Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Rodolfo Vieira Srour - "Caçador dos Faixas Pretas"

Translated as "the Black Belt Hunter" Vieira earned the title as a brown belt, he won several bouts against black belts in competition. He is also a Grappling Fight Team (GFT formerly the Gama Filho University Team) "absolute" standout who is also known as "the Passing Machine."

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Liberalism & Fundamentalism

According to Dr. Bruce Shelley, the "hallmarks of liberal theology" (emphasizing "modern thought" and "Christian experience") are: 1. the evolutionary philosophy applied to religion 2. the optimistic view of man centering in his religious experience 3. the moralistic conception of God, who can so readily be "found" by man Then there are the marks of "early fundamentalism" (emphasizing the authority of Scripture): 1. a supernatural Jesus attested by his resurrection from the dea 2. a trustworthy Bible, the foundation of the Christian faith 3. the need of men to have "a new face upon life" What great joy it is to discover . . . and great disappointment . . . that history really does repeat itself!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Saturday, November 10, 2012

The Nature of God's Word

". . . it's not about information or inspiration but revelation . . ." (Todd Proctor, Lead Pastor @Rockharbor Church in the OC). This was a short snippet of Todd's introduction of Francis Chan at the Multiply Conference hosted by the Church at Brook Hills (David Platt). We read of this reality of the nature of God's Word in Romans 10.17 "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."

What makes a reformer? (and memories of "The Doctor")

Iain Hamish Murray interviewed by Mark Dever offers several insights regarding the pastoral call and his favorite topic "The Doctor." Clike here for the interview.

Friday, November 09, 2012

The Christian's Duty Post-Presidential Election

"1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2.1-2 NIV '84). The Resurgence has a great article discussing "Was Jesus a Democrat or Republican?" ~ check it out here.

Friday, November 02, 2012

Stare at Jesus not at Porn

BJ Stockman in his article "9 Ways to Fight the Temptation of Pornography" over at Resurgence offers the following insightful encouragement as #8 in his list: Trying harder and harder to stop looking at porn isn’t the way to stop looking at porn—you must look somewhere else, namely, the person of Jesus Christ. Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:18 writes, "And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." True inward change comes from beholding Jesus not from not looking at porn. As it has been said, what you behold you become, or as biblical theologian Greg Beale puts it, you become what you worship. Look at porn and become a person controlled by lust and idolatry or look at Jesus and become a glorious and whole human being that reflects the beauty and glory of God.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Romo You 'Da Mang!

World Champs . . . again! My home and native land! Go San Francisco Giants!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Doctrinal Indifference

In his article "Christianity, Liberalism and the New Evangelicalism" WTS Church History Professor Carl Trueman reflects upon J. Gresham Machen's words of wisdom and warns us that "doctrinal indifference is the handmaiden of theological liberalism." Trueman writes, "The lessons from Machen’s discussion of the importance of doctrine for the contemporary evangelical situation are quite clear: doctrinal indifferentism -- that attitude which regards the individual’s or church’s experience of Christ as essentially separable from, more important than, or even opposed to, a clear understanding of his person and work -- is a sure sign both of an incipient theological liberalism and something which has little or nothing to do with the tradition of historic, orthodox Christianity." How many times have I heard from well-intentioned folk "none of this stuff matters so long as the gospel is preached . . . right?" Therein lies the problem, a deficiency of the value of coherence as applied to doctrine (or systematic theology - not only do they not get it but they don't think it matters . . . so much for "the whole counsel of God's word").

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Parenting Advice for Pastors

"Raise your children NOT for the congregation's approval BUT raise them for the LORD" ~ Kent Hughes. Go here for the entire discussion between Josh Harris, Voddie Baucham & Kent Hughes.

Operational Security - A costly leadership lesson from the White House

Speaking the truth in wisdom is quite different than speaking the truth out of idealism. What is the final cost of progressive idealism? Honorable versus dishonorable disclosure? Is it possible?

