Sons of the Reformation

That's Right I Own the Mavs!

2009-03-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

Yeah bet you didn't know that I own the Mavricks!

So it has come to my attention that I look like the owner of the Mavs. Now those of you that know me, can you guess wether or not this picture posted is one of me dancing, or is it Mark? Its uncanny isn't it?

Do I look like Mark Cuban or am I actually Mark Cuban...you'll never know!

Movie Review

2008-12-16T19:43:00.001-08:00

So this past Sunday I had the wonderful joy of seeing "The Day the Earth Stood Still", staring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly. It seemed like it was a big budget movie not as big as Al Gore's waist line but still from his playbook. Now where to begin...

First, I am a big fan of "the world is going to end" movies. They are always fun for me. With that said, this wasn't your run of the mill apocalypse movie. They had the very (and I mean very) tired theme of the (spoiler alert) 'earth is in trouble because of man and his abuse'. I mean com'on! How many times can we see "An Inconvenient Rehash"...er well you get the point.

Second, as usual Keanu is the same as he is in every movie. He talks like a guy taking bong hits between cuts. No offense to the guy, he is successful and there have been a few movies I've liked him in, well ok two, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and The Matrix, but that is beside the point. Can he at least try and sound like an intelligent extraterrestrial?

Third, Jennifer Connelly. I do not know what has happened to her but I swear she has man hands now, and I just can't deal with that. I'm not sure why I was so distracted by her paws but I just kept thinking, "wow are those iron worker's hands?" Something about those meat hooks just seemed too unfeminine. Sorry Jennifer but talk to your agent and remember, no hands in close up shots!

Forth, the story. Way too unbelievable. I mean really an intergalactic confederacy of planets that are determined to save our planet but not those who live on it? I know, I know, it is supposed to be deep "if the planet dies you die, if you die the planet lives" ppptttffhh! Whatever! I don't even know how to respond to such drivel.

So one way to make the movie better would be not to make it at all...just come up with some better themes Hollywood, please. I'm tired of spending my money on these crazy, hair brained, save the planet from the humans movies.

Up-Coming Anniversery

2008-11-30T07:22:00.000-08:00

As many of you know abortion has been legal since 1973, but do you know the exact date? It was January 22 of that fateful year. It was then that abortion was considered a 'fundamental legal right' by the U.S. Supreme Court. Now I'm no activist but since we're coming up on the 36th year since abortion has been legalized I thought we should talk about it.

I've contemplated a few points to throw out there for discussion, the problem is no one who disagrees will probably ever read this blog, so there won't be much 'discussion', but here is goes anyway.

First, why is abortion viewed as a modern event? Abortion has been going on for thousands, that's right thousands of years, yet people act as if it were a modern issue. In writings of the early church fathers they wrote that women were not to have abortions! This was almost 2000 years ago, and the church was dealing with abortion. So why do people view this as new?

Second, where did the 'rape', 'incest', and 'life of the mother' arguments come from? I'm serious about this one. My understanding, and I may need to be corrected, is that abortion could always be prescribed by a doctor (obviously before Roe v. Wade you don't need a prescription now). So what changed on 1.22.73 was abortion on demand not abortion in general.

Third, why isn't Ms. Roe's confession that she lied about being raped lead authorities to reopen the case and retry it? The case was built upon that lie, and if the foundation is broken then perhaps the whole case is!

Fourth, why did one (uh-huh one!) woman change an entire nation of laws? I really do not understand why one person can upset the entire applecart. Especially with the aforementioned points. And if one woman's lie could enact law, what about having the testimony of abortion survivors overturn the standing law today?

Fifth, why is murder considered a fundamental right? For the life of me I will never understand why man (I mean mankind) loves to oppress people. We do not seem happy unless we have our boot on somebody's face! Is it because this is an act of rebellion that destroys what Jesus has created? Why is murder a right?

So those are my thoughts and questions for now. I doubt this will get anybody else fired up. But hey I'm fired up so I guess that's what counts!

Virtue Without Rules!

2008-10-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

I've been studying Romans with the high school group and currently I'm in chapter 3. It is amazing to see and understand this revelation, that God has provided righteousness apart from keeping the law! That is why I titled this post 'Virtue Without Rules'.

