Happy Birthday Calvin

I know I am a little late in wishing on of the greatest theologians in the history of the church a happy 500th birthday.

There are many blogs which have attempted to do the same. So, I thought I would post the two that I thought were the best.
The first wins my affection for it's brevity and what I would say humor.
The original post can be read here on Charles Halton's blog-- Awilum.com, But, I will quote the entire thing:
"If you are not a fan of John Calvin, please forgive the shout out to my homeboy–it’s not my fault; I was predestined to write this post."

The second is one of the most honest and takes to task the idea of worshiping a man. It can be read here.

At the end of the day no matter what our opinion (and that is what most of us have) is concerning Calvin. We must say that God has greatly used this man and that Calvin has and continues to offer to mankind a great glimpse into the great things of God.

Christians banned from projects

Here's more news on the government violating the first amendment. Check out this excerpt from the story:

A Christian evangelical group that works to improve the lives of underprivileged children says it has been prohibited from conducting Bible study classes in public housing projects in Tulsa, Okla., potentially violating a Supreme Court ruling that upheld religious groups' right to the use of public institutions.

Read the rest here.

Quote from Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards, A Narrative of the Revival of Religion in New England

"There is not so much difference before God, between children and grown persons, as we are ready to imagine; we are all poor, ignorant, foolish babes in his sight. Our adult age does not bring us so much nearer to God as we are apt to think. God in this work has shown a remarkable regard to little children; never was there such a glorious work amongst persons in their childhood, as has been of late in New England."


Edwards' is speaking of the work of God toward children in the revivals of the First Great Awakening. However, I think his works also speak to adults of all ages who believe they are closer to God than those younger, and for that manner those who believe they are closer to God than those older.

J.E. Stewart

A Poem on the Incarnation

The following poem is an unpublished poem by D. A. Carson on the Incarnation of Christ. This post was originally found on Between Two Worlds.

The Prologue

Before there was a universe,

Before a star or planet,
When time had still not yet begun --

I scarcely understand it --
Th' eternal Word was with his God,

God's very Self-Expression;
Th' eternal Word was God himself --

And God had planned redemption.


The Word became our flesh and blood --

The stuff of his creation --
The Word was God, the Word was flesh,

Astounding incarnation!
But when he came to visit us,

We did not recognize him.
Although we owed him everything

We haughtily despised him.


In days gone by God showed himself

In grace and truth to Moses;
But in the Word of God made flesh

Their climax he discloses.
For grace and truth in fullness came

And showed the Father's glory
When Jesus donned our flesh and died:

This is the gospel story.


All who delighted in his name,

All those who did receive him,
All who by grace were born of God,

All who in truth believed him --
To them he gave a stunning right:

Becoming God's dear children!
Here will I stay in grateful trust;

Here will I fix my vision.


Before there was a universe,

Before a star or planet,
When time had still not yet begun --

I scarcely understand it --
Th' eternal Word was with his God,

God's very Self-Expression;
Th' eternal Word was God himself --

And God had planned redemption.

J. E. Stewart

Couple ordered to stop having Bible study in home

I couldn't believe what I was reading today. A California couple has a Bible study that meets in their home. They share a meal and hang out while discussing a passage. It happens all over the country every week. Apparently San Diego has had enough of this and has ordered this particular couple to cease and desist until they get a "permit." Check out the full story here. Please pass this story along. How much longer until it is illegal in this country to practice what the constitution guarantees to every American: Congress will make no law establishing a religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

mtf

What is one of the greatest downfall of ministers?

When I was young and held my first ministry position I was the most arrogant kid on the block. Somethings have changed but I still have to wage a daily battle against this most innate of human instincts. As I look back on the classes I had in my MDiv program I believe now that certain classes that I thought were impractical were actually saviors of my character. Before I go to far I must admit that I have not mastered the subject matter of these classes; however, I am aware of my weaknesses. The classes which hindsight has shown to be of great importance are: Interpersonal Relationships and Servant Leadership.

Why? Because I have learned that the biggest downfall of ministers is arrogance. Ministers who want to lead people and be followed must be willing to be servants or at the very least be willing to do what is not necessarily required of them. Arrogance is more than just an attitude of, thinking you are the best at X. Arrogance is also thinking (believing) that certain things are beneath your position. Which in essence is believing you are greater than you are.

I began to learn this lesson while teaching through 1 Peter. 1 Peter 5.5b states, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (cf. Prov 3.34). From this verse I began to realize that nothing could be worse than to have an infinitely powerful and holy God oppose me; and nothing could be better than to have this same wise God treat me graciously, and he only does this to the humble. I desire the grace of God because I know how sinful I am.

I never realized how distasteful arrogance was to people until I began to be in the presence of those who thought more highly of their self than any human should. One thing that is hard for me to understand is how can one claim self exaltation when they likewise claim to stand in the shadow of the cross where the Son of God exemplified the greatest act of humility. I will never understand this.

"True humility senses that humility is a gift beyond our reach. If humility is the product of reaching, then we will instinctively feel proud about our successful reach. Humility is the gift that receives all things as a gift. It is the fruit not of our achievement but of the Holy Spirit. It is the fruit of the gospel, knowing and feeling that we are desperate sinners and that Christ is a great and undeserved Savior" John Piper. Brothers We are Not Professionals. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2002), 166.

I say all of this to make the point that the two classes mentioned above were part of the purpose of God in my life. And before those who know me, are too quick to ridicule what I have written remember this: Humility is the one attribute that once claimed is thus forfeited. I have already said that I know I have not overcome this in my life. But, the one thing I have learned is, nothing is beneath me. At the end of the day I am a servant, a servant of Christ and his church.

J. E. Stewart

No Gay Gene?

So the American Psychological Association has finally admitted that there is no gay gene. Here's the excerpt from the APA's questionaire called "Answers to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality":

"There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation."

Here's a news story about it:

click here

Now for something interesting. Do a Google search and see if there are any major news networks covering this story.