Blog activity here at Mullins Musings as been slow the past few days. Vacation time has finally come for the Mullins family. We spent the weekend with some dear friends in Cuyohoga Falls (Akron), Ohio. We had a great time. We enjoyed church this morning at First Baptist Church of Green (Akron), where my Father-in-law Pastors. Great message on "Resurrection Realities" from John 11. What confort we have in the return of Christ and our promised resurrection! Praise the Lord!
Tomorrow (Monday) we leave for a few days in the wilderness. We will be tent camping at Pokagon State Park in Angola, Indiana., This will be a special time.
Here are a few of my Vacation Goals (I am not allowed to take my laptop):
1. Kids Time. I want to be sure to spend the majority of the daylight hours with my three kids. They need some daddy-time. We will hike, fish, ride bikes, swim, build sand castles, read and just relax, tickle and laugh together.
2. Wife Time. My wife (who is six months pregnant - hey, she IS excited about camping! Don't worry, we have an air matress.) and I need some alone time as well. The closest we will get will be after the kids are tucked away for the night. I intend to spend some time discussing our goals and plans for the coming school year. We will be homeschooling one daughter and partnering with the Chrisitan School our church operatesfor the other. We need to think about educational and spiritual goals for the kids (particularly the girls).
3. Reading. I am hoping to finish (or at least make significant progress) The Soul Winner , by C.H. Spurgeon. I am also taking along Family Man, Family Leader, by Philip Lancaster, published by the Vision Forum.
Pray for us as the Lord puts us on your hearts. Looking forward to catchng up with you all when I return.
Grace to You!
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Preachers that Influence You
I am still working on my list of "must read" books for every Christian. The list is way too long and I am trying to find a good way to categorize and edit it.
In the meantime, in my way too time-consuming hobby of surfing the blogosphere, I have recently discovered Adrian Warnock, a blogger from the UK. He has some helpful insights. In a recent post he asks for your most favorite, well known preachers. The responses are very interesting, and fun. In this spirit, I suggest as similar discussion here.
Let me ask you to do the impossible. List your five (only five - that's the hard part) favorite, modern-day (whatever that means to you) preachers. Give their name and place of ministy if your can.
Here is mine (for now anyway):
1. John MacArthur from Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, also of Grace to You Ministries.
2. Dr. Al Mohler, President of Southern Seminary.
3. Alistair Begg from Parkside Church in suburban Cleveland, also of Truth for Life Ministries.
4. John Piper, Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, also of Desiring God Ministries.
5. Iain Murray of Banner of Truth Trust, a reformed publishing ministry. Dr. Murray focuses more on historical theology than exposition. Find his sermons/lectures at SermonAudio.com.
Now it is your turn. Give honor to whom you believe honor is due!
Grace to You, my blogging friends!
In the meantime, in my way too time-consuming hobby of surfing the blogosphere, I have recently discovered Adrian Warnock, a blogger from the UK. He has some helpful insights. In a recent post he asks for your most favorite, well known preachers. The responses are very interesting, and fun. In this spirit, I suggest as similar discussion here.
Let me ask you to do the impossible. List your five (only five - that's the hard part) favorite, modern-day (whatever that means to you) preachers. Give their name and place of ministy if your can.
Here is mine (for now anyway):
1. John MacArthur from Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, also of Grace to You Ministries.
2. Dr. Al Mohler, President of Southern Seminary.
3. Alistair Begg from Parkside Church in suburban Cleveland, also of Truth for Life Ministries.
4. John Piper, Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, also of Desiring God Ministries.
5. Iain Murray of Banner of Truth Trust, a reformed publishing ministry. Dr. Murray focuses more on historical theology than exposition. Find his sermons/lectures at SermonAudio.com.
Now it is your turn. Give honor to whom you believe honor is due!
Grace to You, my blogging friends!
