Random Thoughts, 08/16/2006 (and Blog Buzz)

Wow, it’s been almost a month since I had any Random Thoughts. My thoughts must be SO organized, right? Right?

Anyway, here goes…

The Value of Old Truth
The Old Truth web site has a good article (and look back over a year of blogging) on the value of Old Truth. That’s the value of the concept of Old Truth, not the value of the site itself, though the site is an invaluable resource. Check it out.

Elmo and the End of Civilization as We Know It
Albert Mohler is blogging on an article from Joel Stein in the Los Angeles Times that Elmo (yeah, the one from Sesame Street) is helping to bring the downfall of Western Civilization. Very funny, and frighteningly insightful at the same time – “a character who tells children to focus primarily on themselves just may be the great symbol for the narcissism and self-worship of our therapeutic age.” (Bonus points for Joel Stein for referring to Elmo as “the Jar Jar Binks of ‘Sesame Street.’” Check it out.

Everybody’s Talkin’ About Mark Dever
It seems that every single blog I follow has mentioned Mark Dever’s posting on the Together for the Gospel blog about the issue of membership in the SBC. Those of you who have read Mark’s excellent book, The Deliberate Church, are aware that he believes that non-attending members should be removed from the membership rolls of a church. That very subject was discussed at the SBC’s convention this year and the SBC went the other way – i.e., retain non-attending members as “prospects.” (Reminds me of my days supporting sales software…) Mark obviously disagrees, and a lot of people are blogging about his passionate defense. Check it out.

More About Mark Dever
Incidentally, if you’re not familar with Dr. Mark Dever, you should be. He’s an excellent speaker, a great writer, and a faithful expositor. I first heard of him (and heard him) at the 2006 Shepherd’s Conference, and I respect and admire the work he is doing at Capitol Hill Baptist and with 9 Marks, which is an amazing site. You can read more about Dr. Dever here.

The Heat is On
I got a nice mention on the Team Pyro blog (one of my personal faves). Thanks!
This will no doubt drive additional traffic here. Now the pressure is on to get more and better content on here…

That’s it for today’s Random Thoughts. Until next time...