tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post8822932618792540120..comments2024-03-10T10:40:32.319-07:00Comments on Pyromaniacs: The Antidote to Contemporary Evangelicalism's Addiction to NoveltyPhil Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649092052031518426noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-9008883503871401432012-02-17T02:07:00.879-08:002012-02-17T02:07:00.879-08:00church is weird many times and we might be able to...church is weird many times and we might be able to figure why our country is sliding so fast too.It seems to be a race.growing up in the 50s,saved in the 70s,it seems i have been in 3 christian eras. Thank God Jesus does not change.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-41242382569910529782012-02-16T09:47:03.649-08:002012-02-16T09:47:03.649-08:00I think the new thing should be *gasp* preach the ...I think the new thing should be *gasp* preach the Word in and out of season, and *gasp* live the word no matter what. I find those who live according to God's word, who preach truth without fear to be the most authentic, dynamic, loving people. Hey it takes love to preach the true gospel, (word of God) it really does and for those who think not,, well read the bible for yourselves instead of allowing some to spoon feed you little bit of truth here and there. Even satan uses a little truth. Great article although it grieves me that it should even be written. Only in America would we be so bold as to think we can make a buck off of God... Shame.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05970442656782041415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-87845787737437904192012-02-15T19:01:54.817-08:002012-02-15T19:01:54.817-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Darlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01183436767997017002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-48060463307585564122012-02-14T17:40:15.083-08:002012-02-14T17:40:15.083-08:00Hard to believe but "The Cool Church" is...Hard to believe but "The Cool Church" is not made up.....watch the sermon(http://thecoolchurch.com/) all about how Jesus wants us to be successful with four principles on how to be successful in any area of your life... dude......arrrgh. <br /><br />Why is so much "church" just like bad youth group? It must take him at least as long to do his hair as it takes to prepare his "message".Bob Dalberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09984670609289334276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-91175377457527783362012-02-14T17:28:47.365-08:002012-02-14T17:28:47.365-08:00Yes, Phil, yes.Yes, Phil, yes.Ebethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-2477635385494691152012-02-14T12:44:37.451-08:002012-02-14T12:44:37.451-08:00Has anyone else noted that "undaunted" h...Has anyone else noted that "undaunted" has only been on blogger since... *shock* February 2012, and his/her profile is utterly anonymous?<br /><br />Tom, you may have the gift of prophecy... at least... according to the low bar set by Grudem, et al ;)Sir Brasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01893578064434019702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-35538492300591335112012-02-14T12:44:32.999-08:002012-02-14T12:44:32.999-08:00In Russet Shadaows (3rd post):
"Why is there ...In Russet Shadaows (3rd post):<br />"Why is there a default assumption that he's doing this in order to be trendy, and not because he wants to express himself that way or feels the desire to communicate the truth that way?"<br /><br />Is that not the trendy thing to do???<br /><br />"I have read of more than one Christian who has tattoos for reasons of personal conviction."<br /><br />Is that not the trendy thing to do???<br /><br /><br /> "Generally, I still don't see how innovation excludes preaching the Word, or how creativity, largely speaking, is anti-gospel. That's the real problem, I think."<br /><br />"Inovation"? or Is that not the trendy/relevent thing to do???<br /><br />The comment plays into the article.<br /><br />Great article Phil!Russhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08952438958776717168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-70482436795196899492012-02-14T11:26:58.497-08:002012-02-14T11:26:58.497-08:00It gets worse everday what world am I inIt gets worse everday what world am I inAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-92065057267247182062012-02-14T10:26:41.791-08:002012-02-14T10:26:41.791-08:00Anybody besides me think that "Undaunted"...Anybody besides me think that "Undaunted" is Mr. Furtick (or at least someone parroting his logic)? <br /><br />By the way, did anyone see the Elevation documentary called "This is how WE change the world" (emphasis added)? I'll acknowledge their zeal, but suggest that its "a zeal not according to knowledge." But it underscores the view - in practice - that they, not the Lord, are the prime movers in getting ministry done.Doulos Christouhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04575598875038475380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-23598922196925182502012-02-14T07:42:08.292-08:002012-02-14T07:42:08.292-08:00Unknown,
