Chris Overstreet & Desiring the Gift of Prophecy

Rockford, Illinois

My friend Chris Overstreet from Bethel Church in Redding, California, will be with us at Redeemer for the weekend, beginning tomorrow evening. God worked through Chris to cause me to desire the gift of prophecy.

It was three years ago that Chris first came to us. I'd only known him through the movie "Finger of God," which we were both in. The first evening with Chris was great. It began like this.

A man who had little experience with Jesus came that evening. He was in a deep whole financially. He is a homebuilder, and the homebuilding trade was going under. He asked God to have Chris point him out first in the group meeting. There were probably 300-400 people there. God spoke to Chris. Chris pointed to this man and said, "Please come forward. God has something for you."

The man came forward. Chris said, "God is saying to tell you that you are a builder."

At those words Linda and I nearly fell off our chairs. How accurate that was! Now, God really had our attention. The string of events that began to happen in this man's life, following that prophetic word, was amazing.

And I was captured by this ancient biblical gift. We are told to desire it (1 Cor. 14), and I was. If this was what prophecy was, then who wouldn't want it? In my desire I sought God re. this gift that God uses to strengthen, comfort, and encourage others (1 Cor. 14:3).

I've been walking in this since Chris came. It's been a faith-risking ecperience for me that's taken me out of my "comfort zone" into God's comfort zone; viz., into the arena where God's Spirit is working.

It will be great to be with Chris tomorrow. If you want to join me, here are the details.

Chris Overstreet at Redeemer Fellowship Church
5305 Evergreen
Monroe, MI  48162
734-242-5277

Fri., Oct. 21, 7 PM
Sat., Oct. 22, 7 PM
Sun. morning, Oct. 23, 10:30 AM
Sun., Oct. 23, 7 PM

We'll also be selling Night Light jewelry, which helps pull women out of a life of prostitution in Bangkok, Thailand.

Plus, Holly Benner will lead worship.

Richard Dawkins Snubbed By a Detroit Area Country Club

These signs are appearing on buses
at Oxford University.

Atheist Richard Dawkins has been in Detroit in an effort to avoid debating William Lane Craig back at Oxford. Dawkins was scheduled to speak at Wyndgate Country Club in Rochester Hills. Apparently a country club official watched Dawkins on "The O-Reilly Factor" and saw he was an atheist. The country club cancelled Dawkins's speaking engagement. Dawkins said: "This is sheer bigotry. If the country club had said, 'I'm not having Dawkins speak because he's a Jew, or because he's black, or because he's gay,' they would never get away with it."

No Richard, this is Detroit.

Dawkins did speak at the Birmingham Temple, a congregation for Jewish humanists and atheists. The Temple advertises itself as "the hub for the worldwide movement of Humanistic Judaism."

Habib Koite

Wow - I just discovered Malian guitarist-singer-songwriter Habib Koite. Very sweet acoustic guitar playing, very melodic, groovy percussions, a cool voice, great production... 

Koite tunes his guitar to a pentatonic scale and plays on open strings.

Bonnie Raitt compared Habib to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

I'm listening to his cd "Afriki."

Advice to Christian Philosophers: Two Resources

Rembrandt - "Philosopher In Meditation"

If you are a Jesus-follower who is interested in philosophy then here are two sources you need to check out.

First, read Alvin Plantinga's short and famous essay "Advice to Christian Philosophers." It's been published in The Analytic Theist: An Alvin Plantinga Reader. You can read it for free here. If these don't work for you send me a check for $100 and I'll mail it to you.

Second, Garrett DeWeese's Doing Philosophy as a Christian looks to be good and important. Here are some reviews from a few theistic philosophy-giants.

"In this unique and uniquely important book, Professor DeWeese carefully and winsomely develops a clear, deep and cogent approach to the practice of philosophizing as a Christian. In so doing, he demonstrates a rich knowledge of Scripture, analytic philosophy and the history of philosophy--a rare combination of intellectual virtue. Both students and professors of philosophy will benefit greatly from this astute and timely work, for which I have the highest admiration." (Douglas Groothuis, professor of philosophy, Denver Seminary, and author of Christian Apologetics )

"Sooner or later, reflective Christians will face the question of what to do with the academic discipline of philosophy. Garrett DeWeese rightly contends that Jesus as Lord has an important bearing on this question. This book aims to spell out this bearing of Jesus. In doing so, it merits careful attention from all reflective Christians." (Paul K. Moser, Loyola University Chicago )

"Garrett DeWeese's book fills a serious gap. Students in philosophy as well as professional philosophers will find much insight into the important question of how Christian faith shapes the practice of philosophy. Not all Christian philosophers will agree with all the positions taken, but all can benefit from this fine example of what it means to be integrally Christian while seeking to do philosophy in a rigorous manner." (C. Stephen Evans, professor of philosophy and humanities, Baylor University )

