Monthly Archives: October 2011

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

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“Much will be said… about this entrepreneurial genius. From a spiritual perspective, this much can be said with certainty: Steve Jobs, created in the image of God, was a remarkable example of God’s common grace in his aesthetics and creativity and productivity. And we can all hope that in his final days, this recipient of so much common grace found rest in God’s sovereign saving grace.” – Justin Taylor

“It’s not “man worship” to understand and appreciate the incredible contributions that one man can make to his society and the world. Steve Jobs changed our world at it’s fulcrum…communication.” – Michael Newnham

“This country is made great by those who personify the American Dream; Steve Jobs gave us new ways with which to dream.” Herman Cain

“Steve Jobs was an American original – courageous, determined, creative, willing to take on the establishment – he will be missed.” – Newt Gingrich

Drawing from some of the most pivotal points in his life, Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, urged graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life’s setbacks – including death itself – at Stanford University’s 114th Commencement on June 12, 2005.

Its a truly remarkable and inspiring speech.

Of course, as inspiring as the speech was, there is always going to be something missing if Christ and His Gospel are left out, as this article makes clear.

Love, Pride, and Speaking Truth

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Please allow me to quote Dane Ortlund, quoting Martin Luther….

We live in a world, and a Christian world, in which offending another is, in the realm of human relationship, the supreme vice. Confronted with the choice to actively speak what one believes to be true or passively let sleeping dogs lie in the name of love, we often choose the latter.

All we say must be done in love. That is non-negotiable. But even what that means has been hijacked in some ways by the world, softness being mistaken for love. When called for, neither Moses nor the prophets nor Jesus nor Paul nor Peter nor even the gentle-hearted John (see 1 John 2:4; 3:8, or the ‘arrogance’ of 4:6) refrained from non-subtle, non-manipulating, non-face-saving words of piercing truth, spoken in love yet doubtless perceived as harshness. And note that almost all of them were accused of arrogance, even Jesus. Were they unloving? No; it was their love itself that fueled such penetrating language.

May we examine ourselves? Asking if, at times, what we deem to be kindness on our part is cowardice? ‘I don’t want to be seen as offensive’ can feel like ‘I want the best for my brother.’ Self-guarding is mistaken for love. It is in fact love of self. The devil smiles.

Luther is a massive breath of fresh air in these things. Such defibrillating clarity. In the letter to Pope Leo X that prefaces Luther’s The Freedom of a Christian, Luther says:

Now I will admit to attacking false or unchristian teachings. I have not criticized the bad morals of my opponents but rather their ungodly doctrines. I am not going to repent of this! After all, I am only following the example of Christ, who did not hesitate to call his opponents such things as ‘a brood of vipers’. . . . And think of the stinging criticism of the prophets! However, our ears have become more finely attuned to the empty praises of the endless lines of flatterers. As a result, we protest when any of our opinions meets with disapproval. . . .

Therefore, blessed Leo, when you read this letter and understand my intentions, I hope you see that I have never meant ill toward you personally. I have only the best wishes for you. I have no argument with any person with regard to morals. But I am unyielding when it comes to contending about the word of truth. In all other things, I will gladly yield, but I have neither the power nor the will to deny the word. If others view my motives differently, they either are not thinking straight or have failed to understand what I have said. (The Freedom of a Christian, p. 35)

Pride is frightfully pervasive, in my heart and yours. And this is a love-starved world. But let’s be sure we understand what it means, truly, to renounce pride and love others.

Calvinism and the Baptists

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A person can be Baptist and fully Reformed. Historically speaking, though this would indeed be news to many Baptists today, as most would be of an Arminian persuasion.