Monday, July 25, 2005
Good Reading for Christian Boys
A brief scan of this blog's archives will clearly indicate the high value I place on reading. I have commented on great value of reading Christian biographies, the effect reading has on Pastor's and subsequently, churched, and most recently I expressed some concern over fiction. Regarding the reading of Harry Potter, I have a very unformed opinion. (Which is quite amazing, since I usually land soundly on an opinion and argue vehemently, often to my own detriment.) My gut pulls me away from embracing the series, simply because (although fictional - believe me, I have read the arguments) of the glorification of what God has condemned. I do not feel strongly enough to make a case for or against the acceptance of this series or anything like it.
Although, my Pastor made a great point Sunday morning. Six million people stood in line to anxiously buy and read the latest installment from Rowling. How many people were lined up at the front door of the church to get in and hear the next installment of their pastor's exposition? He made absolutely no value judgement on Harry Potter; rather, he pointed out the difference in how the world passionately embraces their stories, which are mere fiction, and how the church embraces our stories, which are historical, life-changing facts. Interesting!
Regarding Harry Potter, again I would direct your attention to Phil Johnson's thoughtful comments. Though I largely agree with Phil's assertions, I still contend that there must be better stuff available for young Christians to read. Things that will allow them to "let the Word of Christ richly dwell in [them]."
My boy, Jonathan, is going to be 3 in a couple of weeks. My two girls LOVE to read. Statistics indicate that boys are far less inclined to reading. Though I cannot substantiate this claim, there must be some relationship to a boy's lack of interest in reading and the lack of good, imaginative, well written fiction for them to read. Most of what the publishing industry aims at young boys (and girls for that matter) is drivel with no substantive plot, no interesting character development, and usually a contrived, spiritualized ending. Put that stuff up against Harry Potter and the young wizard will win everytime.
I found (actually my wife found) a very interesting selection of exciting, well written books for young men. The Vision Forum is an organization dedicated to restoring the vision of a the biblical family. They have a decidedly reformed bent and desire to bring the Word of God to bear in the life of the Americal Family.
Happy Reading... and Grace to You!
Although, my Pastor made a great point Sunday morning. Six million people stood in line to anxiously buy and read the latest installment from Rowling. How many people were lined up at the front door of the church to get in and hear the next installment of their pastor's exposition? He made absolutely no value judgement on Harry Potter; rather, he pointed out the difference in how the world passionately embraces their stories, which are mere fiction, and how the church embraces our stories, which are historical, life-changing facts. Interesting!
Regarding Harry Potter, again I would direct your attention to Phil Johnson's thoughtful comments. Though I largely agree with Phil's assertions, I still contend that there must be better stuff available for young Christians to read. Things that will allow them to "let the Word of Christ richly dwell in [them]."
My boy, Jonathan, is going to be 3 in a couple of weeks. My two girls LOVE to read. Statistics indicate that boys are far less inclined to reading. Though I cannot substantiate this claim, there must be some relationship to a boy's lack of interest in reading and the lack of good, imaginative, well written fiction for them to read. Most of what the publishing industry aims at young boys (and girls for that matter) is drivel with no substantive plot, no interesting character development, and usually a contrived, spiritualized ending. Put that stuff up against Harry Potter and the young wizard will win everytime.
I found (actually my wife found) a very interesting selection of exciting, well written books for young men. The Vision Forum is an organization dedicated to restoring the vision of a the biblical family. They have a decidedly reformed bent and desire to bring the Word of God to bear in the life of the Americal Family.
Happy Reading... and Grace to You!
Monday, July 18, 2005
Can I be a Calvinist and an Evangelist?
The question is sometimes asked, "How can you be a 'five pointer,' you are an Outreach Pastor?" As if to say a Calvinist has no concern for lost souls. We certainly do! I certainly do. I have no greater joy than one a new worshipper is born for the glory of God.
