The Gospel of Greed! The Gospel of God TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs0OvGKr8cM
Carnal Christian
My purpose in this booklet is to argue that this classification is wrong and to set out the positive, historic, and biblical answer to this 'carnal Christian' teaching. The argument from Church history is not unimportant, for it is a fact that less than two-hundred years ago this teaching was unknown in the churches of North America, but I am concerned to rest my case on an honest statement of the teaching of the Bible. I have written after study, private meditation and prayer, and after using many of the old respected commentaries of another day, but my appeal is to the Word of God and it is in the light of that authority that I ask the reader to consider all that follows.
Link: Ernest Reisinger - The Carnal Christian
Pragmatism and Entertainment
Definition:
A term, first used by CS Peirce in 1878, describing a doctrine that determines value through the test of consequences or utility. The pragmatist insists that no questions are significant unless the results of answering them in one way rather than another have practical consequences. The pragmatists' world is pluralistic, attentive to context, relativistic about truth and value, devoid of metaphysical concerns except as they have practical consequences. ...
The institutionalized church has fallen into this misconception that we should entertain our congregation to build up our numbers. This idea is tied hand in hand with the false teachings of marketing strategies for church growth and seeker sensitive methodologies. We should strive to continue to build authentic christian living and quit trying to fill pews with unregenerated and unconverted members. Below is a piece of an article that John McArthur wrote regarding this issue.
Just how far will the church go to compete with Hollywood? A large church in the southwestern United States has installed a half-million-dollar special-effects system that can produce smoke, fire, sparks, and laser lights in the auditorium. The church sent staff members to study live special effects at Bally's Casino in Las Vegas. The pastor ended one service by ascending to "heaven" via invisible wires that drew him up out of sight while the choir and orchestra added a musical accompaniment to the smoke, fire, and light show.4 It was just a typical Sunday show for that pastor: "He packs his church with such special effects as. . . cranking up a chain saw and toppling a tree to make a point. . . the biggest Fourth of July fireworks display in town and a Christmas service with a rented elephant, kangaroo and zebra. The Christmas show features 100 clowns with gifts for the congregation's children."5
Link: Article
Frank Laubach
Deep in the Congo, black tribesmen had a name for Frank Laubach. "Mender of Old Baskets," they called him. An old leaky basket can be patched so that it can carry grain without dribbling it on the ground. In the same way, an old, leaky mind can be taught new ideas. It can be taught to read.
Frank Laubach died at 85 on this day, June 11, 1970, having given his life to service for mankind. This especially took the form of teaching them how to read. He had become aware of the importance of literacy while serving as a missionary among Maranao Moro Muslims in the Philippines. Poverty and injustice crushed their lives. Much of it could be remedied, he decided, if only the people could read.Educated himself at Princeton, Columbia and Union Theological Seminary, Laubach conceived simple instructional primers and charts that allowed even these poor people to learn to read. Laubach also founded a community newspaper for them. Gradually he realized that he could enlist the newly-literate to teach their neighbors and friends. "Each one teach one," became his slogan.
After they were adapted for world-wide use, his methods are credited with equipping over one hundred million people with the ability to read, relieving mental and spiritual poverty.
In spiritual matters, most of us are poorer than we need to be. Laubach tried to call the attention of Christians to this fact. Any one of us can spend his day in Christ's presence, he observed. And yet we do not. He urged us to think to Christ instead of thinking to ourselves. And he suggested turning to Christ constantly for advice on what to do next:
"All during the day, in the chinks of time between the things we find ourselves obliged to do, there are the moments when our minds ask: 'What next?' In these chinks of time, ask Him: 'Lord, think Thy thoughts in my mind. What is on Thy mind for me to do now?' When we ask Christ, 'What next?' we tune in and give Him a chance to pour His ideas through our enkindled imagination. If we persist, it becomes a habit."
Laubach insisted that the most mediocre mind praising Christ could do more good for mankind "than all the cunning schemes of diplomats or the fine-spun guesses of philosophers who leave Jesus out."
The "Apostle of Literacy" and his wife Effa are buried in Benton, Pennsylvania under a tombstone that reads "World Missionaries."
Mega Church in Mega Division
There has been an extremely controversial message that was preached at the pulpit of one of the biggest churches in the city of Tucson. I have visited the church and have friends that have attended and served under the leadership there.
I will try to comment on the issues I have found in the sermon.
The primary issue of this sermon is it is a single individuals struggle to find truth in literal interpretation of scripture. Whites basic premise is that the bible is metaphorically written and its sole purpose is to help the reader find meaningful personal application. This in itself is error because the bible is not only meant for personal application but it is to demonstrate the characteristics and attributes of God, which is primarily done through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is not wise to read the bible in order to fix your life's problems. It is read to learn and know God.
Next, White's theological understanding is heavily flawed in the fact that he is unable to discern symbolic and literal text. This is apparent in the way he concludes what is "far-fetched" and what is considered "reasonable" forms of Gods miracles. For instance, White says, resurrection of the dead is "reasonable" but creation in 6 24 hour days is "far-fetched". His line is never drawn and thus leads to very relativistic/post-modern idea of biblical interpretation. "whatever seems right is right".
