The Example of Christ
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:1-7 ESV)

Related posts:

1. Lord’s Day Reflection
2. Lord’s Day 07/25 Christ Is All
3. Lord’s Day 11/08 Faith Undeserved

• Disconnected Faith – My metro neighbor Leonce offers some advice for Christians feeling disconnected from God.

• Is There a Hole in our Gospel? – Andrew reviews this book and finds some troubling theology.

• Prairie Memories: Songs of Home, Life and Faith – This is a new CD from my friend Clyde Bauman. You can hear samples at the link.

• When Facebook and Twitter are Gripped by the Gospel – Matthew offers an interesting look at the two most popular mediums.

• Infographic: Beck vs. King – Pundit Kitchen offers an interesting chart comparing Glenn Beck to Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Your Students Can Handle Expository Preaching – Jon explains just what the title says.

• Foreknowledge of free actions – Alexander argues for the incompatibility of foreknowledge and free will. If you’re brain explodes I’m not responsible!

• Tim Tebow named ‘Most Eligible Christian Bachelor’ – I wonder if he’ll end up on on of those bachelor TV shows.

• Refusing Antithetical Assumptions – Chris briefly explains that God is knowable and the atheist knows Him.

Related posts:

1. Friday Favorites 07/23
2. Friday Favorites 07/30
3. Friday Favorites 07/16

Boot, Joe. Why I Still Believe: (Hint: It’s the Only Way the World Makes Sense). Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2006. 159 pages.

The Christian faith is more than an intellectual or emotional assent to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an objective, rational faith in Jesus Christ. First Peter 3:15 calls upon Christians to be ready to give a defense of why they believe. This is the practice of apologetics. Joe Boot goes one step further explaining why he still believes by sharing his life story as a Christian while providing a rational defense along the way.

Joe Boot is an apologist, educator, author and pastor. He worked with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) for seven years as an apologist in the United Kingdom and Canada. For five of those years he was the executive director of RZIM in Canada. He is the founding president of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity in Toronto where he currently serves as senior pastor of Westminster Chapel.

Boot’s approach to apologetics is rooted in the presuppositional method. He credits Christian thinkers Blaise Pascal (17) and Cornelius Van Til* (18) for greatly impacting his thinking in defending the Christian faith. What impressed Boot most was their devotion to the Scriptures as the foundation for defending the faith (18). This is also the foundation from which Boot argues in Why I Still Believe.

Boot writes in a first person narrative style. Chapter one addresses the question of authority. He begins with a story from his past as a teenager and moves to the question of God’s existence. Boot’s contention is that for the Christian, God is their basic presupposition (27). He then quotes a few atheists who seem comfortable with the non-existence of God being their presupposition. Boot explains that there are many areas of life which people assume yet cannot prove such as the sun rising tomorrow or “facts” about cats and trees which as from custom and habit (28). Referencing Pascal, the author then explains that no one is without underlying presuppositions in their beliefs (30). Most people trust that their mind and senses will not deceive them. The author works throughout the rest of the chapter explaining that one cannot make sense of the world outside of the worldview that the transcendent Triune God of Scripture exists.

In Chapter two, Boot admits that he was raised in a Christian household always believing in Jesus (43). While admitting his Christian childhood shaped his worldview, Boot explains how the child in a non-Christian home also shapes ones worldview (47). One child was no more or less indoctrinated, if you will, than another. Boot states that there is no neutrality; one is either in covenant with God or a rebel outside the covenant (49).

While a person’s worldviews are influenced by their upbringing this does not necessarily secure a particular position for their entire life as Boot states in the next chapter (51). He goes on to explain how minds are shaped by what they’re fed which form one’s presuppositions. These presuppositions influence the nature of how one understands evidence which is why Boot does not believe a defense of Christianity from evidence alone is sufficient. He contends that the disagreement ultimately resides in the nature of facts (57). The nature of the evidence for God should not be determined by one’s autonomous reasoning, but based upon the authority of Christ as found in the Bible (60).

In the next two chapters Boot shares his journey through high school and into seminary. His high school philosophy teacher was an atheist whose view of God was based on empirical verification (65). Boot uses this story to explain that this approach suffered from the problem of induction. For example, the principle used for verification cannot itself be empirically verified (65). Boot’s faith grew stronger throughout these years which lead him to seminary. In seminary he grew in knowledge and understanding (70). He even encountered liberal Christian scholars who were driven by their own presuppositions through which to judge Scripture (71). This led him to continue trusting Scripture as the word of God (72).

In chapter six, Boot briefly tackles rationalism and empiricism. He addresses philosopher Immanuel Kant who claimed that people cannot actually know reality, but can only perceive it based on their senses (75). Boot then explains how Kant’s own position is self-defeating. The rest of the chapter explains why the presupposition of the Christian faith is the only way by which anything, including reason, science, logic, language and morality (78) can be accounted.

Chapter seven, “The Heart of the Matter” is the longest chapter in the book. Boot begins by summarizing the non-Christian worldview. He starts by defining philosophy and explaining its problem which begins with the question of authority (84). Philosophy is broken down into laymen’s terms making the subject more approachable. He explains the philosophical foundational assumptions found in any worldview (86). Boot walks the reader through the assumptions of the non-Christian worldview. He then replies with the Christian worldview on the basis of the authority of self-attesting revelation of God’s word (90). The rest of the chapter explains that the Christian worldview is the only way to make sense of the world while chance (92), polytheism (94), pantheism (95), naturalism (96), bare theism (97) and autonomous reason (104) are all internally self-defeating.

Boot explains more directly in chapter eight that presupposing the existence of Christ is the only foundation that “provides a rational warrant for proving anything at all” (112). He makes a case for what is known as the impossibility of the contrary. In making his case, Boot uses logical syllogisms to explain that “reality is unintelligible apart from God” (114). In the rest of the chapter Boot appeals to the non-Christian to believe explaining that belief in God is the only way to make unifying sense of life including logic and emotions (115).

Chapter nine quotes Scripture more than any other. Boot builds upon the previous chapter though with more appeal to the heart of the non-Christian. The Christian presupposition of starting with Christ is explained through the analogy of needing correct eye glasses to be able to see the world clearly (130). Boot uses Scripture to show that not being able to see clearly stems from one’s presupposition and is a heart issue. He uses this chapter to explain who Christ is and that through Him alone (136) is the free offer of salvation for all who believe (138). Boot contends that it is only through faith in Christ that one can truly understand the world (140).

In the final chapter, Boot uses the principles set out in the book to offer an evangelistic plea while at the same time explaining why he still believes. He admits that he has probably not proved that the reader must become a Christian, but hopes he challenged him that it is necessary (144). In true presuppositional fashion Boot bases this challenge on Scripture. He continues with the rest of the chapter arguing evangelistically and apologetically why the Christian world is the only one that makes sense of life.

I recommend Why I Still Believe as a beginner’s level introduction to the presuppositional approach to defending the Christian faith. The presuppositional method can be difficult to understand yet Boot made it understandable. The personal narrative keeps the reader moving along so that he does not get bogged down by too much philosophical jargon at any particular point. Those more trained in presuppositional apologetics may find that Boot did not dig deep enough in any particular area. However, at 159 pages Boot will challenge those new to this apologetic method to think through their faith both evangelistically and apologetically.

*Online Van Til resources.

Related posts:

1. Book Review: Godology
2. Book Review: The Divided States of America?
3. Book Review: Dear Timothy Letters On Pastoral Ministry

What would you do Wednesday!

The scenario is that a single mother is a member of your local church. For several years she seemed to be living faithfully for Christ. She was present on Sunday morning and often during other church events. It was difficult for her at times and the church even helped her financially and with food when she needed help.

Then, to your surprise she moved in with a non-Christian man!

Church leaders begged her to repent and to move back out and get out of her relationship with this man. She would not. Several months went by.