Let me paste a comment I made during a discussion over at The Cutting Edge. The discussion began by asking the question, "Was Jesus seeker sensitive?" to which I replied, there is no such thing as a seeker (Rom 3.10,11). So the next logical (some what Arminian) question comes, "Why do we share the gospel if God does all the deciding?" Here is was my reply...
"Can I be both a Calvinist and an Evangelist? An age old question... For this we turn to the examples of Mueller, Spurgeon, early Southern Baptists such as Boyce and many others throughout history that were strong Calvinists AND strong Evangelists. More recently we can look at the good doctor, Martin Llyod-Jones, who was an expositor but considered himself first and foremoest an evangelist. Remember, the only way a corpse can come back to life is the Word. The way the Word gets out is the faithful proclamation of the Gospel by faithful preachers. (Rom 10.9-17) In other words - we faithfully proclaim the Word, from pulpits, lecturns, classrooms, and in the intimacy of relationships. While we proclaim, we recognize we do so solely for the purpose of God's glory. We are obedient! God will care for the saving of souls. When I teach and lead our Grace Evangelism team out on visitation ministry every Tuesday night, I remind them, our goal isto make much of the glory of God as demonstrated on the cross of Chrsit. If God causes someone to respond, even better! But our task is to faithfully proclaim the good news for the Glory of God! God's Word will not return unto us void, it will always accomplish everything he intended it to."
I would submit that to you as a good motivation for evangelism - yea, even the most important motive for evangelism - namely, the Glory of God alone. Why do we go/send people to the mission field? Why do pass out Gospel literature? Why do preach the good news of Christ? Why do we tell our neighbors of the hope of the gospel of Christ? Obedience, of course, is part of it. Because we care about lost souls? Is caring about lost souls of preeminent importance?
Let me take moment to trace the evangelist fervor of Paul through his letter to the Romans...
Romans 1.1-5. Jesus Christ is declared, descended from David according to the flesh, the Son God, through whom we have received grace to bring about obedience of faith...why? "for the sake of His name among the nations." The Glory of God among the nations was the motivation for sending His Son.
Romans 15.8-11 Christ demonstrated God's truthfulness "in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy." Again, the motivation of the salvific work of Christ was the Glory of God!
Paul concludes his thoughts to the Romans with a Doxology that emphasizes the strengthening work of the Gospel. His final doxological thought is "to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Christ!" From where does the "glory forevermore" emminate? Jesus Christ!
You see, my motivation to share the Gospel is directly tied to my commitment to the sovereign work of God in eternity past desiring to bring His people to glorify Himself.
Yes, one can be, (and I am) an Evangelist and a Calvinist!
Grace to You!
Let me paste a comment I made during a discussion over at The Cutting Edge. The discussion began by asking the question, "Was Jesus seeker sensitive?" to which I replied, there is no such thing as a seeker (Rom 3.10,11). So the next logical (some what Arminian) question comes, "Why do we share the gospel if God does all the deciding?" Here is was my reply...
"Can I be both a Calvinist and an Evangelist? An age old question... For this we turn to the examples of Mueller, Spurgeon, early Southern Baptists such as Boyce and many others throughout history that were strong Calvinists AND strong Evangelists. More recently we can look at the good doctor, Martin Llyod-Jones, who was an expositor but considered himself first and foremoest an evangelist. Remember, the only way a corpse can come back to life is the Word. The way the Word gets out is the faithful proclamation of the Gospel by faithful preachers. (Rom 10.9-17) In other words - we faithfully proclaim the Word, from pulpits, lecturns, classrooms, and in the intimacy of relationships. While we proclaim, we recognize we do so solely for the purpose of God's glory. We are obedient! God will care for the saving of souls. When I teach and lead our Grace Evangelism team out on visitation ministry every Tuesday night, I remind them, our goal isto make much of the glory of God as demonstrated on the cross of Chrsit. If God causes someone to respond, even better! But our task is to faithfully proclaim the good news for the Glory of God! God's Word will not return unto us void, it will always accomplish everything he intended it to."
