PD#10:

Lil Wayne’s new album Tha Carter III has now gone double-platinum, selling two million copies in the first nine weeks of its release. It passed one million copies in the first week alone.

These are huge sales, especially in our day of digital music purchasing where people buy singles but not albums.

Speaking of singles, the success of Tha Carter II seems to be driven by the incredible demand for the first single off the album, “Lollipop.”

Music Choice reports that “Lollipop” is now its most popular music video - ever. Damon Williams, VP of Programming for Music Choice said, “Wayne has done an incredible job of consistently delivering what today’s hip-hop fans want. The milestone of realizing over 10 million views for a single video speaks to the power of Lil Wayne’s fan base. Lil Wayne is the best in the game.”

And there is crossover appeal in the song. It not only reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs, it also reached #1 on the “Hot 100″, and #2 on Billboard’s “Pop 100″.

Obviously, a lot of people are buying, listening, and enjoying.

Not bad for a 5 minute song about oral sex.

And when I say “song”, I am referring to the insanely-repetitive, crass, in-your-face musical pornography that comprises “Lollipop.”

At this point, should I type in a few of the lyrics so you’ll believe me when I say they are awful? No, better keep the blog PG.

Where is Tipper Gore when you need her? 2008 doesn’t appear to be 1985 (Gore’s testimony before Congress with Frank Zappa). Cultural moral crusaders, from both the political left and right, are completely absent.

Does anyone besides me remember when “booty rap” musicians from 2 Live Crew were considered anti-social deviants, peddling lyrical porn? Sure, the controversy drove up sales of “As Nasty As They Wanna Be” (1989), but at least the music wasn’t automatically mainstreamed into the culture. But now, something is different. Where once there was cultural agitation leading to thoughtful reflection, now there is nothing but silence. Maybe some of the protests of the past were ill conceived, but at least there was a protest.

No matter what your religious affiliation, would you really want your son to grow up to be the next Lil Wayne? Would you desire your daughter to aspire to be one of the women sexually objectified in these songs and videos?

I’d really like to know whether anyone agrees with me when I state what seems to be blatantly obvious - we have become desensitized to degradation and are apathetic to our moral duty to critique and challenge.

Has our pluralistic sophistication negated our prophetic indignation?

Porn culture is here to stay, singing, “Veni, vidi, vici” all the way to the bank.

PD#9

I am sitting out on my back porch this morning as the sun gets ready to inaugurate a new day. Birds sing and dance in the dew-laden grass, looking for that proverbial early worm they are entitled to. Maybe they can forget about the worms for awhile and feast instead on the big hairy spiders that roam my backyard grass.

Jesus once preached a sermon, and talked about birds. Standing on the side of a hill in order to be heard by the large crowd, he said,

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26).

The answer to this question is obvious. Yes. We are of more value than birds. And God, creator of both birds and man, provides for both. The clear purpose of Jesus’ words here is a warning against anxiety, worrying about material provision.

But this is not Pollyanna optimism built on a naïve view of the world. Jesus isn’t advocating bird-brain theology, as though birds never die and babies never starve. He knows this present world is not how it was created to be. The curse of sin and death hovers over all creation.

So, a few chapters later, birds once again take center stage in Jesus’ teaching as he says:

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:28-31).

“Kill,” “hell,” “destroy,” “fall,” – this is the working vocabulary of the one who knows that this life is not all there is.

Indeed, God is benevolent and kind, pouring out a world of blessing on His creation, whether they acknowledge Him or not. Because He is powerful and wise to provide for what He has made, He does not want us to be overly concerned about our own material provision, as if we ourselves are God, makers of our own destiny.

Instead, God wants us to take time in this world to consider eternity, the life that is to come. In contrast to the concerns of this present world, Jesus wants us to focus much thought and attention to the world to come.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).

St. Louis is my hometown, and always will be in my heart. For the last seven years I have pastored the most wonderful group of Christians at Providence Baptist in Rock Hill.

