Calvinists Dancing in Church?

As you know, most of our Reformed brethren frown on the more expressive forms of worship in church, clinging to something called the “Regulative Principle“, of which I am clearly no fan, which limits, in my view, the believers’ liberty to worship God like King David (all through the Psalms), and to enjoy the full array and variety of worship expression.  Which brings me to an article I read in Christianity Today yesterday by James K.A. Smith titled, “Teaching a Calvinist to Dance“.  Is it really possible to be a Reformed Calvinist AND worship like a pentecostal or a charismatic?

Can My Cell Phone Crash a Plane? Really?

Yesterday afternoon, sitting on an American Airlines airplane, I listened to the flight attendant command us to turn off all cell phones and portable electronic devices right before takeoff.  We have all heard and obeyed this command for years, believing that somehow our cell phones and ipods could somehow bring down a jet. 

But could my cell phone crash a plane?  Really?

My Father’s Voice

Tomorrow will mark two years since my dad’s departure, and the world is brimming with fresh tributes and memories.  What follows below is a poem from my sister, Deborah, along with a youtube version of her poem and multiple bonus reels featuring one of my favorite of dad’s Bible studies, family singing, and a link to the 8-page Christian Fellowship Union “John Ost” memorial issue of their magazine, “On The Scene” which was published this month on the 2nd anniversary of dad’s death. 

We still miss you, Dad; can’t wait to see you again.

Why Legalists Can’t Love

As a pastor, I’m always looking for fresh perspectives on the Scripture, so when I caught this Bible study by Jerry Joule, I was both inspired and challenged to take another look at Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan.  Jerry tells the story with an unusual twist, that just might offend you, but, if you’re listening, might teach you about Jesus’ love in a new way.

Sing That Funky Music, White Boys

I was channel-surfing the other day and stumbled across a concert by the BYU Men’s Chorus class of 2000.  I like choir music, and, in many ways, their concert was enjoyable and exceptionally impressive.  They sang classics in Latin, sang opera in Italian, sang sacred music and fun music, and their harmonies were spot on. 

Then they tried to sing a soulful Andrae Crouch song.

Three Minutes of Righteous Anger

Some time ago, I posted a video unloading on “Prosperity Pimps”.  Now it is Pastor John Piper’s turn to pop open a can of righteous wrath on those who peddle the poison of prosperity on television and in our pulpits.

Is Hillary Your Sister?

New York Times reporter Michael Luo interviewed Hillary last July about her faith in Christ.  It was extremely interesting and revealing in many ways.

The Brody File  discovered the audio of the interview online, so I promptly downloaded the mp3 and  listened to Hillary explain her faith while I drove around town today.  Hearing Hillary discuss her faith in Jesus was really different.

Obama and Me – The Handshake

After handing my video camera to Trevor, I stepped toward Senator Obama, reached out my hand, and said, “Thanks for coming to South Texas; keep thinking about us.”  As he shook my hand, he responded, “It’s my pleasure; keep up the good work.” 

Only time will tell the significance of that historic handshake, and it was caught on video.

How Do You Interpret the Bible?

Leadership Magazine has created an online quiz to determine what your hermeneutic is (how you interpret the Bible). By answering 20 multiple-choice questions, they believe they can determine if you are conservative, moderate or progressive in your hermeneutic method.

Are you curious about how you would score?

Obama and Me

It was a long walk in the humidity, a long line to get through security, and a long wait in the hot sun, but finally, at long last, Senator Barack Obama, the man everybody has been talking about, emerged from a nearby building, jogged up on the grandstand, and I was 50 feet away.