Piper – Emerging From His Sabbatical

by | Aug 4, 2006 | Pastoral Ministry

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You The link is to John Piper’s open letter to his church on his return from a five month sabbatical.  This is great reading.  I’m very thankful for this man’s commitment to Christ, and in light of my last post – his hard...

Men Who Won’t Work – How Did We Get Here?

by | Aug 4, 2006 | Culture

Men Not at Work — A Symptom of Manhood in Crisis Great note by Dr. Mohler.  While I certainly agree that the Christian worldview advocates a strong work ethic, non-Chrisitans of previous generations did not tend to be as lethargic as my generation.  Is it the rise of the white collar work place that has created such an environment?  Is it the increased wealth and privilege our current generations have been given that created a lazy ethic? How did we arrive here and how shall we then change our ways. I say this as I waste time blogging on...

Deacons – Part 7

by | Aug 4, 2006 | Deacons, Ecclesiology

1 Timothy 3:8-13 The final New Testament passage directly addressing the role and function of deacons is found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.  The context of the passage lists the office of deacon along with the office of overseers.  As Fee notes, “To designate these men as deacons as over against overseers does not imply that they were not “Ëleaders’ as well.”[1]  The overarching emphasis of 1 Timothy 3 is the qualifications needed for those who should serve as overseers and deacons.  The qualities are character based rather than functional.[2]  These qualifications bear directly upon the subject of the basis of a church’s selection of their leaders. In this article, I will not review all of the details regarding the qualifications of a deacon.  Others have done that very well (cf. MacArthur’s commentary on 1 Timothy 3 for a good overview).  However, I will pursue specific treatment of two specific issues brought up in the passage, namely, the testing of deacons in verse ten and the subject of “wives/women” in verse 11. Verse ten, as translated in the New American Standard Bible, states, “And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.”  Of note is the fact that Paul indicates that deacons are to be tested “also.”  Clearly by including the “also” Paul had in mind another group who was tested in addition to the deacons.  In the context, this no doubt refers to the overseers mentioned in verses one through seven.  Therefore, there is to be a period or manner of testing the character of those who desire to serve...

Whew! Now That Was a Long Hiatus

by | Aug 3, 2006 | Blogging

So, I quit blogging for a little while.  A DMin project, beginning Romans, funerals out the wazoo (is that how you spell that) and just general old being busy has left little in the way of a prioritized need to blog. But I need to blog.  I need to read, interact with and think out loud regarding what is going on in my world. So, as I prepare to take up the beast again, here’s some of the reasons I blog: 1.  To force me to read, think through and concretely respond to issues in culture, theology and life.  It refines my thinking and writing – not that any of it will every be great, perhaps I can make it better. 2.  To create an e-filing cabinet of articles and issues I could later reference as I study, teach and preach. 3.  To keep up with personal friends and theological compatriots beyond my vast world of Hemet, California. 4.  To entertain a few from my church, family and friends who have some strange idea that they would want to read something from my dull mind. 5.  To be entertained by a few from my church, family and friends who I think are much brighter and less boring than I. I’m going to a bit of catching up in the next few days of posts that should have been posted long ago and a few “reactions” to some interesting happenigs in the blogosphere.  Oh, I’ll probably put up some quick links to articles I am finding interesting and helpful as I wade through the hundreds of posts I have neglected...