Since 1971, China has carried out the largest single slaughter of human beings in the history of the world

Spartans before and after

The 33 most beautiful abandoned places in the world

The Walking Dead and Toy Story have the same plot

Charles Spurgeon

We need this kid in a Riv band

Don’t forget the Disney Juggernaut created Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake

Now this is how you hunt for Waskilly Wabbits

Zombie vs Baby

One of the greatest catches of all time

Baseball is like the Christian walk

A physics teacher has a lot to teach pastors

Trying to convince my wife that we need one of these

Top Secret Drum Corp

Last year, my friend Kevin DeYoung (from University Reformed Church in East Lansing) and I began to brainstorm about what it would take to turn up the temperature of the Gospel in the state of Michigan.  One of the ideas we had was to invite 5 world class preachers to join us for a two day conference in the heart of downtown Lansing.

We picked up the phone and called the first 5 guys we thought of and they all said “yes.”

That was the genesis of a conference we are hosting together December 6-7, 2013 called Sola.  We are building this conference around the “5 Solas” of the Reformation:

We are Saved by Grace Alone,

Through Faith Alone,

In Christ Alone,

For the Glory of God Alone,

Standing on the Word of God Alone.

We intentionally scheduled this conference for a Friday Afternoon – Saturday Evening so most people only have to miss a day or so of work to attend.  This isn’t a conference for pastors or “professional Christians” (although they are certainly invited).  This is a conference for every man and woman in Michigan who wants to be a part of bringing the Gospel to our great state.

Here is the speaking lineup (click on their name for a short preaching sample):

John Piper

Matt Chandler

Al Mohler

Leonce Crump

Stephen Um

Kevin DeYoung

Noel Heikkinen

Sorry about the last guy.

Oh, and yes, we are hosting the conference in Michigan in December.  Yes, that means there might be snow.  But, hey, we are Michiganders.  We can take it.

You can find out more about the conference or register at Sola13.com.

The first 100 people to register get in for only $20.

(That’s like getting each session for $2.85 and getting the music for free.)

This weekend at Riv, we wrapped up a months long series through the book of Galatians.  Since Paul closed his letter with some closing thoughts, I figured I would do the same thing.

I am more blown away than ever about the freedom God offers us through Jesus.  This verse has been one of my favorites for a long time and it rings truer than ever for me:

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

It has been remarkable to see people wrestle with this truth and to see it transform their lives.  One woman told me that she put the words “God is pleased” on the mirror in her bathroom as a reminder each morning of her position in Christ.  As days turned into weeks, she began to believe it more and more.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Teaching through the Fruit of the Spirit (and the Works of the Flesh) was a great reminder that we can’t force ourselves to be the tree (justified) by forcing ourselves to have fruit (sanctified).  Both are a work of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24

This is what 200 calories looks like

I think the guy guiding this tank onto this truck also works at our local carwash

Is it me or does the bass player look like Sylvester Stalone?

Maybe it’s time to quit your job

The sun is an awesome creation

A lot of people have asked for the John Stott quote I shared this weekend at Riv. He was commenting on this passage:

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:24-25

“Our task is to take time each day to remember these truths about ourselves, and to live accordingly. If we have crucified the flesh (which we have), then we must leave it securely nailed to the cross, where it deserves to be; we must not finger the nails. And if we live in the Spirit (which we do), then we must walk by the Spirit. So when the tempter comes with evil insinuations, we must round on him savagely, and say to him: ‘I belong to Christ, I have crucified the flesh. It is altogether out of the question that I should even dream of taking it down from the cross.’ Again, ‘I belong to Christ. The Spirit dwells within me. So I shall set my mind on the things of the Spirit and walk by the Spirit, according to His rule and line, from day to day.’”

-John Stott (excerpted fromThe Message of Galatians)

If you would like to download the entire message, you can do so here.

Here are some discussion questions for your Life Group.

Questions about Satan

The Science of Porn Addiction

Do you still want to be like Mike?

Pray for China

Seriously cool dance