The Capranica

Moved!!

2006-04-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Capranica has moved!! That's right for all three of you who read this blog, you will need to change the address to get your regular doses of theological Italian food. The new address is: http://thecapranica.fbcsanjacinto.com New posts will all be posted there.

So Judas Got It Right!??

2006-04-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

The four canonical Gospels have been scrutinized for centuries. Every word, every letter of every page of each Gospel has been examined. Seminars have been held where so-called scholars vote on which words and phrases were actually said by Jesus. Amazingly, the Gospels have held their own for all of these centuries. The scrutiny has only demonstrated their resilience and I would say further corroborate their inspiration.

However, when a 2nd (possibly 3rd) century gnostic 'Gospel' is found that discounts the accounts of the highly scrutinized and well testified canonical Gospels, the world is eager to accept it as truth and fact with very little scrutiny. Liberals and unbelievers who don't want to accept the canonical Jesus are eager for any alternative. And now they have one.

The Gospel of Judas makes Judas out to be a hero - a man helpful in fulfilling Jesus' personal plans for the cross. It is interesting to listen to the well educated scholars speak of this 'Gospel.' They immediately begin pointing to the idea that the canonical Gospels are stories told through the propaganda of the early Christians and is therefore not historically reliable. However, this new 'Gospel' dating at least one hundred to one hundred and fifty years after the last apostle (who personally knew Jesus), is immediately portrayed as a more objective and less 'Christianized' (understood as distorted) account of what 'really' happened.

Once again, we have evidence of the effects of the Fall on the will of mankind. Evidence and objective criteria for rational belief are not the elements missing for most people that would drive them toward belief. No, they do not want to believe. As a matter of fact, if anything contrary to the Bible comes out it is readily affirmed, simply because it contradicts the 'progaganda' of the Bible. The Gospel of Judas is not a display of modern scholarship. It is merely a display of modern modes of unbelief.

Some thoughts and resources regarding The Gospel of Judas:

Christianity Today's take

Albert Mohler's Commentary

Tiablogue's Comments (Steve Hays)

Jim Hamilton's Comments

Why Guys Can't Grow Up

2006-04-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

Is the Problem Cultural or Chemical? What's Happening to Boys? Are we surprised at the fact that boys are neglecting personal responsibility when their chief 'hobbies' are countless hours killing computer generated aliens/police/prostitutes/gangsters/Islam armies, and watching Spike TV? How much have we encouraged maturity in guys when we tell them that their natural penchant for laziness is really nothing more than the amoral chemicals forcing their brain and body into slothfullness? Maybe we need to try somethingnew like stricter parenting, less TV, more reading, forcing them to do their homework and corporal punishment in the school for poor behavior. But then that would require more maturity and responsibility in adults. We're sunk.

The Results of a California Eduction

2006-04-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Paperweight Severs Calif. Teacher's Hand - Yahoo! News "Today's lesson kids, creative ways to usee a 40 mm ammunition round." Bet this was very educational for the class. Perhaps they had an anatomy lesson of the hand, or the effects of shrapnel wounds in the torso.

How Did the Chinese Come Up with This Before We Did?

2006-04-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Chinese man bids to sell his soul on auction site - Yahoo! News Now this is a very clever way to make E-bay money. I just can't believe the Chinese came up with it first. Must have been someone educated in America.

Jesus may have walked on ice?

2006-04-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Jesus may have walked on ice? - Yahoo! News Naturalism just cannot conceive of anything beyond what humans can explain within the bounds of finite comprehension. So, according to this theory, it was cold enough for ice to form just under the surface of the sea and Jesus found a good chunck of it that just happned to lead right to Peter's boat. Peter must have found a piece of it too, but when concern took over, he lost track of where the ice was and fell off. So, it really wasn't his faith that faultered, it was just his footing. Yep, that makes good sense.

Evolutionists Demand Intolerance

2006-04-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Now They Are Afraid of the Students -- The Intellectual Anxiety of the Evolutionists Heres is Dr. Mohler's take on a recent L.A. Times article demonstrating the response of evolutionists to students questioning their teachers on the subject.

I Wondered When We Might Hear This

2006-04-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

Depression Hits Some Preachers' Wives - Yahoo! News I dont' disagree. I am married to a pastor's wife. I am a child of a pastor's wife. I've seen the pressures and the expectations. Nothing short of a vibrant relationship with Christ and total reliance on the mercy and grace of God keeps one from such an inevitalble depression. Then again, isn't that true for most everyone?

Are We Guilty of Divisiveness?

2006-04-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

Triablogue: "Dividing the body of Christ" Amen.

Christianity Today and Pentecostalism

2006-03-31T13:55:00.000-08:00

CT has been posting a number of articles chronicling Pentecostalism as they reach the century mark in America.

Each of these articles reveal much not only about Pentecostalism but Christianity Today and the plight of the Gospel in many corners of the evangelical world.

Africa's Azuza Street

Full Gospel's Fractured Thinking Grading the Movement Our Anit-Intellectual Heritage Pentecostals: The Sequel Pentecostal Connections

Marriage and Spiritual Warfare

2006-03-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

Warfare? Many would agree. Spiritual Warfare? Read Kostenberger's great reminder (I did not see permalinks for his articles so look for the one entitled, "Marriage and Spiritual Warfare").

An Interview on Temptation

2006-03-31T09:31:00.000-08:00

Faith & Practice: A Fight to the Death (An Interview with Author Joshua Mack) Good interview and no doubt a great book.

Key Emergent Articles Posted

2006-03-31T09:27:00.000-08:00

Denny Burk: McLaren and Driscoll's Articles Online I'll be reading these soon. I'm grateful they put them online. BTW, is that REALLY Denny Burk flying high with a skateboard? Can a New Testament professor be a skater and a scholar?

Mathematical Piety

2006-03-31T09:21:00.000-08:00

Mark Dever has a great article here about the foundation and fuel of the constant numbers mantra that often plagues especially, but not merely, my own denomination. It is a good exhortation reminding us to maintain a genuine Christcenteredness in every detail of ministry.

A Good Reminder

2006-03-31T09:13:00.000-08:00

TMS Alumni: 2 Timothy 2:24-26 Good reminder. I need to read this biblical text and this article a few times each week.

The Conclusion of a Pentecostal Emphasis

2006-03-30T09:20:00.000-08:00

A Wind that Swirls Everywhere - Christianity Today Magazine Pentecostal theologian Amos Yong says we should surely be engaging with other religions so that we can discern what the Holy Spirit is doing in each and learn from them - perhaps even integrate.

"Christians should be open to learning from and being enriched by the Spirit's work in world religions. Dialogue must take place alongside evangelism, he argues, so that all the religions—including Christianity—can learn from each other what the Spirit is doing."

Evangelism is redefined:

"Dialogue and proclamation are not mutually exclusive but intrinsically connected," he writes. "A pneumatological approach to the non-Christian faiths … opens up the Christian to whatever is true, good, beautiful, and holy in the other traditions, even while nurturing an environment in which the non-Christian can come to appreciate the same in Christian faith. What else is this besides grassroots 'evangelism'?"

Pluralism lurks beneath the shaddow of his Bibleless Christianity:

In his theology, the world religions are instruments of God, play a role in God's providence, and have much to contribute to Christianity. "[C]hristians should be open to learning from other religious traditions because of the unfinished character of Christian identity," he writes. "While we are being formed into the eschatological image of Jesus, we continue to look through the glass dimly. If others have something to say about God, should we not at least listen both sympathetically and critically?"

Bibleless, you say? - Yep:

He is determined simply to follow the Spirit wherever the Spirit leads and let the theological chips fall where they may. And one place where Yong sees the Spirit as especially active is along the perimeters of world pentecostalism, where younger churches absorb elements of their cultures and traditional religions into their theologies and practices. He cites as an example an African movement that combines Islam and Christianity. His conclusion is typically ambiguous (and perhaps ambivalent): "My point is not to embrace … these developments but to be spurred on to discernment and theological reflection by what is happening in the Christian-Muslim encounter."

Where is the Bible's authority in this:

This raises a second question: What criteria should we use for discerning the Spirit's work in non-Christian movements? Yong hesitates to elevate Jesus Christ to exclusive status for such discernment. For him, "signs of the kingdom," such as personal and social transformation in love, might serve as such tools. The Spirit might be active, then, wherever the kingdom of God is being advanced, whether or not Jesus Christ is central to the religious messages and practices.

What is Christianity Today's take on this budding new theologian:

In the meantime, Yong is proving to be a cutting-edge Pentecostal scholar, whose non-Western perspective is offering fresh ways of looking at old theological problems.

Here's another reason why we need to actively apply Jude 3. In my opinion, Yong is a good example of the logical conclusion to the Pentecostal penchant for emphasizing the Holy Spirit's voice to the exclusion of the Bible. And note, he is not one of the so-called fringe crazies on TBN that some accuse opponents of Pentecostalism of always emphasizing. No, here is a bona fide theological intellectual carrying his Pentecostal theology to its necessary conclusion: a Bibleless, pluralistic, syncretistic brand of religion with a Christian twist.

Good Interview with a Very Good Preacher

2006-03-29T15:20:00.000-08:00

Expository Thoughts: Interview with Jerry Wragg Jerry Wrag was the Senior Associate Pastor of Grace Community Church and personal assistant to John MacArthur when I began seminary. He is a tremendous preacher and a very effective pastor and leader. Beyond that, the dude can sing! I mean SING! As a matter of fact, the first time I saw Jerry Wragg was at my first Shepherds' Conference in 1991. At that time, they had a baptism service on the opening evening. Just before the service, Jerry sang, "Oh I Want to Know You More." It has been a favorite of mine ever since. He was also leading music with Carey Hardy in Lance Quinn's new Fellowship Group, Grace Life. Part 2 was released on 3/31/06 - more good stuff.

