THE NARROW GATE

A blog that I respect that will lay it on the line is I'm Speaking Truth
In this post he poses a great question...“Is Eckhart Tolle A Christian?”

Mr. Tolle is one of the latest buffoons that is on Oprah's crazy train. He is a New Age teacher that is widely popular and has a large following.

But the question of "Is Eckhart Tolle a Christian?" intrigues me. I suppose the answer could be as simple as:
If Oprah is a Christian then Eckhart Tolle is a Christian.

I think the real issue is what is your definition of a Christian? If it is being good and religious then I suppose both of the above mentioned are Christians.
But if the definition is a person who admits they are sinful and in desperate need of Christ and Him alone then I suppose they are not.

The real question is What is a Christian? If we just give opinion as to what feels good then maybe everyone is a Christian. If we just stick to the Bible as the SOLE authority (sorry to all of my anti-sola scriptura readers) then I think we might find that fewer than we think are probably saved.

Turning Your Heart Toward God- Thigpen and Kline

I have never read a book that I liked so much all the while gritting my teeth but it has now happened. Let me explain.

It is a non-fiction work written in a study guide format. One of the authors is editor of the bi-monthly "The Catholic Answer" which presents problems in the theological field.

The book touts itself as "a 12-week exploration of the spiritual disciplines." Let me say that it definitely delivers from that perspective. It covers topics like simplicity, forgiveness, reticence, obedience and several others that are often overlooked. These topics A few times it sort-of comes across as New-Age(y) but I don't think that is the intention.

What you will notice is the constant mention of Desert Fathers, Desert Wisdom, or Desert Elders. The "Desert" jargon was a term given to Ascetics and Monks who lived in the 4th and 5th century who were heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

My problem is there seems to be more of a reverence for the "Desert Wisom" than for the Word of God. There are many scriptures throughout the book but it seems to be in the shadows of the Desert Wisdom.

It reads very easy and the disciplines themselves are good to focus on. I would recommend this book for a discerning mature Christian who can differentiate between "thus says the Lord" and what Agatho said.

Between Two Worlds- Mike Timmis

This book is basically an autobiography of a man who struggled with his Catholic upbringing not “enjoying” the Christian life. His struggles led him to a very empty life and to become a workaholic.

At the prompting of a friend who recognized the deficiency in his faith the author agreed to attend a men’s Bible study held in his hometown of Detroit. He said "I will go once just to get my friend off my back." He went and based on the openness of the men there he committed his life to Christ wanting what these men had.

His life changed dramatically from this time on and he went on to become a committed evangelical leader of many para-church organizations including Prison Fellowship International.

He refused to leave the Catholic church believing rather that he should stay and seek to change the church by his witness. Based on his testimony, he feels he has made significant inroads to that end.

Overall an interesting book to read, easy to read, particularly his time spent witnessing to several world leaders.

This made me think of Martin Luther in a very small way in reference to his desire to see the church reformed.

Free To Be Bound- Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

This is a non fiction work written in a report form largely describing the author’s experiences growing up in the deep south and the racism that he saw in the churches and his desire and goal for reconciliation between the white and black church.

I do not believe this book represents a thorough analysis of the subject matter since it is written from his viewpoint only with no room for any contradictory or differing opinions.

It is quite clear that the author believes very much in his subject matter but again leaves little or no room for any differing thoughts on the matter. He is into the Black Jesus theology (even though he is white and attends a predominantly black church) that I understand is prevalent in many black churches today. He clearly believes that the black church and their worship style and teaching/preaching is something that the white church should adopt. He accuses the white church of not fully engaging the power of Jesus in its ministry meaning that it recognizes His power only as power to save us from sin but not to deal with all the problems of life.

Overall, the book is easy to read but is slanted to one thought process only and assumes that the black church is superior in every way to the white church. He is committed to this viewpoint and has made it a huge part of his life living in a slum area and worshiping at a black church in Durham NC.

e-Nuts

Look at this link and tell me what you think.
What does this say to the world? What does he really hope to gain from this besides money? To me, it's just another sad state of "Carnival Christianity."

