Today I present to you three Christian Blogs that a worth a regular visit. The three I have endorsed show a strong commitment to staying Biblically accurate and vary between discussing theology and social issues.
Kevin Swanson
Kevin runs a website called Generations with Vision. This site, and its creator, seek to "present life from the perspective of a biblical worldview and within the framework of a relational model of living". Kevin regularly writes articles and blogs but the appeal is in the extensive media section connected to his ministry. Not only does he have a vast radio program but he also has his own Vimeo Channel that comprises over 340 videos. Kevin has a great understanding about the topics he talks about and it is very engrossing to hear him discuss his views with various guests. Here is a small sample to whet your appetite:
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Albert Mohler
Rev. Mohler is a giant of the conservative Christian movement in America, which is perhaps why I appreciate his writings so much. Albert Mohler is the President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and, as such, his opinion holds some clout. I consider Mohler as the leading voice on American social issues and, despite his other numerous commitments Mohler regularly pens articles for his website. There are also podcasts available to listen to. Mohler always approaches issues with a clear perspective allowing the reader, regardless of background, to grasp any issue that he is discussing. He has a jovial tone and speaks with great authority. Make sure you check out his self-titled website.
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Kevin DeYoung
DeYoung is a relative new-comer to evangelical circles but he has already made a strong mark. He is the Senior Pastor at a Reformed Church in Michigan and involved in the Gospel Coalition, where his website resides. Kevin has also tried his hand at writing/editing some book titles and has released two books this year What is the Mission of the Church? and Don't Call It A Comeback (which he co-wrote). The latter is especially impressive and combines several young Christian thinkers discussing many core features of Christianity. Kevin DeYoung is probably best known for his articulate response to Rob Bell's book Love Wins. Ironically this review is much more extensive than the 224 page book he was reviewing.
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I suppose it has been building up to this for some time. The lines have been drawn and there is an all-out war brewing. This one will, hopefully, have no deaths but it will have victims. This week the federal Labor assembly are going to lean on Julia Gillard to change the Party's stance on same-sex marriage. And they're going to lean hard. It will be interesting to see whether Julia caves. Unfortunately, it feels very much like the dam wall is going to explode.
Yet I choose to stand before this forth-coming current and encourage others to stand with me. We face a fierce opposition. One with the deluded belief that they are fighting for what is right. Yet they are not the enemy. They are merely his "useful idiots". Doing his bidding and remaining oblivious to the damage they are causing. Or, even worse, rejoicing in their destruction.
One such organisation who have been causing mischief for some time now is GetUp!. This group is an ardent supporter of "marriage equality" and last week released this short clip:
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Amazingly it has had over 3 million views. Because of its influence something needs to be said to curtail the lies presented in this storyline. The general gist of this video is that homosexual couples are no different than heterosexual couples. This is an extremely false assertion.
"As both homosexual and non-homosexuals have admitted, and as has been thoroughly documented by scientific studies, the homosexual lifestyle is in many respects a very risky, even dangerous, lifestyle. It is associated with numerous illnesses and diseases and at higher levels than among non-homosexuals. Much of this is associated with the promiscuous and high-risk nature of homosexuality.
In general, homosexual relationships do not offer the same stability and permanence as do heterosexual relationships. A number of studies have been conducted over the past few decades to show that the average homosexual relationship is far from stable and monogamous. Indeed, it can instead be characterised as highly unstable and promiscuous."
If you wish to delve into this evidence then you should purchase Bill's book. Many homosexual advocates know that the truth cannot bend itself to their cause. So instead they have been using guerrilla warfare tactics. This is achieved by convincing the everyday person that there is nothing wrong, or different, about homosexuality. And, of course, the best way to do this is to filter messages through the mainstream media. Preferably by using popular television fictional shows. This has been going on for many years now.
It is because of this phenomenon that we, as Christians, must stand in a world deprived of truth. Some people will say that all religious people talk about is homosexuality and there are some of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who say that they don't want to deal with this issue anymore. Eric Redmond and Kevin DeYoung have a sufficient reply for those who thing that:
"The issue of homosexuality should not be ignored or sidestepped in order to get on with "more important things." Of course, we would all rather focus on evangelism and discipleship. But perhaps our prayers for renewal will be answered by taking a courageous and crystal clear stance with regards to homosexuality. Much is at stake in this debate.
