Jul 14, 2005 | Politics
In this week’s “The Weekly Standard,” Stephen F. Hayes & Thomas Joscelyn present a very interesting and compelling case from recently revealed information from the fallen Iraqi regime of a direct tie between Sadaam Hussein and the al-Qaeda... read more
Jul 14, 2005 | Miscellaneous
Justin Taylor’s blog just brought to my attention the video promos for the upcoming conference, Together for the Gospel. These are great snipits not merely promoting the conference but demonstrating fellowship between four men who have genuine theological and ecclesiological differences, but who are completely committed to the same singular gospel of Christ and the major tenets of true evangelical orthodoxy. Oh, that we might all develop such friendships built around such... read more
Jul 14, 2005 | Culture
Dr. Al Mohler blogs about his own greeting card mishap and launches into a cultural evaluation of where greeting cards are headed these days. I had no idea. Which means that I rarely walk into a Hallmark store. I prefer the cards at The Crackerbarrel to... read more
Jul 13, 2005 | Culture, Science
The authority of objective scientific studies is often touted and used as an oft played trump card over many moral and biblical convictions. Even some sincere Christians will dump the Bible because the studies show. . . . Linked above is a rarely published discussion of the obvious. Scientific claims of conclusive information more often than not turn out to be not so conclusive after all. This report serves as another drop in the bucket of my chagrin regarding the indefinite results of very definitive claims from the scientific community. The article notes: “New research highlights a frustrating fact about science: What was good for you yesterday frequently will turn out to be not so great tomorrow.” “The sobering conclusion came in a review of major studies published in three influential medical journals between 1990 and 2003, including 45 highly publicized studies that initially claimed a drug or other treatment worked.” “Subsequent research contradicted results of seven studies – 16 percent – and reported weaker results for seven others, an additional 16 percent. That means nearly one-third of the original results did not hold up, according to the report in Wednesday’s Journal of the American Medical Association.” Amazingly, one researcher concluded, “The general public should not panic” about refuted studies, he said. “We all need to start thinking more critically.” Really? More critical thinking by rational people might actually lead to a more moral, perhaps biblical mindset. I’m not sure our Adamic nature will allow that to... read more
Jul 12, 2005 | Charismatics, Humor
If you have not seen Mrs. Benny Hinn’s excessive pulpit actitivy, this video clip is absolute must see TV! I think she might be on “The Excessive Pill.” HT: Between Two Worlds, Justin... read more
Jul 12, 2005 | Culture, Psychology
Excessive gambling among victims of Parkinson’s disease can now be linked to one of the most popular drugs used to treat the malady. In fact, a number of excessive behaviors, like sex and shopping, can also be attributed to the drug Mirapex among Parkinson’s patients. The article linked above gives a number of “testimonies” of people caught up in virtually unrestrainable urges to excessively gamble (among other excessive behaviors). As soon as they stopped taking the drug, the urge was not as strong. As you might expect, a California attorney is filing a class action lawsuit against the drug company. This is an amazing drug. What the study did not indicate (at least the article citing it) was whether any of these people ever had any excessive impulses before the drug. A biblical evaluation would suggest that the impulse has always resided within. The behavior was no doubt already a part of their lives. Perhaps the drug so affected these people that their will to be self-controlled simply succumbed to the already residing desire to sin. Jesus said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” [Mark 7:20-23] According to the popular “course of this world,” it appears that the excessive nature of our American behavior can never be a result of indwelling sin. In other words, we must find any... read more
Jul 11, 2005 | General Theology, Personal
My wife, Kelly and I have begun reading John L. Dagg‘s Manual of Theology. Dagg, writing in the late 1800s, produced the first systematic theology by a Southern Baptist. Tom Nettles perhaps overstates his applause for Dagg, but says, “For clairty, cogency, and sincerity of expression, no theological writer of the 19th century surpasses John L. Dagg. . . . He died in June of 1884, as one of the most respected men in Baptist life and remains one of the most profound thinkers produced by his denomination.” Here is the opening quote from his Manual. The study of religious truth ought to be undertaken and prosecuted from a sense of duty, and with a view to the improvement of the heart. When learned, it ought not to be laid on the shelf, as an object of speculation; but it should be deposited deep in the heart, where its sanctifying power ought to be felt. To study theology, for the purpose of gratifying curiosity, or preparing for a profession, is an abuse and profanation of what ought to be regarded as most holy. To learn things pertaining to God, merely for the sake of amusement, or secular advantage, or to gratify the mere love of knowledge, is to treat the Most High with... read more
