TweetNotes for Killing Calvinism by Greg Dutcher

Mike Leake

Killing Calvinism is a tremendous book by Greg Dutcher.  In the book Dutcher gives eight ways that Calvinists can throw on the brakes to the resurgence of Calvinism and kill a perfectly good theology.  I would encourage you to also check out my review of the book as well as the TweetNotes. 

#1 Calvinism isn’t the goal, it’s the windshield.  #leadstoGod?#promotesholiness? 

#2 Being like Christ is the goal not being like Calvin.  Good theology w/cold affections=garbage theology.

#3 God is more than sovereign.  #allHisperfections #allHisexcellencies

#4 God’s Sovereignty should compel life and lips of mission not laziness

#5 God uses and speaks through non-Calvinists, don’t read and listen like He doesn’t

#6 Every verse matters.  God doesn’t need spin-doctors.  #letthetextspeak

#7 A prideful Calvinists, though all too common, is an oxymoron #andamoron

#8 Be honest with your discomfort and empathetic with the discomfort of others #lovethosethatdiffer

This book is very helpful and I recommend it for Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike.  You can purchase it on your Kindle for about 5 bucks or get the hard copy for under 10. 

Today in Blogworld 6.28.12

Mike Leake 2 Comments

Pornopoly

Dave Dunham argues that our culture is monopolized by pornography, and it is taking its toll on marriages and many other relationships.  He also offers a helpful response to our increasingly porn-saturated culture. 

The Early Jobs of 24 Famous Writers

I found this really interesting.  John Grisham watered bushes for $1 an hour.  Check out some of these other early jobs of famous authors.  (HT: Trevin Wax)

Flags in Church?

Chad Hall wonders whether or not we should have flags in church.  I have agreed with Hall’s position for quite some time.  I appreciate his well articulated argument.  (HT: Aaron Armstrong)

How Do You Encourage Your Pastor

Brian Croft gives 5 ways to encourage your pastor.  As a pastor myself I can say that when these 5 things have happened in my life they are greatly encouraging.  #3 is the one that may not come naturally to many people but it may be the most needed at times. 

Everything is amazing and nobody is happy.  Hmmm..might be a sermon illustration in this one too:

(HT: Ad Fontes)

I Didn’t Need Twitchy

Mike Leake

Justin Taylor has posted a very helpful two minute or so illustration from D.A. Carson about two Hebrew guys named Smith and Brown on the night of the Passover.  Watch it here (It starts at about the 2 minute mark and ends a little after 4):

When I first saw the title of this post I had imagined that Carson was discussing Smith who believed and put blood on the doorpost and Brown who was skeptical and didn’t put it on the doorpost.  I was going to use this as a launching pad for a very brief point—that there is also probably a third guy present, whom I was going to call Twitchy. 

Twitchy of course is just like Mr. Smith in Carson’s story.  So, I didn’t need him.  He puts blood on the door post but he doesn’t sleep very well that night.  He trusts the Lord enough to cover slaughter the lamb and spread the blood but he spends his night indoors quivering and saying, “Boy I sure hope this works”. 

Christian faith is like that sometimes.  At times we are strong in our faith like Mr. Brown.  We are trusting in Christ and we are graced with confidence and assurance.  At other times we find ourselves a little more like Mr. Smith saying, “Boy I sure hope this works”. 

Remember a weak faith can lay hold of a strong Christ. 

Obviously we’d all rather be Mr. Brown.  But the Mr. Smith’s of the world will stand amazed when the death angel passes over and the sons of God that took refuge in the mighty King stand with the Conquering Lion. 

Today in Blogworld 6.27.12

Mike Leake

Unity and the Heart of Jesus

I appreciate Dave Miller’s vision for the SBC.  That is one reason that I am proud that he was voted 2nd VP.  Here, Dave, reminds us that Jesus’ heart for the SBC is not only doctrinal fidelity but also unity.  Is central question is this: “Is it possible that in our passion as Southern Baptists to defend the veracity of the Bible we have ignored one of its most powerful teachings?”  I look forward to more from Dave on this topic. 

Take Care How You Listen

A new ebook from John Piper on listening.  Free!  Be sure to gobble this one up. 

The Father Wound

I appreciate this vulnerable piece from Dave Jenkins on the father wound.  This “father wound” is becoming more and more prevalent in our society.  Thankfully, though, the God of the fatherless is still mighty to save.  (HT: Aaron Armstrong)

The Problem with Plagiarism in the Pulpit

Here Justin Taylor quotes D.A. Carson and R.R. Reno on the dangers of plagiarism.  Though there are some sermon websites dedicated to fostering plagiarism I wouldn’t suggest it.  If you must preach another’s sermon give credit where it is due.  I still remember what it did to my heart when I discovered that a preacher that I was listening to had cut and pasted a sermon and made it sound like his own. 

I think there is a sermon illustration in here somewhere:

(HT: 22 Words)