Ben Cotten's Comments

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : The reformed rock star.

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 16:58:52 +0000

epic funny comment.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Man on Fire.

Sat, 8 May 2010 19:51:14 +0000

I don't think anyone is arguing that Creasy is a perfect representation of Jesus, or even that that those that made the film necessarily intended this to be a Messianic theme. However, I think there is a lot of value in looking at our cultural output (film. music, literature, etc) and finding bridges to the gospel. That's what Jon has done here and I think he's done it masterfully. Revenge is very much a Godly characteristic, provided that it is God dealing the justice and not man. I think that's why revenge stories resonate so deeply with people. We have a longing for justice in us that only Jesus can satisfy. God is a God of justice. He will make all things right. But, he does it by emptying all of his wrath on one man (Jesus) for us. So, I'd argue that violence and revenge are very much themes that have deep parallels to the gospel. Again, I'm not saying that this movie character is a perfect representation of Jesus, just that I don't think he has to be in order for us to learn from and be moved by the themes Jon brings up.

Live.Awake : Haiti and Other Acts of God

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:27:14 +0000

Yep. I'm totally with you. There is no good in us that could deserve any good that He does for us.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Zakk last! The final Zakk the metrosexual worship leader image.

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:50:08 +0000

Signing? That's the 80's metro worship leader. Lyrical dance/sign language as you sing. ... best typo ever... ;-)

Live.Awake : The Clap Offerring

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 18:09:32 +0000

LOL! Hilarious.

Live.Awake : Is Social Media a Fad?

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 16:32:38 +0000

Yeah, this can help your business and the tools are free. This video might help you. [youtube MpIOClX1jPE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpIOClX1jPE youtube]

Live.Awake : Is Social Media a Fad?

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 21:55:06 +0000

Oh, I think it would do a lot for business.� Facebook offers some really smart advertising options as well.� It's impressive how finely you can target a demographic with their advertising options.�

Not to mention just using Twitter to promote the business.� It's not so much a matter of knowing what to do anymore.� It's knowing what NOT to do that's tricky.� Filtering all the options down to what is most effective, both socially and business-wise.

Live.Awake : My Review of The Shack

Sat, 5 Sep 2009 17:57:16 +0000

This says it better than I did. i wish I had thought of this analogy to explain my issues with the book. Check it out: http://theologica.blogspot.com/2009/09/shack-fict...

ChurchCrunch : This Ain't No Clover Site

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:54:12 +0000

Feels like I just got punched in the face by The Don (Mears) himself. At least I'll remember the experience long after I leave the site...

Live.Awake : The Gospel and My Waistline

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:40:14 +0000

Thanks, Lanette. We're trying to raise the bar some concerning our idea of what christian community can be. I think when it's all about the rules and not about Jesus, you end up with articles like the one you mentioned in the N&O. Really, I think this all comes down to a worship issue.

Live.Awake : The Gospel and My Waistline

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:34:42 +0000

I know! Everyone wants to feed the pastor as if he isn't fat enough already! =/

ChurchCrunch : Absolute Privacy Wordpress Plugin

Sun, 9 Aug 2009 05:45:41 +0000

Could be a good option for a possible upcoming need for a blog site for a couple missionaries serving in a dangerous area of the world where they need to use a secure blog to communicate back to the States but discreetly. Cool stuff.

Live.Awake : Spurgeon on Hell

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:49:07 +0000

Very well said, Joe! I think you're right. Most of us (even Christians) do not think through their faith (or lack of it) and consequently cruise through life with eternity in the balance. Thanks for visiting and contributing.

Live.Awake : The Difference Between Trial and Adventure

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 05:46:01 +0000

Awesome! We're having a great time, even the kids...

Live.Awake : My Review of The Shack

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:44:29 +0000

Thanks for stopping by, Mike! Thanks for the tip on the Driscoll stuff. Found it on YouTube. And I thought I was hard on the book! Here it is: [youtube pK65Jfny70Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK65Jfny70Y youtube]

Live.Awake : My Review of The Shack

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:53:41 +0000

Interesting that you bring that up because Young admits that when he wrote the book he believed in Universal Redemption. The publishers convinced him to edit out that stuff, and he later changed his thinking on the point after the book was published. Obviously some of that thinking is still there in the book.

Live.Awake : My Review of The Shack

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:43:18 +0000

Yes! I totally agree that God can use unconventional means to do what He will. He used a donkey, right? That's why I made sure to begin by saying that I am not commenting on what God may have done in any reader's heart while reading the book. God used Ted Haggard to impact thousands while he was going to meet a homosexual prostitute and buying crack. That doesn't mean we cannot (or should not) say that those actions disqualified him for his ministry. Nor does it mean that the ministry someone received from him should thrown out or dismissed. God is bigger than that. This is the pragmatism that I hoped to address in the review. The idea that if someone was moved by the book makes it off limits for a Biblical analysis I think is a faulty stance to take. Simply put: the ends doesn't justify the means. The result doesn't make it Biblical. I really don't intend to put parameters around God. I really just want to compare the core message of the book with the Truth of Scripture. If by "analytical" you mean "careful" I agree with you. I wanted to be precise and careful because I know that many who read this have read the book and loved it. I also know that many people from KCC will read this so I have a responsibility to them, before God, to hold a clear doctrinal line. As a pastor, there are some things I can't afford to be laid back about. I hope that clears things up for you. I give glory to God that He touched you while reading The Shack! The last thing I want to do is disparage what God did there. Nor do I want to make people feel inferior if the enjoyed the book.

Live.Awake : My Review of The Shack

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:02:50 +0000

Really interesting commentary on Job. I'm going to have to go read Job again!

Job’s suffering is meant to undermine his normative religious life and shatter the mental complacency that characterizes his early self. It shakes the foundations of his contented world.

Ragamuffin Soul : Caption Please

Sun, 24 May 2009 04:17:43 +0000

How many male Jazzercise instructors does it take to deflate an exercise ball?

BeDeviant.com : The 21st Century Church: Communications

Wed, 20 May 2009 11:59:30 +0000

I feel your frustration on this one. I think part of the answer is education. The harsh reality for those older members is that they are being left behind in a world that is becoming paperless and computer dependant. The city center is moving to an online space and if they don't move with it, they will be left out. That reality has nothing to do with the church and everything to do with our culture. I think churches in your situation are uniquely positioned to help those people get their feet wet in online technology. Why not teach them how to use email, facebook, your church website, etc? Inform them about local libraries that offer free computer time and internet access. Better still, put together a few computers from parts donated from the church and set them up in your church building for them to use. What I'm saying is, ignoring the tech in your church for fear of leaving the older generation out isn't the answer (I don't think). They are being left out no matter what you do. I think it's better to shepherd them in a way that equips them to better fit inside and outside the church. We all know older people that discovered email and facebook for the first time and it liberated them. They get over the tech-phobia and end up feeling more connected with other people in their life more than ever.