Infinit Love Ministries

You Made Public

Pastor John — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:54:08 +0000

Privacy has been long gone, but the Times article linked below, there’s an interesting note that all Twitter posts since 2006 will be acquired and permanently stored by the Library of Congress. In addition, 70% of US recruiters reported denying applications due to information found online in social networking sites. How you sell yourself is more important than ever. Advertise your digital self…

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/magazine/25privacy-t2.xml

Posted from my HTC EVO on the Official WordPress app for Android.

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Tags: Tech/Media

Give blood

Pastor John — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:55:45 +0000

You should donate blood.

I used to be paranoid about giving blood. It creeped me out, especially thinking about needles. But I gave early August, and survived. In fact, consider the Christian responsibility to help others a mandate to give blood, if you are able. Jewish, too. The whole “love thy neighbor” thing, perhaps. What do you think? Check out the lede…

http://www.ktvz.com/news/24856900/detail.html

Posted from my HTC EVO on the Official WordPress app for Android.

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Tags: Faith, Judaism, Love, Worship

Vlog: A New Frontier

Pastor John — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:59:16 +0000

I picked up the Evo on Sprint, which is a huge step for me to go to a leading-edge phone instead of the last-in-place that barely finished. That, and I’ve been with T-Mobile for about 6 years. Interesting, but wholly appropriate, decision.

This phone is blazing fast in all fronts, and features dual camera technology. This means 8mp HD video with a 1.3 front-facing option as well. This translates to video blogging upgrade. I can now see my recording and/or pictures, permitting highest accuracy with the snapshot. How exciting! And the larger screen to type is most splendid…

Now, to test…

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Tags: Tech/Media, Vlog

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-29

Pastor John — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 06:00:00 +0000

I'm at ILM (2512 NW Summerhill Dr, Bend). http://4sq.com/9CseAO #
I'm at Central Oregon Community College (2600 NW College Way, Bend). http://4sq.com/aS9I2i #
Free Prayer Request | http://infinitlove.com/sp6 #
Check out the new branding: http://infinitlove.com #
Check out YouVersion on Android… http://www.youversion.com/download #
1cIf your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your b… http://read.ly/Matt18.15.HCSB #
Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. #Bible #
I just joined Amazon Student and got a year of FREE Two-Day Shipping http://amzn.to/AmazonStudent #
James 5:8 ()
8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. #Bible http://j.mp/98VVIg #
@churchanalytics definitely interested in testing the platform out! #

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Tags: Tweets Report

Justification: The Bibliography

Pastor John — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:09:14 +0000

Bibliography

Achtemeier, Paul J., Joel B. Green, and Marianne Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Kindle Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001.

Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament. New York: Doubleday, 1997.

Bruce, F.F. Romans. Grand Rapids: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Driscoll, Mark, and Gerry Breshears. Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.

Geisler, Norman L. A Popular Survey of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2007.

"Justification." In New Bible Dictionary, edited by J. D. Douglas, et al., 646-647. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1962.

Moo, Douglas J. Encountering the Book of Romans: A Theological Exposition. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.

Piper, John. The Future of Justification. Kindle Edition. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2007.

Schreiner, Thomas R. Romans: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1998.

Sutton, Jonathan. Without Justification. Cambridge: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007.

Swindoll, Charles R., and Robert B. Zuch, . Understanding Christian Theology. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003.

Towns, Elmer L. Theology for Today. Mason: Cengage Learning, 2008.

Wright, N.T. Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Purpose. Kindle Edition. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2009.

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Tags: Bible, Doctrine, Drasha, Reviews, Sin

Justification, p.9: The Effect

Pastor John — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:06:15 +0000

THE EFFECT

“Justification” is also used by Paul to describe an effect worked in those who believe what [G-d] has done in Christ. Since [G-d] acquitted people in judgment, they were now justified. This acquitting took place not because people where innocent but because, although they were sinners, the truly innocent Jesus was himself made sin for the sake of others.²⁶

The most important part of the doctrine of justification is the action taken thereof. Jonathan Sutton, a philosopher from MIT, states that “justification is knowledge.”²⁷ Thus, knowing what Christ has done for us, we should be implored and motivated not only to share this praiseworthy news with others, but also to establish our role in the covenantal relationship. Jew and Gentile alike are welcomed, through the blood of Christ.

Be reconciled to [G-d]. [G-d] made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of [G-d]. As [G-d?s] co-workers we urge you not to receive [G-d?s] grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, know is the time of [G-d?s] favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 5:20c-6:2)

Simply put, justification is the saving act of Y'shua, in congruence with the covenant relationship with Israel, to offer salvation to all who would hear and accept.

²⁶ Brown, 577.

²⁷ Jonathan Sutton, Without Justification (Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2007), 7.