A Fear of Mine

For quite some time I have shared with the church that I pastor and with others one of the biggest fears that I have. It is not about my safety, job security, paying bills or our economy. It is about those folks that sit in the pews Sunday after Sunday.

I am not trying to sound over-pastoral, if that is possible, but the concern is real.

The burden that I have is one that many of us as Christians have. It is simply the concern that many, and I mean many, that sit in the pews on a regular basis are not saved and believe they are.

I regularly preach and teach those who care nothing for the Word, for holiness, for lost people, or for the glory of God to be revealed in their life. They are just content on being there, doing their duty, and going through the motions.

I think the reasons for this are wide and varied but I want to go over two reasons.

Before I go any further let me say that I am aware that God is the One who convicts us and draws us and awakens our hearts to our sinfulness and His greatness. The reasons I list here are ones that I think are our fault in the matter.

There is a basic misunderstanding of what salvation is. I suppose a lot of this is because of the preaching itself. If we preach that God want's to heal your marriage, finances and wayward children and not that we are hell-bound sinners because of our separation from God then ignorance will abound.

The second reason is just as pervasive. Though it appears to be the same as what is mentioned above, it's slightly different. The church has become a carnival of activities. The gospel is not preached and so the community views the church as a moral funhouse. A safe place where you can go and get re-filled, pumped-up, or simply a few laughs. Then many join the funhouse and growth is reported.

I believe the church is responsible for this huge mirage that has been put out there for the world to see. Satan does not have to be directly involved in this deception when the church is more than willing to do it for him.

The Crescent Through...- Nabeel Jabbour

This book is a non-fiction work, although it is based in large part on a mythical character created by the author, dealing with how to reach the Muslim world with the message of Christ.

It presents the authors view on this subject through the lens of his Arab heritage.

His point is well taken in that the Christian world should and needs to modify its way of presenting the Gospel to Muslims rather than using Christian talk and language though I have never been one to feel that we need to de-christianize our talk to witness.

While trying to be objective in his approach, the clear bias of the author is evident everywhere. Claiming to be a conservative he at the same time clearly is anti-Jewish, anti-American and pro muslim in my view. He often speaks in terms very much leaning toward the Muslim side of the issue and again, in my judgment takes liberty with the scripture to make his case. Just one example is that he accuses Joseph of using his position with Pharaoh to enhance his own family at the expense of everyone else in Egypt, including the Pharaoh. His point is that we Christians do the same thing with Muslims by taking advantage of them so as to enhance our own position.

All in all I was disappointed with the liberal tone of the book.

Dangerous Faith- Joel Vestal

The book is a non-fiction work dealing with world missions and evangelization.
It is primarily reporting the authors’ experiences in his missionary work but does try to interpret those experiences in a way to encourage others to be more involved in mission work.

His obvious viewpoint is that everyone should/needs to be involved in mission work in some fashion which is true. It may be financially or best of all (in his view) to commit your life to mission work in a foreign mission field.

This subject has polarized many through the years. Some say that local missions are the way to go while othes say that foreign missions are the only way. This book will definitely appeal to the latter crowd.

The book is reasonably thorough but with a clear emphasis on his personal experiences.

Overall I personally did not enjoy the book but will admit that the author is clearly passionate about the subject matter. While making comments to the contrary he seems to use guilt as a tool or means of convincing others to get involved in what he has been called to as his life’s work.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Not the labors of my hands can fulfill thy law's commands;
could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.
--Augustus M. Toplady

Honored

I am honored that NavPress has allowed me to be on their Preview/Review list for books that have come out or are coming out soon. In the next few weeks, in between regular posts, I will post a book review/preview of the selection of books that have been sent to me. Some of the books I would not have bought on my own and other books I would have picked up the day they were released. I hope that you enjoy reading the critiques and I welcome your comments.

