The Cluttered Mind

Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived

2011-04-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

Recently I read an article in Time magazine concerning Rob Bell's new book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. First if you have not read this article I strongly recommend it and it can be found here. We are constantly surrounded by false teachers. Paul instructs elders in Acts 20: 29-30 to be aware of wolves who will scatter the flock after he leaves. I like what Mark Driscoll said concerning shepherding a flock. He said tend the sheep, treat the goats as goats and don't make them think they are sheep, and shoot the wolves. So, when would you label someone a wolf? Would you consider Rob Bell a potential wolf?

Starting Up Again

2011-04-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

Obviously it has been a while since I have blogged. I am now attempting to start up the blog again. Hopefully I can start good conversation on important topics. So please comment! I plan to post my first topic of discussion on Thursday April 21st. So we will see how it goes!

Academic Journals

2009-10-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

If I was to choose a piece of literature to read I would choose a journal. I am currently joining ETS and EPS (Evangelical Philosophical Society) so I will have access to their journals. But are there any good journals concerning theology, philosophy, biblical languages or anything else that may be read worthy that I may be missing out on? I encourage comments, make my day!

Interesting Book on Roman Social Life

2009-10-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

I've recently finished a book authored by a Alberto Angela, titled, A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome. This book begins by introducing the reader to the early morning ritual commenced by a regular freeman in ancient Rome. It continues through the day going through basic customs that were preformed by Roman citizens, such as, being dressed, breakfast, living in the Insulae, the slave market, events at the Colosseum and anything else that a Roman citizen might encounter.

Angela does a great job incorporating basic second century Roman customs into the pseudo-narrative of ancient Rome. Angela had this book critiqued by Professor Romolo Augusto Stacciloi an expert on the daily lives of ancient Romans; therefore the historical accuracy is indisputable.

This book was written more as a narrative, therefore it is easily read and the chapters are short making for quick reads. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Roman Social life. It was originally written in Italian and translated by Gregory Conti into English.

Galatians 5:16

2009-07-09T12:48:00.001-07:00

How do we walk in the Spirit?

Dwelling in the Gospel-Tim Keller

2009-05-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most informative lessons I have ever heard about contextualization.

Being in the World

2009-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

I was reading through 1 Corinthians 5 this morning and verses 9-11 REALLY spoke to me and brought up something that is argued or debated much throughout (especially it seems) Baptist life. To what degree are we "in" the world but not "of" the world. I am not someone that would encourage people to go to the bar and have a beer witnessing to people. (However, it is debated in my mind.) But to be "in" the world you must exist around worldly people. Paul in verse 10 makes it clear that he didn't mean to not associate with the sexually immoral, greedy, swindlers or idolaters of this world but to not associate with those people in the church. (verse 11) So my question is, to what degree do we associate with the people of the world? Do we go to bars where worldly people congregate and witness? Is it only a vocational atmosphere? If it is, then do Pastors witness at all or are they to only attend to the flock? Many questions...also, some same we can hurt our witness by going to bars, drinking beer or smoking. However, to hurt our witness, we must first of all, be around worldly people who need Christ, second know we are Christians, and thirdly know how Christians ought to act so they can judge right. So by saying you can "hurt your witness" aren't you presupposing that you will be a known Christian around unrepentant people? Let me know your thoughts on this matter. To what degree do you "put yourself in the world." (One last note: Does anyone know where the phrase: Be in the world but not of the world originated?)

Mark Driscoll's ABC Nightline Face-Off Debate

2009-03-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs to watch this debate...I would like to hear some discussion and views on some of the arguments given. What would you have said? Be sure and watch all 10 clips.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/FaceOff/

Qualifications for Ministry

2009-03-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking lately about the Biblical qualifications or prerequisites that are required before taking the position of Eldership in the church. I've been reading Titus 1: 5-9 and this lays down almost a list of attributes that a candidate for an Overseer or Elder must possess. Paul was writing to Titus and telling him that he must appoint Elders in the Churches in Crete. Paul was seemingly making it really easy for Titus to choose whom would be an Elder in the church. I am assuming that Titus took this letter and the list that was given him and he went to each church looking for a man that met these qualifications and then appointed him the Elder of the church. With this being said, should all Pastors/Elders of churches today meet these same qualifications and if they don't should they step down from their position of leadership? Or what about someone (like myself) who is going into Christian ministry who is immature and not even capable of being in leadership? Should they not pursue a leadership role until they meet these qualifications? I am curious to know opinions and criticisms, what are your thoughts?

