Grace: Too Good to Be True (Tullian Tchividijian)
"Having concluded a fourteen week sermon series on the book of James the week before (you can access that entire series for free here), I began a new six-week sermon series this past Sunday entitled “Pictures of Grace.” We’re going back to the Gospels and looking at various events in the life and ministry of Jesus where the shocking, counter-intuitive nature of amazing grace is on display. Each week we’ll look intently at how Jesus wrecks people with his grace, turning everything that makes sense in our conditional world upside-down.
I began the series by pointing out that there’s nothing more difficult for us to get our minds around than the unconditional grace of God; it offends our deepest sensibilities.."
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Gay Marriage
Is Gay Marriage Inevitable? (Maggie Gallagher) "WASHINGTON (BP)--When it comes to the battle for marriage, the question on many people's mind is: Can we win? The future is unknown. But let me tell you the present: This spring, we fought and won the battle against gay marriage in two of the deepest-blue states in the nation, Rhode Island and Maryland. I believe we are about to win, again, in New York. In each case we were told it was a done deal; gay marriage would be impossible to stop. It wasn't...."
Raising Girls
4 Cultural Challenges to Raising Little Girls (Braxton Hunter)
"EVANSVILLE, Ind. (BP)--As we left the ultrasound room I encountered a strange cocktail of emotions. On the one hand I realized that unless Sarah and I have another child, and unless that child is male, my brother and his wife will have the last shot at continuing the family name. On the other hand WE'RE HAVING A BABY GIRL! So, you see my dilemma?...."
"EVANSVILLE, Ind. (BP)--As we left the ultrasound room I encountered a strange cocktail of emotions. On the one hand I realized that unless Sarah and I have another child, and unless that child is male, my brother and his wife will have the last shot at continuing the family name. On the other hand WE'RE HAVING A BABY GIRL! So, you see my dilemma?...."
Q&A with Tim LaHaye
Interesting Q & A with Tim LaHaye (The Daily Beast)
"Though some believe judgment day is coming May 21, Tim LaHaye, the prominent evangelical Christian minister and co-author of apocalyptic fiction bestseller Left Behind, begs to differ. He talks with Marlow Stern about the Rapture, Barack Obama’s socialist agenda, converting gays with Jesus, and why the “end times” are upon us.
Plus, your guide to the end of the world, John Avlon on the doomsday unhinged, and Bryan Curtis on the man who spent his savings to tell New York about the Rapture.
On May 21, 2011, judgment day will be upon us. Five months later, the world will come to an end. The coded “proofs” are everywhere: Floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and pestilence. Plus, it’s exactly 7,000 years from the time of Noah’s flood to the date of the Rapture. At least, this is the theory of Harold Camping, the 89-year-old founder of Family Radio, a Christian network that spans more than 150 outlets in the U.S. and is valued at $100 million. His followers believe that about 200 million people—or three percent of the population—will be raptured on May 21, and the rest will be destroyed. This isn’t the first time Camping’s made such a bold prediction. In his book 1994?, published in 1992, he argued that Jesus Christ would return on Sept. 6, 1994. Needless to say, Jesus stood us up...."
"Though some believe judgment day is coming May 21, Tim LaHaye, the prominent evangelical Christian minister and co-author of apocalyptic fiction bestseller Left Behind, begs to differ. He talks with Marlow Stern about the Rapture, Barack Obama’s socialist agenda, converting gays with Jesus, and why the “end times” are upon us.
Plus, your guide to the end of the world, John Avlon on the doomsday unhinged, and Bryan Curtis on the man who spent his savings to tell New York about the Rapture.
On May 21, 2011, judgment day will be upon us. Five months later, the world will come to an end. The coded “proofs” are everywhere: Floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and pestilence. Plus, it’s exactly 7,000 years from the time of Noah’s flood to the date of the Rapture. At least, this is the theory of Harold Camping, the 89-year-old founder of Family Radio, a Christian network that spans more than 150 outlets in the U.S. and is valued at $100 million. His followers believe that about 200 million people—or three percent of the population—will be raptured on May 21, and the rest will be destroyed. This isn’t the first time Camping’s made such a bold prediction. In his book 1994?, published in 1992, he argued that Jesus Christ would return on Sept. 6, 1994. Needless to say, Jesus stood us up...."
