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The Non Miraculous Benefit of Who and What is Different
2008-07-20 00:57:00 The interested reader can readily find a whole literature concerning the scientific investigation of miracles and other alleged supraphenomena. (I shall soon blog on the issue of the alleged Shirdi Sai Baba miracle, said to have occurred in Bangalore on July 18, 2008, courting such headlines in the Indian national press such as the Times ...
Legalistic Abuse: Catholic Church And Sathya Sai Organization
2008-07-18 22:54:00 Many of my readers will be quick to see certain striking parallels between, respectively, core powerholders in the Roman Catholic Church and in the International Sathya Sai Organization. In the Australian Broadcasting Corporation report, I have highlighted in red some salient points. As development continues in the Australian story about the Foster family’s years’-long fight for ...
Understanding the Land Promise: Conclusion
2008-07-17 17:47:00 Continuing from part 7…. At last, this series is coming to a close. We’ve explored an understanding of the land promise informed by NT Scripture itself. All believers are Abraham’s heirs, and they inherit the promise that he would be heir of the world (Rom. 4:13-16). Gentile believers can expect to “live long ...
Understanding the Land Promise: Part 7
2008-07-10 02:53:00 Continuing from part 6…. I hope this post concludes my arguments, responses, and all other considerations of the matter – warning: this is a lengthy post! :) I plan to follow up with a concluding post which explains the ramifications for holding my position. Conditionality of the Land (follow up) Before I begin, let me share a passage which ...
A New Song for the Nations
2008-07-01 18:37:00 My pastor, John Piper, made some interesting comments on the concept of a “new song” in this week’s sermon. He made an important observation of how Ps. 96, which is a missions psalm, is also very much concerned with singing. I was encouraged as he shared how the global church is having a ...
Understanding the Land Promise: Part 6
2008-06-29 00:10:00 As is frequently the case, when publishing a series of posts on my blog, I encounter a lot of comments and counterpoints. This can sidetrack me and lead toward my leaving a series unfinished. Of course there are other reasons for my nack for leaving series unfinished…. I do want to interact with some of ...
Understanding the Land Promise: Excursus
2008-06-24 14:31:00 Before continuing with a couple points related more directly to the land promise, and then going on to finish this series, I thought it would be good to address an important side issue. In the comments of part 5, it was again stated that I am wrong for going backward from the New Testament ...
Understanding the Land Promise: Part 5 (Answering Objections)
2008-06-20 14:00:00 –continuing from part 4. I thought that the fifth post would be the last, but Will Dudding brought up some objections in the comments of the last post. This has caused me to dig a little deeper, and in the end has only increased my confidence in this understanding of the land promise. So ...
Can Fundamentalists fellowship with Mark Dever?
2008-06-18 13:53:00 I’ve been distracted from my current series by some blog discussions regarding Mark Dever and fundamentalism. (I plan to bring my next post in the Land series tomorrow, Lord willing). Mark Dever recently interviewed Mark Minnick, who teaches at BJU and pastors in Greenville. I haven’t listened to the interview yet, but I ...
Understanding the Land Promise: Part 4
2008-06-11 13:48:00 –continuing from part 3. Here is a fourth, and most definitive basis for “spiritualizing” the land promise…. 4) The connection between land and rest To start, read these verses in Hebrews 4. Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For ...
Understanding the Land Promise: Part 3
2008-06-10 13:00:00 –continuing from part 2. Justification for “Spiritualizing” the Land Promise Whenever one starts talking of “spiritualizing” a text, various wrong-headed assumptions abound. Dispensationalists often use this charge to show our disregard for the Biblical text. And sometimes, any honest effort to show metaphorical language in Scripture is met with suspicion — oh so you are ...
Mystery Of Two Nuns, Convent, Man And Pope Benedict
2008-06-10 09:42:00 A mystery is catching the attention of Romans as two nuns have chained themselves in front of the Vatican and appealed to Pope Benedict XV to grant them permission to return to a convent from which they were expelled. Dressed in Camelite habits, the two nuns say they have been thrown out of a convent ...
