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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Christian license plates

I'm getting tired of all the Christian junk. I truly believe that you could sell a flame thrower to a Christian that was on fire, provided you put John 3:16 on the side of it.

Well here is the latest in Christian junk, South Carolina is taking orders for Christian license plates.

You can read it here.
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Archaeologists report finding oldest Hebrew text

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Archaeologists in Israel said Thursday they had unearthed the oldest Hebrew text ever found, while excavating a fortress city overlooking a valley where the Bible says David slew Goliath.

To read the rest of the story follow this link:
Hebrew
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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Christless Christianity


I finally received my copy of Christless Christianity today. Not that it took a long time to get here but I've been anticipating it like a child anticipates Christmas morning. Now I just need some spare time to read.

christlesschristianity.org says:

Christians have always had their differences, but never in church history have there been so many statistics indicating that many Christians today are practicing what can only be described as "Christless Christianity."

Christless Christianity guides the reader to a greater understanding of a big problem within the American religious setting, namely the creeping fog of countless sermons in churches across the country that focus on moralistic concerns and personal transformation rather than the theology of the cross.

Michael Horton's analysis of the contemporary church points believers back to the power of a gospel that should never be assumed.

Read the first chapter here.


You can buy the book here at 50% off, until October 31, 2008.

Dr. Michael Horton hosts The White Horse Inn radio program and is editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation magazine.


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Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680)


Thomas Goodwin (Rollesby, Norfolk, October 5, 1600 - February 23, 1680)

Thomas Goodwin known as 'the Elder', was an English Puritan theologian and preacher, and an important leader of religious Independents. Christopher Hill places Goodwin in the ‘main stream of Puritan thought’.

In 1643 he was chosen a member of the Westminster Assembly, and at once identified himself with the Congregational party, generally referred to in contemporary documents as the "dissenting brethren." He frequently preached by appointment before the Commons, and in January 1650 his talents and learning were rewarded by the House with the presidentship of Magdalen College, Oxford, a post which he held until the Restoration of 1660.

He was chaplain to Oliver Cromwell from 1656. He rose into high favor with the Protector, and was one of his intimate advisers, attending him on his death-bed. He was also a commissioner for the inventory of the Westminster Assembly, 1650, and for the approbation of preachers, 1653, and together with John Owen drew up an amended Westminster Confession in 1658. From 1660 until his death, he lived in London, and devoted himself exclusively to theological study and to the pastoral charge of the Fetter Lane Independent Church.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

"The Agony of Deceit" - Steve Camp

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HEROES OF THE REFORMATION

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REFORMATION DAY

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Luther (2003 Movie)

Friday is Reformation Day! A great way to celebrate is to rent or buy the 2003 movie, Luther.






November 1510 Martin Luther made a trip to Rome. He was shocked by what he found.
Watch for yourself:







On April 16, Luther appeared before the Diet of Worms.

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A CREED FOR TODAY

Today I was listening to Ravi Zacharias and he quoted the following. It was written by Steve Turner.

This is the creed for our times.


We believe in Marx,freud,and darwin.
We believe everything is OK
as long as you don't hurt anyone,
to the best definition of hurt,
and to the best of your knowledge.

We believe in sex before, during and after marriage.
We believe in the therapy of sin.
We believe that adultery is fun.
We believe that sodomy's OK.
We believe that taboos are taboo.

We believe that everything's getting better,
despite evidence to the contrary.
The evidence must be investigated
And you can prove anything with evidence.

We believe that there's something in horoscopes,
UFO's and bent spoons;
Jesus was a good man just like Buddha,
Mohammed and ourselves.
He was a good moral teacher although we think
His good morals were bad.

We believe that all religions are basically the same --
at least the one that we read was.
They all believe in love and goodness.
They only differ on matters of creation,
sin, heaven, hell, God, and salvation.

We believe that after death comes the Nothing
Because when you ask the dead what happens
they say nothing.
If death is not the end, if the dead have lied, then it's compulsory heaven for all
excepting perhaps
Hitler, Stalin and Genghis Khan.

We belive in Masters and Johnson.
What's selected is average.
What's average is normal.
What's normal is good.

We believe in total disarmament.
We believe there are direct links between warfare and bloodshed.
Americans should beat their guns into tractors
and the Russians would be sure to follow.

We believe that man is essentially good.
It's only his behavior that lets him down.
This is the fault of society.
Society is the fault of conditions.
Conditions are the fault of society.

We believe that each man must find the truth that is right for him.
Reality will adapt accordingly.
The universe will readjust.
History will alter.
We believe that there is no absolute truth
excepting the truth
that there is no absolute truth.

We believe in the rejection of creeds,
and the flowering of individual thought.
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Charles Finney

Some call Charles Finney the Father of decisional regeneration.
Here is a link to an article about decisional regeneration, by James E. Adams

If you don't know who Charles Finney is, here is a link to an article from Modern Reformation on "The Legacy of Charles Finney."
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Monday, October 27, 2008

Woman Created From Man For Man

On Sunday mornings we have been covering the subject of women in worship.
I came across this article that I thought might be helpful.


The Creation Of Woman
Joel R. Beeke


Genesis 2:18–24 graphically describes God’s creation of the first woman. It begins
with the LORD God’s remarkable statement, “It is not good that man should be
alone.” The negative, “not good,” is emphatic. Until now, God has done
everything good; He has pronounced His benediction upon all of His creation.
Here, for the first time, we find that something is lacking. Without female
companionship and a partner in reproduction, man could not fully realize his
humanity. Out of this need comes the creation of the woman who will be Adam’s
wife and companion.

