Far too often in Christianity today, Jesus is proclaimed and portrayed as a self-help guru or magic genie to accomplish your list of wants and dreams. That Jesus couldn’t be farther from the true Jesus of the New Testament. This is exactly the issue that Jared Wilson seeks to tackle in his new book, Your Jesus Is Too Safe: Outgrowing a Drive-Thru, Feel-Good Savior. Far too many people have a misunderstanding of who Jesus really is, what He came to do, and what He has done. In his book, Jared looks at twelve aspects of Jesus’ character and then explains why each one is necessary and vitally important to our faith as Christians. He tackles issues that are often debated on today, such as atonement, blood, judgment, and doesn’t shy away from proclaiming the truth of the Gospel in a day where many tend to hold back when it comes to the “tough” or “dirty” issues. From the chapter on Jesus the Provision, “My friends, Jesus is not a pop song, snuggly sweater, affectionate boyfriend, a poster on your wall, self-help book, motivational speech, warm cup of coffee, ultimate fighting champion, knight in shining armor, or Robin to your Batman. He is blood. And without blood, you die.”

I loved the fact that throughout the entire the book the Gospel is kept center stage as each characteristic of Jesus is explained and then the book closes with the simplicity of the Gospel as well. “Today is the day of salvation. The kingdom is at hand. Repent and believe. If you will confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” What better way to close out a book about Jesus then with the beautiful saving message He came to declare.

I had high expectations for this book. After being a reader of Jared’s blog with the insightful and sometimes controversial posts he has there, I somewhat knew what to expect and was not disappointed. This book is a great overview and reminder of how tremendously awesome Jesus is and just how much has been accomplished for us by God.

This book is written in what I would call a “Driscoll feel” with sarcasm and humor finding its way into the narrative on a regular basis. I was honestly a little annoyed in the first few chapters at the frequency of humor/sarcasm but as the book progressed the frequency diminished and it made for a nice laugh when needed.

I would recommend this book to anyone as a refresher on how we should view Jesus and also to a new Christian as a introduction to the work of Jesus in our lives. Jared has written a book that I think if read with openness and willingness will help people to do just what the cover says, “outgrow a drive-thru, feel-good savior”. You only have to turn on your TV to the “Christian” channel to see how much it is needed.

Check out Jared’s Blog Tour for more reviews

I guess I first heard of Jonathan Edwards in history class.  You know, as the man who preached the “most famous sermon in history, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”.  If I’m not mistaken, the book also painted Edwards in a fairly negative light, as a “fire and brimstone” preacher who always was angry and breathed wrath at every turn.  I’m sure this is how many people view Edwards, because for many the only encounter they have had with him is in history class and when reading that particular sermon.

That’s why I’m so grateful for the abundance of books available on Edwards and his family.  Douglas A. Sweeney’s new book “Jonathan Edwards and the Ministry of the Word” is one of my favorites so far.

In the book Sweeney takes the reader on a quick but thorough tour of Edwards’ life with each chapter taking on a different role.

Before the Introduction there is a timetable of significant events in his life, an overview of the Edwards’ family members, and a map of Edward’s world in New England.

Chapter One: Study to Shew Thyself Approved; Covers the beginning of Edwards’ life and education.

Chapter Two: Preach the Word; Takes a look at Edwards’ love of preaching, the Puritan preparation and delivery of sermons, and Puritan church life.

Chapter Three: Search the Scriptures: Explores Edwards’ love and passion for God’s word.

Chapter Four: Try the Spirits; Discusses the role of Spiritualism in Edwards’ ministry and the Great Awakening.

Chapter Five: With All Thy Mind; This chapter provides a quick overview of some of Edwards’ more well known writings: The Freedom of the Will, Original Sin, and The Two Dissertations.

Chapter Six: As the Waters Cover the Sea; Covers the period of Edwards’ life after North Hampton and with the Indians at Stockbridge.

Chapter Seven: The Word of the Lord Endureth Forever; Edwards’ brief time at Princeton and the end of his life.

This book is well written, easy to read, and full of great information about Edwards.  I believe anyone, whether a Edwards knowledge buff or a newcomer, would benefit from reading this book.  I know for me it has increased my curiosity of Jonathan Edwards and left me wanting to read more.

Charlotte Televangelist under scrutiny for 4 million dollars home in gated community- And people wonder why Televangelists get made fun of.  This story just goes to show you how that “seed” money is being spent.

Over it Goes- It’s not often you see an entire building fall over like a toy.

Free Francis Chan- This month’s free audio book is Francis Chan’s “Crazy Love”

Dr. Al Mohler offers some words on the situation:

“America’s recent political history indicates that some politicians can survive revelations of adultery. While Christians should be less concerned about the political consequences and more concerned about the spiritual consequences, it is fair to observe that those politicians who survive more often than not do so when the adulterous relationship is clearly over and in the more distant past and when the politician has given himself in a demonstrable way to the priority of rebuilding his marriage and reestablishing credibility with his family.

