Hello, I have been wrapped up in the Christmas season. Sermons From The Pew wishes you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
May God be with you in 2008.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Life of Johnny Cash
This video was part of a series by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill in Seattle (not in any way associated with Rob Bell). It is an extremely well produced video, and inspirational as well.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Postmodern Christianity?
I am here to tell you that the title of this post is a bone-fide oxymoron. I keep hearing people say they are postmodern Christians, but what does that really mean? Let’s dissect this to see if it really is an oxymoron.
According to allaboutphilosophy.org, “Postmodernism is difficult to define, because to define it would violate the postmodernist's premise that no definite terms, boundaries, or absolute truths exist”. They go on to say, “Postmodernists do not attempt to refine their thoughts about what is right or wrong, true or false, good or evil. They believe that there isn’t such a thing as absolute truth”. And last, “Postmodernism appears to be a personal mindset more than an organized movement. In general, it tends to disconnect from mainstream society and embraces antinationalism, anti-Christianity, and opposition to traditional moral law”.
The foundations of Christianity support absolute truth, right and wrong, true and false, and defiantly good and evil. Therefore, my conclusion is that the term Postmodern Christianity is an oxymoron. So many Christians are led astray into this postmodern mindset. Many younger Christians, who are still trying to find themselves, are sadly taken down a road of continual doubt instead of led to a life of childlike faith.
I pray that Christians would look into these new “ear-tickling” movements before jumping in head first. Remember to always ask this question of anything, “Does it line up with the Word of God?”
According to allaboutphilosophy.org, “Postmodernism is difficult to define, because to define it would violate the postmodernist's premise that no definite terms, boundaries, or absolute truths exist”. They go on to say, “Postmodernists do not attempt to refine their thoughts about what is right or wrong, true or false, good or evil. They believe that there isn’t such a thing as absolute truth”. And last, “Postmodernism appears to be a personal mindset more than an organized movement. In general, it tends to disconnect from mainstream society and embraces antinationalism, anti-Christianity, and opposition to traditional moral law”.
The foundations of Christianity support absolute truth, right and wrong, true and false, and defiantly good and evil. Therefore, my conclusion is that the term Postmodern Christianity is an oxymoron. So many Christians are led astray into this postmodern mindset. Many younger Christians, who are still trying to find themselves, are sadly taken down a road of continual doubt instead of led to a life of childlike faith.
I pray that Christians would look into these new “ear-tickling” movements before jumping in head first. Remember to always ask this question of anything, “Does it line up with the Word of God?”
Monday, December 10, 2007
Wolves
In chapter 20 of the book of Acts, Paul warns the elders at Ephesus to "be on their toes" in protecting their flock from wolves. He says:
"I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus". (From The Message)
I believe this is not only a message for the church leaders in Ephesus, but for all church leaders of all times. It is amazing to me that these "wolves" pop up when you least expect them. I believe they are used by the evil one, sometimes unaware they are being used.
I think God expects all of his people to stand up for the faith. If and when storms hit your church, stand and fight against these "wolves". Don't allow them a stronghold in your church. Don't run for a more "safe" church.
It is my prayer that we all take Paul's advice here and be on our toes when looking for wolves. Let's not become so comfortable that we miss them when they pop up.
"I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus". (From The Message)
I believe this is not only a message for the church leaders in Ephesus, but for all church leaders of all times. It is amazing to me that these "wolves" pop up when you least expect them. I believe they are used by the evil one, sometimes unaware they are being used.
I think God expects all of his people to stand up for the faith. If and when storms hit your church, stand and fight against these "wolves". Don't allow them a stronghold in your church. Don't run for a more "safe" church.
It is my prayer that we all take Paul's advice here and be on our toes when looking for wolves. Let's not become so comfortable that we miss them when they pop up.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Truth about The Golden Compass
I just finished reading a great article by Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, about the movie, The Golden Compass.
There are many downplaying this movie as "not a big deal", "Christians shouldn't worry". As a matter of fact, there are also Christians saying similar things. This article will give you, as a parent, grandparent, teacher, pastor or any role you may have, a better understanding of the dangers of this movie and the unashamed agenda the author has toward attacking the Christian faith.