Jonathan Edwards Center

2006-03-29T09:12:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Edwards Center One to put in the feedreader! HT: Jonathan Moorhead

More on the Upcoming Debate

2006-03-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

Founders Ministries Blog: The Debate

And We're the Intolerant Ones?

2006-03-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Between Two Worlds: Beckwith Denied Tenure Ah, yes, the openness and lack of 'hard-nosed' intolerance from a seminary whose founding was to showcase such gems.

Does Anyone Want to Be an Adult Anymore?

2006-03-29T08:54:00.000-08:00

Does Anyone Want to Be an Adult Anymore? Amen. Perhaps the response of the maturity rebellion crowd is to post some more articles defending their right and need to play more video games. Yes, please, that is so very encouraging. Attitude, discipline, work eithic, basic approach to life, relationships, etc., are the lasting effects of this maturity rebellion. And if this is the culture of today's young adults, what will the next generation's slide into immaturity look like? Will they rebel so much against their parent's immaturity that they embrace the opposite. Wishful thinking. That certainly has not been the trend. What's even more fun to think about is the way this lack of maturity is impacting the church. I hate to think of any further slide into youthish pop cultured antics in our worship and approach to Christian living. I don't think anyone thought about this maturity thing when they put their WWJD bracelets on.

In More Presidential History News Today

2006-03-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

Cap Weinberger, a significant player in Reagan's administration (Defense Secretary - and also served under Nixon and Ford), died today.

Bolten to Replace Card As Chief of Staff - Yahoo! News

2006-03-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

This is probably bigger news than many realize. Andy Card is the second longest presidential Chief of Staff in American history. Harry Truman's Chief, James Steelman, remained in his position for six years, Card for almost five and a half years. This is the guy who has the ear of the president virtually all day everyday. He determines what the president sees and hears for the most part. His office is the gatekeeper to the Oval Office. No small position. Josh Bolton has just received what could be a responsibility with more influence than any other government official. Here's some interesting notes on the White House Chief of Staff position.

Here We Go!

2006-03-27T17:53:00.000-08:00

Baptists and Calvinism: A Debate at the New Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, Virginia - Pros Apologian Oh, that they will make the audio internet available.

Me Church! How's This For Seeker Saturated!!

2006-03-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

..:: Welcome to Ignitermedia.com ::.. I just received some great ministry ideas! HT: Joshua Mack

Dan Wallace Interview

2006-03-27T07:36:00.000-08:00

Evangelical Textual Criticism: Interview with Dan Wallace Dan Wallace is the author of the Greek grammar I used extensively in Seminary. We read and talked through the entire grammar in a semester and then used it extensively the second semester in actual exegesis. I still use Wallace every week in my study, especially now that it is in electronic format. Here's an interesting interview with Wallace about Textual Criticism. Stacy, I know this is dear to your heart right now and will be beneficial reading for your current plight. HT: Justin Taylor

What To Do When You're No Longer a Hostage

2006-03-26T05:32:00.000-08:00

Freed Iraq hostage Kember back at local church - Yahoo! News Go to church and worship. This is not the typical emphasis we often hear. There will be too many professing believers who will shirk church today for the sake of convenience, forgetting that we too have been freed from bondage to sin. I think I'll head to church.

When Men Become Cultured

2006-03-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

THIS is not the song I learned when I was a kid. HT: Pecadillo

To My Seminary Cohort Brethren

2006-03-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

I've been practicing! HT: Pecadillo

Parenting Class!

2006-03-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Confessions of a Pastor: What Kind of a Sick Parent Is This? I had Dr. York as a professor in my first DMin. class. After seeing this video, you will comphrehend the correct pronunciation of DMin (i.e., "deemun"). Are you supposed to laught at this?

Feminism in SBC Seminaries

2006-03-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

paleoevangelical: Feminism in SBC Seminaries Interesting read.

W. A. Criswell Sermons

2006-03-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

W.A. Criswell :: The W. A. Criswell Sermon Library HT: Pastor Steve Weaver's Blog

Sermons of S. Lewis Johnson

2006-03-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

Believers Chapel - Online Teaching More for the IPod. HT: Expository Thougts

Kostenblogger

2006-03-23T08:44:00.000-08:00

Between Two Worlds: Kostenblogger I enjoyed Kostenberger's joint effort with Tom Schreiner, Women in the Church. I will look forward to checking in on his new weekly blog.

Between Two Worlds: Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

2006-03-22T06:55:00.000-08:00

Between Two Worlds: Being Filled with the Holy Spirit Here's a link I will be adding to my IPod Shuffle and taking with me to the gym.

Thoughts From the Study

2006-03-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

Here's a few excerpts from my personal reading as of late: "[The cross] was a stumbling block to the self-righteous Jews, and foolishness to the philosphical Greeks; but to those who received it to the salvation of their sould, it was Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. it was not Christ transfigured on Mount Tabor; not Christ stilling the tempest, and raising the dead; not Christ rising triumphantly from the grave, and ascending gloriously, amdist shouts of attendant angels, to his throne in the highest heavens: but Christ on the cross, expiring in darkness and woe, that the first preachers of the Gospel delighted to exhibit to the faith of their hearers. This was their Gospel; its centre, and its glory. it was faith in this Gospel that controlled the hearts of their converts, and made them ready to die for him who had, by his death, procured for them eternal life. In this faith they exclaimed, 'God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.' To this they referred when they said, "I am crucifiec with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." - John L. Dagg - Manual of Theology, 213. "No higher motive to holiness can be needed, than that which proceeds from the cross." Dagg, 218. "So God sustains the caracter of a righteous Judge; and soone than disregard the claims of law, and overthrow his moral government, he is willing to plunge the sword of justice into the heart of his beloved Son. And such is the reverence of the Son, for the law of his Father and the claims of justice, tha he patiently consents to be led as a lamb to the slaughter, that his death may justify God in forgiving and saving the guilty." Dagg, 219. "If Christians object to secular humanism as an established non-Christian worldview in the schools, thenit makes no sense to fight to establish another non-Christian worldview - worship of the God of the Lowest Common Denominator. If this problem is corrected by instituting Christian prayer, then we are back to our earlier unjust arrangmement. Because our society is so diverse, thee is no way to establish school prayer unless there is compromise on the content of prayer. In our society, individuals from a multitude of different religions, denominations, and worldviews are enrolled in the public schools. This means that any prayer acceptable to the majority of all these groups wold have all the doctrinal igor of oatmeal. Students would learn to pray to a mush god; the god of the civil religion. The various theologies of Mormons, Catholics, evangelicals, etc., woudl be run through a blender and the resulting concoction assembled into a prayer. Such prayers would be a theological monstrosity. If the seculariests were included in the compromise (and to be fair, they must be), then the result will be, not a prayer, but a moment of silence in which the students are allowed to pray, lust, blaspheme, or whatever else suits them." Douglas Wilson, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning, 41. I've also been read through Norm Geisler's Chosen But Free and James White's The Potter's Freedom. Too many quotables from these two. I had some respect for Geisler until I read CBF. It's a poorly written book that demonstrates little genuine interaction with Calvinism. He threw White a real softball on this one. Preaching the Parales by Craig L. Blomberg is another text I am just now finishing up for a DMin class. While my heart does not resonate with much of the way Blomberg preaches, he has challenged me with thinking more deliberately and carefully about better and varied ways to communicate the intended point (or as he suggests with parables, points) of a parable (or any text). From Augustine's Confessions: 'Whoso seeks from God any other reward but God, and for it would serve God, esteems what he wishes to receive, more than Him from whom he would receive it. What then? hath God no reward? None, save Himself. The reward of God is God Himself." p 26. ". . . wretched is every soul bound by the friendship of perishable things; he is torn asunder when he loses them, and thenhe feels the wretchedness which he had ere yet he lost them. . . . Thus was I wretched, and that wretched life I held dearer than my friend." 31.

Brokeback Backlash?

2006-03-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Brokeback Backlash? Annie Proulx Speaks Her (Very Angry) Mind Al Mohler posts some facinating quotations from Annie Proulx and her despair that the homosexual agenda did not get the ratings she was hoping for (demanding?). Read these quotes regarding the Homosexual community's outraget that "their" movie did not garner the Best Picture Academy Award. How unique- she's upset with Hollywood because they did not support her agenda. Her take is that L.A. is too conservative. CONSERVATIVE?? Has she ever lived here? If L.A. and the movie industry she is criticizing is too conservative, I would hate to see a culture dominated by what she feels is moderate or worse liberal. BTW, Newsweek had an interesting blurb about how poorly Brokeback did at the box office. Maybe the Academy isn't too conservative, they just made a distinction between the Homosexual agenda and the actual merits of the movie.