Church of England accuses Brown of favouring Islam and minority religions i
2008-06-09 18:13:00 The damning study criticises the policies of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown for focusing 'intently' on minority beliefs whilst neglecting the Anglican faith.It also accuses Labour of ignoring the breakdown in society and failing to recognise the Church's potential contribution to public affairs.
Books Read in June 2008
2008-06-08 10:53:00 1. Minority Report by Carl R. TruemanCarl Trueman is to church history what Fred was to fast bowling. He is the best for enjoyment and he sends down some bouncers too. Carl is a great read. he is a challengingly intellectual historian and theologian. He will make you think, provoke you and make you laugh. Part one of this book is the longer more formal papers. This is not the easiest of starts but keep going. the fun is part two. Yes, Carl can make history fun. He is the best historian I have read for linking the past to the present. I think he has convinced me that I too am a Zen Calvinist and like him I recommend the Psalter. All human life is there. Read this book. be challenged and smile.
By: Christian Quoter
The Russian Character Again
2008-06-07 06:48:00 Updated June 18:It's always a bit difficult to touch on national characters, especially nowadays in PC times, but as long as one avoids biological racism and instead sees national character as cultural and shaped by history, geography and whatnot, it certainly is a valid endeavor.The very notion that examinations of national character (national culture, really) is "racist" is one of the most sickening notions that has warped out of the anti-racism of the 1960's. In inventing the most un-progressive notion of Identity Politics (essentially ethnic nationalism of one sort or another, and automatically a precursor to some sort of fascism, thus) the Left in the 1960's opened the barn door for this kettle of worms.Nowadays, rightwing nationalists probably scream racism as much as leftwingers do. If anyone criticizes their crappy and reactionary culture (note the long Left tradition of cultural critique here), the Right, and increasingly, even the Insane Left, screams racism.This is sad...
By: Robert Lindsay
Christianity is Not a Chinese Menu
2008-06-07 00:00:00 By Thomas E. Brewton Jesus said simply, “Follow me.” He didn’t say decide for yourself which of my commandments, if any, your personal life style leads you to pick. Let’s stipulate that I am not equipped to attempt an interpretation of Catholic theology. Nonetheless I believe that all Christians, other than the new-age variety who ...
By: Publius Forum
Patsy?s Razor: Remember, It?s Only a Model
2008-06-06 21:17:00 When I was a young boy my father used to take me to the Smithsonian at least a couple of times a year. We always avoided the art museums and spent most our time roaming the science halls. I remember a large model of an atom hanging from one of the ceilings, just like ...
By: Sharp Iron
Corrupting the Word of God
2008-06-05 19:39:00 In Genesis 3, we have the fall of mankind. This chapter is full of insightful information as to how man fell, but also as to the temptations we face today are merely the same as those which Adam and Eve faced in the Garden of Eden: Such as, ?the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.?But, for the moment, let us consider the misuse of the Word of God by mankind which led to the fall, for such has continued throughout the ages with men Corrupting the Word of God even unto this day. Really one should take the time to read and mediate on this chapter, for here I will merely try to quickly note the pitfalls we can all find ourselves in when we corrupt the Word of God whether intentionally or not.Note 1: Not all corrupt communication will come in the form of ?God is a liar.?God said: Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.Serpent said: Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?We see that ?false prophets, which come to you in...
I?ve Converted To EVERY Religion
2008-06-05 15:49:00 I’ve converted to EVERY religion (just in case) We all know the “Pascal’s Wager” argument a lot of Christians use to convince people to believe in God. Well this dude explains the falacy in that, since, if you believe in the WRONG god, you only make the “real god” madder and madder every time you ...
By: ZA Vibes
Understanding the Land Promise: Part 2
2008-06-04 15:42:00 –continuing from yesterday’s post. The Land Promise Fulfilled? But was the actual promise fulfilled? Were the boundaries of the land promised in Gen. 15:18-21 ever completely owned by Israel? The dispensationalists say no, and they point to history and the Biblical record of what land Israel possessed. The Philistines and other groups remained in the land such ...
?Just Around The River Bend??
2008-06-04 13:20:00 I can feel it–the anticipation is in the air. Good changes are coming my way. You’ve heard the saying “it’s darkest just before the dawn?” Well, my last post was about my most recent wilderness experience, and how I’ve been wandering around confused (with this heavy, dark cloud hanging over my ...
By: Daily Provision
Let?s Show the Devil a Little Sympathy
2008-06-03 23:39:00 In Sympathy for the Devil, Mick Jagger sings the refrain; “Pleased to meet you, Hope you guess my name.” There is nothing too mysterious about the thrust of the lyrics, as the Devil taunts us into guessing who he really is. No doubt he is not our friend, but is certainly our Enemy. The ...
By: Sharp Iron
Understanding the Land Promise: Part 1
2008-06-03 20:00:00 Some of you probably know that I am a former dispensationlist. I have since embraced Covenant Theology, at least in a broad sense. One of the key factors in my change concerning this position centered on the promise of the land. In my experience, the promise concerning a land for Abraham’s descendants plays a ...
Obama: ??there was an explicitly political aspect to the mission and messag
2008-06-03 05:02:00 The ghosts of Barack Obama’s political past. Could they haunt his political future? In light of the swirling controversy engulfing Barack Obama’s campaign and his former church (Trinity United Church of Christ), and his disingenuous statements addressing the issue. I’ve pulled together some relevant content stemming from Obama’s early days on the Chicago community activist ...
John Piper?s Respect for Fundamentalists
2008-06-02 23:42:00 Here are John Piper’s 20 reasons for not taking “potshots” at the fundamentalists. 1. They are humble and respectful and courteous and even funny (the ones I’ve met). 2. They believe in truth. 3. They believe that truth really matters. 4. They believe that the Bible is true, all of it. 5. They know that the Bible calls for some ...
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2008-06-02 18:00:00 ??????? ??????? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ?????!! ?????? ?????? ????/ ???? ??? ???? ??? ??? ????? ?? ????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??? ?? ????? ?? ????? ???????? ?? ??? ??????? ??????? 32 ????? 21: ( 32: 21 ?? ??????? ??? ??? ???? ??????? ????????? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ) ?????? ?????? ??? ??????? ???? ?????? ??????. ...
The Smallest Spark
2008-06-02 15:26:00 There are days when I despair that there is no grace in my life. I may not feel saved, or I may feel as if my heart is cold and there is no “apparent” desire to pursue godly things. On days like these its hard to see that there is much hope for me spiritually. ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The Smallest Spark", url: "http://www.twoinstitutions.org-/?p=330" });
By: Two Institutions
Egyptian Christians And Muslims Clash
2008-06-02 09:18:00 Lost in discussions concerning Israel and Muslim conflict is the less reported ongoing violence against Christians who live in the Middle East. Half of the pre-2003 Iraqi Christian population has fled the country due to violence by Muslims against them and their churches. Sectarian clashes are also present in Egypt where Coptic Christians continue to ...
Christian preachers face arrest in Birmingham
2008-06-01 16:35:00 David Harrison in Thr Telegraph 01/06/2008 reports"A police community support officer ordered two Christian preachers to stop handing out gospel leaflets in a predominantly Muslim area of BirminghamThe evangelists say they were threatened with arrest for committing a "hate crime" and were told they risked being beaten up if they returned. The incident will fuel fears that "no-go areas" for Christians are emerging in British towns and cities, as the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, the Bishop of Rochester, claimed in The Sunday Telegraph this year.Arthur Cunningham, 48, and Joseph Abraham, 65, both full-time evangelical ministers, have launched legal action against West Midlands Police, claiming the officer infringed their right to profess their religion.Mr Abraham said: "I couldn't believe this was happening in Britain. The Bishop of Rochester was criticised by the Church of England recently when he said there were no-go areas in Britain but he was right; there are certainly no-go areas ...
