Republocrat
For starters, the title has us!
People power? Power to the people? Seems as if I heard that in my distant past
Pragmatically, the people lost power even while “honest Abe” was making his Gettysburg peroration.
So much for history.
Without a doubt, the observations of one outside our mileu, dare I say foreign, is to be seriously noted and ruminated upon.
Observations:
Do not imbibe/embrace the ruminations of the MSM. (I like that, given my 50+ year deleterious exposure to MSM).
Focus on propositional content vs. Image.
Wow ! Words, the ordering of words into a coherent structure has meaning/significance! Interesting.
Refreshing? Yeow!
Thank God for the input from “the other side”!
Talk about needed!
Oh? Christian involvement/participation in politics: not much said.
Bless you, Prof Trueman!
Pearcey Report
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Discipler Extraordinaire
The Priesthood of Every Believer is a book which ought to be in the hands of every believer.
Why? Simply because of its simplicity.
Discipleship or the Equipping of every believer IS NOT rocket science.
The Lord gave the initial commission to ordinary men equipped to perform in an extra-ordinary manner.
Granted, in my opinion, they were possessed of extra-ordinary powers limited to that age, but those same powers had nothing to do with discipling/equipping! Disciples are made, not born!
Men and women of every unfolding age are discipled/equipped with Truth and truth is fitted to every unfolding age (aeon-Eph. 2:7 & 3:21).
Undoubtedly, an "immediate" miracle is mind-boggling; but the moral miracle has far more lasting impact!
Granted, in the minds of many, Dawson's approach seems mechanical, and it is. But, this is just the approach applicable to most of humanity. It is only the 15% who chafe at this approach and who, most desperately need just this tool to enable them to minister effectively across the whole scope of humanity.
I, for one, commend Dave Dawson for his willingness to share his experiences and insights relative to Intentional Discipleship. Personally, I have profited from his ministry insights, etc. for the past 40 years.
Thanks, Dave.
As LeRoy used to admonish: DGIWTHH
PS: check out the ministry and materials of ETS-Equipping The Saints
Why? Simply because of its simplicity.
Discipleship or the Equipping of every believer IS NOT rocket science.
The Lord gave the initial commission to ordinary men equipped to perform in an extra-ordinary manner.
Granted, in my opinion, they were possessed of extra-ordinary powers limited to that age, but those same powers had nothing to do with discipling/equipping! Disciples are made, not born!
Men and women of every unfolding age are discipled/equipped with Truth and truth is fitted to every unfolding age (aeon-Eph. 2:7 & 3:21).
Undoubtedly, an "immediate" miracle is mind-boggling; but the moral miracle has far more lasting impact!
Granted, in the minds of many, Dawson's approach seems mechanical, and it is. But, this is just the approach applicable to most of humanity. It is only the 15% who chafe at this approach and who, most desperately need just this tool to enable them to minister effectively across the whole scope of humanity.
I, for one, commend Dave Dawson for his willingness to share his experiences and insights relative to Intentional Discipleship. Personally, I have profited from his ministry insights, etc. for the past 40 years.
Thanks, Dave.
As LeRoy used to admonish: DGIWTHH
PS: check out the ministry and materials of ETS-Equipping The Saints
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Interesting Devotional
A Year with God R.P. Nettelhorst
Unlike so many devotionals, this one is not laid out in terms of days of the month, but simply numerically.
Another unique feature is the organization around topics: Hope and Fear, Love and Hate, Perseverance and Quitting, Faith and Doubt, Loyalty and Betrayal, Companionship and Isolation, Mercy and Judgment, Forgiveness and Anger, Joy and Sadness, and Peace and Conflict. Each topical segment begins biblically in Genesis and moves through Malachi selecting passages pertinent to the topic.
The author chose to utilize differing translations throughout the topic.
By and large, I found the comments for each day interesting and often quite stimulating, though I would differ with his observation on the rainbow's original appearance. The take on Ham’s sin was interesting, as well. You will need to purchase or borrow the book to see what he says!
I wondered why the author did not seek to explicate the place of Jesus more directly in his devotional development, given Jesus’ remarks in Luke 24:27.
Maybe the author is leaving that for his next edition?
I would recommend this book.
I received this book as part of the publisher’s blogger review program (BookSneeze).
Unlike so many devotionals, this one is not laid out in terms of days of the month, but simply numerically.
Another unique feature is the organization around topics: Hope and Fear, Love and Hate, Perseverance and Quitting, Faith and Doubt, Loyalty and Betrayal, Companionship and Isolation, Mercy and Judgment, Forgiveness and Anger, Joy and Sadness, and Peace and Conflict. Each topical segment begins biblically in Genesis and moves through Malachi selecting passages pertinent to the topic.
The author chose to utilize differing translations throughout the topic.
