Category Archives: Weekend Links

Moderate Muslims; Jewish Jerusalem; Pentagon Weakness; Heart Neglect; Dallas Willard

Weekend Links

Dallas Willard (1935-2013)

Dallas Willard (1935-2013)

Great weekend so far with six hours yesterday with three high-school buddies followed by four hours with a college friend. I’m reminded of my brother Ed’s oft repeated comment to the simple “how are you doing?” question: “Better than I deserve.”  How true in my own life. Today my cousin will marry. It will be a great family reunion. Enjoy your weekend. And remember, every good gift comes from your heavenly Father (James 1:17).

Better Engagement with Islam

Seven Things Every Moderate Muslim Should Believe (John Hawkins—Seems reasonable, but I wonder if it’s possible given the trends in Islam.)
Archaeological Evidence of Early Jewish Presence in Jerusalem  

Better Engagement with The Military Industrial Complex

The Weakness of the Pentagon and the Power of the Cross  (Think Christian, Branson Parler—worth your time.)

Better Ministry Thinking

Top Ten Reason’s Not to Take the Summer Off  (Great counsel for your small group ministry.)
The Danger of Heart Neglect  (Joe Thorn—discusses three of the problems of a failure of neglecting our hearts, 1. More Sin. 2. Less Joy. and 3. Weak Love. )

Dallas Willard Retrospective  (I was first introduced to Dallas  Willard through J.P. Moreland, one of my seminary professors in the early 1980′s. Dallas was Dr. Moreland’s adviser, mentor, and friend during his PhD. studies. Take your time and digest this article. You won’t regret it.)
What I Learned From Dallas Willard (J.P. Moreland—I only met Dallas Willard once and managed a brief discussion with him about the novelist Walker Percy. But it was J.P. who gave me the opportunity. He had invited him to our seminary and there was an intimate brown-bag lunch with him after his presentation in chapel. Thanks for this piece J.P.)

Don’t Just Do Something! Stand There and Be Quiet (Leadership Journal—Slow down and listen to the voice of God.)

Better Engagement with Culture and Politics

Mothers Abandoning Their Children  (A growing problem in America for which the gospel and gospel values are the only solution.)
Huffington Post Reporter Says His Wife is Having Twins and He Doesn’t Like It (Great article articulating the selfishness of our anti-children, narcissistic culture.)
How Christian Missionaries are Changing the World and Solving Medical Problems (… and in the process, making life better for all of us. Christianity Today article—great piece on the often forgotten work of men and women living passionately for and like Jesus.)
Liberal Journalist and Abortion Supporter Comes Out Against Gosnell and Our Culture’s Explicit Infanticide (Kirsten Powers—a must read.)
Very Creative solution to Traffic Congestion and Livable Space (Video)

Links to Wonder; Links to change Church Culture; Links to Sanity about American Military Developments and much more

Weekend Links

Awesome Garden SofaBusy week packing, moving, hoping for the sale of our house in Bolingbrook.  But a good week. A week where God drew near, where plans produced fruit, where men and women heard (and glory!), believed in the Gospel and trusted in the Savior.  Have a great weekend celebrating the wonder of our great God and his redemption our lives.

Better Thinking About Our Military Industrial Complex

Religious Freedom in the Military: This is What Intolerance Smells Like  (Susan Stamper Brown— alarming new developments restricting Christians from sharing their faith for fear of being charged with treason.)
Will the Pentagon Prohibit the Great Commission?  (The Gospel Coalition— tackles the recent developments in the Pentagon.)
Air Force Officer told to Remove a Bible from His Desk   (Enough said.)
Preposterous Waste, Pentagon Style (Daniel Mitchell—did you know that our government accounts for almost 50% of all military spending worldwide?)

Better Engagement with Culture and Politics

Black Pastor Barred from Speaking at Morehouse College   (Political correctness strikes again.)
Bioethicist Upset by Public Criticism of His Pro-infanticide Position  (My comment, “So what?”  The nation ought to be upset that he thinks his view is mainstream.)

