Mike Huckabee is still making some media rounds. Below is a clip form his recent appearance on “Morning Joe”.
I especially appreciated his comments on Obama’s speech and the reaction of Black Americans.
**I had to edit this post after reading Ben Smith’s reader’s comments on the interview. They are very enlightening. Some Democrats are surprised that a Conservative openly and genuinely expresses sympathy for the negative expereinces many black Americans have endured. Other Democrats hate him because he is a former pastor. Some Conservatives see his gracious response as a sign of liberal weakeness. Other Conserviatives see him comments as him trying to sneak into the limelight to steal McCain’s thunder, while the Mitt Romney fans continue to spew Huckabee hate. And then there were those of both sides that recognized Huckabee’s comments for what they were: the comments of a man trying to extend grace to a group of people with whom he can not persoanlly identify.
Our church will be going through a series on Luke, beginning this Sunday. I have found it helpful to spend most of my own personal study time reflecting on the content of the previous Sunday’s sermon. The preaching of the weekly sermon and the application of that sermon is one of the most overlooked means of grace available to a believer. I had been a Christian for many years before I discovered such a simple thing and have found that reflection on the sermon and endeavoring to apply it is a full-time job.
One of the tools I try to take advantage of for my study is a good commentary, especially if one by J.C. Ryle or Spurgeon is available. I have great news: a two volume commentary by Luke is available by J.C. Ryle. Here’s the catch – Crossway Commentaries has a version available, edited by Alister McGrath. I have used one of those versions and actually had a much harder time reading it than I did Ryle’s own words. I do not think that Ryle writes in a difficult manner, therefore, I would recommend sticking with the original.
For those who don’t know, J.C. Ryle is hands down, my favorite author. He is plain and nearly always addresses three categories of readers at the end of his topics: the person who is not a believer, the person who is a believer, but not walking in the truth he has just expounded upon, and lastly, the person who is walking in grace by the truth that was expounded upon. I actually have resisted reading all of Ryle to date because he is dead and will not write any more books and I really do not do well re-reading a book I have previously read (it is difficult for me to pay attention).
Today is “Good Friday”. Good Friday should never be marked with a sense of finality; instead it should be marked with a joyful expectation because we are not like the early followers of Jesus faced with uncertainty. We have absolute certainty – the cross is bare and the tomb is empty. We don’t follow a Savior who’s story ended with death, but we serve one who’s story gloriously depicts a risen and ascended King.
This Easter Hymn by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend aptly captures the glories of the crucifixion and resurrection.
See, what a morning, gloriously bright, With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem; Folded the grave-clothes, tomb filled with light, As the angels announce, “Christ is risen!” See God’s salvation plan, Wrought in love, borne in pain, paid in sacrifice, Fulfilled in Christ, the Man, For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!
See Mary weeping, “Where is He laid?” As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb; Hears a voice speaking, calling her name; It’s the Master, the Lord raised to life again! The voice that spans the years, Speaking life, stirring hope, bringing peace to us, Will sound till He appears, For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!
One with the Father, Ancient of Days, Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty. Honor and blessing, glory and praise To the King crowned with pow’r and authority! And we are raised with Him, Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered; And we shall reign with Him, For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!
Our church will be going through a series on Luke, beginning this Sunday. I have found it helpful to spend most of my own personal study time reflecting on the content of the previous Sunday’s sermon. The preaching of the weekly sermon and the application of that sermon is one of the most overlooked means of grace available to a believer. I had been a Christian for many years before I discovered such a simple thing and have found that reflection on the sermon and endeavoring to apply it is a full-time job.
