tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78491110417394492492024-03-13T17:48:42.965-04:00All Purpose GrindA forum for discussion on theology, practical living, preaching, current events & culture, and the joys of a good cup of coffee. Welcome to the discussion.Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.comBlogger304125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-77302237011353233112018-07-04T11:02:00.000-04:002018-07-04T11:02:07.278-04:00Trendiness<br />
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In the past few years, I have had opportunity to visit many
churches in the area where I live. Part of this was due to my position at the
Rescue Mission, but part was also as pulpit supply (and just when you thought
that the Sunday morning service couldn’t get any more tragic). I have noticed
that many of these congregations are feeling the pressure to become “trendy.”
We’ve moved beyond the contemporary stage – trendiness is now what we seek.
Trendiness goes with the flow of culture and catches the waves of the newest
look, feel, and practice. In order to move away from a stogy traditionalist
look and flavor, churches have adopted styles they consider to be a departure
from the old and outmoded rituals of yesterday. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If your church is stuck in a rut, if it unthinkingly follows
patterns of the way people “do church,” I would suggest the following radical
measures:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Ditch the pulpit for a small table to hold your
bottle of water or travel coffee mug. Make sure there is room to set a Bible on
it (in some places this is optional)</li>
<li>By all means, put away the suit and tie. For the
maximum coolness effect, wear a plaid shirt, untucked. For extreme coolness, a
ball cap is the right touch.</li>
<li>2 words: Praise band</li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Don’t forget the coffee. If you are brewing
espresso drinks in the lobby, you are approaching the pinnacle of relevance.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Tats. The more the better – on everyone.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Remove the “holy hardware” from the church and
decorate the “stage” (because it can no longer be called a platform or altar)
with wood from used pallets.</span></li>
<li>And the pews; lose the pews. They are so 1960.</li>
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These are but a few of the things that I have seen that
cause churches to consider themselves to be “on the cutting edge.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the thing: does anyone else notice that
these features have become more or less standardized and have become the
accepted way of “doing church?” Those who follow this path do so, in part, as a
way of breaking the traditional mold. Yet, in so doing, they have established a
newer, more contemporary, but still just as normative, set of expectations as
the ones they were trying to escape. When I was younger, people were wrongly
criticized for not wearing proper church clothes to church on Sunday. That was
wrong. I know someone who wore a shirt and tie (without a jacket) to church and
was criticized because he was trying to dress above the rest of the people. So
now, jeans, tee shirts and flip flops are proper church attire? I am not
advocating dress codes, but it is amazing how we become what we are trying to
escape.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-16683882090797928692018-06-27T13:52:00.002-04:002018-06-27T14:31:18.618-04:00Caffeinated Ramblings<br />
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Recently I have been thinking about coffee. You may think
that strange, but there are people who are obsessed with coffee – and even some
who lose sleep over coffee (pun intended). Second only to crude oil, coffee is
the most traded commodity in the world. Entire economies rely upon coffee
trading for their well-being. So, if I spend some time poring over (pun
intended) this fantastic brew, it should not be surprising.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am by no means a coffee aficionado. But I do like good
coffee. When dining out, I have occasionally chosen a restaurant based on the
quality of the coffee they serve instead of the food menu. My wife is not
always in total agreement with my choices, but she is a forgiving woman.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Coffee entered my life when I was in the first grade. Back
then, we would walk home from school during lunch and on cold days, my mother
would make a “glass” of coffee with plenty of milk and sugar served in one of
those colorful aluminum tumblers that were popular in the 50’s (the 1950’s that
is). I can honestly say that the well-worn caveats about coffee that were then popular
proved to be urban legends. It did not stunt my growth nor did it put hair on
my chest (all theoretical methods of accomplishing that feat have proven to be
unsuccessful).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meEcOmtyozc/WzPOSj9xGYI/AAAAAAAAAho/G-eUk-l9ksUnUSlVwOB12hynHAGQfHKOACLcBGAs/s1600/vintage-lifetime-stainless-steel-drip-coffee-maker_1_896e58d769d31019b67b709b7a29222a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="400" height="199" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meEcOmtyozc/WzPOSj9xGYI/AAAAAAAAAho/G-eUk-l9ksUnUSlVwOB12hynHAGQfHKOACLcBGAs/s200/vintage-lifetime-stainless-steel-drip-coffee-maker_1_896e58d769d31019b67b709b7a29222a.jpg" width="200" /></a>In those early days, coffee was brewed in a stainless steel
drip coffee maker; the water was brought to a near boil and then poured over
the grounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our home, mom would
change between that and the stove top stainless steel percolator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coffee is still made this way for large functions
in large electric percolators. There is something nostalgic (and awful) about
boiled coffee. I call it “church basement coffee.” The advent of the Pyrex
percolator helped a little by removing the metallic flavor, but it is still
boiled coffee. Mr. Coffee (the coffee maker, not Joe DiMaggio) came on the scene and revolutionized
home coffee brewing. Describing making coffee before Mr. Coffee is like
describing record players to Millennials. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fast forward to the present. Coffee choices are legion. Never
would I have imagined that fast food restaurants and gas stations would compete
over specialty coffees. The term “gas station” hardly describes the combination
of fuel stop/convenience store/fast food restaurant that we know today (I know;
“gas station” shows my age). One local establishment advertises a pumpkin spice
and caramel macchiato. I have no idea what this is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now there are places that specialize in coffee only –
espressos, cold brews, pour overs, and other unique ways of extracting the
flavor from freshly roasted and ground coffee. And churches are getting in on
this too. In my wildest dreams, I never would have thought that churches would
make their pitch based on the existence or the quality of their coffee bars. Of
course, a coffee bar must be baptized and sanctified if it is located in a church.