Better Ministry Thinking

Changing Church Culture  (Every Church needs change. They either know it, are ignorant of it, embrace it or deny it. Steve Timmis gives good counsel on how to move forward.)
What is Christian Unity and Why Do We Need It (Short article with insight from Dietrich Bonhoeffer.)

Better Thinking and Enjoying of God and His World

9 Links to Waking Up to the Wonder of God and His World  (Thanks to Ann Voskamp for these fantastic links.)

Evaluating “empire”; Doctrine; The Origins Debate; Purity Rings and Wisdom; Jim Wallis Jumps the Shark;

Weekend Links

I might need some ideas for garage storage in Watseka.

I might need some ideas for garage storage in Watseka.

Busy packing day so this will be quick. Some good links below. Remember, a link is not an endorsement, just a stimulating or helpful perspective.

Thinking Better about New Testament Studies

Evaluating “Empire” in Current New Testament Studies (Reading the NT as rhetoric against Roman Empire has become a popular concept in ana-baptist sources recently. But is the case overstated?)
Thinking Better about Atonement: Limited or Unlimited? (Video—What does the New Testament teach and how is language used?)

Better Thinking About Origins

Mapping the Origins Debate  (How did we get where we are in the current debate about the origins of man?)

Better Pastoral Care

A Young Girl Tells Why She Took Her Purity Ring after Ten Years of Waiting for Mr. Right (Have we led a generation off course by encouraging them with “Love Waits”?)
Jim Wallis, You Have Betrayed the Word of God and the People of God  (A prominent magazine writer takes on Jim Wallis for his recent departure from biblical norms on marriage.)

Thinking Better about Living the Christian Life

Why Praying for Justice AND for the Surviving Terrorist of Boston is What Jesus Demands (You may not agree with all of if but if you are a follower of Christ, you have no option but to believe [and obey] most of the points in this piece.)
The Face of Evil and Love (Gospel Coalition—Justin Taylor, Looking at ourselves through the action of a terrorist.)
Pastors Should Be Worshippers  (Terry Ivy—great article with some practical suggestions.)
Understanding the Myths Associated with Introverts (Great article by the wife of church planting leader Darrin Patrick.)

Better Engagement with Culture and Politics

President Bush is Smarter than You  (An alarming article about the power of media to create narrative out of assumptions. I would love to hear someone who was also in the room with Hennessey and the President and confirm the perspective.)

Gosnell Violence; Atheist Delemmas; Better Ministry Thinking; The Art of Fool-making and much more

Weekend Links

Gosnell Mug ShotThe Gosnell Murder trial in Philadelphia and the horrors being uncovered there are probably just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the abortion industry. Here’s a controversial comparison: The left’s silence on this case is equivalent to the Roman Catholic Church’s silence on decades of sexual abuse. The difference is the RCC is starting to come clean. Don’t hold your breath on the left media doing the same.

Better Thinking About Moving Us to an Abortion-Free Culture

9 Things You Should Know about the Gosnell Infanticide and Murder Trial (Gospel Coalition—includes video.)
Megyn Kelly Tries to Get Behind the Media Whisper on the Gosnell Murder Trial (video included)
Grandmother Assaulted Outside Abortion Clinic (Hard to believe that the assaliant is not in jail. She expected to be in jail for her actions, says so in the video but nothing has happened. I guess you only have rights in America if you are pro-Abortion!)

The Art of Fool-Making

How to Answer a Fool  (How do you talk to atheists?)
The Atheist Delemma: How to Deal with all the Evidence for God  (A Harvard atheist shares how she came to faith in Christ.)

Better Thinking about Politics and Culture

The Devolution of Bill O’Reilly  (Bill is impervious to criticism. By that I mean he doesn’t care. No amount of criticism will even cause him to pause about one of his opinions. He believes he is the smartest man in any room despite the fact that he regularly pontificates about issues stratopherically outside his pay grade and education.)