Finally, it was time to vote as a church. The time had come to affirm or deny whether or not she continue to be included in your local church.

What do you do – affirm or deny her? (Depending on your local church this would mean denying the Lord’s Supper and/or being considered a member until repentance. Cf. Matthew 18:17, 1 Cor. 5:9-13)

If she is denied, but continues to occasionally attend afterward how would you treat her? What would you say to her?

Related posts:

1. Ethics: Resign Church Membership To Avoid Discipline
2. Ethics: Cohabitation In the Church
3. Ethics: Church Staff And Internet Pornography

Glenn Beck as been a recent driving force for (neo?) Conservative politics in America. His big push is to bring God back to the center of American life both politically and socially. I understand his sentiment. There is a sense in which I agree.

In recent times when Glenn Beck has spoken on the issue of putting God back into American culture he mentions God, Jesus, the atonement, etc. On the surface, these sound like something Christians should embrace. And they should as far as understood from the biblical Christian perspective. Yet, Glenn Beck is a Mormon and the Mormon definitions of these positions are not the same as the Christian definitions (i.e. see chart below).

As I recall, I’ve written three posts concerning Glenn Beck and his acceptance by Conservative Christianity despite his theology: One Nation Under A Mormon God?, Liberty University, Glenn Beck and the Gospel and The Political Gospel of Glenn Beck and Liberty University? I’m not alone in airing my concerns as a Christian for the integrity of the gospel. However, there has not been much in response to Beck from more popular, visible Christian leaders until now.

Enter fellow Southern Baptist Dr. Russell Moore, Dean of the School of Theology and Senior Vice-President for Academic Administration at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He gives a needed and welcome voice in God, the Gospel, and Glenn Beck. Moore begins:

A Mormon television star stands in front of the Lincoln Memorial and calls American Christians to revival. He assembles some evangelical celebrities to give testimonies, and then preaches a God and country revivalism that leaves the evangelicals cheering that they’ve heard the gospel, right there in the nation’s capital.[Read the whole thing!]

I offer my thank you to Dr. Moore. I appreciate his stand for the gospel in this area. As expected, he is already getting some push back in the comments.

One commenter said:

Much like Moore’s inept commenting on this event, there is an integrity crisis in government leadership and the media which supplies only half truths to appease their audience and leave them clapping (like comments above).

Moore’s comments are not inept, but right on! At the same time I agree that there is an integrity crisis in government leadership and the media. These integrity issues exist on the right and the left and did not appear yesterday. The bigger issue for Christians is that there is an integrity crisis in Christian leadership. Too many find comfort in conservative political ideology as the motivating force for change while the gospel sits waiting for the right laws to be passed. (See my posts above on Beck and Liberty U.) For Christians, the engine for change is not a political rally to call everyone to the generic god of their choosing. Rather, the motivation is the exclusive gospel of Christ.

But it was non-political event says Beck. I’m not sure how a revival rally with a God and Country theme can be non-political. Actually, I wish it were political so that it would be easier to support. The religious themes make such an event difficult to support for this Christian. As one live blogger of the event noted:

Dave Roever closed the rally in prayer. Glenn calls people to “spread the word” after they leave. A gospel tune concludes the rally: Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus. Jo Dee Messina sang “Heaven Was Needing A Hero Lyrics” and “America, the Beautiful”.

The same blogger noted that it was stated at the event that “Mosques, churches, and synagogues must stand for the truth..” What truth is that? Religious truths that don’t ultimately agree? As Beck and his supporters call people of all faiths to turn American back to God my question is – which god will people of many religions turn America to?

I asked Glenn Beck this question on twitter and someone else responded with, “When you are a Christian there is only one God. What God do you worship?” The best reply was sent from a friend who told me, “Right and Glenn Beck is not a Christian!” Although some Christian leaders have asked whether or not those of us who take this position if we’ve heard Beck’s testimony. I’ve heard him claim to be a Mormon. And until I hear his testimony that he no longer believes the Mormon doctrines of God which are redefinitions of the Christian view, I will continue with the position that Beck is not a Christian.

To the issue of Mormonism I don’t think Joseph Smith would hold me or other Christians today in any higher regard than he originally held. He criticized the very professions of faith that are still used today which contain the same doctrines that Christians’ today hold.

In his first vision in 1832, he claimed that God told him not to join any of the churches of his day because “all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” (Official Mormon source)

As Dr. Moore said in his article, “What concerns me is about what this says about the Christian churches in the United States.“

Brief Comparison between Mormonism and Christianity

Related posts:

1. Liberty University, Glenn Beck and the Gospel
2. The Political Gospel of Glenn Beck and Liberty University?
3. One Nation Under A Mormon God?

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief,
Kneeling there in deep contrition;
Help my unbelief.

Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.

Thou the Spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in Heav’n but Thee?

[Fan­ny Cros­by, 1868.]

Related posts:

1. Lord’s Day 08/22 Thy Will
2. Lord’s Day 05/23 Christian needs
3. Lord’s Day 07/04 Fourth of July Prayer

• Giveaway: A Pastor’s Sketches by Ichabod Spencer – Don’t forget about the giveaway!

• Reinvesting Pain – A week late on my part, but Rozie gives another well written, insightful piece on suffering. (In case you miss the sermon she linked to – it’s here.)

• Kiss Me? Addressing God in Worship – Matt Redman encourages us to think carefully about the language used in worship.

• African-Americans, Women and Southerners Talk and Text The Most in the U.S. – A cellphone usage survey by the Nielsen Company which analyzes more than 60,000 U.S. cellphone bills each month.

• Driver’s ed value doubted – Apparently, teens under 18 in Indiana who took Driver’s Ed had more accidents.

• Mexican Military Finds 72 Bodies Near Border – The Mexican Marines end up battling a drug cartel near the US-Mexican border.

• Was God Blasphemed on Atonement Q & A? – Christian hip-hop artist Shai Linne graciously answers a brother who criticized one of his lyrics.

• Mother Teresa: True Helper? – A brother asks if Mother Teresa truly helped anyone in the end.

• More on Beth Moore - Sarah carefully analyzes a few how Beth Moore handles Scripture with a few examples.

• Holiness, Love and the Church: A Conversation with Jonathan Leeman – Trevin Wax interviews Jonathan Leeman about his book The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love: Reintroducing the Doctrines of Church Membership and Discipline.

• Biblia.com: Bible Study Online – Logos Bible Software has a new “super-simple Bible” for the web.

• Author: More teens becoming ‘fake’ Christians – An article claiming that more American teenagers are embracing “moralistic therapeutic deism.”

• On Darwin and Darwinism: A Letter to Professor Giberson – Dr. Al Mohler responds to Professor Giberson’s critical article at The Huffington Post.

Related posts:

1. Friday Favorites 08/20
2. Friday Favorites 07/16
3. Friday Favorites 07/30

What would you do Wednesday!

The scenario is that you work for an international company that works, directly and indirectly, on projects with governments in the Middle East. You the leader on a team for a project that is about to begin.

The contract is with a local Middle East government in which several officials are involved. The contract is huge with revenues projected to be millions of dollars. And you are excited since the bidding, negotiations, contract, etc. are complete.

Or so you thought.

The last step in securing the contract is that several government officials must receive good will offerings. These offerings are extra payments sent directly to each official’s personal account.

This practice is common in this Middle Eastern company, but in America is considered a bribe and is illegal. However, since it is so common many companies have found ways of paying these bribes. And you have a better chance winning the lottery than ever being caught.

As the team leader, you can refuse the bribes and risk losing the business. Or, you can go forward and pay the bribes which would give you the contract, a monetary bonus and a potential a move up in the company.

What do you do?

