Cultural Engagement

The posts below attempt to deal with cultural issues that Christians face which may or may not be directly related to the church, but will most likely have an impact on Christian living.

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Ethics: Anti-Calvinism Resolution at the Southern Baptist Convention

What would you do Wednesday! The annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) meeting is two months away1 so a situation that could take place during this meeting may provide an interesting discussion. In order to help those who are not Southern Baptists better participate in this topic, a few citations expressing Southern Baptist positions are provided [...]

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Three Times in Modern History the Word “Person” Has Been Redefined

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Fred Luter on Race Relations in America

Pastor Fred Luter, who will probably be the first black president of the Southern Baptist Convention, spoke to PBS recently on race relations in America. Below is an excerpt of the interview. Watch Rev. Fred Luter on Race in America on PBS. See more from Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly. I have not heard the whole [...]

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Ethics: Leaking Confidential Meeting Details

What would you do Wednesday! The characters: You are one of twenty board members of a local Christian school. You have a friend who writes an online column for a local newspaper. The situation: Your friend has recently written critically in his online column about some of the recent decisions of the Christian school. You [...]

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‘The Exchange’ with Ed Stetzer Live Today on this Blog

I will be hosting Dr. Ed Stetzer’s (President of LifeWay Research) webcast “The Exchange” as part of a test syndication. Tune in today! Today on “The Exchange” Pete Wilson, pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, discusses his newest book Empty Promises: The Truth about You, Your Desires, and the Lies You’re Believing. Philip Nation, [...]

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Congratulations Bubba Watson for Winning the Masters!

Bubba Watson has won the 2012 Masters golf tournament. This is Watson’s first win in a Major golf tournament and only his fourth on the PGA Tour. Watson won in a dramatic play-0ff against South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen. Both men hit errant drives at the second play-off hole. However, Watson’s ball landed in a tougher spot [...]

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Ethics: George Zimmerman Secretly Visits Your Church

What would you do Wednesday! The tragic shooting death of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman that happened in Sanford, FL has taken over the internet recently.1 Passionate replies have been poured out from both Martin and Zimmerman supporters. Many in the court of public opinion have already tried Zimmerman and found him guilty of murder. [...]

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Ethics: Pastoral Search Committee Asks for Online Passwords

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s topic comes at the suggestion of a Georgia pastor friend. He tweeted an article to me titled Want a Job? Fork Over Your Facebook Password, Employer Says.1 The suggestion was to substitute ‘search committee’ for ‘employer’. Great idea! Sitting before a pastoral search committee during what will most likely [...]

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Ethics: Betting On NCAA March Madness Brackets

What would you do Wednesday! It’s March and NCAA March Madness is here! March Madness inspired me to a little blog madness for today’s ethical scenario. Of course, we all know that Christians should not only not play the NCAA brackets, but we should especially not play those brackets with money… …or should we? March [...]

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Megachurch Wal-Mart Effect

I came across an interesting observation in a book I am reading for one of my classes. In the book Shepherd Leader, author Timothy Witmer points out what he calls the “Wal-mart effect” among megachurches. The truth of the matter is that much of the growth of megachurches is drawn from smaller churches in the region. [...]

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“Zombie Muhammad” and U.S. Sharia Law

In October 2011, atheist Ernest Perce dressed in a Zombie Muhammad costume for a Halloween parade. Perce was attacked by Muslim Talaag Elbayomy for wearing the Muhammad costume. Perce and Elbayomy went to court in Pennsylvania over the situation and a Judge Mark Martin ruled in favor of the Muslim, Elbayomy. What did the judge [...]

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Ethics: Baptist Professor Drinking Beer in Public

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario involves a Southern Baptist seminary professor who is seen by a student drinking beer at a local restaurant. As always, anyone is free to comment. You, dear reader, are a seminary student out to dinner with some friends who are visiting for the weekend. While being seated at [...]

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Brief thoughts: Abortion and Reproductive Rights

The pro-abortion, pro-choice crowd argues that abortion is a reproductive right. However, there is a problem with this line of reasoning. In order to have an abortion, reproduction must have already taken place i.e. a human life must exist in order to abort it. A right to reproduce, or have offspring, is not the same [...]

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Ethics: Pastor Introduces ‘Kings Way’ to Reach Muslims

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s situation is inspired by the recent Christian-Muslim relationship controversy surrounding Rick Warren. Warren has attempted to set the record straight concerning the recent reporting of his position on Christian-Muslim interaction.1 This post is not about Rick Warren although the information used below is from sources affiliated with the Christian-Muslim [...]

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Baptist College President Offers Calvinist Vision?

Breaking News: Southern Baptist College President Offers Calvinist Vision! Imagine if that were a real headline. Surely, that college president would be universally welcomed by Baptists with open arms and a warm embrace. Call me a skeptic, but I doubt it. The very presence of Calvinists seemed to set off alarms for Christian Index editor [...]

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Whither the Baptist Faith and Message?

In recent years, two Southern Baptist Churches in Georgia have been disfellowshipped due to having a female pastor. While some may question disfellowshipping a church over such an issue, having a female pastor is in direct violation of the statement of faith around which Southern Baptists cooperate in ministry. The action is based on a [...]

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Letter to the editor of ‘The Christian Index’ by Marty King

Editorial not worthy of editor or Index Dear Gerald, As a former Georgia Baptist, I appreciate you and your service as Index editor. But, your Feb. 10 editorial was not your best. The level of research, organization, and writing are simply not up to what Georgia Baptists have come to expect. Let me share with [...]

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Franklin Graham on President Obama’s Christianity

Below is a one minute clip cut from a longer interview (see below) where Franklin Graham is asked whether or not he believes President Obama is a Christian. Check it out. The MSNBC hosts call Graham out for inconsistent answers. On the one hand, Graham will not definitively say whether or not he believes Obama is [...]

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Ethics: Leaving a Gospel Tract for a Tip

What would you do Wednesday! I’m sure many Christians have handed out gospel tracts. There are a variety of tracts and some are even made to look like money. There is a million dollar bill tract which, of course, does not look real, but there are a few in lower denominations such at $10 and [...]

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Woody Harrelson On Christianity

GQ magazine published an interview with actor Woody Harrelson. In the interview, Harrelson is asked about the Gospel and his Christian upbringing.1 He was raised in church studying the Bible and preached his first sermon at age 17. GQ: Can you tell me about when you preached the Gospel as a child? Woody Harrelson: I [...]

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Ethics: Seminary Student Preaches Someone Else’s Sermons

What would you do Wednesday! Today I’m going to pick-on set the situation within the realm of Southern Baptists since I are one. It is also more culturally acceptable to use your own as an example, right? (Don’t worry, non-Southern Baptists may also comment.) The created situation involves a seminary student who preaches someone else’s [...]

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Ethics: the Deacons are Freemasons!

What would you do Wednesday! Freemasonry is not as active as it was in the past. It was already on the decline when I left the lodge 13 years ago. Although I imagine the Shriners, of whom all are Masons, are still pretty active. Freemasonry was once a concern in Southern Baptist life. In fact, [...]

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Ethics: Church Discipline Contract Issued

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s situation deals with the uncomfortable issue of church discipline. To make the situation more uncomfortable a church discipline contract will also be involved. The scenario is inspired by real circumstances surrounding a former Mars Hill Church member named Andrew who was issued a church discipline contract to sign.1 Imagine [...]

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God is Doing Amazing Things!

God is going to do something awesome. God is going to do something amazing. God is doing something incredible. God is doing something awesome. God is doing something amazing. God is doing amazing things. It’s going to be awesome. Let’s change the world. God will prosper you. Fly with the eagles. Listen to the Spirit. [...]

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On Public Rebuke

As far as I know, being rebuked is not something to which most Christians look forward, especially, being publicly rebuked. However, Scripture says it is good for rebuke (2 Tim. 3:16). Scripture even includes the well-known example of one Apostle publicly rebuking another Apostle (Gal. 2:11, 14). Today, there is no shortage of Christians rebuking [...]

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Ethics: Prominent Pastor Plagiarizes?

What would you do Wednesday! The question of plagiarized sermons comes up every now and then. Whether or not one should preach someone else’s sermons has been debated in the blogosphere, too. Selling sermons must not be too bad of a business considering the eight sites listed on Sermon Source that continue to sell sermons. There [...]

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Jimmy Fallon on Tim Tebow: Comedy or Blasphemy?

Last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Fallon did a parody song by combining Tim Tebow to David Bowie and producing the singer Tebowie (Tim Tebow + David Bowie = Tebowie). Fallon sung as if a dialogue were taking place between Tim Tebow and Jesus Christ to the tune of Bowie’s song “Space Oddity” [...]

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Ethics: Church to Lose Funding Over Homosexual Adoption

What would you do Wednesday! The New York Times reported that Roman Catholic charities in Illinois must comply with a new requirement to “consider same-sex couples as potential foster-care and adoptive parents if they want to receive state money.”1 Catholic bishops claim that these requirements infringe on freedom of religion. Catholic charities in other cities [...]

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What God is This? Osteen on Oprah

This clip is riddled with unbiblical conclusions. Toward the beginning, in reference to Osteen’s prosperity preaching, Oprah asks, “What god would want you to be poor and miserable?” Osteen does say that prosperity includes peace of mind and a healthy body rather than just material wealth. Osteen also says that there is a belief that [...]

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Elephant Room II and TD Jakes’ Oneness Association

Elephant Room II is only 20 days away. T.D. Jakes is still on the schedule.1 Several of us disagreed with Jakes being a participant2, including Mark Dever who withdrew3, but I did suggest some questions for Jakes.4 Although I am still not very excited about Jakes participation, I am interested in what he will have [...]

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Friday Photos: Civil War Reenactment

It has been said that, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” though I have also read somewhere that,”Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder.” Whichever you are, I hope you enjoy a few pictures from my wife’s photo shoot at the Civil War reenactment that took place in Richmond Hill, GA at [...]

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Ethics: Renting to a Homosexual Couple

What would you do Wednesday! The Michael Medved Show recently covered the topic of the discrimination lawsuit filed against Aloha Bed & Breakfast by a lesbian couple. The B&B owner, Phyllis Young, allegedly denied the couple a room due to her Christian views on homosexuality. The lesbian couple is suing claiming a violation of Hawaiian law [...]

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What Will You Do with the Christmas Gift?

Another Christmas has come and gone and a new year is around the corner. A year lies ahead both to use this year’s Christmas gifts and think about next year’s. However, some gifts are all ready used up although some are advertised as gifts that keep on giving. There is only one gift that keeps [...]

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Happy Holidays?

During Christmas time it is not uncommon to hear phrase Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Of course, many people still say Merry Christmas. I prefer Merry Christmas and will even reply as such when people say Happy Holidays to me. Depending on the worldview there are people who not only prefer one phrase to [...]

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Ethics: Don’t Quote Me, Bro!

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario is an interesting one involving blogging, although it could be applied to any online writing. The online exchange of words and ideas is amazingly fast. If a blogger has any kind of audience and he posts something that challenges that audience there is probably going to be a [...]

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Is Tim Tebow a Religious Hypocrite?

In his article, “Tim Tebow Trivializes Religion” Bill Press uses Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:5 to call Tim Tebow a hypocrite. 1 In light of Press labeling Tebow a hypocrite he also wishes that Tebow would “STFU”.2 Press, a Roman Catholic, attended a Catholic university and earned a degree in theology.3 The 71 year old [...]

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Ethics: Pastor Opposes Tim Tebow Preaching

What would you do Wednesday! NFL quarterback Tim Tebow gets a lot of news coverage because of the way he and the Broncos are winning football games and, more specifically, for his outspoken faith in Jesus Christ. It could be argued that his Christianity has become more of a story than the last minute wins. [...]

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Kicking Off the Atheist

The clip below shows atheist Dan Barker of the “Freedom from Religion Foundation” appearing on Fox Business Network’s “Follow the Money” with host Eric Bolling. First, Barker made some unfavorable comments about Christianity. Then, Bolling stopped the conversation and kicked Barker off the show for “denigrating the name of Jesus Christ.” Would you have kicked [...]

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Friday Photo Sharing by My Wife

I asked my wife if I could post some of her recent photos. She said “yes” and gave me some of them. I think they’re great, but some might say I’m biased. What do ya think?

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Ethics: High School Football Practice Changed for Ramadan

What would you do Wednesday! In one of the episodes of TLC’s new TV show All-American Muslim a local high school football team changed their practice time for the observance of Ramadan.1 Ramadan is a month of Islamic fasting where “Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours.”2 Today’s scenario is based [...]

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Ethics: Pastor Admits to Homosexual Orientation

What would you do Wednesday! Thanks to my friend Rhology for this week’s topic. Your main preaching pastor is about to offer a Sunday morning pastoral prayer. Before praying one of your associate pastors steps up to the pulpit to make an important announcement and asks everyone for prayers on the issue. He begins. As [...]

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The Gospel in the Liquor Store

The following true story is about a seminary student sharing the gospel in a liquor store. The student is an acquaintance and the story is shared with permission. This is all that will be revealed of this student. One of the most divisive disagreements among conservative Christians is the subject of Christians drinking alcohol. Tim [...]

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Ethics: Christian Converts to Islam to Marry Muslim

What would you do Wednesday! TLC’s new TV show All-American Muslim recently had an episode where a Roman Catholic converted to Islam so he could marry a Muslim woman.1 My wife and I had some interesting discussions about this situation. The Roman Catholic mother and father did not seem to be bothered as much as [...]

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Occupy My Vote?

I’ve gotten some questions since being a finalist in the Blogging Scholarship and asking for votes so that I might win $10,000 which I would use to pay for seminary.1 I suppose with all of the Occupy Wall Street2 stuff going on people leery of someone else asking for something. Or people probably just want [...]

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Scholarship Voting Reset: I Need Your Help Please!

OK, folks. I recently asked for your vote for the $10,000 Blogging Scholarship which, if I won, I would use to pay for seminary.1 Some people were getting votes that were off the charts in comparison to the amount of monthly website visits they get. A few of us on twitter noticed this trend of [...]

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Help! I’ve Got a Serious Problem

My buddy Frank says I’ve got a serious problem.1 But then my buddy James says that I’m good folk.2 Are they just playing good-friend/bad-friend? Who are you going to believe? Hint: They are both friends who are trying to help me with the same cause. And I need your help too! I recently wrote an [...]

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So You Want My Daughter?

I’ve always been intrigued about why a Christian would want to date or marry a non-Christian. A solid biblical case can be made that a Christian should only date or marry another Christian.1 In a mixed dating situation the Christian is not trusting Christ nor finding Him sufficient, but is looking elsewhere to satisfy certain [...]

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Blogging Scholarship Entry Essay 2011

Last year I wrote an essay in an attempt to apply for the Blogging Scholarship contest.1 My entry was accepted and I was entered into the contest. The competition was tough. I was very thankful that though I did not win, ultimately ended up getting enough votes to win third place.2 It’s that time of [...]

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Happy Veterans Day 2011

Those who live today remember those who do not. Those who know freedom remember today those who gave up life for freedom. Today, in honor of the dead, we conduct ceremonies. We lay wreaths. We speak words of tribute. And in our memories, in our hearts, we hold them close to us still. Yet we [...]

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Are Christians to Blame for Gay Teen Suicides?

John Shore created the video below and used it to ask if Christians have some culpability in gay teen suicides in an article at the Huffington Post. 1 The question of whether or not there is a gay teen suicide epidemic has also been raised.2 The video did not make me mad, but it did [...]

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An Interesting Occupy Wall Street Exchange

Peter Schiff, CEO and Chief Global Strategist of Euro Pacific Capital Inc., engaged some of the Occupy Wall Street protesters at Zuccotti Park. Or maybe it should be said that he attempted to engage them. Schiff asked questions to about their cause trying to find out what would satisfy some of the protesters. His questions [...]

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Ethics: Whether or Not To Leave a Church Over the Pastor’s Sermons

What would you do Wednesday! Today’s scenario is based on a real life dilemma from a reader who is struggling with how he or she should remedy their situation. I will give the gist of the situation, but the reader who sent the inquiry will remain anonymous. Let’s see what advice you would give your [...]

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Hating Viki Knox: A Missed Opportunity in First Amendment Rights

Viki Knox, a Union Township New Jersey high school teacher, was recently suspended with pay for comments she made on her Facebook wall. In her comments she criticized the lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender history month display at her school. (This display is pictured at the right.) Although the Facebook comments have been removed a New [...]