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary — the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. In searching therough some of the archives of his articles at the blog site www.albertmohler.com I came across this response article to Dr. William R. Estep (below). There is no need to dig up the controversy, especially as it is more than two years old, but I think Dr. Mohler’s response is both factual and insightful. Written on Thursday, July 16, 2009, here is Dr. Mohler’s article, entitled,

“The Reformation of Doctrine and the Renewal of the Church: A Response to Dr. William R. Estep”

One of the most promising signs of renewal in Southern Baptist life is the emergence of genuine theological discussion and historical interest. After decades marked by the absence of significant interest in many doctrines, Southern Baptists are awakening to historic doctrinal debates in a new key.

As if awakened from doctrinal amnesia, the denomination faces the promise of both renewal and reformation. In this process, we may recover our theological heritage even as we address our modern context of ministry.

Dr. William R. Estep, one of Southern Baptists’ most distinguished historians, has recently directed attention to a resurgent Calvinism in Southern Baptist life. The “Calvinizing” of the Southern Baptist Convention, he fears, is a dangerous development.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to respond to Dr. Estep, and to present a very different understanding of what is at stake. Though vitriolic and harsh in tone, his article deserves a respectful and thoughtful response.

First, let me state at the onset that if Calvinism is accurately represented by Dr. Estep’s treatment, I will have nothing to do with it. Nevertheless, few of Calvin’s friends or enemies will recognize Calvinism as presented in Dr. Estep’s article.

Calvin and Calvinism

Calvinism clearly draws its name from John Calvin, the sixteenth century Reformer whose towering intellect and biblical preaching gave birth to the “Reformed” tradition as one of the central streams of the Reformation. Calvin’s mission was to establish the Church on the basis of Scripture, with its doctrine and practice drawn from Scripture itself.

His Institutes of the Christian Religion, first published in 1536, was his effort to set forth the doctrines revealed in the Bible. Few works have come close to the Institutes in terms of influence in the Church. Elsewhere, Dr. Estep has described the Institutes as “one of Protestantism’s greatest attempts at erecting a systematic theology.” Calvinism is simply the Reformation tradition which is associated most closely with Calvin.

Dr. Estep presents a very severe portrait of Calvin the Reformer, and those looking for severity in Calvin need not look far. He was a sixteenth century man who bore many of the prejudices and political dispositions common to his day. He would not understand the notion of religious liberty, and he was ready to use the arm of the law to enforce correct doctrine.

No Calvinist I know would advocate Calvin’s position on these issues, any more than modern Lutherans would endorse Martin Luther’s anti-Semitism. Baptists who quickly reject Calvin’s theology because of his shortcomings on other issues must, if honest, reject virtually any influence from previous centuries. This holds true for Dr. Estep’s treasured Anabaptists as well.
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How Mormon is Mitt Romney?

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DID YOU KNOW???? …the Jesus of Mormonism is the begotten offspring of an exalted man and one of his many wives who lives on a planet circling a star named Kolob, and his “gospel” is the message of how you, too, can be exalted to godhood?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the LDS or Mormon Church) denies Christ’s full deity and the “god” they worship is not eternal but merely an exalted man who has achieved godhood by obeying certain laws. Fundamentally, Mormonism is one of the most polytheistic religions in existence. Christianity is entirely mono-theistic, proclaiming that there is only one God, eternally existent in three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Mormonism worships a different god, follows a different christ, and proclaims a different gospel from authentic New Testament Christianity. There should be absolutely no doubt on this issue – Mormonism and Christianity are not in any way compatible.

Hank Hannegraff writes…

“How Mormon am I?” Mitt Romney responded to a journalist from The Atlantic in 2005, during his first run for President of the United States. “You know, the principles and values taught to me by faith are values I aspire to live by and are as American as motherhood and apple pie. My faith believes in family, believes in Jesus Christ… And I’m not perfect, but I’m one aspiring to be a good person as defined by the biblical Judeo-Christian standards…”

It sounds pretty good — but then, it’s supposed to. For decades, Mormon leadership has made a concerted effort to win over Americans by making it appear Mormons hold the same basic tenets as Christians. In fact, they are obscuring the face of Mormonism through the manufacture of a Mormon mirage.