Related posts:

1. Ethics: To Pray In Jesus Name Or Not?
2. Ethics question: Kill or be killed?
3. Ethics: Cohabitation In the Church

Should Christians study their sin? Do we have a tendency to take sin for granted? Each person must answer that question for themselves. The answer may become clear upon an individual’s study of their sin.

It reminds me of hearing Paul Washer’s challenge, “Do you have a new relationship with sin? Because, if you don’t have a new relationship with sin, you don’t have a new relationship with God.” In light of this I’ve recently thought about a question that Christians might challenge one another with, “How is your private sin life?” Then, I came across the excerpt below which is a great reflection for the Christian concerning their sin.

If you wish to be thankful, get a heart deeply humbled with the sense of your own vileness. A broken heart is the best pipe to sound forth God’s praise. He who studies his sins, wonders that he has anything, and that God should shine on such a dunghill: “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man—but I was shown mercy!” 1 Timothy 1:13. How thankful Paul was! How he trumpeted forth free grace!

A proud man will never be thankful. He looks on all his mercies as either of his own procuring or deserving. If he has an estate, this he got by his wits and industry; not considering that scripture, “Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you power to become rich” Dt. 8:18. Pride stops the current of gratitude. O Christian, think of your unworthiness; see yourself as the least of saints, and the chief of sinners—and then you will be thankful.
- Thomas Watson, The Godly Man’s Picture excerpt (emphasis mine).

Related posts:

1. What About This Blog?
2. ESV Study Bible Giveaway!
3. Alcholism Vs Legalism

A PASTOR’S SKETCHES – Conversation’s with Anxious Souls Concerning the Way of Salvation two volumes in one by Ichabod Spencer.

This giveaway is sponsored by Solid Ground Christian Books. They have some great titles. Check them out online: Website | Facebook | Twitter.

Anyone I’ve talked to who is familiar with these volumes has nothing but praise for them. Below is some information from the description page about Spencer’s volumes, including endorsements, followed by an excerpt.

These sketches were first published in 1850 and 1853 toward the end of the remarkable ministry of the man known as “The Bunyan of Brooklyn.” These books consist of 77 “sketches” or “case studies” drawn from the ministry of one of America’s greatest pastors. It is required reading in three Seminaries in the USA with more to come. It is changing lives in over 25 countries and all 50 States and has drawn high praise from dozens of evangelical and reformed leaders throughout the world, like: Jerry Bridges, Maurice Roberts, Ernie Reisinger, James White, Gordon Keddie, Tom Nettles, Joel Beeke, Conrad Mbewe, Geoff Thomas and Peter Jeffery.

A Pastor’s Sketches is a sobering and challenging reminder that the Holy Spirit is the true agent of conversion. This book is urgently needed today when so much of our evangelism is patterned after current marketing methods. It has deeply convicted me to always seek to be in tune with the Holy Spirit as I minister to others. – Jerry Bridges

The excerpt below from volume 1 will give you a feel for Spencer’s writing and his approach to ministry.

The Arrow Driven Deeper
Finding it impossible, on account of the number, to have much conversation with each individual at the inquiry meeting, I at one time abandoned the practice of conversation for a few weeks, and addressed them all together. I found this was unacceptable, and concluded, therefore, to return to the former custom. It was on one of those evenings, when about seventy persons were present, and I was passing rapidly from one to another, that I came to an individual who had never been there before. Said I: “What is the state of your feelings on the subject of your salvation?” “I feel,” said he, “that I have a very wicked heart.” “It is a great deal more wicked than you think it,” said I; and immediately left him, and addressed myself to the next person.

I thought no more of it till a few days afterwards, when he came to me with a new song in his mouth. He had found peace with God, as he thought, through faith in Jesus Christ. Said he: “I want to tell you how much good you did me. When I told you that I had a very wicked heart, and you answered that it was a great deal more wicked than I thought, and then said nothing more to me, I thought it a most cruel thing. (click to read the whole thing)

To enter the giveaway

• Leave a comment below telling me you want to be in the drawing and your entered.

For one additional entry do one of the options below:

• If you want a second entry tweet: Win a copy of ‘A Pastor’s Sketches by Ichabod Spencer’ from @SolidGroundBook via @hereiblog http://wp.me/p9o1Z-1c6 – CLICK here to tweet instantly

OR

• Share this post on Facebook (you can use the FB button below).

Let me know in your comment if you entered twice. Yeah, we’re still using the honor system. Also, this is for residents of the U.S.A. and Canada only.

The drawing will end Saturday, September 4th Monday, September 6th.

Special thanks to Solid Ground Christian Books.

Related posts:

1. Why I Appreciate My Pastor
2. The Assembly Interview: A Pastor with a Church in Need
3. Giveaway: Is The Mormon My Brother?

I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven. – Amen.
[Wesley, John. Covenant Prayer]

Related posts:

1. Lord’s Day 08/15 Glorified Fruit
2. Lord’s Day 08/08 Adversities
3. Lord’s Day 07/04 Fourth of July Prayer

Don’t Waste Your Life Sentence
Voices from the Louisiana State Penitentiary

This video will be streamed live tonight at 7:30 CT/ 8:30 EST. Click here for the live stream location. I’m looking forward to it.

If you want to know more about this powerful trailer, below is the description from the Desiring God website.

The Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, LA is one of the largest and historically one of the most bloody maximum-security prisons in the USA. In 2009, Desiring God and John Piper were invited to Angola to learn about prison life, hear from men who have been radically changed by the gospel, and minister to many of the 5,000 inmates.

In this documentary, be confronted by the realities of men who have squandered their lives and whom society has deemed a waste. Hear firsthand from those who have ruined others’ lives and lost their lives of freedom, yet today are no longer wasting their lives. Be challenged by inmates who seem to have a greater grasp on eternity than those on the outside.

The DVD is available at the DG Store for only $10!

Related posts:

1. Great Night: Don’t Waste Your Life Concert
2. Who Is Watching Your Life?
3. Worship and the Theology of the Cross In One Sentence

There has been some interesting back and forth in Christians and the Ground Zero Mosque. I’m not sure a consensus will ever be reached even by Christians. Meanwhile, a friend sent me an article that offers another perspective on the Ground Zero Mosque. It’s from the Independent Institute whose mission is to boldly advance peaceful, prosperous, and free societies grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity.

The article is Histrionics Over the Mosque: Symbolism Crowds Out Reality by Ivan Eland. He opens with:

The American media, and to a lesser extent the world media, focus on symbolism at the expense of underlying reality. And sometimes they can’t even make sense of the symbolism. The artificially generated controversy over a proposed mosque within about two blocks of the site of the 9/11 attacks is illustrative of this ignorance.

Reading through, I found the following paragraph interesting.

Yet conservative opposition to building the mosque is based on ignorance. Even if erecting the mosque is insensitive to the pain of 9/11, which I would argue that it is not, the Constitution doesn’t require people or groups to be sensitive to others’ concerns in order to enjoy religious freedom. For example, some Christians hold Jews responsible for killing Christ, but that does not preclude Jews from worshiping freely in the United States. Furthermore, the mosque is being proposed by the Cordoba Initiative, which is dedicated to improving Western/Islamic relations and promoting interfaith dialogue, and the leading person behind the project is from the most liberal and tolerant group in Islam, the Sufis. Lastly, two long-standing mosques are already in the neighborhood of “ground zero.”

Read the whole thing. Is Mr. Eland being insensitive? Unrealistic? Or accurate in his assessment?

Come back and share your thoughts.

Related posts:

1. Update: Christians and the Ground Zero Mosque
2. Ten Indictments Against the American Church by Paul Washer
3. Talking Theology with Non-Christians: Contextualization

• United States Marines duped by pretend jihadist, Ergun Caner -Jason provides videos of two training sessions that Ergun Caner gave to the U.S. Marines on April 15, 2005. I wonder if those who criticized Driscoll for his language will follow suit with Caner.

