Constitution

Join Dr. George Grant as he talks about how Nathaniel Ranew improved  his life of solitude through meditaion. 

Join Dr. George Grant as he talks about how Nathaniel Ranew improved  his life of solitude through meditaion.

ShelfLife - Nathaniel Ranew

Walter Hooper, the executor of C.S. Lewis’ literary estate maintained that The Aboli- tion of Man was “an all but indispensable intro- duction to the entire corpus of Lewisiana.” Lewis himself revealed that it was “almost my favorite among my books.” Indeed, he referred to it again and again in virtually all of his later works—he says That Hideous Strength is “a novelization of its essential thesis” and the first four chapters of Mere Christianity “operate in effect, as a simpli- fied version or beginners’ guide to Abolition.” But, the average Evangelical reader today would be justifiably baffled by this notion: the book, despite its many pithy epigrammatic quotes, seems to be arcanely philosophical and morosely pessi- mistic.

Walter Hooper, the executor of C.S. Lewis’ literary estate maintained that The Aboli- tion of Man was “an all but indispensable intro- duction to the entire corpus of Lewisiana.” Lewis himself revealed that it was “almost my favorite among my books.” Indeed, he referred to it again and again in virtually all of his later works—he says That Hideous Strength is “a novelization of its essential thesis” and the first four chapters of Mere Christianity “operate in effect, as a simpli- fied version or beginners’ guide to Abolition.” But, the average Evangelical reader today would be justifiably baffled by this notion: the book, despite its many pithy epigrammatic quotes, seems to be arcanely philosophical and morosely pessi- mistic.

3. Shelf Life - Abolition of Man

Join Dr. Grant as he shows how  Sick Heart River turns the adventure yarn into a spiritual quest with an authority that few have ever rivalled.

Join Dr. Grant as he shows how  Sick Heart River turns the adventure yarn into a spiritual quest with an authority that few have ever rivalled.

Shelf Life - Sick Heart River

 Shelf Life - 7-19 - The Pastor of Kilsyth  When we talk about Scotland’s Reformation and journey into freedom, names like John Knox, Richard Cameron and Thomas Chalmers easily come to mind. No doubt, they were mighty men of God called and chosen to serve as men who ushered the nation into a greater place of blessing. A reality that changed the world. But have you ever wondered about the pastors who filled the pulpits of the land? The army of men whose “common place” ministries were the meat and drink of parishes of Caledonia? Join Dr. Grant as he introduces you to The Pastor of Kilsyth by Islay Burns, a behind the scenes look into the ordinary ministry of a typical servant of God in Scotland - the spiritual boots on the ground. This look into the ministry of a “common pastor” is nothing short of extraordinary.   

<ol> <li>Shelf Life - 7-19 - The Pastor of Kilsyth <ol> <li>When we talk about Scotland’s Reformation and journey into freedom, names like John Knox, Richard Cameron and Thomas Chalmers easily come to mind. No doubt, they were mighty men of God called and chosen to serve as men who ushered the nation into a greater place of blessing. A reality that changed the world. But have you ever wondered about the pastors who filled the pulpits of the land? The army of men whose “common place” ministries were the meat and drink of parishes of Caledonia? Join Dr. Grant as he introduces you to The Pastor of Kilsyth by Islay Burns, a behind the scenes look into the ordinary ministry of a typical servant of God in Scotland - the spiritual boots on the ground. This look into the ministry of a “common pastor” is nothing short of extraordinary.</li> </ol> </li> </ol>

The Shelf Life - 1: The Pastor of Kilsyth

The StandFast Cast is back with Episode 114 - Maintaining Joy! Come along with Dr. Grant and his amazing wife Karen as they explore the topic of how joy thrives when we learn to never cease amazement at the good, regular and "ordinary" provisions of God for our lives. Gifts that are so amazing, rich and full that they are the sustenance of life from God!

The StandFast Cast is back with Episode 114 - Maintaining Joy! Come along with Dr. Grant and his amazing wife Karen as they explore the topic of how joy thrives when we learn to never cease amazement at the good, regular and "ordinary" provisions of God for our lives. Gifts that are so amazing, rich and full that they are the sustenance of life from God!

114. Maintaining Joy

Join George &amp; Karen from their snow surrounded study as they discuss the wonderful virtue of a healthy &amp; strong mind through rich, deep and regular reading!

