Immediate Transfer to new Domain

Hello everyone.

I have yet to complete construction of the new site, but it is running well enough as is. You can change your bookmarks to http://www.seekingakingdom.com

If you subscribe via reader, you can now subscribe by http://feeds.feedburner.com/seekingakingdom

You can also follow on twitter @seekingakingdom and on facebook http://www.facebook.com/jamestothelee

This domain, Deliverdetroit.com will soon forward completely to the new domain within 7 days. If you enter this address it will send you to the new site.

If you are a blogger and you currently link to Deliver Detroit, I will be re-routing the domain and forwarding it on. Please update your blog roll to reflect the name and domain change. I am grateful for your links and would like to keep them coming!

See you all there!

Reading through the eyes Jesus gave you, the Jesus Lens

How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture by Michael James Williams, Zondervan, 2012, 288 pages. Interest Group: Christianity/Bible/Reference

An Amazon search for "how to read the bible" yields an easy 5,529 results! Add some other search parameters and you are bound to expand that number exponentially. No question about it, there are plenty of books on reading the bible.

Methodological, pedagogical, philological, or just plain introductory methods can all explain how to get into and read the bible. What many believers would benefit from the most is reading the bible effectively. Scholars of all sorts can explain to you the content and intent of religious literature, regardless of their creed or allegiance, but the true effectiveness of reading the bible is found in doing it, internalizing it, and obeying it.

How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture is Michael Williams' attempt to remove the hype and the proverbial fluff and get to the nuts and bolts of understanding scripture. If you are disciple of Jesus Christ, it should be a no-brainer. However, this is not always the case. Fundamentally, Jesus is the one who has enabled us to see the truth of his words, it is through him we should read the truth of scripture.

I elected to review the book and the author's insights as he views the letters of John through the Jesus Lens. The author of John's gospel makes his agenda clear from the onset, the deity of Christ. The Jesus Lens tells us that we must see through the events of this gospel and discover the Father in the Son. Likewise the Son in the Father is a revelation that is important to the life of the disciple. Because of this union with each other, Jesus is divine and human. Without the perfection of deity, the imperfection of humanity could not be redeemed.

The epistles also attributed to John reveal the importance of truth and obedience to that truth. It is the Jesus Lens that again demonstrates the physical manifestation of God's love through the human presence of the divine son. Jesus Christ sets forth the standard and the instructions that enable us to follow in his footsteps. In other words, practicing the life he enables us to do through the life that he lived here on earth. This same revelation of truth and similitude to Jesus Christ is found in the refutation of error and the behavior we provide toward others, hospitality.

Williams' has done many old and new believers alike a great favor. He has pared down the truths of each book of the bible and allowed us to view them through the Jesus Lens. With a summary, contemporary application, and reference to how to read each book with Jesus as our interpreting lens, William's has developed an excellent tool. Whether you use it as a desk reference or a review tool after finishing a book in the bible, this book is very helpful for reminding us to see Jesus in all things, including our bible reading plans.

I received this book from Zondervan for the purpose of review. No books were harmed in the reviewing of this book.

Remnants of Deliver Detroit?

As I prepare the new blog, I am pilfering the blog archives of Deliver Detroit. I am looking at articles, revising, reshaping, or scrapping them altogether. I wanted to survey the readers that are still here, yes, even those from Uzbekistan, and see if there were any favorite posts, series, or articles that you enjoyed reading over the years.

If you would like to, please email me at thegospelisgood[at]h0tmai1[dot]c0m, or use the contact tab above to send a message.

Thanks! Hope to hear from you soon!

For all my loyal readers, I have an update concerning the blog. For all the loyal site bots and useless traffic links I get from Uzbekistan, well, I don't know what to say to you. Thanks for all the useless traffic?

I have been preparing new material for the blog I originally aimed to recreate on a WordPress theme in November. That did not happen. Good news is, I passed my licensing exam, and the semi-minute break I took helped in that regard. However, the blog theme is not ready. I hope it will be up and running by March 1st.

