writer of the catechism included the following explanation: “Christ, the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul.” This explanation was added to refute heresy that claimed Christ only appeared to have a body (1). “A true body” is not ethereal or substance of a spirit; it is flesh and bone. “A reasonable soul” means He had normal reasoning abilities of the mental, emotional capacity of His being.
So, being Spirit conceived and virgin born are not mere niceties for telling the story of Christ’s arrival. They are essential doctrines for our salvation. By reason of Spirit conception, He is divine without having Adam’s sin nature passed down through an earthly father. His divine nature enabled Him to bear the wrath of God on our behalf. By reason of His virgin birth, again the lack of sin nature, but also gave Him the judicial right to pay the penalty for our sins in our place.
Our security rests in the very double nature of our Savior. The grace of our loving Lord is all sufficient because He was and is all sufficient for the task of saving and sustaining all those He bought and brought to Himself. Praise be to the God-man, Jesus the Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Question 26: How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
Answer: Christ, the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and was born of her, yet without sin.
Hebrew 2:14, 4:14, 7:26; Matthew 26:38; Luke 2:52; John 1:14, 12:27; Luke 1:31,35; Colossians 2:9
- This heresy is called Docetism which many Gnostics held to.
Posted in Connotations, Doctrine, Faith, General, Gospel, Grace, Person of Jesus, Salvation, theology, Work of Jesus | Tagged bible, christianity, Dual nature of Christ, Faith, God, Hydrostatic Union, Incarnation, Jesus, Person of Christ, theology | Leave a Comment »
When we went to Little Wilson Crag before it was all kinds of wet (Check it out at “Soggy Bottom Creek“). I wanted my young climbing friends to experience the good climbing there, so I planned to return. On this sortie, the weather cooperated and fueled our excitement. Everyone got in multiple tries and maybe you will think that I included too many pictures, unless you are remembering what a fun day it was. You decide at “A Better Climbing Day.”
Posted in Climbing, General, Hike, Outdoors | Tagged Climbing, Fun at the Crag, Rock Climbing | Leave a Comment »
I have repeated many hikes over the years, but usually it is after the passage of considerable time. I had planned a hike with two young couples, one of whom asked that we go to The Channels because she heard that it was cool. Off we went. I have still not gone up from the Gap, however. For even though we got there reasonably early, there was no parking spot. So, I knew the trailhead on the other side of the mountain, and we made our way there, hoping the gates were open. They were. One advantage to this side is that we only saw one other couple on the trail. I hope that you enjoy the pictures of our hike at “Channel 2“.
Posted in Exercise, General, Hike, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged Hike, Nature, Outdoors, The Channels | Leave a Comment »
As was the case on my last trip out (“New Attempt“), the weather only marginally cooperated. It had rained vociferously the night before and a fog lay heavily over the forest silencing nearly all voices. Little Wilson Creek, however, sang out joyously, her pulchritudinous cascades heavily laden with the copious runoff of the recent deluge. I tried to get on the warm-up climb, Jigsaw, but the way to the first bolt was dripping and treacherous. After abandoning this initial attempt, it rained lightly. Thinking that climbing was not in our purview for this day, we nonetheless searched Mountain Project for the order and difficulty of climbs, as my memory was a bit remiss concerning details of climbs with which I had much earlier been familiar. We found a climb within my wheelhouse under a small roof that was only damp. I knew that I could not go to the rings at the top of the climb since the climb above the roof was actively being rained upon, albeit lightly. The roof was just sufficient for my group of eight and their equipment to avoid a slow soaking. I set off up the route adding several cams between bolts. Though the face was only damp, I quickly discovered that the crack needed to ascend was party to a small trickle that would not be slowed by any amount of chalk. After several skating hold failures, I gained the roof and set up a three cam anchor. Everyone attempted it more than once, several successfully. I cleaned it at the end, and after all the visual beta, I climbed it clean. All the while, the multitudinous attempts and further belay training, the weather and single climb to be done dampened no ones spirits or conversations, many stories and smiles being shared around. Our hope is to return for the next outing on a dryer day to attempt several of the other climbs. Check out our pictures of the trip at “Soggy Scaling.”