Join George &amp; Karen from their snow surrounded study as they discuss the wonderful virtue of a healthy &amp; strong mind through rich, deep and regular reading!

113. Balanced Reading 

Join in with Dr. Grant and Ernie as they delve into a delightful topic to kick off 2022 - Stirling Bridge Book Club’s January focus, Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton. You don’t want to miss this!

Join in with Dr. Grant and Ernie as they delve into a delightful topic to kick off 2022 - Stirling Bridge Book Club’s January focus, Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton. You don’t want to miss this!

112. Chesterton's Orthodoxy

Join Karen and I for an honest, open and hope-filled conversation on navigating grief during Christmas that will help encourage your heart and inspire you to connect with the Lord and covenant community so you don’t walk this path alone. Christmas cheer is for real life, and has the greatest comforts and medicines for our souls!

Join Karen and I for an honest, open and hope-filled conversation on navigating grief during Christmas that will help encourage your heart and inspire you to connect with the Lord and covenant community so you don’t walk this path alone. Christmas cheer is for real life, and has the greatest comforts and medicines for our souls!

111. Grieving At Christmas - George & Karen - Holidays Part 3 of 4

Join Karen and I for a delightful discussion on how we plan and prepare for a productive, God-glorifying future that not only gives helpful "marching orders" for productivity but also for family, fun and slowing your year down as you fill it with purpose and stewardship and escape the "tyranny of the urgent".

Join Karen and I for a delightful discussion on how we plan and prepare for a productive, God-glorifying future that not only gives helpful "marching orders" for productivity but also for family, fun and slowing your year down as you fill it with purpose and stewardship and escape the "tyranny of the urgent".

110. New Year Planning - Holidays Pt. 2

Dr. George's Grant's weekly podcast designed to equip &amp; encourage you to live forward by anchoring to our spiritual &amp; historical roots... for more information go to www.StandFast.life

I loved Dr. Grant’s articles when he wrote for World Magazine! I love his word play on World’s podcast. His podcast is even better because it’s informative from the Christian life to great books! Love hearing his wife and his enthusiasm for books!

Great podcast!

Too addictive. Too good. Too wonderful. George has become my constant companion anytime I drive. I wish I could subscribe to everything George Grant and listen while driving. I am on the road more than two hours per day. I could have a college education in the Word Of God like this.

Archcutter

The StandFast Cast

SF 34- What discipleship is

On this episode, George and Karen Grant discuss the patterns habits they’ve developed for morning devotions. In particular, they discuss the way the Psalms can provide just exactly the right instruction, inspiration, and insight needed for almost any situation or circumstance. Karen describes her “deep dive” into the Psalms using Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s magisterial work, “The Treasury of David.

On this episode, George and Karen Grant discuss the patterns habits they’ve developed for morning devotions. In particular, they discuss the way the Psalms can provide just exactly the right instruction, inspiration, and insight needed for almost any situation or circumstance. Karen describes her “deep dive” into the Psalms using Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s magisterial work, “The Treasury of David.

SF 23- How to have morning devotions

When you open the Keystones book, you’ll notice that there’s a two-page spread for each chapter of the Bible. The left side contains three Reflection steps; the right side contains three Respond steps. Over the next few talks, we’ll discuss each of the six steps, as they’re based on a historical method of reading Scripture known as the Lectio Divina— that is, Divine (Divina) Reading (Lectio). The first step in this “Divine Reading” is to first read… not with the end to apply or do any other thing, but to dive in and observe what’s been written and transmitted to us through the ages. As you read the Gospel chapter (Lectio), what do you observe?. Are there repeated words, noteworthy images, strong verbs, Old Testament allusions, unusual vocabulary, names, places, promises, commands, or warnings?. Take note of these and write them down. This is the first step in Divine Reading…

When you open the Keystones book, you’ll notice that there’s a two-page spread for each chapter of the Bible. The left side contains three Reflection steps; the right side contains three Respond steps. Over the next few talks, we’ll discuss each of the six steps, as they’re based on a historical method of reading Scripture known as the Lectio Divina— that is, Divine (Divina) Reading (Lectio). The first step in this “Divine Reading” is to first read… not with the end to apply or do any other thing, but to dive in and observe what’s been written and transmitted to us through the ages. As you read the Gospel chapter (Lectio), what do you observe?. Are there repeated words, noteworthy images, strong verbs, Old Testament allusions, unusual vocabulary, names, places, promises, commands, or warnings?. Take note of these and write them down. This is the first step in Divine Reading…

