Bono: Grace

The following is a dialogue between biographer Michka Assayas and Bono:

Michka Assayas: I think I am beginning to understand religion because I have started acting and thinking like a father. What do you make of that?

Bono: Yes, I think that’s normal. It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma.

Assayas: I haven’t heard you talk about that.

Bono: I really believe we’ve moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.

Assayas: Well, that doesn’t make it clearer for me.

Bono: You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so you will sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.

Assayas: I’d be interested to hear that.

Bono: That’s between me and God. But I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep s—. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.

Assayas: The Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that.

Bono: But I love the idea of the Sacrificial Lamb. I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there’s a mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and, let’s face it, you’re not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That’s the point. It should keep us humbled … It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven.

HT: Veith

I CAN'T STAND PANIC

Photo from The Resurgence

If you're one of those people that is panicking about the Swine flu, please stop it. Now, could it be bad? Yes. Will people die? Yes. But folks click here to get some perspective. The fact is, at least right now, the Swine flu doesn't even look as dangerous as the average influenza strand that comes every year during the winter months! Stop panicking!

Should you wash your hands? Yes (when shouldn't you?) Should you take some pre-cautions? Sure. But most of all, don't forget you believe in the God who created the heavens and the earth. You pray in the Lord's prayer, "Thy will be done." Trust in Him and leave it there.

The Lutheran Study Bible Preview

Folks, I knew it would be good, but I didn't know it would be this good!!! I just received in the mail a preview of The Lutheran Study Bible coming out this year on Reformation day and it looks amazing. I would urge you to pre-order one soon for discounted prices (not to mention getting it before it sells out!)

Unlike the NIV Concordia Study Bible, the notes are all written by Lutheran scholars and the translation is the ESV (which we use @ Victoria).Go here to see samples of what's coming. I promise, you will be impressed.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! New Bible Study on Vocation

All folks connected to Victoria, we are starting a new Bible study this Sunday (May 3rd @ 6:00 p.m.) focusing on the Doctrine of Vocation. We'll be using Dr. Gene Veith's book, "God at Work," as a guideline for our study. You can buy the book at Amazon or Crossway for around 10 bucks.

This topic is something of a hobby-horse topic for me so I am very, very much looking forward to teaching on it.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

What does it mean to be "rich toward God?"

The Gospel Coalition Roundup

Good news! At the Gospel Coalition they have a roundup of all the sessions (on video and audio) for free. As I wrote earlier, being there for all the sessions was akin to drinking water from a firehose at times. But in each of the sessions I was able to take some valuable application home with me.

In my opinion, the best, and most informative session was presented by Tim Keller. Obviously, if you read this blog you know I already respected him quite a bit, but this talk really gets to the heart of where our culture is at. You can see the video here. I would also highly recommend Bryan Chappel's talk, John Piper's talk, Ajith Fernando's talk, and D.A. Carson's talk. All very edifying stuff.

Gospel Coalition Day 2

Alright, day 2 was packed to the brim with teaching. As I heard one Pastor say, it's sort of like having an exquisite gourmet dinner and then eating way too much! The highlight of yesterday's sessions came in the evening with an excellent presentation from Ajith Fernando on "Christendom in the 21st century. The talk focused on the challenges the Church faces in the parts of the world where it is growing most: Asia, South America, and Africa. It was inspiring and convicting to hear of the willingness to be persecuted and suffer for the cause of the gospel.

After that there was a panel discussion with Tim Keller, John Piper, Crawford Loritts and Ligon Duncan. To hear the wisdom of these seasoned Pastors was really insightful and for anyone thinking about entering the Pastoral ministry, I think listening to it would be really valuable.

The final day begins in a couple of hours with presentations from Ligon Duncan and D.A. Carson. After that Tony and I will be heading into downtown Chicago to enjoy some of the city life (aka, Deep dish Pizza and possibly some form of bratwurst).

Gospel Coalition Day 1

Well, we have gone through the 1st day at the conference and it was incredibly edifying. Tim Keller began with a lecture on idolatry that was convicting and extraordinarily practical (In my opinion, so far his was the most compelling, thought provoking and challenging session).

John Piper came up next also with great passion and fervor with a message that was completely centered in what Christ has done for us. His enthusiasm for the gospel drips with sincerity.

At the end of the day, Mark Driscoll preached. I am not exaggerating when I say this: He preached a 40 point sermon! And it was actually good! However, if I told you that I retained even one quarter of those 40 points, then I would be lying to you.

Day 2 starts soon. Remember go to www.christianity.com for live streaming of all the sessions! More to come later.

The Gospel Coalition

This week I will be in Chicago for The Gospel Coalition. The good news for all who are interested is that it will be live streamed every day here. Also, you can download all of the teaching sessions as early as the following day at the same site.

Below is an introduction to what the conference is all about:

Grace Alone!

We were dead, but He made us alive!

Tim Keller on the loss of the Gospel

HT: The Resurgence

Baptism

Mark Driscoll on 1 Peter 3:21 (and specifically baptism)

Y'all know that I respect Pastor Mark Driscoll quite a bit. However, theologically we don't agree on some things. The video link above is a good example (It's about 4 minutes long). In it he states that baptism doesn't save someone. Of course, as a Lutheran I disagree. I post it for two reasons: 1. I'd like people to see the passage that he is teaching on and ask if what he is saying can really be an accurate reading of the passage in question. 2. If any of you have questions about the biblical teaching on baptism, I'd like to start a discussion here in the comments section.

The Sandwich has done it again

HT: Sacred Sandwich

Satan on the Economy

He is Risen!

Yesterday death seemed to have won, but Today Christ is Risen!

The Point of the Gospel: Jesus wants the Rose

I Like This...

