First Things

God Loves You Enough to Hurt You | Pastor Jake Magee

2011-05-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

“6 "Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her way with thorns, And I will build a wall against her so that she cannot find her paths. 7 "She will pursue her lovers, but she will not overtake them; And she will seek them, but will not find them. Then she will say, 'I will go back to my first husband, For it was better for me then than now’” (Hosea 2:6-7) God loves you enough to hurt you. That

Bell and Six Tragic Truths About Hell | Jake Magee

2011-05-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Recently hell has become...well…a hot topic. With the release of Rob Bell’s book Love Wins in which he affirms (in his own elusive way) that no one will stay in hell forever, there has been a much-deserved response and backlash to Bell and others who appear to be quite comfortable living on the fringe of error. I can't help but to think of the countless unmarried Christian couples who attempt to

Amazing Grace for the Jacked Up

2010-11-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

Read the Bible, and you'll conclude that the best of God's people are jacked up. Any cursory survey of the lives of God’s messengers and ministers confirms that the answer to the rhetorical question “who is sufficient for these things,” is in fact “no one” (2 Cor.2:16). We find multiple blights and blemishes in the very people presented as paradigms.Abraham, the father of faith, has his bouts

Slain In The Spirit

2010-11-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

"And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last" (Acts 5:5)Ananias and his wife were Slain In the Spirit. No..really, they were. However, this "Pentecostal" phenomena probably won't gain much popularity among our many of our chaos-matic brothers and sisters today. There was no barking, laughing, gyrating, or rolling. Just falling to the ground...dead. Ananias and

Devotions: Hungry Grace

2010-11-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

When most people suspected Saul of Tarsus' conversion as being a trick to roast Christians, Barnabas saw true signs of the grace of God underneath the unchanged exterior of a notorious enemy of Jesus. Barnabas became Saul's advocate when very few would (Acts 9:26-28).When Paul would later look upon John Mark as spineless and useless for the ministry due to his desertion of them at Pamphylia,

How To Read the Bible (without becoming a cult-leader, heretic...)

2010-10-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

Just finished a booklet on how to read the Bible entitled, How To Read The Bible (Without becoming a cult-leader, heretic, snake- handler, Pharisee, fundamentalist, etc...)Check it out - HERE

Blame it on the Brain: A Review

2010-10-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

Blame it on the Brain: A Review by Jake Magee It seems that with each advance of the physical sciences, there is a corresponding challenge to find its integration to Biblical Theology. There are at least three responses that a Christian might make to various discoveries of the physical sciences: (1) Questioning whether there is really an “advance” due to

Roman Catholic Responses (lots of peeps chiming in)

2010-10-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

I found a thread of folks discussing the Surprised by What? article that I wrote which is hosted at Monergism.com (HERE) and Christian Publication Resource Foundation (HERE). Nearly 400 replies and 3,000 + views. - HERE

Roman Catholic Responses (Joe)

2010-10-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

A Roman Catholic (Joe) has offered a critique of an article I've written and is hosted at www.monergism.com entitled Surprised by What? A Defense of Sola Scriptura - HERE .Joe:Dear Mr. Magee,I recently read an article defending sola scriptura at:http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/SurprisedbyWhat.htmlI found the article very interesting and well presented. If you are not the

Roman Catholic Responses (Randy)

2010-10-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

A Roman Catholic (Randy) has offered a critique (HERE) of an article I've written and is hosted at www.monergism.com entitled Surprised by What? A Defense of Sola Scriptura - HERE . Randy:Jake Magee responds to some conversion stories in Surprised by Truth. He is actually pretty fair and rational. He takes seriously the fact that well-formed, intelligent protestants came to believe Sola Scriptura

Marriage Bootcamp (Audio)

2010-09-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Marriage Basics - HereMarriage Problems - HereMarriage Solutions - HereMarriage Tips - Here

Psychologizing Sin & Its Impact on Biblical Counseling

2010-08-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

by JMIt is certain that pastors must offer techniques to aid those they serve. Abstract principles without specific application is akin to giving people a destination without a vehicle; urging people “to be warmed and filled” without blankets and a food voucher. The question then becomes this: is there a kind of therapy unique to Biblical Counseling? It is clear enough

Inside Out: How God Changes People

2010-07-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

I've received a lot of feedback from folks on how helpful this talk has been for them. I hope this serves you as well.Audio HERE

The Danger of Social Justice

2010-07-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

From Justin Taylor - SourceFrom a letter from Senior Tempter Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, who is in training to tempt Christians:About the general connection between Christianity and politics, our position is more delicate.Certainly we do not want men to allow their Christianity to flow over into their political life, for the establishment of anything like a really just society would be a

Marriage Is...

