(This post originally appeared at my blog: Borrowed Light) …those who more boldly than others incite defection from the church, and are like standard-bearers, have for the most part no other reason than their contempt of all to show they are better than the others. (John Calvin, Institutes, 1030) Ripping on the church has become a national past-time. It is not uncommon for people to get so fed up with the brokenness of the church that they decide their relationship with Jesus could be just as easily cultivated at home. There is also the other type of person that hops from … [Read more...] about The Root of Church Defection
Sometimes God is Deaf
(This post originally appeared at my blog Borrowed Light) A sure way to ensure not having an audience with me is to trash my wife. If some person decides that they want to speak ill of my wife to me (and this rarely happens) they quickly realize they made a foolish mistake. They’ll never win. You know why? Because I am decidedly on her side. In an even greater way this is the case with the Lord when Satan brings accusations against us. When he starts dogging on God’s Bride (see Zechariah 3) Satan is met with a sharp rebuke. It is the same case with believers today. Written … [Read more...] about Sometimes God is Deaf
I Want to Want Jesus THIS Much
35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to … [Read more...] about I Want to Want Jesus THIS Much
Review of David Platt’s “Radical Together”
David Platt’s first book Radical has already changed the lives of many people, and this change has impacted several churches. Many churches have used Radical as small group material, and many will be observing Platt’s six hour Secret Church simulcast. (Our local church is one of them). On April 19 Platt will release his second book, Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God . Radical was an urgent plea for individual Christians to take back their faith from the American Dream. This offering is an urgent plea for churches to reshape their vision and … [Read more...] about Review of David Platt’s “Radical Together”
Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth?
Why do people who pile into movie theaters on a Friday evening complain that the Bible is boring on a Sunday morning? One reason, and I stress ONE reason, is that we have not rightly been convinced that the Bible is a compelling story. If our view of Scripture is akin to Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth then I doubt very seriously that we will be compelled to open its pages. At least not until something goes wrong. I’m one of those guys that tries to put something together without reading the instruction manual. I only read it when I end up with an extra part or the … [Read more...] about Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth?
Running From Lust
(This post originally appeared on my blog at Borrowed Light) Warning! If I am wrong on what I say in this particular post the consequences could be deadly. So, as I hope you always do, read with discernment and test everything by Scripture. "Flee sexual immorality..." 1 Corinthians 6:18 It has been said, and rightly so, that sexual immorality (lust, etc.) is the only sin that we are told to run away from. Everything else we are typically told to stand firm and fight—but sexual sin can become so ensnaring that we are told to run away from it. I agree. However, I do believe there … [Read more...] about Running From Lust
When the Strong Man Gets His Way
(This post originally appeared on my blog: Borrowed Light) Sin aims always at the utmost; every time it rises up to tempt or entice, might it have its own course, it would go out to the utmost sin in that kind. Every unclean thought or glance would be adultery if it could; every covetous desire would be oppression, every thought of unbelief would be atheism, might it grow to its head…every rise of lust, might it have its course, would come to the height of villainy: it is like the grave, that is never satisfied. -John Owen If you want to see this principle in full force then look … [Read more...] about When the Strong Man Gets His Way
Review of Wesley Hill’s “Washed and Waiting”
Homosexuality is a hot-button issue within the church. The issue is not one that is between the church and the world; as in the church says its wrong the world says its evil. There are many that seemingly love Jesus that make arguments that homosexuality is an okay option for a believing Christian. And there are certainly those that take the position that homosexuality is wrong and they do so in anger and pride. For those like me, that feel the biblical position on homosexuality is that it is sinful, one thing that is often lost in the middle of discussing homosexuality and … [Read more...] about Review of Wesley Hill’s “Washed and Waiting”
The GCR: A Car Without Gas?
(Mike Leake blogs at "Borrowed Light", a blog worth your perusal. Here is his article originally published at that site.) The 2010 messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention voted on moving towards a Great Commission Resurgence. I happily voted for the GCR because I am passionate about seeing the gospel spread to the nations. (Although, I am certain that my passion should/could increase all the more). As excited as I am to see a Great Commission Resurgence I wonder if maybe we should call it something else—or perhaps change it’s emphasis. Biblically, I see something else … [Read more...] about The GCR: A Car Without Gas?