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In this message, Pastor Jim speaks on good Friday traditions and finishes up with the eschatological nature of Israel’s feast days.
http://www.salvationbygrace.org/uc/sub/messages/Wed_20090429_The_Feast_Days.mp3″ width=”400″ height=”27″ allowscriptaccess=”never” quality=”best” bgcolor=”#ffffff” wmode=”window” flashvars=”playerMode=embedded” />
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“If God desires every knee to bow to Jesus and every tongue to confess Him, so should we. We should be ‘jealous’ for the honor of His name—troubled when it remains unknown, hurt when it is ignored, indignant when it is blasphemed, and all the time anxious and determined that it shall be given the honor and glory which are due to it.
The highest of all missionary motives is neither obedience to the Great Commission (important as that is), nor love for sinners who are alienated and perishing (strong as that incentive is, especially when we contemplate the wrath of God), but rather zeal—burning and passionate zeal—for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Only one imperialism is Christian, and that is concern for His Imperial Majesty Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his empire or kingdom. Before this supreme goal of the Christian mission, all unworthy motives wither and die.”
—John Stott, The Message of Romans (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 1994), 53
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Posted in Videos Tagged: Charles Leiter, Charles Leiter sermons, Christianity, doctrines of grace, Jesus Christ, Worship 
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Does God predestine some to Hell?
Posted in Videos Tagged: Christianity, doctrines of grace, limited atonement, predestination, Regeneration, reprobation, Salvation 
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James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Fellowship has some insightful commentary on the dangers of false teacher Brian McLaren in a post on their blog Straight Up. Entitled “The Public Rebuke of False Teachers” MacDonald drives home the point that “all denials of orthodox Christianity end up in a theological dumpster, not bearing fruit or winning [...]
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Over at Midwest Christian Outreach Ron Henzel, Christian apologist and Senior Researcher at MCO, has an edifying post concerning the cardinal Christian doctrine of the vicarious penal substitutionary atonement of Christ on the Cross:
Christian worship services around the world regularly echo with the declaration of John the Baptist: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NASB). In some services this verse is quoted as a regular part of the Lord’s Supper, or communion service. At other times it may be part of an evangelist’s call to unbelievers in his audience to trust Christ for salvation.
One can only speculate as to the immediate reaction of those who first heard it from the lips of John as he pointed out the peasant frame of Jesus of Nazareth to them. Where they not preparing for their king? Why should they stop to consider a lamb?
In the grand sweep of biblical narrative, it is a declaration both simple and profound—simultaneously concealing and revealing in language that is both cryptic and commonplace. Did anyone who heard it that day try to consider its ramifications? If the Messiah was to be a lamb, that meant he was to be a sacrifice—specifically, a sacrificial victim. Anyone who lived anywhere near an altar, either Jewish or pagan, would have understood that. (Online source)
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Posted in Videos Tagged: Christianity, conversion, cross of Christ, Jesus Christ, pride, Regeneration, religion, Sin, Tim Conway, true repentance, works salvation 
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“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)
It is fear of falling into the hands of God that makes us so eager to get things reduced to a formula. We feel that if we can learn the secrets of salvation or the steps into the blessed life, we can control [...]
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“She grabbed him by his garment and said, ‘Sleep with me!’ But leaving his garment in her hand, he escaped and ran from the house.” (Genesis 39:12)
In contending with certain sins, there remains no mode of victory except by running away quickly. He who would be safe from acts of evil must hasten away from [...]
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Crosstalk recently interviewed Brad O’Leary, author of Shut Up, America about the very present danger of loss of free speech in our country. Obama and his left-wing Congress are in the process of implementing a new brand of the Fairness Doctrine, this time through “localism” which lets local censorship boards decide about radio content on the airwaves. Those outlets who don’t meet the “diversity” requirement could lose their licenses. This is just one of the insidious moves that will destroy the freedom of speech on talk radio. Read more about it here.
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An exposition of Phil. 4:1-9.
Phil. 4:1 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Phil. 4:2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.
Phil. 4:3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Phil. 4:5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:8 ¶ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.