Verse 21 states, "Now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been manifested." This righteousness is God's alone, but God does not keep it to himself! He has given it to his people. It is refreshing to be reminded that I was given what I could not earn. No amount of keeping the law could have made me right with God. Not to mention I didn't really keep the law very well anyway!

I was just studying and decided I would post some of these thoughts as I will be teaching them this upcoming Sunday.

Amazing...righteousness without law...

Don't Waste Your Acid Reflux

2008-10-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know I stole that line from John Piper. But hey it fits.

So, as some of you know, and now all of you know, I've been having acid reflux. I have hated every minute of it. It is painful, sleep hindering, food altering, joy inhibiting, and all around stupid!

But some good has been coming from this little experience. I have seen growth from this form of suffering. Now nobody likes to suffer, even the Bible tells us that, but it does produce good that can not be learned any other way. As Mark Twain said, "A man learns a lesson carrying a cat by the tail, and some will learn it no other way."

With that said I am learning things about compassion through this time. While I do not like what I'm going through I would not trade it away if I could, because that would mean losing what I have gained.

Now I open it up to you who have faced trials. Would you trade those trials in? What have they produced?

Oh Poop!

2008-10-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm back after two years of not writing. I got sucked back in by reading my own blogs, how's that for self-center?

So, here we go.

I don't really have anything to say at this time. I'm just seeing if anyone will even read this thing. Let me ask a question;

I'm not sure if any of you have seen Piper's website and his upcoming conf. There is an interesting video about language. If you've seen it please comment, let me know what you guys are thinking.

The reason why I ask is because I've been thinking a lot about how I talk. Not that I curse like a sailor but I'm wondering if 'bad' words are good to use at times. Just a thought, and you know me I like to stir things up.

'Tis Been A While

2007-02-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been so long since my last blog. I've been thinking of not writing any more. But rather than being like old Jeff Graves I'll try and keep it up.

So...on to some movie lines.

"Get your skagg and let's roll."

Dear Beamerpal,

2006-12-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

Finally I'm getting to your comment. I thought it was such a good one it needed to be answered, and restated, for everyone. Beamerpal said,

"Another difficult issue is the different theologies developed from those equally devoted to study and equally people of faith (however, let say, scripture has only one truth. I wholly reject that it may have different truths for different people.) Someone here has a lack of true understanding, which one? (the other guy of course)"

First thing, what does everyone think about this issue? Can Scripture have two meanings? I agree with Beamerpal that Scripture has only one meaning, but now the questions rises, who's interpretation is right?

Second, what do we do with two people who are spirit led, educated, and have both set forth convincing arguments, that differ about the meaning of a passage of Scripture? What do you guys say?

My thought is this...while they cannot both be right (they can both be wrong!), you and I must be convinced in our own mind. In other words you and I have to make a decision about the issue. Paul said this regarding Christian liberties in Romans 14:5, "Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind." The same principle applies here, you must be convinced!

I have a lot more thoughts on the issue, but I want to throw this out there to get the conversation started. What do you guys think? How do we handle those who have different interpretations of the same verse, and both appear to be walking in the Spirit?

Movie Line Time

2006-12-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

Well everybody has their fun thing so I thought I would use mine...movie lines.

So I'll start it, you know the rules, name the movie of the previous quote and give your own...go!

"Right-O. The usual for Norm, gin and prune juice."

"Make it a double."

Good Disscussion

2006-11-23T07:50:00.000-08:00

It was good to talk about these last two posts with everybody. Beamerpal - I'll be getting you an answer...someday. Just wanted to say thanks for all the comments. Keep them coming if you're still interested. Happy thanksgiving everybody!

Just A Little Misunderstood...

2006-11-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

Wow from those few comments I decided I wasn't as clear as I should have been. So I'm going to try and clarify my position.

1) I'm not saying we can understand everything about GOD. My contention was over what He has revealed in Scripture. We will never fully understand God. In fact we will have all eternity to enjoy trying to figure him out, and the joy of discovering brand new things about God every day for millions and millions of years. So let me clarify this does not relate to God himself, but to his Word, which he wrote to be understood.

2) I agree that there are aspects of the Scripture’s teachings that require faith, but it is not a faith based upon our ignorance of the issue. The example given was the trinity so I will go with it. The trinity is based upon truth mined from Scripture. The Father is God, Jesus is God, and the Holy Spirit is God - three propositional truths supported by Scripture. God is also one - a propositional truth also supported by Scripture. It is therefore based upon these truths, clearly understood, that the doctrine of the trinity comes from.

