Imaginations Captive

Penn State Struggles to wrestle with the influence of Joe Paterno

2011-11-25T15:57:00.008-05:00

This article seeks to weigh the influence, near mythical influence, of Joe Paterno over the way the Penn State commmunity has identified itself over the past several decades. It does so in view of the uneasy suspicion that the power Paterno wielded may have been used to cover horrific evils instead of being used to rescue young boys. It does so without judgment about Paterno's, or other Penn State officials' specific guilt, in the recent scandal. It does suggest there has been something unhealthy about the kind of influence Paterno has had and suggests the Penn State community may not be willing to face the facts of the case, or least not face them in the same way as it conceives of the school's identity.

CJ Mahaney & Men's Cry for Modesty

2011-05-05T19:40:00.001-04:00

A Call to Modesty - Part 2

2011-05-05T19:37:00.000-04:00

A Call to Modesty

2011-05-05T19:18:00.004-04:00

3 Year Old Quotes the 23rd Psalm

2010-11-07T22:41:00.004-05:00

What gods do we reject in Baptism?

2010-09-16T14:56:00.003-04:00

This article makes a compelling case to make the oaths (and timing!) of baptism a matter a serious consideration.

History of the Despising of History

2010-05-18T16:01:00.004-04:00

The contempt for the past and fascination only with the present began a long time ago.

"History is more or less bunk. It's tradition. We don't want tradition. We want to live in the present and the only history that is worth a tinker's dam is the history we made today. "
~ Henry Ford, Interview in Chicago Tribune, May 25th, 1916US automobile industrialist (1863 - 1947)

Importance of the Imagination by Kevin Bauder (10 Part Series)

2010-05-18T14:55:00.008-04:00

Misplaced Humility

2009-10-09T10:24:00.001-04:00

In his new book "The Gospel-Driven Life," Michael Horton quotes G.K. Chesterton's "Orthodoxy" on humility that has gone adrift. He argues that current forms of 'humility' are just like prior forms of pride. People now are 'too humble' to have convictions.

"But what we suffer from to-day is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled on the organ of conviction, where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert—himself."

"We are on the road to producing a race of men too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table…. Scoffers of old time were too proud to be convinced; but these are too humble to be convinced."

[Thanks to Mike Whitmer for the quote]

God in ‘the Dock’ vs. the Book of Romans

2009-09-17T14:58:00.003-04:00

C.S. Lewis wrote a series of articles, later collected in a book entitled "God in the Dock," working out the idea that in previous eras individuals were "on trial" before God, and needed to justify their ways before God, but now God was on trial before men (the title refers to the British legal practice of a person on trial standing in a caged area called 'the dock').

The former orientation required emphasis on fear of the Lord, virtue, diligence, repentance, and ultimately seeking forgiveness. In the current focus people see themselves in a position of making demands of God, questioning God, and seeking for God to justify His ways before their own expectations. Lewis' book primarily addresses intellectual questions and skepticism about the Christian faith and its claims. Yet on a personal level people have seemed assured of their right to make demands of God, not infrequently feeling resentment and anger at God for not living up to their expectations.

This reminds me of the book of Romans. On one level Romans is a set of explanations defending the nature of God against the claims of skeptics who believe the gospel is unjust and a denial of what many believed God to be and what He promised. It answers "disappointment with the God of the Gospel." But at a deeper level the book of Romans subtly, yet firmly and powerfully, turns the tables and ultimately shows that it is we who are on trial before God and the truth of His Gospel. The gospel actually holds God as more righteous than we once thought and we more sinful than we once thought.

Let God be true, and let every man be (shown to be)a liar. (Romans 3:4)

Influence of a Godly Father on a Son (re-posted)

2009-09-14T23:14:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite passages from all of my reading is from the first pages of missionary John Paton's autobiography where he describes his father and his father's influence on him. His descriptions of his father's love for Christ and devotion to Christ speak of a very faithful Christian father. It is clear John Paton's foundations were strong in the Lord and in the Word largely due to his father's early teaching and example. The whole first two chapters about his father's influence are well worth reading, but the passage that tells of his father walking him to the train to leave home to begin his own independent walk with Christ is very moving.

