Grudem on Evolutionary Theory

I have been going through the Doctrine of God with my Sunday School class the last few weeks and this week we are talking about creation. Wayne Grudem has an interesting inference on this topic dealing with evolutionary theory:

"If in fact life was not created by God, and if human beings in particular are not created by God or responsible to him, but are simply the result of random occurrences in the universe, then of what significance is human life? We are merely the product of matter plus time plus chance, and so to think that we have any eternal importance, or really any importance at all in the face of an immense universe, is simply to delude ourselves. Honest reflection on this notion should lead people to a profound sense of despair.

Moreover, if all of life can be explained by evolutionary theory apart from God, and if there is no God who created us (or at least if we cannot know anything about him with certainty), then there is no supreme Judge to hold us morally accountable. Therefore there are no moral absolutes in human life, and people's moral ideas are only subjective preferences, good for them perhaps but not to be imposed on others. In fact, in such a case the only thing forbidden is to say that one knows that certain things are right and certain things are wrong.

There is another ominous consequence of evolutionary theory: If the inevitable processes of natural selection continue to bring about improvement in life forms on earth through survival of the fittest, then why should we hinder this process by caring for those who are weak or less able to defend themselves? Should we not rather allow them to die without reproducing so that we might move toward a new, higher form of humanity, even a 'master race?' In fact, Marx, Nietzche, and Hitler all justified war on these grounds."

Pat Summerall: From Addicted to Redeemed

For sports fans, Pat Summerall's voice is as recognizable as that of the president of the United States. I grew up listening to Summerall and his long-time color man, John Madden. Little did I know that for years Summerall was addicted to alcohol. A few years back, Summerall recalls what freed him from that life of sin:

"'My thirst for alcohol was being replaced by a thirst for knowledge about faith and God,' Summerall writes. 'I began reading the Bible regularly at the treatment center, and it became a part of my daily routine. The more I read, the more I felt a void in my life that needed to be filled.' Summerall’s book is his life’s story -- from his childhood days in Florida, to his college years in Arkansas, to his professional football career, to his experience in the broadcast booth. It’s entertaining and interesting, and sports fans will find it enjoyable. But most of all, Summerall’s book is a story of redemption, and how a man who nearly threw his life away found it restored through Jesus Christ."
The full story can be found here.

SEC Fantasy Football?

Somehow I have found time to organize an SEC college fantasy football league. (It's really not that hard and there are plenty of internet how-tos). It will be run on a blogger site. Right now we have 6 teams. I'd like to get anywhere between 8-12. Although, with 12 we may have to expand to an ACC/SEC deal. Any readers out there are welcome. The only requirement is that you will check your team weekly. E-mail or comment if interested. C'mon, McFeely, I know you'd be game for this.

Newsboys Song of the Day - Breafkast

No doubt one of the most different songs ever, Breakfast:

"Hold the milk, put back the sugar
They are powerless to console
We’ve gathered here to sprinkle ashes
From our late friend’s cereal bowl.

Breakfast Clubbers, say the motto
That he taught us to repeat:
“You will lose it in your gym class if you wait til noon toeat”.

Back when the Chess Club, said our eggs were soft
Every Monday he’d say grace and hold our juice aloft
Oh, none of us knew his checkout time would come so soon
But before his brain stopped waving, he composed this tune:

Chorus:
WHEN THE TOAST IS BURNED
AND ALL THE MILK HAS TURNED
AND CAPTAIN CRUNCH IS WAVING FAREWELL
WHEN THE BIG ONE FINDS YOU MAY THIS SONG REMIND YOU
THAT THEY DON’T SERVE BREAFAST IN HELL

Breakfast clubbers, drop the hankies
Though to some our friend was odd,
that day he bought those pine pyjamas
His check was good with God

Those here without the lord,
How do you cope?
For this morning we don’t mourn
Like those who have no hope

Oh rise up, Fruit Loop lovers-
Sing out sweet and low
With spoons held high
We bid our brother “Cheerio!"