I would submit that to you as a good motivation for evangelism - yea, even the most important motive for evangelism - namely, the Glory of God alone. Why do we go/send people to the mission field? Why do pass out Gospel literature? Why do preach the good news of Christ? Why do we tell our neighbors of the hope of the gospel of Christ? Obedience, of course, is part of it. Because we care about lost souls? Is caring about lost souls of preeminent importance?
Let me take moment to trace the evangelist fervor of Paul through his letter to the Romans...
Romans 1.1-5. Jesus Christ is declared, descended from David according to the flesh, the Son God, through whom we have received grace to bring about obedience of faith...why? "for the sake of His name among the nations." The Glory of God among the nations was the motivation for sending His Son.
Romans 15.8-11 Christ demonstrated God's truthfulness "in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy." Again, the motivation of the salvific work of Christ was the Glory of God!
Paul concludes his thoughts to the Romans with a Doxology that emphasizes the strengthening work of the Gospel. His final doxological thought is "to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Christ!" From where does the "glory forevermore" emminate? Jesus Christ!
You see, my motivation to share the Gospel is directly tied to my commitment to the sovereign work of God in eternity past desiring to bring His people to glorify Himself.
Yes, one can be, (and I am) an Evangelist and a Calvinist!
Grace to You!
Friday, July 15, 2005
Harry Potter is more secure than our Borders
The new Harry Potter book comes out on Saturday, so I hear. The Book Standard reports that the new books are under tight security. One delivery driver "revealed recently that he had been ordered to make the ten-hour trip without stopping. To ensure compliance, his truck was outfitted with a global positioning system, which allows a satellite to monitor his progress—reporting any deviation from the strictly regulated route, or even stops for bathroom break."
I thought is was interesting that more time and effort are spent on tracking Harry Potter books than is spent on tracking suitcases packed with nuclear bomb making parts. I know not really a far comparison; but, isn't unbelievable the hype that goes into things?
That is not really my real concern. I was thinking again about Harry Potter recently. I have never really given and clear thought to the subject or appropriateness of filling ones mind and imagination with the content of Rowlings best sellers. I know have a 3 year old son that might someday be interested in fantasy literature - thankfully, not yet! That is not my genre of choice. But I want my decisions to be based on clear biblical conviction.
Deut. 18.9-14 is absolutely clear that God forbids having anything to do with one who practices sorcery, divination, necromancy, wizardry, etc... That is clearly Harry Potter. Why do so many Christians readily bring this stuff into their homes and the minds of their children? Once in my last church, we had a missionary teaching children's church. I thought that was safe enough. I later found that she was pushing Harry Potter to our children -"there are good moral lessons about good vs. evil, etc..." When do good moral lessons trump Biblical authority? Isn't there other places to get good moral lessons without spitting in the face of clear biblical teaching?
While I am at it, let me ask an honest question. I know, a bit taboo for a Christian to even think about questioning The Lord of the Rings. Shame on me for even thinking anything might be remotely wrong with that series. But doesn't that series also involve sorcery, wizardry, etc... I know, I know ... it's all good vs. evil, allegorical, etc... But again, let's deal with the text of Scripture. When can we bring that kind of stuff into the minds our children? As long as we use some Christian themes and Christian words, the other stuff is okay? Then let's all got buy the latest U2 album! See? When does it become acceptable?
These are honest questions? I admit to having never read either Potter or Lord of the Rings. So I speak with level of ignorance. But I think I grasp the spirit of Deut 18, and other Scriptures.
By the way, two night ago we started, for family devotions, Little Pilgrims Progress by Helen Taylor. This is great fictional literature!
Grace to You!
I thought is was interesting that more time and effort are spent on tracking Harry Potter books than is spent on tracking suitcases packed with nuclear bomb making parts. I know not really a far comparison; but, isn't unbelievable the hype that goes into things?
