Systematic Mormonism: Last Things (The Beginning of the End)

“Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the Scripture laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of the more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously . . .” - Joseph Smith

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17 ESV

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city which are described in this book.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. - Revelation 22:6-21 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Systematic Mormonism: Church Order and Practices (Ecclesiology)

Moving right along, we now look into the church order and some of the major practices within the Church of LDS. We will see what their ordinances actually mean, where they originate, and where they get their authority.

Mormon Church Order & Practice (1)



Mormon Church Order and Practice (2)



Mormon Church Order and Practice (3)

To view the previous chapter, click here.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Systematic Mormonism: The Way of Salvation (Soteriology)

With the doctrines of Revelation, God, Man, and Jesus Christ being so drastically different from that of the traditional Christian Faith, where does this leave them on the issue of the salvation of souls? The implications of their teachings clearly nullify the idea of the justification by faith in Christ alone--so in what or who does the faithful Mormon put their hope in order that they may acquire eternal life? What must a Mormon do to be saved? The answer will surprise you...

Mormons and Eternal Life

To view the previous chapter, click here.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Systematic Mormonism: The Doctrine of Jesus Christ (Christology)

Here, we will take a look at the person and work of Jesus Christ, according to the writings of Mormonism, in contrast with that of the Holy Bible. While the content of this clip is short, the differences are not hard to point out even if one has an elementary level of biblical knowledge. Everything that we have seen up until now greatly effects this particular doctrine, just as every category that follows after this one will be greatly effected by this teaching as well. Leaves you with the lingering question, "How Christian can Mormonism actually be?"


Jesus Christ According to Mormonism

For previous chapter, click here.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Systematic Mormonism: The Doctrine and Study of Man (Anthropology)

In this section, we will survey the origin of the human species (anthropology) from the doctrines of Mormonism. We will look at some of it claims through historical, scientific, and archaeological evidence (or lack thereof). We will see a short history lesson on the life and character of the man, Joseph Smith, himself.



Mormonism v. Anthropology/Archaeological Evidence (1)







Mormonism v. Anthropology/Archaeological Evidence (2)


A Short History of Joseph Smith


To view the previous chapter, click here.


Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

Systematic Mormonism: God and His Attributes (Theology Proper)

In this section, we will look into the Mormon Doctrine on God. It doesn't take long to realize that Mormonism is not monotheistic, trinitarian God as in biblical Christianity. It is, in fact, a polytheistic religion.

The Mormon Doctrine on God and His Attributes

To see the previous section click here.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Systematic Mormonism: Orgins of Scripture and Revelation (Prolegomena)

“It's a lot more common now for someone to know a Mormon rather than just know of Mormons out in Utah, ... We seem more normal. We're not as exotic.” - Brigham Young

Mormonism (Church of Latter Day Saints - LDS) has gained much attention lately due to certain current events--both positively and negatively. Most recently, it has grabbed much of the media spotlight thanks to the popularity of Republican presidential candidate hopeful, Mitt Romney, the capture of FBI's most wanted, Warren Jeffs, and also the success of the HBO series, Big Love. However, much of Mormonism remains a mystery to the general public. Most know some basic generalities:

-They claim to fall under the umbrella of the Christian faith.
-The founder was a man by the name of Joseph Smith.
-Some may also known of some of their flagship institutions (Brigham Young University, etc.)

But still, very little is known of the particulars of the Mormon Faith. After all, most who are apart of the faith are not very forthcoming when speaking of the origins and heritage of Mormonism and its founder(s).

Recently, the people over at Mormon Research Ministry (http://www.mrm.org/) have released a video series entitled, Search For the Truth: Jesus Christ/Joseph Smith. It serves as a comprehensive look behind the scenes of the LDS church and as a warm-hearted refutation of the doctrines held by Mormonism as it deviates from the truth of the scripture.

I have taken clips from this series and placed them into systematic theological categories to show that these differences are not just mere trivial matters; this is to show that in every way this religion that calls itself "Christian" contradicts and denies the Bible at every given opportunity. So we'll start with the Prolegomena (study of first things) of Mormonism-- The origin of revelation and their "sacred writings" as well as how this effects their interpretation of the Word of God (the Holy Bible).