My dear father walked with me the first six miles of the way. His counsels and tears and heavenly conversation on that parting journey are fresh in my heart as if it had been but yesterday; and tears are on my cheeks as freely now as then, whenever memory steals me away to the scene. For the last half-mile or so we walked on together in almost unbroken silence,--my father, as was often his custom, carrying his hat in hand... His lips kept moving in silent prayers for me; and his tears fell fast when our eyes met each other in looks for which all speech was vain! We halted on reaching the appointed parting place; he grasped my hand firmly for a minute in silence, and then solemnly and affectionately said: “God bless you, my son! Your father’s God prosper you, and keep you from all evil!”
Unable to say more, his lips kept moving in silent prayer; in tears we embraced, and parted. I ran off as fast as I could; and, when about to turn a corner in the road where he would lose sight of me, I looked back and saw him still standing with head uncovered where I had left him—gazing after me. Waving my hat in adieu, I was round the corner and out of sight in an instant. But my heart was too full and sore to carry me further, so I darted into the side of the road and wept for a time. Then, rising up cautiously, I climbed the dyke to see if he yet stood where I had left him; and just at that moment I caught a glimpse of him climbing the dyke and looking out for me! He did not see me, and after he had gazed eagerly in my direction for a while he got down, set his face towards home, and began to return—his head still uncovered, and his heart, I felt sure, still rising in prayers for me. I watched through blinding tears, till his form faded from my gaze; and then,hastening on my way, vowed deeply and oft, by the help of God, to live and act so as never to grieve or dishonour such a father and mother as He had given me.
The appearance of my father, when we parted—his advice, prayers, and tears—the road, the dyke, the climbing up on it and then walking away, head uncovered—have often, often, all through life, risen vividly before my mind, and do so now while I am writing, as if it had been but an hour ago. In my earlier years particularly, when exposed to many temptations, his parting form rose before me as that of a guardian Angel. It is no Pharisaism, but deep gratitude, which makes me here testify that the memory of that scene not only helped, by God’s grace, to keep me from the prevailing sins, but also stimulated me in all my studies, that I might not fall short of his hopes, and in all my Christian duties, that I might faithfully follow his shining example.” (Paton, Autobiography, pp. 25-26)

When I read this I think of my own father and how grateful I am to him for his example, teaching, and prayers. My dad just passed away a few days ago but his influence is firmly entrenched in my soul and I also desire to live up to his example and his hopes for me and to never dishonor him or his God.

A Woman reflecting the Beauty of Peace: A Message in Honor of Winifred (Grandma) Smith

2009-08-22T15:36:00.003-04:00

My grandma Smith was named Winifred (her first name was Mabel, but she was always called by her middle name, Winifred, usually contracted to "Winnie" ). She is the only person I know named Winifred, however, in 1914, the year she was born, it was the 150th most common female name in the United States. Given the commonness of other spellings and derivatives (Wina, Winafred, Winefred, Winefride, Winefried, Winfreda, Winfrieda, Winifryd, Winne, Winnie, Winnifred, Wynafred, Wynifred, Wynn, Wynne, Wynnifred, and also Freda, Frieda – see website – Winifred at thinkbabynames.com) the name might be considered even more common. Winifred remained popular from the early 1900's through the 1930's, but fell out of widespread use by the 1950's.

Winifred is derived from the Old English name (by way of Welsh) Guinevere (from which we also get names like Jennifer, which seems to have replaced Winifred in usage). It comes from the roots gwen meaning white, lovely, blessed or joyful and fred meaning peace or reconciled. The name means "loveliness of peace," "joy of peace," or the "beauty of peace"

1914 was not only the year of grandma's birth, it also was the year the wars and senseless bloodshed that characterized the 20th century started (150 million senselessly killed). The world of grandma's 95 years was marked by the absence of peace, not just in the bloodshed of war, but in the disintegration of peaceful family life and the development of widespread psychological dis-ease. In the century of war and bloodshed my grandmother's name is a reminder of the beauty of peace.

In considering my grandma Smith's reputation and legacy I believe that she did live up to and honor the meaning of her name. I believe that she did model peace and enhance peace in the lives of others. Here are eight (8) characteristics of my grandma that I believe made her a blessing of peace to us and others.

W -ork

Grandma Smith was a hard worker and had a mentality of taking responsibility to provide for herself, her family and to have something to share with others. She worked tirelessly and without complaint because she saw it as her calling in life. Grandma and Grandpa had relatively poor paying jobs, yet, because of their frugal mentality and practice, they never owed money and still had enough to give generously to others. Peace is enhanced when people have the mindset of work and don't expect to be served.

I -nterest

Grandma Smith was selfless, showing great concern for others. She had time to listen to others, asked questions and expressed genuine concern for their interests. She helped others feel important by taking interest in them and caring for them. Peace is enhanced when people take interest in those outside of their own interests, or better yet make other's interests their own.

N -obility

Grandma Smith had no royal privileges, but she conducted herself as if the entire 'kingdom' would be influenced by her example. She lived with a mindset that doing what was right and what was needed was a predetermined commitment. She did not take the 'easy road' of making excuses, but sought to take on responsibility and demonstrate by example how to life. Peace is enhanced when people act on the basis of principle and not their own conveniences.

I -ntelligence

Grandma Smith was intelligent and sought to constantly expand her knowledge. While love Is mysterious and inscrutable, I think it likely there was a deep bond of intellects between grandpa and grandma. She read books and loved when grandpa read books to her. Her home was full of puzzles, riddles and academic challenges. Grandma and grandpa loved history, especially of the U.S. and Ohio and mastered the geography of our country and the state of Ohio. She loved classical music because it challenged her mind to understand how it worked. She often talked to me about Beethoven's mastery of music as a science and how was made up of small interdependent pieces that were worthy of study in themselves but also fit perfectly together as a great puzzle. This reflected her view of life and her quest to enjoy each individual part of life but also to try to see how the pieces fit together. Peace is enhanced when we believe and seek to understand how God fits all of life together in a grand scheme reflecting His glory.