The creation of woman in Genesis 2 has far-reaching consequences. It sets
the foundation for:

1. the relationship of a husband and a wife within marriage,
2. the relationship of Jesus Christ, the Husband of His church, and the church as
Christ’s bride,
3. the function of a man and a woman within the church.

This article addresses primarily on the first of these.

Read the rest of the article here.
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MARTIN LUTHER



















This Friday is October 31, 2008 and should be a day that Christians set aside to remember the Reformation.

This coming Wednesday evening, I will be presenting an overview of the Life of Luther at Victory Baptist Church. Victory is located in Ovalo, TX and the service begins at 7:00pm. For more information contact me at: tsrk30@sbcglobal.net or 325-695-8202.
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Sunday, October 26, 2008

Justification & Adoption

Over the next few weeks, months, maybe years :) we will be covering the doctrines of justification and adoption in Sunday school.

I thought I would post some sermons to wet the whistle of those at Victory Baptist Church.





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PSALM 119














One of the great chapters in the bible is Psalm 119. I challenge everyone to grab their bible and follow along as you listen to this chapter be read.


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HEAD COVERINGS AND WOMEN IN WORSHIP



















Over the last few weeks I have been preaching verse-by-verse through 1 Corinthians 11. This is a very difficult chapter and deals with issues that are hard to undertand.

You can listen to 1 Corinthians 11 being read here:




You can listen to my messages on 1 Corinthians 11 here:










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Saturday, October 25, 2008

Finding Joy on the Journey

Whenever I come across a blog that I think others should take a few minutes and chaeck out, I post the information here. Today I visited the, Finding Joy on the Journey blog. Here is the link:

Joy

Visit the blog and leave a comment letting them know you read about the blog at the Preaching Today blog.
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10 Indictments Against the Modern Church in America

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Paul Washer Preaching to Reformed Rappers

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Study finds more U.S. Orthodox Christian converts













I have been telling my congregation for about 2 years that we need to learn about and be prepared to deal with the Orthodox Christian Church. I told everyone that the Orthodox church is growing and will continue to do so. Well, today I come across more proof that my warning was correct:


A new study of Orthodox Christians in America has found a larger-than-expected number of converts, mostly from Roman Catholic and evangelical Protestant backgrounds.
The report, released by the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkeley, Calif., surveyed 1,000 members of Greek Orthodox or Orthodox Church in America congregations, which represent about 60% of America's estimated 1.2 million Orthodox Christians.

Although Orthodox churches were historically immigrant communities, the study found that nine out of 10 parishioners are now American-born. Thousands of members had converted to the faith as adults: 29% of Greek Orthodox are converts, as are 51% of the OCA. ...

To read the entire report follow this link:
Orthodox
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Doctrinally Sound Christian Radio









Listening to Christian radio can be very frustrating. You may hear some good things but usually you are given shallow theology to downright heresy!
Today i want to point you to a radio station that is doctrinally sound!


Redeemer Broadcasting is a Christian radio network committed to the historic Christian faith. We serve our listeners on both FM radio and internet streaming. Redeemer programming is heard on WFSO Olivebridge 88.3 FM, in areas west of Kingston, NY. The signal is further repeated via translators on 105.3 FM in Kingston, Rhinebeck and Poughkeepsie, NY; on 90.7 FM in Jefferson Heights and Catskill, NY; and on 90.3 FM in Beacon, Newburgh, New Windsor and Cornwall, NY. We offer fine sacred music, Christian teaching, sermons, news, helps for the family, home schooling helps, and engaging interviews.


Redeemer is committed to historical Biblical Christianity. We seek to be thoroughly Biblical, comprehensively catholic, and true to the Reformation faith. We affirm the historic faith as presented in the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds, and in the great statements of the Reformation such as the Canons of Dordt, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Belgic and Westminster Confession and Catechism.


I challenge you to spend this evening listening to the station. Here is the link that will allow you to listen online:

Let me know what you think.

Radio
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Living On Condemned Property


















Over the past few days my devotional time has been spent studying 2 Peter 3:10-13.

I have recorded a number of messages in which I share some devotional thoughts about this passage.

You can listen to the messages right here:









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Can we trust the New Testament as a historical document?

One of the teenagers in my church who is in college saw me last night and said, "hey pastor, I have to tell you about this conversation I had about religion."

In one of her college classes she got into a conversation with a guy about the bible. He rejected the bible becasue it was written by men. After talking to her I decided to try to answer his crticisms of the bible and hopefully help chrsitians who face the same kinds of arguments.

First I want to point people to the following article:


Can we trust the New Testament as a historical document?


Second I want to point people to my response. I recored a message in which I try to answer the critic.


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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Spider eats bird

What would you say if I told you a spider ate a bird? Would you laugh? What if I told you that I am not talking about a small bird but a large bird? I found some amazing photos that have to be seen to be believed. I have posted the photos on the Worldview blog and posted the story about the spider. You can check out my article at this link:
Worldview
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Regeneration v. The Idolatry of Decisional "Evangelism"

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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Hypocrisy and Halloween



















Yesterday Charles posted the article, "Christians and Halloween."