For the record, the last thing in the wo...Unknown,<br /><br />For the record, the last thing in the world I'd want to do is intentionally hurt or wound someone like you. In my own church, we have several people who have tats, including one particular fellow who is literally covered in them from head to toe, face, ears, hands, everything. I have no idea whether he got them before salvation or after salvation, or whether he's even saved for sure, because God alone knows the heart. If you know the Lord and have saving faith, then you are His. No ifs, ands or buts about it. <br /><br />As an aside, I see this particular gentleman walking around church with a small boy in hand (probably between 4-5 years old). I hope you won't blame me for hoping the child doesn't follow suit in his father's body art. ;)Solameaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09869424956571944997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-38290340703026784592012-02-14T06:49:37.208-08:002012-02-14T06:49:37.208-08:00On Ref21 Jeremy Walker uses Bridges to reflect on ...On Ref21 <a href="http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2012/02/the-numbers-game.php" rel="nofollow">Jeremy Walker uses Bridges to reflect on fruit and numbers in a Gospel ministry</a>.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-16695983405998927052012-02-14T05:23:26.268-08:002012-02-14T05:23:26.268-08:00Boy, all those centuries of pastors who didn't...Boy, all those centuries of pastors who didn't exercise sign gifts to fill up the pews...<i>those</i> guys didn't like their churches to be filled with the Holy Spirit...[/sarcasm]Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13987985549747283669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-50139558579025313812012-02-14T02:56:55.552-08:002012-02-14T02:56:55.552-08:00"...what are the scriptural marks of the work..."...what are the scriptural marks of the work of the Holy Spirit?"<br /><br />Hint: they don't include claims to replication of apostolic sign-miracles two millenia after the foundation of the NT church. And extra-canonical "revelation" won't help in providing the answer.Benhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02072015658089535103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-13562960029477949362012-02-14T01:56:26.304-08:002012-02-14T01:56:26.304-08:00"The truth be told charismatic churches have ..."The truth be told charismatic churches have the numbers that show evidence of the Holy Spirit."<br /><br />I spluttered over my breakfast when I read that. I wonder whether the same metric can be applied to Mormonism, or to the Roman Catholic church. And if not, what are the scriptural marks of the work of the Holy Spirit; and do relative numbers of followers have any bearing on the question at all?Benhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02072015658089535103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-35370423600060993932012-02-13T22:29:59.141-08:002012-02-13T22:29:59.141-08:00Forgive me brains of theology for any misspelling ...Forgive me brains of theology for any misspelling or bad grammar I'm just kidding. I completely agree with the post and find myself to be on the biblical side of truth and am unwaveringly emphatic about correction and difference of any misspoken and misrepresented truths of my/our King. I am also riddled with tattoos(certainly hope this doesn't validate Mr. Chantry's prediction or cause the turning of ears). As thoughtful and biblicaly studious as i try to be I like all you sinners will always fall short of ...fill in the blank.<br />Looking some what similar to the illustration minus those cool specs. I understand i am undoubtedly sensitive. I do take that into consideration. I forfeit to any defense that I chose to look this way. My reasoning is not assumable. It does not compromise me in the eyes of the Lord, nor am I saying that is what the illustration is trying to say. Now, it does seem to "Me" it's a have you seen this man idea. Look out for this guy. "SEEMS". I can assure you that we would more than likely fundamentally agree on truth claims(Based on what ive gathered from past post and what seems to be a RIGHT HEARTED DESIRE FOR ACCURACY). I thank all of you so much for your attempting to guard and uphold our Holy word of the Lord.<br />P.S. I write this trembling before the Lord and a mild intimidation of y'all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-3158195832455812192012-02-13T20:47:58.049-08:002012-02-13T20:47:58.049-08:00"What else matters? What else should we be ab..."What else matters? What else should we be about?"<br /><br />What about: <br />Jesus said, "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John 17:2-4<br /><br />Many pray a prayer or sign a card giving intellectual assent to the idea of the Gospel but how many truly desire to know the Father and the Son not only for salvation but because He is God and supremely desirable even if He should decide to destroy them? Large numbers would be great if all were truly born again and being conformed to the image of Christ but unfortunately the history of the Church through the ages says it's been anything but that.Mizz Harpyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18220764076008867988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-55084785756147487502012-02-13T20:34:33.472-08:002012-02-13T20:34:33.472-08:00"Church is all about the numbers."