3) What can be understood about God is based upon his condescension. I agree we cannot know God as the exalted King of all because he cannot, and will not, fit into our small brains. However, God has chosen to make himself simple to be understood by man, even fallen man. God has come close to us in order that a part of him might be understood. This part is revealed in Scripture.

Wow I didn’t expect the response I got. I hope this clarifies the issue at hand and let’s keep talking about it!

Just A Little Irritated...

2006-11-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

Ok so I may open up a can of worms here and get a few people upset at me. I don't think I will because very few people read my blog. Probably because I don't write very much on it. I have a life you know!

So this is what has been irritating me lately. Using the word 'mystery' to any and all revealed Bible doctrine. When people don't want to think about an issue any longer they say this phrase, 'It is a mystery and we cannot understand it'. I have a problem with that phrase for several reasons I will give below.

1. This phrase, at its core and unintentionally by those saying it, attacks the clarity of Scripture. God gave us his Word to be understood. The Word was not given to make the darkness we live in darker, but on the contrary, it was given to be light.

2. The word 'mystery' is used in the Bible to describe a doctrine which was not known previously but has now been made clear. Example Romans 16:25-27, 1 Cor 2:7-12 and there are many others. These two are very clear.

3. It gives unbelievers strength in their argument that Christians do not think. Sadly too many Christians start here instead of spending time thinking and praying and reading and asking God to open up the meaning of Biblical doctrine to our hard and undiscerning hearts.

4. It dishonors God because his doctrine is worth spending time pondering and thinking over. Perhaps there is so much fruitless ministry these days because those ministering do not spending time laboring over doctrine.

5. Hiding behind the phrase shows a lack of faith. The Holy Spirit was given to help us understand what God has written. When we say that it cannot be understood we betray that we really do not believe the Scriptures promise to believers to illuminate our minds by the Holy Spirit.

I'm sure there are more reasons but I wanted to get the conversation going. So what do you guys think about the phrase and my short list of 5 reasons why I don't like it. Please add a few and question those I have given. I want to get this in the open and talked about. Let’s get ready to rumble!

Oktoberfest!

2006-10-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

And no, not beer...this time! As many of you know we are fast approaching October 31st. I love this holiday, it is truly the best in all of Christendom. The candy, the robes, nailing things to doors, you know everything that goes with it. Wait, do you think I'm talking about Halloween? You crazy pagan! I'm talking about Reformation Day. That's right it was on October 31st of 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg church. To be discussed were such things as indulgences, penance, purgatory, and many other Roman Catholic heresies.

But seriously I never understood why we didn't have a Reformation Day party at my Christian high school? They always called it a 'harvest' party. Why not just celebrate some wonderful Christian history, even if you do not agree with everything the man stood for. However, it is the doctrine of Justification by faith alone, which Martin was fighting for and that should be enough for any believer to get behind and cheer. So, the next time you're drinking a Beck's think of Martin Luther and his loyal fight for the Word of God and the Gospel of God's glorious salvation!

Question

2006-09-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some friends blogs and found some interesting thoughts. One caused me to want to ask a question of my limited audience.

Doughman has a post about the 5 points of Calvinism aka tulip. the 'l' in tulip stands for limited atonement. Now some out there I'm sure find limited atonement disturbing. It is hard to understand. I, for one, believe the limited atonement view based on what Scripture teaches on the subject. I am not going to list all the verses here because that is not my question. The problem I have is with the few verses which imply an unlimited view to the work of Christ. Here is my question:

In what way is the atonement UN-limited?

Rosh Hashanah

2006-09-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

I think that is how it is spelled. Well last night I went to a Rosh Hashanah service in Santa Rosa. It was a very good evening. The people were very friendly and welcoming. So to any members of Shomai Torah (I think that is how it is spelled) Synagogue, I say thank you.

To my Christian brothers and sisters who may read this blog...it was fascinating to go through the whole service and think, wow they say so many things that are correct but they miss the truth. So much of the service is reciting Hebrew phrases that are condensed thoughts from Scripture. I wonder sometimes how they miss the whole meaning, then I remember Romans 11.

Perhaps I will give more details if I have time later. I think I will be going to Yom Kippur next Sunday evening if anybody is interested. We will see, any of you interested in joining?