Better Thinking about Pastoral Care

Confronting the Lie that God Won’t Give You More than You Can Handle (The popular phrasing and counsel is not Biblical says the author. What do you think?)
R. C. Sproul on Loving and Ministering to Homosexuals (Great balanced quote by Dr. Sproul on how to love and declare the truth of God to the homosexual community.)
Shai Linne Responds to Paul White Ministries Response to his Rap Song (Outstanding response by Shai Linne’s rap against false teaching and teachers in the Church.)
The Most Destructive Error in the Church (James MacDonald—Error is what Elders (pastors) are supposed to protect the flock from.)
Five Barriers to Authentic Discipleship  (Matt Smay—I find everything that Matt writes to be thought-provoking and helpful. Check out this short article and see.)
A Beautiful Defense of Marriage (Rick Langer—article appeared in EFCA Today. Rick is a godly man and friend. We served together at Trinity Church in Redlands California some 20+ years ago. It is a delight to recommend his article on a an important subject.

Better Thinking about the Bible and the History of the Church

The History of Christianity in 25 Objects (Tim Challies—this is a truly helpful series and I would encourage all leaders in the church to read and benefit from the work that Tim is doing here. Fascinating, inspiring, apologetic, and encouraging.)

Rapper Shai Linne on False Teaching; Abortion; Islam and Peace; Discipling Like Jesus; Angry Calvinists

Weekend Links

I Don't Always Appreciated Colbert's Flippant Sound-bite Takes on Culture but I Think He's Right on this One.

I Don’t Always Appreciated Colbert’s Flippant Sound-bite Takes on Culture but I Think He’s Right on this One.

So much going on in the world and so much going wrong, it is a good idea to remember that our God is neither surprised, anxious, or ignorant. Neither is he powerless. “Let not your heart be troubled.” (Jesus in John 14:1). But it is wise for us to think about our opportunities in a world gone mad.

Pastor Craig Groeschel has said, “If you want to reach people no one else is reaching, you’re going to have to do things no one else is doing.” Help your church to do that. The world needs the gospel. The world needs Jesus. Enjoy this week’s links.

Better Thinking about Children

Defending the Additon of our Fifth Child (Important article on the value of child-bearing and seeing our children as assets to our families and the world.)
Why has There Been an Almost Total Media Blackout (ABC< NBC< CBS< CNN) on this Issue?  (Peggy Noonan speaks up)
8 Reasons for the Media Blackout on Kermit Gosnell (The lies of silence in the media may be compared to the Roman Catholic Church and the silence on decades of sexual abuse by priests.)

The Ugly Under-Belly of the “Religion of Peace“

Saudi imam rapes, tortures 5-yr-old daughter because he ‘doubted her virginity’ (Enough said.)

Thinking Better about How We Relate to LGBTQ Culture

A Same-Sex-Attracted pastor of a Presbyterian Church Discusses His Identity in Christ

Picture of house with graffitiBetter Thinking about Culture and Politics

Why Shai Linne Put Joel Osteen and Other Fal$e Teachers on a Blast  (Dispite the presence of some cranky nit-pickers in the body of Christ who feel the need to criticize EVERYTHING, there is still a need to criticize somethings—like false teaching. Rapper Shai Linne gives his take in this short video.)
The Terrifying Brave New World that is Rapidly Becoming a Reality (Scary developments among ethicists, the human genome and abortion culture.)

Better Thinking About Ministry

Why We Don’t Disciple the Way Jesus Did (Michael Breen—exactly what we have come to expect from Michael, incisive, clear and thought provoking.)
Why I Am Not Jumping on the Missional Church Band-wagon (Fad)  (Brian Jones—another thought provoking piece even if you might disagree with some of his conclusions.)
10 Ideas that Have Shaped My Philosophy of Ministry and Resources (Mark Howell)
Calvin on Angry Calvinists (Steve Childers—helpful article about a too-common trend among some young Calvinists.)

Forgetting Eschatology; Are Liberals and Conservatives both Brain Dead?; Downton Abbey and Source Criticism spoof; and much more

Weekend Links

Got news today of Pastor Rick Warren’s 27 year old son (Matthew) having taken his own life. A tragic loss for their family of a beloved son who struggled all his life with depression. Keep the Warren family in your prayers. Use this soon to be media-storm as an energizing force for your prayers for those around you who struggle with mental health. And pray that the gospel, that promises the restoration of all things provides comfort to those in pain, hope for those who minister to them, and direction for all who seek the face of God.

