Am I Promoting Idolatry?

I found a link to a great post on another blog via a blog (if that makes sense) about the temptation to create your own disciples rather than pointing people to Christ. If you are a pastor, teacher, or church leader of any kind I highly recommend reading it.

The Day They Tried to Recruit Me

Here is an excerpt:

The cult of professor worship is perhaps the most dangerous and reprehensible cult in the theological world. It is no respecter of theological position, afflicting the left just as much as the right. It is no respecter of intellectual ability, as the psychology of leader-follower is predicated more on personality and relational qualities than brainpower. And it is no respecter of souls: nothing so destroys a Christian leader, or his followers, than the mutual flattery involved in the uncritical adulation of a fan-base for a professorial rock star (and I use that term advisedly). Hence, while every instinct in me told me that the offer was a great opportunity to start up Team Trueman on campus, I chose to go against my fallen desires and immediately declined the offer.

The First Entry of My Journal

While I attending college I was inspired to start a journal after reading In the Shadow of the Almighty a book about Jim Elliot (a missionary to South America) that contains many entries from his personal journal. Unfortunately I lost that first journal in Hurricane Katrina. However, I do still have my second journal. Ironically, it's first entry is dated 9:31am, September 11, 2001. I always find it interesting to rewind and re-read old entries and thought I'd share this one with you:

The second tower of the world trade center has just fallen! Both towers were struck by 2 separate commercial planes. About 50,000 people work at the World Trade Center.We just learned that another hijacked plane is en route to Washington as I write! All commercial flights as well as private have been grounded.

[Time?]Another plane crashed into the Pentagon which is now on fire and part of it has collapsed.

[Time?]Another plane has crashed over W. Pennsylvania. Right now my body is numb. My mind keeps wondering if this is not the judgment of God on our country. The affects of this attack will be far reaching. Twenty minutes ago it was reported that money was flowing into the Euro and the Pound.

I'm [now] sitting in chapel. Psalm 46 is of great comfort right now as was the hymn "Crown Him With Many Crowns."

As I wrote these words I thought that tens of thousands of people had just lost their lives. I am so thankful that God in His mercy spared us from the worst. Nonetheless, I am reminded of the loss we did sustain and pray God's peace for the thousands of friends and families that are no doubt remembering and re-living the emotions of that day even as I write.

Tonight I am encouraged by the Scripture and hymn that God used to minister to me that day seven years ago:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalms 46:1-3 ESV)

God is our refuge. What peace there is in knowing Him. Christ our King is seated on His throne and is worthy of all the praise we can give Him regardless of life's circumstances. He has promised to be with us always (Mt 28:20) and given us His Spirit to comfort and to guide (e.g., John 14:16, 26).

Father, thank you for Your providential care for us. Jesus, may we honor you as King in every circumstance and stage of our lives. Spirit, may we seek your guidance as strongly in the good times life as in the bad. O God, have Your way in us today.

Will the real Ocho Cinco Please Stand Up?

As many of my friends will vouch, I have the sports news awareness of someone who lives under a rock. I watch SportCenter once a week if I'm lucky. I play fantasy football because I like the interaction I get with the guys. I catch the scores and check the standings more than I actually watch the games. Nonetheless, as I was checking my fantasy team I noticed that Chad Johnson has now officially become Chad Ocho Cinco. At first I thought this was just a ruse but no...he legally changed his last name to Ocho Cinco.

Here's the article if you want to read it: Click Here

Thanks Mr. Ocho Cinco for reminding us how easily we can lose touch with reality and get wrapped up with ourselves. You're not alone. I readily admit that I'm right there with you. You've helped us all by putting a face and (now) a very visible name to the problem.

Jonathan

1970's Christian Ska Music...(Thankfully) There's Nothing Like It

This is both funny and sad at the same time. Please check out this video.



Disclaimer: By posting this video I in no way endorse its theology. First, Jesus has not taught us how to save our souls; he saved our souls. Second, whatever we might say about salvation, God zapping us is a poor description. Finally sinless perfection is not a possibility in this life (I don't care what Wesleyans say). There is a very good chance that these guys are Canadian (or at least that would explain a lot) :)