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Blog Hiatus

Mon Jan 5, 2009 by tc robinson

From now until 24 January my wife and I will be seeking the Lord  for direction and strength, so I thought it best not to doing any blogging during that time.

But we certainly desire your partnership through faithful prayers.

Warmly

TCR

Posted in Miscellanies | Comments Off

Fasting Journal: Your Personal 21-Day Guide To A Successful Fast

Sat Jan 3, 2009 by tc robinson

97815997938631My wife and I have joined the Jentezen Franklin-led Fast Movement, beginning 4 January 2009—tomorrow!

We are at a place in our lives where we need much direction and strength, and we truly believe that the Lord put it on our hearts to be a part of this spiritual discipline.

Of the seven different types of fasts outlined, we’ve decided to do the Daniel fast—a twenty-one-day fast, with only vegetables, fruit, and water (Dan 10:2-3).

During the 21-days of fasting, we’re looking to the Lord for direction and strength in our lives.

Please partner with us in your faithful prayers.

Warmly,

TCR

Posted in Fasting, Miscellanies | 10 Comments »

How Could God Do Such A Thing?

Fri Jan 2, 2009 by tc robinson

So how free is the human will?  I know that this is a long-standing debate, and this one post is not going to resolve the issue, but I came across the following text in the NLT:

But God kept them from recognizing him.  (Luke 24:16, NLT)

And from the NLT Study Bible, we read:

God kept them from recognizing him: The Greek uses a passive construction (they were kept from recognizing him) known as a “divine passive,” with God as the implied subject. God intentionally blinded their eyes until the moment of revelation, when Jesus broke bread with them (24:30-31; cp. 2 Kgs 6:17).

Was human volition violated by the Almighty in this case?  Is it possible to view this text apart from what appears as a violation of human volition?

It’s just one of mystery texts…

Posted in Free Will, Study Bibles | 10 Comments »

Rethinking Colossians 1:19-20…

Mon Dec 29, 2008 by tc robinson

So I’m at this point where I believe the physical creation is going to be renewed. This seems to be the import of a text like Romans 8:19-21:

The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. (TNIV, emphasis added)

It’s day of redemption is coming. With that in mind, I believe a text like Colossians 1:19-20 provides the ground for such renewal:

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (TNIV, emphasis)

It seems as though Paul is saying that Christ’s death on the cross didn’t just extend to sinful humanity but also to the creation.

Notice his “all things” is neuter plural in Greek and seems to have the physical universe in mind.

I hope I’m not sounding like a biblical environmentalist NOW…

Posted in Creation, Paul, Pauline studies, TNIV | Tagged , | 19 Comments »

Book Review: The Prodigal God by Tim Keller

Fri Dec 26, 2008 by tc robinson

9780525950790I told Nick that I was expecting Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God in the mail and was going to read it after Christmas.

Well, after hearing a fellow pastor on the book, I had to read it once I got it.

I really don’t know where to begin with a review of such an excellent book: this short volume (139 pages) is about, as the subtitle says, Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith.

It’s a look at the parable of the Two Lost Brothers and their Prodigal Father, commonly called The Parable of The Prodigal Son.

Both sons were lost, with the older son in a more dangerous lost position than his younger brother (please read the book to see why!)

Once Keller has developed the younger brother-type and the older brother-type, they both “portray the two basic ways people try to find happiness and fulfillment: the way of moral conformity and the way of self- discovery” (p. 29).

But I way to believe that most visitors and contributors to this blog are like the True Brother Keller presents as the alternative to the younger brothers and the elder brothers (pp. 73-89).

P.S.

Do yourself a favor and read this book as quickly as you possibly can. It will make you smile and cry at the same time.

Posted in Book Reviews, Christianity, Tim Keller | Tagged , , | 9 Comments »

Something Gotta Give!

Mon Dec 22, 2008 by tc robinson

The economy is terrible. But the gas price is good. Yes, something gotta give this Christmas season.

gasprices

So you can make that trip, after all! :-)

Posted in Anecdotes, Cultural Issues | Tagged , | 4 Comments »

My Christmas Prayer: Women in Ministry?