Christ in the Garden of Olives, Paul Gauguin, 1889

Christ in the Garden of Olives, Paul Gauguin, 1889

Better Thinking about Preaching

Removing the Eschatological Thread from Life (Short and insightful article from J.D. Payne. More church planters in particular need to think this through in their preaching calendar.)
First Day Thoughts on Not being a Pastor Anymore (John Piper—pastor John’s reflections are always insighful, and on the epocal changes of seasons in life, perhaps more so than others.)

bands, worship 2Better Engagement with Culture and Politics

“I Was a Brain Dead-Liberal Until I Saw What Happened to My Liberal Friends after 9/11″ (Fascinating video of a stand-up comedian’s conversion to Republicanism.)
Man is Fallen and Will Destroy the Earth (Non-Christian gives his spin on why the utopian vision of the left is impossible.)
What We Must Do Before Abortion Becomes Illegal (The church needs to both prepare for the end of abortion as well as work and pray for its end.)
Fifteen Year Old Girl Gives Maryland Legislature an Earful of Logic and Truth (Gun control is bad for the country.)

DoctrineBetter Thinking about Apologetics

A Source Critic Looks at Downton Abbey (A satirical look at the plot of Downton Abbey to make the point that much of source criticism of the Bible is shame scholarship. Priceless.)

Better Thinking about Ministry

When Did Idolatry become Compatible with Christianity? (Joe Carter—a great question and an insightful article on the topic of Same-Sex Marriage. I could have put this in any one of the categories above, it fits in all of them.)
What is Ringing Rob Bell’s Head?  (Has the ship really sailed on same-sex marriage and if it has, is Rob Bell’s approach the best and most biblically authentic approach for the Church?)

Angry Christians; Left Intolerance; Same Sex Marriage; Kevin DeYoung; Gay and the Civil Rights Issues

Weekend Links

The Passion of Christ has been the ever-present topic in my mind for three weeks now. “He was crushed for us.” Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter are the highlights of the Christian calendar. Our happy news for the world is that the tomb is empty and sins can be forgiven, the Kingdom of God is proclaimed. We are a happy people who center our lives in resurrection joy.1 Sikh Reading Gospel Literature

Better Thinking about Ministry

8 Issues that are NOT Make or Break Issues for Christianity (Scot McKnight relaying C. Michael Patton’s article—Interesting list, and on each one, I suspect I think they are more important than Scot/Michael, but I think, …. probably right on most.)
What Does God Require in the Ninth and Tenth Commandments? (Thabiti Anyabwile and the Gospel Coalition–great under four minute video—part of a Gospel Coalition video Catechism, great stuff.)
Why the Arguments for Same Sex Marriage Seem So Persuasive and What the Church Needs to Be to Be Faithful to God (Kevin DeYoung—there are a number of typos in this incredibly important article. Don’t let them deter you. The issues are too important. Read this article even if you are exhausted with the topic.)
The Intolerance of the Left (Michael Schaus—if you are feeling more and more that the left wants you to shut up or stop breathing all together, there is a reason.)
How Grammar Influences Your Faith (John Van Sloten—I’m still thinking about this one but it is intriguing.)

D.A. Carson on Angry Christians and the Damage they Do (Short but helpful.)

Better Engagement with Culture

Gay is Not the New Black (Unfortunately, this issue is not going to go away in anyone now living’s lifetime.)

Better Engagement with Islam

Prominent Arab Convert Leaves Catholicism (but not Jesus) over the Roman Church’s Weakness Toward Islam (Brave voice and an important issue.)

