Gunny over at the Semper Reformanda blog has info on the emerging church’s new TULIP….{hee, hee.}
Month: January 2007
White Mocha + White iPod= Total Post-modern Yuppy Convenience
In the not-so-distant future, you will be able to walk into a Starbucks and order your White Mocha and load your white iPod with music while you wait. Read the story here.
I can hear the old timers now…”When I was young, we had to walk uphill both ways to the coffee shop to get a 5 cent cup of coffee with unlimited refills and they let us play the jukebox for free!” Sorry oldman, we just opened up a can of post-modernism on you…and quit draining my social security!!
Preach The Word Blog
A new blog is up and running for Dallas Seminary grads: Preach The Word. Check it out, they linked me!!!!!!!
Darrel Bock, Bart Ehrman, and Judas
Darrel Bock reports that any day now iTunes will have a discussion available between himself and Bart Ehrman about the Gospel of Judas. It should show up on a show called, “The Things That Matter Most.” You don’t want to miss this…
The Former Christ Church Episcopal of Plano Finds A New Denomination
Christ Church is the large Plano congregation that left the Episcopal Church last year.
It’s joined a currently small American Anglican group. Here’s a bit of the news release:
Leadership of the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiAs) welcomes the decision of Christ Church Plano to affiliate with their missionary outreach. The vestry, or lay board, of Christ Church, voted January 22, 2007 to join the Anglican Mission after months of study and discernment. The Rev. Canon David H. Roseberry, rector of Christ Church, announced this decision via email to the Christ Church congregation on Friday, January 26 as well as during worship services on January 27 and 28.
“We celebrate Christ Church’s affiliation with Anglican Mission, and I believe our partnership will result in strong kingdom ministry,” said the Rt. Rev. Charles H. Murphy, III, Chairman of the Anglican Mission in the Americas. “Under David Roseberry’s visionary leadership, Christ Church has established and maintained a strong commitment to missionary outreach at home and abroad. Christ Church brings demonstrated talent and a strong team to Anglican Mission,” Bishop Murphy added.
Christ Church disassociated from the Episcopal Church in September 2006 and has been under the temporary oversight of the Rt. Rev. Bill Godfrey, Bishop of the Diocese of Peru, who offered enthusiastic support of Christ Church’s affiliation with the Anglican Mission. In outlining their reasons for choosing to affiliate with the Anglican Mission, Christ Church leaders cited a common sense of mission, purpose, and values. Christ Church and AMiAs share a primary commitment to reach those who do not yet know the love of Jesus Christ. The Anglican Mission’s full connection to the worldwide Anglican Communion was also a determining factor in Christ’s Church’s decision.
“This is a great opportunity for our parish and for our future,” said Canon Roseberry. “It insures that we can continue just as we have been: on mission for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is what this transition and realignment has been about.”
“Our stated mission is to make disciples and teach them to obey the commands of Christ. And now we can continue this work within the family of the Anglican Communion and in the company of a growing group of committed leaders in the AMiA,” he added.
Christ Church joins five other Anglican Mission congregations in Texas: All Saints, Houston; BridgePoint Church, Austin; HopePointe Church, the Woodlands; Mesa Community Church, Austin and St. Cyprian’s International Church, Amarillo. Anglican Mission leaders in Texas expressed delight at Christ Church’s affiliation.
“What a joy it brings to my heart that it would please God to have called both a dear friend and brother, David Roseberry, and a great community of faith, Christ Church Plano, to the work and ministry of the Anglican Mission in the Americas,” said the Rev. Clark W.P. Lowenfield, rector of HopePointe Church, The Woodlands.
“Having rejoiced for years in what the Lord has done and continues to do through the leadership and vision at Christ Church, it does not surprise me that God would want to use the good work he has already begun in them to encourage and plant churches in a mission movement as vibrant as the Anglican Mission. God’s calling on their hearts as a church, yoked with our calling as a Mission, can only bring blessings,” he continued.
“Christ Church Plano is passionately committed to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word,” said the Rev. Matthew S. Kessler, lead pastor of MESA Community Church, Austin. “It will be a blessing to partner with God together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, raise up leaders, and plant churches so that in Texas and beyond, everyone might come to know the One true Living God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We joyfully welcome Christ Church Plano to the Anglican Mission family.”
The Anglican Mission in the Americas, a missionary outreach of the Anglican Province of Rwanda, has added on average one church every three weeks since it was established in 2000. Its mission is centered on reaching the 130 million un-churched in the US. In the last seven years, the Anglican Mission has grown from eight to 109 affiliates with over 70 other groups in various stages of formation.
For more information on Christ Church Plano and their discernment process, visit:
http://www.christchurchplano.org/
http://www.christchurchplano.org/amia/
{HT- Dallas Morning News}
Evangelical Free Church of America Turning Amillenial?
