The enemy is me...

Frank Turk on the Virginia Tech murders and the Gospel.

Don’t make “Cold Evangelism” an escape from your unsaved family and friends

Jesse Johnson at Pulpit Online discusses the pros and cons of “Cold Evangelism.”

“Many people try to hide their cowardice when it comes to proclaiming the gospel to their friends and family with the mask of cold evangelism. While they have never proclaimed the gospel to their friends, they are faithful to hit the streets every Sunday afternoon. Here at Grace Church, we do have street evangelism ministries. But before someone can be a part of this ministry we inist that he or she is faithfully serving in the church, and has demonstrated evangelistic faithfulness in everyday life.

Christians should be active in evangelism. There is a place for coordinated outings for cold evangelism. A church’s evangelistic health can be seen in conversions and baptisms. But evangelism is a practice, not a program. It happens in your life, not on Friday nights at 7 pm.

When pastors develop this holistic view of evangelism, their people will mimic it. Friends, relatives, the mail-carrier, and the dentist will hear the gospel from someone whom they know — someone in whom they’ve seen the gospel lived out. This is the foundation for effective evangelism.”

A New Religious Test for the Surgeon General?

Dr. Mohler comments on the recent nomination of Dr. James Wilson Holsinger, Jr., to the position of Surgeon General of the United States. In this article, Mohler addresses why so many Democrats are opposing his nomination due to Dr. Holsinger’s past written opinions on homosexuality. Dr. Holsinger wrote these opinions in the context of church discipline and as a Christian.

In other words, his opponents are not directing their attention to his medical experience or qualifications, but to his beliefs and responsibilities as a Christian and a member of the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church.

Mohler rightfully points out that, under the Constitution, there should be no religious litmus test for public office. Yet, that appears to be exactly what is going on. Article VI states the following:

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

Where is this logic going in other areas of government?

Unity at all costs?

Here is a thoughtful post by Phil Johnson on determining as believers when it is appropriate to fellowship or fight?

Al’s picks -- Recommended Summer Reading

I can’t imagine a better recommended reading list than from the guy who has read...everything...

Nazi-era laws make it illegal to homeschool in Germany

Here’s a story that should cause some pause for some of you. Imagine the police swarming your house and dragging off your teenager for a psych evaluation and ultimately placing her in a foster home. Why? She’s being homeschooled.

Homeschooling is illegal in Germany. A Nazi-era prohibition, the ban grew out of Hitler's worry that too much parental control would supersede the state's influence. [Hmm...] According to the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), Germany has about 400 homeschooling families. Most teach clandestinely or are in court. Parents who homeschool face fines, imprisonment, and loss of custody of their children.

[HT: WMB]

Russell Moore Testifies to Senate on Global Warming

How does the Gospel engage such issues as the environment? As Dean of the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Russell Moore testified before a Senate committee on the views of Religious Organizations regarding Global Warming.

(HT : BTW)

Don’t stop now...

The guys at the ESV Blog posts some free tools to help you keep up with your bible reading.

Age of Accountability?

Here’s a post by John MacArthur on the so-called “Age of Accountability.” As a parent, this is a crucial topic for me to grasp. I hope it is helpful to you as well.

"Is Christianity Good for the World?" - Chris Hitchens vs. Doug Wilson

For a clear demonstration of presuppositional apologetics and arguing from the worldview, check this debate out. Inconsistent Atheism meets ever-so-consistent Christianity - and it ain’t pretty for the atheist. There are six installments of this discussion. The links to all six are on CT’s website.

Beautiful, just beautiful.