The Sovereignty of God and the Death of Lauren Hymer

This past June, on Father's Day weekend, Lauren Hymer, the 21 year old daughter of Donny & Lori Hymer was killed in an automobile accident. Donny has been the Music Pastor of Wyatt Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas since 1992. My dear friend, Scott Attebery, is the pastor of Wyatt Baptist Church. In the July edition of "The Witness Newsletter" (Wyatt's monthly publication), Pastor Scott attempted the difficult task of addressing the sovereignty of God and the death of Lauren Hymer in a short, one page article.

I think he did quite well.

The reformers of the 16th century birthed the phrase, "Soli Deo Gloria," which means "for the glory of God alone!" Since that time, this monumental statement has been the cry of all God-centered theology. It is for this very reason that the writers of the Westminster Confession of Faith wrote that the chief end of man is "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

As Paul says in I Corinthians 10:31, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I Peter 4:11 says, "Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever."

Because our church places such a great emphasis on the glory of God in all things, I couldn’t help but ask myself two questions in light of Lauren Hymer’s death: 1) How will this glorify God? 2) If God does all things for His glory, how will this fact comfort the Hymers?

The answer to the first question is both plentiful and difficult. There are numerous ways that we have already witnessed God’s glory in this time of loss. When members of Wyatt poured out their love on Donny, Lori, and Wesley, through visits, cards, memorials, yard work, food, house cleaning, funeral preparations, hugs, and words of encouragement, God’s glory was revealed. When we reflect on the sanctifying work of Christ in Lauren’s life, we praise God. When we see the strength displayed in the Hymers, we marvel at God’s grace. Of course, we will never know all of the ways God uses Lauren’s death for His own purposes. Further, it is both impossible and foolish to speculate all of the specific reasons for such an event to occur.

The difficulty in answering this first question lies in the fact that every ounce of glory God receives is echoed by the pain experienced by the Hymers. In other words, it seems peculiar to focus on God’s glory in an event when the same event produces grief and sorrow.

This leads us to the more difficult question, "If God does all things for His glory, how will this fact comfort the Hymers?" At first glance, it seems cold that in their time of grief God would have the audacity to think about His glory. However, it is in this fact alone that we may find the greatest comfort. Because God is glorified in Lauren’s death, we can be confident that she did not pass away in vain (Psalm 116:15). Here we see the love of God: that in glorifying Himself, he points all who mourn to their only source of hope: Himself.

Although we don’t pretend to understand God’s mysterious purposes, we are comforted in the fact that there is a purpose. Without a sovereign God who is concerned with His glory, all things are meaningless -and that would be a tragedy. Instead, even through the pain and sorrow, we have every reason to proclaim, "Soli Deo Gloria."

Scott, Adam Thomas (Pastor to Family Ministries) and Donny are doing a great work for the Lord in El Dorado. Be sure to visit their website for some valuable articles, links, and sermon audio. And pray that God would indeed be glorified in the death of Lauren Hymer.

Chief Meets Centuri0n

Do you know what is significant about this book store? (Gary, you cannot answer!)

Give up? (That's my son, by the way, leaving the store. I caught him with a Veggie Tales DVD under his shirt.)

Here's another hint...this book store is owned by this guy (the guy on the left):

Still don't know? Alright. Kingdom Bound Christian Booksellers is owned by... Frank Turk, aka "Centuri0n".

What? Still nothing? Meaningless? Well, go here for a second, then come back.

Ok, that was Frank Turk- Centuri0n - the same Frank Turk that is a featured blogger at Pyromaniacs. I got to meet him.

Now, this wasn't quite the monumental event that took place almost a year go when Centuri0n met the Pyro. No, not that special. But special none the less - at least from my point of view.

So what afforded me the honor of meeting one of the very own Pyromaniacs? Well, several months ago, as I was planning my 6 year old son's second annual birthday trip to Siloam Springs to watch the Drum & Bugle Corps competition, I found out that Cent's (that's what all his friends call him) store was right there in Siloam Springs, so I dropped him an email & told him I'd like to stop by his business, peruse the books, and meet one of the Pyros. Check it out - he not only obliged, but immediately emailed me his phone number so I could call him when I arrived! The morning of our trip, I sent Cent another email reminding him of my intended visit...and he calls me, on the phone, to let me know when he would be in the store! I'm impressed already.

Frank was a pleasure to meet. My son really enjoyed it too - as soon as he shook Frank's hand, he made a B-line for the lego table in the back of the store.

