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A La Carte (4/12)
- 04/12/11
- 19
Before The Next Story released I had a few people send emails to tell me not to link to reviews of the book. They thought this could only be done in arrogance. I disagree. I think (and hope) it’s not pride that leads me to link to reviews. I see it as a form of gratitude to those who took the time to read the book and pen a review. So here are two more: The Gospel Coalition Reviews and David Steele. Both are really encouraging. I know I keep saying that, but seriously, I am surprised and humbled at the positive reception I am seeing. Also, the book should now finally be available (in printed format) at Amazon. I know some have been waiting…
And now, on to the links…
What Is a Reformed Baptist? - Though I consider myself one, I’ve asked the same question. Mike Dewalt links to a list of potential answers.
Sigh No More - I’ve found Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons a particularly intriguing album. This review at Plugged In puts into words some of what I’m feeling.
A Warm Blanket - Here is a preview of the first post-Charles Schultz Peanuts cartoon.
Happy Birthday Jake - Greg Lucas writes about his son turning 18. “If I had a hundred lives to live, I would live every one of them as Jake's dad, and I would choose to stand in no other place…rather, I would choose to run in no other race, than the perfect providence of God's great grace.”
Useless - This is an interesting short film. A wee bit cliche, but still good. Note: the word damn is used once.
Old Cell Phone - They don’t make ‘em like they used to.
Let family worship be short, savoury, simple, plain, tender, heavenly. —Richard Cecil
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
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Comments (19)
I’m reading your book at the moment, and watching that video just brings some of your points to light: it’s much more obvious the ‘cost’ of “constant communication” when you’re lugging around a big heap of plastic like that.. much more insidious when it fits in your pocket..
I discovered “Sigh No More” shortly after it was released and a realtively soon after my mum succumbed to terminal cancer after a short period of illness.
This CD had a massive impact as I was coping with grief and allowed me to explore it and her death. A review soon after its release commented that it tends to make evangelists of its listeners. This is no less true today!
According to Dr.R.Scott Clark , Baptist may be ‘Calvinistic ” and “5 Sola” type of Baptist but he has objected to the use calling one a “Reformed ” Baptist because Reform constitutes more than just the 5 sola’s and holding to a Calvinistic view of salvation. I do not totally agree but see where he is coming from. Just a thought.
Sigh No More is such a great album, I discovered it about a month ago and it hasn’t left my CD player since. Really fascinating lyrical themes, especially on “Awake My Soul” and “After the Storm.” And of course some good old stompin’ folk rock. Thanks for the link to the review.
Great old cell phone commercial. For you Adventures in Odyssey fans, (I think!) that kid sitting on the bench with the guy near the end is Chris Castile - the voice of Nick Mulligan. He also played Mark Foster on Step by Step the 90’s sitcom with Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers.
Tim,
Does Amazon actually have your book in stock? On the Amazon site, it indicates 1-3 months for order fulfillment timeframe.
I look forward to reading it either way. Thanks for all of your hard work!
Reg,
At least one of the “What is a Reformed Baptist Church” articles addresses just that:
“Though Baptists have been and can be Calvinistic, it is said, they are not and cannot be Reformed. The reason for this charge is simple: Reformed theology is almost always associated with paedo-baptism (infant sprinkling). Many who are Reformed in their theology view this perspective as the sine qua non of the Reformed Faith.”
Then goes on to explain:
”What We Mean By ‘Reformed’?
We have taken the name ‘Reformed’ deliberately, and we have done so for two reasons. First of all, it helps to explain something of our historical and theological roots. There is a body of theological beliefs that is commonly referred to as ‘The Reformed Faith.’…”
Personally, having dealt with the argument too many times with too close of friends that it caused tension, I usually use the description “Particular Baptist.” Besides, that gives the historic distinction of the English Baptists (John Bunyan was called a Particular Baptist) apart from “General Baptist.”
Old Cell phone commercial:
1. The high seas that ain’t.2. Kid probably went into therapy because of Dad’s sudden, capricious, and way-overdone jerking of the phone away. Calm down, DAD! That explains why the kid grew into the impatient adult of today.3. Radio Shack really needs a strong rebrand….even today.
Re: Linking to Reviews
Tim: Those folks need to lighten up. If you had a burden to impart your thoughts that necessitated publishing a book, it’s clear that you think it could be edifying to your brothers and sisters. Why would you then want to hide others’ opinions of that work under a basket?
Just to clarify, the preview of Happiness is a Warm Blanket is actually a preview of the first post-Shulz comic, which is itself, a comic adaptation of a new TV special of the same name which was recently released on DVD. I have seen the special, but not read the comic yet (the art in the preview looks fantastic). I really liked the special and would recommend it to anyone, if you can accept new voices for the Peanuts characters.
Here’s another one: What Is A Reformed Baptist Church? by Jim Savastio.
Please use some discernment in regards to Mumford and Sons. Lyrics to some songs are not God pleasing. I would not commend this group to anyone. Just my opinion.
Ray - Totally agree with what you shared and wrote. I have had the same conversations with some when I said “Reformed” Baptist so in general , I do not use it anymore.
Mumford and Sons aren’t Christian, but I love that they integrate faith in their lyrics. It’s not about clubbing, partying, drinking, sex, whatever. Because of that, it seems more genuine than anything else getting airtime. Furthermore, I love it musically, some of the songs are very powerful. Sigh No More, The Cave, Roll Away Your Stone and Awake My Soul are certain favourites.
Love love love.
Not as much as Jesus though ;)
With regard to labels, I am a credo baptist who holds to many “reformed doctrines.” If this is incongruent, I still don’t want to describe myself as “Calvinist,” because I resent a label that includes a man’s name. To illustrate further, though I am edified by John Piper’s teachings, I would likewise eschew calling myself a “Piperist.” … because ultimately, I believe what I believe because I believe it’s what the Bible says.
Thanks for the link to Useless, Tim. How did you come across it?
Love the Mumford and Sons album. Some of the lyrics really speak to me, like : It seems that all my bridges have been burnt / But you say that’s exactly how this grace thing works / It’s not the long walk home that will change this heart / But the welcome I receive with the restart.
While we are on the non-christian yet thoughtful lyrics topic. Brett Dennen has some intriguing thoughts in his songs and I see them as a window on the lost world’s soul.
Brett Dennen, “There is so much more”
When I heard the news,my heart fell on the floor.I was on a plane on my way to Baltimore.In these troubled times it’s hard enough as it is.My soul has a known a better life than this.
I wonder how so many can be in so much pain,while others don’t seem to feel a thing.Then I curse my whitenessand I get so damn depressed.In a world of suffering,why should I be so blessed?
I heard about a women who lives in Colorado.She built a monument of sorts behind the garage door,where everyday she prays for all whom are bornand all whose souls have passed on.Sometimes my trouble gets so thick,I can’t see how I’m gonna get through it.But, then I’d rather be stuck up in a treethen be tied to it.
There is so much more.
I don’t feel comfortable with the way my clothes fit.I cant get used to my body’s limits.I got some fancy shoes to try and kick away these blues.They cost a lot of money but they aren’t worth a thing.I wanna free my feet from the broken glass and concrete.I need to get out of this city.Lay upon the ground stare a hole in the sky,wondering where I go when I die….When I die.
Agreed Jeff … especially frustrating to be listening to samples of the group while your six and eight year old are around and hearing the “f-word” loud and clear in one of the choruses.
Redemption picture or not, I’m getting so tired of all things media being so openly laced with profanity these days … seems to show a lack of vocabulary choices for some.
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