Driscoll on the Perseverance of the Saints

Pastor Driscoll speaking the truth:

Brooke White is a Mormon

I don't watch American Idol, so I had no idea who Brooke White was. I found out about her through some "Christian" artists who shall remain nameless. What I am wondering is why there is a not-so-subtle marketing push of Ms. White to Christian artists even though she is NOT A CHRISTIAN? I am sure she is a nice person, and talented no doubt, but the fact that record execs and supposed Christian musicians are promoting her as being part of the genre points to just how far removed this music is from the true message. There are actual Christian artists that deserve support, artists like Ayeisha Woods who have tremendous talent and lackluster record sales. So why are established Christian artists supporting people like Brooke White, who a.) make secular music and b.) don't share the same faith?

Prematurely Born Again

 
 

From the Onion (LOL):

 
 

Free Will

John Piper on Free Will:

 

It is not a saving power. In his freedom to will, fallen man cannot on his own do anything but sin. Such "free will" is a devastating reality. Without some power to overcome it's bent, our free will only damns us.

 
 

Pasted from <http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/Author/2_john_piper/>

 
 

The Tweet heard round the world

From Scott Thomas (Acts 29):

John Calvin is still dead (~500 years) and Jesus is still alive (~2000 years). Just sayin'

Amen! Let us all remember the TRUE risen King now and forever.

Jesus Take the Wheel from Mary Mary

So last night I made the huge mistake of watching the BET Awards. What can I say - I was a fan of MJ's music and BET CEO Debra L. Lee had promised that the show was going to be a tribute to Jackson so I was curious enough to tune in. I wish I could get those 3+ hours of my life back. I want the memories of this show permanently excised from my memory it was so bad. There were many disturbing performances, such as Drake and Weezy's R. Kelly-esque rendition of their song (I have no idea what it is called and I don't care.)

The worst moment of the night unfortunately belonged to the (former?) "gospel" artists Mary Mary ft. Queen Latifah. I have defended their music in the past. When people criticized them for basically remaking Jamie Foxx's "Blame it on the Alcohol" with a few references to a vague God, I argued that the song was innovative and more biblical than first listen. For instance, as I said in my previous post, Mary Mary's song "God in Me" seemed harmless, but the video was ridiculous. The performance last night easily eclipses the horrid video, in my opinion. First of all, they were dressed like . . . how can I say this nicely? . . . these women basically looked like street walkers. I am not exaggerating or being mean, just look at that picture up top for goodness sake!They waddled along the stage clearly out of breath (perhaps their clothes were cutting off circulation) and then they bring out their special guest. Now, unless I missed something Cleo is not a Christian . . . so why would Mary Mary make the odd choice to include her in the one performance of the night that was supposed to explicitly exult Christ? Where was Kierra Sheard? Why didn't they attempt something different like Beyonce and her rendition of Ave Maria? The Sound has plenty of deep album cuts that proclaim the gospel boldly - why didn't they perform one of those and use that platform to reach those lost souls?

Like I said earlier, I can't defend these chicas anymore. I will pray that they find their way back again, but for now I can no longer consider Mary Mary gospel/Christian artists. The message has not just been watered down, it has been married to the darkness of the world to the point where the salt and light is entirely missing. I pray that somebody in their inner circle sits them down and lovingly sets them back on course. I want to see the sovereignty of God on display at places like the BET awards. Mary Mary had a great opportunity to witness last night, and instead they chose to simply continue down the road to secularization. Jesus, please take the wheel, by force if needed, and get these two talented women back on course. Christian music needs them.

Growing up by falling down

The path to spiritual maturity (sanctification) almost always involves a very painful detour where you fall flat on your face in failure. One one to avoid the perpetual state of failure is to constantly submit all of your wants and desires to the Lord, who refines and prunes. Only then can you know that the path you are taking is not motivated by the innately selfish intentions of your ego.