Someone who did not give their name posted this comment:

ANYONE who does not celebrate Halloween due to “Pagen” startings have no right celebrating

Christmas
Easter Bunnies
Halloween, Easter bunny & rainbows, Christmas elf, raindeer ect.. & Easter bunny sales

Candy, holiday clothing, enjoying scary monster movies, shopping during holiday sales anything to do with Halloween & Christams is still celebrating the holiday. To say any different makes you hipercritical.

If you want to be “a good Christian” don’t be a hipercritical ass and celebrate and enjoy the benefits of the holiday in sneaky ways.


Wow, I see this person has some strong feelings about the subject. The comments made me ask myself, How does Hypocrisy and Halloween relate?


I recorded a response to the comment and to my question.

You can listen here:

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Monday, October 20, 2008

Christians and Halloween


Halloween. It's a time of year when the air gets crisper, the day gets shorter, and for many young Americans the excitement grows in anticipation of the darkest, spookiest holiday of the year. Retailers rejoice too as they warm up their cash registers to receive an average of $41.77 per household in decorations, costumes, candy, and greeting cards. Halloween will bring in approximately 3.3 billion dollars this year.

It's a good bet retailers won't entertain high expectations of getting $41.77 per household from the Christian market. Many Christians refuse to participate in Halloween. Some are wary of its pagan origins; others of its dark, ghoulish imagery; still others are concerned for the safety of their children. But other Christians choose to partake of the festivities, whether participating in school activities, neighborhood trick-or-treating, or a Halloween alternative at their church.

The question is, How should Christians respond to Halloween? Is it irresponsible for parents to let their children trick-or-treat? What about Christians who refuse any kind of celebration during the season--are they overreacting?

Read entire article.


Here is a sermon about Fall Festivals.

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Free Webinar for Preachers and Pastors


A live interview with Dr. John MacArthur
Preaching the Prodigal: The Parable You’ve Never Heard Before

Teleconference Details
October 22, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Dr. MacArthur will be sharing his preaching insights into one of the most famous stories ever spoken, that of The Prodigal Son. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions during the live interview. Come join us for a fresh approach to preaching one of the most vivid passages in Scripture. Dr. MacArthur has also written a book on this topic called “A Tale of Two Sons: The Inside Story of a Father, His Sons, and a Shocking Murder.

Sign up Here.
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Sunday, October 19, 2008

From A Non Calvinist To A Calvinist

When a person moves from a non Calvinistic theology to a Calvinistic theology, people take notice. But what happens when an entire church makes such a change?

Minnesota Valley Baptist Church is such a church.

Here are some sermons that talk about the change:










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How To Deal With A Difficult Text



















Have you ever read a text of scripture and ended up confused? Have you ever realized that some parts of the bible are very difficult to understand? How do you deal with the difficult sections of scripture? Late Saturday night I was struggling with a text of scripture and decided to turn on the microphone and share how I deal with a difficult text.



You can listen to my thoughts, here:

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Thursday, October 16, 2008

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT NICEA?

The conversation intensified quickly. "You can’t really trust the Bible," my Latter-day Saints acquaintance said, "because you really don’t know what books belong in it. You see, a bunch of men got together and decided the canon of Scripture at the Council of Nicea, picking some books, rejecting others." A few others were listening in on the conversation at the South Gate of the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City.
It was the LDS General Conference, and I again heard the Council of Nicea presented as that point in history where something "went wrong," where some group of unnamed, faceless men "decided" for me what I was supposed to believe. I quickly corrected him about Nicea — nothing was decided, or even said, about the canon of Scripture at that council.
1. I was reminded how often the phrase "the Council of Nicea" is used as an accusation by those who reject the Christian faith. New Agers often allege that the council removed the teaching of reincarnation from the Bible.
2 And of course, Jehovah’s Witnesses and critics of the deity of Christ likewise point to that council as the "beginning of the Trinity" or the "first time the deity of Christ was asserted as orthodox teaching." Others see it as the beginning of the union of church and state in light of the participation of the Roman Emperor, Constantine. Some even say it was the beginning of the Roman Catholic church.
So what really happened?
For the answer, take the time to read the following article:
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The Doctrine of Election

The following was found at the Strange Baptist Fire blog:

In the movie The Prestige, a film about a deadly rivalry between two stage magicians, a turning point in the story occurs when one of the magicians, Alfred Borden (played by Christian Bale), introduces a new trick: “The Transported Man.” His rival, Robert Angier (played by Hugh Jackman) goes in disguise to see Borden perform “The Transported Man,” and is questioned by his assistant about Borden’s performance. In a great bit of acting, Jackman as Angier sits astonished and replies, “It was the greatest trick I’ve ever seen.”

The post you are reading is about a sermon on the doctrine of election preached by Dr. Russell Moore at the Southern Seminary chapel a week ago today. No trickery was involved in this sermon, but after Dr. Moore was through, I felt as thoroughly astonished as Angier was in the scene mentioned above. When it comes to the doctrine of election, this was the greatest sermon I’ve ever heard.

