Imitative Theology

We are imitators by nature. God made us this way. We are, after all, image-bearers. To copy is human. We know this in a very profound way when we become parents. Children very early on begin to reflect our temperament and repeat our most cherished lines ( a frightening idea at times).

My daughter recently put diapers on her set of Curious George monkeys. She saw my wife changing our little one time and again, and of course, she did what she thought was normal: imitate. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Well, not always. Sometimes it is the sincerest form of idolatry.

Many have made fine contributions to the nature of idolatry in our day. Beale’s labors on a theology of idolatry is the most sophisticated demonstration of this. Professor Beale argues that idolatry is theological imitation. People become what they worship, and in this becoming, they are transformed into lifeless idols. They cease to hear and to see. They become imitators of death (Ps. 115:4-8). They transfer trust from Yahweh (life) to idols (death). And in this transfer, they become theologically de-humanized.

Imitation of the Triune God is the sincerest form of honor to that God. Other imitations are just cheap expressions of idolatry. You can only serve one master. Choose you this day.

Why Most Christians Should Use Facebook!

It is likely that you are a Facebook user. In fact, over one billion people are on Facebook. And of course, it is likely that you are reading this article because a friend linked to it on their Facebook page. So the majority of you do not need to be persuaded. The small and insistent bunch that will not succumb to the technological and peer pressure may do well to continue on a perpetual Facebook fast. But there is another group of Christians out there that simply haven’t joined for lack of knowledge of the benefits Facebook can offer. As a friend, you may have to print them a copy of this piece, or send them a link via e-mail.

The reason I did not state “all Christians” in the title of this article is because there are legitimate reasons for some Bible-believing Christians to stay away from this tool. And that is precisely what Facebook is: a tool. I agree with Dr. Al Mohler that “Social networking is like any new technology.  It must be evaluated on the basis of its moral impact as well as its technological utility.” We are all called to be stewards of God’s gifts. Money is a tool for good, but the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. In like manner, Facebook can be a tool for good, and I am arguing that if used wisely it will be.

I am in the redeeming business. I usually prefer to begin with how something can be redeemed before I talk about its dangers. Dr. Mohler suggests ten ways for safeguarding the social networking experience. You can read them. They are helpful and can keep us and our children from abusing something that is so ubiquitous. Before you read those, however, consider how Facebook may actually be a constructive tool in the Kingdom of God, one that can benefit you, your Church and community:

First, Facebook offers invaluable information about loved ones. A couple of days ago as I was leaving the office I scanned briefly through the updates and discovered that the son of a dear friend was about to enter into surgery. She asked for prayer. As I drove home I petitioned to our gracious God on behalf of this little child. Without Facebook I don’t think I would have known about this surgery in time. I could multiply these experiences. Facebook has brought closeness with not only loved ones, but dear friends and their families.

Second, Facebook has provided me tremendous counseling opportunities. I already have a distinct call as a pastor to counsel my flock, but if someone outside my community desires 5-10 minutes of my time seeking wisdom on a personal issue I have the luxury to offer it through this tool. We are all called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. I have done both regularly because of Facebook.

Third, Facebook offers exposure to new ideas. This may not seem appealing, but I have always believed that Christians need to frequently visit C.S. Lewis’ wardrobe. They need to be exposed to ideas that confront their theological paradigms. Of course, sometimes these FB discussions can lead to unfortunate and uncharitable debates that consume a lot of our time, but again I want to redeem Facebook (see Mohler’s list for safeguarding).

Fourth, FB provides a venue to encourage others with words of comfort (see #1). Many have been encouraged by biblical passages and quotes that speak directly to a unique circumstance in their lives. At the same time, the same venue can provide a proper rebuke to our unpleasant and ungodly attitudes. There are pastors and godly parishioners whose FB status I read daily for comfort and rebuke.

Fifth, FB can be a source of intellectual stimulation. I can’t tell you how many books I have purchased or downloaded on Kindle (another useful tool for the kingdom) due to the sample quotes posted on FB. For those with a book budget this can be a temptation, but again I am in the redeeming business.

Finally, FB is inevitable. “Hey, everybody’s doing it!” Seriously, everybody! Is this a good reason to do it? In this case I believe it is! Many Churches, Ministries, Charitable Organizations, Event Planners, all have their own FB page. Of course, you don’t have to be on top of everything, just be a lurker! But at least have a FB presence. FB serves a multitude of purposes, and can in fact facilitate communication, fellowship, and much more.

Facebook has been a tremendous tool for good. And as tool, it fulfills Dr. Mohler’s requirements, since it is morally impactful and technologically useful. So go ahead, start an account and join us!

Praise for “The Trinitarian Father”

The Trinitarian Father (Trinitarian Living)The Trinitarian Father is not another work by an expert father to the rest of us — no, it’s better than that. Rather than offering his own wisdom, Uri Brito guides fathers through the whole biblical sweep of our Heavenly Father’s redemptive wisdom in his Son in order to unfold to us what true fatherhood is. In this work, we learn that the future of the church and of the culture is fathers — fathers who instruct their children from the the wisdom, example, and self-sacrifice of their Trinitarian Father.

John Fraiser, Pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in La Grange, Kentucky

What to Expect in 2013

With the publication of The Church-Friendly Family in September, I have finally fulfilled one of my great dreams. This blog has become a great place to throw ideas, sermon manuscripts, and a host of other thoughts. In terms of readership, I have had an increasing amount of subscriptions and 85,000 views in this year alone! At the very least I can humbly say there are some who care about my thoughts. In order to encourage further reading of my articles I hope to offer a monthly newsletter with updated information on possible writing opportunities, Trinity Talk interviews, sermon links, and much more. Stay tuned! Again thanks for your encouraging words, and may God grant us another fruitful year.

22nd Family Advance Conference

Thursday, November 8

6:00 pm                 Registration

7:00 pm                 Leadership in the Kingdom –Gregg Strawbridge

Friday, November 9

8:30 am                 Fellowship/Book Sales

9:00 am                Pastor as Father –Rich Lusk            

9:50 am                Break

10:05 am              The Trinitarian Father –Uri Brito

10:55 am              Break

11:10                      Eldership in the Congregation- Gregg Strawbridge                

12:00 pm              Lunch and Free Time

7:00 pm                Discipleship in the Home –Gregg Strawbridge           

7:50 pm                Break

8:15 pm                Talent Show

Saturday, November 10

8:30 am                 Fellowship/Book Sales

9:00 am                Father as Pastor – Rich Lusk

9:50 am               Break

10:05 am            The Church as the Apologetic of God – Uri Brito

10:55 am              Break

11:10 am              Mentorship in the Church- Gregg Strawbridge

 12:00 pm             Lunch and Free Time

 7:00 pm               Old South Ball

Sunday, November 11

10:30 am              Morning Worship – Sermon by Gregg Strawbridge

Kuyperian Commentary

I suppose I should let you all into a secret. I have another blog. It’s called The Kuyperian Commentary.  Take a peak. You see it’s nice and clean. I started the blog over five years ago to talk about politics, and in particular the Ron Paul campaign. This year I decided to bring in some new contributors. In fact nine so far. We are expanding the blog’s original goal and also offering thoughts on theology and culture, though mainly focusing on political matters. These men are all gifted writers and gifted with a distinctly biblical viewpoint. They are all Kuyperian in one way or another.

Take a look and offer your thoughts in the comments’ section. Then, please link away!