SBC Interview Series

I haven't forgotten. I have some guys lined up so there should be one posted pretty soon.

The Gift of Singleness

Dr. Andreas Kostenberger has written a delightfully insightful piece on the subject of singleness. Among the highlights:

"...as Jesus taught, in the final state people will no longer marry but be like the angels in heaven (Matt. 22:30). That is, all of us will spend eternity as singles! When I did research on this chapter for God, Marriage, and Family, I was surprised to find that there is in Scripture a trajectory, or development, from singleness being rare and highly undesirable (OT) to singleness being presented as advantageous for kingdom service and as a divine gift (NT) to singleness being the universal state of humanity in heaven."

A very good read from a very gifted scholar.

Women Teachers in Church

Drew Jones has opened a potential can of worms. Feel free to give your input. Also, check out his blog. It is laced with good humour (Being British-minded, he'll like the added 'u').

Why do Non-Christians Marry?

The Washington Times reports that Hillary and Julie Goodridge, the namesake couple in the landmark lawsuit that introduced same-sex "marriage" in Massachusetts two years ago, have separated.

The dissolution of this particular couple's relationship is particulary surprising to me because the article also reports that the couple had been together for 17 years prior to tying the knot. Then they got married and two years later, the marriage is over. It is beyond the scope of this post to postulate about the legality and morality of same-sex unions. I'd like to turn my attention, instead, to the issue of seperation and divorce. At the end of the article, the author reports that only 45 of the over 7,300 homosexual marriages have ended. That's about a 0.6% breakup rate. However, it's only been about 2 years. It remains to be seen if the homosexual divorce/seperation rate will become equal to the heterosexual one over an extended period of time, say 30 years.

This leads me to my question: It seems that in the secular world, as well as the world of some professing Christians, marriage seems to doom couples' relationships - especially those who have lived together beforehand according to various research. With that said, why would anyone in their right mind want to get married? Why not just live together? What are the beneifts of marriage (besides lower taxes)?

Now, before you think I've lost my marbles (which I have by the way) I believe that Christian people should marry because it is certainly God's intention and God's plan. But, for someone who does not believe in the fact that the Bible is God's Word (and I'm taking a leap here that those homosexuals who marry do not hold the Bible in as high esteem as I do based on their actions), why marry?

If I was not a Christ-follower, I certainly would not be married at age 27. I would be living the life of a Sex and the City episode and date around, because, hey - you only live once. However, I do believe in God and that Christ came to seek and save what was lost and that he was crucified, buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures, and what the Bible postulates and decrees. Therefore I know that a marital and monogamous relationship with one woman is the ideal relationship on earth because it 1) reflects Christ's relationship with His church, 2) provides a safe, structured enviornment for raising children (another command of God), 3) ensures no STD's, and the psychological issues that go with having multiple sex partners, and 4) it sanctifies the couple.

And upon experiencing marriage for over 2.5 years, I know how wonderful it can be if it is centered around Christ. Any other marriage where Christ is not the center should be doomed to failure because of our selfishness and sinfulness. And Christian-based marriages do have problems and some end in divorce. (Although, I still firmly believe that divorce can be dodged 100% of the time if both people are willing to change themselves). Maybe I'm wrong here and I'm just more selfish then other people.

With that said, why do you think non-Christians marry?

14 Questions with Nathan Finn

Southeastern Seminary Ph.D student, Nathan Finn, was kind enough to be the first person to particpipate in the SBC Interview series. He has given some wonderfully insightful answers that we can all learn from...including some fun stuff:

1) Briefly tell us about your life before Christ became your Lord and Savior, how you came to know Christ, and how your life has been changed since Christ.