Public School Challenges; David Platt; Legalizing Marijuana; Rob Bell; The New Pope; a C.S. Lewis Biography and much more

Weekend Links

Palm Sunday is coming, next week, Good Friday and then the euchatastrophe of Easter. It was J.R.R. Tolkien who coined the word, “euchatastrophe,” meaning, “the sudden turning from tragedy to a wholly unexpected good” (my definition of what I remember reading in Tolkien). Tolkien said that the euchatastrophe of the fall of man into sin is the incarnation of Christ and the euchatastrophe of the story of Christ is Easter. But before Easter there was Good Friday and before Good Friday all of history was pointed toward that Friday. Of course, before it was Good Friday is was a terribly bad, horribly tragic day. The day set before the foundations of the earth for the Son of Man to lay down his life as a sacrifice for sin.

Let’s remember that is our minds labor over the links below. It was, it is, and it always will be about Jesus and the cross.

It is Finished

Better engagement with Culture

The Blob that Ate Children: Why are Schools Can’t Win (John Stossel–Why does the school system of America not want competition?)
Penny Pritzker: More Chicago Racketeering in the Obama Administration (Will it ever stop? Will the media ever step up and do its job? Michele Malkin provides info on why his is a bad appointment. Oppose it.)
The Progressive Shift (David Brooks—you don’t have to agree with everything he says but you do have to live in a world will millions share his perspective.)
Legalizing Marijuana a Major Buzz-Kill on the Future of Youth (In the last election, two states legalized the use of marijuana, now 14 more are considering it. Are we dooming our youth to a bleak future?)

Thinking about the New Pope

Luis Palau on Pope Francis Drinks ‘mate’ with Evangelicals and What that Means (Christianity Today)
What’s in a Name? The Significance of the Name Chosen by the New Pope (John Armstrong—a good article for evangelicals to drink from.)

Christ in the Garden of Olives, Paul Gauguin, 1889

Christ in the Garden of Olives, Paul Gauguin, 1889

Thinking Better about Ministry

Here Come the Radicals (Please read this article, all of it. We need to hear this message in America)
Why We Shouldn’t Be so Quick to Sail with Rob Bell (Branson Parler —from Semper Reformanda)
What Does Rob Bell Talk About When Rob Bell Talks About God (Mostly what he thinks God should be rather than who God declares himself to be.)
A Courageous Biography of C. S. Lewis by Alister McGrath (Scot McKnight–would love to read this biography based on this review. Unfortunately, can’t afford it right now. Off to the library.)
Saturating Your Heart and Your Messages with the Word of God (David Platt—good counsel from a good man and a good preacher.)

Ann Voskamp; Complementarianism: Shane Caiborne; Carl Trueman; Multi-site Churches, The Trinity and much more

Weekend Links

Spring is just 6 days away but I jumped the gun today and went out for a bike ride. Just to and from work, a round trip total of just under 9 miles but at least it is a start. Last year on this day, it was 80 degrees. Today the temperature when I started was 42 and felt like 38. Looking forward to beating last years 680 miles and conquering the 1,000 mile threshold. Some great links here and if you are interested, my last post on THE ATHEISM OF CHRISTIANS has garnered some interest from about a dozen atheists. You can read more at the Post or at DEFEND YOUR POST. Pray for me as I respond to them. Pray that those who come on to the blog conversation find Truth. Pray that my responses are humble and clear. Pray that minds will be opened. 

Spring 1

Better Thinking about Ministry

Promise Keepers Alive and Well and taking Registrations for Battle Creek, MI (All the Info you need for your church.)
How to Find Happiness in the Dark (Ann Voskamp—There is beauty and truth in these words, in this story. Don’t miss it.)
Five Signs We May Take Ourselves Too Seriously (Lisa Robinson—good post, helpful.)
A Tale of Two Popes (Theological reflections from Carl Trueman on the new Pope and what Protestants can learn from Roman Catholics. The more I read from Carl, the more I like him, even when I disagree with him. Very good article.)
Helping the Poor without Hurting the Poor (Long but valuable, two 35 year old Christian leaders, Shane Claiborne and Peter Greer, talk and debate and answer questions. Personally, I find Peter more compelling, realistic and biblical, but I admire both men.)
New Data on the Perils, Challenges and Promise of Multi-site Churches (Ed Stetzer—an article that needs a good read from all of us who lead multi-site churches)

New England Bike PathBetter Thinking About Managing Ministry

Businessperson: Help Your Pastor Build Trellises (Good article from 9Marks ministry.)

