Christian doctrine

Hi Everyone, I hope your advent season is going well. I just posted a comment responce to T on my liberalism rant. Today I am writing a bit on Christian doctrine. First in Christian doctrine you need a good Bible translation. There are a few translations that I use. The New American Standard Version is a good translation(NAS). At times it is kinda wooden. The Revised Standard Version(RSV) is also a good translation, we used to call it Grandpa's Bible in Seminary. The Bible our Grandpa's grew up on. The English Standard version of the Bible is my personal favorite(ESV) for preaching and personal study. It is literal, yet easy to read and faithful to the oringinal languages. A great Bible for those who do not have a working knowledge of Greek and Hebrew.
Christans believe that Christ was God's Son. They believe in the incarnation, that God became man. We believe in the virgin birth. We believe that Christ died on the cross for our sins and was resurrected. Jesus is coming back some day. We believe that we are lost sinners unable to save ourselves. We believe that we are justified by faith and have the Holy Spirit as our helper. The Holy Spirit will help us grow in holiness and sanctification. God forgives us when we humbly repent. Prayer is a gift of God. The three ecunemical creeds are great ways to confess our faith. I confess the Apostles Creed, The Nicene Creed, and the Creed of St. Athanasius.
These following books have good info on Christian doctrine.
1. Know the Truth by Bruce Milne
2. Creeds of the churches edited by John H. Leith
3. Institutes of the Christian religion by John Calvin
4. Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards
5. Luther's small catechism
6. On the incarnation by St. Athanasius
7. Theology the basics by Alister E. McGrath
Merry Christmas and keep Christ at the center of your lives.
In Christ,
Pastor Josh Parrish, M.Div

The Incarnation

http://ourmedia.org/node/372398

Go See Josh Preach on the Incarnation!!!!!!

*** hint: if you press stop on the original loading of the sermon then hit play again it loads faster! ***

South Dakota - Day 1

I am extremely thankful that God gave me great travelling mercies. Not only were my flights great but I flew away from the bad weather that was coming to SWO before it arrived and had no delays. God is truly Sovereign!

Josh was at the airport waiting for me looking handsome as ever! We went and got grocies at Wal-Mart and then went to our favourite little place "Red Rooster" and enjoyed some live music.





When we got home Calico was quite excited to see us, but I think even more excited that I brought gifts. She tore into the package herself!!






I headed over to Wilma's shortly after arriving home! We had a good first day :)

Thankful

I am thankful for Sonya. God has blessed me with a lovely and Godly future wife. Here is my short thanksgiving eve meditation that I gave at each of my churches last month. "Thanksgiving is a holiday where we gather with friends and family. We watch football and parades on t.v., and overeat. I know I usually eat too much pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes. Thanksgiving is also a time to recall what we have to be thankful for. We can be thankful for life, family and friends, food, housing and so much more.
But most of all, we can be thankful for salvation in Jesus Christ. In John 6:35 we read, “Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”(ESV) We can be thankful that Christ died for us and rose again. Jesus nourishes our souls. In him we are forgiven and have eternal life. We can be thankful that we are Christians and no longer live in darkness. Romans 6:17 says, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed.”
Many of us feel a void, or emptiness in our lives. We try to fill it with material things, work, alcohol, food, and other substitutes. There is no peace without Jesus. Nothing or no one can take his place. I hope that everyone here has experienced God’s love in Christ. He loves you unconditionally. You will never hunger or thirst, because you have received forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus. Let us thank God for giving us the bread of life, Jesus, and giving us life this Thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving.” May our hearts be overflowing with gratitude as we remember all that God has done for us." What I wrote was short but an important reminder for believers to be thankful. God bless you.
In Christ,
Pastor Josh Parrish, M.Div

Behave Like a Christian

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”says the Lord. Therefore
“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Isn't this amazing?! My pastor touched on this a little today. But imagine our lives like this, where we as Christians have a special love for one another. We're not in competition to be the best Christian but we exhort each other and offer encouragement. I have sometimes found it quite discouraging to be in Christian circles and at times have been quite lonely. Truly God has not intended it to be that way but we are to be a family to one another. Even so much that we should put each others needs as brothers and sisters in Christ before those outside of the kingdom. This isn't saying that our cares and concerns for others should not be there but lest we forget those within the family of God. This really gives me a lot to think about, I hope it does to you also.

Sonya

All things Sonya & Josh

Wow, it's hard to believe it's been a year since Josh & I first met in person. I remember it like it was yesterday of course. He looked so handsome at the airport standing there with a single red rose. *Sigh* I love my boy so much!! I find it still harder to believe that we will soon be married. Josh is everything I ever wished for in a spouse and more. A friend of mine when proposed to said she was overwhelmed with the calabre of man God had give to her, I totally understand that feeling as Josh is beyond my expectations. Perhaps if I had known God's plan I would have been more trusting and patient in my single years but I can not live in regret but rather must move forward in thankfulness.