NF: I grew up in a Christian home, but the church I attended did not teach the gospel. When I was nine years old I attended a confirmation class and was immersed, but I did not understand what the Bible taught about the work Christ undertook on our behalf. I still believed that good people would go to heaven and bad people would go to hell. Naturally, I tried to be good, but all I did was become an expert hypocrite. I could talk church lingo, but I was just as rotten, lustful, cheating and self-centered as I had always been. I was still lost. When I was fourteen, my family joined a Southern Baptist church that clearly preached the gospel. I began to understand what it meant to be a Christian, though I continued to wrestle with the claims of Christ. Finally, about two weeks after I graduated from high school, I repented of my sin and believed in Christ as my Lord and Savior. Since that time, I have continued to grow in my understanding of the Christian faith. I know that I have been accepted by God, despite my sin, because Jesus paid the penalty for my sin 2000 years ago. I know that my righteousness is found in Christ, who is perfect, and that God is causing me to become more righteous, more like Christ, the longer and longer I live. Though I still sin every day, my love for Christ and his church is always growing, and I know that God is not finished with me yet. I look forward to seeing how God continues to shape my life, and the thing I want most in this world is to live my life in submission to Christ, who is my Lord.

2) You are the associate archivist at SEBTS' seminary library. Briefly tell us what that job entails.

NF: I am the primary institutional historian at our seminary, which entails a number of responsibilities. First, I serve as the curator for the seminary’s collection of historical documents. These documents include institutional material, Southern Baptist material, rare books and the personal papers of prominent Christian leaders. Second, I serve as the chief preservationist of these materials. All of these historical items must be preserved, and it is my job to make sure they are. Third, I serve as the campus’ quick-reference historian about the institution. I work with the records of our seminary’s history every day, so I know a good deal about the unique history and vision of SEBTS. Finally, I assist faculty and students with historical research, especially related to SEBTS or the SBC in general.

3) You are doing your Ph.D in church history. How did you come to the conclusion that God was calling you to study and teach in that specific area?

NF: About the same time I became a Christian, I sensed God was calling me into ministry. When I was a junior in college, God used an Old Testament professor to awaken me to the possibilities of teaching as a ministerial calling. I have always been interested in history, so once I began taking church history courses I knew I had found my niche. I have considered other fields over the years, but my strong conviction that God is providentially guiding history to a specific conclusion, all for his own glory, has always brought me back to history. The passage in Scripture that most inspires me in this calling is Galatians 4:4, which says God sent Christ to be born of Mary in “the fullness of time.” In other words, at just the right time—not a day earlier or later—God sent his Son into this world to save this world through his sinless life and atoning death. Because God is Lord of human history, I believe this “fullness of time” factor is a very real part of that history. My heart’s desire is to show students how God has worked through fallen humans, institutions, governments, doctrines and philosophies to move his creation to its final conclusion: a new heaven and a new earth, under the rule of Christ, perfect and without sin, all to his glory.

4) What/who is your dissertation about?

NF: My dissertation will focus on the ministry of John R. Rice, who was an important leader in the Fundamentalist movement of the mid-20^th century. He was a tireless evangelist, publisher, author and institution-builder. He developed a large network of likeminded Fundamentalists. He experienced controversy with groups as diverse as liberal Protestants, Southern Baptists, Communists, African Americans and Billy Graham. He is an important and interesting figure, and only a handful of historians have ever looked at the enormous influence he exercised over conservative Protestants from the 1930’s to the 1970’s.

5) The old adage of history is, "those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it." In your opinion, what events in Church, as well as Baptist history, are so critically important that we as Southern Baptists must learn from them in order to advance God's Kingdom?

NF: Wow, that’s a great question. I think one lesson we need to learn from church history is that the church is not ultimately a power base, but the people of Christ. During the middle ages, the institutional church’s leadership was much more concerned with the degree of secular power it exercised than the spiritual nurture of its people. Though I am a political conservative, I see elements in the so-called Religious Right that seem to be wrestling with this temptation to equate the value of Christianity with the amount of power or influence it exercises in our culture. Christianity is of infinite value no matter what the Supreme Court may decide and Christ will one day rule this world no matter who wins the 2008 presidential election. A lesson from Baptist history is that our identity matters, and when that identity is compromised, our Free Church vision of the Christian life suffers. Liberal Southern Baptists began to redefine what it meant to be a Baptist between about 1880 and 1940. They interpreted Christian freedom through the lens of Enlightenment individualism. At the same time, they played down historic doctrines like believer’s baptism by immersion and regenerate church membership. So in a strange twist, you now have moderate and liberal Baptists who claim to be the “real” Baptists, but they have members in their churches who have never been baptized! Even worse, the commitment to a very individualistic idea of freedom and autonomy has led to many moderates who reject or redefine historic Christian doctrines. Baptists need to remain committed to our historic vision of the Christian life, which means looking to the time before theological progressives hijacked our denomination (and other Baptist denominations) a hundred years ago.