F -aith

Grandma Smith trusted in God and His son Jesus Christ because she knew that what we need most we cannot do for ourselves. Personal peace does not come naturally or easily. It requires trust in something beyond what we can control. God alone is capable of providing peace because He alone is all-powerful and all-wise to accomplish what we are powerless to do. God, through Jesus Christ, reconciles sinners to peace with Himself, themselves and with others. Peace is enhanced when we believe that God is sufficient to accomplish what is most needed and do not think we can do it on our own. Peace comes when we rest in confidence that God is strong and that He is good.

R -edemption

Grandma Smith knew and testified that we must be redeemed from a life of rebellion and animosity toward God and His law. We are all sinners by nature and by practice and deserve judgment and banishment from his kingdom. God has made peace by paying the price for sin by His Son Jesus Christ who lived a perfect life of dependence and obedience and who died a death of judgment in the place of all who trust in Him. Peace is made and enhanced by God's purchase of ruined sinners through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – He himself is our peace.

E -ncouragement

Grandma Smith was an educator and an encourager. She sought to build up others in their own knowledge and skills. She and grandpa reached out to young people through the years and included them in their family life and trips. She regularly took young people to church and encouraged them to learn verses and put the Lord first. She regularly sent cards with verses and messages of encouragement. Peace is enhanced when we seek to lead others out into a life of courage and responsibility.

D -evotion

Grandma Smith was faithful and devoted to her husband, her family and her duties. She did not quit. She did not complain. She didn't seem to understand those who did. She did not take a long time to ponder the benefits and costs of individual sacrifices, but counted herself as a "maidservant" given the privilege of serving and being a benefit to others. Peace is enhanced when people consider themselves as more blessed than they deserve and consider service and faithfulness a privilege.

May we all seek to honor "Winifred" by modeling the same kind of virtues in ourselves and in others.

Jesus & Wine in John 2

2009-08-20T09:49:00.003-04:00

Over my 13 years in ministry I have heard considerable defense of Christians engaging in "social drinking" or "moderate drinking" of alcohol as based on the Bible. One of the most important texts used is John 2 where Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This appears to be irrefutable proof of the propriety of drinking alcohol based on Jesus' own practice and recommendation.

There is at least one significant problem with this conclusion from the text of John 2. The problem is that the text does not only support "moderate drinking" but supports abundant, even extravagant, drinking. Jesus creates the wine AFTER the guests have already "drunk freely" and are well drunk, according to the report of the master of the feast. On top of that Jesus created about 150 gallons of wine. Now we don't know how many people were at the wedding, but it seems the whole point of John telling us how much water was turned to wine was to tell us it was a lot. We might wonder if the wedding was spread out over a number of days, but the text itself tells us it was "on the third day."

It seems that we are left with either the belief that Jesus encouraged drunkenness (which would conflict with other Scripture prohibiting drunkenness and call the character of Jesus into question) or perhaps we have a mistaken view about wine and alcohol. Perhaps "good wine" does not refer to the quality of alcohol and intoxicating value but to its refreshing and tasteful quality.

Cold or Hot - Not Lukewarm – A Call to Fervency or to Discernment?

2009-08-04T14:15:00.001-04:00

What does Jesus mean in His message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22 when He says

"I wish you were cold or hot… because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." (Rev 3:16-17)"?

The most common interpretation assumes that "hot" means spiritual zeal, being "on-fire" for Christ, and therefore good, while "cold" means spiritually lifeless, and therefore is bad. People that are "lukewarm" are despised because they "sit on the fence." They do not totally reject Christ like the "cold," and obviously unsaved, but neither do they evidence a love for Christ and clearly stand for Him like the 'hot" and obviously saved. Jesus is calling for spiritual zeal and vitality and condemning apathy and mediocrity.

There are two considerations that could bring this interpretation into question. The first consideration is the analogy of drinking water that the passage refers to (i.e. – "lukewarm… spit you out of my mouth"). In the analogy, lukewarm is the only "bad option" of the three. In fact, "cold" is very good because it is desirable for drinking. Cold water is a common metaphor for refreshing and a gift of life (Prov 25:5; Jer. 18:14; Matt 10:42). We don't read much in the Bible about hot water, but it is easy to think of this as a positive analogy in terms of drinking hot tea/coffee or taking a hot bath.

We know from the ancient sites near Laodicea that the cold spring at Colossae (for drinking) and the hot spring at nearby Hierapolis (for bathing) were highly desirable, where as the hot water from Hierapolis was tepid and thick with mineral deposits by the time it was piped down to Laodicea (Laodicea did not have its own water supply). It makes good sense given our own tastes for water that Jesus prefers either the cold or the hot in this analogy (and probably the cold more than the hot).

The second consideration is Jesus' statement where He states "I wish you were cold or hot." It makes good sense that Jesus would desire them to be "spiritually hot", "on-fire" for the Lord, but does it make sense that He would desire them to be "spiritually cold" (unsaved)? In itself this would not make sense. However, if we think of the truth that those who at least know their sin and lost condition are more likely to see their need and turn to Christ than those who are impressed with their own "good works" it would make sense. It could be a similar thought to John 9:41

Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains. (John 9:41)

It is not good to be blind (or cold) in and of itself, but it could be considered good if it compels one to seek the great physician who can restore sight (and heat). Jesus would not be recommending "coldness" in itself, but only saying if the people knew how cold they were they would seek the fire of Christ's love and grace. This makes sense theologically and fits with other passages (especially John 9). It also fits with the following verse in Revelation 3:17.

"Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' --and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- ~ Revelation 3:17

The call to be "zealous" in Rev. 3:19 supports the idea that "hot" is Jesus' true preference and that "cold" is only a stimulus and call for seeking to be "hot."

Perhaps Jesus' true desire for all is for the "hot" and that the analogy about water breaks down quickly so that while "hot" is acceptable "cold" is not really spiritually acceptable at all.

Might there be another way of looking at Revelation 3:14-22 that could see both "cold" and "hot" as good as a more direct and literal reading of Revelation 3:15-16 would suggest?

There is good evidence in Revelation 2 and 3 that Jesus is examining the quality of the churches' witness. The whole book of Revelation has a repeated emphasis on a true and faithful witness, even to death. One piece of evidence in Revelation 3 is that Jesus refers to their "works," which could easily be a way of referring to their witness. Another is the evidence of use of the terms "spirits," "angels," "stars" and "lampstands." All these things revolve around giving light to bear witness. Even more to the point in the letter to Laodicea is Jesus' reminder of his identity as "the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the Creation of God." (Rev. 3:14). "Amen" and "faithful and true witness" especially bring the idea of being a clear witness front and center. If "beginning of Creation is a parallel expression to "the Word" (John 1:1,14,18), the idea of "witness" would be emphasized there also.

Perhaps a more precise understanding of Jesus' criticism of Laodicea is not just their lack of zeal (which almost certainly is true), but is actually their lack of distinction from the pagan world around them and therefore their ineffective witness to their culture. They have become the same spiritual temperature as the world around them and therefore have lost their ability to be a true witness of Christ to Laodicea. They need to make a clear distinction separate from their fellow Laodiceans so that they can be, and offer, a cool refreshing drink of water of life to their neighbors (and themselves), or so that they can be hot, cleansing, medicinal bath to bring healing to their neighbors (and themselves).

In the end there may not be large difference between these two interpretations. The first interpretation would have a stronger emphasis on the importance of emotional commitment, zeal and the danger of apathy. It isn't hard to make a case for this as an appropriate application as many Christians do seem to be dull toward God and Christ. The second interpretation would have a stronger emphasis on the need for discernment, holiness and making clearer distinctions from the world in one's conduct and witness.

Both ways should be clear warnings to the possibility of a lack of spiritual life (although the first interpretation might favor this more). Either way Christians, and preachers, could and should make much of these themes in their lives and ministries.

Eternal Light in my Dark Soul: What Hath God Wrought?

2009-08-01T04:01:00.002-04:00

I love the wonder, enthusiasm and God-glorifying mystery of this hymn by Thomas Binney (written about 1826). It reminds me of the expression often used in America during the early 1800's – "What Hath God Wrought?" That phrase, amazing in the irony of it, became secularized to refer to the genius and industry of man in the industrial and communication revolution, but the original and true significance of the phrase calls us to acknowledge the wonder of "the life of God in the soul of man" created by the power of God through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit in a soul that was by nature hardened and darkened in sin.

Eternal Light! eternal Light!
How pure the soul must be
When, placed within Thy searching sight,
It shrinks not, but with calm delight
Can live, and look on Thee!

The spirits that surround Thy throne
May bear the burning bliss;
But that is surely theirs alone,
Since they have never, never known
A fallen world like this.

O how shall I, whose native sphere
Is dark, whose mind is dim,
Before the Ineffable appear,
And on my naked spirit bear
That uncreated beam?

There is a way for man to rise
To that sublime abode:
An offering and a sacrifice,
A Holy Spirit's energies,
An Advocate with God.

These, these prepare us for the sight
Of holiness above;
The sons of ignorance and night,
May dwell in the eternal Light,
Through the eternal Love.

Cleanliness and Spirituality

2009-07-28T12:54:00.001-04:00

Lauren Winner's article on the history of Christian views of cleanliness and spirituality is thought provoking to me. I had noticed the absolute obsession our society has with cleanliness, but I haven't connected it to spiritual themes. This may be worth more expanded thought.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/bc/2009/julaug/cleanlinessandgodliness.html?start=1

John Williams Acapella via Star Wars

2008-11-13T18:53:00.006-05:00

Early American Music

2008-09-01T12:25:00.004-04:00

Websites on Early American Music:

mp3 of William Billings' "Chester" the "first National Anthem:"
http://www.amaranthpublishing.com/Chester-Billings.mid

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/Nov04/history4.htm

http://www.amaranthpublishing.com/billings.htm

Colonial Music Institute:
http://www.colonialmusic.org/Resource/DHessay.htm

Early Music America:
http://www.earlymusic.org/

Music of Early America:
http://www.earlyamerica.com/music/

American Popular Music before 1900
http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/music-1.html

Wikipedia - Music of the United States
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_the_United_States

This is a test

More on the Golden Compass

2007-12-06T08:44:00.001-05:00

Here are some links that discuss the film "The Golden Compass" and Philip Pullman's series "His Dark Materials."

