Posts Tagged ‘Truth’
It’s not funny . . .
June 1, 2010 | 
Author I had heard of this video (Click here) that is on desiringgod.org. I know that Justin Taylor has blogged about it, as well as many others. You need only to listen to about the first 8 minutes to get it.
My curiosity took the better part of me to look it up, not just because I am a ridiculously curious person, although I am, rather it was because I have experienced this all too often. Here, it is on video with John Piper. Here, it is clear that something is wrong. Here, it is a caricature – a cliche – because these are counselors – so-called, Christian, counselors. This reminds me of some of the conversations I listened to as a young pastor when the older guys would “let their hair down.” I have had to learn how desperately we all need grace, especially those of us that the Lord allows to sit so close to watch Him work – that is pastoral ministry after all, front-row seats to see Him work.
The video tagged above illustrates something I have wanted to say, but have never found/taken the opportunity to say it AS I WAS EXPERIENCING it, for fear of crushing or disproportionately rebuking those I was teaching, or sitting with while another was teaching – or listening with as others were confessing, or reading with as God’s Word was speaking. This is the great anesthesia of the Enemy – to make light of that which matters most and much of that which matters little. We need to wake up, listen – be sober and vigilant – to watch and pray, for our laughter betrays us.
The reality is:
Sin – it’s not funny.
The lost going to hell – it’s not funny.
The heresy of a wolf – it’s not funny.
A sinner getting caught and punished – it’s not funny.
The wrath of God – it’s not funny.
The sacrifice of Christ – it’s not funny.
The weakness of our flesh – it’s not funny.
The tears of a brother – it’s not funny.
In Ezekiel, God, speaking of the greatness of His name and the greatness of Israel’s sin, often asks, “Is it too slight a thing? . . . ”
Is it?
Posted in "Ruminations" | 
Tags: Deception, God, Pride, Religious Affections, Sobriety, Truth | 
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DailyTheocentrism: “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
God is not material in the way matter is to us. He needs not, holds not and is pleased not by things. He is pleased with our spiritual service only (Romans 12:1–2) and resides relationally with us much above the world we live in that worships in flesh and lies.
Wow! Bruce Waltke and theistic Evolution
Bruce Waltke, the recently resigned prof from Reformed Theological Seminary – now at Knox Theological Seminary – does some fancy soft-shoeing after being recorded and posted in his views FOR theistic Evolution. Look here for a closer primary source on this issue and here for Justin Taylor’s much-more-expanded-than-mine blog.
Posted in "Ruminations", Lesser Things | Tags: Accountability, Christianity, Creation, False Doctrines, God, Hermeneutics, Not Scottish, Old Testament, Systematic Theology, Truth | 5 Comments »
Question about Prayer and Sovereignty
I will “seed” this open guitar case [Please see AskRob at the top and/or right and hover your pointer over the the button/link to see what that category is for] with a few bucks here by uploading some question dialogs that I have had as of late with some mates from the class I teach. Here is one:
Howdy Rob,
Thanks for sending the extra notes, I’ve been slowing reading through them and it’s been great! These came at a perfect time because I’ve been wanting something new to read/study in the morning and this has been very structured & challenging which I like.
As for my questions, I hope I can word them in a way that makes sense. Also, if you’ve already answered them in class, I apologize, sometimes when I’m taking in a lot of new info, I don’t absorb everything right away. So here goes…(oh and please no rush on these, I realize you are very busy!)
(1) After learning about the attributes of God, I felt confused about the purpose of prayer, or whether it is ok to pray for things (like for someone who is sick, or for help with finances, etc). To clarify, what I mean: Is the purpose of prayer to help open our eyes to the path God has laid out for us and open our hearts to align to His will as opposed for asking for things to change? I know it is always good to praise/thank God, and I often pray that He would guide my steps & show me what is true because I want to do what is right. Or if I am angry I tell God about it and ask for help to process it correctly, or if I really want something (want not need), I might mention it in prayer and then pray that God would show me what He wants in that area and change my heart to match His.
But for example this week, [my daughter] is sick for the first time (horrible!!!) & I have been praying for peaceful sleep for her & quick healing. I don’t know how to explain my question about this type of prayer, but basically I’m wondering if this is the right way to pray about the situation and if not, what is? Is it ever ok to ask specifically for something that is wanted (like her getting well or for us to be able to afford for me to continue to stay home)? And if not, how do we pray about these kinds of things? Likewise, I am not even sure about praying for someones salvation in light of election. Which leads to my next question. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Ask Rob | Tags: Accountability, Christianity, Faith, God, Grace, Prayer, Sovereignty, Textual, Trust, Truth | 3 Comments »
Francis Chan on speaking truth
I am not very familiar with this pastor yet, but I have to say – I think I am liking him a lot. There is something about taking apart the machine that we have built that WE call Christianity and leaving it behind to walk with the LORD and actually believe the Scriptures and do THEM. If we believe this biblical . . . what are we going to do then? . . .
Posted in "Ruminations", Paradigm Shift | Tags: Accountability, Christianity, Francis Chan, God, Jesus, Paradigm Shift, Purpose, Truth | 4 Comments »