Whatchootalkinbout?

I'm sitting in my new office (the far corner of our bedroom (more on that at a later date)) and I hear Truett babbling in the other room as he usually does. Maybe he's a little louder than normal. Then I hear Shana say, "Whatchootalkin'bout Willis?" It made me laugh. For one, Shana is funny when she tries to speak with any other drawl than her own (ask her to do a British accent sometime. Make sure you don't have a drink in your mouth or it will surely come out of your nose). Second, I love Diff'rent Strokes. Of course that sent me to YouTube where I found this gem.

Dancing Around the Gospel...

Why does a proper understanding of the gospel matter? So that whether you're in season or out of season you won't sound like this...

Now, I know that many people want to bash Joel Osteen for being too mild when it comes to the gospel. For not addressing sin. For being too inclusive. I've done my share. If not on this blog or behind the pulpit, then in my heart for which I repent here and now. I don't know how I would act or what I would say if I was on national television with a guy like Larry King. I hope God would give me the grace to articulate the gospel in a way that would be honoring to Him and to His Word. Here's what some guys I respect had to say about the video...

Here's what Kevin DeYoung said on The Resurgence blog (a blog which all of you should read often). DeYoung's response is one of the best gospel presentations I've read:

I really don’t want to pick on Joel Osteen. It’s not easy to winsomely answer a question about the eternal fate of billions of people and do it on live television before the next commercial break. I give Osteen credit for understanding that you need faith and that real faith produces works. I commend him for calling people to believe in Christ.

But still, Osteen fumbled Larry’s question about the plight of those who do not know Christ. It’s one thing to be careful about saying who is or isn’t going to heaven. It’s another thing to repeatedly couch one’s answer in the language of "for me" or "as a Christian." This only serves to cement in postmodern heads that there are no metanarratives, only personal stories; no universal Truth, only community-specific truths.

Here’s what I wish Osteen would have said:

"You know, Larry, that’s a huge question. On one level it’s hard to answer because it feels like a trap. ‘Will he or won’t he condemn everyone to hell?’ Well, it’s not my place to give the final evaluation for anyone. And I don’t want to sit here and say that I deserve to go to heaven more than someone else.

"Because the fact of the matter is none of us can merit heaven. God is holy and we are not. No matter how sincere we are or how many good things we do, we can’t begin to approach the purity and perfection of God. So we need a Mediator, a go-between.

"The Bible teaches that God sent his Son to be our Mediator. He lived the life we couldn’t and died the death meant for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says he was counted as sin so that we could become the righteousness of God. This great exchange is only possible by faith. Even Jesus said that those who don’t believe in him stand condemned already.

"And not because they don’t believe. God doesn’t punish people for not hearing about Jesus. He punishes us for being sinful sinners, for twisting what he has revealed to us in creation and what our own consciences tell us we should do. Without Christ, there’s no bridge between God and man, there’s no hope for a personal relationship with God, there’s no chance of being forgiven.

"Look, I realize that’s offensive to many people. But our desire is not exclude anyone. That’s why Christians believe in sharing their faith and starting new churches. We want everyone to put their faith in Christ and be his disciples. That’s what Jesus told us to do before he ascended into heaven. But I can’t accept that good Buddhists or sincere Hindus are doing just fine, because I don’t believe Jesus is someone’s personal God. I believe he is God. He is more than a personal Lord. He is the Lord over everyone and everything whether they recognize it or not. I can’t fully honor Christ if I pretend he is just one option among many. To say what I think your viewers want me to say would be to deny all that I believe is glorious, precious, and unique about Christ.

"See, the good news is Jesus is not just my personal Savior. He is the Savior of the world. That means he’s not my possession that I try to monopolize. No, he possesses everything and will gladly forgive all who turn to him in faith and repentance. Apart from Christ, no one can be right with God, no Hindus, no Buddhists, no Muslims, least of all this sinful pastor. But in Christ, there is salvation, joy, and new life for all who believe."

