T4G - part 2

I'm looking forward to being in Louisville at Together 4 the Gospel 2008. I attended in 2006 with about 2800 pastors. I understand this year there may be 5000 of us. I know the singing will be extraordinary. Speakers are Al Mohler, CJ Mahaney, Mark Dever and Ligon Duncan with friends John Piper, John MacArthur, RC Sproul and Thabiti Anyabwile. I expect my spiritual batteries to be fully charged at the end of the conference Thursday.

Persecuted Church

We had a representative from Voice of the Martyrs speak to us at our Vespers service last Sunday evening. We were reminded once again that persecution was not long ago and far away, but as near as China, Indonesia and the Sudan. Pray for our brothers and sisters in those locations.

Amazing Grace

Tonight some of us are gathering to watch the video of "Amazing Grace," the story of William Wilberforce and his campaign to end the British slave trade and abolish slavery. I'd recommend two books as background. Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas and John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken. These books record the stories of two remarkable men brought together by God's providence nand the legacy the left to Christians. I recommend them highly.

Relief

Well, it is kind of a punch in the stomach to be told - after the fact - that one of you heart arteries was 99% blocked. A stent was put in and I am doing fine. I was able to preach the Sunday after the operation, but I was very tired afterwards. I am very grateful to the Lord for the gifts he gives to doctors and those who assist them. Now I've got to get back to exercising, which was the whole reason for getting checked in the first place. If you prayed for me - thanks!

Mortality

I was told this morning I have a possible heart artery blockage and need an angiogram, (scheduled for Monday, March 10). The eternal teenager in me believes he will live forever and not have this sort of thing happen. The Christian me says I will live forever based on the righteousness of Christ received by faith alone. Such is tough to be found mortal. But tougher still is life outside of God's grace - sovereign, omnipotent, free grace. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in You." Psalm 56:3

Eating Crow

Well, I may have to eat a large helping of crow. Anyone have a good recipe? Should it be fried, baked, put in a pie? Stewed, boiled or broiled? With Queen Hillary and the "Dahli-bama" duking it out, and the Republicans reduced to John-boy, the choice seems to be radical socialism or centrist blather. Where is Reagan when we need him? Caw, Caw What do I do with the feathers?

An open letter to the GOP RE: John McCain

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Let me cut to the bottom line – if McCain is the Republican nominee I will not vote for him for the following reasons:

He is not a true conservative and no longer supports traditional Republican (Reagan) principles – he has become a lefty-lite.

He does not support making the Bush tax cuts permanent

McCain-Lieberman on the environment

McCain-Feingold on free speech

McCain-Kennedy on amnesty

McCain-Kennedy-Edwards on patient ‘rights’

His hatred of evangelical Christians

His temper and his ego

His unwillingness to appoint strict constructionists to the Supreme Court

His endorsement by the New York Times – he works well with liberals because he is one.

His position on Gitmo detainees

His standing with Kerry against the Swift Boat truth

Let me be even more clear. If McCain is the nominee I will contribute no money to any GOP candidates at any level. I am a life long Republican and a card carrying Reagan conservative. My party has left its base and deserves to lose and lose big time if its leftward drift continues.

I will either vote for Hillary and see the blame for our country’s demise fall entirely on the Democrats, or I will sit out the election. But I will never vote for McCain, electability be is not the issue, conservative principles must hold sway.