Phil. 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. (NASB)
1. Stand firm in the Lord (v.1)
Phil. 4:1 THEREFORE, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Defection can catch us all off guard especially when panic sets in. Paul is communicating his great love for these believers in Philippi to keep on for the Lord. He was longing to see them whom he calls “my joy and crown.” He affectionately addresses them in light of Christ’s return and being citizens of heaven (3:20-21); even in light of those who had apostatized and were enemies of the cross “whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things” (3:19); the Apostle lovingly admonishes them to “stand firm in the Lord.”
This is what the Reformers refer to as the “perseverance of the saints.” Because we have been preserved in Christ, we may with confidence persevere for Christ. In Phil. 1:27, Paul states this same truth,
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”
This striving and endurance was evidenced by a “manner of life… worthy of the gospel of Christ” and “for the faith of the gospel.” If all Christians are under the influence of the gospel, then there would be fruit that would distinguish us from others. How we dress, what we say, our values and morals, the temperment of our homes, and places of employ, etc. – we illustrate to an unregenerate world that we are “new creatures” in the pedestrian things of living. Paul brings this home by practically pointing to an area of difficulty for us all – genuine Christian unity, service, and fellowship. He says, the manner of life lived worthy of the gospel will manifest itself “in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side” with other believers.
This is active citizenship in the City of God. It is the energy of the Christian faith producing faithful individuals keeping on (as D. M. Lloyd Jones would say) for the sake of the gospel. It is very important that Christians should frame their lives by what the Puritans would call, “the rules of the gospel.” And, to this end, we should study them, and know what they are.
Notice his admonishment is concluded with the same affection he begins this verse – “my beloved.” This is the heart of a true pastor; a genuine Christian—saying without fail the necessary admonition, but tempered with great charity of heart. Paul is writing this epistle from prison. He is in the midst of suffering for Christ Jesus as an “ambassador in chains.” Even his reputation and authority as an Apostle was being maligned in Philippi (1 Thess. 2:1-3). But he was not preoccupied with his own physical suffering or the destruction of his reputation, but only for their firm continual standing in the Lord.
Oh for men of God like that today to shepherd our churches and keep watch over our souls (Heb. 13:7, 17).
2. Live in harmony (v.2)
4:2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.
Euodia means “prosperous journey” and Syntyche means “pleasant acquaintance.” These two women had names to promote unity and victory in the faith, but instead, they were in conflict. So much so that the Apostle uses strong language “I urge you…” also translated, “I plead with” or “beseech you.” He is literally begging them in this strong word of encouragement to settle their differences and live in “the same mind” with one another.
Little is known about these women. But surely they must have had some position of visible authority or service within the church (possibly as deaconesses) that because of their dispute could do considerable damage within the church. Paul reminds them of the true foundation of Christian union – “harmony in the Lord.” Contentment in Christian fellowship should not be tainted by envy, jealously, undo friction, contentiousness or strife; and firmly rooted “in the Lord.” Servanthood governed by humility, in considering others more esteemed than oursleves, is the antidote for that which could disrupt genuine Christian fellowship and cause reproach in the body of Christ.
3. Keep eternity in view (v.3)
4:3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul uses one of my favorite terms in all of Scripture – “faithful yokefellow” (Geneva, KJV); here stated as “true companion.” The Greek suggests one whom Paul had great trust, affection and common bond in the ministry. It has been translated also as companion and partner as well. When Dr. MacArthur’s study bible was first released, he signed my copy “to a true yokefellow…” It brought tears to my eyes for I knew how undeserving I was and from where he was quoting. Yokefellow (yoked-together) is a rich term for it denotes an intimate partnership “in the cause of the gospel.” Can you think of “yokefellows” in your life; in your service to the Lord? I have been blessed with some great brothers to serve with in the ministry. I can honestly say, there is no greater depth of friendship I have ever known save with those whom I have labored with for the cause of Christ.