If the musicians in the band (and I don’t care what they’re called – it’s a
band) are called the “Praise Team,” then maybe an appropriate name for the
coffee service would be, I don’t know, maybe “mocha ministry?” I actually saw a
church bulletin asking for volunteers to be part of the Sunday morning “coffee
ministry.” I’m sure that barista is somewhere listed among the spiritual gifts
necessary for the building up of the body. Maybe I need a new translation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-14206233796021886882018-06-21T14:26:00.000-04:002018-06-21T14:26:45.274-04:00Phobia<div class="MsoNormal">
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According the<a href="https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/explore/phobias-list/" target="_blank"> Oxford Dictionary (online edition)</a>, a phobia
is an “extreme or irrational fear or aversion to something.” Oxford Living
Dictionary gives a list of phobias. As I read these, I find that I possess
several:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li>Zoophobia – a fear of animals. I’m not sure that my aversion
to animals counts as a phobia, but I am not one to run up to a dog to pet it
(technically cynophobia); when a bat comes in the house I run screaming like a
little girl (sorry if that phrase is sexist); I would never want to sit on a
park bench and feed the pigeons (which is technically orithophobia).</li>
<li>Electrophobia – a fear of electricity. I suffer from this
big time. On those rare occasions when I replace a light switch, I pull the
main circuit and cut off the power to the entire house. This is much easier
than trying to get the electric company disconnect my service from the utility
pole.</li>
<li>Acrophobia – a fear of high places. This is ironic, since
the word derives from the Greek word <i>akron</i>,
meaning summit, and I am from Akron, Ohio in Summit County. Actually, my fear
is not of heights as much as it is falling from them.</li>
</ul>
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I am surprised to see how many things have a phobia attached
to them: touch, poverty, metal, Italian/German/ Scottish people, vomiting, and
a list of others (pinaciphobia is a fear of lists). When I think of the things
about which I am phobic, I realize that they are irrational. Much of the fear
stems from a failure to understand the nature of the thing. For example, those
who understand and work with electricity know how it works and work around it
with ease. I do not understand these people.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Unfortunately, we tend to use words without paying close
attention to their meanings. A phobia is an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">extreme
</i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">irrational</i> fear. This describes
how I feel about high places and roller coasters – extreme and irrational. Now,
however, the word is used in our culture as a label for those who may hold
differing opinions about hot button issues. One of the most misused words in
this context is homophobic. That word appears on the list in the Oxford Dictionary
as a “fear of homosexuals.” I imagine that there are some who have an
irrational fear of anyone who is homosexual, transgender, or whatever happens
to be the preferred descriptive initial. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I object to labeling people as “phobic” because
they disagree based on either moral or religious convictions. If I – as likely
the majority of people in our country – believe that gender is binary, or that one’s
sexuality is defined by gender, does that make me phobic? I realize that we
live in a culture that allows free expression, even if that expression is in
ways that I would not endorse. Does my lack of endorsement equate to an
irrational fear? Call me unenlightened if you will, consider me hopelessly out
of touch if it suits you, but don’t call me phobic. I certainly do not endorse,
agree with, or support many things that our political leaders are doing – some
of whom I voted for and some I did not. Does that make me politicphobic (a real
phobia, by the way)? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Please allow for rational disagreement and discussion about
such a powerful issue as same sex attraction without reverting to pejorative epithets,
regardless of your position. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had
rational (I hope) conversations with people about these matters. They haven’t
usually ended with consensus, but I don’t consider those who disapprove of my
position as heterophobic. Neither of us is phobic. Just stop it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-58693225169404803862018-06-18T15:05:00.000-04:002018-06-18T15:05:26.862-04:00Anxiety<br />
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I don't know if there is a gene for worry. If there is, I inherited that tendency from my mother. Probably, it is not genetic, other than the sinful nature that I have inherited from Adam. There are times when I think that I may have a legitimate cause to worry about something. However, for me, it quite quickly degrades into anxiety. There are those times when I feel as though I am inching ever so closely to the abyss of complete despair. I don't like this personality flaw within me, but it is part of what I deal with as I try to bring "every thought captive" (2 Cor. 10:5). Some people get angry; I get <i>fardeiget</i>.</div>
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Tim Challies posted a brief article today on this <a href="https://www.challies.com/articles/not-worrying-not-caring/" target="_blank">topic</a>. I found it help, encouraging and convicting at the same time. He ends the article referencing 1 Pet. 5:6-7: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Rather, we are to "humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt us, casting all our anxieties upon him because he cares for us" (1 Peter 5:6-7). His care, not our anxiety, is our refuge. When we hand it all to him, we can be truly be anxious for nothing. We can care deeply without worrying for as much as a moment.</blockquote>
From my struggles with this malady, I would add verse 8; "Be sober; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." It is not accidental that this text is embedded in this context. One of Satan's tools to cripple us is anxiety. When we are devoured by anxiety, we are paralyzed and ineffective. We become a drain on those around us, even those we love and who love us the most. Instead of being an encourager; instead of having words of grace on our lips; instead of the high praises of God in our mouths, we are consumed by and with the anxiety that we allow to live rent free in our heads. And the lion licks his chops. <br />
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Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-3788020285344835862018-06-15T09:23:00.000-04:002018-06-15T09:26:09.076-04:00Culture Wars<br />
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For decades we have heard about the culture wars. This
speaks of a contest to define which values will dominate the American culture.
It describes competing worldviews that influence the political agenda of our
nation, usually aligning in 2 major camps: traditionalists and conservatives
versus those of a more liberal and progressive viewpoint. There are many issues
that are flashpoints in this conflict: gender identity, abortion, marriage and
sexuality, and women’s rights to name but a few.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Certainly these are important issues. There seems to be, in
my opinion, an unfortunate consequence in this struggle, particularly where
Christians and the gospel are concerned. Regardless of one’s position, it
appears to have developed to the point that those who hold opposing views see
their counterparts as enemy combatants. After all, it is a war. The enemy must
be destroyed at all costs. For the conservative, the voices of the “secular
humanist,” left-wing, gay-rights affirming, abortion loving proponents must be
silenced. If that means destroying their mouthpiece, the “liberal media,” then
so be it. Send those godless commies back to Russia where they belong. For the
liberal or progressive,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>those Bible
thumping fundamentalist, chocolate chip cookie baking “stand by your man,” homeschooling
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>women, gun owning and loving
conservatives, and “fill-in-the-blank phobic” people must be eliminated from
modern society – or lobotomized, if that is easier. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We are way beyond the place for intelligent dialogue. There
is very little discussion and a whole lot of rhetoric, verbal abuse, and
propaganda from all sides. For those who profess allegiance to Christ, our
attitude must be different. Certainly, we desire to stand for truth and the
propositional statements of Scripture. But we often forget the one whom we
claim to represent. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard Phillips
posted these words on the blog for the <a href="http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2018/06/can-the-welcoming-church-speak.php" target="_blank">Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals</a>.