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Ethics: Pastoral Candidate Answers Questions on the Trinity

What would you do Wednesday! For years T.D. Jakes has been unclear when challenged to give his position on the Trinity. His most recent answers to questions on the Trinity are from a radio appearance in 2010 which I’ve transcribed.1 Even though he mentions that he believes that God exists in “three Persons,” he offered [...]

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What I Wish TV Hosts Would Ask Christians

Trevin Wax has an excellent post on how he wishes the homosexuality debate would go between TV hosts and pastors.1 Trevin offers an example of good dialogue with the Christian re-directing the conversation so it is not concentrating on homosexuality. The dialogue could actually work with a dose of patience, focus and enough time. I [...]

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An “in Christ” Mindset

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-2 ESV) Notice how Paul begins the letter to the Philippians. He calls Paul and Timothy “servants” [...]

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Ethics: Deacons Call for Pastor to Resign

What would you do Wednesday! Joe McKeever has a sad post about a real life situation with a great outcome over at SBC Today.1 McKeever describes a call he got from a pastor who was informed by his deacon board that they voted he should resign. Not only should the pastor leave, but he should [...]

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iHeaven: Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

The creative genius of Steve Jobs has left its mark on the world. Jobs’ ideas and implementation of those ideas raised the bar significantly in technological advancement. He left us with Apple products that have changed the ways information is used, accessed and shared. His ideas will live on and most likely continue to spur [...]

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Are Metro-Atlanta Schools Promoting Islam?

At least one parent of a Metro-Atlanta middle school student is concerned that his child’s homework promotes Islam in the classroom. Is he right? Watch the video below and decide. As stated in the video, the curriculum was given to the school by the State of Georgia as part of a Middle Eastern studies program. [...]

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Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in Class

Fourteen year old Fort Worth, Texas high school student, Dakota Ary, was suspended from school for stating his personal opinion that homosexuality is wrong. Dakota is an honor student who has never been in trouble at school. His one summary sentence sums up the event. We were talking about religions in Germany. And I said [...]

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Does “Southern” Give Southern Baptists a Bad Image?

The above wordle was created in 2009 by Thom Rainer, President and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. The wordle is composed of the 140 character replies to Rainer’s twitter question - “What do you think when you hear ‘Southern Baptist’?” Thom Rainer’s son, Sam, categorized the unscientific twitter results stating, “About 60% of the respondents gave [...]

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Why Bryant Wright Will Succeed in Changing the SBC Brand

The following is a guest post by Nathan Creitz. Nathan is originally from the South but now lives with his wife and two children as a missionary in New England. Nathan makes disciples and teaches New England churches and ministries how to fulfill the Great Commission in their town. He blogs about making disciples in [...]

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Ethics: Baptism by Pouring-Joining a Baptist Church

What would you do Wednesday! The following scenario takes place in a Baptist church. However, non-Baptists may give share their perspective too. The situation has to do with new members being brought before a local Baptist congregation for membership affirmation. The congregation is gathered and five new members and one family are being affirmed. The [...]

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Never Forget

I will never forget September 11, 2001. I was sitting in the office with my colleagues waiting for the stock market to open watching the news on the big screen TV. Around 8:45 am the news channel’s focus moved from stock to shock as it reported that a plane had hit the North Tower of [...]

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Would You Pray at Ground Zero?

An interfaith prayer vigil will be held at the National Cathedral for the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. It seems that no Evangelicals were invited to participate along side the “dean of the Cathedral, the Bishop of Washington, a rabbi, Buddhist nun and incarnate lama, a Hindu priest, the president of the [...]

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Ethics: New Church and a Pastor’s Affair

What would you do Wednesday! The scenario for this dilemma takes place with the reader just moving to a new town and visiting a new church. The situation involving the church and its pastor is, sadly, based on a true story. Upon taking a recent promotion your company moves you to a part of the [...]

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Ethics: A Death and the Age of Accountability

What would you do Wednesday! Dr. Lemke recently wrote about the age of accountability.1 In the comment of that post Lemke mentioned that the Presbyterian position which denies the age of accountability has “always been a bit embarrassing pastorally — or as the saying goes, it won’t sell in Peoria.” This post will use age [...]

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Israel, A Christian Idol?

In the following video Mormon Glenn Beck sits with Evangelical David Barton who introduces hyper-dispensationalist, prosperity preacher John Hagee1. These men are together for the sake of supporting the modern day state of Israel. Supporting Israel is not a bad thing, but are they supporting Israel in a biblical sense? For starters, Hagee, a professing [...]

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Ethics: Church Leader Publicly Drinks Alcohol

What would you do Wednesday! There has been a lot of blogging about Christians and alcohol lately. Today’s scenario will follow suit and deals with seeing a church leader drinking alcohol in public. It’s Friday evening and your out to dinner with a few friends from church. Dinner is in an open area where several [...]

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Servant Evangelism: Gimmick or Grace?

Steve Sjogren is know for what is called Servant Evangelism which, as I understand it, is a way of doing outreach through acts of kindness in hopes of sharing the gospel. At SermonCentral.com Sjogren has an article titled 94 Servant Evangelism Ideas for Your Church. The ideas he lists are certain good, kind things to [...]

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Preaching: Young, Restless and Four?

Paul wrote to Timothy and stated, ” Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 ESV) I don’t think Paul had a four year old preacher in mind as one way this Scripture may be applied. [...]

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Brewing Controversy: A Respectful Disagreement with John MacArthur

[The following reply is a guest post originally published on spencernix.com (hyperlink removed the site is currently hacked) by friend and fellow blogger Spencer Nix. Spencer is a north Georgia native and Lead Pastor of Isaac's Keep in Canton, Georgia. He enjoys connecting with people and their story and living life simply and beautifully in [...]

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Alcohol: Of Greeks and Barbarians

There has been enough talk about alcohol on Christians blogs lately to make readers drunk with words. While alcohol is always a favorite topic on Southern Baptist blogs1 one of the well-esteemed pastors of our day, John MacArthur, also felt the need to address the topic2. MacArthur was answered by the accused, Erik Raymond3 and [...]

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Church Sign of the Week: King James Only

This photo was taken in the Smoky Mountains while on vacation. We had just driven onto Cherokee land when we passed this church sign. So we turned the car around and took a picture of it. The church name is included in the original picture, but I cut that part out. For the record, the [...]

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Anders Breivik Needs to be Crucified

After Anders Breivik went on a killing spree various media sources identified him as a fundamentalist Christian. Many Christians rejected that claim, not only because of his actions, but because of the words he wrote in his manifesto. I even quoted Breivik’s manifesto in Was Anders Breivik a Christian? to refute the claim that he [...]

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Ethics: Female Pastor Presented to Preach Sunday Morning

What would you do Wednesday! The inspiration for this week’s post comes from a real issue that happened in a local Southern Baptist association. Surry Baptist Association in North Carolina disfellowshipped Rocks Baptist Church for calling Bailey Edwards Nelson, a female, a their pastor. Then, Dave at SBCVoices asked – Are Churches with Female Pastors [...]

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IMB Missionary Interview for LovingMuslims.com

The International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention recently launched a website to encourage Christians reach out to their Muslim neighbors. The website is LovingMuslims.com and the timing of the launch was no mistake as the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 approaches. I had the privilege to send a few question to the [...]

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Ethics: Adding Alcohol Abstinence to the Church Covenant

What would you do Wednesday! Your pastor recently read John Piper’s article Alcohol and Church Membership that explains why Piper pushed to have the phrase on abstaining from the use of beverage alcohol removed from his church covenant. Upon further consideration your pastor decided to do the opposite of what Piper did. He proposed to add [...]

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Discipleship Through Judgement

Look at the word discipleship. There within it is the word disciple, which is obviously related to the word discipline. In view of the next section on corrective church discipline, I would point out that discipleship is the other side of the coin—it is formative church discipline. These words, discipleship/discipline/ disciple, all connote ideas of [...]

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The Church Tomb of George Whitefield in Pictures

Some friends of mine were recently in Maine visiting family. While there they visited the Old South Church which was founded by George Whitefield in Newbury, MA. Not only did Whitefield found this church, but he is also buried there below the pulpit. I asked for the pictures so I could share them here and they [...]

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Ethics: Southern Baptist Pastor Becomes a Calvinist

What would you do Wednesday! All week anticipation of this Sunday’s sermon has been high since the planned topic is election. One of your fellow church members has recently embraced Calvinism so you’re hoping the pastor gives some good biblical arguments to discuss with him. Last year in a sermon your pastor made it clear that [...]

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On Frivolous Prayer and Reverence

Given the discussions on the recent NASCAR prayer both here (A NASCAR Prayer, Parody or Blasphemy?) and elsewhere the commentary below from Calvin offers helpful perspective to consider on prayer. In the first quote, Calvin addresses the state of the mind and reverence to God in prayer. Let the first rule of right prayer then [...]

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A NASCAR Prayer, Parody or Blasphemy?

Below is a transcript and video of the invocation “prayer” that Pastor Joe Nelms of Family Baptist Church in Lebanon, TN (near Nashville) recently gave at a NASCAR event. I’m not sure how to respond other than to scratch my head and think of this in light of the state of American Christianity. Of course, [...]

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Was Anders Breivik a Christian?

My prayers go out to the people of Norway and all of those affected by the vicious murders of Anders Breivik. My intention is not to make less of what happened in Norway, but to explain that his murderous actions were not of the teachings of Christianity. I expect to see reactions from other conservative [...]

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Is God the Author of Evil?

Is there any sense in which God can be said to be the author of evil? In the quote below one author answers yes. See if you agree. God is the author (is in sovereign control) of everything that happens. Evil is something that happens. So God is the author of evil. If this is [...]

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Dear Same-Sex Marriage

Dear Same-sex marriage, May I call you SSM? Thanks! So, what are you? And what have you done with marriage? Actually, you haven’t done anything with marriage. I’m here writing you. Yes, this is Marriage sending you a note. I’m a little upset that you’re trying to do away with me by re-defining me. However, [...]

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News Show Host: Mitt Romney Is Not a Christian

“Fox & Friends” co-host Ainsley Earhardt made a passing remark about Mitt Romney’s faith when talking about viable fund raising avenues for Republican presidential candidates. She said that that “Romney, obviously not being a Christian” would not be able to raise money from the Christian Coalition. Interesting and presumably accurate if Romney hold’s to his [...]

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Jim Wallis and Richard Land Debate Morality and the Deficit

The video topics break down as follows: Why the budget is a moral document (02:34) What’s the real cause of the deficit? (05:04) Debating taxes for the wealthy and entitlements (08:14) Jim: The poorest shouldn’t bear the brunt of balancing the budget (03:03) Does baby boomer retirement make means-testing necessary? (05:11) The parable of the [...]

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Popping Off Is Not Pastoral

Christianity in America seems to be in a constant state of decline rather than a constant state of repentance. One sign of this decline is the way in which celebrity rather than Scripture seems to have become the lens through which certain pastors are evaluated. This type of bias undermines the witness of the Church [...]

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Ethics: If Your Pastor Says You Suck?

What would you do Wednesday! As you roll out of bed Sunday morning to get ready for church the memory of an uncomfortable conversation with the pastor earlier in the week takes over your thoughts. “I never complain. Maybe I shouldn’t have complained about the music,” you think, “but our recent worship songs have been [...]

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Atheist Hopes for Brokeback Mountain Moment

Steve Walsh on the CNN religion blogs reports that New atheist movie ‘The Ledge’ evangelizes godlessness. The film is written and directed by outspoken atheist Matthew Chapman. Apparently, Chapman wants to make an an atheist character into a Hollywood hero with a Christian being the bad guy. Chapman is pushing for a form of atheist evangelism [...]

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Mini-Movie: Bahnsen vs. Stein on the Laws of Logic

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Ironic Church Sign of the Week

The above picture was taken by one of my pastors right down the road from our church building. Can you spot the irony?

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A Response: Patriotism and Christian Worship

Pastor David Brumbelow recently posted Patriotism and Christian Worship at SBC Voices. I will admit upfront that I disagree with Brumbelow on this topic. I’ve even written about patriotic worship in the past on more than on occasion. Christians will probably continue to disagree about this topic this side of heaven. Make no mistake that [...]

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Freedom: More Than An American

Christian, what will be at the forefront of your mind during corporate worship this 4th of July weekend? (HT: John Strickland)

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Transcript and Commentary: Al Mohler On Homosexuality at the SBC

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Seminary, recently answered a question from Dr. Peter Lumpkins concerning alleged comments he made about Evangelicals and homosexuality. The question was answered from the floor of the 2011 Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting during his report on Southern Seminary. Dr. Mohler confirmed that the statements in question were [...]

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Ethics: Which Pastor, Anger or Homosexuality?

What would you do Wednesday! The following scenario was built upon an actual question that was asked to a group of Christian men about which pastor they would choose in a given situation. Read on. I also believe that a measure of homophobia has existed in many Southern Baptists. My evidence? I asked a group [...]

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A Teenager On Youth Ministry

I’m recycling a post about a teenager named Erica who was given an assignment to write an editorial on the subject of her choice. She choose youth ministry. Youth ministry is difficult. Questions are often asked about how to best reach and minister to youth. It can be hard to get into the mind of [...]

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NFL Star David Tyree On Gay Marriage

A few highlights and comments. At the beginning of the video Tyree offers a question which all Christians can apply to their lives regardless of profession. He asks, “Do our fans mean more than our position in eternity?” He then explains that marriage is the “only relationship that actually mirrors a relationship with God. It’s [...]

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The Southern Baptist Phantom Menace

Imagine for a moment that a church friend comes to you and expresses his frustration over another member of the church. Your friend mentions that he is tired of Sunday School at various times. He does not like the way things are taught sometimes or some of the methods used in the lessons. In his [...]

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Southern Baptist Church Offices, Elders et al. (Update)

Update below. A simple Google search will yield discussions concerning Southern Baptists and the subject of having a plurality of elders/pastors in place in the local church. It is understandable that there are biblical interpretive disagreements on how a church ought to fill its offices, on congregational involvement, etc. Hopefully, all local congregations seek to [...]

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Friday Favorites 06/03/11

What Is the Gospel? for 99 cents! – The Kindle Edition is $.99 right now for this great book by Greg Gilbert with the Foreword by D. A. Carson. [another] Open Letter to John Piper – Frank Turk writes another open letter to Piper concerning his interview with Rick Warren. Thinking About Rick Warren & [...]

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Did the Gay Clergy Lie?

The StarTribune reports that Presbyterians to allow gays to be ordained ministers. Note: Those Presbyterians would be of the PCUSA branch. I’m sure many would call them PiNO’s (Presbyterian in name only.) Thankfully, some in the PCUSA spoke against the newly affirmed policy which will now allow openly gay and lesbian members to be ordained [...]

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Did Mark Richt Make Me A Dawgs Fan?

Being a graduate of Georgia Southern University (GSU) hasn’t really influenced me to be a Georgia Bulldogs (UGA) fan. I was actually not a fan for a few years after I got to see how poorly Dawg fans treated GA Southern fans when played against each other. See, UGA and GSU play each other every [...]

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Keller On Fanatical Christians (with example?) Update

Update Just as I was about to post the quote below I was notified about the above tweet. I read it and thought about Keller’s words below. I wondered – does that tweet fit the definition of a fanatical Christian that Keller writes about? Here are two quotes from two professing Christians with whom I [...]

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Sermon: Drinking Is Not Drunkeness

Eddie Exposito, a pastor friend from Louisiana, preached a sermon about the biblical approach to alcohol. The sermon, linked below, is called Drinking Is Not Drunkenness. He addresses some of the unbiblical approaches to alcohol that are prevalent today and offers a corrective, biblical view. I thought some of you would appreciate this sermon. Drinking [...]

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Lord’s Day 05/08/11 Spurgeon On Mothers

Happy Mother’s Day! Below are some excerpts from the section “Early Religious Impressions” found in Charles Spurgeon’s Autobiography. I thought they would be appropriate for Mother’s Day. Yet I cannot tell how much I owe to the solemn words of my good mother. It was the custom, on Sunday evenings, while we were yet little [...]

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How Would Jesus Tax?

Lawrence O’Donnell vs. Rush Limbaugh: Biblical lessons from the media? Or – How to do eisegesis? Guess which one argues for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Ethics: Christian, a Former Muslim, Wants to Burn Qur’an

What would you do Wednesday! This week’s situation has to do with a current controversial subject, Qur’an burning. This scenario is a different from the Qur’an burning by Terry Jones that took place in Florida. The person in today’s scenario has a different perspective and reason for his position although he hasn’t quite made up [...]