That is not really my real concern. I was thinking again about Harry Potter recently. I have never really given and clear thought to the subject or appropriateness of filling ones mind and imagination with the content of Rowlings best sellers. I know have a 3 year old son that might someday be interested in fantasy literature - thankfully, not yet! That is not my genre of choice. But I want my decisions to be based on clear biblical conviction.
Deut. 18.9-14 is absolutely clear that God forbids having anything to do with one who practices sorcery, divination, necromancy, wizardry, etc... That is clearly Harry Potter. Why do so many Christians readily bring this stuff into their homes and the minds of their children? Once in my last church, we had a missionary teaching children's church. I thought that was safe enough. I later found that she was pushing Harry Potter to our children -"there are good moral lessons about good vs. evil, etc..." When do good moral lessons trump Biblical authority? Isn't there other places to get good moral lessons without spitting in the face of clear biblical teaching?
While I am at it, let me ask an honest question. I know, a bit taboo for a Christian to even think about questioning The Lord of the Rings. Shame on me for even thinking anything might be remotely wrong with that series. But doesn't that series also involve sorcery, wizardry, etc... I know, I know ... it's all good vs. evil, allegorical, etc... But again, let's deal with the text of Scripture. When can we bring that kind of stuff into the minds our children? As long as we use some Christian themes and Christian words, the other stuff is okay? Then let's all got buy the latest U2 album! See? When does it become acceptable?
These are honest questions? I admit to having never read either Potter or Lord of the Rings. So I speak with level of ignorance. But I think I grasp the spirit of Deut 18, and other Scriptures.
By the way, two night ago we started, for family devotions, Little Pilgrims Progress by Helen Taylor. This is great fictional literature!
Grace to You!
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Now I am a heretic!
I was just referred to as a heretic over at the World Magazine Blog, where I frequently comment. The topic in the open thread for the day was hymn / song lines that are theologically suspect, or just plain wrong. I commented on the one the plagues me most: "Above All." This is a mostly good song, but the idea of what is "above all" changes throughout the song, there is no consistency. By the last line we proclaim "you took the fall and thought of me above all." Suddenly the one singing is "above all" - at least above all in the mind of Christ as He died on the cross. Of course, we know that the thought of Christ on the cross was obedience to the will of the Father to please and glorify Him. (Heb. 5.8; Phil 2.8; Eph 5.2 "to please His Father).
However, the heretic arrow came when I further commented that another concern with this song, or any like it, gives the impression that Christ was thinking of every person singing this song, as if Christ died for every person in the world.
NOW... there you see where the heretic shot came. I hold to a particular redemption perspective of the atonement. According to someone code named "Duck" that makes me, along with Spurgeon, Calvin, most all Baptists until around 1800, and many others (including modern teachers like James White, John MacArthur, John Piper) all heretics.
It is not my intent to necesarily spark a debate on the extent of the atonement, though I am open to that. My larger question for the time is simply this: What are the qualifications for a teaching to be considered a heresy? And when do we label one a heretic?
Incidently, my friend Curtis Richardson, sent me a link to a scary Jack-Hyles type site that calls MacArthur a heretic. Read if you dare!
Anyway, Grace to You my friends! Grace to you ALL!
However, the heretic arrow came when I further commented that another concern with this song, or any like it, gives the impression that Christ was thinking of every person singing this song, as if Christ died for every person in the world.
NOW... there you see where the heretic shot came. I hold to a particular redemption perspective of the atonement. According to someone code named "Duck" that makes me, along with Spurgeon, Calvin, most all Baptists until around 1800, and many others (including modern teachers like James White, John MacArthur, John Piper) all heretics.
It is not my intent to necesarily spark a debate on the extent of the atonement, though I am open to that. My larger question for the time is simply this: What are the qualifications for a teaching to be considered a heresy? And when do we label one a heretic?
Incidently, my friend Curtis Richardson, sent me a link to a scary Jack-Hyles type site that calls MacArthur a heretic. Read if you dare!