Lectio = Read (Lectio Divina #1 of 6)

Thomas Chalmers

In this episode, George reintroduces us to one of his heroes in the faith, Thomas Chalmers. And, he talks about a new project on the horizon- the Keystones project.  Here’s the background… Thomas Chalmers (March 17, 1780 – May 31, 1847) was born during a season in Scotland in which the church was largely lifeless and dry. Iain Murray is the preeminent Christian historian and biographer of the last generation and the founder of Banner of Truth. He writes- When Chalmers was born in 1780 it was about the deadest time in the history of the Church of Scotland since the Reformation. When he died in 1847 it was about the livest. The difference was almost entirely attributable to the Spirit’s work through him. Chalmers trained a generation of leaders, radically altering the spiritual, moral, and political climate of Scotland. Kelton McFee, a Free Church of Scotland pastor and professor, said- Scotland is now filled with men- and England more than a few such- who never weary in giving utterance to their feelings when they speak of those times of happy excitement when they spent in the presence of Dr. Chalmers in Moral Philosophy or Theology in the class room while the great man himself held the mind and the soul all present in his powerful grasp. In as much as he sent forth over its surface a body of men, who if they turn not aside from the path that he sent them forward may, and with God’s help will, bring about the Christian regeneration of Scotland. For now every part has a young, would-be Chalmers. Whereas humanism often suggests methods of “doing” before “believing,” Chalmers insisted the Biblical paradigm is “believe before do.” He wrote- On the system of “Do this and live,” no peace, and even no true obedience, can ever be attained. It is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” When this belief enters the heart, joy and confidence enter along with it. The righteousness we try to work out for ourselves eludes our important grasp, and never can a soul arrive at a true and permanent rest in the pursuit of this object. In placing belief at the forefront, Chalmers echoed Jesus’ words from John 6:29- “This is the work of God, that you believe…” Right believing always leads to righteous living. A behavior problem is a belief problem.  ***** Links for this show- Download the Keystones introduction at www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones  Take a peak inside Geroge’s library at www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/Library 

In this episode, George reintroduces us to one of his heroes in the faith, Thomas Chalmers. And, he talks about a new project on the horizon- the Keystones project.  Here’s the background… Thomas Chalmers (March 17, 1780 – May 31, 1847) was born during a season in Scotland in which the church was largely lifeless and dry. Iain Murray is the preeminent Christian historian and biographer of the last generation and the founder of Banner of Truth. He writes- When Chalmers was born in 1780 it was about the deadest time in the history of the Church of Scotland since the Reformation. When he died in 1847 it was about the livest. The difference was almost entirely attributable to the Spirit’s work through him. Chalmers trained a generation of leaders, radically altering the spiritual, moral, and political climate of Scotland. Kelton McFee, a Free Church of Scotland pastor and professor, said- Scotland is now filled with men- and England more than a few such- who never weary in giving utterance to their feelings when they speak of those times of happy excitement when they spent in the presence of Dr. Chalmers in Moral Philosophy or Theology in the class room while the great man himself held the mind and the soul all present in his powerful grasp. In as much as he sent forth over its surface a body of men, who if they turn not aside from the path that he sent them forward may, and with God’s help will, bring about the Christian regeneration of Scotland. For now every part has a young, would-be Chalmers. Whereas humanism often suggests methods of “doing” before “believing,” Chalmers insisted the Biblical paradigm is “believe before do.” He wrote- On the system of “Do this and live,” no peace, and even no true obedience, can ever be attained. It is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” When this belief enters the heart, joy and confidence enter along with it. The righteousness we try to work out for ourselves eludes our important grasp, and never can a soul arrive at a true and permanent rest in the pursuit of this object. In placing belief at the forefront, Chalmers echoed Jesus’ words from John 6:29- “This is the work of God, that you believe…” Right believing always leads to righteous living. A behavior problem is a belief problem. ***** Links for this show- Download the Keystones introduction at <a href="http://www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones</a> Take a peak inside Geroge’s library at <a href="http://www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/Library" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/Library</a>

SF 29- Thomas Chalmers & how to forge a living faith

In this stand-alone talk, George talks about the electoral college— and why we need it. Daniel Noor, a friend who is helping edit an updated edition of George’s book about the voting process in America joins this one, bringing his unique perspective as well. In the end, George reminds us that we don’t merely want a civics lesson (even though democracy matters). Rather, we want to live ALL of live under the kingship of Jesus— including how we govern our collective society. Listen in. This one is timely and relevant, particularly as we enter another voting season just as the role of President has been decided multiple times— in recent years— by the electoral college rather than merely the “popular vote.” _____ More at https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF57 

