tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299554412012-01-29T19:08:10.800-05:00Life is tough...God is tougher. I'm a sinner...Christ is my savior.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-62948805016670109482007-12-10T10:28:00.000-05:002007-12-10T10:33:49.399-05:00

Sorry to the Blogger folks, but I've decided to my blog somewhere else. You can catch up and see my recent entries by clicking here.-Jason

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-40906782207242083372007-10-25T07:08:00.000-04:002007-10-25T07:28:41.730-04:00

This is an article in the latest Banner. When I first saw the headline, I was a bit irritated. When I started reading the article, I became even more irritated. I thought, this girl needs to get a grip and lighten up a little - it's just a joke. But then she said something that made me want to stand up, jump around, and shout "Amen, sister!" I like what she has to say - it's a message that

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-23897990176758270532007-10-13T07:22:00.000-04:002007-10-13T07:32:06.082-04:00

The final part of this paper: Q&A 58 and conclusion. If you what to go back and read the parts closer together, look for the links in the sidebar to the right. I've set up a special "box" just for this paper.______________________________Like Q&A 57, Q&A 58 also has its roots in the reality of physical death. Whereas the “resurrection of the body” provides us with comfort in the knowledge that

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-17468927961749866962007-10-10T07:55:00.000-04:002007-10-10T08:01:25.963-04:00

Part 6: Q&A 57...____________________________The central theme of the HC is comfort. I recently asked a group of middle school students what they thought the Catechism meant by the term “comfort.” As expected, the answers I received revolved around the idea of warmth, big blankets, good food, and puppies. But one bright student gave a particularly interesting answer: “feeling safe.”I found his

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-82372169273253894342007-10-09T15:48:00.000-04:002007-10-09T15:59:46.599-04:00

Sorry about the gap in posts. I had to bring my computer in for some repairs over the weekend. My computer is fixed, but I lost some files: everything related to the Taking Your Faith Next Door personal evangelism training event. I'm lucky in that I had printed out a hard copy of the latest revision of the training manual. So at least I don't have go back and do all the leg work from scratch. But

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-54943062698726796832007-10-02T06:08:00.000-04:002007-10-02T06:16:17.512-04:00

Here's Part 4: Q&A 55. Enjoy...---------------------------------------------------Right from the start, it is important to recognize that Q&A 55 absolutely cannot be considered apart from Q&A 54. Klooster addresses the relationship when he writes, “Further, these items are all interrelated, and it’s important to understand that the reference to ‘the communion of saints’ is intimately tied to the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-84974696682039607792007-09-30T15:58:00.000-04:002007-09-30T16:26:15.736-04:00

Here's Part 3 of this short series. This section deals with Q&A 54. This posts in this series will be significantly shorter than Part 2; however, the remaining posts should be understood in light of the previous on Q&A 53. I've tried to bring that out in each section._____________________________LORD’S DAY 20 left us with only a slight hint of the reliance of Q&A’s 54-58 on Q&A 53 for meaning.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-70292463228138537942007-09-26T11:40:00.000-04:002007-09-26T11:42:20.472-04:00

"If we can't talk about Jesus - our faith - among the community of faith, how can we expect to talk about Jesus with strangers."- Dr. Darwin Glassford

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-2793783360682019722007-09-25T06:50:00.000-04:002007-09-25T06:59:23.937-04:00

This is my section on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 53. Again, footnotes are in square brackets...for bibliographic info. you'll have to go back to yesterday's post.----------------------------------The “old” version of the HC begins its answer to Q 53 like this: “First, that He is true and co-eternal God with the Father and the Son.” In comparison, the current version (1975) reads much easier: “

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-75172198298460330842007-09-24T20:02:00.000-04:002007-09-24T20:08:49.110-04:00

A few of you know I've been working like crazy on a research paper for my Heidelberg Catechism class. I think I'm finally at a point where I can start to post it here. But be warned, the assignment was a minimum of 3000 words. So far, I'm just short of half-way and up to about 4200 words - what can I say...I like to be thorough. But don't worry, I've only posted the introduction here. I

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-82329593502129248632007-09-24T06:09:00.001-04:002007-09-24T06:12:56.289-04:00

I'm going to take the next few months to try and figure out whether I should or not go into church planting. I've been interested in it for a while - but I've felt a definite yes or no. The time is coming in which I need to make this decision if I'm going to do this when I graduate. Right now, I have my eye on downtown Portland...