2010-06-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts on God's Intention for Marriage from Genesis 1 & 2.Marriage is invented by God, not by society Without a design for marriage, there is no set definition for it. Unless God tells us what counts as marriage, culture may define what counts as marriage. The Bible teaches us that God designs and therefore defines this union (Gen 2:24). Marriage is monogamous, not polygamous

A Crash Course on Prayer

2010-06-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Audio - HERE

Inside Out: How God Changes Law Breakers and Keepers

2010-06-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

Inside Out: How God Changes Law Breakers and Keepers - Audio

How To Read The Bible (Without becoming a cult-leader, heretic, snake- handler, Pharisee, fundamentalist, etc...)

2010-05-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a booklet I put together about a year ago entitled, How To Read The Bible (Without becoming a cult-leader, heretic, snake- handler, Pharisee, fundamentalist, etc...)Needs some editing and a conclusion - HERE

How Do You Know When You've Been Called?

2010-05-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

How do you know when you've been called to be a pastor? Here are some of my thoughts on the topic - HERE

When "Messianic Christianity" Becomes Dangerous

2010-03-30T13:27:00.001-07:00

A few years ago, I was invited to sit in on a bible study that was pitched as a time to learn more about the Jewish roots of Christianity by a pastor from a Messianic Congregation. I love the topic and desired to put on the scuba gear and dive a little deeper. Having brought a few folks from the congregation that I served, we quickly learned that the gathering had the agenda of converting

A Brief Discussion of God’s Freewill and Ours

2010-03-08T14:39:00.000-08:00

FriendHey Jake,If Adam was in a state of freewill, prior to the fall, due to having moral equipoise, as Pink puts it, to either choose good or evil, without bias, at what point do you think God's sovereignty affects Adam's will to choose evil? If Adam's will is truly free, it would seem that the same paradox is involved between Adam and God, as the one that exists now, between all humanity and

A Brief and Candid Conversation About Doubt

2010-01-27T20:25:00.000-08:00

I have a good friend that has been seriously struggling with his faith lately (perhaps even losing it). Recently he posted an article entitled, "Empty: Some observations from Genesis," which contains some critical remarks on the narrative found in Genesis 3. With his gracious permission, I have included his post, as well as much of the candid conversation that we had over the matter. We hope

Before You Judge Another, Ask Yourself...

2010-01-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2) Contrary to how many interpret this passage, judgment isn't forbidden in Scripture, bad judgments are. “First take the log out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brothers” (Matt 7:5). A

Feasting on the Will of God (Matthew 4:3&4)

2010-01-07T07:05:00.000-08:00

by JM"If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread" (Matthew 4:3). Here's another way of capturing the temptation: "since you have the power and position of deity (being co-equal and co-majestic with the Father), shortcut this period of dedication to the Father." "Jesus, there's no need for complete surrender to the Father, partial obedience will do. It's legal: you're

'cliff notes on theology' continued: the discussion

2009-12-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

The following discussion was generated after a posting called "Cliff Notes of Theology: Why are these books in the Bible and not others?"JeremiahInterestingly the "extra" books have been a part of the Septuigant from the beginning, and have been considered canonical since the before late 4th century, when the 27 books of the New Testament were canonized. References in Acts, and Jude are made to

Cliff Notes on Theology: Why are these Books in the Bible and not others?

2009-12-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

by JMA bigger Bible has to be a better Bible right; more books, a better Book? Just as we may desire our neighbor’s Escalade or our spouses generous helping at Chili’s, we might be tempted to covet a Roman Catholic’s Bible or the Jesus’ Seminar’s canon with there inclusion of Gnostic texts alleged to truly represent historic Christianity. In a moment of weakness, you may be tempted to protest

The Mystery of Providence

2009-12-14T20:06:00.000-08:00

Here are six reasons, from Puritan John Flavel, why we shouldn't dismiss providence as being the mere outworking of natural causes.1. Naturalism cannot explain why so many of the mercies given to the saints are clearly above the power of and against the course of natural causes.2. Naturalism cannot explain how so many natural causes can unite and associate themselves in such strange ways for

