God is for God

Matt Chandler at Code Orange...powerful!

Elephant Room Recap

Today I had the great pleasure of attending a live simulcast of The Elephant Room Round 2.  The awesome folks at Blueprint Church in Atlanta were kind enough to host the event and I can't say enough about their warmness.  Out here in suburbia I don't get much diversity at my local church; it was wonderful to see the way that Blueprint facilitates people from all ethnic tribes into an authentic relationship with Jesus!

The highlight of the day for me was when TD Jakes confessed a Trinitarian view and received a fist-bump from Mark Driscoll in return.  I thought that moment captured the purpose of the event so well.  It was a great day of grace and truth as 7 prominent Christian brothers came together and spoke with civility, depth, and rawness about some of the most important issues facing the church today.

I know that there will always be some people out there, many of whom didn't even sit down and watch the talks, who will tear apart all the things that were said today in an effort to look for the slightest hint of heresy.  Thats the mindset I am naturally inclined towards myself.  I thank God for The Elephant Room because I need a constant reminder to "Preach the Gospel and not Critique the Gospel" as Steven Furtick said earlier.

Here are a few more of the most profound (paraphrased) quotes that I took down today...


Don't cloud the gospel
Crawford

Denominations still deserve some honor and respect for their work in pioneering the way for many of us.
Steven

Baptism isn't what saves you, but it is the first thing saved people do.
James

Work on yourself more than your ministry or you'll burn out.  Those around you will be automatic beneficiaries if you take care of you.
Wayne

The devil doesn't care which side of the boat you go off.
Wayne

We who herald the truth often do not tell the truth beyond that truth we herald.
Jakes

We need to stop looking in the mirror and singing "how great thou art."
Crawford

God doesn't use what we bring to the table he uses what we surrender to him
Crawford

Your church can be no more integrated than your life.
Jakes

The church isn't doing as well as the nightclubs when it comes to integration.
Jakes

I am appalled by the lack of moral courage in the church of Christ today.
Crawford

Heaven will be awesome because the richness of all the nations will be represented.
James

You can tell a lot about a mans life by the countenance of his wife.
James

We get so focused on a fallen leaders sin that we don't see the dysfunction in the family that led to the moral failure.
Jakes

Create a culture of holiness in your leaders...
Wayne

You can teach what you know but you are gonna reproduce what you are.
Wayne

Some people say they are defending the gospel when they are really just crappy friends.
Steven

The closer we are to the gospel the closer we are to each other.
Crawford

Give your life to Jesus, its worth it even if nothing visible comes of it.
James

I'm really concerned for this generation because its so disconnected from the faith rhythms that went down the corridors of time before it.
Crawford

We must be careful not to become a sub-culture instead of a counter culture.
Wayne 
____________________________

BTW - They are doing a special offer for just the next few hours...

Round 2 DVDs for $39.00

Both Rounds DVDs for $69.00

http://www.theelephantroom.com/presale

____________________________


UPDATE


A good article on the ER2.


http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2012/01/26/grace-and-truth-beyond-the-elephant-room/

Vlog 1 - The Chinese Bamboo Tree

The Glover Family

Recently, my pastor did a talk where I was challenged to spend some time thinking about the vision and mission of my family.  The premise was simple...take some of the things that work in our business lives (mission statements, organizational goals, core values...) and see how we might effectively translate such tools to our personal life as a means to get us focused and to keep us on-track for where God wants us to be.

My personality being the type to make speedy and decisive judgment on things, I was finished with my rough draft before I left the building that night.  However, I knew that I needed to sit on this a few weeks and get it right.  I continued to think about the issue and to talk with my wife about her thoughts.  Finally, we collaborated tonight for the final version.

The Glover Family - 2012

Who we are:
"The Glovers are a gospel-centered family comprised of messy people striving for honest communication, family fun, selflessness, and growth in the Spirit...all for the sake of making Jesus famous to our extended family, our circle of friends, our community, and the world."

Our Core Values:
- Grace
- Truth
- Love

Our Family Principles:
- Family Bible Study
- Intentional Prayer
- Collective Giving
- Walking Obediently
- Enjoying Life

Our goals to accomplish by the end of the year:
- Buy a new house to accommodate a growing family.
- Begin the adoption process.
- Go on a short-term mission trip.
- Consistently tithe.
- Lead a LifeGroup.
- Encourage our parents to know/ grow deeper in the Lord.
- Teach our children Scripture memory and the catechisms.

So, there is it.  Thats what we came up with.  I feel good about it.  Its the first time we have ever had a vision for the year.  We discussed each point in depth together and we agreed to sit down every Sunday night and look at our progress and our steadfastness to these goals and principles.

If this is something that you have not done before, let me encourage you to think about it.  While it isn't for everyone, it was very useful for our family.

What I'm Reading 1.19.2012

Currently reading these...

Qualified?

I have been thinking alot recently on the biblical qualifications for leadership.  These thoughts came to me when I was asked to be part of a small LifeGroup Leadership Team at my church.

Along with the associate pastor and three other people, I will be responsible for the vision and implementation of our LifeGroups in the near future.  We already have LifeGroups at the church, but they were never given the investment that they needed.  As the church is growing pretty exponentially these days, the leadership decided it was time to refocus on LifeGroups.

