Archive for Around the Horn
April 29, 2008 at 5:20 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
How will you use your economic stimulus money?
Clue: Nobody in the world will see you spend your money on yourself and conclude that Christ is your treasure. They will assume you are just like them, no matter how loudly you thank God for this boon. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend it on yourself (the way we do with most of what we earn). Not everything we do can look different from the world—eat, pay utilities, fill up the car, wear clothes (even thrift-store clothes). And yes, we hope (somehow) that spending on ourselves in some way contributes to our being more Christ-exalting people.
I think this principle applies not only to our economic stimulus, but our standard paychecks. Do we simply fall into the mold of the “world”? Or do we have hearts that yearn for the glory of God?
Calvinism vs Armenianism
No theological tradition has cornered the market on arrogance. I have been accused of it (sometimes, I fear, with very good reason). Yet there seems to be – though I’m sure that what I say here is highly fallible – an amazing quantity of it among the New Calvinists. I’ve been told that my resistance to “the doctrines of grace” (no hubris in that label?) is a sign of my probable reprobation. I’ve had the senior pastor of a fine evangelical church tell me that although we were welcome to attend, I could not expect to be involved in any way because I was not “Reformed” – even though this particular church was not confessionally Reformed at all (their official statement of faith was generically evangelical).
It’s such a shame when our gospel becomes calvinism or armenianism, losing the actual sight of the gospel that Jesus proclaimed and carried out. Yes, these views affect, in very important ways, our view of God and our view of the gospel. But no matter which side we land, we should not be judgemental or prideful in our actions. Let the gospel offend, not the ideals of calvinism or armenianism.
Principles for architecting a church
The Bible says that Jesus is the Senior Pastor of every church—whether he’s given credit or not—and that he should be honored as such.
I have never thought of it that way, but it is very true. Jesus is the senior pastor. We need to look to him for leadership, for guidance. There is no one else qualified for such position. Only Jesus has full knowledge and control of the church and is the only one who can be trusted in prayer.
April 22, 2008 at 5:40 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
Bibleman, you’re my hero! …
The heart of the show is the fight sequences, typically involving a darkened warehouse (all the better to obscure the lackluster choreography) and Bibleman swatting away CGI fireballs with his lightsaber while announcing, “Isaiah 54:17 says ‘no weapon forged against me will prosper!’” Every now and then, Bibleman shares a lesson with his sidekicks, as when he laments that people “allow their minds to cover up what God has placed on their hearts”—a near perfect pitch for the common evangelical notion that feelings are to be trusted above rational discernment, a belief that many nonevangelicals would be distressed to hear is being passed on to eight year-olds.
As funny as Bibleman sounds, if I had a kid, I think I actually might prefer him to watch Bibleman than to watch Pokemon. Reciting verses is way better than reciting Pokemon stats.
Atheists going to church?
Well it is certainly true that science and reason do not make hospital visits, but it is difficult to see how a church of unbelievers would offer much comfort. McManus’ article begins with Richard Dawkins poking fun at the idea that belief in God offers solace. “Isn’t that a little childish?” he asked. Atheism just doesn’t have much to offer when it comes to spiritual assurance. How could it?
Isn’t it funny how some atheists desire a church or a place to gather together? It is their God-given desire to have true fellowship, however, they won’t have true fellowship unless it is met with Christ in mind.
God uses whom He pleases to use
The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’” (Judges 7:2)
John Piper writes of a great reminder that numbers hardly mean anything in God’s book. He is in full control no matter if big or small. He can use anything for his grand purpose, weak or strong. I believe that God has done great things in our fellowship both when it is full of attendees in summer and when it is low in numbers when everyone is away at school. God is good.
Interracial Marriage, what does the bible say?
The New Testament strongly emphasizes the unity of the human race (all are sinners; all are in need of salvation; God is not the respecter of any person; all are saved through faith in Christ; all are one in Jesus Christ). Colossians 3:11 clearly says that salvation puts off the old barriers that separated people — we now have “A renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.” In Christ all previous religious, cultural, and social barriers are destroyed.
This is a very interesting article by John MacArthur on understanding what the bible says about interracial marriage. The best point made is that there really is no definition of race after the new testament. We are all sinners and all in dire need of God.
April 21, 2008 at 7:14 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the Earth!
My answer is that the magnitude of the universe is not meant to correlate with the image, but with the Original. The heavens are not designed to declare the glory of man. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalms 19:1). The point of the universe is that God is great and man is infinitely less great.
John Piper writes a good reminder of the purpose to the creation of the universe. It is easy to get lost in the wonder and beauty of space and feel but a small speck compared to the planets created trillions of miles away. And, so true that we are but a spec, because the purpose of the universe is to declare the majesty and glory of God. If the universe seemingly expands boundaries forever, how much more so is our God limitless, the creator of this the whole universe.