In this stand-alone talk, George talks about the electoral college— and why we need it. Daniel Noor, a friend who is helping edit an updated edition of George’s book about the voting process in America joins this one, bringing his unique perspective as well. In the end, George reminds us that we don’t merely want a civics lesson (even though democracy matters). Rather, we want to live ALL of live under the kingship of Jesus— including how we govern our collective society. Listen in. This one is timely and relevant, particularly as we enter another voting season just as the role of President has been decided multiple times— in recent years— by the electoral college rather than merely the “popular vote.” _____ More at <a href="https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF57" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF57</a>

Why We Need the Electoral College

George and Karen look back at one of their favorite projected from two decades ago. They share what lessons they’ve learned in the intervening years--and how they might approach those books if they were to write them today. 

George and Karen look back at one of their favorite projected from two decades ago. They share what lessons they’ve learned in the intervening years--and how they might approach those books if they were to write them today.

SF 44- Experience (George & Karen)

The One who can create mountains and stars and fish and birds and everything else with a word- or even heal the sick by saying so- can certainly “snap His fingers” and adjust reality… But He often doesn’t. Exodus 13:17-18… tells us that when the Children of Israel left Egypt, God INTENTIONALLY took them- here’s the quote- “the long way.” He reasoned that if they went the “short way,” straight through the Philistines country (think: David vs. Goliath), they would have shuddered. They hadn’t seen war, so they would have returned to slavery. So, He led them straight towards the Red Sea and right into the wilderness (yes, all of THAT- yet, the long way- was EASIER than the short way). And, the long way equipped them for things they didn’t yet possess… In this episode of the podcast, George tells us how the Lord pulled together fragments of his story- which may have seemed disconnected at one time- together into a solid story of redemption. With the Father, we’re always right where we need to be. Even if it seems like we took the long way to get there.    _____ Links for this episode Download the Keystones PDF free at www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones

The One who can create mountains and stars and fish and birds and everything else with a word- or even heal the sick by saying so- can certainly “snap His fingers” and adjust reality… But He often doesn’t. Exodus 13:17-18… tells us that when the Children of Israel left Egypt, God INTENTIONALLY took them- here’s the quote- “the long way.” He reasoned that if they went the “short way,” straight through the Philistines country (think: David vs. Goliath), they would have shuddered. They hadn’t seen war, so they would have returned to slavery. So, He led them straight towards the Red Sea and right into the wilderness (yes, all of THAT- yet, the long way- was EASIER than the short way). And, the long way equipped them for things they didn’t yet possess… In this episode of the podcast, George tells us how the Lord pulled together fragments of his story- which may have seemed disconnected at one time- together into a solid story of redemption. With the Father, we’re always right where we need to be. Even if it seems like we took the long way to get there. _____ Links for this episode Download the Keystones PDF free at <a href="http://www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones</a>

SF 41- The Long Way Still Gets You There (George’s Story, part 5)

Revelation 12 tells us that we overcome the enemy by two things: the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony (12:10). So, we decided to pull back the curtain for a few weeks and talk to George about his story. Turns out, George grew up in a highly moral home- one where right was always taught over wrong. But, it was spiritually void. Despite that, though, George tells us that he felt the same sense that George Whitfield often likened to a “peculiar stirring.” In this talk George talks with us about his early days at the high school assembly where he heard an evangelist speak of the Gospel, he takes us to a stadium revival, and he walks us to the discount table at a Christian bookstore where he encountered a few books that changed the trajectory of his life- and even marked his future ministry.   _____ Links for this episode Books mentioned in this talk: Charles Spurgeon, The Soul Winner- https://amzn.to/34aO8BM  Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor- https://amzn.to/34aO8BM  Download the Keystones PDF free at www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones 