Introduction

Origin of Mormonism (Joseph Smith's First Vision)



Joseph Smith's Translation/Revelation Method

More on Smith's Prophecies and Revelations

If you have difficulty viewing clip on this page, click here:
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v341671KzgqB33s

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Free Indeed: Liberty In Christ

"True liberty consists only in the power of doing what we ought to will, and in not being constrained to do what we ought not to will." - Jonathan Edwards


As I read this statement above earlier this week, it began to dawn on me how often we as humans can seriously misunderstand what true liberty actually entails. We have a great inclination to believe that to be free means to do whatever we will--everything is a matter of choice, right? Especially in considering the United States of America, freedom equates to free will. In other words we can do what we want, so long as we understand, what I like to call, the "Spider-Man principle":

With great freedom comes great responsibility.
(Okay--so it's not exactly what he said, but you get the idea...)

But can this answer really suffice? Is this really just a matter of opinion? Are we scientifically engineered to be autonomously free? These are the tough questions that have been struggled with for centuries. The popular worldview of the day definitely would lend itself towards affirming the notion of free will, but this may be a bit premature. Survey the following statement:




So even in the scientific realm, there is no clear cut answer to the problem of the liberation of the will. However, there was something said that was very important. The speaker found the idea of arbitrary, random acts of the will to be disconcerting. Is there some sort of "glitch in our system"? If we read the statement at the beginning by Edwards correctly, then the answer would have to be a resounding "yes".


A Crack in the Liberty Bell

According to scripture, man is "free" to act as he naturally wills. The only down side is that man is naturally inclined to do what he ought not do. Ours is a tainted freedom. This is something that we all know from our own personal experience. We can all identify with the apostle Paul when he says,

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. - Romans 7:15-20 ESV

It is because of our inherent sinful nature (Original Sin) that we cannot do the things that we know that we should do--acknowledgement and glorification of God. In turn, this doesn't leave us free at all. In fact, it leaves us desperately enslaved to sin (Genesis 3; John 8:34; Romans 1:18-23, 3:11-18 & 23).




Order from Chaos (Who's choosin' who?!)


So far as we have seen, our choosing will get us nowhere. Our wills are, in fact, in bondage to sin and evil. This has been attested to from both the secular and christian worldview. However, in the majority of Churches and christian institutions, the problem of the will becomes even more confounded by doctrinal inconsistency with the Word of God. Listen to this song performed at Pensacola Christian College:



So, in other words (according to the lyrics of this song), I'm the captain of my fate and the master of my own destiny--even though in my natural state (from the verses referenced above) I am completely incapable of seeking after God. How can these things be? I do believe that their "wonderful gift of choice" is an exercise in futility, not to mention unbiblical:

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. - John 1:9-13 ESV


"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." - John 6:44, 63-65 ESV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. - John 15:16 ESV


Nowhere else is this case more firmly driven home than in this particular passage of scripture:

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. - Romans 9:16 ESV




Freed to Serve

Our freedom is paid at a very high cost; by the death of Christ. Contrary to popular beliefs that circulate in our day, we are not brought out of the bondage of sin simply to do whatever we wish(1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As Martin Luther stated,

"Saint Augustine writes, that free-will, without God's grace and the Holy Ghost, can do nothing but sin...Hence, we conclude in general, that man, without the Holy Ghost and God's grace, can do nothing but sin; he proceeds therein without intermission, and from one sin falls into another. Now, if man will not suffer wholesome doctrine, but contemns the all-saving Word, and resists the Holy Ghost, then through the effects and strength of his free-will he becomes God's enemy; he blasphemes the Holy Ghost, and follows the lusts and desires of his own heart, as examples in all times clearly show."

So, it is God who grants us grace through the gift of faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are set free from the bonds of sin to be slaves of righteousness. The freedom that is to be found in Christ is not one of independence, but rather total dependence and reliance on the person and work of Jesus Christ and to be tethered to him throughout eternity. It is then (and only then) that we are not only free to do what we want, but also to do what we ought to its chief end (Mark 12:28-31). A country's freedom is dependent on its military to maintain that freedom--and how much more does the liberation of our souls depend upon the grace of God to break us free from the chains of sin and bind us in the chains of Christ!