I'm Finished

2006-09-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

Well, now that the first week of school is over and I've received my workload for the quarter I realize, I'm dead. So here is what the quarter looks like, 1 (one) 20 to 30 page paper, 2 (two) 10 to 15 page papers, 8 (eight) 2 to 5 page papers, 2000+ pages of reading, 160 verses of Greek translation, not to mention quizzes and tests! Am I going to make it? Actually I believe I will. How will I make it? Grace, pure grace.

I was actually gloating a little that I didn't have any translation this quarter. JCrew was telling me all about his work load and I was thinking, "I'm so glad I don't have to do any languages this quarter." Little did I know (or remember) that I have exegesis of the Pastoral Epistles to contend with. So, I will actually be translating every week just like normal.

If you think about it pray for me, but don't feel guilty if I die this quarter.

Back In the Saddle

2006-09-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

So I'm back in school. Today was the first day of classes. I have to say I am beat. I less tired after a day of hard labor at Pace. It is, however, great to be back at school with the mates learning about Christ and His glory. I may just blog every now and again about some fact we talked about in class.

I'm taking the Theology of Preaching with Steve Fernandez and Phil Howard. Today we learned that the purpose of preaching is to glorify Jesus Christ. I don't know why I didn't guess it considering everything Steve teaches comes back to this one point. We looked at some texts which did in fact show that the goal of preaching is to show the wonders of our savior. The whole point of getting up in front of people on Sunday morning should be to show how glorious Christ is. This message is for both sinners and saints.

I'm excited to be starting my last year. I will keep you updated on the goings-on at TCS.

Boom I Can See!

2006-09-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

I'm here to announce something...no Julie is not prego, it is something that Julie has bugged me about for, well since the beginning of our relationship, my eyesight. For the longest time I have not been able to see very well. I had glasses but I hated wearing them. I would put them on for important things, like tv and movies, but never any time else. Well, I went to see my eye doctor and he told me my glasses needed to be twice as strong as what I currently had. Figures, the jerk. Anywho, I told him I don't like wearing glasses but that my father-in-law has contacts that he only changes (that is takes out of his eyes) once every two months. I said, 'I like that, sign me up'. 'Well,' he said, 'you have to work up to that and they really should be changed every month'.

So the announcement is I have glasses...no I got the contacts. I'm changing them every day for the first week then I get to try and wear them without taking them out when I sleep. I hope they work because I hate poking my eyes every morning. One benefit is that I can see! I love being able to look around and focus, especially without any glare from having glasses on my face. I would tell Julie, 'Point to something and I'll read it'. Oh we laughed and laughed, until we stopped. So if I see you but just walk on by it is not because I didn't recognize you without my glasses, I really don't want to talk to you.

We the Living, by Ayn Rand

2006-09-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

I finished Ayn Rand's book. Two thoughts, good story, horrible philosophy. The protagonist is Kira a young girl wanting to live but is oppressed by the newly formed USSR. I won't tell the whole story here, in case you end up reading it, but I will discuss some of her ideology.

I enjoyed that Rand writes so accurately about communist Russia, the oppression, the hunger...etc. Her response, reacting to communism is as bad as communism itself, maybe worse. Rand is quoted on the back of the book that the main character Kira is the expression of her (Rand's) ideas, convictions, and values. Well all I have to say is her ideas are evil and sick, her convictions uncompelling, and values - what values? In the book Kira has two boyfriends, one she is living with...hum is that making a statement about values or ideas? At one point in the story Kira goes off on how believing in God is an excuse to not live life...and atheists have life? I thought the Bible said the fool says in his heart there is no God, and also that the one who has the Son (Jesus: who is God), has life...good 'conviction' Rand, maybe it should be downgraded to 'idea'.

I realize I'm ripping on the ideology of the book but really it was a good story and I would suggest reading it. Also it is good to see the philosophy that has shaped the world we live in. Rand is very individualistic which coincidentally so is our country. This book was written in 1937 so at the time I'm sure it was revolutionary. Hey maybe that was the goal of the book, to give those trying to bring revolution a cause - individualism? Well I hope some of you get the chance to read this book so we can discuss it. Remember good book, bad philosophy.

THE END

New Link

2006-08-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Check out my new link on the right...RJ Coffee. Go there often and see if anything new is brewing in the coffee world...lame joke I know. I thought it might be fun to have a site devoted to coffee. Let me know what you think on that site.

