20 Years later . . .

We must remember . . .  https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/tim-kellers-sermon-9-11/

"8 Reflections on Racism and Riots" by Brian Najapfour

Never Forget

The Bass Walk: Abraham Laboriel

Eric Johnson Presents 'Demon At the Door Heroin in Seattle' Recorded Jun...

A Legit Axeman ~ "Amen - Vinai T - Live In Seoul Korea 13/Dec/2018"

Damn!

RENZO GRACIE VS YUKI KONDO ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: REIGN OF KINGS

Judge Pirro on Being Shouted Down on 'The View': A 'Microcosm' of the Ha...

Fight ON!

"Undisturbed Places" - A Timelapse Film by Maciej Tomków

Undisturbed Places - A Timelapse Film from Maciej Tomków on Vimeo.

Soldier of Christ

"The Difference Between Calvinists and Arminians" by John Piper

Do we have the capacity or room for mysteries in our theology?  Which team is actually restricted and "boxed in"?

Big Wreck (Berklee's Version of a graduated Super Axe)

"There is a phony faith . . ."

"There is a phony faith that wants only escape from hell, but has no desire for Christ. That kind of faith does not save. It does not produce an eager expectation for Christ to come. In fact, it would rather that Christ not come for as long as possible, so that it can have as much of this world as possible." (John Piper)

Francis Chan on preaching/teaching

This article originally appeared in YouthWorker Journal's July 2015 issue. Francis Chan lays out a compelling yet biblically firm argument for humility, Spirit-reliance and hard work for those who are called to preach/teach God's Word.  He uses 7 questions as a guide when ministering God's Word.

Yuki Nakai ~ "The Father of BJJ in Japan"

Here is a great and insightful interview by Budo Jake with Sensei Yuki Nakai-san.  An amazing and thoughtful man.

"In Flanders Fields . . ."

Lest We Forget

Who or what supplies your work?

Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China, once said “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.”

"6489 ~ We remember"

Dub Nation!

Jocko Willink's Thoughts on Fighting

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL Commander.  The infamous SEAL Team 3's Commander of Task Unit Bruiser (most decorated unit ala Battle of Ramadi).  Good solid thoughts and advice.  IF you (the average Joe) really wanted the "most bang for your buck" (no pun intended), nothing beats a concealed carry weapon ~ "a gun trumps everything else."  Other than that in order of priority, BJJ is the best one to learn, after that "Western Boxing" then Muay Thai . . . wrestling . . . from there you can branch off to different forms of weapons training (e.g. sticks & knives).  Though he mentions Krav Maga, it is understood as "augmenting" one's foundational knowledge of fighting (no mention of Systema or Joe Son Do here).

"Justice or Christ?"

John Piper insightfully reminds us that simply "doing good" or "doing more good" is not enough, justice - in and of itself - cannot be the answer for only Christ provides a complete and sufficient response to injustice and evil.

"Treating people as they deserve is not a Christian life . . . we don't get justice in the gospel, God got justice in the gospel . . . We don't get justice in the gospel, we get grace . . . Christ will be known in the culture when we treat people better than they deserve not as they deserve."

Despite Injuries - Good Season

What a great team - solid season.  Looking forward to August.  "SEA-HAWKS!"

BJJ O.G. Dirty Dozen Black Belt Chris Haueter's JKD/BJJ Rant

Chris Haueter's JKD-fueled mindset driving this great discussion captured on video.  Who would've ever thought that all the secretive, Rio-nized, money-grabbing ideology would get booted by good old fashioned, American, free-market individualism?

We Will Always Remember

"Splash" by Ron Lennon & J.Wells

DUB city . . . 'Nuff Said

Perspectives on Preaching from the Giants

I have scoured countless books and resources for better helps and tips on preaching.  Some have argued that preaching could be best summed up as the explanation and application of Scripture.  This view would have differing camps rooted in differing degrees regarding the percentage that one might commit to explanation or application (e.g. 75% explanation & 25% application, 25% explanation & 75% application, or whatever).

The following are two different approaches suggested by two of my heroes . . . "giants" I call them.  Dr. John Piper and Dr. Timothy Keller offer their thoughts on how they approach the task of declaring the Word of God.  Both are good, both offer ideas that maintain their God-given giftedness and abilities, Piper strikes me as being dynamically dependent upon the Holy Spirit while Keller is thoughtfully careful in doing all the scholarly preparation required for a skillful delivery.  Both are faithful and devoted to Jesus the "craft of preaching" and also men of deep spiritual integrity and wisdom.

