Practicing Theology: no longer orphans

I just added a post to our adoption blog--I'm slowly 'filling in the blanks' telling the story of how God has built our family through adoption and what life has been like these past 5+ years.

As former orphans our girls were often subject to the 'whims' of their caregivers and/or the dictates of poverty. Consequently, when our girls both decided to grow out their hair (because they COULD) and donate it (because the WANTED to), we seized the expected and unexpected opportunities that brought for teaching and training! HERE'S a link to that post.

Would it surprise you to know...

...that I own a headcovering (I made mine, but it's very similar to the one pictured above) and have used it regularly? And, would it surprise you that I keep it handy since I have no Biblical or personal objections to covering my head if the leadership of a church we visit/attend determines that it is fitting for women to cover their head during worship?

I recall my first encounter with a sister-in-Christ who practiced covering her head in the assembly, it was in the mid-80's while my husband was attending Dallas Theological Seminary. Up until that time the only women I'd ever seen cover their head for 'religious reasons' was the occasional Mennonite women at the grocery or discount store--and even then I'd 'written them off' as odd and old-fashioned.

So when my friend and neighbor, Gaye, came knocking at our apartment door one evening I was more than a bit puzzled when she asked if she could 'borrow a doillie' since she was scheduled to sing in one of the upcoming chapel services at DTS (DTS did not require this, it was Gaye's practice). Keep in mind that this was the 80's and the "country" style of decorating was still quite popular, so I actually had a number of doillies for her to choose from. She selected one that covered just the crown of her head, thanked me and promised to return it in a few days. Thus began my initial quest to understand, and submit to if necessary, the practice of Christian women wearing headcoverings.

I soon found out that I was not alone, as I met other seminary wives (women married to seminary students) who were curious about this practice and were eager to know if it was something they should also consider and embrace. While we enjoyed countless conversations and many 'working lunches' together studying the topic in light of scripture, none of us came to a firm conclusion or conviction that headcoverings were required of us.

However, what I did walk away with was the desire and willingness to submit to--and embrace--the practice if/when I (or my husband) confidently came to a Biblical understanding of it's necessity. Consequently, when we began to attend a small 'Brethern' assembly in the early 90's I was glad that I'd decided to wear a hat that first morning, and subsequently made a trip to the local Wal-Mart where I bought some lace fabric for my own headcovering.

Thanks the time devoted to discussion and study, and time among the 'Brethern' assembly (who by the way, welcomed us in spite of our 'reformed/Calvinistic' theology), I have absolutely 'zero' problem and no reservations whatsoever with joining other Christian women in covering my head when/if called for by the leadership of a church.

I realize that this is not a common or even a popular topic, but I'm still surprised when I hear an attitude of scoffing--even scorn--among women (professing believers) who have admittedly given little to no careful consideration of the practice, but steadfastly renounce it as something 'I could/would never do!'. As Bereans wouldn't the better response and attitude be, 'Maybe I need to study and consider that...'?

Sidenote: while we were in Russia adopting our daughters our translator and our host took us to visit a number of Russian Orthodox churches--I wonder if it surprised them how willingly I (a thoroughly 'modern' American woman) followed their lead and covered my head as we entered their places of worship?

Headcovering photo found at, Headcoverings.com

For Bibliophiles: Jerry Bridges on Worship

Surprisingly, a week or two ago I had a 'free' afternoon! What does a full-time stay-at-home, home schooling mom DO with a 'free' afternoon? Go to bookstores, of course! :-)

While at our favorite local used bookstore I found a used book for $1.95, I Exalt You, O God: Encountering His Greatness in Your Private Worship, by Jerry Bridges (check it out here at Amazon)

This find was a special 'find' for me because Jerry Bridges has been a favorite Xian author of mine for many years, and the topic of worship has been of particular interest to me over the years for a variety of reasons--some of which include my former charismatic theology & practice, and our recent "Survey of Denominations" church visits.

Since I hadn't heard of this book before (published by Waterbrook Press in Colorado Springs, 2001) I was cautious (not surprising if you know me!) but curious how he would approach this topic. I'm on "Day 8" of his 31 day plan and have been very pleased and challenged by Bridges' emphasis on knowing who God is through His word in order to equip us to worship Him privately and corporately. In his introductory comments Bridges says,

"Our Worship must be in harmony with what God has revealed about Himself in His Word. It is possible to have zeal without knowledge (Romans 10:2). For example, if we stress only one side of God's attributes--say, His mercy and love--without also stressing His sovereignty and holiness, we're not worshiping in truth."

