Crewnecks

Being Reformed should make us incredibly humble, gracious and tender-hearted, not Reformed jerks.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”(Ephesians 2:8-9)

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1 Peter 3:8)

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.”⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣― Elisabeth Elliot

Though this quote could describe any task the Lord has given to us—this is a tip of the hat to this encouraging and convicting Elisabeth Elliot quote on motherhood. What a beautiful privilege the role of mothering tiny blessings is.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

While the world sees children as a burden, a hindrance to freedom and fulfillment of dreams, the ruin of their plans, inconveniences to be rid of...we know from Scripture that this job is actually a gift.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

⁣“I am sure that, in my early youth, no teaching ever made such an impression upon my mind as the instruction of my mother; neither can I conceive that, to any child, there can be one who will have such influence over the heart as the mother who has so tenderly cared for her offspring...Never could it be possible for any man to estimate what he owes to a godly mother. Certainly I have not the powers of speech with which to set forth my valuation of the choice blessing which the Lord bestowed on me in making me the son of one who prayed for me, and prayed with me.”

-C.H. Spurgeon

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul

In the midst of uncertainty and turmoil, one constant remains...

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” —Hebrews 13:8

“One mark of truly orthodox theologians is that their writings always include expressions of doxology. Knowledge of the Lord’s character and His work should inspire heartfelt praise, for why learn about God if we are not moved to fulfill the purpose for which we are created — to worship and glorify the Creator (Isa. 43:7)? When studying theology does not prompt us to adoration, we must question whether we are more concerned to puff ourselves up with knowledge than to glorify God.

As sound theologians, the apostles could not help but include doxologies as they the divine mysteries revealed to them. Paul, for example, bursts into doxology — a word of glory to God — at several points in his epistles, including today’s passage. Having contemplated the great work of God, and prayed for us to be rooted in Christ’s love (Eph. 1:1–3:19), the apostle ends his prayer with praise to God (3:20–21). Like all words of glory, this doxology does not increase the “amount” of inherent glory our triune Creator possesses; rather, it acknowledges His worthiness and extols Him for what He has done, announcing His glories to creation (Pss. 29:2; 96:8; Isa. 42:12).”

—Ligonier

“The Five Solas are five Latin phrases that represent the core positions held by those who adhere to the Protestant Reformation that happened in the 16th century. They are more commonly recognized within the Reformed (Calvinist) perspective. They are Sola Scriptura, Sola Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Sola Deo Gloria.

1. Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone: This does not mean that tradition or councils are not considered. It means that the Scriptures alone are the final and the highest authority. Everything that the Scriptures address are to be used as the final word on that topic. All things that we learn from other sources must be compared to Scripture, and if they do not match Scripture or if they contradict Scripture, then we are not to affirm them. The Bible says not to exceed what is written, (1 Corinthians 4:6).
2. Sola Christus—Christ alone: This position means that Christ Jesus is the only means of salvation (John 14:6), the only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and that Jesus is the only human revelation of God. In other words, God has revealed himself in the person of Jesus, and no other person who's ever lived is God in flesh as Jesus is, (John 1:1, 14).
3. Sola Gratia—Grace alone: This means that we are saved from our sins and damnation by the unmerited grace of God alone without any of our works. Grace is the completely unmerited, undeserved favor of God that he bestows upon us. The grace of God is completely motivated out of his own character and is his kind intention and merciful action upon various individuals. Thus, we are saved from his righteous judgment by his unmerited and under earned favor, and there is nothing that we can or have done that can move God to be gracious to us.
4. Sola Fide—Faith alone: This means that we are saved from our sins by faith alone in Christ Alone and not by faith and anything we do whether it be baptism, church membership, good works, sincerity, or anything. God is the proper object of faith. When we have faith in the work of Christ and his sacrifice on the cross, we are justified (Romans 5:1).
5. Soli Deo Gloria—the Glory of God alone: This means that God alone is the one who is to receive all the glory. He alone is the author and finisher of our salvation and works all good things through our lives. He has revealed himself in the person of Jesus in great humility and love died on the cross, bearing our sin (1 Peter 2:24). So that we might enjoy his presence forever. We are to live for him and glorify him (Isaiah 43:7)."

—Matt Slick

“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

—Psalm 119:10-11

The world tells us to “listen to our hearts” and our feelings as the ever-changing, subjective fount of morality in which anything can be justified, uniform for no one. Instead, we rely on the Word of God as our source of truth and ultimate authority. His Word is sufficient for us!

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.” (Proverbs 14:12-13)

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:26)

This design comes from a sweet man from the church I came to Christ in as a young teenager. Whenever anyone asked how he was doing, he’d reply “better than I deserve.” He (and his family) were used by the Lord in ways that have shaped me greatly.⁣⁣
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What do you think you deserve?⁣⁣
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We obviously tend to think very highly of ourselves and what we deserve often as we covet what others have (that should be ours, right?), become jealous of others (because people should think as good, if not better, of us) and the pride and frustration with which we interact with those around us (as we know better than they do and are clearly beneath our level of understanding). And that doesn’t even touch our inclination toward self-righteousness as believers—to glory in our good deeds and puff ourselves up.⁣⁣
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What do we really deserve in the eyes of a holy God in exchange for our rebellion against Him?⁣⁣
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Romans 6:23⁣⁣
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“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”⁣⁣
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“The reason why death is the result of sin is, that sin deserves death. Death is due to it in justice. There is the same obligation in justice, that sin should be followed by death, as that the laborer should receive his wages. As it would be unjust, and therefore wrong, to defraud the laborer of his stipulated reward, so it would be unjust to allow sin to go unpunished…But the gift of God, the free, unmerited gift of God, is eternal life…Sin deserves death; holiness is itself the gift of God, and is freely crowned with eternal life. The idea of merit is everywhere and in every way excluded from the gospel method of salvation. It is a system of grace, from the beginning to the consummation. It is in Christ, as united to him, that we are made partakers of eternal life. Jesus Christ and his gospel…effectually secure what the law never could never accomplish...”⁣⁣
-Charles Hodge⁣⁣
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Praise God for His mercy—may it lead us to repentance, humility and loving obedience.

