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	<title>Julian Freeman &#187; scripture</title>
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	<link>http://julianfreeman.ca</link>
	<description>Thoughts of a Christian Husband, Father, and Pastor</description>
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		<title>A Cottage Meditation on Psalm 19</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/cottage-meditation-psalm-19</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/cottage-meditation-psalm-19#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:30:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cottage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[David]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psalms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://julianfreeman.ca/?p=1703</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Being at the cottage is good for me. I have found that usually I’m able to meet with God pretty quickly when I feel close to his creation. This week has been special for me. It is the first time that I’ve been at the cottage and studying for a sermon at the same time. [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/cottage-meditation-psalm-19">A Cottage Meditation on Psalm 19</a></p>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/psalm-16' rel='bookmark' title='Psalm 16'>Psalm 16</a> <small>In a previous post I suggested a four-level approach to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-friday-meditation-on-the-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='A Friday Meditation on the Psalms'>A Friday Meditation on the Psalms</a> <small>In keeping with our current theme, I wanted to post...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/christ/meditation-on-christ' rel='bookmark' title='Meditation on Christ'>Meditation on Christ</a> <small>Yet he opened not his mouth. – Isaiah 53:7 When...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_1704" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-large wp-image-1704" title="Cottage Sunset" src="http://julianfreeman.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2011-08-03-20.32.22-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="495" height="370" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The heavens declare the glory of God</p></div>
<p>Being at the cottage is good for me. I have found that usually I’m able to meet with God pretty quickly when I feel close to his creation.</p>
<p>This week has been special for me. It is the first time that I’ve been at the cottage and studying for a sermon at the same time. I’ve been able to enjoy God in creation and delight in him in his word. The comparison is worth thinking about.</p>
<p>I think sometimes we treat nature like the place we need to go to be near God. For example, when was the last time you saw a Christian retreat centre in an urban setting? And it’s not hard to see why. God is very present in the beauty and serenity of the water, the clouds, the open skies, the sunsets, the hills, and the beautiful vegetation. God is here.</p>
<p>Psalm 19 reminds us that ‘the heavens declare the glory of God and the skies above proclaim his handiwork.’ That’s true. In nature we see God. But we often stop reading (or at least remembering) the psalm there, even though it definitely doesn’t end there.</p>
<p>The second half of Psalm 19 goes on to recount just how amazing the revelation of God is in his Bible, over and above the revelation of God in creation. And David, who knew what it was to be ‘out in nature’, was writing that before most of <em>your</em> Bible was written.</p>
<p>From verses 7-11 the specific wonders of the Bible are made known:</p>
<ul>
<li>It revives the soul</li>
<li>It makes wise the simple</li>
<li>It rejoices the heart</li>
<li>It enlightens the eyes</li>
<li>It endures forever</li>
<li>It is righteous altogether</li>
<li>It is more to be desired than sweet things or expensive things</li>
<li>It warns</li>
<li>It rewards</li>
</ul>
<p>No glimpse of nature can cause me to discern my errors. No beautiful sunset can declare me innocent or keep me back from sin. No mountaintop experience could ever make my words and thoughts acceptable in the sight of God. Only God will do those things, as I meet with him in the Bible.</p>
<p>I’ve experienced that this week. God is good. I’ve met with him and enjoyed him in creation, but his word is better. It alone gives the pure joy of the knowledge of God. The place I need to go to meet with him is not some remote vacation spot, it is the book he has given me.</p>
<p>Am I thankful for sunsets? You bet! Am I more thankful for the word than ever before? Absolutely.</p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/cottage-meditation-psalm-19">A Cottage Meditation on Psalm 19</a></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/psalm-16' rel='bookmark' title='Psalm 16'>Psalm 16</a> <small>In a previous post I suggested a four-level approach to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-friday-meditation-on-the-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='A Friday Meditation on the Psalms'>A Friday Meditation on the Psalms</a> <small>In keeping with our current theme, I wanted to post...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/christ/meditation-on-christ' rel='bookmark' title='Meditation on Christ'>Meditation on Christ</a> <small>Yet he opened not his mouth. – Isaiah 53:7 When...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Mind-Blowing, Soul-Saving Bible</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/growing/mindblowing-soulsaving-bible</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/growing/mindblowing-soulsaving-bible#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:33:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Growing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[30 for 30]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sola scriptura]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://julianfreeman.ca/?p=1537</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes people train for a career for years only to get into it and discover it's not what they want to do. The job which once looked so appealing has turned out to be something different; something not worth the pursuit. Thankfully, I can say that I've never once felt that about pastoral ministry. Every [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/growing/mindblowing-soulsaving-bible">The Mind-Blowing, Soul-Saving Bible</a></p>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2009' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2009'>Bible Reading Plan for 2009</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2010' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2010'>Bible Reading Plan for 2010</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/saving-a-people-as-an-aside' rel='bookmark' title='Saving a People as an &#8216;Aside&#8217;'>Saving a People as an &#8216;Aside&#8217;</a> <small>John MacArthur's comments on all good Calvinists being pre-millennial has...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_1541" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-full wp-image-1541" title="Greek NT - 1 Cor 13" src="http://julianfreeman.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Greek-NT-1-Cor-13.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Greek New Testament</p></div>
<p>Sometimes people train for a career for years only to get into it and discover it's not what they want to do. The job which once looked so appealing has turned out to be something different; something not worth the pursuit.</p>
