On Tuesday I’ll be going to Chicago where my dad will be giving a lecture on the historicity of Adam and Eve. In light of that, I came across an interesting article talking about a survey asking Pastors what they thought about Adam and Eve, Creation, and a young Earth. Although, like any poll, it isn’t what EVERYONE believes, it’s helpful to see just what Pastors are saying, and hopefully teaching in their churches every week.
All posts by mikethestrand
Pastors Oppose Evolution
Posted by mikethestrand on January 16, 2012
https://pastormikesmusings.com/2012/01/16/pastors-oppose-evolution/
Against ‘Against Calvanism’
Here is a really helpful response to Roger Olson’s book ‘Against Calvanism’ in which he argues against the thoughts of todays ‘Young Restless and Reformed’ movement. I’m 65 pages into the book and already have been frustrated with what, as this author writes, is a lack of exegetical evidence. Olson instead values a moralistic approach and argues against a God who would not fit in his definition of goodness.
As Olson says in his book:
“One day, at the end of a class session on Calvinism’s doctrine of God’s sovereignty, a student asked me a question I had put off considering. He asked: “If it was revealed to you in a way you couldn’t question or deny that the true God actually is as Calvinism says and rules as Calvinism affirms, would you still worship him?” I knew the only possible answer without a moment’s thought, even though I knew it would shock many people. I said no, that I would not because I could not. Such a God would be a moral monster. Of course, I realize Calvinists do not think their view of God’s sovereignty makes him a moral monster, but I can only conclude they have not thought it through to its logical conclusion or even taken sufficiently seriously the things they say about God and evil and innocent suffering in the world.”
Wow. I am glad that God doesn’t fit inside my human-shaped box.
Posted by mikethestrand on January 13, 2012
https://pastormikesmusings.com/2012/01/13/against-against-calvanism/
Tim Tebow – The Man, The Legend
Tim Tebow has been quite a buzz lately. He set a record on Sunday for the most tweets per second at 9,420. I appreciate that Tim is taking the stage he has been given to give all glory to God. And love him or hate him, he’s become a cultural icon. I today read a blog with 10 thoughts about the Tim Tebow phenomenon. He has 5 reasons he likes Tim Tebow and 5 concerns he has about the Tebow mania. It’s worth reading!
Posted by mikethestrand on January 12, 2012
https://pastormikesmusings.com/2012/01/12/tim-tebow-the-man-the-legend/
First Entry!
Hello Everyone!
I had been using google’s blogging tool, but have read a lot about word press so I decided to make the move! I’ll be writing about useful new technology, books I’ve read, movies I’ve seen and different life events. I am currently as associate pastor at Cheyenne Evangelical Free Church in Cheyenne, WY and am loving learning and growing as an under-shepherd at a local church body. I hope and pray that God will be glorified in and through me in my stumbling to learn and grow closer to Christ and the cross. To him alone be the glory forever.
Posted by mikethestrand on January 10, 2012
https://pastormikesmusings.com/2012/01/10/first-entry/
‘Unfashionable’ by Tullian Tchividjian
I just finished reading ‘Unfashionable‘ at the recommendation of my senior pastor. I still am not sure how to pronounce his name, but I can definitely see where his heart is from the book! The reason Tullian wrote this book is to remind Christians to not be so like the world that there is no difference between the world and the church. It reminded me a little bit of some of J.C. Ryle’s exhortations in ‘Thoughts for Young Men‘ where he encouraged young men to not be like most young men who aren’t living the Christian life to which God has called them. Tullian does a good job of identifying a growing disparity between the Western Church and the Church at large-namely that ‘Christians’ in the West are not living the way Christ did, and the way God has called us to live. How exactly are Christians supposed to be “in the world but not of it”? Tullian answers, “The Bible makes it clear that Christians need to be people of double listening-listening to both the questions of the world and the answers of the Word.” (page 81) Amen! How different would it be if Christians really did seek the Bible first for the answer to all questions, not just the “theological” ones? (I would argue that all questions begin with a theological question/background) In trying to “fit in” and be like the world, “All of the bells and whistles in the church have caused us to forget the God whose church it is.” (page 165) That’s very true! Would your church be any different if God was not present in it? Have you given in to the influence of the world at the expense of the God who created and sustains the world? Thank you Pastor Tchividjian for the timely reminder to be ‘Unfashionable’ and live like it!
Posted by mikethestrand on January 10, 2012
https://pastormikesmusings.com/2012/01/10/unfashionable-by-tullian-tchividjian/
This is Me
Pastor Mike's Musings 