Riffing for a minute on yesterday's thread:
There are, indeed, mysteries in life and things about the ways of God that can make us scratch our heads.
Sometimes, we get our worlds rocked and we respond in anger, frustration, hurt, bitterness…and sometimes we respond in better ways.
Rachel Barkey's website has been mentioned on various blogs over the few days. She is a wife and mother in the final stages of terminal cancer, and her speech in March discussing her trials is available for viewing and download at her site. Though I have not seen the video personally, I am posting the link to it on the recommendation of every blog post and Tweet I've seen mentioning it, including Tim ChalliesJon Bloom of Desiring God. and
Onwards:
Ryan Couch announces the name of his new church plant.
Kent Shaffer on changing abortion statistics.
Michael Dewalt interviews Dr. Robert Godfrey about his new book, John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor.
Skye Jethani on recent research alleging many evangelicals' approval of torture.
John Piper on the disagreement between John MacArthur and Mark Driscoll (HT: Timmy Brister)
Garrett Wishall asks Tim Keller a few questions.
Craig Groeschel: When edgy becomes offensive.
Darryl Dash's hopes for the young Reformed crowd.
Paul Tripp on using threats and rewards with children to motivate obedience.
Matt Chandler on shepherding truth.
Lane Dennis of Crossway remembered Francis Schaefer on the 25th anniversary of his passing.
Brandon Donaldson on discipleship.
Trevin Wax interviews World editor Marvin Olasky on the future of the magazine.
Frank Viola on T. Austin Sparks.
Brother Maynard on the amazing story behind a very simple song we've all probably heard many, many times in church.
Ben Arment asks who you think is the next Billy Graham.
Alvin Reid on the symbol of Christianity being a cross.
Kim Riddlebarger on a slideshow of empty megachurches.
Greg Laurie summarizes the Harvest crusade in South Dakota (with slideshow).
Michael Patton implores Calvinists to calm down.
Scot McKnight reviews Dallas Willard's newest book.
Steve Camp asks who your favorite Bible teachers are.
Bruce Ashford on the dangers of seminary.
Wayne Jacobsen says not to start churches. (HT: Kingdom Grace)
Nick Charalambous on why internet campuses are more than glorified podcasts.
Why Kevin DeYoung is a Calvinist.
Ken Wilson on Jesus, Paul, John Wimber and the apostles.
Larry Osborne is blogging. (HT: Jollyblogger)
Jollyblogger's latest health update.
Covenant Eyes reviews a book about men's accountability groups.
Why not
Second…giggle
I was just wondering if I could add to your links something from Breakpoint/Prison Fellowship? Last week Chuck Colson sent out a message and link to Jack Kemp’s memorial service.
It’s worth watching. Alistair Begg did the prayer and some comments…Chuck Colson did a beautiful eulogy full of truth to the ears and hearts of the hundreds/thousands in attendance…
why not what?
at the end of Lane Dennis’ article on Francis Schaefer, there is a link to one of Schaefer’s sermons entitled “The Lord’s Work in the Lord’s Way.” It is definitely worth the read.
Oh. Well, I think the guy has made some very good and accurate points. Not sure I’d go as far as to say “don’t ever” but I think he’s spot on about some of the manipulation, trying to get people to buy into one person’s vision, and that organic outgrowth is often better than set up starts.
Rachel God be with her and her family.
A world I dont, most likely wont ever live in and can not with all honesty relate. Paster Piper, spent an hour with him, wrote him a letter, cuts him some slack, etc. For us in the cheep seats this does not happen, not ever. Truly I can not relate to people being mentored, it is like another planet. Most of us are in it alone, I have seen it here, at church, on other websites etc. I wonder if Pastor MacArthur could write a three part sermon or message on that. He carries alot of weight as does Pastor Piper and Pastor Driscoll. Wont happen but I would be impressed.