Friday, October 05, 2012

Soma - Missional Communities

Master Jedi "Tacoman" (not taco-man, but "one from Tacoma") Jeff Vanderstelt.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

As We Remember, Still Others Perish

To those who died as beacons for the freedom of Americans in Egypt and Libya, may God show mercy to their souls and grace to their loved ones. Godspeed to our "Gunslingers" . . . "Anytime, anyplace."

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Midianite Wisdom for Men?

"But select capable men from all the people - men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain - and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times . . ." (EX 18.21-22 NIV '84). Wise ancient counsel for biblical manhood which has stood the test of time. Yes, I can hear the nay sayers already "What?" Consider this "men who have the capacity to acknowledge the cosmic power structure (manspeak: "able to read the defence"), who fear God and submit to His spiritual authority also make godly husbands." Be capable (not incapable), God fearing (God honoring and respecting; not one who serves and worships the false gods of this world), trustworthy (versus a liar and cheat) and hate dishonest gain (not opportunistic and self-promoting) - a challenge towards "uncommon valor," go and do likewise.

Thursday, August 02, 2012

"Hello, My Father Just Died"

The following is John Piper’s journal entry narrating his father’s death on Tuesday, March 6, 2007.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Theology & Friendship

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity" (Proverbs 17.17 NIV). How does one maintain cordial relationship while deep theological differences exist between friends? When two "friends" teach and preach conflicting theological systems, can they "really" continue to be friends? This was apparent during our recent denominational biennial gathering this past month. Underneath all of the positioning and "fronting" it became obvious that one group was going to "win." Despite all the tension and uneasiness of the conversations over "ordination of women" - the feminist language of freedom ironically came off quite oppressive to those who were culturally steeped in traditions of hierarchy and honor. But aside from the shame-based honorable acts and the guilt-based hopes of justice, nobody won this round. Even though the vote came down to a 60/40 split between the "yeas" & "nays" - we all walked away broken and defeated. Those who felt the exhilaration of victory walked past those who carried the despair of defeat. Hopefully after the smoke clears, some brave soul will walk the battlefield to care for the wounded and bury the dead with honor. Nothing is going to be the same, "the horse has left the barn" and the barn has burnt to the ground. God have mercy on us all.

Sunday, July 01, 2012

The Gospel in 2 Minutes

Trip Lee shares the gospel . . .

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

In-depth into the mind of the infamous BJJ Coach Jon Danaher

One of Renzo's blackbelts and one of the game's deepest thinkers . . . which makes him a deadly coach.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Ian and Larissa's Story

Don't Mirror Culture

In our home, popular culture has become interwoven within the fabric of our family . . . good or bad? For example, the morals, "lingo franca" and "songs of our soul" are shaped by the seismic cosmic powers of: - The Wiggles - Boo Bah (to a lesser extent "Teletubbies") - Dora the Explorer - Sid the Science Kid - Little Einsteins - Veggie Tales - Pocoyo - Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness - Star Wars Clone Wars - anything to do with "Power Rangers" or Lego Ninjago . . . God, you are much greater than I.

Saturday, May 05, 2012

R.I.P. MCA

You "Funky Monkey" thank you for making grade 8 so memorable!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Difference Between Capacity & Calling

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro does some high level coaching to pastors in this video segment from the latest Elephant Room:

The Difference Between Capacity & Calling

Monday, April 23, 2012

J. Sidlow Baxter's Prayer

The well-loved British pastor and author of "Explore the Book" . . . J. Sidlow Baxter . . . whose daily prayer was: What I give him, he takes. What he takes, he cleanses. What he cleanses, he fills. What he fills, he uses.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Operational Unit Diagrams

What if the US Army decided to go commando and lose the hierarchy and structure? For example, embrace some egalitarian, collaborative, cooperative ideation amongst soldiers? Simple answer: the army would be no more. Without a command structure, there would be chaos and a complete failure of mission. If this is just one foundational expectation we have of the organization in which we entrust the security of our nation and regions beyond our borders to . . . then why do we try to run everything "in house" and domestically differently? How does one go "missional" while not being "missional"?

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Rest in Peace JoePa

A great piece over at ESPN can be found here. On another note, next year Coach Harbaugh, it would've been epic to see you battle your brother . . . perhaps next year. Good run to my Niners!