“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know … More PHILIPPIANS 22: Everything “in the Lord” (2:19-30)
Are you a Calvinist? Are you an Arminian? Are you Pre-Trib? Post-Trib? Are you Catholic? Lutheran? Evangelical? Whichever labels you may claim or shame, we are wise to consider the following warning: I have long come to the conclusion that men may be more systematic in their statements than the Bible, and may be led … More QUOTABLES: J.C. Ryle
PEACE, PROGRESS & PRAGMATISM The Humanistic Spirit of Optimism. Based upon a linear concept of time, the past, present, and future of world history is thought to be moving forward in a straight line, being bumped along by the principle of cause and effect. This historical trajectory is accompanied by a strong strand of humanistic … More Cruciform Justice 5: Peace, Progress & Pragmatism
The last time Pastor Piper offered his theological commentary on a local disaster (35W Interstate Bridge Collapse) it sparked a lengthy response from Pastor Greg Boyd. So, naturally, I have been waiting for Boyd to weigh in on Piper’s recent interpretation of the Minneapolis “Tornado Warning.” Here it is. Check out Boyd’s response HERE. Well, … More Greg Boyd Responds to Piper’s Tornado Warning
There is a lot of discussion over Pastor John Piper’s statement that God sent a tornado to Minneapolis yesterday to warn the ELCA leaders not to condone homosexuality. Read more about it HERE. This story has my head spinning and my theology challenged. I feel I need to come clean with my confusion because I … More God & Tornados: A Personal Confession
When Pastor John Piper speaks, he speaks with bold conviction. When John Piper speaks about local disasters, I listen carefully and critically. Especially when Piper’s Twitter update reads: “Tornados do have a voice. They talk to Lutherans. And the rest of us. They talk about sexual sin. Stay tuned.” Yesterday a tornado hit downtown Minneapolis … More John Piper: Tornado Talks to Lutherans about Homosexuality
BUSINESS AS USUAL IN THE ‘FIGHT’ FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE Before exploring the world-altering event of the cross and a cruciformed concept of justice, we need to spend some time in what will be much more familiar territory for most of us. I speak of the marketplace of ideas where ‘the fight for freedom,’ the … More Cruciform Justice 4: Business As Usual in the ‘Fight’ for Peace
“Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful … More PHILIPPIANS 21: Running in Vain (2:16-18)
The New Testament announces the arrival of The Light. “The Word became flesh and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son” (John 1:14). The Kingdom of God was at hand and the blessings of the future Messianic Age were being … More Cruciform Justice 3: Light Has Dawned
Shortly after posting my reflections on Tiger Woods and Jesus below I found the following related video. “He’s just that good.” Funny.
“A huge crowd…trailed after them… swarms of people who had heard the reports and had come to see for themselves. He told his disciples to get a boat ready so he wouldn’t be trampled by the crowd… Now everyone who had something wrong was pushing and shoving to get near and touch him” (Mark 3:7-10 … More Tiger vs. Jesus – Crowd Control
20 One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. 21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said. 22 But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, … More Christ Encounter #4: Jesus and Family (Mark 3:20ff)
“You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s” (Mark 8:33 NLT). Is there any statement of Jesus more timeless and relevant to our own discipleship journey than the above rebuke of Peter? This central challenge provides the serious follower of Jesus with a handy test by which to make … More Kingdom-Colored Glasses (Mark 8:33-37)
Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights amidst a crooked and perverse generation. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in … More PHILIPPIANS 20: Shine Like Stars (2:14-16)
Two significant voices offer well-needed clarity on the ongoing battle within the Episcopalian and Anglican churches over the question of homosexual clergy. Check it out: Ben Witherington III: “The Wright Stuff Hits the Fan” Tom Wright article in Times Online
If you like fun, action packed thrillers or light-hearted, heart-warming romantic comedies, then Revolutionary Road (2008) is definitely NOT for you. However, if you like well-acted, deeply moving stories that tackle the deeper issues of life such as the search for personal happiness and purpose, finding meaning and contentment in one’s current lot in life, … More MOVIE REVIEW: “Revolutionary Road”
“Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to Him, for the marriage of he Lamb is come and his wife has made herself ready” (Revelation 7:7). Perhaps you have already seen this video. If not, please check it out. I absolutely loved this wedding party’s joyful and celebratory dancing entrance to celebrate this young … More Weddings Are For Dancing
Dr. James Howell has posted some very helpful 10 minute video overviews of the OT prophets on YouTube. If you are intimidated by the prophetic books and enjoy seeing the “bigger picture” then check them out. I have posted Isaiah below or you can view them ALL HERE.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil 2:12-13). I recently went whitewater rafting down the … More PHILIPPIANS 19: Row, Row, Row Your Boat (2:12-13)
Those who read my series of posts on the debate between John Piper and N.T. Wright must read the following interview with N.T. Wright by Trevin Wax. This is one of the clearest, most concise summaries of what exactly is at stake and which issues are on the table in the debate. Let me quote at … More N.T. Wright Responding to Piper on Justification (Trevin Wax)
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God … More PHILIPPIANS 18: Christ Hymn 2 (Phil 2:5-11)
SEEKING CLARITY AND NUANCE So, where does this leave us on the tired old debate over so-called “man-centered” theology vs. “God-centered” theology? We must set the record straight on the main and plain things. And on the deeper complexities we must seek greater clarity and nuance in our rhetoric. I have attempted to expose the … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 5: Summary & Conclusion
How is God glorified by human beings? Our chief end is to glorify God with our lives. Our chief temptation, from Genesis 3 onward, is to “exchange the glory of the immortal God” for lesser glory — especially glorification of man (cf. Rom. 1:23). I agree with this whole-heartedly. But how exactly is God most … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 4: How is God Glorified?
We had been dating exactly one year. I had to come up with the perfect gift for our special date that night. I was determined to write her a love song, but had only a lyric-less tune bouncing around in my head as I drove off to work that day. I was sub teaching at … More Happy Anniversary, Love!
Kingdom Harbor 