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Universalism: Rob Bell and Paul Dean

Even before the release of his latest book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, Rob Bell set the blogosphere ablaze. The biggest charge against Bell is that of him being a universalist. In a recent interview with Newsweek’s Lisa Miller, Bell first states, with qualifications, [...]

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Advanced-Objective-Relevant Conference?

Beyond the Basics? Advanced, Objective, Relevant? I can across the above conference advertisement today. It looks like an interesting conference, doesn’t it? Great graphics. Would you attend? Wait! What kind of conference? A Christian conference? What do you think?

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“Live the Gospel” Charles Spurgeon Advised

Can anyone but Christ live the gospel? Disagreements on the answer to this question can be seen from Open Letters to The Fear of Antinomianism. I wonder if the disagreements lie within what one means when challenging others to “live the gospel.” I don’t know of anyone who uses this phrase to mean that Christians [...]

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Wisdom of Solomon, Obama and Abortion

This article was originally published on Nov 19, 2008. In light of Dr. Mohler’s post today, In His Own Words: A Radical Pro-Abortion President, I thought I would re-publish my post below. Obama and Solomon There has been much past discussion about Obama concerning his stance on abortion. This discussion is not going to end [...]

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What If Governor Robert Bentley Instead…

Newly elected Alabama Governor Robert Bentley made headlines recently while speaking at a church in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. His words were delivered right after he was sworn in as governor. There may be more of a timing issue here because though he was speaking at a church, the offending words were his [...]

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Church Sign: Gospel or Moralism?

In a message this morning about post-modernism the church sign pictured above was put up as an example of what post-modernists are rebelling against in the modernist Christian culture. The question that crossed my mind is whether this picture is an example of reaching out with the gospel or with moralism?

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A Word for the New Year and My Top 10 for 2010

First, I leave you with some words of encouragement to take into the 2011 New Year from Thomas Watson’s A Body of Divinity. Then, my top 10 popular posts for 2010. How diligent and zealous should we be in glorifying God, that we may come at last to enjoy him! If Tully, Demosthenes, and Plato, [...]

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Book Review: The Purity Principle

Alcorn, Randy. The Purity Principle: God’s Safeguards for Life’s Dangerous Trails (LifeChange Books). Sisters: Multnomah Books, 2003. Randy Alcorn is a well-known Christian author and speaker. He has written over 30 books which include both fiction and non-fiction. He is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries (EPM) through which he has ministered to [...]

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A Grinch Alert?

I’m convinced that the celebration of Christmas is always going to be a point of contention somewhere. Whether it’s from anti-Christian secularists, Christians who are convicted that it is not a holiday to be celebrated or corporations that embrace the holiday season in general simply as a means for revenue. Scripture gives Christians no direct [...]

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Six Megaproblems and the Gospel Ain’t One (via Barna)

Yesterday, Barna posted the results of a the study – Six Megathemes Emerge from Barna Group Research in 2010. The six points are numbered below in bold. The research is based research conducted throughout 2010. I’m unsure how many polls or people in total were involved. It gives me no pleasure to read these conclusion, [...]

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I’m A Christian by Tim Hawkins (Bon Jovi Tune)

This is probably my favorite Tim Hawkins parody song (if you can call it that since there’s no joking). It’s sung to the tune of Wanted Dead Or Alive by Bon Jovi. The title is either I’m A Christian or What I Believe. Either way it’s a keeper.

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Contentment and Pride

Another rule is, that those in narrow and slender circumstances should learn to bear their wants patiently, that they may not become immoderately desirous of things, the moderate use of which implies no small progress in the school of Christ. For in addition to the many other vices which accompany a longing for earthly good, [...]

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Friday Favorites 12/03/10

Repentance is a grace of God’s Spirit whereby a sinner is inwardly humbled and visibly reformed. – Thomas Watson I got nothin’ – My friend Frank Turk shows that the cult of personality is still alive in Christiandom. Should Every Christian Have A Blog? – Nathan Bingham provides an interesting perspective on Christian blogging. Germans [...]

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Friday Favorites 11/19/10

Build your nest upon no tree here; for you see God has sold the forest to death. — Samuel Rutherford Meet the ‘Cheapest Man Alive’ – He drives a 1992 car, packs his lunch, reuses paperclips and is worth millions. Four Reasons You Should Resist the New TSA Security Procedures (and How You Can) – [...]

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Ethics: Should Pastors Accept Gifts from Members?

What would you do Wednesday! This weeks question deals with the subject of pastors accepting gifts from church members. Depending on the gift, some may see accepting certain gifts as inappropriate. For example, in 2009, a story broke where there were allegations of inappropriate monetary gifts to a pastor. Tom Rich started a blog over [...]

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Evangelical Identity

I wonder if description below would be true of evangelical Christians as they are known today. If not, I wonder if this should be the description and if it’s a place worth trying to get to. Conclusion: Evangelical Identity Evangelicals believe, first of all, the gospel as it is set forth in the Bible. The [...]

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Friday Favorites 11/12/10

Congratulations to Jason Smathers for winning the Amazing Grace DVD giveaway. Book (Giveaway) Review: Washed and Waiting by Wesley Hill – Aaron reviews and is giving away a copy of this book which deals with Christianity and homosexuality. Do Our Church Testimonies Empower Satan? – Russell Moore asks an intriguing question. what’s wrong with your pastor? – [...]

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Ethics: Your Pastor Reveals He is Gay

What would you do Wednesday! It was a normal Sunday morning worship service. Everything was moving along as usual until the pastor began his sermon. He stood up and began what seemed like a sermon introduction. Instead of preaching he began explaining that he needed to come out or confess something to the congregation. His [...]

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The Blogging Scholarship: Thanks, Thoughts, and Cheating

The 2010 Blogging Scholarship contest is over. I had a good run and ended up placing 3rd. I’d like to say thank you to some folks, give some brief thoughts about the competition and look at the cheating allegations. Thank you! I’d like to thank those who promoted me on their blogs (I tried my [...]

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Friday Favorites 11/05/10

Amazing Grace: The History & Theology of Calvinism – DVD Giveaway – A reminder that this giveaway ends Monday unless I extend it. Christians and Drinking Alcohol – JD Greear’s take on this controversial issue. Do you agree? Almost Christian: Q&A with Kenda Creasy Dean – Terrace Crawford interviews the author of an interesting new [...]

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Ridiculous Item: ‘Jesus was HIV Positive’

Apparently, South African pastor, Xola Skosana, has claimed that Jesus was HIV positive to raise awareness about how poorly churches treat people who are HIV positive. This report comes from the Daily Mail Reporter story ‘Jesus was HIV-positive’: South African pastor sparks outrage with bizarre claim. A bizarre claim and then some. ‘Wherever you open [...]

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Ethics: Church Member Invites You To R-Rated Movie Night

What would you do Wednesday! It’s Friday night and your husband has already left for a deacon retreat for the weekend. He’ll be home Saturday night so you’ve got Friday night and Saturday free. You will miss him, but know that you will only be apart for one day and it will allow you to [...]

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Work: A Cure for the Monday Morning Blues

When you have had one of those take-this-job-and-shove-it-days, try this. On your way home after work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the section where they have thermometers. You will need to purchase a rectal thermometer made by the Q-tip Company. Be sure that you get this brand. When you get home, lock your [...]

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Friday Favorites 10/29/2010

Can you ethically invest in unethical companies? – Felix Salmon attempts to answer. Procrastination – David McRaney dispels the myth that procrastination is due to laziness and poor time management. The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach – Michael R. Licona has a new book out defending the resurrection. The Doctrine of the Word [...]

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Heaven, Hell and Politicians

Below is a story using a politician and his choice between heaven and hell illustrating the tactics some (many?) politicians use to get votes. I thought it interesting so I decided to share it. The author is unknown at this point. I will be glad to attribute it if someone can tell me the author’s [...]

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Ethics: The Abandoned Husband

What would you do Wednesday! Bob married Martha eight years ago, and they quickly had three children. After six especially tumultuous months, Bob came home from work one day and found a note taped to the refrigerator: “Dear Bob, I can’t keep giving anymore. I need some time for myself. Good-bye for now.” The financial [...]

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10,000 Reasons to Vote for Me?

I asked for help for The Blogging Scholarship and shared my essay. You answered. Guess what? Praise the Lord, I made the top 10! Please CLICK HERE to vote for me, Mark Lamprecht, to help me win a $10,000 scholarship to help pay for seminary. That is 10,000 reasons to vote for me and I’d [...]

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Poll: Is the Reformation Over?

Reformation Day 2010, October 31, falls on this coming Sunday. In light of this, I thought this would be an interesting question to ask. Are the theological positions of the Protestant Reformation and the Council of Trent now reconciled? Or are we still divided? Does it matter? What do you think? Discussion welcomed.

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Friday Favorites 10/22/2010

Johnny Hunt, Calvinism, and the Past Ten Years of My Life – See the gospel at work in a young Calvinist. I appreciate Tim’s post. He is a friend and brother in Christ. I Want Your Money – A new documentary that releases this weekend by Ray Griggs that looks at government spending by contrasting [...]

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Religious Freedom: Jesus vs Islam

Religious freedom in this country seems to have taken a turn. Maybe a new definition is in order. Religious freedom: mention religion and you’re free to find a new job. Examples of this can be found in situations where Jesus or Islam have been mentioned. The mention of both have resulted in some form of [...]

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Ethics: A Church Member Wins the Lottery

What would you do Wednesday! While away visiting relatives in another state one of your friends from church bought a $1 lottery ticket at the influence of his cousin. He never plays the lottery and hasn’t thought much about it. He figured that it was only $1 so what could it hurt? It turns out [...]

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Is Your Church White?

Is your church white? That is the disturbing question what was email to a church in Apex, NC. Ken Keathley recently shared this inquiry over at Between the Times in his post A Shocking Question. The context of this disturbing question was: We know the Lord loves all of us, but we believe in honoring [...]

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Scientific Deconstruction of Science

All of us tempted to swallow this popular pill, cunningly served up with our secular education, should appreciate that the empiricists have not shown that the Creator has not spoken in his creation or in the Christ of Scripture. In the process of their argument they annihilate empirical science itself, the very thing that they [...]

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Christians Are Jerks! Update

Jennifer Johnson on The Examiner offers more insight of this story in Local church makes headlines. She quotes the people behind the billboard, Pastor Chris Beard of Christ Covenant Church. “We actually blew up a lot bigger than we ever expected,” Beard told The Examiner. “We talked with (CNN’s) Headline News today (Oct. 15). We [...]

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Friday Favorites 10/15/10

Enter To Win 1 of 3 “Crucial Questions” Sets by R.C. Sproul – Nathan has a good RC Sproul giveaway going on. It that ends Tuesday, October 19th 2010. Confessions of a Recovering Legalist – Bob Gonzales shares a healthy dose of repentance for all of us. Matt Chandler: The Village Church, Flower Mound, Texas [...]

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Positive Thinking With Apostle Paul

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that [...]

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Atheist Christopher Hitchens Debates Christian Brother

Hitchens brothers debate if civilization can survive without God Editor’s Note: CNN Belief Blog Co-Editor Eric Marrapodi files this report from Washington, DC. Brothers Christopher and Peter Hitchens squared off Tuesday in a debate over whether civilization can survive without God. Christopher, the older of the two, is a renowned atheist thinker and author. Peter, [...]

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Ethics: A Yoga Class Starting at Church

What would you do Wednesday! Sitting down in the pew on Sunday morning you open the bulletin that you just grabbed on the way in. You look through for anything new going on in your church. One new byline reads: New Outreach Opportunity: New Yoga classes starting, twice a week. Sign up at the church [...]

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Friday Favorites 10/08/2010

My take: Fred Phelps is wrong about the gospel, right about the law – Wayne Grudem explains. A Letter From Hell – Luke 16:19-31(MP3) – Pastor Jeremy Rhode preaches how a letter from hell from the Rich Man may read. For the Fame of God’s Name: Essays in Honor of John Piper – A 542 [...]

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Ethics: Terminal Care for an Elderly Cancer Patient?

What would you do Wednesday! Eighteen months ago, a seventy-one-year-old Christian woman developed cancer in a kidney. Physicians removed the kidney. Now, however, the cancer has spread to other parts of her body, including her brain, so she has become permanently unconscious. Her second kidney is now failing, and she needs dialysis. Dialysis might keep [...]

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Friday Favorites 10/01/10

Walking Through the Valley of Vision – Joe Thorn offers a way to enrich your prayer life. I love the idea! Why Pastors Fall Into Moral Sin – JD Greear re-posts some insights on this topic given the recent sexual allegations against Bishop Eddie Long. Why I Can’t Stand Justin Bieber – Carla explains why. [...]

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A Six-Word Memoir of the Christian Life

Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway was once challenged to write a six word short story. The result was: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” That’s quite a story in six words. Along that line of thought, SMITH Magazine, who believes everyone has a story, challenges people to tell theirs in six words or less. [...]

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Friday Favorites 09/24/10

Engaging the Culture – Phil Johnson offers a biblical view of cultural engagement. Calvin the Evangelist – An article by Dr. Frank James explaining the missional aspects of John Calvin’s work for the gospel. Justin Taylor on a ‘tragic mistake’ – WorldMag’s Mickey McLean posts Justin Taylor’s response to Andrée Seu’s seeming embrace that Mormon [...]

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Ethics: Aborting Your Anencephalic Baby

What would you do Wednesday! You and your spouse have found out in the last few weeks that the child with whom you are pregnant has been diagnosed with anencephaly, a fatal genetics disorder in which the cerebral cortex of the brain does not develop at all. The skull is somewhat flat and quite deformed [...]

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Friday Favorites 09/17/10

Thirty Letters to Calvin, Preacher to the Genevans: And Sixty Signs of the Kingdom of the Antichrist and His Revelation Which Is Now at Hand – Michael Servetus’ Latin writings now translated and put into a 175 page book. ‘Draw Muhammad’ cartoonist changes name, goes into hiding at FBI’s insistence – Molly Norris will have [...]

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Church Greeting Teams and Hand Sanitizer: Good Idea?

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Ethics: Potential Deacon Struggling with Pornography

What would you do Wednesday! This week’s scenario involves a deacon candidate. One of your friends tells you he has been called to be a deacon. Soon he is going to meet with your pastor(s) and a few of the deacons who will talk to and evaluate his qualifications to be a deacon. The problem [...]

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Friday Favories 09/10/10

American Civil Religion and the Gospel of Jesus Christ – David Rogers shares some research and insights. A Good, New, Non-Arminian, Arminian Book – James gives more thought and insight to a review and response of Whosoever Will. The Nines – Welcome! – Frank shares the text of his talk at The Nines. Military burns [...]

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Ethics: Burn A Koran Day In Your Community

What would you do Wednesday! There has been a lot of discussion about Islam lately. As Sept. 11 approaches I can only imagine how talk of Islam will draw many emotional responses. We’ve talked a bit about the Ground Zero Mosque. Understandably, it continues to be an issue. An issue on which Christians disagree. Today’s [...]

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Friday Favorites 09/03

Disconnected Faith – My metro neighbor Leonce offers some advice for Christians feeling disconnected from God. Is There a Hole in our Gospel? – Andrew reviews this book and finds some troubling theology. Prairie Memories: Songs of Home, Life and Faith – This is a new CD from my friend Clyde Bauman. You can hear [...]

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Ethics: Excluding A Single Parent from Church Membership

What would you do Wednesday! The scenario is that a single mother is a member of your local church. For several years she seemed to be living faithfully for Christ. She was present on Sunday morning and often during other church events. It was difficult for her at times and the church even helped her [...]

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Thoughts on Moore on Glenn Beck and the Gospel

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

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Friday Favorites 08/27

Giveaway: A Pastor’s Sketches by Ichabod Spencer – Don’t forget about the giveaway! Reinvesting Pain – A week late on my part, but Rozie gives another well written, insightful piece on suffering. (In case you miss the sermon she linked to – it’s here.) Kiss Me? Addressing God in Worship – Matt Redman encourages us [...]

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Don’t Waste Your Life Sentence Livestream Tonight

Don’t Waste Your Life Sentence Voices from the Louisiana State Penitentiary This video will be streamed live tonight at 7:30 CT/ 8:30 EST. Click here for the live stream location. I’m looking forward to it. If you want to know more about this powerful trailer, below is the description from the Desiring God website. The [...]

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The Ground Zero Mosque An Artificial Controversy?

