RICK WARREN LIVE

Generous Orthodoxy points out that Rick Warren has now appeared on the Charlie Rose show. My,he is getting around of late, isn't he?

Why?

FEWER HURRICANES, COOLER OCEAN

Last year was a record year for hurricanes and tropical storms, eclipsing the prior record year of 1993. This yhear, however, is a different story. There have been fewer than normal storms, despite some early predictions. There were 9 named storms by this time last year, only 3 this year. Part of the reason for this is that the surface temperature for the Atlantic Ocean in the tropics is actually cooler than normal. Last year the surface temperature was above normal.

Not only is the tropical Atlantic cooler, scientist show that between 2003 and 2005, globally averaged temperatures in the upper ocean were substantially cooler, and, in effect, erased 20% of the warming that occurred over the previous 48 years.

This could be a set back for the global warming folks. What will Al Gore have left to talk about? Oh, right, this won't keep him from talking about it.

The heart of God opens itself to us in God's word. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

BILLY GRAHAM II

Phil Johnson has observations on Graham and N. T. Wright. Who ever thought we'd discuss those two in one sentence! But, they are both dodging the gospel bullet in public.

BILLY GRAHAM, UNIVERSALIST?

Getting some play on the Internet this week in an inteview given by evangelist Billy Graham to Jon Meacham of Newsweek. Here is the money quote.

"When asked whether he believes heaven will be closed to good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or secular people, though, Graham says: "Those are decisions only the Lord will make. It would be foolish for me to speculate on who will be there and who won't ... I don't want to speculate about all that. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have."

There was a time when Graham would have been glad to say who is going to heaven and who is not, and he would not have called it speculation. To imply, after a lifetime of Christian evangelism, that Jews, Muslims, Buddists or any other non-believers in Christ may go to heaven is a repudiation of his own ministry.

In John 3:3, Jesus said "unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." He went on in verse 16 to say that "whoever believes in him (Jesus) should not perish but have eternal life." In verse 18, he said "whoever does not believe is condemned already." Jesus was pretty clear, wasn't he? Those who believe in him will be saved and end up in heaven, those who don't, won't. Would that be too hard for Graham to say?

If John 3 is not enough for you, you might try Romans 1-2. For example, 2:12 says for all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law".

It is a shame that well known preachers end up on tv and then abort the gospel message. Joel Osteen got a lot of criticism for doing that recently. Now, Billy Graham of all people gives credence to a sort of universalism rather than the gospel. Please give me back the old Billy.

We are back from a quick trip to Louisville, Kentucky. We moved the Seminary Daughter's stuff to Louiville and put it in storage. Then she and her fiance found an apartment and signed a lease for it. They will move there after their wedding and honeymoon.

Louisville is a pretty city. It is very green, with large trees and lush plants everywhere. It has lots of traffic, but not the haze that DFW has.

The seminary is also beautiful, with red brick colonial buildings, huge trees and green lawns. I'm a little envious that she is going.

You shouldn't drive to Louisville from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It is too far, the traffic is too heavy and there are way, way too many trucks. I never saw so many trucks in my life. I feel like I have been beaten with a stick after driving it both ways within a few days. Just say "no" and fly. I don't like to fly anymore because it has become such a hassle, but I'm going to have to do it for the greater good.

David Heddle of "He Lives" has posted the opening salvo in the debate of cessationsism vs. continuationism, or, do the spiritual gifts continue past the apostles. I always say that Southern Baptists claim the gifts exist but live as if they don't.

I can't wait for future posts, as I am really interested in the topic, and the professor always does a thorough job.


You should read it.