Though he was commenting in a slightly different context, his words started me
thinking about the culture wars and the Christian’s place in it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Far too many evangelical Christians
look upon their political opposites as culture war "enemies" rather
than as neighbors to be loved, served, and evangelized. If, for instance,
proponents of sexual perversity and gender confusion are perceived as our
enemies, then Jesus has told us what to do: "Love your enemies and pray
for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in
heaven" (Matt. 5:44-45). Unlike tax collectors and Gentiles, who love
only their own, let us heartily welcome perceived enemies as neighbors who need
to hear about our gracious God and his gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The words of Jesus are difficult to read. Are we to love
those who denigrate the biblical values and truths we treasure? Are we to love
those who may wish us ill or worse? The cultural context of the New Testament
was one of totalitarian rule, religious idolatry, moral perversity on a scale
that would make the Motion Picture Rating Committee members blush, and
institutional hostility toward Christianity. Yet, they influenced their culture
by speaking truth to power (see Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa in Acts
25:24), loving “not their lives, even to death” (Rev. 12:11 ), and by
diligently living out Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. Apparently,
we have discovered a better way to influence culture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-86073071910799109602018-06-10T20:57:00.000-04:002018-06-10T21:03:12.889-04:00Book Review: The Hermeneutics of the Biblical Writers<br />
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Abner Chou has produced a valuable contribution to the field
of hermeneutics in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hermeneutics of
the Biblical Writers: Learning to Interpret Scripture from the Prophets and
Apostles.</i> The issue of the New Testament writers’ use of the Old Testament
has been an ongoing discussion, particularly in the context of eschatology. For
those who hold to a strictly literal interpretation of Scripture, the way the New
Testament writers use the Old Testament appears to be fast and free. For those
who are fond of allegorical interpretations, these same references seem to
vindicate their position. While he does not specifically address the hermeneutical
distinctions of the different approaches to eschatology, Chou has something to
say to all sides of the discussion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In this work, Chou holds that the Old Testament writers were
masterful theologians and capable interpreters of the revelation in their
possession. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His emphasis on intertextuality
demonstrates that the Old Testament prophets based their pronouncements on antecedent
revelation and were aware of the textual links between their contemporary
pronouncements and what had been previously revealed. When the New Testament
writers quoted their Old Testament forebears, they were likewise aware of this
intertextuality. They used the Old Testament in much the same way that the prophets
who produced it used the unfolding volume of revelation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is not a casual read, but well worth the time and
effort necessary to digest it. It seems like there is more to say on this,
especially in relation to how one’s eschatology might be influenced by Chou’s
conclusions. A follow-up volume would be most valuable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Disclosure
of Material Connection:</em> I received
this book free from Kregel Publishers as part of their Blogger Review
Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements
and Testimonials in Advertising."</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-89952571862018714682018-06-08T08:48:00.002-04:002018-06-08T08:48:47.020-04:00Carry the Cross<br />
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In Luke 14:27, Jesus says that bearing a cross is a key
component to discipleship. In this discourse, delivered to a random group of
people who followed him – termed “great crowds” – Jesus gave 3 features of
discipleship: prioritizing Christ over all other relationships (14:26),
carrying a cross (14:27), and renouncing all that one has (14:33). I have heard
this passage expounded as call to a fuller commitment to Jesus (called
discipleship) that differs from entry –level Christianity. If one becomes a
Christian one may (or may not) opt for the discipleship commitment. However, a
casual reading of this passage shows that Jesus makes no distinction between
following him and being a disciple. And this message is not given to a group of
people debating the issue of a deeper commitment. These are random people who
were accompanying Jesus: some seeking another free meal, some intrigued about
his teaching, and some merely out of curiosity. “A crowd draws a crowd,” as the
saying goes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we would be
wrong to imagine that this great crowd consisted of people who were hungry to
hear what Jesus had to say; those who wanted to know more about him and wanted
to follow him more closely. In fact, the message he gives them seems to
indicate this. He almost <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">discourages</i>
people from following. Using masterful hyperbole, he places before them the
fact that no other relationship, regardless how good and wholesome and pure it
is, can take priority over him. No love can be greater and no allegiance can be
stronger. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The point I want to make concerns the issue of cross
bearing. We have trivialized the idea by using the phrase to refer to rather
minor inconveniences that we must tolerate on a regular basis. But the initial
readers knew what this meant. Those who carried a cross were not those who were
suffering under a temporary inconvenience. They were on the way to crucifixion,
one of the most sadistic forms of execution ever devised. And it was a one-way
trip. Those who carried the cross to the place of crucifixion usually met with
the scorn and jeering from a crowd that more often than not, heartily approved of
the whole affair. Followers of Christ are called to carry a cross – to endure
the scorn and hostility that comes with allegiance to Christ and his gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have conveniently avoided the call to bear this cross. We
embrace the Bible’s call to “deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (Titus 2:12
KJV) and rightly so. It is too easy to tolerate the sinful habits and values of
the world around us. The sin that remains within each of us gravitates toward
it with very little encouragement. But our attempts at separation often aim to
protect us from the harsh realities of cross-bearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scene on that Good Friday is all too
familiar. On the one hand, we see our Lord Jesus embracing the cross, “bearing
shame and scoffing rude.” On the other, we see 11 disciples scattering to avoid
capture and identification with this Savior. For us, it is easier to run and
avoid bearing a cross. Better yet, don’t even get into a situation that might
require one to take up a cross.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cross bearing is not pleasant. It is not intended to be.
But, as followers of Christ, we are called to this. As Jesus told the large
crowd in Luke 14, the can be no rivals (v. 26) and no refusals (v.27).<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-23368407346070658262018-05-25T09:30:00.000-04:002018-05-25T09:30:22.666-04:00"It's Not Religion, It's a Relationship"<br />
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“It’s not religion, it’s a relationship.” I cannot count the
number of times that I have heard this phrase. Recently, I attended an event
where a young lady led the group in worship (by that, she meant music – another
venue for a rant, but I will refrain for now) and remarked, “We don’t want to
do “religiousy things here; we just want to do Jesus.” I get the sentiment
behind this. For too long, many have substituted an association with a church
or a religious organization for a vital union with Christ. I have met people
for whom their church membership and affiliation is more important than the
truth about Christ, the authority of Scripture, or the urgencies of repentance
and faith. But to throw out the idea of religion because of how others have misused
the concept is unwise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I find it amusing that those who seek to distance themselves
from an “organized religion” (what is the alternative, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dis</i>organized religion?) seem to fall into a pattern that looks a
lot like, well, religion. In our area we have a church that advertised itself
on billboards in the community as “the church for people who don’t like church.”
Think about that for a minute. If I don’t like church, why would I want a
church substitute? For example, I despise liver and onions (actually, I like caramelized
onions; I think liver profanes them). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
not looking for something that I can enjoy that is similar to it. I’ve never
gone to a restaurant and asked the server if they have something like liver for
people like me who don’t like liver. My policy is to stay as far away from it as
I can. I met the pastor of this church who was quick to point out that his
quirky hair style, earrings and tattoos “scared off religious people.” Ironically,
this “anti-church” met on Sunday morning. And to add to the irony, this
individual referred to himself in decidedly religious people terms; he was the “pastor.”
My intent is not to be critical of this church, but merely to point out that
even those who distance themselves from what they call religion tend to do so
in very religious ways. By the way, I would guess that many of the same ones
who have the “relationship not religion” bumper sticker on their cars came to
faith through some ministry, outreach, or small group that was sponsored or instituted
by a church. Some of the people that I have heard speak this catch phrase are
well-intentioned, faithful members of a church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead of demeaning religion why don’t we redeem it?