But when the sun rises tomorrow morning, a moving company crew will show up at my family’s house and pack up our belongings to move us into our new home in Louisville, Kentucky. The last six weeks have rushed by  - acceptance of a job, beginning work, finding and buying and remodeling a home, and packing up a house - all of this has added up to a fast-paced June and July.

Although it is bittersweet to leave parents, friends, and family behind here in St. Louis, there is also an accompanying great amount of excitement in my new work as Director of Research for Dr. Albert Mohler, the President of my alma mater, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Most readers of this blog do not need an introduction to Dr. Mohler, so you can understand the enthusiasm I have in my heart as I begin this new avenue of ministry.

Please keep my family in your prayers as we make the transition, especially for my wife who is “great with child.”

I will be gone for the month of June. Big changes are taking place in the life of my family right now - exciting and wonderful events. And, with those changes comes a press on my time and schedule for the next 4-5 weeks. I may see many of you at various Southern Baptist events and places, but for the rest of you - see you in July.

Grace and Peace,

Scott

O MY GOD,

Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,

my heart admires, adores, loves Thee,

for my little vessel is as full as it can be,

and I would pour out all that fullness before Thee in ceaseless flow.

When I think upon and converse with Thee

ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,

ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,

ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,

crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless Thee for the soul Thou hast created,

for adorning it, sanctifying it, though it is fixed in barren soil;

for the body Thou hast given me,

for preserving its strength and vigor,

for providing senses to enjoy delights,

for the ease and freedom of my limbs,

for hands, eyes, ears that do Thy bidding;

for Thy royal bounty providing my daily support,

for a full table and overflowing cup,

for appetite, taste, sweetness,

for social joys of relatives and friends,

for ability to serve others,

for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,

for a mind to care for my fellow-men,

for opportunities of spreading happiness around,

for loved ones in the joys of heaven,

for my own expectation of seeing Thee clearly.

I love Thee above the powers of language to express,

for what Thou art to Thy creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

Arthur Bennett

“The Valley of Vision - A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions”

Sources say Avery Willis will be nominated by John Marshall (Springfield, Missouri) for SBC President.

Click HERE for story.

Sources say that Johnny Hunt will be announcing on Tuesday (May 6), Ted Traylor nominating.

PD#9:

Wow! There is a lot of buzz in the “religion & politics” news this week regarding Barack Obama and his pastor former pastor Jeremiah Wright I understand that a pastor feels a burden to show courage and boldness in the face of hostility towards personally-held beliefs, but you’ve got to be amazed at his absolute inconsideration to his friend Barack, knowing the impact his statements might have on Obama’s campaign.

Ok, that ends my armchair-politics talk (an area I know little of, and care even less about).

Now, onto what I find even more interesting about all this – the theological element.

Liberation theology is getting a lot of air time these days (see here for today’s Google news search of the term). I’m not so sure all the pundits know what they are talking about when they use the term. Nevertheless, there is a lot of talk about Wright’s own liberation theology. As I’ve read some of the analysis, it seems as though there is an unspoken assumption that liberation theology is the only brand of theology fit for the African American Christian. Further, with great historical blindness, it is also nearly assumed that this is the only type of theology African American Christians have ever held.

So, Wright’s comments come at a great time for me personally, as I am in the middle of reading two books written by one particular African-American pastor, currently serving a church in the Cayman Islands (must be tough).

His name is Thabiti M. Anyabwile (click the link to read his personal blog, including a fresh post about the Jeremiah Wright events).

The two books by Anyabwile are:The Faithful Preacher: Recapturing the Vision of Three Pioneering African-American Pastors andThe Decline of African American Theology: From Biblical Faith to Cultural Captivity

I recently had the privilege of hearing Pastor Anyawile preach on the topic of Christianity and race.You can hear the message here, or see the video here. Regarding The Decline, here is a blurb:

“Anyabwile offers a challenging and provocative assessment of the history of African American Christian theology, from its earliest beginnings to the present. He argues trenchantly that the modern fruit of African American theology has fallen far from the tree of its early predecessors.”