Derek Webb - "Medication"


"The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:35-36 ESV

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:1-5 ESV

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:20-23 ESV

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. - Romans 7:21-25 ESV


Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

"Nothing...I'm Positive": Our Surety in Christ

"There's got to be a love that's stronger than our fear of everything being out of control." - Derek Webb


The world that we are in today leaves very little room for absolutes. However, the threats around us are constant and very real. Despite all the advancements made technologically, medically or otherwise--the overall mood of the world climate seems to be fixed in a state of upheaval. In a culture that is bombarded with fear and uncertainties about wars, terrorism, genocide, politics, pandemics, famine, crime, love, gender, religion...from Darfur to Iraq to America; it all seems to be the same. The end game to all of it seems so terribly elusive. Our current postmodern mindset only compounds the problem by telling us that there is no such thing as "truth" (at least, that is to say, of the absolute variety). Truth is simply what we make it--at least that's what they'll tell you. In a world where God, the Tooth Fairy and "Science Fiction" are all viable candidates for the salvation of mankind, it's no big wonder as to why we can't seem to find any solutions to the problems that we face in the world, right? After all, if we follow this out to its rational conclusion what can be trustworthy? Everything is convoluted. Who or what can be trusted when lies and betrayal rule the day? Looking inward to ourselves only leaves us wanting and looking to others only sets us up for disappointment and them for failure (yes, even the "good" ones)...

All of these problems can leave even the strongest person of faith distressed and distracted at times. But the Word of God promises us much better. It reminds me of the lyrics of an old hymn by John Kent:

In union with the Lamb
From condemnation free
The saints from everlasting were
And shall forever be

In covenant of old
The sons of God they were
The feeblest lamb in Jesus’ fold
Was blessed in Jesus there

Its bonds shall never break
Though Earth’s old columns bow
The strong, the tempted, & the weak
Are one in Jesus now

When storms or tempests rise
Or sins your peace assail
Your hope in Jesus never dies
‘Tis cast within the veil

Here let the weary rest
Who love the Savior’s name
Though with no sweet enjoyments blessed
This covenant stands the same

It is this that is the Christian's sure foundation and the good news that we share with the lost; no matter how grim things may get in this world, we can be sure of one thing--hope in Christ never fails. Believe on him and you shall be saved. That is saving faith. And because of his faithfulness we can rest assured that whatever may come, nothing can separate us from our eternal life in him. The love of Christ is stronger than death and everything else. Of this, I'm positive (John 6:37, Colossians 3:3-4).

Have no fear...

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:35, 37-39 ESV

Solo Christus,

Shon

Evangel Lies: "This is MY Bible; it says what I say it says..." (Pt. 1)

"The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable." - James A. Garfield (20th President of the United States)

For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:18-19 ESV



I ran across this video clip a few weeks ago on the Internet:




This would be really funny if it wasn't in fact true. One may say, "Sure there are many people who produce commentaries, books, and tracts on their own ideas about the scriptures, but no one would be crazy enough to edit the bible down as to not offend or to conform to their own sensibilities, right?". Wrong.

For example--the Positive Bible. That's right, you can have your very own bible that is all filler, no killer (literally). This is what the publisher's synopsis has to say about this product:

"Turn to any page in this book. You will be greeted with a Biblical passage that offers hope, help, and encouragement. This collection of advice, instruction, inspiration, assurance, and wisdom, drawn from the King James, Revised Standard, New International, King James Modernized, and The Living Bible translations by scholar Kenneth Winston Caine, has the power and beauty to teach and comfort across the centuries.

Ponder just one passage or every one; browse this book at random or read it straight through. Find a problem or question in the index of more than 250 everyday life applications of scripture-from healing to living through grief to nurturing a child- and you will be directed to Biblical wisdom that speaks precisely to you, as timely and relevant to modern culture as the evening newscast. Here is your inspirational guide to the most remarkable of all books-condensed compendium of truth and knowledge that will enrich your entire family for years to come."