Religion is simply the structure that we use to express our devotion, a “particular
system of faith and worship.” Do people place church before Christ? Yes, some
do. Are people attached to their denomination or church in the same way that
some are mindlessly attached to a political party? Yes, some are. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the answer is to fix it, not forsake it. If
our “particular system of faith and worship” draws us to Christ, then I see no
problem with that. The issue arises when the means takes the priority over the
ends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-46331886209741381142016-06-10T13:37:00.000-04:002016-06-10T13:37:48.165-04:00Why the Exposition of the Scriptures is ImportantIt is important - no, it is vital - to faithfully expound the Scriptures. We do not uncover God's glory in Scripture with our weak, thematically driven, topically motivated and textually dusted "therapeutic deism." Solid exposition is needed. John Piper says this well in <i>A Peculiar Glory. </i>Commenting on 2 Corinthians 4:4, Piper says<i>: </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
... The glory of God that marks the Scriptures as divine is manifested through the <i>meaning</i> of the writings. I emphasize this because, among other reasons, it seems to be one of the implications of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:4, when he refers to the "light of the <i>gospel</i> of the glory of Christ." The "glory of Christ" shines its "light" into our hearts (v.6) as the "light of the <i>gospel</i>." But this is not the light of the Greek letter epsilon, upsilon, or any other isolated letters or isolated words. The "gospel" stands for a historical complex of events and the meaning those event have in the purpose of God" (p. 155, italics original).</blockquote>
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Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-14394845270338138162016-05-25T13:06:00.000-04:002016-05-25T13:06:34.545-04:00Marriage and Gospel: Some Thoughts on Haters<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am reading through James Hamilton’s commentary on Revelation
titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Spirit-Speaks-Churches-Preaching/dp/143350541X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464195375&sr=8-1&keywords=revelation+the+spirit+speaks+to+the+churches+preaching+the+word" target="_blank"><i>Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Church.</i></a> This is one of the volumes in Crossway’s <i>Preaching the Word Commentary Series.</i> I don’t usually read
commentaries; I use them for reference. But I determined to read one commentary
each year, and this is my New Testament selection for this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Chapter 18 of Revelation speaks of the judgment of Babylon. In
writing of this, Hamilton made an observation that set me thinking. Of this
judgment he said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There will be
darkness with no more relationships, as we see in 18:23a: “and the light of a
lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of the bridegroom and bride will
be heard in you no more.” Marriage is about the gospel. It is about Jesus and
the church. Babylon hates Jesus, rejects him as King, and kills those who
preach his gospel. So they have the gift and joy of marriage removed (p.343).</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In writing to the Ephesians, Paul addresses the responsibilities
of husbands and wives as they live together. He concludes the discussion by
saying, “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and
the church” (Eph. 5:32). As Lames Hamilton observed, marriage reminds us of the
gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This reminds me the current cultural debate over the issue of
sexuality and gender identification. Is the world’s hatred of Jesus and his
gospel at the core of the culture’s hostility toward one man and one woman
marriage? If the gospel cannot be destroyed, then perhaps the goal is to deface
this demonstration of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How can one man + one woman = one flesh be true of those in
same sex unions? I understand that heterosexual marriages end in divorce and
heartache and that some same sex relationships experience years of loyalty and commitment.
That, however, begs the question exegetically. According to the biblical
category, only one man and one woman can know this one flesh relationship. In the same way, it is hard to image how <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">transgender individuals demonstrate the gospel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When commending human sexual relationships, the Bible speaks in the context of marriage. Serial
fornication without marriage does not demonstrate Christ’s commitment to the
church. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I realize that this kind of language labels me as “bigoted,”
“phobic,” or whatever current disparagement is in vogue. Christians do not hate
people, particularly they do not hate people who are in these kinds of
relationships. Some have acted as though they hate, but true Christians do not
hate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The culture at large hates the gospel because it is exclusive
and it demands holiness. Current expressions of “sexual freedom” are but covert
attempts to deprive the gospel of one of its most powerful expressions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-25348572690425454502015-09-19T16:17:00.000-04:002015-09-19T16:17:12.930-04:00Book Review: The Atheist Who Didn't Exist<div class="MsoNormal">
In my opinion, anyone associated with Ravi Zacharias
International Ministries (RZIM) is definitely worth reading. RZIM is known for
its reasoned and cogent approach to apologetics. So, when I had the opportunity
to get Andy Bannister’s <i>The Atheist Who
Didn’t Exist</i> it was a no brainer. That I could get a <i>free</i> copy from Library Thing just for reviewing it sealed the deal.
Let it be known at the outset that I received this book free from Library Thing
in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review. This
disclaimer makes me compliant with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part
255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.” The last thing I need is a black SUV with 4 FTC goons pulling up
to my house and breaking down my door because I neglected to include a
disclaimer. I would not do well in prison.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was not disappointed with <i>The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist.</i> The subtitle tells it all: <i>the dreadful Consequences of Bad Arguments</i>.
Dr. Bannister sets his sights on the arguments (or rather, the polemical invectives)
of the popularizers of what has been termed the New Atheists (Hitchens,
Dawkins, et.al). While atheism is as old as Moses, the modern version is particularly
militant and zealous. Bannister notes this in a citation from Stephen Prothero
who notes that “the question of God is never far from their minds” (p. 45). Bannister’s
approach, however, is not to answer the arguments one by one. He does not
present alternative ways of looking at the fossil record, discussing
macro-evolution or possible alternatives to the Big Bang. His primary thrust is
to look at the arguments that are usually offered by the New Atheists and
demonstrate how the arguments in themselves are wretched and nonsensical. Bad
arguments do not need refuted; they need only be exposed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Andy (note the gradual familiarity in this review) casts his
premises in a winsome and readable fashion. He makes sense and he makes you
smile. His humor does not mean that the subject matter is not serious – it is
indeed. It does, nonetheless, help to show how laughable bad arguments are, especially
when clothed in the robes of academia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Get this book and read it. Underline and highlight or
whatever you do, but you will love this book. It will make you think and it
will generate confidence as you live in a world that has, by and large, fallen
hook, line, and sinker for the New Atheist agenda. <o:p></o:p></div>
Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-31203901731423525112015-09-19T08:39:00.000-04:002015-09-19T08:39:00.101-04:00Goebbels: A Biography by Peter Longerich<div class="MsoNormal">
In the New Testament book of Revelation, there is a curious
individual known as “the false prophet.” He is sometimes considered to be the
mouthpiece of the Antichrist. If Adolph Hitler was the antichrist, then Josef
Goebbels was the false prophet. Peter Longerich’s
new work on this mysterious individual is based upon new scholarship and
recently released and translated editions of Goebbels’ personal and private
diary. <i>Goebbels</i> brings this man to
life for a generation now decades removed from the last World Conflict.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Longerich begins the story in the Berlin Bunker in April of
1945 when, after the suicide of Goebbels’ idol and Hitler’s new wife, and after
all attempts at honorable surrender have been exhausted, Josef and Magda
Goebbels methodically poison their children then take their own lives. Of all
the loyalists who surrounded Hitler during the Third Reich, only the Goebbels
choose to remain in the bunker and join der Fuhrer in suicide. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Goebbels</i> is the
story of a rather ordinary man who longed to be something out of the ordinary.
Saddled with a disability that affected the way he walked, Josef
overcompensated by trying to form himself into an intellectual and scholar. By
all reports, he was mediocre at best. However, he did legitimately earn a PhD
in Germany and set his sights for a career in academia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Longerich shows Goebbels as a normal man who experienced broken
heartedness, familial love, and the normal passions that any person would
possess. There was little clue in his early life that indicated that he would one
day become the man who could speak for the Third Reich.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Two important character traits began to emerge in young
Josef. The first was his narcissism. He became so completely narcissistic that
cruelty to others was considered a legitimate tool if it could be effectively
used to support his ego. The second was his growing anti-Semitism.