Hopefully this link attaches properly, this is the kind of thing we need to fight against. Hope everyone is hangin’ in there.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Missing-Link-Scientists-In-New-York-Unveil-Fossil-Of-Lemur-Monkey-Hailed-As-Mans-Earliest-Ancestor/Article/200905315284582?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15284582_Missing_Link:_Scientists_In_New_York_Unveil_Fossil_Of_Lemur_Monkey_Hailed_As_Mans_Earliest_Ancestor
I’ve only had time to listen to Piper’s rebuttal to Mark Driscoll and John MacArthur, and I thought he did a good joy. I wish they would have asked him about the 100 campus project though…
Good response from Piper re: MacArthur vs. Driscoll.
Filbertz,
That Schaeffer message/sermon is part of a book of his sermons, titled
“No Little People.” A very worthwhile book — great messages about
the dangers of materialism (”Ash Heap Lives”) for the Christian, and lots of other great sermons. Indeed, the “No Little People” chapter is about the Christian doctrine of vocation. I think the book was reissued around 2003. I remember reading it in the 80s.
More pictures from the megachurch photo gallery can be seen here:
http://www.gallerykayafas.com/
Rachel is a precious gift from God. My heart breaks for her and her family…
RE: Macarthur/Piper/Driscoll
Am I understanding that Piper is in agreement with Macarthur but because Piper has a “fatherly relationship” with Driscoll and can go to him personally, he is upset that Macarthur has spoken publicly rather than personally to MD?
It seems that Macarthur alerted Piper with that message he gave Piper, knowing that Piper has access and relationship with Driscoll.
Apparently, since Driscoll is refusing to accept council from Piper and won’t “clean this up”. it seems he is fully aware of what he is doing and because he is getting larger, more diverse crowds, what he is doing is “working”
When He (Piper) says “I’ve got more issues than language”..what does that mean?
Who is the next Billy Graham?
No one. IMHO.
Billy was the best face and the unifying face of evangelicalism during a time when the culture was modernist and unified enough to recognize and allow such a leader…indeed, one church historian’s short version of an evangelical was, “someone who likes Billy Graham.”
I think the days of mass evangelism are pretty much over…not totally, but more or less. The kids I talk to are totally turned off to it. Time for some new paradigms, IMHO.
Plus, I contend that there is no such thing as evangelicalism, as a movement. It’s totally splintered. It’s a post-WWII construct that worked well for awhile — got a great deal of PR thanks to the Religious Right — then fell apart.
I commend a great book by Daryl Hart, “The Deconstruction of Evangelicalism.”
http://www.amazon.com/Deconstructing-Evangelicalism-Conservative-Protestantism-Graham/dp/0801031184/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242830204&sr=1-3
Mark (Mars Hills) Driscoll will be in Albuquerque On Thursday. I read it on the marquee on City on A Hill, May 23 7:00 PM I think it said. I’m going. Maybe he will say something worth repeating. Hey, maybe he will give a sex talk?!
Lute,
The next Billy Graham is Franklin Graham. That’s his son and as close as it will get. It’s that DNA thing you know.
puzzletop
What about the other 4 Graham kids? Each has been involved in some type of Christian ministry or preaching.
They have the same DNA…
Preach it, kids!!
I know whos going to try to be the next Billy Graham…
I commend Piper for what he said.
That situation reminds me a lot of me and DMW…John let me have it privately to see if I would listen…to see if I was teachable.
He never rebuked me in front of everyone.
His ways bore much fruit…
puzz,
Take a video camera to see MD, maybe Michael can post it one day instead of posting a new thread.
But make sure it’s edited for content and to run in the time alloted.
AND formatted to fit my screen.
Ryan Couch,
“The Bridge”, huh? My friends in New Zealand who evangelize lost college students (as do I) ran into an atheist from China. He was less than receptive to the Gospel, and he’d NEVER heard it before.
He had a dream about a huge chasm and scores of people falling into it, screaming. Then the cross bridged the gap and people walked over it.
He met up with my friend and gave his life to Jesus.