6) What do you think is one of the most critical issues facing Southern Baptists today?

NF: I can think of two critical issues. One is the identity issue mentioned above. Too many Baptist churches are flirting with the idea of allowing non-Baptized members to join their churches. Others are adopting hierarchical leadership styles that conflict with our historic commitment to congregationalism. Still others are functionally jettisoning the idea of regenerate church membership by not safeguarding the gospel, or baptizing three year olds, or not practicing church discipline, etc. We have become a very pragmatic denomination, and I think we need to have a renewal of “authentically” Baptist churches, even if that means rejecting popular methods like CEO-pastors, ruling elders, young childhood baptisms or gospel presentations that do not emphasize sin. A second critical issue is determining the limits of denominational cooperation. Because every Baptist church is autonomous, there is a wide variety of theological and methodological beliefs in the SBC. There are Southern Baptists who are revivalistic, Calvinist, Arminian, Charismatic, Emergent/Emerging, Willow Creek, family chapel, outreach center, open membership, Landmark and even a few moderates. Some of these practices/beliefs are acceptable and some are not. I do not pretend to know the answer, but Southern Baptists must decide what the appropriate parameters of cooperation are, or we will continue to bicker endlessly over issues like Calvinism, speaking in tongues and Emerging churches. How can we include the niches that need to be included (in my opinion) like Calvinists, Landmarkers, revivalists and some conservative Emerging types while rejecting inappropriate niches (in my opinion) like Arminians, open membership, moderates and the left-wing of the Emergent crowd?

7) You have attended both Southern and Southeastern seminaries. In your opinion, how are they different and how are they similar? Same with the professors.

NF: I get asked this question all the time. The thing to remember is that the schools are much more similar than they are different. Both schools are vigorously committed to evangelism and missions. Both schools use the Abstract of Principles and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as their confessions of faith. Both schools could be considered academically rigorous, though I have had very easy and very difficult professors at both schools. Both schools are generally Calvinistic, though neither school mandates a commitment to “five point” Calvinism. The biggest differences are in history/culture. Southern has a rich history. The school is almost 150 years old, and there is a strong academic tradition that has always been a part of the school’s identity. Southeastern is a younger school—less than 60 years old. Southeastern was really only a little over a generation old when the whole direction of the school radically shifted. If Southern is exciting because of its rich heritage and commitment to an historic vision, Southeastern is exciting because it has the feel of a “new” seminary that is still casting its vision for the future. The professors I had at the two schools were very comparable, especially in the theological and biblical areas.

8) Your wife is a student. My wife also graduated with an M.Div. How important do you feel is it for pastors/teachers' wives to have a grounded and solid theology and why?

NF: This is another great question. I think it is important for a minister’s wife to share in her husband’s sense of calling. Not every wife will earn a seminary degree, but all should desire to learn as much as they can about the Bible, theology and other areas of importance. In local churches, a minister’s wife has the opportunity to minister to the other women in the church, children, etc. Not every pastor’s wife will be a gifted teacher, but all need to be ready to encourage or mentor others by bringing Scripture to bear on critical issues. I think that all believer’s should be taught theology, but it is especially important for pastor’s wives to know these things so they can serve alongside their husbands and model for others what it means to think “theologically” and have a Christian worldview.

9) Who would win at Mario Kart - Dr. Mohler or Dr. Akin? Also, which driver would they choose?