"While many both in the church and in the world think that a Christian philosopher is an oxymoron, Christians in the university know better. Over the last fifty years there has been a dramatic resurgence of faithful Christians in academic philosophy. Many of the best young Christian minds continue to flock to this discipline. Finally there is a tool to help them think deeply and critically about the benefits of bringing their commitments to the authority of Scripture and the person of Jesus into their study of philosophy. Doing Philosophy as a Christian will set the beginner on the right path, and it will challenge the more advanced philosopher to continue to become a more faithful follower of Christ. Not only will those who study this book be better philosophers, they will be better able to lead others into a deeper encounter with Christ." (Gregory E. Ganssle, Yale University )

"With graduate degrees in theology and philosophy, and years of deep reflection, Garry DeWeese is uniquely qualified to write on how to approach philosophy from a Christian perspective. And Doing Philosophy as a Christian does just that. In page after page, DeWeese offers fresh insight and deep reflection about how to honor Jesus as Lord in the task of doing philosophy. This is a must-read for all interested in worldview development and the integration of Scripture with the field of philosophy." (J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology )

Chris Overstreet from Bethel Redding at Redeemer - This Coming Fri- Sat - Sun

Chris Overstreet from Bethel Redding in California will be at Redeemer Oct. 21-22-23.

Friday, Oct. 21, 7 PM - Worship + Chris

Saturday night, Oct. 22, 7 PM - Worship + Chris

Sunday morning, Oct. 23, 10:30 AM - Chris preaches at our morning worship service

Sunday evening, Oct. 23, 7 PM - Worship + Chris

Chris has become a good friend. I love what he brings to the table in his teaching and preaching, and his closeness to God.

See Chris's new book here.

The Sense In Which Every Jesus-Follower Is a "Deacon"

Anderson Gardens,
Rockford, Illinois

διακονία,n \{dee-ak-on-ee'-ah}
1) service, ministering, esp. of those who carry out the commands of others… 

In Ephesians 4:11-12 Paul writes: So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for the work of ministry (works of service), so that the body of Christ may be built up. The term "the work of ministry" is, in biblical Greek, diakonias. In this sense every Jesus-follower is a "deacon," or a "minister."

It was a sad day in the history of the church when pastors started getting referred to as "the ministers." This unbiblical idea helped promote the church-as-audience, who came to hear "the minister" preach. A dichotomy formed between "ministers" and "lay people" (from the Greek word laos, which means "people").

In 2 Corinthians 4:1 Paul writes: "Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." Here again the Greek word we translate as "ministry" is diakonian. Note that "we" have this "ministry," and not just Paul. And this ministry is the glorious reality of the gospel and the new covenant.

The common use of diakonos is "of ministry in a general sense without any clear implication of church office." (Piper and Grudem, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, 505, fn. 13) In 1 Timothy 3 the word "deacon" seems to function as an appointed office of the church. We read: In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

"Let them serve as deacons" is redundant, since precisely what "deacons" do is "serve." If they exhibit Christlike character then they may be appointed to "deacon" in a specified area of ministry.

Every Jesus-follower is called to be a servant.

Every Jesus-follower is entrusted with "the ministry" (diakonias).

The next time someone asks you "Who is the 'minister' in your church?" you may answer: "We all are."

What "Church" Is

For me "church" is boiling down to two things. By "church" I mean: a people movement following after Jesus Christ and his redemptive Kingdom-mission.

Jesus-following people are to do 2 things:

1. 1. Dwell in Christ. (See esp. John 14-15-16)
2. 2. Get equipped for works of ministry. (Esp. Ephesians 4:11-12)

When "church" meets the purposes are: corporate dwelling in Christ, and gaining more "equipment" to effectively minister the gospel in the world.

Corporate gatherings help Jesus-followers "gain heart" if they've lost any. (2 Cor. 4:1) Here, especially, the gifts of the Spirit come into play, all for the sake of building up the church and bringing strength, comfort, encouragement, and healing.

A number of things follow from this, to include:

• "Church" is not an entertainment center, with a few people doing ministry.
• "Church" is not about some "audience." As N.T. Wright says, when someone becomes a Jesus-follower and, therefore, becomes "church," they step onto the stage as "actors" in Act V of the 5-Act Play that is the biblical Grand Narrative.
• "Church" is not about "striving" or "trying harder." It is about abiding in Christ. The promise for all who enter into this close relationship "in Christ" is a life that bears much fruit.

Bill Craig's UK Speaking Tour

My friend Bill Craig departs this weekend for his UK speaking tour. Pray for Bill and his wife Jan. Here is there spiritually and intellectually rigorous schedule.