Anyabwile discusses men like Howard Thurman, Jupiter Hammon, James Cone, Marcus Garvey, and T.D. Jakes. In so doing, he provides us with great analysis of the history of African American theology.

The next book, The Faithful Preacher, contains biographical information and some excellent selections from the preaching and writing ministry of three African American preachers from a bygone era. Lemuel Haynes, Bishop Daniel A. Payne, and Francis J. Grimke each receive compelling attention.

I’m not through reading these books yet, but I thought I’d put them out here (and Anyabwile’s message) for your own consideration.

PD#8:

A short video clip of John Piper’s gem from 2000… “the seashell story”… Don’t Waste Your Life.

PD#7:

On the cross of Calvary, God poured out his wrath on Christ, in the place of sinners.

Do you think that such a notion is a “twisted version of events,” or “morally dubious,” or a “huge barrier to faith”?Do you think that the doctrine of penal substitution, God punishing Christ in our place, is a form of “cosmic child abuse”?

Did you know that there is an ongoing debate among some in the evangelical camp who are embarrassed and even hate the truth claim that Jesus’ death was a divine wrath-bearing event?

A brand new book by Zondervan brings forth part of this discussion, focusing on the controversy as it appeared in the UK in the Evangelical Alliance. The Atonement Debate: Papers from the London Symposium on the Theology of Atonement is a collection of papers from a symposium held by the Evangelical Alliance and the London School of Theology. Here is the description of the book:

When a popular British evangelical leader appeared to denounce the idea that God was punishing Christ in our place on the cross as a “twisted version of events,” “morally dubious,” and a “huge barrier to faith” and suggested the idea should be rejected in favor of preaching only that God is love, major controversy was stirred. Many thought the idea of penal substitution was at the heart of the evangelical understanding of the cross, if no the only legitimate interpretation of the death of Christ.The public debate which resulted was often heated. In order to act as reconcilers, the Evangelical Alliance and the London School of Theology called for a symposium which advocates of the different positions could engage each other. The symposium, which was attended by some 200 participants, drew together many of Britain’s finest evangelical theologians. This book contains the collection of papers given at the symposium, supplemented by a few others for the sake of rounding out the agenda, and grouped in convenient sections.

The undermining penal substitution is not new. Attacks and redefinitions of this core doctrine have been around for ages. However, in recent times, it was the book The Lost Message of Jesus by Steve Chalk that sought to take away the doctrine of propitiation while at the same time claiming a place at the evangelical table.

The Atonement Debate is a response to Chalke and others within the EA. It is long (360 pages), substantial, and contains chapters by numerous authors, including Chalke himself. Sections include “Biblical Foundations,” “Theological Contributions,” “Historical Perspectives,” and “Contemporary Perspectives.” In other words, biblical, systematic, historical, and contemporary apologetic angles are all addressed in this book.

Make no mistake, mixing up and altering the doctrine of the atonement is an offense against the gospel itself. This is a doctrine of first-order importance. The Bible is clear that sins must be atoned for, and it is equally clear that we cannot make that atonement for ourself. Only a sinless savior can become the “curse” for sinners. Only Christ’s atonement can fulfill the work of both substitution and satisfaction. He substituted himself on behalf of sinners. He satisfied the demand of divine punishment (wrath, propitiation). And all that was done by Christ in suffering for us was done as a work of Trinitarian harmony.

Pastors, we must especially deepen our understanding of the biblical doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement, as well as the historical and contemporary attacks on it. This will involve diligent study and hard work. But the reward is found in knowing and defending and preaching a gospel that truly leads to life and salvation.

Here are some additional resources on penal substitutionary atonement:A recent audio message by Dr. Al Mohler, delivered at Together for the Gospel 2008, titled “Why do They Hate It So: The Doctrine of Substitution.”

R.C. Sproul audio message, “The Curse Motif of the Atonement”, delivered at Together for the Gospel 2008.