Recent Messages

2009-12-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

I've been busy preaching and teaching...The Gospel According to MarkThe Passion, Mark 15 - HERE November 29, 2009 Parable of the Landowner, Mark 12 - HERE November 8, 2009Bad Religion -HERE September 6, 2009Don't Waste Your Obscurity- HERE August 9, 2009Faith EssentialsWeek 1: God Is – The Nature of God- HERE - Sept. 15,2009Week 2: God Speaks – The Word of God - HERE - Sept. 22,2009Week 3: God

Tim Keller Resources

2009-11-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

To celebrate 20 years of ministry, Redeemer Presb. offers 150 free sermons/lecture - HERE.

Helpful Charts on Eschatology

2009-11-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Helpful Charts on End Times - HERE

Discussion on Penal Substitutionary Atonement

2009-10-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Though I'd share another facebook discussion. This one is related to penal substitutionary atonement. Here was the phrase I posted that was in contention: The Gospel: Saved by God, From God, and For God. Here's the DialogueJeremiah: Actually, the "from God" is indicative of the penal substitution model of salvation developed in the middle ages by the Roman Catholic Church. As may seem

Was it possible for Jesus to sin?

2009-10-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Was it possible for Jesus to sin?by John PiperIt depends on how you define "possible."If "possible" means, "Did he have the brain and the natural capacities to discern a temptation and choose it," then yes. He had a brain and he had a will. If he didn't, he would not have been a human being.He's discerning, he's thinking, he's feeling. He knows what hunger is. He knows what sexual arousal is, and

Christless Christianity

2009-10-17T15:59:00.001-07:00

There are a dozen diagnoses for the decline of Christianity in America: church models, church polity, musical style, position on end times, use of technology, whether your minister wears boxers or briefs...How about this one: Much of what passes for Christianity in the West is Christ-less. Michael Horton's book is a compelling expose on the topic. If you're going to read a book before then end

Dialogue on faith, rationality, and the exclusivity of Jesus

2009-10-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Interesting conversation I had on facebook with a very bright guy named Pawel. Thought I'd share it. It was incited by the following video - HERE.Pawel: The existance of the creator is far more complex than our mere attempt of understanding this force through personification and our finite abilities of understanding it by attempting to make it humanlike. It is, the creating force we like to

Defining a Church

2009-10-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

A church is a (1) group of baptized believers who join together under (2) qualified leadership (Jesus as senior pastor & qualified pastors under Him) (3) in regular gatherings for (4) the hearing and application of the Word of God preached (the gospel exposited from the 66 books of the Bible), (5) the administration of the sacraments (baptism and communion), (6) in deep community within and (7)

Coins with Joseph’s name found in Egypt

2009-09-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Coins with Joseph’s name found in Egypt :Archeologists have discovered ancient Egyptian coins bearing the name and image of the biblical Joseph, Cairo’s Al Ahram newspaper recently reported. Excerpts provided by MEMRI show that the coins were discovered among a multitude of unsorted artifacts stored at the Museum of Egypt.According to the report, the significance of the find is that archeologists

The Information Revolution - Check This Out...

2009-09-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

The man who saved a billion lives

2009-09-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

from Cranach: The Blog of VeithThe man who solved the world’s food problem, Norman Borlaug, died at 95. His applications of agricultural science launched the so-called “green revolution,” not in the sense of environmentalism but in growing an abundance of green, productive plant life.Scientist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug rose from his childhood on an Iowa farm to develop a type of

Baptism 08/09

2009-08-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

It is such a thrill to watch God work in the lives of people!

Some Unoriginal Thoughts on the Problem of Evil

2009-08-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

I received an email today from an old Bible college buddy who is wrestling with the Problem of Evil in one of his classes and wanted to know my thoughts on the topic. For those of you who don't know what the "problem of evil" is, it goes something like this: The God of the Bible is all powerful, all knowing, and all good.1. If God is all powerful, he could stop evil.2. If God is all knowing,

Leaving the 1 for the 99

2009-08-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Pray for the Persecuted Church