There are a couple of things here that are that are worth commenting on. First of all, this is a compilation of the whole of scripture (from Genesis to Revelation), yet it only covers 300 pages (if you add a concordance it is going to be less). I checked this with my own bible the other day and that only got me to somewhere in the middle of 1 Kings. This is a dead give away to the fact that there's a lot of information missing from Mr. Caine's so-called bible. Positivity is not the message of the Bible. It is the historical record of God acting on the behalf of sinful man in Redemptive History throughout time, with the center piece of that redemption coming in the life and death of Jesus Christ. Secondly, the parts of Scripture that make us uncomfortable are supposed to do just that. We must remember that all negativity that we find in scripture is brought about by our sinful nature. God made everything good. Man takes that which is good and turns it into something evil. Besides, without fully seeing the depravity of ourselves, we will never be able to fully understand the goodness of God through sending Christ into the world to save us.

"Without a firm idea of himself and the purpose of his life, man cannot live, and would sooner destroy himself than remain on earth, even if he was surrounded by bread." - Fydor Dostoyevsky


"Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." - Matthew 4:4 ESV


"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." - Revelation 22:18-19 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Tu Papa Tambien (And Your Father Too...)

Happy Father's Day, to all of the Fathers and to the rising generations of Godly young men who are aspiring to be fathers themselves someday...

May we also be thankful on this day to our Heavenly Father. May he continue to raise up men after his own heart who will walk in his statutes. May you all continue to be conformed in the likeness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until he returns.

Mind you, I don't really have a lot to say because I sort of ended up covering the whole thing on mother's day...so how about a movie (or two)?! Enjoy!

I thank God for all of the wonderful Christian men that have graced my path and been such an influence on me in the absence of my own paternal father. You have my deepest gratitude.

And a special thanks to Keith Kerr for putting up with me in my capricious youth (and yes, I actually talk that way, Keith).

Drink water from your own cistern,flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone,and not for strangers with you.Let your fountain be blessed,and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love. - Proverbs 5:15-19 ESV

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her - Ephesians 5:25 ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. - Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. - Colossians 3:19 ESV

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. - 1 Peter 3:7 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

And People Say Presbyterians (PCA) Don't Know How To Have Fun...

I had always heard about J. Ligon Duncan's mic skills, but seein' is believing!! Here he is at the 2006 Ligonier Ministries National Conference with John "the human beat box" Duncan kickin' it ol' school. Now if I could only find a clip his legendary Ghost Buster 3 "Bobby Brown Rap" ...



This clip had me rolling for about ten minutes. Not bad for a couple of stuffy, generic, reformed killjoys...next stop--America's Got Talent!


Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

Lost In Germany: Evangelical Eros?!

"You can make your life look good--you can do what Jesus would; but you'd be surprised what you can do with a hard heart..." - Derek Webb, A Ballad in Plain Red


But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5:16-21 ESV


In light of what was just stated in those verses, take a look at this excerpt from this recent Times Online article about a Protestant Church that has "Erotic" worship services. Remember, the word erotic is their word, not mine:


Yes, this really is a picture from a recent liturgy celebrated at a Protestant church in Cologne...

'A female dancer dances in a skin coloured stocking in the middle of the church in front of the altar. She crawls about on the floor and wraps herself in a hanging down white cloth. Is this a blasphemous provocation, a scoffing at the Christian religion?

'No it is only one of the items on the agenda of the Protestant Church Assembly. The six-hundred-year-old church, the Church of the Carthusians in the south of Cologne has become the stage for an erotic church service. Nearly one thousand interested people waited outside the door of the former monastery, despite a thunderstorm- but in the end there was only room for four hundred people.

'For those who managed to get in, they had to take off their shoes on a white painted church interior. Above the entrance, there was the caption, “a warm welcome to the Vineyard of Love”. The space between the benches had been overlaid with velvet and from the ceiling wine and rose leaves were strewn onto the spectators. A man came to the microphone and announced, This is an erotic church service, can you move a bit closer together, all of you. This was followed by saxophone music and dance.

