Deuteronomy 8:18?

Deuteronomy 8:18 has been on my mind recently because Oral Roberts (whom some would call the great mover and possibly founder of the prosperity gospel) has recently died.  Deut. 8:18 says this, “But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Does this mean that the prosperity gospel (which teaches that upon faith in Christ, God promises financial wealth to His children) is true?  NO.

Why?  In the Old Testament it was largely a ‘come and see’ faith, which is why God blessed them so much.  This is one of the reasons the people of Israel could plunder other peoples, this is why the tabernacle and temple were so richly and lavishly adorned, so that upon seeing them, people would cry out, “God must be here!”  Is it this way in the New Testament?  No.  The New Testament is no longer a “come and see”, but a “go and tell faith!”  So now, in this present day, we should not be looking to the size of the house, or the type of car, or the brand of shoes Christians where to see if their really in the covenant of God’s blessing, as you could legitmately do in the Old Testament.

If God’s gifts to His people (in whatever time, Old or New) are treasured more than God Himself, God is not treasured!  It always helps to keep reading when we come across verses we don’t really understand, or verses that seem to teach false doctrine, like Deut. 8:18.  What does Deut. 8:19-20 say?  ”It shall come about if you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.  Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so you shall perish; because you would not listen to the voice of the LORD your God.”  So you see, even in the Old Testament, God made it clear that He is to be obeyed, and loved, and treasured, over the wealth He brought!  This is even more true in the New Testament time, because God is to be treasured more than wealth and stuff, even if He decides to bring great amounts of wealth, or none at all!

Again I will say, where God’s gifts are treasured more than God, God is not treasured.

Conservative Political Sin Is Abounding

It is a sad day when conservative politicians hate liberals so much, that they devote time and energy to make a politically conservative Bible.  That’s right, it’s really happening.  In response to liberal theology they have swung too far the other way.  Here’s the story:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Gospel of Luke records that, as he was dying on the cross, Jesus showed his boundless mercy by praying for his killers this way: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Not so fast, say contributors to the Conservative Bible Project. The project, an online effort to create a Bible suitable for contemporary conservative sensibilities, claims Jesus’ quote is a disputed addition abetted by liberal biblical scholars, even if it appears in some form in almost every translation of the Bible. The project’s authors argue that contemporary scholars have inserted liberal views and ahistorical passages into the Bible, turning Jesus into little more than a well-meaning social worker with a store of watered-down platitudes. “Professors are the most liberal group of people in the world, and it’s professors who are doing the popular modern translations of the Bible,” said Andy Schlafly, founder of Conservapedia.com, the project’s online home. Experts who have devoted their careers to unraveling the ancient texts of the Scriptures, many in long-extinct languages, are predictably skeptical about a project by amateur translators. “This is not making scripture understandable to people today, it’s reworking scripture to support a particular political or social agenda,” said Timothy Paul Jones, a professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., who calls himself a theological conservative.

Read the rest here.

Goodbye Till Monday

I will be leaving town tonight for the thanksgiving holiday and will not return until Monday.  So I will not write anything new until Monday.  Here are some helpful insights on thanksgiving that will help you not waste it.  See you Monday!

Albert Mohler’s theological thanksgiving.

John Piper’s advice on who to invite for thanksgiving dinner.

Nathan Hoag’s pie advice.

The Manhattan Declaration

A group of Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical Christians have joined together to create The Manhattan Declaration.  The main points in the declaration are:

Christians, when they have lived up to the highest ideals of their faith, have defended the weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen vital institutions of civil society, beginning with the family.

We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:
the sanctity of human life
the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

You can sign the declaration here.

You can see who has signed here.

Read why Albert Mohler signed here.

Read why John MacArthur didn’t sign here.

I signed, will you?

Desiring God Christmas Sale

Desiring God is offering many specials on all of John Piper’s books right now.  There is even a deal where you get 4 books for $10!  Click on the picture to see the details.

Use Your Desktop For Evangelism w/ DWYL Wallpapers

The Don’t Waste Your Life website now has free wallpapers for your desktop.  If you bring your laptops to class for note taking, I highly recommend you put one of these up.  It is a great conversation starter and therefore an evangelistic tool.  Go here to get them.  Here are a few samples:

 

Collision: Is Christianity Good For the World?

