As usual, the Internet Monk has a timely post about the culture wars at Christmas time. It's time we all "lighten up."
He rules the world with grace and truth,
And makes the Nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love…
My Pastor always tells us to pay close attention to old hymns because you can find some great theology in them. Such is the case with “Joy to the World.” This particular verse of this hymn is the reason I don’t participate in the ‘Christmas Wars’ and why you will never hear me decrying the commercialization of the Christmas holiday. Christmas as we celebrate it is the ultimate example of what this verse teaches.
Think about it for a minute. Christ’s dominion is such that pagan holidays have been gutted of their original meaning and filled with the things of Christ. So much so that the original pagan meanings have all but disappeared from our culture, and would be entirely forgotten, except for a handful of atheists who desperately try to use their origins in a pathetic attempt to delegitimize the holiday. (Note that there is evidence, and good evidence, that the traditional date for Christmas is not pagan in origin, but that is an entirely other subject.)
You may be saying to yourself, “Well, our culture has forgotten the Christian meanings, too.” I say not entirely. Even then, Christ makes the Nations prove the glories of His righteousness and the wonders of His love.
The cathedrals of commerce, our shopping malls and grocery stores, play Christmas music for almost a month before Christmas. Shoppers are literally drenched with the praises of Christ while they engage in what amounts to preparation for extravagantly sacrificial giving to friends and family. Believers and unbelievers alike, once a year, spend what many people consider far too much, just to give it away. This in turn creates a huge wave of cash that washes around the globe creating jobs that allow people in other countries to buy food and clothing. I heard recently that most retail outlets don’t turn a profit until Black Friday, the first day of the Christmas shopping season. God teaches us about giving and provides daily bread for millions. All this because the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Workaholics and greedy businesses on this one day are forced to take a Sabbath rest. (I believe that this is a foretaste of that ‘every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess’ thing mentioned in Scripture.) For some large businesses, this is the only day that they are closed all year.
Families and friends are given a day to be together and enjoy each other.
The Scripture says “And from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” By the power of the Word all this is accomplished at Christmas.
I’m not bothered when people or businesses talk about “Happy Holidays.” We all know which holiday they are referring to. Christmas is the 800 pound gorilla on the holiday block. A Jewish friend told me that Hannukah was on par with St. Patrick’s Day. Kwanzaa is in its holiday infancy and it will take a few hundred years (if the Lord should tarry) to see if it has any legs.
I can hear the protests—“These people aren’t Christians, are materialistic, are doing it for selfish reasons, don’t understand the true meaning”, etc, etc. These things are true. Let me paraphrase the patriarch Joseph. He told his brothers that they had meant it for evil (when they sold him into bondage) but God had meant it for good. Concerning Christmas, we mean these things for whatever reason we mean them, but God means them for good. For us and for our neighbors.
Every year I marvel that the whole world can’t help but participate in the celebration of the Incarnation. I am also humbled by the mighty power of the Word that brings this to pass.
Truly it is “Joy to the World.”
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Top Ten Marks of a Mainstream Evangelical
