The Rise of New Calvanism →
A fantastic article from the Christian Science Monitor on a theological and cultural shift in the American church today, between "emergence Christianity" and "new Calvanism".
Since the article doesn't actually lay out a good definition of Calvanism, I thought I'd give a short introduction. The main beliefs of Calvanism are often distilled into the "five points":
- Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability or Original Sin) We are completely sinful, and in complete enmity with God in our natural state, unable to, of our own will, turn to God for salvation.
- Unconditional Election God elects, or chooses, some to be saved, and others not, by virtue of His will, not our actions or our future choice to have faith.
- Limited Atonement Jesus died only for those elected by God. Though Jesus' sacrifice was and is sufficient for all, it was not efficacious for all.
- Irresistible Grace The elect cannot resist the working of the Holy Spirit that brings them to a position in which they willingly come to God.
- Perseverance of the Saints (or Once Saved Always Saved) Those truly saved are eternally secure in Christ. No action can cause the loss of salvation.
The "opposite" interpretation of the Scriptures that support Calvanism lead to a theology known as Arminianism. Finally, one can believe in any or all of the above points, making them what people label a "4-point" or "5-point" Calvanist, for example. If I were to label myself, I would be a "4-1/2-point Calvanist", as I have difficulty with unconditional election as I don't think it properly describes a God who is outside of time.
As the article says: "Today we have more Bibles and more study guides to Scripture than ever before, but people know the text itself less and less." I would encourage you to know what the Bible says, to, in the words of The Matrix, "know thyself", to what you believe, and to be prepared to give account to God for those beliefs and your resulting lifestyle as in Romans 14:1-12.
LaDiDa →
An iPhone app that makes music from terrible singing, and I assume ever better music from better singing.
IE9 Hardware Acceleration →
I have to admit, I'm officially impressed with the results of the hardware acceleration being added to IE9. I think this puts another nail in Flash's coffin, though.
Apple vs Google: A Generals' War →
Interesting perspective from DaringFireball on the corporate animosity emerging between Google and Apple.
The Gaping Loophole in Obama's Nuclear Posture Review →
Politics is all about perception.
Logarithmic Calendar View →
A great proposal for improvements to the humble calendar.
Marvelous Light
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people, but now are the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.-1 Peter 1:9-10
I got several comments from people about why I didn't post anything yesterday on Easter. Truth is, I'm still mulling over what the "take-home" message is for me this year, in a sense. After meditating over this verse all week, I think the message is this: having been redeemed by Christ, let us walk in Him.
Let me elaborate. The miracle of Easter is less about the fact that Jesus died for our sins and more about the fact that Jesus rose to invite us into His Life. As Marty says, the stone was rolled back not for Jesus to get out, but for us to come in and see it with our own eyes, to experience His resurrection. The Light of the World has given us an invitation, chosen us as "His own special people", the "people of God." We are, in turn, to honor that by walking in His "marvelous light."
Carolyn prayed something last night that has really stayed with me. Emmanuel, God with us, is the name of Jesus not because He was born and walked among us, fully God and fully man. It is His name because He walks among us still. He emerged from the grave in darkness and brought forth the song all creation had been longing to hear, the shout of victory of the King, and the light and love of God.
I think one verse of "In Christ Alone" says the whole thing:
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the World by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine,
Bought with the precious blood of Christ!
We are His, and are called to walk as such, not just on Easter, just as Christ lives not just on Easter.
In Marvelous Light,
Parker
P.S. Other cool Easter things:
"History Maker (Remix)", Delirious?
"Arise, My Love", Newsong (my favorite Easter song)
In case you were curious, yes, the iPad will blend. I'm not sure if I find this hilarious or horrifying.
What He Must Be If He Wants to Marry My Daughter
In many areas I am willing to give and take when it comes to young men to whom I will give my blessing in pursuit of my daughter's hand. I am willing to abide a short man, a poor man, an unattractive man, even a man who is not a Texan (Lord, forgive me). However, I cannot give my consent to a man who is not a follower of Christ.
Whatever words we choose to use, it is clear that a young man must be ready to represent his family before God (as a priest), represent God before his family (as a prophet), meet the needs of those in his household (as a provider), and place himself between his family and all who would do them harm (as a protector).
A young man who is worthy of a wife will have a clear understanding of the covenantal nature of marriage. He will also have a healthy apprehension when he thinks about the magnitude of his responsibility should he assume the role of husband and father. He must know the weight he is taking on his shoulders and be willing to accept it. He must be a man who is willing to endure hardship for the sake of his family should he be called upon to do so.
Source: Voddie Baucham, "What He Must Be ... If He Wants to Marry My Daughter"