Piper offers his concise and weighty idea of "expository exultation" that echoes influences from the likes of Jonathan Edwards in a great snippet found over at Desiring God's site entitled "What I Mean by Preaching."

Keller, in his typical thought-out gospel-centric culturally engaging style suggests several points to how he approaches preaching.  In his TGC workshop "Preaching to the Heart [Affections]," Keller notes that effective preaching (to the affections) is cultural, affectionate, imaginative, specific, wonderous, and Christocentric.  Keller also draws much from his reading and understanding of Edwards in how he approaches the declaration of God's Word to God's people.

My Town Bringing It!

Axe Grinding like the Master . . . Dann Huff

Incredible playing by two fellow Huff aficionados . . .

UK's own Pete Sklaroff killing it with the perfect 80's track with his Huff-inspired leads.



The Italian tunes of Davide Guiso playing the unmistakable clean tone rhythm along with the tasteful lead.

A Helpful Video on Hermeneutics

In this day and age of relativistic, pluralistic consumerism, one may be tempted to interpret Scripture according to whatever and however they may see fit.  Do I read the Scripture allegorically, morally, literally, historically-theologically or even historical-redemptively?  I would argue for the last as this seems to be what the Lord also implies at the end of Luke's gospel (though both the last two seem to fit well within what might be considered "historical-redemptive").

Dr. Bryan Chapell gives a great explanation for the implications of the hermeneutic of Biblical theology in one's own study of Scripture and homiletics.  This is the Desiring God link with a short blurb on the subject.


The Preacher’s Game-Changer from Desiring God on Vimeo.

Insightful Introductory Words from Rev. A.R. Bernard for Dr. Ben Carson

In his introductory remarks before Dr. Ben Carson took the stage at the Rev. Al Sharpton-led National Action Network's annual convention in New York City, Rev. A.R. Bernard shared the following words:

"After 36 years of pastoring in New York City, I discovered there are four things God wants from a man: maturity, decisiveness, consistency and strength. After 43 years of marriage, I've discovered there are four things women want from a man: maturity, decisiveness, consistency and strength. I also discovered that the four things that men struggle with in life are: maturity, decisiveness, consistency and strength . . . But what I really discovered is that these are the qualities that people look for in a leader. Dr. Carson is one of those leaders."

(A.R. Bernard, pastor and founder of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY ~ incidentally an M.Div. graduate of Alliance Theological Seminary and also recipient of a Doctor of Divinity from ATS).

Eddie Bravo explains the Rubber Guard to Rickson Gracie

The Master is always learning, always growing and always absorbing whatever is useful. 

"Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water if you put water in the cup it becomes the cup and water can flow or it can crash" ( ~ Bruce Lee).

The Jewish Voices on Campus

". . . being against Israel is the cool thing to do . . ."

The liberal western worldview and its increasing reality of anti-Semitism that seems to parallel - to a lesser degree - its other growing hatred and animosity towards Christianity. 

". . . being against Christianity is also another cool thing to do . . ."

"5 Common Myths About the Great Commission"

This is a great article posted over at Verge written by JS Shaw.  Some great quotables include:

• "Living your life with others is a part of making disciples, but without intentional proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel, just doing life with others will not alone lead to making and multiplying disciples."
• "The difference between convert making and disciple making is crucial. Converts change religions. Disciples change masters. Converts follow a system. Disciples follow a Person. Converts build Christendom. Disciples build the Kingdom of God. Converts embrace rituals. Disciples embrace a way of life. Converts love the command to “baptize them” in the Great Commission, but that is all. Disciples baptize others but only in context of “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” Converts love conversion. Disciples love transformation."
• "Cultural Christians love to sing the praises of disciple makers while simultaneously avoiding, through the most crafty cop-outs, personal obedience to the Great Commission. In other words, when it comes down to it, many view the Great Commission as merely great advice."

May we faithfully and obey the call to "go into all nations to make disciples of Christ."

Rob Bell and Andrew Wilson // Homosexuality & The Bible // Unbelievable?

We will not forget . . .