Our rebellion to God’s authority
The issue of authority is a tough one even for adults. A few weeks ago my friend, my son and I went to the home opener for the Toronto Blue Jays. It turned out to be kind of a rowdy game with people running onto the field and others getting dragged out of the stands due to poor behavior. At one point, just a section over from us, a man was hauled out by the police. As soon as an officer showed up the crowd started chanting, “Let him stay! Let him stay!” They jeered at the officer and at the security guards. They laughed at the authorities, threw things at them, and did all they could to mock and belittle them. Their hatred of authority was tangible; it was alarming for those of us who remained sober and who, with our senses about us, knew that only authority holds off the utter breakdown of society. Our human sinfulness causes our hearts to rebel at the first sign of authority. So often we obey only with great reluctance and with our hearts in utter rebellion.
This is a sobering reminder from Tim Challies about the fact that we often act like children in response to our sins. We defy the ultimate authority, which is God. We pout, we make excuses, we ignore. This is all because our child-like minds can’t see to God’s grand purpose of pulling us closer into his presence.
Imago Dei
The problem with each of these is Romans 1:25, which says idolatry is worshiping anything created. By taking an aspect of our being over and above the rest, we are guilty of worshiping created things such as our body, mind, emotions, soul, or culture instead of the Creator God who makes all things.
Pastor Mark Driscoll gives a very educational write up on the doctrine of imago dei (”Image of God”). There is a lot of great things in the article that teach us about how the doctrine of imago dei is applied in our lives. I also like how the article sets the tone that even though we are made in the image of God, we still have no claim to greatness or pride. We fall very short of the glory of God. Priase the LORD we have hope in Christ.
April 18, 2008 at 4:27 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
Morals vs Values
No thinking person can ignore the massive and seemingly insoluble moral debates that plague our society and frame national debate. When the most basic issues of life, sexuality, family, marriage, and moral responsibility are up for grabs, the nation has reached a testing point of unprecedented proportions. Given the confusion, only the most radical relativist can celebrate our current state of moral affairs.
What is the difference between morals and values? Has culture blurred the lines? Do you still grasp unto the global moral standards set by God? Or do we set our own standard, our own values?
Piper in Kenya
At Moffatt Bible College in Kijabe, for example, the librarian gave me a tour. One set of double doors opened to the textbook closet. Most students can’t afford to buy books for their classes, so here they can check out the required texts for the term. In the center of the center shelf was a stack of The Supremacy of God in Preaching.
It’s great to see God using Pastor John Piper to have his preaching of God’s word affect Kenya. His wife Noel Piper is visiting Kenya and is noticing the teaching and writings of Pastor John Piper around the bible college. It is even more great to know that the message about the supremacy of God is being told among all nations.
When to Baptize Your Kids
The Bible does not put an age requirement on baptism. But it does describe water baptism as a post-conversion act of identification with Christ. In Acts 2:38, Peter emphasized repentance as a corollary to baptism. In verse 41 of that same chapter, Luke records that it was “those who had received his word” that were baptized. Acts 16:34 indicates that the Philippian Jailer’s household believed before they were baptized. Colossians 2:11-12, 1 Peter 3:18-21, and other passages associate baptism with saving faith; and even the order of the Great Commission puts “making disciples” before “baptizing them” (Matt. 28:19).
What does the bible say in regards to baptism and children? What does the bible say about infant baptism? I haven’t really researched too much into this before, but I’m convinced scripture talks about being a believer in Christ before being baptized. I will definitely do more digging on the subject though.
April 17, 2008 at 4:01 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
Give thanks to God, for He is good!
And it’s not just a mediocre, sometimes-there, tiny stream of goodness. No, as a Christian, I’ve got a future that’s full of God’s abundant, overflowing goodness. Each day, for the next week, and year, and decade, I will experience God’s goodness. Will I experience hardship? Yes. Will I endure painful trials. Without a doubt. But all of these experiences will be sweetened by the goodness of God. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know it will be good.
I’ve been reading through all instances of when God has shown mercy in the bible and all instances of the word “steadfast love”. Stephen writes a really great testimony to how great and good our God is. In fact, scripture tells us that God “abounds in steadfast love” and he is “slow to anger”. Throughout scripture we also see how great God sustains his people and shows goodness. (Once I finish my studies, it will be my first series of articles on this site explaining the different aspects of the mercy of God.)