In thinking about LifeGroups (LGs), I began to see the work of a LifeGroup leader as that of a micro-pastor.  You see, in our LifeGroups an average of 4-8 couple meet weekly or bi-weekly to go over some follow-up material from Sunday, do an independent Bible study, or take a class like Financial Peace.  There is an appointed leader for each group who is supposed to organize and direct the time together.

Another key aspect of our LifeGroups is the idea of "doing life together."  Since the vocational leadership can't be personally involved in the emotional and spiritual needs of every member in their flock, our LifeGroups are safe places for people to share their struggles and get helped along this faith journey by peers.  By default, the LifeGroup leader is seen as the point person for helping others in the LG.

That said, you may understand why I see the LG leader as a micro-pastor.  They are responsible for teaching, encouraging, guiding, mentoring, and overall shepherding their little LG flock.  As such, I have come to some preliminary ideas on the qualifications for LG leaders.

We all know what the Scriptures say about the qualifications for elders and deacons.  In Titus 1 for example, we read about the character of an elder...

⁵ This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— ⁶ if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. ⁷ For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, ⁸ but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 

Contrast that with the "what not to bes"...

 ¹⁰ For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. ¹¹ They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. ¹² One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. 

Also in 1 Timothy 3, we see more on what an elder should be like...

¹ The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. ² Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. ⁴ He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, ⁵ for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. 


Then, in the next few verses are the qualifications for a deacon...

⁸ Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ¹¹ Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 

So, here is where I am at with this. 

If LG leaders (and their equivalent in church, to include worship leaders, youth leaders, children's ministry leaders, and other prominent leaders - volunteer or vocational) are essentially micro-pastors...shouldn't they be held to the same standards as paid clergy?  At least to the standard of a deacon?

Remember that deacons were not even leaders per say in the early church.  They were individuals who served the body through daily operational tasks so that the apostles could teach, preach, and expand the vision of the Gospel. (Acts 6)

Therefore, it seems very logical that we would expect that those in quasi-leadership or leadership positions be held to the qualifications of a deacon at the very least. 

It seems reasonable to me and, most importantly, biblical.  The early church didn't have a LifeGroup ministry like we have in 21st century America.  Neither did Rome during the Middle Ages or Europe in the Reformation from what I can tell.  We have to use some inference and logic to apply the biblical principles in context. 

I am not trying to be legalistic, but I do feel that our culture is very lax on the idea of qualification for church leadership and the idea of church discipline.  We must be sheepdogs for the protection of the flock.

What do you think?

Overview Bible Reading Plan

From R.C. Sproul...

"Here is a pattern I recommend for people who have never read the Bible."

The Old Testament overview:

• Genesis (the history of Creation, the fall, and God’s covenantal dealings with the patriarchs)
• Exodus (the history of Israel’s liberation and formation as a nation)
• Joshua (the history of the military conquest of the Promised Land)
• Judges (Israel’s transition from a tribal federation to a monarchy)
• 1 Samuel (Israel’s emerging monarchy under Saul and David)
• 2 Samuel (David’s reign)
• 1 Kings (Solomon and the divided kingdom)
• 2 Kings (the fall of Israel)
• Ezra (the Israelites’ return from exile)
• Nehemiah (the restoration of Jerusalem)
• Amos and Hosea (examples of minor prophets)
• Jeremiah (an example of a major prophet)
• Ecclesiastes (Wisdom Literature)
• Psalms and Proverbs (Hebrew poetry)
 

The New Testament overview:

• The Gospel of Luke (the life of Jesus)
• Acts (the early church)
• Ephesians (an introduction to the teaching of Paul)
• 1 Corinthians (life in the church)
• 1 Peter (an introduction to Peter)
• 1 Timothy (an introduction to the Pastoral Epistles)
• Hebrews (Christology)
• Romans (Paul’s theology)

I Hate Religion?

After posting that video titled "Why I hate religion but love Jesus" earlier this week, I was increasingly torn by the rhetoric.  It reminded me of how politicians use snazzy slogans and 30 second sound bites to try and make their point while dealing with extremely complex issues.

It was a bit of providence to run across this quote from Allen Peek today...it sums up my inner thoughts quite nicely.

I think I’m going to stop saying, “I hate religion.” 

Without clarification, that statement doesn’t altogether square with the Bible. To be Biblical I should say something like, “I hate useless religion but I love pure and undefiled religion.” I must do better at making this distinction because: 

1) I don’t hate pure and undefiled religion – Biblical Christianity, the religion grounded on the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ 

2) Without clarification, "I hate religion," confuses unbelieving people.

I must make distinctions (as we see throughout the Bible) about all the other false world religions and even the false “christian” sects/cults which are all characterized by works-righteousness (all of them are useless). But, I must be Biblical in how I go about voicing those distinctions - as opposed to simply saying, “I hate religion.”

Make NO mistake about it – Biblical Christianity is “pure and undefiled RELIGION.” All other religion is worthless. 

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.” Titus 1:15

A couple of good videos...

This one has some great points in it.  The overall message is good even if the rhetoric about terminology is too much for me.



This one is a mix of commentary and a great worship song.  Enjoy.