• Clearing the Smoke – Joe clears the smoke and shares the gospel in a cigar shop.

• National HHS Study Not Released by Obama Administration – A note on how the National Abstinence Education Foundation study that favors abstinence education is being withheld.

• Teens and Porn: 10 Stats You Need to Know – The results of a survey filled out by several hundred college students to help researchers understand how prevalent exposure to pornography was among adolescents.

• A Doe and her Twins – Victoria shares some wonderful pictures of young deer from her backyard.

• Reasons to Laugh, Each Day (and how it certainly beats anger) – Ed Welch shares just what the title says, some reasons to laugh.

• The pop star on trial for spreading HIV – Sadly, a Hollywood plot comes to life.

• “Joel Osteen and the Glory Story: A Case Study” by Michael S. Horton, Ph.D. – One essay of several written by Dr. Horton after his interview on 60 Minutes which aired on October 14, 2007.

• Christian-themed TV shows spark complaints in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon -Different groups in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon complain about Christian themed TV shows for different reasons.

Related posts:

1. Friday Favorites 07/16
2. Friday Favorites 08/13
3. Friday Favorites 09/03

What books are being promoted for teens and pre-teens to read these days? Better yet, what books are they actually reading? Are there underlying spiritual issues involved? How do parents handle it? Are parents discerning enough?

As a parent, I am concerned. This brings me to Mark Driscoll’s video below. I appreciate what he has to say. It’s a short clip from a recent sermon. Some have called it a rant. Love him or hate him, here he is.

Do you agree?

Related posts:

1. Sin Sells But Who’s Buying?
2. Christians Laugh Too
3. Good Books from Goodwill

UPDATE: Daniel linked an article by Raheel Raza and Tarek Fatah, two Muslims who are on the board of the Muslim Canadian Congress, entitled – Mischief in Manhattan: We Muslims know the Ground Zero mosque is meant to be a deliberate provocation. This article shows that there are atleast some vocal Muslims who get it.

There has been much talk (and I’m sure a lot more to come) over whether or not a Mosque should be built two blocks from Ground Zero. Though popularly called the Ground Zero Mosque it may more accurately be called an Islamic Center.

Not that the name Islamic Center necessarily changes anyone’s mind. One friend even said that “the Mosque at Ground Zero is an act of political disdain & ideological war. Citizens Unite.” It’s hard to disagree. However, those who are for or against its building don’t fall into one particular religious or political camp as far as I can tell. So I’ve wondered how Christians should react to building the center.

My gut reaction was - NO WAY! Are you kidding me?!

OK, that may not be the best reaction. I understand this is America and we have religious freedom and all. Even President Obama has made a few comments defending the religious liberty of Muslims to build the center. Though I tend to agree with the anti-religious radio host Neal Boortz who explained that Obama should have phrased his comments something like this:

“The American people have a deep appreciation for freedom of religion and have shown through the history of this country their tolerance of different religious viewpoints. All they’re asking of the Muslim community is recognition that many, perhaps most Americans consider the location of this planned Islamic Community Center as hallowed ground. The landing gear from one of the aircraft flown into the World Trade Towers crashed into the very building that will be demolished for the construction of this Islamic center. As President, and on behalf of the people that I represent, I would ask you to reconsider your plans for this project.”

Boortz suggestion makes sense. It takes into account the feelings of many of those who have been personally affected by the 9/11 attacks. This is basically the position taken in the video below by 9/11 survivor, NYC Firefighter Tim Brown who lost 93 friends in the attacks. His opponent in the video below is Eboo Patel, a Muslim and Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core.

One of Eboo Patel’s key comments is – And American Muslims were not behind the terrorist plot either.

This is right after Patel compared the denial the building of this center to telling black people they could not sit at the front of the bus. I suppose using this comparison will never go away in the political sphere. Patel may be 100% right that no American Muslims were behind 9/11. But isn’t this all the more reason to not build the center?

If there are peaceful Muslims, peaceful American Muslims, wouldn’t it make a stronger statement for them to show the world their peacefulness and sensitivity for their fellow Americans? In other words, the peaceful Muslim approach would to take a position that says something like:

As American Muslims we have Constitutional religious freedom to build a Mosque or Islamic Center near Ground Zero. As much as we desire to build we more desire to show the world that we love and respect our fellow Americans. In order to show respect to other Americans and to show radical Islam that this is about living peacefully with people of other faiths we will not build the center so close to Ground Zero. We want to show the world that we understand the sensitivities involved in this issue and will do so by agreeing to a compromise.

OK, that probably won’t happen. And I understand the need to fight for religious liberty in this country. However, one may keep their liberty and still decide not to build.

But what about a Christian response? Again, there is the issue of religious liberty. Since the way is clear to build an Islamic Center close to Ground Zero the implications of denial due to public opinion could come back and hurt churches. Though some might argue that Christianity has actually flourished in times of repression, I’m not convinced that possibly giving up existing religious freedom is a good idea.

Rather, let’s keep the freedom we have (as much as we can these days). Let’s encourage open religious debate. If Muslims get to build their Mosque or Islamic Center then so be it. This does not defeat nor offer a blow to Christianity and it might actually be counter-productive for Islam. The big picture for Christians is not that we will not overcome Islam or evangelize Muslims better through laws or political/social policies. Our only hope for these things are through the cross of Jesus Christ as proclaimed in the gospel. And maybe this new center will be a great place to evangelize.

Ultimately, as uncomfortable as it is, I say let them build.

Related posts:

1. The Ground Zero Mosque An Artificial Controversy?
2. May Christians Vote Using Religious Principles?
3. Arab Vision, Is Ours Clouded?

What would you do Wednesday!

The scenario involves a lady employed full-time by your local church. She came recommended by another local pastor and has been employed for six months.

You hear a rumor from a friend that she is in the USA illegally. You rebuke your friend for the rumor. You then take the gossiper to go talk to the lady and apologize. The lady accepts the apology and doesn’t offer any reason about why such a rumor might have started.

Just then your pastor walks in wondering what’s going on. You share the positive news of the apology/reconciliation for the rumor. Your pastor is thankful about the apology and also chuckles at the rumor. He rhetorically asks why anyone would even come up with such a thing. He thought it was an odd rumor to spread.

The lady actually looked a bit nervous about the pastors passing words. But you give her the benefit of the doubt and let it go. Besides, when tensions are high suspicion also rises.

A few weeks go by. Then, you happen upon the lady in question outside of the church building on her cell phone. In so many words you hear her admit that she is a Canadian who is in the USA illegally. At about the same time she sees your come around the corner and quickly puts her phone away.

Unsure what to say, you blurt out – So, are you Canadian? Were the rumors about you being here illegally true? The lady mumbles a “Yes” to both questions and says something about a ‘long story’. She asks that you keep this between the two of you as she hurries away.

Do you
….call your pastor and tell him?
….call ICE?
….take the issue to the church body?
….do nothing and keep it to yourself?

What would you do?

Related posts:

1. SB1070: Take illegal immigrant to church, get arrested?
2. Ethics: Resign Church Membership To Avoid Discipline
3. Ethics: Immodest Dress In Church

Volume 35, Issue 2 – July 2010 of the Themelios Journal is out! The content looks great. Lots to read. Check it out.

• Minority Report: Not in the Public Interest by Carl Trueman

Suffering, marginalization, and the abuse of power are now the stock in trade not only of literary theorists but also of many theologians, of whom the Liberationists of the sixties and seventies are but the most obvious examples. Indeed, the influence of such academic emphases now finds its place frequently in the classrooms of Protestant theologians of more orthodox and traditional bent.