10. T-shirts with Christian catch-phrases are a part of your evangelism strategy.
9. Your car is equipped with the ever-popular license plate frame that reads, "In case of rapture, the car is yours!"
8. You're convinced Jesus was a Republican.
7. Tim LaHaye's "Left Behind" book series is gospel truth.
6. Your favorite authors are Kay Arthur and John McArthur.
5. Anyone who disagrees with you has taken the wide path.
4. You're convinced Sarah Palin has a bright future as a political candidate.
3. Your notion of God's purpose for your life happens to correspond nicely with upper middle-class suburban life.
2. You can't fit anymore music on your ipod because it's full of songs by John Tesh and Michael W. Smith.
1. You feel this post is alienating and abrasive, and your first inclination is to not read this blog again.
9. Your car is equipped with the ever-popular license plate frame that reads, "In case of rapture, the car is yours!"
8. You're convinced Jesus was a Republican.
7. Tim LaHaye's "Left Behind" book series is gospel truth.
6. Your favorite authors are Kay Arthur and John McArthur.
5. Anyone who disagrees with you has taken the wide path.
4. You're convinced Sarah Palin has a bright future as a political candidate.
3. Your notion of God's purpose for your life happens to correspond nicely with upper middle-class suburban life.
2. You can't fit anymore music on your ipod because it's full of songs by John Tesh and Michael W. Smith.
1. You feel this post is alienating and abrasive, and your first inclination is to not read this blog again.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Beginner's Guide to Christianity
It is important to give direction to new Christians so they can navigate the new language and culture of church life. The following are 30 things the new believer needs to know right now. What would you add to the list?
1. “Heads bowed, eyes closed . . .”: During a church service, you may hear a pastor abruptly break into this unexpected dialogue with the audience: “Heads bowed, eyes closed. If you have accepted Christ into your heart [more later], I want you to raise your hand.” Don’t get scared. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. It is not a fancy way to steal your money or pull anything sneaky. It is the preacher’s way of helping the uncomfortable seeker feel more at ease about accepting Christ. It is best if you just follow instructions here.
2. “Into the Word”: This is a portion of an important phrase that may be communicated by seasoned Christians in many different contexts. It always has reference to the Bible. Yes, I know, the Bible is more than one word, in fact it is thousands, but once you are a Christian, it becomes singular and has a definite article, “the,” attached to it. If you hear someone say, “Are you in the Word?,” this is another way of saying, “You need to read the Bible if you are going to be spiritual like me.” IMPORTANT: This has no relation to the phrases, “Word to your mother,” “Word up,” or just plain “Word.”
3. Backslidden: This has no reference to the past event of sliding down a hill on your back. It is used to refer to those Christians who are now suspect in their original confession due to their current participation in a particular sin.
4. “Ask Jesus into your heart”: Although there is nowhere in Scripture that people are commanded to ask Jesus into their heart, this has become the primary means by which Evangelicals believe a person becomes a Christian. Don’t be scared here. Heart surgery, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular exercise (or lack thereof) have no bearing on Christ’s presence in your heart. He does not actually live there.
5. “I see that hand . . .”: This is related to #1. The pastor has just asked for raised hands while everyone’s heads are bowed and eyes closed. “I see that hand” means someone is indicating that they have accepted Jesus by raising their hand. VERY IMPORTANT: Avoid any temptation to look for the hand when the pastor says “I see that hand.” Although science is inconclusive, we are not sure if you looking for the hand raised has any bearing on the effectiveness of the salvation process. It is best to be safe and avoid giving in to this temptation. To be very spiritual, just thank the Lord for that person and pray that they become a Calvinist.
6. Baptism: The spiritual act of going under water. Yeah, I know, most people don’t understand it, but you must do it anyway. Oh, also, someone else has to push, drop, or lower you; otherwise, it is ineffective.
7. “Blessed”: This word must take the place of many words, but the most important replacement is with the word “luck.” Super-spiritual Christians (SSC) will often be offended and pugnaciously correct you if you ever say, “Good luck.” Even if you are just using it as a casual phrase with the best of intentions, the SSC will see it as an opportunity to correct you and show you how Christian they are compared to you by saying “I don’t believe in luck, only God’s blessings.” When you have someone correct you, just act as if you have learned something and then be on your way.
8. The Water that Jesus Turned into Wine was Diluted to a Watery Grape juice: Although there is no biblical, historic, or cultural evidence to suggest it, you must believe that Christ did not turn the water into wine, but into watery grape juice. This is a cardinal doctrine.
9. Public Prayer: You will often find yourself in a situation where others are praying and you don’t know what to do. As a general rule, you should remain quiet and attempt to pray with them. If your mind drifts just try to make a quiet, yet slightly audible, sounds like “um” (not “ummmm”), “yes Lord,” and “amen.” They may be completely out of context, but you will still be better off. This is very well accepted.