This, I'm afraid, is where the church today continues to 'flirt' with the world as it pertains to worship--private and corporate. The average professing Christian today has become satisfied to attend and/or experience worship, in lieu of pursuing a lifestyle of worship through a growing knowledge of who God has revealed Himself to be and what He requires from His creation. Bridges warns us,

"To attempt to worship God in only the narrow sense of praising Him without also seeking to worship Him in our whole way of life is hypocrisy. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they were going through outward motions of worship, but their hearts were not committed to God. "You hypocrites!" He said, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men' (Matthew 15:7-9)."

Hypocritical worship--mindlessly going through outward motions, giving lip service, performing prescribed acts--is a danger for all Xians. But as we grow in our understanding of what true worship is, we become better prepared and equipped to identify our own hypocrisy, confess it, repent from it, and pursue worship that is pleasing to God in 'spirit and truth'. It requires our heart AND our mind, it is not 'letting go' as some would have us think. It is an active, conscious engaging of our mind in order to inform and direct our heart--our affections--Godward.

Encouraging other adoptive parents

Raising 'older' foreign-born adopted children provides countless blessings along with many challenges.

If you are an adoptive parent of 'older' children, or know someone who is, I invite you to visit a new blog I have been invited to co-host, "Adoption 3:16"

It is our prayer and goal to encourage and comfort others with the same comfort we have received (2 Cor. 1:3-4) through His Word and through His saints!

Are we satisfied with the 'milk' of the Word or are we longing for the 'meat' of the Word?

Here's an excerpt of R.C. Sproul discussing obstacles to spiritual nourishment--feeding on 'milk', rather than on the 'meat' of the Word:

"One of the questions we must ask ourselves today is this: In a nation full of seriously underfed believers, how do we help people identify and overcome the obstacles—both cultural and personal—that close them off from spiritual nourishment?

I’m sure that you, like me, can easily think of several cultural obstacles. Among them are doubts about the usefulness of doctrine, which lead to churches with shallow beliefs. There is also a loss of confidence in scholarly professors in colleges and seminaries—a fear that deeper training in the faith will produce intellectual skeptics.

These are valid concerns. But I believe I can explain one of the most serious personal obstacles by way of an illustration. Like millions of other people, I took piano lessons when I was a child. I still remember my first lesson from the classic Thompson books. I played with the index finger of my right hand, then changed to the left. It was simple stuff.

I doubt that many people dropped out after the first lesson because it was too difficult. But very few of them ever became accomplished pianists. Why? Because once you get past the elementary level, you begin using two hands, playing chords, and changing tempos. At this point a lot of people quit taking piano because they don’t want to exercise the discipline necessary to get beyond little one-finger tunes.

That’s what happens to many Christians. They become satisfied with the “milk” of the Word, despite the fact that we are called to go beyond the ABC’s of the faith to maturity in Christ. The apostle Paul addressed this mentality when he wrote to the church at Corinth: “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh” (1 Cor 3:1–3).

Paul’s epistles, as well as the whole of Scripture, were written to be “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16) to make us complete. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for being satisfied with milk rather than with meat, because they had been Christians long enough to grow and become more mature.

More than two thousand years later, we again face a dire need for solid teaching of the Word...because it is when God’s people are deeply grounded in the Word that they stand fast against the trials and temptations in this world..."

Survey of Denominations ~ Service Overview & Evaluation

Again, for those who have asked:

Here's the second questionnaire for our 'Survey of Denominations' course. The first questionnaire can be found HERE.

Survey of Denominations ~ Service Overview & Evaluation

Church: ____________________ Denomination: _________________
Date/day visited: _______________ Time of service: _______________

If possible, obtain and keep a bulletin/program of the service

Style of service (circle all that apply): formal informal casual traditional contemporary organized disorganized reverent irreverent “high” church

Note the time devoted to various aspects of the service (prayer, corporate singing, preaching, special music, drama/skits, announcements, presentations, testimonies, altar call, etc.)



What was the text of the message/sermon (if any)?

Was the teaching topical or expository?

Was the teaching clear and understandable? ____ If not, was it due to the style of teaching/delivery, or due to the content?