Kenseth Sacked The Auto Club 500!!!!!!

2009-02-22T20:48:00.001-08:00

WOO HOO!!!! Matt Kenseth did it again! He won the Auto Club 500 today in California!!! He is the 5th person in the history of NASCAR to win the first two races of the year! The last time this happened was in 1997 by Jeff Gordon! Congrats Matt!!! Keep it up!!!

Sanctification

2009-02-21T11:22:00.000-08:00

The church of today (for the most part) seems to view sanctification as something that is done by the born-again believer. It is implied that when a Christian is doing something bad or sinful, they are not living up to the Christian life that they are now born into. Is this a biblical view of sanctification? I struggle with it, because I know my own sinfulness, and I pray fervently for God to rid me of my sinful nature and help me let go of my sinfulness and grasp hold of Christ. Nevertheless, it appears that you must put forth the initiative for sanctification. But is that something that you are supposed to do? We are all sinful in our nature, so it is our nature for us to sin. (Gen 8:21, Eph 2:1) So, for us to do anything against our nature....well, is that even possible without God's grace? I reference Galatians 3:3 and Philippians 1:6. Any commits of criticisms?

Matt Kenseth Won the Daytona 500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited because today Matt Kenseth won for the first time for himself and Roush Fenway Racing the Daytona 500! Kenseth had a winless season last year, and the first race of the season this year he won! Congrats Matt! And all other NASCAR fans out there!!!!

Theological German

2009-01-25T12:42:00.001-08:00

Call me a nerd, but I am interested in learning German. I was told to use the book "Introduction to Theological German" by J.D. Manton, which I have, however I am having trouble with pronunciation. So does anyone have any good references that would assist well in pronunciating German?

The Pleasures of God

2009-01-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

I am in the middle of a reading a book by John Piper titled, "The Pleasures of God". In this book, obviously Piper discusses what pleasures God has and where they come from. The first six chapters discuss how God gets pleasure from things that directly or somewhat indirectly give Him glory. Piper and I agree when it comes to the question about who God is more concerned about. Is He more concerned of His own glory and fame, or you? Ultimately God has to be concerned about the believer because the believer will ultimately give glory to God. However, I see that we are not in ourselves God's concern, but that there is another angle on this, that God receives glory from us therefore He must be concerned about us. This puts into play an idea that the world, our salvation, existence and everything is totally God centered. So the question I have is that, how God centered are you when it comes to everyday things like your salvation, your choices, lifestyle etc. What is your opinion and where do you stand?

Gospel Coalition Conference

2008-12-27T07:27:00.000-08:00

I want to inform anyone who does not already know that D.A. Carson, Mark Driscoll, John Piper and many others will be speaking at the Gospel Coalition Conference on April 21-23 in Chicago. This conference will be amazing where John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Phil Ryken, K. Edward Copeland, Bryan Chapell and Ligon Duncan will be preaching through 2 Timothy. There will also be SEVERAL different workshops you can attend. Registration is only $100 for students and all attendees will receive a free ESV study Bible courtesy of Crossway! I encourage all to attend! May God Bless!

Jeremiah 29:13

Slouching Towards Gomorrah

2008-12-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

I was assigned a book for my Christian Ethics class titled, "Slouching Towards Gomorrah" by Robert Bork. If anyone has not read it, it is a MUST read! The book basically goes over the history of modern liberalism and how prevalent it is today in our government, universities, and the common man. It is a scary thought that our culture is advocating nihilism and attacking the bourgeois. The intellectuals of today are taking over and slowly destroying our culture. Bork gives four probable solutions that would cause a moral and spiritual regeneration. These are: a religious revival, revival of public discourse about morality, a cataclysmic war, or a deep economic depression. The reason I bring this up is looking at our current societal situation, one wonders what must be done? Will we have to resort to an Ausonian philosophy, where we will just have to act as the Irish monks and create our own Skellig Michael, and wait out the storm. It is a scary thought and one must consider what is to be done.
With all that being said, let me interject that Christians today need to start being Christians!!! Who is God to you? Does God really mean everything to you? Why is it that Christians today are so liberal! Quit it!!! You know better! This world is fleeting and God has called His church to a higher calling! We must cry out to God for sanctification and must strive with all our might to be the best Christians we can be. For God and for our Nation! May the Christians awaken and take hold of the calling that the Lord has given them!!!!!!