Paul doesn’t identify who this person is and to speculate would be foolish. But we do know this, he placed great confidence in this individual to “help these women” who also shared his struggle in the cause of the gospel. He entreated upon this one to help reconcile them in Christ–to mend the breach and cease the clashing. We are not immune from conflict even in the ministry are we? Sometimes great discord can come upon those mighty and mature in the faith such as with Paul and Barnabas (read Acts 15:37-39). Barnabas had invested heavily with the Apostle Paul in his early years in Christ defending him before the other apostles (Acts 9:27). But they parted company over the cowardice of John Mark and this dispute between them was so sharp and profound it could have ripped the church in two. Barnabas now had the daunting task of discipling John Mark. He must have done well, for at the end of Paul’s life, he told Timothy “…pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service” (2 Tim. 4:11b).
Paul (now resembling Barnabas) is urging reconciliation between Euodia and Syntyche because of eternity – “whose names are in the book of life.” This is good and practical wisdom. When we see other believers as those with whom we will spend eternity, then we will work to settle whatever differences there may be, though it may be painful and take some time. Grace in the end will prevail beloved, for “behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
4. Rejoice Always in Christ (v.4)
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
The Greek word for rejoice (chairete) was a familiar greeting in the early church. It carried the meaning of “the confidence God is in control.” That is the source of all our joy and rejoicing–God Himself. Suffering people especially need to know and be reminded that God is sovereign even over their trials. So when they greeted one another by saying “chairete”, they were reminded that the source of their rejoicing was not their sufferings, persecutions, trials—their environment–but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. As the old saying goes, “our Christian life is not determined by environment, but by relationship.”
This verse explodes with praise to the Lord in all things. “Rejoice in the Lord!” The well is deep for the adoration we have in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal in Him. He is our joy, our salvation, our life, our peace and our hope. We are complete in Him; He is all sufficient, all we need, lacking nothing.
And as if it were not enough, Paul invites them again to do so by saying, “again I will say, rejoice.” This is not a suggestion for happy living. It is the call for constant joy in the Lord. “For me to live is Christ…” – there is our joy. “And to die, gain” – there is our blessed hope. When Christ is our joy in our living; He will be our hope in our dying.
Oh beloved may we find our joy and rejoicing not in the transitory things of this world, but in the Lord. He is our contentment… amen?
“O Christian, never be proud of things that are so transient, injurious, and uncertain as the riches of this evil world! But set your heart on the true and durable riches of grace in Christ Jesus.” -ISAAC AMBROSE
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An exposition of Phil. 4:1-9.
Phil. 4:1 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Phil. 4:2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.
Phil. 4:3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Phil. 4:5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:8 ¶ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.
Phil. 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. (NASB)
1. Stand firm in the Lord (v.1)
Phil. 4:1 THEREFORE, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Defection can catch us all off guard especially when panic sets in. Paul is communicating his great love for these believers in Philippi to keep on for the Lord. He was longing to see them whom he calls “my joy and crown.” He affectionately addresses them in light of Christ’s return and being citizens of heaven (3:20-21); even in light of those who had apostatized and were enemies of the cross “whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things” (3:19); the Apostle lovingly admonishes them to “stand firm in the Lord.”
This is what the Reformers refer to as the “perseverance of the saints.” Because we have been preserved in Christ, we may with confidence persevere for Christ. In Phil. 1:27, Paul states this same truth,
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”
This striving and endurance was evidenced by a “manner of life… worthy of the gospel of Christ” and “for the faith of the gospel.” If all Christians are under the influence of the gospel, then there would be fruit that would distinguish us from others. How we dress, what we say, our values and morals, the temperment of our homes, and places of employ, etc. – we illustrate to an unregenerate world that we are “new creatures” in the pedestrian things of living. Paul brings this home by practically pointing to an area of difficulty for us all – genuine Christian unity, service, and fellowship. He says, the manner of life lived worthy of the gospel will manifest itself “in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side” with other believers.
This is active citizenship in the City of God. It is the energy of the Christian faith producing faithful individuals keeping on (as D. M. Lloyd Jones would say) for the sake of the gospel. It is very important that Christians should frame their lives by what the Puritans would call, “the rules of the gospel.” And, to this end, we should study them, and know what they are.