Free Market Forced Into Liberalism

2006-03-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

Wal-Mart bows to pressure, to stock abortion-causing drug - (BP) No longer can a retail store determine for itself the products it will offer. No longer is it merely the market that will drive retailers to choose the products it will sell. No longer can a company publicly hold or advocate politically incorrect positions through the products they choose to sell or not sell. At least not in Illinois and Massachusettes. These states have already required Wal-Mart to carry an emergency contraceptive pill popularly pushed by pro-abortionists. Wal-Mart was one major retail company that did not initially give in to the pressure to sell the pill. Now Wal-Mart has reversed their previously held priority. It could be that there were so many women wanting to have abortions, that Wal-Mart caved to the financial benefits they were sacrificing by not carrying the stylish pill. Instead, they decided to get into the monetary boon and begin carrying the pill, and pass the blame on to state legislatures that were waiting in the wings to force them to do it anyway. Perhaps, but doubtful. With South Dakota's decision to challenge Roe v. Wade, and Wal-Mart's decision to make abortion more convenient, the culture war over this issue may soon reach a new intensity. But Wal-Mart's decision is even more troublesome. Now the state is legislating what must be sold in the market. This cannot be a good sign for American Democracy and free trade.

Liberal Catholics and the Homosexual Debate

2006-02-17T05:23:00.000-08:00

Homosexuality and Theological Method -- A Pattern of Argument to Watch Here's Mohler's comments today about the liberal approach to Catholicism that sounds much like Protestant liberalism, except for one major theological difference - Church vs Bible.

Challies on Submission

2006-02-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Challies Dot Com: Submission - Does It Precede The Fall? Tim Challies summarizes Wayne Grudem's biblical proofs for submission within the context of marriage.

Don’t Waste Your Cancer

2006-02-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Don’t Waste Your Cancer Read the above link - John Piper on the eve of his cancer surgery. Justin Taylor reports that all seems to have gone well with Dr. Piper's surgery.

Willie Goes Gay

2006-02-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Country icon Willie Nelson sings gay cowboy song - Yahoo! News He's sung about virtually every other sin, why not this one too?

The Domino Effect of Rejecting Scripture

2006-02-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

Gay Bishop Enters Treatment for Alcoholism - Yahoo! News No one is above temptation and falling into grievous habitual ministry-ending sin could happen to anyone. Here's another display of how we are so dependent on God's grace each moment of each day. However, when there is an open violation of God's Word in one major and public avenue of ministry (i.e., the homosexual issue), you can be sure that there have been many previous and more covert violations that will one day surface. Even though this Bishop is a part of a denomination that rejects the inerrancy of Scripture, and has embraced a host of aberrant theological viewpoints, the fall of a public ministry figure is another reason we should pray for God's mercy and men's integrity for those in public positions of church leadership.

The Frightening Reality of Islam

2006-02-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

The Real Challenge We Face From Radical Islam See Dr. Mohler's notes.

Evangelicals (?) Are Now Green! What's Missing Here?

2006-02-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

Evangelical Leaders Join Global Warming Initiative - New York Times Big names of prominent evangelical Christian leaders (and some who I'm not sure would link themselves otherwise with evangelicals), say we need national legislation to deal with global warming. I watched Rick Warren this past weekend on Fox News defend his participation in this endeavor. He linked it to our responsibility to be good stewards of the planet, as God commanded in Genesis one. He began by saying he never promotes any specific legislation, but he is definitely against the Kyoto treaty and he is definitely for new congressional legislation. Is this what happens when evangelicals have become too prominent in their respective communities. They then need to turn to more global causes that will gain them a larger audience and a bigger cause? Has the Great Commission become too boring to pursue any longer? Or perhaps this global initiative business is the very key that Jesus needs to usher in the fulfilment of the Great Commission. Where will the leading evangelical voices in our country go next? What will be the next great secular situation we will fix through our influence? Stay tuned. See Dennis Swanson on this subject: Part 1 and Part 2

What Colleges Are Missing in Education

2006-02-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

City Journal Winter 2006 | What Colleges Forget to Teach by Robert P. George Very intriguing article. Well worth the read.

Creating Tolerance Through Cartoons and Violence

2006-02-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

Amazing isn't it. The pesident of France issues an interesting edict: "Anything that can hurt the convictions of another, particularly religious convictions, must be avoided. Freedom of expression must be exercised in a spirit of responsibility," Chirac told his cabinet." How do you create sympathy and tolerance in our global community today? Violence over the slightest offense can gain presidential proclamations of guilt on the practitioners of free speech. It will be facinating to see if this condemnation of religious cartoons will be evenly applied. I bet not. Here again is another sign that in our pluralistic culture, even the intolerant receive sympathy, as long as they are not conservative Christians. But then again, we certainly don't expect the world to honor Christ or those who follow Him. They didn't honor Him while He was physically here on earth. The world violently crucified Him. The Muslim outrage and the passive response of many toward the Islamic cartoon violence, while chiding secularists for making fun, is another sign that we cannot expect to create a culture that will honor Christ outside of the gospel. A moral culture is not our answer. The embracing of a violently persecuted, but victorious Savior - Jesus Christ is the means to truly peaceful culture. See also John Piper's excellent commentary on the difference between the Muslim Mohammed and the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

If Only They Could Marry

2006-02-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

The BBC reports that homosexual relationship create incredible stress and leads to severe health problems. Homosexual men are more likely to get HIV (really - I didn't think HIV was a gay disease?). Homosexual women are more prone to breast cancer, heart disease and obesity. There is a greater risk for depression, drug abuse and suicidal tendencies among the homosexual community than the heterosexual community. What would begin to turn the tide? Some researchers are suggesting that if only they could marry or enter legal civil partnerships, their health issues would begin to subside. So in all reality, the health of the homosexual community is the fault of the heterosexual community who won't let them marry. Another interesting twist in the saga of criminalizing the natural family in order to legalize the unnatural.

From Dallas to Jacksonville

2006-02-13T16:06:00.000-08:00

FBC Jacksonville to vote on Dallas' Mac Brunson as new pastor - (BP) First Baptist Church, Dallas will soon be without a pastor. . . again. Mac Brunson, who followed O.S. Hawkins, who followed Joel Gregory who followed W. A. Criswell (who followed the founding pastor, George Truett), will preach 'in view of a call' next Sunday at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. I can't help but believe that this is another sign of the times - and the times don't seem to be that stable. Many of the significant voices that were used of God to bring change to the Southern Baptist Convention are now leaving the scene. Adrian Rodgers and W. A. Criswell gone to glory. Draper and Vines to retirement. Morris Chapman is not getting any younger. There is a change in the air. It is an interesting thought to consider what kind of leadership these mega ministries will now have and what sort of leadership will now begin to replace the passing generation of the conservative resergeance. Adrian Rodgers held a Q & A with students from The Master's Seminary back in the late 90s. I asked Dr. Rodgers, after all he had been through and seen and from his present vantage point, what he thought was the Convention's greatest challenge ahead. He did not hesitate. He said leadership. Without details, he intimated that he was concerned about the next generation of leaders, that they had more of a corporate, not ministry mindset. He reminisced about the days of prayer and fellowship with past conservative leaders. I am certainly at no vantage point to reflect on the current state of leadership in our convention. But with the passing of the old guard, my mind does wonder.

Calvinism: Particular Redemption or Limited Atonement

2006-02-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

O.K., continuing from last week, here's the most debated petal in TULIP. Particular Redemption or Limited Atonement. In order secure their redemption, Jesus Christ came into the world and took upon Himself human nature so that He might identify Himself with His people and act as their legal representative or substitute. Historical or mainline Clavinism has consistently maintained that Christ's redeeming work was definite in design and accomplishment - that it was intended to render complete satisfaction for certain specified sinners, and that it actually secured salvation for these individuals and for no one else. Christ did not die simply tomake it possible for God to pardon sinners. Neither does God leave it up to sinners to decide whether or not Christ's work will be effective. On the contrary, all for whom Christ sacrificed Himself will be saved infallibly. Redeption, therefore, was designed to bring to pass God's purpose of election. All Calvinists agree that Christ's obedience and suffering were of infinite value, and that if God had so willed, the satisfaction rendered by Christ would have saved every member of the human race. The Arminians also place a limitation on the atoning work of Christ, but one of a much different nature. They hold that Christ's saving work was designed to make possible the salvation of all men on the condition that they believe, but that Christ's death in itself did not actually secure or guarantee salvation for anyone. Since not all men will be saved as the result of Christ's redeeming work, a limitation must be admitted. Either the atonement was limited in that it was designed to secure salvation for ceterain sinners, but not for others, or it was limited in that it was not intended to secure salvation for any, but was designed only to make it possible for God to pardon sinners on the condition that they believe. In other words, one must limit its design either in extent (it was not intended for all) or in effectiveness (it did not secure salvation for any). Jesus Actually Saves 1. The Scriptures state that Christ came, not to enable men to save themselves, but to save sinners. Matt 1:21; Lk 19:10; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 1:3-4; 1 Tim 1:15; Tit 2:14; 1 Pe 3:18 2. The Scriptures declare that, as the result of what Christ did and suffered, His people are reconciled to God, justified, and given the Holy Spirit, who regenerates and sanctifies them. All these blessings were secured by Christ Himself for His people. a. Christ, by His redeeming work, secured reconciliation for His people. Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:18-19; Eph 2:15-16; Col 1:21-22 b. Christ secured the righteousness and pardon needed by His peopel for their justification. Rom 3:24-25; Rom 5:8-9; 1 Cor 1:30; Gal 3:13; Col 1:13-14; Heb 9:12; 1 Pe 2:24 c. Christ secured the gift of the Spirit, which includes regeneration and sanctification and all that is involved in them. Eph 1:3-4; Phil 1:29; Acts 5:31; Titus 2:14; 3:5-6; Eph 5:25-26; 1 Cor 1:30; Heb 9:14; Heb 13:12; 1 John 1:7. Jesus Fulfills the Eternal Covenant 1. Jesus was sent into the world by the Father to save the people whom the Father had given to Him. Those given to Him by the Father come to Him (see and believe in Him), and none of them shall be lost. John 6:35-40. 2. Jesus, as the good shepherd, lays down His life for His sheep. All who are 'His sheep' are brought by Him into the fold and are made to hear His voice and follow Him. Notice that the Father had given the sheep to Christ! John 10:11, 14-18; 10:24-29. 3. Jesus, in His High Priestly Prayer,prays not for the world, but for those given to Him by the Father. John 17:1-11, 20, 24-26. 4. Paul delcares that all of the spiritual blessings which the saints inherit, such as sonship, redemption, the forgiveness of sin, etc., reslt from their being 'in Christ,' and he traces these blessings back to their ultimate source in the eternal counsel of God - to that great blessing of their having been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world and estined to be God's sons through Him. eph 1:3-12. 5. The parallel which Paul draws between the condemning work of Adam and the saving work of Jesus Christ, the 'second man' and the 'last Adam,' can best be explained on the principle that both stood in covenant relation to 'their people.' Rom 5:12, 17-19. How Jesus Died for 'All' and Yet for a Particular People 1. There are two classes of texts that speak of Christ's saving work in general terms: (a) those containing the word "world" - John 1:9, 29; 3:16-17; 4:42; 2 Cor 5:19; 1 John 2:1-2; 4:14 and (b) those containing the word "all" - e.g., Rom 5:18; 2 Cor 5:14-15; 1 Tim 2:4-6; Heb 2:9; 2 Pe 3:9. 2. There are other passages which speak of His saving work in definite terms and show that it was intended to infallibly save a particular people, namely, those given to Him by the Father. Matt 1:21; 20:28; 26:28; John 10:11; 11:50-53; Ac 20:28; Eph 5:25-27; Rom 8:32-34; Heb 2:17; 3:1; 9:15, 28; Rev 5:9. Again, this is a summary and quotation from the book, The Five Points of Calvinism. See: Total Depravity and Unconditional Election

