I Have Decided...

I have decided that from this point forward I am a paedo Baptist. That's right. After much debate and the fact that I have discovered Baptists are not reformed, I am making the switch to having babies be baptized. You can imagine how this conversation went with my wife and my children whom I have baptized. I am officially leaving my Baptist roots behind to the Presbyterian church where hymns are sung, and the preacher might be wearing a robe. Yes, wearing a robe is for preaching. not just for taking after taking a bath. This also means I am truly reformed, and hope R. Scott Clark unblocks me on X so he can rejoice in my conversion and when the Nebraska Cornhuskers return to glory in the College Football world. 

I have also decided after much that Thomas Aquinas is totally misunderstood and that everyone needs to chill out including myself. Yes, he is the angelic doctor, but he means well. He might be wrong about justification, but at least he has the Trinity right. This also means I get to have my place at the seat of the table with those I once considered as intellectual snobs. What a great tradition I have just embraced. This gives me hope that Matthew Barrett will unblock me on X so we can rejoice when the Kansas City Chiefs continue to dominate the NFL with the assistance of the officials all for the love of the Swifties in the world.

I have also decided to put my foot down and have my wife and daughter wear a head covering. Not only this is directly from a passage of scripture that is about headship more than covering, I believe that all women should. I mean feminism is out of control, right? Not to mention, my wife will look cute in one and there might be some boy that want to court my daughter after my blessing followed by an intense integration from me. 

I have also decided to ditch my days of Amillennialism and embrace the view of Postmillennialism. Yes, this means that the world will get better including Wal-Mart bathrooms and ice cream machines at MacDonald's will work all the time in accordance with prophecy. You know what I have just decided as I write this? I have decided that I should start a church with postmil views, woman wear head coverings and may even wear a clerical collar to show this town that I have authority because I am the best we got. Joel Webbon, eat your heart out. 

I have also decided that I have been wrong about the age of the earth. We have been around for millions of years rather than thousands of years and the flood of Noah was actually a local flood rather than a local flood so I can be a better witness to the scientific community. I might as well be more open evolution since I am a monkey's uncle. By the way, this does not make me liberal folks.

Finally, if you are believing every word I am saying without realizing what day this is, then, in the words of R.C. Sproul, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!?!?!

God bless and have a good day. 

Okay Patrick...

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy this classic video from Lutheran Satire.

Hard to believe it has been 12 years since this video came out and it is still funny as the day it came out. 

15 Things I Have Learned or Benefited from Social Media

April 24, 2009 is the day I joined X which was known as Twitter back in the day. I think my first post was saying going to give this thing a try. I did and still there 15 years later. I do not recall when I joined Facebook, but I am on X more than I am on Facebook and other social media site. 

Hard to believe that I stuck to social media which can be a dumpster fire at times, but I have learned a few things being on there.  What I want to do in this post it to share 15 things I have learned on social media. I will cover the serious to the not-so serious.

1. Social media is not a replacement for your local church.

The church is the body of Christ that gathers for worship, fellowship, and receiving the word preached. Yes, I have had meaningful conversations on social media, but it is not to replace the church you are part of. The pastors and Bible teachers you follow are not replace your pastor even if he is not reformed as the case I have dealt with majority of my time on Twitter/X. 

2. God is working.

One thing about social media is seeing the Lord at work in various churches all over the world and we can rejoice in that.

3. There is more false teaching than I realized.

The prosperity gospel is not the only false gospel. Legalism comes in many forms. Over the years, more and more false teaching has crept into the church and most pastors are not even aware of it. 

4. There are better Christian books available.

Christian bookstores sell whatever sells even from false teachers. Most of them barely have a theology section anymore. Thankfully, through social media, I have learned there are better books available for Christians such as myself to read and be equipped. I will mention that I have won a few contests for free books over the years to which I am thankful.

5. Everyone is a critic.

Like it or not, someone is always going to criticize you for something. It could be how you dress or even your food preferences (more on that later). You can post a quote and people will jump your throat for quoting someone they don't agree with. They may not even like your opinion on the matter. 

6. There are alternatives in worship music.

Hillsong, Bethel, and Elevation worship are the big three when it comes to worship music and used a lot in our churches. Thankfully, many on social media recommended artists that are more Biblically sound such as Sovereign Grace Music, CityALight, and Matt Boswell. 