By and large, I found the comments for each day interesting and often quite stimulating, though I would differ with his observation on the rainbow's original appearance. The take on Ham’s sin was interesting, as well. You will need to purchase or borrow the book to see what he says!
I wondered why the author did not seek to explicate the place of Jesus more directly in his devotional development, given Jesus’ remarks in Luke 24:27.
Maybe the author is leaving that for his next edition?
I would recommend this book.
I received this book as part of the publisher’s blogger review program (BookSneeze).
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Least Among Us
Terrific Moralistic presentation.
Uncomfortable denoting it as objectively Christian, though inference is made to Christian themes, i.e. the title, and the story context: a Seminary where the main character is training for the pastorate (though this is not the true intent of the main character).
As a moralistic presentation I suspect it would comport with Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, and just about every other religious expression on the Pike.
Having personally lived through the era and experienced the bigotry in the North and in the South during that era, I resonated with the main character’s concern in standing against injustice. As a young Naval Flight Cadet in the 50’s, I well recall being tossed off a bus in the South because I chose to sit in the rear of a bus (the front being full).
I well recall the same intense anger sitting in front of Abortion Chambers in the 80’s along with many who never professed the name of Christ yet were abhorred at the injustice of elective abortion.
To label either action as specifically “Christian” is confusing.
I was especially dismayed at the presentation of the Seminary personal. Mercy! Talk about casting a “black eye” on Christianity! Balance might have been suggested by illustrating the same type of injustice in Government Public Schools, within the US Military (I can personally attest to this as well), or within the governmental structure as a whole.
Admittedly, this is the tale of one’s experience within a Seminary context, but balance ought to have been sought given the gross ignorance of today’s generations!
Overall, I would suggest viewing this video as an illustration of what many might label: Common Grace; or what I suggest as evidence of The Creator’s hand in His creation.
Personally, it warmed my heart watching the main character contend with “evil” first hand. To be honest, it brought back a host of flooding memories!
But, I would not suggest, by any stretch of the imagination, this is a Christian presentation.
I received this video as a participant in the BookSneeze review program. My review is not influenced by the publisher.
Uncomfortable denoting it as objectively Christian, though inference is made to Christian themes, i.e. the title, and the story context: a Seminary where the main character is training for the pastorate (though this is not the true intent of the main character).
As a moralistic presentation I suspect it would comport with Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, and just about every other religious expression on the Pike.
Having personally lived through the era and experienced the bigotry in the North and in the South during that era, I resonated with the main character’s concern in standing against injustice. As a young Naval Flight Cadet in the 50’s, I well recall being tossed off a bus in the South because I chose to sit in the rear of a bus (the front being full).
I well recall the same intense anger sitting in front of Abortion Chambers in the 80’s along with many who never professed the name of Christ yet were abhorred at the injustice of elective abortion.
To label either action as specifically “Christian” is confusing.
I was especially dismayed at the presentation of the Seminary personal. Mercy! Talk about casting a “black eye” on Christianity! Balance might have been suggested by illustrating the same type of injustice in Government Public Schools, within the US Military (I can personally attest to this as well), or within the governmental structure as a whole.
Admittedly, this is the tale of one’s experience within a Seminary context, but balance ought to have been sought given the gross ignorance of today’s generations!
Overall, I would suggest viewing this video as an illustration of what many might label: Common Grace; or what I suggest as evidence of The Creator’s hand in His creation.
Personally, it warmed my heart watching the main character contend with “evil” first hand. To be honest, it brought back a host of flooding memories!
But, I would not suggest, by any stretch of the imagination, this is a Christian presentation.
I received this video as a participant in the BookSneeze review program. My review is not influenced by the publisher.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Couldn’t put it down!
Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East,
Bryant Wright
From the opening sentence to the end of the book, my attention never waned. Though I believe myself to be well informed on the situation, biblically and historically, the narrative and development was such that I didn’t want to pass quickly over any part!
This is a terrific introduction to the issue and Bryant hits the nail on the head as to the source of the problem. Seeds Of Turmoil is a good introduction to Islam and to the relationships between the three religions of the book.
The unstated assumption behind the book suggests political Zionism is representative of biblical Israel.
I will happily pass this book on to others as an introduction to the problem along with a briefing on Political Zionism and Christian Zionism.
I received this book as part of Thomas Nelson’s blogger’s review program, gratis, and the freedom to post my opinion.
Bryant Wright
From the opening sentence to the end of the book, my attention never waned. Though I believe myself to be well informed on the situation, biblically and historically, the narrative and development was such that I didn’t want to pass quickly over any part!
This is a terrific introduction to the issue and Bryant hits the nail on the head as to the source of the problem. Seeds Of Turmoil is a good introduction to Islam and to the relationships between the three religions of the book.
The unstated assumption behind the book suggests political Zionism is representative of biblical Israel.
I will happily pass this book on to others as an introduction to the problem along with a briefing on Political Zionism and Christian Zionism.
