It is amazing to me how – just like each of us, as individuals – communities grow, mature and gradually change over time. This is an observation the writers of CRN.Info (once SlicedLaodicea.com) have been making recently. Over the past year, while we have had a number of articles that have focused on countering spurious ODM claims, more and more our writing has focused on higher-order issues – documenting our own struggles, and those of our communities, and how best to apply the lessons taught by Christ and his followers to them.
As such, we’d like to recognize this shift in direction by recognizing the broadening in our focus, in line with the greater items in our site mission, by making a number of cosmetic changes and codifying our change in direction. While we’ve tried to clean up our policies and stuff, remove some of the snarky pages in our design, and to put in some basic recognized debunking (which we will add to over time) to try and cut down on recursive beating of deceased equines.
Prophets
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
In the kingdom of God, we are called to prophesy – to speak the words of God to the people, and to apply them to the issues of the day. All too often, the concept of prophecy is limited to foretelling future events, but when we are called to prophesy, it is to be one of those who remind and challenge the people of God to live up to their calling, and by doing so defend the defenseless and wrongfully accused. Included in this are the ideas of encouragement and iron sharpening iron.
Priests
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,” and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
As Christians, we are all called to be priests, and the main calling of a priest is to minister to the people of God and at the most basic level are to be God’s representative on earth. As such, we try to seek ways of pointing out where God’s influence can be seen here, in His world. We are to teach, to learn, and to demonstrate God’s love.
Poets
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
As creatures made in the image of God – whose first action was to create – we have been blessed by Him with this aspect – creation. Creation of works made from His creation. While we, the writers of PPP.Info, may not all be cut out, literally, as poets, each of us has creative abilities granted by Him (as are all talents held by men). As such, we try to create and/or to recognize artistic beauty in our world, and to relay it to our readers.
.Info
Keeping these three roles in mind, we’ve changed the name and address of this site to http://www.prophets-priests-poets.info/ (though it may still take a few days to take effect). We’ve kept the “.Info” to remind us from where we’ve come. We will still defend brothers and sisters in Christ, wronged by the wicked words of “discernmentalists”, but we also want to recognize that this is not our full identity as a blog. Please be patient as things start to look cosmetically different around here, and please continue to supply iron – as we hope to do, as well – on which to sharpen each other.
Thank you, and bless you, for joining us on this journey.
69 Comments(+Add)
So I was reading comments a little while ago, and went on to do something else for about an hour, came back and hit refresh, and saw a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WEBSITE. Needless to say I was totally confused…I thought someone had stolen the website to play a prank. Then I read the top post and was like…”Oh cool, new stuff…”
Hey, at least you scared me on Halloween, lol.
Oh it’s like Reformation day for CRN.info, on Reformation day! Hahaha….
Who did the layout, it’s very nice?
Joe
Didn’t mean “it’s very nice” to be a question…ergh.. it’s late. Too much candy.
I took a number of suggestions from the other writers and then started testing/tweaking a number of themes. This one (Duffy by InfoCreek) seemed to work/fit the best of any…
I still need to tweak some things (like figuring out how to make this comment box bigger….)
Blessings,
Chris
The new site looks great!
The only suggestion I could think of to make is possibly see if there is a method to make the frames stretch the width of the person’s resolution, removing the excess space on the sides of the site (I run at a 1280×1024 resolution).
The place looks great and I heartily love the new name. The “debunking” section truly is a blessing to have and hopefully will divert waaaaaaay too many derailings of posts. I love it!
This new design is great…
Very nice change.
I suppose you did not consider having an American flag waving after the word “Poets”?
Since this is a new look, and since this month is Thansgiving month (Which I do not celebrate), I want to publicly give thanks for the friends I have made here. Of course we have differences, strong at times, but you guys are an eclectic group, and I have no doubt as to your love for Christ.