Next!

2006-08-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

I've started my next book. I don't know if I'll be able to get through the four I wanted to by summer's end but oh well. Next on the list is We the Living by Ayn Rand. It is about a family in Russia just after the completion of the revolution so it takes place c. 1922. I'll keep you posted with details concerning the story and philosophy as I can grasp it. Any of you read this one? Let me know your thoughts.

Lord of the Flies

2006-08-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

I finished my second book of the summer. Lord of the Flies. I'm not sure what I think about this book. The end of the book says they were crying over 'lost innocence'. Well we know that's not theologically sound. People aren't born innocent. Anyway...the book was a little disturbing hunting pigs, dead parachute men, pig heads on pikes, trying to kill each other, you know the standard drill. Basically it is a short story about summer camp.

I'm not sure if there were a few other meanings being communicated in the book. I wonder if he was trying to make a comment on British society specifically or Western society in general. The whole idea that breaking up into different groups is what led to the murder or Simon and Piggy...hum, I'm not sure but he could be trying to make a case for living together under common laws. So he may be saying that Western society is really better because we are a society of laws.

Or he could be saying that our divisions in society are what lead to murder and savagery. Could he be calling his readers to unite for the common good? I'm not sure yet as I just finished the book. Those of you who have read it let me know your thoughts.

Movie Lines

2006-08-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to reading Klude's post about movie lines and really liked the idea and thought we could do one here on my blog. I'm seriously, I want to play... So here it goes...read the quote, tell what movie it is from and then add your own. Like Kludge said - please no swearing.

Ahem - this quote might prove to be difficult

"Look out cops!"
"What?"
"Cops!"
"What...uff." (as he runs into a cop) "Good thing I'm still wearing that Jock."

80's Movie

2006-08-19T07:26:00.001-07:00

The other nite my wife and I watched a fun 80's movie. I will give a description and see if you guys can guess the film...I figure this is more fun then me just telling you about a movie you have probably seen.

A young nerdy boy meets the new girl at school, during summer break of course, and quickly falls in love with her. They spend a lot of time together doing all the nerdy things (which the movie shows as working but you know it never does!), and the boy gets his hopes up. Of course the girl is older and acts interested enough but you know full well she is not!

Enter the football stud who takes a fancy for this new girl. Problem, he's already got a girlfriend (bet you didn't see that plot twist coming). After hanging out as a group they decide to all go to the dance on friday nite. Nerdy boy with new girl, football stud with soon to be ex-girlfriend. Of course the break up happens and Studly is not going to the dance. Nerd rides his bike over to New Girl's house on the nite of the dance but she's busy consouling Studly and no longer wants to go to the dance (again another shocking plot twist).

I think I'm going to leave it there and see if you can guess the movie. If not I'll give more of the movie (which if I did now you would for sure get it). Post your guess!

Next Book

2006-08-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

Since I finished the Count of Monte Python, I have decided to read Lord of the Ring Flies. I have just started it and will be back with a reveiw. I think it will not take me as long to read this book seeing's how it is only 1/5th the length of Cristo. Any thoughts from any of you who have read the book. I am interested to hear what you thought of the book. I know he (the author) is making some comments on soceity/human nature but since I haven't read the book...well I have to find out what is being said. Let me know if you have any ideas out there.

The Count of Monte Cristo

2006-08-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Okay so I finished my first book out of 5. This tome was way different than the movie. The movie made the plot like look a Shel Silverstein special, while Dumas' book has so many twists and turns that I think I want to buy cliff notes just to make sure I understood it. Overall the book was good and I really enjoyed the read. In some points I couldn't put the book down. It only took about 3 weeks to read the (almost) 1500 pages. The end tried to be happy but I'm not sure how you can have a happy ending when the whole book is about revenge.

There were many religious themes in the book as well. Very Roman Catholic. The religious themes were interesting simply for the insight into how Dumas thought. So out of 4 stars I give The Count 3. So if you have some time and want to read a book that keeps you thinking read The Count of Corpus Cristy...um Monte Carlo...Monte Cristo.

Okay, Okay

2006-08-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well partly out of jealousy and partly out of necessity I am going to blog a little about the trip to Ecuador. First, it was tons of fun. I enjoy the first 2 nites with JCrew and Ando. We talked like best girlfriends and laughed a lot. It was a good time, especially when Josh discovered that he lost his Greek homework. But you've all read about that! Also it was hilarious when JCrew came in the next morning and said he had accidentally swallowed some water while showering. I was busting up. But he didn't get sick so no worries.

