The Ramblings of a Reformed Wreck-Loose

Finder of [so-called] 'Lost Tomb of Jesus' details ancient evidence of Jonah

2012-02-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/02/28/tomb-jonah-discovered-finder-lost-tomb-jesus-claims/?intcmp=features

You've heard of evangelicals and fundamentalists, but who are they?

2012-02-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

I'm a Christian fundamentalist, without apology, in that I believe in the fundamental doctrines that make up the historic faith. But where I differ from my fellow fundamentalists is that I don't balk at all rated R movies, shoulder-length hair on men, or imbibing the occasional alcoholic beverage. Moreover, I don’t feel a suit and tie or ankle-length dresses worn at church are a sign of someone’s spiritual maturity (although something could be said for their reverence, to be sure).

At the same time, I'm also an evangelical, in that I believe in the authority, infallibility, and inerrancy of Scripture, a high-minded approach to Bible study, the exclusivity of Christ in salvation, and the criticality of spiritually regeneration (being born-again)—among a number of other crucial beliefs. But sometimes secular society, particularly political pundits, confuse ‘evangelical’ and ‘fundamentalist.’ I wonder how many in the Church do as well?

I suppose with Christians like me—who proudly boast in being an amalgamation of the two—I contribute to blurring the lines. Here is a really decent article in USAToday that does a good job demarcating between the two.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2012-02-14/who-are-evangelicals/53095520/1

Interview with Dr. Roger Olson regarding Calvinism and Arminianism

2012-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's very rare that one meets a theologian with an axe to grind that is as gracious and knowledgeable as Arminian apologist and theologian Dr. Roger Olson. I disagree with his interpretation of Scripture; I object to his conclusions outright; and I take offense at the name of his forthcoming book. That being said, I absolutely appreciate his scholarship, intellect, and courteousness around the Calvinism-Arminianism debate (I quote him twice in my upcoming book).

Here is a real good interview he gave that explains the massive difference in the Protestant church today with regards to our theology. Again, he does a fantastic job laying out the issues between Arminians and Calvinists, even if he does land on the wrong side of the debate (smile).

http://vodpod.com/watch/5062325-interview-with-roger-olson-regarding-calvinism-and-arminianism?pod=

Study: Christianity grows exponentially in Africa

2011-12-21T10:12:00.001-08:00

Interesting reading ...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-12-20/christianity-growth-africa-europe/52125920/1

Athiest Pundit Christopher Hitchens Dies at 62

2011-12-16T05:10:00.000-08:00

As much as it pains me to say, and in spite of his inflammatory rhetoric against religion, I have always been a bit smitten with Hitchens. A sharp Republican and avowed athiest who always displayed an acerbic (and arrogant) wit, he was enlightening to watch in debate, if not frustrating. Suffice it to say, he now believes in the very one he was famous for denying ... no second chances ...

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/12/16/pundit-and-writer-christopher-hitchens-dies-at-62/?test=latestnews

You want to know who I'm voting for?

2011-11-16T07:22:00.000-08:00

I have no qualms whatsoever admitting publicly that I am an economic and social conservative.

This Republican politician may be polarizing figure to some, even unelectable to the mainstream media, but he is without question politically brilliant. I initially laughed when he got into the race, rolled my eyes, and wrote him off as not having a serious chance. But, after watching the various debates over the past few months, I found myself surprisingly converted.

Take 13 minutes and watch this debate performance. It's breathtaking. (And just wait until the 6-minute mark. He nails it). He is the only Republican, so I read, who Obama is afraid to debate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=90Q8nn3RDyE#!

Dead Sea Scrolls in a Command Performance on Broadway

2011-11-10T13:13:00.001-08:00

I love the Bible.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/10/dead-sea-scrolls-command-performance-on-broadway/?test=faces

You Might Be A Pragmatist ...

2011-10-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Great little article from Grace To You, written by Travis Allen, the Director of Internet Ministry. Playing off of comedian Jeff Foxworthy's "You Might Be A Redkneck" schtick, Allen lists the Top Ten signs that a pastor "Might Be A Pragmatist." Very cheeky, and certainly true.

http://www.gty.org/blog/B111017

Trinitarianism vs. Unitarianism: Debating the Deity of Christ

2011-09-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

Because I admire professionals (no matter their career) and love to watch them master their craft, I’m drawn to theological debate. Unfortunately the more I’ve watched debates over the years (to say nothing about participating in informal ones myself) the more I’ve come to realize that they are largely inconsequential. It seems like many in the debate forum really are not interested in “truth” insomuch as they simply want to win an argument, save face, or come off as commanding in their field. Like a politician, the declared winner is often just the one perceived as more “better” or “likable” on TV.

The below debate, however, is anything but. It’s one of my favorite televised debates ever. It consists of two respected Unitarians sitting across from the table from two highly renowned Trinitarian theologians. The two teams go at it over the deity of Christ and the Holy Trinity. It’s scholarly, charismatic, and challenging and, even better, the Trinitarians aptly defend Scripture and expose the error of Unitarianism. Moreover, the debate includes one of my favorite Reformed theologians, Dr. James White, doing what he does best. This is a 21-clip series that can be followed on YOUTUBE. Below is the link to clip #1. I highly encourage you to watch all 21 segments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L15VqpH-KYs&feature=related

Megachurch pastor Rob Bell resigns from the pulpit

2011-09-23T16:35:00.001-07:00

Given my extreme opposition to Bell's postmodern theology and liberalization of church ministry, my inclination is to rejoice that he is stepping down from the pulpit to focus on his book writing. The pulpit doesn't need theological cowboys like him. That said, I have no doubt that Mars Hill (Michigan) will replace him with just another carbon copy, so little will change.

But I must confess: Once I got past my knee-jerk judgmentalism against the man and actually considered his motives behind his resignation, let me just say that, as both a pastor and writer, well … “I understand.”

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-23/Megachurch-Rob-Bell/50531528/1

John MacArthur: The Value of the Word of God/The Headship of Christ

2011-09-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

By far and away one of the best sermons/lectures I've heard in recent memory.

http://www.youtube.com/v/NERiuyHLKZk&fs=1&source=uds

John Stott has died ...

2011-09-19T12:08:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite theologians, Dr. John Stott, passed away back on July 27th at the age of 90. Regrettably, I read about it only today for the first time in my recent issue of Christianity Today. I had no idea.

I have to tell you, as silly as this sounds, I am much grieved. Only in recent months have I really been turning to his writings and they have impacted me big time. His work on Galatians, in particuliar, is informing much of what I preach on Sunday in our study on the epistle.

But even more than that, he died surrounded by friends and family listening to Handel’s "Messiah."

What a way to go out.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/julyweb-only/john-stott-obit.html

The Gann's in the news ...

2011-09-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, for better or for worse, we made it to the local news last night. Let's hope we never do again. :-)

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/crime_files/mug_shots/man-fired-shots-into-neighbors-house-20110918

Welcome

2011-09-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone ... welcome to the launch of my personal blog.