Bodwin

It was a great joy to talk with a friend at the local Starbucks (one of 8, now) on Wednesday night. As we were talking about our struggles and of the joys of knowing Christ and experiencing the gospel, he brought up something that has been ringing in my ears the last 2 days. As we were talking about the gospel, he said to me, "It has occured to me that we have two common struggles with the gospel: Gospel-amnesia or Gospel-gap." He went on to tell me what he meant, although not much thought is required to see the intended meaning. Obviously, Gospel-amnesia is simply forgetting about the gospel when it comes to our everyday lives. We do not witness because we simply do not think about the gospel at all. It has become de-prioritized in our lives. It is not the song on our lips when we rise from sleep. It is not the last thought at night when we lie down. We have simply forgotten about the gospel, and we therefore do not live lives controlled by the gospel. Secondly, we oftentime...

Another book ( Can We Rock the Gospel? ) has been printed regarding the 'conservative' approach to Christianity's ties to rock music, however you define that term. Dan Lucarini, having co-written the book, now has two titles that bear his name regarding this topic. There are several words that come to mind when I think of the typical 'right-wing' conservative, fundamental (whatever other adj. u want to use) position on music. One is suspicious . Another is stubborn . "Text-pushing" and "horrible exegesis and application" come to mind as well. My favorite and seemingly the most common is agenda . Now, do I doubt the sincerity of these men? Absolutely not. I believe all the way to my core that they are seeking to help the body of Christ by fighting this issue. So, just to get it out there, I (as much as possible) appreciate what they seem to be trying to do. However, it seems to me that no matter the book or article that comes out, the authors are...

On Monday, I had the privilege of preaching the power of the gospel as represented in Romans 12:1-2. A lot of Christians (especially the zealous-reformed type...) have been using the "Gospel" almost to the point where it is becoming a 'buzz word' where everybody 'knows what we're talking about, but no one can really define the term nor do they see its significance.' (Similar approach taken by Mark Twain in his definition of a Classic novel - "A classic is a work which everyone has heard of, but no one has read!") Romans can be very intimidating! It is a very complex book. I do not suggest it for casual Bible reading early in the morning, unless you have a carafe full of a black brew steaming on the countertop. I had always seen Romans as a treatise on sin and righteousness, and those are dominant themes of the book. However, they can be the trees that cause us to miss the forest. Romans does begin showing the reader the sinfulness of man and his ...

To my 3 loyal readers: Forgive me for not having written in quite a while. In the last 3 weeks I have: Written a paper on the identification of the "rock" in Matthew 16:18 (15 hours) Written a sermon on Isaiah 24 (15 hours) Preached a sermon on Romans 12:1-2 (20 hours - Research, Typing, etc.) Travelled home and back. (Good ol' Rocky Mount) Discussed the blend of Biblical and Systematic Theology with a friend (1.5 hours - **I should've been doing homework...just for kicks) Become an associate member at Heritage Bible Church in Greenville. I am helping teach 2nd grade Sunday School there. I also am involved in the College/Career class there. Having given almost every waking moment to school work almost makes me question whether I am spinning wheels or actually progressing. I say this somewhat in jest. However, I try to keep in mind that what I am learning is not what makes me. It is who I am growing to know and love that is transforming my heart to...

Read here . Hilarity will ensue!

In the last year, much of my reading has been associated with worship. I, in no way, would consider myself any sort of authority on worship, yet I do claim Biblical authority on what Scripture calls worship and on what it condemns as mere idolatry in the guise of worship. I was able to preach twice in the last 6 months on "The true nature of Biblical Worship" from John 4. It has probably been one of the most eye-opening, most applicable study I have ever done. Quite possibly what bothers me most in this arena is when people think they are "worshiping," when in reality all they are doing is practicing unintentional idolatry. (If you wonder why I use the word idolatry, stay tuned!) From John 4, it is clear that worship is not a result of merely desiring to worship God. Expecting to worship God by merely "doing" worship activities is comparable to going to a baseball stadium and expecting to observe a game being played simply because YOU are there in attendan...

At my "home church away from home church" (Heritage Bible Church in G'ville), my pastor, Dan Brooks, has been preaching through Matthew on Sunday nights at least as long as I have been attending (2 + years). Two weeks ago, he finished up Matthew 18 with a sermon on the parable of the wicked servant. It is my sincere conviction that our preaching be Gospel-driven, Gospel-centered. This is probably the best I've heard on a forgiveness passage. Do yourself spiritual good and listen to this .