Later Osteen issued a public apology for not standing for what he believes. I find this to be very humbling and honorable on his part. Here's what Dr. Mohler had to say about it:

Joel Osteen has issued an apology for his disappointing June 20 appearance on CNN’s Larry King Live program. The apology is published on the Joel Osteen Ministries Web site.
“It was never my desire or intention to leave any doubt as to what I believe and Whom I serve,” he stated. “I believe with all my heart that it is only through Christ that we have hope in eternal life. I regret and sincerely apologize that I was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life.”
Further: “I believe that Jesus Christ alone is the only way to salvation. However, it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to review the transcript of the interview that I realize I had not clearly stated that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven. It’s about the individual’s choice to follow Him.”
The statement reflected both humility and candor. “God has given me a platform to present the Gospel to a very diverse audience. In my desire not to alienate the people that Jesus came to save, I did not clearly communicate the convictions that I hold so precious,” he acknowledged. He also described the interview and its aftermath as “a learning experience” and expresssed his confidence that “God will ultimately use it for my good and His glory.”
Mr. Osteen’s statement is encouraging on several fronts. First, it is encouraging to know that the constituency of Joel Osteen Ministries was so upset about the interview. Second, Mr. Osteen’s statement includes a clear and unambiguous affirmation of the exclusivity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Third, the timeliness of the statement underlines the importance of the issues at stake. Fourth, Mr. Osteen’s apology is free from the evasions typical of the pseudo-apologies so often issued to the public. He did not say that “statements were made,” but instead acknowledged that he had failed to communicate Gospel truth. The humility and honesty of the statement serve to fortify its authenticity.
This is a reminder to all of us who appear in the media. Statements made to an audience of millions are difficult to retract and are often impossible to correct. When Mr. Osteen writes, “I hope that you accept my deepest apology and see it in your heart to extend to me grace and forgiveness,” the only proper response is to extend the very forgiveness for which he asks — and with equal humility. Other concerns can wait for another day.

Good Mood Songs...

There are certain songs that I can listen to that always put me in a good mood. I realized this at work the other morning. It was around 6:30am. This is a time when, though I'm at work, I still have that sleep glaze hanging over me. Its cold in the meat room and its early. Some days I take my iPod with me and set it to shuffle and hope something good comes on. The other day these three songs came on and I was instantly in a good mood.

1. "Call Me Al" by Paul Simon. This song is a favorite of mine since I was a kid. It was popular on VH1 when VH1 actually played music videos. VH1 used to be the milder, more contemporary, less trashy version of MTV. They played good 80's music like this song. And for the record, until I was a teenager I thought Chevy Chase was Paul Simon because of this video.

2. "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel. Billy Joel is one of my favorite music artists of all time. I've seen some of my favorite bands in concert. Billy Joel is the one that got away. I never saw him. I know he's not dead (like I'm making him sound), but he really doesn't tour anymore. Anyway, Billy Joel is great and this song has to put you in a good mood right? I could include "River of Dreams," "Longest Time," or "Its Still Rock and Roll to Me" but those didn't play the other morning now did it?

3. "Your Love" by The Outfield. I don't know much about The Outfield. I don't know if the ever had another hit besides this song. I don't really care. But this song is excellent. I can't say much for the video. I'd put this song up there as a great summer song as well, along with "Jesse's Girl" and "We Built This City."

So, those are my songs. What are yours?

New Coke...Coca-Cola's False Gospel...A Retrospect.

(Courtesy the Atlanta-Journal)...

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Twenty-five years ago Friday, Coca-Cola executives stepped up to a podium at the company's headquarters and told the world that the old Coke formula was being shelved in favor of something called "New Coke." As the ads said, you were gonna love it.

The story of New Coke is still taught in business schools, and not in a good way.Coca-Cola, anxious to fight off a challenge from Pepsi, had forgotten its fans' deep psychological connection with the brand. It hadn't asked them if they would mind if the 99-year-old Coke formula disappeared. The result was perhaps the biggest marketing blunder of the century.