The Order of Salvation

Here is a good graphic from Tim Challies that explains what Reformed folk believe about the order of salvation.  Its kinda theological to talk about and it may appear to some as impractical to discuss or dwell on.  However, I think there is great value in deeply understanding our own salvation so that we may have a foundation upon which to build those more practical aspects of our lives.

Real Marriage

My wife and I started reading the new book by Mark Driscoll recently.  Its called "Real Marriage" and it has quickly shot to the top of the Amazon charts, and the top of many Christian blogs.  If you don't know Mark, he is a very controversial guy for the way that he does two things:

1)  Communicates a neo-reformed and complementarian theology (that focuses on Jesus and the grace of God above all things) in a very practical and contextual way to the 20 and 30 somethings of our nation - particularly his city of Seattle.

2)  Speaks openly (and sometimes brashly) about language, sex, entertainment, heretics, and such.

Mark got a real bad reputation several years ago when he was younger and less wise with his teaching and his counsel.  Since then he has become friends with some older and more mature men (John Piper for one) who have helped him tone back his rhetoric and make things even more about Jesus.

This new book, which we have taken turns reading aloud on our Kindle Fire, is absolutely engrossing.  We are in Chapter 2 and the honesty with which Mark and his wife write cuts right to the heart of marriages today.  My wife, who isn't much of a reader, even asked me if we could keep reading instead of going to bed the other night.

I am hoping to do a LifeGroup study on this book in the near future.  I think that married couples will benefit greatly from its gospel-centered and practical message.

You can read all about the book here:

http://pastormark.tv/books/real-marriage

Because Mark is so controversial I must warn you that he is getting some flak for the book, feedback which I am not quick to dismiss, and you should research the book for yourself before investing based on my opinion.

Check out this review by Denny Burk.  He is pretty balanced regarding his read of the material and his review has caused me to question if I will cover Chapter 10 in my LifeGroup study.  After I read it I will decide.

http://www.dennyburk.com/my-review-of-mark-driscolls-real-marriage/

At the end of the day, as Mark says in his introduction, no book is perfect (except the Holy Scriptures) and we can feel free to "cut and paste" those things which are helpful while setting aside the things that could confuse or hinder us.

"Real Marriage" has my endorsement (as if that means anything) and is recommended for my readers (all 0.5 of you.)

Enjoy and may it strengthen your relationship.

Happy New Year

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

...a powerful admonition to be more than a nominal Christian as we start 2012.

http://bible.us/Matt7.13.NIV84

To Santa or not to Santa

I believe in Christian Liberty.  I think that believers have amazing lattitude in determining how they interact with the world.  And yet, with that freedom comes deep responsibility.

When my first child was born, I was a young Christian.  I was very immature in my faith and held to a largely fundamentalist view of social interaction. I understood my faith through things like making sure that there were rules to ban the external actions perceived to be sin.  I thought things like...Christians shouldn't drink or smoke or dance.

As my second child was born, I found myself thinking more about Santa Claus, deepening my understanding of Christian liberty, and reassessing my views on the jolly 'ol elf.

Unfortunately, in either corner of those Christian spheres, there is often little real thought given to the whole Santa Claus situation. 

I know that most people, most believers in America, see nothing wrong with Santa.  I have come to disagree.  Its complicated though.  I don't mean to say that one must share my views to be an orthodox Christian.  This is a matter of liberty since there is no verse in Scripture that says "Thou shalt not play along with the Santa routine."

(I just heard someone say that it may violate the 9th Commandmant.  Powerful thought.)

Its also complicated because I let my oldest believe in Santa and that morphed into my other kids doing the same.  I know that sounds hypocritical, but its just the strange circumstance I find myself in.  I am the minority viewpoint in my family and its not a battle worth fighting to the death over.

I do think that a child can believe in Santa and still grow up to be a believer.  The Holy Spirit (by definition), work miracles and saves people from all sorts of sin and falsehood.

Nevertheless, here is why I think we should stay away from Santa given the choice...

1)  He sets kids up for the destruction of faith.

Kids trust us.  We tell them about Santa as if he is a real magical being.  We create elaborate stories about his origins, his life, his deeds, and how he personally knows them.  He sees them when their sleeping, he knows when they are awake...

Then, once they get old enough to start thinking rationally and questioning the numerous Santas at every mall and department store around, we tell them it was all a big fib.  Of course, we try and paint it as a white lie that we told to benefit them.  We explain that we wanted them to feel wonder during the holiday season.

Their faith in Santa is crushed.  How can we think that they will have an easy time holding on to faith in Christ?

2)  He teaches moralism.

Santa doesn't teach grace.  he teaches kids that goodness is rewarded and bad works are punished.

That's the exact opposite of our great Gospel and only reinforces the teaching of this world and all other religions...moralism.

3) He detracts from the Incarnation.

Time spent obsessing over Santa is time lost celebrating the wonder of God made man.  That's super simple.

...................................................................................................

As a parting thought, check out this excerpt from John MacArthur:

Now, listen, if you look at the letters of Santa, you'll see that Satan is hidden in Santa. When we teach a child to sing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", we're teaching him a false theology. We're teaching him a false set of doctrine. 