I am the old man here, and I have been frustrated at times and left (Chris L. is the statistician), but I have still been welcomed to say my piece, which can be verbose and erudite (more verbose than erudite).
So blessing to all of you, even Joe Martino, and together we can give thanks for a Savior who continues to love us as sinners, and as we all consistantly exhibit an observable reason for His grace.
I like it!!
I’m liking the new poets theme. Will Nathan and Rick be able to maybe put their personal attacks on people like Mrs. Schlueter and Mr. Silva into metrical form? (Nice touch with calling her a witch yesterday, BTW, Nathan). I’ll look forward to the new emphasis on beauty as we have enough clawing of each other going on among Christians. Maybe you could set a new standard for Christian blogs now?
I am glad you noticed, Cash.
Nathan is just one of many who cannot seem to leave behind such things as the calling of a Christian sister a Witch.
It is a sad statement indeed, and I am afraid that even with a name change the behavior and commentary will not go to a higher level.
The new look is too dark and depressing. A little too gothic for me and oddly enough, sort of femmine looking.
Did I say that out loud? That happens a lot lately. Sorry.
PB,
It seems to me that you have a whole site dedicated to calling people names, so taking etiquette lessons from you is a bit like asking like asking Michael Vick how to care for my dog…
Anyway, I think putting up with sort of stuff just illustrates why many of us try to avoid going to the poison-pen site of the ODMs.
ummm…..a new look with a renewed scope…and people bickering only 12 comments in. Surely we can get off to a better start than this, people!?!
Also, John, thanks for noticing. I am the one who directed Chris in this choice.
With a focus on context, history, and study, the design of the graphics works well.
Aaron – Fluid-width was the one thing I couldn’t find in a design that had the other key things folks identified (numbered comments, widgets, 3-columns capability, earth tones with white-on-dark in the margins). I’m not sure I can get this modified to FW, as there are all sorts of fixed-width graphics in the theme.
Joe, Nathan, Rick, Scotty – Thanks
John – Sorry if this looks depressing or “gothic”. I was looking for something earth-tone-based (to fit with the prophet & priest theme) with a little bit of artistic frill (for the poet piece).
PB & Cash – *sigh* I’ve addressed the comment in the relevant thread. I guess some people are never happy unless they’re not happy.
Prophets? Priets” Poets? lol
Rom 12:3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
One shouldn’t assume “assignments” that were never their’s for the doing.
OK, who had Chris P. harping on the new name in less than 24 hours? Time to pay up I suppose!
We have never assumed anymore assignment than that assumed of all believers. I invite you to read the post where this is made obvious.
Come on Phil and Neil, Chris P.’s comments are coming from an “Approved Workman,” so he should know.
Christian,
I understand Chris P. has no purpose other than mocking and malice… I just responded as if he were serious for the benefit of others.
This is most assuredly not Goth or Gothic as contemporary Gothic fashion depends on black as its foundational element. Unless you are referring to the art form of the medieval age, and then that would be up to debate.
Nice choice Chris. I find the darker page easier to read.
I don’t think “gothic” would have come to my mind…
It has a nice mix of classic and contemporary elements.
Come on, guys, Nathan’s comment was a joke. Ingrid is not a witch, she’s just someone’s wife who attacks anyone who crosses her automatic news e-mail alert. Nathan’s comment was light years less offensive than Ingrid’s insinuation that those of us who object to castigating Miley Cyrus are attracted to her physically.
Humor people, relax…
Rick is right. PB is being a huge hypocrite. Takes one to know one, I sniffed you out man!
Hey btw, how do I get a cool little avatar like you guys?
#24 Just have a wordpress account
#23 I used to be a hypocrite.
I do have one…I think? I’m logged in right now, so how do I add a pic?
As for the hypocrite thing, I just know I’ve seen you rag on people worse than Bo did to you, or Nathan did to Ingrid. And that’s not even mentioning how much Ingrid and Ken do to everyone else. It just seems pretty…tired and stretched for you to get all up in arms. Just a little too much plank in left eye for me. I mean no offense, just calling what I see, if you don’t feel convicted about it, then forget I brought it up, friend.