Anyway, Grace to You my friends! Grace to you ALL!
Monday, July 11, 2005
Are Seminaries Hijacking a Local Church Mandate?
My friend Steve Camp is on one of his tirades again. As usual, Steve his aggressive, pointed, sometimes bombastic, and always thoughtful. Apparent throughout his articles and essays is a desire to bring Biblical principles to bear in the real world of life and ministry. I have never doubted Steve's passion for the sufficiency and authority of Scripture. This was apparent to me within minutes of picking him up at the airport the first time we met. I greatly appreciate his desire for a pure form of Christianity. Steve provides much fodder for debate among my friends and I.
In a recent post at Camp on This, regarding seminaries, Steve decries the fact the seminaries have assumed the responsiblities for training men for ministry and the local church has stood by to let this happen. I have not fully formed my thoughts on this, but have long held many of the same concerns. Please read the his post and share your comments to enlighten me. After I muse on it a bit more, I will share some of my thoughts.
By the way, this is exactly why I do a Blog. It has nothing to do with the fact that I think I have something of exceeding value to apss on to you. It has everything to do with interaction and mutual enlightenment. So please comment and let's encourage one another as iron sharpening iron.
Grace to You!
In a recent post at Camp on This, regarding seminaries, Steve decries the fact the seminaries have assumed the responsiblities for training men for ministry and the local church has stood by to let this happen. I have not fully formed my thoughts on this, but have long held many of the same concerns. Please read the his post and share your comments to enlighten me. After I muse on it a bit more, I will share some of my thoughts.
By the way, this is exactly why I do a Blog. It has nothing to do with the fact that I think I have something of exceeding value to apss on to you. It has everything to do with interaction and mutual enlightenment. So please comment and let's encourage one another as iron sharpening iron.
Grace to You!
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Pray for Londoners
Just wanted to take a brief moment to express my concern for and prayers for the people of London. This is a "barbaric" attack, as Prime Minister Blair has said.
Remember, Phil Johnson is ministering at the School of Theology in London this week. He has posted that he and Darlene are safe. Pray for evangelical ministries in London to minister the grace of the True God at this time, in the face of those who conduct such evil in the name of their God.
Grace to you & Peace!
Remember, Phil Johnson is ministering at the School of Theology in London this week. He has posted that he and Darlene are safe. Pray for evangelical ministries in London to minister the grace of the True God at this time, in the face of those who conduct such evil in the name of their God.
Grace to you & Peace!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
A Couple Great Finds
I discovered some very wonderful websites that have quickly become a couple of my favorites. The web is a very dangerous thing. There is so much information available, that I spend too much time reading. It that actually possible. Well, I am on the verge...
Anyway, let me direct your attention to some great reading
The Reformed Reader is a collection of works by mostly Baptistic reformed writers and theologians. Great thoughts, especially some of the historical essays.
The Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics deals more with apologetics. It is a great portal to many of the historical documents that shaped the church over the centuries.
Keep on Reading... and as always,
Grace to You!
Anyway, let me direct your attention to some great reading
The Reformed Reader is a collection of works by mostly Baptistic reformed writers and theologians. Great thoughts, especially some of the historical essays.
The Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics deals more with apologetics. It is a great portal to many of the historical documents that shaped the church over the centuries.
Keep on Reading... and as always,
Grace to You!
Is God still speaking?
The United Church of Christ has used the motto "God is still speaking", calling it their "Nationwide Identity Campaign," for some time now. They put forth the concept that the worldwide community of believers is to be accepting and embracing of all mankind. They believe that the Scriptures are part of God's revelation, but that God continues to speak as culture and society change. The universal concepts of grace and acceptance must be understood in light of a changing culture and evolving societal norms.
With these concepts providing the framework for discussion, debate and decision, the UCC meeting in General Synod voted overwhelmingly for the recognition of "marriage equality." This is completely consistent with the denominations long standing support for the homosexual lifestyle choice. They ask each UCC church to consider adopting a Wedding Policy that does not discriminate against couples based on gender.