Internet Explorer 7.0

2006-02-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

2-9-06 UPDATED: Tim Challies points us to the new IE 7.0 in beta version - with tabbed browsing (of which I am very addicted). I downloaded it this morning and will be trying it out through the day. I'll let you know how it goes. Well, actually, I encountered my first frustration with it. I went to post this blog about IE 7 througth my freshly installed IE browser - yet - when I type in the posting window, the text is white - I CAN'T SEE IT. So, I fired up my trusty Firefox and all is well. Thus - I'm posting about IE 7 from my Firefox browser. Is this a glimpse of frustrations to come? UPDATE (THURSDAY 12:19 p.m.): So far: Positive:

Colors and graphics are clearer than Firefox
So far it works with my Fingerprint Reader (Christmas gift - Firefox doesn't work) - THIS IS BECOMING A REAL POSITIVE FEATURE
It starts up faster than Firefox (not a huge issue)
The QuickTab feater is excellent: I can view all open tabs in Thumbnail size and go to any of them quickly.
It has its own feedreader capability. It checks a page for an RSS or Atom feed. You can then subscribe to it and it will automatically check for updates to the feed. I'm playing with this one.

Equal:

Tabbed browsing
Include certain folders on the links toolbar

Negative:

Loads pages slower than firefox
Firefox is easier to use in organizing links
Still have some problems posting with Blogger
Does not have near the toolbar or add-ons available as Firefox (i.e., no blogger toolbar that I've seen)
The right click options are not as extensive as Firefox (i.e., In Firefox I can right click on an item in my favorites drop down list and choose to open it in another tab).
Firefox has more search engine options to choose from for the Search Engine Tool Bar

The Peaceful Religion (Only Inside America)

2006-02-07T06:49:00.000-08:00

Afghan police kill four in cartoon bloodshed - Yahoo! News One does have to wonder just exactly how the Islamic community in America is going to respond to all of the current mayhem over the dirty pictures of Mohammed published in Danish political cartoons. It seems that in America, Islam is much like Roman Catholicism. Each officially teaches an exclusivity within itself as to salvation and an acceptable approach to God - that is, outside America. The pressure of American pluralism seems to tame the theology of these two groups and flatten them into just another way to be religious. As a matter of fact, watch the next Larry King Live when the Catholic priest, muslicm theologian, Deepak Chopra and John MacArthur are on. The Catholic, the Muslim and the new ager will pluralistically parrot one another. But this tamed sort of Islam (or Catholicism) is not to be found in those countries whose governments are dominated by these religions. They tend toward violence as a means to silence their critics - just ask any protestant missionaries living in these countries. I think we are seeing a more pure expression of Islam in this current controversy - not the leashed type found within our own open (religiously speaking) borders.

The Blogosphere Ate My Post

2006-02-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

I tried to post some really good links this past Saturday - I had an exception list drafted, but between the time I started and just after breakfast with my wife, the post was gone. That's right - my blog ate it. Well, I don't know what else to say, except here are a few links to interesting stuff from last week that I wanted to post but . . . A 9 Marks article on "What Makes a Sermon Non-expositional." Well, that's my title for it - their's is: Expostional Imposters. Professor Jim Hamilton posts some good resources for listening to biblical Hebrew and Greek using tools available over the internet: Reading and Hearing Biblical Hebrew Another Hebrew Listening Site Listening to Greek for Free Insights from a TMS professor in Israel on the current state of affairs between the Palestinians and Israelis. A republican voter tries to pose as God while registering to vote. Mohler's interesting quotes from a prize winning novel about a preacher's retrospect on his ministry, especially his life of study and preaching. Mohler also notes how Oxford University is now requiring students to sign a contract stating that they will attend class and do their homework. Why? So the students won't come back and sue the University for providing a bad education. Wow! Expository Thoughts blog takes up the T4G idea of commenting on reading. Helpful stuff here. I'm going to have to try out the new Firefox extention - the Book Buro - helps to find books on the web. An era comes to an end. Jerry Vines preaches his last sermon as pastor of First Baptist Jacksonville, FL. And finally - "Let Michael In!" - they haven't yet.

Piper on Tyndale

2006-02-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

“Always Singing One Note”—A Vernacular Bible: Why William Tyndale Lived and Died I posted this Saturday, but Blogger was bugging out and it disappeared into blogospace. Also, Piper's new "Swan's Are Not Silent" book is out: Contending for Our All. I absolutely love this series.

Jacksonville Pastors' Conference

2006-02-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL - That Jacksonville May Know Christ. The Pastors' Conference at First Baptist Jacksonville, FL began last Friday and continues through this week. If you have the time, they are live streaming the video fromt he conference. 3 hours difference for us on the left coast. Mac Brunson, David Jeremiah, Al Mohler and many others are speaking. Looks good. Maybe I can get in a few minutes in our Pastors' Council meeting without the other guys knowing. HT: Pastor Steave Weaver

Some Ecclesiological Reading This Lord's Day

2006-02-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a few interesting ecclesiological notes from the past week around the blogosphere: In light of Barna's recent book on the lack of necessity of the local church: Mark Dever's great article on the centrality of the local church. Justin Taylor reports on some professors and why they are discouraging their students from Barna's book. Centurion's two part series on Barna's book: part 1 and part 2 Don't forget about Dever's rountable on cooperation - a must listen interview with Mohler, Duncan and Mahaney. Great material.

My Super Bowl Picks

2006-02-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

Seahawks, Steelers Head to Motown Showdown - Yahoo! News Who really cares . . . (well, except Justin who finally has a team to root for in the game). O.K. - Because I can't stand the Steelers - I pick the Seahawks. Not from any intelligent review of the stats - just simply because I can't stand the Steelers. I watched my only portion of the Super Bowl that I will likely see - the pre-game show. The highlight for me was seeing the past MVPs strut onto the field. Just guessing, but it really seemed as if the Cowboys dominated.

As It Should Be

2006-02-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

Troy Aikman Leads Big Hall of Fame Class - Yahoo! News

She Knows Better Now

2006-02-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

Feminist Author Betty Friedan Dies at 85 - Yahoo! News The feminist activist Friedan has discovered the truth regarding her manifesto.

Church Discipline Interview

2006-02-03T17:26:00.000-08:00

9 Marks Interviews I just finished listening to this excellent discussion on the history and discipline of the local church, via 9 Marks. Stacy and James, if you are reading, I my site meter tells me you do indeed read, you need to listen to this interview. It really goes well with a number of issues we have been discussing and implementing as a church. As a matter of fact, this little occasion would be a good opportunity for you both to sign in to blogger and provide a little feedback. For the other two who frequent this little villa, listen to this interview for a good discussion of historic Baptist practices in light of modern evangelical approach to church life.

A Frivolous Friday Has Returned: The Capranica Villa Almost Finished

2006-02-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a very looong nine months since my wife, Kelly, and I began the process of putting a new home together. We settled on a nice little triple-wide mobile (probably my Texas roots yearning for the old trailer days) home. Since December 26, we have officially occupied the new home: The Capranica Villa. Here's a brief historical look at the process. The home is no longer mobile. It is an official tied-to-the-land house on a permanent foundation. Until our next major earthquake, she ain't goin nowhere. We are still not finished with the work. We continue with the unpacking and arranging of the house. None of the exterior landscaping has been done. We'll wait 'till it gets over 100 degrees around here before we begin that part. Right now it is WAY too comfortable. So here are a few pics of the house thus far: The Front of the Villa The Front Door and Dining Room French Doors of the Villa. The Villa's Entry The Villa Living Room Mrs. C's study. The Villa Bedchamber. Mr. C's study. I'm sure most everyone who reads this blog (all two of you), do not care about the progress fo the Villa, but, the two times a year my family reads this blog, the'll want to see it. I can't show you some of the other rooms, because they are not even close to being finished and I'm afraid that there would be murder in the Villa if I posted them. So, until next time.