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Way or Not?
The Way or Not the Way? (Colson)
"According to the Pew Forum’s U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, 57 percent of self-identified Evangelical Christians agreed with this statement: “Many religions can lead to eternal life.”
Think about the staggering implications of what you just heard: 57 percent of Evangelicals believe that many religions can lead to eternal life!
Yet Jesus Himself was very clear. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Either Jesus was right, or he was wrong. What Christians, Muslims, and Jews say about the person and work of Jesus Christ can’t be reconciled. They may all be false, but they cannot all be true...."
"According to the Pew Forum’s U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, 57 percent of self-identified Evangelical Christians agreed with this statement: “Many religions can lead to eternal life.”
Think about the staggering implications of what you just heard: 57 percent of Evangelicals believe that many religions can lead to eternal life!
Yet Jesus Himself was very clear. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Either Jesus was right, or he was wrong. What Christians, Muslims, and Jews say about the person and work of Jesus Christ can’t be reconciled. They may all be false, but they cannot all be true...."
Is the end near?
The End is Near: The False Teaching of Harold Camping (Al Mohler)
"Harold Camping is now warning the world that the Day of Judgment will begin at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The 89-year-old founder of Family Radio has made such pronouncements before, most recently in 1994. He now says that he simply miscalculated then, but he is absolutely certain that he has the right calculation now. You have been warned...."
"Harold Camping is now warning the world that the Day of Judgment will begin at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The 89-year-old founder of Family Radio has made such pronouncements before, most recently in 1994. He now says that he simply miscalculated then, but he is absolutely certain that he has the right calculation now. You have been warned...."
Is the pro-life cause winning?
5 Signs the Pro-life Cause is Winning (Tevin Wax)
"The pro-life cause is winning. In state legislatures, in the media, and in grassroots efforts to reduce the number of abortions, pro-life activists have put abortion rights advocates on defense. The pro-life movement certainly has hurdles to overcome before the United States can become a place where all human life is legally protected. Yet the eventual outcome is certain. Here are five reasons I believe we have reached a tipping point in favor of the pro-life cause.
1) Public Opinion...."
"The pro-life cause is winning. In state legislatures, in the media, and in grassroots efforts to reduce the number of abortions, pro-life activists have put abortion rights advocates on defense. The pro-life movement certainly has hurdles to overcome before the United States can become a place where all human life is legally protected. Yet the eventual outcome is certain. Here are five reasons I believe we have reached a tipping point in favor of the pro-life cause.
1) Public Opinion...."
Has the gospel been preached to the world?
Has the Gospel Been Preached to the Whole World Already? (John Piper)
"From Rob Bell to Peter O’Brien, Colossians 1:23 proves a challenge. Paul refers to the gospel of his day as “the gospel . . . which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven” (ESV). Commentators multiply explanations of how the gospel could have already been proclaimed “in all creation” in the first century. The context:
You he has now reconciled . . . if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed (Greek tou kēruchthentos) in all creation under heaven.” (Colossians 1:21–23, emphasis added)
Here is my simple solution, though you have to know Greek to see it. The Greek for the phrase “which has been proclaimed” is tou kēruchthentos). This is a substantival participle which we could render “the proclaimed one” in English. It is in apposition with “the gospel” (tou euangeliou . . . tou kēruchthentos)—“the gospel . . . the proclaimed one.” The fact that the participle “proclaimed” is aorist tense does not mean the proclamation has already happened in the past. That is not the way aorists in substantival participles work, as Daniel Wallace makes clear in Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics (note 8, 615)...."
