Albert Mohler responds to a recent Newsweek article about Sarah Palin’s church, which actually believes what the Bible says about hell and salvation by Christ alone. Interesting observations about the cultural antipathy to the notions of divine judgment and the exclusivity of Jesus Christ.
What nearly 6 of 10 evangelicals believe
Our first Theoforum study was to read through and discuss R. Scott Smith’s excellent book, Truth and the New Kind of Christian. The study took us into the postmodern conversation. Smith both led the reader into a survey of how deep the rabbit hole goes, as it were, and which is the best way out. I’m sure there would be TheoForum guys who consider that to have been our best study yet.
In related news, Denny Burk has some informative links on what is in many quarters becoming less of a phenomenon and more of the order of the day – namely a loss of evangelical conviction regarding the exclusivity of salvation through faith alone in Christ alone.
Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter and little Jair
I can’t begin to fathom how painful this must be. Chapman’s music has ministered deeply to me, especially his Declaration project. As I read the report I remembered the Declaration Tour, where I saw one of Chapman’s precious little adopted daughters in a music video for the song “When Love Takes You In”. The song and video beautifully captured the story of her adoption. It completely melted me emotionally, as happened again just now when I listened to it.
I ache for this family. Join me in praying for them. And for another family that’s closer to “home” – Teo, Lety and their little boy, Jair whom the doctors have sent home to die.
Three days ago my oldest son, Hunter (9), asked me with a sorrowful face, “Dad, why won’t God heal Jair?” During family worship last night, after praying for Jair, we reviewed and discussed the Westminster Catechism question/answer, “What is providence?” We talked about pleading in prayer, remembering God still works miracles so we shouldn’t give up asking again and again, and all the while trusting God and affirming that He knows best and cares more for Jair than any of us do. We talked about what Jair would experience if the Lord ends up taking him home – how he would feel. No more needles. No more burning chemo. A body that’s vibrant, a mind unburdened, a heart relieved of all sorrow and fear. It was one of our sweetest times of family prayer, because as I prayed, Paula and the boys were agreeing aloud and in earnest.
“Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace. Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.” -William Cowper, hymnwriter, God Moves in a Mysterious Way
ESV Study Bible – 35% off Today!
The much anticipated ESV Study Bible is available for order and at a discounted price … if you buy it today! If you want a quick sales pitch, here’s one from Pastor Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church, Seattle.
Same-Sex Procreation?
Recently I heard Sovereign Grace pastor, Phil Sasser, urge upon pastors the responsibility to catch up on what’s been happening in the field of bioethics.
This article, put out by our friends at The Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, relates the fruit of new research which may profoundly alter the Genesis design of man and woman being called to “be fruitful and multiply.” That is, until recently, science has been unable to concoct a way for same-sex couples to have their own offspring. Some researchers say that over the next 10 years that may be changing.
Wright done him wrong: 5 lessons
Pastor, author and Bible scholar, Thabiti Anyabwile, reflects on 5 lessons from the Wright/Obama spiral. The reflections are primarily for pastors but I think the discernment in this piece is valuable for thinking biblically about the function of a faithful pastor, the relationship of church and state, what biblical friendship and humility would dictate (a very helpful example of what Thabiti would say now, were he in Mr. Wright’s shoes), and the importance of seeking biblical counsel.
[TheoForum is on for tomorrow. We discuss chapter 9 in Kostenberger's, God, Marriage and Family. See you fellas at 6am!]
Rev. Wright: a bigger problem
The pastors and some of our small group leaders and some other friends will be attending the Together For the Gospel Conference through Thursday. If possible, please pray for us to receive from the Lord and come away stirred and envisioned to serve with greater faith and effectiveness.
Meanwhile, I’ve prepared a few posts in advance for you fellas to chew on. This one comes from Dr. Russell Moore. If you read PivotLIFE regularly then you’ve seen his name before and you will no doubt see it again. He is, I think, a tremendous gift to the Body of Christ and is doing a lot of good through his incisive, biblical, culturally-conversant writing and speaking.
Shout to the Lord & American Idol
In case you haven’t heard yet, last week on American Idol all of the contestants ended the show singing Hillsong’s “Shout to the Lord,” replacing “my Jesus” with “my Shepherd.” The next night they sang the song again, this time using “my Jesus.” There seems to be a lot of talk going on about this. Josh Harris shares some insight and reflections.
Driscoll gets choked up?
I consider the features of the new ESV Study Bible to be more along the lines of mouth-watering than eye-watering, but to each his own. I’ve been eager for the release of this thing for a while now. Driscoll just made the wait much more difficult. See for yourself.
p.s. – Tomorrow is the last day to let us know you’re coming to New Attitude before we let go of our extra hotel rooms. Contact the church office to update us on your plans.
