The Gospel in Six Minutes

John Piper reminds us that we never outgrow the Gospel.  You can watch the video here, or watch below.

HT: In Through The Front Door

Technorati Tags: John Piper , Desiring God Ministries , Gospel , Jesus Christ , Theology

Emergent Poster #1 - Truth

This goes with my post on Doug Pagitt.  I don't disagree with everything that the Emergent Church does, which I believe needs to be distinguished from the Emergent Village.  These posters I think address the Emergent Village (EV) not the Emerging Church (EC).

HT: Pyro\Maniacs

Technorati Tags: Emergent Village , Emerging Church , Truth , Pyro\Maniacs

Pagitt Confused

Doug Pagitt, pastor of Solomon's Porch, and a leader (or whatever he calls himself) for the Emergent Village was interviewed on the Way of the Master Radio by Todd Friel.

I was embarrassed for Doug Pagitt when he was asked to explain the afterlife or as he likes to call it, "the forevermore." I am not sure why he acted as though he didn't know what Todd Friel was talking about when Friel asked, "does a good Buddhist go to heaven?"

This a great example of trying to pin down jello. He acted as though Friel was loopy by demonstrating a sound systematic theological position on heaven and hell.

Pagitt didn't know what he was talking about, and is quite frankly, a heretic. That's my take why don't you listen and let me know what you think.

You can listen here - click on the podcast icon and download it. The link that says "listen now" doesn't seem to be working. I'm including it though incase it is fixed.

Technorati Tags: Doug Pagitt , Todd Friel , Emergent Village , Solomon's Porch , Theology , Heaven and Hell

Dynamite!

We have been studying Ephesians in our ABFs (Adult Bible Fellowships) at Valley Church. The passage we studied from Ephesians 1 today is:

...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, according to the working of and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all," (Ephesians 1:18-23, ESV).

We land smack dab in a middle of a prayer of thanksgiving as Paul was remembering the Church at Ephesus, and his prayer for them as he intercedes on their behalf. He prayed that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened - that their knowledge wouldn't be just a head knowledge, but heart knowledge as well. That they would have intimacy with the Father. That they would realize the hope that they have in Christ, that they would understand God's power for those who are in Christ. We who are in Christ need to realize this as well.

Power. In Acts 1:8 Jesus said to His disciples that, "... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Greek word for power in Acts 1:8 is dunamis. It is where we get our word dynamite. It is explosive, mighty, and awesome. Dunamis is used again in Ephesians 1:19. The power working in the lives of Christians is great! Why?

Because it is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of the Father, (Ephesians 1:20). In our flesh we can't live the Christian life. It is impossible. We can't be the witnesses that Christ calls us to be in Acts 1:8. With this God's great power within us we can. Jesus confirms this when He said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing, (John 15:4-5, ESV).

So when we face trials, temptation, & anxiety, we need to have our hearts enlightened and realize that we have God's power to overcome that temptation, to pull through that trial, and the ability to give that anxiety over to God (which He promises to give us peace in Philippians 4:6-7!). Also remember that we serve a Risen Lord who has dominion over all things! Does that give comfort? Does this bring peace? It needs to be more than head knowledge, but heart knowledge that is believed and acted upon.

This is a great reminder for me to place my faith in Christ and His power and not my own strength or ability when facing temptation, trails or different things in life that tend to cause anxiety for me. The power of God is bigger than all of that.

Dynamite!

Technorati Tags: Ephesians, Power of God, Bible, Practical Theology

Specks and Logs

After preaching at a church recently I had an older woman come up to me to thank me for my sermon. She was visiting from out-of-town and this was the second Sunday she had heard me preach. She started to complain about the permissiveness of adolescent culture, the increasing pregnancy rates that she was seeing where she lived, as well as the language that some kids use today.

She told me all of this after sharing that she helps with the post-anesthesia room at the Planned Parenthood clinic where she lives (she is a retired nurse). So a person who works in an abortion clinic and for an organization that hands out condoms to whomever will take them was complaining about the permissive culture we live in today. Helloooooooooo - Planned Parenthood and organizations like it are a big part of the problem! Incredible!

Made me think of Matthew 7:2-4

"For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?" (English Standard Version)

I regret not being able to talk further with this woman, but she was walking out the door and I also had someplace else I needed to be. I also was having a hard time not keeping my jaw from dropping. Needless to say I'm thankful that she wasn't a member of the church I was at.

Technorati Tags: Abortion, "Safe Sex", hypocrisy

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JP Moreland: What Did Jesus Believe About Scripture?