Put simply, Governor Sanford’s most recent comments point to a worst-case scenario. His words make clear that his heart is still inclined toward his mistress, and not his wife. With tragic candor, the governor has spoken of trying to fall back in love with his wife. He refers to his mistress, not his wife, as his soul mate, and speaks wistfully of the affair as “a love story at the end of the day.”

Governor Sanford may cite King David, and he may even suffer the illusion that his response is similar to that of Israel’s King. Nevertheless, the difference is clear. David’s adultery was mixed even with murder, but his own acknowledgment of sin came in a flood of contrition, remorse, broken heartedness, and humility. David acknowledged the reality of his sin, expressed his hatred of the sin, and became a model for us all of repentance. Governor Sanford, on the other hand, demonstrates the audacity to speak wistfully of his sin, longingly of his lover, and romantically of his dissent into unfaithfulness.”

See the Full Story

Review
In “Divorce and Remarriage: A Permanence View” the authors set out to discuss a subject that is highly on discussion/debate in Christianity today.  According to popular research, the divorce rate among professing Christians is the same of those outside the church.

This book presents what is called the “permanence view” of marriage. “We are contending for a no-divorce, no-remarriage position, with no exceptions for adultery or desertion. We call our position “the permanence view”.”  The idea is presented through three assertions presented in the opening chapters. The three assertions are: 1. The one-flesh union created in marriage is permanent until death, 2. Initiating a divorce is never lawful, 3. Remarrying after divorce is an act of adultery if a former spouse is living.

After presenting the three assertions the authors move forward with defending their view with a exposition of the various scriptures that have long been used when dealing with divorce.  Part One encompasses 13 chapters and is the examination of the biblical texts. Part Two is 6 chapters and is directed toward applying the knowledge learned in Part One.  It includes a fairly comprehensive Q and A that covers many of the known objections to the position, questions about moving forward with establishing this view as the standard position on divorce at a church, and how to handle church discipline issues in dealing with divorce.

This book was in its beginning stages a position paper developed by the authors over a period of two years as elders at their church.  Each author begin the study with the view that is very common in Christianity, that divorce is allowed in the instance of adultery.  By the end of their study each man had come to accept and adhere to the permanence view of marriage.

Personal Thoughts
I begin this book with the same view that the authors had originally began with, that divorce is allowed in the instance of adultery.  I finished the book honestly evaluating what my position should be.  It has prompted me to begin to read more on this subject as I decide what position I will hold.

As I stated above this has the tendency to be a highly debated and controversial topic.  Today almost everyone has been affected in some way by divorce.  If it hasn’t happened in your family then you probably know someone close to you who has been affected.  In my opinion the authors did a great job in presenting their view fairly and objectively, not by opinion only, but by continually going back to scripture to establish each point.

This is such an important issue in the church today and each pastor and church must decide where they will stand. I would recommend this book to anyone in leadership in ministry. In the end you may or may not agree with the authors but I believe that either way you will walk away challenged about the importance of holding a high view of marriage.

We (Pastor Josh and I) have arrived in Louisville for the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention.  We didn’t make it in town in time for the first part of the Pastor’s Conference but will get to be at the second part tomorrow.  This is my first time at a SBC and I’m looking forward to taking it all in.  I’ve heard lots of things, good and bad, about these events and can’t wait to see what is truth and what is hype.  This years conference is in Louisville, KY and I’m glad to be back in town.  I was here a little over a year ago for the 2008 T4G Conference and really enjoyed my time here.  Louisville from what I have seen is a pretty nice city with lots of interesting places.

I will twitter updates throughout the day tomorrow and will probably not do any major posts until tomorrow night.  Please pray that we all as Southern Baptists would be unified in our cause and continue to look for ways to further the Gospel and bring God glory!!

Another great day in Durham, NC at Advance09.  Like yesterday I’m just gonna post some of the highlights that stood out from my notes.  Audio from yesterday and today are available at advance.vintage21.com also check out a review of today from Mark at Here I Blog. I have had the pleasure of rooming with Mark here at Advance09 and it’s been great to meet someone who’s blog I’ve been reading and to make a new friend in the Lord.

Ed Stetzer

Jesus is enough! We can cry out, You are the messiah, the son of the living God!

Don’t preach any message that wouldn’t be true if Jesus hadn’t died on the cross.

Don’t let them leave saying “what a great communicator” but “what a great savior”.

The gates of hell will not prevail.  Gates are not an offensive weapon. This passage means that the gates of hell cannot stop the advance of the gospel.

