tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post2955991663375027461..comments2024-03-10T10:40:32.319-07:00Comments on Pyromaniacs: The sufficiency challengePhil Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649092052031518426noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-24650533449304496672014-10-22T04:39:32.150-07:002014-10-22T04:39:32.150-07:00More excellence. This is a good point on how we ou...More excellence. This is a good point on how we ought to proceed, and I love the first 4 comments.<br /><br />I remember WAY before salvation I joined the AA program. My first night at a meeting, a man said to me, "go to a meeting every day, and if you want to drink, call me and I'll buy you your first one."<br /><br />I found it odd, but later realized the point was he'd have tried to talk me out of it.<br /><br />Your ending reminded me of that story.Michael Coughlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01151414777657994736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-26681091600546122032012-05-09T14:24:54.124-07:002012-05-09T14:24:54.124-07:00Set yourself to seeking and being in a church that...<i>Set yourself to seeking and being in a church that emphatically teaches the Bible as if it were what it says it is.</i><br /><br />This statement is posited within your blog entry in a matter of fact way, as if such a task is possible for each and every Christian. If one lives in an urban area, I would suggest that this task is much easier and excuses to the contrary are less justified. However, for those who live in rural areas (such as in my case) the task to find the <i>right</i> (there's a lot involved in this adjective) church is quite overwhelming. Further, I would suggest that there are times when circumstances prevent Christians from attaining to this goal. In such cases, this is a sad testimony which addresses just how bad the state of affairs is out there. I also recognize that the opinion of Pyro bloggers and commenters would dissent from such an opinion.<br /><br />My husband and I have been to MANY churches within a <i>reasonable</i> distance from our home. While I prefer churches that worship liturgically and he is inclined toward more informal worship, nonetheless we are both willing to make compromises. However, to what degree does one make compromises? <br /><br />The following is a list of the kinds of churches we have encountered in our area:<br /><br />1. Several over-the-top charismatic/pentecostal churches<br /><br />2. Non-denominational that answers to no other church outside of themselves and does not exercise any kind of discipline with its members<br /><br />3. Non-denominational that is inclined toward emergent and frankly, not very welcoming to visitors<br /><br />4. Fundamentalist Baptist tied in with Bob Jones University, i.e. - all rock music is of the devil, alcohol is evil, any other view but a literal 6 day creation is the spawn of Darwin and the devil himself, etc.<br /><br />5. Independent King James onlyism & all that comes with that<br /><br />6. Evangelical churches that firmly believe in Once Saved Always Saved. Neither my husband or I assent to this doctrine.<br /><br />7. Lutheran Missouri-Synod - my husband is not willing to be a member there for a few reasons of which I will not go into.<br /><br />8. Wesleyan church - many things we liked about it except they have an assistant woman pastor.<br /><br />9. Methodist church that has questionable views on homosexuality and women pastors.<br /><br />10. Reformed Baptist church (yeah, I know, neither my husband & are are Reformed, but we were getting desperate) where the pastor left his wife and his pastorate resulting in no leadership presence there.<br /><br />11. OPC - husband & I couldn't assent to certain doctrines.<br /><br />12. Mainlines that are anything from pro-gay to female clergy and all that comes with that package.<br /><br />I'm not sure that I included all our church investigative experiences, but I think this list is telling. <br /><br />With all this said, my husband likes a particular Christian Missionary Alliance Church, but I am a bit cautious, especially when the pastor says: <i>"We've got to take this country back for God.</i> ???? Sounds like dominionism to me.<br /><br />So, what seems to be left is Calvary Chapel, which we haven't attended yet - unless we want to drive MANY miles - something we cannot afford to do.<br /><br />In the meantime, we read and discuss the Scriptures (my husband is an Old Testament scholar without a degree) and pray together for God's will to be done.Nonnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09792855412027265825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-21352240547543164362012-05-09T13:21:23.516-07:002012-05-09T13:21:23.516-07:00It is a blessing to hear the voice of the Holy Spi...It is a blessing to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking through Sacred Scripture. I have experienced such holy companionship on many occasions. Just recently, upon awakening from a restless night, I heard the voice of Scripture addressed to me, <i>Take every thought captive to obey Christ.</i> And yesterday, when I was dreading a particular task, <i>Do not delay when the matter is unpleasant.</i> It is times like these in which the Scriptures come alive and leaps off of the pages. Throughout the years, I have had such blessed instruction, sometimes being awakened in the middle of the night, other times while driving from one place to another, in the midst of suffering and trials, and many such situations too numerous to record here. Just the other day a close Christian friend of mine referred to a particular portion of Scripture in the gospels regarding Christ's refusal to acquiesce to Satan's worldly propossals. Her response immediately penetrated to the depths of my soul. <br /><br />We are encouraged, <i>Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.</i> His word cannot dwell within our hearts if we don't take and make the opportunity to read Scripture regularly. <i>Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.</i> - St. JeromeNonnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09792855412027265825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-40689025486446066462012-05-09T07:41:54.036-07:002012-05-09T07:41:54.036-07:00Oh sorry I think I should have looked closer at yo...Oh sorry I think I should have looked closer at your post. Calvin's commentary on this verse is great, well worth reading. Yes the Bible is plenty of active communication, like Tom's first comment, we can plum the depths of it our whole lives and really only scratch the surface. In the end its not the Scriptures that are inadequate for us, its the other way around, and so we pray for the Spirit to give us understanding. Sorry for misunderstanding you, keep up the good fight brother Websterad nauseumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13626727826601691345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-14365138927989621952012-05-09T07:27:53.566-07:002012-05-09T07:27:53.566-07:00Dan
