Sunday, April 27, 2008

Thinking About the Resurrection of Jesus

Right before Easter, I really began to think about the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. As a Christian, I have always affirmed it. I have always believed it. However, I have not really thought a whole lot about it and meditated on it extensively except maybe a few short times.

Anyway, I began to really think about it right before Easter and to ask the Lord in prayer to really let the truth of it sink into my heart and mind. I didn't just want to mentally assent to the reality of the historical event, I wanted to rejoice in it! I wanted to rest in it and think of the Risen Jesus physically in heaven looking down on His Church which He loves with an undying love! Also, I wanted to meditate on a living Jesus who knows and loves even me. The Jesus whose life assures me of my complete salvation from my sins and who guides me and His Church be His Holy Spirit.

Praise the Lord! He answered and continues to answer my prayers in this regard. The Bible assures me that my life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). The fact of His resurrection assures the reality of my own at His coming (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). Finally, I know the He is intimately acquainted with everything that transpires in His Church. He was and is alive and saw the Day of Pentecost, the ingathering of the gentiles, the Jerusalem Council, the persecution under Nero, the Arian heresy, the Pelagian heresy, the Christianization of the Roman Empire, the rise of the Papacy, the Crusades, the Reformation, the Great Awakening, the Fundamentalist/Liberal debate, even down to our own day and if the Father wills, beyond.

I encourage each one who reads to meditate and pray like I did and watch our Father lovingly answer to His own glory.

In our Risen Savior,
Christian Edmiston

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Intro and Why Blog?

Welcome to the new Vineyard Calvinist blog. This is the first of what I hope will be many posts on this blog. But the question today is why blog at all? I have to admit I have thought about blogging before. Actually for the last several years I have tried a few failed blogs and websites. After those experiences I put the idea on the back burner, but I have finally broken down and decided to give it another try. There are a few reasons I have finally chosen to do this.

Firstly, I think I have some ideas and thoughts that others might find useful. I hope that doesn't sound arrogant, but I think I have some things to contribute, but only time will tell.

Secondly, writitng has been an important part of the Christian Experience since the earliest days of our faith. Faithful Christians have been putting ideas down on paper for others to read and critique for nearly 2,000 years and this has helped the faith grow. I am sure that I am very insignificant in this regard, but ultimately I write for an audience of One and what I write will still have eternal value (I pray).

Thirdly, the Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all (1 Timothy 4:14,15 NKJV). It seems that Paul wanted Timothy to exercise his spiritual gifts so that his progress in the faith would be seen by everyone. Hopefully this will be true of me as I minister my gift (which I believe to be teaching) to everyone who reads this blog.

In Christ Jesus our Lord,
Christian Edmiston