WayOfLife.org reports:
“EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH CONSIDERS DROPPING PREMILLENIAL BELIEF – The Free Church in America (EFCA) is considering dropping its Premillennial statement of faith. The EFCA Board of Directors accepted the second draft of the revised statement on October 19, 2006, and if approved at the next Board meeting it will go to the Convention for a final vote in February 2007. The current statement says: “We believe in the personal and premillennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this ‘Blessed Hope’ has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.” The revision would remove the words “premillennial and imminent” as well as the statement that this blessed hope has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. Even if the revised statement is not approved by the denomination, the very fact that it has been proposed and twice approved by its board of directors is evidence of a growing rejection of Premillennial theology. The EFCA has 1,278 churches. It is enlightening that the proposed new EFCA statement of faith removes both the imminency of Christ’s return and the thought that Christ’s coming has a vital bearing on the believer’s life and service. We are convinced that the doctrine of the imminent return of Christ is not only Scriptural but it is also the only position on Bible prophecy that produces a vital bearing on Christian living. Thus, giving up Premillenialism has huge ramifications. It will be interesting to see if the current spread of Reformed theology among Baptists will result in the growth of amillennialism.”
Darrell Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies and Professor of Spiritual Development and Culture (CCL) at Dallas Seminary recently met with the EFCA ministers along with Elliott Johnson (Trad Dispensationalism), Douglas Moo (Historical Premillennialism), Greg Beale (Inaugurated Millennialism, also often associated with amillennialism) to discuss eschatology and the EFCA’s consideration of changing their doctrinal statement to include amillennialism (Bock represented Progressive Dispensationalism).
An interesting “future” awaits us as many are turning to a more reformed/amillenial view…
For those interested in all things “amillenial,” check out Kim Riddlebarger’s excellent blog “The Riddleblog“, a blog devoted to amillenial eschatology, as well as his book “A Case For Amillenialism.”
The Aluminum Falcon?
As a Star Wars fan, I found this video irresistable to post. What happened after the Death Star was blown up? WARNING: It contains many bleeped words and some slipped throught the cracks. Watch at your own risk. However, it is very funny! “What the blank is an Aluminum Falcon?…”
Quite Possibly the Best Random Music You’ll Never Like By Chance…Maybe?
I play music with a band called DEMORTRI.
Politely Rejected
I have enough rejection letters/emails from churches where I have applied for the pastorate to fill the Caribbean and then cause a tsunami. And they keep coming. My job search continues. But I get hope from God’s Word and this unlikely source: Hal Hickel. He submitted plot ideas at the age of 12 to Lucasfilm, and too was politely rejected. Now the grown-up Hickel is animation supervisor for the Pirates movies series at Lucasfilm’s ILM. That rejection letter hangs proudly in his office, and now he’s hoping he’ll have an Oscar for his Pirates work to place next to it. You can see an interview with him here. Go Hal!
I Need This, You Need This…
Ross, over at Charcoal Fires, has something that I need and you need.
Take Heed To Yourselves…
Richard Baxter {1615-1691} offers much needed words to pastors, from his excellent book The Reformed Pastor:
“Take heed to yourselves, lest you be void of that saving grace of God which you offer to others, and be strangers to the effectual working of that gospel which you preach; and lest, while you proclaim to the world the neccesity of a Saviour, your own hearts should neglect him…
Take heed to yourselves, lest your example contradict your doctrine…
Take heed to yourselves, lest you cry down sin, and yet do not overcome it; lest while you seek to bring it down in others, you bow to it, and become its slaves yourselves… Oh brethren! It is easier to chide at sin, than to overcome it…
O, therefore, brethren, lose no time! Study, and pray, and confer, and practice; for in these four ways your abilities must be increased. Take heed to yourselves, lest you are weak through your own negligence, and lest you mar the work of God by your weakness…
Take heed to yourselves, for you have a heaven to win or lose, and souls that must be happy or miserable for ever; and therefore it concerneth you to begin at home, and to take heed to yourselves as well as to others…
Take heed to yourselves, for you have a depraved nature, and sinful inclinations, as well as others…sin dwelleth in us, when we have preached ever so much against it…
Take heed yourselves, because the tempter will more ply you with his temptations than other men. If you will be the leaders against the prince of darkness, he will spare you no further than God restraineth him…
Take heed, therefore, brethren, for the enemy hath a special eye upon you. You shall have his most subtle insinuations, and incessant solicitations, and violent assaults. As wise and learned as you are, take heed to yourselves, lest he outwit you…
Take heed to yourselves, because there are many eyes upon you, and there will be many to observe your falls…
Take heed to yourselves, for your sins have more heinous aggravations than other men’s…
Take heed to yourselves, because such great works as ours require greater grace than other men’s…
Take heed to yourselves, for the honour of your Lord and Master, and of his holy truth and ways, doth lie more on you than on other men…
O take heed, brethren, of every word you speak, and of every step you tread, for you bear the ark of the Lord,-you are entrusted with his honour!”
Baxter’s words are much needed today. If you would like to see how he defends and explains each proposition, I urge you to take heed yourself, and read his book! Your life, family and church will not be the same!
John Piper Is Bad- Extended Video
This is genius…
Christian Radio?
Christianity Today has begun a 4-part series on Christian radio.
Tom Cruise: The Christ of Scientology?
Yep, that’s what they’re saying. You can read more here.
Want To Be An Archaeologist?