Within weeks, protests broke out, callers lodged thousands of calls to Coca-Cola headquarters and shoppers poured New Coke down gutters. After three months, the company acknowledged its mistake. It reintroduced the "classic" formula, which remains the top-selling soda in the U.S. New Coke lingered on through the late 1990s, but the world had passed it by.

As some of you know I'm a very very moderate collector of Coca-Cola Bottles and some memorabilia. When you collect something, over time you accumulate some amount of knowledge about your collectibles. The above article brings back the memory of the New Coke disaster. I have one of the commemorative 10 oz. bottles of New Coke and remember when New Coke was wheeled out by the geniuses at the Coca-Cola Corporation. New Coke was scrapped and Coca-Cola Classic was reintroduced. (That's why it says "classic" on the can, it used to not be there).

I don't really remember what New Coke tastes like, but apparently it was bad. Especially when compared to The Real Thing. This is a reminder when something is perfect don't change it. You can't improve upon it. You can't make it more palatable. Some people like Pepsi instead of the Classic. I don't know why. People have told me that Pepsi is sweeter and Coke has a "harder" taste. Its not a perfect analogy but it reminds me of the Gospel. Don't change it. You can't change it. Try as many may, in the end it will be a disaster.

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel - not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:6-8

Case-in-point...

The other day I blogged about Kevin Rudolf's song "I Made It." Tonight is the NFL Draft. Its on prime time television for the first time ever. The NFL is huge just so you know. As a league they made $6 billion last year. I'll be willing to bet that the draft tonight will out-rate all of the NBA playoff games combined played tonight. So the case study is that the NFL is the biggest sport in the U.S. The draft is the moment where 20 year old college stars find out if they are about to get paid millions of dollars for throwing a ball. This will be the moment that defines the rest of their lives.

Guess what the theme song is for ESPN's coverage of the draft? "I Made It." Why? Because for many this will be the best thing that ever happens to them in their lives and will be their defining moment.

If you are a believer in Jesus and have trusted him to be the Lord of your life, be thankful that no matter how great your life seems to be and no matter what your dreams are there is more. You didn't have to "make it." Jesus made it for you. He made it.

Bed Head, Crawling, and a Tractor Ride...

Here's a new Truett video. Actually, its not really new. Its several weeks old. I'll post a newer one soon because he's mutated from what you see in this video into a more upright and mobile creature. But, for the time being, enjoy this one.

And, as a side note... Shana and I went to this place last night called Conez and Coneyz (Ice cream and hot dogs). We ate dinner at home and went for a walk and found this place up the street. Its really good, inexpensive ice cream. Shana got "Scout's Honor" which tastes just like thin mint cookies. Just like them. Its better than the Edy's Girls Scout ice cream. What did I get? Check it... Kettle Crunch. What is Kettle Crunch? Are you ready? Chocolate covered Kettle Potato Chips in caramel ice cream with fudge swirls. Amazing.

Shana's Update

It has been forever since I have posted an update. Truett has graduated from high school and is moving out, not really. I know you are super tickled right.

Truett is growing so fast. I really can't believe how fast he is growing up. Truett got his first two bottom teeth at about 6 months old. Well, last week Truett started cutting his top two teeth. He is now 8 months old. I can hardly imagine what his cute little face will look like with two more teeth in his mouth. Although, I am not looking forward to breastfeeding with those new additions. I hope he doesn't hurt me. Truett is so strong. He pinches me, bites me, and pulls my hair all the time I feel like I have bruises all over from it. He started crawling at 7 months old about. He has perfected that crawl and is moving on to bigger and better things. This past week he has been pulling himself up like crazy and scaling. I guess now it is only a matter of time until he is taking his first steps. What can we say our kid is a genius. I really do get sad though when I think about my baby learning to take his first steps. We started introducing foods to him too. We started at 7 months about. So for now he is eating bananas, whole grain cereal, and sweet potatoes, and peas. We tried Avocado and I don' think his stomach liked it to much, we'll try again later.