Until then, if I have any blazing insights or new book reviews I am itching to post, you will still see them here.

See you soon!

Taking an Extended Break from Social Media

I admit, I love blogging. I love reading blogs, I love writing blogs.

But, I spend too much time doing all of the above.

Along with that, I spend too much time on Facebook, Google+, and a bunch of other time wasters.

So, here's the deal. I am working on a new blog that is currently under construction. I do not have a launch date, but if all goes well, I am aiming for the end of November 2011. New name, new site, new blog. What will happen to "Deliver Detroit"? I don't know yet. I imagine the domain will transfer links to the new name, but that is still to be determined.

I am also in dyer need of spending some time studying for my State Licensing Exam for Social Work. I also have a back log of books to read and review that are collecting dust.

Most importantly, I want to spend more time with my wife and daughter in the Word of God.

So you might see an occassional book review, theological thought, or link to something nifty, but as of today, Deliver Detroit is officially on a blog sabbatical.

See you in November!

And the Winner is...

Andrew won the book giveaway contest for Van Parunak's book, "Except for Fornication: The Teaching of Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage."

When asked if this issue was one reserved for elders or if all believers should be informed of the dilemma, Andrew responded,

"All Christians should know where they stand. We're currently dealing with a potential divorce situation at our church and the people who haven't thought much about the issue aren't helping the situation much."

I agree with Andrew. As Van stated in the preface to his book, an old professor encouraged his students to know where they stand now, so when they face the issue they will not be struggling to counsel others when they are needed most.

Not being informed of our position on scriptural matters lends more to confusion and poor counsel. Let us be students of the word and study to show ourselves approved workmen.


Congratulations Andrew.

Free Book Giveaway: Except for Fornication, The Teaching of the Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage

**Due to a limited response and apparent commenting errors, this giveaway has been extended. If you have problems commenting, please email me thegospelisgood(AT)hot(mail)(Dot)com and please see the details below.

That's right. You read it. Free book.

I love free books. Matter of fact, I love free books so much, I would like to give one away to someone else!

To enter, submit a comment with your answer to the question,

"Should all Christians know where they stand on the matter of divorce and remarriage, or is it only something that elders should deal with?"

Purchase this book on Amazon!

All comments must be submitted by Tuesday, October 18th 2011 Saturday, October 22nd, 2011. I will draw a winner and post the results on October 19th Sunday, October 23rd here at the blog.

BONUS: If you have a blog or personal website, create a post and share a link back to this blog entry. Once you have, leave an additional comment below with a link back to your blog or website and I will enter your name an additional time.

No extra entries for Facebook, Twitter, or Google + link backs, but they would be appreciated nonetheless!

In September, I reviewed this entry of the Energion Aeropagus Series, "Except for Fornication." This book has proved very useful to me in personal study concerning the issue of divorce and remarriage, and I believe it to be something of worthy consideration to any serious bible student.

Whether you already have a settled opinion regarding this matter or not, a free book, less than 80 pages, and some serious exegesis to wrap your noggin around is very worth it.

I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Free Book Giveaway: Except for Fornication, The Teaching of the Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage

Apparently there was a commenting error causing people to be unable to post there comments.

The corrected comment form is available at this link http://www.deliverdetroit.com/2011/10/free-book-giveaway-except-for.html

Or by just scrolling to the most recent post on this blog.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

"180" Movie - Debut

The new documentary-styled film produced by Living Waters officially releases for free viewing today. I would strongly encourage you to view this film. A brief warning, there is content that you may wish to review prior to allowing children to see it (pictures and video of the holocaust and references to killing).

The film does contain a message that encourages individuals to consider their practices of electing officials who endorse abortion. I believe this is an issue that everyone needs to decide for himself, and involving oneself in the matters of the state are an issue you must address with your conscience.

And now the film,

For those reading via reader, you may click here to view the video.