Grace is at stake in this debate over homosexuality. Will we offer people the grace to change or affirm them in behaviour that the Bible has said is inappropriate? And when we offer people grace in Jesus' name, will it be cheap grace that advocates mercy apart from justice, election without sanctification, and Christianity without discipleship?
Our approach to the Bible is at stake. Theologians have always recognized that God unfolds his truth in Scripture by means of progressive revelation. But does this mean we need to look for "new light" that contradicts the consistent witness of Scripture? Do we think God has changed his mind on this issue? How will we know? And what does this do to our confidence in the Bible? Are the Scriptures clear and complete, or might we need a better ethic than the New Testament?
Where we find the authority for our beliefs is at stake. Will we allow this issue to be settled by the back-and-forth debate in medical journals and psychological studies, or will we stand on the Bible alone and examine general revelation through the spectacles of Scripture?
Our pastoral approach to persons struggling with same-gender attraction is at stake. At our best, we who oppose homosexual behaviours do so motivated by love - love for the hurting, the struggling, the ostracized, and the confused. We want to minister, as Jesus did, with grace and truth...."
Another Christian commentator, Albert Mohler, made this powerful comment:
"Our churches must teach the basics of biblical morality to Christians who will otherwise never know that the Bible prescribes a model for sexual relationships. Young people must be told the truth about homosexuality-and taught to esteem marriage as God's intention for human sexual relatedness.
The times demand Christian courage. These days, courage means that preachers and Christian leaders must set an agenda for biblical confrontation, and not shrink from dealing with the full range of issues related to homosexuality. We must talk about what the Bible teaches about gender-what it means to be a man or a woman. We must talk about God's gift of sex and the covenant of marriage. And we must talk honestly about what homosexuality is, and why God has condemned this sin as an abomination in His sight.
Courage is far too rare in many Christian circles. This explains the surrender of so many denominations, seminaries, and churches to the homosexual agenda. But no surrender on this issue would have been possible, if the authority of Scripture had not already been undermined.
And yet, even as courage is required, the times call for another Christian virtue as well-compassion. The tragic fact is that every congregation is almost certain to include persons struggling with homosexual desire or even involved in homosexual acts. Outside the walls of the church, homosexuals are waiting to see if the Christian church has anything more to say, after we declare that homosexuality is a sin.
Liberal churches have redefined compassion to mean that the church changes its message to meet modern demands. They argue that to tell a homosexual he is a sinner is uncompassionate and intolerant. This is like arguing that a physician is intolerant because he tells a patient she has cancer. But, in the culture of political correctness, this argument holds a powerful attraction.
Biblical Christians know that compassion requires telling the truth, and refusing to call sin something sinless. To hide or deny the sinfulness of sin is to lie, and there is no compassion in such a deadly deception. True compassion demands speaking the truth in love-and there is the problem. Far too often, our courage is more evident than our compassion...."
If Christians were to listen to these wise words then we would be on the front foot. Instead we are surrounded by a clash of worldviews. The original intention of God did not include homosexual relationships. Yet those living in sin can still hear His call and the Holy Spirit is still working within their hearts. It is for them, for the truth and for the Gospel that we must STAND FIRM!!!!!
Well I've finally finished Bill Muehlenberg's book Strained Relations and I was heartily impressed with the wealth of information available in the 227 pages plus references. Yet if you go searching on the web for reviews you will be disappointed. The only review I could find of Bill's book was on bigotedbillmuehlenberg.blogspot.com and reproduced on the Borders Customer Reviews website. Needless to say this anonymous writer, who sometimes pens himself as Richie Craze and sometimes as Dursley McLinden, decides to play the man rather than the ball. Take this quote:
"It will come as no surprise to anyone who goggles at the inaccuracies and myths peddled in this book that Muehlenberg's training is in theology, and not in science; let alone the social sciences. His understanding of what constitutes evidence for a position is consequently very weak, and the author is crying out for something other than the occasional cherry-picked quote from a gay person to make his argument."
