tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133455732024-03-18T23:43:30.735-04:00Soren's BlogSorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.comBlogger921125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-50516733381368360182013-08-26T09:48:00.000-04:002013-08-26T09:48:16.017-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0gWxHFMog9w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My pickup basketball days are (mostly) in the rear-view mirror, but this brought back some memories.</span><br />
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<br />Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-40681509098945816682013-08-23T11:00:00.001-04:002013-08-23T11:00:50.427-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbbDKVhlr1-YEBYeetnWy2DA56hxBxNlFSXVke5XuSA97yn34wIHAL6PpPOg1-Vnbx8HtpTJ3nyEZSOUFfuVKOonsP0jJeaSvQgyCSLYV609goctoQzM7xmECQG0icSuMK3_k/s1600/1184867_10201853511878261_551279028_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbbDKVhlr1-YEBYeetnWy2DA56hxBxNlFSXVke5XuSA97yn34wIHAL6PpPOg1-Vnbx8HtpTJ3nyEZSOUFfuVKOonsP0jJeaSvQgyCSLYV609goctoQzM7xmECQG0icSuMK3_k/s400/1184867_10201853511878261_551279028_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-21817087156805034742013-08-06T08:52:00.000-04:002013-08-06T08:52:23.602-04:00Coldwater Men's Camp<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.coldwatermenscamp.com/index.html">Coldwater Men's Camp</a> begins tonight. This campmeeting </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-nr4jPnhCq0UdhAreZYeLfh7iJw3mpT5EDKgQflqiOybCdiCBwHwz3KkVL4yvNs43e9B7DFnplDjqKpzNhrUmpX6zOrAMghot1sQdoYJ-9zbiNhZNEbQArjRNViyXbV8SyIU/s1600/3605037_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-nr4jPnhCq0UdhAreZYeLfh7iJw3mpT5EDKgQflqiOybCdiCBwHwz3KkVL4yvNs43e9B7DFnplDjqKpzNhrUmpX6zOrAMghot1sQdoYJ-9zbiNhZNEbQArjRNViyXbV8SyIU/s200/3605037_orig.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was started last year by men from Cedar Creek desiring to carry on the tradition of <a href="http://sorensblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/northmen.html">The Northmen</a>. It kicks off tonight with one of my favorite preachers, George Faull. I have the privilege of preaching on Wednesday morning. If you live in the area, come check it out!</span>Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-78869066113036289362013-08-01T15:56:00.003-04:002013-08-01T15:56:53.964-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IAms5XYJ3DGl-0-4LtfLzoEgQxJDzVCqexTVTnjnope9-KxIZpngYw_ogMGLo2CWbRxHuGeyXirnkvajhUcEOW7gHNIagjs3uoCpIcEVRo0i7Dk480oXSC6hs83FKGk4kerT/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IAms5XYJ3DGl-0-4LtfLzoEgQxJDzVCqexTVTnjnope9-KxIZpngYw_ogMGLo2CWbRxHuGeyXirnkvajhUcEOW7gHNIagjs3uoCpIcEVRo0i7Dk480oXSC6hs83FKGk4kerT/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-86198845787814293692013-07-08T09:45:00.001-04:002013-07-08T09:45:55.011-04:00How Not to Argue Like an Idiot…The 15 Most Common Logical Fallacies<a href="http://scribblepreach.com/2013/03/13/how-not-to-argue-like-an-idiot-the-15-most-common-logical-fallacies/#sthash.WuVbgtXq.cmfs">How Not to Argue Like an Idiot…The 15 Most Common Logical Fallacies</a>Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-84101470778711109832013-06-17T09:34:00.001-04:002013-06-17T09:34:49.367-04:00Johnny and Chachi's Tribute for Dads<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TdEbQG7ZWFg" width="480"></iframe>Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-8636010674584677862013-06-11T09:18:00.000-04:002013-06-11T09:18:15.027-04:00Congratulations Luke!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My son Luke graduated from High School this past weekend. I'm very proud of him!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UYgr2z-mZ-Vxs93FZGYeCzjxxK9nGi36b3z4RaCfjvhw-uaoY8y3mTWq13Dcnxgnkv0F8Acr1RsGC411wfe1m34BlYxecP3oPl4iFC7HYno3QlvSiJcEmgz1g4G_zB6aohQ5/s1600/HEA_7314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UYgr2z-mZ-Vxs93FZGYeCzjxxK9nGi36b3z4RaCfjvhw-uaoY8y3mTWq13Dcnxgnkv0F8Acr1RsGC411wfe1m34BlYxecP3oPl4iFC7HYno3QlvSiJcEmgz1g4G_zB6aohQ5/s320/HEA_7314.