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.