"From Rob Bell to Peter O’Brien, Colossians 1:23 proves a challenge. Paul refers to the gospel of his day as “the gospel . . . which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven” (ESV). Commentators multiply explanations of how the gospel could have already been proclaimed “in all creation” in the first century. The context:
You he has now reconciled . . . if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed (Greek tou kēruchthentos) in all creation under heaven.” (Colossians 1:21–23, emphasis added)
Here is my simple solution, though you have to know Greek to see it. The Greek for the phrase “which has been proclaimed” is tou kēruchthentos). This is a substantival participle which we could render “the proclaimed one” in English. It is in apposition with “the gospel” (tou euangeliou . . . tou kēruchthentos)—“the gospel . . . the proclaimed one.” The fact that the participle “proclaimed” is aorist tense does not mean the proclamation has already happened in the past. That is not the way aorists in substantival participles work, as Daniel Wallace makes clear in Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics (note 8, 615)...."
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking in God's World (Justin Holcomb) "Genesis 3 records the terrible day when humanity fell into sin and shalom was violated. This was a moment of cosmic treason, when Adam and Eve violated their relationship with God by rebelling against His command and fell into the severe ignobility we all experience.
The entrance of sin wrecked the order and goodness of God’s world; it was the disintegration of peace. Sin inverted love for God, which in turn became idolatry, and inverted love for neighbor, which became exploitation of others.
One clear way this exploitation of others takes place is human trafficking..."
The entrance of sin wrecked the order and goodness of God’s world; it was the disintegration of peace. Sin inverted love for God, which in turn became idolatry, and inverted love for neighbor, which became exploitation of others.
One clear way this exploitation of others takes place is human trafficking..."
New Home for the Illicit
Starbucks: New Home for the Illicit (Wall Street Journal)
"In the 1980s, arbitrager Ivan Boesky used the lavish lobby of New York's Plaza Hotel to exchange cash for tips in what would become the most famous insider-trading scheme of the era.
In the Galleon Group case, the rendezvous points were much more pedestrian: Starbucks coffee shops, where at least two important meetings took place...."
"In the 1980s, arbitrager Ivan Boesky used the lavish lobby of New York's Plaza Hotel to exchange cash for tips in what would become the most famous insider-trading scheme of the era.
In the Galleon Group case, the rendezvous points were much more pedestrian: Starbucks coffee shops, where at least two important meetings took place...."
Finding Heaven & Hell in Walmart
Finding Heaven and Hell in Walmart (World Magazine)
"I trekked into Walmart for milk and bread but didn’t make it past the magazines and books.
I looked. I counted.
Eight? How could Walmart stock eight different books, non-fiction books to be precise, all on the topic of the afterlife?
The kind of books that Walmart sells are the kind of books that sell. The discount retailer moves a heap of books out the door by stocking titles with “buzz” already surrounding them..."
"I trekked into Walmart for milk and bread but didn’t make it past the magazines and books.
I looked. I counted.
Eight? How could Walmart stock eight different books, non-fiction books to be precise, all on the topic of the afterlife?
The kind of books that Walmart sells are the kind of books that sell. The discount retailer moves a heap of books out the door by stocking titles with “buzz” already surrounding them..."
Parenting 001
Parenting 001 (Kevin DeYoung)
"Does it seem like parenting has gotten more complicated? I mean, as far as I can tell, back in the day parents basically tried to feed their kids, clothe them, and keep them away from explosives. Now our kids have to sleep on their backs (no wait, their tummies; no never mind, their backs), while listening to Baby Mozart surrounded by scenes of Starry, Starry Night. They have to be in piano lessons before they are five and can’t leave the car seat until they’re about five foot six...."
"Does it seem like parenting has gotten more complicated? I mean, as far as I can tell, back in the day parents basically tried to feed their kids, clothe them, and keep them away from explosives. Now our kids have to sleep on their backs (no wait, their tummies; no never mind, their backs), while listening to Baby Mozart surrounded by scenes of Starry, Starry Night. They have to be in piano lessons before they are five and can’t leave the car seat until they’re about five foot six...."
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Thoughts on the Death of Bin Laden
Thoughts on the Death of Bin Laden (Denny Burk) "On Sunday, we all learned that U.S. special forces killed Osama Bin Laden as he was hiding out in a mansion in Pakistan. The reaction to the news across the U.S. has been remarkable. I cannot remember another instance in my lifetime when throngs of people gathered spontaneously in the streets of our major cities to celebrate, but that is indeed what happened.
