William F. Buckley died today. Read about him here.
And aren't you glad you're not Roger Clemens right now? Word is that the Justice Deptartment is going to investigate him. This is in addition to, now, the FBI and IRS. Ouch.
2.27.2008
2.25.2008
Academy Awards
Today's bible class went halfway okay. I just cannot understand these kids. Somedays they're rowdy, others indifferent, and still others attentive (to a point). It doesn't seem to matter how much I prepare; the result is always unpredictable. All I can do is thank God when class goes as smoothly as it did today.
We caught only a little of the Oscars last night--and that's not a bad thing. I will say, though, that I'm pleased with a couple results. Granted, I didn't actually watch There Will Be Blood, but I'm glad nevertheless that Daniel Day-Lewis won an award. I think he's a terrific actor and he has starred in two of my all-time favorite films: Last of the Mohicans (which I will argue--unpopularly--is better than Braveheart) and In the Name of the Father. I could watch these movies over and over again. They are both so emotionally compelling.
Also, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova won for their song "Falling Slowly" in the terrific movie, Once, which I posted about a while back. Poor Marketa--she got cut off by the music just as she was beginning to follow up Hansard's remarks with a "thank you" or two of her own. P. and I were so happy with this win that we went on iTunes and bought the whole soundtrack to the movie. See the film if you haven't.
We caught only a little of the Oscars last night--and that's not a bad thing. I will say, though, that I'm pleased with a couple results. Granted, I didn't actually watch There Will Be Blood, but I'm glad nevertheless that Daniel Day-Lewis won an award. I think he's a terrific actor and he has starred in two of my all-time favorite films: Last of the Mohicans (which I will argue--unpopularly--is better than Braveheart) and In the Name of the Father. I could watch these movies over and over again. They are both so emotionally compelling.
Also, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova won for their song "Falling Slowly" in the terrific movie, Once, which I posted about a while back. Poor Marketa--she got cut off by the music just as she was beginning to follow up Hansard's remarks with a "thank you" or two of her own. P. and I were so happy with this win that we went on iTunes and bought the whole soundtrack to the movie. See the film if you haven't.
2.24.2008
Philippians 1:12-18, Part 3
The passage gets especially interesting in the next few verses as Paul elaborates on the proclamation of most of the “brothers” (14a) by laying bare two different types of motives. What’s important to remember—and what’s especially instructive for what it teaches about God—is that Paul is still describing the advance of the gospel. This is not a detour.
Possibly as some of the Philippians had heard (a conjecture on my part, but see “indeed,” v. 15a) Paul had rivals within the community of Christians. These brothers do speak the word about Christ’s lordship but do so for very wrong reasons—out of a spirit of envy (v. 15a). Two verses down, Paul delineates their hopes even further: Such envy and rivalry motivates them to “proclaim Christ” and they do so “not sincerely but hoping to afflict me in my imprisonment” (17b).
Was their aim to bring additional physical punishment upon Paul because somehow he, as leader of this band of Christians, was held accountable for their activities? Or in his imprisonment were they seeking to stage a coup and usurp his authority and thus cause him mental anguish? It’s difficult to say. What can be said, though, is that unless they enjoyed some exemption, the evilness of their motives must have been pretty outstanding so as to cause them to risk their own torture, imprisonment, and death just to harm Paul. This makes Paul’s response to the situation below all the more remarkable.
[Does this group correspond in any way to those who, in chapter 3, Paul condemns for their confidence in the flesh? (There Paul explains the absurdity of such ill-placed hope.) If so, his rhetoric has sharpened its bite by shifting from a reference to “brothers” here to “dogs” (3.2) in that chapter.]
The other group of brothers are those who, for Paul, serve as the proper corrective to those preaching out of rivalry. This group preaches out of love (v. 16a, for God? for Christ? for Paul?). Before their own egos they put their love of God and trust for his plans: They understood that Paul had been chosen to “defend the gospel” (v. 16b). Unfortunately, even when it comes to announcing Christ’s salvation and lordship and serving the purposes of his kingdom, we can let ego get in the way.
In thinking of my own life it’s sobering how often screwed up motives lie behind what outwardly seem like good activities. Sometimes I act out of guilt, sometimes out of a sense of mere responsibility, sometimes, like those mentioned above, because of envy. Paul notes here that not all the "brothers" have good intentions at heart. But in defiance of those who would seek to afflict him, Paul observes that God's will is still being done, since Christ is being made known. God is sovereign.
Possibly as some of the Philippians had heard (a conjecture on my part, but see “indeed,” v. 15a) Paul had rivals within the community of Christians. These brothers do speak the word about Christ’s lordship but do so for very wrong reasons—out of a spirit of envy (v. 15a). Two verses down, Paul delineates their hopes even further: Such envy and rivalry motivates them to “proclaim Christ” and they do so “not sincerely but hoping to afflict me in my imprisonment” (17b).
