Chaplainmike

Thoughts on Acts 15 and Early Church Leadership

A few nights ago, Denise and I were reading the scriptures together when I was struck by what we see in regard to church leadership in Acts 15. When we are discussing how Jesus established leadership in the early church, and how that leadership functions, this passage is crucial. The implications for the claims ofContinue reading “Thoughts on Acts 15 and Early Church Leadership”

How “Traditional” is the Traditional Service?

Here in Kentucky, where the worship wars/generational church division is everywhere and spreading, many churches are attempting to navigate the rocks of a potential church split by using multiple services. I’ve been associated with multiple services since 1984, when I joined the staff of a large church that had both an 8:30 a.m. and 11:00Continue reading “How “Traditional” is the Traditional Service?”

Real and Present

Adjectives are sneaky. You have to keep your eye on them. Especially those that tend to be redundant and, perhaps, confusing. Let’s say that “Bob is present.” Now let’s say “Bob is really present.” What exactly do we have here? Well, that could depend on context, of course, but ordinarily, it would be redundant, andContinue reading “Real and Present”

Message to Tom Ascol: Write the Book

UPDATE: Go into the comments and read the post by Pastor Scott Dontanville. Just go read it. For those of you who are going to write me a hurt/angry note saying I’m picking on your church, I’m not. And if I am, I don’t know you anyway, so there’s no need to complain. I justContinue reading “Message to Tom Ascol: Write the Book”

Denise Spencer – Recommendation & Review: The Divine Hours Pocket Edition by Phyllis Tickle

Our book reviewer today is my wife, Denise. Read her blog at Denise Day Spencer. I have, in the past few months, become enamored with the idea of praying at various times during the day–not because I want to be more pious than the next person, but because I need it. And so Michael recentlyContinue reading “Denise Spencer – Recommendation & Review: The Divine Hours Pocket Edition by Phyllis Tickle”

Riffs: 07:02:07: John Piper on Why Christian Children Should Be Confused

UPDATE: Read Greg’s story prompted by this post, and feel free to add your own. I’m listening to John Piper’s program, Desiring God Radio, for July the 2nd, and the topic is “Pastoral Thoughts on the Doctrine of Election.” (Available in print and in audio.) It’s a good topic and a well-done program, but inContinue reading “Riffs: 07:02:07: John Piper on Why Christian Children Should Be Confused”

Riffs 06:30:07: Mark Shea on Measuring Doctrine by Poetry

It’s irritating that a really helpful piece of thinking is on a podcast, but it’s a short one: The June 29th Catholic Exchange Podcast with Mark Shea. It’s entitled “Measuring Doctrine by Poetry.” Protestants be warned: ignore the Marian devotional context and Shea’s general snarkiness towards evangelicalism. Truly Reformed and theology geeks: take proper offenseContinue reading “Riffs 06:30:07: Mark Shea on Measuring Doctrine by Poetry”

Internet Monk Radio Podcast #64

Books. Idolatry of the iPhone. Harry Potter and the Imagination. Quote from Hodge. Internet Monk Radio is on iTunes Podcasts for free. Search for Monk and ignore all other claims to monkishness that appear. Charles Hodge Quote leif rigney: The Good Spell of Harry Potter. Wizards or Idiots. The Great Pumpkin Proposes a Toast.

On Harry Potter and Wicca: A Helpful Letter

Harry Potter will be much discussed soon as both the book and the next movie appear in July. IM lurker Brian sent me this letter in response to a BHT post linking an anti-Harry Potter “ministry.” Brian discusses the claim of a connection between HP and interest in Wicca. Very interesting and valuable discussion andContinue reading “On Harry Potter and Wicca: A Helpful Letter”

iMonk 101: Jesus + The Paperwork

Here’s a fairly recent post on the subject of closed communion: Jesus + The Paperwork. Yeah, it’s pretty blunt. I don’t know if I would write it this way now, but my mind hasn’t changed. In fact, with Alastair’s help, I feel even stronger. I respect the practices of those who differ with me onContinue reading “iMonk 101: Jesus + The Paperwork”