ChosenRebel's Blog

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.

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.)

Better 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.)

Better 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?)