The accusations fly and the implode continues….

This article seem to not even need any comments it speaks volumes itself as to how far Ken and Crew will go to slander and lie.

Note: There are a few that are discussing and exploring Universalism… yet not the type that all get “saved” in the end… as even Spenser Burke states: “I am a universalist that believes in Hell”… which should be an indication he is not “that” type of universalist as in “all get saved in the end”. His view is that all are saved, unless you “opt out”.

I do not agree with him ( ~ emerging thought in Montana ~: Universalism: Why I do not agree) as I do not see that Spenser has built he case, nor did Scot McKnight (Jesus Creed » Heretic’s Guide to Eternity 4) and many, many others… Spenser is a voice, who still believes in Hell… so the statement, “and exposes his universalism and his panentheism only to be told that he doesn’t speak for Emergent.” is still not accurate… maybe “speaks within” out speaks as part of”.

My other point is what is to be made of the statement that Paul states about the gaol of God through Jesus as in 1 Cor 15:28 ” When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” I think this verse sounds a little “panentheism” (What is panentheism?) I think there is a good case for the topic though I myself have not pursued that as a possibility.

The real issue is the insistent connection with the occult… it has become a sick obsession of Ken Silva. His statements like these are sadly what make him lose more and more credibility (if he had any);

“These words were written by Julie Clawson whose husband Mike was one of the planners of the Mideast Emergent “Gathering”, which by the way also happens to a term Wiccans use as well for their meetings.”

I guess anyone who “gathers” is now in league with Satan…

Acts 12:44. “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.”
Matthew 18:20. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

The logic is just not there unless Ken is saying…

Well that is the over simplicity of his allegations.

SO it seems the only whining ( And the Whining of the Emergent Church Continues…) that does continue is Kens is somehow shocked about the response to the slanderous posters of Phil Johnson… That they were more Christ-like than the attack could ever be. As Ken shows his nasty side by calling this article “hit piece”. (Motivation or Ridicule?) Yep, Julie Clawson is so vicious in her attack against Ken and Phil… LOL! It seems that Ken is opposed to anything that resemble Jesus Christ in action. I ma just wonder how Ken did not fit “semi-pelagian” in the article. Oh wait! He did! LOL!

Notice that Ken calls for fire from heaven?

“You see, “soon” it’s going to get mighty hot up in here…O Lord send us Thy fire…” ~Ken Silva

Maybe he needs reminded of the words of Jesus…

Luke 9: 54 – 56. “When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them ?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village. “

Be blessed,
iggy

The accusations fly and the implode continues….

This article seem to not even need any comments it speaks volumes itself as to how far Ken and Crew will go to slander and lie.

Note: There are a few that are discussing and exploring Universalism… yet not the type that all get “saved” in the end… as even Spenser Burke states: “I am a universalist that believes in Hell”… which should be an indication he is not “that” type of universalist as in “all get saved in the end”. His view is that all are saved, unless you “opt out”.

I do not agree with him ( ~ emerging thought in Montana ~: Universalism: Why I do not agree) as I do not see that Spenser has built he case, nor did Scot McKnight (Jesus Creed » Heretic’s Guide to Eternity 4) and many, many others… Spenser is a voice, who still believes in Hell… so the statement, “and exposes his universalism and his panentheism only to be told that he doesn’t speak for Emergent.” is still not accurate… maybe “speaks within” out speaks as part of”.

My other point is what is to be made of the statement that Paul states about the gaol of God through Jesus as in 1 Cor 15:28 ” When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” I think this verse sounds a little “panentheism” (What is panentheism?) I think there is a good case for the topic though I myself have not pursued that as a possibility.

The real issue is the insistent connection with the occult… it has become a sick obsession of Ken Silva. His statements like these are sadly what make him lose more and more credibility (if he had any);

“These words were written by Julie Clawson whose husband Mike was one of the planners of the Mideast Emergent “Gathering”, which by the way also happens to a term Wiccans use as well for their meetings.”

I guess anyone who “gathers” is now in league with Satan…

Acts 12:44. “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.”
Matthew 18:20. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

The logic is just not there unless Ken is saying…

Well that is the over simplicity of his allegations.

