Should We Celebrate Halloween?

Halloween is one of the strangest holidays mankind celebrates. It is an amazing paradox, an unusual mixture of Christian terms and ancient pagan religious rites.



Music by Randy Vild http://myspace.com/orchestrations
The Truth About Halloween: http://blowthetrumpet.org

Love, Sex, and Parenting...at Halloween

By Carl F.H. Henry @ http://henryinstitute.org/

As Linus Van Pelt waits for the Great Pumpkin (if you don't know what I'm talking about; good for you. Your parents more closely monitored television intake than did mine), two current articles seek to point out what Halloween reveals about contemporary attitudes toward sex and parenting.

The Los Angeles Times features the lament of a busy Mom who worries that the elaborate costumes of her neighbors' children just reminds her how inadequate she is as a parent. Brett Paesel, author of Mommies Who Drink: Sex, Drugs, and Other Distant Memories of an Ordinary Mom (On second thought, never mind the television. My Mom was just fine), writes this:

I suggested that my 6-year-old wear a shirt and a tie and go as a politician, but he wants to be a Komodo dragon. I told my 3-year-old that I could paint bruises on his arms and legs and he could go as a kid who falls down a lot. But he wants to be a red cat because a friend of ours works at the REDCAT Theater downtown, and he's been obsessed with the image ever since he heard of it. I'm figuring that we'll do red sweats and a few whiskers drawn on with a lip liner. The Komodo dragon is going to require some re-imagining of last year's T. rex costume.Things used to be a whole lot easier for underachieving moms. In addition to being one, I'm the daughter of one -- and she seemed to have more like-minded company in the '60s. One year, she and my dad couldn't be bothered to take us trick-or-treating. They gave my brother and me some crepe paper and newspapers to take upstairs and told us to make a different costume for each time we came back down into the living room. My parents then kicked back to discuss the day over martinis; every time we emerged in a new paper creation, they threw candy at us.The next day my mother told a neighbor about our evening. She was impressed and passed on her own timesaving tip: "I threw a black wig on Grace and told her to go as her evil twin." I long for those days when a mom could throw a sheet over a kid to make him a ghost without worrying that she's falling short of everyone's expectations. Or simply her own.

The Albany Times Union points out that the daughters of high-achieving parents have a growing theme in Halloween costume trends: sexiness. Reporter Kelly Smith writes:

The idea of sexy Halloween is not necessarily a new one. For years, Halloween parties have had their share of hot nurses and seductive pirates. But these are parties for adults, right? Not anymore. With names like "Transylvania Temptress,"..."Major Flirt," and "Red Velvet Devil Bride," there is no doubt that costumes marketed to children and teens have become more suggestive. Such costumes, which typically feature plunging necklines, fishnet stockings, knee-high boots and very short skirts, dominate the display at most costume shops and party supply stores, and parents are having a hard time avoiding them.

Thankfully there are "experts" who can help parents cope with whether or not their daughter should dress up as a sex huntress for Halloween. These tips include:

Use this as an opportunity to talk to your daughter about sexuality and appropriate ways of exploring and expressing it. Talk to girls about what they fear as well as hope for in terms of intimacy and teach them that there is more to sexuality than looking sexy for a guy. She said dressing up in sexy costumes is a way of presenting oneself as sexy, not of expressing oneself sexually.

and:

Add an element of power to the character she chooses. If she wants to be a fairy, let her imagine she's a fairy in charge of her whole kingdom. If she wants to express her sexuality, suggest that she be a toga-wearing goddess of wisdom. It's not that wanting to look pretty or sexy is bad, it's just that it's the only option girls are being presented with.

Whatever one's views on Halloween, the haze of confusion couldn't be more evident than it is in contemporary parenting, at Halloween or at any other time of the year. Why can't we see our poverty when we can afford to dress our children up in elaborate costumes, and our daughters wish to disguise themselves as sexual playthings for men?

It will take more than Linus's Great Pumpkin to get us out from this one. Thankfully, the young man also knows how to turn that blanket into a shepherd's gear just in time to speak of good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.

If you don't know about Linus's shepherd speech or what that has to do with a blanket, again, thank your Mom and Dad. If you don't know what the good tidings of great joy are, give me a call.

Trick or Trite?

http://www.christiancrafters.com probably goes too far:

“Pumpkin Prayer”

{cut off top of pumpkin}
Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you.

{remove innards}
Remove the things in my life that don’t please you.
Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others.

{cut open eyes}
Open my eyes to see the beauty you’ve made in the world around me.

{cut out nose}
I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned my nose at the good food you provide.

{cut out mouth}
Let everything I say please You.

{light the candle}
Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do. Amen

from here

Osteen’s Prosperity Gospel

The Reformation-Part 1

The fine folks at Stand to Reason provide an interesting background to Luther's Coat of Arms as an excellent representation of the Gospel of God's mercy He gives to men. They note:

The Reformation began with the question Martin Luther asked, “How do I obtain a gracious God?” That good news is familiar to us today but it wasn't so in Luther's time, and that is the significance of the Reformation. We know we can be reconciled with God through Jesus.

Here's how Luther described the meaning of the seal in a letter July 8, 1530:

“There is first to be a cross, black [and placed] in a heart, which should be of its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us.… Even though it is a black cross, [which] mortifies and [which] also should hurt us, yet it leaves the heart in its [natural] color [and] does not ruin nature; that is, [the cross] does not kill but keeps [man] alive.… Such a heart is to be in the midst of a white rose, to symbolize that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace; in a word it places the believer into a white joyful rose; for [this faith] does not give peace and joy as the world gives and, therefore, the rose is to be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and of all the angels. Such a rose is to be in a sky-blue field, [symbolizing] that such joy in the Spirit and in faith is a beginning of the future heavenly joy; it is already a part [of faith], and is grasped through hope, even though not yet manifest. And around this field is a golden ring, [symbolizing] that in heaven such blessedness lasts forever and has no end, and in addition is precious beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal.”

