FINO? Ridiculous.

Don has me pegged as a “Fundamentalist in Name Only” or what he calls a “FINO.” Why? Because I learned something from Mark Driscoll’s lecture on the Emergent Church and said so. It made perfect sense to me that Driscoll’s drilling of the EC is significant because (a) he’s no fundamentalist, (b) he has a [...]

Driscoll on the Emergent Church

In preparing for a message I delivered Sunday night on the Emergent Church I took advantage of the large collection of information that has been published critiquing the movement. (Monergism.com has an especially helpful resource page here. Don’t miss the mp3 library here.) I’ve learned much from John Ashbrook, D. A. Carson, Phil Johnson, Kevin [...]

Celebs and Politics: Ai-Yai-Yai

I love irony. Thus, when we are taught public policy—including who is and who isn’t qualified for government office—by Hollywood celebrities, I just have to smile. Here’s a thought since we’re talking qualifications: maybe celebs like Lindsay Lohan, Susan Sarandon, SNL comedians, and Matt Damon (or Republican celebs for that matter: both of them) are [...]

New Hymn Text: Come Quickly, Lord

I’ve been working on this text for quite some time, and it’s nearing completion. It’s an expression of the believer’s longing for Christ’s return, triumph, and face-to-face fellowship. Lord willing, Greg will have a tune for it soon.
Feel free to post suggestions or questions. It’s not finished until it’s finished.
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Come Quickly, Lord
8.6.8.6
Creation groans beneath the [...]

If Only…

Consider this opening sentence of an “In Faith” column by Susan K. Smith, pastor of Advent United Church of Christ in Columbus Ohio:
“Sometimes, I wish God would come to humans, in human form, for just one day, and explain some things, because it seems that we are all confused not only about who God is, [...]

Noonan on Palin

I enjoy reading Peggy Noonan, and I’ve been looking forward to her take on Palin’s speech. Turns out that Palin made the same impression on many, mixing a “she reminds me of so-and-so” familiarity with a tremendous polish and courage that is anything but common. In fact, now she’s being called “Baberaham Lincoln.” (And I [...]

Quick Hits (9/5/08)

A little of this and a little of that…
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Patient Ministry
I think it’s Dever who has said that most young pastors overestimate what can be accomplished in one year and underestimate what can be accomplished in ten. With that in mind, this is very good.
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Doran on Psalm 145
This sermon is helpful, especially for those interested in [...]

Taking Palin Apart

The media has been taking Sarah Palin apart all week. Here’s what they’re finding, I think:

The iconic appeal of a Princess Diana. No kidding.
The jaw of a Rocky Balboa.
The real-life feel of your sister or daughter.
The conservatism of a Phyllis Schlafly. Well, almost.
The “stick-it-when-it-counts” timing of a Mary Lou Retton.
The nerve of an assassin, which [...]

Quick Hits (9/2/08)

After an enjoyable holiday, here’s some blog stew that includes some politics, our building project, some sports, and a little reading.
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What do I think of McCain’s pick of Palin?
I think it’s shrewd. Sure, she’ll be questioned about preparedness, especially regarding international affairs. But the upside of having her on the ticket is great: