Let me give you another dead theologian’s thoughts:

1SO BY whatever [appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever] strengthening and consoling and encouraging [our relationship] in Him [affords], by whatever persuasive [a]incentive there is in love, by whatever participation in the [Holy] Spirit [we share], and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy,
2Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.

3Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].

4Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.

5Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

6Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [[b]possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not [c]think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped [d]or retained,

7But stripped Himself [of all privileges and [e]rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.

I believe this man trumps Tozer or Spurgeon. His name was Paul, and you all know what I think of him. The tedious, unrelenting stream of negativity that comes from some blogs is training believers to think highly of themselves. SoL cannot even offer an apology without a couple of self serving sentences designed to present themselves as “truth shiners”.

I have watched as those who cloak themselves in God’s sovereignty, at least in doctrinal theory, seem to trust in it the least. The blogasphere has created an entire community of websites that do little else but post sewage about anyone and anything, and they have forwarded a “warrior for God” image perpetuated by themselves.

I would not have thought it possible until now, but doctrine, important as it is, can be embraced as an idol and weilded, not as a Sword of the Spirit, but of the flesh. The manipulation and breathless panic that some exhibit reflects open theism more than it does God’s sovereign control.

And resurrecting dead men just to create marionettes that supposedly “amen” your views is pitiful. If God ever desired to use some in loving correction, that has long been lost inside the hollow hubris and graceless sensationalism that purports to represent our Wonderful Savior.

It is so easy to be deceived, and when you believe your desired end has been completely commissioned by God, then the means know no boundaries. And that should be a warning to all of us.

Rick: and when you believe your desired end has been completely commissioned by God, then the means know no boundaries.

So true, Rick. So true.