I couldn't agree more, particularly in my ...Dan<br />I couldn't agree more, particularly in my denomination (SBC). IMO the battle for inerrancy was largely won in the 1970's and 80's, but the battle for sufficiency for ALL faith and practice goes on. And I am not encouraged often by what I read and hear from our leaders and Seminary presidents.<br /><br />Blessingswillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17076752545831180556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-9515145884306929012012-05-09T06:37:03.872-07:002012-05-09T06:37:03.872-07:00ad nauseum,
That's what I meant, although my ...ad nauseum,<br /><br />That's what I meant, although my comment doesn't reflect that well.<br /><br />It should have read, ". . . speaking through His Word devalues. . .", which makes it make sense. I've been challenged by some people who say that believing God only speaks through His Word makes Him to be unrelational to us because, in their opinion, a relationship is based on active communication - and for some reason they don't consider God's Word to be sufficient active communication. That's the point I was driving at, and I'm sorry that my pithy comment didn't communicate that well.<br /><br />I wish Christians who believe that they have to strain to "hear God's voice" would realize what a tragic prison they've placed themselves into.Webster Hunt (Parts Man)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04631846083790242392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-33084661395423618802012-05-08T23:44:06.905-07:002012-05-08T23:44:06.905-07:00Enjoyed the tapestry of this piece. The "tail...Enjoyed the tapestry of this piece. The "tailors"tape, the "plumb" reference and the "leveling" aspects. For me, just as a tailored suit fits perfectly, and just as a plumb line will always point true, and just as a level will make sure that we're never "half a bubble" off, Dan did a great job of addressing the fact that we don't need to concern ourselves with which "tomato sauce" is right for the recipe even before it came up in the meta. And, I think...that was part of his point.Rick Potterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12525495561013100331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-72384011972002311372012-05-08T19:03:47.245-07:002012-05-08T19:03:47.245-07:00Look closer at Hebrews 4 Webster, take it in its c...Look closer at Hebrews 4 Webster, take it in its context, youll see that it isnt talking about some extra-Biblical experience.ad nauseumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13626727826601691345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-3886072558607253112012-05-08T18:51:43.951-07:002012-05-08T18:51:43.951-07:00Great challenge, Dan. When I was coming out of &q...Great challenge, Dan. When I was coming out of "charismania" I spent a little time in "reformed charismatic" circles-- thinking this might be the best of both worlds-- reformed doctrine plus charismatic gifts practiced in accordance with Scripture. But I really never found the "words" and "visions" offered to my wife and I helpful, in their non-specificity and being shared with the disclaimer-- "this may not be 100% on target, but take what you feel is relevant and leave the rest....". In the back of my mind I was thinking-- just give me a Bible verse or encouragement from the Word or a Scripture-centered prayer for us and we'd be more surely blessed.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15313399142702413436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-83803637998293712292012-05-08T17:17:27.042-07:002012-05-08T17:17:27.042-07:00Well said. Thanks for posting.Well said. Thanks for posting.TheTruthJustIshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10820142454497615161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-47251271459425007822012-05-08T14:15:44.040-07:002012-05-08T14:15:44.040-07:00Christians who think that believing God only speak...Christians who think that believing God only speaks through His Word devalues Him being relational to us forget that His Word is "living and active".Webster Hunt (Parts Man)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04631846083790242392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-59822724204041822922012-05-08T13:53:41.532-07:002012-05-08T13:53:41.532-07:00@scooter, I thought it was 2012, not 1633... Did I...@scooter, I thought it was 2012, not 1633... Did I miss something? :o)Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05493599075365116880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-28460215984023691852012-05-08T12:53:39.829-07:002012-05-08T12:53:39.829-07:00Gary-
our 'destiny' is death Ecc 7
Commit...Gary-<br />our 'destiny' is death Ecc 7<br /><br />Commit all to the LORD Prov 16<br />Seek first the Kingdom Matt 6<br />Do all as to the LORD Col 3<br /><br />The attitude one takes in choosing seems to be key. Just MHOzamarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04259070162718083012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-19720252347832278542012-05-08T12:51:56.949-07:002012-05-08T12:51:56.949-07:00People ask, "Why you want a dead relationship...People ask, "Why you want a dead relationship with a book?"<br /><br />The retort in my head, "Is the voice in your head backed up with miracles, 1600 years of history, and its own self-testimony? I'll take the so called dead book please." <br /><br />or<br /><br />"So instead you want me to listen to a voice that regularly wrong, comes from a missionary's dog thrice remove from its owner, or its just bad Mexican? Who's the crazy one here?"Scothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16573138499478048502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-36144313942453459552012-05-08T12:49:46.867-07:002012-05-08T12:49:46.867-07:00dac,