Fri Dec 19, 2008 by tc robinson

If I had to word one particular ministry prayer this Christmas, it would be to settle my view on women in ministry.

My theological training and reading of Scripture make me a complementarian.  However, my thinking for a greater part of this year has been about the role of women in ministry—it has become somewhat of a thorn in my flesh.

I hope to settle the matter soon.

Posted in Complementarian, Women in Ministry | Tagged , | 87 Comments »

Life Application Bible Studies: Acts and Hebrews

Wed Dec 17, 2008 by tc robinson

978-1-4143-2562-0Well, let me express my thanks to Laura and the guys from Tyndale House for these review copies on Acts and Hebrews.

Translation Text:

The Bible Studies use the latest text of the NLT, 2007.  Good.

Study Notes:

The notes are taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible.

Study Questions:

13 Lessons for Individuals or Group Study

978-1-4143-2564-4There are five sections (short ones, I might add):

* Reflect on your life

* Read the passage

* Realize the principle

* Respond to the message

* Resolve to take action

Here’s the grind: if you’re part of a small group or Sunday School, then these would make for good studies.  And as an individual, if you wish to dig deeper, then you’ll find great help in these Bible Studies.

The NLT Life Application Study Bible has already made a great name for itself.  These Bible Studies, I think, are a bonus.

Posted in Acts, Bibles, Biblical Studies, Church, Reading Scripture, Study Bibles | Tagged , , | 23 Comments »

The Thief Must Have Believed Something or Someone, Right?

Tue Dec 16, 2008 by tc robinson

“The righteous will live by faith.”  No doubt.  But I’m also of the firm conviction that this statement is conditioned by what is required at the time God is dealing with humanity.

With that in mind, here’s that famous conversation between the two criminals who were crucified with Jesus, one on his right, the other on his left (Luke 23:33):

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

     But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

    Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.  (Luke 23:38-42, TNIV)

The criminal was promised paradise by Jesus.  He must have trusted either the Father or the Son.  But on what basis?  Do we have a lead from the conversation between the two criminals?

Faith is not a leap in the dark.  Remember?

Posted in Faith, Kingdom, Salvation | Tagged | 6 Comments »

The Best Book I’ve Read All Year!

Mon Dec 15, 2008 by tc robinson

0785206965The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian McLaren really did a number on me, but along came Walking with God by John Eldredge.  In many ways, it surpassed The Secret Message of Jesus in terms of its impact on me:

It’s like a part of me came to life.

I never thought God was interested in the “mundane” things of my life.

I never knew the importance of talking to God about the “simple” things in my life.

And now that I’ve been sharing with God the “simple” things of my life, I am sensing a closeness to God that I never experienced before.

It’s like discovering the heart of God anew. :-)

Posted in Book Reviews, Brian McLaren, John Eldredge | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments »

Cocky Calvinists, Arrogant Arminians…

Sat Dec 13, 2008 by tc robinson

A cocky Calvinist is “boldly or brashly self-confident” about his/her positions.   An arrogant Arminian is “ exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one’s own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner” about his/her positions (I got my definitions from Webster online).

From my exchanges online and otherwise, I’ve discovered that it all comes down to how a person presents and interprets the Scriptural.

It’s like Dr. James White vs. Dr Norm. Geisler.

It’s like Dr. James White vs. Dave Hunt.

Calvinism and Arminianism are only with us because there are sufficient Scriptural data to support both positions.

At any rate, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Eph 2:8-9, NLT).

Posted in Arminianism, Calvinism | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments »

What Are the Best Arguments for Tithing Today?

Fri Dec 12, 2008 by tc robinson

To tithe or not to tithe?  To tithe means to give a tenth of your income back to the Lord.  I’ve heard the arguments for not tithing drawn from the texts below:

1 Cor 16:1-2:

Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.  On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.  (TNIV, emphasis added)

And 2 Cor 9:7:

 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  (TNIV, emphasis added)

In each of the Corinthian texts, because an amount is not specified, some have argued for not tithing in the life of the church.