<p>Thankfully, I can say that I've <em>never once </em>felt that about pastoral ministry.</p>
<p>Every single week my calling is confirmed by this single fact: I have the privilege of studying the Bible in-depth. Every week I study it. Every week it <em>blows my mind</em>. It never gets old. It is never exhausted.</p>
<p>Paul wrote of the Scriptures:</p>
<blockquote><p>from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3.15-17)</p></blockquote>
<p>That means that the Scriptures (1) contain the necessary wisdom for your soul to be saved, and, (2) contain all that is necessary for Christians to live the lives that God calls them to. Scriptures show us how to be saved, and how to live as one who is saved. All-sufficient. We need nothing else.</p>
<p>I've sometimes met Christians who are newer to the faith, who talk about how amazing the Bible is as they are discovering it in all its richness. I smile and think to myself, 'You ain't seen nothing yet.' The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of all the riches and treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God. Search deep, search hard, search long, search in faith and it is certain you will find him on every page.</p>
<p>Sometimes I sit in my office and wonder how in the world it could possibly be that God has blessed me, of all people, with the profound pleasure and duty of studying this <em>glorious </em>book. Since planting GFC Don Mills nothing has impressed me more than the majesty of God's wisdom and and the magnitude of his grace as I have seen them in the Bible. I feel that I am just beginning to taste <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/delight-word-god" target="_blank">the wondrous delights that the Psalmist wrote of in Psalm 119</a>.</p>
<p>In this book, like nowhere else, do we see the over-arching purposes of God for creation, the exacting demands of his justice, the longsuffering nature of his patience and mercy, the unimaginable love of a Father willingly crushing his Son, his passion for the sanctification of his people, and the indescribable holiness that undergirds every thought, word, and action of God. Here is other-worldly wisdom on display in the unfolding narrative of the history of created, fallen, and finally redeemed humanity. Here is sovereignty and power like we could not imagine in the servant who shows his strength in his suffering. Here is our God.</p>
<p>Of course, it shouldn't come as any surprise that God's words amaze us. The first thing our God does in history is <em>speak words. </em>And when he sends his Son into the world as his most perfect revelation, he is known as <em>the Word of God</em>. So of course, the words which are breathed-out by the Spirit of God to testify to the revelation of the Father in the Son will be compelling like nothing else ever written. And that's exactly what this book is.</p>
<p>I wish I had spent more of my first 30 years studying this book. If God grants me more years of life, I pray they will all be spent tenaciously pursuing him where he may be found: in this book.</p>
<p><em>------------</em></p>
<p><em>** This is written as part of the series <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/tag/30-for-30">30 for 30: Reflections on Life at My 30th Birthday</a> **</em></p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/growing/mindblowing-soulsaving-bible">The Mind-Blowing, Soul-Saving Bible</a></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2009' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2009'>Bible Reading Plan for 2009</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2010' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2010'>Bible Reading Plan for 2010</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/saving-a-people-as-an-aside' rel='bookmark' title='Saving a People as an &#8216;Aside&#8217;'>Saving a People as an &#8216;Aside&#8217;</a> <small>John MacArthur's comments on all good Calvinists being pre-millennial has...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Reading Leviticus</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/reading-leviticus</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/reading-leviticus#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:02:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leviticus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[OT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reading]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://julianfreeman.ca/?p=816</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you're on my Bible reading plan (there are at least two of you that I know of ) or any other similar plan, there's a good chance you're finding yourself smack-dab in the middle of Leviticus right now. That's not an easy place to be. For most Christians, the new year's zeal and the [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/reading-leviticus">Reading Leviticus</a></p>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/thoughts-on-reading-the-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='Thoughts on Reading the Psalms'>Thoughts on Reading the Psalms</a> <small>Here are just a few things that I find helpful...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2009' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2009'>Bible Reading Plan for 2009</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2010' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2010'>Bible Reading Plan for 2010</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you're on <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2009" target="_self">my Bible reading plan</a> (there are at least two of you that I know of <img src='http://julianfreeman.ca/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> ) or any other similar plan, there's a good chance you're finding yourself smack-dab in the middle of Leviticus right now. That's not an easy place to be.</p>
<p>For most Christians, the new year's zeal and the intruiging narrative which kept us on schedule through Genesis and the first half of Exodus has lost its power. Somewhere around Exodus 25, when Moses was receiving the instructions for the building of the tabernacle, it became tough-sledding. </p>
<p>Do we really need to read it all? What difference do all these laws make to us now? Was it really a temptation for them to boil a young goat in its mother's milk? Why did God inspire <em>this</em>? These are all questions that plague us as many of us find it hard to make it through this section of Scripture.</p>
<p>Here are three things I've found helpful for getting through:</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1433502410?tag=dietofbookwor-20" target="_blank"><strong>Buy an ESV Study Bible</strong></a>. This is going to sound funny, but it's not intended to be: There are pictures in this Bible. It seriously helps. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. I feel like I understand the layout of the tabernacle better now than after any other time making it through Exodus. </li>
<p><br/></p>
<li><strong>Look for Patterns</strong>. When going through a book like Leviticus, it is easy to get caught up in the details and miss the big point. For example, did you notice any recurring phrases as you read through the last 3/4 of Leviticus? From chapter 11 on the phrase 'I am the Lord' is repeated 49 times. That's significant. You'll want to read the book noticing those kinds of patterns and asking, 'Why is this said <em>so many times</em>?' That will help you understand the book as a whole.</li>
<p><br/></p>