Unconventional Wisdom

The Ministry of the Unnoticed

"Blessed are the poor in spirit . . ." (Matthew 5.3)

"In the Christian life, godly influence is never conscious of itself. If we are conscious of our influence, it ceases to have the genuine loveliness which is characteristic of the touch of Jesus. We always know when Jesus is at work because He produces in the commonplace something that is inspiring."

~ Oswald Chambers

Hannibal King & the Blackzilians

Christ in you, the hope of glory

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

(Ephesians 3.20-21 NIV)

By the wonderful grace of God, He has provided for us the life, the wisdom, the strength and the power of Christ.  There is nothing we can ever dream up, imagine or tweet about that will ever come close to the incomprehensible glory of Christ at work within our hearts and life.  To Him be the glory for ever and ever.

What's with style?

The past decade has seen this mushroomed infatuation with style and the appearance of "worship forms."  Dude, what's up the style?  Pastors with Nazi-youth hairdos and skinny jeans? (think Bronski Beat meets 80s skinhead with a wad of facial hair)  Say what?  Is this another over-reaction by the consumer-driven evangelical establishment of "herd mentality," Barna-dependent clergy?  I can't wait till this hipster thing blows over and folks enter rehab for silly tattoos they got "in the name of Jesus."

Bob Kauflin offers some insight regarding "style" ~ "what you win people with is what you generally win them to."  You are not Keller and you certainly don't want to be Driscoll, please stop the madness.  How sad would it be if the gospel was frozen in the 80s . . . and all your worship leaders dressed like Stryper?  Drop the act and be yourself . . . especially if the hipster within you is unwilling to release you from captivity.

Felipe Costa ~ Thoughts for the Underdog

As a BJJ Black Belt, Costa became one of the first Mundial Winners to win without ever winning any tournaments previous prior to becoming a Black Belt.  "There is hope for those other guys out there . . . stay safe, don't get hurt, and just don't give up."

Say what?

"When a man has lost his hair and is bald, he is clean" (Leviticus 13.40).

The better question is "Who is the church?"

"We are the church. It's not a what or event, it's a who or a people. "

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 1.9 NIV).

Jeff Vanderstelt offers a good reminder to us that "[the church] is the regenerate people of God, saved by the power of God for the purposes of God in this world."

Terra Vs. Glover

Caio Terra versus one of the all-time greats Paragon's very own Jeff "The Pipelayer" Glover.

Kron Gracie ~ The Legacy

Shawn Tubbs "Doing It"

Great playing from a session guy I've been following for over 20 years now (former SoCal boy now in Nashville).

We Will Never Forget

Discipleship Nuggets

"When a church has been built on a profession of faith, rather than faith that is rooted in obedience, being baptized doesn't change much" (Bill Hull's "The Disciple-Making Church" p.27).  Yet another nugget of wisdom reminding us of the "first importance" of the gospel ~ if understood properly, it not only informs the Christian but the church as well.

*The Life of Christian Holiness ~ as a Three-Legged Stool (ala Packer)

Earlier I likened the life of Christian holiness to a three-legged stool, in which the three legs were:

• D (doctrine: truth taken into the mind and heart to live by)
• E (experience: the conscientious pursuit and conscious enjoyment of fellowship with the Father and the Son)
• P (practice: in the sense of the specific and habitual response of obedience to the doctrinal truth one has received).

The point of the illustration was that a stool cannot stand on less than its three legs. In the absence of any one of them, the stool falls down. If one leg is larger or smaller than the other two, stability is lost, and the stool is in danger of tipping over as soon as any weight is put on it. So it is only when D, E, and P are balanced together in proper proportions that the spiritual life is solid and steady.

*Excerpt from "Rediscovering Holiness" by J. I. Packer (p. 57).

Which is better? "No de faixa" or the "Super Knot"?

BJJ enthusiasts everywhere swear that their method for tying a belt is the best . . . you decide.

The GB "No de Faixa":



The ATT method (3 ways):



Another guy with a partial "super knot":



The one and only "Rener Gracie" 3 variations/slices (ala "Super Knot"):

Why is there denominationalism?

Gary Thomas, in his book "Sacred Pathways," offers one response to this question "Why is there denominationalism?"

"Instead of learning from others, Christians have often chosen to segregate themselves by starting a new church whenever worship preferences diverge.  This segregation has erected denominational walls and impoverished many Christians.  Unless you happen to be born into just the right tradition, you're brought up to feed on somebody else's diet.  Unfortunately, some Christians have a tendency to question the legitimacy of any experience that may not particularly interest them.  Instead of saying, 'That's not for me,' they proclaim, "That shouldn't be for anybody.'"