Was the teaching theologically/biblically sound? ____ Explain:

Did you learn/gain anything from the teaching (positive or negative)? ____ Explain:


What questionable teaching or practice did you see or hear? Describe and briefly respond to/address this with Scripture:


Was the gospel clearly communicated/presented? ____ If yes, in what manner (sermon, altar call, testimony):

Describe the psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (God-centered, man-centered, theologically sound, theologically weak, devoid of any theology, reverent, irreverent, traditional, contemporary, etc.):


In what ways did the congregation participate during this service (listening, speaking, singing, shouting, praying, bowing, jumping/swaying, quiet, loud, etc.)?


What did you like or enjoy most about this service (Explain by way of Biblical support or personal preference)?


What did you dislike most (Explain by way of Biblical support or personal preference)?


Would you consider becoming a part of this church/denomination? ____ Why or why not?


Based on this service what, if anything, might you conclude (focus, emphasis, lack of emphasis, understanding, application, practice, etc.) about this denomination’s:


Christology: (doctrine of Christ):


Pneumatology (doctrine of the Holy Spirit):


Anthropology (doctrine of man):


Hamartiology (doctrine of sin):


Soteriology (doctrine of salvation):


Ecclesiology (doctrine of the church/church government):


Eschatology (doctrine of end times):



Overall, would you consider this service more God-centered or more man-centered?


Explain:

Survey of Denominations ~ What is Worship?

Again, for those who asked...

Because we will be observing some vastly different services I believe it is important that Olga establish a Biblical framework from which to consider and evaluate what she sees/experiences--now and in the future. Not to mention that I cannot (will not) ignore the fact that her own experiences have been dramatically different--from Russian Orthodox to conservative Protestant/Evangelical. Whoa! :-)

Prior to beginning our 'Survey of Denominations course, I asked Olga to list what she considered integral to/for corporate worship. I reminded her that not everything done during a "worship" service can be Biblically supported as worship (announcements, special programs, awards/recognitions, etc.).

I was very pleased with the list she came up with and wanted to reinforce how the Bible does in fact guide us and encourage us regarding corporate worship. So, on that same sheet of paper I gave her a number of scripture references to read and examine, and asked her to jot down what that verse might be saying about corporate worship. Here are a few of the passages I assigned to her (you can probably think of some more--leave them in a comment if you like!):

2 Timothy 4:2 - preaching of the Word
1 Timothy 2:8 - men praying
Colossians 3:16 - teaching and admonishing with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
Acts 2:42 - continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer
Hebrews 10:25 - not forsaking our own assembling together

Survey of Denominations ~ Website Review and Evaluation

For those of you who asked:

In Phase One of our 'Survey of Denominations' course I am requiring Olga to view the website of a church prior to our visit. Ideally, she will view it early in the week in order to have time to organize her thoughts and consider her expectations.

I have included below the website review questionnaire I created (subject to editing, correction, etc.!). I also have a questionnaire to be completed after we attend a service at that church, and will post that later this week.


Survey of Denominations ~ website review

Church name:__________________ Denomination: ______________

Web address: __________________ Date viewed: _______________

First, view ONLY the home page:

What appears to be the focus of this website (fellowship, programs, social activism/renewal, political/cultural awareness, entertainment, theology/doctrine, a person/personality, etc.)?



Next, allow at least 15 minutes to explore this website:

Is the gospel recognizable and/or clearly presented? ____ Was it easy to find? _____

Is the gospel presented Biblical? _____ Why or why not?


Based on the website, describe the leadership (male, female, training and/or education, laymen, etc.):


What are the various ministries available (list them and describe briefly):


What services are available (worship, prayer meeting, mass, “traditional”, “contemporary”, etc.)?


Personal observations and conclusions:

Based on your examination of the website do you expect this church to be God-centered or man-centered? ____ Why?


Having viewed this church’s website, are you attracted to or ‘repulsed’ by this church?


Describe the aspects of this church that you find appealing, or objectionable:


Do you think your attraction, or objection to this church is Biblically based, or preference based?


Explain/support your attraction or objection:

Survey of Denominations ~ Training in Discernment

Later today our oldest daughter and I will be attending a worship service at a local fellowship that is vastly different in their theology and practice from our own church. "Why?", you may ask. Because it is part of a class I have designed (under the guidance of and with the approval of my husband) called, "Survey of Denominations". Ahhh, one of the many benefits of home schooling our children!

During Seminary, my husband took a "Survey of Denominations" class--which of course was much more formal than the one I/we have designed for home school. I did not take the class with him, but I certainly did enjoy visiting the various denominations (and even some cults) and comparing/contrasting them with Biblical theology and a Xian worldview.