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

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Friday Favorites 08/20

United States Marines duped by pretend jihadist, Ergun Caner -Jason provides videos of two training sessions that Ergun Caner gave to the U.S. Marines on April 15, 2005. I wonder if those who criticized Driscoll for his language will follow suit with Caner. Clearing the Smoke – Joe clears the smoke and shares the gospel [...]

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Driscoll: Discerning the Current Vampire-esque Teen Books

What books are being promoted for teens and pre-teens to read these days? Better yet, what books are they actually reading? Are there underlying spiritual issues involved? How do parents handle it? Are parents discerning enough? As a parent, I am concerned. This brings me to Mark Driscoll’s video below. I appreciate what he has [...]

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Update: Christians and the Ground Zero Mosque

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

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Frank Turek Refutes Judge Walker’s 10 Gay Marriage “Facts”

Frank Turek of CrossExamined offers a refutation of 10 of Judge Vaughn Walker’s finding of “facts” used to overturn Proposition 8 in order to legalize gay marriage. Turek writes – Second, Prop. 8 doesn’t violate the Fourteenth Amendment because every person in America already has equal marriage rights. We’re all playing by the same rules [...]

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Friday Favorites 08/13

Giant Brazilian Temple Replica Panned as ‘Mockery’ – A controversial Brazilian Pentecostal church plans to build a $200 million Holy Temple replica. What Do I Have to Believe to Be Saved? – John Piper answers the question. Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – An awesome photo blog from the Denver Post. Christian-Themed Movies in [...]

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Does Literally Carrying A Cross Spread The Gospel?

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

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Will HPOA be Christianized?

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

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May Christians Vote Using Religious Principles?

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

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Friday Favorites 08/06 Anniversary Special

First, today is my 5th wedding anniversary! So it’s special. How does my wonderful wife manage? Maybe this limerick will help her. I know you can’t believe that it’s been five years. But you made it through without many tears. Since it’s all foreordained, just pretend that you’ve gained. It will help get you through [...]

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Art! Drama! Worship?

J.D. Greear has written Artistry, Excellence, and the Mission in which he asks – What is the role of artistic excellence in a local church’s “production”? This is not a new question in today’s culture. Nor will it be going away anytime soon. The production factor in the lives of Americans continues to increase. Millions [...]

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Robbery Ends After Talk of Jesus

Wow! Christians seem to have a tough time talking about Jesus in everyday causal settings, but at gunpoint? During a robbery? I wonder how many others would react this way. Makes me wonder a lot of things… Are you convicted? (HT: Ray Ortlund)

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Friday Favorites 07/30

Forsake Not The Assembling – Ben Davis offers a great quote from John Owen on the importance of coming together for corporate worship. identifying “anti-adoptionistic” corruptions of scripture – Rafael Rodriguez critiques Bart Ehrman’s remarks on anti-adoptionistic corruptions of Scripture. Vitaminwater Isn’t Healthy, Rules Federal Judge – The title of this article By Carey Alexander [...]

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Hell, Are You Offended?

Last week I mentioned that Christianity Gives Atheism Life. Some atheists have gained much by their push against a God they don’t believe exists. In a similar vein, some people who don’t believe in hell are offended when others believe they are headed that way. Why?

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Christianity Gives Atheism Life

hristianity sure gives many atheists something to live for. This can be seen by the way many atheists argue, debate, write, sue, form societies and organizations, etc. all to fight against God. But it is God that drives these actions! Some atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens have become famous for their beliefs. [...]

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I Write Like Who?

There is a cool new site called I Write Like which allows you to – “Check which famous writer you write like with this statistical analysis tool, which analyzes your word choice and writing style and compares them with those of the famous writers.” Many people who write desire to become better at it. I’m [...]

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Ethics: Unwanted Pregnancy

What would you do Wednesday! A fifteen year old girl was invited by your daughter to a youth outreach event at your church. Her boyfriend had just broken up with her. She was really upset and needed to get away and thought a church event would be something nice to go to. The gospel was [...]

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Ethics: To Pray In Jesus Name Or Not?

What would you do Wednesday! Consider being in a situation similar to that of Pastor Baity when he was recently fired for praying in Jesus name. Baity got to say one prayer before the N.C. House, but then he was not invited back. He is protesting his firing and the N.C. House prayer guidelines are [...]

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Fired In Jesus Name?

On May 31, Pastor Ron Baity was relieved of his Chaplaincy prayer duties before the N.C. House of Representatives after he prayed in Jesus name. Baity is the pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem and was filling in as a guest Chaplain. I first read this story from FOXNews’ article Pastor Yanked From Capitol [...]

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A Sign of Judgment Day?

Someone is always predicting the end of the world. It reminds me of the chorus from that Telsa song Signs. Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

My wife and I watched the movie The Boy in the Striped Pajamas this past weekend. In a way it was sort of fitting that we watched it during the Fourth of July weekend. The movie was a great reminder of the freedoms of this great Nation. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is set [...]

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Will A Christian Nation Earn God’s Favor?

Dr. Michael Youssef answers the questions, “How can you say America is a Christian Nation? How can a country be Christian?” in Can there be a Christian nation? He answers that it is the individuals, not a country or culture, that are Christian. He explains that people refer to America’s Christian heritage by the moral [...]

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The Political Gospel of Glenn Beck and Liberty University?

Glenn Beck recently gave the Commencement Speech at Liberty University’s 2010 graduation. In light of Liberty’s statements of being Christ-centered and how this relates to their goals, mission, vision, etc. I wrote critiquing Beck’s speech in Liberty University, Glenn Beck and the Gospel. Beck’s speech had more theology than some sermons in the pulpit on [...]

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SB1070: Take illegal immigrant to church, get arrested?

Is it possible to get arrested for driving an illegal immigrant to a church service under Arizona law SB1070? This is what E. J. Montini proposes at The Arizona Republic in his article Church, state clash coming under SB 1070. Montini begins: “The first person arrested under SB 1070 might not be an illegal immigrant, [...]

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Father to Father to Father

A Father’s Day Limerick At this time of year I’m not sure what to say, A time to honor dads in a special way. So I think really hard End up buying a card, All just to say “Happy Father’s Day!” I wrote that limerick for my father inside his Father’s Day card. It’s hard [...]

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Touchdown Jesus delay of game

A huge statue of Jesus, some call Touchdown Jesus due to the way the arms are raised signaling a touchdown, will be delayed in fulfilling its original purposes. As the AP reports: 6-story Jesus statue in Ohio struck by lightning. “MONROE, Ohio — A six-story-tall statue of Jesus Christ with his arms raised along a [...]

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Christoga: Christian Yoga?

So, I’m browsing Netflix. I search the term “Christian” just to see what comes up. One of the results that comes up is Christoga: Christian Yoga. Apparently, I missed the boat on this by a few years. It’s dated 2007. I’m sitting there wondering if I had been transported to bizarre-o land. Well, maybe I [...]

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Liberty University, Glenn Beck and the Gospel

On April 23, 2010 Liberty University announced that Glenn Beck would deliver the Commencement speech for Liberty University’s Class of 2010. The graduation took place on Saturday, May 15. Beck’s speech can be viewed online at The Rightscoop. Success came early for Beck when just before his speech, Liberty conferred an honorary Doctorate of Humanities [...]

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Twitter is down! Can life go on?

At the time of this post Twitter has been down for 60 minutes. The Twitter Status site says there are site availability issues: We are experiencing site availability issues — additional latency and errors — this morning. We’re working to address these issues. A mere 60 minutes can seem like a life time for those [...]

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Black Church White Church

Below is a hip-hop song dealing with something we are all familiar with. Racial segregation on Sunday morning in our local churches. The song is from Voice’s new album Christ the King. Black Church White Church by avoice Below is the third verse of the song. Whatever version of American English you speak, whatever your

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A Memorial Day Prayer

Heavenly Father, as an American, thank you for this great country. I am not proud, but humbled, that in Your sovereignty I was born in such a Nation. Thank You for those serving in the military that you have used to help raise up and protect America. Thank you for those men and women in [...]

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Mercy Ministry: Church or World?

In 2006, Modern Reformation Magazine provided two articles from a series entitled Mercy Ministries: Two Perspectives. The articles were written by William H. Smith and Randy Nabors. I’ve numbered them I and II, respectively, and linked them below with selective quotes and bullet points. In article I, Smith argues that the mercy ministry of the [...]

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A note on selfishness

How many times does a mother say,”Billy, share your toys with Bobby” or “Bobby, you musn’t grab toys from Billy like that”? As Billy and Bobby grow older, they learn that such obvious acts of selfishness are socially unacceptable, so their selfish acts become more subtle, but

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Is Islam special?

Emily Belz at World Magazine writes a feature about Islam in The special religion. The article is worth a read. Special or not, there seems to be a level of special treatment for Islam. Several things stand out and are a bit disturbing. One of them is cowardice in the FBI toward Islam. Cowardice? Really?

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My take: On fear, faith and being a sinner

The CNN Belief Blog recently published My Take: On fear, faith and being gay by Jennifer Knapp. So I thought I’d give my take. As a young boy I learned to take risks. Climbing trees and jumping ramps on a bicycle will do that to a boy. Falling down from a tree or flying off [...]

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All things to all people?

First, go to Seeker-centered Buddhism and watch the modern outreach methods some Buddhists are using today. Would that inspire you to become a Buddhist? Now watch the video below. The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c God Smacked www.thedailyshow.com Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party Would that inspire [...]

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Vindication of popular ministers

How dare you speak of him that way! Do you know who he is? Do you know what he’s done for the Kingdom? Look at all the people he’s ministered to! So goes the argument. It’s been stated before. It’ll be stated again. It recently reared its head in the blogosphere. But what argument is [...]

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Ethics question: Capital Punishment Vote

The death penalty has been in the news recently. A tough subject to be sure. Consider the three recent news stories below and then the ethical question on the issue. High Court refuses to hear appeal of woman on death row – Linda Carty was convicted of the 2001 murder of Joana Rodriguez in Texas. [...]

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Three Questions

As I consider my upcoming attendance in the 2010 Band of Bloggers, the topic Internet Idolatry and Gospel Fidelity really stick out in my mind. Why? Because it’s so easy to create idols using the internet and live in infidelity to the gospel. Is this especially so over the internet? Maybe. Which brings me to [...]

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Open letter to Miley Cyrus

I was recently directed to an interview with Miley Cyrus in Parade. The interview reveals some thoughts on her move away from a young star branded as Hanna Montana into maturity and a more private life. More revealing is the fact that she was baptized in a Southern Baptist church in 2005 and gives some [...]

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Don’t vote for Pedro!

Vote for me! Please? Join in the Southern Baptist blogger fun – click here: SBC Blog Madness 2010 and go to the West Division and vote for Here I Blog! I will really appreciate your help as I’ve got some tough competition. If you vote for me, all of your wildest dreams will come true. [...]

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Thinking about American Christianity

What do you think of when you think of American Christianity and the American church? Just stop and think about that for a moment before reading further. Think a little more… OK, ready? Below is a quote from

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How often church attendance?

In a recent post I asked two questions in relation to the Super Bowl and church attendance. The comment thread turned into a debate over Sabbatarianism and the place of the Lord’s Day in the Christian’s life. This is understandable to a point, yet I did receive some off-line comments which would have added to [...]

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Church attendance and the Super Bowl: two questions

Every year during the Super Bowl the question of church attendance arises. Should a person skip church for the Super Bowl? If he/she skips their regular Sunday evening church service are they sinning? There seem to be two main positions on this. Those who are more sabbatarian minded fall along the lines of a person [...]

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Defining Missional

What exactly does the term missional mean? Attempts to answer this question can be found in books, videos, sermons, blog posts, theological ejournals, conference presentations, magazine articles, etc. Depending on who you ask will depend on the answer which may be good, bad or ugly. You get to decide which is which. Where do we [...]

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Poll: Does “success” mean God is honoring a ministry?

Many times a ministry/person is defended, regardless of their teachings, because they are popular or successful. Not only are ministries defend as such, but they also come to a place where they can do no wrong. They might be betrayed as above any type of criticism or biblical correction. Such ministries might be defended in [...]

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Seeker-centered Buddhism

Buddhism’s numbers are apparently shrinking. They aren’t growing. They’re answer? Hip-hop and alcohol? “This is an old, old story, a fantasy and longing cosmology. Hey, hey, what’s the story about? It’s about the Buddha, yo. Hey brother, listen carefully! You got it? No? You don’t? Okay, baby, no problem.” That is one hip-hop (can we [...]

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A letter to Francis Chan

In Francis Chan’s sermon Beware of Good Liars, he reads a letter from a single mother seeking his advice. I’m curious how others would respond. I won’t comment yet. Just read it. Pastor Francis, I made a covenant promise to a ministry [a TV ministry] in January for $100 a month. I’m a single mom [...]

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True aim of Roman Catholic ecumenism

Ecumenism today can be seen in social/political change in the name of the ‘greater good’. Or in doctrinal statements drafted and signed by different “Christian” sects. When dealing with such issues many Protestants speak up when it seems the Gospel is at stake. Other Protestants don’t always take to kindly to this. It seems no [...]

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Was Jesus a victim?

Taking the position of the victim is a popular offensive today. It is a way to turn the tables and draw sympathy from others. Kevin DeYoung posted a great article on this very subject – Why Are We So Offended All the Time? (cross-post). In his post he made the following statement. As Christians, we [...]

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New Year’s Unity

On January 1, 1865, Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon entitled True Unity Promoted. Given the recent disagreements over signing The Manhattan Declaration this is a very interesting sermon on unity. In the first paragraph Spurgeon states, “It is an old saying that England never prospers so well as when the Pope curses her. I hope [...]

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Merry Christmas: Christ is King

Santa has come once again. He comes in Jesus’ name. If there were no Christmas there would be no Santa. Yet, Santa remains popular regardless. The Christ in Christmas is Jesus. Yet, it is Santa who gets the focus and even makes the cover of The Wall Street Journal (Dec. 24th). Why is Santa so [...]

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Convert or die?

I’ve often wondered if Christians in the USA have freedom to their detriment. There are so many churches that they can leave one for another for whatever reason they like. Many start campaigns and stand against national department stores for not saying Merry Christmas. It is easy to complain about the world not holding to [...]

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A Few Christmas Gift Ideas

I wanted to throw out a few Christmas gift ideas. Like comedy? From Christians even? Here are two with different styles. A friend of mine known as Mylo Hatzenbuhler, The Original Rock and Roll Farmboy, offers a very unique style of musical comedy. A wonderful singer when serious, yet ready to entertain you! A different, [...]

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I am Tiger Woods

‘I am Tiger Woods’ is a popular slogan repeated by several kids in a Nike commercial. Given Woods’ recent transgressions that phrase is even more true today. Except the adults are missing. GASP?! It’s true, as I mentioned in Tiger Woods and the cross, he is just like the rest of us. I am not [...]

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On serving others

Fellow Southern Baptist and blogger Trevin Wax tweeted something today that really stuck. The world estimates your importance by how many people are serving YOU. God estimates your importance by how many people YOU are serving. First, the world does measure one’s importance by their popularity in one vein or another. Tiger Woods is a [...]

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Congregational Prayer Requests

Can asking for prayer ever be a burden? That might sound like a strange question. It just might be right now, but hear me out. I am not talking about prayer requests that turn into gossip. Those requests that ask for prayer for uncle Bill’s and aunt Martha’s marriage only to go on to give [...]

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Internet fellowship

The internet can be used for good, bad, stupid, indifferent, etc. like many things in life. The more sinful people get involved with these things the more we mess them up. Please, don’t look around the internet. Take my word for it. Funny, we still cannot stand in God’s way. God sovereignly works through the [...]

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Church is boring

Church is boring. Right? No matter what setting one is in the same basic activities are done each worship service. Sing, pray, Scripture reading, announcements, some sort of preaching, fellowship. Did I mention singing? However a worship service is set-up it is most likely going to be similar week after week. Even if worship time [...]

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Thanksgiving Grace

Life. It is busy and demanding. Each day can bring new challenges. Some easy and routine. Some hard. Others life changing. How these challenges and demands are received can make all the difference in one’s attitude and thought life. During this time around Thanksgiving Day every year people are asked to think about life and [...]

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To Sign Or Not To Sign

To sign or not to sign the Manhattan Declaration(MD)? That… is a good question. For the most part it seems to have been received on a positive note. There has been some push back though. For example, Albert Mohler felt the need to explain why he signed the MD. Fellow blogger Frank Turk explained why [...]