The store was - much to my suprise - similar to any other Christian bookstore, although he didn't peddle NEAR AS MUCH "Jesus Junk" that you see everywhere else.

Frank explained to me the unavoidable dilemma of being reformed and owning a bookstore in a town that is ... well ... full of lots of non-reformed people. He has his convictions and refuses to sell anything that denies any of the fundamental doctrines that we hold so dear, and even teaches his part time help how to deal winsomely with those wanting cult literature. But, we all gotta admit, a bookstore full of Puritanical writings and the Five Points just wouldn't keep it's doors open very long. So, even though there were books that I wouldn't buy or read on his shelves, they were surrounded by other books from Piper and MacArthur and Sproul and others. I'm grateful for his ministry there in Siloam Springs. Makes me wanna open my own store. Oh, and I purchased this book on sale for $4.99!!

I took Frank a personally autographed copy of Lepine's book, The Christian Husband. Boy - talk about a risk - what book do you give to a guy who owns an entire bookstore, for crying out loud? Turns out, he doesn't have a copy! Sweet. He does now. He was grateful for the book. I heard his wife was even more so. :o)

So it was a nice trip, meeting Centuri0n & all. The DCI competition was great as well. I can't post pics of any of the corps, it's against their rules. I guess I could post this pic of my son listening to one of the drum lines practicing. But now Blogger is bugging out on me and won't let me post another picture! Arrrgh!

Thanks, Frank, for the opportunity to meet you. Keep up the work - in NW Arkansas and in the blog-o-sphere.

Now, if he would only visit my blog...

And, I was just kidding about my son lifting that DVD.

The Glory of Christ - Study Guide, Chapter Two

I've began reading through John Owen's classic, The Glory of Christ, with a couple of other guys. My desire is to create a list of study questions to help further our thinking about each chapter. I'll be posting them here, as we work our way through the book.

Feel free to use these for your own study, but include the source below, as I'm going to consider submitting these to Banner of Truth for possible publication - depending on how they turn out. I'd sure welcome your input.

These questions are based off the "Puritan Paperback" edition by Banner of Truth, which is abridged by R.J.K. Law. However, for the serious reader, the entire unabridged work can be found online here for free.

(For a Microsoft Word document of these questions, click here.)

The Glory of Christ by John Owen
Abridged by R.J.K. Law

Study Guide

Chapter Two

Christ’s Glory As God's Representation

Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 4:4 “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (ESV)

1. List as many verses as you can that show Christ to be the revelation of the Father. Commit these passages to memory for future reference.

2. What 2 things does John Owen say are included in the glory of God? State these in your own words.

3. Owen makes it clear that it is only in Christ that we see the perfect revelation of God. Explain the significance of this.

4. How has “the god of this world” tried to blind the minds of unbelievers? What are some specific ways he continues to do this today?

5. What are some of the results that Owen gives of men’s blindness toward the glory of Christ? What are some of today’s results of this blindness?

6. As a result of this blindness, men are ignorant of God. Owen suggests, that this ignorance is responsible for at least two things, what are they?

7. On page 17, Owen gives two “properties” in which God’s glory is displayed in Christ. What are they?

8. In the last full paragraph on page 20, John Owen asks a series of questions regarding the reason for our love, trust, honor and desire for Christ. Ask yourself these questions then compare your answers to the answer he suggests at the end of the paragraph.

9. What does beholding the glory of Christ have to do with becoming more like Him?

10. Owen says that the Father’s glory in Christ “is the chief, fundamental mystery and truth of the gospel, which, if it is not received and believed will make all other truths useless to our souls.” Explain how this is so.

11. List the four pieces of advice that Owen gives “to those who are strangers to this mystery yet are not enemies to it”.

12. Summarize the three implications that Owen gives at the end of chapter 2.

Copyright © 2006 Aaron S. Wilson

Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright. Other uses require written permission.

The Glory of Christ - Study Guide, Chapter One

I'm beginning to read through John Owen's classic, The Glory of Christ, with a couple of other guys. My desire is to create a list of study questions to help further our thinking about each chapter. I'll be posting them here, as we work our way through the book.

Feel free to use these for your own study, but include the source below, as I'm going to consider submitting these to Banner of Truth for possible publication - depending on how they turn out. I'd sure welcome your input.

These questions are based off the "Puritan Paperback" edition by Banner of Truth, which is abridged by R.J.K. Law. However, for the serious reader, the entire unabridged work can be found online here for free.

(For a Microsoft Word document of these questions, click here.)