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-79491646156558060182013-05-27T11:21:00.001-04:002013-05-27T11:21:53.173-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSZc_Bll_DjjMjN6DrW4LaBWlJ9PD8Qjg8K7z6ZrKBxgYmzaLOG70V4Ya3VuwqHURbqRrJl6r83SiJnUrzIrjmminCfIp6oZB7YjershcoX7C03vzu09nGhPqiKlg1U7ryfOV/s1600/memorial-day-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSZc_Bll_DjjMjN6DrW4LaBWlJ9PD8Qjg8K7z6ZrKBxgYmzaLOG70V4Ya3VuwqHURbqRrJl6r83SiJnUrzIrjmminCfIp6oZB7YjershcoX7C03vzu09nGhPqiKlg1U7ryfOV/s400/memorial-day-image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-83136204827230313092013-05-22T10:06:00.001-04:002013-05-22T10:06:55.873-04:00Thanks Solomon Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCT0O9psROjQ3Kn3qD6Ho-kSXDgLc1RvVawiFvSMvPMukH0yAWLvoSZiHzfP3VfQbLByuWd0P8mfsLViVMGaXbzy4e2PzGnebI3qozksebBk8baJ9wrK6n017UKdWcQ5T8sZp/s1600/912856_10201007118730443_129867127_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCT0O9psROjQ3Kn3qD6Ho-kSXDgLc1RvVawiFvSMvPMukH0yAWLvoSZiHzfP3VfQbLByuWd0P8mfsLViVMGaXbzy4e2PzGnebI3qozksebBk8baJ9wrK6n017UKdWcQ5T8sZp/s320/912856_10201007118730443_129867127_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, Tracy and I had had the privilege of traveling to San Diego, courtesy of <a href="http://www.thesolomonfoundation.org/">The Solomon Foundation.</a> We attended a conference with about 50 other ministers and their wives. We were all from similar sized churches. We spent 3 days learning, fellowshipping, and networking. We are grateful for the generosity of the Solomon Foundation. I was impressed with its vision and the work being accomplished for the Kingdom.</span>Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-7599502933781370712013-05-01T08:04:00.000-04:002013-05-01T08:04:21.807-04:00Frank Viola's New Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYKPPXgy8l9eYiiD5-qVNKRl6IRc1H2kY_yao8tKZ9j3zIYFR1jIwvdR2WhdjnJH7dOsM_2xlcqj5zkvCxoDN1RIyYpkc0JbdsZ4RzbmTM79A3_dclw15ZgAryq_pTckXgwYc/s1600/9780781405904_3D1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYKPPXgy8l9eYiiD5-qVNKRl6IRc1H2kY_yao8tKZ9j3zIYFR1jIwvdR2WhdjnJH7dOsM_2xlcqj5zkvCxoDN1RIyYpkc0JbdsZ4RzbmTM79A3_dclw15ZgAryq_pTckXgwYc/s320/9780781405904_3D1.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frank Viola -- no, not the guy who pitched for the Mets, the <i>other</i> Frank Viola, has just released his new book<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://frankviola.org/godsfavoriteplace/">God's Favorite Place on Earth</a>. </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> If you get the book between May 1</span><sup style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">st</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">to May 7</span><sup style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">, you will also receive</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> </span><b style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">25 FREE books from over 15 different authors</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click <a href="http://godsfavoriteplace.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #617c3d; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">GodsFavoritePlace.com</a> to ordering information and easy instructions on how to get your 25 free books.</span></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-63739472399823137842013-04-22T09:44:00.000-04:002013-04-22T09:44:11.672-04:00Identity Launch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC1h30PMwzsRrKx8iWKL9x5-HNsHezMtGNE5HKbOkz_PL8dH6aJCg0xgY7XFZM8npCTk3RPL-M4fCJmqspPNPZkFAZap_CJuFe0nonAffONo2SekzPugC189f2Y1talgu08tz/s1600/CedarCreekChurch-FullLogo-Color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC1h30PMwzsRrKx8iWKL9x5-HNsHezMtGNE5HKbOkz_PL8dH6aJCg0xgY7XFZM8npCTk3RPL-M4fCJmqspPNPZkFAZap_CJuFe0nonAffONo2SekzPugC189f2Y1talgu08tz/s400/CedarCreekChurch-FullLogo-Color.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was a great day at Cedar Creek. We celebrated our Identity Launch, revealing our new logo, tagline, and website. Check it out <a href="http://www.cedarcreekchurch.com/">here</a>.</span><br />
<br />Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-28843436351503132502013-04-16T13:48:00.000-04:002013-04-16T13:48:11.012-04:00Thoughts About Boston<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWxKubUt6axFnc7kzkFmvIyWGjk3PX_f8F1r5DoeOlaOxMH3IAfdnHYbet_2VvxdM29hd2Qmg5fbLsTpZvVIqjp7FbSRPhkRa-2KPDWEP2-jgJcLmb8f7Ffn3xUiaGCqc4Vvk/s1600/boston-marathon-finish-line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWxKubUt6axFnc7kzkFmvIyWGjk3PX_f8F1r5DoeOlaOxMH3IAfdnHYbet_2VvxdM29hd2Qmg5fbLsTpZvVIqjp7FbSRPhkRa-2KPDWEP2-jgJcLmb8f7Ffn3xUiaGCqc4Vvk/s200/boston-marathon-finish-line.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My heart ached when I heard the news and saw the reports