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Do Scott Hahn’s Book Endorsements Offer Protestants Validity?

Covenant and Communion: The Biblical Theology of Pope Benedict XVI by Scott Hahn has a few Protestant endorsements. The biggest stir was caused by Michael Horton’s endorsement. People are asking – Why endorse such a book? Would the Apostle Paul have endorsed a book on metaphysics by Aristotle? Dr. Horton has responded in his post [...]

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Christmas On 20 Bucks

You might be thinking – Can I really do Christmas for 20 bucks? Yes, you can. You can do it for someone else. Children. Children in need. The Christmas list for these children does not include an Xbox, Wii, iPhone, Karaoke machine, laptop, remote controlled helicopter, a robot, DVD, etc. etc. They will not complain [...]

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Poll: Can Evangelism Be An Idol?

In An Idol Called Evangelism Dr. Roy Hargrave states that evangelism rather than the glory of God is driving many churches today. That might be too strong a position for some to fathom. Maybe unbiblical for others. It is not often that evangelism is spoken of in terms of idolatry. It is an uncomfortable question. [...]

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A la blog list 10/23 Update

Reformation Day UPDATE! In celebration of Reformation Day The Listener’s Bible is offering a FREE down load of Martin Luther’s – Here I Stand read by Max McLean. David Powlison helps with how to break porn addiction – Part 1 and Part 2. Jonathan says to Beware Your Seminary Professors, they are not your church [...]

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Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

Today is Blog Action Day 2009. The topic this year is climate change. The most talked about in this area may be global warming. Global warming is here to stay. The question becomes – What are we going to do about it? Global warming is here, but not necessarily in a literal sense. It exists [...]

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One Nation Under A Mormon God?

The painting One Nation Under God by Jon McNaughton promotes a Mormon author. My initial reaction to the painting was that another Christian is using Jesus and the Bible for political propaganda. It seems I was wrong. The evidence points to the artist, Jon McNaughton, as being a Mormon. The name Jon McNaughton can also [...]

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Poll: Does Christian Hip-Hop Harm the Gospel?

My friend and brother Nathan and I have had a short twitter discussion on whether Christian hip-hop harms the Gospel. This issue came up in reference to Mark Dever’s recent interview with Christian rappers Shai Linne and Voice. I actually interviewed Christian hip-hop Artist Sho Baraka. Then, I attended the the Don’t Waste Your Life [...]

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Gospel Then Morality: Lesson From Abortion Counseling

What can Christians learn about the Gospel and change from abortion counseling? I recently attended a fundraiser for Cobb Pregnancy Services (CPS). It was a great night of fellowship and celebration of what God is doing at this organization. A young pregnant lady gave her testimony of how God used CPS to convince her to [...]

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Tullian Tchividjian to Stay at Coral Ridge: Lessons?

Tullian Tchividjian will stay as pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church per a congregational vote of 69%-31% this morning. “I’m staying!!,” wrote pastor Tchividjian in the title of today’s blog post about the future of his pastoral role at Coral Ridge.The pressure on this new pastor must have been unbelievable in anticipation of this vote. [...]

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Book Review: Christianity in Crisis The 21st Century

Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century By Hank Hanegraaff. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2009. 432 pages. Hank Hanegraaff has updated the 1993 edition of Christianity in Crisis to keep up with the “Word of Faith” movement and its teachers. The author exposes the continued growth and danger of these teachings. The book is divided into seven [...]

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Westboro Baptist Revealed: Evangelized, Interviewed, Reviewed (Updated)

If the messages on the signs are not disturbing enough, how about the people holding them? They are children! My heart breaks to see a picture like this just hoping it is a photo-shopped picture. Unfortunately, it is not. Last week I wrote Westboro Baptist To Share Hate In Atlanta to give folks a heads [...]

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Poll: Should Christians Just Say No?

Should Christians feel guilty about just saying ‘no‘ when asked to do something for the church/member? When the answer is ‘no‘ is an explanation needed? Do you feel an explanation is demanded? Do you feel like you’re sinning if you just say ‘no‘? Do you feel the need to explain every detail of the last [...]

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Great Night: Don’t Waste Your Life Concert

Thanks to Lecrae for the video below. You can hear everyone yelling, “Send me. I’ll go.” It was an awesome night! We took some of our youth group and they really enjoyed it. Even one of my pastors was there who is a few generations removed from the hip-hop era. It was a good night [...]

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Lord Kill Me If I Don’t Preach the Gospel

So I’m driving. I hear “Lord kill me If I don’t preach the gospel.” What? Did I hear that right? Rewind! Again. Yep! That line really hit me. It made me think. Imagine singing that in church to the tune of Amazing Grace. This was not from a hymn though. (Maybe we can add it [...]

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Senator Ted Kennedy Dies at 77

Senator Kennedy has left this world to face whatever is next on his path. He was 77 years old. Was he really old? He wasn’t young. Life is fleeting. It’s here today and you wonder where yesterday went. I have almost 40 years before I reach 77, if the Lord so allows. Seems like a [...]

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Writing Opportunity with Examiner.com

Examiner.com currently reaches 110 cities across the county. It is a growing community with a national reach. This is done through the many local examiners it employees through those 110 cities. The examiners cover issues in each city under 25 different topics. They have openings so I applied. Guess what happened? I are one now! [...]

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Les Paul Will Strum On

The great Les Paul has passed away at 94 years old. He leaves behind a list of accomplishments and a name that will seemingly never fade away until the Lord’s return. He left quite a legacy. Even up to the end where he won two Grammys for an album he released after his 90th birthday [...]

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Free Hip-Hop Mixtape from Reach Records

There is a hip-hop (rap music for you older folks) movement that is reaching places with the Gospel that the traditional church has not gone. Much of the music is filled with deep theological lyrics that shame much of modern praise music. I’ve pointed out two examples of such lyrics in the past. One on [...]

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A La Blog 8/4

Just for fun. Are dogs smarter than cats? Dr. Britta Osthaus says yes. Dogs win after conducting three tests using string. The string probably threw the cats off. Unfortunately, Southern Baptist news of NAMB president removal hit’s the Atlanta Journal. The secular news makes us sound too much like a big business. The Gospel could [...]

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De-baptism Thoughts

The title of a recent USA Today article says it all Atheists choose ‘de-baptism’ to renounce childhood faith. I’m not sure that Hemingway could have said it better. When a person becomes a Christian they repent and believe the Gospel. There is a renunciation of the previous life and a proclamation that we belong to [...]

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Write Your Own Message Bible

What do I mean write your own Message Bible? First, The Message Bible is a paraphrase Bible written by Eugene Peterson. I’ve often found myself gently saying, “It’s not a translation it’s a paraphrase” when references to The Message would come up. Many folks like The Message. To a point that’s fine if it’s used [...]

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Happy 500 John Calvin

Today is John Calvin’s 500th birthday. (See cake at left) Whatever our disagreements with Calvin it cannot be denied that Protestants (everyone?) owe much to his theological study. God certainly gifted him in areas many of us only wish our minds could go. Calvin was more than a mind though. He had deeds along with [...]

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Book Review: Godology

Godology: Because Knowing God Changes Everything By Christian George. Moody Publishers, January 1, 2009. 176 pages. What first caught my attention about this book was the foreward by J.I. Packer. Right away this made me want to look further into Godology. Godology is a book explaining the attributes of God in more modern terms. The [...]

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Fourth of July Note and Blog Agenda

As I get ready to travel for the Fourth of July weekend I wanted to give an update on what’s coming up on the blog. I also want to make a brief note on the Fourth of July. By the way, prayers for our travel safety would be much appreciated. Fourth of July Note When [...]

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Gospel Coalition or Assertions?

David Fitch has asked if we agree or disagree with his views on the work of The Gospel Coalition (TGC). His views are expressed at Christianity Today’s Out of Ur blog post: Gospel Coalition or Expedition? How effective will The Gospel Coalition be in post-Christendom? One of the problems with Fitch’s approach can be seen [...]

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Be Happy God Says

Did you know that God commands you to be happy? Serve the LORD with gladness! Psalm 100:2 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 The best news in the world is that there is no conflict between your greatest possible happiness and God’s perfect holiness. [...]

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Fatherhood: Appreciation, Humility, Ministry, Reflections

Another year. Another Father’s Day. A useless holiday that we made up to spur the economy i.e. to get people to spend money. That’s just about what I used to think anyways. Not so much anymore. Today when I think of Father’s Day I think of my father, myself as a father and my heavenly [...]

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Who Is Watching Your Life?

Ride to Live, Live to Ride is the motto you’ll find on biker t-shirts. It’s really a cool saying. The motto can be changed to reflect whatever is primary in your life from riding motorcycles to sports to your job. In reality the motto is about self. The primacy of me we might say. So [...]

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Should “Celebrity” Pastors Offer Disclaimers?

Warning. Caution. Disclaimer. These are popular words. We see them on everything and everywhere today. They are good, bad, indifferent and life saving. Should we have something of those words at our Christian conferences where “celebrity” pastors and theologians speak? Maybe. There are many good, Gospel-centered conferences offered these days. I was at one of [...]

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Advance09 Makes Local News

How awesome is it to for a Christian conference to make the local news? The final day was good. I’m too tired to write out any notes. I hope to have some final reflections on the event soon. I was certainly blessed by the messages and fellowship. Check out the news story. There’s about 2,900 [...]

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Advance09 Day Two

Today was day two at Advance09 here in Durham, NC. It was another good day. To catch up you can find all of the uploaded audio for you to download here: Advance09 Session MP3′s. Order of Events

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Advance09 Day One

I’m having a great time at the Advance09 Conference. A great time of learning and conviction. I’m rooming with a brother named Kris from NC who also put some notes up. I’m going to give you today’s line-up and some highlights from my notes. You can go over to DesiringGod.org and download The First Three [...]

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Book Review and Giveaway: Taking Three

Yesterday, I interviewed Mark McCallum, author of the novel Taking Three. Check out the interview if you haven’t. Today, I will provide a short review and a way for readers to get a free, signed copy. Review Taking Three by Mark R McCallum. Sense of Wonder Press. Rockville, 2008. 256 pages. Comedian Robin Williams once [...]

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Interview with Mark McCallum Author of Taking Three

Today we’ll be talking to Mark R. McCallum. He is the author of the new book Taking Three, a supernatural thriller about Death coming in threes. Mark is a brother in the Lord, friend and fellow church member. He serves us every Sunday morning by arriving extra early to make sure the coffee is brewed [...]

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Dynamite Sermon Illustrations

As the story goes, we get our word dynamite from the Greek word dunamis. Dunamis means power. This can be a powerful illustration in a sermon where we read about the power of God in the Bible. We can actually see the dynamite of God! Powerful! Right?

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Considering Death

Do you consider death? After death? It’s not the most comfortable thing to think about even for Christians. It’s even tougher to talk about. There is one such talk that you want to hear, Rachel Barkey’s.

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Kindle My Blog

I thought I’d try out Amazon’s new and really cool service. That is, the ability to add your personal blog to Kindle. Yes, there is now a Kindle edition of this blog. I’m sure I’ll be retiring tomorrow from all the subscriptions! If you can afford a Kindle I’m sure the $.99/month won’t kill you. [...]

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Bodies The Exhibition Visit

It was something my family wanted to do. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to though. I almost felt like I would be observing something wrong. The thought of going made me uncomfortable. Well, I ended up going anyway. This past Saturday I took the family to visit the Bodies: The Exhibition gallery. It was [...]

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Memorial Day 2009 Worship Service

It was a mostly normal Sunday morning. My wife and I left for church wondering if it would happen. It did. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. The National Anthem was sung. Everyone stood. We sat. It was uncomfortable, I admit.

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Dear President Obama – No!

Amen! Spread the word. The world needs to watch.

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Angels and Demons A Novel Idea

The folks at Westminster Seminary have shined some light for truth. They’ve put together a great new site responding to the movie “Angels and Demons” based on Dan Brown’s novel. The site is The Truth About Angels & Demons.

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A La Blog 5/15

Michael DeBusk asks if Henry Blackaby is right about evangelism? I don’t think he is. What do you think? Jim Duggan wants to know that at which you’re staring. Is it Jesus? It better be! (BTW, who ever heard of Ty Ty, Georgia?) Eric Carpenter stumbles upon a crack pot King James Only website. This [...]

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Blog Relaunch With Thesis DIY Theme

So I decided to re-design my blog. I’ve thought about it for a while. I wasn’t sure. I went for it! I decided to go with a new theme, new look and change the name. New Theme I looked and looked and looked some more for a new WordPress theme. I finally decided to go [...]

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Uncommon Prayer Requests

It’s Sunday morning. Sunday School has started. It’s time for prayer requests. What do you think about? What is your prayer request going to be? The common habit is to ask for healing for illness, disease, broken limbs, etc. These are good prayer requests. However, we can expand our prayer lives. There are greater things [...]

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Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective by Andy Andrews. Thomas Nelson Publishers. The Noticer is a great story about a mysterious man named Jones. The story is set in a small town where Jones is about helping people with their lives’ perspectives. I appreciated how the story moved along. It [...]

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Wanna Be A Christian Blogger?

Well, do ya? Fellow blogger Matt Svoboda, and soon to be co-blogger (sshh!), is looking for some folks to contribute to two blogs. The first is SBC Voices where Matt just took over as editor. (Congratulations!) SBC Voices is looking for theologically conservative Southern Baptist contributors. Second, is Evangelical Village which is a community blog [...]

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Prayer and Devotion Online

I can’t believe that I will have been blogging for five years come June 2009. Blogs and websites come and go. I’m not sure how or even why I’ve perservered so far. Looking back, I’ve come a long way. Looking ahead, I’ve got a long way to go. Two Quick Items There are so many [...]

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Upcoming Book Review And Project

I have a few book reviews on the way. The next one up is not the typical book I would read. The book is The Noticer: Sometimes, All A Person Needs Is A Little Perspective By best selling author, Andy Andrews. I received my review copy from Thomas Nelson last week and will be releasing [...]

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Life of a Watchblogger

I just couldn’t resist. And the HT goes to Frank. It’s his fault. Oh, there are watchbloggers covering every area of life not just Christianity. (Original source)

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10 Reasons You Might Be A Watchblogger If

There is a lot of commotion going on with my fellow bloggers Challies, TeamPyro and Campi writing about what are called “watchbloggers”. In addition to my Rick Warren Did Not Lie post I offer this “10 Reasons” list. 10 Reasons you might be a watchblogger if… 10. You constantly Google yourself. 9. You Google your [...]

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Christ Our Righteousness Is Risen

We have finished the doctrine of Christ’s humiliation, wherein the Sun of righteousness appeared to you as a setting sun, gone out of sight; but as the sun when it is gone down to us, begins a new day in another part of the world, so Christ, having finished his course and work in this [...]

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Proposition What? Rick Warren Did Not Lie

If you watch this video: News & Views 10/23/2008 Part 3 (Prop 8 ) at about the 30 second mark you will hear the following. “We support Proposition 8 and if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8.” If you read this transcript Interview with Pastor Rick Warren [...]

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Financial Omniscience

Below is a great quote by Ben Stein on knowing the future, especially, the future of financial and economic markets. I am bemused because I have long noticed that almost all economic pundits and soothsayers – whether on television, in newspapers, or at brokerage firms and conferences, are asked to tell the future. And most [...]

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Wisdom From A Teenager On Youth Ministry

A teenager, named Erica, was recently given an assignment to write an editorial on the subject of her choice. Her topic? Youth ministry. Below is the editorial exactly as sent to a fellow blogger who is also a family friend of Erica. Did I mention that she is only 15? Wow! ——————————————————— A new phenomena [...]

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Twitter Church and Classroom

Life is full of distractions. Reading this blog right now might be one of them. Though I hope it’s not. Aside from whether or not you actually like this blog, it really depends on prioritizing as to whether or not something is a distraction. In our sinfulness it’s easy enough to make time for prayer [...]

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Passion Church Part 2

Below is my response to Randy’s original comment to my post. I’m going to most post my reply rather than copy and paste the whole exchange. You can read it at comment #9. My initial post was me grabbing comments that stood out for one reason or another and then responding to them. This post [...]

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Ask John Piper: Pornification of the Pulpit

John Piper is taking questions again: Ask John Piper a Question on Twitter (Note: you don’t have to use twitter, check the link.) My question via twitter is: @desiringgod #apj Pastor John, what did you think of Phil Johnson’s recent sermon on “Pornification of the Pulpit”? Why ask this? If you aren’t familiar with this [...]

