Move your thumb.

I always thought this was common knowledge, but apparently not, so I'll share this factoid with you.

Credit cards tell you what kind/brand they are by the 1st digit.

3 - American Express starts with a 3.
4 - Visa starts with a 4.
5 - Mastercard (formerly Mastercharge) starts with a 5.
6 - Discover card starts with a 6.

(Learn more about what the numbers mean.)

I first realized this when I would give my number to a company only to hear, "Is that a Visa or Mastercard?" I wanted to say, "Move your thumb," but I found myself educating the person with the information I've shared above.

Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

When I left you, I was but the learner. Now I am the master.

Over the next few days I will be attending the National Founders Conference at Bethel Baptist in Owasso, Oklahoma.

The theme is Lengthening the Cords & Strengthening the Stakes: Rnewing and Planting Local Churches.

You're welcome to check out live streaming video or the audio of the conference. (Transcripts are from Timmy Brister's liveblogging.)

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, June 24

3:30 pm - Ted Christman (Transcript)
An Exposition of Psalm1

6:30 pm - Andy Davis (Transcript)
Dangers in Reforming a Church

Wednesday, June 25

9:00 am - Tom Nettles (Notes, pdf)
Biographical Sketch of Daniel Marshall

10:30 am - Voddie Baucham (Transcript)
Building a Solid Doctrinal Foundation

6:30 pm - Ed Stetzer (Transcript)
Lengthening the Cords and Strengthening the Stakes, Part 1

Thursday, June 26

9:00 am - Don Whitney (Transcript)
Reforming through Discipline

10:30 am - Ed Stetzer (Transcript)
Lengthening the Cords and Strengthening the Stakes, Part 2

1:30 pm - Leadership Dialogue (Transcript)

6:30 pm - Andy Davis (Transcript)
The Importance of Filling Your Life With Scripture

Friday, June 27

9:00 am - Phil Newton (Transcript)
From Planting to Reforming

Isms, in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an ism, he should believe in himself.

Instead of "Calvinism," I greatly prefer "Reformed," for a variety of reasons ... not that there's anything wrong with an ism per se. But that raises another question:

What does it mean to be Reformed?

As a Reformed Baptist this is one of those love/hate conversations. I can't help but jump in, all the while knowing it's an uphill battle.

Some Presbyterians will say Baptists cannot be Reformed because they don't adhere to infant Baptism. Even some Baptists will say that other Baptists are not Reformed if they are not strict sabbatarians.

What does it mean to be Reformed?

How tight do we draw the circle?

This is from our church's "About Us" page ...

We are a Reformed and Southern Baptist Church.

* What does Reformed mean?

First of all, it doesn't mean that we've "arrived." We're not perfect, as individuals or as a church, but we pursue such through reliance on the Holy Spirit. In fact, part of being a Reformed church entails a recognition that it is always in process. Or, as it was put centuries ago, ecclesia reformata semper reformanda est ("The Reformed church is always reforming").

Being "Reformed" means an adherence to and advancement of the theological principles of the Protestant Reformation. This is most clearly seen in our doctrinal statement and in our subscription to the "5 Solas" of the Reformation as expressed in The Cambridge Declaration. It declares that our authority is Scripture Alone by which we hold to salvation by Grace Alone, through Faith Alone, because of Christ Alone. Thus, we proclaim To God Alone Be the Glory! Our theological framework might also be referred to as Calvinistic or Augustinian.

As you can see, I'm thinking the Reformation is better captured by certain principles, rather than the by-products of working out those principles.

Others would obviously answer differently, limiting the label to those embracing certain creeds.

It's a stretch to require adherence to doctrinal statements that the Reformers did not produce nor endorse (e.g., WCF). Sure, much of it gels, but neither Calvin, nor Luther would embrace the WCF's Sabbatarianism, for example.

Also, the term is often employed in such a way that Zwingli would not be included or congregationalists, who would not have embraced a Presbyterian form of government (e.g., Edwards & Owen).