1. Focus on the Family
http://www.pluggedinonline.com/thisweekonly/a0003516.cfm

2. A. Mohler
http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_show.php?cdate=2007-12-03
http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_show.php?cdate=2007-12-04
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1065

3. Issues, Etc.
http://worldwide.kfuo.org/kfuo/issues_etc7/Issues_Etc_Nov_28c.wma
http://worldwide.kfuo.org/kfuo/issues_etc7/Issues_Etc_Dec_03a.wma

4. Mars Hill (Alan Jacobs)
http://mhadigital.org/index.php?post_id=274993

Of the Devil's Party - The Golden Compass

2007-11-16T16:18:00.002-05:00

On December 7, The Golden Compass, the first of three films based on Philip Pullman’s trilogy “His Dark Materials” will be released, dastardly timed to take advantage of the joyful Christmas’ spirit. I became familiar with these books back in 2000 when Ken Myers interviewed Wheaton professor Alan Jacobs about the books. They should be of great concern to all of us.

In one sense these books (and the forthcoming movies) are just another edition of the standard themes of anti-authority, anti-institution, and anti-church that frequently seep out of Hollywood. The catch here is that the books are very powerfully imaginative works of fantasy designed for children that portray a very enjoyable make-believe world likely to capture the minds of youth and children and they are purposely designed to be anti-Christian and anti-God. If the movies do the books justice they could be a major force against Christ in our world (although the director of the Golden Compass claims to have toned down the anti-Christian theme for the first film, but says he will not water down the later two).

Pullman plainly admits that he sought to rewrite Milton’s Paradise Lost (where his trilogy title comes from) and directly counter the works of CS Lewis (whose works Pullman hates with great passion) and fight against the authority of the church.

Below are links to two sources for understanding what these books/films are all about. The first is a podcast of the original interview I heard in 2000 (it may take a minute or two to load). The interview is 40 minutes long. The second is an article by Focus on the Family’s “Plugged In” movie review staff (it is brief). BTW “Plugged-In” is a very helpful resources for finding out about movies. They review all the major movies and give a very thorough summary of what is in the films.

http://mhadigital.org/

http://www.pluggedinonline.com/thisweekonly/a0003516.cfm

Vietnam & Cambodia

2007-11-16T16:18:00.001-05:00

Link to Map:

View Larger Map

Pastors and Blogging for the Glory of God

2007-11-16T16:18:00.000-05:00

Mark Roberts recently spoke and then posted on the subject of pastors and blogging (here). Here is a summary of his thoughts that are becoming my thoughts also.
1. Some pastors should be bloggers.
2. Some pastors should not be bloggers.
3. Many pastors who are not bloggers today should become bloggers.
5. Blogging can enrich a pastor’s ministry with the pastor’s own congregation, and this is sufficient reason for a pastor to blog.
6. Blogging can expand a pastor’s ministry beyond the pastor’s own congregation, and this is a strong though not sufficient reason for a pastor to blog.
7. Blogging can greatly expand the impact of a pastor’s teaching and preaching with the pastor’s own congregation.
8. Blogging can greatly expand the impact of a pastor’s teaching and preaching beyond the pastor’s own congregations.
9. Blogging can allow pastors to address topics that otherwise could not be addressed in the ordinary means of pastoral communication.
10. Blogging can provide an effective means for congregational communication and interaction.
11. Blogging can allow preaching to become more of a conversation and less of a one-way street.
12. Blogging can provide an excellent means for pastors to enhance the daily devotional lives of their congregations.
13. Blogging can help pastors get “out of the saltshaker and into the world.”
14. Blogging can make a pastor’s congregation nervous, even jealous.
15. Pastors should exercise caution in their blog topics, making sure that their blogging is first and foremost edifying to their congregations.
16. Pastors should talk with their leadership board (elders, deacons, vestry, etc.) before beginning to blog (or ASAP).
17. Pastors should communicate clearly with their congregation the purpose of their blog.
18. Pastors (and all other Christian bloggers) should see their blog as God’s blog, and should see blogging as part of their calling and stewardship of gifts.

Congressman Sali on National Bible Week & the Gospel

2007-11-10T17:01:00.000-05:00

Counseling 101

2007-11-06T11:07:00.000-05:00

Read David Powlison's insightful analysis of how Bob Newhart's spoof on the world's method of counseling differs from a Biblical model.

Hunger, Emptiness of Soul, for God

2007-11-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

"What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself. "

~ Blaise Pascal, Pensees [quoted from Mind on Fire, edited by James M. Houston, Bethany House Publishers, 1989, 1997, No #131, pg. 109]

[Note: This is often wrongly quoted as man having a “God-shaped vacuum." The original quote is much more eloquent.]

... and could you Adjust my Steering?

2007-11-02T12:41:00.000-04:00

I figured this must happen sometimes. Finally there is proof.