SO it seems the only whining ( And the Whining of the Emergent Church Continues…) that does continue is Kens is somehow shocked about the response to the slanderous posters of Phil Johnson… That they were more Christ-like than the attack could ever be. As Ken shows his nasty side by calling this article “hit piece”. (Motivation or Ridicule?) Yep, Julie Clawson is so vicious in her attack against Ken and Phil… LOL! It seems that Ken is opposed to anything that resemble Jesus Christ in action. I ma just wonder how Ken did not fit “semi-pelagian” in the article. Oh wait! He did! LOL!

Notice that Ken calls for fire from heaven?

“You see, “soon” it’s going to get mighty hot up in here…O Lord send us Thy fire…” ~Ken Silva

Maybe he needs reminded of the words of Jesus…

Luke 9: 54 – 56. “When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them ?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village. “

Be blessed,
iggy

CRN off the deep end! Ken Silva starts to implode.

The ever elusive editor at CRN seems to have gone off the deep end. In this article The “editor” states pretty plainly that the “emerging church” and Anton LaVey‘s “Church of Satan“. are connected.

I just have to ask, how can CRN and SoL have any credibility left with outrageous headlines like this one?

“Anton Szandor LaVey on the Original Emerging Church the Church of Satan”

Anton LaVey’s philosophy does not mesh with emergent too well. I think the big difference is that Anton is an atheist who believes in human potential and the “Devil” to him is anything that hold back humans from freely expressing themselves as to who they our.

While the emergents believe on Jesus Christ, see the devil and a person who is not out for any one’s best interest.

Note also that “Satan” is called the accuser of the brethren, and I see that the is also the father of lies… with that I would have to say the those who accuse the brethren falsely and hate their brothers and think protecting truth with lies… seem to be more in league and have more in common with Anton Levay’s church than even the one that the profess…

To further this thought here is the nine Satanic statements:

The Nine Satanic Statements

from The Satanic Bible, ©1969

by
Anton Szandor LaVey

1. Satan represents indulgence instead of
abstinence!

2. Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual
pipe dreams!

3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of
hypocritical self-deceit!

4. Satan represents kindness to those who
deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates!

5. Satan represents
vengeance instead of turning the other cheek!

6. Satan represents
responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires!

7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more
often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine
spiritual and intellectual development,” has become the most vicious animal of
all!

8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to
physical, mental, or emotional gratification!

9. Satan has been the best
friend the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years!

In contrast here is Brian McLaren’s Jesus Creed.

By Brian McLaren

We have confidence in Jesus
Who healed the sick,
the blind, and the paralyzed.
And even raised the dead.

He cast out
evil powers and
Confronted corrupt leaders.
He cleansed the temple.
He favored the poor.
He turned water into wine,
Walked on water,
calmed storms.

He died for the sins of the world,
Rose from the
dead, and ascended to the Father,
Sent the Holy Spirit.

We have confidence in Jesus
Who taught in word and example,
Sign and wonder.
He preached parables of the kingdom of God
On hillsides, from boats, in
the temple, in homes,
At banquets and parties, along the road, on beaches, in towns,
By day and by night.

He taught the way of love for God and
neighbor,
For stranger and enemy, for outcast and alien.

We have confidence in Jesus,
Who called disciples, led them,
Gave them new names and new purpose
And sent them out to preach good news.
He washed their feet as a servant.
He walked with them, ate with them,
Called them friends,
Rebuked them, encouraged them,
Promised to leave and then return,
And promised to be with them always.

He taught them to pray.
He rose early to pray, stole away to desolate places,
Fasted and faced agonizing temptations,
Wept in a garden,

And prayed, “Not my will but
your will be done.”
He rejoiced, he sang, he feasted, he wept.

We have confidence in Jesus,
So we follow him, learn his ways,
Seek to obey his teaching and live by his example.
We walk with him, walk in him, abide
in him, As a branch in a vine.

We have not seen him, but we love him.
His words are to us words of life eternal,
And to know him is to
know the true and living God.
We do not see him now, but we have confidence
in Jesus.

Amen.

As I see it some at CRN seem to be preaching a different version of this… and would if honest rewrite it like this.

By The Editor of CRN (as perceived)

We have no confidence in Jesus
Who healed the sick, the blind, and the paralyzed.
And even raised the dead.
This would mean that we would have to believe in the Holy Spirit and
John MacArthur says he doesn’t do these things anymore.

He cast out evil powers and
Confronted corrupt leaders.
He cleansed the temple.
He favored the poor.
He turned water into wine,
Walked on water, calmed storms.
That would take too much actual thought so we will ignore all that. Why not give kindness to those who agree with me and deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates!”

He died for the sins of the world,
Rose from the dead, and ascended to the Father,
Sent the Holy Spirit. But again John MacArthur says that we don’t need that Holy Spirit guy… He is too charismatic and chaotic.

Having no confidence in Jesus
Who taught in word and example,
Sign and wonder.
He preached parables of the kingdom of God
On hillsides, from boats, in the temple, in homes,
At banquets and parties, along the road, on beaches, in towns, By day and by night.

He did not really show the way of love for God and neighbor,
For stranger and enemy,
for outcast and alien.

We have no confidence in Jesus,
Who called disciples, led them,
Gave them new names and new purpose
And sent them
out to preach good news.
He washed their feet as a servant.
He walked with them, ate with them,
Called them friends,
Rebuked them, encouraged them,
Promised to leave and then return,
And promised to be with them
always.

He did not teach them to pray.
He did not rise early to pray, nor stole away to desolate places,
Fasted and faced agonizing temptations,
Wept in a garden,
And prayed, “Let them slander other as long as it is for truth.”
He did not rejoice, or sing, nor feasted, he wept over the different styles and models of churches and worship.

We have no confidence in Jesus,
So we don’t follow him, or learn his ways,
Seek to obey his teaching and live by his example.
Other wise we might walk with him, walk in him, abide in him,
As a branch in a vine.

We have not seen him, but we know what we like.
His words are not for us words of life eternal for we must follow rules,
And to know him is to know the true and living God and that would interfere in building our own kingdoms.
We do not see him now, but we have confidence in Jesus take us away as we are so religious and worship according to our own preferences.

Amen.

So it seems that as the editor of CRN follows the way of his master, he has more in common with the Satanic Church than the emerging church ever will or has. Ken Silva needs serious prayer.

If one wants to discuss this more go to
CRN.info’s article to see what others are saying about the “editors” assertion that there is a connection. I still see more of a connection with CRN and the Satanic church as they seem to fulfill number four of the Nine Satanic Statements.

“4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on
ingrates!”

Be Blessed,
iggy

CRN off the deep end! Ken Silva starts to implode.

The ever elusive editor at CRN seems to have gone off the deep end. In this article The “editor” states pretty plainly that the “emerging church” and Anton LaVey‘s “Church of Satan“. are connected.

I just have to ask, how can CRN and SoL have any credibility left with outrageous headlines like this one?

“Anton Szandor LaVey on the Original Emerging Church the Church of Satan”

Anton LaVey’s philosophy does not mesh with emergent too well. I think the big difference is that Anton is an atheist who believes in human potential and the “Devil” to him is anything that hold back humans from freely expressing themselves as to who they our.

While the emergents believe on Jesus Christ, see the devil and a person who is not out for any one’s best interest.

Note also that “Satan” is called the accuser of the brethren, and I see that the is also the father of lies… with that I would have to say the those who accuse the brethren falsely and hate their brothers and think protecting truth with lies… seem to be more in league and have more in common with Anton Levay’s church than even the one that the profess…

To further this thought here is the nine Satanic statements:

The Nine Satanic Statements

from The Satanic Bible, ©1969

by
Anton Szandor LaVey

1. Satan represents indulgence instead of
abstinence!

2. Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual
pipe dreams!

3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of
hypocritical self-deceit!

4. Satan represents kindness to those who
deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates!

5. Satan represents
vengeance instead of turning the other cheek!

6. Satan represents
responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires!

7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more
often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine
spiritual and intellectual development,” has become the most vicious animal of
all!

8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to
physical, mental, or emotional gratification!

9. Satan has been the best
friend the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years!

In contrast here is Brian McLaren’s Jesus Creed.

By Brian McLaren

We have confidence in Jesus
Who healed the sick,
the blind, and the paralyzed.
And even raised the dead.

He cast out
evil powers and
Confronted corrupt leaders.
He cleansed the temple.
He favored the poor.
He turned water into wine,
Walked on water,
calmed storms.

He died for the sins of the world,
Rose from the
dead, and ascended to the Father,
Sent the Holy Spirit.

We have confidence in Jesus
Who taught in word and example,
Sign and wonder.
He preached parables of the kingdom of God
On hillsides, from boats, in
the temple, in homes,
At banquets and parties, along the road, on beaches, in towns,
By day and by night.

He taught the way of love for God and
neighbor,
For stranger and enemy, for outcast and alien.

We have confidence in Jesus,
Who called disciples, led them,
Gave them new names and new purpose
And sent them out to preach good news.
He washed their feet as a servant.
He walked with them, ate with them,
Called them friends,
Rebuked them, encouraged them,
Promised to leave and then return,
And promised to be with them always.

He taught them to pray.
He rose early to pray, stole away to desolate places,
Fasted and faced agonizing temptations,
Wept in a garden,

And prayed, “Not my will but
your will be done.”
He rejoiced, he sang, he feasted, he wept.

We have confidence in Jesus,
So we follow him, learn his ways,
Seek to obey his teaching and live by his example.
We walk with him, walk in him, abide
in him, As a branch in a vine.

We have not seen him, but we love him.
His words are to us words of life eternal,
And to know him is to
know the true and living God.
We do not see him now, but we have confidence
in Jesus.

Amen.

As I see it some at CRN seem to be preaching a different version of this… and would if honest rewrite it like this.

By The Editor of CRN (as perceived)

We have no confidence in Jesus
Who healed the sick, the blind, and the paralyzed.
And even raised the dead.
This would mean that we would have to believe in the Holy Spirit and
John MacArthur says he doesn’t do these things anymore.

He cast out evil powers and
Confronted corrupt leaders.
He cleansed the temple.
He favored the poor.
He turned water into wine,
Walked on water, calmed storms.
That would take too much actual thought so we will ignore all that. Why not give kindness to those who agree with me and deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates!”

He died for the sins of the world,
Rose from the dead, and ascended to the Father,
Sent the Holy Spirit. But again John MacArthur says that we don’t need that Holy Spirit guy… He is too charismatic and chaotic.

Having no confidence in Jesus
Who taught in word and example,
Sign and wonder.
He preached parables of the kingdom of God
On hillsides, from boats, in the temple, in homes,
At banquets and parties, along the road, on beaches, in towns, By day and by night.

He did not really show the way of love for God and neighbor,
For stranger and enemy,
for outcast and alien.

We have no confidence in Jesus,
Who called disciples, led them,
Gave them new names and new purpose
And sent them
out to preach good news.
He washed their feet as a servant.
He walked with them, ate with them,
Called them friends,
Rebuked them, encouraged them,
Promised to leave and then return,
And promised to be with them
always.

He did not teach them to pray.
He did not rise early to pray, nor stole away to desolate places,
Fasted and faced agonizing temptations,
Wept in a garden,
And prayed, “Let them slander other as long as it is for truth.”
He did not rejoice, or sing, nor feasted, he wept over the different styles and models of churches and worship.

We have no confidence in Jesus,
So we don’t follow him, or learn his ways,
Seek to obey his teaching and live by his example.
Other wise we might walk with him, walk in him, abide in him,
As a branch in a vine.

We have not seen him, but we know what we like.
His words are not for us words of life eternal for we must follow rules,
And to know him is to know the true and living God and that would interfere in building our own kingdoms.
We do not see him now, but we have confidence in Jesus take us away as we are so religious and worship according to our own preferences.

Amen.

So it seems that as the editor of CRN follows the way of his master, he has more in common with the Satanic Church than the emerging church ever will or has. Ken Silva needs serious prayer.

If one wants to discuss this more go to
CRN.info’s article to see what others are saying about the “editors” assertion that there is a connection. I still see more of a connection with CRN and the Satanic church as they seem to fulfill number four of the Nine Satanic Statements.

“4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on
ingrates!”

Be Blessed,
iggy

God at Work or Just Me? Tozer Devotional

God at Work or Just Me?

To apply pressure, a person projects himself or herself into the minds and consciences of people made in the image of God and forces them psychologically to do something they have no particular reason for wanting to do. They are not basically interested in it and have no satisfactory reason for doing it, but they are under pressure. If they do not have a reason for doing what they are going to do, they will not know why they are invovled. Then when they get out they will not be sure that they were in, and so the whole process makes for weak, spineless religion. This violates the law of human nature, which dictates that all valid acts must arise from a natural urge or from a convinced mind. An example of a natural urge is when you are hungry. You may be very hungry, but your hunger does not have a high intellectual content in it. Nobody needs to stand up and say, “Now, all you who are hungry raise your hands.” You know you are hungry, and you just go out to eat. Hunger is a natural urge. Another legimate reason for an act is a convinced mind. I am convinced that I ought to do something, and I do it because I have a conviction that it ought to be done. Those are the only two reasons for doing anything. If I force people under psychological pressure and steamroll them into doing something because they are too weak to resist, I have violated their nature. Our approach to getting people out of the rut, then, must not be to pressure them to do something they don’t want to do. Instead, we must present the truth and let the Holy Spirit prompt them to want to escape.

Prayer
Lord, my greatest offensive weapon is prayer–believing, trustful prayer. I want to be Your instrument but keep me from trying to do what only You can do.
Scripture
. . . Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:— John 16:7-8

Thought
Can we trust the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, to reveal Christ, to open the minds of people to understand spiritual truth? If He doesn’t do it, it doesn’t get done despite all our efforts.

God at Work or Just Me? Tozer Devotional

God at Work or Just Me?

To apply pressure, a person projects himself or herself into the minds and consciences of people made in the image of God and forces them psychologically to do something they have no particular reason for wanting to do. They are not basically interested in it and have no satisfactory reason for doing it, but they are under pressure. If they do not have a reason for doing what they are going to do, they will not know why they are invovled. Then when they get out they will not be sure that they were in, and so the whole process makes for weak, spineless religion. This violates the law of human nature, which dictates that all valid acts must arise from a natural urge or from a convinced mind. An example of a natural urge is when you are hungry. You may be very hungry, but your hunger does not have a high intellectual content in it. Nobody needs to stand up and say, “Now, all you who are hungry raise your hands.” You know you are hungry, and you just go out to eat. Hunger is a natural urge. Another legimate reason for an act is a convinced mind. I am convinced that I ought to do something, and I do it because I have a conviction that it ought to be done. Those are the only two reasons for doing anything. If I force people under psychological pressure and steamroll them into doing something because they are too weak to resist, I have violated their nature. Our approach to getting people out of the rut, then, must not be to pressure them to do something they don’t want to do. Instead, we must present the truth and let the Holy Spirit prompt them to want to escape.

Prayer
Lord, my greatest offensive weapon is prayer–believing, trustful prayer. I want to be Your instrument but keep me from trying to do what only You can do.
Scripture
. . . Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:— John 16:7-8

Thought
Can we trust the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, to reveal Christ, to open the minds of people to understand spiritual truth? If He doesn’t do it, it doesn’t get done despite all our efforts.

The Five Solas: Sola Scriptura: updated

The Five Solas

One of the wonders and beauties of the emerging church is that while I have been a part of it, I have had to dig deeper and think harder about my faith. In that I have had struggles and questions… and have take a lot of heat… mostly unwarranted as the person would usually misrepresent my view and most of twist to fit the label placed on me.

I wanted to state here the five Solas and my thought and research on them.

SOLA SCRIPTURA (Scripture Alone)

“The inerrant Scripture is the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.

We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian’s conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.“

I love the bible, I find it the most amazing and life changing book I have ever know. My respect for it has increased with each year I have walked with the Lord, yet I have always struggled in that what is meant by some as “inerrancy”. It seems that I have only seen at least two types and I hope to show that another view is capable without diminishing “inerrancy and infallibility” as well as the “authority” of Scripture.

Straight out I do believe all Scripture is “God Breathed”. I have no issue at all saying it is “inspired”, though I see many have misrepresented people like Brian McLaren on this topic.

I see agree wholeheartedly with this definition, except for one thing… what is the definition of “inerrant”?

1. One view is that the bible even as translated is without error and infallible. The hold that the Bible has been preserved even when translated to another language. Many hold this view, yet I think few have thought it through as translations are not always totally accurate as subtle nuances can be lost.
2. Another view is that the original text as written or the “autographa” is not available to actually check this out, so much faith must be used to believe this view. It is usually held by those who may not hold that the Bible as far as translations is inerrant and that there are in fact some ancient text that do indeed contradict each other.

So what to do? You either seem to have to check you head at the door or walk by faith and just never know…. Yet there does seem to be another view I have found I think is most accurate. It is the view that the bible is without error in that it is God inspired and all it teaches about truth is without error, also of its inability to err.

What I am getting at is that I am one who must place faith in Jesus and take God at His word… and in that believe all that is revealed in the scripture was to point me to Jesus… and in that the bible is without any error. Again, I know I will take heat on this yet as I approach this with an open heart and in all honesty I cannot say that I see that translations are without error. I do see that God was able to preserve His word even in the hands of men to an incredible degree! In that I see that the “transmission” was also inerrant as God’s written word was faithfully copied in its original language. I am amazed at how many copies of manuscripts we do have that all seem to agree on the major points of truth and if be different, it is usually over a spelling of a name or something as trivial.

I see on these levels or of the concepts of inspiration, transmission, translation, and interpretation the Bible is a very consistent and trust worthy document. Though I see the weakest link is the last two, I see that God is faithful by the Holy Spirit to fill in the missing or wrongly translated or interpreted parts.

Contrary to what some have said about me, my struggles with and my in ability to state emphatically I believe in “inerrancy” of scripture, does not mean I see it without authority. It does not mean I do not think it to contain all truth needed for one to learn to walk in Christ Jesus… It does mean that at times I am brutally honest with myself and others in my struggle to believe on some things.

So I affirm part of SOLA SCRIPTURA and will state that I believe that all the truth on Salvation, the Bible teaches is without error, and that the transmissions of these truths were preserved by God’s hand. I also affirm that God spoke to men and inspired them to write His word and these men were faithful and accurate in what God spoke and what they wrote, and that the Bible itself is God breathed.

Now, I emphasize the “written” yet do also realize that we “walk” by faith which is “physical”. To state as is stated above and if I understand correctly, that one cannot experience revelation outside of scripture I disagree with, but with a great cautionary caveat. That all personal revelation need still be run pass the filter of scripture as to whether it be of God or not. God will not contradict Himself and say to a person that Jesus is just a prophet and not God, while it is taught clearly in Scripture that Jesus is God and Creator of all the is created. So, one may experience a revelation from nature or from general observation as we are dealing with “Persons” in the Trinity. I am not saying that God will give “new” revelation apart from what is revealed in the bible.

Be Blessed,
iggy

The Five Solas: Sola Scriptura: updated

The Five Solas

One of the wonders and beauties of the emerging church is that while I have been a part of it, I have had to dig deeper and think harder about my faith. In that I have had struggles and questions… and have take a lot of heat… mostly unwarranted as the person would usually misrepresent my view and most of twist to fit the label placed on me.

I wanted to state here the five Solas and my thought and research on them.

SOLA SCRIPTURA (Scripture Alone)

“The inerrant Scripture is the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.

We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian’s conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.“

I love the bible, I find it the most amazing and life changing book I have ever know. My respect for it has increased with each year I have walked with the Lord, yet I have always struggled in that what is meant by some as “inerrancy”. It seems that I have only seen at least two types and I hope to show that another view is capable without diminishing “inerrancy and infallibility” as well as the “authority” of Scripture.

Straight out I do believe all Scripture is “God Breathed”. I have no issue at all saying it is “inspired”, though I see many have misrepresented people like Brian McLaren on this topic.

I see agree wholeheartedly with this definition, except for one thing… what is the definition of “inerrant”?

1. One view is that the bible even as translated is without error and infallible. The hold that the Bible has been preserved even when translated to another language. Many hold this view, yet I think few have thought it through as translations are not always totally accurate as subtle nuances can be lost.
2. Another view is that the original text as written or the “autographa” is not available to actually check this out, so much faith must be used to believe this view. It is usually held by those who may not hold that the Bible as far as translations is inerrant and that there are in fact some ancient text that do indeed contradict each other.

So what to do? You either seem to have to check you head at the door or walk by faith and just never know…. Yet there does seem to be another view I have found I think is most accurate. It is the view that the bible is without error in that it is God inspired and all it teaches about truth is without error, also of its inability to err.

What I am getting at is that I am one who must place faith in Jesus and take God at His word… and in that believe all that is revealed in the scripture was to point me to Jesus… and in that the bible is without any error. Again, I know I will take heat on this yet as I approach this with an open heart and in all honesty I cannot say that I see that translations are without error. I do see that God was able to preserve His word even in the hands of men to an incredible degree! In that I see that the “transmission” was also inerrant as God’s written word was faithfully copied in its original language. I am amazed at how many copies of manuscripts we do have that all seem to agree on the major points of truth and if be different, it is usually over a spelling of a name or something as trivial.

I see on these levels or of the concepts of inspiration, transmission, translation, and interpretation the Bible is a very consistent and trust worthy document. Though I see the weakest link is the last two, I see that God is faithful by the Holy Spirit to fill in the missing or wrongly translated or interpreted parts.

Contrary to what some have said about me, my struggles with and my in ability to state emphatically I believe in “inerrancy” of scripture, does not mean I see it without authority. It does not mean I do not think it to contain all truth needed for one to learn to walk in Christ Jesus… It does mean that at times I am brutally honest with myself and others in my struggle to believe on some things.

So I affirm part of SOLA SCRIPTURA and will state that I believe that all the truth the Bible teaches is without error, and that the transmissions of these truths were preserved by God’s hand. I also affirm that God spoke to men and inspired them to write His word and these men were faithful and accurate in what God spoke and what they wrote, and that the Bible itself is God breathed.

Now, I emphasize the “written” yet do also realize that we “walk” by faith which is “physical”. To state as is stated above and if I understand correctly, that one cannot experience revelation outside of scripture I disagree with, but with a great cautionary caveat. That all personal revelation need still be run pass the filter of scripture as to whether it be of God or not. God will not contradict Himself and say to a person that Jesus is just a prophet and not God, while it is taught clearly in Scripture that Jesus is God and Creator of all the is created. So, one may experience a revelation from nature or from general observation as we are dealing with “Persons” in the Trinity. I am not saying that God will give “new” revelation apart from what is revealed in the bible.

Be Blessed,
iggy

Emerging sense of Humor, and its dignity.

In response to Phil Johnson’s over the top slanderous posters… (we do have a sense of humor but Phil’s take on this seems more judgmental than actually constructive) Emerging Grace submits these much more accurate and beautiful posters to all.

Be Blessed,
iggy

(July 28 11:05 a bit of an update and thought on the Phil Johnson’s posters:

As I took a look at them I realized that many were actually what I have encountered from John MacAruthurites. Interestingly the one that “Truth” where Phil’s byline is,

“It’s an adventure, not an axiom. A story still unfolding, not a tale already told. It’s the journey that counts, not the destination, Right?”

And the more accurate version at emerging grace that simply states:

“Plain and simple; Jesus is the Truth”

I think the most revealing thing is how Phil views “transparency”:

“Underneath the mask I am still a clown, just a lot meaner and scarier than you thought.”

and once again, from emerging grace:

“Willing to take off the mask, no more hiding.”

To me as well as the contrast on authenticity as Phil stating that one does not have to hide being “crazy” and emerging Graces “We are all broken eikons”… I see that the truth comes out about Lordship theology. You simply cannot be a real person but must hide behind a mask so no one will see the real you and judge you… in almost all these posters by Phil I think reveal his heart and the heart of the theology he is under [Not the Calvinism btw as there are many loving Calvinists.] It is a bit scary to think that this act of aggression is also mostly projection of his own beliefs.)

Emerging sense of Humor, and its dignity.

In response to Phil Johnson’s over the top slanderous posters… (we do have a sense of humor but Phil’s take on this seems more judgmental than actually constructive) Emerging Grace submits these much more accurate and beautiful posters to all.

Be Blessed,
iggy

(July 28 11:05 a bit of an update and thought on the Phil Johnson’s posters:

As I took a look at them I realized that many were actually what I have encountered from John MacAruthurites. Interestingly the one that “Truth” where Phil’s byline is,

“It’s an adventure, not an axiom. A story still unfolding, not a tale already told. It’s the journey that counts, not the destination, Right?”

And the more accurate version at emerging grace that simply states:

“Plain and simple; Jesus is the Truth”

I think the most revealing thing is how Phil views “transparency”:

“Underneath the mask I am still a clown, just a lot meaner and scarier than you thought.”

and once again, from emerging grace:

“Willing to take off the mask, no more hiding.”

To me as well as the contrast on authenticity as Phil stating that one does not have to hide being “crazy” and emerging Graces “We are all broken eikons”… I see that the truth comes out about Lordship theology. You simply cannot be a real person but must hide behind a mask so no one will see the real you and judge you… in almost all these posters by Phil I think reveal his heart and the heart of the theology he is under [Not the Calvinism btw as there are many loving Calvinists.] It is a bit scary to think that this act of aggression is also mostly projection of his own beliefs.)