Halloween Fast Approaches

John MacArthur @ www.gty.org was asked, "Is there anything wrong with children going out 'Trick or Treating', like Halloween, and if so, what specifically is bad in it, and what do the MacArthur kids do? And, should Grace get involved in any alternatives?" His response was as follows:

"I think, it's not a wise thing to have children go out trick or treating. I mean, I think it's kind of dumb for Christian kids to dress up like ghosts and witches and weird things, and devil suits, and trouble-makers, and all that. I think, for example, you know, the whole thing of All Saints Day or All Hallows Eve has connotations, first of all of Roman Catholic tradition. It has connotations of demons and spirits. Plus the fact that little kids are exposed to screwballs as well as to cars, and all kinds of other things...What we do in our family is we have an alternative. Like you said, we do an alternative thing. We do something fun for the whole family. It varies from year to year, and our church has always done that, too, for the kids. Have parties and socials and things."

He feels the day holds too many negative connotations and that Christians should find a more sacred alternative. Certain things must be acknowledged:

• This is an issue of conscience.
• Although the scriptures do not directly address this activity, there are principles that can guide us on the issue.

Tim Challies @ http://www.challies.com responded:

My conviction is that it is a very poor witness to have the house of believers blacked out on Halloween. Halloween presents a unique opportunity to interact with neighbors, to meet their children and to prove that Christians are part of the community and not merely people who want only to interact with Christian friends or to only interact in our own way and on our own terms. At the same time I despise how evil Halloween is.

A simple observation of your neighborhood would show:

Already our neighborhood has ghosts hanging from trees and evil plastic figurines stuck into lawns. One section of houses nearby always feels the need to go the extra step, playing recordings of scary music, dressing in occult costumes and generally glorying in evil.

What are some reasonable activities:

To this time we have allowed our children to go out trick-or-treating, provided they do not wear evil or occult costumes. It is a compromise, and admittedly not one I am entirely comfortable with. Over the past several years churches in our neighborhood have offered an alternative to Halloween with "harvest parties" or similar events. These tend to be parties in a nearby community center that allows children to dress up and get their fill of candy in a less-pagan environment. But there are other churches that encourage families to be present in their homes, to greet their neighbours and to look for opportunities to interact with them. A couple of the pastors in a nearby church are going so far as to hold neighbourhood barbecues before dark and inviting people to come and share a meal with them. I think this is a great idea.

Realize that evil is real and consider how you regard your own actions:

Perhaps the greatest fallacy Christians believe about Halloween is that by refusing to participate in the day we are somehow taking a stand against Satan. And second to that, is that participation in the day is an endorsement of Satan and his evil holidays. The truth is that Halloween is not much different from any other day in this world where, at least for the time being, every day is Satan's day and a celebration of him and his power. A member of the discussion discussion list wrote the following last year around this time: "Yeah... I've heard all of the 'pagan' reasons Christians should avoid Halloween. The question is whether we are actually participating in Samhain when we participate in Halloween? Who or what makes the 'Witch's League of Public Awareness' the definers of what Halloween is, either now or historically? Such a connection between Samhain and my daughter as a ladybug or my son as a Bengals Boy is highly dubious." And it is highly dubious at best.

I am guessing my neighbourhood is all-too-typical in that people typically arrive home from work and immediately drive their cars into the garage. More often than not they do not emerge again until the next morning when they leave for work once more. We are private, reclusive people who delight in our privacy. We rarely see our neighbors and rarely communicate with them. It would be a terrible breach of Canadian social etiquette for me to knock on a person's door and ask them for a small gift or even just to say "hello" to them. In the six years we have been living in this area, we have never once had a neighbor come to the door to ask for anything (except for this time). Yet on Halloween these barriers all come down. I have the opportunity to greet every person in the neighbourhood. I have the opportunity to introduce myself to the family who moved in just down the row a few weeks ago and to greet some other people I have not seen for weeks or months. At the same time, those people's children will come knocking on my door. We have two possible responses. We can turn the lights out and sit inside, seeking to shelter ourselves from the pagan influence of the little Harry Potters, Batmans and ballerinas, or we can greet them, gush over them, and make them feel welcome. We can prove ourselves to be the family who genuinely cares about our neighbours, or we can be the family who shows that we want to interact with them only on our terms. Most of our neighbors know of our faith and of our supposed concern for them. This is a chance to prove our love for them.

The same contributor to the email list concluded his defense of participating in Halloween with these words: "One night does not a neighbor make (and one night does not a pagan make), but Halloween is the one night of the year where the good neighborliness that flows from being in Christ is communicated and reinforced. We are citizens of another Kingdom where The Light is always on."

The truth is that I have several convictions regarding Halloween. I despise the pagan aspects of it. I am convicted that my children should not dress as little devils or ghosts or monsters. But I am also convicted that there could be no worse witness to the neighbours than having a dark house, especially in a neighbourhood like ours which is small and where every person and every home is highly-visible. We know that, if we choose not to participate, the neighbors will notice and will smile knowingly, supposing that we feel too good to participate. We have nothing to fear from our neighbours or from their children. So my children will dress up (my son as a police officer and my daughter as a princess) and we will visit each of our neighbours, knocking on their doors and accepting their fistfuls of candy. Either my wife or I will remain at home, greeting people at our door with a smile and a handful of something tasty. If the kids are deemed too old to trick-or-treat, they'll be forced to sing a song to merit any handouts. Our door will be open and the light will be on. And we trust that the Light will shine brightly.