Revelation 12 tells us that we overcome the enemy by two things: the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony (12:10). So, we decided to pull back the curtain for a few weeks and talk to George about his story. Turns out, George grew up in a highly moral home- one where right was always taught over wrong. But, it was spiritually void. Despite that, though, George tells us that he felt the same sense that George Whitfield often likened to a “peculiar stirring.” In this talk George talks with us about his early days at the high school assembly where he heard an evangelist speak of the Gospel, he takes us to a stadium revival, and he walks us to the discount table at a Christian bookstore where he encountered a few books that changed the trajectory of his life- and even marked his future ministry. _____ Links for this episode Books mentioned in this talk: Charles Spurgeon, The Soul Winner- <a href="https://amzn.to/34aO8BM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/34aO8BM</a> Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor- <a href="https://amzn.to/34aO8BM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/34aO8BM</a> Download the Keystones PDF free at <a href="http://www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones</a>

SF 37- Conversion (George’s Story, part 1)

Grace Redeems

Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us that grace not only saves us but that it also orchestrates as series of incredible opportunities for us to walk towards, sacred spaces where the Lord promises to use us for our good and His glory. In this talk we talk through some of the strangest moments in George’s ministry, those times when seemingly random happenstance encounters with others proved to be those precise moments when grace penned the script, when the Author and Finisher of the story brought new characters into the story that only He could bring. This leads us to the genesis of Franklin Classical School, a seminary in Iraq, a school in Indonesia, and more… In the end, it all comes down to one of George’s key phrases- and bits of advice he passes to others- “Do the next right thing.”   _____ Links for this episode Download the Keystones PDF free at www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones  

Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us that grace not only saves us but that it also orchestrates as series of incredible opportunities for us to walk towards, sacred spaces where the Lord promises to use us for our good and His glory. In this talk we talk through some of the strangest moments in George’s ministry, those times when seemingly random happenstance encounters with others proved to be those precise moments when grace penned the script, when the Author and Finisher of the story brought new characters into the story that only He could bring. This leads us to the genesis of Franklin Classical School, a seminary in Iraq, a school in Indonesia, and more… In the end, it all comes down to one of George’s key phrases- and bits of advice he passes to others- “Do the next right thing.” _____ Links for this episode Download the Keystones PDF free at <a href="http://www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones</a>

SF 40- Grace Redeems All Things (George’s Story, part 4)

The final step of Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to memorize the key verse of the chapter we’re studying. We hide it in our heart, recognizing that memorized Scripture was the exclusive means people throughout history have had to carry the Word with them. As you allow the verse to take root in your soul, continue contemplating… How does this verse seem to summarize the chapter?. How does the verse fit into the overall narrative arc of the book up to this point? In what ways does hiding this verse in our hearts shape us more and more in the image of Christ our Savior? This is all part of the Lectio Divina.

The final step of Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to memorize the key verse of the chapter we’re studying. We hide it in our heart, recognizing that memorized Scripture was the exclusive means people throughout history have had to carry the Word with them. As you allow the verse to take root in your soul, continue contemplating… How does this verse seem to summarize the chapter?. How does the verse fit into the overall narrative arc of the book up to this point? In what ways does hiding this verse in our hearts shape us more and more in the image of Christ our Savior? This is all part of the Lectio Divina.

Memoria = Memorize (Lectio Divina #6 of 6)

After reading the passage (Lectio), the second step in Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to think through what the chapter is teaching (Meditatio). What does it mean?. How should it be understood?. How should the passage be interpreted?. Is it primarily indicative (helping us to see something) or imperative (commanding us to do something)? Reflect and journal your insights.

After reading the passage (Lectio), the second step in Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to think through what the chapter is teaching (Meditatio). What does it mean?. How should it be understood?. How should the passage be interpreted?. Is it primarily indicative (helping us to see something) or imperative (commanding us to do something)? Reflect and journal your insights.

Meditatio = Think (Lectio Divina #2 of 6)