Programme for the

Reasonable Faith Tour 2011

Schedule of Events

The schedule below will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available at www.bethinking.org

Monday 17th October 2011
7.30pm "Does God Exist?"
Public Debate with Stephen Law, lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop College,London, and Editor of the magazine of the Royal Institute of Philosophy THINK. Arranged by Premier Radio.
Westminster Central Hall, Storeys Gate, London, SW1H 9NH

Tuesday 18th October 2011
12.45pm Student Lecture "The Evidence for God"
Pippard Lecture Theatre (Sherfield Building), Imperial College London (South Kensington Campus), Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ
Refreshments from 12.15. Start promptly at 12.45.
This event will be webstreamed to the world - full details will be announced on bethinking.org when available.

6.00pm Lecture "A Moral Argument for the Existence of God: can we be good without God?" The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Room G2, Thornhaugh St, off Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG This lecture is open to all.

Wednesday 19th October 2011
7.30pm Public lecture "The Origins of the Universe - has Hawking eliminated God?" on Stephen Hawking’s The Grand Designfollowed by a panel response
William Lane Craig will also discuss the issues arising from his presentation with Revd Dr Rodney Holder, physicist with the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, Cambridge.
St. Andrew the Great, Cambridge

Thursday 20th October 2011
7.30pm Debate at the Cambridge Union: "This House Believes that God is not a Delusion"
Proposing the motion: William Lane Craig and Peter S. Williams
Opposing the motion: Arif Ahmed and Andrew Copson
The Cambridge Union, Cambridge

Friday 21st October 2011
7.30pm "Does God Exist?"
Debate with Professor Peter Millican, Gilbert Ryle Fellow and Professor of Philosophy at Hertford College, Oxford University
The Great Hall, Birmingham University, Edgbaston, B15 2TT

Saturday 22nd October 2011
9.30am - 5.30pm Bethinking National Apologetics Day Conference
Westminster Chapel, London
Opening and closing lectures from William Lane Craig
Further lectures from Gary Habermas, John Lennox and Peter J. Williams

Sunday 23rd October 2011

Monday 24th October 2011
7.30pm Lecture“The Historicity of Jesus' Resurrection”
Southampton Guildhall, Southampton SO14 7LP

Tuesday 25th October 2011
7.30pm Lecture "Is God a Delusion?" A Critique of Dawkins' The God Delusion
[or a debate with Richard Dawkins if he should accept the invitation]
Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ

Wednesday 26th October 2011
7.30pm “Does God Exist?”
Debate with Dr Peter Atkins, former Professor of Chemistry at Oxford University
University Place Lecture Theatre, Manchester University, Oxford Road,Manchester, M13 9PL

Scot McKnight On the Influence of George Ladd

New Testament scholar Scot McKnight shares the influence George Ladd has had on him. I, too, am among the influenced. My NT seminary professor, Manfred Brauch, assigned Ladd's A Theology of the New Testament to us. My hard cover copy is falling apart from reading and re-reading it. A few years ago I shared lunch with Manfred. I asked him if he would still use Ladd's text today. Yes, indeed, he would.

McKnight writes: "I was at Eerdmans the day they unloaded the freshly printed copies of his A Theology of the New Testament. I gobbled one up and by the time I graduated from college I had read and read and read that thing. Ladd’s argument was that salvation-history, the dynamic of now but not yet, was at the core of Jesus’ kingdom vision and the theology of the entire New Testament."

In Redeemer Ministry School we use Ladd's The Gospel of the Kingdom. This is the best single text on the Kingdom of God there is. How important is this? Remember that understanding "the kingdom of God/heaven" is the hermeneutical key to understanding the Real Jesus.

McKnight writes: "George Eldon Ladd was a Titan, his work irreplaceable, and his impact incalculable."

McKnight strongly recommends John D'Elia's biography of Ladd: A Place at the Table: George Eldon Ladd and the Rehabilitation of Evangelical Scholarship in America.  

Protective Love Can Cause Withdrawal Pains

Every loving parent knows there are times they need to disciple their children, and it causes their children to feel pain. They cry They are sad. They suffer. And, they are angry with you. They are oblivious to the truth that they are actually being protected.

When little Johnny cries because he can't sit on top of the oven and play with the dials his grief is real. But he is being loved. Only an unloving parent would allow Johnny to do this.

The pain of being-discipled has a telos, a purpose. I have not personally experienced a crack addict's withdrawal pains. I have had many crack addicts describe them to me. And, I have personally seen this. One time a crack addict came to our Sunday morning worship service while in the throes of withdrawal. His pain was very real. It was also necessary for his potential freedom from crack. Going through this pain would allow him hte opportunity to gain freedom.

Being-discipled by Christ causes withdrawal pains. We leave our nets to to follow after Jesus. I do not think this was easy for Peter the lifelong fisherman. When we follow after Christ we are called to leave behind many things. These include certain attitudes, behaviors, possessions, lifestyle, relationhips, and even our homes.

I am thankful for the times when I have been lovingly discipled. It was not pleasant at the time. Sometimes I resisted it. I felt anger and defensiveness. The truth was that I needed to look at my own self. In retrospect I see that such times protected me from sitting atop the oven and playing with the dials.