Scriptorium Daily is a regular blog read for me, and I just finished reading a great post by J.P. Moreland, who is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, on "What Did Jesus Believe About Scripture?" Take some time and check it out.

Technorati Tags: JP Moreland, Biblical Inerrancy, Apologetics, Teachings of Jesus

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Rain

I'm tired of the rain. It seems like Iowa has entered into monsoon season. Cheryl had me go out and get her some dinner after she got home from work tonight. Pulling into the Burger King drive through I got soaked just putting my window half way to order. The sacrifices I go through for my wifey!

So in a time when we seem to be having a bunch of severe weather, flash flood watches & flood warnings I'm reminded of scripture.

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against the house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it," (Matthew 7:24-27, ESV).

When Jesus said this the region was known for torrential rains that would bring floods since the region is extremely dry and doesn't get a lot of rain so the ground would have a hard time absorbing the rain. The storms were one of the few things that would reveal the quality of the homes that were built at that time. Some would withstand the torrents, others would be found wanting.

One thing was certain. Storms come. It wasn't a matter of if, but rather when. Ultimately there is an eschatological storm coming:

"Precisely because they have misled my people saying, 'Peace,' where there is no peace, and because when the people build a wall, these prophets smear it with whitewash, say to those who smear it with whitewash that it shall fall! There will be a deluge of rain, and you, O great hailstones, will fall, and a stormy wind break out. And when the wind falls, will it not be said to you, 'Where is the coating with which you smeared it?' Therefore thus says the Lord God: I will make a stormy wind break out in my wrath, and there shall be a deluge of rain in my anger, and great hailstones in wrath to make a full end," (Ezekiel 13:10-13, ESV).

We will all have to stand before God one day and give an account of what we did with his Son Jesus. Did we reject Him or did we stand before God justified not based on our own righteousness but Christ's having received Him as Lord and Savior?

There are other storms that we face as well. Life brings a lot of challenges - financial, relational, physical and the like. It isn't a matter of if, but when. The wisdom in this passage says that if you put Jesus words into practice you are wise. You are building your life to withstand anything that comes your way. So faith in Christ and obedience to His word will not make life easier, but will give you the wisdom and perspective to come through those challenges and make wise decisions.

The contrast that with the foolish people who hear Jesus' words and does not put them into practice. This is pretending to have faith, merely an intellectual commitment or trying out Jesus here and there in life when it suits them. It is like the person who talks about having faith, but having no fruit.

All of our "houses" look secure in good weather. It is when the storms in life when it will be revealed if we are wise or foolish. Build your life on Christ and His word, not your own will and you will be able to withstand the coming storms.

Technorati Tags: Matthew 7:24-27, Following Christ

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Look Beyond the Superficial

My friend, Eric, wrote an excellent post on John 3:17 on Sunday. I encourage you to check it out.

Evangelicals Anonymous: Judge Not


Technorati Tags: The Church, Messy Christianity, Mercy, Grace

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A Gossip is the Knife of the Party

I remember reading that years ago on Westchester Evangelical Free Church's sign. It has stuck with me still. A gossip is truly a relationship killer. Gossips poison conversation, they are divisive and unfortunately very prevalent in the Church. I've had to deal with gossip in my 15 years of youth ministry. I've been the subject of it, and I've had people come to me with it. I am sure I've been guilty of it at times. I was recently a victim of it again. I'm sure the person meant well by it, that person probably thought they were doing what was right, but ultimately what it does is destroy unity in the body of Christ. I decided to look at some scripture on the subject.

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure, (Proverbs 11:12-14, NIV).

A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good, (Proverbs 16:27-29, ESV).

The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips. Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart, (Proverbs 18:7-8, NLT).

He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip, (Proverbs 20:19, NASB).

Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down. As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. A gossip's words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being. Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel, (Proverbs 26:20-23, HCSB).

I want to encourage you to put a stop to gossip. If you hear it, ask them if they have talked to the person they are referring. If they haven't let them know they need to talk to that person. Gossip and slander (they usually go hand in hand) are a cancer in the church. I've seen them destroy fellowship and create disunity. Many church splits have been a result. Not to mention reputations that are ruined.

If somebody offends you or sins against you - follow Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:15-17 - go to that person. Remember also to speak the truth in love, (Ephesians 4:15). Pray and see if it is really necessary to confront. Is it that I was truly offended? Is this really a sin? Perhaps it is just a difference of opinion, philosophy or even personality. Most of all let's take Peter's admonishment to heart:

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins, (1 Peter 4:7-8, NIV).