Jul 10, 2005 | Culture, General Theology
How should we pray about this storm? Al Mohler has some pertinent thoughts from his blog linked above. What appears a random choice of natural elements is really a sovereign system of divine intentions. Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father” (Matthew 10:29). Within the wrath of hurricane Dennis, a branch will not break apart from God’s divine intentions. I have friends and family who will feel Dennis’ impact today, the Lord’s Day. I pray that the goodness of God through the tragedies that strike will become very clear today, even now. Easy to say while on the left coast, right? Well, it was only a month ago that the earth shook us during offertory. God is in complete control and His purposes may be beyond our tracing out on this day. Yet, the tangled mess of a multitude of circumstances will one day be seen as the perfectly orchestrated tapestry of God’s grace. And in awe we will bless His holy... read more
Jul 7, 2005 | Miscellaneous
Phil Johnson, Grace to You guru, and the author behind the Pyromaniac mask has spent the past week in London, England. Having been reading his reports all week about his ministry at Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle, I was instantly curious to know of his well-being and responses to the terror attacks in London. Phil chronicles his reports from this tragic day. Pray for he and his wife Darlene as they make their way back... read more
Jul 7, 2005 | Miscellaneous
I just received this most encouraging e-mail from Christianbook.com: “Coming soon! “The Prayer of Jabez, Fifth Anniversary Edition” by Bruce Wilkinson Rediscover the simple prayer that has transformed millions of lives. In the fifth anniversary edition of this international best- seller Bruce Wilkinson will introduce you to Jabez, a simple man who sought God’s blessing and was overwhelmed by His response. Put this prayer into practice and experience the Lord’s remarkable results! Save 36% off the retail price of $10.99. Our price: $6.99!” Yahooo! If Jabez could only see how his prayer is being used – he would probably be “a simple man who sought God’s blessing and was overwhelmed with our response.” I guess people’s borders did not expand enough in the first five... read more
Jul 7, 2005 | Ecclesiology, Pastoral Ministry
Steve Camp, a contemporary Christian musician (who I have great respect for and enjoy his music) has posted a thought provoking article on his blog today entitled, “It’s the Church . . . Stupid.” His contention is that the seminaries have hijacked training for pastoral ministry and the local church is left with the theological error and poor pastors that result from such terrorism. The subject of ministry training is much on my heart. For the first eight and a half years of my serving as a pastor, I had no formal theological training. By God’s good providence, I was able to attend The Master’s Seminary (TMS) in Los Angeles. Steve speaks highly of TMS in his article and he even served on staff at Grace Community Church (connected with TMS) during my time there. I have been able to live on both sides of the spectrum and see the need for both practical ministry training in the local church and formal theological education. Currently I am pursuing further training at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary while serving full time as a pastor of a local church. Steve’s article scratches where I itch. His critique of the majority of formal education is needed. While he seems to lump almost all seminaries into the liberal category (except TMS) for their disconnect from the local church in ministry training, he still hits on a critical issue. Where is the local church in the process of training men for pastoral ministry? In my opinion, Steve offers some good points of critique. What is needed is a practical and effective cooperative effort between... read more
Jul 6, 2005 | Southern Baptist Issues, Uncategorized
Challies.com reviews an article by Jim Ellif on the discrepancy in many Southern Baptist congregations (Southern Baptists, An Unregenerate Denomination): the number of members verses the number of attenders. This has always been an issue in my mind. Why do we allow hordes of non-attending members to remain members? Honestly, we are not the only denomination that does this, we just brag about our membership rolls more vociferously. In addition to Jim Ellif’s article, I would recommend reading Mark Dever’s article, “Why We Disciplined Half Our Church.” While we jump on Southern Baptist Churches who brag of meaninglessly high membership numbers, shouldn’t we also be wary of those who boast of large crowds but amazingly small membership in comparison? Is it a healthy church that has 15,000 in attendance on a weekend, yet has only 3,000 to 5,000 on the membership roll? If the crowd on Sunday is inordinately larger than the number who have officially joined themselves to the congregation, have we adequately communicated the necessity of the local church? Have we consistently and clearly communicated the responsibilities of Christians to one another? Just a... read more