Was their aim to bring additional physical punishment upon Paul because somehow he, as leader of this band of Christians, was held accountable for their activities? Or in his imprisonment were they seeking to stage a coup and usurp his authority and thus cause him mental anguish? It’s difficult to say. What can be said, though, is that unless they enjoyed some exemption, the evilness of their motives must have been pretty outstanding so as to cause them to risk their own torture, imprisonment, and death just to harm Paul. This makes Paul’s response to the situation below all the more remarkable.
[Does this group correspond in any way to those who, in chapter 3, Paul condemns for their confidence in the flesh? (There Paul explains the absurdity of such ill-placed hope.) If so, his rhetoric has sharpened its bite by shifting from a reference to “brothers” here to “dogs” (3.2) in that chapter.]
The other group of brothers are those who, for Paul, serve as the proper corrective to those preaching out of rivalry. This group preaches out of love (v. 16a, for God? for Christ? for Paul?). Before their own egos they put their love of God and trust for his plans: They understood that Paul had been chosen to “defend the gospel” (v. 16b). Unfortunately, even when it comes to announcing Christ’s salvation and lordship and serving the purposes of his kingdom, we can let ego get in the way.
In thinking of my own life it’s sobering how often screwed up motives lie behind what outwardly seem like good activities. Sometimes I act out of guilt, sometimes out of a sense of mere responsibility, sometimes, like those mentioned above, because of envy. Paul notes here that not all the "brothers" have good intentions at heart. But in defiance of those who would seek to afflict him, Paul observes that God's will is still being done, since Christ is being made known. God is sovereign.
2.21.2008
NY Times Strategery
Ha ha. I couldn't help but laugh at Drudge's astute (ok, obvious) observation about the NY Time's 2008 presidental strategy: "Now That He's Secured Nomination: NYT Downloads on McCain." That's it, endorse McCain and then slam it. Here's the article by the Times. Enjoy.
If I was running for president, I think I would want the editors of the "Paper of Record in this Country" (as Chris "Hardball" Matthews likes to call it) running my campaign. Joe Scarborough thinks the Times piece may in the long run end up helping McCain by galvanizing the base. Already Hannity and others are rallying behind the "maverick." In the long run? I'm not so sure.
On a happier note, no teaching today due to "hazardous driving conditions." So hazardous that I will drive much farther to get to my German class this afternoon. Who's complaining, though? Certainly not I or my apathetic students!
If I was running for president, I think I would want the editors of the "Paper of Record in this Country" (as Chris "Hardball" Matthews likes to call it) running my campaign. Joe Scarborough thinks the Times piece may in the long run end up helping McCain by galvanizing the base. Already Hannity and others are rallying behind the "maverick." In the long run? I'm not so sure.
On a happier note, no teaching today due to "hazardous driving conditions." So hazardous that I will drive much farther to get to my German class this afternoon. Who's complaining, though? Certainly not I or my apathetic students!
2.19.2008
Philippians 1:12-18, Part 2
A second proof that the gospel is truly advancing is also somewhat puzzling and involves the activities of Paul’s fellow Christians. It occurs to me that Paul may be referring to other Christians imprisoned like him, but I’m not sure. At any rate, seeing Paul’s boldness, others are spurred on to preach about Christ (14). Fear no longer inhibits their activities. It is easy to see how this could be the case when we think of times in our lives that we’ve been scared to do something we still in some way thought valuable.
All alone, we may lack the courage to move forward even though our minds may be convinced of its ultimate value, yet give us a few like-minded individuals, and together we may gain the boldness required. Such boldness does not simply seize the other believers because of “[Paul’s] imprisonment (14)]” but on account of the way the apostle continues to pursue Christ’s glory in the midst of it. A good question is what does it take for a Christian to reach this point where all else pales in comparison with winning honor for Christ? Paul speaks more of this later in our passage.
All alone, we may lack the courage to move forward even though our minds may be convinced of its ultimate value, yet give us a few like-minded individuals, and together we may gain the boldness required. Such boldness does not simply seize the other believers because of “[Paul’s] imprisonment (14)]” but on account of the way the apostle continues to pursue Christ’s glory in the midst of it. A good question is what does it take for a Christian to reach this point where all else pales in comparison with winning honor for Christ? Paul speaks more of this later in our passage.
2.15.2008
Philippians 1:12-18, Part 1
I love this passage for what it shows about God’s amazing creativity and providence in the way he accomplishes his purposes. And let’s not forget, as well, what it reveals about Paul’s whole-hearted fixation on the glory of Jesus Christ.
There is a definite shift in focus from 1:11 to 1:12. In the previous section Paul had concentrated on the faith of the Philippians and concluded with a prayer on their behalf. Here, Paul shifts to his own experiences and does so in a way that, one, casts in sharp relief the sovereignty of God and, two, holds himself up as a model of behavior for his young disciples.
We see first that God’s ways are subversive and thrilling. Whereas one would have expected that the opposition of the Roman authorities and the local leaders would have brought a halt to the proclamation of this rebellious following of Christ as king, instead, the apostle argues, his own imprisonment has advanced the message and its fruits (12). So right off the bat we see a contrast between what is expected and what really happens.
That God should perform his most marvelous work in the midst of—or rather, through—adversity should come as no surprise, however, since Jesus’ own crucifixion evidenced the victory of God over sin and death. When we season our hearts with this truth we come to a new appreciation of the trials in our lives and of the fact that God orchestrates such events to accomplish his aims.