NF: If they played, Dr. Mohler would win because I saw a Campus Crusade video onetime that convinced me he can win any competitive event. But they would never play because Dr. Mohler could not choose Carl F. H. Henry as his character. Dr. Akin would choose a Gumba because he’s short.

10) Who has had the biggest influence in your life in regard to your spiritual and scholastic journey?

NF: That is a great question. Theologically, the living individuals who have influenced me most are Drs. Russell Moore and Danny Akin. I have also been strongly influenced by Mark Dever’s understanding of Baptist ecclesiology. The dead theologian whom I have been most influenced by is the great English Baptist pastor/theologian Andrew Fuller. I also enjoy reading the Puritans. Scholastically/intellectually, I have been influenced by a number of historians, including Doug Weaver (a college professor), Greg Wills and Tom Nettles (SBTS) and my Ph.D. mentor, Keith Harper. I have also been strongly influenced by the writings of religious historians like George Marsden, Barry Hankins and Ernest Sandeen.

11) What is your favorite book of the Bible?

NF: John’s Gospel

12) Do you absribe to the northern or southern Galatian theory? (Just kidding)

NF: The “othern” theory.

13) If the Southern Baptist Convention fell apart over night and did not exist anymore, which denomination would you join?

NF: This is not a fair question to ask a Baptist historian! I would join another conservative Baptist denomination, of course!

14) Finally, who is going to win the SEC in football this year?

NF: I wish with all my heart it was going to be the University of Georgia. But alas, in the dark of night, my greatest fear is that the accursed University of Florida will arise Phoenix-like from the ashes and win the championship this year. It is these types of questions that cause me to thank God that he is sovereignly in control of history, even when we have trouble interpreting his good purposes in seemingly evil events!

Amen to that!

SBC Interview Series

A feature that I would like to incorporate on this blog in the future is a weekly interview with a teacher/pastor/student/professor/laymen affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. I feel that it is most important to hear where people are coming from and really find what the heartbeat of our convention is saying (or pumping for that matter).

Most of you do not know that I have a background in journalism where I was the sports editor of The Gamecock newspaper at the University of South Carolina. Needless, to say I was the lone Christian/Evangelical Southern Baptist voice on the entire staff. However, I loved those people on staff. There were a couple of conservatives (Brock, that's you) but most of them were pretty much what we would call far lefties. Despite their views these people were genuinely searching for truth and they respected my beliefs and I respected their views. However, I always tried to put Jesus in my speech because I knew that the most unloving act was to have the greatest gift in the world in my possession and not try to give it.

Alas, I digress. The point of this tangental diatribe is that I love(d) being a journalist. Editing was hard and it cost me some hair. I loved asking questions and learning about people...not just 'getting' the story. I hope that these interviews will be something that we all can learn from and increase our faith in our hope and savior, Jesus Christ.

The first interview will be up as soon as the interviewee (sp?) completes his questions. Stay tuned!

Newsboys Song of the Day - In Christ Alone

This really isn't a Newsboys song. This is an old hymn, which, for some reason, fell out of the Baptist Hymnal for years and years. This is probably one of my top 5 favorite hymns of all time.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my
strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights
of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when
strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in
the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took
on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of
love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to
save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath
of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the
ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He
rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's
curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is
mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of
Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of
man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He
returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ
I'll stand

Newsboys Song of the Day

Song: Real good thing
Album: Going Public (-1994)

Chorus
when we don´t get what we deserve that´s a real good thing, a real good thing,
when we get what we don´t deserve
that´s a real good thing, a real good thing


born to sin
and then get caught
all our good deeds
don´t mean squat

sell the Volvo
shred the Visa
send the cash to Ma Theresa
great idea
the only catch is
you don´t get saved
on merit badges

- Chorus -

doctor´s coming
looking grim
"Do you have a favorite hymn?"

check your balance through the years
all accounts are in arrears
guilt is bitter
grace is sweet
park it here
on the mercy seat

- Chorus -

J.C. Wallace - 35 Weeks

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, here are some pictures of little Jack. Oops, his name is Jackson. But, I told my wife that, around the guys, he's going to be Jack. In the middle picture you can tell that he already has stuck his foot in his mouth, - a common Wallace trait.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. (Psalm 139:13-16)"