Technorati Tags: Bible, gossip, slander, protecting unity

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Be Careful Who You Call Baldy

I've been blogging too much on politics lately. I'm feeling dirty (just kidding). I thought I would write about something different tonight. Yesterday I was reading a Des Moines article, and this gentleman in the comments section on that web page made a comment about how unbelievable the "Christian God" is because of unbelievable verses such as "the Book of Kings in the Old Testament about the prophet sending bears to maul kids because they made fun of him." That caught my attention because I read that passage yesterday in my time in the Word (before I read the article) so it was an interesting coincidence. I filed the passage under the "I'm going to have to do some research on that" category. Well the comment prompted me to do a little study into it. The passage that the gentleman referred to is below.

He (Elisha) went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead! And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys, (2 Kings 2:23-24, ESV).

It seems outrageous. I mean to be mauled because you called a prophet a baldy seems to be a bit much. Well to understand this passage one has to understand the context of the situation. Elisha just succeeds Elijah after Elijah was taken up to heaven, (2 Kings 2:9-14). He then goes into Jericho and heals their water supply. He was well received there, but then he goes on to Bethel. A different situation awaits him along the way.

The phrase "go up, you baldhead" was more than just some kids making fun of his lack of hair.

"The public insult against Elisha was a mocking caricature of Elijah's going up into heaven, aimed ultimately at the God whom he represented. Indeed, Elisha's whole prophetic ministry was in jeopardy; therefore the youths' taunt had to be dealt with decisively. The sudden arrival of the two bears who mauled forty-two youths to death would serve as both an awful sentence on unbelievers - and thus, too, on Jeroboam's cult city - and a published reminder that blasphemy against the true God and his program would be met with swift and certain consequences, (pg. 538, "1 & 2 Kings", NIV Bible Commentary - Volume 1: Old Testament, Austel & Patterson, Grand Rapids: Zondervan).

When they said "go up" they were clearly referring to Elijah. The bears didn't come out because they called Elisha "baldhead", but rather because they were mocking God. Also I learned that...

"Two different descriptions are used for this group (referring to the mockers). The first (v. 23) uses a noun and adjective combination that elsewhere refers to children or prepubescent youths. The second (v. 24) typically refers to the younger generation, from babies (e.g., Ruth 4:16) to middle-aged men (e.g., 2 Kings 12:8; Rehoboam was over forty, and these are his peers). This is probably a group of young teens. It was Elisha's curse but God's judgment." Regarding the use of the name "baldhead", "If Elijah was a hairy man (see 2 Kings 1:8), Elisha's baldness would be a stark contrast and perhaps suggest to some that he could never have the same powers of his master. This taunt would therefore be a disavowal of his prophetic office and calling and would be strikingly refuted by the immediate fulfillment of his curse.... Ravaging wild beasts were often seen as punishment sent from God," (pg. 387, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament; Walton, Matthews, & Chavalas; Downers' Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press).

So to answer this gentleman and those who may be confused by this passage. Prophets are not petty people who curse people because they taunt physical features. This is also a great example of how context is king. Too many poor arguments or shaky theological positions have been formulated because of people cherry picking certain verses out of the Bible without understanding the proper context and interpreting the whole of Scripture.

Some may say that "this is an unfair judgment on young teens!" A couple of passages to keep in mind.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life, (Galatians 6:6-8, NIV).

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts," (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV).

Technorati Tags: Hard Bible Passages, Biblical Interpretation

McKnight on Missional Jesus

Scot McKnight is posting a great series on "Missional Jesus" over at his blog, Jesus Creed. Check it out. If you have ever wondered how can you or your church become missional instead of just being simply attractional - well why not take a look at the Gospels and see how Jesus ministered, taught, loved and lived.

Technorati Tags: Scot McKnight, Missional Church, Jesus

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Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 58:6-12

6 “Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
11 And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in. (ESV)

Scripture of the Day: Colossians 1:15-20

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (ESV)

Scripture for the Day: Psalm 62:1-8

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will all of you attack a man
to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
but inwardly they curse.

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.  (ESV)

Scripture of the Day: John 19:4-11

4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” (ESV)

Quote of the Day: Napoleon Bonaparte

I have been reading Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zacharias, and he referenced in chapter 6, "When God was Silent", something that Napoleon, during his exile on the Island of St. Helena, said in response to  Count Montholon's refusal to answer his question, "Can you tell me who Jesus Christ was?"  Zacharias uses this lengthy quote to illustrate how Christ conquers as he begins a contrast of Islam.

