Random Stuff for the Week of 11/-11-11/17

* Cowboyology (Clint Humfrey) has recently been writing on "Redemptive Analogies" - a very important topic in missiology. He has three posts to check out: In Search of Redemptive Analogies? Part 1 and Part 2 and Viewed from the Field. In cross-cultural communication, getting the gospel right is preeminent and foundational for true Christian mission, and in cultures where there is no "stock imagery" or knowledge base, explaining the gospel can be very difficult. This is an important matter which deserves more attention. * Worship Matters is a new blog by Bob Kauflin (director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries). This week, Bob has written some great stuff on defining worship as well as expanding our worship vocabulary. With all the "worship wars" going on today, Bob's wisdom is great needed and should carefully be heeded. * Gary E. Gilley, author of This Little Church Went to the Market, has written a scathing review of George Barna's recent book Revolution. Barna's reach and influence upon pastors and methodolgy is far and wide, and more than predicting the next trend or benefiting from the most efficient technique is the divine imperative to represent God rightly. Gilley has spoken some sound words for a not so sound book. * This just amazing. Not that WWJD? is gone, now we have IWJO. "I Watched Joel Osteen" is an "attractive high quality pin" for sale online. I guess celebrities do have their fans. The developer of this pin shared that it was while reading chapter 9 of Osteen's book Your Best Life Now and the "Prayer of Blessing" which Osteen spoke over everyone that convinced them that "this pin was really a God given idea and will be used for his glory." While they say that this pin has no affiliation with Osteen or Lakewood Church, a minimum of 10% of the net profits received wil go to Osteen's TV ministry. I don't know if I should laugh, cry, or through my highlighter at the computer screen (or all of the above). * Jerry Bridges has a new book coming out early next year (Feb. 5, 2006) called Is God really in Control?: Trusting God in a World of Terrorism, Tsunamis, and Personal Tragedy. Published by NavPress: 160 pages. (HT: Justin Taylor) **** Blog of the Week **** Reformation Thelogy (Monergism) John Hendryx and the folks at Monergism have developed an excellent blog called Reformation Theology. Committed to the five solas, the contributors of this blog have solidly Reformed writing. One particular post which is worth reading is "Bible Logic Fallcies of Synergists". Got some important posts I am finished up for next week. Have a great weekend! - t.n.b.