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A Look at Passion City Church

A new church is coming here to Atlanta. It’s called Passion City Church and it stars will be lead by Louie Giglio, Matt Redman, and Chris Tomlin. (Don’t throw stones, I’m only kidding.) ChristianityToday recently had a Q&A with Louie Giglio about the coming church plant. Let’s take a look at the plans for this [...]

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My Birthday 2009

Today, I am officially one year older. Yeah, it’s my birthday. My awesome wife came through again and gave me a great gift. Her gift is my enrollment in a class: Pastoral Theology with Tom Ascol. I pray this will be a gift that will keep on giving. More on this later as I give [...]

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Apostle Paul Shunned By Christians

A while back I wrote Could Jesus be a student at Liberty University? I took a look at some of the reprimands and fines for certain activities of Liberty students. I ran across something along the same lines over at The Sacred Sandwich site which is a brilliantly accurate portrayal of today’s Christianity. If Paul’s [...]

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Shut Up Christians!

The movie is actually called Speechless: Silencing the Christians. Just watch the video and ask yourself – Is there a pro-homosexual agenda at work? If so, is it affecting families, our nation, and religious freedoms? In the video you will also see reference to and quotes from the book After the Ball: How America Will [...]

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A Story of Conversation, Witnessing and Theology

In light of my recent post on contextualization, I wanted to share something interesting that happened on the way to work last week. I got to talk to an unbeliever where I interjected theology into our conversation. This opened the door to witnessing. OF course, theology and witnessing should go hand in hand, but I’m [...]

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Talking Theology with Non-Christians: Contextualization

Mention the word contextualization today and that spark ignites a fire among the evangelical crowd. Christians do need to be able to communicate with non-Christians. There may be some forms of what people call contextualization that go too far though. Whatever you call it I believe Van Til expresses well our need to bridge the [...]

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LifeWay Reads With Discernment

Update: The Baptist Standard reported that LifeWay backs off ‘read with discernment’ label for books. Apparently the label was irrelevant to their customers. So all of the links below have been removed since they were dead. LifeWay, the Christian bookstore of the Southern Baptist Convention, has a new warning label out. It’s called Read With [...]

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Miss America Interview

On Feb. 10, Pastor Wilken interview the new Miss American, Katie Stam, on the Issues, Etc. radio show. I’m assuming Wilken got the interview because Ms. Stam is a Lutheran and her mother teaches at a Lutheran school. Though I may be wrong. I wanted to make a few observations about the interview. Slight Rant [...]

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Get Outta My Face! – Book Review

A review of Get Outta My Face!: How to Reach Angry, Unmotivated Teens with Biblical Counsel by Rick Horne. Wapwallopen: Shepherd Press, 2009, 176 pages. The book is divided into three main parts: I. What You Must Understand to Connect with You Teen, II. What You Must Do to Help Your Teen and III. How [...]

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Instant Millionaire!

When I first got the email I’ve share below I was just going to post it to show share the attempted scam. It’s either a scam or someone is actually willing to give me $4.5 million! Yeah, I’m holding my breath. I’ve seen stories on investigative reporting shows about such scams. Then I thought, why [...]

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Apostle Paul On Inauguration Day

There’s been mixed reviews of Rick Warren’s Inauguration Day prayer (a transcript) for President Barack Obama. The reviews have been critical and grateful. Like the mixed reviews I have mixed feelings. I don’t want to talk about my reaction though. I read what Mark Driscoll said and thought about one of Driscoll’s points. If you [...]

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The Shack On Issues Etc

This week Pastor Todd Wilken took some time to review much discussed book The Shack. He plays the sounds clips from the audio version of the book and comments. I’ve provided the audio below. It’s definitely worth listening to Pastor Wilken’s excellent comments. While Pastor Wilken mentions a few good aspects of the book he [...]

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Top 100 Theology Blogs: I Made It

Jessica Merritt has posted a list of the Top 100 Theology Blogs. I made the list at # 17 and want to say thank you. I can’t believe it, but I appreciate it. How did I make it? I don’t know, but if anyone is going to put my blog in the top 100 of [...]

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A Song For A Calvinist Wife

Michael Dewalt posted a performance of the song I Think My Wife’s A Calvinist by its author Brandon Milan. Too funny! I’ve transcribed the lyrics below and here is an mp3 download of the song. I’m going to play it for my wife without telling her about the song. I can’t buy my wife roses [...]

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Christmas Jingle: Jesus Christ Is Coming To Town

I’ve (attempted to) put together a little Christmas jingle this year. It is sung to the tune of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Jesus Christ is Coming to Town You better repent You better have faith Better not relent So you will be saved Jesus Christ is coming to town He’s writing a book [...]

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Santa Nicer Than Jesus?

The last post with quotes from Michael Horton is similar to these below from Dr. Packer. They both deal with a misunderstanding and even neglect of who God is. Below Packer points out that the severity of God is passed over in favor of viewing God as only delivering goodness. In all of the things [...]

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Jesus and Santa Claus

Does evangelicalism have a problem of treating Jesus like He is Santa Claus? The quote below from Dr. Horton are not addressing this, however, I believe they are applicable to this topic. In a way, I think Santa Claus gets more respect. At least with Santa the morality of being good or bad is in [...]

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Christian Criticism

I’m not very good at receiving compliments as my wife can attest. I’m equally not very good at receiving criticism. I suppose this makes me like a wooden dummy that just spits out information where people are listening or not. Thankfully, the Lord sanctifies me and conforms me more and more to be like Christ. [...]

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Christless Christianity Q and A With Michael Horton

On October 31 Michael Horton appeared live on washingtonpost.com’s Viewpoint. Horton was answering questions about his new book Christless Christianity that was released on November 1. The book has been doing well selling over 7,000 copies and the live chat at Viewpoint was the best so far. This is great news! It would be nice [...]

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Ten Indictments Against the American Church by Paul Washer

A practical denial of the sufficiency of Scripture. An ignorance of God. A failure to address man’s malady. An ignorance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. An ignorance of the doctrine of regeneration.* An unbiblical gospel invitation. Ignorance regarding the nature of the Church. A lack of loving and compassionate Church discipline. A silence on [...]

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Giving Thanks

O Lord, remember not, How I once stood. Before mine own reflection, Worshiping what I thought was good. Long did I look, For life’s answers I sought. Only emptiness grew, Only death was I taught. I saw death as inevitable, A hopeless situation. Laboring for self in this life, This was my salvation. Grabbing hold [...]

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Obamanians: Thought I’d Seen It All

I’m driving home with my family this past Saturday. We’re a few miles from home and in astonishment, I say, “Did you see it?! Do you all see it?!” I was pointing to the car just in front of us and to the right. My wife and daughter didn’t see it and were asking, “What?!” [...]

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A Calvinist Missionary and Other Notables

When it comes to missions and evangelism in the Southern Baptist Convention today’s hot button is Calvinism and it’s resurgence among younger Southern Baptists. Is the concern that Calvinism does and will stifle missions and evangelism in the SBC valid? The answer seems to depend on who you ask. Regardless of theology, it’s a Gospel [...]

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Southern Baptist Pastors: A Must Read Letter

Open Letter to All Pastors of Churches in the SBC Dear Pastor, Let me first clarify that this letter is for Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) pastors in general. I am well aware that what you are about to read does not include all pastors – at least not in totality. …What is really so remarkable [...]

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President Obama: Another View of the Election

The United States has elected it’s new President. A President election that marks a milestone achievement concerning race in this country. Our first black, or African-American, President. I hope this will help in the healing process of race relations in this country. However, for myself and many other this election was never about race. It [...]

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Obama, Higher Taxes, Selfish Virtue

I want to offer an idea that is atleast a step in the right direction for those who favor Obama’s tax increase. I read the article where is quoted concerning taxes and selfishness Obama. “John McCain and Sarah Palin they call this socialistic,” Obama continued. “You know I don’t know when, when they decided they [...]

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Reformation Day 2008: Protestant Courage

I remember several years ago while talking to a Roman Catholic about doctrine. Though she had just left the convent and would no longer be in process to become a nun, she was a devout Roman Catholic as far as I could tell. She left the convent and married a friend of mine. We were [...]

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Highway to Heaven

While driving on the interstate across state lines you never know what you might see. While driving behind a semi on the doors to the trailer we saw two things. On the left was a very large Icthus aka fish symbol. On the right door were the words “Psalm 22:19.” In the NASB, that verse [...]

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Deeper Conference, First Baptist Woodstock: Paul Washer

In a previous post I blogged about the Deeper Conference. I didn’t get to attend as I’d hope, but below is one of Paul Washer’s presentations that is quickly becoming very popular. Play the audio above or download MP3 here. Enjoy! Mark

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Piper On Christian Voting As Though You Were Not

How should Christians think of voting as that time is upon us in the USA? John Piper unpacks this with something we can often forget about during times like these. Scripture! Voting is like marrying and crying and laughing and buying. We should do it, but only as if we were not doing it. That’s [...]

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Blog Action Day 2008:Poverty

What is poverty? How do we fight poverty? Can we do more? How do we do more? What is particular day all about? What is Blog Action Day? Today thousands of bloggers will unite to discuss a single issue – poverty. We aim to raise awareness, initiate action and to shake the web! (click the [...]

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And If Obama Is Elected

Change! Change is what we keep hearing about that Obama will bring if elected president. I’m hoping for change too. I hope I at least to get a little change back from my income taxes due to the poor Congressional policies, unethical business practices and irresponsible consumers that led to this huge bailout. And what [...]

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Roman Catholic Evangelism

My last post was to make folks aware of Michael Horton’s forthcoming book Christless Christianity. I believe this will be an important book for evangelical churches. This post is about another forthcoming book that I am not excited about. One that Horton’s book should be in opposition to. Frank Beckwith’s Return to Rome: Confessions of [...]

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Christianity Without Christ?

What happens when we take Christ out of Christianity? That’s the question Michael Horton asks in his new book Christless Christianity. This book follows this year’s theme of “Christless Christianity” on the White Horse Inn radio show. I was excited when I first got the email about the book. Then I read that this discounted [...]

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Thank You Issues Etc

The best I can tell is that I have been listening to Issues, Etc. since sometime in 2004. That is the date that my oldest mp3′s I have of the program. And I have been appreciating the show since I started listening. As many listeners know this show was canceled by KFUO AM earlier this [...]

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Issues Etc vs KFUOAM Stats

Recently, on the Issues, Etc. Radio Program, Pastor Todd Wilken, the host, and Jeff Schwarz, the producer, went over answers to questions as to why their radio show was canceled. Those answers were given by David Strand, the LCMS Executive Director on the Board for Communication Services. Issues, Etc. is a great radio show. One [...]

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Vote To Beat The Pyromaniacs!

Vote for my blog here! A friend of mine, we’ll call him Frank, has asked for votes for the Best Religion Blog, 2008 for the PyroManiacs blog. Can I get more votes than the PyroManiacs? YES! Is the probability very high that I do? NO! It could be fun though if enough people play. I [...]

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The Visibility of Barack Obama

Dr. Bruce L. Fields1 of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School writes in the latest Themelios Journal2 about Barack Obama’s presidential candidacy as it relates to his racial identity and who people actually see. In his article, Barack Obama: The Quandary of “Selective Invisibility”3 Dr. Fields touches on what is visible about Obama and what needs to [...]

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Are Megachurches Healthier?

Are megachurches healthier than smaller churches? According to the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University as reported by the Washington Post 1 the answer seems to be yes. According to the article megachurch congregations tithe more, are committed to attendance and build better relationships. This seems to be contrary to how many people [...]

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The Shack Is Only Fiction?

I wanted to take a few moments to respond to some of the comments from one of my posts The Shack Review. Interesting review. Unfortunately, I think it not only misses the point of the book but seems to find criticism for the sake of criticism. Advice to Christians to be discerning is excellent. However, [...]

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Big Bang Recreated!

Look at the screen at the bottom left. See the small white spot in the center? That’s the Big Bang in action! You can read the whole story and watch the short video by going directly to the article: Scientists cheer as protons complete first circuit of Big Bang machine This has got to be [...]

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Obama, Abortion and Pay Grades

Christianity Today’s morning article Obama says abortion comment at megachurch forum too flip has some interesting quotes from Obama speaking about his answer to when a baby gets human rights at the Saddleback Forum. Remember, Obama first said that this question was “above my pay grade.” One immediate problem with that is many people are [...]

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The Metaphorical Safety of The Shack

So far I have two reviews of The Shack posted. One, The Shack Review, by a dear brother and fellow church member Wayne Elliott. The other, Uncovering The Shack, by local yet widely known Pastor Michael Youseff. Now, I have another dear brother who I recently had a good Southern Baptist dinner with. For folks [...]

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Flew Names Dawkins A Secularist Bigot

The God Delusion by the atheist writer Richard Dawkins, is remarkable in the first place for having achieved some sort of record by selling over a million copies. But what is much more remarkable than that economic achievement is that the contents – or rather lack of contents – of this book show Dawkins himself [...]

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Should A Woman Be Vice-President?

There’s been some discussion from the conservative Christian perspective as to whether or not Sarah Palin should be able to be Vice-President due to the fact that she’s a woman. I would just like to high-light some good posts addressing this subject. Jason Robertson over at Fide-O writes about Work From Home Moms. Christians who [...]

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Southern Baptist Double-Standard?

David Waters post Southern Baptists and their Gender Double-Standard over at On Faith claims that Southern Baptists have a double-standard when it comes to the new republican VP pick. His claim is basically that Southern Baptists shouldn’t promote and vote for Sarah Palin, a woman, since we wouldn’t let her pastor a church. So what’s [...]

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Uncovering The Shack

My fellow church member bro. Wayne whose review of The Shack I recently posted informed me of another review of The Shack. Michael Youssef, pastor of Church of the Apostles, one of our neighboring churches, has reviewed The Shack in a recent sermon. Dr. Youseff’s review, Uncovering The Shack, can be downloaded directly on mp3 [...]

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Roman Catholic Baptist?

Peter Smith of the courier-journal out of Louisville gives us an interesting story morning Married, ex-Baptist minister to become Catholic priest. Sad, but interesting story about former baptist pastor David Harris converting to Catholicism. So why the question “Roman Catholic Baptist?” Smith’s story begins. David Harris never considered his conversion to Catholicism six years ago to [...]

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Sin Sells But Who’s Buying?

Sin sells, but who’s buying? If we were to answer this question based on the recent success of Katy Perry today vs. Katy Perry Hudson several years ago, I’d say that many are buying. Just consider the two Christianity Today articles from back in 2001 and today in 2008. It seems as though Hudson, though [...]

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Faith and Reason

Without faith reasoning becomes impossible. So do I believe this on the basis of reason or faith? Well, it all depends on how you want to state it. I believe it on the basis of faith, but faith which saves reasoning and, therefore, it’s the most reasonable thing to do. So that’s my reason for [...]

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The Shack Review

A friend from church wrote a brief review of The Shack that touches on some key points as to why we should be cautious about this book. Or maybe even disregard it all together. He gave me permission to share this review. SHACK ATTACK – OR A CALL TO DISCERNMENT? “Discernment is not simply a [...]

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Sermoneutics

I would like to introduce you to my first official sniglet, sermoneutics. sermoneutics (ˈsər-məˈnü-tik) – n. The art of interpreting Scripture in a sermon by giving its meaning as an abstract, peripheral idea that is not the main point of the text. My motivation for the above word is Dr. John Walton’s post Hermeneutics and [...]

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Beckwith The Protestant Roman Catholic

The much awaited book by both Roman Catholics and Protestants is here. It is none other than former President of the Evangelical Theological Society, Dr. Francis J. Beckwith’s new book Return to Rome: Confessions of an Evangelical Catholic. Quite the title, huh? This is the reason this book will appeal to both Catholics and [...]

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Talk to Ravi Zacharias

Our friend Chris Arnzen, host of the Iron Sharpens Iron Radio Show, is having Christian apologist, Ravi Zacharias as a guest. As I understand listeners will be able to call in with questions and a downloadable mp3 will be available after the show. He will be speaking on the theme of his book NEW BIRTH [...]

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Proper understanding of Roman Catholic salvation?

Monsignor Lorenzo Albacete He reads Paul in his context? On Buddhist salvation, the Buddhist will get to heaven “probably faster than I will.” How about an atheist? Just watch. Not sure what it’s worth… Mark

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What Hymn Is This?