My mom was here to visit for 2 and a half weeks. I feel so blessed to have had her around. She helped me go through a LOT of stuff and trash some and donate to the Salvation Army. I never seen myself as a materialistic person but throwing out things is difficult. I guess for me I remember the person who gave it to me and become sentimental. It was good to have my mom here to rationalize the sentiment for me.

I get to see Josh in just 25 days! I am so excited!

reading list.

Sonya and I love books. I wish I had more time to read. As a former baptist I was different than most because I actually read. I am Sorry if I offend anybody for my extreme cynicism.
Here are some books I fully endorse. Reading them will help you grow as Christians.

1. Desiring God by John Piper.

2. Battling Unbelief by John Piper.

3. Knowing God by J.I. Packer.

4. Confessions by St. Augustine.

5. Basic Christianity by John Stott.

6. the rule of st. benedict.

7. The English Standard Version of the Bible.(ESV)

I include the rule of st. Benedict because I am an benedictine oblate. I live the rule outside the monastary walls. Everyone take care and God bless you.
In Christ,
Pastor Josh Parrish, M.Div

stupid liberalism in the church

Hi Everybody. Here are some more ramblings. Sonya, I am using our blog, my love. Sonya prayed the daily office with me this morning over the phone in my office. I love doing devotions with her. An easy to use prayer book is Venite by Robert Benson. I believe that there are some used copies on Amazon.com. There is a daily office in The book of Common Prayer as well. It's great way to pray the Psalms each month. Liberalism in the church is making me throw up. I am all for the social gospel, providing food and clothing to the needy and speaking out against aids and racism. But I am tired of churches putting political correctness above the Bible. Some churches have even made liberalism a 4th person of the Holy Trinity. Liberal agendas like using inclusive language for God and people is not needed and is disownering to him. Trying to say that Paul was not aware of what we know now regarding sexuality is offensive. Sermons in Liberal churches has gotten worse. Not mentioning scripture in sermons, being concerned about people's felt needs and not God's glory is happening in church. Some will not affirm the Apostles Creed because they deny the virgin Birth. I still will only preach and use the (ESV) English standard Version of the Bible. Read your Bibles. I believe that the Bible is our guide in the matters of faith and I believe that the Bible is free from Error. I confess the 3 Ecunemical creeds, The Apostles and Nicene Creed and the creed of St. Athanasius. Don't let liberal Christians take over the church. I write this as a former baptist who is pastoring 2 small United Methodist churches. I am an Augustianian-St. Augustine has been my chief partner when interpreting scripture-reminding me of things on predestionation and God's grace. The Puritan Jonathan Edwards has also been a good with with my scriptural interpretation-teaching me things on God's glory. Even though I disagree with John Wesley on some things- he taught me some good things on personal holiness. I am not always right but we need to keep The Bible at the center of our lives. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."(ESV) I love the church universal and pray for it. May God work out his purpose for the church. There is a new movement in the church that I am excited about. Check out the website, www.newattitude.org. You will learn more about humble orthodoxy at this webpage. Take care and God bless you all.
In Christ,
Pastor Josh Parrish, M.Div

Ramblings

I am flying Sonya back for the holidays. I love her and can't wait to see her again. I miss her a lot. I am taking a break from pastoral work this afternoon. It is kind of windy here in South Dakota this afternoon. I just finished doing some Bible study. I always use the English Standard Version (ESV) in my preaching and teaching. Check this translation out at www.esv.org. It is very easy to read and faithful to the original languages. My ministry model the last few years has been of John Piper. Check out his books Desiring God and Don't Waste your life. His webpage is www.desiringgod.crg. I also like to read Ephraim Radner, Thomas Oden, and R.C. Sproul. That is an intersting bunch. For church Fathers I like St. Augustine and some stuff from St. John Chrysostom. I gotta go. God is good and he is in control. Stay strong in prayer and have a good afternoon. God bless anyone who reads this.
In Christ,
Pastor Josh Parrish, M.Div

Canada and No More Job

Well I am back in Canada today... blech. I am so ready for the next phase of my life and I really love South Dakota. It's quite quiet and friendly and I really want to be in that pace. Where neighbours know each other and the town has parades for everything. It is soooo gilmore girls.. hehe. I love it! I officially finish work on Friday.. that's my last shift. Monday is the 15th so that's the official quit date but I don't work that day! I am rather excited, nervous, but excited just the same. It's the next phase of my life and I am ready to face it feet first! God is good and I am so thankful for the time I had with Josh. We really get along so well and giggle a lot when we're together. I like giggling with Josh. :)

South Dakota!