from the Boston Marathon yesterday. Evil does exist in the world. The events in Boston really struck a nerve. I
can’t imagine the terror and confusion in the moment and the grief in the
aftermath (I’m especially feeling for the runner whose son was killed and wife
and daughter injured). I have
participated in a number of big races through the years, especially <a href="http://www.richmondmarathon.com/">Richmond</a>, so
I could imagine being near that finish line. The atmosphere is always upbeat, positive,
and celebratory. And to be shattered in an instant by a senseless act. I don’t
get it. I agree with what Bob Russell tweeted yesterday: “The evil one seeks to
kill, steal & destroy. Don't cower in fear. Let’s run to the only safe
haven - the will of God. He will overcome!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-23362389174512727812013-04-13T11:20:00.000-04:002013-04-13T11:20:21.843-04:00Reflecting on The Gospel Coalition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0fXoUIlWPHbM5OJ2ZlwFJANZxNwwPJvxqhvnXI1ZSRfVgtET2LfT-81HDenFWaZsu9OMQfDRv00dDb3hCSBJv-c_qFT5mhR06ox8W8sDOV3jTJMxXTVqz_ULXd-C3GYXtNQt/s1600/page21_picture0_1332951006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0fXoUIlWPHbM5OJ2ZlwFJANZxNwwPJvxqhvnXI1ZSRfVgtET2LfT-81HDenFWaZsu9OMQfDRv00dDb3hCSBJv-c_qFT5mhR06ox8W8sDOV3jTJMxXTVqz_ULXd-C3GYXtNQt/s1600/page21_picture0_1332951006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0fXoUIlWPHbM5OJ2ZlwFJANZxNwwPJvxqhvnXI1ZSRfVgtET2LfT-81HDenFWaZsu9OMQfDRv00dDb3hCSBJv-c_qFT5mhR06ox8W8sDOV3jTJMxXTVqz_ULXd-C3GYXtNQt/s200/page21_picture0_1332951006.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week, my son and I had the privilege of attending
<a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/2013/">The Gospel Coalition</a> national conference. We heard some tremendous preaching
and experienced wonderful worship. And the time spent together as father &
son was precious. I have been attending TGC and a similar event (<a href="http://t4g.org/">Together for the Gospel</a>) for a number of years now. I always feel blessed and renewed, but
here’s the thing – I’m not from the Reformed tradition, which is the target audience
of these events. I like to joke that I’m the token Arminian present (although,
with 7000+ attendees, I’m sure I’m not the only one). Contrary to what one
might think, the Calvinism is very much understated at TGC (with the exception
of the titles available in the bookstore).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This year the messages were straightforward expository sermons from the
Gospel of Luke. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess what’s bothering me a bit is that I have to go
outside my tribe (Restoration Movement – Independent Christian Church and Churches
of Christ) to find events and hear preaching like this. We do have some
wonderful events/conventions, but frankly, they are not at the same level. I
was taught in college that we were the “people of the book.” I am not convinced
that we have a monopoly on that. In fact, I think we’re getting out butts
kicked in that area by some other groups. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The TGC and T4G crowd have been called, “Young, Restless,
and Reformed”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dissatisfied with the
status quo that they have experienced in their congregations, they are starting
to read, study, and promote some of the core doctrines that launched the
Protestant Reformation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m wondering
whether the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ can demonstrate a similar
rebirth. Does our movement have significant numbers of people who can be
identified as, “Young, Restless, and Restorationist”? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely there are people in their 20’s and 30’s
who have grown weary of the “same old church thing” and would be eager to
embrace a return to the church as depicted on the pages of the New Testament.
Our Calvinist friends have demonstrated that young people are not averse to
things of a spiritual/biblical nature. May the Lord raise up leaders in our
movement who are able to capture the imaginations of our young and bright
believers.</span></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-88620127629573017002013-03-27T10:34:00.000-04:002013-03-27T10:34:02.020-04:00Redefining Marriage<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zrUT91S_wBIH00iZdhB1QVfxgXkebRK7yX8BMkRgR3ahmxDwpqFrU9QmqBnBNjFBNYsQh4zKkm8dnYXQ7kudszg4qydZWnE4SgxjH5Acfl91s-PdDGaw0oI3Jl0x2Q9-Np2_/s1600/gay-marriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zrUT91S_wBIH00iZdhB1QVfxgXkebRK7yX8BMkRgR3ahmxDwpqFrU9QmqBnBNjFBNYsQh4zKkm8dnYXQ7kudszg4qydZWnE4SgxjH5Acfl91s-PdDGaw0oI3Jl0x2Q9-Np2_/s200/gay-marriage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had no idea that so many of my Facebook friends were
staunch proponents/opponents of gay marriage. I had a thought, and I don't
think I've seen anywhere (which means that I'm probably off base). I think it's
misguided to quote Scripture, etc. to those who are not in covenant with the
Lord and don't respect the authority of the Bible. But it seems to me that we
are giving a completely different definition to marriage. That NCAA tourney
going on right now -- the game is called basketball. There are specific rules,
equipment, allotted time, etc. that make basketball what it is. If we could get
enough Americans and the SCOTUS to vote to call it football (and football is
something entirely different in itself), would it really be football? Or is it
still basketball, but we are now calling it football, even though it really
isn't?</span></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-30101377879835932922013-03-25T13:14:00.002-04:002013-03-25T13:16:18.202-04:00Say what?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHguHPdlFAFyQ4S3WK0P6VolMgpJsFlZQahXPccdFhJKii4X3Ip1ob49Tzz2JXo0luQbk-ytVONWx8J7-5SPOVjLeoKHpwqzo4jhoYFXg22KxmZ1oiNHbn6TZSL_3QvDa69Fud/s1600/bap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHguHPdlFAFyQ4S3WK0P6VolMgpJsFlZQahXPccdFhJKii4X3Ip1ob49Tzz2JXo0luQbk-ytVONWx8J7-5SPOVjLeoKHpwqzo4jhoYFXg22KxmZ1oiNHbn6TZSL_3QvDa69Fud/s1600/bap.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize that I, like everyone else, tend to view the Bible
through my own theological lens. Like Alexander Campbell, I have a simple
answer to religious division – agree that I’m right, and then we will have
unity in the church. Yes, that’s tongue-in-cheek (mostly). But still, I’m
perplexed by the crowd that says baptism is “necessary, but not essential.” Recently
I was at an event where the leader was promoting an upcoming baptism service
(note: it was not a church affiliated with the Restoration Movement). He said, “Not
that baptism has anything to do with one’s salvation, but we do it because Jesus
commanded it.” It wasn't the first part of the sentence that threw me (I’m accustomed
to that), but the second part doesn't make sense to me. Jesus commanded baptism
three times in the gospels (John 3, Mark 16, Matthew 28) – and each time he
gives the reason or purpose for that which is commanded (baptism). He tells
Nicodemus that one cannot see the kingdom of God without it (John 3:5). He
directly connects it to salvation (Mark 16:16) and becoming a disciple (Matt.