By: Christian Quoter
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2008-05-31 09:50:00 ?? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ??????? ???? ????? ??????? ? ???? ????????. ????? ??????? ???? ??? ??????? ????????? ??????? ?? ????? ????????. ????? ??? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ??? ?? ???? ?? ???? ??????? ??????? ?? ??? ??????. ??? ???? ???????? ????? ????? ?????? ??????? ???????? ??????? ?? ???????? ???????? ?? ????? ?????? ?? ???????. ???? ???? ?? ...
Might as well report that the sky is blue
2008-05-30 16:05:00 Can someone tell me why it’s news that the Catholic church is still a bigoted institution? For example, a day or so after California declared that it was unconstitutional to ban homosexuals from legally marrying, it was considered “news” when Pope Ratface declared that the Catholic church still considers homosexuality to be icky. And today ...
By: Bligbi
I?m Thankful For?
2008-05-29 21:30:00 The unconditional love of my Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ. His forgiveness. His mercy. His understanding. His grace. His patience. I am thankful that He does not give up on me, even though I often want to give up on myself. I’m thankful that He is understanding, when I am not. I’m grateful that He has soooo much more patience ...
By: Daily Provision
Christian Marines evangelizing Iraqi Muslims
2008-05-29 20:28:00 As if the situation in Iraq wasn’t bad enough it appears that American marines are contributing to the problem by attempting to convert the Muslim residents of Fallujah to Christianity. According to this report, unidentified Marines are said to have passed out evangelical coins at the gates of Fallujah while serving as guards. One side of the ...
By: Bligbi
The Bible is Not a Book of Rules
2008-05-29 07:00:00 I have been contemplating a question that often seems to divide brethren; ‘Is the silence of scripture restrictive or permissive?’ You know all the old arguments….’Can we have a basketball court?’ Some say ‘Yes, the bible doesn’t forbid it!’ Others say, ‘No, the Bible doesn’t mention it!’ and round and round we go. Two groups, equally ...
By: Resources zone
Not the religion of liberty
2008-05-29 06:27:00 Open Doors USA reports, " Christian churches in Algeria are under massive attack. Over the last six months, Algerian authorities have closed half of the Protestant churches in the country. If the trend continues, the Algerian Protestant church will be non-existent by the end of 2008.Algerian officials have closed 26 Algerian churches by either written order or verbal warning since November 2007. Ranging in size from several dozen to more than 1,000 members, 32 congregations in Algeria belong to the Protestant Church of Algeria, while another 20 small fellowships exist independently. Algeria, a country of 33 million in northern Africa, is home to at least 10,000 Protestants.Religious Affairs Minister Abdallah Ghoulamullah has called on Christian groups in Algeria to re-register according to Algerian associations law. But Algerian Christians have claimed that the government has blocked them from carrying out the required re-registration of their churches. â??The administration offices...
By: Christian Quoter
Atheist No More: Antony Flew
2008-05-29 02:10:00 Antony Flew has been one of the world’s most influential atheists. Recently, he published a book explaining how and why he has changed his mind. He now acknowledges God. For a great review of his book, and explanation of the arguments that eventually conquered Flew’s resistance to theism, check out this superbly written piece ...
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2008-05-28 18:54:00 ????? ???? ??? ??????? ??????? ???? ?? ???? ?????????!!! CNN: ??? ????… ???????? ?????????? ?????? ???????. BBC: ???? ????? ????? ??????? ???????? ????? ???????. CBS: ????????? ????? ????? ???? ?? ??????? ????????. NBC: ?????? ???? ??????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????????. AFP: ??? ????? ??? ?????? ????? ??? ????? ???????? ?? ?????? ???? ???????. ????? ????? ????? ??????: ??????? ??????? ????? ??? ...
That most modern of rituals?
2008-05-28 17:46:00 I haven’t written a thing for 3 weeks, because I’ve been on honeymoon! I have just gone through one of the key human rituals, marking a change of life and of status - I got married - and I haven’t had the time to think let alone write! This is mainly because of all the other ...
Something in common
2008-05-28 05:15:00 I came across an article on how neck ties rfe banned in Iran as not Islamic. Then I though and realised the only others who seem to ban ties are the Exclusive Brethren. Both groups insist on women covering their heads too. Is there a secret relationship? Are the Brethren really Shi'ites? Will Iranians be blocking up all windows in their mosques? I do believe both groups are led by ayatollahs and the Brethren issue fatwas too.