10. God D*%n: The only phrase that you can use that will immediately let others know that you are not a Christian and the only exception to the once-saved-always-saved doctrine (despite the fact that it is not really taking God’s name in vain).
11. “Jesus”: This is an acceptable answer to pretty much every question in the Christian community. For example: Who is God? Jesus. Why are you alive? Jesus. Why are we here? Jesus. What website were you looking at? Jesus. What did you learn about today? Jesus. What is your favorite music? Jesus. What book are you reading? Jesus. Why don’t you want to go to _________ with me? Jesus. What planet is that? Jesus. It always works.
12. “Jesus!”: Bad word, see # 10.
13. Rush Limbaugh: This is the only person in existence who has not asked Jesus into their heart but is nonetheless going to heaven.
14. Raising hands during worship: Be very careful with this. The first thing you need to know is that this is not the way to ask a question during church service, but a way to worship. Churches are not in agreement about its validity. Some churches allow the “Full throttle” (raising hands above your head either with hands spread or index finger pointed), but some places only allow the “Governor” (hands raised to chest high position). Some churches will see any extension of hands as a sign of self-promotion and you will be asked to leave. The best approach is to ask the usher while being seated.
15. Quiet time: Please note, this has no relation to “time out.” In fact, it could be just the opposite. All Christians are expected to have “quiet time.” It is at this time that you renew your relationship to God through prayer and Bible study. The longer the better. If you do this first thing in the morning, people will count you blessed.
16. The gentle hand squeeze at the end of a prayer: While this is not a phrase or word that you need to know, it is a practice that might get you caught off guard if you are not aware of implications. It will come at the end of a prayer in which hands are being held. It is a gentle squeeze as the prayer says “amen” or immediately after it. Either is acceptable. It means, in essence, ”I love you and we are in this together. So hang in there and call on me if you ever need anything.”
17. Short-term Missions: Short-term missions are a part of the Christian’s life. Please note that if you go on a short-term mission, there is a universal pattern of experience. 1) Fear: Going to another country is frightening. 2) Excitement: The Lord has personally arranged for this trip and has someone for you to meet. 3) Shock: this is the initial disturbance that Americans have to the poverty and needs of the visited area. 4) Attachment: this represents the love that you have for the people and places you have gone along with the desire to remain. 5) Mourning: this is the time when you have to leave. Expect a lot of wailing and crying. 6) Telling: this is where you fruitlessly try to explain everything that happened and every emotion you felt to everyone you meet. 7) Judging: This is where you look down upon everyone for being so materialistic and not being passionate about the needs of the poor. Adjustment: this happens two weeks after the mission trip and represents the return of self-pity because your neighbor just got a new car and yours has nearly 50,000 miles on it.
18. “Lord, we just pray that…” This phrase should be uttered at least twenty different times throughout a public prayer. It is to show the simplicity of your requests and the humble mood in which they are asked by supplying the key word “just.” Variances such as “We just ask…,” “Lord, we just…,” “Lord we just come before you” or just “just” are also acceptable. As long as it has the word “just” in it, you should be good.
19. “Lord,” “Lord God,” “God,” and “Father God” references in prayer: This is related to the previous, but an important addition to your understanding of public prayer. While praying, Christians will continually repeat God’s name so as to remind you and themselves to whom they are praying. Therefore, do not be surprised to hear “Lord,” “Lord God,” ”Father,” or its popular variation, “Father God” at the beginning of every sentence. It sometimes will even occur multiple times in the same sentence such as the following: “Lord God, we just pray that you will be with us God during our trip God.” Pretty much, the more you say a variation of God’s name, the more spiritual you are.
20. “Hedge of protection”: This is the way to pray for the protection of a loved one. Its the primary Christian defense against demonic forces. No one really knows what a “hedge of protection” is, but everyone knows that Satan does not fair well when its presence is evoked.
