In preparation for Easter, I just finished reading a new book by D.A. Carson entitled Scandalous (Good News, 2010). First of all, this is the second book I have picked up (actually downloaded to my Kindle) by Carson, and I must say that I really enjoy his writing. I have been familiar with him for some time, but have just recently read him, and I am glad I did. Along with Lutzer, he increases my respect for Canadian theologians.
His new book focuses on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and the elements of it that were and are scandalous to this fallen world. It is a brief book, and a good, quick read. I enjoyed each chapter, especially the opening chapter dealing with the ironies of the cross. In this chapter, Carson touches on the truths that:
1. The Man Who Is Mocked as King Is the King.
2. The Man Who Is Utterly Powerless Is Powerful
3. The Man Who Can't Save Himself Saves Others
4. The Man Who Cries Out in Despair Trusts God.
It is good stuff!
Best of all, I found my text for Easter Sunday. It is John 2:19, where Jesus says after cleansing the temple, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Carson says of this verse:
"It is in Jesus' death, in his destruction, and in his resurrection three days later, that Jesus meets our needs and reconciles us to God, becoming the temple, the supreme meeting place between God and sinners."
I can't wait for Easter! I look forward to preaching the scandalous gospel to sinful men for the salvation of their souls.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
More than just a logo
In 1971, Carolyn Davidson was a graphic design student at Portland State University. She was doing some freelance work for a small athletic apparel company called Blue Ribbon Sports. She drew a simple logo, intended to represent the wing on a statue of the Greek goddess of victory, whose name is Nike. That “swoosh” and the brand it represents, Nike, are now a part of marketing history.
If the church has a logo, it is the cross. It adorns steeples, overlooks baptisteries, and dangles from the necks of church members (not to mention award-winning, gangster rappers). The Word of God teaches that the cross is so much more than just a logo or a symbol. The cross is a principle that is absolutely central to what a Christian believes.
D.A. Carson, in his book The Cross and Christian Ministry, makes a critical point about our day. He says:
“Ever so subtly, we start to think that success more critically depends on thoughtful sociological analysis than on the gospel; Barna becomes more important than the Bible. We depend on plans, programs, vision statements – but somewhere along the way we have succumbed to the temptation to displace the foolishness of the cross with the wisdom of strategic planning.”
Just after this paragraph, Carson makes an arresting statement. I read it over and over again. He writes:
“…I fear that the cross, without ever being disowned, is constantly in danger of being dismissed from the central place it must enjoy…”
Wow! In many churches today, the cross is nothing more than a logo for the therapeutic ministry of Jesus. He is the great marriage fixer, children raiser, financial advisor, self-help guru…His business cards have a cross on them, and He is somehow connected to it, but most religious consumers are not really sure how.
The truth is, however, the cross is not simply a logo for Jesus’ religious services. The cross was the instrument of his death, and is the place where man’s sin was dealt with by God. The cross is the only hope for redemption, and the only message that can really make a difference in the lives of people, for it is the power of God. If we set it aside, “dismiss” it from its central place, we do so to the detriment of our churches and the damnation of our people.
If the church has a logo, it is the cross. It adorns steeples, overlooks baptisteries, and dangles from the necks of church members (not to mention award-winning, gangster rappers). The Word of God teaches that the cross is so much more than just a logo or a symbol. The cross is a principle that is absolutely central to what a Christian believes.
D.A. Carson, in his book The Cross and Christian Ministry, makes a critical point about our day. He says:
“Ever so subtly, we start to think that success more critically depends on thoughtful sociological analysis than on the gospel; Barna becomes more important than the Bible. We depend on plans, programs, vision statements – but somewhere along the way we have succumbed to the temptation to displace the foolishness of the cross with the wisdom of strategic planning.”
Just after this paragraph, Carson makes an arresting statement. I read it over and over again. He writes:
“…I fear that the cross, without ever being disowned, is constantly in danger of being dismissed from the central place it must enjoy…”
Wow! In many churches today, the cross is nothing more than a logo for the therapeutic ministry of Jesus. He is the great marriage fixer, children raiser, financial advisor, self-help guru…His business cards have a cross on them, and He is somehow connected to it, but most religious consumers are not really sure how.
The truth is, however, the cross is not simply a logo for Jesus’ religious services. The cross was the instrument of his death, and is the place where man’s sin was dealt with by God. The cross is the only hope for redemption, and the only message that can really make a difference in the lives of people, for it is the power of God. If we set it aside, “dismiss” it from its central place, we do so to the detriment of our churches and the damnation of our people.
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” I Corinthians 1:18
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