7. Trends indeed do come and go.

I did not need social media to learn that, but it seems there are even trends on the world wide web. I remember Music Monday on X, which people would share albums and songs to get the work week going. The trend was so popular that I had posts on Monday to highlight different worship songs and albums. Trends on social media can also mean what everyone is posting about and those change from day to day.

8. Some Presbyterians are not gracious.

I love my Presbyterian brother and sisters but some of them are the worst people I have encountered on social media just for being a Baptist. Some will go to great links to make you feel inferior because they truly believe they have...ahem...superior theology (Keith Foskey eat your heart out), and do not even get me started on R. Scott Clark.

9. People will follow you till they disagree with you.

My Twitter/X followers come and go. They start off agreeing with you till you say something they do not like. Sheesh. Whatever happened to agree to disagree? 

10. People will block you for the heck of it.

I have been blocked by Joel Osteen for calling out his false gospel and calling him to repent. I have been blocked by others for calling out their false teaching such as Louie Giglio or not caving into their theology such as R. Scott Clark, which goes back to lesson 8. However, there are times I would find out someone blocked me that I had no interaction with. What did I do to deserve that and what did I say? Oh well. 

11. Our world is indeed depraved.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said, if you have read the Bible, you would not be surprised by the state of the world. If you have been on social media as long as I have, you know that statement to be true. You do not even have to turn on the TV, you can check your phone to see how messed up our world is and rejoice knowing Christ is coming again.

12. There is a gold mine of podcasts.

Over the years, I have become a podcast junkie. It got worse when Spotify added them to their app. Thanks to social media, I have learned there is a great deal of God honoring content out there to listen from sermons to conversations on theology, culture, politics, etc.

13. Politics is nastier than I thought.

I knew politics was a subject that caused a lot of arguments, but social media has shown it to be a lot worse. No one can agree on anything and almost everyone has an opinion that results in insults. 

14. Reformed does not always mean solid.

This one is hard to swallow at times. I used to think everyone who teaches the doctrines of grace was a solid believe, but as time progressed during my time on social media, that wasn't the case especially over the last few years with wokeism and Thomism creeping into the church. 

15. Pineapple on pizza means war.

Twitter/X has a lot of food wars and the biggest one that seems to keep coming up is pineapple on pizza. This war questions people taste in food (going back to lesson 5) and even some are wondering if they can truly be friends. Here is my take, pineapple is good on pizza if prepared properly. I said what I said.

Having Popeye's Does Not Make You Less Spiritual

Okay, by now you may have heard that Popeye's has their own chicken sandwich, which is already sold out. There were reports of long lines at many locations and even people stating that their chicken sandwich was better than Chick-Fli-A's. Queue the eye roll emoji. There have been Christians that have said it was better than Chick-Fli-A's. Anyone triggered yet?

You maybe asking why would I write a post like this one. Well, in the current state of social media, we have seen that anyone can be offended by anything. The sky is blue can even be offensive. Christians liking a product from a secular company instead of liking the chicken sandwich ordained by Jesus (queue the winked emoji) might have their salvation questioned. Seriously? You are going to determine if a person is saved because they do not like a Christian company. Granted, I do give people a hard time, but I know it is their preference and of course we pray that God will change their hearts about it (please note I am only being satirical at this point but I am no expert like the Babylon Bee).

Enjoying Popeye's chicken sandwich a lot more than Chick-Fli-A's does not mean you have lost your salvation. It may mean to you have poor taste buds, but it does not make you less of a Christian. I know Christians that do not like Chick-Fli-A. Yes, I give them a hard time about. I get backlash because I like pineapple on pizza and hate coffee. I attend a church where one of the deacons owns a local coffee shop and we still have people going to Starsucks...I mean...Starbucks (if you like Starbucks, we can still be friends).

Seriously, everyone needs to take a chill pill. So Popeye's made a chicken sandwich that everyone likes. So what? Don't we have better things to be concerned about? Colossians 2:16 says, "...let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink." If you love pineapple on pizza, great. If you love Popeye's Chicken Sandwich, great. If you hate coffee and think it tastes like death, you are in good company. If you are polar opposites of what I just wrote, repent...just kidding...praise God for you.

Why did I write this post? First, to have a not so-serious one about a not so-serious topic. Second, this is a dumb conversation. So Popeye's may have had, if they bring it back, a better chicken sandwich. So what? Good for them. It just means Chick-Fli-A needs to step up their game. I heard their Mac & Cheese is pretty good and I like Mac & Cheese. Don't we have better things to consume our time? Besides Jesus did declare all foods clean (Mark 7:19) and "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer" (1 Timothy 4:4-5).