In general White's sermon was extremely contradictory and showed how confused he is and thus casting doubt and confusion in the congregation. It was not God honoring and did not edify anyone.
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Sermon: Text
Sermon Audio: Link
I will try to comment on the issues I have found in the sermon.
The primary issue of this sermon is it is a single individuals struggle to find truth in literal interpretation of scripture. Whites basic premise is that the bible is metaphorically written and its sole purpose is to help the reader find meaningful personal application. This in itself is error because the bible is not only meant for personal application but it is to demonstrate the characteristics and attributes of God, which is primarily done through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is not wise to read the bible in order to fix your life's problems. It is read to learn and know God.
Next, White's theological understanding is heavily flawed in the fact that he is unable to discern symbolic and literal text. This is apparent in the way he concludes what is "far-fetched" and what is considered "reasonable" forms of Gods miracles. For instance, White says, resurrection of the dead is "reasonable" but creation in 6 24 hour days is "far-fetched". His line is never drawn and thus leads to very relativistic/post-modern idea of biblical interpretation. "whatever seems right is right".
In general White's sermon was extremely contradictory and showed how confused he is and thus casting doubt and confusion in the congregation. It was not God honoring and did not edify anyone.
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Sermon: Text
Sermon Audio: Link
Funny
Ok, This really doesnt have anything to do with theology or christianity. But it did make me laugh alot =]
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I was at the checkout of a K-Mart. The clerk rang up $46.64 charge. I gave her a fifty dollar bill. She gave me back $46.64. I gave it back to her and told her that she had made a mistake in MY favor and gave her the money back. She became indignant and informed me she was educated and knew what she was doing, and returned the money again. I gave her the money back again...same scenario! I departed the store with the $46.64. This actually happened to me in Austin at MoPac Blvd and Parmer Lane.................They Walk Among Us and Many Work Retail.
One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when one of them shouted, "Look at that dead bird!" Someone looked up at the sky and said, "Where?"................They Walk Among Us!
While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was north because, he explained, he didn't want the sun waking him up every morning. She asked, "Does the sun rise in the north?" When my brother explained that the sun rises in the east, and has for sometime, she shook her head an d said, "Oh I don't keep up with that stuff." ................They Walk Among Us!!
I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told him, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." He responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, "Uh, Pacific."...............They Walk Among Us!
My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car designed to cut through a seatbelt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk of her car.................They Walk Among Us!
I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area, so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now," she asked me, has your plane arrived yet?" ...............They Walk Among Us!
While working at a pizza parlor I observed a man ordering a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time before responding. "Just cut it into 4 pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces."................Yep, They Walk Among Us!
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I was at the checkout of a K-Mart. The clerk rang up $46.64 charge. I gave her a fifty dollar bill. She gave me back $46.64. I gave it back to her and told her that she had made a mistake in MY favor and gave her the money back. She became indignant and informed me she was educated and knew what she was doing, and returned the money again. I gave her the money back again...same scenario! I departed the store with the $46.64. This actually happened to me in Austin at MoPac Blvd and Parmer Lane.................They Walk Among Us and Many Work Retail.
One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when one of them shouted, "Look at that dead bird!" Someone looked up at the sky and said, "Where?"................They Walk Among Us!
While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was north because, he explained, he didn't want the sun waking him up every morning. She asked, "Does the sun rise in the north?" When my brother explained that the sun rises in the east, and has for sometime, she shook her head an d said, "Oh I don't keep up with that stuff." ................They Walk Among Us!!
I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told him, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." He responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, "Uh, Pacific."...............They Walk Among Us!
My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car designed to cut through a seatbelt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk of her car.................They Walk Among Us!
I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area, so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now," she asked me, has your plane arrived yet?" ...............They Walk Among Us!
While working at a pizza parlor I observed a man ordering a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time before responding. "Just cut it into 4 pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces."................Yep, They Walk Among Us!
Keith Green Story
The KEITH GREEN STORY -
Keith Green was a fiery young prophet/ musician from the late1970's/ early 1980's. His music and ministry impacted a wholegeneration of youth for Jesus. Here is a well-made documentaryabout his life - in seven small parts.
The links to all 7 are below-
PART ONE-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6hOyx8LF4I
PART TWO-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWqolYSEihM
PART THREE-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I9dLO63YlA
PART FOUR-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5edisiviuM
PART FIVE-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5edisiviuM
PART SIX-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FCSYf4OIe8
PART SEVEN-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em5Dwsh0S8A
God bless you all.
Early Christian Writings
More early christian writings. Here is a free e-book for anyone to download and read.
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What did Christianity look like before it became an institution?
In these firsthand accounts of the early church, the spirit of Pentecost burns with prophetic force through the fog that envelops the modern church. A clear and vibrant faith lives on in these writings, providing a guide for Christians today. Its stark simplicity and revolutionary fervor will stun those lulled by conventional Christianity.
Early Christian Writings in their own Words
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What did Christianity look like before it became an institution?
In these firsthand accounts of the early church, the spirit of Pentecost burns with prophetic force through the fog that envelops the modern church. A clear and vibrant faith lives on in these writings, providing a guide for Christians today. Its stark simplicity and revolutionary fervor will stun those lulled by conventional Christianity.
Early Christian Writings in their own Words