Therefore, an accurate review is in order. The first thing that stood out to me from this book was the amount of evidence that Bill packs into his punches. And don't be fooled into thinking Muehlenberg's only tactic is to "cherry pick" quotes. When dealing with the social aspects of homosexuality Bill uses appropriate secular research. This research stands against empty criticisms and points to the truth of the dangers of homosexuality. Dangers for the individual and for society. Some of this is shocking (like the allocated amount of our Government's budget to HIV/AIDS control) and some of this is quite telling (such as how monogamy differs between homosexual and heterosexual couples). We would do well to not ignore the implications of this book.
Strained Relations is written as an Australian book. It has many quotes and studies from the US and from the UK but it is tailored towards being in the hands of thinking Australians. I cannot stress enough how important this book is at this time to Australia. As Christians we know that God has ordained sexuality as between man and woman in matrimony. Yet there is compelling social evidence that reinforces this stance. Bill does an outstanding job of compiling a significant amount of facts in this book. He deals with key categories such as:
homosexual behaviours,
homosexual rights and discrimination,
same-sex marriage
homosexual adoption rights
This is not an extensive list but, hopefully, will whet your appetite to pick up a copy of this book. There is a part II in this book that deals primarily with biblical revisionism. That is, those who try to revise the Bible in order to promote homosexuality as being justifiable. This is a great introduction into something that you will encounter if you hold to a biblical position of sexuality. If you want more information than the 50-odd pages that Strained Relations provides on this topic then Robert Gagnon is the expert to turn to.
There are many great books on the issue of homosexuality. Some are quite specific and others provide a general overview. Bill's book falls into the second category yet excels because it provides Australian-specific evidence. Because of this it is the first book I would encourage my readers to purchase on this topic. In fact, it is worth carrying around and lending out to friends. It's just that good.
For some readers this may just incorporate concepts and facts that they were already aware of. Yet, for many of us this book will be like a breath of fresh air. Strained Relations stands on the truth and has the clout to clear the fog away from baseless positions with overwhelming studies and research. In the end, all the homosexual activist is left with is hateful accusations and names.
"No one taking seriously their responsibility to uphold and defend faith and family can afford to ignore the wide range of challenges, threats and attacks emanating from the homosexual lobby. TO overlook these major fields of activity will simply lead to further erosion of faith and family in Australia and the West."
Most of us Aussies will not have heard of Tim Tebow. I hadn't, before today. But as is my want, I have done some digging and I present to you the star quarterback of the Denver Broncos. That's right, he's a jock and as much as I loath any sport that is not football (excluding tennis) this twenty-four year old has actually got me interested in the goings-on in the NFL.
Tim Tebow has had an impressive NFL career to date. While he has only played in the professional system for this season and the last he has been wildly successful in his transition to starting quarterback for the Broncos (he wasn't at the start of the season). Tebow is certainly not the best quarterback in the NFL (that honour goes universally to Aaron Rodgers) yet he has an x-factor about him that wins games. When I see him I think of Nic Naitanui and what he might do if he was to realise all his potential. If you want to get an idea of why so many American football fans are excited about Tim Tebow check out his fourth quarter against the New York Jets last week:
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Despite my interest in his undeniable talent this wouldn't be cause to pen an article about him. Particularly as this is a Christian website. Tebow is known for more than his unbelievable, yet erratic, game style. He is known for being a committed and convicted Christian. So much so that he may put off some people with his approach. Jake Plubber (former Broncos quarterback) stated on interview this week "I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ, then I think I'll like him a little better. I don't hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff". Or check out this video:
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Tebow's response is impressive to say the least:
"If you're married, and you have a wife, and you really love your wife, is it good enough to only say to your wife 'I love her' the day you get married? Or should you tell her every single day when you wake up and every opportunity? And that's how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ, is that it is the most important thing in my life.
So any time I get an opportunity to tell him that I love him or given an opportunity to shout him out on national TV, I'm gonna take that opportunity. And so I look at it as a relationship that I have with him that I want to give him the honor and glory anytime I have the opportunity. And then right after I give him the honor and glory, I always try to give my teammates the honor and glory.
And that's how it works because Christ comes first in my life, and then my family, and then my teammates. I respect Jake's opinion, and I really appreciate his compliment of calling me a winner. But I feel like anytime I get the opportunity to give the Lord some praise, he is due for it".