The greatest threat to peoples' understa...dac,<br /><br />The greatest threat to peoples' understanding of the sufficiency of scripture would be people who deny it, however they do so.<br /><br />No reason to be so particular when a broad stroke is just as true.Chris Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09852172543604796279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-31770399183093363302012-05-08T11:22:05.893-07:002012-05-08T11:22:05.893-07:00It seems that too many people are looking for God ...It seems that too many people are looking for God to tell them specific things to do in their lives. Should I look for a new job? Where should I go? What, specifically should I do today?<br /><br />Some of this thinking, I think, can be attributed to leaders that talk about not missing out on the destiny that God has for us, as if we don't do A, B, and C, were going to miss out on some worldly blessing.<br /><br />I can't seem to find anywhere in God's Word that talks about any kind of worldly destiny. Am I missing something?Gary Goodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15163363438547761420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-37658516498840268192012-05-08T11:17:03.150-07:002012-05-08T11:17:03.150-07:00I would say the greatest threat to the sufficiency...I would say the greatest threat to the sufficiency of the bible are those that deny it's sufficiency by adding to it's requirements - by instituting requirements that go beyond what scripture teaches. Someone had a name for them......<br /><br />on a side note, I have found Pastor Mac to be one of the most committed to true sufficiency of the bible by his refusal to add requirements.David A. Carlsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00465387359523299616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-49299957654067991612012-05-08T10:52:09.891-07:002012-05-08T10:52:09.891-07:00MitchKill:
Amen, brother, Amen. You are exactly ...MitchKill:<br /><br />Amen, brother, Amen. You are exactly right. Some people don't realize how liberating it truly is to rest in the knowledge that God is Sovereign and He has given us everything we need.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285043747501470199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-38200659455331919022012-05-08T10:15:48.443-07:002012-05-08T10:15:48.443-07:00As a wise man once said:
"A man who isolates...As a wise man once said:<br /><br />"A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all sound wisdom.<br />A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart."<br /><br />I'd have to say these two verses from Proverbs 18 hit the nail on the head pretty well and are most applicable to scripture and its proper interpretation (2 Peter 1:20). Good short posts (cause it's all you really need to say) and excellent comments, God bless.Jeremiah Greenwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08299973303636654588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-39968940645827315542012-05-08T10:10:24.028-07:002012-05-08T10:10:24.028-07:00Dan,
Your and the other Pyro-fella's posts on ...Dan,<br />Your and the other Pyro-fella's posts on sufficiency of Scripture have really helped me flesh out what I learned to be true a few years back. I think one thing that causes a lot of folks to tacitly reject Scripture's sufficiency is a failure to recognize God's providence over their decision making. "If I take the elevator when God wants me to take the stairs, I'll miss the will of God and will have to settle for second best in my life!" They seem to think that God's will is dependent on them making the "right" decision. I'm thankful that God has helped me to understand that He works sovereignly over man's affairs.MitchKillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14924253818444998120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-80040535596619568202012-05-08T09:55:48.786-07:002012-05-08T09:55:48.786-07:00Foodie analogies in a Pyro thread! I love it!Foodie analogies in a Pyro thread! I love it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-82862731209514702792012-05-08T09:51:41.962-07:002012-05-08T09:51:41.962-07:00you see..I can't even spell brilliance correct...you see..I can't even spell brilliance correctly.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285043747501470199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-88322746210292678892012-05-08T09:51:07.168-07:002012-05-08T09:51:07.168-07:00Chantry:
As to my brillance...let's just say ...Chantry:<br /><br />As to my brillance...let's just say that even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285043747501470199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-81125641943127045972012-05-08T09:41:26.462-07:002012-05-08T09:41:26.462-07:00Yup. I rated this post 5 stars even before I scrol...Yup. I rated this post 5 stars even before I scrolled down past the measuring tape.<br /><br />I remember sitting at a Starbucks with my former pastor (cause this is how you do these things, yaknow).<br /><br />He was calling me on the carpet for telling my class (I was teaching Grudem's Systematic Theology..the cut down one) that God doesn't speak anymore except through His Word.<br /><br />I just kept asking why? Why do I need God to speak to me when His Word is sufficient. He didn't have an answer. I hope he never thinks he does.VcdeChagnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09061295600050633057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-90451136130292227462012-05-08T09:39:10.117-07:002012-05-08T09:39:10.117-07:00Ach! Tom you got me with Betty Crocker.
Dan, t...Ach! Tom you got me with Betty Crocker. <br /><br />Dan, this is a most excellent and challenging post. I've been thinking much on this lately.Charlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13361921772340278114noreply@blogger.com