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-78659226554769436052007-09-22T20:08:00.000-04:002007-09-22T20:15:37.692-04:00

Another paper...y'all are gunna get a lot of these from me the next few years. This one deals with some of my thoughts @ the teaching ministry of the church. Enjoy...There are a virtually unlimited number of ideas regarding the goal, shape, and context of educational ministry. Within our churches today, one can find formats ranging from the informal “coffee-shop” type discussion group to

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-43360122375630287192007-09-21T14:00:00.000-04:002007-09-21T14:03:55.730-04:00

I have just added the option for readers to sign-up and receive regular updates of my posts in your email Inbox. If you're interested in keeping up on what's running through my head, just type in your email address and follow the instructions. You'll begin receiving updates soon after.The sign-up box is on the right hand side of the screen, just below links to "Previous Posts."Enjoy!

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-13802742498726655712007-09-14T21:43:00.000-04:002007-09-14T21:44:45.097-04:00

"14 Things it Took Me Over 50 Years To Learn"by Dave Barry Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." People who want to share their

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-36447224404134673002007-09-12T10:13:00.001-04:002007-09-12T10:18:13.180-04:00

I opened my email this morning and noticed this in my junk-mail folder:The message that bothers me is the third one down: "Attract More Visitors. Grow Your Church. Reach 1,000..." I've talked to a lot of people over the years that would see a message like that and think to themselves, "Alright! That's exactly what I've been looking for!" and click on the message to hear someone's latest "10-

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-31312308269479268602007-09-08T19:19:00.000-04:002007-09-08T19:30:00.828-04:00

This is a paper I wrote for my CRC History class. The assignment was two-fold: (1) Where is the Belgic Confession do you find signs of its historical context? (2) Compare the contexts of the Belgic Confession and Canons of Dort.Happy reading...PART ONEA historical document of any sort should never be studied apart from its historical context. Although many documents do maintain intrinsic value,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-5964934471790740932007-09-02T09:14:00.001-04:002007-09-02T09:14:03.613-04:00

For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on.At COMDEX recently, Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If GM had kept up with the technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon."In response to Bill's comments,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-80524432118106585442007-08-30T20:01:00.001-04:002007-08-30T20:01:09.006-04:00

I had a realization today:When a 2-credit class requires 50-100 pages of reading and a paper due every week and you're taking 15 credits (mostly 3-credit classes) - life is going to really suck for the next 2 years.I have a headache...I need coffee...

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-76040232404337312832007-08-27T20:36:00.001-04:002007-08-27T20:36:39.519-04:00

I now consider myself the world's biggest idiot...Earlier today, my Mishaela and I were walking around the mall. We decided to go to Kay's Jewelers - not to buy anything, just to get our wedding rings cleaned. So we're sitting at the counter waiting for our rings to finish and making small-talk with the guy behind the counter. We mention that we just moved here (I'm beginning to notice that

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-28101289629408280082007-08-26T09:25:00.001-04:002007-08-26T09:27:36.693-04:00

The apparent lack of qualified or strong pastoral leaders in the CRC has been a hot topic lately. Churches are struggling to bring energy and enthusiasm back into their ministries and the brunt of the blame is being placed upon the leadership - or lack thereof - of the pastoral staff. Duane Kelderman, Vice-President of Administration @ CTS, has an article in the Sept. Banner entitled "

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-71512959534659471692007-08-25T08:49:00.001-04:002007-08-25T08:49:16.929-04:00

