Category Archives: iMonk 101

iMonk Classic: Ordinary Thoughts

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From August 2007 First, thoughts. You go to the doctor with pain in your chest. He spends the whole hour talking about God. Is this OK? You go to a musical production of “Oklahoma.” The cast comes out and gives their testimony the entire time. Is this OK withContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Ordinary Thoughts”

A Central Part of the Mission

NOTE FROM CM: It was back in Nov. 2009 when I wrote my first piece for IM, an interview with Michael Spencer about pastoral care for the dying. The timing was ironic, for it took place right before Michael became ill with cancer. You can read the entire interview HERE. Today, in light of severalContinue reading “A Central Part of the Mission”

Classic iMonk: The Law/Gospel Rant

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From July 2009 NOTE: Despite the fact that this post is law, you should still read it  I want to talk about a specific problem in preaching and teaching: the problem of preferring law over Gospel. I consider the primary problem with preaching and teaching in my Southern BaptistContinue reading “Classic iMonk: The Law/Gospel Rant”

iMonk Classic: Looking for Luther

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From July 2009 Earlier in the day, Blue Raja and I had a discussion at the Boar’s Head Tavern about an earlier post where I quoted a Semi-Pelagian IM commenter. It’s discouraging to read that the atonement “opened the door” for us to now live a life worthy ofContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Looking for Luther”

iMonk Classic: An Appetite for Fanaticism

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer Undated From CM: In the light of yesterday’s video post and discussion, I thought it appropriate to dig out some of Michael Spencer’s thoughts on religious enthusiasm. * * * An Appetite for Fanaticism: Is there something wrong with saying “You’ve gone too far”? It occurred to me thisContinue reading “iMonk Classic: An Appetite for Fanaticism”

Classic iMonk Quotes from 2005

Today, some significant snippets from the writings of Michael Spencer, mined from the 2005 Archives. * * * On how theology must lead to reality While discussing the doctrine of election the other day, I asked BHT fellow Bill a version of the following question: “If you were able to follow Jesus for the threeContinue reading “Classic iMonk Quotes from 2005”

iMonk Classic: The Boat in the Backyard

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer originally published June 2006 From CM: This is one story I always think about around Father’s Day. Thank you, Michael. * * * When I was twelve years old, my father bought a small aluminum boat, just enough for two people to use for fishing in the local lakes.Continue reading “iMonk Classic: The Boat in the Backyard”

iMonk Classic: “You Need to Smile More”

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer from May 2007 Every day this summer school term, around 9:30 in the morning, I drive two blocks to the post office during a ten minute break from class. I get my mail, which often involves retrieving a package from the postal employee at the window. I know theContinue reading “iMonk Classic: “You Need to Smile More””

iMonk Classic: Has Grace Made Me Gracious?

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer from May 2009 I’m thinking about grace a lot today after a bit of a mystical experience in church Sunday. As we were preparing for communion, I was praying. The Spirit brought to mind a series of dark incidents from my own life where God was miraculously gracious toContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Has Grace Made Me Gracious?”