Please enjoy this link below from Crosswalk.com.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Catfish Counseling
Do you have someone in your life that is always there to bring light to areas of your life where you are struggling? Maybe you are not reading and studying the Word like you know you should and every time you see this person, they ask, “How is your Bible studying going?” They can seem obnoxious, maddening at times. You get to the point of avoiding them. You zig and zag across the church campus when you see them so you don’t get the dreaded “lecture”.
What would you say if I told you those people were actually a blessing to you? I will even go a step further; I believe God puts those people in our lives for a purpose.
I heard a story many years ago that I just love and illustrates this well. In the 19th century, those in the fish industry faced a dilemma when trying to ship cod from the East Coast to California. The only way was to ship it by sea and because the ship had to sail around South America, which took about a month, the fish were not fit for consumption when they arrived. They next tried to ship them in big containers of water, but the cod never moved much during the trip and although fit for consumption, they had no taste. At this point, someone came up with this idea to ship them in these containers but add in a few catfish. Catfish are the natural enemy of cod; therefore, they would chase the cod around the containers during the trip. After all this natural exercise, the cod would arrive almost as if they were taken straight out of their natural environment.
Therefore, I believe God blesses us with these catfish. I have learned to listen up when one of my catfish are speaking. As long as it lines up with the Word of God, allow the counsel of these catfish.
May God continue to bless us by giving us many catfish along our journey.
What would you say if I told you those people were actually a blessing to you? I will even go a step further; I believe God puts those people in our lives for a purpose.
I heard a story many years ago that I just love and illustrates this well. In the 19th century, those in the fish industry faced a dilemma when trying to ship cod from the East Coast to California. The only way was to ship it by sea and because the ship had to sail around South America, which took about a month, the fish were not fit for consumption when they arrived. They next tried to ship them in big containers of water, but the cod never moved much during the trip and although fit for consumption, they had no taste. At this point, someone came up with this idea to ship them in these containers but add in a few catfish. Catfish are the natural enemy of cod; therefore, they would chase the cod around the containers during the trip. After all this natural exercise, the cod would arrive almost as if they were taken straight out of their natural environment.
Therefore, I believe God blesses us with these catfish. I have learned to listen up when one of my catfish are speaking. As long as it lines up with the Word of God, allow the counsel of these catfish.
May God continue to bless us by giving us many catfish along our journey.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Are you a Hymnophobic?
I experienced a refreshing service yesterday at my home church. My church is implementing a traditional service in January and yesterday was a “dry-run” of sorts. The most traditional part of this new service is the music used during worship. The music; classic hymns that really have a way of establishing a kind of reverent atmosphere for worshiping the King of Kings, our Lord Jesus.
One of the hot-button issues in the church for many years has been that of music. This is as good a time as any for me to jump right in. My church has really gone “vanilla” over the last two or three years. As of late, it really seems to be nothing but the top ten of Christian music, week after week. The incredibly talented people God has led to my church seem to have closed the valve to their creativity.
Many churches across America have almost gone hymnophobic. They would not dare use a hymn accompanied by just a piano for example. Unless the hymn has been “rocked-up” by someone like Jeremy Camp, many churches won’t touch it. Please don’t get me wrong, I like Jeremy Camp and many of these versions of those classic hymns. I just think a nice mixture of the old and the new is just perfect.
I really thought my church was headed hymnophobic, until yesterday. I applaud the church leadership for establishing a service intended to appeal to those more traditional folks. I know I personally will be able to connect more fully with God in this traditional setting.
One of the hot-button issues in the church for many years has been that of music. This is as good a time as any for me to jump right in. My church has really gone “vanilla” over the last two or three years. As of late, it really seems to be nothing but the top ten of Christian music, week after week. The incredibly talented people God has led to my church seem to have closed the valve to their creativity.
Many churches across America have almost gone hymnophobic. They would not dare use a hymn accompanied by just a piano for example. Unless the hymn has been “rocked-up” by someone like Jeremy Camp, many churches won’t touch it. Please don’t get me wrong, I like Jeremy Camp and many of these versions of those classic hymns. I just think a nice mixture of the old and the new is just perfect.
I really thought my church was headed hymnophobic, until yesterday. I applaud the church leadership for establishing a service intended to appeal to those more traditional folks. I know I personally will be able to connect more fully with God in this traditional setting.
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