So I like “the bridge.”
Are you in Ft.Collins now? How long have you been there? Or when are you going?
I know a great man of God and old friend/neighbor there…
Michael
I bet I know who your guess is for the next BG.
Puz
Driscoll twittered it… I welcomed him… why not. My friend Dave Bruskas invited the man to come. So I welcome the man. It is not something I am ready for yet but so what…?
My sister was hardly going to church and she joined a satellite church back home… that alone warms me toward it.
JTK,
Great story! I hope we have many such “bridge” accounts in our ministry there.
I’ve been meaning to get ahold of you. I must have misplaced your email. I would love to connect with your friend. I also want to talk with you about your ministry on the UNM campus.
Would you mind emailing me…
rscouchATgmail.com
Ryan,
UGM
Dread,
Comment please.
By Joel C. Rosenberg
(Washington, D.C., May 20, 2009) — Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has just finished his visit to Washington. Full analysis on my weblog, including a link to the YouTube clip of me on Glenn Beck’s show with a former CIA analyst who says he wouldn’t care if Israel ceased to exist.
That said, there’s more troubling news this morning. I’m horrified by credible reports that in his June 4th speech in Cairo, President Obama will say it is time to divide Jerusalem and make the holy city the capital of a Palestinian state.
No, Mr. President, it is not.
Jerusalem is and should be the eternal, undivided capital of the Jewish people and the Jewish state. Dividing Jerusalem will not make peace. Rather, it would send a message to every Radical Islamic jihadist around the world that Israel is weak, that the Jews won’t even defend the sovereignty of their own capital, that there is “blood in the water,” and that it is time to strike Israel and wipe her off the map. Dividing Jerusalem would trigger an apocalyptic war in the Middle East the likes of which the region has never seen.
I am committed to doing everything I possibly can to educate people — and particularly U.S. and Canadian evangelical Christians — to the threats facing Israel and the West due to Radical Islam, and to the biblical responsibility we have to show unconditional love and unwavering support to Israel and the Jewish people. We’ll use radio, TV, the internet, emails and other media to get the word out. But we can’t do it alone. We want and need your help.
One idea: let’s build an alliance of one million true friends of Israel — people who love Israel, are committed to blessing her in real and practical ways, are absolutely opposed to dividing Jerusalem, and will pray faithfully for the peace of Jerusalem and the protection of all the people of the epicenter.
Currently, we have 100,000 subscribers to our Flash Traffic email updates who are committed to this cause. If each of us recruited just 10 new friends to sign up for Flash Traffic and be part of this alliance, we would be able to communicate new information, new projects, and new prayer requests to them instantly. We would be able to mobilize people for pro-Israel events. We would be able to mobilize people to write to President Obama and their Congressional leaders to stand with Israel, not against her. We would be able to work together to stockpile food, clothing, medical supplies and other aid in Israel ahead of the next war. And we would be able to encourage one another with the knowledge that we are not alone in this important fight.
Will you join us?
For more on President Obama’s plan to divide Jerusalem — and to read analysis of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit — please click here.
Just heard CSN is converting their manned stations to totally automated. There will be a number of people out of work as well as church based radio studios shutdown. Here’s the list (I think) of the people impacted:
http://csnradio.com/stationsFullPower.htm
Pilgrim,
If those stations that have been full power are reduced to being totally automated, then I think they also have to reduce their power output and fall under the guidelins for LPFM stations (100W max. and depending upon HAT (height over average terrain) and interference of other full power stations), or maybe even the translators (which can only output 50W max. and depending upon HAT and interference of other full power stations). Devaluing those to LPFMs or translators also means that as soon as a full power station wants to file for their frequency, they will lose it as LPFMs and translators are at the bottom of the food chain. Expect them to quickly be gobbled up since full power stations are worth big bucks and will go to the first filers.
Oh No!
It looks like Rosenberg is just trying to build up his mailing list so he can peddle his books.
