The Disappearance of God

I'm part of this blog tour thing where I get asked to read books, and then eveluate them here. This is one of those books.

Dr. Albert Mohler Jr., President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has written a new book called "The Disappearance of God," where he talks about the foundations of the Christian faith that are disappearing in this post-modern, pluralistic, relativistic world we are living in. If you would like to read more about the book, click here.

Surprisingly, as an academic writer, Mohler was pretty easy to read and understand. I have to admit that I was a bit surprised at some of the "core" truths Mohler decided to write about. I understand writing about the doctrine of perseverance; salvation by grace through faith; sin; the reality of hell; the emerging church; pluralism; and church discipline. But is "A Christian View of Beauty" really one of the most pressing issues?

Probably my biggest beef with the book was Mohler's argument against the emerging church. While I agree with almost every point he makes, and his reasons are biblical and solid, he needs to expand his resources against the emerging church past D.A. Carson's Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church.

In spite of this criticism, I would encourage people to pick this book up. If you are concerned about the church and how the church relates to culture this would be a good read for you. In the age-old battle to preserve the foundations of faith, it's up to a new generation to confront and disarm the contemporary shams and fight for the truth.

Rejoice & Celebrate

I was reading Luke 15:1-32 yesterday, and was struck by how many times the words rejoice and celebrate are used.

This section of Scripture contains the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the prodigal son. In 32 verses the word rejoice is used 4 times, and the word celebrate is used 3 times.

I was struck again by God's concern for those who do not yet follow him. And I was amazed by how much rejoicing and celebrating goes on in heaven when one person decides to follow Jesus.

I love how Brennan Manning describes the scene of the prodigal son and father. (Verse 20) But while he was a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with love for him; he ran to his son and threw his arms around him. He couldn't stop hugging and kissing him!

You Gotta See This

My buddy Gavin sent me this link, and it's so bad I have to pass it on. Enjoy this video!

Holy Week

Just a quick post...I'm reading The Ancient Christian Devotional by Thomas Oden, and one of the readings for this week struck me.

Cyril of Alexandria made this comment around the year 400, "He became like us that we might become like him."

That's a quote that will stop and make you think for a while.

Hot Off The Press

I wanted to share with you our Easter morning title and title slide for April 12, 2009. Our services are at 7:45; 9:15 and 10:45 that morning. Hope you can make it.

Stand Firm

We are in the middle of a teaching series on 1 Peter, and I thougth I would share our title slide graphic with you. Steal it if you like:

U2's "No Line on the Horizon"

U2's new album "No Line on the Horizon" dropped on Tuesday, March 3rd, but I've been listening to it for about two weeks now because the band streamed the album on their website before the official release.

After the first listen, I didn't know what to think - it was definately a departure from All That You Can't Leave Behind and How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.

I have now listened to it about 10 times and here is the verdict: I think this is the second best album U2 has made, behind 1991's Auchtung Baby. I know, I know, all you fundamentalists will argue for The Joshua Tree as the best album. And while this album may not be as seminal as Joshua Tree, it is a deep, layered work that will take many listens to hear all of the intracacies.

Two more quick things. I think it's U2's most overtly Christian album, with songs like Magnificent, Unknown Caller, White As Snow, Fez-Being Born, and Breathe.

Finally, the second track on the album is titled Magnificent and I believe is already, and will go down as the second best U2 song of all time behind Bad.

I can't wait to hear the new stuff live.