'The vicar arrived in a black cassock and barefoot. He announced that eroticism and lust are not taboo areas pushed aside by God. In fact, "lust has to be lived out", said Armin Beuscher, who tempered his speech immediately, by saying, “we are of course today in this service only able to implement this in a limited manner”.

'He talks about his family doctor who once surprised him with the question, “Do you pray with your wife regularly and do you make love regularly?” He was at first embarrassed and later became conscious of the deep meaning in this question, that both spirituality and eroticism are nourished by repetition. It is therefore certainly part of life which has been shown in the TV series “O God, Vicar” when he immediately after sleeping with a woman then went to a funeral. The speech at the grave, immediately thereafter came under the motto of the Church Assembly, “Lively, Powerful and more Spicy”. Beuscher’s conclusion was therefore “ perhaps we clergy should go more often to bed with our loved ones.”

'The faithful were then asked to take part in an anointing ritual in which they should massage the forehead and hands of the person sitting next to them. Some go further and embrace each other whilst others kiss. The atmosphere gets more relaxed. This is how most church services should be said Birgit Kruger (59 years old) from near Hamburg and the Bavarian Gertrude Schirmer (72 years old) said “I found the anointment most beautiful”. Then they all said an Our Father together and then Vicar Beuscher admonishes the parish with the words “praise God with your body, your lust and tenderness”. Judging by the enthusiastic applause, the audience fully intend to do this.'

'Lust has to be lived out'. Wow. Now that has to be a statement for the ages coming from a so-called minister of the Gospel. I stated late last night (or earlier this morning--depending on how you look at it) that I thought that the whole Clown Church business was one of the most bizarre things that I thought I had ever witnessed in a Church. Well, less than twenty-four hours later--way less, in fact--I stand corrected. But, this only follows a logical progression. If you can do 'clown church', why not 'strip church'? Just because this happened on the other side of the globe doesn't excuse the church in the West of turning a blind eye to lust within our congregations. We are culpable in many other ways. Here's one recent example:

But I digress from my main point...

Regardless of the location, the Church is to keep herself pure--to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. How are we to preserve and light the way when we have lost our saltiness and hide our light in darkness? Putting the desires of the flesh to death is hard enough without having it thrust upon you in a Sunday morning sermon. We must come to understand that everything is not permissible just because it takes place in a building that we call a "church"; nor does it become any more permissible if we say that we are doing it under the auspices of "love". Everything that we do must be done under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Even things of a sensual nature must fall under this category. There is a place for our desires for the opposite sex, but it has to be done in a proper manner and to the glory of God. Color me pessimistic (as one of my friends just did), but I don't think that mock stripteases are the way to go. Sex and sensuality are gifts from God for our enjoyment. However, when this is forgotten, they become nothing more than idols to be worshipped--and the "goodness" is ruined. All we are left with is a twisted, perverted counterfeit of the real thing. In this clip from the Desiring God conference, Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, Ben Patterson gives some insight on this topic:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. - Galatians 5:22-24 ESV

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 ESV

"For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." - Mark 9:49-50 ESV

"No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness." - Luke 11:33-35 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

When The Church Came to Clowns...

What you are about to witness is probably one of the most appalling things that we will ever witness in our lifetime. The clip being shown here is not a spoof; this is a real church mass being conducted...by clowns. That's right. I said it. Clowns.

This is what happens when the gospel of Jesus Christ gets watered down to the point that it loses it's power. How on earth could anyone in there right mind expect to be taken seriously about their beliefs when you are now parading around in the garments of the international icon for foolishness?! When have you ever heard of anyone taking a clown seriously, with the exceptions of John Wayne Gacy and Stephen King's It. The world may not take it seriously, but any Christian that truly loves Jesus Christ aright should. Much like the two Clowns mentioned, this too is a killer. Choking the life out of authentic worship is every bit as lethal as any serial killer clown and the stakes are much higher. The Scripture gives warnings about burning strange (or unauthorized) fires before God and this has to be one of the strangest (if not the strangest) that I've ever seen. Pray for all involved in this spurious idea of "worship"; that they would be convicted of this travesty and come to a true realization of the holiness of God.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. - Exodus 20:8 ESV

Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. - Leviticus 10:1-2 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Power Failure: From Prophesying to Positive Thinking

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. - Proverbs 16:1, 9 ESV



For anyone who may be too young to remember or who may have never heard of Norman Vincent Peale, fear not; Peale's influence can be felt throughout most of modern day evangelistic circles. It can be felt so pervasively, in fact, that most people are completely unaware of the influence at all. This is largely due to the fact that much of what Peale "preached" and taught is now being filtered through the writings and ministries of those whom he mentored in his lifetime and those that they now mentor and/or influence (i.e. Robert Schuller, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, etc.).