Awhile back, I was speaking with a mutual friend I have with Dr. Moore. This friend (whom I will not mention by name in this context) was writing a chapter for a book on the Emergent Church Movement, and was telling me about various trends that have arisen out of the larger Evangelical Movement- each trend responding to legitimate critiques of the movement, yet each trend containing inherent dangers. I asked what the next major trend might be, in my friend’s opinion, and he replied that he thought it would be something to do with Reformed theology, which is still gaining popularity through the influence of various ministries represented by the Together for the Gospel conference. I asked my friend what possible dangers could come from within a Reformed movement (as this friend has, at least, a great deal of agreement with Reformed theology) and he replied that we must be careful not to speak of God’s sovereignty or His electing work in the abstract- that we must be careful to remain Christ-centered in our theology.

This is what I have always appreciated most about Dr. Moore’s preaching, and what I found true of his sermon on election as well: his preaching is always radically Christ-centered. From Romans 8:26-9:6a, Dr. Moore spoke on “purpose-driven predestination,” with the purpose of our predestination being the glory of God through conformity to the image of Christ. Dr. Moore preached that God is actively working in the lives of the elect to bring us into conformity with Christ in the following ways:

1. In our prayer-life: that we would, like Christ, call out, “Abba, Father!” trusting in God’s sovereign, powerful hand.

2. In our peace: that we would trust God with our eternal destiny due to the work He has accomplished in Christ.

3. In our passion for evangelism: that we would be zealous to proclaim the Good News of Christ to others.

[Note: Dr. Moore did not alliterate the above points; that's just how they came out in the outline that I made while hearing him speak.]

Dr. Moore noted two reasons why people fear the doctrine of election:1. They imagine that this doctrine will rob them of any assurance of salvation- they imagine that if this doctrine is true, then they may get to God’s throne earnestly desiring salvation and yet be turned away. Dr. Moore combated this fear by demonstrating the purpose for which Paul explained this doctrine: that he was writing to a church facing persecution and internal strife, facing their own doubts and hypocrisy, and that this doctrine of election is given for the assurance of those who have faith in Christ, that our salvation is God’s work, which will not fail.2. They imagine that this doctrine will destroy zeal for evangelism. Dr. Moore combated this fear by demonstrating the connection that Paul makes between the doctrine of election and his own evangelistic passion- that it is due to the doctrine of election that Paul can be sure that the Word of God has not failed, in spite of the constant rejection Paul was facing from the Jews.

Dr. Moore then challenged his hearers: “If you are not more evangelistic now than you were when you came to understand the doctrine of election, you have not understood the doctrine of election.”
Dr. Moore closed with the following: “They tell me this [Southern Seminary] is ground zero for the doctrine of election- man, I hope they’re right.”

This post has barely scratched the surface of how exiting and challenging this sermon is. I cannot express how strongly I would urge readers to listen to this sersermon and to send a link for this sermon to others. The sermon can be heard at this link:
Sermon
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Tiktaalik and the Fishy Story of Walking Fish

Yesterday I posted a story about the, Tiktaalik fossil. I have done a little research and came across an article that provides a creationist view of the fossil.

Tiktaalik and the Fishy Story of Walking Fish

Now that the euphoria in the media has settled down on Tiktaalik, the “walking fish,” it is time to reflect upon what must surely be the biggest fish story of the decade.
In both the print and broadcast media, reports of the discovery of the fossil fish known as Tiktaalik has been hyped as convincing proof that, through a random chance process of evolution, fish sprouted legs and walked out onto the land where they breathed air and turned into amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and, ultimately, people. All such four-limbed, air–breathing creatures are called “tetrapods“ (which means four legs).

You can read the entire article at this link:
Walking Fish
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Proof Of Evolution?

I just came across the following news story:

A new study on the internal anatomy of the skull of the extraordinary fish Tiktaalik roseae, which lived 275 million years ago, provides more evidence of how vertebrate life transitioned from water to land. The head showed changes from more primitive fish that helped adapt to the new feeding and breathing conditions presented by a terrestrial environment, scientists said

Here is the picture of the fossil:













Here is the link to the story:
Walking Fish


I have not had any time to research the claims made in the article or to look for any responses by credible creationist. If anyone has more information about this please let me know. If any of the Preaching Today team members can do some research please post your findings as soon as you can.

Everyone have a great night.
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Creed of Chalcedon (re post)

The last few Wednesday nights we have been studying the seven ecumenical church councils. Tonight we looked at the Council of Chalcedon and the creed that came from this council. I had posted this creed back in June and thought I would re post for all who missed it.

The Creed Of Chalcedon

We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one consent, teach men to confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body; consubstantial [co-essential] with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin; begotten before all ages of the Father according to the Godhead, and in these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, according to the Manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the distinction of natures being by no means taken away by the unity, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one Subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son, and only begotten, God the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ; as the prophets from the beginning [have declared] concerning him, and the Lord Jesus Christ himself has taught us, and the Creed of the holy Fathers has handed down to us.
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

How To Live On Condemned Property Pt1











Today for my devotional time of study, I looked at 2 Peter 3:11:

KJV
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.

You can listen to my study on this passage here:

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Here is another music site that has songs with sound doctrine.
Yesterday I downloaded the Psalms album and can't stop listening to it.