We just spent the week after Easter in Georgia. We were able to go home for a week. It was really great. It was a really nice rest. Grandma and Grandpa Stringer really loved hanging out with their only grandkid. We also loved being able to visit with a few friends. We didn't get to do the rounds like we normally do. So, this is an apology if we didn't make it to see you. Truett is at that point where he doesn't nap well unless he is sleeping in his bed, and staying in Talmo is a pretty long trip to and from to see anybody. So, we didn't see many people. I also got sick while we were home. That wasn't fun, but it seemed to come and go before we came back home. Which I am so glad for.

Here are some updated photos. I really wish I were better about posting stuff on here. I will try and do better. These are a few pictures from out trip to GA.

We Have A Winner!

Last week I attended the Together For The Gospel conference...I blogged about it. Just scroll down. I got a ton of books for free. One of which is the ESV Study Bible. I was given one two Christmases ago and its the best Bible I own. So, keeping in the Christmas spirit...ho, ho, ho!...we did a drawing for the extra Bible based on the names of the people who left comments on the T4G blog post. Shana drew the number last night. And the winner is.....

Chelsea Price!! Congrats Chelsea. We'll get your new Bible in the mail sometime this week. I think we have your address. If we don't I'll text Drew and get it from him. For those of you who don't know Chelsea, I was her husband's (Drew) roommate in college at North Greenville. We've kept in touch over the years. She has a great family and a new Bible.

The Ultimate American Success Theme Song...

I heard this song on the radio the other day. Its called "I Made It" by Kevin Rudolf. I looked it up on YouTube and found the music video (yes, they still make those). Its actually a really good video. Really creative. It features Birdman (from CashMoney), Jay Sean (made famous by his song "Down" and can actually sing), and Lil'Wayne (if you haven't heard of him, well, not sure what to say... anyway, I'm not a fan). I've liked several of Kevin Rudolf's songs in the past. "Let It Rock" was solid and "Welcome To The World" was really good as well. He blends hip-hop and rock as well as anyone. He's kind of the secular version of TobyMac (I never thought I'd say that about anyone).

Anyway, so I heard this song. Good song. Its kind of like a Rocky Balboa-type song of the music world. "Me against the world!" All of the guys in the video came from nothing. I know Rudolf's story and Lil'Wayne's. They came from the streets. Now they have hit records, money, women, jewelry, money, cars, new baseball hats, millions (literally) of fans/followers, and money. They have, as they say, "made it." And by all accounts in our society they really have made it.

(Don't be afraid, if you click play it won't bite...)

Some thoughts about this song:

1. Their self-confidence is astronomical.

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" Proverbs 16:18

(Lil' Wayne is currently serving a one year jail sentence on weapons charges and Birdman has been arrested several times)

2. They think that they are at the pinnacle.

"For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:16-18

3. They think what they achieved has come from themselves.

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom here is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:16-17

"...what is man that you are mindful of him..." Psalm 8:4

I think this song is a great summation of pop culture and its goals. It also is a song that shows the definition of success for this generation. Be aware (not "beware" as in "go and hide" in your Christian Ghetto). Be Aware! Go and confront not go and hide! This generation needs the life changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They need to know what it means to "make it."

T4G 2010, Free Books, and A Giveaway For You...

T4G:
From Tuesday - Thursday of this week I had the opportunity to attend the "Together For The Gospel Conference" here in Louisville. What is T4G? "T4G began as a friendship between four pastors. These friends differed on a number of theological issues, like baptism and the charismatic gifts. But they were committed to standing together for the main thing - the gospel of Jesus Christ. So they began a conference which occurs every two years and aims principally at encouraging other pastors to do the same - to stand together for the gospel. T4G is convinced that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been misrepresented, misunderstood, and marginalized in many churches among those who proclaim the name of Christ. The four long-time friends, Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, C.J. Mahaney, and Albert Mohler, also asked their friends Thabiti Anyabwile, John MacArthur, John Piper, and R.C. Sproul to join them for these conferences." (courtesy www.t4g.org)

Hi my name is:

I had planned to go to this conference for a while. They gave a great discount to seminary

students. Several weeks ago I went to sign up and it was sold out. I was really disappointed, but I had some school work to complete so it was just as well. Then I got a call from John the Canadian, who I've blogged about before. He was coming down for the conference but w

as in the same predicament that I was in. He started making some phone calls. He was able to get 2 tickets from some friends of his at his former church. The tickets had already been registered in other people's names. So this week John was "Robbie Sagers" (who is actually Dr. Moore's personal assistant) and I was Glen Evans (I have no idea who he is). So thanks to Glen for backing out. It worked out well because in the registration line the line for last names beginning with "E" was considerably shorter than the one beginning with "S."