The Glory of Christ by John Owen
Abridged by R.J.K. Law

Study Guide

Publisher’s Preface

1. 1. How does the publisher describe the works of John Owen?
2. 2. Who is the abridger of this text? What was his original reason for abridging "The Glory of Christ"? What study discipline(s) might we learn from his efforts?
3. 3. What were the reasons and events surrounding John Owen's life as he wrote this book?
4. 4. When did John Owen die? What do we learn from his dying words?

Chapter One
Seeing Christ’s Glory

Memory Verse:
John 17:24 “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”

1. 1. Describe the Old Testament ceremony with which John Owen opens chapter one, and it’s New Testament fulfillment.
2. 2. According to Owen, what was Christ’s “greatest desire…expressed in His prayer…” in John 17? What does he suggest is Christ’s concern in this prayer?
3. 3. In your own words, explain the illustration of the “magnetized needle” used on page 2.
4. 4. In your own words, state the “great foundational truth” given on page 2.
5. 5. Describe the relationship between unbelievers and Christ’s glory.
6. 6. List the two ways Scripture shows us “by which we may behold the glory of Christ” and verses to support this.
7. 7. What does Owen mean by this statement: “No man shall ever behold the glory of Christ by sight in heaven who does not, in some measure, behold it by faith in this world.” (pg. 4)?
8. 8. Why are icons and images insufficient for beholding Christ’s glory? How do we attempt to use physical or mental icons/images and in what ways are they insufficient? Is there idolatrous sin from which we need to repent?
9. 9. We live in an age where the arts are now included in many churches as a part of their worship experience. What warnings can be implied from Owen’s statement regarding “images, pictures and music” on page 7?
10. 10. Owen quotes John 1:14 and asks, “What was this glory of Christ which they saw, and how did they see it?” He gives 2 negative and 1 positive answer. What were his answers?
11. 11. What happens to the “beauties of this world” as we focus on the image of the glory of Christ? What worldly things and desires (they may not necessarily be inherently sinful) need to be weaned from your life? Ask God to reveal these to you. Be ready for radical amputation, if necessary (Matthew 18:7-9).
12. 12. Beginning on page 7, list as many benefits and results of beholding the glory of Christ that you can. Think about each of these benefits and how they might change your life.
13. 13. How are we made “fit” for Heaven? (See Colossians 1:11-23)
14. 14. How does the glory of Christ affect our minds?
15. 15. How do you now plan to see Christ’s glory and how will you allow this vision of His glory to change you?

Copyright © 2006 Aaron S. Wilson

Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright. Other uses require written permission.

Book Recommendations Wanted

The picture at right was posted over at Purgatorio with a link to this story of "President Bush read[ing] the inscription on a copy of Life as a Vapor, a book by John Piper, after it was presented to him by Andrew Benecke, left, and his parents Jim and Barbara Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at Lambert Field in St. Louis. Bush presented Andrew with the presidential scholarship medal. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)"

This brings up a great question to which I'll ask for your input. If you had the opportunity to meet President Bush & give him a book, what book would it be and why? AND to stir it up a bit more...what if it was President Clinton you were meeting? What book, and why?

I'll be thinking of my own answers and leave them in the comments section after reading some of yours. C'mon! It'll be fun!

Puritan Praise

Sovereign Grace ministries is putting Puritan prayers to praise. If you've read any of the prayers in the classic "Valley of Vision", and you're familiar with any of the worship music that Sovereign Grace has put out, then you'll greatly anticipate this project as much as I. From their webpage, they say,

Someone might ask, "Why produce a CD inspired by the prayers of a bunch of dead guys?" That's an easy one. Puritans like John Bunyan, Thomas Watson, Richard Baxter, and Isaac Watts knew their hearts, their Bibles, and their God much better than we do. Many of them wrote down their prayers not to be published, but to assess their own spiritual growth and to encourage themselves in times of spiritual dryness. These prayers reveal a personal, humble, passionate relationship with an awesome God, a living Savior, and an active Spirit. Reading their meditations inspires us to pursue the same level of reality as we worship God.

The songs on Valley of Vision draw from these prayers at various levels and in various ways. Some use a few phrases from a specific prayer, others develop a particular idea, and a few try to capture the original flow of thought, using many of the original words.

You can listen to song samples at the Valley of Vision website, as well as watch a short video showing some of the production elements of the project.

Not familiar with the prayers in Valley of Vision? Buy the book. Or, read many of them online for free! Do you have a favorite prayer from V of V, or a favorite quote from the prayers? Leave a comment & share it.

Oh, and hey - there's a sale at Monergism!