Link to: SGM
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Monday, October 13, 2008

The Pornification Of A Generation

The idea for a book about porn culture came to Kevin Scott the day his daughter decided she absolutely had to have a Bratz-doll pony. For months, the 5-year-old had begged him for a Bratz doll—clad in spike heels, fishnets and miniskirt, enormous puppy-dog eyes protruding from her oversized head. Her sexy look seemed a little too sexy for a preschooler, so he and his wife bought her a different doll, which she was happy with. Except that a few months later, Bratz came out with Bratz Babyz. "If Bratz had looked like Barbie hookers, these looked like baby hookers," Scott says. Again, he convinced his daughter that My Little Pony was just as cool—and for a moment, the conversation ended. Until, of course, the Bratz came out with Bratz Ponyz. And then, says Scott, an English professor at a small college in Georgia, "I realized porn culture and I were in a death match for my daughter's soul."

To read the entire article here.
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An Introduction to Reformed Theology (James White)

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We have posted a lot of articles about music recently. Most of the articles have focused on music that is more contemporary. Today I want to point people to a site that offers conservative and traditional Christan music for download. The site is called, SacredAudio.com

Check out the site,download an album and let me know what you think.

Here is the link: Sacred

Have a great day
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Saturday, October 11, 2008

A Response To The TULIP Wilts

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TULIP Attack Wilts Under Misrepresentation

Wow. The sermon that Trevor talks about in his previous two posts was truly amazing...amazing in the sense that it is a total misrepresentation on three main points. I listened to the whole thing and can tell you that Pastor Click is confused and misrepresents the following:

#1- He misrepresents the origin and history of Calvinism (already covered in detail by
Trevor)

#2- He totally misrepresents the doctrines of T.U.L.I.P

#3- He misrepresents what proponents such as John MacArthur have said about key verses

Since Trevor's already covered #1 I'll just start with #2. Here is what he said about what "Calvinists" believe.

Total Depravity- Pastor Click says that this means "unless you are elect you can't be saved." This is NOT what total depravity means. It would be nice if Pastor Click actually read what actual "Calvinists" believe. For example, here is a good definition from Dr James White in his book, "The Sovereign Grace of God"..."Total depravity speaks to the condition, and nature, of man. Basically, this doctrine teaches that all aspects of mankind's character has been touched by sin-- no part of man's nature has escaped the pollution of sin. Man's mind, man's heart, his emotions our will (Yes!, our will)-- every part has been altered, changed, or damaged by sin. The effect of sin's curse is total." This doctrine speaks to man's totally corrupt nature, will, ability, etc...it says nothing about what Pastor Click defined it as.

Unconditional Election- Pastor Click says this means "God chose to elect from eternity past those who would be saved...and who he would send to hell." This again, is not the definition of the doctrine of unconditional election. What does it really mean? The London Baptist Confession says that God's "effectual call" is not based on "anything at all foreseen in man, nor from any power or agency in the creature, being wholly passive therein, being dead in sins and trespasses, until being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit; he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it, and that by no less power than that which raised up Christ from the dead." The Westminster Confession says people are elected "out of His mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith, or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving Him thereunto;[Rom 9:11, 13, 16; Eph 1:4, 9] and all to the praise of His glorious grace. Again, where is Pastor Click's definition...is he defining the terms correctly...or is he repeating what he's heard?

The worst one is when he misrepresents "Perseverance of the saints." Here is Pastor Click's definition: "if you are elect you will serve God for your whole Christian life and can't backslide...if you backslide you were never elect. You will always do right once you are saved." Who teaches this? No "Calvinist" believes this and this is NOT what the doctrine teaches. Here is what the London Baptist Confession says about the perseverance of the saints, "And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for a time continue therein, whereby they incur God's displeasure and grieve his Holy Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired, have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves, yet shall they renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end. ( Matthew 26:70, 72, 74; Isaiah 64:5, 9; Ephesians 4:30; Psalms 51:10, 12; Psalms 32:3, 4; 2 Samuel 12:14; Luke 22:32, 61, 62 )."

Pastor click also misquotes MacArthur...it even appears he didn't even read what MacArthur said! He said someone in his church had a MacArthur Study Bible and he looked up MacArthur's comments on 1 John 2:2 and John 3:16...he says "the whole world" and "God so loved the world" don't need explaining and that MacArthur says "Well obviously this doesn't mean the whole world". This quote is nowhere in MacArthur's notes. MacArthur actually explains what he believes "world" to mean (by the way, the world kosmos doesn't mean every single person who ever lived without exception! John uses it in many ways and a little study will reveal this clearly). MacArthur doesn't just ignore the "obvious meaning"- he actually engages the text and spells out why he believes the doctrine. My advice is that we never quote someone as if they just dismissed a belief without addressing what they truly said!

In addition, the sermon is filled with derrogatory remarks about those who hold to TULIP doctrines...I'll close with two comments. First, why is it that those in the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement (I used to be one!) have to attack fellow Christians who hold to differing doctrines as if we're stupid and ignorant? #2- why is it that so many of these folks love to misrepresent almost everyone they quote and every position they describe? Why don't they do their homework and actually exegete the passages and let God's Word rebuke and exhort?
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> posted by Jim Leavenworth at 3 Comments

Response To Wilted Tulips!

In my previous post I said we would begin responding to the sermon, The TULIP Wilts Under the SON.

If a person is going to preach a message attacking reformed theology and making all kinds of accusations against it, you would think they would have done a little study. You would think they would have taken the time and studied the history of the system they are attacking. It is clear that Gary Click did not even bother to read a book about Reformed Theology!

At the 7:39 mark of the sermon, Gary Click makes this statement. "I want you to meet John Calvin, he is the founder of this system of theology that is called Calvinism.

