A couple weeks ago I posted some of my thoughts about the Prosperity Gospel as it compares to Scripture. In particular I was reflecting on some insight from Revelation 2.8-11 – Jesus’ affirmation of the Church at Smyrna. (See Suffering Saints)
I have since run across this video of John Piper expressing how the Prosperity Gospel runs counter to the True Gospel. As usual, Piper’s message is powerful.
You were broken that I might be healed
You were cast off that I might draw near
You were thirsty that I might come drink
Cried out in anguish that I might singHow deep is Your love
How high and how wide is Your mercy
How deep is Your grace
Our hearts overflow with praise
To YouYou knew darkness that I might know light
Wept great tears that mine might be dried
Stripped of glory that I might be clothed
Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own© 2006 Sovereign Grace Music (BMI).
From Valley of Vision
He was known as a wizard – the Wizard of Westwood. I am not sure how that moniker came to be attached to him, except that this pithy alliteration well described his mastery of the the basketball court as coach of the UCLA Bruins. But that nickname seems to have rung true for another reason. By all accounts the influence of Coach John Wooden‘s ‘spell’ left his former players, and others around him, better for having had him around.
An era has passed. In a way it is odd to say this, since the John Wooden era of coaching ended more than 35 years ago. But the era ended completely with the passing of Coach Wooden, who went to be with his Lord, and his long-departed wife, Friday evening.
Still, even in his parting, Wooden influence will continue to live in those he coached, and through those whose lives have been enhanced through the life & leadership lessons Wooden took a lifetime to craft, and which he devoted to sharing in his retirement years: Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. 
Despite his nickname, there is nothing ‘magical’ about the Wooden Way. His success formula is rooted in integrity, discipline, loyalty, and hard work. And unlike many of the self-help principes on the market, Wooden’s philosophy was woven in his Faith.
In summary: Wooden was more than just a coach. He was a godly man who was on a mission to bless those around him.
As a father of a son, entering college, who aspires to be a coach, I can think of no example I would rather have influence him, in that endeavor, than that which John Wooden embodied.
John Wooden’s legend will be long remembered. John Wooden’s character & principles will continue to speak for generattion to come.
Several years ago an article in Journal of Biblical Counseling opened my eyes to see that counseling is a Ministry of the Word. True Christian Counseling often involves helping people discern their bestting sin, personal idols, and functional unbelief, and then helping them apply the gospel to their lives. This is what the Ministry of the Word does, whether it comes in the form of preaching, teaching, or counseling. With that understanding, then, it should be no surprise that Worship can also carry a function of Counseling.
In this video David Powlison of CCEF and Bob Kauflin of Sovereign Grace Ministries continue their discussion about how worship can effect personal transformation in the participant and the worship leaders’ responsibilty to lead people to fully enter into worship in a way that opens the participant to experience what God will do in them.
[This is Part 2 of 2]
What effect can worship have on the worshipper? In this video Worship Leader Bob Kauflin and counseler David Powlison discuss the therapeutic aspect of worship.
While this video comes from the perspective of the worship leader, and the awesome opportunity and responsibility the worship leader has, I think this discussion will provide everyone an enhanced perspective about the dynamic that entering into genuine worship offers.
[NOTE: This is the First of Two Parts of this discussion]
Unbeknownst to me when I posted earlier today, two of my long-time friends interviewed Jim Belcher, author of Deep Church, earlier this year for their podcast: Ordinary Means.
In this interview Jim introduces and discusses his book with two guys, Matt Bohling & Shaun Nolan, who unhesitatingly identify themselves with the Traditional Church.
Great discussion…
To listen click: Deep Church.
At the suggestion of a friend, I recently read Jim Belcher’s Deep Church. I was not disappointed. This is thoughtful and thought-provoking book.
The subtitle really captures the theme of this book: A Third Way.
With all the discussions about “how” to do church, and the polemic approaches of the Traditionalists and the Emerging/Emergent, some of us find ourselves caught somewhere in the middle. I see strengths and weakness in both movements.
Belcher offers understanding of both worlds. With his understanding he offers honest reflections. Belchers experience and research are helpful for bringing clarity about the issues of the debate and the players doing the debating. I especially appreciated his dilineation of the “protests” being offered by the Emergning/Emergents against the practices of traditional church:
Honestly, I share these collective frustrations – though I cannot endorse the Emergent solutions.
More than just offering perspective, Belcher offers his thought process as he wrestles with the strengths and weaknesses of both the Emerging/Emergent and Traditionalist arguments. He does not seem to be trying to convince anyone to embrace his positions, only sharing the insights of his personal and spiritual leadership journey. I found this helpful. It was almost as if I had someone to talk with about these issues as I contemplate my own positions, questions, and inclinations.
Most important, at no point does Belcher compromise by seeking the “middle way”. Instead, listening to both sides of the debate, he searches and wrestles with Scripture to find “A Third Way”.
The Bereans would be proud.
GRACE & PEACE 