My encouragement to you today is to think and pray about this issue. I do not see Halloween as a great evangelistic occasion. I do not foresee it as a time when the people coming to your door are likely to be saved. But I do think it is a time that you can prove to your neighbors that you care about them, that you care about their children, and that you are glad to be in this world and this culture, even if you are not of this world or this culture. Halloween may serve as a bridge to the hearts of those who live around you who so desperately need a Savior.

Mark Driscoll: Woe to You

Mark Driscoll at the 2008 Desiring God Conference.

5 Surefire Ways to Ruin Your Devotions

Stephen Altrogge @ http://www.theblazingcenter.com provides a cautionary tale of five surefire ways to ruin your devotions. He lists:

STEP 1: Do Your Duty Soldier

STEP 2: Wallow in Condemnation

STEP 3: Forget Faith

STEP 4: Snooze Baby, Snooze

STEP 5: Ride Solo

Thoughts on Halloween

By Darrell Brooker @ http://drbrooker.net/ responded to the Halloween arguments of involvement. He starts with a general comment:

I do not think that Halloween is an innocent, benign, or neutral event that is only an opportunity for kids to get some candy. It is a day when death and darkness are glorified and celebrated, and the world revels in those things that Jesus Christ died to redeem us from. The popular sugar-coating of much of it only serves to desensitize ourselves and our children to the evil and darkness that Halloween represents. No one will convince me that all the decorations, (tombstones, ghosts, witches, vampires, etc.), regardless of their “cartoonish” nature, do not represent the darkness of this world and the Ruler of it. I sincerely think it naive to believe otherwise.

Argument #1 - Historically speaking, Halloween really means this…or signifies that, etc.

This argument is completely irrelevant to the discussion. The history, which is not as positive as some like to portray, matters not one whit to what is actually celebrated today. Whether it originated from pagan roots or medieval Catholicism is moot; we should not be quick to ally ourselves with either. Do a quick search of the web and you will see that this is the day of celebration for pagans, wiccans, Satanists, etc.; that is to say, those in direct opposition to Christ. The day is hardly benign to those who glory in evil and darkness and use this day, above all others, to celebrate that which is evil in God’s eyes.

Argument #2 - It is a poor witness for our neighbours to see a darkened house.

I don’t understand this line of thinking. In fact, I think just the opposite is true. I think it is a better witness to show our neighbours that there is a difference with us and that we are a people willing to stand (or sacrifice) for that difference. Must we participate in worldly things in order to reach our neighbours for Christ? I think the answer is obvious.

Our first responsibility is to glorify God in our actions, not show our neighbours that we’re just like them (ie. likeable people) in order to make Christianity look appealing. What should appeal to them is our stand for that which is true. One of Jesus’ key evangelistic demonstrations was to show his power by casting out demons and opposing the forces of darkness. Rather than worrying about causing offence, Jesus was more concerned that the reality, truth, and power of God be made manifest to those watching. Our opposition to the powers of darkness should be just as visible. By participating in Halloween we blur the line between ourselves as Christians (a people set apart), and the world, and in turn impair our witness. Perhaps, viewing Christ’s example, we should consider becoming more bold and more outspoken in our opposition beyond just non-participation in the day.

Argument #3 - Halloween presents an opportunity to interact with our neighbours, to meet their children and to prove that we are part of the community, for the purposes of evangelism.

There are 365 days in a year and if we’re serious about it, our witness should be on a continual basis. We should be looking for opportunities to engage them, whether it be as they walk their dog by our house, or when we see them at a local store; it should be something that we think of doing at every opportunity. A key to our witness is an uncompromising integrity to the transcendent truth of the gospel, a truth that exists above man and his ways. We are bound by that which God calls good and evil, not what we may think is good or evil. Our witnessing reflects what we have become: new creatures, and representatives of the light. Consistency with this truth demands a separation from evil; even those things that have the appearance of evil. Part of our evangelistic task is to highlight the differences between “light” and “dark,” and expose the evil in the world. Our differences with unbelievers are the very basis of good evangelistic discussions with our neighbours as we can both show and tell them about what separates “children of light” and “children of darkness.” I believe participation in Halloween only weakens our overall witness to our neighbours and opens us to charges of worldliness and hypocrisy. We must necessarily show them, for the sake of the gospel and their salvation, that our differences are real and distinct.

An integral part of this consistent evangelical witness is the elevation of Biblical truth as a testimony of our lives both in word and deed. Is Halloween evil? Is it representative of evil? I think it is. But for those who disagree, you will have to concede, at a minimum, that it glorifies evil, and as I said previously, it glorifies those things which Christ died to redeem us from. The scripture tells us to abhor and avoid (even the appearance of) evil:

1 Thessalonians 5:22 - “Abstain from every form of evil (KJV the appearance of evil).”
Romans 12:9 - “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
Romans 12:21 - “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 16:19 - “For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”
Galatians 1:3-4 - “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father…”

Our battle is not against little children in costumes trick or treating, but against demonic forces that disguise themselves as light and innocence. What better way for children to become desensitized to the reality of evil powers in this world, and the demonic realm that exists all around us, then to view it all as something akin to loveable cartoon characters. The whole idea of witchcraft and demonic activities that our culture celebrates at Halloween is the antithesis of the person of God. These forces exist to oppose the very purposes of God! We are to be “aliens” in this world, that is to say “other-worldly,” and separation from the world unto holiness is an integral part of a pure and true witness of God’s work in our lives. We are here to transform the world, and not conform to it on the basis of a weak and sentimental counterfeit love for an already over-indulged generation of children who want candy. We need to show our children by way of example that the life of a follower of Christ is one of sacrifice and separation from the world, and that example needs to be strong, for they will pick up on even the slightest compromise. We are children of light, why do we still want to play with darkness?