2009-08-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

4 Christian Orphanage Workers Beheaded in SomaliaBy Aaron J. LeichmanChristian Post ReporterWed, Aug. 12 2009 11:56 PM EDTSomali Islamic extremists beheaded four Christians recently after kidnapping them last month, according to eyewitness accounts reported to International Christian Concern (ICC).Members of the Islamic extremist organization Al-Shabaab had kidnapped Fatima Sultan, Ali Ma'ow,

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

2009-08-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

In 1981 Rabbi Kushner wrote a book called “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Here are some questions that came to mind as I read this title:1. Are there truly “good” people to whom bad things happen (cf. Romans 3:10; Job 25:4; Jer. 13:23)? 2. If not, could we rename the book, “Why do bad things happen to bad people?” 3. Or better yet, “Why don’t worse things happen to bad people.” 4. Or

“I WAS GOING TO PREACH THIS, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT LEAD ME TO THIS” . . . AND OTHER STUPID STATEMENTS

2009-07-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

by ~ c michael patton ~Does my title give me away? So much for being coy with my proposition. Let me say that this post is going to get me in trouble with some dear friends who preach God’s word every week. My message to them: Bear with my critique. I pray that my thoughts will be considered as “wounds from a friend”—a very fallible friend.Here, let’s start this way. Have you ever heard someone

The Secret of Significance

2009-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Preached at Oasis Church7/19/09LISTEN HERE

Infrastructure for Souls: Tracing the parallel histories of the American megachurch and the corporate-organizational complex.

2009-07-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

Slideshow by Joseph ClarkeHERE

Chuck Norris Bible

2009-07-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

www.sacredsandwich.com

Puritans are Cool Again!

2009-07-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.puritanlibrary.com/

Christ and Culture

2009-07-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Who Do You Say that I Am: When Christ and Culture Touch

Everything is Amazing, Nobody is Happy...

2009-07-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Walking By The Spirit

2009-07-10T13:17:00.001-07:00

"Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16)Here are some necessary conditions for Walking In the Spirit:1. Right Goal - Obedience to the Glory of God2. Right Theological Foundation - Obedience founded on Justification3. Right Means - Obedience Fueled and Reinforced with the Instruments of Grace (Word of God...)

Sin: worse than hell. Christ: better than heaven

2009-07-08T07:56:00.001-07:00

Anselm used to say, "that if he should see the shame of sin on the one hand, and the pains of hell on the other, and must of necessity choose one, he would rather be thrust into hell without sin, then go into heaven with sin." Luther: I'd "rather be in hell with Christ, than in heaven without him."

Old Women in Pulpits

2009-06-30T17:20:00.001-07:00

Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was asked publicly why the churches of his day had so few young men in the pews. He instantly shot back, "Because there are so many old women in the pulpits."

Pimp My Ride

2009-06-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

11 Axioms for a Great Commission Resurgence

2009-06-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

From the SBC convention:http://www.GreatCommissionResurgence.com/

Loving Cameras rather than Pictures...

2009-06-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Every poet and musician and artist, but for Grace, is drawn away from love of the thing he tells, to love of the telling, till, down in Deep Hell, they cannot be interested in God at all but only in what they say about Him. Lewis, The Great Divorce, 85

Texting And Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving

2009-06-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 26, 2009Car and Driver Magazine recently released results of driving tests that observed braking reaction times for drivers when texting and reading texts and compared them to those when the drivers were legally drunk. The results revealed drivers had worse reaction times when texting and reading than when drunk.HERE

STUDY: Chubby people live longest...

2009-06-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

One more reason to embrace and celebrate our elastic pants - HERE

Are urban tapeworms on the rise?

2009-06-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Anthony Franz says an undercooked salmon salad gave him a 9-foot-tapeworm, and in August he sued the Chicago restaurant that served it to him... MORE

Survey Examines America's Megachurchgoers

2009-06-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

HERE

Post Rapture Pet Care

2009-06-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

"Suppose you go in the Rapture . . . What happens to Fido after you are gone? Cats can take care of themselves. But what about dogs? Well, here's a group of avowed UK atheists who know they won't go in the Rapture. So, for a small fee, they'll feed your pets after you are gone" (kimriddlebarger.squarespace.com) - HERE FOR POST-RAPTURE PET CARE

God Loves

2009-06-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

God Loves - LISTEN

A FROG that constantly changes colour is being worshipped as a GOD in India

2009-06-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

- LinkHundreds of curious followers flock to Reji Kumar’s home every day to pray and ask for miracles.Now one of the country’s top zoologists plans to study the rainbow frog. But Reji, 35, who keeps the creature in a glass bottle after finding it while out watering plants, is afraid it might CROAK first.He said: “My one problem is that this frog does not appear to eat. I keep trying to feed it

Parents, guard your laptops!