Posted in Climbing, General, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged adventure, Climbing, Hike, Hiking, Nature, Outdoors, Rock Climbing, Travel | 1 Comment »
You can’t always make it to your destination, but you can keep making effort and most usually progress in that direction. Since the age of 41, I have considered myself a rock climber. It is not the most important thing about me, nor the most permanent, but it is good fodder for conversation, anticipation, challenge, and blog entries. Since moving back to East Tennessee after 30 years of absence, I had only climbed three times on rope and about three times bouldering in three years (1).
Besides time, there was the issue of finding a partner. I may have solved that problem. I began going weekly to a Bouldering Gym in Bristol (2) in February. I have met many enthusiastic young people who want to climb outdoors. I offered a trip to one of my old crags for Saturday last. Five climbers responded, three of which had never been climbing outdoors and another who had not been rope climbing. I harkened back to teaching climbing to high schoolers in Western North Carolina. Getting six busy people to schedule on the same day at the same time is a bit challenging, but we made it happen, albeit on a less-than-ideal weather day (3). To see a bit of what we did, click on “Old Digs, New Gig“.
- https://creatorworship.net/2023/05/15/playing-along-the-line/ , https://creatorworship.net/2023/06/02/at-long-last-2/ , https://creatorworship.net/2024/04/09/bays-mountain-climbing-again/
- https://www.appalachianboulderingcenter.com/
- It was that seventh partner that failed to totally coordinate with the others, but we worked around his schedule.
Posted in Climbing, General, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged Nature, Outdoors, Rock Climbing, Teaching rock climbing | 1 Comment »
In my last entry I talked about the significance of family reunions. In mid-June our whole family, including my wife and I, our five children and their spouses, and our sixteen grandchildren, gathered in a rented picnic pavilion at Steele Creek Park in Bristol. The last time the siblings had all been together was before more than half of the grandchildren were alive. The picnic pavilion was adjacent to a playground and immediately above the little train and paddle boat dock. I brought my canoe and took seven different grandchildren and two children over the course of three trips out onto the lake. Two families went over the hill to the splash pad. There was abundant good food and conversation. As I said to all, it did my heart and my wife’s good to see them all there together and talk to them. I have a few pictures of the event at “Together.”
Posted in Family, General, Grandchildren, Outdoors | Tagged Children, Family, Family Gathering, Family Reunion, Grandchildren | Leave a Comment »
CreatorWorship 
Moving Forward
September 17, 2025 by creatorworship
I avoid political comment or commentary on this blog, but Charlie Kirk’s death is not primarily or most essentially a political assassination. His was a death (1) for his faith and the boldness with which he proclaimed the truth of God’s Word and power of Christ to save those who will turn from their wickedness to trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross and in His resurrection. This past Sunday, my pastor preached on how the Beatitudes of Matthew 5 apply to this and other situations of persecution. You can hear the sermon at “The True Meaning of the Blessed Life”. Without fully reviewing or summarizing the sermon, I want to point out three ideas that he communicated about the text, Matthew 5:1-12.
Firstly, he pointed out that the word “blessed” that Jesus spoke to His Jewish hearers would be understood to mean a “spiritual well-being growing out of a close relationship with God resulting in a happiness and settled nature in the recipient.” This is not prosperity gospel; it is peace and joy in knowing God.
Secondly, verses 3-9 about what blessedness looks like will result in verses 10-12, persecution. I add that Paul said, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2) Therefore, Peter explains that since you do not do their sinful deeds, “In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you.” (3) On the other hand, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” (4). Persecution for doing what is right is to be expected.
Lastly, my pastor began listing some of the benefits of persecution even in the face of its horrors and difficulty. He seemed to have perhaps four or five items on his list, but he went on to list many more from which I made the following list:
Persecution brings
In all of these encouragements I have realized another most obvious result which Peter says most clearly, “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (4) The reason for the 16 things above in the life of individuals and the Church is the presence of God. I do not desire persecution to come, but God will bless us as believers when it does- all glory be to Him. May God give us zeal through the loss of this brother in Christ to raise up many more like him, bold to proclaim truth.
Posted in Assurance, Civil Debate, Consequences, Cultural commentary, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Gospel, Implications, Sermon, Society | Tagged bible, Blessed, Blessedness, Charlie Kirk, christianity, Faith, God, Jesus, Persecution, Results of Persecution, Sermon on the Mount | Leave a Comment »