for judgment i came into this world

Jesus' words from John 9:39 are rather disturbing, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind". On the surface, these words seem to contradict what Jesus has said in a couple of other places…

In John 3:17 Jesus says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (ESV). Or again, look at what Jesus says in John 12:47, “If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” How do we reconcile these verses with the words of Jesus in John 9:39 or John 5:22: “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son” (see also 5:27, 5:30ff)?

To understand these two strands, I think we need to understand that neither the redemption of mankind nor the judgment of mankind is Jesus’ ultimate priority. His first priority is to glorify the Father. That is priority number one – every other purpose, every other goal, is subservient to that.

Now certainly the primary way in which Jesus glorifies the Father is by obediently going to the cross to redeem a God’s people. But this redemption is double edged. Jesus comes to die for his sheep and bring salvation to those who believe. This means, on the flipside, that it brings judgment and condemnation to those who do not believe. Here what Bultman says, “This is the paradox of the revelation, that in order to bring grace, it must also give offence, and so can turn to judgment. In order to be grace it must uncover sin; he who resists this binds himself to his sin, and so through the revelation sin for the first time becomes definitive”.

And I want to affirm that Jesus accomplishes his goal of glorifying the Father, both in the redemption of man and in the judgment of man. In man’s redemption, God is glorified as the merciful, gracious, kind, forgiving Savior. In sinful man’s condemnation, God is glorified as a God who keeps his promises (to punish those who do not love him), as a holy God (who cannot suffer to let sin go unpunished), as a just God, even as a wrathful God.

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone be the Glory)!

my boys

I am so proud of my boys. Caleb and Jacob have been really great with their littlest brother Luke.






They love holding him and both are being so gentle with him (we're a little suprised cause Jacob is a rough and tumble boy).






We are truly grateful, first to God for these blessings, but also to everyone who has been praying for us. Thank you.

luke elijah says hi to the world

God has blessed our family with another healthy, bright-eyed little boy [actually, quite a big boy]. Luke Elijah was born at 11am on Wednesday, Aug 30th. He weighs in at 8lbs 12oz and was 21.5 inches long.



Mom and baby are doing great. The hospital staff and doctors took great care of mom and baby. He really does have a full head of hair, like our other two, but slightly lighter.




These pictures don't capture it, but he is a tank already - Chubby cheeks, chubby legs and arms. Mom and the baby are resting well while I am at home with the boys. They were thrilled to have another brother, and glad we named him Luke. They were very sad to leave them in the hospital tonight, but hopefully we'll have the whole family home tomorrow!

Countdown to Connexion!

crazy fun!

This past week or so has been incredibly busy, but with some great fun mixed in there. For example, we had a few t-ball games. The season came to an end, and Caleb was finally hitting balls pitched to him, not just off the tee! He was so excited, and I was so proud. It was great to see his face when he hit it. Out in the field I told him to 'talk it up' with the rest of the team - you know, the 'hey batter batter batter, swing' chant. He told me he didn't want to because real baseball players dont' do that. He's right, and I can't fault him for that.


After their last game the all got trophies. Caleb was thilled - it was his "first trophy ever". The team had a party at ATA Karate - their sponsor. It included a free leason and pizza - he ate them both up. Jacob was ready to get out there and see what he could do against the punching bags. He enjoyed the pizza too.


Wedenesday I took the day off and went up to Indianapolis Children's Museum with the family. Thanks Tom and Linda. It was a blast. There was so much to see and do, the boys were in a constant frenzy. We had been to the Pittsburgh Childrens Museum, but this blows Pitts away.


Yesterday was Fathers Day, and my family made it incredible. Gifts, then church, naps, and a great dinner! Perfect day. Great week.