The other day, I was sitting at Starbucks when I truck up a conversation with an employee. We got on the topic of where we came from (Portland, OR) when a man sitting across the way joined in. He was originally from Southern CA, lived for a while in San Francisco, Florida, then eventually ended up in Muskegon, MI. Although a painter by trade, we caught up to him while in the middle of a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-27251606377556201932007-08-19T08:15:00.000-04:002007-08-19T08:41:40.635-04:00

We've been attending a near-by church the past few weeks - so far we've enjoyed it, but have yet to make a decision on whether we're going to make it our new church home. The people are great - mostly retired folk - and possess a tremendous amount of passion for reaching out to the neighborhood and revitalizing their shrinking congregation.A few things that have stood out to me so far:An elder

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-55901371571237877242007-08-04T08:45:00.000-04:002007-08-04T09:44:18.484-04:00

Idaho SunsetIdaho SunriseOooh...ugly Wyoming hill. Will Buttercup make it? Yup she did.More rocks in WyomingThis is NebraskaIowa.....our corn is better than Nebraska's cornAt the Mississippi RiverOur new Michigan homeAnd heeeeeer's Buttercup! She made it to her new home!

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-764043801802579132007-07-27T23:03:00.000-04:002007-07-27T23:29:19.572-04:00

I've been absent from the blogosphere for a while. The past few weeks have been pretty hectic for us. We've been in the process of moving from Portland to GR. Tonight, we're staying in Laramie, WY. I've talked to many people who have said that they find WY rather boring. I for for one, have thought the opposite. Perhaps I'm the perpetual optimist, but I've found something about Idaho, Utah,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-62580434292723424552007-07-03T14:17:00.000-04:002007-07-03T14:31:50.966-04:00

I found this interesting and containing some pretty big implications for postmodern ministry.Enjoy!Thirteen Paradigm Shifts we encountered doing Christian ministry in a pagan environment...1. Other People Exist: Simply coming to the understanding that the world does not revolve around “me” but that everybody is having an experience, created by God, loved by God, and that we needed to repent of

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-311128587062120262007-06-27T20:15:00.000-04:002007-06-27T20:16:50.343-04:00

It's old...but it's frikin' hillarious!!! I had to put it up. Enjoy!

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-12243777916058184602007-06-27T17:40:00.000-04:002007-06-27T17:50:32.507-04:00

Traditional Christian apologetics and theology begins with Prolegomena – literally, the study of first things. Prolegomena begins with a number of definitions of major theological terms, eventually moving toward the theology of Scripture. Naturally, this seems to be the logical place to start when defending the Christian faith: orthodox faith is founded firmly on the truth of sola scriptura.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-103587001237952472007-06-23T19:14:00.000-04:002007-06-23T19:50:35.661-04:00

A while back I began work on what was intended to be a seven part series entitled "Christian Thoughts on the Non-Christian Mind." The series was intended to be sort of a brief summary or outline of how I would suggest one might go about discipling/evangelizing an unbelieving postmodern.There are a number of unique issues postmodern ministry and evangelism entail. For example, the typical

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-69961838732266366582007-06-23T11:35:00.000-04:002007-06-27T17:52:36.258-04:00

This is an article I found on Credenda.org dealing with repentence and accepting discipline. I found it interesting. Im a bit uncomfortable with ne of the examples the uthor uses, but overall, I like the point. AS a side note, I'm not entirely sure what to make of Credenda Agenda yet. I first heard about it from a guy who I would consider to be rather fundamentalist Reformed. For he time

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-4591851443934833972007-06-22T10:16:00.000-04:002007-06-22T11:36:20.578-04:00

Ephesians 4:1-2As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a lie worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.The CRC has long emphasized the importance of unity within it's ministry. In recent years that emphasis has shown itself most frequently within the battle over women in church office (WICO). Unity is a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-50024901369889435562007-06-21T17:02:00.000-04:002007-06-21T17:07:47.927-04:00

In case you haven’t noticed, postmodernism has been the topic on the front of my mind lately. I’m not sure I can say exactly why, it just has. When I look at American society today and where I see it heading, I see postmodern ministry taking a front seat in the church. Understandably, that makes a lot of people nervous. So I thought, perhaps I can make a few comments to help (hopefully)

