Luther on Preachers

"It is commonly said that theses are the three qualifications which mark a good preacher: First, that he step up; secondly, that he speak up and say something (worthwhile); thirdly, that he know when to stop."

Merry Christmas

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

--Hebrews 2.14-18

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Ditto

(Props: KD)

Federal Husband

"The duty of ongoing sexual relations is clearly presented by Paul when he says, 'Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband' (1 Cor 7:3). Modern liberated types enjoy sniffing at this, as though making sexual relations a duty somehow removes the romance, the excitement, the Original Flame. The thing that will supposedly carry us through to the end of our lustful little lives is supposed to be that spontaneous combustion thing between man and woman, like in those movies they make nowadays for heavy breathers. But any pastor who knows what it is like to counsel a couple who cannot even touch one another any more, knows what a bogus help this doctrine of spontaneous romance is. And our generation, riddled as it is with divorce, ought to be a little more humble about giving out advice concerning long-term sexual contentment."

--Douglas Wilson, Federal Husband, 31.

Lips That Touch Liquor

Wright Quote

In light of the recent ETS discussion (see here & here), this is an interesting quote from one of Wright's early books:

"Christian obedience is not done in order to earn favor with God; nothing we can do, not even our faith or our sincerity, can earn that favor. It is God’s gracious gift. It was the Pharisees who thought that they could earn God’s favor by good deeds. When we struggle to obey God, we are not doing it because we are trying to earn anything but because God has already accepted us, and so – as forgiven children of a loving father… – we begin to want to obey him."

--N.T. Wright - Small Faith Great God, 99 (originally written in 78').

Eagle Owl in Flight