The context of Thomas' point is that different people have different spiritual temperaments (ala Meyers Brigg) hence different people will experience God differently.  He also writes that "It would be simplistic to suggest that such differences were the sole or even primary cause of many church splits and denominations, but they did have some effect."  Interesting . . . interesting . . .

The Five Church Membership Vows of the OPC

The Five Membership Vows of the OPC (Orthodox Presbyterian Church)

1. Do you believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the Word of God, and its doctrine of salvation to be the perfect and only true doctrine of salvation?
2. Do you believe in one living and true God, in whom eternally there are three distinct persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – who are the same in being and equal in power and glory, and that Jesus Christ is God the Son, come in the flesh?
3. Do you confess that because of your sinfulness you abhor and humble yourself before God, that you repent of your sin, and that you trust for salvation not in yourself but in Jesus Christ alone?
4. Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your sovereign Lord, and do you promise that, in reliance on the grace of God, you will serve him with all that is in you, forsake the world, resist the devil, put to death your sinful deeds and desires, and lead a godly life?
5. Do you promise to participate faithfully in this church’s worship and service, to submit in the Lord to its government, and to heed its discipline, even in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life?

Apparently these are similar to those found in the PCA (Presbyterian Church of America).  Simple, concise and straight forward . . . wait there is no mention of infant baptism, does this mean I'm Presbyterian? =)

Responding to the Pluralist

Some argue for tolerance and a response which is more anti-intellectual/traditional to appease the modern skeptic schooled in pop culture . . . "In Christianity, however, the answer to bad theology can never be no theology. It must be good theology" Dr. Bruce L. Shelley (Church History in Plain Language, 3rd ed.).

Technique Conquers All

Caio Terra ("Kai-Ho Tay-Ha") is one of the new breed of the upper echelon postmodern BJJ champions . . . internet learning and all! From white belt to black belt in 3 years . . . AND the medals to boot! (some old BJJ guy is probably seriously pissed off right about here)

An Ideal And A Vision

"Where there is no vision (or revelation), the people are unrestrained" Proverbs 29.18 (NASB). According to Oswald Chambers, "There is a difference between an ideal and a vision. An ideal has no moral inspiration; a vision has." Therein lies the chasm between the idealistic motivations of a fallen humanity and the divine call to obedience from the righteous Most High God.

Dr. David Wells on "Barth & Evangelicals"

Here is Dr. David Wells offering some cautionary wisdom to evangelicals who love Barth . . .

"What Bible Should I Use?"

Three practical and insightful suggestions given by Dr. Bill Mounce:

1. Adopt one [translation] as your main Bible (e.g. NIV'84, NLT, HCSB, ESV, etc.)
2. When you are studying a passage, always check at least one other translation.  If your main Bible is dynamic, check with a formal translation, and vice versa
3. I enjoy checking a passage in several dynamic translations, telling myself that I am reading the translators' opinions of what the text means

Chris Kyle - RIP

Chris Kyle, believer, soldier, husband, father, hero - rest in peace.  You served your country well and made us proud to be Americans.  God's grace upon your family and loved ones.

http://www.thecraft.com/AboutUs.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/headlines/20130203-chris-kyle-record-holding-sniper-as-navy-seal-killed-in-double-slaying-at-erath-county-gun-range.ece

Tim Keller on "Discerning Calling"

1. AFFINITY: What "people needs" do I resonate with? Are your friends and community telling you to do it?
2. ABILITY: What are my abilities and deficiencies? Do you have the ability to do it?
3. OPPORTUNITY: Where does the community tell me I am needed? Is there the opportunity to do it?

Click here for the entire article.

Go Niners!

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."

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!

Luta Livre & BJJ ~ Milton Viera BTT

Introducing "Henry Akins" Rickson Blackbelt

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.

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.

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.

Romo You 'Da Mang!

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

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").

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?

Soma - Missional Communities

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

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."

Robson Moura Short Film ~ Stuart Cooper Films

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.

"Hello, My Father Just Died"

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

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.

The Gospel in 2 Minutes

Trip Lee shares the gospel . . .

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.

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.

R.I.P. MCA

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

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

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.

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"?