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-44359027352792775232007-06-18T18:09:00.001-04:002007-06-18T18:15:55.317-04:00

I'm on a roll today...this is number three. That just means my brain is working overtime right now. But that's okay. I've been thinking really hard about something the past few days. I'm beginning to get a little bit of attention regarding the Taking Your Faith Next Door evangelism training event. Although I currently have a few non-Christian friends that I regularly talk to and hang out

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-76237886473908555732007-06-18T09:24:00.000-04:002007-06-18T16:47:09.348-04:00

Jonah is one of my favorite books. The story of a chosen prophet of YHWH running away from a God he knows he cannot escape responates well within my thoughts and feelings. I spent the frst weekend of June in Ripon, CA leading a seminar on personal evangelism and preaching both services that Sunday. I went down expecting my morning sermon to have the most impact...but it was my evening sermon

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-16091716440137788412007-06-18T09:05:00.001-04:002007-06-23T11:44:19.598-04:00

I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!I can only imagine. I can only imagine. Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-25268089445479719392007-06-18T00:25:00.000-04:002007-06-18T01:13:40.268-04:00

There's been alot going on with the CRCNA lately. Synod 2007 just wrapped up this past Saturday...it was a memorable, historical occasion - even if I don't agree 100% with some of the decisions that were made. But in any case, it got me thinking...I see the CRCNA as a slightly confused group of believers. I see a church that desires desperately to reach the lost yet - on the large scale -

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-80856998829774618752007-06-13T11:17:00.000-04:002007-06-13T11:22:34.252-04:00

The CRC has entered a new era and made history last night, and again this morning. In a 5-hour debate regarding a revision to Church Order art. 3-a allowing women to serve in all officed of the church without any restrictions aside from those put into place by local congregations and classes, a suitable compromise was acheived that moderates like myself can stand behind. Undoubtly there are

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-47942869924973324432007-06-10T12:13:00.000-04:002007-06-10T12:16:15.377-04:00

Happy birthday to you,Happy birthday to you.Happy birthday dear CRC.Happy birthday to you.150 years! Wow...seems like just yesterday...Nothing left to look forward to except...uh...LOTS OF CHANGE!Enjoy...

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-58638891296057986082007-06-09T17:41:00.000-04:002007-06-09T18:03:37.170-04:00

The past few months I've been fulfilling a number of speaking requests to lead a seminar I developed entitled, "Taking Your Faith Next Door" (TYFND). Every time I've presented one of these events I've fielded some very interesting questions. Most recently (last week) I think I took the best questions yet: "How do you explain sin?"A little background info.:The person who asked this question was

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-64347431827133171002007-06-09T17:36:00.001-04:002007-06-09T17:39:12.670-04:00

Some topics I want to write on are the following:My thoughts on the current state of the CRCMy vision/dream for the future of the CRCPostmodernismPostmodernism and evangelism and apologeticsPresuppositionalism

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-16556010811972077182007-06-09T17:31:00.000-04:002007-06-09T17:33:18.702-04:00

I've been thinking alot lately about a couple topics:Postmodern ministryPostmodernism and evangelismPostmodern apologeticsWomen in church officeInteresting mix, I know... stay tuned for more ramblings.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-8000515313335898582007-03-31T19:29:00.000-04:002007-03-31T19:30:18.970-04:00

Is it on the horizon? I think we're overdue...I think there's a lot of potential in my generation to do some pretty great things. Only time will tell...

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-34734894248901279232007-03-29T21:24:00.000-04:002007-03-29T21:25:53.720-04:00

Well, it's official. I'm moving to "Mecca" (a.k.a. Grand Rapids, MI.)