Now you can! Findadig.com from the Biblical Archaeology Society is offering you the chance. Here’s more:
More than two dozen archaeological digs throughout Europe and the Middle East are looking for volunteers this summer to help them excavate history. Whether you’re interested in the worlds of Kings David and Solomon, want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and the apostles, or search for the heroes of the Trojan War, we’ve got an archaeological dig for you.
For each dig, we provide an in-depth description including location, historical and Biblical significance and what you’ll be doing while on the dig. You can also learn all about the dig directors and professors who will lead your summer adventure.
Dig in and find the site that’s right for you!
You could even win a scholarship!
The Heavens Declare the Glory of God
A Pocket Guide to New Testament Theology, by I. Howard Marshall
A free online book “A Pocket Guide to New Testament Theology” by I. Howard Marshall {one of the premier NT scholars} is available at BiblicalTraining.org along with a host of other free online classes/seminars.
Sex: A 12-Step Program for Men
Pastor Jeff Miller of Trinity Bible Church has a sermon series available at Bible.org on “Sex: A 12-Step Program For Men”
Here’s a description:
In this excellent series just for men, Pastor Jeff teaches on a subject few pastors are willing to approach. Rightfully, such a subject taught in this straightforward and frank way would not be appropriate from the pulpit. However, in the safe place of a men’s ministry setting there is more freedom to teach about a topic so central to their lives. We see in the Bible that sex is a beautiful and God-given gift when pursued biblically and in context within the marriage relationship.
Come join with other men around the world as God speaks truth into their lives in this sensitive but timely study. Just remember…This study series is designed for men (content not appropriate for young ears). Young men (and even late teens) could greatly benefit from learning about sex as God designed it to be and to prepare them for marriage. This is a must for younger married men to remain pure in their marriage and to see what God has to say about how to have a healthy and beautiful sexual relationship with your wife. This is an excellent resource for fathers with teenage sons as a tool they can use to study together and can provide door openers for discussions and teaching opportunities. In fact, no man is too old for this study because they can always use it to help them prepare to teach and train younger men in their lives.
Be sure to also listen to pastor Miller’s recent pulpit teaching Studies in Song of Songs where there is strong connection to the subject matter in this study. God has shared with us through the book of Song of Songs how beautiful and wonderful sex is within the context of a healthy marriage relationship. You won’t want to miss this study series either.
Charcoal Fires
My good friend Ross Strader has once again commenced blogging. His site is a must read: Charcoal Fires.
A Few Good Blogs
Here are a few blogs that I’ve been reading lately {Sorry, don’t have time for any descriptions with 3 boys running around the house and someone awaiting some injury, blood loss, diaper change, etc}:
How To Save A Dying Marriage
You can read one of the best articles on loving your spouse here. It’s by Robertson McQuilkin and is also available in longer form as a book
{A Promise Kept}. This is a must read if you’re struggling to love your spouse in the midst of a dark period of marriage {there are dark periods aren’t there? Are we the only ones?}. This is gold. Go read and glorify God by recommitting to love your spouse through poverty, riches, sickness, health, darkness, etc.
So, if you’re struggling in your marriage, I would suggest you do these things, accompanied with prayer:
1} Go back with your spouse and look through your wedding album together. There was a time when the love “felt” real.
2} Read the book of Leviticus together. I know you think I’m crazy, but try it. Seriously. You’ll both walk away feeling that God is holy and you’re both rotten, depraved sinners who should repent. And you’ll see a picture of His Son and the grace and mercy that He offers you and your marriage.
3} Read McQuilkin’s book or article.
4} Do whatever it takes to fight sin and keep your marriage alive!
Abortion
There’s been a lot of talk about abortion lately, especially in the blogs. Here are some links:
We Dare To Compare
My friend Gunny has a great post over at his blog, Semper Reformanda, about how we are prone to compare ourselves with others {or secretly do}. I think its worth reading, especially if you’re a pastor.
Brothers—Feel, Think, Preach God
Desiring God has a new DVD for pastors:
Here’s a description:
Man-centeredness pervades our world. Even in the church, a gospel is often preached that makes man the focus and puts God at the edge. People become God and he becomes their lackey. Into this context, the Bible levels a radical challenge to feel, think, and preach with absolute God-centeredness.
In these three messages from the 2006 Phoenix Seminary Pastors Conference, John Piper preaches to preachers, urging them to lead in a way that keeps God where he belongs – the center. Also featured is an hour of Q & A with John Piper and Wayne Grudem
Ligonier Ministries
Ligonier Ministries has some great books for sale at a reduced cost. Many good titles here.
5 Streams of the Emerging Church
Scot McKnight has an article in Christianity Today about the Five Streams of the Emerging Church.
Tips For Reading Scripture
The To Tell You The Truth Blog has offers some tips for reading Scripture.
Presidential Run 2008
We totally saw this coming…
Not By the Hair of My Benny Hinn Hinn {Then I’ll Huff & I’ll Puff & I’ll Blow You All Down}
My friend Josh has a few funny videos posted on his blog, North Shore Narrative.
Coupons
An aquaintance of mine at Starbucks has a site up for printable restaurant coupons. You can find them here.
AMAZING GREY CITY 