21. “Pot Lucks”: Although this may be confusing considering #7, this is the one time in which Christians believe in “luck.” These are Sunday night “fellowship” dinners where everyone brings their favorite dish. Various movements within contemporary Christian history have attempted to change the name of this to “Pot blessed” with no luck. Not only has the designation “luck” been challenged, but many objections have been raised to the use of the word “pot” due to the muchies that are involved.
22. Prayer walks: These serve a double purpose. 1) They help to work off the “pot luck” and 2) they keep Christians awake during prayer. They also have been known to have a geographically positioned spiritual effect upon the tracked area. Everyone knows that God cannot bless the area unless you are standing in it.
23. “Post-Sermon Prayer”: This comes at the end of a sermon or lesson. While this is normally referred to as simply a prayer, it has a life of its own, serving primarily as an extended summary of the sermon you just heard, sometimes with additional points or applications the preacher didn’t think of during preparation.
24. “Amen”: The way to give a sense of approval to the pastor concerning his teaching. It is another way of saying, “I already agree with what you are preaching, therefore it is approved. Preach on.” Preachers who do not receive “amens” during their sermon begin to question their calling, so use them liberally.
25. “Anti-Christ”: Obama
26. “Fall Festival”: Halloween
27. "VBS": free summertime babysitting for people who already go to church somewhere.
28. “Carnal”: anything loud or edgy or unseemly or likely to be seen or heard on a cable network other than Fox News after 8:00pm.
29. Prayer request: somebody may ask “if someone has a prayer request”. Just say something menial or superficial. Avoid sharing something meaningful such as one of you major struggles. It’ll make people feel uncomfortable. Just say you’re driving somewhere or something.
30. “in Jesus’ name” The flip-side of #10. Use this phrase at the end of any prayer (especially public), and you have established an iron-clad guarantee that God is obligated to fulfill the wildest, most impressive requests that proceed it. This is “abracadabra” for the Christian, the magical phrase that demonstrates spirituality and guarantees to bend the ear (and will) of God.
1. “Heads bowed, eyes closed . . .”: During a church service, you may hear a pastor abruptly break into this unexpected dialogue with the audience: “Heads bowed, eyes closed. If you have accepted Christ into your heart [more later], I want you to raise your hand.” Don’t get scared. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. It is not a fancy way to steal your money or pull anything sneaky. It is the preacher’s way of helping the uncomfortable seeker feel more at ease about accepting Christ. It is best if you just follow instructions here.
2. “Into the Word”: This is a portion of an important phrase that may be communicated by seasoned Christians in many different contexts. It always has reference to the Bible. Yes, I know, the Bible is more than one word, in fact it is thousands, but once you are a Christian, it becomes singular and has a definite article, “the,” attached to it. If you hear someone say, “Are you in the Word?,” this is another way of saying, “You need to read the Bible if you are going to be spiritual like me.” IMPORTANT: This has no relation to the phrases, “Word to your mother,” “Word up,” or just plain “Word.”
3. Backslidden: This has no reference to the past event of sliding down a hill on your back. It is used to refer to those Christians who are now suspect in their original confession due to their current participation in a particular sin.
4. “Ask Jesus into your heart”: Although there is nowhere in Scripture that people are commanded to ask Jesus into their heart, this has become the primary means by which Evangelicals believe a person becomes a Christian. Don’t be scared here. Heart surgery, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular exercise (or lack thereof) have no bearing on Christ’s presence in your heart. He does not actually live there.
5. “I see that hand . . .”: This is related to #1. The pastor has just asked for raised hands while everyone’s heads are bowed and eyes closed. “I see that hand” means someone is indicating that they have accepted Jesus by raising their hand. VERY IMPORTANT: Avoid any temptation to look for the hand when the pastor says “I see that hand.” Although science is inconclusive, we are not sure if you looking for the hand raised has any bearing on the effectiveness of the salvation process. It is best to be safe and avoid giving in to this temptation. To be very spiritual, just thank the Lord for that person and pray that they become a Calvinist.
6. Baptism: The spiritual act of going under water. Yeah, I know, most people don’t understand it, but you must do it anyway. Oh, also, someone else has to push, drop, or lower you; otherwise, it is ineffective.
