Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The United States Constitution guarantees a few important freedoms in the First Amendment to the Constitution. For all the talk about freedom of religion and speech in the United States of America, there are apparently a few exceptions to the rule if you live in Minneapolis.
1. If you are on a public sidewalk, you cannot utter any speech that might offend somebody unless that speech is directed at a Bible Believing Christian.
2. If you are a smoker behind a fence that sits on a public sidewalk your right to smoke supercedes the right of free speech and freedom of religion happening outside that fence.
3. If you are a wealthy business owner, your right to the means of speech, such as using amplification to get your message out supercedes the right of a person who wants to get his message out but cannot afford or will not be granted a permit to use amplification.
4. Disturbing the Peace, Public Nuscience, and other subjective charges can be used to silence free speech at any time without any legal recourse by any police officer.
5 Public sidewalks maintained and paid for by the taxpayers of the city of Minneapolis and County of Hennepin are not Public if they surround Block E, Target Field, Target Center, and in front of certain nightclubs.
6. If your religion supports the murder of people of other religions, or is based on hate of other races, or is basically anything other than Biblical Christianity, you have freedom of speech and religion, and can practice it in the public forum in Minneapolis.
7. If you are preaching the Word of God and proclaiming freedom from sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ, you have no protected first amendment rights in Minneapolis.
8. If you are offended by a Bible Preacher, you may spit, punch, kick, and verbally abuse that preacher in any way that you choose with no threat of legal consequences.
You should not be surprised, nor should this deter you if you are a Christian who wants to preach in Minneapolis in any way shape or form. Those who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer. That is a given. This reality must not deter you from practicing true Christian faith, which means going into all the world and preaching the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20). We must follow the example of all of the fathers of our faith that went before us and not fear what man can do to us. We must obey God rather than man.
The following is the result of a range of meaning study I did on the Greek word krino_ and its derivatives. I started by finding every verse in the New Testament where these Greek words appeared. I then removed every instance that concerned God's action of judging because our concern is when humans are to judge or not judge. I then examined each passage in context to determine the meaning. In some cases I had to consult scholarly sources if the Biblical author's meaning was not readily apparent. I then made categories for the various meanings that I found and placed each verse in the correct category, based on the Greek word that was translated. Then I further sorted the categories by "do"; "do not" and then tangential categories that did not fit the do or do not schema. The following is the result. You can look up the verses yourself to determine if you think I correctly categorized them. The most interesting result to me is that the largest category contained passages about discerning.
-- Bob DeWaay
Do make a correct determination based on facts and/or Scripture(discern):
Krino_
Luke 7:43, Luke 12:57, John 7:22-24, John 7:51, John 8:15, 16, Acts 4:19, Acts 15:19, Acts 16:15, Acts 23:26, 1Corinthians 2:2, 1Corinthians 5:3, 1Corinthians 5:12, 13, 1Corinthians 7:37, 1Corinthians 10:15, 1Corinthians 11:13, 1Corinthians 11:31, 32, 2Corinthians 5:14
Do discern spirits:
Diakrisis
1Corinthians 12:10
Do not judge motives or relative piety:
Krino_
Matthew 7:1-3, 1Corinthians 4:5
Do not show partiality or prejudice (pre-judge who to treat kindly):
Krino_
Luke 6:35-38
Do not judge oneself to be unworthy of salvation by rejecting the gospel:
Krino_
Acts 13:46
Do not hide your own guilt by condemning others who are no different:
Krino_
Romans 2:1-3, Romans 2:27
Do not judge someone for that which he has been given liberty by God:
Krino_
Romans 14:3-5, 10, 13, 1Corinthians 10:29
Do not judge the opinions of a weaker brother:
Diakrisis
Romans 14:1
Do not allow another to judge you in a matter in which you have been given liberty:
Krino_
Colossians 2:16
Do not insist on using one's liberty in a way that harms a weaker brother:
Krino_
Romans 14:22
Do not take God's place as lawgiver and then judge your brother based on your own decrees:
Krino_