The results of this advance—or perhaps the clarification of it—are two-fold. Only someone as committed as Paul is to proclaiming Christ could be enthusiastic about the first one, for it likely means further suffering for himself. As a consequence of his imprisonment, the “imperial guard” come to know that the reason why he is in prison is because he is pronouncing someone other than Caesar as Lord, namely, Jesus who is the Christ (13). It would have been hard for someone asserting what Paul was to hide from the authorities.
Now, it’s possible that Paul means to suggest that some of the imperial guard respond to his message with acceptance of his claims. More likely, I think, is that Paul is simply indicating that his message became crystal clear to a group of people who had other allegiances. This hits me hard as I tend to regard acceptance as success in God’s economy; acceptance often drives the way I even discourse about Christ’s claims to allegiance. Here we see at the very least, though, that in one sense the announcement itself is evidence of success. For God is pleased when the message about Christ rings forth. And sometimes, as it does with Paul here, this occurs in situations of great conflict.
There is a definite shift in focus from 1:11 to 1:12. In the previous section Paul had concentrated on the faith of the Philippians and concluded with a prayer on their behalf. Here, Paul shifts to his own experiences and does so in a way that, one, casts in sharp relief the sovereignty of God and, two, holds himself up as a model of behavior for his young disciples.
We see first that God’s ways are subversive and thrilling. Whereas one would have expected that the opposition of the Roman authorities and the local leaders would have brought a halt to the proclamation of this rebellious following of Christ as king, instead, the apostle argues, his own imprisonment has advanced the message and its fruits (12). So right off the bat we see a contrast between what is expected and what really happens.
That God should perform his most marvelous work in the midst of—or rather, through—adversity should come as no surprise, however, since Jesus’ own crucifixion evidenced the victory of God over sin and death. When we season our hearts with this truth we come to a new appreciation of the trials in our lives and of the fact that God orchestrates such events to accomplish his aims.
The results of this advance—or perhaps the clarification of it—are two-fold. Only someone as committed as Paul is to proclaiming Christ could be enthusiastic about the first one, for it likely means further suffering for himself. As a consequence of his imprisonment, the “imperial guard” come to know that the reason why he is in prison is because he is pronouncing someone other than Caesar as Lord, namely, Jesus who is the Christ (13). It would have been hard for someone asserting what Paul was to hide from the authorities.
Now, it’s possible that Paul means to suggest that some of the imperial guard respond to his message with acceptance of his claims. More likely, I think, is that Paul is simply indicating that his message became crystal clear to a group of people who had other allegiances. This hits me hard as I tend to regard acceptance as success in God’s economy; acceptance often drives the way I even discourse about Christ’s claims to allegiance. Here we see at the very least, though, that in one sense the announcement itself is evidence of success. For God is pleased when the message about Christ rings forth. And sometimes, as it does with Paul here, this occurs in situations of great conflict.
2.11.2008
Lent
UPDATE:
Three days in and still no coffee. I'm amazed. It feels weird, I must say. I go through the day with more of the even temperment, although I do get a bit moody toward the end of the day as the tiredness becomes most acute. Who knew that life without coffee would be so, well, boring?
This is what I've given up for Lent this year:
Three days in and still no coffee. I'm amazed. It feels weird, I must say. I go through the day with more of the even temperment, although I do get a bit moody toward the end of the day as the tiredness becomes most acute. Who knew that life without coffee would be so, well, boring?
This is what I've given up for Lent this year:
It's only 10:30 and my head is already throbbing. I'm in trouble.
2.05.2008
Voting
Dang it, I thought every vote was supposed to make a difference. Instead McCain, er Huckabee, wins Missouri. At least I got a nice sticker that says "I voted." Sigh.
2.04.2008
Football and Politics
I'm in mourning after last night's Pat's defeat. It's hard for me to contemplate, actually, why it was so stunning, given that I was not a big Patriot's fan until last year. The empty feeling in my stomach does not compare to the Sox defeat to the Yankees in the 2003 ALCS. Now that was bad.
Oh, yeah. And I have yet to decide who to punch the ballot for in tomorrow's primary. I'm halfway leaning toward Romney simply because I'm getting pissed off at the media for annointing John McCain the Republican nominee prematurely. I did just get a telephone call from an Obama supporter. Usually the animus felt in our home toward telephone solicitations would cause me to react in a negative manner, but I have to say, the lady was very nice and not that pushy. Of course, I still won't vote for him, but my admiration for the man increases if it is legitimate to infer something about him from his supporter.
Oh, yeah. And I have yet to decide who to punch the ballot for in tomorrow's primary. I'm halfway leaning toward Romney simply because I'm getting pissed off at the media for annointing John McCain the Republican nominee prematurely. I did just get a telephone call from an Obama supporter. Usually the animus felt in our home toward telephone solicitations would cause me to react in a negative manner, but I have to say, the lady was very nice and not that pushy. Of course, I still won't vote for him, but my admiration for the man increases if it is legitimate to infer something about him from his supporter.
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