Second, the people in Ecuador were amazing. When we finally got to our host family we had such a blast. I think they were what made it so difficult to leave. My host family was so kind. There was an 11 year old girl in my family and one day she made ice cream and cake for me to remember Julie (the day before I told them how much Julie liked ice cream and sweets).

Third, this was the most stressful part of the trip for me, but somehow I got appointed as the translator for our small group of eight. Someone would say something in Spanish and then everyone would look at me, as I panicked and crapped my pants. I would look at the person and say, 'No intiendo' translation 'No I don't play nintendo' actually it means, 'I don't understand'. So half the time I made stuff up based on what I thought they were saying.

So those are a few notes from the trip. I hope that ya'all enjoy the upcoming time on Sunday. Thank you to all who prayed for us!

Crazy Building Jumpers

2006-08-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Now my friends recently got me into youtube. I have enjoyed watching ask a ninja there and Simpons intro live version, etc. But by far my favorite thing thus far is the video you will find if you type in crazy building jumpers in the search at youtube. Since I don't know how to link you'll have to go there check it out then respond. It was awesome.

Look Who's Back

2006-08-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

So I went to Ecuador with the team from Santa Rosa Bible Church and I have returned. It was a great trip. The team was good, the host families were good, the food was good, it was all good. I'm not much for writing these type of stories on the internet so when I see you guys throughout the upcoming days/weeks I'll be sure to tell you all about the trip. Beside JCrew and Ando are better story tellers on their blog. Just read theirs (they're linked) and you can come back to mine and respond, I was there for pretty much all of their stories too! I'll be back with some more confusing thoughts soon!

Whether Jew or Gentile

2006-07-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

So Kludge and I have been responding to each other via the comments for Whoa!, check 'em out if you wanna catch up, and I want to raise his question for the general public. Does God deal differently with the Jews than with the Gentiles? My initial response is to say 'no way' but I have to give is some consideration.

The first consideration is this - What do we mean by God dealing differently? It is true that God has dealt differently with the Jews than with the Gentiles. But how has God dealt differently?

And the second - Does how God deals with Jews apply directly to their salvation? In other words is something different required of the Jews than the Gentiles for salvation?

So let me know what you guys are thinking and we'll see how big of a fire this one starts!

Whoa!

2006-07-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

So a few eyebrows were raised with my latest post. That was fun. I'm thankful to all of those who participated. Good thoughts and comments by most of you. Some interesting questions were raised. In fact only one real question the authority of Paul. Which brings me to a preview of what I want to blog about next. Have you guys heard about the view that puts Paul at odds with the rest of the New Testament? Not that Paul was false but that he was the only one preaching the true gospel and that the rest of the writers were confused about the gospel?

The general idea is this: James, Peter, and John were always trying to insert Judaism into Christianity. Their epistles are regarded as to Jewish. What do you guys know and think about this? Let me know what you guys think and we'll see if we can get another small fire started!

Legalism V. Liberalism: Sisters Separated at Birth?

2006-07-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Ok so I've been giving this some thought while at work. I have enjoyed the comments that people have left and they have helped shape what I am about to say. These thoughts are not the final word (obviously not to all of you but I also mean in my own thoughts). So here is what I'm thinking...

What I am struck by is this, legalism and liberalism are actually closely related. They are like estranged sisters who refuse to talk to one another. Let me show the similarity.

First the legalist - they believe that God meant for His law to be obeyed and they feel that the way to be spiritual is to obey all of God's commands. God rewards those who obey. They cite many verse such as, "The Lord loves obedience rather than sacrifice" and you've heard the rest. Anyone who does not follow God's law as they see it is not a 'good' Christian. Hence a works based system.

Next the liberal - they believe that Jesus came to be an example to the world. Jesus' objective was to enact social change through disrupting the status quo (thanks for the quote Ando). We are to follow Jesus' example in order to be His disciples. The point is not whether or not Jesus walked on the water but that He fed people and healed the sick (they would question the miraculous nature but applaud the goodness of Jesus' work). So we should continue His good work by taking care of the needed, etc. Also a works based system!