<li><strong>Read it as Literature</strong>. While there are so many lists of laws, they are not randomly strewn together. There are particular narrative incidents given in between particular laws and commands. Why? What's the point in putting <em>that particular story</em> right where it is, after <em>that particular event</em>? Those are the types of questions that will help you benefit from Leviticus, because they'll keep you focused on big picture issues, rather than particular case laws.</li>
</ol>
<p>And don't give up! Keep on going! Every single word that is there is God-breathed, and it is all useful. The soul who perseveres will be blessed!</p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/reading-leviticus">Reading Leviticus</a></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/thoughts-on-reading-the-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='Thoughts on Reading the Psalms'>Thoughts on Reading the Psalms</a> <small>Here are just a few things that I find helpful...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2009' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2009'>Bible Reading Plan for 2009</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2010' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2010'>Bible Reading Plan for 2010</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/reading-leviticus/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>18</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Bible Reading Plan for 2009</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2009</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2009#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:06:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://julianfreeman.ca/?p=758</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little while as a Christian can look back at their lives and recognize that the seasons of life when they've known the most blessing are those seasons when they've been most faithful to read through the Bible. That's certainly been the case for me! You look [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2009">Bible Reading Plan for 2009</a></p>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2010' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2010'>Bible Reading Plan for 2010</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2011' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2011'>Bible Reading Plan for 2011</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/reading-leviticus' rel='bookmark' title='Reading Leviticus'>Reading Leviticus</a> <small>If you're on my Bible reading plan (there are at...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little while as a Christian can look back at their lives and recognize that the seasons of life when they've known the most blessing are those seasons when they've been most faithful to read through the Bible. That's certainly been the case for me!</p>
<p>You look at life through an altogether different set of eyes when your mind is being renewed and transformed by the word of God.</p>
<p>I was somehwhat surprised to find out this past week that some of my friends were still looking for a suitable Bible reading plan for 2009. I was happy to print off for them my plan, when they asked. Since there were more than one or two interested, I thought that it might be helpful to some others, so I'm going to post it here. </p>
<p>There are two versions, one for reading through the Bible on your own, and one for reading through the Bible with your spouse.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/Reading%20Through%20the%20Bible%20(2009).pdf" target="blank">Reading Through the Bible (2009)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/Reading%20Through%20the%20Bible%20(2009)%20for%20Couples.pdf" target="blank">Reading Through the Bible (2009) for Couples</a></li>
</ul>
<p>While there are certainly myriads of Bible reading plans out there, I've found this one pretty helpful. Here are some of the features of it.</p>
<ul>
<li>You will find that you are reading through the OT on your own, and the NT together (if you do the couples plan)</li>
<li>OT prophets are placed in (roughly) where they would have ministered chronologically. This helps break up the monotony of reading through huge chunks of narrative and prophets, by intermixing the two. It also helps you realize the context for the prophets. </li>
<li>The NT is organized into bodies of literature. Beginning with Luke-Acts, you read through material written for Gentile audiences. Then you read Matthew and the other books written particularly for Jews. Next there is Mark and Peter, and finally, the Johannine body of literature. </li>
</ul>
<p>Overall, the variety and structure helps to 'change things up' enough that it doesn't feel like every other time you've tried to read through the Bible.</p>
<p>Let me know if you've got any questions / comments / suggestions for improving the plan for next year!</p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2009">Bible Reading Plan for 2009</a></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2010' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2010'>Bible Reading Plan for 2010</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/bible-reading-plan-2011' rel='bookmark' title='Bible Reading Plan for 2011'>Bible Reading Plan for 2011</a> <small>Pretty much any Christian who has lived for a little...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/reading-leviticus' rel='bookmark' title='Reading Leviticus'>Reading Leviticus</a> <small>If you're on my Bible reading plan (there are at...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Preaching the Word and People&#8217;s Needs</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/preaching/preaching-word-peoples</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/preaching/preaching-word-peoples#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:36:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[preaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holy Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TBS]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://julianfreeman.ca/?p=715</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This semester I was able to take Homiletics 2 at TBS. I have much to learn and much room to grow in the realm of preaching, so I was happy to take this course. One of the great conversations we had in class this year was on the topic of the need to be preaching [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/preaching/preaching-word-peoples">Preaching the Word and People&#8217;s Needs</a></p>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/church/when-christians-hear-the-word' rel='bookmark' title='When Christians Hear the Word'>When Christians Hear the Word</a> <small>Sometimes I think I brag about the work that God...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/delight-word-god' rel='bookmark' title='Delight and the Word of God'>Delight and the Word of God</a> <small>Warning: If you look down at the text below, you...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/hearing-gods-word' rel='bookmark' title='Hearing God&#8217;s Word'>Hearing God&#8217;s Word</a> <small>It seems to me to be an incredible blessing to...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This semester I was able to take Homiletics 2 at <a href="http://tbs.edu" target="_blank">TBS</a>. I have much to learn and much room to grow in the realm of preaching, so I was happy to take this course.</p>
<p>One of the great conversations we had in class this year was on the topic of the need to be preaching <em>the Word of God</em> rather than <em>opinions</em> or <em>topics</em> that may or may not relate to the revealed truth of the Word.</p>
<p>Over the course of the conversation, Dr Penhearow pointed out this pastoral bit of wisdom that I've thought about much ever since:</p>
<blockquote><p>The needs of the congregation may in fact be different than even they think.</p></blockquote>
<p>The point is this: Only God the Spirit, who searches hearts, knows our needs. Sometimes in the midst of our problems we think we know what we need; in reality, however, only God knows. If we, as pastors, try to interpret people's lives so as to determine what they 'need' to hear, we'll get it wrong.</p>
<p>If we can't discern the needs of our own heart, how can we hope to do just that for the congregation we don't know as well as ourselves?</p>
<p>If, however, we preach the God-inspired Word, then God will be faithful to address his people's needs. He knows them already and he has given the Word precisely to meet those needs. When we preach the Word of God, the Spirit of God will accomplish all the purposes of God in the people of God. </p>
<p>As preachers, all we need to do is 'eat the scroll.' God will apply according to his grace and the needs of his people. There is no promise in Scripture that God will work through my thoughts according to his will; there are plenty of promises in Scripture that God will work through his Word. </p>
<p>That's our hope as preachers--that God would work, because only he sees true needs.</p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/preaching/preaching-word-peoples">Preaching the Word and People&#8217;s Needs</a></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/church/when-christians-hear-the-word' rel='bookmark' title='When Christians Hear the Word'>When Christians Hear the Word</a> <small>Sometimes I think I brag about the work that God...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/delight-word-god' rel='bookmark' title='Delight and the Word of God'>Delight and the Word of God</a> <small>Warning: If you look down at the text below, you...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/hearing-gods-word' rel='bookmark' title='Hearing God&#8217;s Word'>Hearing God&#8217;s Word</a> <small>It seems to me to be an incredible blessing to...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Delight and the Word of God</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/delight-word-god</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/delight-word-god#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Delight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Core Values]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psalms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://julianfreeman.ca/?p=693</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Warning: If you look down at the text below, you may see sheer volume and be tempted to not bother reading this post. The point of blogs is to appeal to people with short attention spans--this I know. But, let me urge you to read on through the end of this post. Any post I [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/delight-word-god">Delight and the Word of God</a></p>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/thoughts-delight-part-2' rel='bookmark' title='Some More Thoughts on Delight, Part 2'>Some More Thoughts on Delight, Part 2</a> <small>This, of course, is following up on yeterday's post, and...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/thoughts-delight' rel='bookmark' title='Some More Thoughts on Delight'>Some More Thoughts on Delight</a> <small>Over the next couple of days, I'm hoping to toss...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/hearing-gods-word' rel='bookmark' title='Hearing God&#8217;s Word'>Hearing God&#8217;s Word</a> <small>It seems to me to be an incredible blessing to...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Warning: </strong>If you look down at the text below, you may see sheer volume and be tempted to not bother reading this post. The point of blogs is to appeal to people with short attention spans--this I know. But, let me urge you to read on through the end of this post.</p>
<p>Any post I would write that's this long probably isn't worth your time. But this is merely a collection of verses from Psalm 119. These are words that God himself has spoken; they are worth your time.</p>
<p>In thinking about delight this week, I came to read Psalm 119, and was amazed by what I saw. </p>
<p>Have you ever considered the relationship between the Word of God (your Bible) and delight? David did. At length.</p>
<p>Read the verses below and watch how his affections (his emotions, his passions) are stirred by the Scriptures. Does this reflect your heart? I know I've got a long way to go. But man, was this a blessing to think about!</p>
<p>--------</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup>14</sup> In the way of your testimonies I <em>delight </em>as much as in all riches.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>16</sup> I will <em>delight </em>in your statutes; I will not forget your word.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>20</sup> My soul is consumed with <em>longing </em>for your rules at all times.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>24</sup> Your testimonies are my <em>delight</em>; they are my counselors.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>35</sup> Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I <em>delight </em>in it.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>40</sup> Behold, I <em>long </em>for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>43</sup> And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my <em>hope </em>is in your rules.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>46</sup> I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,  <sup>47</sup> for I find my <em>delight </em>in your commandments, which I <em>love</em>.  <sup>48 </sup>I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I <em>love</em>, and I will meditate on your statutes.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>49</sup> Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me <em>hope</em>.  <sup>50</sup> This is my <em>comfort </em>in my affliction, that your promise gives me <em>life</em>.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>52</sup> When I think of your rules from of old, I take <em>comfort</em>, O LORD.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>69</sup> The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;  <sup>70</sup> their heart is <em>unfeeling </em>like fat, but I <em>delight</em> in your law.  <sup>71</sup> It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.  <sup>72</sup> The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>74</sup> Those who fear you shall see me and <em>rejoice</em>, because I have <em>hoped </em>in your word.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>81</sup> My soul <em>longs </em>for your salvation; I <em>hope </em>in your word.  <sup>82</sup> My eyes <em>long </em>for your promise; I ask, "When will you comfort me?"</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>92</sup> If your law had not been my <em>delight</em>, I would have perished in my affliction.  <sup>93</sup> I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me <em>life</em>.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>97</sup> Oh how I <em>love </em>your law! It is my meditation all the day.</p>