Better Engagement with Culture

The Gender-Equality Argument for Abortion Doesn’t Work Logically (But that won’t stop pro-abortion advocates from using it. Here’s help in pointing out its flaws.)
Three Brilliant Black Leaders Turning Out Obama (Traditional Media is silent on a growing trend.)
School Shooters and What the Huffington Post Doesn’t Want You to Read (This is a fascinating and important article that reflects on the culture of violence that young boys are pickled in. How could it not result in violence?)

Better Thinking about Doctrine

How Can I Speak to My Children about the Trinity? (Parents need to think this through and not just punt it to the youth workers and pastors of their church. Here’s help.)
Good Question for the New Pope and Every other Christian Leader (John Piper)
No Preacher Lives Up to What He Preaches (John Piper—Dr. Piper is not a perfect man but he has been my most significant spiritual mentors for more than 20 years. Great wisdom here.)

England’s Failing Power Grid: Coming here? Liberal hate; Driscoll and Osborne interview;

Weekend Links

It seems like every week there is more evidence that our culture is losing its mind. Like an Alzheimer’s patient losing bits and pieces of the past, our culture is losing its collective memory as it jettisons its Judo-Christian heritage for a mess of post-modern porridge. It even shows up in the comments of the first post that I had hoped would be a simple piece of practical advice. Our nation, our world needs prayer, lots of it. We need the mighty power of God.

Yet there is no need for despair because the Church, the gospel, and Christ will triumph and we with  Him. But it is a time to work. While light remains, let’s work for the glory of our King.

Bronze couple on a bench

Bronze couple on a bench

Surviving in These Economic Times

Advice I Wish Someone had Given Me Before My First Job (Posted on Facebook by my nephew from LifeHacker.)

It’s Going to Happen in England and Soon After, It Will Happen Here: You won’t turn your lights out, the government will. (The economic policies of the world are going crazy and people are going to suffer. Make sure you read the follow up piece on a tragedy happening in Iran that our government is doing nothing about.)

What Will Kerry Do about the Persecution of Christians in China (A good question since the Obama administration has shown no interest so far.)
What Would You do If Money Were No Object? 

Better Engagement with Politics and Culture

Why Liberals Hate Conservative Hispanic Voices (Someday, if Jesus gives us time, our nation will move beyond identity politics. Thinking like this will help us.)
Preserving Second Amendment Rights Saves Black Lives (Star Parker—another conservative voice that Liberals love to hate.)
All the Coal and Almost None of the Carbon (New technology might make the burning of coal the most economical and environmentally friendly option.)
More Fall-out on Bad Policy: Employers Dropping Spousal Coverage to Avoid Obamacare Fees (This is just the tip of the iceberg of the disaster to come.)

Thinking Better About Ministry

What Type of Pastor and Leader was Calvin (New book sheds new and myth-busting perspective on the surprising [to some] gentle, pastoral and wise leadership of Calvin and the pastors he trained and deployed in Geneva.)
Why the Missional Movement will Fail (I have linked to this article before but my friend and missionary Miquel Labrador recently posted to it again and I think it continues to be relevant to the whole church. Let’s learn together and make our mid-course corrections.)
Jesus has the Church in Good Hands (An interview between Mark Driscoll and Larry Osborne)
Free! Free! Free! The Gospel Sets Us Free (John Piper—we don’t meditate enough on the greatness of the gospel in setting us free from sin. Here’s help.)
What Would Calvin Say About Allegorical Preaching? (Gospel Coalition)

Pandora’s Box Has Been Opened: The Beginning of the End of Western Culture? (Massachusetts eliminates gender distinctions in public school bathrooms.)
Raising Kids in a Pornified Culture (Gospel Coalition—every parent in America, … actually … all five continents, ought to read this article.)
Help! I Just Found Out My Husband is Watching Pornography (Sherry Allchin—Biblical Counseling Center)