Here is a Search Story video that I made on YouTube. Where do you look for answers to life’s big questions?
Create your own Search Story here.
Religion
10
Mar 10
Distinguishing Between the Gospel and Religion
“…unless you distinguish the Gospel from religion and moralism, they assume that you are simply asking them to become better people…” -Tim Keller
In the video above, Tim Keller discusses the importance of distinguishing between the gospel and religion and moralism, especially when sharing with the irreligious and secular.
Knowledge of Sin Through the Law
Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (Romans 3:19-28)
Beauty Outside – Death Inside
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matthew 23:27-28)
We have been called to make disciples, not Pharisees. How tragic it would be if, in an attempt to share the gospel, I led one to believe that the answer to irreligion is religion or moralism.
8
Jun 09
Word Cloud for Obama Speech in Cairo
Below is a Wordle word cloud I made for President Obama’s speech at Cairo University last Thursday. Click to see the full-size image. Interesting illustration, isn’t it?
http://www.wordle.net/
22
Apr 09
Worship and Earth Day
As you probably already know, today is Earth Day. According to the Earth Day Network, April 22 marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970:
On April 22, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. Denis Hayes, the national coordinator, and his youthful staff organized massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values.
Earth Day is Good
Earth Day provides a wonderful opportunity for Christians to step back and and worship their God as the creator and sustainer of the universe.
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20 ESV)
Earth day is also a great time to consider the concept of stewardship. How can I be a better steward of all that the Lord has given me, natural resources and the earth included?
Earth Day is Bad
I fear, however, that Earth Day means something very different to many in the world around us. At its worst, Earth Day plays out in idolatry and pantheism. Today, many will engage in the worship of Mother Earth, as creation assumes a status of which only God himself is worthy. As Christians we must be very careful that we do not lift up creation as an idol. Note that, according the the above verse from Romans, God’s attributes can simply be perceived “in the things that have been made.” God is not creation and creation is not God.
Let Us Worship
Therefore, let us celebrate Earth Day (very carefully) and worship our God, the Maker of heaven and earth and the Author of our salvation. To Him be the glory!
Do you celebrate Earth Day? Have you seen examples of Earth Day as idolatry or pantheism? Please comment!
16
Mar 09
Nightline Debate: Does Satan Exist?
In another installment of the “Nightline Face-Off” series, the existence of Satan will be debated on Friday, March 20 at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. The “Face-Off” series began two years ago when the question of “Does God Exist?” was the topic of discussion. The debate will be moderated by Dan Harris.
Arguing against the existence of Satan:
Dr. Deepak Chopra: philosopher, President, Alliance for a New Humanity
Bishop Carlton Pearson: author, “The Gospel of Inclusion”
Arguing for the existence of Satan:
Pastor Mark Driscoll; founding pastor, Mars Hill Church
Annie Lobert; executive director, “Hookers for Jesus”
You can watch the “Nightline Face-Off: Does Satan Exist?” on March 26 on ABCNews.com and on “Nightline” at 11:35 p.m. ET.
This should be quite the event. Perhaps it is an opportunity to reach out and begin conversations with non-Christians around you? Simply mentioning this Nighline debate may open a door for spiritual conversation. Try it out today…
I’ve marked my calendar – will you be watching the debate?
For more information, check out the Mars Hill blog or the Nightline website.
