I gotta say, it feels good to be blogging again. I mean, I’ve missed it. I’ve also missed perusing the interwebs because when I wasn’t blogging, I wasn’t really online. So discovering again all the goodness there is to share each week makes me happy. Here you go:
The other day, I ran into a friend and he told me about a blog I needed to check out, so I did. It’s called Toward Fatherhood and I’m hooked. It’s funny, wise, original. I’ve added it to my daily read list. You should too.
Pope Francis, You Had Me at Hello, and Lost Me at Sinner. This was an interesting article and while I don’t agree with it all theologically, I greatly empathize with the author’s heart.
Why We Need Denominations. So remember when I wrote a post this week about denominations and you all got into it in the comments (which I love, by the way). Well a day later, I stumbled upon this post from Relevant about why we need denominations. Go figure.
This week, Rachel Held Evans celebrated her 10 year anniversary while Jonathan and I celebrated our 8th. She wrote about the myths versus the realities of marriage. I found myself agreeing with much of what she had to say. What about you?
A little Strange Fire humor. ‘Cause I had to. I’m sorry. If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry.
A little Strange Fire seriousness and response from Frank Viola, in part 1 and part 2. These are the only articles or posts I have shared or will share about the controversy.
Sarah Bessey crawled inside my brain and my heart and my soul this week and put it all on a page. Brilliance and beauty in one, like she does.
And my favorite Friday Finding for the week: the video below. It’s a bit long, but trust me–it is so worth it. If this isn’t one of the most powerful and tangible displays of Jesus loving His Bride and this truth being represented in marriage, I don’t know what is. It’s True Love.
I tried reading the Relevant article, but realized I am too old and simply not hip enough to understand what he was saying. Drat the luck.
Oh, if only I had a time machine to make myself in my 20’s again, complete with tattoos, facial hair, and requisite “Jesus-themed” mass-produced t-shirt that is two sizes too small. *sigh* If only there were a local church of young 20-somethings to help me understand their version of Jesus, since mine apparently is out-dated and ready for the recycle bin.
Are you really that bitter towards 20-somethings?
B,
Not at all. What I am bitter against and take issue with is the mindset that Jesus needs to be modified according to worldy aspects so as to make Him more approachable and accessible. Like if I preached a 40-something Jesus, or a Teen Jesus, or a College-Age Singles Jesus. I mean seriously, why seek to divide Him up or recreate Him so He is more marketable? The Bride is not a business or an organization to be manipulated by good intentions. She is Holy, Perfect, and Her Groom is Holy and Perfect as well.
Is not Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected enough?
I understand and agree. Thanks for the clarification and your civility.
Nicole, You just demonstrated one of ways to bring unity to the Body of Christ. Humility in posting an article that counters the “devil’s greatest tricks.” I don’t know that it really changed your thinking….and I’m not sure that would be necessary, anyway….but it demonstrated a Christ-like virtue that elevated this “old guy’s” respect that was already in a good place.
Gary,
Wow, thank you for that. I’m humbled and blessed.
I watched the Strange Fire thing unfold with mouth agape. I just happened to be reading in Leviticus about Nadab and Abihu, and thought “Nope, not the same, John MacArthur. Not at all.” Sure, there are fringe elements, excesses, abuses, but God is not a cessationist. There is a way to use the gifts properly.
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On my own blog, this post about being a child of divorce seemed to strike a cord:
http://randomlychad.com/2013/10/quiet-tragedy-through-a-childs-eyes.html
I tried commenting on the Strange Fire article (part 1), but to no avail. It didn’t go through. *sigh*
So, for the sake of integrity I will simply say that Mr. MacArthur is being foolish and prideful. Simple as that. He is concerned that those who are within the “charismatic” school are dangerously showing false worship, but I would counter and say that to challenge the Spirit’s present-day ministry is 10 times as dangerous.
Please be careful, Mr. MacArthur. God is not mocked. By anyone.
I don’t even understand how I stopped up right here, however I assumed
this put up was great. I do not know who you are however certainly you are going to a well-known blogger if you happen to
aren’t already. Cheers!