"Well then, I will tell you .  Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I myself have founded great empires; but upon what did these creations of our genius depend?  Upon force.  Jesus alone founded His empire upon love, and to this very day millions will die for Him.... I think I understand something of human nature; and I tell you, all these were men, and I am a man: none else is like Him; Jesus Christ was more than a man.... I have inspired multitudes with such an enthusiastic devotion that they would have died for me... but to do this it was necessary that I should be visibly present with the electric influence of my looks, my words, of my voice.  When I saw men and spoke to them, I lighted up the flame of self-devotion in their hearts.... Christ alone has succeeded in so raising the mind of man toward the unseen, that it becomes insensible to the barriers of time and space.  Across a chasm of eighteen hundred years, Jesus Christ makes a demand which is beyond all others difficult to satisfy; He asks for that which a philosopher may often seek in vain at the hands of his friends, or a father of his children, or a bride of her spouse, or a man of his brother.  He asks for the human heart; He will have it entirely to Himself.  He demands it unconditionally; and forthwith His demand is granted.  Wonderful!  In defiance of time and space, the soul of man, with all its powers and faculties, becomes an annexation to the empire of Christ.  All who sincerely believe in Him, experience that remarkable, supernatural love toward Him.  This phenomenon is unaccountable; it is altogether beyond the scope of man's creative powers.  Time, the great destroyer, is powerless to extinguish this sacred flame; time can neither exhaust its strength nor put a limit to its range.  This is it, which strikes me most; I have often thought of it.  This it is which proves to me quite convincingly the Divinity of Jesus Christ."

Amen.

My Theological Worldview

I took this pretty interesting quiz.  I didn't like some of the statements/questions, but the end result was pretty accurate.

 

You scored as Reformed Evangelical, You are a Reformed Evangelical. You take the Bible very seriously because it is God's Word. You most likely hold to TULIP and are skeptical about the possibilities of universal atonement or resistible grace. The most important thing the Church can do is make sure people hear how they can go to heaven when they die. Reformed Evangelical 82% Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 75% Fundamentalist 64% Neo orthodox 64% Emergent/Postmodern 36% Classical Liberal 25% Roman Catholic 21% Modern Liberal 14% Charismatic/Pentecostal 14% What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

Scripture for the Day: 1 Samuel 2:1-4

Hannah's prayer after giving her firstborn, Samuel, to the LORD in service under the priest Eli.

"My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. There is none holy like the LORD; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength."

Much to Be Thankful For

I've been stressed this week. I've had a lot to do. I've been teaching a lot. I have some volunteer position openings that I wasn't expecting. There have been behavior issues to deal with my kids. Trying to juggle two ministries, itinerant preaching & speaking, volunteering in my church, my wife's new work schedule, being a husband and dad has been hard. It is easy to be wrapped up in all of that: the stresses in life, the to do list, the schedule, the children's fighting, the constant juggling act and lose my "attitude of gratitude." I can go through my day and miss all the things that I have to be thankful for.

It is also easy to take what God has done for us for granted. It is easy to get into a pattern of approaching my relationship with God in the form of a check list as well. Read my Bible... check. Prayed... check. Went to church... check. Serve... check. My walk with Christ can become a duty and routine instead of being a joy and delight - an act of worship.

When you look at Scripture, in particular Paul's letters, you'll see a pattern. The first half of those letters is all about who God is, what He has done for us, and who we are in Christ if we have a relationship with Jesus. The second half is what we should do because of that reality. We have much to be thankful for! Even if we have a horrible day, even in the midst of stress, tragedy and turmoil. King David also knew that we have much to be thankful for, and he writes:

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's, (Psalm 103:1-5, ESV).

Take time to give thanks. Look for the little things that you can be thankful for. Be thankful for what Jesus has done for you, in you and through you.

I am thankful for:

• My salvation, the fact that my sins have been forgiven and I am a child of God.
• My wife who has sacrifically given her time to home educate our kids.
• My children who have tender hearts toward God and who love Jesus.
• My parents and siblings who take time to support my kids in their activities and support my work with SOY.
• My ABF at Valley Church for their friendship, community, love and support.
• For SOY's prayer partners who lift up the prayer needs of our kids, volunteers and staff.
• For the great volunteers that I have the priveledge to work with.
• Awesome co-workers and co-laborers at SOY who are dedicated to reaching out to kids who need hope.
• Physical health

I'm just getting warmed up. How about you? I want to end this post with a video of the song "O Praise Him" by the David Crowder Band. I hope you enjoy and take time to praise Him today and be thankful for all that He has done.

Great Post on Atonement

James MacDonald, the senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel outside of Chicago and founder of Walk in the Word Ministries has a great post on his blog on atonement. Check it out here.