No, not going in

You know, just the fact that I know this exists, is going to cause me nightmares.

This is a pool in the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Casino in Singapore. Yes. It hangs out from the side of the hotel, 57 floors above the city.

Why would anyone build this? But, more than that — why would anyone go swimming in this?

I imagine it sitting there getting weaker by the day, hairline fractures in the superstructure caused from the weight of the water, slowing spreading, stressing the steel support beams, day by day, until that day that I find myself somehow in Singapore and somebody says, “Hey, why don’t we go get in the pool at the Marina Bay Sands Casino?” and I foolishly and stupidly and unthinkingly say, “Ok” and so we go to the hotel and go up to the 57th floor and walk out to the pool and then when I step in, the whole thing begins to creak and groan and crack and start tilting downward toward the street and I slide down to the edge and can’t get back to the main structure because the water is rushing over the edge and as it swings slowly down, I end up trying to hang on the railing of this stupid pool, dangling 57 floors above the streets of Singapore, saying “I KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN!”

It’s so real to me, just thinking about it makes me want to scream like a little girl.

And you will NEVER convince me that it’s all in my mind.

So. No. I’m not going in. I’m not going to go look at the pool. I’m not going to the hotel. I’m not even going to Singapore.

Never.

Ever.

What I missed

If I had known this was going to happen, I would never have turned off the debate after 10 minutes. I can’t believe I missed this!

New from Athanasius Press

Well, looky what just came in! Toby Sumpter’s new commentary on Job, A Son for Glory — the latest in AP’s Through New Eyes commentary series.

This is an outstanding exposition of a difficult book. In a brief compass (197 pp.) Pastor Sumpter lays out the meaning of Job clearly and understandably so that we can grow in wisdom and glory ourselves. It’s perfect for book studies and small-group Bible studies. It’s practical, plainspoken, well-written, truly an outstanding work.

And what’s more, you can purchase it now through the end of October at a 50% discount!

All you have to do is go to the Athanasius Press website and place your order.

Do it today!

Athanasius Press News

I’ve neglected to mention that Athanasius Press is in the process of putting its publications into e-book format.

And it so happens that the first one is finished and ready to be ordered: Why the End is Not Near by Duane Garner is now available at Amazon.

All you have to do is click here and buy it!

So, do it!

And we’d greatly appreciate it if you would help us pass the word along.

Jonah

Here’s our pulpit supply while I’m on vacation this year:

<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/16404771″>The story of Jonah</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/corinth”>Corinth Baptist Church</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

 

Not going to Rome

With the news of another “truly Reformed” defender of the true Reformed faith running into the open arms of Rome, we are being treated (this time quite ironically) with another chorus of “this is where the Federal Vision leads you!” rigmarole.

If you think the so-called “Federal Vision” guys have been encouraging people to go into the Roman Church, you simply haven’t been paying attention.

See this from Jim Jordan and this from Peter Leithart and this and this from us here — and that’s just to take a few of the more recent examples. Similar stuff has been put out for years from our side. We’ve published articles, given lectures, hosted seminars demonstrating the errors of Rome and Constantinople and held a full conference on the issue of why the Reformation was important and vital for the well-being of the Church. To anyone who hasn’t slept through the last decade, it’s been plain that we have no inclination, no fascination, and certainly no determination to join ourselves with sectarians (like the RCC and the EOC) when we can be happily and sincerely catholic where we are.

But, I guess our critics might respond, “But why should we start paying attention to what you actually believe at this point?”

Oh. Yes. Right. Point taken.

Nevermind.

Hating love

So, now we’re “insensitive” and “harsh” and “judgmental” if we agree with God’s judgments and repeat what He says about sin?

Well, not all sins, just some sins.

Ok, it’s actually just one sin (child molesting can still be denounced without apology). But one sin is clearly off limits and immune from all denunciation no matter who you are or where you are.

Homosexuality.

You can’t even say that marriage should be restricted to males covenanting together with females. Cause, if you do, you’re “a hater” — and don’t try to deny it, it’s obvious to the rest of us — no matter what you say to the contrary. Clearly, you hate people who are not like you — and the sooner you admit it, the sooner you can enroll in a “sensitivity class” and learn how to “tolerate” and love others, something which you obviously don’t know how to do at present.

And unbelievers and atheists are not the only ones saying this. Today, among those clucking their tongues and “tsk-tsking” under their breaths, are fellow evangelicals who are supposed to believe that the Bible is God’s Word.

So that if I quote what God says about homosexuality and say “Amen” I’m labelled harsh and unloving by a brother who says he believes the Bible to be the one rule of faith and life like I do! He might even pull out the “P” word (“Pharisee”) as he denounces my self-righteous, ungracious, unloving, ugly, hateful, boorish, bad-smelling self.

Ok, so what are we to make of all this?

There was a time when most people believed that “God is love.” But those days are gone. Seriously. They’re gone. How can I say that? Follow me for a moment:

If God is love, then His Word is good (and not evil) and loving (not hateful). And to agree with Him and live in accordance with His word is not an expression of hatred but the opposite. And further, to disagree with God’s Word is not loving, but hateful. It’s not showing compassion or mercy, but indifference and callousness.

But we don’t believe this anymore.

And that accounts for much of the weirdness of the present hour: If I agree with those who reject God’s judgments, I’m called “loving” — when the truth is, I’m demonstrating nothing but calloused indifference and hatred to those around me. God says “homosexuality” is an abomination and will surely be judged. When I disagree with that, I’m saying to all those who are homosexuals, “Hey, you know what? go to hell and see if I care — cause I don’t!” But at least they will think I love them — and I guess I’m supposed to be comforted by that in some way.

On the other hand, if I truly care about homosexuals, then I have to tell them the truth about what they are doing (i.e., it is wrong, sinful, and abominable in God’s sight — but there is forgiveness and restoration and freedom from condemnation in Jesus). But if I do this, I’ll be called “hateful” — when in fact, I’m demonstrating nothing but the sincerest compassion and love for them. I really don’t want them to be condemned. But they will think I hate them. And call me bad names.

This is what happens when you live in a world where men love hatred and hate love. That’s the world we live in today. Men hate to be loved and love to be hated.

And here’s why: Men hate God. And because they hate God, they hate true love. God is love and thus if you hate Him, real love often appears unattractive and offensive. So consequently, men erroneously judge many manifestations of love as expressions of hatred. And, conversely, they view many expressions of hatred as manifestations of love. The result is, men love to be hated and hate to be loved.

And this hatred of love goes even further: Those who think God’s judgments are harsh and insensitive are in fact claiming to be more sensitive and loving than God Himself. Obviously, if Yahweh were properly sensitive, He would never have said such harsh and unloving things. So their denunciation of those who honor God’s judgments is ultimately, a hateful denunciation of God as well.

Jesus said to His disciples, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18). That’s it. Their hatred of us is ultimately a hatred of Him — it is a hatred of love.

It’s always taken great courage to love. And it still does today. Will you love those who have fallen to the temptation to homosexuality? If so, then speak the truth to them, stand with Jesus, extend the hope of the gospel, and don’t be shocked when some respond to your love with hatred (in the name of love).

When that happens, continue to be like God. Keep loving, keep speaking the truth, keep showing compassion. Even when those you are loving view and treat you as an enemy.