PGT Newsletter May 2016

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzfcMTAFVKRedVk5OVlGZVlWc3R5NTBBVExlTGlaWFZ4WjFr/view?usp=sharing

Highlights:

1. Pray for missionaries as they seek to travel as far as possible to reach the unreached prior to monsoon season in July 
2. Need for church buildings - consider giving to build worship centers which will testify to a Hindu culture of the presence of the gospel in their midst
3. Praise for the passion & desire for Dheeraj to reach the unreached Mathura village 

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/three-lessons-on-loving-one-another

Exhortative insight on how the church should live based on the "serving" lifestyle of our Lord & Chief Shepherd. 

Currently reading The Jesus Paradigm by David Alan Black which is challenging my thinking on a few different levels. One, am I truly seeking to live life through the perspective of Jesus or has and is cultural Christianity shaping the way I "do life?" Two, in my frustrations with the current state of the church, do I still love the church as Jesus does? I am reminded that though there is much about the church that needs reforming, reshaping, and revitalizing, I must love her as Jesus loves her. Three, am I cultivating an attitude of "mutual edification" in the body as is espoused in the NT? By my teaching & living am I promoting deeper Christ-like intimacy and "every-member" ministry or am I embracing the widely held & practiced "super-minister" mentality? I am grateful for books that probe my mind and heart to think deeply about the gospel and the church. If I can take time, I will write my thoughts on the book when I finish. 

Exhortative poem from John Owen concerning the dangers of sin. 

"SIN is a prison, hath its bolts and chains,

Brings into bondage who it entertains;

Hangs shackles on them, bends them to its will,

Holds them, as Samson grinded at the mill,

‘Twill blind them, make them deaf; yea, ‘twill them gag,

And ride them as the devil rides his hag.

Wherefore look to it, keep it out of door,

If once its slave, thou may’st be free no more."

Quote of the day - "Love that goes upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace." Donald Grey Barnhouse 

"Back in the day," as many say, when I was in HS we called times that our performance was at an all-time low "being in a funk." Well I confess that in recent months I have been in a "funk" due to various reasons. My study of Scripture has been neglected along with my Biblical Greek studies, philosophy reading, and yes teaching my family the Word. Yes, I have often blamed it on busyness; however, I have less commitments now than I have in years. The fact of the matter is I have not faithfully disciplined myself in these areas.  Paul instructed young Timothy to train/discipline himself for godliness. In an age where discipline is at an all-time low, I am asking the Father to empower me to be disciplined. I am in need of training that leads to godliness/holiness. O to enjoy the pleasure of godliness through discipline. 

Quote of the day

"The resurrection is the vindication of Christ in His humility, the revelation of Christ in His present glory, and the guarantee that Christ will come in power."Donald Grey Barnhouse