From Bob DeWaay at Critical Issues Commentary:
"A key idea in the contemporary evangelical movement is that revival can be engineered. The Purpose Driven Web site says, “Peter Drucker called him [Warren] ‘the inventor of perpetual revival’ and Forbes magazine has written, ‘If Warren’s church was a business it would be compared with Dell, Google or Starbucks.’”1 The Purpose Driven movement can cite this business management guru approvingly only because they have a faulty theology of human ability. For example, Rick Warren says, “It is my deep conviction that anybody can be won to Christ if you discover the key to his or her heart. . . . It may take some time to identify it. But the most likely place to start is with the person’s felt needs.”2 If this were true one could use modern marketing principles to sell people on their need for Christian religion and convince them to convert in order to find satisfaction of their felt needs. But it is not true..."
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Are You a Chocolate Soldier?
"A chocolate Christian dissolves in water and melts at the smell of fire. Living their lives in a glass dish or in a cardboard box, each clad in his soft clothing, a little frilled white paper to preserve his dear little constitution ... God never was a chocolate manufacturer and never will be. God's men are always heroes. In Scripture you can trace their giant foot-tracks down the sands of time." - C. T. Studd
Clarifying the Docrines of Grace
Today, I think, marked another turning point in my Christian walk. It has, I believe, been coming for some time but today was the day of reckoning.
My wife and I have been meeting on our own on Sunday mornings. We've been doing this since September of last year. During that time, we've been going through 1 John each Sunday morning. Well, most Sunday mornings except for those when we ventured out seeking a home church. So far, no results. We've run into all kinds of things that just indicate that "it wasn't for us".
No, we aren't looking for the "perfect church". We know that such an animal doesn't exist (well, in a way it does...if you say that the "perfect church" is the one that God will use to conform you, in spite of itself, to the image of Christ through its imperfections). But when you get to a point where pastors reject your "conversion story" because it doesn't include a "free will decision" (per a Wesleyan-Arminian pastor) you know it just isn't going to work. And my testimony is one of "Hey, where'd I make a 'decision'? I had no choice!". Rather like Saul to Paul in Acts 9.
Many other disappointments as well. Some theological...and theology does matter because what is taught from a pulpit enters the mind. And what you hear will ultimately effect your behavior because it will effect how you think of God, rightly or wrongly.
So we've been around the block a few times.
Last week, I expounded -- in my own way -- on 1 John 3:1a which commands us to "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God..."
The only way to understand the wonder in that verse is to understand at least the following 2 things:
1. The character of God.
2. The depravity of man.
If you understand those two things as they are presented in the Scripture, then the 'wonder of it all" becomes patently obvious. If you were to look out your window and see a flying saucer from Venus landing in your front yard, you'd be totally awed. It would be something completely beyond your understanding or grasp. And this is kind of the idea that John was getting at in 1 John 3. The kind of love God the Father showed us in transforming us from lost, vile sinners to children of God. It is a totally "alien" kind of love. Period.
So, with this in mind as well as other things going through my mind of late, you can perhaps understand the pursuit of our study of the Doctrines of Grace.
I have long been, to one degree or another, been convinced of the doctrines of Grace (which some call "Calvinism"). I have been aware, for decades, of the difference between what is referred to as Calvinism and Arminianism. And it has never been an issue of fellowship. I have had many friends of the Arminian persuasion and I've never been tempted to beat any of them over the head with chubs of frozen beef. As a matter of fact, given our country's current drift to socialism, communism, facism or whatever "ism" we are turning into and considering that real Christianity is slowly being criminalized (through proposed "hate crime" legislation), I'd much rather find myself in a jail or prison cell next to an Arminian who shows the fruit of regeneration than a "Calvinist" who claims to be born again regardless of his or her rank lack of fruitfulness.
With the study of the "doctrines of Grace", we will be reminded of the sheer and utter grace of God. Today we spent our time considering the 'prelude' which has to do with the sovereign nature of God. And, you know, He is sovereign.
We in America cannot understand the concept of a "kingdom". We view everything through the lens of a democracy. We know nothing, at least experientially, of a king. See, as someone wiser than me has already said, in a kingdom there are only two parties -- "the king...and the dom".
Well, God is the king...guess who we are? Co-kings? Nope. guess again. And quit thinking "democracy". You don't get a vote.
You may well say something like "I know where you are going and if you are right, it makes God an unjust God!" because God, in His sovereignty, chose who He would redeem, apart from any human decision. And I say to you, "You are looking at it wrongly, for what did God ever owe any man? What are the wages of sin for any man?"
See, no one ever said the same for an outgoing American president who chose to pardon some but not all. It was a sheer act of mercy and grace. But somehow, many won't allow God the same right. He is supposed to be there to serve us. That is not how it is for all things were created by him and for him (Col 1:16). And He works all things according to the counsel of His own will (Eph 1:11). He doesn't counsel with man. He doesn't need his permission. God just does, in his own Sovereignty, as He will.