I received this book as part of Thomas Nelson’s blogger’s review program, gratis, and the freedom to post my opinion.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Portrait Of A Man
Patton: the Pursuit of Destiny by Agostino Von Hassell and Ed Breslin,
Have always been intrigued by Patton’s sense of destiny. Reading this volume enabled me to see the impact of his exposure to the scriptures wherein one encounters the message of a sovereign creator working all things after the counsel of His own will.
This bio also lends tremendous credence to the impact of parents and grandparents on the education of a child without the aid of government schools. The pressures Patton faced as it became apparent he wasn’t a product of the government system only attest to the effectiveness of educational warehousing in cloning.
The book does a great service in explaining the background and motivations behind the slapping incidents.
It is a shame the movie did not follow the biographical material outlined in this volume. Would have been a much better service to the memory of this man!
Patton and Smedley Butler are two terrific leadership role model.
I received this book free from the publisher through the Thomas Nelson bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Have always been intrigued by Patton’s sense of destiny. Reading this volume enabled me to see the impact of his exposure to the scriptures wherein one encounters the message of a sovereign creator working all things after the counsel of His own will.
This bio also lends tremendous credence to the impact of parents and grandparents on the education of a child without the aid of government schools. The pressures Patton faced as it became apparent he wasn’t a product of the government system only attest to the effectiveness of educational warehousing in cloning.
The book does a great service in explaining the background and motivations behind the slapping incidents.
It is a shame the movie did not follow the biographical material outlined in this volume. Would have been a much better service to the memory of this man!
Patton and Smedley Butler are two terrific leadership role model.
I received this book free from the publisher through the Thomas Nelson bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Signs of the Times, Signs of the Timers!
NUTS.
For over 60+ years I have listened to the Mantra: these are the signs of the times.
Some years back, I began to ask, “…the times of what?”
Most said, “…the end of the world…” But, as I searched the scriptures I failed to find any text supporting that assertion.
Others responded, “…the signs of the end…”. To which I queried, “…the end of what..?”
Again, I was met with the assertion: the end of the world.
Others said, “…the last days…”, to which I responded, “…the last days of what…?”
Still others asserted “the end”, to which I responded, “…end of what…?”
Never in all these years have I heard any of the “…this is a sign of the end…” proponents admit to their assertions being wrong. Most egregious among these “prophets” ( in my opinion) being John Walvoord, Hal Lindsey, and Jack van Impe. (I could also include John Hagee: ).
It does appear most of the aforementioned have made good money via book sales based upon their assertions and the religious community’s credulity. (To their detriment, they neglected to give heed to the Apostolic admonitions to “test the spirits” ( 1 John 4:1) and (2 Timothy 2:15). My hope is they used this income to further the kingdom’s advance!
These men ought to be eternally grateful we are no longer are bound to Deuteronomy 13 & 18!
Against all of these “end times proponents”, I find myself bound by Ephesians 3:20, 21.
When will the saints learn assertions are not arguments?
When will they learn assertions by godly men are no more valid than assertions by the ungodly?
Sincerity is not the standard, truth is! (Isaiah 8:20 & 2 Timothy 2:15).
How much damage has been done to earnest saints led astray by such assertions?
How much fodder has been provided to the like of Dawkins and Hitchens?
For over 60+ years I have listened to the Mantra: these are the signs of the times.
Some years back, I began to ask, “…the times of what?”
Most said, “…the end of the world…” But, as I searched the scriptures I failed to find any text supporting that assertion.
Others responded, “…the signs of the end…”. To which I queried, “…the end of what..?”
Again, I was met with the assertion: the end of the world.
Others said, “…the last days…”, to which I responded, “…the last days of what…?”
Still others asserted “the end”, to which I responded, “…end of what…?”
Never in all these years have I heard any of the “…this is a sign of the end…” proponents admit to their assertions being wrong. Most egregious among these “prophets” ( in my opinion) being John Walvoord, Hal Lindsey, and Jack van Impe. (I could also include John Hagee: ).
It does appear most of the aforementioned have made good money via book sales based upon their assertions and the religious community’s credulity. (To their detriment, they neglected to give heed to the Apostolic admonitions to “test the spirits” ( 1 John 4:1) and (2 Timothy 2:15). My hope is they used this income to further the kingdom’s advance!
These men ought to be eternally grateful we are no longer are bound to Deuteronomy 13 & 18!
Against all of these “end times proponents”, I find myself bound by Ephesians 3:20, 21.
When will the saints learn assertions are not arguments?
When will they learn assertions by godly men are no more valid than assertions by the ungodly?
Sincerity is not the standard, truth is! (Isaiah 8:20 & 2 Timothy 2:15).
How much damage has been done to earnest saints led astray by such assertions?
How much fodder has been provided to the like of Dawkins and Hitchens?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)