James 4:11, 12
Do not take a fellow Christian to court but make proper judgment within the church:
Krino_
1Corinthians 6:1-3
Do not have doubt:
Diakrino_
Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:23, Romans 4:20, Jude 1:22, James 1:6
Do not have serious misgivings about an action, but then do it anyway:
Diakrino_
Romans 14:23
Do not ask questions for conscience sake before eating meat:
Anakrino_
1Corinthians 10:25, 27
The Lord makes the final examination:
Anakrino_
1Corinthians 4:3, 4
When the church prophesies properly, an unbeliever will be called to account:
Anakrino_
1Corinthians 14:24
Apostles making a determination for the church:
Krino_
Acts 16:4, Acts 21:25
To be without misgivings:
Diakrino_
Acts 11:12
To examine in order to make an appraisal:
Anakrino_
Luke 23:14, Acts 12:19, Acts 17:11, Acts 24:8, Acts 28:18, 1Corinthians 2:14, 15, 1Corinthians 9:3
I think it is a fair thing for many people to say, as they have in these past few days, that we ought not to prejudge Rob Bell's newest book before it comes out. However, I contend that there is more than enough information in his videos, sermons, and previous books to see him for what he is, a post-modern, post-Christian deconstructionist of scripture. However, to be fair, I will go with the video only. Apprising Ministries has provided a transcript of this video which I will address through the filter of scripture.
Several years ago we had an art show at our church and people brought in all kinds of sculptures, and paintings, and we put them on display. And there was this one piece that had a quote from Gandhi in it; and lots of people found this piece compelling. They’d stop and sort of stare at it, and take it in, and reflect on it—but not everybody found it that compelling. Somewhere in the course of the art show somebody attached a hand-written note to the piece, and on the note they had written: “Reality Check—He’s In Hell.”
It seems kind of cowardly to place such a note on a painting, to me. But, I believe though misguided, the person's note was correct. I can only assume that the work of art in question may have presented Ghandi as a hero of sorts, or may have given him more than the normal praise for being a great world leader. The point is, despite all the good things that Ghandi did, he was religiously a pagan idolator. His image has no business in a Christian church. It reminds me of Solomon's Porch in Minneapolis, where there is all sorts of art including a Buddah and poetry posted on the wall from all sorts of worldly philosophers (not to mention a Rabbi, not a Messianic one, preaches there) When you place things like pictures of Ghandi in a place where eastern religious-style meditation is promoted and encouraged from the pulpit by Rob Bell, you have a right to question the motives! In an October 2009 sermon called I will say it again, and again, and again:
It’s interesting how many traditions (pause) When you read the great enlightened ones; meditation, centering prayer, reflection—in every tradition you can find the mystics—and what’s always at the heart of the spiritual lives, the everyday lives of the great ones was always a period of time. Whether it’s prayers, chanting, meditation, reflection, study—whatever you call it—what is it essentially; it’s taking time to breathe. Because when you’ve been breathing, (slight pause) in a proper sort of way, you’re far better equipped to handle what life throws your way. (5:41-6:23)
www.apprising.org">HT Apprising Ministries The scripture is very clear on this subject:
16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
The problem I have with Rob Bell is the same that I have with Rick Warren and others who join hands with people of other faiths, seemingly giving their approval. It is the same problem I have with John Piper inviting Rick Warren to speak at Desiring God 2010. When we do these things, we give approval to the very things that the false teachers and false religions teach. Like the nation Israel, we are called out from among the nations. We are the ekklesia or the called out ones. We are in the world, but not of it. We have the exclusive handle on the TRUTH. That may seem intolerant, but Jesus said that he is THE way, THE Truth and THE life (John 14:6). He did not allow there to be any question; Jesus Christ is the only way to God. When we join hands with those of other faiths, we give tacit approval of that faith, we say to the world that we all serve the same God, that one person's philosophy is equal to that of our faith in Christ. In the example above, Rob Bell is very clear. He sees the many traditions and their methods of worship (without the one true God) as equally valid. He is sharing the glory of God with demons.