@ Cash,
thanks for noticing!
@ PB,
you can come down off the cross. we need the wood.
one swipe that’s a joke and all of sudden years and years of wasted “ministries” of destroying people and their reputations just seems so inconsequential.
who knew?
thanks for putting things in perspective for me…
OK – let’s give it a rest… I agree, it was just humor, but given the bad-blood… well… let’s move along – OK?
PB – Having gone to a CMA school myself, do you subscribe to eternal security?
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Well, I for one, think the new site looks incredible. I love it. The color is great. The comment section is great. I love it.
Great job fellas. I can’t wait to start writing in this new format.
#31 No I subscribe to A-life, that is about it….
I believe in the security of the believer is pretty clearly taught in scripture, because if Salvation is of Christ, then He is the one who keeps us- John 10- if the father draws, and Christ calls, and we come and follow, no one can snatch us out of His hand. After all, Jesus is shepherd to all the Father has given Him.
PB – Many CMA pastors have a decidely Arminian bent, as well as some having a deeper life teaching that is somewhat mystical. I like it.
We are into the deeper life, to be sure, but Arminians do not have a corner on it. Anyone who is filled with the Holy Spirit experiences this deeper life without having to use other means to produce it.
This old reformed guy can and does experience this deeper life in the vein of AB Simpson and AW Tozer while preaching in the style of Paris Reidhead.
I hold to the scripture before any teaching or theology of man.
Ten sheckels and a shirt – Great!
That is a great one, but not the only great one. That guy could preach!
Tozer said powerful things, but he was hard to listen to. I liked reading his stuff better.
Comments like this are as true as they are irrelevant… most everyone I know, across all sorts of continuums would say this. It’s the application and interpretations that differ.
Again, this is overly cliche… we all use means.
Saying you do not use means but others due is like saying you are not affected by culture but others are.
We all do/are – the difference is scale.
What does this even mean? The communion of saints within the Church itself is a way which we experience deeper life. Reading books by Christian authors, listening to music made by Christians, or interacting with artwork made by Christians is simply an extension of this communion.
While spending time alone with the Holy Spirit (contemplative prayer) is definitely one side of the coin, I do not believe we can neglect the communal side of sanctification. We need our brothers and sisters in Christ to become fully functioning members of the body of Christ.
#41
Neil, the contemplative prayer/lectio divina/ imaginative prayer/ breathing exercises/ candles/ incense/ planned and canned emotional music etc. to a degree is all there to elicit an emotional response that some mistake for the deeper life.
Cal it what you will, but those who love the Lord and submit themselves to the Holy Spirit on a daily basis may use these methods, but really do not need them to experience the deeper life. Be being filled with the Holy Spirit is about control, dying to self, not religious machinations.
Even though you say you follow no man you still hold Luther to an exalted status. And if Luther was an example of control then I’m a Mormon.
God used Luther but he was a decidely fleshly man who was given to temper, had a drinking problem, was at times filled with hatred, observed vestiges of Roman Catholicism, and he would never dreamed that people would make him an idol and even name their denomination after him.
How about a new denomination called MacArthurism?
Loving people really stinks. I wonder if God would just accept not hating?
Pastorboy,
I agree… as long as you do not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Lighting a candle because you think it will have a spiritual effect, as if it manipulated or motivated the Lord to action is superstition.
Lighting a candle as a metaphor, or reminder, or to set a mood is perfectly acceptable.
Even Jesus separated himself from others for a time – to be alone and pray – this is as much a means as anything.
I am sure there are exceptions of course, but I have never seen the usual suspects say that such methods are needed, over against the Spirit, nor that they manipulate God.
Neil,
The problem is with those who do, to set a mood, which translates to manipulation for some.