7. “Blessed”: This word must take the place of many words, but the most important replacement is with the word “luck.” Super-spiritual Christians (SSC) will often be offended and pugnaciously correct you if you ever say, “Good luck.” Even if you are just using it as a casual phrase with the best of intentions, the SSC will see it as an opportunity to correct you and show you how Christian they are compared to you by saying “I don’t believe in luck, only God’s blessings.” When you have someone correct you, just act as if you have learned something and then be on your way.
8. The Water that Jesus Turned into Wine was Diluted to a Watery Grape juice: Although there is no biblical, historic, or cultural evidence to suggest it, you must believe that Christ did not turn the water into wine, but into watery grape juice. This is a cardinal doctrine.
9. Public Prayer: You will often find yourself in a situation where others are praying and you don’t know what to do. As a general rule, you should remain quiet and attempt to pray with them. If your mind drifts just try to make a quiet, yet slightly audible, sounds like “um” (not “ummmm”), “yes Lord,” and “amen.” They may be completely out of context, but you will still be better off. This is very well accepted.
10. God D*%n: The only phrase that you can use that will immediately let others know that you are not a Christian and the only exception to the once-saved-always-saved doctrine (despite the fact that it is not really taking God’s name in vain).
11. “Jesus”: This is an acceptable answer to pretty much every question in the Christian community. For example: Who is God? Jesus. Why are you alive? Jesus. Why are we here? Jesus. What website were you looking at? Jesus. What did you learn about today? Jesus. What is your favorite music? Jesus. What book are you reading? Jesus. Why don’t you want to go to _________ with me? Jesus. What planet is that? Jesus. It always works.
12. “Jesus!”: Bad word, see # 10.
13. Rush Limbaugh: This is the only person in existence who has not asked Jesus into their heart but is nonetheless going to heaven.
14. Raising hands during worship: Be very careful with this. The first thing you need to know is that this is not the way to ask a question during church service, but a way to worship. Churches are not in agreement about its validity. Some churches allow the “Full throttle” (raising hands above your head either with hands spread or index finger pointed), but some places only allow the “Governor” (hands raised to chest high position). Some churches will see any extension of hands as a sign of self-promotion and you will be asked to leave. The best approach is to ask the usher while being seated.
15. Quiet time: Please note, this has no relation to “time out.” In fact, it could be just the opposite. All Christians are expected to have “quiet time.” It is at this time that you renew your relationship to God through prayer and Bible study. The longer the better. If you do this first thing in the morning, people will count you blessed.
16. The gentle hand squeeze at the end of a prayer: While this is not a phrase or word that you need to know, it is a practice that might get you caught off guard if you are not aware of implications. It will come at the end of a prayer in which hands are being held. It is a gentle squeeze as the prayer says “amen” or immediately after it. Either is acceptable. It means, in essence, ”I love you and we are in this together. So hang in there and call on me if you ever need anything.”
17. Short-term Missions: Short-term missions are a part of the Christian’s life. Please note that if you go on a short-term mission, there is a universal pattern of experience. 1) Fear: Going to another country is frightening. 2) Excitement: The Lord has personally arranged for this trip and has someone for you to meet. 3) Shock: this is the initial disturbance that Americans have to the poverty and needs of the visited area. 4) Attachment: this represents the love that you have for the people and places you have gone along with the desire to remain. 5) Mourning: this is the time when you have to leave. Expect a lot of wailing and crying. 6) Telling: this is where you fruitlessly try to explain everything that happened and every emotion you felt to everyone you meet. 7) Judging: This is where you look down upon everyone for being so materialistic and not being passionate about the needs of the poor. Adjustment: this happens two weeks after the mission trip and represents the return of self-pity because your neighbor just got a new car and yours has nearly 50,000 miles on it.