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-20340405773021719942007-03-29T15:41:00.000-04:002007-03-29T15:54:04.739-04:00

Ecclesiology has a tremendous influence upon me and my ministry - upon the way I view life in the church and so on. Admittedly, ecclesiology may even have a rather unhealthy hold on me, causing everything about my convictions to be thrown a little out of whack. But I give it such a prominent place in my life because it's in the study of ecclesiology that we come to understand our purpose:

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-9604054598887280732007-03-28T11:31:00.000-04:002007-03-28T11:48:26.923-04:00

Here are some reader's comments regarding last month's The Banner. The Banner is a monthly publication of the CRC. Last month featured a number of rather controversial articles regarding the future of the CRC. I do not necessarily endorse the content of the articles, but I do support the intention behind them: Let's stop focusing on the superficial issues and deal with the real problems.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-28755777485894012932007-03-28T01:06:00.000-04:002007-03-28T01:13:19.171-04:00

Here's an email I received:Have you ever read Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down by (I think) Marva Dawn? I may have given it to you a few years back, or I may still have it here. I'll check before we come up. I am so concerned with the "dumbing down" of Christianity I see: the songs, the worship services, the Banner, etc. I was actually and truly weeping for our church a few weeks ago. (What this

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-23362347285685196732007-03-27T12:21:00.000-04:002007-03-27T12:22:09.864-04:00

"We want people to not come to church because of the truth of Scripture that we adhere to - not because of the way we "do" church." - Mark Driscoll"A Missional church understands what its like not to believe." - Tim Keller

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-9597426354883717532007-03-27T10:47:00.000-04:002007-03-27T11:09:41.421-04:00

This is a daily reading found in Dr. Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.'s book Beyond Doubt. It's a great devotional that my wife and I have really enjoyed reading through. It's divided up into 27 "questions" that Christians of all maturity levels ask. Each question has 5 readings, meant to be read one per day. The entry below is #115 falling under the question "What does the institutional church do?"

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-44682847976086610572007-03-25T12:41:00.000-04:002007-03-25T13:23:30.820-04:00

I was thinking in the shower this morning. That shouldn't surprise too many of you because I think alot, after which find myself sitting at my laptop typing out what I think on this blog. I was thinking about the impact postmodern philosophy has had on me and my faith.Many - what I would call - traditionalists reject the idea that someone can be both postmodern and Christian. TO be sure, the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-64504339197904164022007-03-24T15:43:00.000-04:002007-03-24T15:48:15.797-04:00

I've seen some really good beat-boxers in my day. In fact while I was in college, I knew a guy who was crowned "Best Beat-Boxer" at a national championship. That guy was amazing, doing things I didn't even think were possible. But the guy in this link puts him to shame. This guy in incredible. Perhaps the French really are capable of producing something worthwhile (j/k)...Awesome Beat-Boxer

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-6147253259433484702007-03-22T14:03:00.000-04:002007-03-22T14:38:28.975-04:00

Perhaps I'm too young to be thinking like this. Or maybe it's exactly what the CRC needs right now...I don't know. But what I do know is that it's worth getting this stuff out so it's not just building up inside of me like a bomb about to explode. Here goes...My vision for the CRCNA includes the following:Number One:The CRC needs to create a renewed focus on Home Missions in order to propel

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-44561574158658165222007-03-10T17:06:00.000-05:002007-03-10T17:39:34.168-05:00

I just re-read a book by the title How to Give Away Your Faith by Paul E. Little. I first read this book as part of an Evangelism and Church Growth class during my undergraduate studies at Northwest Christian College. It's always good to re-read books you originally read in college. I was struck by a number of things in this book that I don't remember having quite the same impact on me the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-91787715000829536892007-01-17T18:20:00.000-05:002007-01-17T19:00:46.261-05:00

I just got a roll of film developed that I took this past fall. These pictures were experimental as I was learning how to use a Minolta manual focus camera with various lenses and filters. I took these pictures primarily just wandering around downtown Portland, OR. I have a thing for architecture and often find angles, styles, shadows, etc. rather fascinating. The pictures I posted here are just

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-49806121146138537222007-01-16T20:06:00.000-05:002007-01-16T20:13:11.911-05:00

Here's some pictures my wife and I took around town today. It doesn't do this very often in Oregon; so when it does the camera comes out. Enjoy....

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-77782487899101450232007-01-11T00:40:00.000-05:002007-01-11T00:45:24.157-05:00

This is the coolest invention of all time. I want one...