<p>Ps 119  <sup>103</sup> How <em>sweet </em>are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 111 </sup>Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the <em>joy </em>of my heart.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 113 </sup>I hate the double-minded, but I <em>love </em>your law. <sup> 114 </sup>You are my hiding place and my shield; I <em>hope </em>in your word.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 119 </sup>All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I <em>love </em>your testimonies.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 123 </sup>My eyes <em>long </em>for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 127 </sup>Therefore I <em>love </em>your commandments above gold, above fine gold.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 131 </sup>I open my mouth and <em>pant</em>, because I <em>long </em>for your commandments.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 136 </sup>My eyes shed streams of <em>tears</em>, because people do not keep your law.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 139 </sup>My <em>zeal consumes me</em>, because my foes forget your words. <sup> 140 </sup>Your promise is well tried, and your servant <em>loves </em>it.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 143 </sup>Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my <em>delight</em>.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 147 </sup>I rise before dawn and cry for help; I <em>hope </em>in your words. <sup> 148 </sup>My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 158 </sup>I look at the faithless with <em>disgust</em>, because they do not keep your commands.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 161 </sup>Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart <em>stands in awe</em> of your words. <sup> 162 </sup>I <em>rejoice </em>at your word like one who finds great spoil. <sup> 163 </sup>I hate and <em>abhor</em> falsehood, but I <em>love </em>your law.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 165 </sup>Great peace have those who <em>love </em>your law; nothing can make them stumble. <sup> 166 </sup>I <em>hope </em>for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments. <sup> 167 </sup>My soul keeps your testimonies; I <em>love them exceedingly</em>.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 171 </sup>My lips will pour forth <em>praise</em>, for you teach me your statutes. <sup> 172 </sup>My tongue will <em>sing </em>of your word, for all your commandments are right.</p>
<p>Ps 119 <sup> 174 </sup>I <em>long </em>for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my <em>delight</em>.</p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/delight-word-god">Delight and the Word of God</a></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/thoughts-delight-part-2' rel='bookmark' title='Some More Thoughts on Delight, Part 2'>Some More Thoughts on Delight, Part 2</a> <small>This, of course, is following up on yeterday's post, and...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/delight/thoughts-delight' rel='bookmark' title='Some More Thoughts on Delight'>Some More Thoughts on Delight</a> <small>Over the next couple of days, I'm hoping to toss...</small></li>
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</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Thinking About How You Read</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/thinking-about-how-you-read</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/thinking-about-how-you-read#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:42:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[James]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reading]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://julianfreeman.ca/?p=245</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A few years back I was struck by the realization that the way I read the Bible was being handicapped by the way the pages were laid out. Here are just a few examples. The pages are laid out in columns. What other book is laid out like that? When I read the Bible, I [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/thinking-about-how-you-read">Thinking About How You Read</a></p>

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<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/sermons/thinking-and-feeling-with-god' rel='bookmark' title='Thinking and Feeling with God'>Thinking and Feeling with God</a> <small>It seems that the Psalms are the centre of much...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/reading-leviticus' rel='bookmark' title='Reading Leviticus'>Reading Leviticus</a> <small>If you're on my Bible reading plan (there are at...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A few years back I was struck by the realization that the way I read the Bible was being handicapped by the way the pages were laid out. Here are just a few examples.</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The pages are laid out in columns</span>. What other book is laid out like that? When I read the Bible, I was subconsciously aware I was reading the Bible, and that affected the manner in which I read. It occurred to me that I couldn't <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> read the letters like they are letters or the stories like they are stories because I was thinking 'this is the Bible' while I was reading.</li>
<p> </p>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">There are chapter and verse numbers everywhere</span>. This means that all the problems from above apply, and more. Now I'm subconsciously inserting breaks in thought in wherever there are numbers on the page. But the writers of the Bible didn't put the numbers there, and so very often the numbers are in awkward spots, creating divisions where there shouldn't be one. I wasn't seeing connections between sentences and paragraphs because my eyes were reading artificial breaks into the text.</li>
<p> </p>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">There are paragraph headings</span>. While these are sometimes useful if I'm trying to find something in a hurry, they are a pain more often than not. They tell me the point of what I'm about to read before I read it--which necessarily limits my own ability to process the text and analyze it on my own, which would result in better learning, and longer-lasting ability to recall what I've read.</li>
<p> </p>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The spelling is wrong</span>. This only applies to those of us north of the border, and you can call me crazy or say I have OCD or whatever, but I do notice when a book spells words the American way (i.e. 'Savior' instead of 'Saviour'). It just catches my eye and distracts me.</li>
</ul>
<p>And then on top of these things, there is never enough room on a page of the Bible to write any good notes or draw lines connecting thoughts, or things like that.</p>
<p>So what have I done about it? I've taken matters into my own hands and created my own Bible. Sacrilegious as it sounds... it's not. I go to <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/" target="blank">the ESV website</a>, adjust the preferences so that it doesn't show chapter &amp; verse numbers or paragraph headings, and then display a whole book. Copy and paste that into your word processor with Canadian spell check and bingo-bango, there ya go.</p>
<p>Once the doc is in your word processor, you can lay it out on the page however you want. I generally will do 1.5 line spacing, and leave large margins on the top, bottom, and sides of the page. Hit 'print' and you've got your own copy of the book to read, mark-up, and learn from.</p>
<p>Try it once and I <span style="font-style: italic;">guarantee</span> it changes the way your read the book.</p>