My wife and I have explained to our children from early on why we do not participate in Halloween, and thankfully, they have never questioned or complained. The day simply comes and goes like any other. We feel no necessity to take them out trick-or-treating just so they don’t have to be embarrassed when other kids ask them what they dressed up as. And if they are asked, I hope the occasion for boldness early in life will be used by God to strengthen them to stand against the world for what will hopefully be a life of opposition to it.

Argument #4 - I read one comment that said something to this effect: One of the greatest fallacies Christians believe about Halloween is that by refusing to participate in the day we are somehow taking a stand against Satan. And second to that, is that participation in the day is an endorsement of Satan and his evil holidays…The truth is that Halloween is not much different from any other day in this world where, at least for the time being, every day is Satan’s day and a celebration of him and his power.

While I agree with the last line of this argument, one needs to ask, What is Halloween if not a unique celebration of evil? The world may not see it as such but it is a celebration geared towards themes of darkness, evil, and the occult; all things overtly in oppostion to God. The fact that it has become mainstream and involves children and candy proves Satan’s success in making these things appear good, fun, and normal. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14 ). By refusing to participate in a celebration of darkness, no matter how positively it is perceived by those who don’t have the Spirit, we are opposing Satan and his purposes in this world. There is an enormous difference between Halloween and every other day and to suggest otherwise, to my mind, seems wholly inaccurate.

So, if you knock on our door on October 31st, no one will answer until the lights come back on at about 9pm. And if you see us after that and wonder why we did not particpate, we will be glad to share with you why we did not get involved in a celebration that glorifies those things that Christ’s death purposed to save us from.

Post Script:

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” -Ephesians 5:11-16

The days are indeed evil, so evil in fact that in the next chapter of Ephesians, Paul tells of the weapons that God has given us in order to stand against such wickedness.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” -Ephesians 6:11-13

Why Study Church History?

Ian Clarey @ http://ruminationsbythelake.blogspot.com presents a lecture on the need to study church history.

Structure:

Introduction

Reasons why people don't like church history: boring; fear.

Five Reasons to Study It

Identity; Christianity an Historical Religion; Warns against past errors; Gives understanding of doctrinal development; Inspiration.

Example: Patristics

The story of Perpetua and Felicitas

Some wish that you could "Build-A-Bible"

Humor from http://tominthebox.blogspot.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - TBNN has learned that Zondervan plans to launch a new advertising campaign just in time for the Christmas rush. The new Zondervan ad blitz will promote their newest, greatest product: The Build-A-Bible.

In the past, Zondervan has offered choice to customers when they are looking for bibles. Options have included various bible versions, multiple cover colors, and numerous study bibles. This has been good, but not good enough. The obvious solution, according to Zondervan spokeswoman Elaine Wallace, is to give the customer the choice in every option of the bible purchase.

Wallace told TBNN, "Zondervan has always wanted to offer the most free-choice to the customer, and now we can deliver on that. Instead of picking from one of, say, 30 different bibles, the customer can now, literally, build his or her own bible."

How does this actually happen? Wallace spelled out the process to us, "The customer will simply go to our website and fill in a Build-A-Bible form. Options are wide ranging. We will, of course, offer all of the current options. However, the greatest new tool is that the customer can pick and choose what sections of scripture he or she wants in his or her bible. We have thought a lot about this, and have some advice for folks of different denominations. For example, our Catholic customers might want to leave out passages that indicate that salvation comes through God's grace alone (Eph. 2:1-10). Methodists probably need to request that we not put Ephesians chapter 1 in their bibles because that chapter is so strong on God's sovereignty; actually we would probably also have to delete Eph. 2, John 6 & 10, and Romans 8-11. Presbyterians may want to delete passages, such as Acts 2:38, that suggest that repentance comes before baptism."

This was shocking to us at TBNN. We asked if she had any more advice.

"Of course," replied Wallace, "Southern Baptists can leave out passages condemning pride (Prov. 16:18), the Disciples of Christ can delete scripture that makes it clear that baptism is not required for salvation (Rom. 10:9-10), and Unitarians can leave out most of the bible, especially John 14:6. As for the cults, they already have their own false writings to rely on."

"Is that all?" we inquired hopefully.

Wallace responded, "Why, no. If you have a woman pastor, you can ignore/delete I Timothy 2:8-15. If your church has one strong senior pastor, then you can ignore the many N.T. passages that show that churches were led by multiple pastor/elders. If you think remarriage is O.K. after divorce, feel free to wipe out I Corinthians 7:10-11. Finally, if you are a hyper-Calvinist and think that missions is a waste of time, then we'll cut out Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8 for you.

"We can even repeat certain scriptures for emphasis, and place them at key points throughout the bible. One idea we had for our egalitarian customers is to place Galatians 3:28 at the very beginning of each of the 66 books."

Wallace concluded, "The choice is yours. You have complete free-will over this decision. Build a bible the way you have always wanted it. Meet your needs through the word of God, or at least the words you want."

You can find Build-A-Bible at www.watchoutforthelightningboltoveryourhead.com.

Robert Schuller Removes His Son From Crystal Cathedral Pulpit

Fox News is reporting that Robert Schuller has:

removed his son as preacher on the church’s weekly “Hour of Power” syndicated TV broadcast. Schuller said in a statement read to some 450 congregants Saturday by church president Jim Coleman that he and his son, Robert A. Schuller, “have different ideas as to the direction and the vision for this ministry.” …

Schuller Son: It’s Not My Dad’s Fault
"Very sad", and "surreal" are two words that Robert A. Schuller says describes how he feels just a couple days after his outing from the Crystal Cathedral's Hour of Power program. According to the OCRegister.com, he said his removal from the program had nothing to do with his preaching style or his vision for the church’s future. “But it had a lot to do with the style of administration,” the younger Schuller said. He declined to elaborate, but said his removal had to do with the Cathedral’s president and board members. “I don’t think my father had much of a say in it,” he said... Read the full post here...

Ken Silva @ http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com speculates that it be Schuller’s son Robert A. has been rethinking the false gospel preached for years by his dad:

If only we could love ourselves enough to dare to approach God, what constructive dreams he would give us! What noble possibilities God wants to reveal to us–possibilities that would offer stimulation plus real security in service. But we feel too unworthy. So one layer of negative behavior is laid upon another until we emerge as rebellious sinners. But our rebellion is a reaction, not our nature. By nature we are fearful, not bad.

Original sin is not a mean streak; it is a nontrusting inclination. The core of original sin, then is LOT—Lack of Trust. Or, it could be considered an innate inability to adequately value ourselves. Label it a “negative self-image,” but do not say that the central core of the human soul is wickedness. If this were so, then truly, the human being is totally depraved. But positive Christianity does not hold to human depravity, but to human inability. I am humanly unable to correct my negative self-image until I encounter a life-changing experience with nonjudgmental love bestowed upon me by a Person whom I admire so much that to be unconditionally accepted by him is to be born again. (Self Esteem: The New Reformation, 66, 67, emphasis mine)

See also: Robert Schuller: Father of the New Reformation

Schuller removes his son for too many Bible references

Red Letter Christianity

Matthew Blair @ The Foolish Galatian deals with the red letters of Christ versus the rest of Scripture, followed by a short video on why we should focus on ALL of Scripture when we read our Bibles:

I could never understand why so many prefer the red letters over the black…it’s almost like text racism.

Somehow, the “words of Jesus” trump the rest of scripture.

Problem is, He wrote it all, from Genesis to Revelation. They are all His words. They are all “God breathed”. Every jot and tiddle are there by His own design.

Favoring red over black can be a dangerous practice.

Go here for more information on how the red letter bible originated.

Other Heresies to watch for: THE NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PAUL (NPP)

Quoting The Master’s Seminary:

“It’s an insidious heresy that on the surface might look like it has some sense of scholastic splendor but, once you poke through the veneer, it’s nothing more and nothing less than theological poison” (Online source). Much has been said and written about NPP as we see from The Paul Page: Dedicated to the New Perspective of Paul, which you’ll has pieces both for and against so be aware.

Ken Silva @ http://apprising.org gives some background:

There really hasn’t been a lot written at what refer to as “a lay level.” Dr. Gary Gilley has done a series which is pretty accessible for the average Christian and I’ll place the link below. I did mention the heresy of NPP briefly in “Reclaiming Paul?” Sorry; More Like Reimagining Paul. NPP is truly a rottern root which gives the postliberal cult of the Emergent Church more food for their reimagined inclusive “gospel” of social reform.

Of course we’re not surprised as all that N.T. Wright, before whom they bow as one of their most revered Golden Buddhas, is also one of the main teachers of this heresy. And wouldn’t you know, NPP is yet another attack on the vicarious penal substitutionary atonement. As funding allows I hope to be writing more on this because NPP’s been in seminaries for years, which means many pastors today adhere to it and/or are even teaching this fantasy of works-righteousness to unsuspecting churches.

Here are a few good sources which you will find helpful in addressing the revisionist history and heresy of NPP:

WILLIAM BARRICK: BIBLICAL TESTIMONY MORE AUTHORITATIVE THAN NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PAUL

F. DAVID FARNELL: BASIC DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PAUL

JACK HUGHES: ALL BRANCHES OF NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PAUL RELY ON THE SAME ROOT

Dr. Gary Gilley, The New Perspective on Paul

Phil Johnson, A Defense of the Old Perspective on Paul

Chris Arnzen, Iron Sharpens Iron radio program, J. Ligon Duncan III: “The New Perspective on Paul”

Monergism.com, New Perspective on Paul

Christless Christianity - Dr. Michael Horton

A small portion of a four part lecture series given by Michael Horton on the subject matter of "Christless Christianity."

News Story: In Quebec, parents no longer have any say in what type of religious instruction is given in the schools

From Lifesite News

Quebec Kills Parents' Rights To Choose Religion Instruction -

By Thaddeus M. Baklinski

MONTREAL, October 17, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The new mandatory Ethics and Religious Culture program that was introduced this fall in Quebec schools has parents fuming, with many complaining that the program effectively removes their right to choose the kind of religious education their children receive. To show their displeasure a group of Quebec parents has organized a protest march for tomorrow, Saturday, October 18.

Three years ago, the clause in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms that guaranteed freedom of religious instruction and parental rights (parents have "the right to require that, in the public educational establishments, their children receive a religious or moral instruction in conformity with their convictions") was changed without any public consultation. The amended clause read that parents have the "right to give their children a religious and moral education in keeping with their convictions and with proper regard for their children's rights and interests."

Removal of the phrase "in the public educational establishments" meant that parents no longer had any say in what type of religious instruction is given in the schools.

The new compulsory religion course, from which children cannot be exempted, replaces three options that had been available to Quebec students - a generic course in moral education or two other courses that were either Catholic or Protestant in nature.

The Canadian Press reports that lawyer Jean-Yves Cote, representing a couple in Drummondville that has started legal action against the their local school board and the government, says the number of angry parents is likely in the thousands and is growing.

The suit filed by Cote seeks the right for parents to exempt their children from the course.

A request for exemption from the Ethics and Religious Culture program by Loyola High School, a private Catholic boys' school in Montreal, on the grounds that the course conflicted with the school's Catholic character, was refused by Education Minister Michelle Courchesne, which prompted the school administration also to take the issue to court.