18. “Lord, we just pray that…” This phrase should be uttered at least twenty different times throughout a public prayer. It is to show the simplicity of your requests and the humble mood in which they are asked by supplying the key word “just.” Variances such as “We just ask…,” “Lord, we just…,” “Lord we just come before you” or just “just” are also acceptable. As long as it has the word “just” in it, you should be good.
19. “Lord,” “Lord God,” “God,” and “Father God” references in prayer: This is related to the previous, but an important addition to your understanding of public prayer. While praying, Christians will continually repeat God’s name so as to remind you and themselves to whom they are praying. Therefore, do not be surprised to hear “Lord,” “Lord God,” ”Father,” or its popular variation, “Father God” at the beginning of every sentence. It sometimes will even occur multiple times in the same sentence such as the following: “Lord God, we just pray that you will be with us God during our trip God.” Pretty much, the more you say a variation of God’s name, the more spiritual you are.
20. “Hedge of protection”: This is the way to pray for the protection of a loved one. Its the primary Christian defense against demonic forces. No one really knows what a “hedge of protection” is, but everyone knows that Satan does not fair well when its presence is evoked.
21. “Pot Lucks”: Although this may be confusing considering #7, this is the one time in which Christians believe in “luck.” These are Sunday night “fellowship” dinners where everyone brings their favorite dish. Various movements within contemporary Christian history have attempted to change the name of this to “Pot blessed” with no luck. Not only has the designation “luck” been challenged, but many objections have been raised to the use of the word “pot” due to the muchies that are involved.
22. Prayer walks: These serve a double purpose. 1) They help to work off the “pot luck” and 2) they keep Christians awake during prayer. They also have been known to have a geographically positioned spiritual effect upon the tracked area. Everyone knows that God cannot bless the area unless you are standing in it.
23. “Post-Sermon Prayer”: This comes at the end of a sermon or lesson. While this is normally referred to as simply a prayer, it has a life of its own, serving primarily as an extended summary of the sermon you just heard, sometimes with additional points or applications the preacher didn’t think of during preparation.
24. “Amen”: The way to give a sense of approval to the pastor concerning his teaching. It is another way of saying, “I already agree with what you are preaching, therefore it is approved. Preach on.” Preachers who do not receive “amens” during their sermon begin to question their calling, so use them liberally.
25. “Anti-Christ”: Obama
26. “Fall Festival”: Halloween
27. "VBS": free summertime babysitting for people who already go to church somewhere.
28. “Carnal”: anything loud or edgy or unseemly or likely to be seen or heard on a cable network other than Fox News after 8:00pm.
29. Prayer request: somebody may ask “if someone has a prayer request”. Just say something menial or superficial. Avoid sharing something meaningful such as one of you major struggles. It’ll make people feel uncomfortable. Just say you’re driving somewhere or something.
30. “in Jesus’ name” The flip-side of #10. Use this phrase at the end of any prayer (especially public), and you have established an iron-clad guarantee that God is obligated to fulfill the wildest, most impressive requests that proceed it. This is “abracadabra” for the Christian, the magical phrase that demonstrates spirituality and guarantees to bend the ear (and will) of God.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Prayerlessness is Unbelief
There are many reasons why Christians say they don't pray. They are too busy, or too distracted or are just in a rut. But, I have always thought that the crux of the problem is unbelief. We don't pray because deep down we don't believe in a God who answers prayer, and when it comes right down to it, God doesn't have anything we need. Kevin DeYoung nails the problem in his latest blog entry
There are many reasons for our prayerlessness . . . but, most fundamentally, we ask not because we think we need not or we think that can God give not. Deep down we feel secure when we have money in the bank, a healthy report from the doctor,and powerful people on our side. We do not trust in God alone. Prayerlessness is an expression of our meager confidence in God's ability to provide and our strong confidence in ourability to take care of ourselves without God's help.
If prayer isn't a part of your daily life, continue to read the rest of Kevin's article and examine the reasons for your prayerlessness.