Notice his admonishment is concluded with the same affection he begins this verse – “my beloved.” This is the heart of a true pastor; a genuine Christian—saying without fail the necessary admonition, but tempered with great charity of heart. Paul is writing this epistle from prison. He is in the midst of suffering for Christ Jesus as an “ambassador in chains.” Even his reputation and authority as an Apostle was being maligned in Philippi (1 Thess. 2:1-3). But he was not preoccupied with his own physical suffering or the destruction of his reputation, but only for their firm continual standing in the Lord.
Oh for men of God like that today to shepherd our churches and keep watch over our souls (Heb. 13:7, 17).
2. Live in harmony (v.2)
4:2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.
Euodia means “prosperous journey” and Syntyche means “pleasant acquaintance.” These two women had names to promote unity and victory in the faith, but instead, they were in conflict. So much so that the Apostle uses strong language “I urge you…” also translated, “I plead with” or “beseech you.” He is literally begging them in this strong word of encouragement to settle their differences and live in “the same mind” with one another.
Little is known about these women. But surely they must have had some position of visible authority or service within the church (possibly as deaconesses) that because of their dispute could do considerable damage within the church. Paul reminds them of the true foundation of Christian union – “harmony in the Lord.” Contentment in Christian fellowship should not be tainted by envy, jealously, undo friction, contentiousness or strife; and firmly rooted “in the Lord.” Servanthood governed by humility, in considering others more esteemed than oursleves, is the antidote for that which could disrupt genuine Christian fellowship and cause reproach in the body of Christ.
3. Keep eternity in view (v.3)
4:3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul uses one of my favorite terms in all of Scripture – “faithful yokefellow” (Geneva, KJV); here stated as “true companion.” The Greek suggests one whom Paul had great trust, affection and common bond in the ministry. It has been translated also as companion and partner as well. When Dr. MacArthur’s study bible was first released, he signed my copy “to a true yokefellow…” It brought tears to my eyes for I knew how undeserving I was and from where he was quoting. Yokefellow (yoked-together) is a rich term for it denotes an intimate partnership “in the cause of the gospel.” Can you think of “yokefellows” in your life; in your service to the Lord? I have been blessed with some great brothers to serve with in the ministry. I can honestly say, there is no greater depth of friendship I have ever known save with those whom I have labored with for the cause of Christ.
Paul doesn’t identify who this person is and to speculate would be foolish. But we do know this, he placed great confidence in this individual to “help these women” who also shared his struggle in the cause of the gospel. He entreated upon this one to help reconcile them in Christ–to mend the breach and cease the clashing. We are not immune from conflict even in the ministry are we? Sometimes great discord can come upon those mighty and mature in the faith such as with Paul and Barnabas (read Acts 15:37-39). Barnabas had invested heavily with the Apostle Paul in his early years in Christ defending him before the other apostles (Acts 9:27). But they parted company over the cowardice of John Mark and this dispute between them was so sharp and profound it could have ripped the church in two. Barnabas now had the daunting task of discipling John Mark. He must have done well, for at the end of Paul’s life, he told Timothy “…pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service” (2 Tim. 4:11b).
Paul (now resembling Barnabas) is urging reconciliation between Euodia and Syntyche because of eternity – “whose names are in the book of life.” This is good and practical wisdom. When we see other believers as those with whom we will spend eternity, then we will work to settle whatever differences there may be, though it may be painful and take some time. Grace in the end will prevail beloved, for “behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
4. Rejoice Always in Christ (v.4)
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
The Greek word for rejoice (chairete) was a familiar greeting in the early church. It carried the meaning of “the confidence God is in control.” That is the source of all our joy and rejoicing–God Himself. Suffering people especially need to know and be reminded that God is sovereign even over their trials. So when they greeted one another by saying “chairete”, they were reminded that the source of their rejoicing was not their sufferings, persecutions, trials—their environment–but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. As the old saying goes, “our Christian life is not determined by environment, but by relationship.”
