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__-_-Launching Soon: U R B A N G L O R Y-_-__
Maybe it’s because we’re so humble. . . heeding the advice of Solomon to let another man praise us and not our own lips. Or perhaps its because we’re so consumed with our own callings that we’re oblivious, except for our general faith that God is at work, to the massive, intricate, and exciting story that God is weaving on a daily basis with our work and the work of brothers and sisters we have never met. Regardless of the reason, the fact is simple – the Church isn’t all that good at telling its story. By “story” I don’t mean the elements of the Gospel that we are so committed to preach, but the vastly bigger picture of that Gospel working revolutionary change in people and communities all over the globe. We hear testimonies of individuals often in our local congregations when a dramatic conversion occurs or when a missionary comes home to visit, but there exists no entity with the vantage point to compile the stories of individual leaders and local bodies in the cities of men into the expansive landscape that is the daily growing city of God — until now. On January 5th, U R B A N G L O R Y will begin exposing the expansion of the Kingdom in cities all over the world by broadcasting the stories of prominent and every day church leaders, innovative ministries, influential scholars, and revolutionary professionals who are all threads in the incredible tapestry that God is weaving to spread his Glory to the nations. We invite you to be the first to check it out and let your friends know as well. The future of this exciting new platform depends on your involvement.
Our first podcasts for 2009 will include …
Johnny Hunt talks about his agenda for his upcoming term as president of the SBC, and shares his thoughts on the Calvinism vs. Arminianism debates within the SBC.
Gerald Hiestand clarifies his unconventional views on dating and sexual purity and lets us in on his passion for the new SAET Society, the Society for the Advancement of Ecclesial Theology.
Aaron Skinner of Kairos Creative challenges the church to think differently about the role of brand development for community presence and the sake of the gospel.
Matthew Elliot shares his story about coming to grips with the role of emotion in the Christian life during his Ph.D. studies that culminated into his high-praised books Faithful Feelings and Feel.
Amazing Deep Sea Fish Rescue ::: Video
————————————–HT:TedBlog—————————————-
Shortcut to Converting Atheists to Theism
Vjack at Atheist Revolution gives theists a way to convert atheists to belief in God in his post, How to Make Atheists Believe in God. Amusing piece worthy of our attention. Here is an excerpt.
Let me say at the outset that this is not a challenge, a demand for evidence, a call for miracles, or anything of the sort. I pose no grand test for believers to meet, nor do I intend this as a trap for the dimwitted. There is a very simple way that atheists can be persuaded to believe in god, and I will reveal it in this post. If those who call themselves religious ever want to defeat the big bad atheism once and for all, this is how to do it. Just realize that it will come at a bit of a price.
To persuade an atheist to believe in god, all one has to do is define “god” so broadly that it cannot possibly be doubted. …
…
The religious could claim every prominent scientist as one of their own if they would merely expand their definition of god and jettison that little matter of the supernatural.
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_—–____——-__–__-_-_ HT: The Atheist Revolution
Vintage R.C. Sproul :::: Chosen By God ::::
You might need some time to listen to this whole lecture, but it’s worth it. This lecture series, Chosen by God, has turned more people into Calvinists than anything else I know about.
The Joel Osteen Challenge ::: Prove He’s A Heretic If You Can
I was up late last night with Larry King. He interviewed Joel Osteen and his wife, Victoria. For the first time in my life, I actually liked some things Joel said, and this interview gave me a new perspective on the Osteens.
1. A caller asked how much money he makes from the church, and he told the caller that he takes ZERO money from the church, and his only income is from outside sources, mainly from his books.
2. Larry asked if Joel saw any problem with a minister having lots of money. Joel said Abraham was a rich man, so was David and Solomon, yet they were men of God. Thus, he concluded, the key is whether “you have the money or the money has you.” He also admitted that Jesus wasn’t about money, and that Jesus lived for other people not himself and that we should follow his example. When someone put him on the spot and asked, “What causes do you give to?” He said he gives to many causes and quickly named two: Feed the Children, and Mercy Ministries. He says that’s why he thinks God blesses people—so that they can be a blessing to others.
3. My favorite part of the interview was this: Larry tells Joel that some people say he preaches a prosperity gospel, and Joel says he doesn’t like the term “prosperity gospel,” because, and I quote, “There’s only one gospel.” But what did Joel say that gospel was? That Christ died for us to make a way for salvation. Sounds very similar to what the average evangelical layperson would say.
4. When asked what he wants his legacy to be, he says he wants to be remember as someone who brought hope to the world and drew people closer in their walk with God.
I have to admit, I enjoyed hearing Joel talk about his faith. He’s got a contagious enthusiasm. I’m not saying he knows how to preach the Bible well, or that his hermeneutics are typically on point. From the interview, however, it appears that most of the worst things people say about him aren’t true.
If you think I’m wrong, give me your best shot. Point me to some direct quotations from Joel that prove he doesn’t believe in the gospel or somehow fundamentally contradicts it. Show me the worst possible quotations from the man’s lips you can find.
Larry’s show ended by showing his worship team singing Amazing Grace at a Lakewood worship service …
my chains are gone I’ve been set free
my god my savior has ransomed me
and like a flood, his mercy reigns
unending love, amazing grace
Larry King concludes, “What an inspiring Group.”
Approaching an Epidemic of Neurological Diseases ::: Gregory Petsko
TEDBlog:
Biochemist Gregory Petsko makes a convincing argument that, in the next 50 years, we’ll see an epidemic of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, as the world population ages. His solution: more research into the brain and its functions. He also shares a few simple things we can do for ourselves to keep our brains healthy. (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 3:46.)
……………………………..:::::::HT:: ::TEDBlog:::::::……………………………..
Beauty is Fleeting :::: Good Sermon Illustration
————________________——-_____——_–_-_-HT: Fail Blog
:::Love Beyond Diversity__:::__Audio
———————————Love Beyond Diversity————————————-
Ok … I’m trying something new here. Instead of writing my post, I’ve got it in audio format so you can click on it above or below (Love Beyond Diversity) and listen while cleaning your room, getting dressed, or cooking breakfast. The written form will be found sometime today at Christ, My Righteousness, where Celucien has been posting on racial unity over the holiday season.
T h e o • p h i l o g u e 