I think we all know the differences between a legalist and liberal. We may find ourselves interacting with legalists because they would believe much the same way as we do about the Scripture, Jesus, miracles, etc. We would not want to associate with the liberal because they deny much of what we believe about these things. However, I'm shocked to think that legalists maybe so closely related to liberals. Could they both really be works based systems? Tell me what you guys think.

Some Theology

2006-07-11T07:12:00.001-07:00

Ok so I've been on a fun kick for the past 5+ blogs and will now dive into some theology. I'm not going to write anything too long right now but want to pose a few questions. First, what is legalism? I've been trying to come up with a concise yet precise definition. I want to know what you guys think. Second, what is liberalism (as it relates to theology)? Again I think I know but I want to compare it with what I hear. You know group think is good! So to my four friends who read this blog please let me know how you would answer these two questions. I'm going to post a blog in the future trying to answer them. Peasce ouut!

Swinging Good Time

2006-07-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Last night a few of us went over to my friend's parent's house. Once there we were taught a few dance moves. It was lots of fun. I'm not sure what was more fun learning or, watching all the couples argue about how the other wasn't doing something right or, having dress shoes on with shorts (yes totally Bob Wiley style) or, kicking peoples feet with said shoes or, seriously cutting a rug or, writing a blog about it.

Ok so to start out with we learned the six basic steps of the swing. We also learned the quarter turn, or was it the half turn. Anyway we did that for a while then we went on to the foxtrot. The foxtrot uses the box step. The Mrs and I have learned this step before so we enjoyed it. We danced around and had fun. We burned some fat and got sweaty and danced the evening away. Sound romantic? It was - so attention to all husbands, if you want to have a good time with your wife, take her out and get some swing lessons!

movie nite was great...but where's the movie

2006-07-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ok so I went down to the town of Ross to watch Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Well as it turns out the city of Ross didn't reprogram the sprinklers so 20 minutes into the movie (after hearing them go off behind and around us but not having reached us yet) we were told that they were going to call it a night. Sigh... Ok so it doesn't matter that the weather was perfect for a movie under the stars. And no big deal that I was totally excited to see Marcus Brody say, "No water, fish make love in it", and that I'm not sure if my wife has seen the movie before, and, and, and, and! And nothin'! I'm ticked! I don't think the city of Ross cares that I'm ticked so I'll use pansy language they understand. So to the town of Ross, I'm very disappointed in you.

The great part was spending time with the mrs. (aka my old lady). We hung out and ate sweetes that she made. I was really wanting some coffee but there were no coffee shops in Ross. We stopped at this resturaunt to ask if they knew where a coffee shop was. They were closed but when they told us there was no coffee shop open the guy made us americanos. It was totally awesome. So we had fun on the drive, fun hanging out, and fun getting coffee. The night wasn't a total waste without the movie...I would say it was a wash.

What the Blog?

2006-07-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Ok maybe I'm not getting it...I mean this whole blogging thing. I've been on a few of my friends blogs and they simply write about their lives. Is this what a blog is for? And I don't mean that as a sarcastic question but I am really asking. Well I have a story or two to tell but I'm not sure I'm ready to make them public knowledge. I say that because having a story and not telling it drives J Crew crazy! So perhaps tomorrow I will start telling a few stories of my own and see what kind of responses they get, if any. So be prepared tomorrow for some serious story tellin'.

Classic Books

2006-07-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ok so I've decided to read some classic lit. I went out today and purchased four new books (thank you Career group for the gift card!). I plan on reading them and in due time writing a little review. So, I leave you now with the list in the approximate order in which I plan to read them. Let me know your thoughts if you have read any of them.

1 - The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas

2 - We The Living, Ayn Rand

3 - Lord of he Flies, William Golding

4 - Watership Down, Richard Adams

Movie Nite

2006-07-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

Now I'm not sure how many of you like to do this, but this Friday or Saturday (I can't remember) night down in San Anselmo they will be showing Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I think a few of us are planning on going to Petaluma for dinner at La Azteca (I'm trying to hook up my friend with a waitress down there, I won't say who my friend is, but his name starts with A and ends with lden).

Now because I don't think these get read very much everyone who reads this will probably get a call to go. This is a fun way to spend the evening with your wife (or girlfriend) hey it's cheap too.

Ok so the words out - who's with me? Ok over there I see that hand. Who else...