Around The Web-November 14, 2018

The Most Dangerous Question You Can Ask When Studying the Bible by Michael Kelley

Pastors' Talk: On Equipping the Church to Fight Pornography Together (with Deepak Reju)

Collin Hansen—The Strengths, Weaknesses, and Future of New Calvinism from Equipping You In Grace

Why Does Church Membership Matter? by David McLemore

When the Future You Planned for Never Comes by Bryan Stoudt

Repentance and the Power of the Gospel by Martin McNeely

Clint Eastwood reads praise song lyrics.

Around The Web-October 12, 2018

Pastors' Talk: On Teaching the Church about the Church

Peter, Fear of Man, and Lying by Jon English Lee

Ask Pastor John: Does Depression Disqualify a Pastor?

What Ever Happened to Civil Debate? by James Williams

Rachel Held Evans: Slaying Giants or Taming the Bible? by Alisha Childers

When You Sense That “Nudge” by Michael Coughlin

Can Christians Lose Their Salvation? (Hebrews 6) by Dennis E Johnson

For you viewing pleasure, Donall and Conall Meet the JWs

Around The Web-June 8, 2018

4 Reasons You Should Preach through Exodus by Bobby Jamieson

Christians Are Disciples by Burk Parsons

Why It’s Wrong to Say the Bible Is Pro-Slavery by Gavin Ortlund

The Authority of Scripture and the Christian by James Williams

Always Reforming? by A. Craig Troxel

8 Contrasting Signs of an Insecure Leader by Jared C Wilson

John Crist has done it again. This time he is portraying a honest VBS volunteer worker.

Around The Web-June 1, 2018

Praying Like Breathing by Ronnie Martin

How I Love the Psalms! by John Divito

Christ’s Exaltation: The Ground of Our Hope by Albert Mohler

Those Who Live a Godly Life Will Be Persecuted from When We Understand The Text

4 Reasons You Should Preach Through Genesis by Erik Raymond

Brian Hedges– With Jesus: Finding Your Place in the Story of Christ from Equipping You In Grace

Queer Culture in the PCA?: Concerns about the Revoice Conference being held in a PCA church in St. Louis in July by Al Baker

Jon Crist on the prayer before the meal

Around The Web-May 18, 2018

10 Things You Should Know about Biblical Archaeology by David W Chapman

Ask Pastor John: How to Read the Bible — and Preach It

Should I Stay Home from Church When Life Gets Hard? by Eric Davis

Pastors' Talk On the Sufficiency of Scripture

I Just Unhitched Jesus From The Old Testament, and You Won’t Believe What Happened Next by Stephen Altrogge

Pastoral Anxiety by Kevin DeYoung

When Work Stinks by Greg Forester

Does the Bible say coexist?

Around The Web-May 9, 2018

Spring Clearance Sale happening at WTS Books

The Reality of Disappointment by Jeremy Pierre

Richard Sibbes and the Centrality of the Heart by Mark Dever

What the Word of God Says About the Word of God, Book by Book by Jared C Wilson

Pastor, Don’t Avoid Uncomfortable Topics by Brett McCracken

How the Exodus Connects to Baptism & the Lord’s Supper by Andrew Wilson

Church Membership: Loving What Jesus Loves by David Prince

Jon Crist on 17 ways Christians say no. Maybe you have used one of these.

Book Review: How To Be A Perfect Christian by The Babylon Bee

Christian, do you long to be perfect? I am sure you do. Do you long to life a life of easy and comfort? I am sure you do. Do you want to know how to be the best Christian in the world and have people marvel at your holiness? By now, you are thinking I flipped my lid or you caught what book I am reviewing.

Yes, the guys behind the popular website, The Babylon Bee have written a book. This book is for those who long to be a perfect Christian without any sin in their life and go through life without any pain. I hope you that the Babylon Bee is satire. For those who do not know what satire is, it is basically "the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues." Yes, I googled it.

Satire is what the Babylon Bee does really well. They write about what is happening in Christian culture and write in a satirical form to show everyone how stupid it is. This book does the same thing as it does on the website. In this book, the Babylon Bee (I am going to call it the Bee for short) shows us what it means to be a perfect Christian, at least in the minds of some Christians. You must join the right church where everyone knows your name, with the right Bible translation, and your favorite donut. It also shows to be that perfect Christian, you must belief what most mainstream Christians believe in and vote for the right candidate. They even have a translation of what Christians mean when they speak "Christianese."