Our desire in doing this is to better equip our daughters (primarily our oldest at this time because she is a believer and is earning/enjoying more freedoms as she matures) so that they can and will be able to consider, weigh, and discern Biblically that which is labeled as or presented to be"Christian".

I've already made a list of denominations and churches I hope/plan to visit. Prior to each church visit, I am requiring Olga to look over the website of that particular church and answer a list of questions. We have already discussed what Scripture considers 'essential' to Xian worship, and that will be the basis for our various worship experiences.

I've really been looking forward to this, and am sure I'll be sharing more in the days to come!

Practicing Theology: When Believers Disagree

I first posted this last summer--our situations and/or issues may change, but the reminder is always timely.

When I first posted last week on limited/definite atonement I did so knowing that it is a difficult and unpopular position in many Xian circles--remember I didn't come to this position easily or quickly either! I posted (and will continue to post) because I remember how I labored over the matter and how it fit, or didn't fit, with the view of God I'd held for many years (as a believer and an unbeliever). So I was delighted to read the following statement by Gary Long in the Preface of his book "Definite Atonement" (emphasis mine),

"It is also the earnest desire of the writer that the reader should understand that the author's opposition to the doctrine of indefinite atonement is a doctrinal issue and not a personal attack upon those who espouse indefinite atonement. Every born again believer should be ready to have his theological views judged by Scripture without taking personal affront. Therefore, a distinction must be made between the errors propounded by Christians and the Christians themselves. All that are within the circle of Christ's love must be within the circle of the Christian's love. To contend for doctrine in a manner which ignores this truth is a rending of the unity of the true Church, which is Christ's body, the elect of God."

So, how do/should we respond to fellow-believers whose views differ from ours?

Well, as long as the matter/issue is not an essential point of the gospel, we should "be ready" to have our "theological views judged by Scripture without taking personal affront". The absolute key point in this is that we let Scripture do the "talking", the convicting, AND the convincing for us--we also let Scripture do the "arguing" for us.

Hopefully, if you and I differ on some point of theology we both will be challenged to search and consider Scripture with the individual desire and goal of better knowing God as He has revealed Himself there. This assumes humility on both our parts, knowing that we both can't be right, therefore one or both of us must be wrong.

We can however rest assured that God is able to mold and conform us--in His time, according to His purposes as we "...contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints..." Jude 1:3

Practicing Theology ~ Parenting Adopted Children

Because we are adoptive parents of older foreign-born children, our theology has been put to the test in ways that most parents would never imagine, much less consider! :-)

Take for instance the fact that our children came to us already equipped with a "worldview" of their own--survival at any and all cost. Their worldview was shaped and molded much like yours and mine, but theirs had an interesting twist--how does one respond to relentlessly being sinned against by people who are supposed to love, protect and care for you? READ THE REST HERE

Practicing Theology: The Death of a Lost Loved One

It's times like these that show us (and those around us) exactly what kind of theology we have embraced, God-centered or man-centered. My dad passed away a week ago, and I've been "practicing my theology" as I seek to honor my holy and just God since I have no reason to hope that my dear dad is in the presence of God.

This is not something I take lightly, nor flippantly. But because I have come to know and better understand the character of God through His Word over the years I am not only able to consider this unpleasant matter, I am persuaded to stand firmly and agree with God that He is just, holy, and good--no matter what.

How does one reconcile the fact that they have no reason to hope that their loved one has passed away into eternal life with God, and is most likely spending eternity separated from God? If you are a believer in the one true God, you must agree with and embrace the truth of Scripture--that God is holy, good, and just, and as such does what is holy, good, and just.

During trying times such as losing a loved one, the believer must not suddenly "invent" a God of his own design who welcomes any and all into His eternal kingdom--that would be a great lie and affront to God as He has revealed Himself through His Word. Like David in the Psalms, I've been doing a lot of "self-counseling" this past week. This morning I read the following in "Women Helping Women":

"The sovereignty of God is comforting only to those who believe God is entirely good and completely in control of all things. Indeed this is what the Bible teaches about God: He is totally in control of the world and "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose: (Romans 8:28). He is perfectly holy, just, and righteous. After all, what real comfort is there in a God who is sovereign but cannot be trusted to always do good on our behalf? Or what help is there in a god who is entirely good but not able to always have power over people and events?

