No, that’s what churches are supposed to do

Interesting: No, that’s what churches are supposed to do « Expository Thoughts:

I realize that this is a sacred cow and a much larger conversation than a blog affords but it needs to be said. Seminaries cannot fully prepare a man for ministry. Thinking like this is like assuming that buying a ratchet at Sears will automatically change the oil on your car.

It usually comes out this way in conversations. A graduate of XYZ Seminary says, while rolling his eyes, “they never prepared me for [fill-in-the-blank issue/problem].” To which we should reply, “no, that’s what your church is supposed to do.”

Saying What You Believe Is Clearer Than Saying “Calvinist”

John Piper lays out the five point asking if he is a Calvinist to show what that really means and not just as a lable: Saying What You Believe Is Clearer Than Saying “Calvinist” - Desiring God:

If they say, “Are you a Calvinist?” say, “You decide. Here is what I believe . . .”

I believe....

Ehrman Project

A whole site in response to one guy: Ehrman Project:

Dr. Bart Ehrman is raising significant questions about the reliability of the Bible. In an engaging way, he is questioning the credibility of Christianity. His arguments are not new, which he readily admits. Numerous Biblical scholars profoundly disagree with his findings. This site provides responses to Dr. Ehrman's provocative conclusions

What About the Twins? The Deadly Logic of Abortion

I didn't even hear about this story. I must be out of the news loop: AlbertMohler.com – What About the Twins? The Deadly Logic of Abortion:

The couple in Australia openly admitted aborting their twin boys because they want a daughter. Millions around the world seem outraged by their decision, but having accepted the basic logic of abortion, they are hard-pressed to define when any abortion demanded by a woman might be unjustified and thus illegal.

Don’t Equate Historically Early with Theologically Accurate

Don’t Equate Historically Early with Theologically Accurate - Desiring God:

The church did not rescue the New Testament from neglect and abuse. The New Testament rescued the early church from instability and error.

... Beware of idealizing the early church. She did not have your advantages!

Good Christians, distant Scriptures

Interesting quote by Soren Kierkegaard: J.R. Briggs » Good Christians, distant Scriptures » Attempting to behold the miracle long enough without falling asleep:

Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close

Driscoll giving free leadership advice

Leadership advice from Mark Driscoll: Request an Invitation | The Resurgence:

Do you serve as a leader in any ministry capacity anywhere in the world? If so, you can subscribe to all new member-only content from Pastor Mark for free each week starting in January, here as part of The Resurgence. He’d like to share with you some leadership insights that he has learned firsthand along his fourteen-year-and-counting journey with Mars Hill Church. This content, including text and some video messages, will not be posted anywhere else on the Internet.

Should the Church Work on Social and Political Problems?

John Pipers take on social issues: Should the Church Work on Social and Political Problems? - Desiring God:

Yes . . .

If you mean: Ten million Christians should take 10 hours a week spent watching TV, and give that time to worthy social and political engagement.

No . . .

If you mean: The pastors should leave their Bible study and pulpits and counseling and evangelism, and put that time into politics and social ministries.

Soul Mates and Selfishness

Turns out "soul mates" comes from Greek mythology and not the Bible, who knew?: Soul Mates and Selfishness:

I know this won’t make me very popular with a lot of people, particularly many of the ladies, but the idea of the perfect “soul mate”—that God made one special person just for you—is the stuff of sweetsy, twenty-five-cent romance novels, and has no footing in Christian thought.

What's the Message of the Bible in One Sentence?

This has some good lines about the whole bible: Strawberry-Rhubarb Theology: What's the Message of the Bible in One Sentence?

Marital Deafness

So crazy it just might work :) Scott Adams Blog: Marital Deafness 01/12/2011:

it's impossible to speak to a spouse if he or she is near running water, or using power equipment, or concentrating on something else, or eating something crunchy, or wondering if the squeak in the distance is the cat dying, or there is a child within a hundred yards. Amazingly, that covers 90% of every conversation you might attempt at home.

Recently I discovered that spouses, like computers, must be booted up before they can hear what you say.

Women and the Destiny of Nations

Interesting take on women's power throughout history Women and the Destiny of Nations:

...when the family is seen as an organic whole and egalitarian individualism is rejected, the influence of such women is known throughout society as being profound. Such influence can be used in a godly way, as Bathsheba did, or in a negative way, as Miriam once did, or in a godly response to ungodliness, as Abigail did, or in a evil way, as Lady Macbeth did, to take an example from fiction. But any way it goes, competent, wise women help to direct the destiny of nations

Calvinism, Eschatology, and the New Media

Interesting idea, we should we wise with both our money and use of technology but this could also apply to everything else. We should be wise with family, job, our time, etc: Calvinism, Eschatology, and the New Media:

And so here is my central thesis: technology in all its forms is a type of wealth. The Bible contains no warnings about technology as such, but is crammed with warnings about the bias of wealth. Which way does wealth set us up? The Bible says that the wealthy are tempted to hubris, self-sufficiency, lack of concern for the poor, oppression, and the rest of that sorry lot. Wealth is a good thing, but it brings temptations. A lot of wealth is a lot of a good thing, but it brings with it a lot of temptations.

Sun and salvation make a divine holiday for fun-seeking souls

I used to go on this beach mission: Sun and salvation make a divine holiday for fun-seeking souls:

99 Christians camped at Lake Tabourie on the south coast this year to share her faith with summer holidaymakers.

Mark’s Gospel, Performed by Max McLean: Free Online

All of Mark performed by one man: Mark’s Gospel, Performed by Max McLean: Free Online – Justin Taylor:

I was even happier to discover that the whole performance is available for free online. Each video below represents a chapter of Mark’s Gospel.