Adrian Warnock, “Steve Chalke and the Lost Message of Jesus”.

John Piper, “Defending My Father’s Wrath”.

Mark Dever’s Christianity Today article on the atonement.

PD#6  (an archived Truth in Art column):

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) was one of the great American painters of the twentieth century. He grew up in Harlem, and spent afternoons in a community center arts and crafts program. His gifts quickly caught the attention of Harlem Renaissance artists, and soon he found work through the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Lawrence achieved major recognition upon completing paintings of various historical figures. The lives of Toussaint L’Ouverture, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and John Brown supplied Lawrence with inspiration for his best-known groups of works. He also composed a series of paintings illustrating the northern migration of African Americans. Beginning in the 1940’s, major art galleries in New York displayed his work, something never before accomplished by an African American. Over a sixty-year career of painting and teaching, Lawrence received countless awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Arts given by George Bush in 1990.

One particular theme Lawrence developed throughout his career is that of builders and artisans. Inspired by Harlem cabinetmakers and New York laborers, Lawrence showed the dignity of men and women at work. Full of bright primary colors and easily recognizable objects, Builders #1 is a joy to the eyes. My own young children love the piece. The attempt to identifying the tools, and wonder what the builder is making. While the content of Builders #1 is easily understood, the message is nonetheless powerful.

First, the painting speaks of nobility found in honest work. This truth gains even more power because the builder in the painting is an everyday man using everyday tools.

Consider the glory of Jesus Himself working as a carpenter. The creator of the universe learned from Joseph how to saw a board straight! Selecting wood from the very trees He created, Jesus fashioned tables and chairs.

Jesus came from heaven, “not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6:38). In thinking on the incarnation, do we remember that for three decades of Jesus’ life it was God’s will that He worked as a carpenter? We must do away with the error of splitting our lives into so-called spiritual and non-spiritual categories. Martin Luther said, “The cobbler praises God when he honestly makes a good pair of shoes.” Christ revealed God’s glory through common labor. How do we approach the everyday tasks in our lives?

Second, the painting makes a connection between human artistry and the first artist, God Himself. Look at the background outside the window. Mount Rainier, close to Lawrence’s Seattle home, rises like a monument. This is a testimony to God’s status as the creator who “established the mountains by His strength, being clothed with power” (Psalm 65:4). In like manner, the builder employs his God-given muscles and creative imagination to craft enduring beauty.

Third, Builders #1 speaks of diligence. “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” (Proverbs 10:4) The man exhibits hard-working hands and a well-used workshop. I would even argue there is evidence of prosperity, for there is an abundance of tools and surplus of hardware. Also, there is nothing to suggest the man is working for the profit of another. That is, it appears the man works in his own shop, using his own resources and skills for his own productions.

Fourth, Builders #1 leads us to think on the themes of creation, fall, and redemption. Upon creating Adam, God told him to subdue the Earth. (Genesis 1:28) In essence, this is a command to work! Therefore, labor is not punishment for sin, for work was established prior to the fall. But Adam did sin, and as a result received a curse on his work. “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life.” (Genesis 3:17) Adam’s work would no longer be altogether profitable or enjoyable. There would be toilsome tasks and frustrating failures. Prior to sin, no matter how hard Adam worked, he would always find pleasantness, satisfaction, and everlasting life. But after the fall, no matter how hard Adam worked he would find measures of pain, sorrow and eventual death.

That is not the end of the story though, for the grace of God provides redemption for fallen humanity. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Through the greatest work of Christ, we can be redeemed from our sins. Sin and death have been conquered. What’s more, our redemption affects us in the here and now. Becoming a Christian does not necessarily change our labor, but it certainly changes our love.

Now please hear me correctly. I am not saying that Builders #1 depicts a Christian carpenter at work. However, even a person living outside of Christ’s salvation still exhibits the image of God in their life. The fall corrupts but does not destroy our status as divine image bearers. Look again at the builder. Determination and satisfaction are written on his face and body. These divine blessings are poured out on humanity, regardless of their acknowledgement of Him. “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45) The common grace of God allows for pleasantness in the lives of all. Does the builder know and love the God who blessed him with creative labor? As satisfying as the labor may be, does the builder realize that there is more to life? The more important question is, do we?