Sylvain Lamontagne, a parent from Valcourt, told the Canadian Press that he is concerned the course exposes his children to world religions at a very young age while threatening their Christian faith, and will cause confusion and push his kids towards atheism.

He refers to the new course as religious fast-food.

"We can't do this to children. It will only confuse them," said Lamontagne. "Religion isn't a Chinese buffet. You can't just pick one and then another however you want."

The protest march, organized by Angelo Polcaro, hopes to see several thousand parents from all parts of the province gather in Montreal on Saturday to voice their displeasure to Quebec's Education Department.

"How can a child, six-years-old, have an opinion on a religion when he doesn't even know his own religion? He has to have a base before he can make an opinion," Polcaro said in the Canadian Press report.

"I've got a problem with that. First let's teach the child his own religion and then we can go from there."

For more information please contact:

Martin P. Murphy, Executive Director
The English Speaking Catholic Council
2005 St. Marc
Montreal, Quebec, H3H 2G8
Phone: 514-937-2301
Fax: 514-907-5010
E-mail: escc@bellnet.ca

Read related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Quebec Mandates Relativistic Ethical and Religious Education For All Students in Province
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/oct/07100409.html

Three Ways to Spoil the Gospel

Andy Naselli @ http://andynaselli.com outlines an argument from Graham Cole addressing the question “Ought We to Pray to the Holy Spirit?”. He notes that there are three “ways to spoil the gospel” (p. 64):

1. addition
2. subtraction
3. disproportion (”by a lack of due weight in theological emphasis, by giving an element in it either too much or too little accent”)

Here’s the context (from Graham Cole, Engaging with the Holy Spirit: Real Questions, Practical Answers [Wheaton: Crossway, 2007], 64):

To pray to the Spirit is not wrong theologically, but if that practice displaces prayer to the Father in the name of the Son in reliance upon the Spirit, then there may be another sort of problem that emerges. The problem is that of disproportion. There are many ways to spoil the gospel. [1] One such way is by addition: Christ plus Mosaic circumcision as the gospel for the Gentiles. Galatians addresses this error. [2] The gospel may be spoiled by subtraction. Christ is divine but not human. The recently publicized Gnostic Gospel of Judas appears to take this road. Jesus is depicted as saying to Judas: “You will be greater than all the others, Judas. You will sacrifice the man that clothes me.” This error subtracts human nature from Christ and turns him into only a seeming human. This docetic error was the problem facing the original readers of John’s first letter (1 John 4:1-3). [3] But the gospel may also be spoiled by a lack of due weight in theological emphasis, by giving an element in it either too much or too little accent. A biblical truth may be weighted in a way that skews our thinking about God and the gospel. Arguably, to make prayer to the Holy Spirit the principal practice in Christian praying would be such an error. The Holy Spirit may be prayed to. He is God. But the Holy Spirit is not to be prayed to in such a way as to mask the mediatorship of Christ and our location in Christ as members of his body. For to pray to the Father in the name of the Son in reliance upon the Spirit is to rehearse the very structure of the gospel . . . .

Ask:

• “Am I spoiling the gospel by disproportion?
  
• Is there an area that I am failing to give due weight in theological emphasis by giving an element in it either too much or too little accent?”

John Piper’s 40 Year Progression to the ESV

John Piper @ Desiring God Ministries outlines his 40 year progression to the ESV.

He writes:

I would like to see the English Standard Version become the most common Bible of the English-speaking church, for preaching, teaching, memorizing, and study.

I would rather have people read any translation of the Bible—no matter how weak—than to read no translation of the Bible. If there could be only one translation in English, I would rather it be my least favorite than that there be none. God uses every version to bless people and save people.

But the issue before the church in the English-speaking world today is not “no translation vs. a weak translation.” It is between many precious English Bibles. A Bible does not cease to be precious and powerful because its translators overuse paraphrase and put way too much of their own interpretation into the Bible. That’s the way God’s Word is! It breaks free from poor translations and poor preaching—for which I am very thankful. But even though the weakest translation is precious, and is used by God to save and strengthen sinful people, better translations would be a great blessing to the church and an honor to Christ.

He lists examples of NIV paraphrasing compared to the more literal ESV. There are four convictions at stake.

1. A more literal translation respects the original author’s way of writing. It is a way of honoring the inspired writers.

2. Translators are fallible and they may mislead the English reader if they use unnecessary paraphrases to bring out one possible meaning and conceal others.

3. A more literal translation gives preachers more confidence that they can preach what the English text says with authority that it reflects what the original Greek or Hebrew text says.

4. A more literal translation which preserves ambiguities that are really there in the original keeps open the possibility of new insight by future Bible readers.

Read Examples of NIV Paraphrasing Compared to the More Literal ESV

Book Review: The ESV Study Bible

Jason Button @ http://sharperiron.org reviews The ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles., 2008. Jacketed Hardcover, 2,752 pages. $49.99

www.ESVStudyBible.org (Features, Formats, Contributors, Endorsements & Blog)

Video Resources

Samples: Introduction to Psalms | Introduction to Isaiah | Introduction to Ezekiel | Jonah (full book) | Introduction to Luke | Introduction to Ephesians | Introduction to Colossians | Introduction to Revelation | Article: Reading the Bible

He covers:

• Presentation

• Content

• Egalitarian or complementarian?

• Monergism or synergism?

• Amillennial, Pre-millennial, or Post-millennial?

• The role of women in the church?

Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World

A four-minute mini-documentary about the history of feminism from a Christian perspective--based on the book, Radical Womanhood

www.radicalwomanhood.com

Nine Characteristics of Biblical Prayer

Daryl Wingerd @ http://www.ccwblog.org outlines nine characteristics of Biblical prayer. With permission, here is the full article:

True prayer is not merely a matter of saying the right words. Biblical prayer is characterized and motivated by the right attitude-right thinking about the greatness of God, the beauty of Christ, and our own unworthiness and weakness.


