Author Archives: arator

About arator

Jesus is alive and the whole Bible is about Him, and I am nobody. I like to till the earth and muse over all things theological.

Hot and Dry

Posted on July 3, 2009 by arator

he spring rains are past, and the later rains have failed to come. I haven’t watered the front yard border as I should have, leaving the floral show a bit puny here lately. I decided to focus in on a … Continue reading →

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The Tongue Is Never Neutral

Posted on July 1, 2009 by arator

Here’s another quote from Respectable Sins. The thing that continues to amaze me about this small book is the powerful messages that emerge out of such simplicity. It’s not just that it is an easy read, which it is. The … Continue reading →

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Idolatry

Posted on June 30, 2009 by arator

ere’s the definition my pastor used in his message from Jeremiah 48 this past Sunday evening. God was judging Moab for, among other things, their idolatry. But we moderns aren’t guilty of such primitive nonsense. Or are we? Idolatry at … Continue reading →

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Lord’s Day 26

Posted on June 28, 2009 by arator

(Second Part: Of Man’s Redemption—Questions 12-85) 69. How is it signified and sealed unto thee in Holy Baptism, that thou has part in the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross? Thus: that Christ has appointed this outward washing with … Continue reading →

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The Golden Hour

Posted on June 26, 2009 by arator

he golden hour, sometimes referred to as the magic hour, is the first and last hours of sunlight of the day. In it you have a more narrow light range, one that your camera can cope with much better. Here … Continue reading →

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Lord’s Day 25

Posted on June 21, 2009 by arator

(Second Part: Of Man’s Redemption—Questions 12-85) 65. Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence comes this faith? The Holy Ghost works it in our hearts by the preaching of the Gospel, … Continue reading →

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Sentinels of Summer

Posted on June 19, 2009 by arator

ell, it isn’t the summer solstice yet, but it might as well be here in northeastern Oklahoma. The days are hot and muggy, and the grass has to be cut at least every ten days. So it’s summer whether the … Continue reading →

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Missing the Mark? I Don’t Think So.

Posted on June 18, 2009 by arator

My pastor has been using Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges, as a guide to a series of Wednesday-evening devotional messages. I decided to pick up a copy of the book, and have found it very helpful. Here is an early … Continue reading →

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Earthly Gifts, Happiness, and Eternity

Posted on June 15, 2009 by arator

h, there is so much here. The more I read this short bit from St. Augustine, the more I saw; about earthly happiness, the nature of the kingdom of God, the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, and on … Continue reading →

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Lord’s Day 24

Posted on June 14, 2009 by arator

(Second Part: Of Man’s Redemption—Questions 12-85) 62. But why cannot our good works be the whole or part of our righteousness before God? Because the righteousness which can stand before the judgment-seat of God must be perfect throughout and wholly … Continue reading →

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