As a result, many Christians today believe there’s no need to share Christ with their Mormon neighbors — and their Mormon neighbors may well consider themselves orthodox Christians. We hear a Mormon state a belief in Jesus and “biblical Judeo-Christian standards,” without realizing their faith is founded in teachings that:

* Jesus Christ was conceived by sexual intercourse between God and the Virgin Mary.
* The Bible is filled with errors and superseded by the Book of Mormon and the words of all Mormon prophets.
* God was once human like us, dwelling on earth, and “became God” through faith and good works — just as we can do ourselves.
* Jesus’ death and resurrection secured only the opportunity for us to attain salvation through our own good works — salvation is not by faith in Christ.
* …and much, much more that contradicts the explicit teaching of God’s Word.

Recently, Mitt Romney affirmed Joseph Smith’s millennial beliefs that Jesus will reign in Independence, Missouri:

“Throughout the Bible Christ appears in Jerusalem, splits the Mount of Olives to stop the war that’s coming in to kill all the Jews. Our church believes that.We also believe that over the thousand years that follows, the Millennium, He will reign from two places, that the law will come forth from one place, in Missouri, and the other will be in Jerusalem.”

Romney’s explicit affirmation of Mormon eschatology is particularly disturbing in light of another prophecy by Joseph Smith that one day the U.S. Constitution will be hanging by a thread, only to be saved by Elders of the LDS Church.

Hank goes on:

If we can’t understand and articulate these differences, we too can be taken in by the Mormon mirage… and be unable to share the truth in love with Mormons as God provides opportunities. But with Romney prominent in the 2012 presidential campaign, the Mormon Church’s vested interest in obscuring these crucial points is at its height.

But please don’t misunderstand my comments about Mitt Romney. I’m not talking about his politics — I’m talking about his belief system. Romney has attempted to make Mormonism sound mainstream when it’s anything but.

Hank goes on to describe a resource he is making available, a flipchart describing the Mormon beliefs in an easy to view format…

As such, I wrote the flipchart not to influence your politics, but your heart, exposing the Mormon mirage and the delusion leading multiplied millions to their doom. With Mormonism’s current aggressive publicity and evangelism, you need to be armed with the facts for yourself and to share… because Truth matters.

If you are interested in the resource Hank refers to, it can be found at http://www.equip.org

Concerning Spiritual Gifts and Cessationism

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Both of these men (Doug Wilson and Mark Driscoll) have been subject to much attack in recent exchanges on the internet. I am well aware of that and don’t wish to rehash those issues here. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see such an interesting and intelligent discussion take place between the two, which I thought could perhaps be helpful to many who might listen in on their conversation. Doug Wilson is asking the questions and Mark Driscoll is answering.

Doug Wilson Interviews Mark Driscoll | Part II – Spiritual Gifts & Cessationism from Canon Wired on Vimeo.

Miscellaneous Quotes (25)

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“He that hath slight thoughts of sin never had great thoughts of God.” – John Owen

“We know but little of true Christianity, if we do not feel a deep concern about the souls of unconverted people.” – J.C. Ryle

“When a Christian is weak, and can hardly pray for himself, Jesus Christ is praying for him; and he prays for three things.

First, that the saints may be kept from sin (John 17:15). “I pray that thou shouldest keep them from evil.” We live in the world as in a pest-house; Christ prays that his saints may not be infected with the contagious evil of the times.

Second, for his people’s progress in holiness. “Sanctify them” (John 17:17). Let them have constant supplies of the Spirit, and be anointed with fresh oil.

