The Gospel Old and New

The Gospel Old and New

by | Nov 24, 2009 | Evangelism, The Gospel

I just finished reading Kevin DeYoung’s latest blog-post, “The Gospel Old and New.” Excellent. Well said. It fueled my heart’s passion for the heart of the gospel in light of the emerging competitors. Here’s the opening: Have you heard the New Gospel?  It”™s not been codified. It”™s not owned by any one person or movement.  But it is increasingly common. The New Gospel generally has four parts to it. It usually starts with an apology: “I”™m sorry for my fellow Christians. I understand why you hate Christianity.  It”™s like that thing Ghandi said, “˜why can”™t the Christians be more like their Christ?”™  Christians are hypocritical, judgmental, and self-righteous.  I know we screwed up with the Crusades, slavery, and the Witch Trials.  All I can say is: I apologize.  We”™ve not give you a reason to believe.” Then there is an appeal to God as love: “I know you”™ve seen the preachers with the sandwich boards and bullhorns saying “˜Repent or Die.”™ But I”™m here to tell you God is love. Look at Jesus.  He hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors.  He loved unconditionally.  There is so much brokenness in the world, but the good news of the Bible is that God came to live right in the middle of our brokenness. He”™s a messy God and his mission is love.  “˜I did not come into the world to condemn the world,”™ that”™s what Jesus said (John 3:17).  He loved everyone, no matter who you were or what you had done. That”™s what got him killed.” Be sure to read the whole...
Emi’s Day in Court

Emi’s Day in Court

by | Nov 20, 2009 | Adoption, Featured Articles, Marriage and Family, Personal

Today was a great day, celebrating God’s providential goodness in brining Emilia Ann Capranica into our home.  It’s official, she’s a Capranica. When Emi came to us, it was just after losing Lizzy.  We took her in, being told that it was highly likely she would only be with us a short time.  She’s now family.  What a joy. Once again, we packed out Commissioner Bradley Snell’s courtroom in Temecula and heard him tell us that under the law she is viewed as our natural born daughter with all the rights, duties, and responsibilities as parent and child. Here’s the video (the volume is bad, you’ll need to turn it up): Many family and friends could not come today – we missed you more than you can know.  We’re so thrilled with those who could.  Perhaps the video will give you a taste of our joyful day.  Thanks to all who made it to the court, to all who have prayed and encouraged, and to all who stopped by to celebrate afterward. Here’s all of us singing “Happy B-day” to Emi (her birthday is next week – 2 years).  Brie was just as excited as...