Ask yourself if your prayers are characterized by the following:

An Understanding of Your Own Insignificance and Sinfulness

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? (Ps. 8:3-4 NASB)

If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You that You may be feared (Ps. 130:3-4).

The Knowledge that Jesus is Your Only Access to the Father

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh . . . let us draw near (Heb. 10:19-22).

. . . you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Pet. 2:5)

Adoration for God because of His Character and Attributes

Ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He. (Deut. 32:1-4)

I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. (Ps. 145:1-3)

Joyful Praise for God's Work in Creation and Redemption

Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created (Rev. 4:11).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. . . . In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:3-8, 10-11).

Thankfulness for God's Kindness in Giving Every Good Thing

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights . . . (James 1:17).

. . . let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name (Heb. 13:15).

A Sense of Your Need of Strength to Fight against Specific Sins

Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41).

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Rom. 8:12-13).

Humble Trust as You Ask the Father to Meet Every Need

Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You (Jer. 32:17).

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him (1 John 5:14-15).

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:15).

A Selfless Burden to Pray for Others

With all prayer and petition pray at all times . . . be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf . . . (Eph. 6:18-19).

Brethren, pray for us (1 Thess. 5:25). We pray for you always . . . (2 Thess. 1:11).

Pray for those who persecute you . . . (Matt. 5:44; also see 1 Tim 2:1-2).

A Thirst for Increasing Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding

Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law (Ps. 119:18).
For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek for her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God (Prov. 2:3-5).

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. (Eph. 1:18-19)

*To download this article in a handout form, click here.

Sermon Outline: “Response to the Deviation from the Gospel.”

Galatians 2:14-21

1) His Reaction (Galatians 2:14–15)

2) His Statement (Galatians 2:15–16)

Acts 15:10-11

Matthew 5:22-28

Romans 3:19-20, 21-24; 28

3) His Defence (Galatians 2:17–21)

Romans 7:1-6

Colossians 3:9-10

John 10:17-18

Top 10 Ways For "Worship Leaders" to Hinder the Church (Doug Eaton)

Here is Doug Eaton, sounding off on the top ten ways for youth leaders to hinder Jesus Christ's Church.

What To Look For When Purchasing A Quality Bible

In light of the release of the ESV Study Bible, Erik @ http://kowalkerjourney.com has some helpful tips on what to look for when purchasing a quality Bible. He notes:

For those of you who are contemplating whether or not to take the plunge and purchase this new study Bible, before you throw down the dough, read these six basic tips on choosing the right quality Bible. The name of the blog that I stumbled on is called Bible Design and Binding. Mark Bertrand has tons of reviews and questions like the one below on choosing a durable Bible that will stand the test of time.

Look for

1. A binding can be either (a) sewn or (b) glued.

2. Today’s inexpensive options are better than ever.

3. Hardback editions offer the best bang for the buck.

4. Bonded vs. Genuine Leather.

5. Higher Quality Leathers.

6. A Name to Trust.

To see many more photos and reviews of Bibles, please take a moment and visit their site @ Bible Design and Binding.

---

Study Bibles that are NOT coming out

iMonk @ http://www.internetmonk.com pulls out the comedy stops to suggest Study Bibles for particular authors. He lists:

The Phil Johnson “PoMotivator” Study Bible.

The Tim Challies Clearly Canadian Discernment Study Bible.

The Al Mohler Encyclopedic Punditry Study Bible.

The Abraham Piper 22 Words Study Bible.

The Steve Hays Study Bible.

The Jared Wilson Stay-At-Home-Dad Study Bible.

Van Til’s Animals in Scripture Study Bible.

The “Reason for a Study Bible” Study Bible, edited by Tim Keller.

The Mark Driscoll R-Rated Study Bible for Dudes.

The Paula White “What the….” Study Bible.

The Boar’s Head Tavern Study Bible, edited by Matthew Johnson and Bill Mackinnon.

The Internet Monk Mongrels and Evangelicals Study Bible.

He Is My Identity: In Christ we are a New Creation

This powerful video reminds us that In Christ we are a New Creation and have a new identity. That our life is not based on what we think, hear or do, but on who we truly are: his child

What to Say to the Depressed, Doubting, Skeptical, Confused, Angry

John Piper @ www.desiringgod.org offers some suggestions for what you say in a conversation:

1. Don't be offended.

“Love suffers long” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NKJV).

2. Listen.

In 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Paul describes the kind of engagement that may set people free from sin and error. One feature is “patiently enduring evil.”

3. End with hope.

Providing a line of conversation, he suggests:

I know that you don’t feel very helped by what I have said. I think I understand some of what that’s like. I don’t mean to be offering a quick fix, as though your problems or doubts can be turned around that easily. But I have more hope than you do that God’s truth is powerful and will have its good effect in due time. May I share one more thing before you go?

I simply want to make sure you hear the best news in the world. Jesus said he spoke so that we would have peace (John 16:33). And Paul said that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). You don’t feel this right now. But God says peace and faith come from hearing.

In other words, moving from not seeing and feeling the reality of Christ to seeing and feeling the reality of Christ happens through hearing news about Christ. Something happens. At one moment, you are not seeing him as beautiful and satisfying and compelling. Then in the next moment, you are.

In the moments leading up to this experience, listening to God’s word seems empty and futile. That doesn’t put me off. If you doubt what I am saying, you are the very person who needs to hear what I am saying.

So let me tell you this spectacular news. This comes from Colossians 2:13-15.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

He concludes with five mind-blowing things

• 1) God makes you spiritually alive.

