Tag Archives: Pyromaniacs

My Take on Pipergate


Surprised that I haven’t commented on this brouhaha yet?  Actually, so am I. My longtime readers know what an outspoken critic I am of Rick Warren and his purpose-driven pragmatism.  For those few who may not be in the know, pastor John Piper, a highly respected preacher/teacher both inside and outside of the reformed community has recently invited Rick Warren to his Desiring God conference this year.  Outrage and dismay ensued upon this announcement.  Piper made a video justifying his invitation to Warren, saying among other things that he believes at root that Warren is theologically and doctrinally sound. I’m biting my tongue as I write – so much I could say…  Maybe that’s why I haven’t said anything.

Bloggers responded immediately, resoundingly condemning John Piper’s discernment in allowing this man a platform at his conference.  Some bloggers went over the top and unfairly attacked Piper’s character and his ministry.  In certain circles John Piper has been declared anathema.  Honestly, If I had posted an article immediately following the announcement I may have crossed that line too as a knee-jerk reaction.  I held back, seeking to see the whole picture first.  I guess the Lord is maturing me after all.  I was beginning to wonder about that.

Anyway, at this point I don’t feel the need to address the issue other than to commend to you an article from Phil Johnson over at the Pyromaniacs blog.  After giving the controversy some thought, I can honestly admit that I agree with Phil’s balanced post in about every way possible. And since he can articulate himself much better than I ever could, I will simply point you over to his blog for a thoughtful take on Pipergate.  Enjoy!

On the Piper-Warren Connection

Election Coverage


Yep, I think Dan Phillips covers all we need to know about election in this wonderful post over at Pyromaniacs.  Here’s an excerpt:

Today’s American election takes place (normally) every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November.

The election I’m thinking of took place once only, before the foundation of a world (Ephesians 1:4).

Today’s election involves votes cast by millions of people of wildly varying circumstances, characters, levels of intelligence, and worldviews.

The eternal election only had three participants: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, each the quintessence of perfection in power, wisdom, holiness, and goodness (Ephesians 1:3-14).

Today’s election requires that I take into account the career, character, accomplishments, stated convictions, and proposals of the candidates. My vote must be earned, in my estimation.

The eternal election actually is not only irrespective of (Romans 9:11), but contrary to the deserts of its objects. It is an election “that we should be holy and blameless before him” (Ephesians 1:4). If that is the objective (or outcome) of the choice, then what were we before that choice, if not altogether unholy, and blameworthy?

Read the post in its entirety HERE

The Responsibility-Index


Dan Phillips of Pyromaniacs has posted an excellent article on how every good scripture-driven sermon produces what he has coined as the ‘responsibility-index’. Here is an excerpt:

Perhaps I’ll develop this further another time, but the faithful sermon we hear changes our status before God. Of course, I’m not talking about justification, but about accountability. The pan-Biblical principle is: greater privilege = greater responsibility. In this particular connection, we certainly see it in Jesus’ words: “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin” (John 15:22).

So let’s say you are in a church that teaches the Word of God — which you should be. As you listen to the Word faithfully preached, something is happening to you. This is true whether you feel it or not, whether your behavior changes or not. Something is happening. What is happening?

What is happening is this: your responsibility-index is rising.

Click HERE to read the rest of the article. Continue reading →

A Friend of Sinners


I found this cool sidebar banner on one of my favorite blogs, Pyromaniacs that strikes me as somewhat familiar – but I can’t quite put my finger on it…

pyropilgrim.gif

Can you?

I wish I had the Photoshop skills these guys do, then I could fashion my header in a more creative way. It looks very good! I can’t use it on my blogroll yet because of the limitations that accompany the free blog package I use here at WordPress. Oh well, TeamPyro can still count me in as a Friend of Sinners.