The Joy of Missions

2007-11-02T12:24:00.000-04:00

"God is pursuing with omnipotent passion a worldwide purpose of gathering joyful worshipers for Himself from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. He has an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the supremacy of His name among the nations. Therefore, let us bring our affections into line with His, and, for the sake of His name, let us renounce the quest for worldly comforts and join His global purpose." ~ John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad

I Wish Thy Way

2007-11-02T11:58:00.000-04:00

I wish thy way.
And when in me myself should rise,
and long for something otherwise,
Then Lord, take sword and spear
And slay.

~ Amy Carmichael (1867-1951), Missionary to India

Tracking Lies in the Brain - Checking on Fidelity

2007-11-02T09:53:00.000-04:00

Daniel Langleben, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, has discovered that the brain has to perform special functions to deviate from the truth that can be traced with an MRI (NPR report here). It is harder for the brain to come up with lies than to tell the truth. Langleben says we have to think of the truth first and then decide to come up with an alternative. Some hope this may turn into a fail-proof "lie dectector" test.

The researchers have been suprised at the huge interest in the tests by people hoping to convince their lovers that they are being faithful to them. Jealousy and assuming people are lying is part of the world of sexual liberation.

The machine doesn't work however if people actually believe the lie they are telling.

Reformation Day 2007 - Has the Reformation Gone Haywire?

2007-10-31T18:19:00.000-04:00

Today we commemorate the 490th anniversary of Martin Luther's posting of his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenburg chapel. Luther's act can be considered the "official beginning" of the Protestant Reformation and a quest to return to a purer form of Christianity, and the church, than had developed in the Roman Catholic Church through the middle ages.

Our church's children's ministry celebrates The Reformation the last Wednesday of each October with a dinner and an emphasis on some aspect of church history. This evening we are considering life in the early, 1st century, church.

There is considerable discussion (at least in the circles, especially Internet circles, I pay attention to) these days about the status of "the Reformation" and how it should be evaluated in our time. Some are saying that it is over and accomplished what it set out to do, some are saying it was misguided, or at least became misguided, and others are saying it was incomplete.

The Reformation sounded a call back to simple New Testament faith commonly expressed in 5 "solas" (only's) - (1) Only Scripture, not Scripture plus tradition (2) Only Christ, not Christ plus self-effort (3) Only Grace, not grace plus our merit (4) Only Faith, not faith plus works (5) Only the Glory of God, not God's glory plus self-pleasing and man-pleasing.

The Reformation was a call to individual spiritual responsibility, and privilege, of knowing the truth of Scripture directly. Individuals were given access to Scripture and interpret it themselves. The works-salvation of Roman Catholic doctrine was to be rejected and justification through free grace through Christ was to reign bright and clear. All the man-made legalism and tradition of the Roman Catholic church was to be plowed under.

The benefits of the Protestant Reformation have been numerous. Freedom of religion and thought were given wings. Individual freedom and responsibility were significantly increased. Well documented arguments have been made about a multitude of goods that have come from the liberation achieved by the Reformation.

I observe very significant problems within Protestantism, Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism that lead me to think that evangelicalism needs a reformation of doctrine and revival of life. In many respects what I see in the church is Reformation principles gone haywire. Some of the principles of the Reformation are heralded, but a whole view of how it fits together and is practiced is missing.

What are the significant problems within the heirs of the Reformation? There are many, perhaps 95, or more. On the other hand the problem may be simple at root. A case can be made that there has been a simple, but fundamental, shift from a G0d-centered Christianity toward a self-centered Christianity. Here are a few evidences of it.

1. Doctrine is languishing and it is difficult to see how it is going to be revived. It is not just that there is wrong doctrine, but that the whole category and idea of doctrine seems dull, trivial and insignificant to real life. There is a general mood, a cultural "fog,"a prevailing spirit or attitude that makes conversation about doctrine seem out of place.

This can even be sensed even in conversation by those who talk about doctrine and claim believe it is important. They are struggling to show how it is still vitally important and they obviously know others are skeptical. It is clearly an uphill climb. One feels at times that the styles and forms used in churches and Christian ministries carry more weight than theology. Doctrine frequently feels dead but music and style feel alive and compelling. The concert hall surely has triumphed over the lecture hall.

2. Biblical interpretation seems to continue to spiral into a multitude of opinions leaving a sense that communities, churches and families flounder in quick sand and without a sufficient authority to organize people together

3. Belief in the sufficiency of Scripture is also in significant turmoil. Just the right methods and means are seen as critically important and Scriptural truth is largely assumed and taken for granted. Directly opening the Bible with someone is nearly seen as abuse of power and an unloving act. Vibrant personality seems to be much more important in influencing people than the truth of Scripture itself. Church ministry seems to continually face issues that the church is not clear that the Bible speaks directly to and yet that cause significant personal and interpersonal problems and divide the body of Christ.

4. The church as a good in itself is weak. It is very difficult to get commitment from people to churches without showing in very clear and direct ways that it helps the individuals who are involved. There seems to be a mandated principles of "what's in it for me" that church leadership must respect (although not apply to themselves!).

5 Church authority seems to be very weak. The majority of the power rests in individuals and the burden is on the side of church leadership to justify itself in relation to superiority of individual belief, opinion and taste. If someone is upset, leaves a church, or is disciplined by the church there is a latent suspicion of the church and its leadership. Churches seem to live under suspicion of abuse of power and arbitrary power. Story after story is told of how innocent individuals are mistreated by churches and their leaders. There is very little pervasive doubt about the innocence of these individuals. Much is expected of churches and very little seems to be expected of individuals.