I’m sure many of you have heard of Collision, the DVD where atheist Christopher Hitchens and Christian apologist Douglas Wilson mull over the question of whether Christianity is good for the world or not.  It is now a DVD!  (See Westminster Bookstore link on the top right of the page)

“(Christianity) is a wicked cult, and it’s high time we left it behind.” -Christopher Hitchens

“There are two tenets of atheism: One, there is no God. Two, I hate him.” -Pastor Douglas Wilson

Here is what the Publisher had to say about it: In May 2007, leading atheist Christopher Hitchens and Christian apologist Douglas Wilson began to argue the topic “Is Christianity Good for the World?” in a series of written exchanges published in Christianity Today.  The rowdy literary bout piqued the interest of filmmaker Darren Doane, who sought out Hitchens and Wilson to pitch the idea of making a film around the debate.  In Fall 2008, Doane and crew accompanied Hitchens and Wilson on an east coast tour to promote the book compiled from their written debate titled creatively enough, Is Christianity Good for the World?.  “I loved the idea of putting one of the beltway’s most respected public intellectuals together with an ultra-conservative pastor from Idaho that looks like a lumberjack”, says Doane.  “You couldn’t write two characters more contrary.  What’s more real and punk rock than a fight between two guys who are on complete opposite sides of the fence on the most divisive issue in the world?  We were ready to make a movie about two intellectual warriors at the top of their game going one-on-one.  I knew it would make an amazing film.”

In Christopher Hitchens, Doane found a celebrated prophet of atheism.  Loud.  Funny.  Angry.  Smart.  Quick.  An intimidating intellectual Goliath.  Well-known for bullying and mocking believers into doubt and doubters into outright unbelief.  In Douglas Wilson, Doane found the man who could provide a perfect intellectual, philosophical, and cinematic counterpoint to Hitchens’ position and style.  A trained philosopher and and deft debater.  Big, bearded, and jolly.  A pastor, a contrarian, a humorist–an unintimidated outsider, impossible to bully, capable of calling Hitchens a puritan (over a beer).  It was a collision of lives.  What Doane didn’t expect was how much Hitchens and Wilson would have in common and the respectful bond the new friend/foes would build through the course of the book tour.  “These guys ended up at the bar laughing, joking, drinking.  There were so many things that they had in common”, according to Doane.  “Opinions on history and politics.  Literature and poetry.  They agreed on so many things. Except on the existence of God.”

Can Tebow Talk of Jesus During Football?

Tom Krattenmaker, at USA TODAY, has written a column about Christianity in Sports specifically mentioning how certain players, like Tim Tebow and others, are wrong  and judgmental to say that Jesus is the only way to God.  This should remind us all that those who don’t know Jesus only think of us as foolish “conservative evangelicals”.  Erik Raymond and Kevin Deyoung have responded.  Below are excerpts:

Krattenmaker, says:

Certainly, Tim Tebow must be applauded for the good he does working on his father’s missions, but he should be seen, too, as one who promotes a form of belief that makes unwelcome judgments about everyone else’s religion. Let’s not forget the twinge that is felt by sports-loving Jewish kids and parents, for example, or by champions for interfaith cooperation, when adored sports figures like Tebow use their fame to push a Jesus-or-else message.  (Read the Rest)

Erik Raymond responds:

Sadly, this is what I have come to expect from opinion writers in our day. With all of the competition in various media forms guys have to get their stuff read. And the easiest way to do that is to be provocative. The quickest and easiest way is to be provocative and attack someone that everyone likes with the weapons that everyone seems to value. Therefore the hard-working, successful, Christian, nice guy, has a target on his back. Krattenmarker has a new book to promote and looky here, I’m talking about him. So maybe his strategy is working. Well, it’s working if his objective is to be talked about and not taken seriously.  (Read the Rest)

Kevin Deyoung responds:

Krattenmaker is appalled that Tebow’s father’s evangelistic association espouses a “far-right” theology that believes in “eternal punishment” and rejects “the modern ecumenical movement.” “In making and acting on rigid claims about who is or isn’t in good standing with God,” Krattenmaker opines, “the Bob Tebow organization is working at cross purposes with the majority of Americans — indeed, the majority of American Christians — and their more generous conception of salvation.” Yeah, so? Can sports stars, on their own time mind you, only work with organizations that pass muster by national referendum? Millions of people in America think millions of other Americans are going to hell apart from the saving work of Jesus. And millions of Americans think those other Americans are neanderthals for believing that. God bless America!  (Read the Rest)

Together for the Gospel 2010 – Registration Open!

Registration is open for next year’s Together for the Gospel conference, will you be there with me?  I hope you will!

Passion 2010: One Fame Draws Us

One Fame draws us, He is everything!