Anti-Semitism was not unique to Goebbels or the Nazis for that matter. Many in
Germany at this time embraced it or overlooked it. In Goebbels it grew to a
passion. These two character flaws were to cataclysmically converge when
Goebbels met Adolph Hitler. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Goebbels’ diary entries show a symbiotic relationship
between the Fuhrer and his Propaganda Minister. Hitler relied on Goebbels
narcissism and Goebbels fed into Hitler’s aggression and anti-Semitism.
Sometimes during the account, it is difficult to know who was pulling whose
strings. Hitler depended upon the Goebbels family as his surrogate family, and
even appears to have been in love with Magda Goebbels. Josef relied upon Hitler
to feed his constant need for approval. Though at times frustrated with his
indecision, Goebbels looked upon Hitler as almost god-like.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Peter Longerich presents a compelling biography
of one of the most notorious men of the 20<sup>th</sup> century. My version was
an audiobook, which I requested from LibraryThing. At times, a hard copy would
have been beneficial to recheck names, acronyms, German words, etc.
Notwithstanding, this is a great book</span></span>Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-18749418475780052932015-03-23T11:44:00.001-04:002015-03-23T11:44:36.920-04:00Book Review: 40 Questions About Creation and Evolution<div class="MsoNormal">
Kenneth D. Keathley and Mark F. Rooker present a biased set
of questions and answers in <i>40 Questions
about Creation and Evolution.</i> They are biased because they are both
creationists who take seriously the creation account in Genesis. This book
deals with questions that often arise within the context of a literal
understanding of the opening chapters of Genesis. The questions are grouped in
6 categories: Questions About the Doctrine of Creation; Questions About
Creation and Genesis 1-2; Questions About the Days of Creation; Questions About
the Days of Creation; Questions About
the Age of the Earth; Questions About the Fall and the Flood; and Questions About
Evolution and Intelligent Design. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In <i>40 Questions about Creation
and Evolution</i>, you will find that many of your questions will go
unanswered. In fact, you may finish the book with more questions than you had
before you began. For example, does the Bible teach a young earth or an old
earth? The authors admit that they are divided on the issue, one being an Old
Earth Creationist, and the other a Young Earth Creationist. In fact, they
identify four major positions that fall under a “creationist” umbrella: young
earth creationism, old earth creationism, evolutionary creationism, and
intelligent design. They candidly state that, “none of the four views… are
without serious problems.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keathley and Rooker address topics that have become
shibboleths for conservative and fundamentalist Christians, including the
influence of Whitcomb and Morris and the work of Archbishop Ussher. Young Earth
Creationists, in particular, have been impacted by these works.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The authors are not concerned about converting the reader to
a young or old earth position. They do convincingly demonstrate the problems inherent
with the evolutionary model and show the reasonableness of the doctrine
creation (which they helpfully distinguish between creationism). They devote a
section to questions about the historicity of Adam and Eve and the implications
that this has regarding one’s view of the New Testament.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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I appreciate the Christian humility and charity shown by
these authors to those who may disagree with them. For some of us, a particular
position on the age of the earth, the length of the days of creation, and a particular
view of <i>creationism</i> have been tests
of genuine faith. This book lessens the heat of discussion and lets in the
light. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-57734844731095794692015-03-03T15:06:00.001-05:002015-03-03T15:06:25.844-05:00Book Review: 30 Events<div class="MsoNormal">
Alton Gansky selected 30 events that impacted the Christian
church in his book titled, <i>30 Events That
Shaped the Church – Learning from Scandal, Intrigue, War, and Revival</i>. Of
course, there are many more than 30 events that shaped the church; these 30 are,
however, the ones chosen by the author.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some of the events chosen are no-brainers. The Edict of
Milan, The first Nicene Council, Gutenberg’s Press, The Reformation, and the
Great Awakening in America would undoubtedly show up on most lists of church shaping
events. Gansky includes some surprising events – surprising in that they do not
rise to the level of The Reformation or Edict of Milan, but are influential
nonetheless. Among these are the publication of Ussher’s Chronology, the
publication of the <i>Scofield Reference
Bible</i>, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Jesus Movement, and the
rise of movements like the Religious Right and the New Atheism.</div>
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<span style="text-align: right;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: right;">This book was easy and delightful to read. It will inform
the reader of movements that have gone little noticed in larger treatments. I
recommend it. </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Disclosure of Material Connection:</em> I received this book free from
Baker Books as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required
to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am
disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part
255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-56589984086479499562015-02-02T12:30:00.000-05:002015-02-02T12:30:27.200-05:00Book Review: A Commentary on Exodus<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Commentaries are not necessarily
designed to be read as one would read a novel or a biography. They are
reference books. But I agreed to review <i>A
Commentary on Exodus</i> by Duane Garrett for Kregel, so I began to read it as
one would read any book. I was surprised to discover the delight that I experienced
as I read. Certainly, this commentary has value as a reference work, but it is
a good read as well. This is a great addition to the growing Kregel Exegetical
Library.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As one would imagine, the
commentary begins with a lengthy (145 pages) introduction. In this are included
discussions about textual, </span>archaeological<span style="font-size: 12pt;">, historical, and geographical issues.