Interesting topic to ponder, especially since the term "evangelical" has received so much etymological discussion. Of course, we could really open a can of words as well with definitions of who is truly covenantal and/or Calvinistic (cf. Are Five Points Enough?).

So, for those of you who claim the label Reformed, what say ye?

Your dad could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves.

Can I get an "Amen"?

Top 10 Things You’ll Never Hear a Dad Say

10. Well, how ’bout that?… I’m lost! Looks like we’ll have to stop and ask for directions.

9. You know, Pumpkin, now that you’re thirteen, you’ll be ready for unchaperoned car dates. Won’t that be fun?

8. I noticed that all your friends have a certain “up yours” attitude … I like that.

7. Here’s a credit card and the keys to my new car — GO CRAZY.

6. What do you mean you wanna play football? Figure skating not good enough for you, son?

5. Your mother and I are going away for the weekend … you might want to consider throwing a party.

4. Well, I don’t know what’s wrong with your car. Probably one of those doo-hickey thingies — you know — that makes it run or something. Just have it towed to a mechanic and pay whatever he asks.

3. No son of mine is going to live under this roof without an earring — now quit your belly-aching, and let’s go to the mall.

2. Whaddya wanna go and get a job for? I make plenty of money for you to spend.

1. Father’s Day? aahh — don’t worry about that — it’s no big deal.

Happy Father's Day

Look it's the name man. The I-talian Stallion. The media will eat it up.

Contrary to godly counsel from Lance, we got a Beagle. He's 7 weeks old, but we don't know what to name him.

What's a good Beagle name?

We're looking at the following 3 contenders and welcome feedback, even perhaps a 4th.

1. Luther
2. Maverick
3. Rocky

UPDATE: We decided on "Rocky" for our puppy's name. Thanks for the great suggestions, but this seemed to be the one upon which we could most easily agree.

No? Okay, then shut your piehole and listen to me when I say that I am FINISHED with the checking-of-the-bags CONVERSATION.

I'm not that great with small talk and I'm not often a great conversation starter. I've previously shared some of the worst small group ice breakers, but this is an interesting list I came across.


20 Conversation Starters

1. What was the neatest birthday present you ever received?
2. What makes you laugh?
3. What is your favorite food?
4. Where would you like to go for a vacation if you could go anyplace in the whole world?
5. If you had to move and could take only 3 things with you, what would you take?
6. How would you describe the "ideal" father or mother?
7. What is something you can do pretty well?
8. What is your favorite song?
9. What is your best friend like?
10. How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you?
11. Has there been a time when you felt proud of yourself?
12. What kind of store would you like to own and operate?
13. If you received $5,000 as a gift--how would you spend it?
14. What is your favorite room in your house? Why?
15. What kind of job do you want to have in 20 years?
16. What talent do you wish you had?
17. If someone could give you anything in the world for your birthday--what would you like it to be?
18. What would you like to invent to make life better?
19. What is something that bugs you?
20. What kind of trophy would you like to win?

-Jerry & Patti MacGregor, Family Times: Growing Together in Fun and Faith

Some good ones. Any others?

Well, I'm in the amazing business.

There's not much that surprises me the longer I live and I assume that's true of most people.

Some people you would never expect to be surprised or amazed, like Jesus. After all, what would really get His attention?

Yet, in the Scriptures we read of Jesus being amazed.

Jesus was renowned for amazing others, but we see the Son of God amazed (θαυμάζω - "marveled", ESV) twice (and only twice). Both times are in relation to faith.

Jesus marveled at the faith of the "heathen" centarion (Matt 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10).

When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith."
-Matthew 8:10, ESV

Jesus also marveled at the lack of faith He encountered in His hometown of Nazarath (Mark 6:1-6).

And he marveled because of their unbelief.
-Mark 6:6, ESV

I read such and find myself echoing the words of the father of the boy with an unclean spirit:

"I believe; help my unbelief!"
-Mark 9:24, ESV

If Jesus inspected each local church, would He be amazed, and if so, would it be from lack of faith?