John Piper's Surgery Scheduled

2006-02-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

John Piper's Surgery Scheduled Desiring God announced today John Piper's scheduled surgery for prostate cancer. We will be praying.

Coming to Calvinism: A Personal Testimony - Part 2

2006-02-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

Becoming a pastor is what eventually helped me to come to Calvinism. How? Because I was committed to biblical exposition, I began preaching through books of the Bible. But, there were a few books that scared me. Why? Because of a number of tough theological issues I couldn't resolve, like predestination and election vs. the free agency of man (ever heard of that one?). I ignored the "P" and "E" words and those books in the Bible that tended to use them. That’s why I came to Calvinism rather early in my pastorate. There aren’t many books that do not use those intriguing words. But I was very fearful of a few books that seemed to camp on them. Romans terrified me. Ephesians was smaller, so it merely made me nervous. But, I thought that I should deal with the issues and settle it in my mind, so I began an exposition of Ephesians. But that was not all. I was also exposed to the results of “decisional” conversions. I can remember preaching one evening of a revival service (no comments please) and when it came to the invitation (again, no comments), I was able to get seventeen people to come forward. As they came, I asked them why they were coming. Few could communicate a clear answer. To my knowledge, none profess Christ to this day. I was shaken. My approach to ministry was shaken. I returned to my study the next week with different questions in my mind. Thank God for the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit through His word.

I still remember the day that my mind was captivated with the doctrine of depravity from Ephesians 2. It all came together there. Election finally made sense when I saw how desperate my condition was. If God had not elected, I would never have come to faith. I was dead in sin. If God did not preserve me, I could not remain in faith, my flesh is too deceptive. I began to weep in thanksgiving and increased confidence in God for how gracious He was in bringing me to faith. My joy in God had never been greater.

I had some friends who patiently helped me along. Men like James Boice and his commentary on Ephesians, John MacArthur on Ephesians, J. I. Packer’s Knowing God, and the book that seemed to clinch it for me was Packer’s Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. I was drawn to men whose writings made more of the greatness of God than they did the autonomy of sinful men. Richard Belcher’s little theological novel A Journey in Grace was helpful. Packer’s A Quest for Godliness became a powerful book in my life. Men like Tom Ascol and the Founders Ministries showed me that my growing convictions regarding God’s sovereignty and grace in salvation was a large part of my Baptist heritage. The greatest friend I had whose Personal Narrative liberated me, was Jonathan Edwards. His comments about his own struggles with sovereignty and his eventual reception of the doctrine sent my soul heavenward. In other words, while I wasn’t saved under the ministry of a Calvinist and I would definitely not have called myself a Calvinist for several years after my conversion, I am more convinced now than ever that I was still a calvinist, even without knowing it.

My salvation is a work of God, determined before time began because I was one dead in sin and without the desire or the ability to find or know God on my own. Every day I am more aware of how important it is that God preserve me each and every moment. Without Him, I would more than surely fail. God, not man (primarily myself) has become the center of my life. I was convinced by a steady study of the Bible and a few outside friends of God’s sovereignty. So, I’m probably not too excited to use the big “C” word to describe myself or to attempt to convince others of the doctrines of grace. I would rather them see the grace of God and the more “reformed” view of salvation from a steady study of the Scriptures. I am sure there are many more like myself out there. I pray for them. I pray that God opens them to the wonders of His word and an understanding of His marvelous grace. I wonder, does that make me a Calvinist or a calvinist? Having said all of this, later today, I want to pose an interesting question about Calvinism and conversion. Look for it this afternoon.

Coming to Calvinism: A Personal Testimony - Part 1

2006-02-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

I, like others, have not always been a Calvinist. That is, with a capital “C.” But then again, the more I look back on my conversion, I must have been a calvinist (I get a squiggly red line under that word without the capital “C”) when I was converted.

When a child, I embraced the kind of gospel call to be saved where you bow your head and very sincerely pray to receive Jesus into your heart so that you won’t go to hell. I was very sincere, and I wasn’t interested in merely being religious. I was raised in a liberal Methodist church. I saw the hypocrisy of a “gospelless” approach to God. My parents embraced it and were on the verge of divorce. Everyone I knew in church embraced it and demonstrated the fruit of the flesh in ways that helped me grow to hate the church. So, when I was at a Southern Baptist VBS and was first confronted with the gospel message, it resonated. I sincerely prayed and yet I still remained in my sin. How do I know? My life, my attitude, and the consequent hardening of my heart toward most things Christian confirmed my lack of conversion. I had repented of nothing. I merely plastered over my diseased heart with the paste of emotional religion. And the emotions faded. Whatever I did at that VBS, it didn’t save.

Then I saw my father converted. I witnessed the one-eighty in his entire approach to living. My mom was next. We changed churches to one given to expository preaching (I didn’t know what that was at the time), passionate singing, and some very loving and patient people – especially toward a church-hater like me. My caricature of Christianity was being shaken. I was deeply convicted of my sinfulness before God. I would pray every week for God to save me. But I didn’t seem to change. I was miserable. I secretly, so no one would think I was interested, began reading my Bible and praying for God to save me. The fun thing about this year-long internal battle is that the church I attended was not a Calvinistic church. I don’t remember hearing rants against Calvinism, but from what I know now of the pastor and the church, they certainly had no real affinity (possibly much knowledge) about the doctrines of grace. No matter. God converted me anyway. I eventually came to the place where I saw the goodness of God, was convinced of my sinful and rebellious heart and yearned to be a disciple of Jesus. My entire heart toward the church, the Bible, salvation, Christ – all things Christian, changed. I was liberated.

But, alas, I still was not a Calvinist. No, even in those days I wouldn’t claim that it was my faith apart from God’s direct intervention in my life that brought me to conversion. I knew that God changed me. My change became quite evident to everyone around me, especially when I publicly declared that I believed God wanted me to serve him in the pastorate. At age 19, I became an associate pastor of a small Baptist church. At age 21, I became the Senior Pastor. And becoming a pastor is what eventually convinced me of Calvinism. I'll explain in part 2.

Adrian's Blog: Adrian interviews Tim Challies

2006-02-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

Adrian does it again - lands a great interview with a great blogger.

C.J. Reads a Ton Too

2006-02-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

C.J. Mahaney answers a few good questions on his own reading habits.

9 Marks-T4G on Cooperation

2006-02-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

9 Marks ministries discusses cooperation with C.J. Mahaney, Ligon Duncon, Al Mohler and Mark Dever. They tackle issues related to what they can and what they will not join together in cooperation as pastors and churches. Good interview.

Calvinsim: Unconditional Election

2006-02-01T17:37:00.000-08:00

The doctrine of election declares that God, before the foundation of the world, chose certain individuals from among the fallen members of Adam's race to be the objects of His undeserved favor. These, and these only, he purposed to save. God could have chosen to save all men (for He had the power and authority to do so) or He could have chosen to save none (for He was under no obligation to show mercy to any) - but He did neither. Instead, He chose to save some and to exclude others. His eternal choice of particular sinners for salvation was not based upon any forseen act or response on the part of those selected, but was based solely on His own good pleasure and sovereign will. Thus, election was not determined by, or conditioned upon, anything that men would do, but resulted entirely from God's self-determined purpose. Those who were not chosen for salvation were passed by and left to their own evil devices and choices. It is not within the creatures jurisdictio to call into question the justice of the Creator for not choosing everyone for salvation. It is enough to know that the Judge of the earth has done right. It should, however, be kept in mind that if God had not graciously cosen a people for Himself and sovereignly determined to provide salvation for them and apply it to them, none would be saved. Election, therefore, is but one aspect (thoughan important aspect) of the saving purpose of the triune God, and thus must not be viewed as salvation. For the act of election itself saved no one; what it did was to mark out certain individuals for salvation. A Chosen People Deut 10:14-15; Ps 33:12; ps 65:4; 106:5; Haggai 2:23; Matt 11:27; 22:14; 24:22, 24, 31; Luke 18:7; Rom 8:28-30, 33; 11:28; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 5:9; Tit 1:1; 1 Pe 1:1-2; 2:8-9; Rev 17:14 Election Not Based on Forseen Responses. Faith and good works are the result, not the cause, of God's choice. 1. God did the choosing. Mark 13:20; 1 Thess 1:4; 2 Thess 2:13 2. God's choice was made before the foundation of the world. Eph 1:4; 2 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 1:9, Rev 13:8; Rev 17:8. 3 God chose particular individuals for salvation - their names were written in the book of life before the foundation of the world. Rev 13:8; 17:8. 4. God's choice was not based upon any forseen merit residing in those whom He chose, nor was it based on any forseen good work performed by them. Rom 9:11-13, 16; 10:20; 1 Cor 1:27-29; 2 Tim 1:9. 5. Good works are the result, not the ground, or predestination. Eph 2:10; John 15:16. 6. God' choice was not based upon forseen faith. Faith is the result ad therefore the evidence of God's election, not the cause or ground of His choice. Ac 13:48; 18:27; Phil 1:29; 2:12-13; 1 Thess 1:4-5; 2 Thess 2:13-14; James 2:5. 7. It is by faith and good works that one confirms his calling and electon. 2 Pe 1:5-11 Election Precedes Salvation Rom 11:7; 2 Tim 2:10 Sovereign Mercy Exod 33:19; Deut 7:6-7; Matt 20:15; Rom 9:10-24; 11:4-6, 33-36; Eph 1:5 Sovereignty Over All Things 1 Chron 29:10-12; Job 42:1-2; Ps 115:3; 135:6; Isa 14;24, 27; Isa 46:9-11; 55:11; Jer 32:17; Dan 4:35; Matt 19:26. For the basis of this post, see: A Summar of the Five Points of Calvinism

The Waning Influence of Hollywood

2006-01-31T06:58:00.000-08:00

'Brokeback Mountain' Gets 8 Oscar Nods - Yahoo! News I don't accept the premise that movies like "Brokeback" are the top rated films in the minds of most Americans. I do wonder - as the moguls of Hollywood become more extreme and push the agenda of the vocal minority, will they continue to isolate themselves from most Americans and in the process, lose their influence in the culture. Let's hope so. See also Al Mohler's note regarding The Book of Daniel.