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-47677049246527085882007-01-09T02:15:00.000-05:002007-01-09T02:17:24.962-05:00

I've come to the realization that a site dedicated to such a lofty topic is probably more than I can realistically tackle at this point in my life. I'd like to revisit at some point in the future, but in the meantime, it's time to retire the blog and free up some cyberspace for someone with a little more to say.So long TULIP...

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-6632321502546328572007-01-09T02:08:00.000-05:002007-01-09T02:14:28.812-05:00

I decided I needed to read the Bible more...that's a good thing to do. So I put it on my list.I also decided that with all the talk going around Calvin folk about N.T. Wright lately, maybe it's time I finally read Simply Christian. So I put that on my list too. Maybe I'll try to put some updates on here to keep everyone up to date on my thoughts regarding both. I think maybe that's a good

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Sorry y'all...it's been a while since a posted anything. And I've noticed that my blog has been getting a lot of attention lately. Since I've been facing a bit of a writter's block with my blog I'll post something a little different today: a sermon. This is a sermon I preached this past summer. It's probably my favorite to date (keep in mind I'm still in seminary and get the opportunity to

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-68617180320411902412006-12-26T00:28:00.000-05:002006-12-26T00:29:24.963-05:00

"God bless you, everyone!"Merry Christmas, ya'll.

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I've been thinking. That's usually dangerous in my case. Cause when I start thinking, I tend to say things that - in a moment of vulnerability - reveal just how broken and imperfecct I really am when it comes to my faith and understanding of God. Many of the pastors I have had the honor of serving alongside (and I do mean honor), believe that ministers should keep thier struggles, pitfalls,

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The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary: Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-57991877135604230962006-12-09T23:48:00.000-05:002006-12-09T23:58:19.719-05:00

Here's the books I hope to read over Christmas Break:I understand these books are a little unorthodox, especially for a ministry student. But they pique my interest. I plan to write regular posts regarding The Good Book. Stay tuned and happy reading.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-28751531477086564082006-12-09T12:44:00.000-05:002006-12-09T12:45:23.051-05:00

For about the last month, the apartment complex we live in has been under construction. The owners felt it was time to extensively remodel the exterior of our building. The remodeling has been a serious interruption for us. Mishaela is struggling to teach piano lessons despite the noise, and I am do everything I can think of to block out the noise and sight of a construction crew right outside

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Since science and faith are not mutually exclusive entities, we can, therefore move on to explain – using scientific principles – to show in what way the Bible is in fact authoritative and reliable. It is no secret that resistance – from a worldly perspective – to the validity of the Bible is grounded primarily in the above debate. By removing the skepticism and fuel of such a debate, the

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A common debate currently taking place – to be sure it has been around for at least a millennium – is the relationship between science and faith. There are those who believe that the two are inherently incompatible. Yet there are others – both Christian and otherwise – who believe that a suitable compromise can be reached in which the integrity of both is maintained. To a large degree where

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I find it particularly important that when considering how best to witness, disciple, and – in the most general sense – converse with the non-Christian, one must take into account, and if at all possible, “get into” the mind of the non-Christian. I believe that in our contemporary postmodern American context, this is of the utmost importance. The postmodern, non-Christian mind has set itself

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-68009237428145548612006-12-05T14:48:00.000-05:002006-12-05T15:17:18.733-05:00

Being as passionate as I am about evangelism - especially on the personal level - I've stuggled with this question for quite some time:How do you convince someone who rejects the authority and inerrancy of the Bible of the Bible's authority and inerrancy? Is it even possible?For the record, I believe very strongly that there is "extra-biblical" evidence for the Bible's authority - or bare

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-1657901187603581502006-12-04T10:32:00.000-05:002006-12-04T10:46:45.676-05:00