Featured Sermon Audio: "God's People Are Not Prepared" by Mark S. Case

During my long commutes to work and back, I sometimes listen to messages from the SermonIndex.net Classics Podcast. I do not always know the speakers I am listening to, nor do I tend to agree with everything they say. But, I do attempt to listen to the message and discern what truth I may. I then pray that the Holy Spirit gives me direction to be motivated and apply what I hear.

This weeks entry, is from Mark S. Case. The message is entitled "God's People Are Not Prepared". This message is mostly topical and contains a reasonable plea to consider our usage of the phrase "Lord come quickly" and "hurry up Lord" while comparing our current state as believers and whether or not we really mean what we say.

The description reads: According to the scriptures, we should have on "the whole armor of God" in order to be able to "stand in the evil day." That day is now, and it is no secret that God's people are not dressed in His whole armor. Also, the scriptures show time and again, that as believers we shall give account of our lives to God. Today, there is no teaching of responsibility with accountability for the believer. God's people are not prepared to stand in the evil day, or to meet God to give an account of responsibility.

You can stream the message or right-click and "save link as" here.
You go directly to the message home page and read comments or play the message from here.

Enjoy, and if you listen to the message, what were your thoughts regarding the speakers perspectives?

Divorcing Egypt : A Sermon on Hebrews 11:24-27

A couple months back I had the wonderful opportunity to give the morning message to the Saints. I figured that some of you might be interested in hearing the message I gave that day. I struggled greatly with this text while thinking that if I just had the enough commentary, Bible software, and charismatic punchlines, it would all go well. It did indeed go well, but the anxiety I experienced behind presenting it was solidly rooted in the knowledge that I would be delivering the sermon to a body of believers who are diligent in study, and could be likened to the 'Bereans' of sorts. I knew that I could not just present a message and make it sound good, I knew that them message had to be faithful to the Word of God, and soaked in much prayer. I was told it was received well, and I was edified not only in study for it, but in delivering it. I found that the richness of preaching was in seeking to build up those who would be hearing what is said. Enjoy!

Featured Sermon: Mark Greening, The Power of Travailing Prayer

I do not often get time to listen to the messages I wish to. I actually have a large portion of space on my PC's hard drive with sermons that have gone unlistened. I suppose it is the same as the books on my bookshelf that go unread.

This message was worth the listen. It served as a good reminder of my personal obligation to prayer. It also demonstrates the typical attitude I develop toward the prayerless when in fact I am the one my rebuke should be delivered to.

Amen.

New Featured Audio

I've had this song sitting on the iPod for a minute, and when I heard it today I was glad that I had it. Give it a listen. You can check it out at Blakehicksmusic.com, and read the lyrics below...



Enjoy!

Tell Me Who?

Copyright © 2008. Written by Blake Hicks

Most merciful, most just

Most hidden yet most present here with us

Most beautiful most strong, we trust

But we cannot comprehend you, we’re dust

You’re never old, you’re never new



You are the unseen

Decline upon the proud you bring

You seek us out, you gather all things

But you suffer no need, you’re complete

You can be angry, yet serene



So tell me who but the Lord is God.

What refuge can there be but God?

Tell me who but the Lord is God.

What refuge can there be but God?

Tell me who



You welcome all who come to you

But you’ve never lost a one, it’s true

You’re always glad to gain

But you suffer no pain but grieve for wrong

And you owe nothing to anyone

Don't Waste Your Life

DG's media team partnered with Reach Records to make a hip-hop video encapsulating the message of John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life.

The Soul Of Modesty From C.J. Mahaney

The Soul of Modesty C. J. Mahaney | Sunday Service

"Modesty is Humility expressed in Dress"

Paul Washer at Berean Baptist Church - Missionary Conference (Livonia, MI.)

In October of 2006, the same year I had begun to learn about true missions, prayer, and justification by faith, I was fortunate enough to learn the Paul Washer (Heartcry Missionary Society) was preaching at a local church in Metro-Detroit. Berean Baptist Church of Livonia, MI. hosted a conference that was packed with Paul's powerful preaching. Right-Click the file description and "Save As" to download these awesome MP3's. These files will only be available for download via this post temporarily. After this coming Sunday, August 3rd. They will only be available through SermonAudio or Email.