<p>The way you lay out the words on the page will have a lot to do with your personality and the way you like to read and mark-up your Bible, so try a few different ways. Think hard about what distracts you from focusing on the words on the page and try to eliminate those to enhance your ability to freely read and understand the biblical text.</p>
<p>The only thing you need to do is respect copyright laws. Don't distribute copies of your books. I think you're okay to do this for your own personal use though (from the little I understand of copyright laws).</p>
<p>I've uploaded a couple pages of the book of James of my version, so that you can see it, if you like. I've only done the first little bit of the book here though, because I can't reproduce more than 50% of the book.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gfcto.com/images/A%20Call%20to%20Consistency.pdf" target="blank">Download the pdf of the first part of James.</a></p>
<p>Let me know if you meet with any success!</p>
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<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/thinking-about-how-you-read">Thinking About How You Read</a></p>
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<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/hearing-gods-word' rel='bookmark' title='Hearing God&#8217;s Word'>Hearing God&#8217;s Word</a> <small>It seems to me to be an incredible blessing to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/sermons/thinking-and-feeling-with-god' rel='bookmark' title='Thinking and Feeling with God'>Thinking and Feeling with God</a> <small>It seems that the Psalms are the centre of much...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/reading-leviticus' rel='bookmark' title='Reading Leviticus'>Reading Leviticus</a> <small>If you're on my Bible reading plan (there are at...</small></li>
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		<title>Psalm 16</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/psalm-16</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/psalm-16#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:54:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psalms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[David]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Israel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Worship]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://julianfreeman.ca/?p=242</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a previous post I suggested a four-level approach to interpreting some of the Psalms along the lines of redemptive-history. Here I hope to model that in an abbreviated form, using Psalm 16. 1. Read the Psalm as David sings. David cries to God as king of God's people, in dependence on him alone. As [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/psalm-16">Psalm 16</a></p>

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<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/let-scripture-say-what-scripture-says' rel='bookmark' title='Let Scripture Say What Scripture Says'>Let Scripture Say What Scripture Says</a> <small>I love Scripture because it boldly declares. It doesn't go...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/sermons/thinking-and-feeling-with-god' rel='bookmark' title='Thinking and Feeling with God'>Thinking and Feeling with God</a> <small>It seems that the Psalms are the centre of much...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In a <a href="http://reformedandbaptist.blogspot.com/2008/07/redemptive-historical-approach.html" target="blank">previous post</a> I suggested a four-level approach to interpreting some of the Psalms along the lines of redemptive-history. Here I hope to model that in an abbreviated form, using <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Psalm+16" target="blank">Psalm 16</a>.</p>
<p><strong> 1. Read the Psalm as David sings.</strong><br />
David cries to God as king of God's people, in dependence on him alone. As leader of the people his delight is in the saints (the holy ones). As their leader he won't participate in the worship of idols which leads only to destruction. Rather, he will worship and follow the Lord, because in him he has beautiful inheritance (the promise of a son to sit on his throne). As a man after God's own heart, David could indeed rejoice in the counsel and leading of the Lord. He knew that as a follow of Yahweh, he would not be abandoned to utter destruction, but that the Lord would finally redeem him. He looked forward to the 'pleasures forevermore' in the presence of God.</p>
<p><strong> 2. Read the Psalm as Israel sings.</strong><br />
The righteous of the people of Israel would rejoice that their king called on the Lord for help, and they would follow his example. The warnings of verse four (sorrows for following another God) contrasted with the promises of verses five and six (joy in God) served as general admonitions to each other to follow hard after their God, since there was no joy to be found elsewhere. As a people they could rejoice in the inheritance of the land that they had been promised. The Lord had given them his counsel in Torah and said he would dwell in their midst if they followed him. As a promise of God, they knew that the 'holy one' (those who were righteous) would not be abandoned by God in death, but would be saved from judgement.</p>
<p><strong> 3. Read the Psalm as Jesus sings.</strong><br />
In his human life, Jesus continually and perfectly sought refuge in his Father. The life that he had in himself was the Father's life, the words that he spoke were the Father's words, and the works that he did were what he saw the Father doing. He takes delight in the saints (the righteous) who hear his word and believe. He would not give in to the idolatry of the world, but perfectly fulfil the law in a perfectly pure life. His chosen portion and his lot were the person of his Father, through the mediation of the Spirit--his food and drink was to do the Father's will. In a truer sense than any mere human could ever know, when Jesus spent whole nights in prayer he could sing 'the Lord gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.' Because God was at his right hand, he was not finally shaken--even through all his suffering. His faith in his Father did not waver, so he was glad and rejoiced, knowing that his soul and flesh would be secure in the end. As Paul saw in Acts 13.35, this generic 'holy one' who would not be abandoned is specifically and ultimately fulfilled in <span style="font-style: italic;">the 'Holy One'</span> who is Messiah, crucified and then resurrected. He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life endured the cross for the joy that was set before him--he can sing more than any other: 'in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.' He can sing this as the one who has entered into God's presence in a way that none of us ever have or could.</p>
<p><strong> 4. Read the Psalm as Christians sing.</strong><br />
God, in Christ, is our only refuge from sin, Satan, and death. We have nothing but sin apart from the work of the Spirit of Christ, which he sent. The 'saints' are those who have been sanctified (set apart) by Christ's blood--and in our church we delight. We know that the sorrows of those who run after other gods will multiply because we have seen the ultimate sorrow for sin: the cross of Christ. We know that God is for us, and we know we have a glorious inheritance in Christ: we have been blessed with all the blessings of the heavenly places, and God didn't spare even his own Son, so how will he now <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> freely also give us all things? If he is for us, who can be against us? We surely cannot be shaken, because Christ was not and cannot be forsaken--we are ultimately secure. Since 'the Holy One' was not forsaken, we know that his 'holy ones' will not be forsaken; he has gone before us to make a way. Christ has secured for us pleasure forevermore and fulfilment of joy because he has prayed for us, that we would be with him, where he is, to see his glory and not die. There is therefore now no condemnation, but only joy in the presence of God.</p>