JimB, you know a lot more about this than I do, but I think they have station waivers so they can get around it and stay at full power.
The station in our area is a joke.
One time I tuned in and the CD was skipping…and skipping…and skipping…
I came back in a half hour and it was STILL skipping.
Sounds like maybe they’re already automated.
Dread,
I’ll see you there!
pzz
Michael.
Lemme guess. Is the next Billy Graham the same guy that wanted to be the next Chuck Smith?
pzz
Pilgrim,
I would be surprized if the FCC gave wavers for this type of thing. But, hey anything is possible I guess.
You can get around the 8 hrs/day local origination programming that is required by the FCC for an LPFM station by getting a computer program to randomly play songs, or by setting a play list daily that runs in an automated way.
Translators are mandated by the FCC to be total rebroadcast with no local origination except for a 35s/hr. or so that can be used for station id and a non-soliciting commercial.
brian…1:57 again, yes, it does happen. It happens in churches all over the world everyday. you’re not hanging in the right crowd
Oh No
Comment? Is there anything for me to say? Isn’t Rosenberg always right? He says he is.
My reaction is that I will not listen to anyone who will not speak of a plan that has as its end justice for all the inhabitants of Israel.
I want all christian-zionist organizations to put on the table in clear language their position on the people of Palestine including those in refugee camps.
The Christian is to be committed to reconciliation regardless of other outcomes. The believer is to love both Jew and Palestinian in a way that brings us to do with them what we would have done with ourselves…
I believe that commandment of Jesus trumps any claims to territory real and imaginary.
“Progressive sanctification is just that…progressive. Deep spiritual growth is far from a super highway; it’s more like a dirt path through a thick jungle.” - Matt Chandler
http://hv.thevillagechurch.net/blog/hvpastor/?p=251
They are studio waivered - we are losing our station that is manned by two people from our church who are now out of a job, and we lost live services and local weather, programming, and event advertising.
On the plus side we get the space to convert for our youth - they need it.
Favorite crackberry apps?
http://tonymorganlive.com/2009/05/20/my-favorite-blackberry-apps-2/
I just read Peter-John Courson’s blog post on the cold, cruel world we live in and the loving, uncruel Savior we Christians serve.
http://capocalvary.com/blog/?p=2279&cpage=1#comment-6894
And I thought of one thing:
This world may be a cruel place, but the gospel provides hope.
Not only does it provide hope for us to be saved from our sins and to enjoy fellowship with the Father and eternal life through Him.
It also changes our very lives…helping us to be little Christs in the corners of the world we find ourselves in.
The gospel is viral, triggered by a loving God, His sons and daughters acting as agents…openly confronting the cruelty of the world and its people by showing the love of Jesus to each other and to those who don’t know Jesus.
The world screams cruelty is alive and well and will never die.
The gospel spits in its face and brings the truth to expose that lie for what it is.
http://www.ligonier.org/publishing_teachingseries_calvin.php
I gain just a bit more respect for John Piper every time I read or hear him.
Here is the website for the new church plant…it’s just a starter site.
http://www.thebridgefc.com
Hey Ryan,
Is SmallTownPreacher going to become
BigCityPreacher? The new site looks
good even if it is a starter. I am excited
for you and will be watching to see what
the Lord is doing.
I just have to tell everyone in here that Alistair Begg’s message today on the radio is fabulous…it’s a classic..I hope everyone is able to find the time to hear it…I’ve never done this before but it’s so great I have to share it with you all…
Do you know about Lifebridge in Longmont? It’s a pretty big place. Wonder if people will think you’re related.
That’s the church I went to when I lived in Longmont 10 years ago. They weren’t that huge back then but the pastor is amazing and it looks like it’s grown quite a bit since then.
http://www.lbcc.org/
That was for Ryan btw.
Read a dozen or so of the links… not much grabbed me…actually nothing did…bad sign… nothing serious just seriously boring…think I will read a few more…
Ryan, praying for the new plant.