This verse explodes with praise to the Lord in all things. “Rejoice in the Lord!” The well is deep for the adoration we have in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal in Him. He is our joy, our salvation, our life, our peace and our hope. We are complete in Him; He is all sufficient, all we need, lacking nothing.
And as if it were not enough, Paul invites them again to do so by saying, “again I will say, rejoice.” This is not a suggestion for happy living. It is the call for constant joy in the Lord. “For me to live is Christ…” – there is our joy. “And to die, gain” – there is our blessed hope. When Christ is our joy in our living; He will be our hope in our dying.
Oh beloved may we find our joy and rejoicing not in the transitory things of this world, but in the Lord. He is our contentment… amen?
“O Christian, never be proud of things that are so transient, injurious, and uncertain as the riches of this evil world! But set your heart on the true and durable riches of grace in Christ Jesus.” -ISAAC AMBROSE
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A nebulous “gospel” of good deeds with a hopeful ”get out of Hell free” card and/or an evangelical purgatory.
*Cue Gary Wright*
Dream Weaver, I believe you can get me through the night;
Dream Weaver, I believe we can reach the morning light.
Fly me high through the starry skies;
Maybe to an astral plane.
Cross the highways of fantasy…
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DOWN WITH SOLA SCRIPTURA!
…because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11, NASB)
No Matter How Intelligent You Think You Are You Are Not In Control Of Being Deceived
It’s really pretty simple, the soteriology to come emerging: Christian Universalism (CU); but that said, it’s not:
the liberal anti-biblical form such as that associated with the unitarian universalists. Contrary to false charges from our critiques we do not teach that God forgives sin without the blood of Christ. We insist that only through faith in Christ may any be saved. We do not deny that there will be many who must first suffer the pains of hell before they ascent to heaven.
we simply deny that hell is of endless duration and that there is no possibility for repentace and receiving Christ for the lost in hell. Contrary to critical opinion, we hold to the plenary, verbal inspiration of Scripture. We teach that the Bible alone is the standard for all faith and practice. (Online source)
Apprising Ministries does note that this website referenced above is not, to the best of our knowledge, formally aligned with Emergence Christianity. Well, at least not for now. As we pointed out in Rob Bell And Christian Universalism CU is also sometimes called Universal Redemption (UR), or even Evangelical Universalism as Gregory MacDonald (a pseudonym) wrote in the 2006 book The Evangelical Universalist.
It; er, “he” even has a new work due out in the next year or so. Now the aforementioned site also refers us to an interesting post at Tentmaker.org called Tracing Universalist Thought…Through Church History… where we read:
Like a golden thread woven through the Bible, so runs the doctrine of the restoration of all things. While not immediately apparent, once visible, it stands out as a central doctrine of both Old and New Testaments. In the same way, universalist thought also runs like a stream throughout church history; sometimes flowing strong and clear, other times running mostly underground… (Online source)
We’ll return to this universalist stream of spiritual sewerage another time, but for our purposes here, I’ll only draw attention to the name Jurgen Moltmann (1926- ), which is found next to last in the column running down the left side of the page cited above. As we click on his name we’re taken to an interview where, among other things, Moltmann is asked:
How is hell considered, if at all, in your theology of hope?
I believe in Christ’s Descent to hell. He came back and declared: “I have the keys to death and hell!” What does He do with these keys? He opens them up of course! When you think of hell, you should never think about it in the context of the question whether you yourself or someone else is going there,… (Online source)
Moltmann is also known for his “theology of hope,” a liberation theology; and based on the below, we can even see strains of it within the twisted teachings of e.g. Emerging Church icons Rob Bell and Shane Claiborne:
In the late 1960s a new approach to theology emerged… The Christian is to be seen as a “hoper,” who is impatient with evil and death in this present age. The church is seen as a disquieting entity, confronting society with all its human securities, empires, and contrived absolutes… The church awaits a coming city and, therefore, exposes all the cities made with hands. This form of theology exists in dialogue with other visions of the future, especially Marxism,…
Undoubtedly a central figure of this new theology is Jurgen Moltmann. The most influential work by Moltmann is his Theology of Hope, published in English in 1967… Eschatology is not to be seen as the last chapter in a theology textbook but the perspective from which all else is to be understood and given its proper meaning. For Moltmann eschatology is the key or central concept from which everything else in Christian thought is set…
The church is to be seen as the people of hope, experiencing hope in the God who is present in his promises. The coming kingdom gives the church a much broader vision of reality than a “merely” private vision of personal salvation. The church is to contest all the barriers that have been constructed by man for security;… (Online source)
So we shouldn’t really be surprised to find that Moltmann is essentially a Christian universalist, nor should it come as any real shock when I tell you that he’s also a darling of the Emergent Church. In his new book The Emergent Church: Undefining Christianity Bob DeWaay tells us about his meeting with Emergence Christianity theologian “Tony Jones of the Emergent Village.”
