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2013 & Beyond

January 2, 2013 by Jason

Prognostication tends to be tricky business; only the foolhardy need apply.  I often speculate which current trends will stand the test of time, and which innovations or events will be considered truly historic.  Sadly history is rarely acknowledged as it is being made, and is only recognized in hindsight for what it is.  Therefore, seeing as how today marks the delineation between the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013, it seems only fitting to look back on the year that was and prognosticate.  What might the history books have to say about 2012?

Although I would love to try and summarize the past year, that would be more than a bit ambitious for a single post.  When it comes to history there are many areas of potential study, as well as many perspectives.  For the sake of this article I am going to limit my attention to church history from the North American perspective.  So how will history judge the North American church of 2012?

Historically a right understanding of Soteriology, as well as the character and nature of God, were defining factors in determining orthodoxy.  Epistles were written and counsels were called over such issues.  I believe it would be fair to say that church history demonstrates how much of a premium was placed on defining and protecting the central truths of Christianity.  However, if the North American church were to continue on its present trajectory I believe history will record 2012 as the birth of the movement to relegate core doctrines of the Christian faith to secondary issue status.

What would lead me to this conclusion?  Well, 2012 was a year that saw influential church leaders make questionable decisions and take ill advised actions that both helped legitimize known heresies and undermine core Christian doctrine.  I wouldn’t blame you if you missed the particular incidents I am referring to.  For the most part they were not exactly the type of events that mainstream media covers.  However, those of you who can guess which instances I am referring to, you too likely sensed that what you were witnessing was a fundamental change in thinking.

The first event, and that is what it was billed as, was the Elephant Room 2 (ER2) conference.  I am sure it was never the intention of James MacDonald or Mark Driscoll to short sell the gospel or to legitimize a known heresy, but to some extent that is what happened.  How exactly could this occur?  Well, this came about when they invited T. D. Jakes, a well-known modalist and prosperity gospel preacher, to participate and be a fellow contributor to the Elephant Room conversation.

Without rehashing the entire controversy, I will say that although ER2 did little to clarify Jakes’ Trinitarian beliefs, it did send the evangelical world a pretty clear message.  What exactly was that message?  The church is willing to allow relationship and ecumenism to trump issues of truth and orthodoxy, even if the subject matter involves the very nature of God.  Influential church leaders treated Jakes as a fellow brother in Christ before, during, and after the ER2 conference.  At no point did the question of his orthodoxy appear to play a role in qualifying him to participate, nor did the persisting ambiguity of his Trinitarian beliefs disqualify him from further fellowship.   How this could happen isn’t difficult to understand when one simply reads the Elephant Room’s purpose statement:

… We must insist on the biblical Gospel, right doctrine and practice but not isolate ourselves from relationship even with those who believe much differently.

The second event took place during the recent US presidential campaign.  In Mitt Romney’s bid for the presidency he garnered many influential supporters, one of them being Billy Graham.  In a curiously timed about-face, the same week as he endorsed Romney for President Mormonism was removed from the Billy Graham website’s cult list.  This caught the attention of the media machine, and left Graham to explain both his decision and its timing.

So why should we find this bothersome?  The original reason why Mormonism was included on the list of cults was because their beliefs ran contrary to what the canonical Scriptures teach.  They might use similar language, but Mormons do not understand history, heaven, hell, God, man, or salvation the same way the Church has for the past two millennia.  Should we temper our criticism, or worse yet self-censor for the sake of a “higher” political agenda?  That is what appears to have happened.  Two messages were sent the day Mormonism was removed from Graham’s web site; one to the Church and one to the Mormons.  The Church heard political expedience and avoiding offence are more important than helping someone escape a false religion, and Mormons heard we are all playing on the same team.  Both messages are equally devastating.

Ultimately I hope these two examples are merely blips in an otherwise upward trend of contending for the truth. However, if in 2013 the North American church should continue in the same direction my prediction will become ever more probable. I really don’t know how many people give thought to the idea that they are creating the history that their ancestors will look back on. I wonder how different our culture would be if more people gave thought to how future generations might judge their choices. How different would our decisions be if we viewed things in light of history, legacy, and truth instead of through the lenses of immediacy?

Filed Under: Church Issues, Theology Tagged With: Billy Graham, Elephant Room 2, James MacDonald, Mark Driscoll, modalism, Trinity

Something For the Ladies

December 20, 2012 by Jason

My last post created quite a bit of controversy.  How exactly could a post about an awesome shirt create controversy?  The problem resides in the fact it is obviously such a testosterone infused manly man’s shirt no woman could wear it.  Not to worry ladies, I totally understand your plight.  I have heard your cries and I have found a solution.  I have discovered such an estrogen infused womanly woman’s shirt such that, if it was possible, the union between it and the Three Wolf tee would produce a vortex of awesomeness such that it could potentially consume the ENTIRE WORLD.  Gentlemen, if you are looking for the perfect gift for your lady this fine Christmas season, look no further.  Be sure to check out the reviews if you are unsure of the shirts power.   You can check it out here: The Mountain T-Shirt Unicorn Castle Tee