• B. B. Warfield on Creation and Evolutionby Fred G. Zaspel

The advances of various creationist groups and of the intelligent design movement indicate that Christians are still considerably interested in the creation-versus-evolution controversy. Yet we would be mistaken to think that the advance is on the creationist side only. Renowned professor of OT Dr. Bruce Waltke recently made headlines with his remarks that evolution is entirely compatible with Christianity—indeed, with conservative evangelical, even inerrantist Christianity. Waltke warns further that if Christians do not concede the point they will be relegated to the academic ghetto and find that society at large will never take them seriously.1 Clearly, there are no signs that interest in the topic will soon fade.

• Why Evangelicals Should Ignore Brian McLaren: How the New Testament Requires Evangelicals to Render a Judgment on the Moral Status of Homosexuality by Denny Burk

In 2006 on Christianity Today’s leadership blog, Pastor Brian McLaren urged evangelical leaders to find a “Pastoral Response” to their parishioners on the issue of homosexuality. In short, he argued that the Bible is not clear on the moral status of homosexuality and that the ancient ethic of the Christian church offends moderns too much to be useful. He calls, therefore, upon evangelicals to stop talking about the issue. Here he is in his own words:

Frankly, many of us don’t know what we should think about homosexuality.

• Biblical Theology and the Ancient Near East: A Symposium on Jeffrey J. Niehaus, Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology- This introduces the next article.

• A Member of the Family or a Stranger? A Review Article of Jeffrey J. Niehaus, Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology by Stephen Dempster

We cannot overstate how important knowing the context is for understanding the significance of any communication, whether that is a simple word, sentence, paragraph, larger text, sign, photograph, or cultural cue. This is axiomatic for interpreting an ancient document like the Bible. Yet it is not so easy since context can mean many things. What context? The social context? The psychological context? The cultural context? The economic and political context? The historical context? The literary context? The full range of possible answers is staggering, which indicates how difficult it is to answer the question. The state of the problem in biblical studies is well known, as the increased knowledge in many areas has created many specialists in various fields in the ancient world as well as the Bible.

• Parallels, Real or Imagined? A Review Article of Jeffrey J. Niehaus, Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology by William Edgar

When I came to Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia as a young student in the 1960s, two things struck me. First, under the portrait of one of the founding fathers, the biblical scholar Robert Dick Wilson, was a simple epithet: “I have not shirked the difficult questions.” Wilson was one of the most accomplished biblical scholars of his day. He made lasting contributions to the linguistic questions surrounding the OT. He was a sharp opponent of what was then called the higher criticism of the Bible, which used rationalist and naturalist assumptions to investigate the Scripture, often finding it to be inaccurate in its historical claims, and thus substituting more plausible, rational schemes than simply divine inspiration, to explain the text we hold in our hand. Wilson was not afraid to look into the many questions raised by higher criticism. Usually they were legitimate ones, and often they were indeed difficult. But he always was able to answer, “I have come to the conviction that no man knows enough to attack the veracity of the Old Testament. Every time when anyone has been able to get together enough documentary ‘proofs’ to undertake an investigation, the biblical facts in the original text have victoriously met the test.”

• How to Write—and How Not to Write—a Review: An Appreciative Response to Reviews of Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology by Dempster and Edgar by Jeffrey J. Niehaus

I want to thank Themelios for the unusual opportunity to interact with two reviewers of my book Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology. An author does not often have the opportunity, not only to join discussion with two reviewers, but also to express and document further some concepts that he may not have expressed as fully as possible in the original work.

• Pastoral Pensées: Motivations to Appeal to in Our Hearers When We Preach for Conversion by D. A. Carson

Most of us, I suspect, develop fairly standard ways, one might even say repetitive ways, to appeal to the motivations of our hearers when we preach the gospel. Recently, however, I have wondered if I have erred in this respect—not so much in what I say as in what I never or almost never say. What follows is in some ways a mea culpa, plus some indication of why I think the topic should be important for all of us.

Before I survey the motivations themselves, I should specify that because the gospel is to be preached to both unbelievers and believers, the motivations that here interest me may be found among both parties. Nevertheless, I shall tilt the discussion toward those motivations of unbelievers to which we should appeal when we preach the gospel to them, aiming, in God’s mercy, at their conversion.

• Book Reviews – 59 of them!

Related posts:

1. Logos Bible Software Giveaway July
2. 9 Marks Journal: Young Pastors
3. Note on T4G 2010

This is a short devotion I gave on Malachi 3:3-4 during our evening worship service on August 1, 2010. I tried a little different approach in this devotion.

Below is my rough outline.

Critiques welcomed and encouraged!

I. Introduction
A. Malachi

1. 12^th of the Minor Prophets
2. Concludes the Old Testament
3. Last to minister before Christ
4. “My messenger”
5. Returned from exile/temple rebuilt
6. Persian government
7. Violating Mosaic Law
8. Not trusting/living by faith in God

II. Body
A. Open Bible to Malachi 3 (pew #676)

1 “See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years. (NIV)

1. V. 1 foretells of John the Baptist – Matthew 11:10 This is the one about whom it is written:” ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ (NIV)
2. Lord/messenger of covenant – John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NIV)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::Tonight’s verses 3 and 4::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

B. Verse 3 – The Lord the refiner

1. Refined with fire.
2. Impurities removed (Levites too)
3. Offerings brought in faith

C. Verse 4 – Offerings accepted

1. By faith as in the past.
2. Through Jesus sacrifice in New Covenant.

D. Scripture speaks of two types of fire.

1. Eternal fire of God’s judgment for those rejecting Christ.
2. The fire of God’s refinement we are looking at tonight.

III. Closing

A. The refining is painful.

1. Two NT examples

a. Hebrews 12:7-11 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (NIV)

b. 1 Peter 1:6-7 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (NIV)

B. How is Christ refining us V 3?

1. Refiner’s illustration

a. God’s work of perfection
b. Conforming us to be like Christ.
c. Remember it’s when He sees the reflection not us.

C. How is God refining you? Us? (Practical)

1. We are family/body of Christ/priesthood

a. Example of wife’s injury.

1. Our plans – good job, baby, house
2. Learned of selfishness, patience, empathy.
3. Wife – trust in God.
4. Not alone.
5. Be there for each other/similar stories.

2. Many issues today through which God is refining us.

a. job loss, financial, death, illness, etc.
b. May not know specific reason.
c. Big picture = God refining you to be Christ-like.
d. Make offerings/worship by holding onto Christ.

Be there for one another. Whatever your situation seek God through prayer and ask for wisdom that He show you where in your life you are not reflecting Christ. And walk in faith as He refines you remembering along the way that while it may be painful to you, it cost Jesus His life.

Related posts:

1. August Devotion MP3
2. April Devotion MP3
3. July Devotion MP3

Grant, Almighty God, that since thou art pleased kindly to invite us to thyself, and hast consecrated thy word for our salvation, — O grant that we may willingly, and from the heart, obey thee, and become so teachable, that what thou hast designed for our salvation may not turn to our perdition; but may that incorruptible seed by which thou dost regenerate us into a hope of the celestial life so drive its roots into our hearts, and bring forth fruit, that thy name may be glorified; and may we be so planted in the courts of thine house, that we may grow and flourish, and that fruit may appear through the whole course of our life, until we shall at length enjoy that blessed life which is laid up for us in heaven, through Christ our Lord. — Amen.
[Calvin, John. Calvin's Commentary on Jeremiah and Lamentations - Volume 1. Prayer Lecture 2.]

Related posts:

1. Lord’s Day 08/08 Adversities
2. Lord’s Day 08/22 Thy Will
3. Lord’s Day Reflection

Frank Turek of CrossExamined offers a refutation of 10 of Judge Vaughn Walker’s finding of “facts” used to overturn Proposition 8 in order to legalize gay marriage. Turek writes -

Second, Prop. 8 doesn’t violate the Fourteenth Amendment because every person in America already has equal marriage rights. We’re all playing by the same rules — we all have the same right to marry any non-related adult of the opposite sex. Those rules do not deny anyone “equal protection of the laws” because the qualifications to enter a marriage apply equally to everyone — every adult person has the same right to marry.