Gandhi’s in hell? He is? And someone knows this, for sure; and felt the need to let the rest of us know? Will only a few, select, people make it to heaven? And will billions and billions of people burn forever in hell? And, if that’s the case, how do you become one of the few? Is it what you believe; or what you say, or what you do, or who you know—or something that happens in your heart? Or do you need to be initiated, or baptized, or take a class, or converted, or being born again—how does one become one of these few?
Will only a few, select, people make it to heaven? Yes, According to Jesus. Luke 13:23-2423Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,24Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Matthew 7:13-1413Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Jesus Christ is that gate, the door, the Way- John 10:7 7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. John 14:6 6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. And, if that’s the case, how do you become one of the few? John 1:12-13 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 3:33Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Acts 2: 37-38 37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 17:30-31 30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
And then there is the question behind the questions, the real question: What is God like? Because millions and millions of people were taught that the primary message—the center of the Gospel of Jesus—is that God is going to send you to hell, unless you believe in Jesus. And so, what gets, subtlely, sort of caught and taught is that Jesus rescues you from God. But what kind of God is that; that we would need to be rescued from this God? How could that God ever be good; how could that God ever be trusted? And how could that ever be good news.
What is God like? From the ESV Study Bible: God's communicable attributes
| Attribute | Scripture | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Holiness: God is absolutely and uniquely excellent above all creation (majesty) and without sin (purity). | “And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’” (Rev. 4:8; for “majestic holiness,” cf. Ex. 15:11; 1 Chron. 16:27–29; Isa. 57:15; for “moral holiness,” cf. Isa. 5:16; 6:1–8; Acts 3:14; Heb. 7:26). | God should be feared and obeyed, and his people should earnestly pursue moral purity. |
| Omnipotence: God is able to do all his holy will. | “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (Isa. 46:9–10; cf. Ex. 6:3; Job 37:23; 40:2; 42:1–6; Ps. 24:6; 33:10–11; 91:1; Dan. 4:34–35; Matt. 28:18). | God's ultimate will is never frustrated by evil, so there is peace and confidence in the face of suffering for those who trust God. |
| Sovereignty: God has absolute rule over creation as King and total control and determination over all that happens. | “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?’” (Dan. 4:34–35; cf. 1 Chron. 29:11–13; Ps. 22:28; 24:1; 47:7–9; 103:19; Prov. 16:19, 21, 33; Dan. 4:25; 7:1–28; 12:1–13; Matt. 6:13; 10:29; Acts 17:26; Eph. 1:11; 1 Tim. 6:15; James 1:13–15). | Mankind should obey and submit to God as humble subjects of his kingdom. |
| Omniscience: God fully knows himself and all things actual and possible—past, present, and future. | “Whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything” (1 John 3:20; cf. Job 28:24; 37:16; Ps. 139:1–3; 147:5; Isa. 55:8–9; Matt. 10:29–30; Rom. 11:33–34; 1 Cor. 2:10–11; Heb. 4:13). | All God's thoughts and actions are perfectly informed by perfect knowledge, so he is perfectly trustworthy. |
| Wisdom: God always knows and chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals. Wisdom is a moral as well as an intellectual quality. | “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might” (Dan. 2:20; cf. Job 9:4; 12:13; Ps. 104:24; Rom. 11:33; 16:27; 1 Cor. 1:21–29; Eph. 3:10–11). | God's wisdom is not always clear to us, but it is great, deep, valuable, and should be highly desired and sought, and we should not doubt its reality even in circumstances that upset us. |
| Love: God freely and eternally gives of himself. The ultimate historical demonstration of God's love is seen in the cross of Christ. | “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:8–10; cf. John 3:16; 15:13; 17:24; Rom. 5:8; 8:31–39; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:16; 4:16). | God is eager to extravagantly give of himself to meet the needs of lost sinners, so they should flee to him with confidence (cf. Rom. 8:32). |
| Wrath: God intensely hates and responds with anger to all sin and rebellion. God hates every threat to what he loves. | “Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb’” (Rev. 6:15–16; cf. Ex. 34:7; Rom. 1:18; 2:4; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Thess. 1:5; 2 Pet. 3:9). | God should be greatly feared. Unbelievers should fear his judgment and turn to Christ for salvation. Believers should fear God's fatherly discipline. The God who loves us is also the holy God who hates sin (1 Pet. 1:17). |
the center of the Gospel of Jesus—is that God is going to send you to hell, unless you believe in Jesus. This is what we call a red herring, a straw man. The truth is that we deserve Hell because we have rebelled against God. We are judged according to our wicked works. The evidence that God hates sin is demonstrated by the punishment that Jesus took for us on the Cross. If sin does not matter to God, why did Jesus have to suffer and die? The Gospel is the good news that even though we have sinned against God, God loves us so much that He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sin as our substitute. By trusting in Christ, our sins are not only forgiven, but completely paid for (2 Corinthians 5:21). He has paid the penalty and made atonement for our sin. In this sense, when we place our trust in Christ, love wins. [caption id="attachment_279" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Doug Pagitt, Tony's 'pastor' on universalism"]
[/caption] But what kind of God is that; that we would need to be rescued from this God? See above: God is Holy, that is, morally perfect, and He cannot even look on that which is unholy. When Jesus took on our sin on the cross, He cried out, My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me? When Jesus took on sin, God could not even look on His precious Son. The question really should be What kind of Men are we? We are utterly sinful (Romans 3:9-20) Dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-4) and in all of our wickedness we are storing up wrath (Romans 2:5) But God loves us so much (Ephesians 2:5) that when we were at our weakest, He sent His Son (Romans 5:6-8) to save us from our sin. This is the part that Rob does not get! We do not repent because we are afraid of Hell; we repent because we have offended God who has been so kind to us (Romans 2:4) What was he saving us from? Well, the penalty of sin (Romans 6:23) the power of sin (Romans 6:12) and eventually, from the presence of sin when Christians take part in the resurrection unto life.
This is why lots of people want nothing to do with the Christian faith. They see it as an endless list of absurdities and inconsistencies; and they say: “Why would I ever want to be part of that?” See, what we believe about heaven and hell is incredibly important because it exposes what we believe about Who God is, and what God is like. What you discover in the Bible is so surprising, unexpected, and beautiful, that whatever we’ve been told or taught, the good news is actually better than that; better than we could ever imagine.
This is why lots of people want nothing to do with the Christian faith. Again, Rob, this is not what Jesus says. The reason they want nothing to do with the Christian faith is that they are in darkness, they love their sin, and they do not want that sin exposed. John 3:17-21 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. See, what we believe about heaven and hell is incredibly important because it exposes what we believe about Who God is, and what God is like. Believe it or not, Rob, I agree. I believe what the Bible teaches about Hell, and about heaven. I believe that I deserve death and Hell because I have sinned against God. I believe Hell is a reasonable punishment for just one lie (Revelation 21:8) To not believe in Hell speaks volumes about what we believe about God, and about ourselves. To believe that we do not deserve Hell says that we take sin lightly, that we are basically good people. This is calling God a liar (1 John 1:7-8). The same is true about heaven. Most people I speak with believe that they deserve a good afterlife, and would accuse God of not being good if He sends people to Hell. Again, they have a wrong perception of who they are and who God is.
The good news is, that love wins. (:06-2:34)
Amen! I agree- If one is regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit, and becomes a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) then mercy has victory over judgment, grace had victory over justice, and God gets all the glory. The choice is ours. When we face God on judgment day (Hebrews 9:27) He will either receive us as a Father, or as a judge. What it all comes down to is this: have your sins been removed by the blood of Jesus? If they have, then you will meet God as a Father because Christ has already taken the judgment and paid the penalty. If the sins have not been paid for, then you will pay for them in a place called Hell, which will be cast into the lake of fire. Are you on that broad road that leads to destruction? Then strive to enter in through the narrow gate. Repent and trust Jesus. Thanks to Apprising Ministries for this Transcript and permission to use it to respond to the questions Rob Bell proposes.