In conclusion, through thinking on Builders #1 we are reminded of three truths found in the book of Ecclesiastes. First, work is often burdensome and full of vanity. (Ecclesiastes 2:23). Second, when we are able to find satisfaction in our labor, we should recognize God as the source. (Ecclesiastes 2:24). Third, the highest joy in life will be found in relationship with our Creator, because that is the end for which we were created. (Ecclesiastes 12:1, 12-13)

About a month ago a portion of my column warned Missouri Southern Baptist parents about the upcoming pro-homosexual Day of Silence set for April 25 at about 20 Missouri public schools.

While schools are saying they are not endorsing Day of Silence, they are still allowing taxpayer-funded property to be used to advance an ungodly lifestyle for an event that has nothing to do with public education and everything to do with advancing the homosexual lifestyle. This is outrageous considering how it will disrupt what would otherwise be a normal school day.

Day of Silence is a nationwide effort with a local presence to promote the homosexual lifestyle. Participants take a day-long vow of silence, providing cards explaining the event and by distributing homosexual “educational” material. Day of Silence is the creation of the controversial Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN), which has been working hard to establish chapters throughout Missouri’s public education system. GLSEN’s radical agenda has been well documented. Perhaps one of the most shocking examples of GLSEN’s work came a few years ago in the Massachusetts public school system when children under the age of 12 attended a GLSEN-conducted event where “sex education” was taught, including the repulsive homosexual act of “fisting.”

We must pray for – and love – homosexuals, but never accept their lifestyle which God has deemed an abomination. Please consider what God will have you do about your children April 25. Perhaps it will be to write a loving, but firm letter expressing your disagreement with the event disrupting our public schools, or maybe place a phone call to your school board. You may also decide to keep your children home for the day.

*    *    *

I know the Missouri Baptist Convention’s (MBC) partnership with the Romanian Baptist Union has ended, but many MBC churches are continuing to work in that inspiring European nation once victimized by the former communist Soviet Union and a brutal Romanian dictator. Missouri Baptists are very much aware of Romanian Baptists’ thirst for God’s Word and their commitment to see the Gospel spread throughout their nation and pagan Europe. Despite increasing government edicts concerning religion, Romanian Christians continue to inspire us all in the face of increasing government regulation and renewed attempts by the theological left to undermine their commitment to the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture.

Despite the adversity, one group, The Alliance of Romania’s Families, continues to press the government for a statutory definition that would only recognize traditional heterosexual marriage. Last year, the Alliance collected more than 650,000 signatures on a petition for a defense of marriage amendment to the Romanian Constitution. Unfortunately, the drive failed to meet a required geographical distribution requirement, but it was still instrumental in prodding lawmakers into action.

In February, the Romanian Senate voted, 38-10, for an amendment to the nation’s Family Code defining marriage as the “union freely consented to between a man and a woman.” The Chamber of Deputies is expected to consider the amendment before recessing in June.

On April 8, Bogdan Stanciu of The Alliance of Romania’s Families presented copies of the petition at the Romanian Parliament’s annual prayer breakfast. Copies are being distributed to other Romanian leaders this week. Join me in praying for success for our Romanian brothers and sisters in their God-honoring effort.

*     *    *

Christians in Jefferson City realized – once again – that if they vote their biblical worldview, public policy can be impacted in a way to bring honor and glory to God.

Jefferson City Christians played a major role as city citizens voted by 62-38 percent margins to defeat two propositions that would have opened the door to riverboat casinos in the State Capital. Not only were casinos rejected, but incumbent Jefferson City Councilman Kevin Brown, who advocated putting the gambling issues to a public vote, was voted out of office by a 2-1 margin. The defeat to the gambling industry may be a precursor of a much larger battle taking shape with the General Assembly.