I am sure you are thinking, why would I review a book like this without chastising it or giving my own two cents. Remember, this is all satire. It is suppose to be humorous, but at the same time, it is also sad. I have know Christians who think some of the things in the book as ligament ways of reaching people for Christ or growing in your faith. The Bee shows how idiotic those things are.

Truth be told, we will should strive for holiness knowing that we sin, have an advocate that speaks to the Father on our behalf, Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1-2). We may never achieve perfection in this life, but that does not mean we stop at being holy for God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). When do sin, we must confess and God is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9).

Now, I got that serious part out of the way, if you looking for a light-hearted book to read, I highly recommend the Bee's book. I received an advance readers copy so the book will not be available till May 1 (that ain't no joke). This will be a perfect book to read during the summer. Till then go the Bee's website and enjoy those articles before the book is released.

Thanks Multnomah for letting me review this book.

Now if you will excuse me, I need to get out of these skinny jeans and wash this temporary tat from my arm showing I have a past.

Around The Web-February 28, 2018

Check out the Easter Sale happening at WTS Books

Wheaton College Wins Religious Freedom Victory, Will Not Be Forced to Provide Abortion-Inducing Drugs

Is Church Discipline Really Necessary?

Josh Buice's sermon from Reformation Bible College: The Local Church Is Not Plan B, C, or D—It’s Plan A: The Local Church Is God’s Will For Your Life

The Significance of Genesis 3:15 by Derek Thomas

Popcorn Theology discusses Black Panther

Dayton Hartman-Church History for Modern Ministry: Why Our Past Matters for Everything We Do from Equipping You In Grace

In What Way Will Christians Judge Angels? from Ask John Piper

Introducing Christian Breakup Lines and you might want to have a pillow on the floor in case you fall laughing because this is so good. I have watched this for a week and I am still laughing.

Around The Web-February 9, 2018

Get all 8 Volumes of the Contours of Christian Theology at 50% off. Each individual copy is 40% off.

Ultimate Charles Spurgeon Giveaway

5 Reasons Christians Shouldn't Be Cynical by Dan DeWitt

Popcorn Theology discusses the Super Bowl and its commercials

Doers, Not Hearers Only by Burk Parsons

Can Women Serve As Deacons? from When We Understand The Text

What Exactly is Biblical Hospitality? by John Ravan

Will Sexual Propriety Make a Comeback? by Trevin Wax

Jared C Wilson interviews Costi Hinn about turning away from the prosperity gospel

Here is a Super Bowl Post Party Press Conference.

Around The Web-December 8, 2017

50% off the Reformation Commentary On Scripture set from Timothy George till December 14

'The Silence Breakers,' including Rose McGowan and Taylor Swift, named TIME Person of the Year

A Baker’s First Amendment Rights

The 17 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2017 by Bob Kellerman

How to Unmask the Myths of Our Secular Age by Jeff Vanderstelt

Stacy Reaoch- Wilderness Wanderings: Finding Contentment in the Desert Times of Life from Equipping You In Grace

The 2018 Christian Reading Challenge by Tim Challies

Worldliness with Michael Beck from Doctrine and Devotion

Does it mean when the Bible says, "we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses?"

Need a gift for Christmas? How about Christian Alexa?

*Please note this is funny video. Christian Alexa does not exist...yet...I hope never*

Book Review: Bearded Gospel Men by By Jared Brock and Aaron Alford

For the past few years, there has been a growing trend (no pun intended) of men growing beards. I am not sure if Duck Dynasty started that craze or what. The point is men are growing beards. Many Christian leaders have also taken on this task while others have not for some reason. Maybe some of them haven't escaped puberty or their wives have promised no kisses from them if they grew one.

Some Christian leaders have looked at men who have grown beards as those who are wise, but is that really true or just another joke? Whether people take the beard trend serious or just as comical, it has been getting a lot of attention. There is also an awareness that one thing the church is lacking it men. Sure we have men in the church that lead, but the other men seem to have checked out. Thankfully, there have also been a growing awareness of men who need to stand and be leaders in their families, churches, and communities. Jared Brock and Aaron Alford has taken the comical side of growing beards and the serious side of manhood in their book, Bearded Gospel Men.