In some ways I can really relate to Tim Tebow. I've had supposed "friends" turn off my updates on Facebook because they feel I talk about "religion" too much. So the question is how much is too much? Some Christians would say that when you are turning people away from the gospel then it is time to stop. However, what if you are also bringing people to the gospel as well? The sad fact is that the saving message of the gospel will not be received well by some people. Indeed, there will be many who will be extremely put-off by the message or the message-giver. Yet Tim, or anyone else, should not stop because it might upset some people. No matter how attractive a message is some people are not going to take to it.
However, once one professes to be a Christian then their actions are judged accordingly. There will be people who evaluate the merits of Christianity by the ability of said person to uphold the commandments. If we claim to be Christians, as we should, then we are putting God on display to the community. Paul gives us insight into how we should behave as examples:
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:1-10 (ESV)
I won't claim to love NFL. In fact, I can't help chuckling when the NFL commentators say "Great grab" to what would be a very standard AFL mark. Yet I can still learn something by Tim Tebow's example. As a public figure he faces much greater verbal attacks and critiques over everything he does than we will. Yet we should not be afraid to place ourselves as God's ambassadors in this world:
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
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This is the question Emily Mitchell asks her father Adam. Her pleading does no good, however, because Adam, a local law-man, cannot bring himself to dance with his daughter in public. Instead he just watches her twirl.
Courageous is a rare movie in many ways. Not only does it buck the normal Hollywood trends of secular messages, it goes much further than a standard "movie with a Christian theme". This movie is blatant in its demonstration that fathers need to take their role as providers, protectors and mentors seriously. Unfortunately, as is the case in real life, this is seldom reality. It is likely that this ideal won't be too hard for viewers to swallow. What is causing contention, however, is where this movie directs fathers to look for guidance.
The Bible is the key source of inspiration for fathers. This is the central theme of Courageous and one I heartily endorse. Sometimes the inspiration is portrayed in an unsteady manner which leaves the viewer affronted. Other times this works in really well with the cinematic situation. Regardless, this is a necessary slogan that we should be proud to stand behind. If one visits the Rotten Tomato website they would see this blurb about the movie:
"While the filmmaking is fairly competent, Courageous is overall worthless to anybody who doesn't subscribe to its dogmatic agenda."
I would recommend that you would avoid letting this put you off. The need for fathers in a child's life is backed by overwhelming research. And the so-called "dogmatic agenda" should be considered in the light of opposing worldviews. Indeed, it is such a line that I may use (or some variation) quite regularly whilst reviewing secular entertainment. Though perhaps I would describe some Hollywood films as having an "unholy agenda".
Yet I cannot fathom how this movie is worthless in the context that the Rotten Tomato description uses it. The worthiness of this message is dependant on the truth of it rather than on whether people do or do not subscribe to its "dogmatic agenda". This, of course, raises too many questions and requirements to fill a one-line blurb, but is worth considering when factoring the many reviews that slam this movie for this supposed short-coming.
The quality of this film also belies its modest production costs (US$2 million). The action is as sharp and climactic as one would expect of a regulation Hollywood blockbuster and the cinematography is spot-on. Eclipsing all these elements is a strong score that has an amazing undercurrent that follows the crushing emotions that befall the courageous characters. The pronounced calibre of this movie, despite its budget, is based, in large part, upon the volunteers who gave generously of their time. It is very encouraging that the movie grossed US $9 million in the first weekend.
Some other criticisms levelled at this movie centre on the supposed "poor acting". In one review Alex Kendrick (the lead and director) was compared to a "beatific, humorless Dan Aykroyd". While they do share similar physical characteristics Alex Kendrick does not display a "beatific, humorless" mindset in his role as Adam Mitchell. In fact, Kendrick shows great poise as the lead and terrific audacity as the director. Whilst his on-screen performance may not measure to the heights of Dan Aykroyd this script does not demand such a mountainous task of him.
Indeed, one of its great strengths is its diversity of characters so one actor is not hogging the screen. Each of the five men that this story centres around approaches family leadership in varied ways displaying how detrimental some parenting styles can be.