• 2) God forgives all your sins.

• 3) He does this because he canceled the record of debts that stood against you. You owed God what you could never pay because of all your sins. And he cancelled the debt.

• 4) How could he do that? He set it aside by nailing it to the cross. But the nails that went into the cross didn’t go through parchment. They went through Jesus’ hands and feet. That’s the heart of everything I have to say to you. Christ became our substitute and bore our debt.

• 5) When that happened, the devil was disarmed. Why? Because the weapon of accusation was taken out of his hand. He always waved that record of debt in our face and God’s court. But now that’s canceled. The devil is disarmed. He can huff and puff, but he cannot damn you.

Read this article on their website.

How Does Your Church Measure Success?

"Now I beseech you, brethren, **mark them who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them**. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the innocent."
- Paul the Apostle
(Romans 16:17-18)

Jesus answered them, and said, "My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory: but He that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him."
(John 7:16-18)


Doctrine, but not just doctrine, sound doctrine is of the utmost importance. Paul the Apostle even declared that believers are to avoid those who walk contrary to the doctrine we received from Christ. Well, what about a "church" that doesn't preach doctrine at all? What about a "church" that even mocks and has a contempt for believers that do? Do these "churches" really care about God's will or do they care more about having a large number on their attendance roll? These are vital questions that must be asked and the answer understood by anyone who is wondering about a particular place of worship. God didn't intend for believers to stay on milk, but to later graduate to solid meat. (1Cor 3:1-3; Heb 5:11-14) Some "churches" are so concerned with being esteemed highly in the among men by boasting about their numbers that they neglect even the milk in the fear that they may lose a person on their attendance sheet.

You may be surpised to know that Jesus Christ did talk about numbers and converts in His ministry, however ...and the amounts may shock you:

What woman having ten pieces of silver, if she loses one piece, does not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over ONE sinner that repents.
(Luke 15:8-10)

A Test of Essentials and Non-Essentials

C Michael Patton @ http://www.reclaimingthemind.org has a helpful test of "the essentials". He notes a list of the ranks:

Essential for Salvation (1): Those doctrinal issues which rank as a 1 will only be those that you believe are absolutely essential for the Christian to believe in order to be Christian. In other words, if one were to deny this doctrine or issue, they could not be saved.

Essential for Orthodoxy (2): Those doctrinal issues which you rank as 2 will consist of those that you believe are part of the historic Christian faith. Ranking them as a 2 means that you believe that a denial of this doctrine, while not disqualifying someone from salvation, does disqualify them from orthodoxy. Obviously, if you rank something an 1 it will also be a 2, so there is no need to rank it with both a 1 and 2.

Important, but not essential (3): These doctrinal issues are those which you believe are very important for the Christian faith, yet do not qualify as a 1 or 2.

Not important (4): These doctrinal issues are those about which you believe that a person may have a strong opinion but you do not believe have any bearing on a person’s salvation or orthodoxy and are not important in any way for the Christian faith.

Pure speculation (5): These doctrinal issues are those that you believe are pure speculation. In other words, not only do they not qualify for 1-4, but you do not believe that anyone can or should have any legitimate conviction at all.

Wrong (6): These are doctrinal issues that you don’t believe.

Here is a chart/graph to help visualize!

How to Wallow in Debt

Todd Temple @ has a timely article on finances. In the "What NOT to do" department, he covers:

1. Debt is unavoidable

2. Debt teaches responsibility

3. Debt is safe

4. Debt is smart

More Wallowing Tips

• Apply for every credit card you can.
  

• Flip out on fees.

• Go for cash.
  

• Get addicted to that new-car smell.
  

Why Elder Rule (Part 2 of 2)

John MacArthur @ http://www.sfpulpit.com concludes his overview of the rationale for Elder rule with:

The Qualifications of Elders

The single, overarching qualification of which the rest are supportive is that he is to be “above reproach.” That is, he must be a leader who cannot be accused of anything sinful because he has a sustained reputation for blamelessness. An elder is to be above reproach in his marital life, his social life, his business life, and his spiritual life. In this way, he is to be a model of godliness so he can legitimately call the congregation to follow his example (Phil. 3:17). All the other qualifications, except perhaps teaching and management skills, only amplify that idea.

The Functions of Elders

The primary responsibility of an elder is to serve as a manager and caretaker of the church (1 Tim. 3:5). That involves a number of specific duties. As spiritual overseers of the flock, elders are to determine church policy (Acts 15:22); oversee the church (Acts 20:28); ordain others (1 Tim. 4:4); rule, teach, and preach (1 Tim. 5:17; cf. 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Tim. 3:2); exhort and refute (Titus 1:9); and act as shepherds, setting an example for all (1 Pet. 5:1-3). Those responsibilities put elders at the core of the New Testament church’s work.

Sermon Outline: “Thanks for Everything”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1) Thankfulness through Constant Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 5: 16)
Psalm 50:14-15, 23

1 Peter 1:6

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Job 1:20-22

2 Corinthians 6:10

2) Thankfulness through Constant Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5: 17)

Ephesians 6: 18

Philippians 4:4-13

Daniel 6:6-10

3) Consistent Thankfulness in all Circumstances: (1 Thessalonians 5: 18)

Psalm 100:1-5

Hebrews 13:15

Ephesians 5:15-20

Worship Matters

Bob Kaulfin @ http://www.worshipmatters.com deals with four: Worship Matters:

• The Leader (what do I love the most?)
• The Task (what exactly is a worship leader trying to do?)
• Healthy Tensions (what false dichotomies do we create in corporate worship?)
• Right Relationships (how can I worship God in my relationships with my team, church, and pastor?)

The Leader

The Task

Healthy Tensions

Right Relationships