"Now Why This Fear" @ Worship God '11 (Sovereign Grace Music)

Phil Keaggy at the LTL singing "What a Day"

Phil Keaggy at the LTL from Lanier Theological Library on Vimeo.

Six Ways to Help People Pray

Six Ways to Help People Pray

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!

R.I.P. Heavy D

"Heavy Weight Luv-a . . ." Thank you for providing the background for all those hard times. Lord have mercy on your soul.

J.I. Packer on Why We Need Inerrancy

J.I. Packer on Why We Need Inerrancy

John Wesley's Three Kinds of Grace

God's Preparing, Accepting, and Sustaining Grace

God's grace is a wonderful gift to humankind. Grace is God's love freely offered to us. We do not do anything to "earn" it. Take a moment and reflect upon how you have experienced God's grace in your life. Jot some notes down, if you like, before reading the next paragraph.

Did you know that John Wesley believed that God provides us with three kinds of grace? He believed in:

- prevenient (preparing) grace
- accepting (justifying) grace
- sustaining (sanctifying) grace

God's prevenient grace is with us from birth, preparing us for new life in Christ. "Prevenient" means "comes before." Wesley did not believe that humanity was totally "depraved" but rather God places a little spark of divine grace within us which enables us to recognize and accept God's justifying grace. Preparing grace is "free in all for all," as Wesley used to say.

Today some call God's justifying grace "conversion" or being "born again." When we experience God's justifying grace, we come into that new life in Christ. Wesley believed that people have freedom of choice. We are free to accept or reject God's justifying grace. Wesley emphasized "Free Grace" saying:

The grace or love of God, whence cometh our salvation, is FREE IN ALL, and FREE FOR ALL.... It is free in all to whom it is given. It does not depend on any power or merit in man; no, not in any degree, neither in whole, nor in part. It does not in anywise depend either on the good works or righteousness of the receiver; not on anything he has done, or anything he is. It does not depend on his endeavors. It does not depend on his good tempers, or good desires, or good purposes and intentions; for all these flow from the free grace of God; they are the streams only, not the fountain. They are the fruits of free grace, and not the root. They are not the cause, but the effects of it.

Wesley believed that, after we have accepted God's grace, we are to move on in God's sustaining grace toward perfection. Wesley believed the people could "fall from grace" or "backslide." We cannot just sit on our laurels, so to speak, and claim God's salvation and then do nothing. We are to participate in the what Wesley called "the means of grace" and to continue to grow in Christian life.

Some Christians tend to focus on God's justifying grace, but Wesley asserted that the Christian walk does not stop with acceptance of new life in Christ. Wesley said in his sermon, "On Repentance of Believers":

It is generally supposed, that repentance and faith are only the gate of religion; that they are necessary only at the beginning of our Christian course, when we are setting out in the way to the kingdom.... And this is undoubtedly true, that there is a repentance and a faith, which are, more especially, necessary at the beginning: a repentance, which is a conviction of our utter sinfulness, and guiltiness, and helplessness.... But, notwithstanding this, there is also a repentance and a faith (taking the words in another sense, a sense not quite the same, nor yet entirely different) which are requisite after we have "believed the gospel;" yea, and in every subsequent stage of our Christian course, or we cannot "run the race which is set before us." And this repentance and faith are full as necessary, in order to our continuance and growth in grace, as the former faith and repentance were, in order to our entering into the kingdom of God.

This article was originally posted here.

Bloodlines Documentary with John Piper

Bloodlines Documentary with John Piper from Crossway on Vimeo.

Silly but Useful Clichés

"Couples who pray together, stay together"

As opposed to couples who don't cultivate a spiritual life that places Jesus at the center - of their affections which in turn informs their attitudes, behaviors and actions. "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2.42 NIV84).

"Couples who serve together, grow together"

The dynamic which results enables the other to appreciate and appropriately position themselves based on the observation of the gifts, skills and passions of the other - sanctified service. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (MK 10.45 NIV84)

"Good roots produce good fruits"

As Jesus often said, "you have heard it said, but truly I tell you . . ." Affections which make much of Jesus express and display themselves in the same manner as healthy plants bearing fruit. Too often, we chase the fruit without considering the reason or cause behind it. "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit" (MT 7.18 NIV84).

I Will Never Forget . . .

Nailing the Essentials

Driscoll weighs in on the the essentials and non-essentials . . . (@The Elephant Room)

Nailing the Essentials