<p>What a glorious thought! What great reasons to sing!</p>
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<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/psalm-16">Psalm 16</a></p>
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		<title>A Redemptive-Historical Approach</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-redemptive-historical-approach</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-redemptive-historical-approach#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psalms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://julianfreeman.ca/?p=239</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I thought that this morning I could offer another method I enjoy using while meditating on the Psalms. I don't really have a name for it, but it takes a sort of Redemptive-Historical approach. Using this method I'll read through the Psalm on four levels--which usually means reading through the Psalm at least a few [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-redemptive-historical-approach">A Redemptive-Historical Approach</a></p>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-friday-meditation-on-the-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='A Friday Meditation on the Psalms'>A Friday Meditation on the Psalms</a> <small>In keeping with our current theme, I wanted to post...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/psalm-16' rel='bookmark' title='Psalm 16'>Psalm 16</a> <small>In a previous post I suggested a four-level approach to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/sermons/thinking-and-feeling-with-god' rel='bookmark' title='Thinking and Feeling with God'>Thinking and Feeling with God</a> <small>It seems that the Psalms are the centre of much...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I thought that this morning I could offer another method I enjoy using while meditating on the Psalms. I don't really have a name for it, but it takes a sort of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Redemptive-Historical</span> approach. Using this method I'll read through the Psalm on four levels--which usually means reading through the Psalm at least a few times.</p>
<p>One mistake I've seen people make a lot of times is try to jump straight from the Psalmist's experience to their own. While this can be done <span style="font-style: italic;">sometimes</span> without doing harm to the text, I think it generally misses the point of the Psalm, which is always to illustrate some truth about God, and how to live under his revelation (which, for the Christian, is often different than it was for David).</p>
<p>So here's what I do. Read through the Psalm once as <span style="font-weight: bold;">David</span> (or whoever the psalmist is). Think through his experience and his actual life situation (especially if there's an ascription). What did these words mean to him, in that moment of his life? This step seems overly simple, but it's something we often overlook in our rush to apply the text to ourselves. We forget that there was an actual psalmist who actually lived, who actually went through the things he's writing about. We don't want to forget that.</p>
<p>Second, I read through the Psalm from the perspective of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Israel</span>. This book was their collection of worship songs. How would they have sung these songs over the different periods of their history? Think through the stages of Israel's development, decadence, destruction, and return from exile? How would these words have taken on new life for them as they clung to the deliverance of God that they had seen (the Exodus) and the promises of God for the future for hope, salvation, a land, the presence of God, etc. Put yourself in their shoes and think through these words and they take on new life.</p>
<p>Third, read the Psalm as if it is a prayer of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jesus</span>. Now, we want to be careful here because not <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> of the words of the Psalm may rightly be seen as Christ's. Confessions of sin and the like must be seen as the words of the psalmist and those who followed him only. This shouldn't stop us from seeing the heart of Christ in the Psalms, though. Very often, as David pours out his heart (which is a heart after God's), it reflects Christ's own situation and feelings very well. This is typology at its greatest! David's words are <span style="font-style: italic;">fulfilled</span>--their meaning is 'filled up'--by Christ's experience. At the same time, they are <span style="font-style: italic;">heightened </span>(e.g. if it was true for David that he was hated without cause, how much more for Christ!), and <span style="font-style: italic;">crystallized </span>(e.g. Psalm 69.21: 'for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink'). The Great King who really has the heart of God, who was known as a man of prayer, who was a Warrior in the truest sense, who was ultimately hated without a cause and betrayed by his friends is Jesus. He ultimately fulfils the Psalms.</p>
<p>Finally, we get to <span style="font-weight: bold;">us</span>. How do the Psalms relate to us? They apply to us as followers of the one who has fulfilled them. Jesus taught that those who follow him will be associated with him, and therefore suffer persecution for righteousness' sake. Where the Psalms speak of forgiveness, atonement, the presence of God, the temple of God, we know even better than the psalmist how we ought to rejoice because of these things! The psalmist knew that the Lord made atonement for sins (Ps 65.3), but we know <span style="font-style: italic;">how</span> he has done it! What the psalmist looked to and hoped in as promise, we look back on Christ and see as <span style="font-style: italic;">fulfilled promise</span>. Our God has kept his word, and so our hope is sure. Even more than the psalmist ever could we can rightly call our God our hope, strength, shelter, tower, and refuge.</p>
<p>For the sake of length, I'll end here and hopefully give a concrete example from a Psalm soon.</p>
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<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-redemptive-historical-approach">A Redemptive-Historical Approach</a></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-friday-meditation-on-the-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='A Friday Meditation on the Psalms'>A Friday Meditation on the Psalms</a> <small>In keeping with our current theme, I wanted to post...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/psalm-16' rel='bookmark' title='Psalm 16'>Psalm 16</a> <small>In a previous post I suggested a four-level approach to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/sermons/thinking-and-feeling-with-god' rel='bookmark' title='Thinking and Feeling with God'>Thinking and Feeling with God</a> <small>It seems that the Psalms are the centre of much...</small></li>
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		<title>A Friday Meditation on the Psalms</title>
		<link>http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-friday-meditation-on-the-psalms</link>