There are many reasons for our prayerlessness . . . but, most fundamentally, we ask not because we think we need not or we think that can God give not. Deep down we feel secure when we have money in the bank, a healthy report from the doctor,and powerful people on our side. We do not trust in God alone. Prayerlessness is an expression of our meager confidence in God's ability to provide and our strong confidence in ourability to take care of ourselves without God's help.
If prayer isn't a part of your daily life, continue to read the rest of Kevin's article and examine the reasons for your prayerlessness.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Would Jesus Turn His Lights Off On Halloween?
Do you turn off your lights and withdraw into you house once a year to protest Halloween? Are you afraid that participating in this pagan holiday will compromise your faith? If so, the Michael Patton at Parchment and Pen posted an article just for you. Patton compares the attitude of some Christians toward Halloween unfavorably with how he thinks Jesus would approach the holiday.
"Really, what would Jesus do? Can you see it? Jesus with his lights turned off on Halloween? That would be the Jesus history never knew. That would be the Jesus of western fundamentalism. The one who is not a friend of sinners and tax gatherers. The Jesus that was never accused of being a drunkard. The Jesus who looked from a distance at the wedding of Cana waiting for the sinners to wipe the dust off their feet before he talked to them. The Jesus who saw a child dressed up as a Ghost and said, “I can’t take this anymore. It is not worth it. Give me that stone so that I can turn it into bread.”
To continue reading, just click here and enjoy!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A New Book on Genesis One
For hundreds of years, the first chapter of Genesis has been a source of praise and controversy. It has not only been a battleground in the modern debate between creationism and evolution, but has also been the source of various interpretations among Christian scholars since the time of St. Augustine. Just when you thought there was nothing new to be said, The Lost World of Genesis One comes along.
Written by John Walton, a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, The Lost World of Genesis One is an original and brilliant addition to the conversation. Unlike the major views (Young Earth, Old Earth and the Gap Theory), which assume the ancients viewed the world around them much the same as we do, Walton proposes that the most careful, responsible reading of the text will proceed with the understanding that it is ancient literature, not modern science. "When we read the text in the context of the ancient world we discover that what the author truly intended to communicate, and what his audience would have clearly understood, is far different from what has been traditionally understood about the passage."
Walton has authored a thought provoking book that will help you understand the opening chapter of Genesis in its "plain sense," the way the original audience would have. It is a stimulating read that will challenge your thinking. Pick up a copy and let me know what you think.
Written by John Walton, a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, The Lost World of Genesis One is an original and brilliant addition to the conversation. Unlike the major views (Young Earth, Old Earth and the Gap Theory), which assume the ancients viewed the world around them much the same as we do, Walton proposes that the most careful, responsible reading of the text will proceed with the understanding that it is ancient literature, not modern science. "When we read the text in the context of the ancient world we discover that what the author truly intended to communicate, and what his audience would have clearly understood, is far different from what has been traditionally understood about the passage."
Walton has authored a thought provoking book that will help you understand the opening chapter of Genesis in its "plain sense," the way the original audience would have. It is a stimulating read that will challenge your thinking. Pick up a copy and let me know what you think.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A Little Christian Humor