All of the sessions were amazing. The theme this year was "The (Unadjusted) Gospel." What does that mean? The gospel is Christ alone, by faith alone. Jesus plus nothing. Jesus doesn't need to be adjusted. The speakers that were my favorite were C.J. Mahaney's session with Matt Chandler, Joshua Harris' breakout session, and John Piper. Mahaney and Chandler spoke on the gospel and suffering and how to prepare your congregation for suffering because suffering WILL happen. Harris spoke about the foundation of the gospel. Piper addressed the question, "Did Jesus preach the same gospel as Paul." It was about justification. It was also one of the best messages I've ever heard. I will post the video soon. You should watch it when I post it. Or go to the T4G website.

At one point during the conference, Bob Kauflin from Sovereign Grace Ministries, was leading worship and I got a little awe struck. I try not to get struck by celebrity, especially in the Christian world. But during one of the worship times I had the privilege of sitting on the front row. Not front row-center, but one section to the right. I looked over to the center and from right to left I saw MacArthur, Duncan, Mohler, Chandler, Piper, Thabiti, Mahaney, and Dever. I was awe struck to think that all of these men, who are just men used by God, but are all men that have influenced me and thousands of others for the gospel. They are the men who I will want my kids and grandkids to know about and read. I was blessed to be there.

One of the best takeaways were all of the free books. 20 to be exact. A few I already had, but you can see by the picture how quality the books are. Some are classics some are brand new. All are beneficial.

GIVEAWAY:

If you don't have an ESV Study Bible you'll want to enter. Here's what you get: A brand new, hard cover, ESV Study Bible. This Bible is the best Bible I own. That's weird to say, but the ESV is a great translation and the study notes and online features are fantastic.

Here's how you get it: Leave a comment on this blog post. After a few days I'll take all of the names that have entered and do a drawing. So, just leave a comment with your name and you might win.

Don't enter if you already have one! They gave us some books that they knew we already have so we could give them away.

Do You Know Him?

Happy Resurrection Day!

See the new blog topper for the greeting.

Worst Prank Ever ... or the best.

Since yesterday was April Fool's day it got me thinking about pranks. I saw this one on some show a few months ago. This is both the best and worst prank I've ever seen.

FoxNews.com, I have a problem with you...

I've been meaning to post on this for a while.

FoxNews.com is THE conservative news source that I'm sure most of you, including me, use to get your news. After all, they're "fair and balanced." I just want to issue a warning to believers trying to put off the things of the flesh and put on the things of Christ.

Fox News may be conservative politically, but that certainly doesn't mean that they are conservative on other issues and it certainly doesn't make them any kind of viable Christian influence. First of all they're not fair and balanced. I think we all know that. I'm not saying that I disagree with all of their political stances, but they constantly go out of their way to bash the President, and report on homosexual stories in a negative light. (I don't mean that homosexuality is a positive thing. Its sinful. But their style of reporting only riles their fan-base to hate or at least prejudice themselves against gays).

The tipping point for me today was their "Features & Facts" section. The main stories??

1. Anna Paquin: I'm Bi-sexual

2. Fun With Phone Sex (this comes in their "Fox on Sex" weekly segment)

3. Jen Shows Sexy Side

4. Christian Band's $10 Miracle (a feature story on Mercy Me)

They also feature "Maxim Monday's" where they post pictures of the most recent Maxim Magazine girl. As someone who needs less temptation, less propaganda, and more plain facts, I think I'll be getting my news from somewhere else for a while.

Has anyone else noticed this? Where do you get your news?