Tim Chester from The Resurgence has some good guidance for what the Church should look like:

How can we create communities of grace? Let me suggest seven ideas:

1. Make the connections
We need to teach, speak, sing, and pray grace. But we also need to make connections for people. We can believe in justification by faith for the final day, but doubt justification by faith for the next day. On a Monday morning in the workplace we are still trying to prove ourselves, to find identity in our achievements.

2. Welcome the mess
Welcome messy people. Don’t suppress conflict. Don’t hide problems.

3. Stop pretending
Don’t hide your own problems. You’ll need to exercise some discretion: let everyone know you struggle and let some people know what you struggle with.

4. Stop performing
Don’t put on a show. Don’t push people to perform, to produce results, to get it right all the time. Give people permission to fail. We’ve realized, for example, that polished Bible studies and articulate prayers disenfranchise semi-literate people.

5. Eat and drink with broken people
Jesus eats and drinks with sinners. It’s a powerful expression of community. We think we’re enacting grace if we run projects for the poor, but we’re only halfway there. We still act from a position of superiority, proclaiming that we are able and they are unable. The dynamic is totally different when we eat together. We meet as equals, share together, affirm one another, enjoy one another.

6. Give people time to change
How long did it take for you to become perfectly like Jesus? Of course, you’re still changing. There seem to be some sins we’re prepared to work on over a lifetime, but others where we demand instant change. Why is this? The answer, of course, is that we want people to be respectable. We don’t want a messy community.

7. Focus on the heart
All too often we focus on the behaviors we would like someone to stop or start. But Jesus says our behavior comes from the heart (Mark 7:20-23). Our focus needs to be on the heart. Our job is help people find joy in Christ.

The Cross and the Resurrection

A couple well made videos on the Cross and the evidence for the Resurrection:


THAT'S EASTER Life to Death from St Helen’s Church on Vimeo.


THAT'S EASTER Death to Life from St Helen’s Church on Vimeo.

HT: Between Two Worlds

Post Christian America

The cover of this week's "Newsweek" is titled, "The Decline and Fall of Christian America". The main story is written by Jon Meacham. It is written respectfully and with a good handle on the historical background of what we think is "Christian America."

Why do I keep on posting stories related to this theme? Because I think, for the most part, the observations are true. We as the Church need to realize that we are not "citizens of this world." We are "in, but not of." For awhile it may have felt like we were the dominant group, but now Christians need to be prepared to be isolated, seen as intolerant, and as is already the case for many, irrelevant.

Here's an example of what I'm talking about: It used to be that most of your neighbors sort of felt that they should be in Church even if they weren't. So you could invite them to a Church event or an Easter service and they would come (based on at least a guilty conscience); now, your neighbor truly does not have any sense of cultural obligation to be a part of a Church, or even attend a Church service. They're not hostile to the Church necessarily, they just don't think it matters one way or another. Many of your neighbors that think like this may even claim to be Christians, but since they were told all they needed was a "personal relationship" with Jesus (which is defined primarily by an experience once at a church or religious event), they find themselves asking, "Why the Church?" You are not up against antagonism, you are up against something much more challenging: apathy.

So how do we minister in a "post-Christian culture?" How should we share the gospel with our "apathetic" neighbors?

Craig vs. Hitchens part II

Well the debate on Saturday was great. I know that I'm biased, but it truly did seem to me like Craig came out the clear winner. There are a few reasons I say this:

1. Craig brought out five arguments for the existence of God. Not one of them was actually refuted by Hitchens. Rather, Hitchens seemed to just try and point out the difficulties and contradictions of religion.

2. Hitchen's kept trying to point out the accidental nature of the universe. Of course making a structured argument about the lack of structure is pretty difficult to do.

3. Craig actually got Hitchens to concede that Atheism couldn't really be defended, and that Theism couldn't really be argued against.

I think where Hitchens was most effective was in appealing to emotions. For example, Hitchens pointed out numerous things related to the problem of evil. He alluded to people being tortured for years on end and other horrible atrocities. Do you Christians really believe that this is all part of God's Divine plan? This of course does not deal with any of the evidences for God's existence, but does cause skepticism. This I think, may have been his goal.

All in all, it was a good time. Hitchens is funny and creative, and I for one enjoy listening to him. I look forward to doing it again in the future.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

If you want peace, follow this Way, accept this Truth, and live this Life.

Craig vs. Hitchens

Tonight I get to witness a clash of the titans. I'm going to a debate between Philosopher William Lane Craig and "God is not Great" author Christopher Hitchens at Biola University.

I'm very much looking forward to this as I've been a fan of Craig's for years, and actually enjoy listening to Hitchen's shrewd and stinging criticisms (against Christians and for that matter just about everyone else). I'll be sure to report on the experience after it's over here at the blog.

"Evangelical Collapse" Guy Interviewed

A couple weeks ago now I posted an article written by Michael Spencer aka, Internet Monk, on his prediction that Evangelicalism as we know it will collapse sometime within the next 10-20 years. I said that I pretty much agreed with his opinion.

This last week, The God Whisperers interviewed Mr. Spencer on what this all means. If you have time it's definitely worth listening to.

Statement from neighbor at Panera

(I promise I wasn't snooping, it was loud), One woman said her grandma heard "angels singing."

The woman she was speaking to said, "Well, you know, if you believe it, it's true."

Her thoughts embody the thinking of the age. So how do we bring the "truth" of the gospel to her?

Update: The women who were talking ended up being a part of a large women's bible study being held at Panera. Do you see the problem? I don't have any reason to believe these women aren't believers in Jesus, but their view of truth has been shaped by the culture around them. Something is deemed as "true" "if you believe it" to be true. Being seeped in relativism (see Oprah Winfrey's religion podcast; actually, no, please don't), the default mode is to now think in these terms.