Top Ten Reason the Dispensationalist Did Not Cross the Road
10. Thought he would be raptured before he got there anyway.
9. Thought that the other side was for ‘Israel’, and this side was for the ‘church’.
8. John McArthur was still on this side of the road, why cross?
7. Thought it was pointless since Jesus was just going to bring him back after 7 years.
6. Like the OT prophets and the church age, he was unable to see the other side.
5. He was afraid that if he went, there would be nothing to restrain the man of lawlessness.
4. He was not a part of the dispensation of ‘crossing’.
3. Dallas Theological Seminary hadn’t yet published anything telling him how to do it.
2. Thought there was a two thousand foot gap between the 69th and 70th step.
1. By taking a consistently literal approach, he thought that ‘cross the road’ meant something about the crucifixion.
10. Thought he would be raptured before he got there anyway.
9. Thought that the other side was for ‘Israel’, and this side was for the ‘church’.
8. John McArthur was still on this side of the road, why cross?
7. Thought it was pointless since Jesus was just going to bring him back after 7 years.
6. Like the OT prophets and the church age, he was unable to see the other side.
5. He was afraid that if he went, there would be nothing to restrain the man of lawlessness.
4. He was not a part of the dispensation of ‘crossing’.
3. Dallas Theological Seminary hadn’t yet published anything telling him how to do it.
2. Thought there was a two thousand foot gap between the 69th and 70th step.
1. By taking a consistently literal approach, he thought that ‘cross the road’ meant something about the crucifixion.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Is Our Gospel Too Small?
Scot McKnight, a New Testament Scholar, professor and author, anwered this question in a great article in Christianity Today. The article "The 8 Marks of a Robust Gospel," was part of the Christian Vision Project. I will quote the first few paragraphs to whet your appetite. If it grabs your interest, read the entire article and see whether you agree.
Do we have a gospel big enough for these problems? Do we have the confidence to declare that these robust problems, all of which begin with sin against God and then creep into the world like cancer, have been conquered by a robust gospel? When I read the Gospels, I see a Lion of Judah who roared with a kingdom gospel that challenged both Israel's and Rome's mighty men, gathered up the sick and dying and made them whole, and united the purity-obsessed "clean" and the shame-laden "unclean" around one table. When I read the apostle Paul, I see a man who carried a gospel that he believed could save as well as unite Gentiles and barbarians with Abraham's sacred descendants. I do not think their gospel was too small.
I sometimes worry we have settled for a little gospel, a miniaturized version that cannot address the robust problems of our world. But as close to us as the pages of a nearby Bible, we can find the Bible’s robust gospel, a gospel that is much bigger than many of us have dared to believe . . . .
Our problems are not small. The most cursory glance at the newspaper will remind us of global crises like AIDS, local catastrophes of senseless violence, family failures, ecological threats, and church skirmishes. These problems resist easy solutions. They are robust—powerful, pervasive, and systemic.
Do we have a gospel big enough for these problems? Do we have the confidence to declare that these robust problems, all of which begin with sin against God and then creep into the world like cancer, have been conquered by a robust gospel? When I read the Gospels, I see a Lion of Judah who roared with a kingdom gospel that challenged both Israel's and Rome's mighty men, gathered up the sick and dying and made them whole, and united the purity-obsessed "clean" and the shame-laden "unclean" around one table. When I read the apostle Paul, I see a man who carried a gospel that he believed could save as well as unite Gentiles and barbarians with Abraham's sacred descendants. I do not think their gospel was too small.
I sometimes worry we have settled for a little gospel, a miniaturized version that cannot address the robust problems of our world. But as close to us as the pages of a nearby Bible, we can find the Bible’s robust gospel, a gospel that is much bigger than many of us have dared to believe . . . .
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Monday, October 12, 2009
Around the Blogosphere
Crossway is launching a program called Share the Good News of Christmas. They have put together a gift bag—which includes an ESV Outreach New Testament, a Christmas tract written by Max Lucado, 30 days of free access to the ESV Online Study Bible, and a customizable invitation to a Christmas service. It looks like a great way for church members to give these gift bags to friends, neighbors, and co-workers to personally invite them to a Christmas service. The goal is to reach one million homes with the gospel.
Jared Wilson on Rob Bell’s “Evangel-less” definition of evangelicalism.
Michael Spencer on why he is not a young earth creationist.
Scot McKnight continues his series on the book of Acts and Mission.
Michael Patton at Parchment and Pen discusses the top 15 books on apologetics.
"All sins are equal in God's sight" . . . and other stupid statements.
Jared Wilson on Rob Bell’s “Evangel-less” definition of evangelicalism.
Michael Spencer on why he is not a young earth creationist.
Scot McKnight continues his series on the book of Acts and Mission.
Michael Patton at Parchment and Pen discusses the top 15 books on apologetics.
"All sins are equal in God's sight" . . . and other stupid statements.
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