Let me see if I can explain it to you. First, that song teaches that Santa is a transcendent being. 
He lives on a higher plane; 
he lives on another level; 
he transcends time and space. 
He has powers equal to whom? God. 
Not only that, he knows everything. He is omniscient. 
He knows when you're sleeping. 
He knows when you're awake. 
He knows when you're naughty. 
He knows when you're nice. 
He knows everything. 
Not only that, he's everywhere. 
He sees you when you're sleeping. 
He's not only omniscient, he's omnipresent. 
And he's watching to see whether you've been good or bad. 

Not only that but he bestows favors. Now on what basis does Santa give his favors? What must I do to receive good things from this transcendent being called Santa? Well, it's very simple. I have to be what? 

Good. 

I can earn Santa's favor. If I'm good, Santa will give me gifts. After all, he's making a list. And he's checking it twice to make sure that we've been either naughty or nice and on the basis of how we've been, he'll deal with us. And if I'm not nice and good, I won't get any gifts. So I better be good for goodness sake. Not to mention for my own sake or anybody else's sake.

But you want to know something about Santa? He may be transcendent and he may be omniscient and he may be omnipotent, and he may be omnipresent, he may be dispensing all the good things, but you know what? 

You can't trust him. 

You can't trust him. So what do you mean by that? It says he's checking to see if you're naughty or nice and you better be good for goodness sake because if you're not good, you won't what? You won't get anything. You want to know something? That's not true. Plenty of times I haven't been good and I get something anyway.

Every year I get something. And you want to know the truth of it? There are a lot of naughty people get a lot and there are a lot of nice people don't get anything. You know what about Santa Claus? You can't trust him. He doesn't even stay true to his own word. He's blustering around and warning everybody to mind your manners and be good all the time. Be nice and not naughty and good and not bad. And then, you know what? When Christmas comes he caves in. And even when we've been naughty he gives us all that stuff. And sometimes he overlooks people that are nice. 

He really can't be trusted. His threats are meaningless and so are his promises. But that's good because it takes the sting out of them. And there's another good thing about Santa, you only have to worry about him once a year. He only shows up once. And you know when it is. It's always on December 25th, so you can get your act together just a few days before.

You say, well, where is he the rest of the time? Oh, he's in the North Pole.  What's he doing? Oh, he has all these elves around him. What are they doing? Whatever he tells them, mostly meaningless things like make toys.  He's sort of inane, isn't he? He threatens but never fulfills his threats. He promises but doesn't always fulfill his promises. 

Is it any wonder that if I believe all that as a child, when I come to be an adult, I might have a hard time believing in a transcendent God who does know everything? Who is everywhere? Who does have all power? Who does keep His promises and His threats? And who does not save me and give me good gifts on the basis of my works but on the basis of His Grace? 

If Santa has been my understanding of God, I'm in trouble. That's why I say hidden in the letters of Santa is Satan.
 
Good food for thought even if you disagree.

The Men and the Two Stones

As a person with very poor self-discipline, I need these type of messages.

A Heck of a Discussion

The Elephant Room 2 is coming and here is the description of one of their scheduled conversations...I am pretty excited to see how Jakes will respond to Driscoll.  I wish I could attend the event or one of the broadcasts.  Guess I'll wait for the reviews :(

TICKET TO RIDE

What are the ‘majors’ of Christian doctrine that cannot be diluted or denied for a person to be a Christian?
How can we help one another move beyond the bare minimum of accepted belief, to a pursuit of robust, soul-satisfying, biblical substance?
How should we relate to those who do not yet embrace the benefit and priority of sound biblical doctrine?
Is there a difference between a person in error and a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
What benefits derive from keeping the majors on a separate list and not letting the ‘minors’ divide us?
Is it possible to love the truth without compromise and still work passionately for unity?

Discussion by:
MARK DRISCOLL & T.D. JAKES

Moderated by:
James MacDonald

Christmas Music

In a world that is increasing embracing the idea of religious inclusivity and which is shunning the traditional claims of objective truth inherent in the gospel, I am glad for Christmas music.

Even on secular radio stations like Atlanta's 98.5, there is a willingness to play Christmas music for the last two months of the year.  And I am not referring to the shoddy moralism of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" or the cheesiness of "Jingle Bell Rock," I mean real Christmas music...music about Christ.

In the past few days I have heard a number of the old, beautifully worded, and theological correct Christmas songs on 98.5.  That would include...

O' Holy Night.

Read these lyrics...this is what is so great for people to hear on a secular station.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

I am not naive enough to think that hearing these lyrics is some magic formula for folks being saved, but it can be part of the "seed-planting and watering" that we have a hand in.  I am excited because hearing about Jesus is always better than not hearing about Jesus and God can do amazing things as he makes those seeds grow!

Make Us Dangerous!

We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the twentieth century does not reckon with. But we are “harmless,” and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are “sideliners” — coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous!


Jim Elliot

Does it Make God a Moral Monster if He Ordains All that Comes to Pass?

Been crazy busy as of late with the three young'uns.  As such, I have been giving little of my own thoughts and much reposting.  Don't expect this to be any different.  In fact, you should be happy to come to my blog and read stuff better organized and more thoughtful than my own brain allows...lol.