As we launch into the new year, we talk about one of the trends that always happens anytime we flip the number in the calendar… Namely, people begin showing up at the gym. What can we learn from them? Well, first, showing up is important. But, second, if you show up without a plan, you’re probably not going to continue showing up for too long. Enter this discussion about “ruts,” about finding a plan and getting into a groove. Face it, most of the time we think of “ruts” as things we want to avoid. But what if we could find a righteous rut, a good groove that makes everything supernaturally easier and far more robust? In this episode of the Standfast-cast we launch a new series about these “righteous ruts.” More importantly, we talk about how to create one.  Two options 1 John 2:15 gives us the best way to do to this. There, the Apostle tells us not to love the things in the world. There are two ways to do this: First, we can oppose everything that’s bad. That is, we can choose the negative way. The problem is that, like you’ve probably heard before, “Two negatives only equal a positive in math.” As George says, “You can’t fight something with nothing.” That leads us to the second option… Second, we can embrace that which is the best. That is, we can choose the positive way. Referring to Thomas Chalmers’ sermon, The Expulsive Power of a New Affection, George notes that we can run from the world OR we can run TO our Father. That is, we can allow our hearts to embrace a new affection, a greater grace, something more worthy. When we do this, our palette changes. We transform. We crave the spiritual. So, schedule. Make the time to “show up,” just like the people in the gym do at the beginning of every new year. And then look for a grace-filled rut to fall into… In this next episode, we’ll outline what that rut might look like….   ____ Links for this episode: Go to George’s website: www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones - when you purchase the 3-part volume we’ll send you the Expulsive Power of a New Affection (digital version) totally free. Apple Podcasts- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-standfast-cast/id1448007323 Google Play- https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&amp;isi=691797987&amp;ius=googleplaymusic&amp;apn=com.google.android.music&amp;link=https://play.google.com/music/m/Ifv6ckyjzsg2glq7xqwjjmyqaei?t%3DThe_StandFast_Cast%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16 Stitcher- http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=347205&amp;refid=stpr

As we launch into the new year, we talk about one of the trends that always happens anytime we flip the number in the calendar… Namely, people begin showing up at the gym. What can we learn from them? Well, first, showing up is important. But, second, if you show up without a plan, you’re probably not going to continue showing up for too long. Enter this discussion about “ruts,” about finding a plan and getting into a groove. Face it, most of the time we think of “ruts” as things we want to avoid. But what if we could find a righteous rut, a good groove that makes everything supernaturally easier and far more robust? In this episode of the Standfast-cast we launch a new series about these “righteous ruts.” More importantly, we talk about how to create one. Two options 1 John 2:15 gives us the best way to do to this. There, the Apostle tells us not to love the things in the world. There are two ways to do this: First, we can oppose everything that’s bad. That is, we can choose the negative way. The problem is that, like you’ve probably heard before, “Two negatives only equal a positive in math.” As George says, “You can’t fight something with nothing.” That leads us to the second option… Second, we can embrace that which is the best. That is, we can choose the positive way. Referring to Thomas Chalmers’ sermon, The Expulsive Power of a New Affection, George notes that we can run from the world OR we can run TO our Father. That is, we can allow our hearts to embrace a new affection, a greater grace, something more worthy. When we do this, our palette changes. We transform. We crave the spiritual. So, schedule. Make the time to “show up,” just like the people in the gym do at the beginning of every new year. And then look for a grace-filled rut to fall into… In this next episode, we’ll outline what that rut might look like…. ____ Links for this episode: Go to George’s website: <a href="http://www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.GeorgeGrant.net/keystones</a> - when you purchase the 3-part volume we’ll send you the Expulsive Power of a New Affection (digital version) totally free. Apple Podcasts- <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-standfast-cast/id1448007323" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-standfast-cast/id1448007323</a> Google Play- <a href="https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&amp;isi=691797987&amp;ius=googleplaymusic&amp;apn=com.google.android.music&amp;link=https://play.google.com/music/m/Ifv6ckyjzsg2glq7xqwjjmyqaei?t%3DThe_StandFast_Cast%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&amp;isi=691797987&amp;ius=googleplaymusic&amp;apn=com.google.android.music&amp;link=https://play.google.com/music/m/Ifv6ckyjzsg2glq7xqwjjmyqaei?t%3DThe_StandFast_Cast%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16</a> Stitcher- <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=347205&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=347205&amp;refid=stpr</a>

Righteous Ruts  (Habits of Holiness #1 of 4)