The comical side goes with tips on growing beards, pics of bearded men with a phrase that goes with it like it was a meme in a book, and even on page on the bearditudes. The serious side takes a look at ordinary men who took a stand for Christ whether it was against a false teacher or immorality. Granted all of these men have had a beard, which makes one wonder if you have to grow a beard to be a Christian man (I am not being funny on this one). There have been men on social media that have questioned not only one's manhood, but also one's Christianity when it comes to them not having a beard. My question is when did having a beard make you a Christian or more godly than those who don't have one?

I did not see anywhere in the book where the authors were advocating that having a beard means you are a gospel-centered man and growing in your walk with Christ. They did say that like growth a beard requires time, so does growing as a Christian. As I continue going through this book, I guess I was not getting the humor that went with it and did not see what the point of it was. Yes, they did show men who took at stand for Jesus, but they did it in a more devotional style rather than a biography. I guess this book just didn't do it for me.

Thanks Booklook Bloggers for letting me review this book.

Around The Web-October 20, 2017

Male and Female Pastors to Co-Lead Willow Creek Megachurch

Pastors’ Housing Allowance Tax Break Overturned

Ask John Piper: What Are the Best Reformation Biographies?

The Reformation: A Return to the Biblical Gospel by James Williams

A Devotional Life Beyond the Quiet Time by Jared C Wilson

Where Does Ultimate Authority Lie? by R.C. Sproul

Where Did the Reformation Really Begin? by David Mathis

Men, have you ever been to Home Depot or Lowe's and have no idea what you are doing? Well, you are not alone. In this video, Jon Crist shows us how some men might act or think as they shop for items to improve their home.

Around The Web-September 8, 2017

Against New Covenant Theology w/ Jim Renihan from The Reformed Collective

How to Get Unbelievers to Come to Church by Dean Inserra

5 Marks of a Contented Heart by Erik Raymond

Confessing Christ in the Secular Age by Michael Milton

The Reformation and the Men Behind It by Steven Lawson

Josh Buice on why he signed the Nashville Statement

Who is ready from some football? I know I am. College and High School Football has already started, but the NFL is just getting started. In this video, comedian Jon Crist is a frustrated football coach talking to his guys at halftime and trying to keep his mouth in check. I should mention he is a Christian school.

Around The Web-August 25, 2017

Popcorn Theology on The Founder

Interview With Mark Hogan – From Paedo to Credo

10 Common but Illegitimate Reasons to Divorce by Tim Challies

I Was a Pastor Hooked on Porn by Garrett Kell

Jared C. Wilson– The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Can’t Get Their Act Together from Equipping You In Grace

Debunking Postmodern Liberal Claims That Penal Substitutionary Atonement Didn't Exist Until 1,000 Years After Christ by Chris Rosenberg

What Should Christians Do with Unanswered Questions? by J.D. Greear

Earlier this week, our city officials announced that Uber is available for people to use. Comedian Jon Crist came out with a video that I felt should be shared to celebrate this occasion.

Joe Thorn and Jimmy Fowler, the guys behind Doctrine and Devotion, did a little video as they were riding in the car and smoking cigars.

Around The Web-August 18, 2017

Greg Dutcher's final episode on These Go To 11

White Supremacy Is Spiritual Bondage from the Gospel Coalition

Jeff Johnson reviews The Extent of the Atonement by David Allen

Why Many of Our Churches Are Still One Color by Thom Rainer

12 Basic Principles for Faith and Work by Dan Doriani

Don’t Confuse Spirituality with Righteousness by R.C. Sproul

Matt Chandler makes a statement regarding the Alt-Right Movement and White Supremacy.

A little humor to end the week on especially with all the seriousness of our world happening right now. If you listen to Christian radio, you'll get some of the references.

Around The Web-June 9, 2017

Father's Day Sale happening till June 13th at WTS Books

How Much Did Early Christians Disagree Over Their Theology? by Michael Kruger

Do You Believe the Whole Gospel? by R.C. Sproul

Bring the Books! by Jared C Wilson

Gluttony by James Forbis

Study: Phone-obsessed parents have naughtier kids

10 Things You Should Know about the Protestant Reformation in England by Sam Storms

The FAQs: Supreme Court Delivers Religious Liberty Victory to Hospitals by Joe Carter

What did John 3:16 mean when it said, "For God So Loved The World?"

On a lighter note, the Bible lady is back as she takes a trip through Las Vegas where she had an encounter with the Joker and Mickey Mouse.