Jesus asks, "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8, ESV)

• Suggested Reading: The Purifying Power of Faith in Future Grace, by John Piper

War is young men dying and old men talking.

This is the national address and prayer of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 6th, 1944 (aka D-Day), the beginning of the Allied invasion/liberation of Europe.

(Click to hear FDR)


My Fellow Americans:

Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.

And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.

They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.

They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest -- until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war.

For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

And for us at home -- fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them -- help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.

Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.

Give us strength, too -- strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.

And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.

And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keeness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment -- let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace -- a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

Thy will be done, Almighty God.

Amen.

You ain't so bad. You ain't nuthin!

This is a little exercise I did a while back, just tracing a theme through the Scriptures. It raises many uncomfortable questions, especially for those who contend God is a gentleman and cannot/will not ever violate the "freewill" of an "autonomous" human.

Thesis: God uses Pharaoh like a pawn to demonstrate to Egypt, the Israelites, and the world that He is the sovereign of this planet. He took the most powerful man in the world and made him like a puppet and a fool, to show His greatness by way of contrast. The outcome of which should have been great faith in Him and obedience to Him on the part of His people (e.g., Exodus 20:2, Deut 4:34; etc.)

Romans 9:17-18
17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘‘I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

Genesis 15:13-14
13 Then the LORD said to him, ‘‘Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions.

Exodus 3:19
But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him.

Exodus 4:21
The LORD said to Moses, ‘‘When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.

Exodus 5:2
Pharaoh said, ‘‘Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.”

Exodus 7:3-4
3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites.

Exodus 7:13
Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.

Exodus 7:22
But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.

Exodus 8:15
But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.

Exodus 8:19
The magicians said to Pharaoh, ‘‘This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the LORD had said.

Exodus 8:32
But this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go.

Exodus 9:7
Pharaoh sent men to investigate and found that not even one of the animals of the Israelites had died. Yet his heart was unyielding and he would not let the people go.

Exodus 9:12
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said to Moses.

Exodus 9:16
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Exodus 9:34-35
34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses.

Exodus 10:1-2
Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘‘Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them 2 that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD.”

Exodus 10:20
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.

Exodus 10:27
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go.

Exodus 11:1
Now the LORD had said to Moses, ‘‘I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. After that, he will let you go from here, and when he does, he will drive you out completely.

Exodus 11:9
The LORD had said to Moses, ‘‘Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you—so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.”

Exodus 11:10
Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country.

Exodus 14:4
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.”

Exodus 3:21-22
21 ‘‘And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians.”

Exodus 11:3
(The LORD made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.)

Exodus 12:36
The LORD had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.

Exodus 14:31
And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

• Seems like that was the plan all along, since "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Proverbs 9:10)

(All Scriptures from the New International Version)

Your mom goes to college.

Although it's gaining some in popularity, for several decades the Hausfrau (i.e., housewife) has not been regarded as a noble or respected pursuit in this country.

Ladies were pitied for having to "give up" their lives, dreams, or careers to be "stay at home moms." Such women may have felt some shamed or scorn from other ladies who "didn't squander" their talents or abilities.

Over the years this phenomenon has led to many different, and often creative, ways to describe how they can answer the common question, "What do you do?"

I'm sure you've heard many responses (e.g., homemaker, domestic engineer, VP of Domestic Affairs, etc.), but I found one particularly charming.

When asked what his housewife does, Pastor Tommy Nelson of Denton Bible Church would say, "She creates, raises, and shapes eternal humanity in the image of God."

That's pretty good. Any interesting descriptions/explanations you've heard?

P.S. Think about the disparity of how important it is to care for children versus the lack of esteem received by those who do so.

That's not only the case in society at large (e.g., teachers, since "those who can't do, teach"), but also in the church. Far too often I've heard seminary students say, "I don't want to just teach children.

The irony, of course, is that one can often make a much greater impact on the life of a child than the life of an adult, even in the church.