But even if you haven't heard of Peale, most are somewhat familiar with his runaway best-seller, The Power of Positive Thinking, which catapulted him from preacher to pundit to prophet (excuse me, that should be profit) in the blink of an eye. Here is a little excerpt of what type insight he gives in his writings:

Norman Vincent Peale - The Power of Positive Thinking

This may seem at first glance to be nothing more than an innocent old codger sharing his grey-haired wisdom on a park bench like some sort of geriatric version of Forrest Gump, but let the buyer beware. What Peale is propagating is nothing more than New Age Pragmatism. Unfortunately, most have bought into it hook, line, and sinker. American Evangelicalism has swallowed it whole; note that in his time of trouble there is no mention of prayer for God to do a mighty work in their endeavors--to bless it according to His will. Peale's authority was not Paul and the Prophets; it was Plato and "Tessy". That's right, Tessy--a woman who is able to convince a so-called Christian minister that thoughts are intelligent and can actually think (meaning that thoughts aren't thoughts at all, but actually entities that have some sort of "life" to them). To say that I can visualize or speak something into being makes me...mmm...I don't know...God-like. Last time I checked, that's what got mankind into this mess in the first place!! It is blasphemous for me to believe that ultimate control of the universe begins and ends with the thought processes of my mind. Don't be fooled by the ending message scroll in that clip either. Just because he tacks on a scripture reference at the end doesn't make it anymore "christian"; he quotes Philippians 4:13 out of context because it fits his agenda. It's pragmatism 101--he uses what works in the given situation.

New Names, Same Old Thing

Most are convinced that New Age thinking is something that has remained outside of the church, but it is quite the contrary. In his book, Fit Bodies Fat, Minds, Os Guinness states,

But positive thinking has deeply affected evangelicalism too. Historians trace optimistic pragmatism right back to the First and Second Great Awakenings. During this time Arminianism superseded Calvinistic theology. People openly stressed encouraging human effort to transform the human will. Through human effort, then, others would accept the free offer of salvation. Gradually, religion itself was changed. Instead of being a revelation by which we are criticized, it becomes a power to which we are adjusted for the sake of gaining our power--and thus the key to health, wealth, popularity, and peace of mind. Thus the note of "spiritual technology", later picked up by the New Age movement, was introduced first by evangelicals. As one writer put it, "God is a twenty-four-hour station. All you need to do is plug in."

Twentieth-century versions are well known, supremely Norman Vincent Peale's 1952 best-seller The Power of Positive Thinking and Robert Schuller's television ministry "The Hour of Power". ("There is enough power in you," Peale wrote, "to blow the city of New York to rubble.") The former occasioned Adlai Stevenson's celebrated quip: "Paul I find appealing, but Peale I find appalling."

And so the trend continues; Peale is now dead and gone but his ghost lives on. The Christian religion continues to integrate itself with this type of pragmatic, self-help preaching of "gospel" hucksters. There are only two things that I can be positive of here: It's not biblical and it doesn't work. This type of philosophy places man above God as the supreme being in the universe and places emphasis on self-affirmation, rather than self-denial and the affirmation of the person and the work of Jesus Christ (Luke 9:23).

John Piper on Prosperity "Gospel"

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” - Job 1:21 ESV

But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. - Job 2:10 ESV

“Let me have silence, and I will speak,and let come on me what may. Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand? Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him." - Job 13:13-16 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 ESV

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. - James 4:13-16 ESV


Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

Any Way You Can: Billy Graham's Multi-Directional Plan of Salvation

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6 ESV


Billy Graham is known as one of the greatest evangelical leaders of the modern day era. But how are we to judge our leaders in the Church? Are we to judge by the thousands that attend their crusades? How many world leaders that they have "influenced"? How many powerful friends they have? How many years they've produced "success" in their ministry? Or how about how much money they've made?