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever
Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
-Psalm 118:1-4
Creationism (6 Views)
Before we jump in, I would like to stress that Genesis was not written as a scientific textbook. Rather, it is a theological narrative written to reveal the God of creation, which means it emphasizes God, not creation. As one example, Hebrews 11:3 says, “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
The topic of creationism is such an intriguing topic to me. It always emphasizes how great and how “large and in cotrol” our God is. I think how we view the creation of the world, definitely effects how we view the sovereignty of God. I really like how Pastor Mark writes this article to explain the views of creationism, but emphasizes that, regardless, our God is THE creator. No way do I believe in chance.
Proverbs and Parenting
The book of Proverbs is a wonderful, intensely practical guide that contains much wisdom you can impart to your children as you train them in godly living.
I’m not a parent, nor am I even married yet. =) But I will always take the wisdom of proverbs in my heart. Not just for parenting, but for all aspects of Christian living.
April 16, 2008 at 6:49 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
Passion for Christ
Nevertheless, if you have it, and if it is really a passion for Christ, then it will have a God-designed effect on others. This is part of why passion is so good. It is an honor to Christ, and satisfying to us, and transforming to others.
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I ama father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name.”
-Malachi 1:6
“For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.”
-Malachi 1:11
What if we get an ungodly president?
We should pray fervently for leaders who will fear and seek the Lord, and fight for the rights of the unborn. But if an ungodly or pro-abortion president is elected, we shouldn’t fear. We should continue to pray earnestly for our country and those in authority. Don’t panic, God is in control, and he uses even wicked leaders for his own purposes. He can turn the hearts of men any way he chooses:
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will (PR 21:1).
What if someone who does not honor God get elected? I think God calls us to trust in his sovereign will. I really like how the article quotes one of my favorite bible passage; Proverbs 21:1.
Together for the Gospel
Audio streaming for sermons preached at the Together for the Gospel conference are being adding in the link above. I haven’t heard any of them yet, but I’m sure there is good teaching to be found.
April 15, 2008 at 3:56 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
Functional Religion
A functional view of belief assumes or “brackets” the question of whether the beliefs are true. One who holds to a purely functionalist view of religious conviction is not concerned with the truthfulness of these beliefs, but only with the effects the beliefs have on the believer, both privately and in social contexts.
Al Mohler takes a look at the recent media attention surrounding some critical comments Obama made. He takes it through a Christian-lens and examines how political motivations fictionalizes religion. I think it is something that all Christians should be aware of. Scripture proclaims truth, not functional ideas.
Worthy is the Lamb
Today New Testament believers know that the blood of bulls and goats is not enough to take away sin. But I think that we can often just take for granted Jesus’ death in our place. We don’t think about his innocent blood draining away because we can’t conceptualize it. We don’t always appropriate the idea of substitute because we’ve never seen a living object die in our place. But our loss can be this: sin is easy because forgiveness (we think) is cheap.
There is a video released showing people sacrificing a lamb. (I have not seen the video yet, I doubt it is proper to view it at the workplace.) Aside from all the controversy surrounding this, it is a sobering reminder for the Worthy Lamb who was slain in our place. If you think about the gruesomeness of how a lamb was slain for a “couple sins”, how much more gruesomeness did our perfect Savior endure to take away all our sins.
Love for the Gospel
That guy will go in life pushing and pushing aside the gospel not wanting to hear it, not wanting to think about it and have nothing to do with it. He’s going to wave that hand every instant the cross is presented and that will harden his heart even more every time.
How much love do you have for the gospel? Do you recognize God’s sovereignty no matter how the person responds? It is very interesting to read of the experience David Ko had with sharing the gospel.
Sound Doctrine, Sound Faith
The idea of doctrine and theology, and especially systematic theology, are head in great suspicion in the church today. “Christianity is a life, not a doctrine,” say the critics. They may think this is something that is greatly original, but in reality this was a phrase coined by nineteenth century liberals. If we are to remain faithful to the message of Scripture we need to remain Christians who love the systematic theology of Scripture.
How important is doctrine in your life? Do you see the fruition of doctrine applied in your life? Or do we simply shrug off doctrine as something “unattainable”, “left for the leaders of the church”, or “something our minds cannot understand”?
April 14, 2008 at 5:08 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
Pridefully Judging Sinners
He seems to have two categories in this story: perfect and not perfect. So what Jesus really suggests is, if you are in the latter category, what in the world do you think you’re doing judging other people who are also imperfect just like you?
Are we quick to judge others in their sin or do we bow at Jesus’ feet recognizing our own sin in our lives? We are no different than a murderer or prostitute. There is no such thing as a “level” or “severity” to sin. All sin is an abomination in God’s sight.
The World’s Redefinition of Love
Most of the talk about love these days ignores this principle. “Love” has been redefined as a broad tolerance that overlooks sin and embraces good and evil alike. That’s not love; it’s apathy.
It is funny how different love is defined in the world versus how the bible defines it. We should tread very carefully in encouraging what the world considers love. Let us live love according to how Jesus taught it: sacrificial, self-giving, merciful, compassionate, sympathetic, kind, generous, and patient.
April 12, 2008 at 9:25 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
More American Idol Response
Let’s reserve our ‘outrage’ for the real tragedies in this world…Let his praises rise… Even from hearts as cold as stones… God can command praise from stones—not just the redeemed.
Whether you are appalled or excited or indifferent, God’s work is coming to show. Just look at the varied response of Christians on this blog about the controversy. It is definitely insightful.
Purposeful Fellowship
During these trips, we’ve heard great preaching and teaching. But we’ve also used our meal times (and late evenings) for discussion and application. We spend time encouraging one another, at times correcting one other, and contemplating the future together. We think much, laugh much, and eat much—all to the glory of God.
Reading about how Pastor C.J. Mahaney is building up his pastoral team through attendance at a conference is making me excited about the upcoming attendance of our fellowship to the Resolved Conference this June. I sincerely pray that we would build, correct, and contemplate the future together in genuine fellowship—all to the glory of God.
Would you be okay with a gay kid?
Christians know that homosexuality is a sin — that it is not the Creator’s purpose for our sexuality. The Christian parent’s response to the “coming out” of a child is surely shock and grief, but also an opportunity for grace and witness. At that point the child needs those Christian parents to be deeply Christian. We are indebted to Details for reminding us of that.
God sometimes has a strange way of getting our attention.
This is a fascinating article by Al Mohler on a topic that is usually hush-hush in many churches and fellowships. I really like how he brings out homosexuality not just as a sin, but a sin no bigger or smaller than others. And it is very interesting to see him analyze the article and bring about the natural tendency of the world to unknowingly set a moral standard hypocritically.
How much do we know about mormons?
Many Christians seem unsure of how to react to the rise of Mormonism. Mormons are adept at using Christian language and in affirming their love of the Bible and of Jesus Christ. But behind the language and behind the similarities is a whole world of difference. Christians do well to arm themselves with some knowledge of this religion and of those who adhere to it.
With the rise of Mormons in headlines, it should come to all believers minds what Mormon’s believe in. I think it is right to educate ourselves in the differences and not be oblivious to what heresies they teach. How can we not extend grace to our the Mormon’s around us if we first don’t understand what they are lost in?
April 11, 2008 at 1:50 pm · Filed under Around the Horn
American Idolatry
Apparently American Idol decided to do a rendition of “Shout to the Lord”, only the word “Jesus” was changed to “Shepard”. It’s interesting to see the controversy rising from this. From this article, you can see how the gospel offends the world-view. Funny God is coming from a show rightly named American “Idol”, something God is oh so very displeased with.
ESV study bible!
The ESV Study Bible includes the 757,000 words of the Bible along with an additional 1.1 million words of theological resources, which is the equivalent of a 20-volume resource library. Those resources include 25,000 notes, over 50 articles, 200 full-color maps, 200 charts, 80,000 cross-references, and some 40 color illustrations that are far cooler than the typical Bible pictures that look like a kindergartner tried to draw the Temple with their left hand.
As a geek who always reads the footnotes, I am particularly excited about Clinton Arnold’s work in Colossians and Philemon, Andreas J. Kostenberger’s work in John, Raymond Ortlund’s work in Isaiah, Grant Osborne’s work in James, Simon Gathercole’s work in Galatians, Thomas Schreiner’s work in Romans, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude, and Frank Thielman’s work in 1 Corinthians.
Crossway looks to be cranking up (by God’s good grace) a crazily cool study bible for the ESV version. Using men of God like Piper, Grudem, and Dever. I’m excited for this bible, looks like it will be a great resource for studying the word of our great God.
Biblical view of taxes
Even with all those criticisms, the Bible is explicit. Without equivocation it tells us to pay our taxes. It doesn’t even qualify that statement. It doesn’t say to pay them if you agree with what they’re used for; it just says to pay your taxes. If we can come up with criticisms of our present tax structure, the people in the time of Paul could as well. Actually, their government was worse than ours in many ways. But that is never the issue. It wasn’t the issue in the time of the Lord, and it isn’t the issue today. The simple statement of Scripture is to pay your taxes.
How do you view taxes? Do you grumble and despise taxes or do you pay them obediently as Jesus has called us to do?
Biblical authority from the pulpit
I am certainly supposed to be a mouthpiece for Scripture, a human instrument through which the Scripture is heard and received by God’s people. But the human preacher’s authority only reaches the human ear. It is only God himself who can take his word from the human ear to the human heart.
How do preachers today view the biblical authority from the pulpit? It is interesting to see the range of responses to questions on scripture and how God ordains preachers. Also, read Al Mohlers reflections on the interview.
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