This statement is completely false! Let me offer a brief history lesson:

You see before John Calvin was born there was a man named Augustine. In fact Augustine was born November 13, 354 AD. This was long before Calvin!

Sometimes Calvinism is referred to by other names such as "Augustinianism" because Calvin basically followed Augustine (A.D. 354–430) in areas of predestination and the sovereignty of God.

So how in the world can someone claim Calvin created the system of theology!

Gary Click may want to do a study on the Augustine and Pelagian debate.


Pelagius (354 - 420?) a British monk famous for his piety, but declared a heretic for denying original sin. His system of thought became known as: Pelagianism

Pelagianism views humanity as basically good and morally unaffected by the Fall. It denies the imputation of Adam's sin, original sin, total depravity, and substitutionary atonement. It simultaneously views man as fundamentally good and in possession of libertarian free will. With regards to salvation, it teaches that man has the ability in and of himself (apart from divine aid) to obey God and earn eternal salvation.

Pelagianism is overhwhelmingly incompatible with the Bible and was historically opposed by Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo, leading to its condemnation as a heresy at Council of Carthage in 418 A.D. These condemnations were summarily ratified at the Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431

You see these issues were being discussed and debated way before John Calvin was born!

Another name that is important in Church history is:
Desiderius Erasmus. He contended with the reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546), emphasizing the importance of free will in human actions against Luther's belief in the absolute bondage of the will to sin. When John Calvin would have been around 15 years old Erasmus published a book entitled, Diatribe Concerning Free Will. December 1525 Martin Luther published the book, The Bondage Of The Will!

All of this occurred without John Calvin!

If Gary Click cannot even get simple historical facts straight, then he has lost all credibility!


Much more to come!
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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 1 Comments

Reformed Theology Attacked!

I just came across a sermon called, "The TULIP Wilts Under the SON."















For those who may have no idea what the significance of Tulips are, let me help.
Tulip is an acronym used in theology.
TULIP is an acronym used to remember the "Five Points of Calvinism," which is specifically related to soteriology, or the doctrine of salvation.
While the theological school of Calvinism is broader than the points of TULIP, it is commonly associated with its distinctives. The five points of TULIP are often referred to as the Calvinistic "Doctrines of Grace."
It is obvious that a sermon called, The TULIP Wilts Under the SON, is not in favor of reformed theology or it's teaching. In fact the sermon series seeks to show that Reformed Theology is false doctrine:
Here is how they describe the sermon:
Calvanists define their false theology with the acronym TULIP. Each of these points, as they define them, are inaccurate representations of Scripture. At first glance we may feel that we agree with the first and last points: The Total Depravity of Man and The Perseverance of the Saints.
We believe in man's sinful nature and eternal security as Biblical doctrines. But once we hear their definitions we cannot accept them.As we examine Reformed Theology we will discover that it is a Deformed Theology. It is not based solely on God's Word but upon selective reading and a perverted interpretation. A strict adherence to this teaching turns the Great Commission into the Great Ommission! That alone makes this a distorted, dangerous and damnable doctrine to be strictly avoided and passionately preached against!
Notice some of the language used on the above overview:
Calvanists define their false theology
Each of these points, as they define them, are inaccurate representations of Scripture.
Reformed Theology we will discover that it is a Deformed Theology.
It is not based solely on God's Word but upon selective reading and a perverted interpretation
Wow, those are some major accusations! Does the pastor actually prove his claims?
You can listen to his accusations here:







We will be offering a detailed response to these charges soon. Please keep checking back.
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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 0 Comments

Sunday School Preperation

Tomorrow for the Sunday School hour I will be teaching on the subject of Regeneration. You cannot teach on this subject accurately if you do not deal with, Monergism and Synergism as well.

So here is some information to prepare people for tomorrow:

Monergism: In theol., The doctrine that the Holy Spirit is the only efficient agent in regeneration - that the human will possesses no inclination to holiness until regenerated, and therefore cannot cooperate in regeneration. The Holy Spirit, who joins us to Christ, quickens us through the outward call cast forth by the preaching of His Word, disarms our innate hostility, removes our blindness, illumines our mind, creates understanding, turns our heart of stone to a heart of flesh. Only then do we apprehend the beauty and excellency of Christ. This gracious Spirit wrought work in the heart gives rise to a delight in His Word -- all that we might, with our renewed affections, willingly & gladly embrace Christ. Monergism is when God conveys that power into the fallen soul whereby the person who is to be saved is enabled to receive the offer of redemption. It refers to the first step (regeneration) which has causal priority over, and gives rise to, the moral and spiritual desire/ability to comply with all the other aspects of the process of being united to Christ, (i.e., the ability to apprehend the Redeemer by a living faith, to repent of sin and to love God and the Mediator supremely) It does not refer to the whole process that it gives rise to (justification, sanctification), but only the granting of the spiritual capacity to comply with the terms of the covenant of grace. As Michael Haykin says, "The Reformation was not merely about justification through faith alone but, more importantly, it considered "...whether sinners are wholly helpless in their sin, and whether God is to be thought of as saving them by free, unconditional, invincible grace, not only justifying them for Christs' sake when they come to faith, but also raising them from the death of sin by His quickening Spirit in order to bring them to faith."