So I am writing this from South Dakota. I arrived yesterday. My flights were very good and I got here earlier than I thought I was supposed to. We attended church at Bowdle & Tolstoy today. Then Josh treated me to lunch at the Main Street Cafe. We just got back home.. and I actually drove Josh's car. Shhh.. don't tell! I didn't drive very far, I just wanted to try and he let me. It was fun! I think I will be good at driving once I learn. We are heading to Mitchell to visit Josh's parents shortly and will post more later!

Tomorrow.. Tomorrow!!!

I get to see Josh TOMORROW!!! I am so excited! God has blessed me with very little pain with the wisdom tooth extraction which is pretty exciting as its always been a bit of a fear of mine. And now I get to soar with the birds and go visit my sweet Joshua! I can't believe tomorrow night I'll get to see his face in person again!! Can you tell that I'm more than just a little bit excited! :)

No More Wisdom... Well a little less at least!

Two days before my trip to see Josh and yesterday I went to the dentist because a piece of my wisdom tooth came out. I came out of the dentist with the wisdom tooth extracted. It doesn't hurt, I attribute that to Josh & I praying about it last night. However, I googled tooth extractions and flying and discovered that there is a risk. It can cause the area to bleed quite profusely. I called my dentist and they assured me that it will not be a problem and is very rare so I will trust this. I'm still eating soft food because my jaw is sore (probably a combination of the needles and keeping my mouth open so wide for so long). I'm probably going to get sick of bananas... so easy to chew!!! I am verrrrry excited about seeing my Joshua on Saturday. He is the man of ALL my dreams!!!

Anticipation

It's amazing that as you sit and anticipate something that is to come it seems to never get here. I get to see Josh on Saturday!! That's only 4 more sleeps. Yet, somehow I miss him more this week than I have in a long time. Now don't get me wrong, I often miss him. But this week, I miss him MORE! I look forward to some nice down time with him. It's always relaxing to just chill out and watch movies or tv together. Those are my favourite times. I look forward to Saturday!!

One Week

I get to see my loving boy in just one week! It should be fun. Because of complications in trying to find a place for me to stay we will be spending the week with his mom & dad. This will be fun as we are going to do some hardcore wedding planning. Josh & I are going to go to a park in town that we may get some pictures for our wedding done at to check it out and have a nice picnic lunch. I can't wait to spend many hours staring into the eyes of my love. I love you Joshua!

*kiss kiss*!

your, Sonya

Honeymoon Destination!

Hard to believe that we've already booked our honeymoon.... but we have and I am so excited. It will be nice and relaxing! But there will still be some touristy things to do. It is in De Smet, SD at the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead. We will be staying at the Prairie House Manor which is absolutely gorgeous! Here are some pics!

First Wedding Shower

Because I have friends from different circles my first bridal shower was held with co-workers. A couple church friends attended also. It was such a good day. My friend Nancy hosted the shower and she really outdid herself. I felt so very blessed!!!

My Big Brother's Wedding

In July I travelled home to Newfoundland to attend my brother's wedding. Unfortunately Josh wasn't able to make it due to the high cost of flying to Newfoundland. He was there with me in spirit though. I was home for a week and had a very good time. I actually didn't leave Cox's Cove the whole week!

Jon & Carrie's Wedding

On June 2nd Josh's brother Jon married Carrie Wakefield. They got married in Orillia, ON and we travelled to be there. Josh arrived with his Mom & Dad at the airport in Kitchener and I travelled with them to Orillia. As soon as we were there Josh was swept away to go eat with the men and I was off to a shower for Carrie.

The next night was the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. The church was so gorgeous! The dinner took place in this old train and it was so nice. I'm not sure why I didn't get any pictures of the train or the actual dinner but these will have to suffice.

She was told to stand on either side of the pin and she was very careful to do so!

And then it was finally time for the wedding! It was beautiful! Carrie looked gorgeous and Jon looked handsome. But my eye was on Josh who looked absolutely breathtaking in a tuxedo, I almost changed my mind about our wedding... we're just having the men wear suits.

The most handsome man in the world!!!

Engagement

I've not been very faithful in keeping this blog up at all. I do apologize. I thought I would post a few pictures from the day we got engaged. It was really a lovely day. Josh played the song "All I want is You" by U2 and we danced to that. After he got down on one knee, at this point I was already blubbering, and then he told me all the things he liked about me. He told me that he was called to the vocation of marriage with me. Of course, I also felt called to marry him and then he proposed. We had a nice dinner together which Josh cooked and then watched Big Fish. It was a great day.

The Road to the Wedding..

Sometimes it seems silly to be planning our wedding that is SO far away. But I am thankful that I did a LOT of stuff when we first got engaged because I am not struggling to find things. Like I have my dress, bridesmaid dresses and a photographer. All very important things to complete the day. The next big thing is the invitations. They are printed, American ones are addressed and now its time for the rest. It seems as if it will take forever. I want to invite the whole world so they can join in on our celebration. :) This is still very exciting. Tomorrow is our 1 year anniversary.. I am so in love!