28:19). I just don’t see how you can separate the command from the purpose. I’m reminded of something my friend John Mitchell is
fond of saying, “It takes professional help to misunderstand these verses.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you think?</span></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-29835276813206688242013-03-20T12:07:00.002-04:002013-03-20T12:09:49.987-04:00Justification & Sanctification<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was doing some thinking today about why folks in my “tribe”
(Independent Christian churches) don’t seem to be as serious about studying the
Bible and growing in their faith. I asked a friend, “Why does
the average member come to church on Sunday?” He gave many answers, but did not
say, “They come because they are so grateful for what God has done for them,
and they want to worship with other believers and be
challenged/encouraged/taught from the Word.” He didn't say anything close to
that. He mentioned things like habit, pleasing one’s parents, tradition,
culture, etc. Granted, it was just one man’s opinion, but could he be right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the other hand, believers from other stripes
(specifically, the young, restless, & reformed crowd) seem to be much more
serious about the things I’m not observing so much among my peeps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it dawned on me – the reformed crowd isn't as concerned
about justification (in their theology, that’s entirely God’s job), so they are free to focus primarily on their sanctification. Whereas the
Restoration Movement types tend to emphasize “getting saved”, to the neglect of
figuring out “what do I do after I’m saved?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you think?</span></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-17607323879352744752013-03-16T13:38:00.002-04:002013-03-16T13:38:20.201-04:00I Liked This Band for About Half a Song, Then I Got Bored and Changed the Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiWT0K902iqEwOZXlJ2qRN1lmjUDqDnUUIdvfPk4lmjwFVDRZlyyb_45WDAqyRwYdhjwVtliuKrJ4JZrQHHcfolM6qVyzSIxrDcnbi4oHLLYmSCkDez9Caj_Sl_HJueP9X60P/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiWT0K902iqEwOZXlJ2qRN1lmjUDqDnUUIdvfPk4lmjwFVDRZlyyb_45WDAqyRwYdhjwVtliuKrJ4JZrQHHcfolM6qVyzSIxrDcnbi4oHLLYmSCkDez9Caj_Sl_HJueP9X60P/s400/image001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-25491880271623270052013-03-11T09:13:00.000-04:002013-03-11T09:13:19.227-04:00National Preaching Summit
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB754NamvNPypQKyDqEC4kUZEchtECkDlqSBUAhmIZdMBXx6eKXZ25TdToevkrxekQC8K5O0Awzhkmbb9x9qgQmzCG_cbNh0wFOUf_qZiggE8jJTjR_Nt8VabrgtwW5_qtqLuH/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB754NamvNPypQKyDqEC4kUZEchtECkDlqSBUAhmIZdMBXx6eKXZ25TdToevkrxekQC8K5O0Awzhkmbb9x9qgQmzCG_cbNh0wFOUf_qZiggE8jJTjR_Nt8VabrgtwW5_qtqLuH/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m excited about attending the <a href="http://www.collegepress.com/storefront/http%3A/%252Fwww.collegepress.com/nps">National Preaching Summit</a>.
Every year, hundreds of preachers gather in Indianapolis to fellowship and
learn and hone their craft. It’s great to see old friends and meet new ones.
This year, I’m especially looking forward to hearing one of my theological
heroes, Dr. Jack Cottrell. As a rookie preacher, I took his class on the
Doctrine of Grace. It had a profound impact on the trajectory of my ministry. I hope to see some of you at the Summit!</span></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-71545739394357174052013-03-07T08:31:00.000-05:002013-03-07T08:31:30.335-05:00A Good Prayer<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I read a prayer that resonated with me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Give me a pure heart -- that I may see Thee.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>A humble heart -- that I may hear Thee.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>A heart of love --- that I may serve Thee.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>A heart of faith -- that I may abide in Thee.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dag Hammarskjold</span>Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-22558330809596076862013-03-04T09:04:00.001-05:002013-03-04T09:04:24.048-05:00First Impressions of The Bible on the History Channel
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjysf_AhC5XrKTIeTIL8H1nQiiMtik4w-RVaPYCVsXPXpJn8EaON9rigoJlcUuQppZUi3rPT8krLWYcoj6qWHxMy-NKj_ol8vuwvLwLhs305XVQIx3EMa21cgbf8EgKZbOAqb/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjysf_AhC5XrKTIeTIL8H1nQiiMtik4w-RVaPYCVsXPXpJn8EaON9rigoJlcUuQppZUi3rPT8krLWYcoj6qWHxMy-NKj_ol8vuwvLwLhs305XVQIx3EMa21cgbf8EgKZbOAqb/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The History Channel premiered <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bible</i> last night (the first of 5 episodes). Having heard the
Director, Mark Burnett, interviewed several months ago, I had been looking forward
to it. Telling the story of the Scriptures in 10 hours is an impossible task –
obviously there are going to be some gaps and some significant fast-forwards.