Why Do the Heathen Rage? International Blasphemy Day

Ready for a day to honor blasphemy?  According to press reports, September 30 (tomorrow) is set as the observance of the first-ever International Blasphemy Day.  This could be interesting.  The choice of September 30 looks back to that date in the year 2005, when the publication of cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad’s face sparked outcry and protests in the Muslim world and threats toward the West.

Now, as Religion News Service reports, the Center for Inquiry is planning a day of observances to mark the occasion.  Ron Lindsay, a lawyer who serves as president of the Council for Inquiry International, said that the day was part of the group’s effort to expose religious beliefs to investigation.  In the words of the RNS report, the goal is “to expose all religious beliefs to the same level of inquiry, discussion and criticism to which other areas of intellectual interest are subjected.”

Here is one feature of the day as planned by CFI: “You’ve never seen Jesus like this before: dripping red nail polish around the nails in his feet and hands, an irreverent riff on the crucifixion wounds. The provocative title of the painting: “Jesus Does His Nails.” Blasphemous? Absolutely. Deliberately provocative? You bet.”

Artist Dana Ellyn told RNS that she is an “agnostic atheist” whose purpose is to be provocative.  “My point is not to offend, but I realize it can offend, because religion is such a polarizing topic,” she said.  Among other things, CFI International also plans a “blasphemy contest,” “in which participants are invited to submit phrases, poems, or statements that would be, or have been, considered blasphemous.” Winners are to receive a t-shirt and mug.  Bet you can’t wait to see those.

More seriously, participants are also to be encouraged to take up the “Blasphemy Challenge” in which individuals register their blasphemy in the face of Mark 3:29.  In that verse, Jesus warns, “whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.”  Those who take up the “Blasphemy Challenge” record video submissions, which must include the words, “I deny the Holy Spirit.”  The Blasphemy Day events are certain to draw media attention, which is no doubt the whole point of the observance.  That is how a group like CFI can gain publicity for itself and its cause.

How should Christians respond?

First, take no offense.  Refuse to play into the game plan of those sponsoring International Blasphemy Day.  The Lord Jesus Christ was and is despised and rejected of men.  Our Lord bore the scorn heaped upon him by his enemies.  Christianity is not an honor religion.  Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are not commanded to defend his honor, but to be willing to share in the scorn directed to him.  Is the servant greater than his master?  Islam is an honor religion, and the major forces in the world today seeking to criminalize blasphemy are Islamic.  The riots on the streets of many nations in protest of the Danish cartoons do represent what faithful Muslims believe their religion requires them to do.  Not so for Christianity.  We must be those who take to the streets with the Gospel — not with a defense of our honor or the honor of our Lord.  When Christians forget this, we lose our Gospel witness.  The history of the church includes far too many instances of this loss.  We dare not add another.

Second, mourn the blasphemy.  The warning of Jesus is clear — blasphemy has eternal consequences.  The worst form of blasphemy is the refusal to hear and believe the Gospel.  For that sin there can be no forgiveness.  We must mourn the blasphemy, not because honor is at stake, but because souls are at stake with eternal consequences.  God will ultimately and perfectly defend his honor.  On that day, there will be no escape for unrepentant blasphemers.

Third, see this observance for what it really is — an unintended testimony to the existence of God and the foolishness of those who deny Him.  The sheer foolishness of a blasphemy contest with t-shirts and mugs betrays the lunacy of it all.  They can do no better than this?  One testimony to the power of God is the fact that his self-declared enemies come off as so childish and manic.  The heathen rage and God sees the foolish grasshoppers.  International Blasphemy Day will come and go.  Take note, ponder its meaning . . . and skip the t-shirt.

(This was originally posted on Albert Mohler’s blog, and then on The Gospel Coalition blog.)

The World is Changing

I often wonder why blogs are more widely read now than books are; and if my writing this one makes any difference at all.  Than I watch this video and learn that technology is growing and changing our cultures more than anything and I’m encouraged to learn that this blog may be a more relevant way to reach people for Jesus than writing a book now.  Perhaps, God may use Pleasing Pain to show one person (maybe two!) His glory in the face of His Son.  That would be worth it, very much so!

What I’m Praying for During Ramadan

I have been praying for Ramadan every Wednesday during my lunch hour for the past three weeks.  If you have  not done so yet, or have been doing so, tonight is the night to pray!  Why?  Tonight is the Ramadan celebration called the “Night Of Power” in which they believe allah is closer than usual giving out special blessings.  All Islam will stay up all night tonight praying and fasting, seeking the blessings of this false god.  Therefore we need to be in action, praying and fasting as well.  What do you pray for?  Here’s a list of what I’ve been praying for.  You don’t have to use this, but one thing is certain, you need to ask God to intervene tonight for the glory of the gospel of His Son.