Since the Documentary Hypothesis has been largely debunked, Garrett does not
spend much time with it. He carefully examines the evidence for the dating of
Exodus and shows that there is no conclusive evidence to nail down a date. In
the end, however, he points out that the dating has no bearing on the message
of the book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the introduction,
the commentary consists of the author’s translation and translational notes
provided in footnote form, an outline or “structure” of the passage, commentary,
and a section titled “Theological Summary of Key Points.” A working knowledge of
Hebrew is vital to understanding the textual and translational issues, but the
non-Hebrew student will not be completely lost in this commentary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the battle ground
issues in the study of Exodus concerns the plagues visited upon Egypt. Some
modern commentators view these as naturally occurring phenomena that were given
mythical and supernatural status by the compilers of the Pentateuch. Garrett
does not dismiss that some of these may have indeed been naturally occurring
phenomena. Yet, in most cases, they occurred at the command of Moses, and dissipated
likewise at his command. Note:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“…the
Bible does not assert that the frogs, mosquitoes, flies and locusts that swarmed
over Egypt were specifically created <i>ex
nihlo</i> or that the hail fell from a blue sky… Furthermore, to assert that
these events do fit within the facts of natural history is not to deny their
miraculous nature. The intensity of the plagues, together with the fact that
they begin and often end at Moses’ word is proof enough that they were a work
of God” (p. 319).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Garrett is aware that the
point of the Scripture is to testify of Jesus, and he is quick to run to the
gospel in the commentary. Commenting on 32:9-35, he writes, “Moses intercession
with God is also analogous to Christ’s heavenly intercession in that the people
of Israel did not even know it was happening or that they needed it. So also,
our survival depends on Christ’s intercession, even when we are wholly unaware
of it” (p. 635). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, Kregel has provided
us a great addition to commentaries on the Old Testament canon. Garrett’s <i>A Commentary on Exodus</i> should be
included in any library of this pivotal section of the Pentateuch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><em style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I received this book free from Kregel Publications as
part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive
review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in
accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides
Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=allpurgri-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0825425514&asins=0825425514&linkId=YWEBJ2WKTFNCEPL3&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></font></p>
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Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-30209988405957245782015-01-17T13:43:00.000-05:002015-01-17T13:43:29.530-05:00SCOTUS Will Rule<div class="MsoNormal">
In today’s paper we learn that the Supreme Court of the
United States (SCOTUS) has decided to rule on gay marriage in the coming
session. This should come as no surprise to culture-watchers. It has never been
a matter of “if,” but “when.” At issue is the legality of same sex unions in
every state. Currently, 36 states have legalized these marriages. If SCOTUS
decides in favor of gay marriage, that decision will overturn the ban in the remaining
states. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously, this ruling would have serious implications for
organizations that seek to uphold marriage as defined scripturally as one in
which a “<i>man</i> shall leave his mother
and father and cling to his <i>wife</i>”
(Gen. 2:24). Jesus repeated this in Matt. 19:5 so that the principle can be
located in both Testaments. For example, many Rescue Missions, (the ministry
with which I am affiliated), have family units that provide emergency shelter
for families. If <i>family</i> is redefined,
these shelters will need to decide which definition will prevail.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I predict that SCOTUS will rule in favor of gay marriage,
allowing same sex couples across the country to enjoy the legal rights and
privileges of any married couple. And when this happens, a lament will be heard
throughout the land that we have lost ground in the cultural war. Being a
contrarian by nature, I offer these observations:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->We lost the culture war a long time ago. It is
doubtful if we were ever winning. While evangelicals were fighting and
protesting against same sex marriages and abortion (which we should have done),
heterosexual immorality (an archaic phrase if there ever was one) crept in to
the church and has become an accepted practice. I know of individuals who are
violently opposed to homosexual immorality, but thought little of their own
heterosexual immorality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->It seems to me that Christianity thrived and
flourished and “turned the world upside down” in a culture that was hostile to
faith. That Christians would have even considered that they were losing the
culture was foreign to them. They confessed that they were strangers and
pilgrims. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only do I predict that SCOTUS will rule in favor of gay
marriage, I also predict that, when they do:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
</div>
<ul>
<li>The gospel will still be the power of God
for salvation.</li>
<li>Christians will still be called to live
counter-culturally</li>
<li>Truth will still continue to be offensive
to a world estranged from God.</li>
<li>Jesus will still be King of Kings and Lord of
Lords. SCOTUS will only be SCOTUS.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-35115461374950787452015-01-07T14:17:00.001-05:002015-01-07T14:17:56.781-05:00Book Review: The Evangelism Study Bible<div class="MsoNormal">
When I agreed to review the <i>Evangelism Study Bible</i>, I did so out of a sense of curiosity. My
perspective is that all of Scripture is about Christ, and therefore it is all
evangelistic in the sense that one can get to the gospel all throughout its pages.
I was curious to see how the editors would handle something that that is inherently
evangelistic and make it more overtly so. I was also curious to see this Bible
because it seems to me that the last thing the church needs is another study
Bible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I have perused the Study Bible and read many of the
notes, I readily admit my surprise at how much I enjoyed this work. Several
features commend the work. Specifically, it aids in showing that the Bible is a
“Jesus book.” The notes in the <i>Evangelism
Study Bible</i> help the reader to see Christ, especially in the Old
Testament. In many ways, this is a study
Bible for apologetics. The editors
address some of the hard questions and apparent contradictions that sometimes
become barriers to belief.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=allpurgri-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0825426626&asins=0825426626&linkId=G2GNDYH4WPBHWSRH&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></p>
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<br /></div>
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Two additional observations are in order; one of which is
practical and the second is somewhat theological. First, I would like to see
this Bible offered in a variety of translations. I like the NKJV, but it is not
my translation of choice. I understand that this may involve publication and copyright
issues, but a wider choice would be nice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second, the editors continue to promote a perspective that
separates salvation from discipleship. The idea that one can become an entry
level Christian and later opt to become (or not to become) a committed follower
of Christ has a long history and a vast following. In the notes, discipleship is
presented as a costly and attractive option (see the notes on Matthew 16:24-27,
p. 1070), but an option nonetheless. The goal in this is to emphasize the free
grace of God in salvation, denying any mixture of human effort. This, of course
is scriptural and right. But the grace that is free is not cheap. It does more
than save a sinner; it transforms him. This complete transformation is taught
in verses like 2 Corinthians 5:17 and receives scant comment in the notes.
Perhaps if we spoke more about <i>conversions</i>
as opposed to <i>salvations</i> we might
come closer to the truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In all, I like this Study Bible. It offers a different perspective
that will be useful for those who are committed to follow Christ’s injunction
to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</span></em> I received this book free from
Kregel Publications as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required
to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am
disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part
255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising<o:p></o:p></div>
Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-90555614305504421722014-11-07T13:11:00.000-05:002014-11-07T13:11:25.937-05:00Book Review: Not a Chance<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If chance
exists, God does not. Indeed, He cannot exist as God if there is such a thing
as chance. In sum, this is the thesis behind R.C. Sproul’s <i>Not a Chance: God, Science, and the Revolt of Reason.</i> Anything that
comes from Sproul’s pen is worth reading (even a grocery list). This is not
your typical theology book by R.C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If he is
known as anything, R.C. Sproul is known as a peerless theologian. He even calls
himself a theologian. In <i>Not a Chance</i>,
Sproul reveals himself to be a philosopher, historian, and theologian who is
not a bit uncomfortable entering the domain of theoretical physics, cosmology,
and quantum mechanics. As a master
logician, he disarms ideas that have been passed off as scholarly, erudite, and
sophisticated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This book is
written for popular consumption, but it will require some thinking to stay on
board with the flow of logic. Keith
Mathison’s concluding chapter “Ex Nihilo, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Nihil Fit”
is the icing on the cake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Do not read
this book if you do not want to think. Do not read this book if your mind is
closed or if you are so enamored with scientific cosmology that you think that
matters of faith are contrary to reason<i>.
Do</i> read this book if you desire to be more amazed at the power of the sovereign
Creator of the universe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<em><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Disclosure of Material
Connection:</span></em><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> I received
this book free from Baker Books as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was
not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my
own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16
CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials
in Advertising.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=allpurgri-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0801016215&asins=0801016215&linkId=HVIOLL2VD7TCRHYH&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></font></p>
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Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-88736104642071516742014-11-03T14:50:00.000-05:002014-11-03T14:50:11.192-05:00Book Review: Urban Apologetics<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The gospel <i>is</i> good news for the city. This is the
subtitle of Christopher Brooks <i>Urban
Apologetics.</i> Much has been written, even from an evangelical perspective,
about urban and inner city ministry that tends to default to an emphasis on “social
justice,” however defined. In the minds of some people “social justice” is a
euphemism for greater supportive services and more federal dollars. This is not
to infer that there is no place for funded services. But, important as these
may be, this is not the gospel. Brooks departs from this call for governmental
intervention and actually takes the gospel seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The author
boldly tackles issues that trouble the inner cities. He is taking names. Brooks
confronts the issues of sexual immorality, abortion, and ethical behavior, to
name a few, from a perspective that is theological, biblical, and emanates from
a God-centered worldview. Though he may not make friends with statements like
this, he certainly speaks the truth; “There is a growing sentiment in our
society that the acceptance of homosexuality is the civil rights movement of
our day” (p.76); and; “Far too many Christians have unfortunately made the
mistake of exchanging personal evangelism for partisan electoral victories” (p.
79). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Get this
book! It is a quick read, but a valuable one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<em><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Disclosure of Material
Connection:</span></em><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> I received
this book free from Kregel Publications as part of their Blogger Review
Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade
Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements
and Testimonials in Advertising.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=allpurgri-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0825442907&asins=0825442907&linkId=LU275YAA4BN5DWV5&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></font></p>
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Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-50245771606886012712014-09-19T10:30:00.000-04:002014-09-19T10:30:26.006-04:00Book Review: A Commentary on Psalms Vol II<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Volume II of
Allen P. Ross’ <i>A Commentary on the Psalms</i>
is a welcomed addition to his fine work on the on the Psalter. All of the features that made Volume 1
profitable are continued in this work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Dr. Ross has
written with the pastor/teacher in view. The current volume, like the first, is
richly devotional in nature. Likewise, it is scholarly without being
academically stuffy. This is not to say that <i>A Commentary on Psalms, Vol. II</i> fails to interact with scholarly
works on the Psalms. Quite the contrary, Dr. Ross refers to relevant authors
and texts as well as variant readings from other ancient versions and textual
traditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The goal
appears to be one of opening the meaning of this rich body of literature
instead of obscuring it in pedantic commentary. Psalms is a worship book. This
volume brings that theme to light for the student, teacher, and expositor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</span></em><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> I received this book free from
Kregel Publications as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required
to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am
disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part
255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.”</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=allpurgri-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0825425638&asins=0825425638&linkId=DMNG7UJG6ANNFRXU&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></font></p>
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Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-28327582513486210342014-06-21T14:33:00.000-04:002014-06-21T14:33:04.037-04:00Book Review: Blind Descent
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kWAGGgyIFA/U6XMn9SI5lI/AAAAAAAAAfI/mgrLC0p9CUM/s1600/978-1-4143-9170-0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kWAGGgyIFA/U6XMn9SI5lI/AAAAAAAAAfI/mgrLC0p9CUM/s1600/978-1-4143-9170-0.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414391706/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1414391706&linkCode=as2&tag=allpurgri-20&linkId=UY6GAFZEHIYJEVFR">Blind Descent: Surviving Alone and Blind on Mount Everest</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=allpurgri-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1414391706" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Blind Descent</a></span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is an exciting story of one man’s
attempt to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest. Climbing mountains is a passion
for Brian Dickinson. After climbing all the major mountains of the world,
Everest was the final feather for his cap. Though not planned as a solo summit,
when he did reach the top of the world alone, he soon became snow blind and had
to navigate his way down to help using his training, his mental and physical
resources, and his faith in God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dickinson’s
outspoken faith in Christ sets this account apart from others who have
chronicled similar stories of the assault on Everest. All along the journey,
from his home in Washington to the mountains of Nepal, he acknowledges the
presence of God in each step. That someone could be so devoted to climbing
mountains, and do so to the glory of God, reminds me of the comment attributed
to Eric Lidell to his sister Jennie in the movie “Chariots of Fire” concerning
his own love for running; “God has made me fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those of
us who have no idea about mountain climbing in general and scaling Everest in
particular, several bits of information will be of interest. Climbing Everest
has become something of an industry in Nepal. Every year, many people from
across the world try to reach the summit. While climbing to 29,000+ feet is no
minor achievement, it is not the extraordinary feat that it was when Sir Edmund
Hillary made his climb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Additionally,
climbing Everest is a lengthy process. Unless one is independently wealthy,
funds must be secured for the 3 month project. Upon finally arriving at Everest,
there are a series of acclimatization climbs that must be made to condition the
body for the altitude. Camps also exist for the climbers during these
acclimatization climbs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, as
Dickinson notes, some people are susceptible to altitude sickness and find out
that they are unable to finish the climb. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In several
places, ladder bridges have been constructed to cross deep crevices. The first
climbers likely had to make do without these aids. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Blind Descent</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> was one of the books that I read in
a day. It is written in a way that keeps the reader engaged to the final page. The
reader feels that he is right there on Everest with the climbers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I received this book free from Tyndale House
Publications as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to
write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am
disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part
255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-63871403402367470282014-05-18T15:56:00.000-04:002014-05-18T16:05:54.443-04:00Book Review: A Godward Heart<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">John Piper
encourages the heart, stimulates the mind, and renews the spirit with his
recent devotional <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Godward-Heart-Treasuring-God-Loves/dp/160142566X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400442765&sr=8-1&keywords=a+godward+heart+by+john+piper" target="_blank">A Godward Heart</a></i>.
Perhaps “devotional” is misleading. When thinking of devotional, one often
pictures a single page consisting of 3-4 paragraphs, usually illustrating some well-known
Bible verse, and ending with a cheesy poem. Piper’s submissions are more like
essays with a devotional flare. He calls them meditations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CwbM4_BWsw/U3kP6j9eoSI/AAAAAAAAAew/x2f0RkT_gEE/s1600/coverFLV1IG7O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CwbM4_BWsw/U3kP6j9eoSI/AAAAAAAAAew/x2f0RkT_gEE/s1600/coverFLV1IG7O.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This volume
consists of 50 meditations that are somewhat random in subject. They represent a
set of diverse topics such as, “What Will the Final Judgment Mean to You,” “Abolition
and the Roots of Public Justice,” “When Signs and Wonders Go Bad,” and “Coed
Combat and Cultural Cowardice,” to name a few. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The subjects are all over the place, but there
is a common thread through them all: a desire to display the supremacy of God
in all things and to treasure the pleasures of Christ for the glory of God.
Piper manages to shine the light of the gospel even when dealing with such
topics as the role of women in combat. In addition, his meditations are deeply
basted in Scripture. All “opinions” have been sifted through the grid of God’s
Word.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A Godward Heart</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is the latest addition to Piper’s
series of heart stirring meditations. My initial exposure to these writings was
reading his first book of meditations, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Godward Life.</i> I highly recommend these meditations as part of your
devotional reading. John Piper never fails to stimulate deep thinking while at
the same time causing the heart to be lifted in worship to our God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Disclosure
of Material Connection:</span></em><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I received this book free from The Crown Publishing Group as part of their
Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The
opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-42853966873718925942014-05-17T19:45:00.000-04:002014-05-17T19:45:33.001-04:00Book Review: A Commentary on Judges and Ruth
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yTfoN0R-HY/U3f0a8yy9PI/AAAAAAAAAeg/KMEGZIB02IU/s1600/51JbhYYJ-rL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yTfoN0R-HY/U3f0a8yy9PI/AAAAAAAAAeg/KMEGZIB02IU/s1600/51JbhYYJ-rL.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robert B.