The ..."Church is all about the numbers."<br /><br />The church is all about bringing glory to God. However, I will concede that this can be manifested in numbers.<br />However, I have a question for you. Why do you think that anyone on here has a problem with numbers as numbers? Is it not possible that their problem is with large numbers of people possibly being fed an incomplete or false version of Christianity?<br /><br />“You might be averse to numbers for a number of reasons.”<br /><br />Again, the problem is not with numbers as numbers, the problem is with the means used to acquire those numbers, and the automatic assumption that large numbers=faithfulness. The biblical passages you cite do use numbers, but they are numbers gained using the same methods advocated in this post.<br /><br />“Many of you good people here don't like Spirit Filled churches and that is really your unspoken issue.”<br /><br />That’s a very bold assertion and a serious charge, to claim that the folk here don’t like the presence of the Holy Spirit. Do you have evidence of this? In actuality, what most of the folk here don’t like is the tendency of some in the charismatic movement to place the “word” given to people while they are in spiritual ecstasy equal to or above scripture. I would also like to know whether you mean to imply that non-charismatic churches lack the Holy Spirit, also a very bold assertion and serious charge.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01153691056844224114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-81213403423122272292012-02-13T19:54:29.201-08:002012-02-13T19:54:29.201-08:00Undaunted,
You might want to read the passage of ...Undaunted,<br /><br />You might want to read the passage of Scripture you cite a bit more closely. The Lord added those numbers through the faithful preaching of God's truth by the Apostles. Not the Apostles' trendiness and faddishness. And the numbers were not cited as a clarion call to build a megachurch or hold a First Century Woodstock in Jerusalem. They were cited to demonstrate how God was confirming the Word being preached. <br /><br />I'm afraid you missed the point badly.Solameaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09869424956571944997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-81334688375265102012-02-13T19:36:53.327-08:002012-02-13T19:36:53.327-08:00Church is all about the numbers.
The number of li...Church is all about the numbers.<br /><br />The number of lives that Jesus can permeate and penetrate with the gospel.<br />The number of marriages that can be restored.<br />The number of teenagers following the Lord.<br />The number of depressed people that can find hope in Jesus.<br />The number of dads who don’t give their kids any attention who will learn to order their lives by the Word of God and start prioritizing their families.<br /><br />What else matters? What else should we be about?<br /><br />This might come as a shock to a lot of people, but measuring numbers and putting an emphasis on them isn’t a new phenomenon. 2000 years ago, Luke by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote:<br />Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41) And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)<br /><br />You might be averse to numbers for a number of reasons.<br /><br />Maybe you don’t like the idea of big crowds. If that’s the case, you wouldn’t have liked the New Testament Church. And you really won’t like heaven.<br /><br />Maybe you think it steals away from discipleship. It’s possible. But it’s just as possible for that to happen in a church of 10 people as it is in a church of 10,000.<br /><br />The truth be told charismatic churches have the numbers that show evidence of the Holy Spirit. Many of you good people here don't like Spirit Filled churches and that is really your unspoken issue.undauntedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08794146316764543688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-60867632719250794422012-02-13T17:46:14.845-08:002012-02-13T17:46:14.845-08:00Sigh. I mean "idea." Not "idean....Sigh. I mean "idea." Not "idean.' I think an idean is the Asian version of a DeLorean. <br /><br />As an aside on the tatting thing, I can't help but wonder if it IS in fact a symptom of something going on internally with many people. As I've noted before, I detest the practice, but also recognize that Christians are not under the law and having a tat will not keep one out of heaven. Some believers may well be motivated by some desire to be a witness through having one (although I think it's a misguided desire). <br /><br />I am probably more old fogie in my thinking and have been since the age of two at least. I have a hard time understanding why someone would want to go through life looking like a cave painting, but