In an odd sort of way, I was struck yesterday by Luke's genealogy of Christ in Luke 3. While Vance was preaching on Luke 4, my mind was wandering around chapter 3. The note at the bottom of the page in my study Bible pointed out that Luke's genealogy and Matthew's genealogy differ in unexplicable ways. The leading "theory" is that Matt. focuses on the line of Joseph, while Luke focuses on the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-24779490947401557132006-12-03T11:26:00.000-05:002006-12-03T11:52:47.782-05:00

I've been thinking alot lately about the relationship between "Intellectualism" and "Practicality." This appears to be an ongoing debate that, from time to time, can get quite heated. I believe there to be some level of truth behind an assumption that the one's who yell the loudest against inteelectual pursuits in ministry preparation are those who are unable to cut it themselves. However,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-56689141198219587712006-12-01T17:54:00.000-05:002006-12-02T16:41:12.217-05:00

Quote:The Rev. George Vander Weit, pastor of Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, said it's unfair to label the church unbiblical because of changing interpretations of Scriptures. Those changes often are the result of faithful Bible study, he said. "These guys keep beating the women-in-office drum and use that as sort of the litmus test," he said. "Is (the ordination of

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-33115118739355784392006-12-01T17:30:00.001-05:002006-12-01T17:30:54.524-05:00

Check this out...it's funny!40 Things That Only Happen in Movies

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"The foundation of our philosophy [i.e. theology] is humility." - Crysostom"When a certain rhetorician was asked what was the chief rule in eloquence, he replied, 'Delivery'; what was the second rule, 'Delivery'; what was the third rule, 'Delivery'; so if you ask me concerning the precepts of the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-12644139011073672152006-11-23T23:06:00.000-05:002006-11-26T11:10:15.693-05:00

THANKSGIVING DAY 2006 November 16, 2006 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,A PROCLAMATION As Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for the many ways that our Nation and our people have been blessed.The Thanksgiving tradition dates back to the earliest days of our society, celebrated in decisive

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I was recently listening to a short podcast by Mark Driscoll. Driscoll was addressing the differences between an evangelistic church and a missional church. Here's the basic run-down: Evangelistic: A church that is actively engaged in evangelism, developing a ministry/ministries that is influenced and focused on the needs of the communityin order to attract people to the worship services. (

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-16537469324018135222006-11-10T16:38:00.000-05:002006-11-10T18:32:02.995-05:00

I'm not an expert in church-planting. I've never claimed to be one, nor am I doing so now. However, I have seen church-plants come and go, fail and succeed. I tend to think that I'm a little more in touch with modern Oregon culture than many of the church-planters I have personally been involved with. Again, that's not intended to be an insult - just an observation. I'm 26, I've been in

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-79582246209355466592006-09-12T20:06:00.000-04:002006-09-12T20:33:29.646-04:00

I'm currently teaching a Sunday school class on Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport, seen at the right. The chapter we're going to be covering this coming Sunday deals with labels. You may find that an odd subtopic for a book about Calvinism (then again, the books title is odd enough), but let me explain.When Mouw told a colleague that he was writing a book on Calvinism, the colleague suggested

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On days like today it's natural to reflect on your personal feelings and experiences when the act occurred. I'm no different.I got up that morning about 5:30 AM. I was working for my grandfather and uncle on the family farm. As I headed out about 6:00, the radio station I was listening to took a news break. When the DJ said a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center, the first thought

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-67004497599902787952006-09-10T09:54:00.000-04:002006-09-10T09:58:54.088-04:00

What if every member of a church were to begin praying through their church directory?...

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This week I decided to scratch an itch that's been irritating me for awhile. That itch has to do with putting T.U.L.I.P. into practice. I believe Calvinism to be a great theological system - obviously, since I adhere to it - however, I, as do many Calvinists, struggle with how to put this into practice. It is my hope to one day write a 5-book series on the topic that would entail a detailed

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I was thinking this morning about theology - not that that's anything our of the norm for me. But beyond that, I was thinking about the unnfortunate reality that so many Christian - myself included - become so caught up in their theology that they miss the most important thing: submission to Christ as Lord. There have been numerous occassions in my life in which I've debated with people over