Newsboys Song Lyrics of the Day

What do you think of when you hear the name of the band, the "Newsboys?" Really good praise songs? What about the '90's? I think of odd song lyrics set to really catchy beats. This is the first of a daily post that will be entitled, "Newsboys Song Lyrics of the Day." Read them and draw your own conclusions:

Song: Going public
Album: Going Public (-1994)

she's been dazed and induced
wants a part-time God
for the private use
but she won't take a stand
'cause she might get tagged
as a closet Jesus Fan


Chorus
SIGN ON
THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR
THIS IS SURELY A BANNER YEAR
TO BE A PUBLIC WITNESS
SIGN ON
THE LINES ARE DRAWN AND CLEAR
THERE'S NO STRADDLING FENCES HERE
WE'RE GOING PUBLIC WITH THIS

he's displaced and unglued
scared that faith in God
could be misconctrued
but the cross makes him wish
that this spine was more
than a school of jellyfish

- Chorus -

Why Do We Believe in God?

Here's a good answer courtesy of Michael Estes

The Competing Eschatologies of Islam and Christianity

One attribute of Islam that I did not existed realize was that their (or some sects') eschatological belief (or how the world will end and man will be ultimately saved), is very similar in theory as that of those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Baptist Press has the entire article here.

This is what is scary about what is going on in the Middle East right now: "Among the nearly 68 million people in Iran, the vast majority are Muslim who place their hope not in modern-day politics or rulers but in a person who walked the earth centuries ago and is promised to return."

Sounds like Christ, doesn't it?

“Both Islam and Christianity have a very well-defined eschatology, or period of the last days; both of them cannot be correct …,” said William Wagner, senior professor at Golden Gate Baptist

Wagner is simply acting in accordance with the law of non-contradiction that states that if something is right and another thing is wrong, then both can't be right (although they may be both be wrong). These are interesting beliefs and similarities of Islam since Christ came 600 years before Mohammed founded Islam.

The article further states, "A majority of Shiite Muslims traditionally believe that the '12th Imam' (Islamic religious leader), born in 868 A.D., was placed by God into hiding (known as occultation) until the day of judgment. Southern Baptist author and evangelist Anis Shorrosh explained that many Shiites also refer to the 12th Imam as the Mahdi, an Arabic word that generally references a messiah, or a guide.

'This man will come to show them the way, because the prayer of every Muslim five times a day … ends with "Show us the right path, not the path of those who have incurred your anger or those who are lost, but those upon whom grace has come,"' Shorrosh said."

A lot of the fear in this current Mideast situation centers around the fact that if there is a WWIII, then the world will have to choose sides. America seems to be leaning towards Israel while other G8 countries (France, Russia) seem to be supporting Iran (which supports Syria whch supports Hezbollah, the rogue terrorist group). Why is this something to be concerned? Iran has nuclear weapons. Plus, this is what the Iranian leader stated about the end times:

"Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been cited by various news sources as not only believing in the eventual return of the Mahdi, but that the return is near and that it is the responsibility of the Iranian government to prepare the country for his return.

'Belief in a savior is universal,' BBC News quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in January. 'It is the pivot of our beliefs as Muslims and Iranians. We believe that an offspring of the prophet, may peace be upon him, will be the ultimate savior. His name and attributes are clear. He will come and will administer ultimate justice.''"

Furthermore,

"Although Shiites and Sunnis often battle against each other, as is currently the case in Iraq, Wagner noted common efforts among both groups of Muslims to destroy Israel, which is a critical part of Islam taking control in the world and thus ushering in the Mahdi.

'They feel like one of the major blocking points is Israel, and that is one reason why they feel like they must destroy Israel,” Wagner said.'"

