Discerning Truth from Error...

It seems in our overly-P.C. culture you can't say one thing is wrong and another is right without "offending" someone.

On top of that... there are many Christians who throw around the scripture, "Do not judge, lest you be judged." (Matthew 7) in order to silence criticism or Biblical critique.

Don't get me wrong... I have read far too many bloggers who throw around the word "heretic" far too loosely... which is unfortunate because when it is over-used it strips the word of its power and purpose to call people (especially those who have authority - i.e. pastors, teachers, etc) to accountability to Scripture!

With all that to say, I am willing to risk the repercussions of using strong language when necesasry because I fear there are streams of deceit that are quietly yet swiftly flowing into the ears of Christians who are unwilling or unable to be discerning. (Sometimes the half-truth is more destructive than the full-lie!)

In particular, I have becoming increasingly curious about the shifting theology of a prominent "Evangelical" by the name of Rob Bell. If one is looking through the lens of a fairly-orthodox and general Christian Worldview, one would read his books, listen to his sermons, and watch the NOOMA videos in which he stars, and come out with an overall sense of something relatively Biblical. However, upon further review and disection of some of the theological arguments and positions that he and/or his church are making lead to some very different conclusions.

I want it to be noted that I have never met Rob Bell... I have read/listened to/watched material he has produced and know a great number of my peers who have also... but I have never met him in person. I also want to note that the idea from Matthew 18 about going to your brother first, doesn't apply when speaking of dealing with potentailly false teaching. If the teaching is placed in the public square then the critique can (and probably should) be placed in the public square as well.

My concern is with Bell's theological leanings toward: liberal feminist theology, egalitarianism, rejection of Sola Scriptura, the endorsment of eastern/mystic spirituality, and his bordering on Universalism (that everyone is saved from God's Wrath no matter what).

To illustrate my current frustration... and his bent toward a liberal feminist theology... I point you to a critique of the newly released NOOMA video called "She"

There are links below to part 1 & 2 of a critique which I believe is fair and telling of Bell's use of scripture and his appearance of expertise (in Hebrew for example) so as to manipulate the text to affirm his point.

Part 1

Part 2

My goal here is not to be demonstrative, over-zealous, or self-righteous. My goal is to be faithful to the scriptures and make distinctions between Truth and error. I believe this can be done both firmly and in grace. My desire is not to BASH anyone but rather point out error with humility and uphold the Bible as ultimate and final authority on all matters of life and faith (Sola Scriptura)

Home...finally

It seems like we just started and now we are home again!

It is wonderful and a bit overwhelming at the same time. This dynamic is different than when we brought Nat home for the first time... I think it is mostly the added complexity to our normal system of life.

Ultimately we are overjoyed and completely blessed.

Here are some photos! Enjoy!

JP

Ben and his grandmas Anne (top) and Chris (below)

worth a thousand words...

So... that went fast...

Amy and I are happy to announce the birth of our son... (official name coming soon... we're still trying out a couple of names...)

Photos below... more info to come soon once we admit him and get all his stats!

Next Stage...

I have to admit it is pretty cool... we have been sitting here playing scrabble and listening to the heart beat of our little boy through a monitor on the outside of Amy's belly... it is quite spectacular.

Two things are amazing...

one- this little man is in there just hanging out with little to no idea that his world is about to drastically change!
two- I'm winning at scrabble!

Amy just got an epidural and is feeling pretty good. She is progressing nicely! Go Super-Woman!

JP

Waiting....

Well... here we are at the hospital... waiting for direction from the nurses. Our room is nice with a beautiful view of an adjacent rooftop...

anywhoo... Amy is getting an I.V. and we will proceed from there...

p.s. this blog and facebook will be the two places to get fairly up-to-the minute-info on this baby's entrance to the world... so stay tuned!

JP

Piper on the Prosperity Gospel

Crisp Morning

I saw my breath very lightly this morning as I stepped out of my house on my way to work... today is going to be a really good day!

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Consider Your Calling...

In our day there is a lot of talk among young Christians about things we are "passionate" about, or things that compel us or "break our hearts" and these things tend to guide us in our decision making. How do we spend our time? What is our role in the Body of Christ and in relation to the rest of the world.

Now, many good things have been accomplished and, I believe, Jesus has been much honored by many men and women who have acted upon the burdens of their hearts. But is that enough? Just to follow something I am "passionate" about? I think there are two very difficult pitfalls on either side of this way of thinking.

One shortfall is that we have a bunch of passionate people who are saying, "God is leading me..." or "my heart tells me..." and intentionally or unintentionally put words in God's mouth that have little or nothing to do with His leading and calling but are really places of compassion or conviction that, although should be considered and possibly acted upon, do not amount to an overwhelming call of God. In this case we can get off track doing good things and living life AS IF those good things are a substitute or appropriate surrogate for our purpose and calling.

The second pitfall are the huge numbers of Jesus-followers who really don't consider to ask God what He thinks on a particular matter and just decides to approach life and ministry as one applies for a summer job... pick the one you like best and start next Monday! This is why there are so many young men and women in ministry simply because that is what their degree from Bible School says... "ministry." And they, like the people of Israel are wondering for how much longer they will wonder in the desert.

John Newton (author of the hymn Amazing Grace) said this, "None but He who made the world, can make a Minister of the Gospel."

Here is a link to an article by a guy named Albert Mohler on calling:

HAS GOD CALLED YOU?

May you, in joyful submission, listen for the voice of the Master calling you today to His purposes and for His GLORY!