DeWaay explains that “the goal” was to attempt “setting up another debate”, which would have been similar to the one he’d done already done with Jones’ Emergence Church pastor Doug Pagitt. However, DeWaay then informs us:
It turned out that [Emergent Village] did not want another debate, but Jones offered to answer any of my questions about Emergent. I respomded by email asking abut Stanley Grenz, Wolfhart Pannenberg, LeRon Shults, and Jürgen Moltmann and their influence on Emergent theology.
Jones replied that Grenz (who,…praises the theologies of both Pannenberg and Moltmann) was influential and that Jones himself was studying under a professor named Miroslav Volf who had studied under Moltmann. Also, he helped me with his comment that their hope-filled belief generally leads them to reject eschatologies that “preach a disasterous end to the cosmos.” (16, 17)
Now we consider the following entry at the Emergent Village blog concerning an upcoming September 2009 event:
In what has become the hallmark event of Emergent Village, JoPa Productions is thrilled to welcome Jürgen Moltmann as the dialogue partner for the 2009 Emergent Theological Conversation. Moltmann, one of the premier theologians of the 20th century, is known as the “theologian of hope.” This will be a unique opportunity to sit in conversation with a renowned theologian who has shaped the theological landscape. (Online source)
As we can also see in his post Fuller Seminary Offers D.Min. Credit… at his Beliefnet blog Tony Jones, “professor of record” for Fuller Cesspool at this event, is pretty excited about it all as well. And watching the slide down further away from anything resembling orthodoxy by Tony Jones is a very good indicator of just where this Emergence rebellion against Sola Scriptura—with their growing deceptions—is headed in their mystic man-love: “All-ee; all-ee, in free—everybody’s going to be saved!”
So now you have a better idea what Rob Bell means when he says it’s our “duty” to “hope and long and pray for somehow everybody to be reconciled to God” (Online source). It won’t be long before other notables in Emergence Christianity finally come out of their CU closets and publicly join Spencer Burke. But Jesus would say to you — “Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14).
See also:
ROB BELL SAYS “ALL-EE IN FREE…ALMOST”
HEAVEN AND HELL COME TO EARTH FOR ROB BELL
DOUG PAGITT AND CHRISTIAN UNIVERSALISM
PASTOR CHAD HOLTZ EXPLAINING CHRISTIAN UNIVERSALISM
SPENCER BURKE: I’M A UNIVERSALIST WHO BELIEVES IN HELL
RICHARD ROHR: ROMAN CATHOLICISM AND CHRISTIAN UNIVERSALISM
IF YOU TRULY LOVE “JESUS” THERE ARE NO BOUNDARIES FOR THE “CHRIST-FOLLOWERS”
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While members of the media are prostrated in their adoration of Barack Obama at his 100 days in office, it is good to review exactly what he has done on the most essential issue of all–human life. Jill Stanek, the nurse who once held a dying baby who survived a surgical abortion in Barack Obama’s state of Illinois, has listed in detail just what Barack Obama has done in the last 100, blood-soaked days. To all those evangelicals who voted for this man and who gushed about the historic significance of his Presidency, the blood of these children is on your hands as well.
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The Covenant Theology blog has a new post about Driscoll’s take on Song of Solomon. There are a growing number of voices that are publicly objecting to Driscoll’s teachings and handling of this book of the Bible.
