"Christian"

This is the state of things in America. Tozer talked about it. Edwards entire ministry philosophy was based on this. When I saw Keller live, he talked about it. He said, "the greatest travesty of 20th century American Christianity is false converts" - people sitting in church having never been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Why is this such a big deal to me? Because this was me.

Christians still sin, but their hearts are new and the Spirit is in them.

The Frightful, Awesome Holiness of God

We sing about the holiness of God all the time. It's the attribute that is ascribed to the Lord more than any other attribute in the Bible. Indeed, his holiness inspires deep awe. At the same time, what a horribly-depressing, frightful thing for a sinner to sing about the holiness of God. It's the very attribute of the Lord that promises to rip us to shreds- condemn us now and forever.

BUT, if we have put on Christ's righteousness, we are free to embrace and even enjoy all of God- we can enjoy his holiness without its previously terrifying implications for sinners like you and me.

A Son's Guide to Adoption

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”(Rom 8:15)

The truth is that we who are in Christ have been adopted. We’re sons (and daughters). What does this mean? Well, what would be the first thing that you’d look forward to after adopting a new child? For me, I think it’d be getting past the empty rhetoric that is inevitable for a new kid in a new home. To get that cute little guy out of “guest” mode and into “son” mode.

“May I put my feet up? Thank you for the meal, Mr. Ripley. Should I call you that? Or Brett… or Dad? Can I use the car? Are you sure you want to give all this to me? You know that I didn’t do anything to deserve this…”

I think I’d want to skip right to where the sheepish formalities fade away- where the little guy is comfortable enough to be real around me- to be himself. Where he doesn’t have to address me in a fake, smiley tone. Where honesty could give way to, “Dad, I need help,” or “Dad, I’m not alright. I’m kinda lonely,” or even “Dad, I screwed up. Could you forgive me… and help me out of the mess I got myself in”.


This is the place where he can trust me. Where I can take him on adventures though he might not know exactly where he’s going. Where I could discipline in love to keep him on the right track. Where the little guy can fall asleep in my arms. Where relationship begins. Where love can happen.

Christian, where are you at with God? Still have the “all-together” smile on? Still wondering just what kind of words he will accept for your prayer? Or can you tell him that you’re not that great even if you probably should be? Where you can be real with the ugliness of issues and sin struggles? Are you at home enough to say, “Hey Dad, I just need you here now.”

If you still feel like a stranger in the house of the holy Father, trying not to wrinkle the sheets or spill your Coke, I encourage you: move in your stuff (yeah, the yucky stuff too), eat from the fridge, grab foods from the cupboards. When things go wrong talk to your dad. Not because we deserve all of it, but because Jesus died, in love with you, to make it possible. And your dad wants it so much. In all of our modern adult problems and responsibilities we are all little children next to a wise, powerful, and lovingly adopting father.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:16)

I'm still alive

Short post. Praise God. He is so good. I have money in my bank account. I got to go to the Tetons (for free). The day I got back from the trip I got 800 bucks from Pracs. I currently have a job that pays over twice as much as my job last summer.

In short, he came through as always. I could have just slid through the summer as planned. However, I am so much closer to him, having experienced him much more, for having been put in a tough situation and being in a radical position of need, trust, and faith.

Praise be to the only one who can sustain us. All other apparent security is illusory.

Marriage, Dating, and Sex

I just read a very insightful article on early marriage. It touches on purity, abstinence, sexual frustration, culture, and men and women in the church. Whoda thunk it'd come from Christianity Today?
The Case for Early Marriage

Bonus:
An article on a dating site for people who take their reformed faith seriously. In a day and age where "Christian" can mean anything, this looks interesting at the very least.
Restless, Reformed, and Single

As if my posts lately haven't been sporadic enough... :)

TULIP by Piper

I found this class that Piper teaches on TULIP. It's in high-def, widescreen, format and is a great way to spend an afternoon. If you don't have time for that, just watch this first one- there is little Calvinism and mostly just talks about seeing God how we must see him: with awe. About halfway through, it just gets sweet: it made me wowed by God. The end where Piper talks of his own experience with the sovereignty of God as a "fighting Arminian" in college is also quite interesting.

Here's the intro (about an hour)


Here's the rest of it, enjoy!:
TULIP taught by John Piper

The Reformed (2/2) - My Beef with the Reformed

It looks so good on paper doesn't it? People realizing in the 5 points of Calvinism that they have absolutely no ground to boast in other than the fact that God, for some reason, set his sights and love on them. This fact alone should point straight towards humility.

However, often the reformed are known to be bible-knowledgeable blowhards who hit people over the side of the head with the good book rather than living and loving in light of their professed beliefs. It baffles me that the people who understand God's grace the most, atleast in their minds, show it the least. Here's my beef with the reformed.

1.) Some end up becoming the very adjective that they should despise: religious.

Yuck. I hate religion. Religion says "behave or God won't love you". The gospel says "God loves you and if the Spirit is in you, you are finally free to live, that is, to love and serve God. The gospel, while showing the wages of sin, ultimately displays love as a motivator. Fear of God is definitely not absent in the Scriptures, but religion uses fear alone- even against born-again Christians. This is theologically wrong and just foolish.

2.) Theological, intellectual snobbery

I'm talking about the theological conversation that starts with one person describing their views and ends with the other person saying, "Oh. Well I believe the bible." Do they not understand that "believing the bible" is a pretty complex task. It is a task that is spiritual, intellectual, and philosophically presuppositional. To say, "Oh, I just believe the bible" belies cockiness and a poor understanding of the bible itself. This elitism makes NO sense in the light of the doctrine of Unconditional Election. It's like cocky person bragging about their lack of anything to brag about. I know, it's ridiculous.

3. Coldness

Sometimes people just need a hug. I do believe good theology is a necessary foundation for good, lasting relationships, however, sometimes you don't need to quote a bible verse. Sometimes you can just say, "I love you", "you're doing alright", or "Hey, Honey, you look beautiful". This last year I left a church with possibly the best bible-teaching in the country (honestly, and you probably know which one it is). It wasn't theological differences, it was just, for lack of a better word, cold. Members didn't talk to each other. We got floored by the Word and left. Church must be far more than sound theology and good teaching.

That's all I can think of for now. I pray that I never rub Calvinism or any other part of my theology in anyone's face (especially a brother). I won't to be very strong with my convictions but when discussing I want to simply show my case from the bible in humility.

If you've got different beef (or beef with my beef), then leave a comment.