“Post tenebras lux” is a phrase in Latin from the Protestant Reformation that means “after darkness, light.”

“The phrase ‘post tenebras lux’, a rallying cry of Protestant Reformers, refers to the rediscovery of biblical truth in a time of spiritual darkness. Because the darkness of heresy and immorality constantly creeps in, the church must always be seeking to rediscover the light.”

           —Ligonier

We are in a what seems to be a corporate time of trial in the Church, a forfeiture of truth in exchange for comfort and unbiblically defined “love”. Though things appear bleak at times, Scripture tells us how the story ends and who the Victor is—we can fight the good fight knowing that.

Psalm 30:5b

“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

“Weeping may endure for a night; but nights are not for ever. Even in the dreary winter the day star lights his lamp. It seems fit that in our nights the dews of grief should fall. When the Bridegroom's absence makes it dark within, it is meet that the widowed soul should pine for a renewed sight of the Well beloved.

But joy cometh in the morning. When the Sun of Righteousness comes, we wipe our eyes, and joy chases out intruding sorrow. Who would not be joyful that knows Jesus? The first beams of the morning brings us comfort when Jesus is the day dawn, and all believers know it to be so. Mourning only lasts to morning: when the night is gone the gloom shall vanish. This is adduced as a reason for saintly singing, and forcible reason it is; short nights and merry days call for the psaltery and harp.”

         —Spurgeon

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and ball the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Hebrews 10:23-25

⁣⁣⁣⁣Be encouraged, saint—the One who calls you to obedience is the One who equips you for it. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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You may have heard the phrase “do the next thing” before—it was largely made popular by Elisabeth Elliot so she is often credited with the quote, however—she was actually quoting from a longer poem by Minne E. Paull, crediting old Saxon legend.⁣
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This is the original poem:⁣⁣⁣⁣
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“From an old English parsonage down by the sea⁣⁣⁣⁣
There came in the twilight a message to me;⁣⁣⁣⁣
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,⁣⁣⁣⁣
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.⁣⁣⁣⁣
And on through the doors the quiet words ring⁣⁣⁣⁣
Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Many a questioning, many a fear,⁣⁣⁣⁣
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.⁣⁣⁣⁣
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,⁣⁣⁣⁣
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.⁣⁣⁣⁣
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,⁣⁣⁣⁣
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Do it immediately, do it with prayer;⁣⁣⁣⁣
Do it reliantly, casting all care;⁣⁣⁣⁣
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand⁣⁣⁣⁣
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.⁣⁣⁣⁣
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,⁣⁣⁣⁣
Leave all results, do the next thing.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Looking for Jesus, ever serener,⁣⁣⁣⁣
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;⁣⁣⁣⁣
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,⁣⁣⁣⁣
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,⁣⁣⁣⁣
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.⁣⁣⁣⁣
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.”⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Philippians 4:13-14⁣⁣⁣⁣
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“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Whenever a believing friend loses a baby, the first thought that comes to mind is how that baby, no matter how long he or she was carried in her womb, was loved. In a world where babies and children are not cherished by their mothers/parents, what a beautiful thought—that their baby was loved and wanted every moment of his or her life. This is a testament to the value, sanctity and love of life Scripture instilled in their hearts that brings awe and thankfulness for those godly parents.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16

 “It is a covenant of pure grace. There was nothing in Noah why God should make a covenant with him…He was one of the best of men; but the best of men are but men at the best, and can have no claim upon the favour of God. He was saved by faith as the rest of us must be, and faith we all know is inconsistent with any claim of merit... As a preacher of righteousness he understood well enough that on grounds of justice he had no claim upon the Most Holy God, and he would not venture to plead any merit of his own. But out of pure favour—just as out of the mountain’s side the sparkling fountain gushes freely without the labour or art of man, so this covenant of sparing mercy sprang spontaneously from the overflowing, ever bounteous and loving heart of God.”

--Spurgeon on Genesis 9:16, “The Rainbow”

We live in a world where the rainbow does not exist in the minds of men as representing the truth we see in God’s Word—instead representing love of sin and self.

Our hope is that the Lord may give you (and your children!) opportunities to share the goodness of God in his mercy to grant faith to those who repent and believe in Christ with this design—highlighting his kindness to extend mercy and grace to sinners. It was purposely designed to graciously share the truth of what the rainbow does represent in a sea of people that may have never heard or seen it apart from “pride”.

Genesis 8:21a-b

“…the LORD said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth…”

Genesis 9:11-17

“”I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:  I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.  When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.  When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.’  God said to Noah, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.’”

Romans 5:8

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”