By: Christian Quoter
Simple Solutions
2008-05-27 23:38:00 New York, 1952 “Hello friends, I’m your Vitameatavegamin girl. Are you tired, run - down, listless? Do you poop out at parties? Are you unpopular? The answer to all your problems is in this little bottle. VITAMEATAVEGAMIN. Vitameatavegamin contains Vitamins, Meat, Vegetables, and Minerals. Yes, with Vitameatavegamin, you can spoon your way to health. All you do is take a great big ...
By: Sharp Iron
Quotes to Note 3: Luther?s Fear of God
2008-05-27 22:47:00 I have one final quote to share from The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul. I recommend the book as a great God-focused book on what God’s holiness really is and how it should impact us. Sproul spends some time discussing Martin Luther, and highlights an instance when he was to offer his first Mass. ...
Challenging the Status Quo
2008-05-27 06:37:00 If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered where in the Bible we find a model for the familiar “closing ritual” employed by most of the modern evangelical churches today. It goes something like this: · Extending a public altar call · ...
By: Choose Life!
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2008-05-26 17:03:00 ??????? ??????? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ?????!! ?????? ?????? ????/ ???? ??? ???? ??? ??? ????? ?? ????? ?????? ?????? ????? ??? ?? ????? ?? ????? ???????? ?? ??? ??????? ??????? 32 ????? 21: ( 32: 21 ?? ??????? ??? ??? ???? ??????? ????????? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ) ?????? ?????? ??? ??????? ???? ?????? ??????. ...
A Little Rain?
2008-05-25 04:12:00 …is necessary and inevitable. Yes, into every life, a little rain must fall. However, we must not get lost in the despair of the storm, but instead look forward in hope for the sunshine that will follow. The rain won’t last forever…the sun will shine again. We cannot feel the peace within the midst of the ...
By: Daily Provision
Let?s at Least Be Honest About ID
2008-05-24 21:32:00 I found a decently done review of Ben Stein’s idiocy, ‘Expelled’, but the reviewer has swallowed a little bit of the ID Kool-Aid and it happens to be a bit of Kool-Aid that annoys me greatly. Having now watched the film — which is terrible, filled with specious reasoning, false dichotomies, and self-contradiction — I ...
Thankfulness
2008-05-24 01:29:00 I’m a little late on this because our family was out of town all day yesterday and didn’t get back until late last night. Here’s my thankful list for this week: _______________________________-__________ I’m Thankful For: ...
By: Daily Provision
Must A Man Shake A Woman?s Hand?
2008-05-23 16:57:00 The Swedish Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination is suing the Swedish Employment Agency for $27,000 in damages to a Muslim man who lost his benefits after refusing to shake a wman’s hand during an interview. In May, 2006, the man applied for a trainee position as a welder at a company in Aimhult in southern Sweden. ...
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2008-05-23 09:40:00 ????? ??? ???????? ?? ??????? ?????? ??? ?? ??????? ????????? ??? ???? ???? ??????? ?????? ??? ???? ??? ??? ????? ???? ????? ?????. ??? ??? ???? ?? ?? ??? ?? ??? ???? ????? ???? ??? ???? ????? ???? ??? ????? ???? ???????. ??? ????? ???? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ??? ?????? ??????? ???? ?????? ...
More Sadness
2008-05-22 18:56:00 Having just posted about the deaths of my wife’s grandmother, and my online friend Larry Lawton, I am heartbroken for the Chapman family today. Click here, for the news of Steven Curtis Chapman’s 5-year-old daughter Maria’s tragic death. And of course, pray for the family. And remember our sure hope. In fact, after the funeral ...
Our Time is Short
2008-05-21 23:14:00 I just found out that, Larry Lawton, a regular commenter on my blog, passed away this Sunday. He was a close blogging acquaintance and online friend. He frequently commented over at Sharper Iron. He leaves behind a wife and young son (2 years old, or so, I think). His obituary is here. ... |
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