Third, for their glorification: “Father, I will that those which thou hast given me, be with me where I am” (John 17:24). Christ is not content till the saints are in his arms. This prayer, which he made on earth, is the copy and pattern of his prayer in heaven. What a comfort is this; when Satan is tempting, Christ is praying! This works for good.” – Thomas Watson: All Things for Good, 1663, (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2008), 23

“If you feel that you are empty, if you feel you are nothing, if you feel you are poor and wretched and blind, if you hate your inclination to sin and have any suspicion of a feeling of self-loathing and hatred, you can take it from me that you have eternal life, for no one ever experiences such things until the life of God comes into his or her soul.” – Martyn Lloyd-Jones

“If, however, you feel and are inclined to think you have made it, flattering yourself with your own little books, teaching, or writing, because you have done it beautifully and preached excellently; if you are highly pleased when someone praises you in the presence of others; if you perhaps look for praise, and would sulk or quit what you are doing if you did not get it—if you are of that stripe, dear friend, then take yourself by the ears, and if you do this in the right way you will find a beautiful pair of big, long, shaggy donkey ears.

Then do not spare any expense! Decorate them with golden bells, so that people will be able to hear you wherever you go, point their fingers at you, and say, “See, see! There goes that clever beast, who can write such exquisite books and preach so remarkably well.” That very moment you will be blessed and blessed beyond measure in the kingdom of heaven. Yes, in that heaven where hellfire is ready for the devil and his angels.” – Martin Luther, LW 34:287-288.

“Whatever works we perform are the results of our justification and in no way the grounds of it or the cause of it.” – R.C. Sproul

“Let God have your life; he can do more with it than you can.” – D.L. Moody

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” – C.S. Lewis

“The article of justification must be sounded in our ears incessantly because the frailty of our flesh will not permit us to take hold of it perfectly and to believe it with all our heart.” – Martin Luther

“Even the best things we do have something in them to be pardoned.” – J.C. Ryle

“There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist.” – Mark Twain

“The specter of death haunts the symphony of life like a cello. The trumpet, however, herald of the King, will triumph in the end.” – R. C. Sproul, Jr

“No man ever fell into error through being too watchful.” – Charles Spurgeon

“If we could only see our souls as the ten afflicted lepers saw their bodies, we would pray far better than we do.” — J.C. Ryle
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No… don’t do it!

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Wanting to relax last night by watching a good clean, “This classic children’s tale tells the story of a young farmer’s son who inherits a strange talking cat with magical boots. With his cunning wit, Puss helps him win the heart of the Princess while battling devious suitors that are after the throne. Please note: This is NOT the same version as the Antonio Banderas film coming to theaters in November. Rated G by the Motion Picture Association of America.”

But do most people read all that? When others might be standing behind them at the redbox, patiently waiting in line to rent, and with many other movies to look at to see if there might be something worthwhile to watch – does everyone read through to the end to see that it is NOT the version they think it is? I dont think so.

So a few of us sat down to start watching the DVD… well, I usually don’t review movies here, but I feel I need to make an exception in this case. For the mental health and welfare of humanity I must speak up and make the following heartfelt and sincere plea – DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES RENT THIS MOVIE. There is nothing redeemable about it.. nothing good I can say about it. It is BAD! VERY BAD! Actually, it was a lot worse than that!

I went to the redbox website to issue a complaint and soon realised that I did not need to. After reading this random selection of comments below, I think you might agree that others have made their feelings known pretty well:
This movie is hideous. My kids hate me now.

WORST MOVIE EVER!!! Watched 5 mins and had to turn it off. My fault for not reading the info and thinking it was the Puss from Shrek. Regardless, it was not even entertaining – William Shatner’s voice for Puss was horrible – sounded like a dying cat. NOT worth the $1.08 – DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!

This is so bad I kept it two nights to spare anybody else the trauma of renting it. Bad, bad,bad! No stars.

I just learned a lesson. Always read the reviews before renting. I assumed the voice of the cat would be the same as it was on shrek. I was wrong. William Shatner murdered the voice of the cat. This movie wasn’t worth the dvd it was put on. Not worth the half star I gave it.

I can’t believe William Shatner was part of this scam. Many like me thought this was the Puss in Boots from Shriek and I let my kids watch. My daughter said it was horrible. Shame on you William Shatner, shame on you.

