Monthly Archives: April 2010

AVATAR: Wonderland of Postmodern Idealism

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

“So we see ourselves, (human culture, human civilization) as nature sees us; as the intruder, as the invader, as that which is threatening.” —James Cameron speaking to Charlie Rose, regarding the movie Avatar February 17, 2010.

This revealing statement illuminates one of many underlying ideologies being conveyed in the movie Avatar. Mankind (created in the image of God) is being portrayed as a tyrant determined to ruthlessly destroy planet Pandora for financial gain. The seductive beauty of Pandora is a carefully crafted illusion through the power of imagination and visualization, that beckons us to change our allegiance from human beings to alien beings called Na’vi. On Pandora, all things are possible, including philosophies subtly erecting “Fortresses” in our thinking, standing in opposition to the Word of God. Continue reading →

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The Sufferings of God’s Children

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” —Romans 8:18

Sufferings? What sufferings? Those are the sufferings mentioned in the preceding verse, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:17); Continue reading →

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TOODLE LOO TILL TUESDAY

Posted on April 25, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

Or to use a French expression… a tout a l’heure One again I’m refraining from posting articles on Justification by Grace to spend time with my family in public and private worship on Sunday and Monday. Justification by Grace will … Continue reading →

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The Gospel Synopsis

Posted on April 24, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” —Genesis 1:2, 3

In Genesis 1:2-3 we have a synopsis of the gospel: the result of the fall (v2) and the redemption in the promise (v3). We will certainly see more details of this as the narrative progresses; yet, the Bible is full of these expressions of truth: the general overview followed by details. Continue reading →

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Unto His Servant John

Posted on April 24, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:” —Revelation 1:1

Yes, this book is the revelation of Jesus Christ; it is all about the Lord; and it’s writings unveil Him and magnify Him; nevertheless, we can clearly say that the Lord’s servant, John, penned the words to this book. Just as Paul dictated to Tertius (Romans 16:22) and others, John was a scribe for the actual author, Jesus Christ. Continue reading →

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Who Would True Valour See

Posted on April 24, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” —Ephesians 6:10-12

“Who Would True Valour See” is a hymn that has also been changed in more modern times to “He Who Would Valiant Be.” Written by John Bunyan (1628-1688), this hymn first appeared in Part 2 of Mr. Bunyan’s allegorical classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress. The hymn itself is placed in the story just prior to Valiant and Great-Heart arriving at the Enchanted Ground. Continue reading →

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A Devotional Bedtime Thought

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” —Psalm 34:8

Our scheduled “Family” Bible readings today from McCheyne’s Daily Bread came from Leviticus 27 and Psalms 34.
Continue reading →

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Darkness Upon the Deep

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” —Genesis 1:2

When God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), He did not create the universe imperfectly, neither did He create it in chaos or disorder. To suggest such a far-fetched idea would contradict what was expressed in our last article. Additionally, that would run contrary to the Biblical text, as it is written in Isaiah 45:18, For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. Continue reading →

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Powerful Privilege as Joint-Heirs with Christ

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” —Romans 8:16, 17

As surrender to the Holy Spirit increases in the Christian life, the reality and certainty of this adoption is strengthened within us. Continue reading →

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Perfect Adoption as Children of God

Posted on April 22, 2010 by Jon J. Cardwell

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” —Romans 8:14-15

Our surrender to God’s power is basically the acknowledgement of the supernaturally revealed truth that we are brought into the family of God. These two verses tell us the very same thing that the prologue to John’s gospel says in John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Continue reading →

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