How many should you have?

In an era of super-sized whatever I have a question.

Should we have mega-churches or should we have churches that plant new churches and support them? How many people should you have? Can a pastor really pastor a church of 2000 people?

I am not saying that mega churches are bad but I wonder if the pragmatic view of church growth has influenced our view of how large our churches should be.

What do you think?

How many do y'all have...?

Why is is that when you see someone you know (especially in the ministry) they want to know how many people go to your church? Now I know that might not sound like a bad question and from an etymological point of view it isn't. The idea behind it is what prompts me to bring this up.

Our culture cannot get away from the pragmatic idea that if your church is big God must be doing something great in it. That same pramatic idea also leads us to deduce that if your church is small that "God has written Ichabod across the front door" and that it is simply dead.

I suppose that the business principle of have a product, market that product, and sell that product for a gain has led us to bring that same principle into the church.

So, we have:
-Christ and His message of saving grace
we then:
-Have magic shows, concerts (that have no semblance of anything Christian), or some other gimmic to "draw in the masses"
finally:
-tell people that Jesus is there to be their best friend, boyfriend, marriage counselor, financial guru, physician/surgeon who will miraculously heal all wounds/sicknesses/diseases

So if we have successfully "drawn the masses" in through whatever means was needed our friends, family and the world will assume that God is doing a wonderful thing. And to follow that line of thinking; God is not doing anything if your church is not growing.

What if when we see people we ask them "How many people in your church really act Christ-like?" Or what about "How many in your church desire to live holy God-honoring lives?" How would folks respond then?

My problem is that we use warm bodies in our church building as a means of determining if God is doing something. I am reminded of 1Cor. 3.6
"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." The growth that we manufactor does not mean that God has "made it grow." I am reminded that Our ways are not His ways.

I think Satan has planted an amazingly deceptive theory of growth in the church that has roots as deep as an oak.

Interesting

Gay is No Longer Happy

I am sick to the point that I almost can't "stands no more" on this issue of the acceptance of homosexuality being force fed to the church. All the while the church remains silent for fear of retaliation from the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender) community. Also many in the church are opposed to the church speaking out about homosexuality because they have friends or family that are involved in this "alternative lifestyle."

To add fuel to this out of control fire we have this article of a large metro Atlanta Word-Faith church that is "considering their options in reference to having a gay group (SoulForce) to come in and lead workshops on human sexuality. What in the world is that church thinking?

The church cannot remain silent on this sin or any other sin for that matter. Who cares if people get upset or protest? Our concern should be what God thinks about it. I am equally concerned about the churches that choose to remain silent. Their silence puts them in the same league with those churches embracing it.

News Flash

So I ask a lady where my son works how her family is doing. She tells me that her daughter and her husband are getting a divorce. I hit the {pause} button in my conversation and think about her 19 year old daughter with a child getting a divorce and shake my head. {Play} I then ask her how her son is doing. She says that he is fine and that he is now working for a local construction crew. I ask her how his wife is and she tells me he is not married. {Pause again} I zone off and think to myself how I know she told me one time how he was married. {Play} I mentioned to her that I remember her telling me how he was married. She said that he has two little children but has not been married. Hmm

I suppose that I am still old fashioned (I am in my early 40's) and think that children = marriage. Silly me.

Quote of the Moment

Whatever “call” a man may pretend to have, if he has not been called to holiness, he certainly has not been called to the ministry.
~Charles Spurgeon

Ephesians 6.4

I have noticed for quite some time how parents seem to be having a harder time with their children than they used to. I realize that children since Adam and Eve's little ones have acted up and I know it will not stop. The problem now seems to be one that is different though. Let me explain.