Burnett told a group of ministers, “My job is to give an overview, and I hope
to funnel people into your churches where you can tell them the whole story.”
Obviously some folks on Twitter didn’t get that message. The very small sample
(meaning, those I follow on Twitter) I read last night was divided – some loved
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bible</i>, others found lots of
inaccuracies and reasons to complain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was in that first group. I enjoyed it very much. The scene
where Abraham was preparing to sacrifice Isaac was powerful, and it brought
tears to my eyes. Moses was depicted in a way that made liberal use of artistic
license, but the gist of the story was accurate. Obedience to the One True God
was a dominant theme.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing I loved was that millions of viewers were
seeing/hearing the truths of Scripture, perhaps for the very first time. I’m
praying that God will use this series to draw many people to Him.</span></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-62889095323948338742013-01-11T11:50:00.000-05:002013-01-11T11:50:09.191-05:00You Are Now Entering Post-Christian America<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been following </span><a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/2013/01/10/the-giglio-imbroglio-the-public-inauguration-of-a-new-moral-mccarthyism/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Giglio Imbroglio</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Whatever the truth is (did he withdraw or was he disinvited?), it reminded me of this quote from Carl Truman. I think he nails it:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
You
really do kid only yourselves if you think you can be an orthodox Christian and
be at the same time cool enough and hip enough to cut it in the wider world.
Frankly, in a couple of years it will not matter how much urban ink you sport,
how much fair trade coffee you drink, how many craft brews you can name, how
much urban gibberish you spout, how many art house movies you can find that
redeemer figure in, and how much money you divert from gospel preaching to
social justice: maintaining biblical sexual ethics will be the equivalent in
our culture of being a white supremacist.</blockquote>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2012/09/pleased-to-meet-you-hope-you-g.php">source</a></span></span></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-21135347775950594092012-10-15T09:40:00.001-04:002012-10-15T09:40:52.373-04:00Sermonizing in St. Louis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc1qflYc4ZaVsx1SDiQzWGKRGfrsRqTj9tXuEiYoWNJyCYW5l1qRfJHTqwyKG1bz-7XY3VfeIX_CULqYgJE6-0Z9rFaX-fKU_OqAMPYdKvkmSlToWh4js1tarNZlnrWYUfdwf/s1600/sermons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc1qflYc4ZaVsx1SDiQzWGKRGfrsRqTj9tXuEiYoWNJyCYW5l1qRfJHTqwyKG1bz-7XY3VfeIX_CULqYgJE6-0Z9rFaX-fKU_OqAMPYdKvkmSlToWh4js1tarNZlnrWYUfdwf/s320/sermons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm in St. Louis, MO for a couple of days. Third annual meeting with a couple of preacher friends. We meet for fellowship, and study, and encouragement. We challenge one another and brainstorm ideas for possible sermon series -- we usually end up preaching a couple of these together during the year (it's great writing together, even though we are in different states). Looking forward to getting a lot of prep/planning done for 2013.</span>Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-25860644574080995412012-10-11T21:03:00.001-04:002012-10-11T21:03:54.381-04:00Our New Dog, Cubbie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Jwc55An26rrmOdv_kXZodD0VQa7PNuObzESVFlx1hBek1HBNCj34PsMCXlGcHD4EdfGil9oIDKrRmrWXNR7CbyPLuyEUbpPcSXxEeplkPW9PmqOsST5D7GusDqAWjfVVVV9/s1600/IMG_0896.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Jwc55An26rrmOdv_kXZodD0VQa7PNuObzESVFlx1hBek1HBNCj34PsMCXlGcHD4EdfGil9oIDKrRmrWXNR7CbyPLuyEUbpPcSXxEeplkPW9PmqOsST5D7GusDqAWjfVVVV9/s400/IMG_0896.PNG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-49846040328926019732012-09-19T10:18:00.001-04:002012-09-19T10:18:27.698-04:00The Reality of Hell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsoodjtk6n_IRCpmKxoosTMXDkgPgt_4EoWvX-4dz_PMaeRO_X4ncwS9tNBQdiIiF-6pTsVDBzcRK1UNO8wEpu3E1rfVDSiBVAgXwVnNViQz_bRTuuNYo0eHvzV4Bb6DfrPLK/s1600/hell_525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsoodjtk6n_IRCpmKxoosTMXDkgPgt_4EoWvX-4dz_PMaeRO_X4ncwS9tNBQdiIiF-6pTsVDBzcRK1UNO8wEpu3E1rfVDSiBVAgXwVnNViQz_bRTuuNYo0eHvzV4Bb6DfrPLK/s200/hell_525.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hell. It’s