Many that show up on Easter/Christmas have enough religion to innoculate them from catching the real thing.

The church is God’s tool of kingdom mission.

Conferences can be ministry pornography that distract you from the mission.

JD Greear

6 Timeless Characterstics of Religion

1. Religious people love recognition

2. Religious people substitue religious ritual for love of God

3. Religious people elevate secondary traditions above a love for God

4. Religious people elevate religous ritual over a love for others

5. Religious people are more aware of the sins of others and not their own sin

6. Religious people think we are always talking about someone else

What do we do? We Repent! We Repent by returning to the gospel!

Eric Mason

The reason the church has credibility is because of Jesus

Credibility is based on:

I. The Faith of the Church

II. The Prayers of the Church

III. The Christ of the Church

God loves to see the church need so deeply that we ask greatly

Mark Driscoll

Many are blind to their own idolatry

Idolatry is “the Lie” that something else can function as god.

I. Some Idols lie by presenting themselves as “functional” saviors

II. Sometimes an Idol lies by telling you it can mediate between you and God

III. One of the reasons idols are so inticing is that they give you identity

IV. Idols lie by telling you they will make you righteous

Idols are often “good things” turned into “god things” and thats makes them “bad things”.

Many turn Jesus into an Idol giver. Come to Jesus he’ll make you rich, save your family, etc.

Those who idolize must also demonize. If you idolize your race you must demonize others, if you idolize your denomination you must demonize others.

Your ministry is to get idolators to become worshipers.

Maybe you are the worst problem in your ministry.

A Few Idolatries:

1. Money

2. Family

3. Sexuality/Sexual Sin

4. Substance

5. Morality

6. People

Eleven Questions about Idols:

1. Attendance Idolatry: Does your joy change when your attendance does?

2. Gift Idolatry: Do you feel God needs you and uses you because you are so skilled?

3.Truth Idolatry: Do you consider yourself more righteous that the simple Christian because of what you know?

4. Fruit Idolatry: Do you point to your success as evidence of God’s approval of you?

5. Tradition Idolatry: What traditions are you upholding that are thwarting the forward progress of the gospel?

6. Method Idolatry: Do you worship your method as your mediator?

7. Office Idolatry: Are you motivated primarily by God’s glory or your title?

8. Success Idolatry: Is winning what motivates you at the deepest level?

9. Ministry Idolatry: Do you use the pressure of Ministry to make you walk with God?

10. Innovative Idolatry: Does it matter to you that your ministry be unique?

11. Leader Idolatry: Who other than Christ are you imaging?

What do we do? Repent!

Repentance is not what we preach but first what we practice.

The first qualification of the gospel is repentance. If you don’t repent your a heretic. Some of you guys are heretics. (walks off stage)

John Piper

I. What is the Biblical Task of Missions?

Continually crossing culture, learning language, crossing into people groups that have no missional presence.

II. Is Missions Necessary?

1. Are People Perishing?

2. Is Christ’s work Necessary to Save Them?

3. Do you have to hear and believe about that in order to benefit from it?

That’s it for today! I highly encourage you to take the time to listen to all these messages.

Day One here at Advance09 was great.  Lots to take in and think about.  I know that I have lots to process over the next few days and once I’m back at home.  The audio for the first three sessions are already up at Desiring God so I’m just gonna post some notes from each speaker that stood out to me.  I encourage you to go listen to the messages because there is some great stuff in there.  Also check out Here I Blog for some more notes

Speaker-Topic

Mark Driscoll-What is the Church?

Ecclesiology is being redefined in this era of technology.

“Who is Jesus?” is the first question that needs to be asked to define the church.

Everything that happens in the church follows the preaching of God’s word.

Some of you are cowards, you are looking for ways to not preach because you have fear of man issues. You need to get over your fear of man issues.  It will cause you to give suggestions rather than commands.

Tyler Jones-Decline and Resurgence

The culture is hostile to the church.

We must be involved in long-term, active repentance.

Bryan Chapell-Communicating the Gospel Through Preaching

What is the only reason sin has an power in your life? Because you love it.

First duty is that your preaching would enable people to love Jesus above all.

Love for Christ is the most powerful force for obedient living.

What you do is based on who you are.

Matt Chandler-Preaching the Gospel to the De-Churched

Too many love ministry too much and don’t love Jesus enough.

If you open your mouth and talk about God your being theological.

To create a culture of confession, PREACH THE CROSS

Learn to love our foolish postion.

If you have contextulized the Gospel to the point where everyone likes  it then you’re not preaching the gopspel.

I’ll be heading out early tomorrow morning to Durham, NC to go to Advance09.  This is going to be a great conference with John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler and several otheres.  Check back in over the next few days to see twitter updates and blog posts about the event.

I am working getting the new site up and running. Please continue to check in!!