Below are the top 10 “facts” of Walker’s that Turek refutes.

1. “Sexual orientation is fundamental to a person’s identity and is a distinguishing characteristic that defines gays and lesbians as a discrete group.”
2. “California has no interest in asking gays and lesbians to change their sexual orientation or in reducing the number of gays and lesbians in California.”
3. “Same-sex couples are identical to opposite-sex couples in the characteristics relevant to the ability to form successful marital unions.”
4. “Permitting same-sex couples to marry will not affect the number of opposite-sex couples who marry, divorce, cohabit, have children outside of marriage or otherwise affect the stability of opposite-sex marriages.”
5. “Proposition 8 does not affect the First Amendment rights of those opposed to marriage for same-sex couples.”
6. “No credible evidence supports a finding that an individual may, through conscious decision, therapeutic intervention or any other method, change his or her sexual orientation.”
7. “The gender of a child’s parent is not a factor in a child’s adjustment.”
8. “Religious beliefs that gay and lesbian relationships are sinful or inferior to heterosexual relationships harm gays and lesbians.”
9. “Proposition 8 results in frequent reminders for gays and lesbians in committed long-term relationships that their relationships are not as highly valued as opposite-sex relationships.”
10. “Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license.”

The refutations are in the original article Top 10 gay marriage false ‘facts’. Read the whole thing…

Related posts:

1. Proposition What? Rick Warren Did Not Lie
2. How Is Your Marriage? Deal of the Week
3. May Christians Vote Using Religious Principles?

• Giant Brazilian Temple Replica Panned as ‘Mockery’ – A controversial Brazilian Pentecostal church plans to build a $200 million Holy Temple replica.

• What Do I Have to Believe to Be Saved? – John Piper answers the question.

• Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – An awesome photo blog from the Denver Post.

• Christian-Themed Movies in ‘Holy-Wood’ – Interesting comments by La Shawn Barber.

• ‘John Doe’ Who Fought FBI Spying Freed From Gag Order After 6 Years – An internet service provider owner who challenged the FBI in court over secret records has been partially released from a gag order.

• A Fear of Works – Jason Anspach asks, “Does the Reformed tradition breed an unbiblical fear of works?”

• Now Mel Gibson’s father brands the Pope ‘gay’ in outrageous radio outburst – Hutton Gibson on a radio show claimed that Pope Benedict XVI is gay.

• Will HPOA be Christianized? – My silly spur of the moment post that was very popular due to linking Digg. It shows that something doesn’t have to be good to be popular.

• Things I Don’t Want To Hear Behind Me in Church – Some humor for the week.

Related posts:

1. Friday Favorites 08/06 Anniversary Special
2. Friday Favorites 09/03
3. Friday Favorites 08/27

‘Deeds, not creeds’ brings a connotation with it that Christians’ actions carry more weight than their verbalized beliefs.  An older, more popular version is the out of context quote of Francis of Assisi – Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words. (Some question whether he really said it or not.)

There is some wisdom in these ideas, but as stand alone ideologies they don’t actual proclaim the gospel. They do more to show the effect of the gospel in changing lives. People do still need to hear the gospel.

This brings me to the CNN video story below of Tobias Steinmetz. For three months he has been walking across the country carrying an eight-foot, 40-pound, wooden cross. There is a caption in the video under his name that reads ‘Gospel Walker’.

But there is no gospel nor mention of Jesus in the video.

To be fair, it is not known what CNN may have cut out of the video. The larger point, however, is that even while carrying around an eight foot cross the gospel is not readily apparent. Christians can adorn t-shirts, hats, bracelets, bumper stickers, etc. with the Christianized designs they want, but it’s still no substitute for verbally sharing the gospel.

Transcript here.

Related posts:

1. Rick Warren Vs. John Piper on the Gospel
2. Worship and the Theology of the Cross In One Sentence
3. Agreeing with Al Sharpton about the Gospel

Below is an article written by Phillip Jensen, founder of Matthias Media and writer of the gospel outline in Two Ways To Live. Though the article is a few years old I found it extremely relevant and helpful.

Teaching The Bible: Still Unpopular, Still Essential
by Phillip Jensen

Yoga is to Hinduism what Billy Graham is to Christianity. The way we practice our religion will depend very much upon our theology. If God is ‘the force’, then we will attune ourselves to that force; if God is personal, then we will enter into personal relationship with him; and if God speaks, we will live by listening to what he says.

And God said
At the very outset of the Bible, at creation, we begin to see the importance of the word of God. Throughout the Genesis account, we read the recurring phrase, “and God said”. Everything was made in accordance with the mind of God and at God’s expressed direction. The Psalmist tells us that the whole world was created by the Word of God (Ps 33:6). From the beginning of the Bible, we learn that God speaks and that his speech is creative and powerful and working in the universe.

There are more implications from this understanding of God’s nature than just his power and creativity. As God speaks to that part of his creation that is made in his image, it is clear that his words must be listened to, understood and obeyed. Thus humanity hears and responds to the Word of God and God speaks to his people. As the epistle of Hebrews puts it, in many and various ways, God spoke of old to our fathers through the prophets (Heb 1:1). One of the chief glories of the people of Israel is that they have the very oracles of God. And it is one of Israel’s greatest fears that there should be a famine of God’s words (Amos 8:11). In fact, God goes to great length to teach the people of Israel that they do not live except by his Word. We read in Deuteronomy 8:3:

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

In this way, God’s word is active and powerful, achieving its goals and intentions (Is 55:11;Heb 4:12). When God reveals himself in the person of his Son, Jesus is described as the Word of God (Jn 1:1-18). Just as God has spoken in the past by the prophets, he now speaks by his Son (Heb 1:1-4). Jesus, therefore, comes to us as an evangelist, a prophet and a teacher (Mk1:14; Mt 21:11; Jn 3:2). His work is carried out through the preaching of the Gospel, the word of God that goes out into all the world. To this end, Christ gives to people gifts for the ministry of his Word and some people are appointed apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the ongoing work of building the body of Christ. Because of these responsibilities, as Peter says, “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God” (1 Pet 4:11). Paul instructs Timothy to devote himself to “the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching” (1Tim 4:11), for Scripture is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus ”and is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” in order that “the man of God be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:15-17).

Our agenda
In the ministry of the gospel, it is important that our agenda is established by the gospel itself, rather than by the world. When we spend all our time alleviating human suffering, or caring for the sick and widows, or in maintaining historical buildings, then the world will be pleased with us. But the last thing the world wants us to talk about is Christ and the last thing it wants to hear is Christian preaching. The preaching and teaching of the Word of God is always unpopular with those who are rebelling against God. It should not, therefore, surprise us that people ridicule sermonizing, pulpiteering, preaching and Bible-bashing.

But we have an important example to follow as we see Christ and the apostles consistently preaching and teaching God’s Word and making hard decisions about their priorities in favour of that ministry. We should pay attention to Paul’s injunction to Timothy to devote ourselves to the public reading, teaching and preaching of the Scriptures. On another occasion, in another context, we might consider the subtle differences between reading, teaching and preaching. However, suffice it to say that the ministry of the gospel is about the prominence of the Word of God.

But what is the aim of teaching the Bible? Much of secular learning today aims at becoming qualified for acceptance in society or acquiring knowledge as an end in itself. However, neither of these is a sufficient aim for teaching and learning from the Scriptures. The Scriptures are given for practical purposes, not as an end in themselves. Knowledge puffs up (1 Cor 8:1). The foolish man hears the words of Christ but does not obey them, whereas the wise man does (Mt 7:24-27). For only the man who does the word of God really understands the Word of God (Jas 1:22-25). It is the Word of God, implanted in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, which brings us new birth and works within us (Jas 1:18, 21; Heb 4:12).Therefore, we must not be using the Word of God in order to acquire academic credit, nor in order to gain knowledge alone. However, the aim of the Word of God is to make us wise unto salvation, to complete and equip us for every good work. As we understand God and his ways, purposes and plans, so we discover how to live in order to please him.