What is a Christian supposed to take from all this: Well, for starters, we can be certain that Christ will come back (as oppesed to the Mahdi) for several reasons:

1) The Holy Spirit (God Himself) testifies to this in every believer's spirit that this is true

2) The Bible is EXTREMELY more reliable then the Qu'ran - or any ancient book (non-religious or not) that has ever been written. Most of the Qu'ran was written on leaves, branches, anything that Mohammad had at his disposal when he received his visions.

3) The God of Mohammed has no mercy. Islam, since its inception, has been spread by fear. Christianity has been spread (with exception of the Catholic period, or, as Luther called it, 'The Babylonian Captivity of the Church,' )by people coming to a realization that Jesus Christ has died for their sins so that they may find the grace and mercy of God. All a Muslim has is hope that he lived a good enough life to maybe make it into Heaven.

Praise God for His revelation that all men have a chance to accept or reject. That is a just God.

The Barbarian Call (Part 2 of 4)

In E. McManus' second chapter of his book, The Barbarian Invasion, he turns his attention to John the Baptist and describes how John, while being called by Jesus Christ the "greatest" man to be born of woman, was a true barbarian of the faith, despite being an outcast, the antithesis to organized religion and dressing funny and eating weird things.

This chapter is refreshing because it paints an accurate portrait of what it means to follow Christ. So much of what we hear and see on television today makes it seem that following Christ is an easy path. If only we were to follow christ and give money to the church then all of our troubles would vanish. While it is true that by following Christ we will be filled with joy and our lives, in the long run, will be more content, a true Christ follower is not always going to be living "high on the hog" (that means 'living the good life' for all of you non-Southerners).

McManus states that while John was imprisoned, awaiting death at the hands of Herod, Jesus was out doing miracles and saving people. Did John ask, "what about me?" No. About John, McManus states:

"Jesus very well knew the fate that John would face. Even then Jesus understood His purpose was to save us not from pain and suffering, but from meaninglessness. For Jesus, John was exactly where he needed to be, fulfilling God's purpose for his life. Why would he save John from that?" (p. 31-32)

So much of Christianity has been institutionalized. There is not much 'counting the cost' anymore. One joins a church, sits back, and waits for the blessings to start rolling in. Why was Peter hung upside down on a cross? Why did John the Apostle not die the same death? He lived to be in his 90's. Why do some Christians get Peter or Paul's life and not John's? McManus entertains this idea and states:

"This is the sticky part of the barbarian call. It's not fair or equitable. When you hear the call, when you follow the call, you must recognize that it is a life-and-death proposition. When you understand what Jesus means when He says that you must follow Him, you finally realize that this is not a cattle call. He is not calling you to the same life that everyone else will live. He's not even calling you to the same path that every follower of Christ will walk. Your life is unique before God, and your path is yours and yours alone. Where God will choose to lead you and how god chooses to use your life cannot be predicted by how God has worked in the lives of others before you. Jesus' respones to Peter was a straight-forward as it could possibly get: "If I want John to live and you to die, what is that to you? Your part is to follow me. My part is to lead the way." (p.36-37)

It is that 'risky' type of obedience that Jesus expects of all of us as we strive to follow Him.

The Barbarian Invasion (Review Part 1)

"The greatest enemy to the movement of Jesus Christ is Christianity" - Erwin McManus

A couple of months ago my pastor handed me a book entitled, The Barbarian Way by Erwin Raphael McManus. After looking at the cover (don't ever judge a book by its cover!) and reading the author's bio, I immediately passed the book off as some post-modern, emerging church gar-bage that I didn't care to read. However, a few weeks ago, as I looked at the book occupying the same spot on my desk as it had been doing for a month now, I figured I'd at least give it a shot and see if I could glean some good ideas out of it. After reading through half of the book, I must say my opinion of it, and McManus, is very surprising: with this work, the author is on to something.

The book is about "unleashing the untamed faith within." At first I thought this idea was going to be similar to Eldredge's Wild at Heart, which has certain premises that I heavily disagree with. However, it's not. McManus claims that to live as a Christ-follower (he does not like to use the institutionalized word "Christian") is to live a "barbaric life." What does that mean? Well, that question is what the book is about. The work is divided into four parts. This post will deal with the first one.