A short response to Roger Olson by John Hendryx

One of the major premises of Roger Olson's new book "Against Calvinism" is his declaration that classic Reformed doctrine of meticulous providence makes God into a moral monster, or worse, indistinguishable from the devil. He asserts that the Calvinist cannot consistently affirm that God ordains all that comes to pass, including the wicked acts of men, without also making God the author of sin.

Does it follow? Not in the least. The charge that it makes God a moral monster if the God of Scripture ordains all things, even the wicked acts of men, rests ultimately on the assumption that unless we can explain his actions then we may sit in judgment upon Him. In other words, the charge rests purely upon rationalism and extra-biblical logic. We acknowledge that we cannot explain all of God's secret acts since God has chosen not to reveal many things about Himself. But one very prominent feature of the Bible is that it frequently declares that God meticulously ordains all that comes to pass (Eph 1:11) AND that men are responsible for their actions. One major example sticks out: the greatest sin ever committed by men in history -- the crucifixion of Jesus ---when the Apostle Peter, preaching at Pentecost declares:

"...this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men." (Acts 2:23)

and two chapters later in Acts it again says:

"...both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done." (Acts 4:27-28)

Isaiah 53 also says

"...it was the will of the LORD to crush [bruise] him"

The Bible itself testifies, in plain language, that God ordained evil men to crucify Jesus. Yet "lawless men" are 100% responsible for carrying it out. So those who embrace the Bible as authoritative need to be able to develop a theology which fits that into their view. While you may not understand it, you must yield to what the Scripture teaches regarding God's meticulous hand of providence in all things, and His blamelessness in doing them. And just as the crucifixion of Jesus was was not done without purpose, but for a greater good, so God tell us that all things (including evil events) work for good of those who love God (Rom 8:28-30). So these things are not thoughtlessly ordained without any purpose. It would perhaps only make God a moral monster if He allowed the evil, but that its existence was ultimately meaningless or done for the sake of cruelty itself. But we know God, in His perfect wisdom, sees beyond this fleeting world to the ultimate conclusion to these matters.

There are countless examples like this in the Bible. For instance, when disaster struck Job and his family at the behest of Satan, Job did not look to second causes but acknowledged that "the Lord gives and the Lord takes away." And the text says that "in all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong." ( Job 1:22).

The fatal flaw in Olson's argument flows mostly from his insistence that Calvinists must somehow explain this philosophically or else we are being inconsistent, or worse, make God into a monster. But I would argue to the contrary: since the Bible holds forth our highest presuppositions, the most consistent position possible is to yield to the Bible's teaching that both God's sovereignty and human responsibility are true. God does not tell us much about HOW he can ordain evil acts while not being guilty of evil, only shows many examples where He does so for a greater purpose, often to remind people of the human condition and need for God. Ultimately it may be a mystery for human beings to understand at the time, yet crystal clear as regards to its established truth in the Bible.

Likewise, nowhere in the Bible did God call us to work out the details of this doctrine by philosophical means, or pry into the secret things of God. Rather He calls us to be faithful to the Text that says God ordains all things, even evil, and that, at the same time, God is blameless in doing so. That He ordains sin sinlessly. I do not have to hold these truths together rationally (according to human knowledge) or philosophically but because they are axiomatic in the Bible. My understanding the intricacies of how this comes about is secondary. God is God. DO our finite minds have to understand HOW He does this in order for it to be true?

It appears that, ultimately, Olson's objections to this are moral and philosophical rather than exegetical. He is, therefore, basing his considerations and thus his theological foundations on sand. The conclusions we reach, I would contend, must be based on what the Scripture says. For the alternative is to draw our highest presuppositions from something other than an authoritative source, such as unaided human reason. It is of utmost importance that he come up with exegetical grounds for his position, rather than base his theology on an emotional reaction.

I honestly cringe for Olson when he says that if God ordains evil events then God is indistinguishable from the devil, because the Bible declares that God does ordain all events, and also declares that he does so blamelessly, i.e. without sin. And if our theology is biblical, (and I believe it is) then Dr. Olson ends up calling God a monster or worse, the devil.

Note: It should be a given for Christians, that due to the fall, all human beings are not safe from temporal and eternal punishment. Why should it, therefore, so surprise Olson that God justly exercises this authority during our lives? Judgement has already begun east of Eden and we all are subject to death. So nothing (no suffering) should surprise us here except for the great mercy He has shown us in Jesus Christ. Regarding the Tower of Siloam (Luke 13:4), Jesus declared that it did not fall on people for their particular sin(s) because they were somehow worse that others, but as a sign in this fallen world that we are all ill-deserving sinners, under a curse who need to repent and receive the mercy of Jesus Christ. Don't be surprised that the tower fell on those people - let it be a sober reminder that you deserve the same.

Do People Who Commit Suicide Go to Heaven?

What do you say if someone genuinely asks you, "Do people who commit suicide go to heaven?" Whatever you do don't answer with this: “Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. If we think that suicide is immune to the cleansing blood of Christ we have misunderstood the extent of redemption.” This might be theologically correct; it is pastorally abysmal.

We are allowed minor variations on these, but there are only two correct responses to this question: “Why do you ask?” and “It sounds like things are really hard for you. Please tell me what’s happening.”

Here is the principle: theological questions are often personal questions in disguise; they are about the burdens on a person’s heart. Please do not respond with theological propositions or ethical guidelines. Instead, use these questions as the time to know and shepherd the person.