The Video-Conference Church

2006-01-31T06:43:00.000-08:00

Multi-Site at Mars Hill | Resurgence Mark Driscoll discusses his church's move to the trendy video preacher idea. Interesting stuff.

Ligon Duncan Never Stops Reading

2006-01-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

Together for the Gospel Lig Duncon weighs in to answer C.J.'s question on his approach to reading and devotional life. Wow. No wonder his blogging is sporadic.

Calvinism: Total Depravity

2006-01-30T20:06:00.000-08:00

While I was in Kentucky for my DMin class, I read through the book, The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended and Documented, by David N. Steele, Curtis C. Thomas, and S. Lance Quinn. This is a very helpful resource for a simple, straightforward discussion on Calvinism. The book is invaluable for the annotated bibliography of resources that discuss Calvinism. It also provides a good historical look at TULIP's beginnings and a helpful chart comparing the five points of Armenianism with the five points of Calvinism. Get the book. In conjunction with Fide-O's posts this week on Calvinism, and to simply have them summarized for reference on my blog, throughout the week, I hope to summarize each one of the petals of Calvinism's TULIP as presented in The Five Points. (I'm not commenting on what the guys wrote - I'm verbatim quoting portions of the book). TOTAL DEPRAVITY OR TOTAL INABILITY The view one takes concerning salvation will be determined, to a large extent, by the view one takes concerning sin and its effects on human nature. When Calvinits speak of man as being totally depraved, they mean that man's nature is corrupt, perverse, and sinful throughut. The corruption extends to every part of man, his body and soul; sin has affected all (the totality) ofman's faculties - his mind, his will, etc. As a result of this inborn corruption, the natural man is totally unable to do anything spiritually good; thus, Calvinists speak of man's 'total inability.' The inability intended by this terminology is spiritual inability; it means that the sinner is so spiritually bankrupt that he can do nothing pertaining to his salvation. Originally, Adam's will was free from the dominion of sin; he was under no natural compulsion to choose evil, but through his fall he brought spiritual death upon himself and all his posterity. His descendants are still free to choose - every man makes choices throughout life - but inasmuch as Adam's offspring are born with sinful natures, they do not have the ability to choose spiritual good over evil. Consequently, man's will is no longer free (i.e., free from the dominion of sin) as Adam's will was free before the Fall. Instead, man's will, as the result of inherited depravity, is in bondage to his sinful nature. Spiritual Deadness 1. When Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, he was warned not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge fo good and evil on the threat of immediate spiritual death. Gen. 2:16-17. 2. Adam disobeyed and ate of the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:1-7); consequently, he brought spiritual death upon himself and upon the race. Rom 5:12; Eph 2:1-3; Col 2:13 3. David confessed that he, as well as all other men was born in sin. Ps 51:5; 58:3. 4. Because men are born in sin and are by nature spiritually dead, Jesus taught that men must be born anew if they are to enter God's kingdom. Jn 3:5-7; John 1:12-13. Darkened Minds and Corrupt Hearts As the result of the Fall, men are blind and deaf to spiritual truth. Their minds are darkened by sin; their hearts are corrupt and evil. Gen 6:5; 8:21; Eccl 9:3; Jer 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; John 3:19; Rom 8:7-8; 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 4:17-19; 5:8; Tit 1:15. Bondage to Sin and Satan Before sinners are born into God's kingdom through the regenerating power of the Spirit, they are children fo the devil and under his control; they are slaves to sin. Jn 8:44; Eph 2:1-2; 2 Tim 2:25-26; 1 Jn 3:10; 5:19; Jn 8:34; Rom 6:20; Tit 2:3. A Universal Bondage The reign of sin is universal; all men are under its power. Consequently, none is righteous - not even one! 2 Chron 6:36; Job 15:14-16; Ps 130:3; 143:2; Prov 20:9; Eccl 7:20, 29; Isa 53:6; 64:6; Rom 3:9-12; Jas 3:2, 8; 1 Jn 1:8, 10. Inability to Change Men left in their dead state are unable of themselves to repent, to believe the gospel, or to come to Christ. They have no power within themselves to change their nature or to prepare themselves for salvation. Job 14:4; Jer 13:23; Matt 7:16-18; 12:33; John 6:44; 6:65; Rom 11:35-36; 1 Cor 2:14; 4:7; 2 Cor 3:5.

Adrian Warnock Interviews Mark Dever

2006-01-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

Adrian's Blog: Adrian interviews Mark Dever Adrian shares some of his interactions with Mark Dever. As usual, Adrian majors on charismatic issues. Mark is very gracious and has some interesting responses. I do believe that Mark is right that if the charismatics would address the sufficiency and authority of Scripture more carefully in light of their penchant for modern errant prophecies, we cessationists might be less on guard. Good interview worth the read.

Captain Kirk Speculates About Free Will

2006-01-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

Captain Kirk Speculates About Free Will Dr. Mohler reports. See, all those years on Star Trek have caused Kirk to seriously consider important philosophical and theological issues. At least he is seriously thinking through the issue rather than simply dismissing the discussion by trumpeting man's sovereignty to the exclusion of God's.

Mark Dever and His Yearly Reading Plan

2006-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Together for the Gospel Mark Dever gives us a glance into his annual reading plan. Great idea.

Mohler's Reading Schedule

2006-01-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

Together for the Gospel Don't miss this one - Here's Al Mohler's approach to keeping himself well-read.

How to Be a Healthy Charismatic Purpose Driven Church

2006-01-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

Want to know how to be charismatic, give prophetic utterances in the name of the Lord in public services and still be seeker saturated? Just read the linked article. In this particular church, giving the community what they wanted caused a devoted charismatic church to change their theology in order to gain in attendance. Today if you want to speak for God in the service you have to turn in your statement to the church leadership for approval and they will change it and deliver it to the congregation - so that the unbelievers will not feel out of place. After all the argumentation for public expression of the gifts in charismatic churches, this is interesting. I was wondering how the charismatic movement was embracing the seeker saturated approach to ministry. Now I know. What is even more interesting is how these charismatic congregations can still maintain their so-called prophetic theology and if they veil it, they suddenly become a more "healthy" congregation. Interesting stuff. I have more respect for charismatics who wrestle with the biblical text to defend their theology and attempt to practically apply it to their ministry context than I do for those who become so saturated with the seeker driven approach that they now cave in their convictions in order to gain in attendance. Here is another way to become seeker centered rather than God centered and pronounce yourself a healthy church.

When We Try to Make PEACE and not Disciples

2006-01-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

Politically Driven Injustice - Christianity Today Magazine Here is an interesting critique of the Warren PEACE plan. Could this be an indication that Warren's approach is an appeal more for social change than spiritual conversion? Perhaps the Warren plan reflects an ideology that suggests social change will create the climate for spiritual conversion. Either way, this does not seem to be what Jesus had in mind with the Great Commission.

What Do The T4G Men Read?

2006-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

Together for the Gospel What is Al Mohler's, Mark Dever's, Lig Duncon's reading schedule? O.K. If C.J. gets answers to these questions - this should be the best blog post of the year (even though the year is relatively young). I am waiting with great anticipation.

Popularity Has Killed Again

2006-01-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

Due to the extreme popularity of the king of the evangelical (or whatever name some are trying to come up with) blogosphere, Phil Johnson has shut down his mega hit Pyromaniac. 18,000 hits on a slow day were getting in the way of producing more CDs and books at GTY, not to mention that his writing ministry had become more e-mail responses than editing for John MacArthur. Yes, and alas, I truly understand your pain Phil. I too have thought about closing shop due to the unrelenting activity that blogging creates and the pressure to keep up with real world responsibilities. I too have trouble responding to all the e-mail I receive (well - any e-mail I receive), and I've neglected some precious relationships in my life, like the boys over at the dogpound. Yet, The Capranica will remain open and I will continue to read books that have real dust jackets (not merely e-pages), and I will renew my commitment to respond to e-mail and return phone calls (Scott). I also look forward to the post from the new blog Pyromaniacs. I am a bit surprised, though, that none of my Fide-O friends were added as contributors. Perhaps they have become too busy as well.