I'm not sure when it started but for some reason parents have stopped being parents. They seem to be more interested in being their child's buddy or friend rather than his/her leader, protector and role model. The parents appear to be more interested in "hanging out" with their children than disciplining, correcting and teaching their children. If you think about it it makes sense though. It is much easier to be a buddy, pal, or friend than a disciplinarian, leader, or role model. The latter is not fun and makes the children mad. They don't want to be corrected, disciplined, or taught. They just want someone to give them what they want, when they want it, and how they want it. I know. I was a child once myself.

The problem with the above scenario is that the little ones that have been intrusted to us do not have the maturity, knowledge or history of mistake-making that we adults have. It is our duty and responsibility to teach them and that may involve hurting their feelings which may in turn prevent a larger hurt from happening down the road. It will make them mad when we disagree and correct them. Our job is not to be their friend, that will come when they are older. Our job is to lovingly correct, discipline, lead, and teach them to make good choices and pray that they will use that knowledge when they are older.

This Could Be a Wild One

I titled this article "This Could Be a Wild One" because this post could be one with many different comments and views. Here goes...

I was recently saddened by this article. I think the content and purpose of what the article is about will come across at first glance as good and productive. But when you really read it the article seems to shed some light on where the church as a whole within the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) is headed.

I actually think there is a quote in the article from the pastor that really sheds some light on the subject.
"He did describe it as “the most unusual day we have ever had in the life of this church.”"

To me, if I were a member I would pay attention to the changes that start happening in the church. The "Interpretative Movement" and "Dance" that already takes place would be enough for me take great notice anyway.

Another issue that really bothers me is where do these ideas come from.

"Lee said he received the idea for the series after reading “Confessions of a Pastor: Adventures in Dropping the Pose and Getting Real with God” by Craig Groeschel."

Groeschel, who launched Life Church in Edmond, Okla., in 1996, started out doing market research with non-churchgoers in the area and has a church that is gigantic and to me, very emergent friendly. On a side note...I have always paid close attention to the people someone listens to and the books that they read. The people who influence us have a huge impact on our thinking and practice.

I think my big concern with the sermon is:

1. I think Pastor Lee was showboating to get a lot of press and attention

2. Though he says he is not, Lee appears to be apologizing for Christian's view that homosexuality, shacking up, abortion is a sin.

3. "Lee quoted from “Unchristian,” a book recently released by the Barna Research Group, which reported that in a scientific poll 18-28 year-olds perceived the Church as “judgmental, homophobic, and irrelevant.”

Well, if Barna says something we had better jump to fix it. Calling sin sin offends people and gets us labeled as "judgmental, homophobic, and irrelevant."

"“Folks, they are not leaving the Church, they have already left. What are we doing to bring them back?” he asked the crowded sanctuary in each of the three morning services."

As I have said many times before, it is not our job to populate the church with lost people. The church are the called out ones, the saved.

“For me, I cannot stand in front of God and tell Him that I did nothing to reverse that perception. It’s important to know that the 18-28 year-olds are not against Christ; in fact, they tell pollsters that they have fond feelings for Him and believe in God. But the bottom line is that the Church is still perceived as judgmental, homophobic, and irrelevant” rather than for our love for them. "

Fond feelings and and $1.50 will buy you a cup of coffee at the Waffle House. Fond feelings have NEVER granted forgiveness to anyone from the Holy Throne of God.

I am not saying that I am opposed to all of the sermon. I think it has some points but mainly is full of trite comments.

What do you think?

Quote of the Moment

"Temptation usually comes in through a door that has deliberately been left open."
--Arnold Glasow

LUNACY AND SADNESS

It makes me mad and sad to see this every year. But the Catholic Church continues its idolatry and ritualism that breeds this ignorance.

Maybe this article will enlighten some to the mystical union the RCC promotes. Just go to Israel during the week leading up to Easter and walk the supposed route that Jesus took and pray and you will be moved. You will be closer to God than you've ever been.

What happened to loving God, living holy, and pointing others to Him? I guess I'm old fashioned.