Synergism: "...the doctrine that there are two efficient agents in regeneration, namely the human will and the divine Spirit, which, in the strict sense of the term, cooperate. This theory accordingly holds that the soul has not lost in the fall all inclination toward holiness, nor all power to seek for it under the influence of ordinary motives." The synergistic doctrine of prevenient grace does not resolve this issue, but only pushes it back, for if all have grace and only some believe the gospel, then what makes them to differ? Jesus Christ or something else in them? According to the synergist, something other than grace makes men to differ. This unscriptural view is the greatest threat to a true understanding of salvation in the Church today.


I think the study will be very helpful. If you live near Abilene, TX you can join us. Sunday School begins at 10:00Am and Victory Baptist Church is located in Ovalo, TX which is about 20 minutes south of Abilene. If you need directions or more information please contact me at 325-695-8202

Have a great Saturday
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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 0 Comments

Friday, October 10, 2008

Album Of The Year!

After a very long wait it is finally HERE! The New House Of Heroes album is available !

I know another music post! For those who hate the music post I apologize, but I am so excited I have to write about this!




This is the Album Of The Year!















I could say alot about this album but I will post some of the reviews that have already been written:


House Of Heroes
The End Is Not The End



After numerous delays, lots of confusion, and seemingly endless waiting, Gotee Records has finally decided to release House of Heroes' third national recording, The End Is Not the End (a pretty ironic title, at this point). Well, we have finally reached the end (Of the wait, that is). The only question is: Was it worth it?

The answer is an emphatic "yes." House of Heroes has not only crafted one of the most intricate, yet catchiest pieces of music to come along in years, but they have also written what is a compelling World War II parallel designed to make us reexamine preexisting notions on faith, God, and country. The End Is Not the End is a lush undertaking… thought-provoking, engaging, and at times, even epic.

To compare and contrast is futile. It has been three years since we last heard from the Columbus, Ohio residents, and since then, they have gained a member in Jared Rigsby, and the famous three-piece now functions as four. Their self-titled record is great in its own right, but after listening to The End Is Not the End, it plays out more like an opening act… a sign of things to come. Whereas that album was straight up rock, their sophomore effort is sophisticated, yet somehow still frenzied, rock 'n roll. It is a hard brand to explain exactly, and is better just experienced.

House of Heroes is not hurt by the fact that all four members of the band have a fine set of pipes, either. All four men utilize their talents at every turn throughout this album. The End Is Not the End is filled with gang vocals, as well as layered backing vocals (Lesson learned: three back ups are better than one), giving the whole thing a more intense, engaging feel. And when those layered vocal parts were recorded, all four men gathered around one mic, rather than each one recording his part separately, in the vein of some of the late greats of rock 'n roll. It is a much more exhaustive way to record, but it gives the record a richer, more organic feel. It serves as a testament to the vocal integrity of House of Heroes that the whole thing sounds as tight as it does.

Indeed, musicianship is at the forefront throughout. House of Heroes' fusion of music and lyric is undeniable. And though most, if not all, of the record has a common World War II theme, each track has its own feel, and its own story to tell, with each one left open to interpretation. Pages and pages could be written dissecting and examining the well-orchestrated dance of music and lyric on The End Is Not the End. As an example, "In the Valley of the Dying Sun" tells the story of Jacob's wrestling match with God, with the music shifting and changing as the opposing sides prepare to do battle. You feel everything: Jacob's resistance, the Angel's insistence, the ensuing war, and the resolution - all in the course of just over four-and-a-half minutes. Strange, to say the least, but epic, in every sense of the word.

That song never directly references the Second World War, but found within are some blatant references to war and violence in our day and age. Indeed, Jacob's struggle parallels every man's struggle to put violence behind him and accept a life of submission to a higher power. Thus, the song can take on many different connotations, but within the context of this record, it appears to speak of modern war. With lyrics such as "I'm thinking of You when I kill a good man, to keep myself from being killed by him," and "Son…Your days are numbered. Sow the seeds you will. But I am the Reaper," it's pretty hard not to hear the modern slant.

But The End Is Not the End is a deep and complex puzzle. On the very next track, "Code Name: Raven," the story is told of a French spy in WWII whose land and livelihood have been invaded. While the song's predecessor was all about the defeat of a man's will, this track displays the building up of a man's courage, and the lengths he will go to defend what he knows to be good. "There's no virtue in killing a man, but neither is there virtue in being afraid to stand." There is enough food for thought here to keep you intrigued and pondering well after the record has finished playing.

"By Your Side" is a more stripped down, acoustic ballad that tells the story of two brothers that are both drafted, and their camaraderie through thick and thin. It is a love, we find out, that transcends death, "And when you see the face of your Maker, you don't have to be ashamed. He knows the promises we made." But we are also reminded three tracks later that just as we are called to love our brothers, we are to love our enemies as well. "Baby's a Red" is a fast, hook-driven song about a man's undying love for…a communist? And though it is mostly just played for fun ("Baby's a Red! The feds said lock her in lead. She's red, but I love her. Hammer and Sickle on my mind."), it actually affords itself some note-worthy observations ("Oh, Red, if the bombs fall on our lands, then our politics won't matter. Only that I loved you until death.")