2009-06-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - A New Zealand mom made some online bids on toys before napping. Then her 3-year-old daughter took over and bought a bigger plaything than expected — a huge earth-moving digger for a cool $12,300.

The Art of Manliness

2009-06-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Summer Grilling - HERE

Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion

2009-06-02T20:07:00.001-07:00

I'm looking forward to this book:Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion (Paperback)by Ted Kluck (Author), Kevin DeYoung (Author)MORE...

Chinese Calvinism Flourishes

2009-06-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

from guardian.co.ukThe churches that follow Calvin are the third largest Christian grouping in the world. In China they hope to become the religion of the elite. - HERE

God Loves...

2009-06-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

Message: God Loves...Series: God is...June 7th @ 6 @ Oasis

God Speaks

2009-05-29T16:25:00.001-07:00

Series: "God is..." Message: God SpeaksSpeaker: Pastor Jake MageeDate: 5/24/09Listen Here

Faith that Works - James 2:14-26

2009-05-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

New Life Community Church5/24/09 Weekend Message - James 2:14-26. Series: Radiate. Speaker: Jake MageeLISTEN HERE

Who taught me to like tobacco and alcohol?

2009-05-29T11:16:00.001-07:00

'You are always dragging me down,' said I to my Body. 'Dragging you down! replied my Body. 'Well I like that! Who taught me to like tobacco and alcohol? You, of course, with your idiotic adolescent idea of being "grown-up". My palate loathed both at first: but you would have your way. Who put an end to all those angry and revengeful thoughts last night? Me, of course, by insisting on going

God Speaks - Preview of Sunday Evening

2009-05-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

God Is - The Nature of God

2009-05-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

God Is... The Nature of God - HERE

WHY I’M PUMPED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE AMERICAN CHURCH

2009-05-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

by Larry OsborneIt’s fashionable to decry the current state of Christianity in America.But frankly, I don’t buy it.Some of the most popular conference speakers on the circuit today excel at drive-by-guiltings. They paint a picture of a church that lacks guts, cowers from dying to self, and lives out a self-satisfied, what’s-in-it-for-me Christianity.In most cases, I like these speakers. They are

What I mean by Preaching - John Piper

2009-05-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

What I Mean by PreachingMay 12, 2009 | By: John Piper Category: CommentaryThe following is from the intro to last weekend's sermon.Some of you may have little or no experience with what I mean by preaching. I think it will help you listen to my messages if I say a word about it.What I mean by preaching is expository exultation.Preaching Is ExpositoryExpository means that preaching aims to

If Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians was Published in Christianity Today

2009-05-11T22:56:00.000-07:00

from Sacred Sandwich.LETTERS TO THE EDITORDear Christianity Today:In response to Paul D. Apostle’s article about the Galatian church in your January issue, I have to say how appalled I am by the unchristian tone of this hit piece. Why the negativity? Has he been to the Galatian church recently? I happen to know some of the people at that church, and they are the most loving, caring people I’ve

You might be a Reformed male if...

2009-05-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

No one has ever heard of the beer you are currently drinking.You've named or plan to name your first son John, Jonathan, Charles, Knox, Owen, Calvin, Martin, Luther, Martin Luther, or Jean.You have a beard (or wish you did).You smoke a pipe.You consult the PCA church directory when planning domestic vacations.You dream of being accidentally left behind after hours in the Curry library (which, if

The Great Offense - Sinning Against Mercy

2009-05-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

"And so Capernaum, that was lifted up to heaven, was threatened to be thrown down to hell. No souls fall so low into hell, if they fall, as those souls that by a hand of mercy are lifted up nearest to heaven. You slight souls that are so apt to abuse mercy, consider this, that in the gospel days, the plagues that God inflicts upon the despisers and abusers of mercy are usually spiritual plagues

Must have more books!!!

2009-04-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

"We do not know what the books were about, and we can only form some guess as to what the parchments were. Paul had a few books which were left, perhaps wrapped up in the cloak, and Timothy was to be careful to bring them. Even an apostle must read. . . . A man who comes up into the pulpit, professes to take his text on the spot, and talks any quantity of nonsense, is the idol of many. If he will

Blah!!!!!