Jul 6, 2005 | Culture
Albert Mohler notes today how a bank in Manchester, England has asked a Christian organization to close its accounts with the bank because of its beliefs regarding homosexuality. I wonder if the bank also has account holders from aberrant religious groups who oppose homosexuality? Any Islamic organizations? Mormons? What about the Church of England and Roman Catholic groups? Have they also been asked to close their accounts? I bet it depends on the account balances more than it does the belief systems. Mohler notes for us another organization that intolerantly and inaccurately tries to enforce... read more
Jul 3, 2005 | Miscellaneous, Politics
Today I will receive a host of comments because we are not singing any American patriotic songs in our worship services. Why not “America the Beautiful” on the Lord’s Day? “O beautiful for pilgrim feet, whose stern, impassioned stress, A thorough-fare for freedom beat, Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law.” What does this all mean? And why would I want to sing to America on the Lord’s Day? I have often wondered about this (normally silently), trying to comprehend why it is we want to dress God in American clothing more arduously than we desire to see Americans clothed in Christ’s righteousness? I will be accused of not being loyal to America, unpatriotic, unsupportive of our troops. All because we do not sing patriotic songs on Sunday. I have to wonder (now out loud) why it is that Christians want to celebrate our nation’s birth on the one day during the week that we come apart from the world to focus our attention corporately on Christ? Isn’t the forth of July tomorrow, not today anyway? I wonder how many Christians will think patriotic thoughts, sing patriotic songs and take time out on July 4th to actually pray for this country. No, in many minds, that is what Sunday is for. I raise my protest. Those who gather on the Lord’s Day desperately need to be focused upon the Lord. We will pray for our country, our troops, the sins of our nation as well as the sins of our own hearts. But we generally do this... read more
Jul 3, 2005 | Politics
The New York Times has certainly picked up on the scent of Alberto Gonzales being the justice to replace Sandra O’Connor. The Times further notes that conservatives are pleased enough to have Gonzales enforcing the laws as Attorney General, but not evaluating and interpreting them as a justice on the Supreme Court. Specifically, Gonzales is less than trustworthy on the issue of abortion. This will be a boisterous few weeks. See Bill Kristol’s predictions regarding O’Connor and Gonzales, noted in my blog from... read more
Jul 2, 2005 | Pastoral Ministry
Challies.com posts a great review of the ministry of Philip Ryken. Ryken is the Senior Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA. I recently noticed not only his recent publications, but also a few auido clips on sermonaudio.com. Many of these clips are short applications of theology to every area of life, much like Challies notes on his blog. Listen for yourself to see if you believe that Dr. Ryken is one of the world’s foremost preachers of our... read more
Jul 2, 2005 | Southern Baptist Issues
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a moderate-liberal breakaway group from the Southern Baptist Convention, is beginning to show its face more clearly with every passing year. At this year’s convention, the Fellowship revised its constitution and bylaws, removing from their purpose statement clauses that directly referred to Jesus Christ. Interestingly, the news report from CBF’s web-site gives little detail regarding the changes. Baptist Press (the SBC new organization) provides quotations of the past and new article’s wording: Under Article II of the CBF’s previous constitution, the purpose of the Fellowship was described as that of bringing together Baptists who desire to call out God’s gifts in each person in order that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be spread throughout the world in glad obedience to the Great Commission. The revised article in the constitution describes the Fellowship’s purpose as that of serving Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission. Further, the CBF has removed language that formerly referred to the authority of the Scriptures. Again, the CBF report does not mention this. Baptist Press notes: The revised article also does not reference the authority of the Bible without the aid of creeds, as did the original. Instead, the revised article cites the CBF’s belief in soul freedom, Bible freedom, church freedom and religious freedom. Freedom to believe anything one desires. Freedom to think anything you would like regarding the Bible and regarding Jesus or the lack of Jesus’ necessity. The CBF is finally beginning to become more open about its liberal lean. The CBF will be a good fit for the modern drift toward pluralism... read more
Jul 1, 2005 | Personal
Our Mt. Sinai in San Jacinto: Ok. I’m starting to get the hang of this picture thing (I know, it’s not that hard). Anyway, this was the scene from our office as the fire season kicked off. See the post from Thursday, June 23. Here’s what it looked like close up. Ok – one... read more