Filed Under: Funny

All I Want For Christmas

December 20, 2012 by Jason

My wife thinks that I am a difficult person to buy for.  I already have too many books (according to her), and the electronic gadgets I like are too expensive (according to her).  Well low and behold I have found the PERFECT gift.  All I want for Christmas is the Three Wolf Moon tee shirt.  So will you after reading all the product reviews.  If you are in need of an awesome  piece of clothing (wolves make everything awesome), or simply a good laugh, be sure to check out the reviews.  If you are looking for a gift for me, CLICK BELOW!  Hint…  Hint…

The Mountain Three Wolf Moon Short Sleeve Tee

Filed Under: Funny Tagged With: Three Wolf Moon

Arguments for Legalizing Marijuana

December 13, 2012 by Jason

If you have been paying attention to recent developments in the USA, one issue which may have caught your eye is the growing movement to legalize marijuana.  Yes sir, the push is on in many states to legalize both medical and recreational usage.  At the time of this post fourteen states have already decriminalized the usage of cannabis, while two states, Colorado and Washington, have outright legalized it.

Maybe this isn’t an issue that would typically pop up on your radar. I know for the most part, depending on your age and/or worldview, you may be unfamiliar with the key arguments touted by the grassroots (pun intended) legalization lobby. I typically work with young people, so this issue tends to pop up in conversation more often than I would probably like. The one consistent argument I have to deal with is the “seemingly” harmless impact of cannabis usage. The old “No One is Getting Hurt” defense is never a satisfying argument in any debate. Thanks to Steven Crowder, who with his usual wit and insight, pokes holes in this, and many other standard arguments used to justify the legalization of marijuana. Check out his video below.

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Filed Under: Church Issues, Funny, Politics Tagged With: cannabis, decriminalize, legalize, marijuana

Attributes of God: Omnipresence 2

December 12, 2012 by Jason

God’s omnipresence does present some interesting challenges, especially when we are faced with BIble verses which make it appear like God is “more present” in certain areas and “not present” in others (Gen 1:2, Psalm 33:13-14, Prov 15:29). Let’s face it, due to the limitations of our human understanding, the omnipresence of God appears to suffer from some apparent paradoxes.  A prime example of this apparent paradox is the presence or absence of God in Hell.  I can tell we are about to topple one of those “Sacred Cows” we hold dear, so hold on tight.

Most Christians understand Hell to be a place of both eternal torment and separation from God (Matt 25:41). If Hell includes eternal separation, one would think God can not be said to be present there. So how can God be omnipresent and yet be absent in one location? Do you see the problem we are facing?

If you look back to our definition of omnipresence (look here) you will find the solution to our apparent paradox. From our definition we see that God is not restricted by such things as time, space, or audience. God might be present everywhere, but He acts differently in different places. For example He can be present in the life of a sinner, leading them to repentance, while simultaneously being present in the life of a believer, assuring them of their salvation. This understanding will help us resolve our apparent paradox.

Could it be that God is present in Hell, but He is not there to bless the occupants?  Many times when the Bible speaks of God’s presence it is referring to his presence to bless (Psalm 16:11).  On the other hand, when the Bible refers to God removing his presence it is usually speaking of punishment (Isaiah 59:2,  2 Kings 17:18-23), and never the literal vacancy of his presence.  Therefore, when the scriptures refer to eternal separation from God it is really speaking of eternal punishment.  This seems to be backed up by Revelation 14:10-11, which tells us of the eternal torment of the wicked in the presence of the Lord.  Did you catch that?  The presence of the Lord means God isn’t absent from Hell, but rather He is present to pour out his wrath on the wicked.  His presence is indeed everywhere, but it is not necessarily everywhere to bless.

Likewise, we can use this knowledge to understand God’s “presence” in Heaven.  He is also in heaven, manifesting his love and blessings to a degree that we cannot even begin to comprehend.  It isn’t that God has chosen to locate “more” of himself in Heaven.  Rather, He has chosen to make his presence known in a “special way”, such that Heaven will be the focus of the manifestation of his character and glory.  Indeed, in Heaven God will manifest everything that his Word promises, other than His wrath.

In conclusion, we shouldn’t allow the complexity of God’s omnipresence to become a stumbling block in our faith.  Can someone wrap their mind around what it means for God to be omnipresent?  Likely not.  However, the fact our God is ever-present should excite worship in his children.  Ultimately the omnipresence of God will inform us of his greatness, highlight the love expressed in the incarnation, and serve as a source of comfort that He is always near to us.

 To Be Continued

More In The Series

1) Intro to the Attributes of God

2) Goodness of God

3) Omnipresence of God Part 1

5) Omniscience of God

6) Omnipotence of God

7) Freedom of God

8) Eternality of God

9) Infinite God

Filed Under: Theology Tagged With: God's Presence, Heaven, Hell

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