Chisholm provides a helpful addition to the Kregel Exegetical Library in his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Commentary-Judges-Kregel-Exegetical-Library/dp/0825425565/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400369932&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Commentary+on+Judges+and+Ruth" target="_blank">Commentary on Judges and Ruth.</a></i> He
combines these books into a single volume commentary because the events in Ruth
take place during the period of the Judges. In fact, Ruth is the transition
between the Judges and the monarchy. This is demonstrated by the obvious record
of David’s genealogy at the close of the book and the association with
Bethlehem at the beginning of the book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chisholm
deals with “problem passages” with candor and clarity. He portrays Gideon as a
flawed leader, Barak as a reluctant warrior, and Samson as morally weak and
tragic hero. He deals with the unadvised vow of Jepthah straightforwardly.
Instead of attempting to put a pious spin on the situation, he sees a man
vowing to give a human sacrifice that he somehow thinks will be pleasing to the
Lord. When his promise encompasses his daughter, he offers her as a sacrifice,
thinking that fulfilling this vow is more honorable than breaking the vow,
repenting of his rashness and unbelief and sparing a human life. This
commentary deals with these people as they likely lived.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chisholm
provides his own translation of the books and presents this translation
separating and identifying structural elements. Although those with a working
knowledge of Hebrew will derive the maximum benefit from this book, it has value
nonetheless for the non-Hebrew student. This author clearly has the pastor
/teacher in view. Each section includes paragraphs like “homiletical
trajectories” and “theological principles.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A Commentary on Judges and Ruth</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is a resource that should be a part
of Bible student, teacher or pastor’s library. I look forward to further
volumes in Kregel’s Exegetical Library.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Disclosure
of Material Connection:</span></em><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I received this book free from Kregel Publications as part of their
Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The
opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-76772394719741269632014-04-28T14:56:00.000-04:002014-04-28T14:56:15.731-04:00Book Review: What's Your Worldview
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmL1NAmnljs/U16kEIaSvwI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/41vIneuTcNc/s1600/Worldview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmL1NAmnljs/U16kEIaSvwI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/41vIneuTcNc/s1600/Worldview.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Your-Worldview-Interactive-Questions/dp/143353892X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398711172&sr=1-1&keywords=whats+your+worldview" target="_blank">What’s Your Worldview</a></em> guides the reader through the menu of
possible worldviews based on the answers given to leading questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are what James Anderson calls <em>Life’s
Big Questions</em> in the subtitle of the book. I have read several books on worldview
from a Christian perspective and this offers a refreshing approach. Instead of categorizing
worldviews into the three larger ones (theism, materialism, and
transcendentalism), Anderson lists many sub-categories as classes of worldviews
in themselves. For example, Judaism and Islam are listed separately, not as a
kind of theistic worldview.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This work contains brief chapters, each dealing with an
important question, such as “Is there objective truth,” “Is there more than one
valid religion,” “Is there a God,” and so on. The chapters conclude with the
question and, based on the answer, direct the reader to a new section. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anderson admits that his perspective is biased, but
recognizes that all of our perspectives are biased in one way or another. The
primary issue is whether Anderson’s conclusions are rational. In a respectful, non-polemic
fashion, this book deals with the various worldview options available in
contemporary culture. The author likewise admits that his own perspective, a
Christian-theistic worldview, has areas of cognitive dissonance as well.
However, when all the options are presented, the Christian worldview is shown
to provide a rational and intellectually satisfying way of understanding who we
are, why we are here, and what lies ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Disclosure of Material
Connection:</span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I received this book free from Crossway Books as part
of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning
the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849111041739449249.post-47252046681654276992014-04-22T18:03:00.000-04:002014-04-22T18:03:06.518-04:00Book Review: Seeking the City
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xETRT_pi-i0/U1bmg3Im6oI/AAAAAAAAAeA/gSXRyWCPHYM/s1600/Seeking+the+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xETRT_pi-i0/U1bmg3Im6oI/AAAAAAAAAeA/gSXRyWCPHYM/s1600/Seeking+the+City.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the outset, I want to acknowledge that I received this
book free of charge in exchange for a review. Of course, I was not required to
write a favorable review. Having said that, after reading this book, I felt I
was somehow violating the principles expressed in this book by not paying for
it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seeking-City-Political-Christian-Perspective/dp/0825443040/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398204111&sr=1-1&keywords=seeking+the+city" target="_blank">Seeking the City: Wealth, Poverty,and Political Economy in Christian Perspective</a></i> is a massive work of 880
pages of text. This alone may prevent its distribution in a popular market, but
that would be unfortunate. Chad Brand and Tom Pratt have given the evangelical
world a counterpoint to much of the literature available on poverty, social
justice, and the role of business in today’s market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unsure of what to expect, I was drawn to this title because
of the work I do. I minister at a Rescue Mission in a rust belt city. We are
very familiar with federally funded agencies, some of which use government
dollars to entitle people under the guise of empowering them. Brand and Pratt
speak clearly to this tendency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Among evangelicals, social justice seems to be canon law.
Perhaps we sense guilt or embarrassment that our historical emphasis on the
gospel has resulted in neglect of poverty and injustice. Certainly, as Brand
and Pratt concur, it is not a Christian virtue to see people destitute and
hungry and fail to be moved with compassion. The difference is in how that
compassion is expressed and what one means by social justice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For many, social justice means a redistribution of wealth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a more acceptable term than socialism.
The premise behind <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seeking the City, </i>however,
is that the best way to relieve poverty is to create wealth. The authors move
the readers through a biblical theology of poverty and wealth, defining <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">biblically</i> the concept of justice. The
second part shows how these principles were worked out historically – and how
they were misused historically. The final section deals with the philosophy of
economics and how this “trickles down” to street level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The authors present a summation of the principles they expound
in these statements:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is not giving away money and
resources that produces wealth and alleviates poverty. It is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">work</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">training/education</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">business
acumen</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">risk taking</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">entrepreneurship</i> and a host of other
human character traits employed in the presence of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">property rights protections, </i>the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rule of law,</i> and most of all, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">elimination of corruption </i>from the governments who rule where
poverty exists. To load American Christians with guilt about the deaths of
millions of children in the underdeveloped world because of what we are not
doing about tithing is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gross misuse</i>
of supposed moral authority (italics original).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">American culture is on the entitlement train and there seems
to be no way to bring it to a halt. Furthermore, not a few voices from the
evangelical side wholeheartedly endorse greater levels of entitlements. Brand
and Pratt do a masterful job of demonstrating that this is not biblical, it is
not helpful to the ones for whom it is directed, and, instead of being an
expression of social justice, it is manifestly unjust. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every Christian who is involved in any kind of charitable
enterprise would do well to read this book. It is worth the effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Ron Starcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070359919633003459noreply@blogger.com0