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Worship the God of History
There is a health update at the end of this message. ===================================== Registration is now open for the 2010 CALVIN SYMPOSIUM ON WORSHIP, January 28-30, 2010, in Grand Rapids. Presenters include Jeremy Begbie, Marva Dawn, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Lester Ruth, John Witvliet, and many others. http://www.calvin.edu/worship/sympos/2010 ===================================== As we turn to next year's calendar, our thoughts should be drawn to the meaning of history—the progression of time. Today’s WORSHIP QUOTE is a reminder that Christians worship the God of history. Taken from his commentary on Thessalonians, today's author is pastor-scholar John Stott. WORSHIP THE GOD OF HISTORY Somebody once suggested that "the most accurate chart of the meaning of history is the set of tracks made by a drunken fly with feet wet with ink, staggering across a piece of white paper. They lead nowhere and reflect no pattern of meaning." Similarly, Rudolf Bultmann wrote that "the question of meaning in history has become meaningless." Christians who look to Scripture as their authority profoundly disagree with these gloomy assessments. For the God of the Bible is the God of history. He has entitled himself "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." He chose Israel out of the nations to be his covenant people and took about two thousand years to prepare them for the fulfillment of his promise to Abraham in the coming of their Messiah. Above all, he came to us in Jesus Christ when Augustus was emperor of Rome, and "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried." Then on the third day he rose again and, having sent his Spirit, has for two further millennia been pushing his church out into the world to take the good news to its furthest extremities. One day (known only to the Father), when the gospel has been preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations" (Mt. 24:13), the end will come. For Christ will return in glory, terminate the historical process and perfect his reign. — John Stott, THE GOSPEL AND THE END OF TIME (The Bible Speaks Today series). Downers Grove: InterVarstiy Press, 1991, p. 139. Blessings to all! Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Ministries The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.wqotw.org www.sbts.edu/icw ============================================ WORSHIP QUOTATIONS FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS ============================================ www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2005-12-06 (“O Come, O Come, Immanuel”) www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2000-12-26 ("Thou Who Wast Rich") www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2009-12-15 (C. S. Lewis) www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2008-12-09 ("Wonder of All Wonders") www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2009-12-22 ("Exult, O Morning Stars Aflame") www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2004-12-21 (Ambrose and Luther) www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2005-12-20 (Dutch Carol) www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=1996-12-24 (Ulrich Shaffer) www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2006-12-12 ("The Gift of Gifts") www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2004-12-07 ("Of the Father's Love Begotten") www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2005-12-13 ("Joy Has Dawned") www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2006-12-19 (Spurgeon) www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2006-12-26 (Augustine and Lewis) www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2007-12-18 (Thomas à Kempis) www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2007-12-25 (Clarkson, Communion Hymn) www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2008-12-30 (Wise Men and Worship) ============================================ ============================================ ===================================== HEALTH UPDATE & PRAYER REQUEST FOR CHIP STAM, CANCER PATIENT ===================================== Dear Praying Friends, Thanks so much for your love and prayer support. More detailed journal entries and new photos about my cancer treatment are available at www.caringbridge.org/visit/carlstam (click on "journal" or "photos"). This is a chemotherapy week, including Tuesday's extra injection into the new Ommaya Reservoir located right under my scalp—very interesting and totally without pain. My brother and sister (Billy and Karen) are being tested now for the stem cell match. It would be so wonderful if one of them could be the donor. Please pray that the Lord will be gracious to provide the perfect match that is needed. In His loving care, Chip Stam =========================== WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK: To subscribe, unsubscribe, or view a complete index of worship quotes, please visit http://www.wqotw.org. =========================== |