Scripture to help you pray for Muslims tonight:

Habakkuk 2:14 – Pray that “…the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”

2 Cor. 4:6 – Pray that God would “…shine in their hearts, to give them the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Isaiah 44:9-20 – Pray that God would open the eyes of Islam, that they are worshipping an idol.

Psalm 119:36 – Pray that God would incline Islam’s heart toward Him.

Psalm 119:18 – Pray that God would open Muslim’s eyes to see wondrous things in God’s Law.

Psalm 86:11 – Pray that God would unite their hearts to fear Him, the true God.

Psalm 90:14 – Pray that God would satisfy Muslim’s with Himself that they may be glad and sing for joy all their days.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 – Pray that God would give Muslims new hearts, and cause them to walk in His ways.

Deut. 30:6 – Pray that God would circumcise the hearts of Muslims, so that they will love the true God.

Galatians 6:14 – Pray that God would save and cause Muslims to boast in and treasure Jesus above all things.

Heb. 13:3 – Pray that God would use Christians in Muslim countries and communities for the sake of the gospel and the salvation of many.

Acts 28:23, Luke 24:27, 44 – Pray that God would show Jesus to Islam through Moses and the Prophets.

Acts 16:14 – Pray that God would open the hearts of Islam to receive the words of the gospel.

Psalm 145:18, John 4:24 – Pray that God would reveal Himself to Islam, so they can worship God in Spirit and Truth.

Romans 5:8, 8:28-39 – Pray that God would arrest the attention of Islam with His love in His Son.

Romans 7:7-12, Galatians 3:24 – Pray that God would use His law to lead Muslims to faith in Jesus.

John 6:44-45, 14:6 – Pray that God draw Muslims to Himself, showing them that the true way to God is through Jesus.

Matthew 6:9-10 – Pray that God would exalt His name and extend His kingdom into Islam.

2 Thess. 3:1 – Pray that God would cause His gospel to run and triumph in Islam.

Luke 11:13, Eph. 3:19 – Pray that God would give Islam the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

My Current Reading

One reason seminary can be tough is the amount of reading Professor’s assign during the semester.  Take for example, my current reading.  Although at times I really do not like having so much on my plate, I do enjoy reading a lot and I am grateful that during this course in my life, I get to read so many thought-provoking books.  During the coure of this semester, I am going to be writing a reviews of each book and posting it here for you to look over.  There are a couple reasons for doing this:

a) All my Professor’s require these reviews this semester, so I have to do them.

b) I need an outlet to let some of my praise and frustrations out as I read these books. (Often both will be present in every book)

c) I want you to be informed about what books are great, just okay, and awful, so you can be reading the stuff that is worth reading.

So, enjoy these reviews and feel free to comment on them, because many of you may have read the same books (Wild At Heart and The Shack?) and want to respond to what I have said about them.  My review of Wild At Heart is already up; more will be coming as I finish these others.

New NIV to be made in 2011

Committee on Bible Translation to Update New International Version (NIV) for 2011 -

The global board of Biblica today announced its intention to update the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, the first time it has been revised since 1984. The Committee on Bible Translation (CBT), the independent body of global biblical scholars solely responsible for the translation of the world’s most popular Bible, is slated to finish its revision late next year, with publication in 2011. The announcement was made at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill., the site of the historic first meeting of the CBT in 1965. “We want to reach English speakers across the globe with a Bible that is accurate, accessible and that speaks to its readers in a language they can understand,” said Keith Danby, Global President and CEO of Biblica. “This is why we are recommitting ourselves today to the original NIV charter, complete with its charge to monitor and reflect developments in English usage and Biblical scholarship by periodically updating the NIV Bible text. “As time passes and English changes, the NIV we have at present is becoming increasingly dated. If we want a Bible that English speakers around the world can understand, we have to listen to, and respect, the vocabulary they are using today.” The CBT represents the very best in evangelical biblical scholarship and its members are drawn from denominations across the world. As an independent body, it alone has the authority to revise and update the text of the NIV Bible. “The committee exists to ensure that the NIV continues to articulate the words of God, as we find them recorded in the original languages, in a form of English that is comprehensible to the broadest possible audience,” said CBT Chairman, Professor Douglas Moo.  (read the rest here)

Albert Mohler has given his thoughts to this, he is always worth listening to.