Moosejaw Musings

clipped from rf.convio.net ...providing an articulate, intelligent voice in defense of biblical Christianity in the public square He has authored or edited over thirty books, including The Kalam Cosmological Argument; Assessing the New Testament Evidence for the Historicity of the Resurrection of Jesus; Divine Foreknowledge and Human Freedom; Theism, Atheism and Big Bang Cosmology; and God, Time and Eternity, as well as over a hundred articles in professional journals of philosophy and theology, including The Journal of Philosophy, New Testament Studies, Journal for the Study of the New Testament, American Philosophical Quarterly, Philosophical Studies, Philosophy, and British Journal for Philosophy of Science.

clipped from www.founders.org Jerry Falwell's Friday the 13th declaration: Limited atonement is heresy Much of what he said regarding the "message" of Liberty is praiseworthy and ought to be applauded by all Bible believing Christians. When he came to articulating their belief in the "substitutionary atonemement of Jesus Christ for all men," however, he added a statement that I find tragic. Here it is (about 10 minutes or so into the video): "We are not into partcular love or limited atonement. As a matter of fact we consider it heresy."

I know the rejoinder may come, "No, I didn't call them heretics - I called what they taught heresy." This is the same I have seen in other opponents of the doctrines of Grace and a reformed soteriology. They attack the teaching - but leave the teacher as only chastised. If they truly believe what they say about "Calvinism" - "The Doctrines of Grace" - "Reformed Soteriology" - then they should come right out and name names and identify them as false teachers and heretics.

If discussion of the issue were open - then this is an unfortunate statement. Like any discussion of this with the Dean of Liberty's seminary - it appears to be closed.

I want to recommend and really encourage you to go to the website of Woodmen Valley Chapel and download the sermon series "Discovering your Drumbeat" by Pastor Matt Heard. pdf sermon notes are also available on the site.

Discovering Your Drumbeat
Jan 14, 07 - Part 1: Introductory Overview
Jan 21, 07 - Part 2: A High View of God
Jan 28, 07 - Part 3: A Passion for His Glory
Feb 04, 07 - Part 4: A Passion for His Glory
Mar 04, 07 - Part 5: Kingdom Purposes
Mar 11, 07 - Part 6: A Called Community
Mar 18, 07 - Part 7: Body Building
Mar 25, 07 - Part 8: Conduits of Care

We are having a great time in Chattanooga. What good friends - what a beautiful city. Go to this link to see some reasons we like Chattanooga.

I cancelled my appointment to meet with a TBS rep. Tonja and I had a good talk on the way South. With where my interests and abilities are - I don't see the necessity of getting an accredited Master's degree. I am going to check out Columbia Evangelical Seminary. They are half the cost of TBS. I would also get to work with a mentor to develop a curricula based on my interests and academic goals. I am interested in learning more about apologetics and youth ministry. So stay tuned.

clipped from www.christianitytoday.com The Lord's Career Advice Or, how to take your job and love it. By Max Lucado One-third of Americans say, "I hate my job." Two-thirds of your fellow citizens labor in the wrong career. Others find employment success, but no satisfaction. Most suicides occur on Sunday nights. Most heart attacks occur on Monday mornings. Suppose you did what Peter did? Take Christ to work with you. Invite Him to superintend your nine-to-five.

While visiting friends in TN I am going to visit Tennessee Temple - and Temple Baptist Seminary. They have developed a Distance Education program - that is comparatively inexpensive for an accredited seminary. I just want to check it out.

I don't know if I really want to pursue a Master's degree. Okay, a bit of transparency. I remember my undergrad studies at TTU - and I really enjoyed the accountability that deadlines and class structure provided. The regimented performance requirements made "being Christian" easier. Since leaving college I have had to struggle with Christ and His way on my own. I know my wife and church were there - but I mean at the personal level - I had to live out what I said I believed. Tonja is my best friend - and the best wife I could wish/pray for - and I am truly blessed to have her in my life. skip...skip...skip... I think my interest in seminary is not to gain a level of certification for ministry - it is not to gain additional knowledge that is not available through independent studying [through books, the internet-blogs, podcasts, and free seminary level classes, auditing classes, etc. - the knowledge is out there]. I think I am looking for wisdom. I think I am looking for a wise person to help me develop into the kind of minister [lay or vocational] that I aspire to be. I am 45 - and have a lot of good years left in me. I want to make sure that I use them wisely.

A lot of my old schoolmates that went on into full time ministry found the type of mentoring / growth support - whatever you choose to call it - through their churches or mission boards. True, some still struggle, too. I think a lot of churches have allowed men to continue with the idea (unbiblical?) that they can thrive spiritually with their embracing on individualism and self-importance/independence...

I do love to study. I do love to teach - both the adult class and my junior high kids. Maybe that is where I need to focus. Quit looking elsewhere for satisfaction. Quit trying to manufacture spirituality through educational attainment [hmm-would that be idolatry?] But look at the ministry areas God has allowed me to serve in for the last 20 years - give Him glory - and keep doing it - but doing it more in His power. What would $9K to $25K more of education provide me?

Okay, I guess this is starting to ramble a bit. But, it is what has been churning in my head.

So, the 1 or 2 of you who read this post - you can pray for me. Thanks.

clipped from www.templebaptistseminary.edu Chattanooga, Tennessee is located at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain and on the banks of the Tennessee River.  This scenic city has made a name for itself in the pages of history with many Civil War battles fought in and around this area.  It also made a mark in history at Ross's Landing down on the river, where the Trail of Tears began.

clipped from www.extremefundamentalmakeover.com

UPDATE: The Extreme Fundamentalist is not decomposing - his blog is.