Piper in a gang?

Do I need to say anything?

Practical Principles

I all too often hear from people such things as: "Why study the Old Testament (or NT) so closely, it just isn't practical." or "Theology is boring because it isn't practical." When I hear these remarks I often wonder how people do not get that all theological/biblical study is practical. So when I came across this quote I was floored by the honesty and the tremendous degree of the author's ability to articulate what I often think in response to the preceding comments. So for all of you who always want 'practical.' Think about this and may you realize the truths of this statement.

“All the doctrines of the Gospel are practical principles. The word of God was not written, the Son of God was not incarnate, the Spirit of God was not given, only that Christians might obtain right views, and possess just notions. Religion is something more than mere correctness of intellect, justness of conception, and exactness of judgment. It is a life-giving principle. It must be infused into the habit as well as govern in the understanding; it must regulate the will as well as direct the creed. It must not only cast the opinions into a right frame, but the heart into a new mould. It is a transforming as well as a penetrating principle. It changes the tastes, gives activity to the inclinations, and, together with a new heart, produces a new life.”

- Hannah More, Practical Piety

When an Atheist is Impatient with Liberals

A friend emailed this and I found it interesting. The following quote from Michael Ruse’s article Why I Think the New Atheists are a Bloody Disaster. Turns out it’s sometimes easier to have intellectual integrity as an atheist than a liberal or emergent “Christian”.

I often refer to myself as a very conservative non-believer, meaning that I take seriously my non-belief and I think others should do (and often don’t). If someone goes to the Episcopal Church for social or family reasons, or because they love the music or ceremonies, I have no trouble with that. Had I married a fellow Quaker, I might still be going to Quaker meetings. But I have little time for someone who denies the central dogmas of Christianity and still claims to be a Christian, except in a social sense. No God, no Jesus as His son, no resurrection, no eternal life – no Christianity.

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