Biggest movie-renting mistake of our lives! Right up there with Daniel the Dolphin. We also made the mistake of not reading the details – assumed this movie was related to Shrek. Wow, we got duped. We all need therapy after that horrible experience. 0 stars should be a rating option for this one.

William Shatner should be ashamed of himself. He should never be allowed near a movie again!!!! The voice of the cat was the most annoying I have ever heard. He suckered us into believing this was the same Puss n Boots as the one from Shreck. WRONG!!!! This movie deserves a minus 10 stars!!!

This movie was AWFUL!! NOT for little ones. I thought it was Puss from Shrek, as well. It’s NOT. Very dark characters. I don’t believe that this movie should be rated G, too scary looking

Always, always, always read the reviews first!

This movie was horrible! I can’t believe I actually wasted a dollar on this moive. This movie is not kid appropriate in anyway. Shame on me for not paying better attention to the reviews. I tried to think it would get better but it just got painfully worse. My daughter lost interest in a minute.

WORST MOVIE EVER!!! I wish I had read the reviews. This is not the Shrek character. Horrible, horrible voice work by Captain Kirk. Oh God Make it STOP! I had to leave the room, kids got up a few minutes later and said, “hey dad, this is a bad movie”. DO NOT RENT!!!!

I dont usually write reviews, but I had to take the time to warn people about this one! DO NOT RENT…THIS IS NOT THE SHREK CAT! It is absolutely awful. My children say “This is weird”? BE WARNED-DO NOT RENT!

“Disturbing” is the word my children used while watching this “knock off” to the real Puss ‘N Boots Movie. Shame on me, I should have known the real movie was not released yet. Save your dollar, it is not even worth that. The music is creepy and will scare little children, beware.

This creepy movie made my hard to scare 5 year old cry! It’s a very poorly done movie with bad characters. First review I’ve ever wrote I disliked this so much. Really wish I would have read sooner that it wasn’t the dreamworks version, misleading.

We set up a slumber party sleepover and chose this movie – awful! We watched about 10 minutes of it and turned it off to watch normal tv. Not worth a penny!

Super stinky movie. They trick you by making you think this is the Dreamworks version. This cat’s voice is the most annoying thing ever… the animation is horrendous.. very low budget. My six year old asked us to turn it off and watch another movie.

Um… I got scammed out of a dollar! I thought this was the Shrek version. I wish I could give this movie negative stars. Didn’t even get through the first five minutes.

Weird, weird weird, my kids were super bored. Looks more like an animation experiment than a movie.

this is what they would use to torment captured terrorist with to make them talk. this is the lowest rating they would let me give but i would give it negative 10 stars if i could

What a joke! Truly an unwatchable film. Shatners completely creepy cat voice ruined the movie from the get go, however, character after character added to the movies unbelivable creepyness! Worst movie ever! Nothing cute, sweet or enjoyable at all,,,,,not one moment!

Awful… could not watch more than 15 mins.. my 10 year old begged me to turn it off… Poor Captain Kirk, you have fallen so low…

You will not like this movie because it won’t be what you are expecting. It is NOT the cat from Shrek, and the movie is very, very bad. Please, for your own sake, take everyone’s advice and don’t rent this movie. Redbox, please do everyone a favor and remove it from your machines.

I’d pay to never have to see it again! I think I’d rather gouge my eyes out.

Definitely not the Shrek Puss in Boots. The voices are awful and it was basically the creepiest worst thing ever!

This movie is even worse then the other reviews said it was. Never made it past the first 5 minutes.

AWFUL! The disclaimer that this movie is NOT the Shrek Puss In Boots needs to be ALOT bigger!!! It’s weird and creepy and poorly done. So much so that we shut off the movie and quit watching it. I would have given NO stars if possible.

Don’t watch this movie if you are feeling in any way suicidal. It just might send you over the edge. Its that bad.