Something Worshipful to Listen to...

Something about reconciliation...

This is an excellent song written by Pat Sczebel. It's a song that really points you toward Gospel thoughts and considers how Christ has been immensely gracious in reconciling us to our holy God. Our church loves to sing this song together.

"And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him." Col. 1:21-22

Jesus, Thank You from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

Something new...

A great new worship song by Chris Tomlin..



Something I just like...

This is a song I've always liked. Phil Keaggy is one of the most incredibly talented musicians, yet glorifies the Lord with his music. I love the line in this song that says "True believers made alive in Christ today."

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved." Eph. 2:4-5

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The End of Men?

Al Mohler writes here about a disturbing trend. Here's an excerpt:

Is our postmodern, postindustrial society simply better suited to women than to men? Hanna Rosin makes the case for this claim in the current issue of The Atlantic, and her article demands close attention. Men, she argues, are simply falling behind women in almost every sector of cultural influence and economic power. This shift, she understands, is nothing less than unprecedented in the span of human history.

I encourage you to read the whole article, and pray for God to raise up an abundance of Christian male leaders in our generation!

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What Does It Mean for God to "Receive Power"?

"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Rev. 4:11)

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" (Rev. 5:12)

One of the most climactic and triumphant portions of Scripture is the heavenly song of the saints in Revelation 4-5, in which they acknowledge the creative power of the Lord God and the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

I have always wondered, though: what does it mean for God to "receive" glory, honor, power, wealth, wisdom, might, and blessing?

Surely this cannot mean that God is made more powerful, glorious, or wise through something that is given to him. He has always been all-powerful. (He is, after all, the One who "created all things"!) He has always been all-wise (Rom. 11:33). He has always been completely glorious (Rom. 11:36). The list could go on...my point is, God doesn't lack anything!

As I mediated on these verses, I came to realize that what God receives is the worship and praise of His people. "God receives 'power,' not in the sense that an omnipotent being can become stronger, but in the sense that the strength of His creatures is used to honor Him" (ESV Study Bible). We are to worship and praise God with our might, our wisdom, our respect, our wealth, our joy. This corresponds to our loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength - our entire being! (Mark 12:30)

What receives your most passionate energy and strength? To what do you give your most focused thoughts and creativity? What is the object of your greatest respect and reverence? What is your most valued investment? What most often fills you with joy?

I hope your answer is the worship and praise of God. He is worthy! Why? Because He created you, and because Jesus Christ died for you.

Christian, there is a reason God gives you might and wisdom - so you can give it right back to Him! This is the reason you exist, and this is the source of true joy.

"Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory." (Isa. 43:6-7)

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When People are Big and God is Small

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”
-Proverbs 29:25

“Fear of man is such a part of our human fabric that we should check for pulse if someone denies it.”
—Ed Welch, When People Are Big and God Is Small

Justin Taylor links to a book that has been influential and helpful in my life. One of the few must-reads on my recommended books list.

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Is it a small thing in your eyes to be loved by God?

“Is it a small thing in your eyes to be loved by God - to be the son, the spouse, the love, the delight of the King of glory? Christian, believe this, and think about it: you will be eternally embraced in the arms of the love which was from everlasting, and will extend to everlasting - of the love which brought the Son of God's love from heaven to earth, from earth to the cross, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to glory - that love which was weary, hungry, tempted, scorned, scourged, buffeted, spat upon, crucified, pierced - which fasted, prayed, taught, healed, wept, sweated, bled, died. That love will eternally embrace you.”

–Richard Baxter

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Is Jesus Really Alive?

It's been a couple months since Easter. But since Christians celebrate Christ's resurrection every Sunday, I thought it would be good for us to reflect on Pastor Dan's Easter message: "Is Jesus Really Alive?" Check out this overview, and rejoice in the truth: He is risen indeed!



If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (I Corinthians 15:19-20)

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C.S. Lewis on Humility

I think this is true. And I pray for grace to become this kind of person:

To even get near [humility], even for a moment, is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert.

Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call “humble” nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody.

Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him.

If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.

- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

HT: Justin Taylor

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They Can't Believe In Something They've Never Heard...

At Harvest, we're grateful for the privilege of representing the King of kings! And we have many various opportunities this summer to share the glorious, life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. Check out this video on summer evangelism opportunities at Harvest:



To sum up, here's how you can partner with us in evangelism this summer:

1. 1-on-1 Evangelism (Training class Sunday, June 13 @ 11am, Johnson Elementary School Atrium)


2. Christianity Explained (Training for 1-on-1 Bible studies with individuals interested in Christianity)


3. Door-to-Door Gospel Tract Distribution (Dates/times TBA)


4. Cross-Cultural Outreach Class (Sunday mornings at 11am, Johnson Atrium, July 25-August 15)

In addition, you can partner with us during our Liberty Fest outreach (parade, festival booth, invitation distribution before the fireworks) and during our Outdoor Service/Picnic (counseling, food prep).

Regardless of your gifting or personality, there is no shortage of ways you can get involved in getting the gospel out to our community this summer! Email mikemoses@harvestcanton.org to find out more.

How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?... As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" (Romans 10:14-15)

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Jesus at the Center

“There is nothing in the Gospels more significant than the way in which Jesus deliberately places Himself at the very centre of His message. He does not say with other teachers, ‘The truth is everything, I am nothing’; He declares ‘I am the truth.’ He does not claim, with the founders of certain ethnic religions, to suggest answers to the world’s enigmas; He claims to be the answer — ‘Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.’ He does not offer the guidance of a code or a philosophy to keep men right through the uncertainties of an unknown future; He says, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’”

- James Stewart, A Faith to Proclaim (Vancouver, BC: Regent College Publishing 2002), p. 122.

HT: Of First Importance

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