Worthless Prayer Meetings - Washer Remix

Here is a quick remix with musical accompaniment to the Paul Washer Clip posted a few days ago.

Featured Sermon/Audio Friday

Once in awhile, there's a sermon that helps you deal with some hard things. Sometimes, there's a sermon that hits the nail on the head. Often, the Lord speaks directly to you through the proclamation of His Eternal Word. But there also comes a time when a message does more than make you go hmm, It makes you rejoice and be glad that the Lord has chosen the preaching of His word as a communication of His oracles. And lastly, there are always those sermons that help you paint a clearer picture of just what it takes to walk in righteousness and how to live a life that conveys a better testimony of His work in you! Here are one of those sermons...

Title: William Tyndale: A Life Transformed By God’s Word
Speaker : Pastor John Piper
Ministry: Desiring God
Message Delivered @: New Attitude Conference 2008
Download: Right-Click and Save-As

Play Now:

Description: Original Description from NewAttitude.Org

Pastor Piper tells the story of William Tyndale who “had one driving passion: he wanted to see the Bible in English so that ordinary folks would have access to it.” From the life of William Tyndale and wanting us to follow in the footsteps of William Tyndale, Piper made the case that “there are things left to be done with the Bible in this world that you should do.”

Piper declared two ways that we must die to advance God’s cause through the Bible:

1. We must die to the notion that you don’t have to work hard or think hard to achieve spiritual goals.

2. We must die to the notion that thinking hard and working hard are decisive for achieving spiritual goals.

Piper drew from 2 Timothy 2:7, ”Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” Piper highlighted this dual call of the Christian to 1) think hard and 2) recognize that our thinking and working are not ultimately decisive, God gives understanding.

You’ll want to get the audio to hear Piper tell Tyndale’s story and to hear Piper challenge us to not waste our life, but instead strive to be like William Tyndale.

Featured Sermon/Audio - Conference Messages

Once in awhile, there's a sermon that helps you deal with some hard things. Sometimes, there's a sermon that hits the nail on the head. Often, the Lord speaks directly to you through the proclamation of His Eternal Word. But there also comes a time when a message does more than make you go hmm, It makes you rejoice and be glad that the Lord has chosen the preaching of His word as a communication of His oracles. And lastly, there are always those sermons that help you paint a clearer picture of just what it takes to walk in righteousness and how to live a life that conveys a better testimony of His work in you! Here are one of those sermons...

Title: New Attitude Conference 2008 (Memorial 9Day Weekend)
Speaker(s) : Josh Harris, Mark Dever, Al Mohler, C.J. Mahaney, Eric Simmons, and John Piper
Ministry:
Message Delivered @: Memorial Weekend 2008
Download: Visit the New Attitude Live Blog for the List of Fresh New Messages!

Description: This year at Na 08 we’ll rediscover the well-worn pages of our Bibles. We’ll spend time considering the certainty, sufficiency, and relevance of God’s word – that it may become to us a joy and our delight.

Featured Sermon/Audio

Once in awhile, there's a sermon that helps you deal with some hard things. Sometimes, there's a sermon that hits the nail on the head. Often, the Lord speaks directly to you through the proclamation of His Eternal Word. But there also comes a time when a message does more than make you go hmm, It makes you rejoice and be glad that the Lord has chosen the preaching of His word as a communication of His oracles. And lastly, there are always those sermons that help you paint a clearer picture of just what it takes to walk in righteousness and how to live a life that conveys a better testimony of His work in you! Here are one of those sermons...

Title: Let Your Passion Be Single
Speaker : John Piper
Ministry: Desiring God Senior Pastor, Bethelehem Baptist Church
Message Delivered @: November 12th, 1999
Download: Secure the file to your computer.

Description: You will be the happiest if your one goal is to magnify Christ.