that's just me. As a middle-aged, short, chubby, balding man with glasses, a flat Welsh face and earth-toned clothes that would blend in at the latest senior center, I'm sure I look just as hideous to the more hip and trendy with their multi-colored hair and skin (not to mention all the metal studs hanging on them like Christmas tree ornaments). <br /><br />Whatever we are doing, and however we are doing it, WHY are we doing it? And is honoring God really at the heart core of it? Is being faithful to Scripture at the center? Isn't that supposed to drive our actions more than what our current culture dictates as appealing? Unless I totally misread Phil, I think that's what he's largely saying, with no intent to be a curmudgeon and rain on everyone's parade. Leave that to me. <br /><br />Besides, all of these "novelties" are only so much dust in the wind if the Holy Spirit isn't acting to draw people to the Lord through the accurate preaching of His Word. And that's our problem within evangelicalism today. We're so cocky we think our cleverness, edginess and being on the cutting edge of societal evolution (sorry, Rush) is actually having an impact saving souls. The last time I checked, that's God's sovereign role, although He graciously uses us through the foolishness of preaching. <br /><br />And all too many today in the church consider preaching just that. Foolish. Sorry to say, they are the fools.Solameaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09869424956571944997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-16321941314373981802012-02-13T17:29:17.100-08:002012-02-13T17:29:17.100-08:00Since I saw Jay Bakker's picture, I might add ...Since I saw Jay Bakker's picture, I might add that he embraces homosexuality as perfectly acceptable to God, continuing the downward trajectory that began back in 1987 with his folks. One could argue that it began before then, but you get my point. Tammy Faye even co-hosted a television show with an open homosexual before her death from cancer. If the gaping maw of eternity wasn't enough to jerk their chains and encourage them to reverse course, I don't know what will. <br /><br />Well, I do...but you get the idean.Solameaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09869424956571944997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-36807877969714518222012-02-13T17:12:26.891-08:002012-02-13T17:12:26.891-08:00"His watchmen are blind;
they are all wit..."His watchmen are blind; <br /> they are all without knowledge; <br />they are all silent dogs; <br /> they cannot bark, <br />dreaming, lying down, <br /> loving to slumber. <br />The dogs have a mighty appetite; <br /> they never have enough. <br />But they are shepherds who have no understanding; <br /> they have all turned to their own way, <br /> each to his own gain, one and all." Isaiah 56:10-12<br /><br />Notice our Shepherds have turned to their own gain...They have worried more about their salaries from larger congregations than making sure their sheep have been properly cared-for and protected. <br /><br />They should be preaching the word and allowing the Lord to bring the His increase of Sheep not Goats!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-42230824704176531892012-02-13T17:04:09.869-08:002012-02-13T17:04:09.869-08:00Awesome article, Phil!! Thank you. (and way to cal...Awesome article, Phil!! Thank you. (and way to call it early on, Mr. Tom Chantry.) TeamPyro is right on, as usualy.Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13987103463669929569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-75151391863197621782012-02-13T16:00:02.044-08:002012-02-13T16:00:02.044-08:00Question from Undaunted: "Are you going to cr...Question from Undaunted: "Are you going to criticize or create?"<br />Answer from Spurgeon: "Do men really believe that there is a gospel for each century? Or a religion for each fifty years? Will there be in heaven saints saved according to a score sorts of gospel? Will these agree together to sing the same song? And what will the song be? Saved on different footings, and believing different doctrines, will they enjoy heavenly concord, or will heaven itself be only a new arena for disputation between varieties of faiths?"Kerry James Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06083436735702873300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-31622111787212823252012-02-13T15:48:53.930-08:002012-02-13T15:48:53.930-08:00Joh 7:17 "If anyone is willing to do His wil...Joh 7:17 "If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. <br />Joh 7:18 "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. <br />Seems that the line has been blurred by many between "innovation" and self exaltation.O Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06750356824524005920noreply@blogger.com