		<comments>http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-friday-meditation-on-the-psalms#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Julian Freeman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fulfillment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psalms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fulfilment]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[In keeping with our current theme, I wanted to post something on interpreting the Psalms today. That being said, I am scrambling to get up to the cottage, so I didn't have time to write something new and thoughtful. But I came across this in my journal from a while ago, and it 'just happened' [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-friday-meditation-on-the-psalms">A Friday Meditation on the Psalms</a></p>

Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/thoughts-on-reading-the-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='Thoughts on Reading the Psalms'>Thoughts on Reading the Psalms</a> <small>Here are just a few things that I find helpful...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/bob-kauflin-on-david-powlison-on-the-imprecatory-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='Bob Kauflin on David Powlison on the Imprecatory Psalms'>Bob Kauflin on David Powlison on the Imprecatory Psalms</a> <small>Bob Kauflin (lead worshiper at Covenant Life Church) has posted...</small></li>
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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_smsC-mDlffA/SG2Jt1S-vWI/AAAAAAAADh4/0QwJRXZ9vXA/s1600-h/P1050410.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218978963686079842" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_smsC-mDlffA/SG2Jt1S-vWI/AAAAAAAADh4/0QwJRXZ9vXA/s200/P1050410.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a>In keeping with our current theme, I wanted to post something on interpreting the Psalms today. That being said, I am scrambling to get up to the cottage, so I didn't have time to write something new and thoughtful. But I came across this in my journal from a while ago, and it 'just happened' to be a meditation on one of the Psalms I'm reading today.</p>
<p>This is a model, but not an explanation, of one method that I've found helpful in interpreting and applying the Psalms to my heart. I pray through the Psalm using the <span style="font-weight: bold;">'How Much More'</span> method.</p>
<p>The Psalms are reflections on living life before God under the law. They are offerings of praise and prayer to the God who has revealed himself in the Old Covenant. We, however, worship God in the New Covenant, so our worship--while it is still to the same God--is more informed, because God has been ultimately revealed in Christ. Our praise and prayer, then, must be a reflection of living life under the New Covenant.</p>
<p>The 'How Much More' method just finds a place where God has revealed an attribute of himself, or where the psalmist speaks of the deliverance or judgement of God, and says: 'If this was true for them, how much more have we seen this in the New Covenant, now that Christ has come.'</p>
<p>What follows below is a journal entry. It's a personal meditation from Psalm 34. Please only take it for what it's worth. I highly recommend you read the Psalm before reading the prayer below.</p>
<p>-------</p>
<p>The psalmist makes his boast in the Lord and admonishes the humble because he has been humbled. He was delivered by the Lord's mercy through his humiliation. How <span style="font-style: italic;">could </span>he be proud? How <span style="font-style: italic;">could </span>he boast of delivering himself by his might, worth, or wisdom? Far be it from me to boast of my salvation and my deliverance when I was humbled far beyond him.</p>
<p>David declares that he sought the Lord in his fears--and not without tears--and that God heard him and saved him from all his troubles. What were David's troubles but earthly concerns and cares for his life? My God, these are dire, but what of my soul? If David should cry and seek with tears, then how much more should I? David was afraid of those who could kill the body, but I am numb to the fear of him who could destroy body <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> soul.</p>
<p>David found God's deliverance super-abundant. The Angel of the Lord encamped and delivered him from his greatest needs. Therefore, he admonishes me today to taste and see. What can he mean by this except that I should call on the Lord in my fears and tears, even as he had done? He is confident of this: having tasted, none will be disappointed.</p>
<p>How true have I found this? Millions have called on the Lord in their distress and not been disappointed. The Angel of the Lord--Jesus Christ, God himself--encamps around me, delivering not just my body, but my soul from its greatest enemies: sin and death.</p>
<p>And now, Lord, I pray that in my current need, I would still find that as I taste, I find you good. My God, in your grace, be my delight, be my joy, be my soul's rest. For you alone are Delight, Joy, and Sabbath. I know this because I have tasted.</p>
<p>To what shall I compare this heart of mine which restlessly seeks its joy? It is like a cup that must be filled by either air or liquid. As the filling of a cup with coffee expels the air, so my desire for you--when it fills my heart--expels every earthly desire.  Likewise, if I fill my cup with air, it necessarily means there is no liquid present. My heart cannot be full of you and desires for this world, its toys, and its pleasures.</p>
<p>Or perhaps these things may be compared to a man's appetite. Lord, I know that the only thing limiting my joy is my capacity for experiencing you. Just as a man at a buffet is limited only by the size of his stomach, so I find that my joy is only limited by my finite capacity for you who are Joy.</p>
<p>How can a man increase his joy in you? Only by experiencing you. As a man increases his appetite over time by eating, so my capacity for joy will only increase as I fill myself continually with you and your joy.</p>
<p>What a marvellous thought! I can taste and see, eat my fill, be completely satisfied in my eating, and all the while find that I am increasing my capacity for the joy I'll find in you tomorrow. No wonder David says, 'Taste and see..'.</p>
<p>The discipline of regularly finding my joy in God today is an investment. It secures a supply of joy for tomorrow. What a glorious God!</p>
<p>But then, how tragic to waste today...</p>
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<p>Post from: <a href="http://julianfreeman.ca">Julian Freeman</a><br/><br/><a href="http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/a-friday-meditation-on-the-psalms">A Friday Meditation on the Psalms</a></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/thoughts-on-reading-the-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='Thoughts on Reading the Psalms'>Thoughts on Reading the Psalms</a> <small>Here are just a few things that I find helpful...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/scripture/bob-kauflin-on-david-powlison-on-the-imprecatory-psalms' rel='bookmark' title='Bob Kauflin on David Powlison on the Imprecatory Psalms'>Bob Kauflin on David Powlison on the Imprecatory Psalms</a> <small>Bob Kauflin (lead worshiper at Covenant Life Church) has posted...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://julianfreeman.ca/bible/cottage-meditation-psalm-19' rel='bookmark' title='A Cottage Meditation on Psalm 19'>A Cottage Meditation on Psalm 19</a> <small>Being at the cottage is good for me. I have...</small></li>
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