Good Advice; Bad Bible: Rick Warren's Constant Misuse of Scripture

2006-01-23T17:07:00.000-08:00

Here is another case study in the constant misuse of the Bible by Rick Warren. It is symptomatic of much of what I find coming out of Saddleback Church and Pastors.com, and thus, the throngs that follow his approach to Scripture. Here, Warren suggests that Jesus' command to "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest," is really a suggestion to emotionally, intellectually and psychologically weary church leaders who need to spend more time with Christ. Based on this verse, church leaders (and really any stressed out person), need to focus their energies on what they are gifted to do and not on the thousands of issues that sap time and energy away from those ministries and tasks that we could be most effective in doing. Agreed. The principles are good ones. I concur. We pastors do need to examine our lives, giftedness, experiences and abilities and focus our energies on what is most important and on those things we can best contribute. We do need to spend more time with Christ and not necessarily with more church meetings or longer hours at the office. But is that what Jesus meant in Matthew 11:28? Did he really intend for us to see "rest" as trimming our schedules and priorities. This is the kind of use of the Bible that does not let God speak, but in reality trivializes the Scriptures. Glance through the context of Jesus' comments in Matthew 11 and you will find him most concerned with salvific issues - eternal rest. Jesus is promising a rest that is accompanied by the strain of a yoke (11:29). He is promising eternal life to the lost who find themselves under the pharisaically misplaced burden of the law upon a society who needed the joy of the law's fulfillment in Christ. I didn't see that within a few miles of Warren's take on this passage. This passage is precisely the passage I heard Rick Warren preach some years ago at a visit to Saddleback. He encouraged his audience to build "margin" into their lives and used this text as the basis for it. Some may think I am nitpicking. I don't think so. What disturbs me most about the Warren movement is the lack of respect for the Bible. I know, I know, he uses more verses than most preachers when he writes and preaches. That's the problem. He uses so many to say some good things, but in doing so, misses the point of the very passages to which he is appealing. In my estimation, it is epidemic in his ministry. My comments are not new news to anyone. But this is a blog - my personal blog and every now and then a rant is in order. This is at least one for this week. Read Rick's quick article and you will see how to say some good things and still miss God's intention all in the same breath. May God help us pastors this week to be faithful with our own use of the Bible.

NBC Cancels 'West Wing' After 7 Seasons - Yahoo! News

2006-01-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

This has to be the most disappointing news of the weekend. Who cares about who is in the Super Bowl - two no name teams that only the fringes of society care about? Now there is nothing on TV that one can find any intellectual stimulation. I guess I'll have to do more blog reading and writing.

Challies and the Blessings of Blogging

2006-01-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

Challies, as usual, has some great insight and helpful points about blogging and its connection to spiritual discipline. Though my blogging is sporadic at best, it has helped me to read with the aim of 'thinking out loud' about issues in culture, theology and life in general. Blogging has done little to curb my reading of books (the DMin program has helped a tad), but it has broadened my reading of some interesting individuals who find a voice outside the cloistered and often tightly controlled environment of the mega ministries. I certainly appreciate Tim's excellent example of what good blogging should look like and how it can definitely connect to spiritual growth and development.

Practical Christian Parenting

2006-01-22T06:36:00.000-08:00

girl talk: "Resolved" and Q & A Here's some practical advice on a dad discipling his son. HT: Justin Taylor

The Brits Despise Discipline!

2006-01-22T06:29:00.000-08:00

BBC NEWS | Scotland | Fresh call for child smacking ban Yes, here's the answer - develop more undisciplined people - that should create a more stable socieity. The move to make spanking illegal is more vocal today than ever and if successful in the UK will no doubt cross the sea in the decades to come.

Some Interesting Items of Note This Week

2006-01-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

This week was a week to catch up on a number of items after not only a week away in Kentucky for class but also a few weeks of being out of pocket due to illness and the holidays. I did have a few opportunities to read some interesting blog articles this week. Here's a few I enjoyed: Adrian Warnock's interview with Justin Taylor (John Piper's editor). Justin's blog is where I first learned about the blogosphere. Looks like Justin is also headed to Wheaton as an editor at Crossway and the ESV Bible. Mark Dever's comments on blogging and reading. Mark Driscoll's new blog. The article on Schuller is an interesting read. Jerry Wragg's article on the loss of genuine exegesis, not only in our pulpits but our blog commenting. I found this very intersting. I am in the process of asking a number of pastors and expository preachers what they actually do in preparation for preaching. I have found that while many call themselves expositors, exegesis is very limited in weekly work they do. Significant interaction with the biblical languages is extremely limited. This issue will have some to do with my doctoral project, so I'm sure I'll have a few more things to say about this later. One more thing. Chris Meirose pointed me to a few ways to increase the speed of my Firefox browser. Wow! Thanks Chris, very helpful! The Capranica Villa has dominated most of my time today. While we are in the house, we are slowly unpacking, decorating and getting back to normal. I was able to get much of my study finished and some work in our living room. This has been a project I hope not to repeat.

Southern Cemetery

2006-01-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

After class today, my DMin cohort comrades took off to the Cave Hill Cemetery here in Louisville to visit the grave sites of a number of Southern Seminary figures. Here's a few pics of those we vistited today at Southern's cemetery. After the cemetery stroll, one of my cohorts (Michael aka, Gus) went through Heritage Hall and viewed the massive portraits of all nine of Southern's presidents. James P. Boyce - first President of Southern Seminary.

John A. Broadus - member of the first faculty at Southern and the second President of the school.

A.T. Robertson - Professor of New Testament, buried in the shadow of Broadus' grave.

Basil Manly - Professor of Old Testament in the early days of the school.

John R. Sampy - fifth President of Southern.

Duke McCall - seventh President of Southern and a chief proponent who carried the school in a very moderate to liberal direction. McCall is still alive, but his grave will one day be next to the other Southern Seminary leaders.

Here's my beloved brothers in the DMin program, who I have grown to love and value their friendship, integrity, parternership in ministry and kindred spirit.

For My Seminary Buddies

2006-01-11T05:33:00.000-08:00

PyroManiac: You're probably a cessationist, too Yesterday was another great day of class, discussing how to effectively and accurately preach from the Gospels. Some of our time was spent discussing how to preach the miracle accounts in the gospel, which led to a number of fun discussions during our breaks on the subject of cessationism. The conversation carried over last night as well as we had a wonderful dinner with a great professor, Dr. Cook. In light of our recent conversations, I enjoyed reading Phil's comments today on cessationism. I don't want to put words in the mouths of my brothers, but I'm not sure they were really ready to call themselves cessationists. Perhaps Phil can help tip them in the right direction. :)

Why Not to Abuse the Prayer of Jabez

2006-01-11T05:27:00.000-08:00

Between Two Worlds: Bruce Wilkinson Interesting chronicle of Bruce Wilkinson's recent ministry experiences. From my limited vantage point, his life is the fruit of a ministry that wants quick fixes and immediate successes rather than steady faithfulness. How many who have sought bigger borders through the Jabez mantra have experienced a similar inconsistency in life? Interestingly, this morning I began reading John Piper's God is the Gospel. In light of what you read about Wilkinson, consider a few quotes from Piper: ". . . we have turned the love of God and the gospel of Christ into a divine endorsement of our delight in many lesser things, especially the delight inour beingmade much of. The acid test of biblical God-centeredness - and faithfulness to the gospel - is this: Do you feel more loved because God makes much of you, or because, at the cost of his Son, he enables you to enjoy making much of him forever?" "The critical question for our generation - and for every generation - is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there?" "Have we shifted with the world from God's love as the gift of himself to God's love as the gift of a mirror in which we like what we see?" We should pray for Bruce and for all those who have allowed Jabez's prayer to become an outlet for trying to increase their own self-worth.

Binge eating worse than being unfaithful?

2006-01-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Interesting little slap at Italians here! But, perhaps Italians are so faithful to their spouses, that they are more bothered about eating too much pasta. In honor of this article, I might just eat a little more with my steak tonight.

Obesity and Heart Disease and a Good Steak Tonight

2006-01-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

After reading this linked post, I'm thankful I'm not forty yet and not quite "excessively obese." I believe I'll eat a good steak tonight in celebration.