This should not surprise us at all. During a survey of the churches website, I found very few Scripture references; those I did find took quite a bit of creative exegesis to be used the way they were. This conclusion, and many like it, are the natural results of dismissing the authority of the Word of God. When anything replaces the final authority of God's will, as revealed in the Word, pragmatism reigns supreme. This decision to endorse, even encourage, gay marriage is not a major jump. It is the next logical step for a group that has systematically denied the authority of Scripture.
We must be careful to examine our ministry and worldview decisions. What is our authoritative source? Might it be history, backed by proof texting? Perhaps a genuine desire to see people saved, but without regard to the methodology that would line up with Scripture? Motives are not always bad! But sincerity must be directed by the authority of God's Word. You've heard the saying, "It's alright to be sincere, but you can be sincerely wrong!"
Let's be very careful not to replace the authority and sufficiency of the Word of God with pragmatism, historical precedent, or even good, gracious motives, lest we begin to slide down the slippery slope of humanism like the UCC.
As always... Grace to You!
With these concepts providing the framework for discussion, debate and decision, the UCC meeting in General Synod voted overwhelmingly for the recognition of "marriage equality." This is completely consistent with the denominations long standing support for the homosexual lifestyle choice. They ask each UCC church to consider adopting a Wedding Policy that does not discriminate against couples based on gender.
This should not surprise us at all. During a survey of the churches website, I found very few Scripture references; those I did find took quite a bit of creative exegesis to be used the way they were. This conclusion, and many like it, are the natural results of dismissing the authority of the Word of God. When anything replaces the final authority of God's will, as revealed in the Word, pragmatism reigns supreme. This decision to endorse, even encourage, gay marriage is not a major jump. It is the next logical step for a group that has systematically denied the authority of Scripture.
We must be careful to examine our ministry and worldview decisions. What is our authoritative source? Might it be history, backed by proof texting? Perhaps a genuine desire to see people saved, but without regard to the methodology that would line up with Scripture? Motives are not always bad! But sincerity must be directed by the authority of God's Word. You've heard the saying, "It's alright to be sincere, but you can be sincerely wrong!"
Let's be very careful not to replace the authority and sufficiency of the Word of God with pragmatism, historical precedent, or even good, gracious motives, lest we begin to slide down the slippery slope of humanism like the UCC.
As always... Grace to You!
Friday, July 01, 2005
FYI - Campi is "official" in the Blogosphere
I always thought Audience One WAS the blog minsitry of Steve Camp. But apparently I was wrong. Campi has officially entered the Blogosphere with his newest release Camp On This. It really is quite similar to his Web based ministry at Audience One, but allows the reader to interact by way of comments. Provacative as usual.
Also, keep an eye on PyroManiac this week. Phil Johnson is ministering at the School of Theology this next week at the Met in London. He plans to journal his week. I will plan to live vicariously through one more privileged than I. I would love to visit London, especially WITH Phil Johnson (hint hint Phil). I would love t0 see the grave markers of the faithful men and women who have gone on before - CH Spurgeon, chiefly, but also Watts, Gill, Richard Baxter at Christ Church, and many others. Maybe someday!
Ministy in Toledo, Ohio is as vital as ministry in London!
Grace to You!
Also, keep an eye on PyroManiac this week. Phil Johnson is ministering at the School of Theology this next week at the Met in London. He plans to journal his week. I will plan to live vicariously through one more privileged than I. I would love to visit London, especially WITH Phil Johnson (hint hint Phil). I would love t0 see the grave markers of the faithful men and women who have gone on before - CH Spurgeon, chiefly, but also Watts, Gill, Richard Baxter at Christ Church, and many others. Maybe someday!
Ministy in Toledo, Ohio is as vital as ministry in London!
Grace to You!
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