Of our Lord, the Scriptures say, "Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the hightest heavens, the earth and all that is in it" (Deuteronomy 10:14)...And Psalm 47 tells us that God is a great King over all the earth (verse 2) and that He reigns over the nations (verse 8). Our sovereign and good God is able and willing to help us in all things including our deepest distresses...

In his discussion of Romans 8:28 and its comfort in trials, Martyn Lloyd-Jones says people think they need something other than theology to be soothed and eased. Lloyd-Jones is not talking about cold orthodoxy, he is talking about theology applied in its most helpful and wonderful fullness. He makes the case that in Romans 8:28 Paul "desires, therefore, to introduce [his readers] to the method which can be applied always, and everywhere, and in spite of all circumstanes and conditions." Paul was comforting them with the comfort he had received from Christ. He was showing them how he comforted himself with the truths of theology so that they could comfort themselves with it and not be dependent upon his presence with them."

Through my dad's death God in His matchless mercy and grace has ministered to me through His Word, His Holy Spirit and His loving saints--He does indeed cause ALL things to work together for good. THIS is what Biblically solid theology does, it gives hope based on the character of a just and holy God! To God be all the glory!

Practicing Theology - Mother's Day and barrenness

Update (05/09/07): Imagine my delight (and surprise!) to see that Girl Talk has posted THIS today titled "Infertility and Mother's Day"! I'm always delighted to see other Xian women addressing this topic and encouraging their sisters in the midst of this trial--may God receive all the glory!

This Mother's Day will be only my fifth one as a mother. While I will do as I have always done, I will honor my own mother and remind her how much she is loved and how much I appreciate everything she has done and sacrificed for me, I will also reflect on nineteen earlier Mother's Days when I approached the holiday with much caution and often avoidance.

Please don't jump to the conclusion that I took every opportunity for a "pity-party" while I was childless--I didn't. God kindly granted me the grace to attend and enjoy just about every baby shower I've ever been invited to attend! He also gave me the grace to assist a dear friend during the early hours of labor with her first child--after two miscarriages. So, it is clear to those who know me that while my own heart ached for children, I was not avoiding or "punishing" others who the Lord had graciously and sovereignly blessed.

No, I approach this holiday with caution because of the unwitting pain we in the Church sometimes cause our barren sisters-in-Christ. In many churches this Sunday there will be a literal parade of mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and maybe even great-great-grandmothers. And as obedient and loving Xians we will welcome these people--some of whom rarely attend a house of worship--and proceed to hold them up before the congregation. They'll be asked to stand, or asked how far away they live, how many children they have, how many grandchildren they have, who has the largest family with them, etc.

And if you watch carefully in the pews, you're likely to see at least one, maybe two or three young, and some "not so young", women wipe a tear or two from the corner of her eye--maybe even get up and leave the sanctuary for a brief time. Her husband will likely remain seated--knowing that she'll regain her composure soon and return, but he's found that he's all but helpless during times like these. She'll put on a brave face and cling to God's promises to be her all in all, and she'll remind herself of His complete sovereignty, and how His plans are for her good, but the damage will have been done--the Body of Christ has unwittingly wounded a fellow-believer.

I hope you won't think I'm being harsh or overly dramatic. Although I am no longer childless, I am still very much barren--according to God's sovereign will, for His good purpose--my heart still aches for fellow-sisters. Sisters who often suffer quietly while many around them are held in high honor for something that has come very "naturally" to them, but has been impossible to others--according to God's plan.

So, this Mother's Day, if you know of a childless couple in your congregation I encourage you to call them, send them an email, or talk to them face-to-face. Do as I've done since I'm no longer childless--I seek out the childless couples and ask them if Mother's Day and Father's Day are particularly difficult for them. If it is, I assure them of my prayers for God to work His perfect will in them as they wait on Him.

Sidenote: You may find THIS video to be of interest, it's called "Empty Arms". It doesn't appear to be written from a Xian perspective--no hope or trust in God's plan or purposes--but nonetheless very accurately expresses the emotions of many childless couples.

Practicing Theology - Inability

Many people--Xians included--baulk at the thought that man is "unable" to respond to God. I believe this is because inability has not been clearly (Biblically) presented or explained, and more so because we all think much too highly of ourselves apart from God's grace and favor!