Back from the Brink of Extinction

2006-01-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

One of the ways you find out who is reading your blog is when you do what I have done and not write for about a month. Out of the five people (maybe ten at the most) who avidly consume the diatribes and brief discussions of The Capranica, they all seem to be quite upset that I have yielded little material lately. It is somewhat satisfying to know that The Capranica is a regular part of a number of people's lives to the point they are crying for more. Among these are a few of the men who are a part of my Doctor of Ministry cohort. I hesitate to mention their names so as to expose them to ridicule for reading this blog as a regular habit, so I will only mention their first names. Both Jason C. and David C. begged for more and regular content from The Capranica, especially posts similar to the blessing derived from Mrs. Hinn's video clip. Yes, that was a most edifying display. I'll try to help these men by being more regular. Not that many will care, but here's a run down of what has been going on over the past number of weeks. Our church's Christmas concert was held on December 18. It was one of the largest Adult evangelism events we have yet to have. About three hundred people were present for what was a newly arranged Christmas musical. We pursued more of a concert approach than a cantata or dramatic approach. One of our pastors preached the gospel clearly toward the end of the concert. I was thrilled with the way our congregation actively invited and brought unbelievers to the concert. Our choir and others who participated poured their lives into this event through many extra rehearsals and personally practicing during each week over the past number of months. I am so grateful to them for all of the hard work and great attitude through what was a draining time. The week after the concert, my annual cold cropped up. It put me down for about five days. During this time, one of our pastors passed away. Bro. Mac (Charles McMahill), one of the older men who is a part of our Pastors' Council succumbed to the cancer that had recently attacked his body. His funeral was held the week after Christmas and once again filled our facilities. He was a godly pastor who remained faithful to the gospel in public ministry for decades. All in our fellowship miss him greatly and anticipate the reunion we will have with him in glory. I was well enough to be a part of his memorial service and burial (it was a two day memorial). The day after the burial of Bro. Mac, I came down with a stomach virus that put me down for another several days. Not good. My wife can confirm, I don't "do nothing" with a very good attitude, especially when there is so much to do. Oh, I almost forgot, the day after Christmas we moved into The Capranica Villa (a future post). We moved all of our material possessions and have had little time to invest in arranging the new house. Kelly and I are very thankful for God's good provision in our life and we are looking forward to using our home for ministry to God's glory. One of the most intensive weeks was last week. My DMin program has me traveling to Kentucky twice a year to sit for a seminar. Most, if not all, of the required assignments are to be completed and turned in by the first day of the seminar. My current seminar was probably one of the least demanding of those I have participated in so far, but because of the crazy time constraints of the past number of months, I had yet to complete my work as of last week. I still had three books to read and lengthy reviews of each one to write as well as two sermon manuscripts to prepare. So, all of last week was spent in reading and writing - up to three hours from when I had to leave for the airport. Gladly, I finished all the work in time. That is where I am as of now - sitting in the Legacy Center at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. I am currently a part of a seminary covering Expository Preaching and the New Testament, led by Dr. Bill Cook. We have had a wonderful time the past two days discussing the appropriate ways to interpret and preach from the Gospels. This is the first time for me to meet Dr. Cook and I have so thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from our discussions and lectures over the past two days. At this moment, Jason C., David C. and Michael S. are quite put out with me that I am not on the basketball court humiliating myself with them. There they were at my hotel door in their little shorts while it is a gray day and 46 degrees. Basketball requires a certain degree of coordination that God did not see fit to bless me with and I'm not quite sure that it would really honor the Lord for me to join my brethren in a game that is sure to bring harm not only to myself but those who may be run over by my rotund and awkward frame, while freezing at the same time (it's 75 back home). I will refrain from making any comments as to how these brethren look. I may try to post a pic of them soon. Now, I did have to teach them a few things about fooseball at lunch today, but outside of that, I have little desire to expose myself and others to needless humiliation. O.K. - long post, I know, but it has been a month. Since I do have an internet connection in my room, I'll try to say a few things over the next few days and post some pics. Stay tuned.

Challies and Grudem - Part 2

2005-12-14T07:17:00.000-08:00

Here's the second part of the interview.

Challies and Grudem - Part 1

2005-12-14T07:16:00.000-08:00

To comment on later, but - Challies has posted his interview with Grudem.

A Saturday of Note 12-10-05

2005-12-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

As I did Tuesday, I do today - empty my "Of Note" file for Saturday. Here are a few articles I've found interesting over the past few months - a few of these have little to do with anything genuinely significant, but noteworthy nonetheless: Did you read about the oldest noodles every found? This is an important find for an Italian (even if they were in China). Did you miss Challies on Halloween? Well, read it in preparation for next year. Al Mohler comments on the Federal Government agreeing to help rebuild some religious institutions, but just not churches in the wake of the hurricanes this past season. Al Mohler on doped up kids. We love to medicate rather than educate and discipline these days. If you want to stay employed - don't use a Mac - stick with a PC. Denny Burk has some good comments on what's wrong with Evangelicalism. Another result of people rejecting inerrancy: The 100 Minute Bible. Only the important parts of the Bible are included here, in a format that will let you read daily for two minutes or less. Yes, by all means, that is what people need today, less doses of the Scripture, and only those portions chosen by who knows who? Here's an interesting tool - a parallel Bible - Greek and the ESV. This is a good alternative to the previous link. In fact, if two minutes is all you have time for in the Bible, try reading consecutively through a passage of the Bible for only two minutes a day. That is a much better idea. Here is the diet plan I am going to follow this Christmas. Surround myself with choclate covered cherries and make it my goal to lose twenty. It worked for this guy. Speaking of Christmas, have you heard what Spurgeon thought of it? Even though there should be no complaining this year about the BCS National Championship matchup, you know there will be. Really? If I preach on Narnia, I could get a measly $1,000.00? Oh puleeeeezh! Do you actually think I am capable of competing with seeker saturated types who have been preaching on Narnia for months? I'll stick with the Bible and my humble salary. Erotic moments from the Bible? These guys must have some connection with the 100 minute Bible. This recent study made my week. More coffee please - skip the scotch. Pastor James, here is another reason why you need to start drinking coffee. Why are we surprised about seeker saturated mega churches closing on Christmas Sunday? For many of these, I'm praying that it works so well, they make a New Year's resolution to do it weekly in '06 Ok - that empties the file. Now, back to the important things you were already engaged in.

Shakespearean Worship and the Emergent Church

2005-12-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

Jim Hamilton has posted two more articles on his "Shakesperean Worship." The one referenced here in the title is a response to the Emergent Church in light of Hamilton's proposition for a more liturgical approach (in a Southern Baptist Church no less). In the second article he provides an illustration from the church he is pastoring of how practically this worship is carried out. Interesting stuff. Still thinking through some of his suggestions.

Waldron on Tongues - Part 2

2005-12-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

Tim Challies posts the second part of the interview with Dr. Sam Waldron on speaking in tongues, signs and wonders. I'll update a little later with a few comments.

So, Where Did These Private Prayer Languages Come From?

2005-12-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

For years I have searched the Scriptures looking for the elusive but much acclaimed “private prayer language.” As of today, I still can’t find it in the Bible. No where! I do have some good friends who tell me they have found it in the Bible and in their mouth and they regularly engage in a regular “private prayer language” sessions in their “prayer closets.” The only passage I have yet to hear them quote is 1 Corinthians 14:4 – “One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.” For a moment (more like a split second), they had me convinced. Then I read all of chapter 14. Convinced no longer. In fact, there seems to be nothing “private” about tongues in any passage of the Bible where the infamous “speaking in tongues” is mentioned. Only one Gospel mentions the phenomenon (Mark 16:17 – confirmation of eye apostolic witness 16:20) and it is a very PUBLIC speaking gift. The book of Acts mentions “speaking in tongues” a few times (contrary to the claims of most modern day tongue talkers). Acts 2, 8, 10 and 19 are the passages. Interestingly, each time a group spoke in tongues it was when a new people group was confirmed as those included (Acts 1:8 – note the geographic parallels) in the emerging church (oops, that is probably not a good phrase to use today). Furthermore, all of the Acts accounts are PUBLIC scenes. The only other place in the Bible (yes, the whole Bible - I'm open to suggestions) where the phenomenon of tongues is mentioned is in 1 Corinthians, and here, only three chapters directly refer to it. No other New Testament epistle directly refers to the idea of speaking in tongues. Not that it needs to in order to be legitimate, but when those who advocate tongue talking do so, they seem to suggest through their vehemence that it is a ubiquitous activity advocated throughout the Bible. According to what the Bible does say, tongues does not appear to have ever been a normal occurrence. Outside of Paul’s reference to tongues in 1 Corinthians, he never encourages any of his associates or churches to pursue or engage in tongues. He does encourage prayer – but never private prayer languages. At this point, a tongue talker is going to be quite jittery. No doubt, they are going to point me to the idea that Paul spoke in tongues more than any of the Corinthians (who appeared to be enamored with the gift – 1 Cor 14:18). Ah yes, but I want to ask, where does any text clearly say that Paul had a private prayer language? 1 Corinthians 14, where tongues is directly addressed, speaks of the gift as a public speaking gift. It is mentioned alongside other public speaking gifts, primarily prophecy. Furthermore, the entire context of 1 Corinthians 14 is the gathered PUBLIC assembly of the church, not a closet alone with oneself. Paul discourages speaking in tongues without interpretation (this is a public issue), because if I were to do so in the meeting, I will only edify myself and thus denigrate the very reason for the gift (to publicly edify – 1 Cor 12:7). I can find no legitimate reason to interpret any reference to tongues as being engaged in while in your closet. Paul does not advocate it. He advocates keeping your mouth closed while in the public gathering if there is no one present who is gifted to interpret your tongue talking. Every reference is to the PUBLIC expression of the gift. Verse 5: I wish that you all spoke in tongues (notice – no closet here), i.e., publicly. You doubt this? Why then in the very next phrase does he say, “but even more that you would prophesy?” The context is the gathered assembly. Verse 6: “If I come to you speaking in tongues . . .” – clearly not in private, but in front of them, “what will I profit you unless I speak to you [implied publicly] either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching [all public speaking gifts].” Verse 13 – “Therefore [don’t miss this verses connection to verses 7-12 and the public expression emphasized] let one who speaks [still in a public context] in a tongue pray that he may interpret.” Why? Because the assumption is that the gift is used publicly and no one will otherwise understand. Verse 14 – no indication here that we have shifted from the church meeting to the private prayer closet. Some will pounce on me with verse 15 – “I will pray with the spirit” – this has to be private, right? Nope. No more than “sing with the spirit” is private. Verse fifteen still sees tongues in a public setting – never private prayer closets. Verse 16 makes this clear – “if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the ‘Amen’ . .” Implication, blessing in the spirit is done publicly and no one can understand it and therefore should not be done. Am I suggesting that Paul indicates from verse 18 that he spoke in tongues in PUBLIC more than any one else? Sure. There is NOTHING in the context to suggest he means in his private devotional time. EVERYTHING in the context suggest he means publicly. In other words, this idea of a “private prayer language” has been advocated vociferously by those who claim to engage in it. They have developed a rather intricate theology to support it. My major problem with their viewpoint is that there is nothing in the Bible to support such a practice. Whether the gift has ceased or not is another issue. I am simply arguing that the Bible does not support a regular, personally edifying private gift of speaking in tongues. The Bible never advocates such, encourages such or even hints at it. Why then should we?