CHANGE Collegian Network’s (CCN) annual Repent and Witness (RW) Evangelism Camps are open to both students and non-students, and are low-cost mission trips that provide:
Learn about CCN’s Upcoming Repent and Witness Evangelism Camp>>>
Evangelism Camps are heavy duty. The schedule is structured so that you are always engaged in a meaningful activity. Leaders are there to encourage you to stay focused on the work at hand, gently pushing you to serve the Lord with greater courage and zeal. The outcome?
“I am forever changed by this experience. I went to a boot camp last year in NYC, but this was on a different level. I have a hunger and passion for open air preaching that I never had before. I have been freshly kindled by the Spirit of God and I have a deeper burden to see God glorified through evangelism than ever before. I have never in my life experienced such deep God honoring fellowship before. I have a deep love for the Repent and Witness crew.” – Mitch
Yes. We provide that for you at no cost right here on our website. Visit our Online Evangelism Training page and prepare for battle. Once you have completed our audio/visual training, you may apply to become a RW missionary! If you are already familiar with biblical evangelism, you do not have to complete the online training.
Each Repent and Witness missionary trip varies in cost due to location, activities, and ministry needs. Check out our various camps below for details on each camp, as well as the various aspects the cost covers.
There many ways to raise funds to attend Repent and Witness. We provide a free online tool to fundraise simply and effectively through online support-raising and provide detailed directions. Note: Only approved CCN missionaries may raise support.
You can also download fund raising materials: Brochure (for both students and non-students) and Donation Slips. Use these materials to help raise support. Share your mission with your pastor, friends, church members, or anyone else who may support you. For more info on how to effectively raise support, please visit this outside informational website.
Yes. Many times a dedicated CCN member wishes to attend our camp, however he or she is unable due to a lack of funds. You can help by donating toward a RW scholarship!
CCN awards numerous students and non-students with scholarships based on their involvement in the ministry during the school year. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of CCN.
<a href="http://www.changeyourcampus.com/repent-and-witness/" target="_blank"><img src="
Hebrews 3:7-12 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
This is a passage that scares me to death. Last night, you spoke about the unpardonable sin, that is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The unpardonable sin is unbelief, unbelief in the one whom God has sent. You shared that you were brought up Lutheran, that you had been baptized and confirmed. I fear for you, my friend. You have more than enough light to choose Christ or to deny Him. You have chosen the latter. You are full of knowledge about science and politics, things that you have learned by looking into and studying. Though you have God-given intelligence you are a fool according to the Word of God, which says the fool hath said in his heart "there is no God". The verses above, from the book that you deny has any sort of truth, are warning those who have heard his voice, as you have. I do not know what kind of Lutheran that you were, but the fact is you have heard the Word of God. I have also spoken it to you multiple times personally, and you refuse to believe it. Such a seeker of knowledge you are! You cannot take the challenge of the Word of God and receive what it says about you, about mankind, about God, and about His Son Jesus! You have, in essence hardened your heart (not the organ-the core, the center of your being, what makes you human, the seat of your emotions, your will) against your creator. You, like the Israelites in the literal wilderness for forty years, have seen the great works of God all around you. They saw miraculous acts, as have you. They denied them and refused to believe. You have called them evolution, or the works of doctors, or the product of chance. You have dared to say "I don't know" and denying God rather than acknowledging that there could be a God. You have hardened your heart and suppressed the truth by your unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-20). It is your evil unbelief that condemns you, they very knowledge that you have and place your trust in in opposition to God. You gave an illustration last night, saying that if God told me that he was going to destroy San Fransisco with an earthquake but I was not to go and warn people because God wanted to punish them, would I do it. I explained that God would not do such a thing, and that HE has warned me. He has warned me that you, and others like you who refuse to trust Christ alone are headed for a very real place called Hell. He has told me to warn you of the wrath to come, to provide you with an escape plan to avoid the terrible wrath that you are storing up for yourself. I would be the lowest of the low if I would not warn you, disobedient to the very command of God. I have warned you, and many others. I will continue to do so, because I love God primarily and He has commanded me to have love for you enough to plead with you to repent. Please do not harden yourself to the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus.I love you,JTBCrossway, Page CXVI, and Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary are helping me with a book and music giveaway worth over $150.