First, let's consider what Louis Berkhof has to say about "inability" (emphasis mine):

"Here again, it is necessary to distinguish. Reformed theologians generally maintain that the sinner is still able to perform (a) natural good; (b) civil good or civil righteousness; and (c) externally religious good. He may perform acts and manifest sentiments that deserve the sincere approval and gratitude of their fellow-men, and that even meet in a measure with the approval of God. Yet when these words are considered in relation to God, they are radically defective, since they are not prompted by love to God, nor by any regard for the will of God as requiring them. Moreover, man cannot change his fundamental preference for sin to love for God, nor even make an approach to such a change. There is abundant Scriptural support for this doctrine, John 1:13; 3:5; 6:44; 8:34; 15:4, 5; Rom. 7:18, 24; 8:7, 8; I Cor. 2:14; II Cor. 3:5; Eph. 2:1, 8-10; Heb. 11:6."

It is VERY important to understand what Berkhof is saying here because we see it and experience it daily. It is this, God's common grace working through unregenerate people for the blessing and benefit of mankind (believing and unbelieving).

It's very likely that you have a relative, neighbor, or friend who regularly exercises various acts of kindness or extends generosity to you and your family. Because man looks on the outside, we may be tempted to consider that person to be a believer--based only on select actions/behavior--though he/she gives no evidence of saving faith (i.e. affections for God and His people, desire to know and please God, desire to worship God, etc.).

As Christians, we need much wisdom and discernment as we live among people who are on the path to destruction. May God grant us such wisdom and discernment so that the "works" of man may become works "unto God" for His glory and His purposes!

Effeminizing the Church (Part 2)

Ladies, Nathan Busenitz has been "live blogging" his church's men's conference this week. The theme of the conference is, "Acting Like Men in the Church".

As it often is with the things of God, the timing of this topic has caught my attention! Just yesterday while attending a women's retreat, I sat at a table with two other ladies whose husbands are in church leadership. The topic turned to movies and I commented on a series of books that had recently been made into a series of movies. I pointed out that I enjoyed reading the books many years ago but did not recall them the way the movies portray them--practically devoid of male spiritual leadership. While the movies are "wholesome", two out of the three we've watched so far focus on and highlight the spiritual awareness and responsiveness of the women while downplaying--if not ignoring--the spiritual leadership of the men/husband, as if this was or should be the "norm".

So, today when I read the FOURTH SESSION of the conference, I took particular note of Phil Johnson's words as a warning to us all--men and women! Phil pointed out that, "If we look at evangelicalism today, it seems that evangelicalism today is committed to feminine truths. If men will embrace a feminine approach to relationships and spirituality then they are welcome in the church. Everything, even the tone of the preacher, is expected to be soft—more-suited to the sewing circle than anything else. Accuracy and plain speaking has been devalued, and replaced with a love affair for things like the seeker-sensitive movement...And it is about to get worse with the emerging church — where truth is not held with courage and conviction. What we see today, instead of reflecting biblical Christianity, is a movement toward ear-tickling, truth-softening, and effeminization."

Ladies, I hope you'll read the notes from Phil's session and consider how you can and should uphold and support the Godly men in your family, church and community. We need strong Xian men who will not only "act like men" and stand for the truth, but who are CONFIDENT of our support and commitment to follow their leadership.

Effeminizing the Church (Part 1)

Hmmmm, this probably explains why I don't buy many books from "mainline" Xian bookstores:

"Evangelical publishers are some of the worse culprits in keeping this trend (effeminizing the church) going. Since women buy some 75% of the evangelical books published in America, publishers are primarily interested in publishing books that appeal to women. Thus the push to feminize everything in the church is a driving force in the Christian publishing industry." (from Session Four of the "Time to Act Like Men" conference)

Practicing Theology - Word and Spirit

While reading The Valley of Vision this morning, this stood out to me:

It is not inner sensation that makes Christ's death mine
for that may be delusion, being without the Word,
but his death apprehended by my faith, and so testified by Word and Spirit,

This Valley of Vision prayer puts our Xian experience in the proper Biblical perspective. Christ's death is not "mine" because of some inner sensation I have--whether by my own design or orchestrated by others--but Christ's death is mine because I apprehend it by my faith (which has been given to me BY God) and these things are testified to by God's Word and His Spirit.

Don't let the word order of that last phrase escape you, "by Word and Spirit". God has first and foremost given His Word as our foundation, filter, and measure to be applied to ALL Xian thinking, living AND experience. Subsequently, it is His Spirit that He has ordained to illuminate, testify, and confirm what is found in His Word.

We must be students of God's Word in order to understand what the Spirit is doing in and through us--not the reverse. It's too easy for fallen man to feel or experience something and superimpose it over God's Word--that is a man-centered theology.

Practicing Theology - hearing the voice of God

HERE is a post by John Piper that should not be missed. I'm very grateful to see him addressing this in a time when so many regularly and flippantly claim to hear God's voice in various ways and in various situations. It is a wonderful reminder--and warning--that we must discipline ourselves to come to God on HIS terms rather than on ours.

Practicing Theology - You are what you read

I'm taking a short break from "Theology 101" this week because I'm still mulling over the "Reformed charismatic" topic and hope to post more on the topic this week.

Kim over at "Upward Call" made THIS POST TODAY that got me to thinking, how do you choose what you read? How do you respond when you find yourself reading something that doesn't "square" with your Xian worldview?

I do a lot of reading--I enjoy it and I NEED it. Most of my reading outside of the Bible is related to theology, Xian living, or Xian history. Some of my reading is related to home schooling, and very little is fiction (although I do enjoy some historic novels). So, you see if I choose unwisely some very MAJOR areas of my life will be impacted!

I choose what to read based on what is available from sources I trust, and I examine those sources on a regular basis. I also "listen" to what others (whom I respect and trust) are saying. Sad to say, if a certain book is being promoted, talked about, pushed, and marketed in and by the popular "Christian" community I tend to be suspicious of the book. So, as you can imagine when the "latest" by Lucado, Dobson, Swindoll, Warren, Driscoll, etc. come out I'm not joining the lines to buy it--much less read it.

There was a time when I would buy and/or read ANYTHING that came out of a Xian bookstore. Then I began to "narrow" my selections to books only written by professors/ graduates from certain seminaries, authors with particular denominational affiliations, and certain mainstream "christian" publishers. Unfortunately, it wasn't long until I had to refine my criteria even further!

Kim's post today is an excellent example of what you can find if you don't put much effort into determining what you read, or if you've become lax and will read about anything that some acquaintance suggests, or anything that the local Xian bookstore is pushing/marketing. Please, redouble your efforts and guard your mind and heart!

Practicing Theology - I am my beloved's...

A week or so ago Kim, Carla, Lisa, and Jen all posted thoughts/praise for the husband God has blessed each of them with. So, I decided at that time that I'd follow their examples and post a tribute to my dear husband on Valentine's Day! While this post is not focused on a particular point of theology, I do wish to "practice my theology" by publicly thanking God for His amazing grace and mercy in giving me my precious husband!

Twenty four years ago this Valentine's Day my DH gave me a beautiful gold necklace with a floating gold heart. We were both in college, had little money to spare, and had just recently confided that there was "something" special about each other (we had become best friends during the previous months). I was so concerned that he would spend his limited funds in such a way on me--little did I know at that time that I would benefit from this sort of self-sacrifice over and over in the years to come.

God truly blessed me beyond my desires and dreams with a husband who:

- is always concerned for my spiritual condition and maturity.

- still holds my hand as we walk along or sit together.

- doesn't mind explaining some point of theology or portion of Scripture as many times as I need him to do so!

- goes with me to fabric stores without complaining (whoa!!), even on vacations!!!

- often wakes me up with a back rub/scratch--ahhhhhhh.

- understands and supplies my DARK chocolate "addiction"!

- has never stopped telling me that he thinks I'm pretty.

- writes poetry for me.

- wrote a song for me and surprised me with it during our wedding ceremony.

- gives me the sweetest cards that make me cry.

- still buys flowers for me.

- asks me to dance.

- sparked my affection for spending hours in a bookstore.

- enjoys hiking and/or camping together.

- provides an excellent example to our daughters of what their husbands should be.

- fixes things around the house rather than pay someone else.

- gives me the morning off Saturdays and Sundays and prepares a delicious breakfast for our family.

- encouraged me to take in an orphaned kitten after years of forbidding indoor pets (farm boys are like that sometimes!).

- encouraged me to take in ANOTHER orphaned kitten a year later!

- enjoys teaching our home schooled daughters various subjects.

- has been my GREATEST fan and encourager during the "new mom" phase of my life!

- works hard to provide for his family, and honors God with his work ethic.

- is not ashamed or too proud to bring his praises and requests to God.


Yet again I find myself overwhelmed by and undeserving of the rich blessings God has poured out.