I walked into the cinema with some reserve about what I was going to experience. I was worried that the movie would be a mixed cocktail of great substance but limited entertainment value. Boy was I wrong. This movie will keep you interested and in great admiration of how much value can be wrung out of a $2 million budget. And, best of all, it will leave you challenging yourself to want to be the kind of parent (present or future) that God exemplifies.
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Theological heavyweights Don Carson, John Piper and Tim Keller discuss how to prioritise ministries of mercy (i.e. assisting the poor, poverty outreach) versus evangelism.
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Kevin runs a website called 
Rev. Mohler is a giant of the conservative Christian movement in America, which is perhaps why I appreciate his writings so much. Albert Mohler is the President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and, as such, his opinion holds some clout. I consider Mohler as the leading voice on American social issues and, despite his other numerous commitments Mohler regularly pens articles for his website. There are also podcasts available to listen to. Mohler always approaches issues with a clear perspective allowing the reader, regardless of background, to grasp any issue that he is discussing. He has a jovial tone and speaks with great authority. Make sure you check out his 
DeYoung is a relative new-comer to evangelical circles but he has already made a strong mark. He is the Senior Pastor at a Reformed Church in Michigan and involved in the Gospel Coalition, where his 
Our approach to the Bible is at stake. Theologians have always recognized that God unfolds his truth in Scripture by means of progressive revelation. But does this mean we need to look for "new light" that contradicts the consistent witness of Scripture? Do we think God has changed his mind on this issue? How will we know? And what does this do to our confidence in the Bible? Are the Scriptures clear and complete, or might we need a better ethic than the New Testament?
And yet, even as courage is required, the times call for another Christian virtue as well-compassion. The tragic fact is that every congregation is almost certain to include persons struggling with homosexual desire or even involved in homosexual acts. Outside the walls of the church, homosexuals are waiting to see if the Christian church has anything more to say, after we declare that homosexuality is a sin.
Therefore, an accurate review is in order. The first thing that stood out to me from this book was the amount of evidence that Bill packs into his punches. And don't be fooled into thinking Muehlenberg's only tactic is to "cherry pick" quotes. When dealing with the social aspects of homosexuality Bill uses appropriate secular research. This research stands against empty criticisms and points to the truth of the dangers of homosexuality. Dangers for the individual and for society. Some of this is shocking (like the allocated amount of our Government's budget to HIV/AIDS control) and some of this is quite telling (such as how monogamy differs between homosexual and heterosexual couples). We would do well to not ignore the implications of this book.
"No one taking seriously their responsibility to uphold and defend faith and family can afford to ignore the wide range of challenges, threats and attacks emanating from the homosexual lobby. TO overlook these major fields of activity will simply lead to further erosion of faith and family in Australia and the West."
In some ways I can really relate to Tim Tebow. I've had supposed "friends" turn off my updates on Facebook because they feel I talk about "religion" too much. So the question is how much is too much? Some Christians would say that when you are turning people away from the gospel then it is time to stop. However, what if you are also bringing people to the gospel as well? The sad fact is that the saving message of the gospel will not be received well by some people. Indeed, there will be many who will be extremely put-off by the message or the message-giver. Yet Tim, or anyone else, should not stop because it might upset some people. No matter how attractive a message is some people are not going to take to it.
Courageous is a rare movie in many ways. Not only does it buck the normal Hollywood trends of secular messages, it goes much further than a standard "movie with a Christian theme". This movie is blatant in its demonstration that fathers need to take their role as providers, protectors and mentors seriously. Unfortunately, as is the case in real life, this is seldom reality. It is likely that this ideal won't be too hard for viewers to swallow. What is causing contention, however, is where this movie directs fathers to look for guidance.
Yet I cannot fathom how this movie is worthless in the context that the Rotten Tomato description uses it. The worthiness of this message is dependant on the truth of it rather than on whether people do or do not subscribe to its "dogmatic agenda". This, of course, raises too many questions and requirements to fill a one-line blurb, but is worth considering when factoring the many reviews that slam this movie for this supposed short-coming.
Indeed, one of its great strengths is its diversity of characters so one actor is not hogging the screen. Each of the five men that this story centres around approaches family leadership in varied ways displaying how detrimental some parenting styles can be.