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Tags: Bible, Doctrine, Drasha

Justification, p.8: Future Glory

Pastor John — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:58:25 +0000

FUTURE GLORY

Wright, in his book, Surprised by Hope, discusses the meaning of salvation amidst the justification defenses.

Mention salvation, and almost all Western Christians assume that you mean going to heaven when you did. But a moment's thought…reveals that this simply cannot be right. Salvation means, of course, rescue. But what are we ultimately rescued from? The obvious answer is death. But if, when we die, all that happens is that our bodies decompose while our souls…go on elsewhere, this doesn't mean we've been rescued from death. It simply means that we've died.²⁴

This plays of importance in our complete understanding of justification because of the covenantal relationship established with Israel. There is no change of theology from the Old to New Testament, just an expansion in understanding and grace. Jewish theology holds that death, as covered with Adam and Eve, is the mortal status – a physical death.²⁵This holds, then, that our rescue is a return to life, in a way, with the new heavens and new earth promised in Revelation, being in physical bodies yet again – back to the Garden of Eden state. It reasons, then, that G-d's plan is to correct, not replace, what occurred from the beginning. Thus, salvation is the saving us from total death, and justification is clearing the charges to permit us “release” or “parole,” if viewed in legal terminology. Thus, justification is not just to make us righteous before G-d for a relationship presently, but also to provide for the “redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23c) Thus completes Paul's address of justification, not just with present suffering, but also future glory.

²⁴ N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope (New York: HarperOne, 2008), 194.

²⁵ Steven Kepnes, Original Sin, Atonement, and Redemption in Jewish Terms: Christianity in Jewish Terms (Boulder: Westview Press, 2000), 295.

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Tags: Bible, Doctrine, Drasha

Benefit of WordPress

Pastor John — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:51:33 +0000

Now that the site is switched over to WordPress, there are some great benefits…

- consistent UI on site and blogroll
- able to edit on the go via Android app
- quick plugins to enhance user experience
- CMS capability for online schooling in future
- online cart integration with sidebar widget available
- SEO integration a snap
–Adsense and analytics too
- instant comment moderation response
- stable platform with secure environment
- great to “share” Scripture from @Youversion app
- one-click theme changes (with minor html and css editing for customization)
- so much more

So, what’s your WordPress experience?

And yes, this is posted from my app on my Cliq xt…still running 1.5…

Posted from my Cliq xt via the Official WordPress App.

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Tags: Uncategorized

Offensive Sin

Pastor John — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:42:50 +0000

The Bible is pretty clear as. His to address sin. There are two types of sin, three categories, and many levels beyond that, but they all share the same state of depravity.

There are mental sins and sins by commission. You either sin in your thought process or your action.

All sin is sin against G-d, but there are sins that only offend Him, sins that are against ourselves, and sins against others. Paul covers sin against ourselves several tines over. But in regards to sin against others, how should it be handled? Y’shua provides the way…

“If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.” http://read.ly/Matt18.15.HCSB

What about matters of unresolution? Continuing, the next step is to bring one or two others along (16), involve the whole church (17), and then finally address it the same as a non-Christian (17b), in the legal settlement of court (if there is financial recovery needed or a matter of protecting an individual or society from criminal intent.

Interesting process. How does G-d address sin with us? Conviction of the Holy Spirit…then leaving us the our depravity.

Not much to discuss nor a huge revelation here, just working my way trip through Matthew 18 whilst making green vanilla ginger ice cream. It’ll be interesting, that’s for sure…

What are your thoughts on addressing sin against another? Have you had to do it or have it done to you? As a leader, have you needed to partake in the ministry of reconciliation recently? How did you handle it? How would you handle it if faced with it in the future?

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Tags: Bible, Doctrine, Love, Sin

Justification, p.7: Legal Terminology

Pastor John — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:53:36 +0000

LEGAL TERMINOLOGY

One of the most influential parts of justification that we have discussed already, in regards to definition, is the connection to legal jargon. Elmer Towns discusses and clarifies this point for us.

Justification is an act whereby our legal standing in heaven is changed and a man is given a new standing before [G-d]. Being declared justified is similar to the act whereby a government declares that an alien is a citizen. The moment the person is pronounced a citizen, nothing happens to him physically…The only actual change is his legal standing…In the same way, justification changes our legal papers in heaven; we become children of [G-d].²³

Towns clearly and succinctly covers the legal situation that Paul presents as an analogy for our salvation status. But a few questions remain, one of which is next: we've learned what justification is, and that it is part of salvation, but what is salvation?

²³ Elmer Towns, Theology for Today (Mason: Cengage Learning, 2008), 457.

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Tags: Bible, Doctrine, Drasha