Hmm. This sounds like prudent advice, but it also sounds a bit suspect. It sounds like an artificial and potentially dangerous distinction between theology and ministry. Shepherding is profoundly theological; I am not trying to make a distinction between the two. My concern is the theological choices. Do you choose to respond with a proposition about the unpardonable sin or the morality of suicide? Or does your theology, which in this case compels you to humility and compassion, lead you to ask at least one more question?

As shepherds we have to assimilate classroom theology into our lives so it is no longer a series of propositions. Then we will be ready to offer it in way that fits the person in front of us. These two pastoral responses: “Why do you ask?” and “It sounds like things are really hard for you...” reflect applied and personal theology. They will quickly take us to places that go beyond the ethics of suicide.

They might take us to this place: “My friend’s brother just committed suicide. And I have no idea what to say to her.” In this situation pastoral theology might lead us to say, “You obviously love this friend. Tell me a little more about what she is saying and what you think might encourage her.”

As you talk together you might remember that most people who are close to suicide feel guilty. Family and friends feel like they should have known, that they should have done or said something to prevent it. So, you could raise this issue and together consider ways to invite her friend to speak openly about it. If her friend feels guilty you might help her reframe the guilt as, “You know that we are human and don’t know all things. Maybe you are saying that you wish so much that you could have done something but couldn’t. You feel helpless more than guilty. And you feel such grief that your brother was suffering so much.” You would offer these things tentatively and with the invitation to be corrected.

Too often “theology” means “answers” and most people aren’t looking for answers. Instead, theology guides us in how to love wisely, and everyone is looking for that.

From the Resurgence

Fools Gold

Most popular Christian music is lame...this is not.

God Loves You

"He lived the life you failed to live and He died the death you should have died."





...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Romans 5:8


For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.  Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 
- 1 Corinthians 5: 3-8

Pastor's"American Idol"

Check out this article for 16 things that Mark Driscoll will be looking for in his "preaching contestants" on November 15th.

Here are 3 to get you interested...

1)  Tell me about Jesus

2)  Invite lost people to salvation

3)  Avoid Christian jargon and explain your terms

Make WAR!

Fairy Tales

"It was in fairy-stories that I first divined the potency of the words, and the wonder of things, such as stone, and wood, and iron; tree and grass; house and fire; bread and wine. 

Far more powerful and poignant is the effect of joy in a serious tale of Faerie. In such stories, when the sudden turn comes, we get a piercing glimpse of joy, and heart's desire, that for a moment passes outside the frame, rends indeed the very web of story, and lets a gleam come through. 

I would venture to say that approaching the Christian story from this perspective, it has long been my feeling that God redeemed the corrupt making-creatures, men, in a way fitting to this aspect, as to others, of their strange nature. 

The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. ...and among its marvels is the greatest and most complete conceivable eucatastrophe. The Birth of Christ is the eucatastrophe of Man's history. The Resurrection is the eucatastrophe of the story of the Incarnation." 

- JRR Tolkien

What I'm reading - November 2011

On the back of the toliet...

The Elephant Room

The Elephant Room features blunt conversations between seven influential pastors who take differing approaches to ministry. No keynotes. No canned messages. These are “the conversations you never thought you’d hear.” All conversations are moderated by James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel and Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church.


In case you missed the inaugural Elephant Room, check this trailer out:



The Elephant Room from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.


And this coming year, the Elephant Room 2 should be pretty awesome as TD Jakes gets confronted, face to face, on his beliefs regarding the Trinity.



The Elephant Room: Round 2 from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.


There has been alot of controversy about The Elephant Room...from "its too macho" to "how can they even invite TD Jakes?"  Maybe some of the controversy is legit.  Regardless, I find the format and the potential for direct, honest communication absolutely fascinating!


Praying that God will get the glory on 1-25-2012.

The Perfection of Beauty

That is the trailer for Shai Linne's new album "The Attributes of God."

If you are not familiar with the recent explosion of "Holy Hip-Hop/ Reformed Rappers," you should be.  With beats and tracks as good as any secular artist, these young men are providing gospel-centered, theologically correct, and culturally relevant lyrics for a generation in need of the truth.

You can check out the flagship label Reach Records and a primer article for more info.

...and if you haven't seen this masterpiece of the spoken word yet, check it out...
http://jasonallenglover.blogspot.com/2011/08/truth-in-art.html

James 1

A few days ago, a friend asked me to read James 1 and give him my general thoughts on the passage.  Here goes:

Verses 2-4

In these verses, James seems to be telling us that going through hardships that test our faith is good for us.  In fact, it seems to say that the testing of our faith really serves to bolster our faith.  One thing that strikes me here is that James indicates we should rejoice in the hardships.  He doesn't say endure or push through, he says to "count it all joy."  Thats powerful because being full of joy in the midst of trials is exactly what the hope of the Gospel allows us to do.  Its also the type of behavior that causes the world is ask "how can that person be so happy going through that difficulty?"  Thats the kind of question that opens the door to evangelism!

Verses 5-8

Still on the subject of going through trials and tests of faith, James informs us that we can always ask for wisdom to guide us through the trouble.  But he reminds us that we must have faith that our God WILL see us through.  A person who doubts that God is with them, and who asks for wisdom nonetheless, is confused and unable to receive God's gift of wisdom because of their unbelief.