RTS

2008-12-07T18:42:00.001-08:00

Although I thoroughly enjoy being a Southern Baptist sometimes I want to look outside the Southern Baptist circle for theological and Biblical thought. So, I wanted to share with everyone that about a year ago a friend of mine introduced me to Reformed Theological Seminary. (Yes, although it is Reformed...just listen...) RTS is in Orlando Florida, and I believe it is associated with the Presbyterians. However on iTunes you can download several of their classes for free! I have benefited greatly from the resources and wanted to pass it along to anyone who would be interested. They have classes from systematic theology, to Church History, Pastoral Counseling and several others. I encourage anyone whether they are a Calvinist or not to check it out! The teaching is out of this world and is doctrinally sound. I also encourage anyone to especially listen in to any class lectures by a Dr. John Frame. He is great, and I could listen to his lectures all day! I would also recommened buying his books: The Doctrine of God, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God, and the Doctrine of the Christian Life. Enjoy!!!

Knowing God

2008-12-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

Hello! It has been a while since anything has been posted on here! I have been SWAMPED with classes, papers, homework, WORK etc, and now things are slowing down so here is the next blog!
I am at a point in time right now where I want to know God. I want to understand God and I want to know everything that I can know about God. For example: attributes, character, and the way he thinks. Since Christian's are God's children, shouldn't they want to know their Father? I know that I will NEVER be able to FULLY understand the Lord and that is alright. However God has revealed certain things in Scripture that point to his character. I do not want to turn this into a Reformed only blog, but one thing I want to point out is that I can't get Calvinism out of my mind. I feel that if it is true it expresses one side of God that is difficult yet glorious! At this point in time I am doing all I can to make certain the claims of Calvinism are biblical. The only reason is to understand God's character. I believe that Calvinism if it is true, or it's numerous alternatives, then that is the foundation on which to begin understanding God. If it is not Calvinism, then which one is it? How does God REALLY view salvation? How does he really view mankind? Is God completely God centered or man centered? That is the supreme question.

Clutter's first blog

2008-11-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

I am starting my first blog, with the hope to have riveting discussions on: Theology, God, Calvinism, Arminianism, any thing that is controversial (not for sake of argument, but for the sake of trying to understand controversial matters, theories, theologies, and the like.) philosophy, ethics, worldviews, religion, and anything else my feeble mind can conjure.
The first topic of discussion is: Do you believe in the Sovereignty of God? And, if so, how far does the sovereignty of God go? Is it REAL sovereignty, or only a partial sovereignty? Is God in so much control that everything, (literally implied), EVERYTHING down to your car getting a flat tire, to getting bit by a mosquito happens under the complete sovereignty of God to where nothing happens unless he allows/intended something to happen. I am curious to know how far the sovereignty of God goes. I have heard respected biblical brothers in Christ relate to God's sovereignty in God using the Pharaoh of Egypt to show his wrath and show his power, however reject the theology of TULIP. How can one say that God is completely sovereign yet at the same time put limits on his sovereignty? I am not trying to impress on someone to accede to Calvinistic theology, however I want to understand someone who would limit God's sovereignty. Because, God is either COMPLETELY sovereign or he is not. I have a difficult time understanding a God who is not COMPLETELY powerful and completely in charge. God is...well, God. And I want to believe that. I want to know that everything that happens is happening for God's intended purpose.
At any rate, please comment, criticize, reject or do whatever, I am hear for criticism and different views. I want to understand the opposite of my belief. I want to understand why some people have arrived at different decisions that I have.