Below is a song that is full of biblical theology. Is it a hymn? What kind of song do you think it is? I recently got the current album of this musician from iTunes. Can you guess where lyrics below come from? TRIUNE PRAISE LYRICS VERSE 1 Praise God the Father, the Immortal Creator (1 [...]

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Friday is for fun: Yankee or Dixie?

A friend from church sent me a test that’s described below. Yankee or Dixie? Check on your dialect and see if you might have crossed over to the “other side”! Simply click on the correct answer. As you go, the quiz will automatically interpret each answer to show you what your answer implies about you. [...]

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Of Cavalier Attitudes

I was recently left a very cavalier comment by a pastor. You may read it here. I will leave the comment for now although I don’t really want to clutter that particular page with such exchange. So I will reproduce the comment here with some interaction. I will try not to trade insult for insult [...]

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Fox in the Pew Forum

There seems to be some disagreement between FOX News FOX Forum contributors Cal Thomas and Father Jonathan Morris. The disagreement stems from the recent Pew Forum report on Religion and Public Life. The disagreement is over the position which came out in the Pew Forum report as follows: Most Americans agree with the statement that [...]

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Patriotic Worship

Brother Stan has posted some great thoughts over at the Reformed Baptist Fellowship blog about patriotic worship services. A typical patriotic service might include a presentation of the American flag, singing of patriotic hymns, and a message centered around the Christian roots of the United States and a call to return to them. Are these [...]

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Summarizing the Gospel?

Our friend Andrew has asked a couple of good questions over at StrangeBaptistFire in his post “God loves you and Jesus died for you.” Is this the gospel message we must proclaim? The title of the post is very telling as to what his questions are. 1. “Is the statement, ‘God loves you and Jesus [...]

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Christians Laugh Too

My wife and I watched Tim Hawkins not too long ago. He was absolutely hilarious! Among other laughs the above video clip will help men to know what NOT to say to your wife! This clip gives you a little insight about Tim leading “worship” before he was a Christian. Those are from his Full [...]

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Dangers Church Members Face

As church members we are often in danger particularly when we don’t understand how to live. From being overly concerned about how we look to over analyzing the words we use in prayer to getting caught up in the snare of thinking that we don’t spiritually measure up to everyone else, we have a tendency [...]

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Views on homosexuality

LifeWay has just released research on views of homosexuality from a telephone survey. The groups included in the survey were Americans in general, Roman Catholics, Protestants and another called “born-again, evangelical or fundamentalist Protestants.” I’m not quite sure of the distinction of the last group from the Protestants. A quote from the article by friend [...]

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Southern Baptist Convention: on tips and alcohol

I just wanted to relay this true story from a good friend of mine. He was a messenger at this years annual Southern Baptist Convention. He tells me this story about eating dinner in Indianapolis. He goes to have dinner at a restaurant. He asks the server if she has been busy due to all [...]

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Death of the Elephant God

In an effort to explain religious truth a popular fable entitled The Blind Men and the Elephant has been used by various religious leaders. Are all religious truth claims equally valid as this story purports? I think not. And once this elephant dies another must take its place. Here is a modern version from Lillian [...]

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Do Hard Things

The brothers Harris, Alex & Brett, who run the very popular teen blog, TheRebelution have written a very practical Christian book for teens, Do Hard Things. I recently picked up this book for my daughter. Of course, I had to read through it myself first. The book is easy to read and lays out a [...]

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Deeper Conference in Atlanta: Paul Washer

UPDATE: Paul Washer in Atlanta/Woodstock audio here! No, the above video isn’t from the Deeper Conference. It’s the famous (infamous?) shocking youth message that Paul Washer delivered. It’s a kind of preaching that you don’t hear so much of and it’s good for the soul. If you’ve never heard or watched the above I encourage [...]

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Courage to Be Protestant: Marketing the Gospel

“That is where this gospel really parts company from the way in which products and services are marketed in our modernized world. These products and services are nothing more than products and services. They are simply there for our use. The gospel is not. The gospel calls us not to use it but to submit [...]

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Dawkins Converts Corner

Richard Dawkins has a place on his website called Converts Corner. He states: Please write in to Converts’ Corner if you have lost your religion (or have been encouraged to come out of the closet) as a result of reading The God Delusion or other Dawkins books. If you read through the stories it seems [...]

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T4G 2008 MP3s – Together for the Gospel

T4G 2008 wishing I were there… Session I – Ligon Duncan MP3 Sound Doctrine: Essential to Faithful Pastoral Ministry: A Joyful Defense and Declaration of the Necessity and Practicality of Systematic Theology for the Life of Church Session II – Thabiti Anyabwile MP3 Bearing the Image: Identity, the Work of Christ, and the Church Session [...]

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Pope Says No More Pedophiles

In an AP news story Pope Benedict XVI is quoted. “It is a great suffering for the church in the United States and for the Church in general and for me personally that this could happen,” Benedict said. “It is difficult for me to understand how it was possible that priests betray in this way [...]

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Who Are They Really Angry At?

In James White’s debate this weekend against Muslim apologist Jalal Abualrub, Mr. Abualrub said the following: So don’t think you can come here and act you’re angry, because we are angry. Because Allah doesn’t have a son. He told you so. Jesus never said I am Lord, I am divine, I am the God, the [...]

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Was Abe Lincoln a Christian?

In a new book Did Lincoln Own Slaves? there is some unveiling of Lincoln’s religious beliefs. Below is an excerpt from the Change of Subject blog. The answers to questions about Lincoln’s church membership are not the ones that most people are hoping to hear. He was never a member of the church you attend, [...]

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Tim Keller on the Laura Ingraham Show

Today, Tim Keller was interviewed on the Laura Ingraham Show about his newest book The Reason for God. I only picked up the conversation towards the end so I will have to go back and listen to the podcast. I usually enjoy her show when she engages politics and such although sometimes that stuff just [...]

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Before You Die: Hip-Hop Outreach

I thought this was creative, interesting and very well done. I’d be interested in hearing how this is received in all communities including hip-hop and non hip-hop as well as by believers and unbelievers. Mark (HT: Lionel)

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Dividing Line Listeners: Math Made Easy

If you are a listener to James White’s radio show The Dividing Line and you don’t live in Arizona and aren’t good with math, time and clocks then this post is for you. As Dr. White so frequently reminds those of us who like to play with our clocks twice a year, clocks in Phoenix [...]

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Young Life: Doctrine Divides Staff?

There has been an internal disagreement that has caused all 10 staffers of Young Life at the Chapel Hill, NC office to leave voluntarily or otherwise. It seems that more than disagreements were heating up as the article on CT Gospel Talk was having a server overload earlier. You may also read an article about [...]

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Joel Osteen and becoming a better Mormon?

Our friends Steve Camp and James White has recently pointed out Joel Osteen’s answer to whether or not a Mormon is a true Christian. They’ve documented and said what needs to be said on the topic. The transcript reads as follows: WALLACE: And what about Mitt Romney? And I’ve got to ask you the question, [...]

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The Story of Jesus’ Birth by Martin Luther

I. The Birth of Jesus Christmas Text: Luke 2:1-14 The Story of Jesus’ Birth 1. It is written in Hag 2:6-7, that God says, “I will shake the heavens; and the precious things of all nations shall come.” This is fulfilled today, for the heavens were shaken, that is, the angels in the heavens sang [...]

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The Assembly Interview: A Pastor with a Church in Need

I met a couple of pastors, Charlie Scalf and Adam Fann, at the Southern Baptist Building Bridges Conference a few weeks ago. They pastor a church called The Assembly Baptist Church in downtown Johnson City, TN. I met them through my good friends John and Shannon Jordan who I have known for several years. I [...]

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Paul Washer Highlights: Conviction

This video is called “Paul Washer Jam” and it’s a great short video of clips. This is not your everyday preaching. Talk about conviction!

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Eat on $32 a month!

Can you eat on only $32 a month? “Impossible,” you say? It may not be possible for you, but let me tell you about a some people for whom it is possible. The children that you can sponsor at Compassion is who they are. This is not about what just over $1 a day gets [...]

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WDJD

The WWJD acronym took Christian marketing by storm, had it’s 15 minutes of fame and still lingers and reappears at times. In my experience, most of the time when “WWJD” is brought up it’s in the context of being kinder, gentler and nicer to those around us. Or to a certain situation currently being dealt [...]

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Hard but true words from John Piper

In other words, in this research the term “born again” refers to people who say things. They say, “I have a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. It’s important to me.” They say, “I believe that I will go to heaven when I die. I have confessed my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.” [...]

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Vote for Timmy’s question for Mark Driscoll

If you don’t mind, would you give your votes to Timmy Brister’s question to Mark Driscoll at his Ask Anything blog. Go here to vote and give him the 10 votes you’re alloted per day. His question is: Do you believe that the Scripture not only regulates our theology but also our methodology? In other [...]

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Darrin Patrick on the Emerging Church at Covenant Seminary (Update II)

It looks like the audio of part 1 (are there more parts?) of Darrin Patrick on the Emerging Church is now available. The interview is part of the Fall 2007 Francis A. Schaeffer Lectures entitled A Dialogue on the Emerging Church. The MP3 is available. I haven’t heard it yet, but I look forward to [...]

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Southern Baptists and a Great Commission Resurgence?

Beyond Calvinism This post will refer to cleaning our house beyond Calvinism though it stems from talks from Calvinism. Last week I attended the Southern Baptist Building Bridges Conference and Dr. Danny Akin in his presentation said we need a Great Commission Resurgence. Tim Rogers who I had the pleasure of meeting at the conference [...]

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The Final Apologetic

At the recent Southern Baptist Building Bridges Conference I sat and listened to Tom Ascol deliver one of the closing sermons. He mentioned Schaeffer’s “Final Apologetic” in reference to those of us of different theological perspectives should love and treat each other. He is part of this topic by Schaeffer to reflect on. The Final [...]

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Heaven, it’s easy!

Family Christian is selling this little number for $9.99. Isn’t that great? I really hesitated to include the link, but I did least someone think I made this up. The marketing of Christianity is unbelievable today. I told my wife and she was disgusted. She wondered how someone could say this and added that dying [...]

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Southern Baptists Building Bridges: Reflections

The Building Bridges Conference was a great experience. By now most people probably know that the audio is online at Lifeway.com and presentations are available at Ed Stetzer’s blog. I would have gotten to this sooner, but I could not get my friends router to connect with my wireless card. I decided not to try [...]

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Southern Baptist Building Bridges Pic of the Week

I just want to give a quick update since I am back home and about to go to church. I will hopefully have a larger post sharing some thoughts on the conference. I talked to Ed Stetzer just before I left and he said he had all ready posted this pic, but that’s okay. He [...]

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Piper responds to Witherington

John Piper responds to Ben Witherington about God being a narcissist. Piper says that Witherington’s conclusion is “astonishing for five reasons”. Read it. God’s Loving Self-Exaltation: A Response to Ben Witherington It’s encouraging that pastors like John Piper take time to respond to criticism such as this. Mark

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Georgia Baptist Blogging Resolution

Last week in Augusta, GA I was a messenger to the Georgia Baptist Convention. Two resolutions passed one on appreciation and another on blogging. Fellow Georgia Baptist blogger Roger Ferrell recently commented on this resolution over at sbc IMPACT! I pretty much agree with his observations. I also appreciate that Timmy Brister has chimed in [...]

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Muslim-led Interfaith Service Unwelcome

Fox News reports. A Muslim-led interfaith Thanksgiving service in Austin, Texas, was forced to move to another location at the last minute after a Baptist church objected to non-Christians worshipping on its property. Apparently Hyde Park Baptist Church didn’t realize that “interfaith” meant different religions rather than different Christian denominations. When the leadership realized they [...]

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Piper, Justification, ETS and Theories

A theological issue came up on Justin Taylor’s blog in his blurb about ETS from Christianity Today’s interview about ETS’s annual convention. In the interview, Francis Beckwith and the upcoming papers at ETS are mentioned about which I had my own blurb. The topic that came up on Taylor’s blog, of course, was justification and [...]

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Does Justification Matter at ETS?

Earlier this year Frank Beckwith stepped down as president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS). His actions were the right thing to do as he returned to the Roman Catholic Church, IMO. But maybe I and others who agree with me were wrong. Upon reading CT’s short q&a State of the Society with ETS’s current [...]

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John MacArthur’s Truth War

I picked up The Truth War by John MacArthur on CD. So far I’ve only gotten through the first of three CDs. For the folks who think MacArthur is somehow mean and unloving maybe listening to him read his book will change your mind. For that matter, just listening to his sermons should help understand [...]

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MO Southern Baptists: Towards an Unbiblical Position

The annual Missouri Baptist Convention just wrapped up. Tim Townsend of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that there was talk and debate about the topic of, what else, alcohol. Now I don’t know if alcohol was taking over the Missouri Baptists, but apparently, Rodney Albert of Hallsville Baptist Church has a great quote that made [...]

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Reformation Day 2007: The Sinner’s Justification

Today, we don’t hear as much about sin from the pulpit as was once popular. I’m not talking about just preaching hellfire and damnation either. I’m talking about our actual biblical stance as a sinner before a holy God. I know it’s not PC to talk about sin in such a way because it’s not [...]

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Seeker-obsessed Willow Creek Repents?

Recently, the net was buzzing about the article Willow Creek Repents? with mixed feelings. I was happy at first and then unsure. Now, BlogOManiac PyroManiac, Phil Johnson, has responded to a criticism of the style of his criticism towards Willow Creek. I, like others, think Willow Creek is just going to replace their old programs [...]

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Rain

Rain. We try not to go out in it or drive in it if we can help it. We put on special water proof clothes and use umbrellas to keep from getting wet from it. But at the same time we can’t live without the water it brings. Water is a sustainer of life and [...]

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The Weight of Gluttony No More

Not long ago I posted Southern Baptists and the Weight of Gluttony. And God has blessed me from that post through a commenter named Jane. She went through the course I listed in the above mentioned post and has a great testimony I thought should have it’s own entry and I don’t want to take [...]

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Mike Corley blogs Emergence Conference

Over at The Expositor Mike Corley has two brief posts on the 2007 Emergence Conference he just attended in Austin, TX. Mike gave his insights about days one and two. He was challenged by an emailer to give specifics of his criticisms. Mike plans on doing this on his radio show Monday which I hope [...]

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Bush vs. Carter: Theological Differences?

Very recently at Emory University former President Jimmy Carter gave a talk about faith. The difficulties of being theologian and chief international religious conflict came up. On the topic of international religious conflict, President Carter referred to his term in office. “I was president once, in ancient times,” he joked, adding, “I had some difficult [...]

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Southern Baptists, Investing and Morality

The ChristianNewsWire has an interesting story Investments In and Profits from Abortion and Pornography Loom Large for Protestants/Catholics Alike that reveals investments in companies that are somehow involved in immorality. The world’s two largest “ultra-conservative” denominations currently invest hundreds of millions (if not billions) of dollars in companies that profit from and/or promote what their [...]

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Worship and the Theology of the Cross In One Sentence

I just want to share some thoughts as we prepare for the Lord’s Day. Why are we going to worship the Lord tomorrow or any other day? Are we going to get an experience out of it like a trip to the zoo? Are we to seek an emotional experience like you get at the [...]

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Joel Osteen’s AIROST: Your Best Flight Now

Now this is too brilliant not to post here, especially, given my recent post about Joel Osteen which included his “confession”. AIROST: Your Best Flight Now This is my airplane: I am seated where I am supposed to be; I have what I’m supposed to have; I can do only what the flight attendants say [...]

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Habits resulting in death?

We all have habits both good, bad and indifferent. One of my habits that may fit into any of those catergories on any given night is that while channel surfing I see someone like Joel Osteen “preaching” so I stop and listen. I did this last night and just in time to hear Joel’s “This [...]

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Southern Baptists and the Weight of Gluttony

As the annual Southern Baptist Convention meeting draws near a resolution on gluttony may be proposed and I hope it is. This resolution is written in the spirit of and response to last years Resolution 5 on alcohol. There have been various responses around the blogging world and then some which you can easily search [...]

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Rick Warren Vs. John Piper on the Gospel

First, I think Godtube is cool and I hope WordPress will allow their videos to be posted. I went there to see Dr. White’s videos he posted. And I also wanted to see the site after hearing about it in a news report today. I got to browse around a little. Then, I read centuri0n’s [...]

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Engage: Scot McKnight at North Point

Last Saturday I spent the morning at a seminar called Engage. It took place at North Point Community Church where Andy Stanley pastors. I got to listen to Dr. Scot McKnight speak about engaging the culture. He has blogged about the event too. First, I want to say that Scot McKnight is a man of [...]