Verses 9-11

Be humble as you are tested.  Remember that it is God who sustains and delivers us.  We ourselves are but specks in the grand scheme of time.  We are nothing, by inference...He is everything.

Verses 12-15

Remain steadfast!  Do not think that God is tempting you if you are tempted.  God will test, but he can never tempt because of his perfectly holy nature.  Interestingly...James makes it clear that the temptation comes from inside our own depraved souls.  He does not blame the temptation on the devil or on demons, although he clearly believes in the truth and power of dark forces.  In this passage he notes that we lead ourselves to eternal death by our sin nature.

Verses 16-18

A good passage to confirm the immutable (unchanging) nature of God and to reaffirm that the will of the Father, through the work of the Son, is the only way that we have become adopted sons and daughters.

Verses 19-21

Almost as if to say, now here is how you remain steadfast, James shifts to some practical advice for his audience.  The wonderful, and seldom followed admonition to listen and be slow to speech/ anger is one of the best "application points" in the Scriptures.  In saying "put away the filth," I sense that James is talking about repentance.  He is telling us to die to our old self and to receive the "implanted word"...which I take to mean Christ.  Essentially he is echoing John 3 here..."be born again."

Verses 22-25

We must do more than mentally assent to the truth of the Gospel.  A real conversion will manifest itself in supreme love for Christ, a love that forces us to begin putting our faith into action.  If a person says they are saved but you fail to see them "doing" any work to bear fruit, the validity of that salvation may be something that only exists in the individuals mind.

Verses 26-27

The comment here about being "religious" with an unbridled tongue is a continuation of 22-25.  I think its important to note that James could have chosen to mention any number of specific examples here.  He picked the sin that is caused by hurtful words.  The use of harsh words is something that is all too easy for humans, believer and non-believer alike, to regularly fail at.  Its one of the things we must be most vigilant against!

To finish this chapter, James gives another example of how we must put our belief in the Gospel into action.  He mentions the most helpless people of any society...orphan kids and old women without family.  He reminds us to do more than talk the talk, he notes that we are expected to also walk the walk.  This last verse is the one that I recently heard in the context of "the biblical imperative to look after orphans isn't an option."  Its also the verse that solidified our family's decision to adopt soon!

Hope that helps!

Happy Reformation Day

Celebrate with your own Luther, Spurgeon, or Edwards mask courtesy of The Resurgence.

Luther certainly did not intend his Ninety-Five Theses to be a call to reformation, for he did not want to cause a rift in the church. He merely wanted to be faithful to Scripture. In fact, the public discussion prompted by the posting of theses was merely the typical way in which debate took place in that time. Yet, the content of the theses that Luther posted were rather controversial. And because of the newfound technologies of the printing press and the cultural situation of the early 1500s, Luther’s ideas were carried throughout Germany and gave way to the German stream of the Reformation.

The Ninety-Five Theses were fueled by a controversy in the church regarding the sale of indulgences. An indulgence was a statement made by the church that removed or satisfied the punishment for sin. Indulgences relied on the “treasury of merits.” According to this idea, many of the saints of the church died with more merit than they needed to enter into heaven. So, the excess merit was “stored,” and the Pope was the dispenser of these merits.”

People in the Medieval period were very concerned with the period of punishment in purgatory—a post-mortem punishment stressed in great detail by the church. They were not so much afraid of hell because they believed the forgiveness and blessing from their priest would guarantee them entrance into heaven. However, the pains of purgatory remained a reality they were scared to face. The church taught that before they would be able to enter heaven, they had to be cleaned of every sin they had committed in their lives on earth. Indulgences worked, then, to cleanse them from sin. The church made penance a sacrament, solidifying in the minds of the people that an indulgence would shorten their period of punishment to be endured in purgatory.

Luther’s main opponent in the indulgence controversy targeted in the Ninety-Five Theses was Johann Tetzel, an indulgence salesman hired by Albrecht, the Archbishop of Mainz. Albrecht agreed to sponsor the rebuilding of St. Pierre’s Cathedral in Rome, and the Pope agreed to grant a special indulgence that he could sell in order to raise the necessary funds.

Many Protestants are most familiar with Luther’s emphasis on justification by faith; however, his Ninety-Five Theses were about indulgences, papal authority, the authority of Scripture, and forgiveness of sin. Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses were primarily intended to facilitate discussion concerning the theology of indulgences. After several centuries of abuse of pastoral responsibility in the church, the practice of selling indulgences had grown into a scandal.

Luther saw a major pastoral problem in the selling of indulgences. It encouraged people in their sin and turned their minds away from Christ and God’s forgiveness and to buying forgiveness. Luther’s frustration with the church was with their claiming to have authority to control a person’s time in heaven or hell or purgatory. While Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses touched on an issue of every day practice and hit a nerve in the very depths of the structure of authority that existed in the Medieval church. The formal cause of the Protestant Reformation was the issue of justification and the material cause was ecclesiology, doctrine of the church.