RJ-77

Wiffle Ball

2006-07-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

My wife and I went to Cottonwood this weekend to visit friends from seminary. It was a great weekend of fun and relaxation. Our friends were so kind to have us up and show us a good time. We went to a baseball diamond and hit about 30 pitches each. It was great. But the best time was learning how to play wiffle ball.

I know it sounds weak sauce, but truly it isn't. Now when I say wiffle ball I don't mean those lame plastic balls with a dozen holes all over it. I'm talking about the offical wiffle ball. Solid on one side with slots on the other. Go to www.wiffle.com to see the original. Anyway this game is super fun. You can throw some wicked pitches with the ball. It is so funny to throw the ball and the batter ducks only to have it curve in and be a strike. So those of you who want to have a relaxing summer baseball game without the running but lots of action, get yourself a wiffle ball set and - play ball!

80's Movie Review

2006-06-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Ok so this isn't a movie but it is from the 80's and you can rent it (netflix if you're cool) and yada yada yada...ok so its The Greatest American Hero. Oh boy this is a fun one. If you never watched the series Get the first season and watch it...all of it. This is pure 80's gold cheese. I love it.

And for those of you that left nasty little comments on this blog: well I wrote something, published it, and then thought, 'No, I'm not going to make ever single blog about spiritual things'. So if you want to spit at the fat kid, go ahead if it makes you feel any better. Sure I'm an easy target. Yeah I talk too much, but you know what, I also listen too much. I could be a cold-hearted cynic like you but I don't like to hurt people.

RJ-77

Sunday Morning Thought

2006-06-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well it is the Lord's day and my wife and I are heading off to church at Petaluma. It will be a good time of singing and preaching. Although I will not hear the preaching because I will be in children's church. I don't teach I just enforce the rules...I'm the heavy.

Ok now for the thought for Sunday morning. I've been reading C.H. Spurgeon on grace and it is very good. He makes the gospel so clear and easy to understand. I would encourage you to pick up a copy if you can find it. It is called 'Grace: God's Unmerited Favor'. Spurgeon deals with the text of Scripture in Acts 15:11, "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." Spurgeon makes some wonderful observations on this text but I will only cite a couple. The first is how Peter compares himself to the gentiles! It shows his humility that he did not say, the gentiles can be saved like we can. NO! He says we can be saved like they can! Peter came to understand that salvation was by grace!

The second point is just a quote from the book, "We believe that if we are ever saved at all, we must be saved gratis; saved as the gratuitous act of a bountiful God; saved by a gift, not by wages; saved by God's love, not by our own doings or merits. This is the apostles' creed: salvation is all of grace from first to last, and the channel of that grace is the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved and lived and died and rose again for our salvaton."

For those of us that have been in church our whole life we must look at freshly saved sinners and say, "We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they!"

God bless you today,

RJ-77

2 Posts in one day

2006-06-24T23:33:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm a little excited and I'm writing 2 posts in one day. This will never happen again so don't get used to it! This may become an addicting habit but I hope not because my wife will kill me.

Ok so 80's movies...a good 80's flick to enjoy if you haven't seen it before is North Shore. A fun surfing movie with lots of quotable lines. If you check it out let me know what you thought.

The First Post

2006-06-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

Well I guess a few thanks are in order. I have to thank Jeremy and Josh for helping me get this started. I don't know if I'll ever really get into blogging but if I do I will probably focus on refomation theology and 80's movies. Let's start with the less important of the two and explain what I mean.

80's movies are simply the best. I've been hooked on 80's movies recently, such as Back to the Future, Say Anything, Raiders of the Lost Ark, etc. Even though I've seen these movies hundreds of times they are always worth watching again. Some of you know what I mean, and for those of you that do...welcome to my blog.

As far as reformation theology that is wrapped up in the title of the blog, sons of the reformation. What does it mean to be a son of the reformation? It means many things for different people but for me it means specifically the doctrines of grace. I am an admirer of men like Luther, Calvin, Zwingly, d'Etaples, Spurgeon, etc. I do not follow these men! But I am proud to stand with such men as these. We who believe in these doctrines find ourselves in the company of God's mighty men! I am not worthy to stand in such company but by the grace of God, through the Spirit of God, I have been taught these wonderful truths.

So to all of you out there in the bloggin world - hello! Leave your commennts and I'll try and get back to them.

bye for now,

RJ-77