Chapter One is entited "The Barbarian Invasion" where McManus introduces his ideology. He immediately got my attention by stating that he has an exact replica of the sword that Sir William Wallace used during his revolution, hanging in his house. I thought to myself, "Self, is he really going to compare being a Christian to what William Wallace (my long long ancestor) fought for? That's kind of...well, barbaric." McManus' point here is that "if you are a follower of Christ, then you are called to fight for the heart of your king (which is what the Scots did after Wallace and (later) King Robert the Bruce's death)." McManus states: "It's hard to imagine that Jesus would endure the agony of the cross just to keep us in line. Jesus began a revolution to secure our freedom." What freedom is this? I suspect he is talking about freedom from the bondage of this sinful world which we live in.

McManus then notes: "Perhaps the tragedy of our time is that such an overwhelming number of us who declare Jesus as Lord have been domesticated - or, if you will, civilized...we have lost the passion and power of that raw, untamed and primal faith." I think McManus makes a valid point here. Historically, the church has always seemed to drift into a big, fat, vat of complacency when times are good.

The following thought, however, is an even more excellent one: "The barbarian way is about love, intimacy, passion, and sacrifice. Barbarians love to live and live to love. For them God is life, and their mission is to reconnect humanity to Him (bold mine). Their passion is that each of us might live in intimate communion with Him who died for us. The barbarian way is a path of both spirit and truth. The soul of the barbarian is made alive by the presence of Jesus."

The final paragraph of the first chapter is my favorite and sets the tone for the rest of the book and shows the heart of McManus in this work: "Jesus is being lost in a religion bearing His name. People are being lost because they cannot reconcile Jesus' association with Christianity. Christianity has become docile, domesticated, civilized. We have forgotten that there is a kingdom of darkness stealing the hopes and dreams and souls of a humanity without God. It is time to hear the barbarian call, to form a barbarian tribe, and to unleash the barbarian revolt. Let the invasion begin..."

Next post - Part 2 - The Barbarian Call

Clemson Promo

While we're on the subject of university promotional videos, check out Clemson University's:

The "Greatest" University of All Time

Appalachian State Promo Video

I'm always one for a good laugh. In fact, while I was still a babe in Christ, during high school, my personality pretty much consisted of making fun of people on a consistent basis. It wasn't until 12th grade that I realized that aspect of my being probably wasn't the best personality trait for a child of God. Anyway, check out this promotional video for Appalachian State University. I'm wondering if this is even real. If it is, I hope it was not made in the last 15 years.

ASU IS HOT HOT HOT

The Wisdom of God in a "Wise" World

In this day and age of religious pluralism and syncretism Christ-followers often find themselves battling the ideas of the age. Even though we know the Truth, which has set us free from our sin and ourselves, we still hit barriers as we seek to obey the Great Commission. However, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 states very clearly that this is all part of God's plan. While I do not preach from the following translation, sometimes its good to read familiar passages from a fresh perspective (New Living Translation):

"18I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God. 19As the Scriptures say,

"I will destroy human wisdom
and discard their most brilliant ideas."

20So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made them all look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense. 21Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe. 22God's way seems foolish to the Jews because they want a sign from heaven to prove it is true. And it is foolish to the Greeks because they believe only what agrees with their own wisdom. 23So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. 24But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God. 25This "foolish" plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength."

Christ is the wisdom of God - what an incredible thought! I suppose in our entire lives we will never be able to grasp the fullness of that statement. God, in His infinite wisdom, has chosen to use our 'foolish' preaching to save humanity. As Jonathan Akin has brilliantly written about on his blog, it takes child-like faith and understanding to come to Christ, not winning philosophical debates or backing your opponent (the person you are evangelizing) into a corner. And unless we approach Christ's throne with a childish humility, rather then on resting on our own 'wisdom,' we are doomed for failure. We do not enter Heaven with our chests poked out or with haughty eyes, we enter in the Spirit of Paul's words in Romans:

"Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods!" (NLT)