But now that I’ve examined the texts more closely, I believe they fit more into the category of free will offering to meet a particular need, in this case, the poor in Judea, rather than what local church members are expected to give on a regular basis.

So then, What texts do we use to support tithing in the life of the church today?

Posted in Tithing | Tagged , | 63 Comments »

A Christmas Gift: The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren

Tue Dec 9, 2008 by tc robinson

1416559000_01_lzzzzzzz

$10.79 at Amazon.com

So I knocked Rick Warren for his marketing pitch:

“Give him a trial. See if he’ll change your life. I dare you to try trusting Jesus for 60 days. Or your money guaranteed back.”

Let’s just say that I’m not repenting of that knock… :-)

But I just finished reading his The Purpose of Christmas.

While reading the book, I had to ask myself, Why did he use such a controversial slogan?

He gives a clear and uncompromising presentation of the gospel of Christ in the book.  He tackles sin head on.

But I especially love the following anecdotal piece:

Years ago I was visiting my dear friend Peter Drucker at his home.  Peter was a true Renaissance man, the father of modern management and one of the most brilliant thinkers of the twentieth century.  I asked Peter, “How did you come to accept Jesus Christ as your savior?”  He thought about it for a few seconds, then replied, “The day that I finally understood grace, I realized I was never going to get a better deal than that!” (p. 82, emphasis mine)

Simple put, Well done!

Posted in Anecdotes, Book Reviews, Rick Warren | Tagged , , | 5 Comments »

My Top Ten Most Fascinating Bloggers…

Tue Dec 9, 2008 by tc robinson

Last week Barbara Walters did her usual Top Ten Most Fascinating People on ABC.

Well, let’s just say I got a little inspiration to do My Top Ten Most Fascinating Bloggers:

10.  Chuck - sometimes I don’t even think he  understands what he’s writing in blogosphere…

9.   David Ker - one man’s fascination with the Hippo world…

8.   Bryon - I really think he’s an ex-muslim…

7.   Richard - devoted this year to the Psalms and other parts of the Old Testament…

6.   Iyov - one fascinating character!

5.   Peter Kirk - the charismatic apologist and linguist among us…

4.   Suzanne - an egalitarian who has challenged my complementarianism over and over…

3.   Peter M - What is it with him and his obsession with Genesis 1:1?

2.   Nick - The reviews. The posts.  The Trinitarian apologist among us…

And the person I found the most fascinating this year is none other than….

1.   Bryan L - I just don’t know what he believes…

If you’re not on the list this year, maybe you might be on it next year.  Just keep blogging… :-)

Posted in Anecdotes | Tagged , | 22 Comments »

If Your Local Church Were To Disappear…

Mon Dec 8, 2008 by tc robinson

Perhaps this might sound like blasphemy, but I’m of the opinion that some local churches need to close their doors.

Here’s how you can tell: If your local church were to disappear tomorrow, Would it be missed by its community?

(Not the Rapture!)

Posted in Church, Rapture | Tagged | 17 Comments »

Jesus Wants To Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile

Sat Dec 6, 2008 by tc robinson

Jesus Wants To Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile. At first glance, I thought the title was too presumptuous.  But once I got through reading it, I had to agree with the authors of the book, Rob Bell and Don Colden ( Nick has a few reviews on the book, beginning with this).

In the book, 41v2r9kelsl1

East.

Eden.

Egypt.

Sinai.

Jerusalem.

Babylon.

They all become metaphors for telling the story of humanity:

Fall.

Slavery.

Exodus.

Empire/kingdom.

Exile.

New Exodus.

In offering their manifesto to the church in exile, the authors were able to weave the metaphors of East, Egypt, etc, through.