What will be given away?
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The ESV Study Bible was created to help people understand the Bible in a deeper way. Combining the best and most recent evangelical Christian scholarship with the highly regarded ESV text, it is the most comprehensive study Bible ever published.
The ESV Study Bible features more than 2,750 pages of extensive, accessible Bible resources, including completely new notes, full-color maps, illustrations, charts, timelines, and articles created by an outstanding team of 93 evangelical Christian scholars and teachers. In addition to the 757,000 words of the ESV Bible itself, the notes and resources of the ESV Study Bible comprise an additional 1.1 million words of insightful explanation and teaching-equivalent to a 20-volume Bible resource library all contained in one volume.
Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe by Mark Driscoll
Doctrine is the word Christians use to define the truth-claims revealed in Holy Scripture. Of course there is a multitude of churches, church networks, and denominations, each with their own doctrinal statement with many points of disagreement. But while Christians disagree on a number of doctrines, there are key elements that cannot be denied by anyone claiming to be a follower of Jesus.
In Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe, Driscoll and Breshears teach thirteen of these key elements. This meaty yet readable overview of basic doctrine will help Christians clarify and articulate their beliefs in accordance with the Bible.
Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin
Nothing is more essential than knowing how to worship the God who created us. This book focuses readers on the essentials of God-honoring worship, combining biblical foundations with practical application in a way that works in the real world. The author, a pastor and noted songwriter, skillfully instructs pastors, musicians, and church leaders so that they can root their congregational worship in unchanging scriptural principles, not divisive cultural trends. Bob Kauflin covers a variety of topics such as the devastating effects of worshiping the wrong things, how to base our worship on God’s self-revelation rather than our assumptions, the fuel of worship, the community of worship, and the ways that eternity’s worship should affect our earthly worship.
Appropriate for Christians from varied backgrounds and for various denominations, this book will bring a vital perspective to what readers think they understand about praising God.
A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity (Vols. 1, 2, 3) by Rolland McCune
Rolland McCune’s work is a brand new conservative contribution to the field of Christian systematic theology. His third volume was released at the end of last year. I used his first two volumes as textbooks for Systematic Theology 1 last semester. My students thoroughly enjoyed his comprehensive and humble coverage of the doctrines of bibliology, theology proper, and christology.
I’ve used songs from Page CXVI in the videos I make for the school. Their renditions of great hymns have blessed my soul. They are humble musicians who want to make much of Christ by “making hymns accessible and known again.” You can check out my Vimeo channel for other videos I’ve made using Page CXVI’s songs.
Together for the Gospel Live CD
Bob Kauflin led corporate singing at Together for the Gospel 2008. The recording of the songs has been the most spiritually enriching CD I have ever listened to.
If you are new to this blog, here are some foundational posts:
As seen on CashNet Sweepstakes and Christian Book Giveaways
| John 1:13 | “born … of God” |
| John 3:3 | “born again” |
| John 3:5 | “born of water and the Spirit” |
| John 3:6 | “born of the Spirit” |
| John 3:7 | “born again” |
| John 3:8 | “born of the Spirit” |
| Eph. 2:4–5 | “God … even when we were dead … made us alive together with Christ” |
| Col. 2:13 | “you, who were dead … God made alive together with him” |
| Titus 3:5 | “he saved us … by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” |
| James 1:18 | “he brought us forth by the word of truth” |
| 1 Pet. 1:3 | “he has caused us to be born again” |
| 1 Pet. 1:23 | “you have been born again” |
| 1 John 2:29 | “everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him” |
| 1 John 3:9 | “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning” |
| 1 John 4:7 | “whoever loves has been born of God” |
| 1 John 5:1 | “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God” |
| 1 John 5:4 | “everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world” |
| 1 John 5:18 | “everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning” |