It's just kind of a "wow" time to go through this.
See, we tend to...over time...kind of leak man's counsel and wisdom into how God works. We have a tendency to, from our own human pride and sinfulness, exalt our own importance. And in doing so, we elevate man and "deGod" God. As fallen creatures, we love our autonomy and in some way, rail against the real Autonomy of God. But that is an expression of our falleness and nothing else.
So, this is where my wife and I find ourselves. The next five weeks or so, I will be doing a study of what the Scriptures say about our depravity, election, the atonement, the irresistible nature of grace and the perseverance of the saints. And she'll be receiving the fruit of my study on Sunday mornings.
Your prayers appreciated as we undertake this wondrous subject.
My wife and I have been meeting on our own on Sunday mornings. We've been doing this since September of last year. During that time, we've been going through 1 John each Sunday morning. Well, most Sunday mornings except for those when we ventured out seeking a home church. So far, no results. We've run into all kinds of things that just indicate that "it wasn't for us".
No, we aren't looking for the "perfect church". We know that such an animal doesn't exist (well, in a way it does...if you say that the "perfect church" is the one that God will use to conform you, in spite of itself, to the image of Christ through its imperfections). But when you get to a point where pastors reject your "conversion story" because it doesn't include a "free will decision" (per a Wesleyan-Arminian pastor) you know it just isn't going to work. And my testimony is one of "Hey, where'd I make a 'decision'? I had no choice!". Rather like Saul to Paul in Acts 9.
Many other disappointments as well. Some theological...and theology does matter because what is taught from a pulpit enters the mind. And what you hear will ultimately effect your behavior because it will effect how you think of God, rightly or wrongly.
So we've been around the block a few times.
Last week, I expounded -- in my own way -- on 1 John 3:1a which commands us to "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God..."
The only way to understand the wonder in that verse is to understand at least the following 2 things:
1. The character of God.
2. The depravity of man.
If you understand those two things as they are presented in the Scripture, then the 'wonder of it all" becomes patently obvious. If you were to look out your window and see a flying saucer from Venus landing in your front yard, you'd be totally awed. It would be something completely beyond your understanding or grasp. And this is kind of the idea that John was getting at in 1 John 3. The kind of love God the Father showed us in transforming us from lost, vile sinners to children of God. It is a totally "alien" kind of love. Period.
So, with this in mind as well as other things going through my mind of late, you can perhaps understand the pursuit of our study of the Doctrines of Grace.
I have long been, to one degree or another, been convinced of the doctrines of Grace (which some call "Calvinism"). I have been aware, for decades, of the difference between what is referred to as Calvinism and Arminianism. And it has never been an issue of fellowship. I have had many friends of the Arminian persuasion and I've never been tempted to beat any of them over the head with chubs of frozen beef. As a matter of fact, given our country's current drift to socialism, communism, facism or whatever "ism" we are turning into and considering that real Christianity is slowly being criminalized (through proposed "hate crime" legislation), I'd much rather find myself in a jail or prison cell next to an Arminian who shows the fruit of regeneration than a "Calvinist" who claims to be born again regardless of his or her rank lack of fruitfulness.
With the study of the "doctrines of Grace", we will be reminded of the sheer and utter grace of God. Today we spent our time considering the 'prelude' which has to do with the sovereign nature of God. And, you know, He is sovereign.
We in America cannot understand the concept of a "kingdom". We view everything through the lens of a democracy. We know nothing, at least experientially, of a king. See, as someone wiser than me has already said, in a kingdom there are only two parties -- "the king...and the dom".
Well, God is the king...guess who we are? Co-kings? Nope. guess again. And quit thinking "democracy". You don't get a vote.
You may well say something like "I know where you are going and if you are right, it makes God an unjust God!" because God, in His sovereignty, chose who He would redeem, apart from any human decision. And I say to you, "You are looking at it wrongly, for what did God ever owe any man? What are the wages of sin for any man?"
See, no one ever said the same for an outgoing American president who chose to pardon some but not all. It was a sheer act of mercy and grace. But somehow, many won't allow God the same right. He is supposed to be there to serve us. That is not how it is for all things were created by him and for him (Col 1:16). And He works all things according to the counsel of His own will (Eph 1:11). He doesn't counsel with man. He doesn't need his permission. God just does, in his own Sovereignty, as He will.
It's just kind of a "wow" time to go through this.
See, we tend to...over time...kind of leak man's counsel and wisdom into how God works. We have a tendency to, from our own human pride and sinfulness, exalt our own importance. And in doing so, we elevate man and "deGod" God. As fallen creatures, we love our autonomy and in some way, rail against the real Autonomy of God. But that is an expression of our falleness and nothing else.