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Those who know me know how worked up I can get when the discussion turns to the Church and it's relationship to society. However, this morning I just realized that I have yet to post anything about on this blog. So please humor me for a short time while I digress...My views of the Church are very closely tied to my self-impression of the sort of pastor I desire to be and intend to become. What

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-1155823005290229692006-08-17T09:13:00.000-04:002006-09-05T12:04:50.873-04:00

I just returned from "vacation" in California. While there, I had the opportunity to preach in my home church. Likewise, whenever I get together with my dad, I can always expect a rather lively theological debat. However, this past trip proved to be rather frustrating at best, worrisome as normalcy. Here's a few points that stood out to me:Women's OrdinationThe problem with this issue is that

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-1152571014107765722006-07-10T18:29:00.000-04:002006-07-10T18:36:54.120-04:00

The July issue of the Banner, a monthly magazine for the CRC, contained this article about the recent crop of ministers entering ordained ministry in the CRC. In so many ways, this editorial beautifully describes the very mindset and philosophy that I myself am embracing with regard to my own personal ministry. Thank God I'm not alone...because so often I feel as if I am. Happy reading...

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The Great Commission is so often misunderstood that churches will split and ministers will be released over the implementation of such passages. Here is where I more effectively describethe principles and interpretations that create the basis for my vision (perhaps motto) of ministry.The Great Commission states:Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29955441.post-1152046153509568632006-07-04T15:52:00.000-04:002006-07-04T16:50:37.536-04:00

There are two parts to my "vision."Great Commission ChristianGreat Commission ChurchI feel it may be necessary to break these two parts down and explain them more fully for someone to be able to understand the true nature of what I'm talking about.The aspect that I want to deal with first is the Great Commission Church. A Great Commission Church is a church that models itself and its ministry on

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I want to be a Great-Commission Christian developing Great-Commission Churches that grow Great Commission Christians. Is that too much to ask?All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded.-Matthew 28:18-20-(The Great Commission)

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I was writing my previous post when I realized that there is a significant amount of missing information that someone to whom I am fairly unfamiliar may find relatively helpful to understanding many of the thoughts, feelings, opinions, and other various statements I make in my posts. So here’s a brief – albeit belated – introduction to…me.I was raised in Ripon, CA, a small rural community in

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At the risk of sounding rather critical of all things "new," I want to offer a few thoughts on the growing popularity of multi-site churches.My most recent church post was with a church that was - and still is - attempting to become a multi-site congregation. Ultimately, I have no problems with any structure form a congregation may choose for itself. However, I do think that the specific way a

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I'm slowly reading The Bible Jesus Read by Phillip Yancy. When I say slowly, I mean slowly - I began it last August, and I'm still only about half-way through. In the Introduction, Yancy makes the comment: "I find the Old Testament to be, above all, realistic...The Old Testament portrays the world as it really is, no holds barred." This statement has stuck with me ever since the night I first

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Over the past few months of studying, preaching, ministering, and learning at Parklane CRC, I’ve really been struck by the frequency with which the Scriptures emphasize the importance of living a life consistent with your faith. That’s not to say that I never knew that to be a key biblical teaching (it’s hard to ignore the message of James 2:26), it’s just that I’ve never really taken the fact

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This is an article off of larknews.com; a favorite website of pastors, but a good laugh for anyone. Enjoy! COLORADO SPRINGS — Big names and big surprises converged before a nationwide audience at the 2006 Pastors Draft on April 27. "I've been waiting a long time for this," said Alvin DeWalt, 26, of Fuller Seminary, pacing his apartment in Pasadena and watching the draft on the Daystar

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Soccer Rocks! I'm really diggin the world cup this year. A little bummed the U.S. sucked it up, but hey! There's still England and Netherlands. Oleeeeee! Ole! Ole! Ole!

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Admittedly, have absolutely no way of confirming the legitimacy of these two letters…however, considering some of the other ridiculous things our government has done in the past, I wouldn’t put it past reality.Besides, a mentor from college once wrote a very similar letter regarding the changing of my school’s mascot in which he argued that we should have been called the Northwest Christian

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0