Most would say no, but if we take an honest look at the state of things, this has in actuality become the criterion by which we judge the shepherds of the flock. As long as they have the appearances of moral uprightness, are personable (and have some sort of celebrity status), we are more than willing to give them a nod. Minus the status, these attributes are very important for pastors and teachers in the Church; however, we have a tendency to overshadow the most important standard of all:

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. - 1 Timothy 4:16 ESV

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV


In the clips to follow, if we hold Graham (or Schuller) up to the Scripture's demands, does he past the test? I'm aware that such a statement may anger some people. While it is true and can be argued that some have been led to saving faith through Billy Graham's ministry, we must remember one thing:

The salvation of souls can be accomplished even when men falter because it is an act of our sovereign God who has decreed those souls saved and in no way, shape, form or fashion releases Church leaders (or any other Christian, for that matter) from their responsibility to speak the truth in terms of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore Graham, as well as any who hold to the teachings espoused here, are to be held accountable to what the Scriptures teach (John 6:37, 44; 10:1-18).



Robert Schuller Interview w/ Billy Graham




It's a funny thing; Schuller mentions "wideness"...so does the Bible on this matter (Matthew 7:13-14).


Here's John MacArthur's with a biblical response to Graham's philosophy of Salvation:




And here is a final warning from John Piper:

"This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:11-12 ESV

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. - Galatians 1:8-9 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Losing Our Minds: The Lack of Doctrine and Discernment in Modern Christianity

"A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it." - G.K. Chesterton


There seems to be a modern day trend of not drinking too deeply from the fountain of knowledge that is in the Scriptures; we are all too content to merely gargle...

And as a consequence, many are dying of thirst.

May this presentation from Cross TV encourage us to recover and convict us of our sin, so that we may begin once again to love the Lord Jesus Christ with our minds as well as our hearts and souls (Matthew 22:36-38).

Our very lives depend upon it.


"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." - John 14:15 ESV

"I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you." - Revelation 3:1-3 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Your Mother...Seriously.

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. - John 19:26-27 ESV

To Mothers, Wives, and The Rising Generations...

As I meditate on the verses above I am struck with humility when I see the care and concern that Jesus had for his mother's safety and well-being. Even within the agonizing pain and torture that he was going through, he wanted to make sure that his mother was going to be taken care of. May we all have the same fervor and vigilance toward the women who raise us in our formative years. In a society where being considered a "momma's boy" is a slander, in the light of Scripture we will find a different perspective. Men should indeed be momma's boys!! We should love our mothers to death. And there's a good reason for this; the further implications of it go beyond just the woman who birthed us into the world.

A friend of mine reminded me last week, "How a man treats his mother mirrors how he will treat his wife". She's exactly right. Caring for your wife and children will not be like flipping a switch. These are things that have to be cultivated. So as I talk about giving honor to the ladies on this day, I have to take time out to say a word to the men:

Remember this above everything else--the dynamic of relationships are not independent from one another. Love your mothers, wives, daughters and sisters in a manner that is glorifying to God. Show them their equality and uniqueness in the way that you love and protect them. Strive to reflect Christ's love for them in everything that you do.

The Honors

To my mother, who raised me in the statutes of the Lord--Thank you for showing we the way to righteousness. It's my turn now...

To my Grandmother and Aunt (as well as cousins, great aunts)--They say it takes a village to raise a child...it must have been really hard work raising the village idiot! Thank You...

And Last but certainly not least,

To CJ--regardless of all the chaos that's been, you'll make a great wife and mother, Lord willing. Thanks for being there and making me braver than I ever thought I could be. You're a gift from God...I don't tell you that enough. This song's for you:

John Mayer - "Daughters"

Luv Ya!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. - Genesis 3:20 ESV

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet nightand provides food for her householdand portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strengthand makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poorand reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gateswhen he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her householdand does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. - Proverbs 31:10-31 ESV

Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. - 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 ESV

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. - 1 Timothy 1:5 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon