What Is Hell Like? Does It Even Exist? NT Wright on 100 Huntley Street (HD)

Rob Bell made news with the publication of his book Love Wins in which his critics believe that Bell discloses that he is a universalist - that is, the belief that no matter what choices people make in response to God's gospel, God's love for them will ultimately result in their salvation, as well as the salvation of the whole world.

I think Rob Bell has made some wonderful contributions to the Christian conversation, as well as to ministry in general. I love his Nooma videos and encourage all Christians to watch and consider them. (It is fallacious to think that if you disagree with a theologian on one point that you cannot trust him/her on any points. It would be if I would say that nothing John Piper says is good because I disagree with him on matters of predestination and roles of women in the church.) Nevertheless, I feel that his contribution to the conversation of eternal destiny may be a bit misleading. Tom Wright responds to questions about Hell. I like Wright's views on the matter and love his illustrative conversation with the Greek Orthodox cleric.

What does God's love mean for all people? That all will be a part of His good future? Or only some? And, if only some, then who is in and who is out? What does it mean to be left outside God's Kingdom when "heaven and earth are one"?

Tom Wright THE ATOMEMENT DEBATE

Tom Wright shares the Christus Victor approach to the atonement, and summarizes current debates regarding the nature of the atonement. Though the penal subsitution motif is present, is it the primary meaning of the cross, or part of a bigger narrative in which God triumphs over evil?

For me, the gospel, Jesus, and the cross are about more than the mere forgiveness of sins. They are about God's victory over evil, corruption and decay in all aspects of the created order.

Integrity in Athletics, Religion and Beyond

When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." (2 Corinthians 1:17-18, NIV)

College Football is not as big in North Carolina as it is in Alabama. That’s an understatement! College Basketball is not as big in North Carolina as college football is in Alabama. This is why Cam Newton’s front-page stories – on and off the field – have caught my attention. I was raised an Alabama fan, and we are taught to hate Auburn University. It is a rivalry! Right now, the year after Alabama won the National Championship and Mark Ingram won the Heisman, Auburn has the best team thus far this year (no apologies to Oregon) and the best player, QB Cam Newton – not good for this Alabama fan!

However, the story lines have moved from Cam Newton’s on the field success to questions of impropriety during his recruitment. It is alleged that Cam Newton’s father told Mississippi State University that potential suitors must pay $100,000 to $180,000 to gain his son’s services – a blatant violation of NCAA rules. No one knows if these allegations are true. And, it is likely that no one will know until years after this season is in the books. I hope that they are not. Cam Newton is an incredible athlete who has also tried to amend for his past. Nevertheless, trouble follows. Furthermore, the problem in college athletics is much more widespread than Newton. My favorite, Alabama, has been on probation three times in the past seventeen years and has forfeited or vacated twenty-nine wins due to impropriety. North Carolina’s football program is facing major sanctions and has already dismissed six players from this year’s team. Florida State vacated wins in ten major sports, including football, due to an academic cheating scandal.

Why am I writing about sports in this column (besides the fact that this is all I can think of at the moment)? I am writing because children are watching. Children are watching, immolating and idolizing athletes, entertainers, leaders and corporate executives. They want to be like them. They want to believe in the possibilities, cheer the team to victory, and be a part of something that simply does not happen everyday. For me, the lack of integrity is painful because I once was a child who cheered an athlete, sat under a preacher, got a coach’s autograph, and admired the Presidents. Integrity is essential because children are watching and growing. They are tomorrow’s athletes, leaders, ministers, and entertainers. They are tomorrow’s parents who must break the bad news.

When Paul wrote what is known as Second Corinthians, Paul and the church at Corinth had a major falling out. Paul had intended to visit on a journey and he was unable to make it. Not only that, but Paul had a painful relationship with the Corinthian congregation, as his first letter already indicates. Paul’s integrity was questioned, and he was compelled to defend it, or the church might lose its faith in the message because of the lack of integrity of the messenger.

I wish that I could say that all ministers are people of integrity – but we are not. We are human. But, that is really no excuse. I do not have the space to write all the reasons why people may compromise their integrity, but I can say this: our decisions, habits, attitudes and actions effect the development of children for good or ill. I have made lifestyle choices simply because I care about the people who are watching. Do we care about those whose lives are affected by the decisions we make?

Integrity is critical to the Kingdom of God and to the decisions of those who aspire to enter it.  Maybe the most important thing that the church can and should offer the world is an environment of integrity.

Grace and peace,

Tim

For All the Saints

Dean Timothy George of Beeson Divinity School introduced me to this powerful hymn of faith. Many are familiar with some of the verses. I thought that it would be appropriate to share all eleven on All Saints Day. William Walsham How composed the hymn as a processional hymn for All Saints Day (November 1). Its words are rich in theology and an expression of the Divine Drama in which all Christians participate. May all Christians realize their testimonies and stories are part of the story of God's redemption of His Creation and the eternal hope to which we live and yearn.

"For All the Saints"

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


For the Apostles’ glorious company,
Who bearing forth the Cross o’er land and sea,
Shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!


For the Evangelists, by whose blest word,
Like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
Is fair and fruitful, be Thy Name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
Saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
And seeing, grasped it, Thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!






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Top Ten Reasons Why Men Should Not Be Ministers (For a Laugh!)

I owe this to one of our college students at FBC Taylorsville, Christian Clack. I thought it was pretty funny, if not for the grains of truth scattered throughout.

10. A man’s place is in the army.

9. The pastoral duties of men who have children might distract them from the responsibility of being a parent.

8. The physique of men indicates that they are more suited to such tasks as chopping down trees and wrestling mountain lions. It would be “unnatural” for them to do ministerial tasks.

7. Man was created before woman, obviously as a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment rather than the crowning achievement of creation.

6. Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors. Their conduct at football and basketball games demonstrates this.

‎5. Some men are handsome, and this will distract women worshipers.

4. Pastors need to nurture their congregations. But this is not a traditional male role. Throughout history, women have been recognized as not only more skilled than men at... nurturing, but also more fervently attracted to it. This makes them the obvious choice for ordination.

3. Men are prone to violence. No really masculine man wants to settle disputes except by fighting about them. Thus they would be poor role models as well as dangerously unstable in positions of leadership.

2. The New Testament tells us that Jesus was betrayed by a man. His lack of faith and ensuing punishment remind us of the subordinated position that all men should take.

1. Men can still be involved in church activities, even without being ordained. They can sweep sidewalks, repair the church roof, and perhaps even lead the song service on Father’s Day. By confining themselves to such traditional male roles, they can still be vitally important in the life of the church.See More

Living a Dream

And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:9-10, NIV)


Now that John Alan is in first grade, I began to think back to when I was in first grade. I was nothing like John Alan, though I know you never believe me when I say that. It’s true. I was pudgy and wore glasses. Whereas he has always gotten along well with the girls, I have had only one serious relationship, and sometimes I consider that one a miracle!

Nevertheless, I have a wonderful memory. Today, I could tell you the names of every student in my class that year and remember my teacher like it was yesterday. One thing I remember vividly was fruit break. Every day at 10 AM, Mrs. Dunn stopped our lessons and gave us fifteen minutes to eat a snack since our lunchtime was not until 12:30 or so. Fruit break was an exciting time of the day. In 1984, the Fruit Roll Up was invented. Later, in 1985 the Fruit Bar came about. All kinds of bartering took place just to try a piece of these treats. However, by the second 6-week term, I was all the wiser and my mom began to pack Golden Delicious Apples (still my favorite), oranges or grapes.

However, to carry fruit to school you need a paper sack. So, my mom went out and bought some paper bags – Strawberry Shortcake paper sacks to be exact. And there I was everyday with my Strawberry Shortcake bags. Now don’t feel sorry for me – I have an over-inflated self-esteem that needs humbling every now and then. And, I never said anything about the paper sacks either. Every six weeks we sat by someone different. This particular term I sat by a little girl named Tisha Johnson. Sometimes Tisha did not have a fruit snack, so Mrs. Dunn would take out her pocketknife and cut the apple in half, and we’d share. Other times, I would share my grapes or orange slices. And, every day, Tisha would say, “Gimme your sack!” Of course, I did not want my Strawberry Shortcake paper bags. Nevertheless, every day, Tisha would neatly fold the sack, and take her wooden jumbo pencil and slide it over the sack. Then she would take her sack, place it in her folder and take it home. So, I never complained about taking the white paper bags with the red picture of a girl’s doll on the front. I knew Tisha wanted them. I never asked why.

“I have a dream that one day,…one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.” Those were the words of Martin Luther King, Jr, spoken in Washington, DC, in one of the most tumultuous times in the history of the United States of America. Little did we know, when Tisha, a little African-American girl, and I shared a fruit snack and a Strawberry shortcake paper bag, as well as our worktable, we were a part of the fulfillment of a dream. However, it was not just the dream of Dr. King, or the many who heard his sermon that day. It was the dream of a people who had been changed by another visionary, one who knew intimately Israel’s God, and the intentions of his will. Jesus of Nazareth, inspired by the prophets who came before him, led a movement that taught that God loved all people and had a place for them at his table, in His kingdom.

What are the dreams that you dare to dream? You may not be living your dream. Maybe, without knowing it, you are living the dream of those who have come before you who did not accept things as they are, but dared to dream how different they could be.

Grace and peace,

Tim

Why Arguments against Women in Ministry Aren't Biblical - Ben Witherington on the Bible and Culture

Why Arguments against Women in Ministry Aren't Biblical - Ben Witherington on the Bible and Culture

Great article about women in ministry that actually engages constraversial texts!

For those of us at First Baptist Church, who are looking for some exegetical answers to our friends objections to women serving in "ordained" capacities, I recommend Witherington's article wholeheartedly.