And on and on it goes. War and peace, the pros and the cons, the left and right, and middleman… Pages and pages could be written, but it is best that you discover the treasures found herein on your own. The End Is Not the End is a delicately conceived, intricately developed, masterfully executed hour of music that somehow still has mass appeal. You would be hard pressed to find a person that won't be singing along by the second chorus of "If," "Baby's a Red," or "Dangerous." But this accessibility never compromises the artistic integrity of the record. The fusion of music and written word of this caliber is so rare these days, but House of Heroes has succeeded where most have tried and failed.

It's a monumental release, and an important moment in CCM history. Why Gotee has tossed it to the side for so long is a mystery; because when it comes down to it, the diehards will be ecstatic, the unaware will be won over, and the apathetic will have cause to double take. Look for it on a lot of industry top tens at year's end. But you heard it here first… The End Is Not the End is easily the best record of 2008.

- Review date: 9/10/08, PReview date: 8/10/08, written by Josh Taylor



House of Heroes return- with an epic flair and the staggering talent fans have long come to expect. The End Is Not The End marks not a mere continuation of a previously established sound, but opts for the deeper aspects of musical tale-telling. Taking cues from the greatest eras of music past, and then embellishing those tonal concepts and meshing them with a flavor all their own. Every nuanced vocal arrangement or underlying melody change between verses only serve to add to the virtuosity of the whole. And the amazing music and group vocals serve the plotline so well- steeped in an age gone by, telling tales of WWII from the vantage of the personal. With often poignant thematic elements, harkening to stories of war and hope and personal sacrifice, the subject matter never weighs the album down. Rather, because the often brilliant instrumentation is rooted in such unfeigned narrative- the meaning and depth of character bleeding from every audio pore is accentuated. Thoughts shall be provoked- emotions will be stirred. In a single word- "Epic." In six words- "Album of the year. Hands down."

- David Goodman of Jesusfreakhideout.com

The End is Not The End" was released to rave reviews. AbsolutePunk.net gave it a 92% rating, saying "...it's a record with so much going for it, in terms of quality, quantity and intelligence, substance, etc. ... that it's destined to be the blueprint for how pop music can and should be done, but most likely won't. Open your eyes, pop music creationists: this is how you do it right." SputnikMusic.com rated it five stars, saying "There is hardly any band out there who is daring enough to make an album quite as grandiose as this, and only one in my book who could ever succeed." Jesusfreakhideout.com also rated it five stars, saying, "Look for it on a lot of industry top tens at year's end. But you heard it here first… The End Is Not the End is easily the best record of 2008."


You can download the album on I-Tunes today!

I have the album playing as I type this and I look forward to listening to about another 10,000 times!
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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 0 Comments

Farrakhan on Obama: 'The Messiah is absolutely speaking'

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, another powerful Chicago-based political figure associated with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and other long-time associates of Democratic Party presidential candidate Barack Obama, is leaving no doubt about what he thinks of the leader in the campaign for the White House.
You can hear and see Farrakhan's comment in the video below.

You can read a report about the comments at this link:
Farrakhan








You are known not only by who your enemies are, but also who your friends are!
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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 0 Comments

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Electing Purposes Shall Stand

The Doctrine of Election is a very important topic and one in which many people hate to even discuss.

Today I want to point people the the sermon:

Electing Purposes Shall Stand

Brief Sermon Overview:

(1) God overcomes human inability;
(2) God overrules human conflict;
(3) God overturns human expectations;
(4) God oversees human character.


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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 0 Comments

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

It Will All Burn!










Tonight I read 2 Peter 3:10 for my devotional time.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

You can listen to my thoughts on this passage here:



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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 0 Comments

Monday, October 6, 2008

Welcome Abilene, TX Universities!

Last week we placed a flyer in the mail box of local Universities.

I want to take the time and welcome all students who take the time to visit the blog. This blog is dedicated to taking a critical look at what is going on in Christianity today. We also work hard to inform and challenge people. Most of the team who write for the Preaching Today blog are members of Victory Baptist Church which is located about 20 minutes south of Abilene. Victory is a Reformed Baptist Church who is committed to teaching Doctrine, Theology, and Church history. We believe that true preaching is the teaching of the text of scripture. You can check out all of our sermons at www.sermonaudio.com/vbc




We hope the blog will prove to be helpful. If you are looking for a church that is committed to teaching God’s people and not entertaining them, then I hope to see you at Victory. You can contact me at tsrk30@sbcglobal.net or 325-695-8202

Have a great day.
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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 0 Comments

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Lecrae Rebel #3 on iTunes Hip Hop Chart

I just noticed that Lecrae's new CD, REBEL is the number 3 bestselling hip hop album on I-Tunes! I am not talking about the top christian hip hop album but the number 3 hip hop album period! That means there is a good chance that someone who is not a christian will see it on the charts and buy it to check it out! So if you have not bought the album, go to the I-Tunes store and buy it!


Jason, one of the Preaching Today team members got the album today. I hope he will post some of his thoughts on the album in the next few days.



Have a great night and a wonderful Lord's Day
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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 0 Comments

Friday, October 3, 2008

Islam

I believe that Christians need to become more and more educated about Islam and how it is growing. I believe we also need to keep up with what is going on in Muslim countries. The BBC has recently been airing the documentary series, "Is al Qaeda Winning?"

This series offers a lot of information about what is going on and the attitudes of many in the Muslim world. I strongly suggest you take the time to listen:


Is al Qaeda Winning? - part one and part two can be found at this link:

BBC
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> posted by Trevor Hammack at 0 Comments