not a comfortable subject. It’s a topic that we don’t mention in polite
company. It’s something that many folks like to pretend isn’t in the Bible. But
Jesus talked about hell. A lot. He mentioned hell, judgment, and punishment numerous
times in his teaching, especially in his parables. He talked about hell more
than anyone else in all of Scripture.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hell has
fallen out of fashion in our culture. I fear that many Christians have not come
to grips with the reality of this place. They are afraid to talk about it, or
they dismiss it as a relic of the Puritan age. In 25 years of ministry, even
with long-time Christians, my experience has been that while they give lip
service to the biblical doctrine of hell, the predominant view of salvation is,
“If you are a good person you will go to heaven.” They are, in effect, pratical universalists. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not
obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John
3:36). At the final judgment, all will stand before Jesus. Jesus’ followers
whose names are written in the Book of Life will be with him forever. The Bible
could not be clearer: “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of
life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hell is a
real place. The Bible affirms the existence of hell over 100 times. Even the
demons do not deny its reality. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Victor
Knowles</span> wrote, “Demons do not brush off the Bible's teaching on hell by
saying, ‘Oh, that’s just your interpretation’ or ‘God is too good to let anyone
go to hell.’ Because they swore allegiance to Satan long ago, they have bought
their one-way ticket to hell. They realize, with horror, that there will
literally be ‘hell to pay’ someday.” It is more than a condition or a swear
word. It is not merely a figment of some theologian’s imagination. Jesus said,
“<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Do not be afraid of those who kill the
body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both
soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hell is a
prepared place. It is a place that God made for the Devil and his angels. Satan
will <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">not</span> reign there. It was
never intended for man. The Lord told us this. “Then he will say to those on
his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared
for the devil and his angels’” (Matthew 25:41). Jesus’ words about hell come in
the context of the rest of Scripture, which says that God “desires all people
to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hell is a
terrible place.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>The Bible does not
give us a detailed exposition of hell, but there are many descriptions of the
fate of its inhabitants in that place of eternal punishment. There is no
possibility of amnesty or reprieve. Dante said a sign should be erected over
the door of hell, ”Thou who enter this door, leave all hope behind.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hell is an
avoidable place. Death is not normal or natural, but an enemy, the consequence
of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The body goes to the grave and
the spirit goes into an afterlife to face judgment. The Bible is clear that
there will one day be a bodily resurrection for everyone to either eternal life
with God or eternal condemnation apart from him in hell. Christianity differs
from all religions in that the Bible teaches that our eternal status depends on
our relationship with Jesus. I like the way Aaron Brockett puts it: “God,
through His Word, is not threatening us with hell, but warning us. And when we
communicate the reality of hell and judgment with others, we do so honestly but
with a broken heart.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We really believe
that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes
in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13345573.post-50706745016989183222012-08-21T12:16:00.001-04:002012-08-21T12:16:41.828-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l1WP839gitBAnNptT8tIRremDznudyHABV4aPMH7k1XzGwe46wCrpjOLp0RmKAOJVtOnvO3t6mDM5sQb1GOzD9QjQxsCj6j2Ab6b0XbJhigQp-EOPIEc-fPD_GNmMPz6-KXm/s1600/641397940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l1WP839gitBAnNptT8tIRremDznudyHABV4aPMH7k1XzGwe46wCrpjOLp0RmKAOJVtOnvO3t6mDM5sQb1GOzD9QjQxsCj6j2Ab6b0XbJhigQp-EOPIEc-fPD_GNmMPz6-KXm/s400/641397940.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Sorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09551525893025698078noreply@blogger.com2