Postmodern issues and the emerging church continue to challenge me. Thanks to Sheryl Belson for a copy of an excellent issue of The Economist. The link is here, but I'm not sure it will be around long (that's their image below). It's a great overview of changing trends and media. In addition, Mike pointed out an excellent podcast from DTS on emerging issues that features a good friend (he may not know I consider him that, so don't tell) and reader of this blog. It's here (in three parts, titled The Emerging Church Movement).
Cody, you know I agree on the humans=animals issue. But I do believe we have separated so far from that extreme we are sometimes seen as callous toward other life. I think there is ground somewhere in between that says human life is sacred because we are image-bearers, but other life is given to us as a charge and is not to be needlessly wasted, rather it is to be stewarded. I believe this is what makes the abortion issue so critical (and difficult)--a weak view here puts us only a blink away from experimentation on fetuses and the ludicrous claims of Peter Singer (as you mentioned). And, I thank God for you too!
Suzanne, I promise to write back soon, but I was thrilled to get your message! It's only fitting that a Tennessean has a cousin show up on the blog!
Amber, I think some OT classes would be great, but be sure you're ready for some of the ideas that Luke has faced. There are great professors at Milligan, but some have allowed a disbelief in the OT to creep into their teaching and will seek to explain away some of the miracles and the judgments. The chart from last post is partly intended for that issue--Jesus believed that Noah and Jonah were factual stories. To discredit the God of the OT is to discredit Jesus. SO, if you're braced for that (JP would be a good help), then go for it!
I'm teaching at BT on July 16 about Noah. Unfortunately, I have to write part of it on vacation, but I'm enjoying the study and am finishing up a sonnet that sums up some thoughts about Noah. Is it cheesy or too "birkenstock" to end a sermon with a poem (or just to bring it onscreen while I end)?
(sorry Kelly--it's just such a good adjective!)
7 comments:
I guess all of the mission trips were not enough now you disappear on a personal trip. What does this trip have that your mission ones did not?
Oh yea, family!! I guess I will let it slide this time.
Have a great time and look forward to hear you at "Big Church". It shall be good especially looking forward to your props!! Maybe a boat with some critters walking around the sanctuary with water starting to fill it as well. Pretty cool!!
Peace out Bro!
Steve,
What do you think about this?
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=52906154239
Yes! I made a contribution and got mentioned in your blog! I am so freakin' cool.
I don't know about the animals thing, but I do know I loves eatin' me some cow parts. And pig parts. Mmm.... pig...
Ending a sermon with a poem isn't cheesy... unless its a poem you wrote just for the occassion... I'm joking of course--your poem is good, I think it'll all go over just fine. BTW, my mom is looking forward to your sermon because she says you have an authenticity that she doesn't see in the other teachers. Good work.
Also, whats a birkenstock?
I must admit, I'm totally looking forward to the 16th. You've thrown "hay", barbarically assaulted Barbie with ants, knocked over a wall, and sailed a ship out of the harbor - I'm sure there are others that I have forgotten. Do I need an umbrella for Noah?
BTW, I heard someone call you "daring" (as a compliment) the other day. Interesting. Is that what it's called?
I got accepted to Covenant and I'm going to be there on the 18th.
Hope you have a good vacation with your family. I miss you, Steve.
Cody,
I agree with much of it (especially the oversimplifying of the Gospel--you'd love reading the Diary of David Brainerd, edited by Jonathan Edwards--I might mention it on Sunday). But I disagree with the use of Matthew 7. The false teachers of Matthew 7 were the Pharisees--people who looked different from the world and were doing a good job on the outside. Their problem was internal. The wide gate is the road of legalism. It looks right, but it isn't. This passage looks at three sets and each contrasts those who enter the kingdom with those who do not: Two ways (7.13-14), two trees (7.17-20), two builders (7.24-27).
Drs. James Allman and Mark Bailey did a great job convincing me of this in June, but I'm not sure they have anything online to refer to.
I also struggle with the way he equates righteousness with not dressing sensually and not watching immoral shows. Certainly, this addresses the heart, but rigteousness as credited to those in Hebrews 11, refers to people who live by faith, not just an outward appearance of purity. I believe the outside will come along, but it begins inside. That was the struggle of the Pharisees.
In the end, Baptist theology often clings to a desire that I had something to do with my salvation and if it is real then I'd better get my act togehter. I'm becoming more and more Calvinistic--I had nothing to do with him extending me grace and if it was real, then I can do nothing to prevent its work in my life.
I agree, that it is by Grace through Faith unto good works. I hear what you are saying, and I agree that the rest should soon follow suit. The problem is if it never does. I love the line about the logging truck.
The most appealing thing to me about it, is the loud call for repentance and to examine ones self. The hardest thing I run into doing street ministry is people who think that they are saved because they repeated a prayer or walked forward to an alter. Just the cry for self examination is refreshing. To examine oneself to make sure that we are bringing forth fruit worthy of repentance.
The other strong point I loved about it, was to encourage the people to join the battle, even if it costs them their life.
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