The Ninety-Five Theses called the church to repentance and urged the leaders of the indulgence movement to direct their gaze to Christ, the only one who was able to pay the penalty due for sin: “Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ...willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.” (Thesis 1). Instead of the treasury of merit that was for sale, Luther protested, “The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God” (Thesis 62).

Of all the portions of the document, Luther’s closing (theses 92-95) is perhaps the most memorable:

92. Away, then, with those prophets who say to Christ's people, “Peace, peace,” where in there is no peace. 93. Hail, hail to all those prophets who say to Christ's people, “The cross, the cross,” where there is no cross. 94. Christians should be exhorted to be zealous to follow Christ, their Head, through penalties, deaths, and hells. 95. And let them thus be more confident of entering heaven through many tribulations rather than through a false assurance of peace.

Luther was ordered by the church to recant in 1520 and was eventually exiled and outlawed in 1521.

One of the greatest ways in which Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses affect us today—in addition to the wonderful inheritance of the five Reformation solas—is that they call us to thoroughly examine the inherited practices of the church against the standard set forth in the Scriptures. Luther saw an abuse, was not afraid to address it, and was exiled as a result of his faithfulness to the Bible in the midst of harsh opposition.

- also from The Resurgence

LifeGroup Recap

This past week, our new LifeGroup talked about...

"Lies and our worth in Christ"

1) Satan is the author of all falsehood.
Straight from the mouth of Jesus.
(John 8:42-44)

2) The enemy has been lying to us since the beginning.
His half-truth about the fruit of the tree gave Adam and Eve an excuse to sin.
(Genesis 3: 1-6)

3) Seeing their nakedness...a state figurative of their rebellion, sin, and shame...our first ancestors try and cover themselves up. Then they hide, tell their own half-truths, and finger-point to escape the truth.
Lies breed more untruth.
(Genesis 3: 7-13)

4) Yet, even in their disobedience, God recognizes their inability to cover their own nakedness and he gives them mercy.
A physical cover of loincloth.
(Genesis 3: 21)
A spiritual promise to defeat the evil one . - The protoevangelion or "first gospel message"
(Genesis 3: 15)

5) Today, the devil still lurks about...lying to us to seek our destruction.
Since he can't separate us from God, he will try and make us miserable here and now.
(1 Peter 5:8)

6) Sometimes we hear his lies and internalize them to ourselves or speak them to others.
The flesh and the world are our enemies as much as Satan.
(Colossians 3: 9-10)

7) Lies we hear often fall into two categories:
You are awesome, you deserve that.
You suck, you don't deserve that.

8) Lies we hear from Satan, from the world around us, and from our own flesh include:
"Successful equals lots of money, lots of friends, and a powerful position in life."
"You're too fat...too skinny...too ugly..."
"You are not a good...mother, father, person, son, daughter, friend..."
"You can't come to Jesus because you are a sinner"
and so many more...

9) The truth is that anyone can come to meet Jesus.
He wants to save the broken people, not hang out with the cool crowd
(Matthew 9:13)

10) The truth is that believers find their identity IN Christ,.
We are not to be held down by the lies of the enemy and the world.
(Romans 8:1)

11) To combat these lies we must...
Come to know Jesus
(Romans 10:9)
Study the Scripture to the point it is our default offensive weapon against the lies surrounding us
(Ephesians 6:17)
Pray always
(1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Be in a community of believers who can provide positive encouragement
(Romans 1:12)

Marital Charity

"Philanthropy means investing money in a charity that does not pay you any dividends—you get no profit out of it. You give money and get no money back. So economically, you can’t be philanthropic—you can’t give away a lot of money—unless you have a good income from somewhere else. 

In the same way, I argue that you can’t do a good job of loving your spouse unconditionally unless you have a strong love relationship with God through Christ. Loving your spouse unconditionally means that, for a season that may be short or long, you love your spouse when you aren’t getting much or any love in response. Your spouse may be deeply discouraged or have become ill or troubled in some way. At a time like that you must serve and love your spouse without expecting much affection, service, or love in return. That is love "philanthropy." In any long-term marriage there will be times that require this. You will be giving a lot more love than you are getting. But if your spouse is the main or only source of love in your life, it will hurt too much to love without getting any love back. You won’t be able to do it. You will just blow up and attack your spouse or look elsewhere for love. God and his love must be a spiritual reality in your life if you are going to be able to love your spouse steadily over the long haul."

Tim Keller

Osteen and Mormonism

"Our culture admires those with low theological commitment and high emphasis on attitude. In Joel Osteen’s case, it is the secular culture that has influenced the minister, and not the minister that is influencing he culture."

Read the entire, disturbing article HERE.

Halloween and the Gospel

What if thinking evangelistically about Halloween didn’t mean just dropping tracts into children’s bags, but the good candy—and seeing the evening as an opportunity to cultivate relationships with the unbelieving as part of an ongoing process in which we plainly identify with Jesus, get to know them well, and personally speak the good news of our Savior into their lives?

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/sent-into-the-harvest-halloween-on-mission?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DGBlog+%28DG+Blog%29

Not just a ticket...

Being able to articulate the gospel with accuracy is one thing; having its truth captivate your soul is quite another.

The gospel is not just supposed to be our ticket into heaven; it is to be an entirely new basis for how we relate to God, ourselves, and others. It is to be the source from which everything else flows.

— J. D. Greear