How should we as Christians react to the news? Here are a few thoughts:...."
How should we as Christians react to the news? Here are a few thoughts:...."
Osama Bin Laden and the Value of Justice
Osama Bin Laden and the Value of Justice (Kevin DeYoung)
Christians are already beginning to weigh in on the killing of Osama Bin Laden. Not surprisingly, Justin Taylor has a quick roundup of the first couple of internet volleys–both of which are very good. I’m sure there is more serious reflection to come. But since I’m a blogger, I’ll do what bloggers do, and that’s add my thoughts to the mix.
There are really two questions to answer: 1) Did Osama bin Laden deserve to die? 2) Did those who killed him have authority to do so?
Christians are already beginning to weigh in on the killing of Osama Bin Laden. Not surprisingly, Justin Taylor has a quick roundup of the first couple of internet volleys–both of which are very good. I’m sure there is more serious reflection to come. But since I’m a blogger, I’ll do what bloggers do, and that’s add my thoughts to the mix.
There are really two questions to answer: 1) Did Osama bin Laden deserve to die? 2) Did those who killed him have authority to do so?
The Limits of Human Justice
Osama Bin Laden – The Limits of Human Justice (Al Mohler) "Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama bin Laden is dead. President Obama spoke with clarity and resolution when he addressed the American people last night: 'Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.'...”
Osama bin Laden is dead. President Obama spoke with clarity and resolution when he addressed the American people last night: 'Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.'...”
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Common Grace, Special Grace and Bin Laden
May 3, 2011: Goodness Gracious, by RC Sproul Jr.
Common grace is more potent than we normally think. Special grace, on the other hand, is likely more nuanced than we tend to think. As these United States celebrate the just end to the life of Osama Bin Laden, I’m afraid we are in danger of missing both of these truths. First, common grace is keeping the world from being populated with nothing but Osama Bin Ladens. The difference between Bin Laden and Gandhi isn’t that Bin Laden was evil enough to embrace an evil, violent religion while Gandhi was good enough to at least choose and teach a more gentle, false religion. The difference is the amount of common grace given by the living God, the Father of our Lord Jesus. Both men were sinners. Neither gave any sign of having turned to cross and clinging to the finished work of Christ. And so both men find themselves well beyond the reach of any grace, in eternal torment. Both are receiving what they so richly deserve.
The state itself is a manifestation of common grace. We would be wise to remember that God killed Bin Laden, not the United States government. God ordained the state to bear the sword, to punish evildoers. And so in this case they have done so. They have rightly served as His ministers of justice. We should give thanks, to the God who gave us government. That said, what does it say about us that we are dancing in the streets today, while we Christians were so silent and ashamed when notorious abortionist George Tiller was killed? Please don’t misunderstand. I do not believe that private citizens should take the law into their own hands to kill abortionists.
Common grace is more potent than we normally think. Special grace, on the other hand, is likely more nuanced than we tend to think. As these United States celebrate the just end to the life of Osama Bin Laden, I’m afraid we are in danger of missing both of these truths. First, common grace is keeping the world from being populated with nothing but Osama Bin Ladens. The difference between Bin Laden and Gandhi isn’t that Bin Laden was evil enough to embrace an evil, violent religion while Gandhi was good enough to at least choose and teach a more gentle, false religion. The difference is the amount of common grace given by the living God, the Father of our Lord Jesus. Both men were sinners. Neither gave any sign of having turned to cross and clinging to the finished work of Christ. And so both men find themselves well beyond the reach of any grace, in eternal torment. Both are receiving what they so richly deserve.
The state itself is a manifestation of common grace. We would be wise to remember that God killed Bin Laden, not the United States government. God ordained the state to bear the sword, to punish evildoers. And so in this case they have done so. They have rightly served as His ministers of justice. We should give thanks, to the God who gave us government. That said, what does it say about us that we are dancing in the streets today, while we Christians were so silent and ashamed when notorious abortionist George Tiller was killed? Please don’t misunderstand. I do not believe that private citizens should take the law into their own hands to kill abortionists.
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