Teaching how to read
Just as it is inadequate to acquire information merely for titillation, so it is inadequate to turn to Scripture simply for rules and regulations about how to live. The Bible itself speaks against such legalism and yet Bible teaching can easily degenerate into a pursuit of moral guidance from the lives of the prophets, kings, apostles and early Christians. But the Bible gives us a library of books with different applications: history, prophecy, wisdom, poetry and law. The whole breadth of biblical understanding must be taught for somebody to be obedient to God.

In order to grasp the overall theme and thrust of the Bible, we need to be careful to read and understand it on its own terms, in its own context. Much has been written in recent years about understanding words in their sentences, sentences in paragraphs, paragraphs in chapters, chapters in books. The principles and procedures for understanding the written text are rightly being emphasized and taught today.

However, we must look not only at grammatical context, but also at historical and theological contexts. The historical context includes our background knowledge of the language, literature and events of the period in which the verse, chapter or book was written. Much of this historical knowledge comes from the Bible itself. It is important for Christians to understand something of the history of Israel and the early church as an aid to understanding the biblical message.

It is even more important to understand the theology of the Bible as a whole. Theology can be understood systematically under certain topics such as God, man, sin, the person of Jesus, the work of Jesus and so on. Or it can be understood within the unfolding pattern of the Bible itself (for example, the covenant of Abraham, Moses and David finding fulfillment in the new covenant brought in by Jesus).

At one level, this theological understanding of context makes Bible reading a very much longer and more difficult task to undertake. Each of the verses we read adds to a mosaic which helps us to comprehend the larger picture. However, at another level, our theological background simplifies Bible reading. When we understand that the central message of the Bible is the person and work of Jesus, which is expressed in the gospel of Jesus, our minds can comprehend the Scriptures both as a whole and in its component books, chapters and verses. In Luke 24:45-49, Jesus opens the minds of the disciples to understand the Scriptures. The key which did the opening was the knowledge that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead, and repentance and forgiveness would be proclaimed to the nations through him.

So how should the Bible be taught? In one sense, little has been said about the methods of Bible teaching since great flexibility in this area is to be encouraged. However, there are some important points to notice.

1. The Word of God is to be declared rather than debated. Certainly, we may use debate, discussion, dialogue and group dynamics in order to understand more clearly what the Bible is saying. But the Bible’s message is to be heard, received and obeyed rather than queried, questioned and altered.
2. The aim of Bible teaching will always be to preach Christ as Lord, with the preacher being the servant of the people for Christ’s sake (2 Cor 4:5). For Christ is the key element to understanding the whole Word of God and it is he, not the preacher, who must be promoted.
3. The preacher’s place must be one of thorough submission, not only to Christ but also to the congregation. The preacher’s authority is Christ himself. That is also the preacher’s message. Therefore, people are called to obey the Word of God, not the preacher. Even with prophetic preaching, such as is referred to in Deuteronomy 13:18 and 1 Corinthians 14, the hearers are to listen with discernment. The aim of hearing the Word of God will be to grow in our understanding so that we might be mature in our thinking, filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding and not easily swayed by the current winds of doctrine. The preacher’s role is one of submission and his authority over the people of God rests in his teaching, in order that they be ruled by the Word of God.
4. The preacher must exemplify the message that is being preached. Paul constantly points to himself as the model of the message that he speaks (e.g. 1 Thess 2). In the appointment of elders, he directs both Timothy (1Tim 3) and Titus (Tit 1) to look for people who exemplify the godliness that should come from hearing and obeying the Word of God.
5. Paul demonstrates for us the way we should relate to the people of God. He is not only their servant, but their loving servant. His concern for Christians is shown in his prayers, in his anxieties and in his letters. Jesus is also moved with compassion at the shepherdless sheep that he sees in front of him. We do not teach the Word of God in a vacuum, but to the people whom we are serving. The proper motivations of an elder are spelt out in 1 Peter 5:4. Church leaders will do well to test themselves against these verses.
6. The Bible must be taught with immense care, knowing that teachers are judged with great strictness (Jas 3:1ff).
7. We must continue, patiently enduring the consequences of teaching God’s Word. We mustn’t grow weary in well doing, for in due time we will reap as we have sown. However, ministry of the Word of God is fraught with difficulties and opposition. Frequently, the outcome of our scattering of seed is, in the short term, poor. But in the long term, to the glory of God, it is plentiful.

Copyright 2010 phillipjensen.com
Reproduced with permission from phillipjensen.com
original article

Related posts:

1. Write Your Own Message Bible
2. Sermon listening
3. Frank Page: Calvinism Manmade Not Bible-based

What would you do Wednesday!

The scenario is that you are friends with a couple at church who are always in Sunday School (or whatever you might call it). Spring comes and you notice that this couple has stopped coming to Sunday School. Although they do attend corporate worship as usual.

You go to your friends explaining that you’ve noticed they haven’t been in Sunday School. Out of concern you ask if everything is okay. They explain that since spring had come a certain individual in class has been dressing in clothes they consider to be immodest. The explain that a certain lady has been wearing low cut cops and skirts/dresses that are too short for comfort.

Your friends also explain that another couple in class noticed the same thing, however the second couple is in a different Sunday School class. The second couple brought up the issue in passing, but didn’t specifically point anyone out. It was more of a general, uncomfortable observation. Your friends weren’t sure what to do so they decided it would be better not to say anything, skip Sunday School for now and let is pass.

After a few Sunday’s pass your friends are missing the fellowship, teaching, etc. They’re considering changing Sunday School classes or possibly talking to the lady they feel is dressing immodestly. They feel that if they change classes people will wonder why, but they also don’t want to cause any problems in their current class with the lady or the whole class.

What advice would you give them? Why?

Related posts:

1. Ethics: Church Staff An Illegal Immigrant
2. Ethics: Cohabitation In the Church
3. Ethics: Resign Church Membership To Avoid Discipline

The word HPOA (HOPA?) is going around the internet. Depending on who you read it either means ‘someone who is half-Japanese‘ (HOPA version), ‘highly professional office assistant’ or something else that is going around the web that is more vulgar. I’m not sure if the half-Japanese reference is meant to be insulting or not. Please do not take my usage as such.

It is interesting is that the more vulgar phrase used around the web also seems to be the most popular. This offensive usage was apparently part of a practical joke. Was the joke funny? I have only read a briefing on it so I can’t comment. The concept seems to be a good one since it’s about someone quitting their job in an unorthodox way.

What is interesting is that this is what secular society thrives on. I get that. I was there once for more than a moment in time. In this age of Christian cultural engagement I’ve got to wonder if someone may try to Christianize the acronym HPOA. I’ve seen things from fire engine baptisteries to parody videos where a pastor pulls out a can of ‘whoop bass’. (I’m sure there are more examples.)

So why not this term?

How about:

• Holy People Offering Action
• Hating Persecution of Abba
• Heaven, Pushing Out Abaddon
• Holiness: Putting On Armour

Now is the time for Christians to act! Grab this acronym and capture the culture!

Related posts:

1. Grace No More
2. Ergun goes Bananas for Calvinism?
3. What if the Super Pastor left?

An interesting conversation has been taking place in one of the comment threads. The back and forth is between an atheist and a Christian. Another atheist recently stopped by to comment. His name is Quinlan and he made some assertions to the Christian, Howard, in that thread.

Quinlan objected to Howard using “religious principles” from which to base his position on abortion and homosexuality.  It’s as if a Christian is suppose to cease being a Christian outside of their home and worship service. Or at least in the realm of politics.