It appears the Republican leadership in the General Assembly has decided to “play ball” with the gamblers. There is growing concern among conservatives that political shenanigans are secretly underway that could lead to a lifting on the amount of money gamblers can lose. This is evil stuff. We know about the addictive nature of gambling. Lifting the current loss limit for gamblers will prove disastrous to Missouri families – and especially the poor.

I urge Gov. Matt Blunt, Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, House Speaker Rod Jetton, the Republican majority and supportive Democrats to resist the intoxicating lure of the gambling lobby. It is an election year and polls suggest that Republicans, in particular, will need every vote they can muster to prevent significant Democratic wins in the fall. Conservative evangelicals, like Missouri Southern Baptists, are watching closely. Think not? Well then just ask former Jefferson City Councilman Kevin Brown.

I’m no music critic, but if you want to hear some great rock written by a bunch of pomo 20-somethings who due to the death of a young son give their lyrics a constant “what is the meaning of life” emphasis, Cloud Cult will move you. This isn’t Madison Avenue music, the lyrics are their own sincere thoughts set to music.

Anyhow, they just released a new album. iTunes has it but many tracks are also free from the group.

One of the songs is “Story of the Grandson of Jesus”, a song that for those of us who have already been “shown the way” by God’s grace, should move us to tears and prayer and action to bring the truth and grace of Christ to this generation.

“Story of the Grandson of Jesus”
today is a good day to flex the muscles of the weary
a miracle is a miracle even when it’s ordinary
we will walk on the water even though it seems scary
if someone will show us the way

i shook hands with the man who honestly thinks he’s
the grandson of Jesus with the penchant for pinches
he served us communion of cold wa and twinkies
guess everyone has their own view

he stood on his soap box and told us a parable
of a man with eyeglasses so small they’re unwearable
and the moral of the story is it all looks terrible
depending on what you look through, on what you look through

he said “do unto yourself as you do unto your neighbour
it’s not an eye for an eye it’s a favour for a favour
and it’s okay if this world had a billion saviours
’cause there’s so many things to be saved

take my words with a boulder of salt
or blame it on your devil
always the scapegoats fault
we all point fingers when it comes to a halt
can somebody show us the way, show us the way…

Last week at Together for the Gospel, I noticed that my friend Tim Challies took part in a fellowship of folks from Canada. That got me thinking about geography, culture, and anthropology.
In the interest of getting to know Tim better and also to discover new things about this people group called “Canadians”, I thought I’d ask Tim a few questions about himself and his native land. Given that this is the “bright season” in Canada right now, I figure he might as well put that 18-20 hours of daily sunlight to good use answering important questions like these. So, here goes:

Top 10 Questions Every American Wants to Know About Tim Challies and Canada:

1. Do you ever consider blogging in your native French?

2.  Has MacDonalds expanded into Canada yet?

3. Who are the current King and Queen of Canada? Did you vote for them?

4. Living so far north as you do, how many time zones away is that from the U.S., say Missouri?

5. Do your parks have Maple Leafs? Have you ever seen a Blue Jay? Does the Toronto zoo have raptors?

6. Do you find it difficult to drive on the right side of the road when you visit America?

7. Do you carry “Moose collision insurance” on your vehicles? Follow-up question- do Canadians buy cars with A/C?

8. Have you ever represented your village in an Iditarod?

9. Do you eat Canadian bacon or United States bacon?

10. When you go camping, do you sleep in a tent or do you construct an igloo? Which do you find to be warmer?

PD#5:

Ben Stein’s movie Expelled comes out on Friday. Having read a bit about the movie, the gist is to show the intolerance of academia in its’ refusal to allow any discussion of Intelligent Design.

Huh? A wide-release, in-theater movie about academic freedom?

Is it Propaganda? Comedy? Documentary? Depending on who you ask, it is probably considered a little bit of them all.

If you go see the movie, then I’d love to hear what you think. Beuller?