2009-04-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

"God's grace, God's forgiveness...the free gift of salvation is at best just a footnote on the gospel."Brian McLaren - A Generous Orthodoxy

2009-04-23T20:22:00.001-07:00

"God's grace, God's forgiveness...the free gift of salvation is at best just a footnote on the gospel."Brian McLaren - A Generous Orthodoxy

Lesser Temptation, Greater Sin

2009-04-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

"The less the temptation is to sin, the greater is that sin." "When Satan says it is but a little one, do thou answer, that oftentimes there is the greatest unkindness showed to God's glorious majesty, in the acting of the least folly, and therefore thou wilt no displease thy best and greatest friend, but yielding to his greatest enemy." "There is a great danger, yea, many times most danger, in

Saddleback Church Trains 2,400 New Members; Baptizes 800

2009-03-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Saddleback Church in southern California trained nearly 2,400 new church members on Saturday. It was the largest membership class in the megachurch’s 30-year history. Of those who participated in the church’s introductory membership session, Class 101, about 800 were baptized afterwards. Founding pastor Rick Warren personally taught the program and then, with the help of other Saddleback pastors

Heavy Metal Monk

2009-03-27T14:53:00.001-07:00

Revolutionary Way of Fighting Debt!!!

2009-03-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

When Jesus Makes You Feel Bad

2009-03-20T14:43:00.001-07:00

We’ve heard it before: Jesus is nearly equated with anti-depressant mediation. Accepting Jesus is like taking a Valium. "Come to Jesus, and you’ll…(you fill in the state of euphoria)." Again, "Know Jesus, Know Peace. No Jesus, No Peace." Nice platitudes… I guess... When a person comes to faith, there isn’t a removal of feeling bad and the installment of feeling good. Rather, the Christian life is

How to Read the Bible Without Becoming a Cult Leader and Heretic

2009-03-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

How to Read the Bible Without Becoming a Cult Leader and Heretic - HERE

The New Calvinism: 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now

2009-03-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

Time.com reports on 10 ideas changing the world. Number 3 on that list is the resurgence of Calvinism.HERE

Failed Gospel Tract

2009-03-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Two Ways to Be Miserable

2009-03-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

HERE

How To Read Your Bible Without Becoming a Heretic and a Cult Leader - pt.1

2009-03-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

HERE

The Most Amazing Prophecy in the Bible!

2009-03-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

HERE

Why Trust the Bible?

2009-03-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

Evidence from Archaeology - HereEvidence from Prophecy - Here

Reading on Your Knees

2009-02-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

I searched out these references to Whitefield's and Muller's approach towards Holy Scripture. "We can visualize him at 5 in the morning in his room, on his knees with his Bible, his Greek New Testament, and a volume of Matthew Henry spread out before him. With intense concentration he reads a portion in English, studies its words and tenses in the Greek, and then considers Matthew Henry’s

Grace

2009-02-23T15:08:00.000-08:00

Thomas Brooks offers ten particulars of renewing grace over and against restraining grace. 1. True grace makes all glorious within and without: A lion in a cage is a lion still; he is restrained, but not changed. But now true grace turns a lion into a lamb. 2. The objects of true grace are supernatural.3. True grace enables a Chrsitian, when he is himself, to do spirtual actions with real

Devilish Doubt

2009-02-18T08:28:00.001-08:00

"Satan does not labor more mightily to persuade hypocrites that their graces are true when they are conterfeit, than he does to persuade precious souls that their graces are counterfeit, when indeed they are true." Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices, Banner of Truth Trust, 155.

Guns N Roses

2009-02-16T17:19:00.000-08:00

I like this track from the new Guns and Roses - HERE

Speaking in Tongues & Brain Scans - Nightline Reviews One Medical Study

2009-02-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Evolution, Religion, and the Best Explanation for the Origin of Life

2009-02-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

A Review of The Shack

2009-02-13T07:21:00.000-08:00

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:The Shack is no Shaq!, February 10, 2009By whejoeI thought this was a horrible book, as I thought it was a biography about Shaquille O'Neil. He will go down as one of the greatest centers in the history of the nba. From his time in Orlando, through his current team, the Phoenix Suns, he continues to dominate.Permalink | Was this review helpful