These types of charges are nothing new to Christians. Examples of such charges can be seen in Quinlan’s comment.

I find your comments to be as disgusting as they are hypocritical. You say you understand that this isn’t a Christian nation, and the separation between church and state. But then you’re talking about taking rights away from gay people, and rights away from women to get an abortion. These things are BOTH religious principles. If your opinion is strictly due to religion, then you are not allowed to impose that on others. Under the constitution, you are not allowed to use your phony god to take rights away from every day, law abiding people.

Different people define what it means for America to be a Christian Nation differently. The same goes for defining the separation of church and state. However, one can believe that America is not, and never was, a Christian Nation, hold to a separation between church and state and still push for particular policies based on their Christian beliefs. Most Christians do not desire for the state to run the church as is done in Britain. Nor do they desire to have the church run the state as if to appoint some sort of Pope of the United States. Christians can comfortably operated with these institutions remaining separate.

It is interesting that the rights of the baby does not enter the discussion when considering abortion. I assume the gay rights objection is dealing with marriage. If gay marriage was not a “right” for the life of this Nation then how can it be something that is taken away? And if gay marriage is something that comes to be forced upon the church by the state then this would then be a violation of the separation of church and state.

Other religious principles from the Christian worldview include not murdering, not stealing, not committing adultery, children respecting parents, etc. Are we then not allowed to impose these principles on others? Societal laws and rules uphold that these things are good principles to help guide one’s life. It is not solely the belief of religious people that these guidelines are implemented.

However, if Quinlan is saying that a person who holds to such positions “strictly due to religion” therefore invalidates their right to impose such laws, then this would also be the case for his anti-religious position. See, if a religious position is opposed simply because it is religious the opposition is based on anti-religious bias. Anti-religious bias cannot exist without religion, therefore it opposes itself.

If God is phony then He is a figment of one’s imagination and therefore is simply part of one’s subconscious. This means ultimately that people are actually making decisions based upon beliefs that originate from self. If Quinlan believes this then why would he object to people making such decisions? I also wonder where in the U.S. Constitution does it state that citizens cannot vote according to their religious positions.

Christians are not trying to take away peoples’ rights, but to properly apply them based on their worldview. Even the Constitution defines and applies certain individual rights. For example, one has to be 18 to vote, atleast 30 to be a Senator and a natural born citizen to be President. No one is complaining that these stipulations violate individual rights. Sure, these requirements aren’t based on religious principles, but neither does everyone oppose abortion and same sex marriage due to religion.

So may Christians Vote Using Religious Principles? Of course! And so can any person of any religion. This goes for Quinlan too as he signs off on his comment “Atheistically yours”.

P.s. While we’re on the topic, Justin Taylor links to a great analysis in The Moral Reasoning in the Same-Sex Court Decision.

Related posts:

1. Obama, Abortion and Pay Grades
2. Book Review: The Divided States of America?
3. Shut Up Christians!

Need help defending the Christian faith? This weeks giveaway may add to your arsenal.

The giveaway three apologetics journals: AREOPAGUS JOURNAL – The Journal of the Apologetics Resource Center. The sponsor is Solid Ground Christian Books. Check them out online: Website | Facebook | Twitter. Some of you may find something on their Inventory Reduction Sale page.

The journals and content are as follows:

Has Postmodernism killed the truth?
May/June 2008

• Veritas: Has Postmodernism Killed Truth? – Craig Branch
• Truth and Postmodernism – J. P. Moreland
• Postmodern Culture, Revisited – Gene Edward Veith
• That’s Just Your Interpretation: Truth and the “Emergent” Christian – R. Scott Smith & Jana Harmon
• Don’t Let Postmodernism Be A Conservation Stopper – Brandon Robbin

Eastern Religions
May/June 2009

• Veritas: Eastern Religions – by Craig Branch
• Hinduism: Empty Diversity – by Winfried Corduan
• On Buddhism – by Keith E. Yandell
• Confucianism and Taoism: An Overview – by Patrick Zukeran
• What is Falun Gong? – by Clete Hux
• Book Reviews

Are Biblical Doctrines Stolen from Pagan Myths?
November/December 2009

• Veritas: Are Bible Doctrines Stolen From Pagan Myths? – Craig Branch
• The Bible In Light of the Ancient Near East – Eugene H. Merrill
• Christianity Among the Myths – Mary Jo Sharp
• Is the Trinity Pagan? – Clete Hux

To enter the giveaway

• Leave a comment below telling me you want to be in the drawing and your entered.

For one additional entry do one of the options below:

• If you want a second entry tweet: Win three ‘Areopagus Apologetics Journals’ from @SolidGroundBook via @hereiblog http://wp.me/p9o1Z-19x – CLICK here to tweet instantly

OR

• Share this post on Facebook (you can use the FB button below).

Let me know in your comment if you entered twice. Yep, still using the honor system. This is for residents of the U.S.A. and Canada only.

The drawing will end Saturday, August 14.

Special thanks to Solid Ground Christian Books.

Related posts:

1. Giveaway: Is The Mormon My Brother?
2. Religion Saves Free Book Giveaway
3. Giveaway: The Theology of Missions in the Puritan Tradition

Grant, Almighty God, that since we are by nature so prone to rash judgement, we may learn to submit to thee, and so quietly to acquiesce in thy judgements, that we may patiently bear whatever chastisements thou mayest daily allot to us, and not doubt but that all is done for our well-being, and never murmur against thee, but give thee the glory in all our adversities; and may we so labor to mortify our flesh, that by denying ourselves we may ever allow thee to be the only true God, and a just avenger, and our Father, and that thus renouncing ourselves, we may yet never depart from the purity of thy word, and be thus retained under thy yoke, until we shall at length attain that liberty which has been procured for us by thine only-begotten Son. — Amen.
[Calvin, John. Calvin's Commentary on Zechariah and Malachi. Prayer Lecture 177.]

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1. Lord’s Day 08/22 Thy Will
2. Lord’s Day 06/13 awake my soul
3. Lord’s Day 11/15 Petition and Confession

• First, today is my 5th wedding anniversary! So it’s special. How does my wonderful wife manage? Maybe this limerick will help her.

I know you can’t believe that it’s been five years.
But you made it through without many tears.
Since it’s all foreordained,
just pretend that you’ve gained.
It will help get you through the coming years!

• The Amazing Hubris of the Ruling Class Judiciary – James White comments on the overturning of Proposition 8 and the homosexual Judge Vaughn Walker who had a hand in it.

• The Five Minute Money Manager: Taking Your Lunch To Work – The real cost of bringing lunch vs. eating out is examined.

• Post-Reform Credit Card Scene: New Dirty Tricks Replacing the Old Ones – Insight from Brad Tuttle from TIME.com.

• Christianaudio’s Free Audiobook Download of the Month – Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road by Tim Keller.

• How can any church member minister to his/her pastor? – Brian Croft has a helpful suggestion.

• A Muslim admits that one who dies for his enemies has greater love – Ken notes this is in direct opposition to Jesus’ words in John 15:13.

• Preaching Transformation: The Change We Need – Ed Stetzer explains how preaching should not lead to low-level therapeutic moralistic deism.

• The NFL season: are you ready to resist? – Ray Ortlund puts Christian priorities in order for football season.

• Taking a Break From the Lord’s Work – Paul Vitello informs us that the clergy suffer from higher rates of obesity, hypertension and depression than most Americans.

• Which Jesus is Anne Rice committed to? – My neighbor Michael DeBusk responds to Brian MacLaren and Anne Rice.

• Book Review: The Rabbit and the Elephant: Why Small Is the New Big for Today’s Church – Aaron Menikoff reviews a book on a house church movement by George Barna, Felicity Dale, Tony Dale.

Related posts:

1. Friday Favorites 08/27
2. Friday Favorites 09/03
3. Friday Favorites 08/13