So, this is where my wife and I find ourselves. The next five weeks or so, I will be doing a study of what the Scriptures say about our depravity, election, the atonement, the irresistible nature of grace and the perseverance of the saints. And she'll be receiving the fruit of my study on Sunday mornings.
Your prayers appreciated as we undertake this wondrous subject.
Whither Evangelicalism? : TeamPyro
"Evangelicalism regularly comes under attack from all sides, and let's face it: a lot of the criticism leveled against evangelicals is well deserved. Although I hold firmly to historic evangelical doctrine, I thoroughly despise what the contemporary evangelical movement has become.
That's an important distinction. Evangelical doctrine and the evangelical movement are not the same thing. Nowadays they often look like polar opposites. The movement we usually label "evangelical" abandoned its own doctrinal foundation long ago. The average evangelical today couldn't even tell you what the original doctrinal distinctives of classic evangelicalism were..."
That's an important distinction. Evangelical doctrine and the evangelical movement are not the same thing. Nowadays they often look like polar opposites. The movement we usually label "evangelical" abandoned its own doctrinal foundation long ago. The average evangelical today couldn't even tell you what the original doctrinal distinctives of classic evangelicalism were..."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
In Your Trials, Never Forget...
Glinda (to Dorothy): "Keep tight inside them. Their magic must be very powerful or she wouldn't want them so badly."You know, I don't use many things like this to make a point. Generally I like to just go straight to our only authority, which is the Word of God.
But sometimes, I just can't help myself. This, of course, is one of them.
I won't go into the details of what is going on right now. Suffice it to say that this is a time of testing for me. Seems it will never end. You know what I mean...you struggle and struggle to bear in mind that God is still in control. You can't seem to catch a glimpse of God anywhere. It's called bearing up in the valley after you've learned He is there in the mountaintop.
And, remember, no matter how deep the valley, He is still there after you've left the mountaintop. No doubt.
I have no idea what you may be going through. We all struggle with various things or situations. We have our seasons of testing. Just remember, that is what it is -- a season of testing. Let's recall some of the words of Peter in 1 Peter 1:
"3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
8and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."
See that? We who are in trials still rejoice. Why? Because we know we are being "protected by the power of God through faith" and that what seems to be so oppressing is really nothing more than something God has allowed in our lives to purify us and show us as genuinely born again.That's it!
But we do need to remember that there is one, namely Satan, who (5:8 of 1 Peter) "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
If you are born of God, your faith is precious. Exceedingly so. And if you are really converted, the enemy cannot "de-faith" you because our Lord protects us from being "touched" (Gr: To cling to in order to separate) by the enemy. (1 John 5:18)
Furthermore, Paul reminds us that after we have suffered for a while, we may be able to comfort those who need comfort! (2 Cor. 1)
Simply put, we need each other!
Anyway if you, like me, find yourself going through some things that just seem just too crazy or heavy to bear just remember that it is a test. And if you are genuinely born of God, you can bear it. He promised through His Word!
"13No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (1 Cor. 10:13)
Blessings to you. Endure!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Rick Warren: Cone of Shame Award...
From "The Lawman Chronicles", I pass the following on to you....:"Warren spoke yesterday to the annual Islamic Society of North America convention, in Washington, DC. Sadly, as expected, Warren failed to share the gospel. That, in and of itself, merits Warren's dubious distinction as a "Cone of Shame" recipient.
Reading several media reports regarding Warren's address, it appears that Warren continues to slide down the sinful and unbiblical slope of ecumenism and pluralism, as Warren unashamedly promotes his social gospel agenda.
Warren is quoted as saying, "I am commanded to love and I am commanded to respect everybody."
What Warren fails to realize is that the most loving thing he could have done for the thousands of lost people gathered to hear him speak was to speak the truth in love--to call Muslims to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rick Warren, you don't love people as much as you claim to. If you truly loved Muslims you would lay down your secular popularity for the furtherance of the gospel. You would put their eternal destiny before your social agenda.
Sadly, Rick Warren belongs in the "Cone of Shame" because he continues to prove that false conversion begins in the pulpit, not in the pew."
Amen, Tony!
By the way, a "cone of shame enhancer" can be found here...Seems that "christian" "pastor" Warren doesn't have a problem afilliating with those who act forcefully against those investigating Islamic radicalism...Way to go Rick! At least now, some of your previously blinded followers might just wake up!
A quote from the above source: "Dave Gaubatz, a former Air Force special agent who has traveled the country investigating radical Islamist mosque and attempts at imposing Shariah law in the U.S., was forcibly removed from the conference after paying the $100 attendance fee. "
Hey, Rick? How do you defend this...as a so-called "christian" and as a so-called "pastor"?
The source for Tony's article is here. Thank you, Tony!
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