Thanks BrianD !
Great stuff here.
I know could wrestle with a feed aggregator, but your synopsis would be missing, as well as the distillation you provide in the relavancy to our discussions here.
The time you spend on this saves me a ton, yet keeps me aware of what’s going on in the areas I care about.
Thanks for all your faithfulness in this endeavor, I appreciate it greatly.
PN…I was just praying for you.
Sarah-
How kind of you.
I was just typing to you…
Well, to you & others on the prayer thread…
London wrote kindly “yes, it does happen. It happens in churches all over the world everyday. you’re not hanging in the right crowd” This is kind, I totally disagree but I do thank you for the kindness. My point about reconciliation is much like God does with us, He literally restores rebuilds the lost years etc. In the evangelical, as well as other faith communities this does not happen, I would propose can not happen, where a person who makes a mistake is allowed to rejoin the community in full communion, forgiven like Christ restores us. I understand there are sins such as sexual abuse forgery etc, that would need to preclude from some ministry. Sins, as vile as they are, such as needing help, asking for help, leaning, and even crying I dont count as bad. I most likely am wrong on that.
For example, a document I have been reading about the vocational schools in Ireland came out with a report, the abuse was systematic, planed, covered up, with a vengeance, oh and it was not just the CC. Of course this will be dismissed as liberal governmental persecution, which it is not, there is ample documentation, the commission has one thing on their side, facts, nothing but. My point is, this is an extreme example, but we have all been here reading the events of situations, are people, hurt by institutions restored, brought back, sought after, like Christ does us? The short answer, NO, not ever, nope, nada, etc. The big bubpcus zip etc.
Frankly I dont give a rip about my “restoration”, its a wash, but the many whom could gain so much, they usually have to go slither off to some other church, hide in the shadows, slobber for forgiveness for years or just loose faith, then get cast out for that reason. My point, if the big fish want to preach on an area that is sin in the church, try here, I would hold there are far more verses concerning this then their are the “gay agenda” ™, Abortion, Israel, mark of the beast etc. I have maybe heard one or two sermons concerning forgiveness of a brother or sister and restoration, maybe three. That is my point.
“Song For a Raggy Boy” is a deeply moving film and faith challenging and the book “Orphans of the Empire” both deeply moving but truly horrid, also very relevant and valid, still today.
brian,
London is right. If I were pastoring in your town, I’d say, “Brian, get your butt over here so we can love on you!”
“Dividing Jerusalem would trigger an apocalyptic war in the Middle East the likes of which the region has never seen”
..Of course OTHER THAN the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70!
1.3 million Jewish people dead then…
JTK
Nice reminder… and when you figure the percentage of the population vs the relative size… well then you have an apocalypse that cannot be matched.
JTK,
Its eventually got to happen I believe in order for the Abomination of Desolations to occur. The anti-Chist will take his seat in the temple, and this indicates some sort of a compromised political leadership in Israel and Jerusalem.
Update time… http://www.morningstarministries.org/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000040651
Joyner admits participation in the decision to allow Todd’s remarriage prior to restoration… Todd claims Jessa was not a factor in his divorce…www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=85022598463&h=QXP9j&u=t4OJK&ref=mf
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=85022598463&h=QXP9j&u=t4OJK&ref=mf
Try again
Big Guy
Thanks for all you do with linkathon. I found this in one of the links and thought I would share it. It is a great quote:
The paradox of Calvinism is that we feel better by feeling worse about ourselves, we do more for God by seeing how He’s done everything for us, and we give love away more freely when we discover that we have been saved by free grace.
Dread,
Stating that Tod’s divorce had nothing to do with Jessa was all planned as part of the revisioning of history needed in the plot to reinstate Todd as the chief apostle in short order. Todd’s divorce could only be made to be palatable to the public if the public could be made to believe that his marriage had always had problems and its break up was inevitable. A divorce that is triggered by an adulterous affair takes a couple more months to restore and is messier.