6. Professing Christians live in considerable moral carelessness, and sometimes even moral chaos, and much of it is excused either through "opinions about the Bible" or "we are just forgiven sinners." There is a lot of "justification" going on, but it is a justification that is leading to disintegration of families, churches and communities.

7. Christians live for entertainment and pleasure and there is very little sense of self-denial, self-sacrifice and service. The amount of time invested in entertainments by Christians is astounding. It is almost unthinkable now that Christians used to have a problem with movies and TV. That generation seems hopelessly legalistic now. Movies and TV programs have to be extremely perverse to escape Christian viewing.

Christians have developed a definite kind of "sensibility" - a way of feeling and interacting with life. It is a sensibility that demands stimulation and expecting the "outside" factors to bend to meet the desires of comfort of selves. Church, if it expects people to attend at all, is expected to mimic the entertainment driven culture that requires very little effort on the part of listeners.

8. Pastors have not been agents of change against this attrition away from God-centeredness. Instead we tend to use the self-centered orientation of the day to make "a career" out of the ministry and use people and churches to attain status, comforts and priviledges. Rather than shepherding and molding into the image of Christ we are given to pleasing people. What pleases people is entertaining them and staying out of their way. The Reformation call to shepherding and pastoral care has given way to managing an organization that has very little to do with the glory of God.

Conclusion:

It seems to me that the Reformation has gone wrong in significant ways. There is a growing crisis of authority that is harming both church life, family life and then even individual happiness. Too much freedom leads again to bondage. The difficulty is in convincing individuals to give up some of their perceived freedom for the good of the whole so that individuals can again grow in freedom.

I do not believe this means that we should go back to Roman Catholicism. It does mean questioning the church that has abandoned the Biblical concept of the church and rebuking the "Protestant Pope" - the sovereign self.

Interview with Emergent Church Leader Doug Pagitt

2007-10-30T12:27:00.000-04:00

Way of the Master Radio conducted an interview (here) with Emergent Church leader Doug Pagitt of Solomon's Porch church and http://www.solomonsporch.com/. You need to fast forward about 5 minutes into the audio to get to the interview.

As with the past several generations of Christian movements "The Emergent Church" has identified hypocrisy as a major sin the church must deal with. Okay, fair enough. Yet methinks there is an even greater problem than that brewing.

If you are not familiar with the "Emergent Church" this would be an interesting and provocative place to start.

If you are orthodox in theology this interview will likely make your blood boil. Regardless of your backaground you are certain to come to the conclusion that there is a huge and extremely significant debate over what salvation means, and what words mean, among people who call themselves Christians. Hopefully this conversation is "interesting" at least to you, even though it was not interesting to Mr. Pagitt.

If someone can make sense of what Doug Pagitt believes about what happens after death please explain it to me.

It's Not Over Until the Whistle Blows

2007-10-30T11:59:00.000-04:00

One of the most improbable endings to a football game, ever.

Neandrathral Man Spoke (and said Evolutionists have wrong assumptions)

2007-10-23T14:36:00.000-04:00

Scientists have discovered that "40,000 year old" Neandrathal Man's" DNA is "much closer" to modern man than they had assumed before. Hear NPR's report here. Man is not as closely related to chimps as they thought.

Eric Clapton's Addiction and Music as Salvation

2007-10-23T14:06:00.000-04:00

NPR's report and interview with Eric Clapton about his drug and alcohol addiction ($16,000 / week!) is all too common, especially among Rock n' Roll musicians. Why have there been so many rock musicians on drugs? It certainly seems to be an extraordinarily high percentage compared to the average population. It is good to hear of him being sober now.

Clapton's reference to music as a form of "salvation" for him is also very common among rock musicians and fans. From personal experience I had already noticed a large number of rock songs with lyrics indicating rock music as form of religion, worship, and salvation. Reading Davin Seay's book "Stairway to Heaven: The Spiritual Roots of Rock 'n' Roll" helped to clarify and confirm my own observations.

Yet it also makes me a cautious about Christians' love of music and the tendency among Christians to make fairly extravagant claims of the benefits of, and their devotion to, music. We are called to think carefully about the nature of music and to discern when it becomes idolatrous. Are we careful to keep ourselves from idols in this area?

Willow Creek Admits Mistakes, Re-evaluating Ministry

2007-10-19T17:35:00.000-04:00

The blog Out of Ur reports that Willow Creek, the mega-church outside of Chicago, which has led a "mega-shift" in the way church ministry has been done (and made many-a-pastor jealous of their success, myself-included) has reported that its leadership has realized that they have had some wrong assumptions. Greg Hawkins says their philosophy had been:

"Participation is a big deal. We believe the more people participating in these sets of activities, with higher levels of frequency, it will produce disciples of Christ.”

Now they have determined that this strategy of growth through participation has NOT been a determining factor in producing spiritual growth. Now, executive pastor(?) Bill Hybels says:

"We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between service, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own."

