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Mark Driscoll Controversies – The End

January 25, 2012 in Books, church, God, Jesus with 10 Comments

I’ve decided that after this post, I will not mention Mark Driscoll controversies on my blog again………….

The latest one to drop into my news-feed [last night] on twitter is being re-tweeted and discussed endlessly by hundreds and thousands of ‘concerned’ and ‘shocked‘ people, many of whom appear to be revelling in the controversy……………the anti-Driscoll club is growing…………..and some of it is shameful………yet again!

Last week I quoted this on my blog:

“Jesus’ witnesses are called to a holy and courageous boldness, a firm fidelity to the Gospel that is willing to endure ostracism and even persecution. But we are not to display the kind of “strength” that is hard and harsh, the kind of uprightness that is angry and condescending, the kind of courage that is merely ruthless, the kind of witness that rants and manipulates.”

If I am going to blog/tweet and share my life online whilst professing faith in Christ then I must think carefully about my words……..my criticisms………my advice………..my honesty……..

I must think carefully about how my words and actions affect what people decide about Jesus! The potential for being a horrible and destructive influence is huge!

Perhaps you need to think more carefully?

Are the Driscoll controversies helpful content in any way? Some bloggers who I used to read and follow are now discussing Driscoll on a weekly basis…………and its became tired and spiteful and sad…………….but, I’m only accountable for what I say!

So, with that said…………

Mark Driscoll Controversies – The End

On my desk today…..

January 24, 2012 in Bible, Books, church, God, Jesus, what did you read today with 10 Comments

Joe Thorn’s book “Note To Self” has really challenged me so far this week – get it super cheap here

Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening……….eh? I remember when I first started working in ‘Christian bookselling,’ I had this regular customer who would buy loads of this book and always tell me how precious it was……….I thought maybe he was a bit of a wing-nut due to the over emphasising of how ‘precious’ this book was………………..however, he was/is right! I actually used the word ‘precious’ when describing it to a friend recently! It is pure gold…..

and, Tom Wright is going to aid me with the book of James…………[maybe]

Aside from these ongoing reads, today I read Genesis 25, Matthew 24, Esther 1 and Acts 24…..

What’s on your desk? What have you been reading today?

Driscoll, Marriage and the {possible} backlash……..

January 6, 2012 in Books, church with 8 Comments

I predict a riot…….

Well, its not a prediction really…………..its already happening to some extent………….but, some folks are getting their undergarments in a twist about the Driscoll’s new book about Marriage…….

Because……………..well, for the most part because its Driscoll!

I’ll wait to read it and then probably not say much on my blog unless he flat-out says something insane………..

However, like I said…….”I predict a riot” and, in 2012 I think Driscoll is going to get bashed even more……..just a hunch!

Maybe we should pray for him, his wife and their Church instead of writing opinionated patronising blog posts {like this one could be}

Real Marriage from Mark Driscoll on Vimeo.

And the Lord shall guide thee continually…….

December 27, 2011 in Books, church, God, Jesus, thoughts with 1 Comment

“We are not merely to be guided sometimes, but we are to have a perpetual monitor; not occasionally to be left to our own understanding, and so to wander, but we are continually to hear the guiding voice of the Great Shepherd; and if we follow close at His heels, we shall not err, but be led by a right way to a city to dwell in. If you have to change your position in life; if you have to emigrate to distant shores; if it should happen that you are cast into poverty, or uplifted suddenly into a more responsible position than the one you now occupy; if you are thrown among strangers, or cast among foes, yet tremble not, for “the Lord shall guide thee continually.” There are no dilemmas out of which you shall not be delivered if you live near to God, and your heart be kept warm with holy love. He goes not amiss who goes in the company of God. Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you. “Jehovah”—mark the word—”Jehovah shall guide thee continually.”

read the full entry from Morning & Evening by C.H. Spurgeon here

The local Christian Bookshop……

December 20, 2011 in Books, thoughts with 14 Comments

Tim Challies said this…..

“Speaking personally, I have long since stopped shopping at the nearby Christian bookstore. They almost never have the books I want and even if they did, I would pay quite a bit for them and spend a lot of time driving there and back. And then there’s the fact that so much of what they carry is junk—not just trinkets and toys, but material that is opposed to sound doctrine. The last time I went to a Christian bookstore there was a section for Roman Catholics and a section for people who need their fix of Joyce Meyer and Benny Hinn. And I thought, “This is no more Christian than Amazon.” In fact, I think it is actually worse; under the banner of “Christian” things are being sold that claim to be Christian but are deceptively anti-Christian. That may have been the moment I realized that I felt no obligation to support that business.

Let me be brutally honest: Visiting a local Christian bookstore feels like visiting a has-been business (as is the case with pretty much any other bookstore). The whole publishing industry is changing and the little family-owned Christian bookstore seems to be increasingly obsolete. And at least as it pertains to me, I don’t think I will lose anything when the last local Christian bookstore has closed its doors. I feel guilty saying that and I truly feel for the people who own those stores. But unless they can radically change what they do and how they do it, I don’t see most of them making it in this new world.” [source]

As many of you know, I work in the local Christian Bookshop………I used to be the manager…….and, I’ve defended Christian bookshops on the high street many many times…….that said, I am not sure I can really express myself freely on this subject.

It’s not that I have anything controversial to say which I would not openly tell my employers. Our relationship has always been very good and I am incredibly grateful for my employment and, for the understanding they have shown during my change of circumstances this year.

But, what Challies says seems to be a common opinion…….I hear it more and more…………and, I know many people who read Christian books and, lots of them but, they don’t buy them from us……..

So, what do you think?

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