Chalmers felt-  It is not possible to maintain orthodoxy through induction. Instead, orthodoxy must naturally be deductive- rooted in the rightful elucidation of the Holy Scriptures. Herein is the first principle of ecclesiology. So, Chalmers endeavored to expose men and women to the Word of God. Further, he labored to create a tool whereby the could bury the Word deep in their hearts. Chalmers, a mathematician, took a very systematic approach:  He read the entire New Testament multiple times. He chose what he believe to be the key verse in each chapter. He encouraged students and parishioners to memorize that verse, which became known as the keystone.   The result was a summary of the New Testament which provided a rich theology, covering all the major themes of the written text. When Chalmers finished compiling the verses, he recalled-  I finished this day my perusal of the New Testament by daily chapters, in which my object was to commit striking passages to memory.I mean to begin its perusal anew, in which this object shall be revised, and the object of fixing upon one sentiment of the chapter for habitual and recurring contemplation through the day shall be added to the former. Over time, the keystone verse- to Chalmers- changed. Depending on the depth of his theology, the dynamic of his relationship with the Lord, and the season of life in which he found himself, the Word illumined itself in different capacities.  This was to be expected, though. For, as Hebrews tells us (4:12)-  … the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Paul reminds us that as we behold Christ- the living expression of the written Word- we find ourselves in the process of being transformed more and more like Him- so much so that encountering Him becomes increasingly more as if we observe ourselves in a mirror (2 Corinthians 3:18):   And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. James reminds us that doing the Word is the natural overflow of encountering it (James 1:23-25):  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. This all begins with belief, though, which manifests spontaneously as we encounter the Word.     ***** Links for this show-  Download the Keystones introduction at www.GeorgeGrant.net/Keystones Take a peak inside Geroge’s library at www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/Library

Chalmers felt-  It is not possible to maintain orthodoxy through induction. Instead, orthodoxy must naturally be deductive- rooted in the rightful elucidation of the Holy Scriptures. Herein is the first principle of ecclesiology. So, Chalmers endeavored to expose men and women to the Word of God. Further, he labored to create a tool whereby the could bury the Word deep in their hearts. Chalmers, a mathematician, took a very systematic approach: <ol> <li>He read the entire New Testament multiple times.</li> <li>He chose what he believe to be the key verse in each chapter.</li> <li>He encouraged students and parishioners to memorize that verse, which became known as the keystone. </li> </ol> The result was a summary of the New Testament which provided a rich theology, covering all the major themes of the written text. When Chalmers finished compiling the verses, he recalled-  I finished this day my perusal of the New Testament by daily chapters, in which my object was to commit striking passages to memory.I mean to begin its perusal anew, in which this object shall be revised, and the object of fixing upon one sentiment of the chapter for habitual and recurring contemplation through the day shall be added to the former. Over time, the keystone verse- to Chalmers- changed. Depending on the depth of his theology, the dynamic of his relationship with the Lord, and the season of life in which he found himself, the Word illumined itself in different capacities.  This was to be expected, though. For, as Hebrews tells us (4:12)-  … the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Paul reminds us that as we behold Christ- the living expression of the written Word- we find ourselves in the process of being transformed more and more like Him- so much so that encountering Him becomes increasingly more as if we observe ourselves in a mirror (2 Corinthians 3:18):   And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. James reminds us that doing the Word is the natural overflow of encountering it (James 1:23-25):  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. This all begins with belief, though, which manifests spontaneously as we encounter the Word. ***** Links for this show-  Download the Keystones introduction at <a href="http://www.GeorgeGrant.net/Keystones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.GeorgeGrant.net/Keystones</a> Take a peak inside Geroge’s library at <a href="http://www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/Library" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/Library</a>

SF 30- Thomas Chalmers' step-by-step method to apply the New Testament

George and Karen Grant discuss the books they are currently reading. Karen is reading: “A Year with Peter Drucker” (Harper), “Coming Clean” by Kimberly Rae Miller (Houghton Mifflin), “Learning Evangelism from Jesus” by Jerram Barrs (Crossway), “Patina Living” by Brooke and Steve Gianetti (Gibbs Smith), and “Unnatural Causes” by P.D. James (Faber and Faber). George is reading: “Esther” by Joyce Baldwin (IVP), “Lotharingia” by Simon Winder (Farrar, Straus, Giroux), “Remembering Belloc” by James Schall (St. Augustine), and “Four Princes” by John Julius Norwich (Atlantic Monthly).

George and Karen Grant discuss the books they are currently reading. Karen is reading: “A Year with Peter Drucker” (Harper), “Coming Clean” by Kimberly Rae Miller (Houghton Mifflin), “Learning Evangelism from Jesus” by Jerram Barrs (Crossway), “Patina Living” by Brooke and Steve Gianetti (Gibbs Smith), and “Unnatural Causes” by P.D. James (Faber and Faber). George is reading: “Esther” by Joyce Baldwin (IVP), “Lotharingia” by Simon Winder (Farrar, Straus, Giroux), “Remembering Belloc” by James Schall (St. Augustine), and “Four Princes” by John Julius Norwich (Atlantic Monthly).

SF 26- What we’re reading

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