Is their new analysis correct? Have they considered enough factors? Have they discovered the root issue(s)? Will a new strategy work better?

My first thought about any mega-church is that one of the first, and most difficult, factors to consider is the problem of "success" itself and how difficult it is to see "to the bottom" of it.

Nothing draws a crowd better than being seen as "in" and "the next thing" and to be seen as drawing a crowd. But nothing fails like success in the spiritual realm. We should not fault churches for being large, but we should fault anyone who thinks they are winning a spiritual war just because they attract a crowd.

The depravity of human nature is far too sinister and self-deceived to think mere attendance and involvement mean very much. The Bible demands that we should expect mixed and wrong motivations. Jesus drew crowds too, but he saw it often was for all the wrong reasons.

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. ~ John 2:23-25

I do not know enough about Willow Creek's ministry to comment in any more depth except to say that we all should admit that making disciples is difficult (humanly impossible, we need a sovereign God's supervision) and there are no easy answers. All pastors should be suspicious of any claim of knowing "the secrets" of effective ministry if its not directly in the Bible.

We should all dedicate ourselves to the sovereign hand of God and the hard work of preaching, teaching, admonishing,and praying with sweat, blood and tears and a broken heart that cries to God in prayer for His mercy and teaches others to do the same.

I am glad for Willow Creek admitting to having wrong assumptions and focus. I also hope they keep the humility and keep from giving the impression they have "a corner" on the secrets of effective ministry. May I do the same.

Cambodia - Jan/Feb '08

2007-10-19T13:26:00.001-04:00

I am working on plans to travel to Cambodia in late January through mid February 2008. I'll be working with Rob and Kristi Cady and teaching a 2 week seminar on the book of Romans. This will be a first for me. I'm working now on getting travel arrangements together, getting medical vaccinations, seeking another man to go with me, and studying the book of Romans.

Rob is working with me to help me communicate with those who speak a different language, have different life experiences, and think in different patterns of thought. I'm nervous, but perhaps that will be a good thing if it forces me to get down on my knees!

Can the Dead Be Given Life?

2007-10-19T09:20:00.000-04:00

The tragedy of this late hour is that we have too many dead men in the pulpits giving out too many dead sermons to too many dead people. Oh! the horror of it! The is a strange thing that I have seen "under the sun," even in the fundamentalist circles; it is preaching without unction. What is unction? I hardly know. But I know what it is not (or at least I know when it is not upon my own soul). Preaching without unction kills instead of giving life. The unctionless preacher is a savor of death unto death. The Word does not live unless the unction is upon the preacher. Preacher, with all thy getting - get unction.
~ Leonard Ravenhill, Why Revival Tarries. (Bethany House, 1959, 1987, p.20)

I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.
~ Richard Baxter

I am familiar with the term "unction" through the ministry of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, his sermons, his book "Preaching and Preachers," and the book about his ministry "The Sacred Anointing" by John Sargent.

I'm not certain I know exactly what a previous generation meant by it, but I have a great sense that it is something that I need, my church needs, and that we need it greatly. I am, and have been, conscious of a lack of power, of Holy Spirit given "unction", in my own ministry. Sometimes I am able to see it in myself, more frequently I see the reflection of myself in the spiritual coolness and deadness of my church. I believe a major cause is insufficient earnest prayer - on my part and the part of my church.

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. ~ 1Thessalonians 1:5

Will anyone join me in seeking the Lord, and life, more earnestly?

Video - The Information Revolution!

2007-10-18T17:33:00.000-04:00

Video - Why we shouldn't/can't give up the power of Computers

How did Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Aquinas ever write so much with such power with just a pen? Imagine what they could do now!

Are we better off? Its hard to argue against it.

Comedian who... like, you know... might understand our... Times?

2007-10-18T14:21:00.000-04:00

Check out this entertainer who understands the comic nature of "post-modernity."

Sometimes the sons of the world understand better than the sons of the kingdom. (Credit to Pyromaniacs for the link - here). I seldom hear Christians speak with authority on spiritual matters, but with considerable authority on favorite TV shows.

2Corinthians 3:12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech--
Eph 6:19 ... that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Johnny MacArthur's Amazing Night (link to audio)

2007-10-18T13:52:00.000-04:00

Check out the audio link about John MacArthur's grandson's amazing 5 minutes of football (here).

Pascal's Insights on Human Nature

2006-01-11T13:25:00.000-05:00

~ Man's sensitivity to trivia, and his insensitivity to matters of major importance, reveal he has a strange disorder. (Pascal, Pensees in Mind on Fire, p. 51)

~ Man's constitution is one of inconsistency, of boredom, and of anxiety. (Pascal, Pensees in Mind on Fire, p. 51)

~ Man finds nothing so intolerable as to be in a state of absolute rest, without exercising any passions, being unemployed, having no diversion, and living without any effort. It is then that he thinks he faces emptiness, loneliness, a sense of inadequacy, feeling dependent, helpless, and living a meaningless life. Then there wells up from the depths of his being a sense of boredom, pessimisim, depression, frustration, resentment, and despair. (Pascal, Pensees; Mind on Fire, p. 73)