But they really wanted to get to the following expressions:

God has made peace with the world through the Eucharist, the good gift, of Jesus.  And so Christians take part in a ritual, a meal, a reminder of the Passover, called the Eucharist—also called communion or the Lord’s Supper or Mass—as a way of remembering and returning to who God is and what God has done in Christ.  (p. 148)

The authors then extends the metaphor of the Eucharist to the body of Christ and individual believers:

The church is a living Eucharist, because followers of Christ are living Eucharists.

A Christian is a living Eucharist, allowing her body to be broken and her blood to be poured out for the healing of the world.  (p. 150)

Simply put, when you’re done reading this book, you too will conclude that most of the church is in exile…

Posted in Church, Communion, Rob Bell | Tagged , | 23 Comments »

This Christmas: Why Not Try Jesus for 60-Days…?

Sat Dec 6, 2008 by tc robinson

Over on Just After Sunrise, Stan has posted excerpts from  an interview that influential pastor Rick Warren had with Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes on Fox News:

COLMES: What about — what does it say for all those people who do not accept Christ as their personal savior?

WARREN: I’m saying that this (Christmas) is the perfect time to open their life, to give it a chance. I’d say give him a 60-day trial.

COLMES: Like the Book of the Month Club.

WARREN: Give him a trial. See if he’ll change your life. I dare you to try trusting Jesus for 60 days. Or your money guaranteed back.  (Read the transcript…)

Is this an accurate interpretation of Matthew 28:19-20?  Does Jesus want us to market him like you would a vacuum cleaner?

I do admire what pastor Rick Warren is trying to accomplish globally, but he needs to get the Man and His Message right!

Posted in Gospel, Jesus | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments »

Why Did Jesus Begin A Baptismal Ministry?

Fri Dec 5, 2008 by tc robinson

jordan_river2

Jordan River

We’re all familiar with John’s baptism, a baptism of repentance, telling people that they should believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus (Acts 19:4).

But John the disciple tells us that Jesus “was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John—although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples” (John 4:1-2, TNIV).

So we know that John  baptized the people, pointing them to Jesus.  But Why did Jesus was administer a baptism of his own through his disciples?

What exactly was Jesus telling and signifying to the people?

Posted in Acts, Baptism, Jesus, Repentance | Tagged , , , | 36 Comments »

God’s Grace and the KJVO Folk: I don’t Get It!

Tue Dec 2, 2008 by tc robinson

About a week ago, I received a flyer in the mail, advertising a number of books published by the Lancaster Baptist Church, an Independent Baptist church.

One of the books I noticed was Grace for Godly Living (”grace” is one of my favorite words in all the world).

So I decided to visit the church website, but only to discover that it is a KJVO group (I knew that, but I had somehow forgotten my initial reaction).

Then I asked myself, How could anyone speak of God’s grace but insist on being King James Only? 

It is incongruous.  I don’t get it!

Posted in Bibles, Grace | Tagged , , , | 33 Comments »

High Marks for Zondervan and the TNIV…

Tue Dec 2, 2008 by tc robinson

page0_blog_entry684_11Well, several promotional copies of the revamped TNIV Reference Bible are being shipped this week by Zondervan to those pastors who signed up both here and on This Lamp.

Earlier today I was in conversation with Zondervan to reaffirm the delivery.  I was so pleased with the news, after getting a few emails from pastors, wondering about the promotional Bibles.

Zondervan is delivering…

Posted in Bibles, TNIV | Tagged , , | 30 Comments »

God in the Mundane…

Mon Dec 1, 2008 by tc robinson

So I decided to drive to another city a few days ago, but I didn’t ask God nor listened for an answer.  Does God really want us to bother him with such mundane stuff, as driving to another city to shop?

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
      He delights in every detail of their lives. (Psalm 37:23, NLT, emphasis added)

I just finished reading Walking with God by John Eldredge—a book in which he argues for the very things that we might think are too mundane to bother God with.

Maybe it’s a way of engaging the heart of God on a daily basis…

Posted in Anecdotes, John Eldredge | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments »

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