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The T in TULIP

This is not a pleasant story to read. Just the word “castration” gives me the creeps, but a ring of this kind of homebased activity? I don’t know what is more disturbing; that something like this exists or that the participants were wanting, willing and then some. And some say there is no such thing [...]

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Mark Driscoll on the White Horse Inn

The latest White Horse Inn show features and interview with Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. The guys on the WHI are known for addressing theological issues head on. The interview was nice and cordial and it would be interesting if Driscoll were on again to tackle some more questions. Give it [...]

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N.T. Wright and Leonard Sweet and A Radio Show

It looks as if the local Atlanta Christian talk radio station 970 & 1400 AM WNIV will have at least two special guests on next week. Leonard Sweet and N.T. Wright will be interviewed on these stations on the John Young Show. Currently, there is no show archive, but the show repeats a few times [...]

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What if the Super Pastor left?

I ran into an old friend the other day. We caught up a little bit about our churches and some of the churches in the metro Atlanta area. He brought up a certain church that has three campuses in addition to its main church location. The campuses will play videos of sermons from the main [...]

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How do Americans view Mormons?

I wish the unfavorable numbers were higher, but they are better than expected as “46 percent of Americans say they have an unfavorable opinion of the Mormon religion.” So reports The Christian Post according to this article which references a Gallup poll of 1,018 people. Now get this. Liberals are more likely to have an [...]

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Will Anglicans Become Roman Catholic?

The Timesonline has reported that Churches back plan to unite under Pope. It looks as though this path may be offered as a solution to the liberalism that plagues the Anglican church. The Anglicans will attempt to resolve their differences today by publishing a new Anglican Covenant, an attempt to provide a doctrinal statement under [...]

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Is Madonna doing the work of Christians?

It is said from time to time, and maybe more frequently lately, that those doing charity work are doing the work of Christians. That Christians are not doing enough in the world to reach out to the poor and needy. That we are too judgmental of the world and it’s ways. That we should reach [...]

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The Altar Question: Southern Baptists and Others?

I have mostly heard and seen this in Southern Baptist churches. I am not talking about altar calls where unbelievers are being called forward which is another topic for another time. I am talking about going forward to pray and/or renew your commitment to Christ. I have asked about this practice before on this and [...]

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So this is Christmas

The Baptist Press has reported Poll: Americans want to see ‘Merry Christmas’ in stores. This is preferred to simply saying ‘Happy Holidays’. Wonderful, right? Yes, maybe, but why? I really wish the poll had included a “why” section. I would like to hear the reasons. I want to make a couple of general observations and [...]

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Pro-abortion: Honoring Christ’s Teachings or Obama’s?

In many news and blog articles Rick Warren is being criticized for having Senator Barack Obama speak at Saddleback’s AIDS Conference. The controversy involves Obama’s pro-abortion position which is in opposition to Warren’s position and, of course, against the biblical position. I want to take a look at a brief response by Obama from an article [...]

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I’m Thankful…

Lately, I’ve been thinking more about ways and opportunities to share the Gospel. And I do mean verbalize it with actual words that don’t begin and end with “Why don’t you come to church?” I’ve been lamenting my past and potential future short comings in this area. Sure, sharing the Gospel isn’t necessarily “easy” but [...]

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Sharing the Gospel with Buddhist

In my recent post about sharing the Gospel both Laura and Paul comment with some interesting real life examples. Laura touched on some of the things I’ve thought about when looking to put together some type of servant evangelism projects. As we reach out as a church to build and help people out in some [...]

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Politically Liberal Calvinist

Yes, I can certainly hear it now from the anti-Calvinist Southern Baptists like Falwell and whosoever else shall speak. Calvinists may now be put in the party of the liberal democrats in an attempt to further discredit our theology. Below is a quote from one of Eric Sapp’s posts in which he claims his Calvinism. Sapp formerly worked [...]

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Thanksgiving Day 2006

As I thought about making a Thanksgiving Day post I really wasn’t sure where to go with it. I have so much to be thankful for, but it’s so much easier to look at all that I “want” that I don’t “have” rather than looking at all that I “have” that I don’t “need”. Isn’t [...]

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Jesse Mercer’s Eternal Concerns of a Slave

In Nathan Finn’s recent post 19th Century Baptists, Slavery, and Christian Civility: Some Lessons from the Past in he tells of a new book he is about to publish entitled Domestic Slavery Considered as a Scriptural Institution. Read his post for more information. It’s looks to be an interesting read and will shed some light [...]

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Volunteering for Dave Ramsey

I spent this Saturday from 9am to 8pm (7-8 was dinner) volunteering for a Dave Ramsey Live event at First Baptist Woodstock. Some will see the irony in the location. Anyways, my wife and I donated our time for this event. It was long and tiring, but more than that it was fun and rewarding. We arrived, [...]

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Agreeing with Al Sharpton about the Gospel

You read that right! Al Sharpton and I agree about an aspect of the Gospel. There are not many times that Al Sharpton and I fully agree. And since I’ve never heard him preach nor speak clearly about theology this was a suprise to me when I discovered this last night. There was a story [...]

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Hollywood and the Gospel

ScrippsNews has a short interview called The gospel according to Stephen Baldwin. The article starts Actor Stephen Baldwin (youngest of the acting Baldwin brothers) has become an impassioned Christian after living the wild Hollywood lifestyle. In his New York Times best-selling book, “The Unusual Suspect: My Calling to the New Hardcore Movement of Faith” (September [...]

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Arab Vision, Is Ours Clouded?

I recently listened to and spoke with missionary and one of the founders of Arab Vision. It seems as though we, as local churches, are neglecting the Arab world in our missions and evangelism. If I remember correctly, something like only 22% of the Arab world has heard the Gospel. If I am wrong please [...]

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Article Rich with Sadness and Poor Theology

The Miami Herald’s article A rich Jesus? Debate flares over his finances gives us the same ole story about the WoF prosperity “gospel”. The article states: But when the Rev. Creflo Dollar looks inside that manger, he doesn’t see a poor baby. He sees a baby born into wealth because the kings visiting him gave [...]

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Ideas on Sharing the Gospel

I’m going to admit upfront that I don’t share the Gospel as much as I can or should. I’m going to guess, correct me if I’m wrong, that this is common amongst the brethren (I don’t mean inviting someone to church). We have a hard enough time living the Gospel much less actually sharing it [...]

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Reformation Day Reflections 2006

The famous quote attributed to Johan Tetzel, “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs” probably doesn’t mean much to many in the church today. If it weren’t for my own studying and reading, as a layman, it probably wouldn’t mean much to me either. The struggle today is [...]

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Could Jesus be a student at Liberty University?

You can read the whole code of conduct from Reprimands and Consequences portion of Liberty’s website. The original link has been made private now. You can get the pdf version made from the archived Reprimands and Consequences. Let’s look at a few fines and reprimands below. 4 Reprimands + $10 Fine – Improper personal contact [...]

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Blog bites: Voddie Baucham at the Piper Conference

First, listen to all of the conference: Desiring God Conference 2006. I am working my way through and am listening to Voddie this morning. He said something that we should think about as Christians. He was address the question of “Why are we here?” It will make us reflect on God’s grace and love and [...]

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Worshiping with Ed Stetzer

This past Sunday my best man at my wedding, Russ, and his wife were in town. I was also his best man at his wedding. Neat, huh? We met and worshiped with Ed Stetzer at his church plant Lake Ridge Church which is about a year old. I found out the people was very welcoming. [...]

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The Segregated Life

In my previous post I encouraged folks to see the movie The Second Chance which touches on race relations in the church and neglect of those needing Christ in our own backyards. In the blog world I came across something that goes on the black community that I don’t know much about. It is a [...]

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The Second Chance on dvd: watch it

Last night my family and I watched a movie I rented upon recommendation from a friend at church. He said it was a great movie so I made a special trip to Blockbuster and rented it. They actually had several copies and only two were in. The movie is called The Second Chance starring Michael [...]

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Blog bites: Warrenism Splits Church

Yes, that’s Warrenism named after Rick Warren. I wondered if anyone had used that term before so just Google it and see. When I say Warrenism splits church I am referring to a story by Suzanne Sataline in the Wall Street Journal entitled A Popular Strategy For Church Growth Splits Congregants. It was only a [...]

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Blog bites: Reformed Gangstas

Check out this rap. There are some local, metro area black reformed Christians. Mark

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Southern Baptists & the Alcohol Resolution: How?

There have been numerous bloggers writing on Resolution No. 5 On Alcohol Use in America from this years Southern Baptist Convention. The first “RESOVLED” of this resolution says, “RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, June 13-14, 2006, express our total opposition to the manufacturing, advertising, distributing, and [...]

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Lord’s Day Reflection

Last week I bought John Piper’s DVD set Blazing Grace. We’ve been watching it as a family and he really breaks down God’s glory and sovereignty in a way that my teen daughter or anyone else for that matter can understand. I mentioned it to the youth minister and he wants to borrow it when [...]

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Blog Bites: The Gospel and a Baptism

I was talking with friend Frank today as we normally do when we get to actually talk. We touched on all kinds of subjects and I thought of something that I would really like to see. I explained to Frank that what I would really like to see if only once in my life time [...]

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Rome and Evangelicalism: Cults with the Same Gospel?

On a recent program of Issues, Etc. that is worth listening to host Todd Wilkin said something very interesting. The show is from Tuesday, July 25 entitled “Audio Open Lines: The Journey Home Broadcast Featuring a Roman Catholic Convert from Lutheranism”. Actually he said many true and interesting things. I want to quote one here [...]

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Frank Page and Alcohol Use: Heart of the Disagreement

First, I don’t believe anyone has been clearer nor dealt as exegetically with the issues in this debate in the SBC of alcohol abstinence vs. moderation than the material by ConcernedSBCer. This issue has been dealt with on this blog without using the iron fist in the lace glove technique. Brad Reynolds has quoted an [...]

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End of the Spear preliminary thoughts

There has been talk about the blog-o-sphere concerning the lead character in the new movie End of the Spear. In “real life” the actor who plays this character is a homosexual. I should say their are disagreements over whether or not a homosexual should have played this part. I just want to ask one question [...]

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The 50 Most Influential Christians?

To my five readers. Thanks and yes, I’ve been away and have been very busy. On with it… The Church Report has put out a list entitled The 50 Most Influential Christians in America. Who are these Christians? Are they Christians? And what are they influencing in America? Let’s take a quick look at the [...]

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Desperate Housewives for kids

I couldn’t believe it when my wife was at the store shopping for the daughter. She was looking for something specific and I was on the phone with her. She then saw something that she just couldn’t believe. I asked her what it was and she told me about the Desperate Housewives Dirty Laundry Game [...]

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Dr. James White vs. John Shelby Spong on homosexuality

The 2006 AOMin Cruise’s theme is Pulpit Crimes: The Criminal Mishandling of God’s Word. As usual, a day or so prior to the cruise a formal debate takes place. This year it will be Dr. White debating Bishop Spong. The debate: IS HOMOSEXUALITY COMPATIBLE WITH AUTHENTIC, BIBLICAL, ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY? will take place on November 3, [...]

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Grace No More

In a recent Barna Group article the title One-Quarter of Self-Described Born Again Adults Rely On Means Other Than Grace to Get to Heaven says it all. It’s an interesting read. The article states Overall, 80% of adults in the U.S. call themselves “Christian.” In comparison, the phrase “a committed Christian” is embraced by two [...]

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50 Cent 50 Shekel

One of my co-workers sent me something about Jewish hip-hop yesterday. I just remembered tonight that one of these groups was called “50 Shekel” so I googled it. Here is some of his testimony. MY TESTIMONY Note: For those of you who have already read this page before I put this note up and made [...]

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Keeping Christ in Christmas so we can sleep in?

I just Googled “Christ out of Christmas.” With quotes I got 88 results and 1,950 without quotes. There has been much talk of companies taking Christ out of Christmas. Talk done by governments, news organizations, department stores, etc. Many of these places are replacing the Christmas tree with “Holiday” tree or have rules which forbid [...]

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How not to disagree with your pastor. Even if he is WoF.

Apparently one guy in the church service didn’t like what Billy Joe Daugherty had top say so he punched him. I was watching Fox News and saw this story. So far I have not come across a reason as to why Daugherty was attacked. Well see…story below. Caught on Tape: Pastor Attacked During Church Service [...]

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Purpose driven crystal meth?

Earlier this year Brian Nichols was in custody at the courthouse in downtown Atlanta and about to go to trial on rape charges. Nichols got free, killed four people and escaped. He ran to a suburb and ended up at Ashley Smith’s apartment. Smith talked him into giving himself up and allegedly used Rick Warren’s [...]

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Chaplain suspended for sharing the Gospel

The Washington Nationals suspended a volunteer chaplain and distributed an apology from outfielder Ryan Church yesterday, two days after Church was quoted in a front-page Post article as suggesting that Jews are headed for eternal damnation. Note the first paragraph, “suggesting that Jews are headed for eternal damnation.” And the problamatic issue as reported in [...]

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SBTS, Mohler & Moore: Alcohol &

First, I want to thank my good friend Russ for pointing me to this issue over at Steve McCoy’s blog. And thank you, Steve and all the others for the good and brotherly insight and engagment on this issue. Dr. Russ Moore opens with a wonderful prayer and thanks all for being there and being [...]

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The report is that the White vs. Crossan debate went well.

No, unfortunately I wasn’t there and nor was I able to go on the cruise this year. James White briefly mentioned the debate on his blog and a few others commented on it in #prosapologian. During last night’s debate Dr. White told Dr. Crossan that he’d make a great Calvinist. I heard the expression on [...]

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The Albert Mohler Program

I listened to The Albert Mohler Program episode entitled The Pope: Taking the Measure of the Man. This is just a part of the program where he answers a caller’s question about the Pope’s salvation. Mohler said some interesting things and did not sacrifice the truth in order to be politically correct. Dr. Mohler said [...]

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Ravi Zacharias at the Mormon Tabernacle?

This past weekend Zacharias spoke at the Mormon Tabernacle. It was a joint effort together with Greg Johnson’s Stand Together Ministries. I don’t know a whole lot about this ministry, but from what I’ve read it seems too “ecumenical” towards Mormons if there can be such a thing from the Christian perspective. So far the [...]

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CRI, Roman Catholics and Salvation

Hank Hanegraaff recently wrote an article entitled Catholics and Salvation. Whenever I hear Hank or CRI talk about Roman Catholics I am reminded of the debate I have between Dr. Bob Morey and Elliot Miller called The Ecumenical Debate. Elliot Miller was and maybe still is (I don’t know) the editor-in-chief of The Christian Research [...]

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40 Days of a new Reformation?

During Rick Warren’s recent appearance on the Today Show he made the following statement. “I believe that we are possibly on the verge of a New Reformation in Christianity and another Great Awakening in our nation,” said Warren. “The signs are everywhere, including the popularity of this book.” Interesting that the popularity of Warren’s The [...]

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Church History

Recently, I have been thinking about the role that Church History plays in Biblical authority, sola scripture, etc. And also, how do the classic creeds and confessions of Christianity play into this. In the January issue of the Reformed Baptist Theological Review there was a great article by Sam Waldron entitled The Meaning of Sola [...]

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Joel Osteen’s church “confession”

The following is the confession that Joel Osteen of Lakewood church in TX gives at the opening of every or most church services. I have been listening to the radio show Issue’s Etc. critique Osteen these last couple months. I found this “confession” on Lakewood’s homepage. Joel says the confession while the congregation repeats the [...]

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Morning has broken

I listened to a couple songs from Derek Webb’s new House CD today on the way to work. This CD is several of his songs with a few previously unreleased which are recorded live in front of small “house” audiences. Listening to Derek introduce his previously unreleased song I Repent was interesting. I listened to [...]

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Dan and Tom’s “excessive” adventures

June 9, 2004 — DAN Rather and Tom Brokaw work for different networks but agree one thing — coverage of Ronald Reagan’s death has been excessive, they say. Well, what constitutes excessive? Now there may be a time when the coverage of Mr. Reagan’s untimely death becomes excessive. Who knows?! However, at the moment, it’s [...]

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Random babble

Update: If you happen upon this page please see the blog relaunch and redesign post for an update – Blog Relaunch With Thesis DIY Theme. As I was thinking of a name for the blog I asked the folks I was chatting with in #prosapologian. My friend TheHinge came up with names like “TheologicalGRITS” while [...]

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