I have been in services emergent and otherwise that manipulate a move of the Holy Spirit in such a way. Of course, I have been in AG services that do the same.
And I have been in modernist/fundamentalist services that sang chorus after chorus of “Just as I am” – until the “Spirit” moved someone to come forward so we could end the marathon
…you can only go so far in blaming the messenger for how people misinterpret what is said and done.
The use of music, lighting, even architecture are manipulative.
substitute are with can be and you have it.
Do you take off your shoes and lie down on your bed to read the Bible with a reading light on sometimes? I fail to see how this is not ’setting the mood’ and a candle is manipulation. If someone lighting a candle or meditating gets them in a proper state of mind to approach God’s throne to pray/study, then who are you to judge someone elses servant?
You could argue that any aesthetic choice a congregation uses is “setting the mood” to some extent. Unless you meet outdoors with no chairs or any furnishing, you are doing something to the physical environment.
I have been to all types of services, and I’ve seen successful and unsuccessful attempts at designing the worship space in a way that isn’t distracting or too austere. Personally, I find dark room with candles to be helpful. If for the simple reason that it makes it a little harder to see everyone else around you. But some people like it bright. It really is something that the congregation and local leadership has freedom in.
Last I checked, God created us with emotions. Can someone explain to me why having an emotional response during worship, Bible reading, etc. is wrong?
Because John MacArthur said so. Duh…
There is nothing wrong with an emotional response. There is something wrong with manipulation of an emotional response and calling it a move of the Holy Spirit.
Because real men don’t have emotions Corey, duh….
Can’t the Holy Spirit move through our emotions?
What’s emotional manipulation? The way some people talk, playing a suspended chord going into the bridge is. Many people who were alive at the time accused Isaac Watts of going off the deep end.
The thing that I always find ironic is that the same people who complain about “emotionalism” in a church service are the same ones who will throw things at the TV during a football game. It’s just not a very convincing argument. It’s all based on judging other’s motives.
Raising your voice alters the emotions. Telling a joke, singing a song, and using any accoutrements that aid in worship like candles, incense, or wafers and juice can all be considered manipulative.
The Lutheran church in which I grew up had candles, priestly robes, processionals, kneeling benches, and an assortment of worship aids. Nothing wrong with any of them. The heart is where real worship occurs and only the Spirit can judge that.
there is no “holding to scripture” over and against “theology/teaching of humans”.
as soon as you get done reading/hearing the Word of God, and start thinking/talking in response to God’s speaking you are doing “theology”, you are doing the “teaching of humans”.
God has spoken, everything else is commentary.
no one can escape “theology”…
to say you “hold only to scripture” is a theology.
all this blather about manipulation…well…then get our your whips for the puritans. They regularly spoke of the need to “raise our affections”…and NO that wasn’t some purely cerebral “awe” about the intellectual impact of the profundity of God.
Going to a special building immediately sets a “tone”.
@58
dead on, Rick.
i know some liturgical churches that should chuck the vestments…
i know some low church evangelicals who should probably start using them…
sterility/staleness/emptiness has many expressions and many remedies.
motives are messed in every group.
Imagine all this conversation because we made a positive change to the blog. OH, my bad. I see we have already derailed that thread.
No “can be” about it… whether you plan it or not… the level of lighting you use, the choice of music, it’s volume, everything works together to create atmosphere.
Even this sets a mood.
I agree. I wonder who does it more… emergents hoping to set a mood with smells and textures or fundamentalists trying to judge an event by hands raised at an alter call – “just one more verse of…”
True, yet it is more like a conversation – and less like an insult contest.
It’s not only that. I mean, if you really want manipulation, look no further than this.
You just gotta love lines like these:
Personally, I find this much, much more manipulative than singing “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” ad nauseum.
huh, smells and bells are manipulation?
really?
tell that to those 2000 years of theological reflection that fuels liturgical activities…
it’s just been 2000 years of manipulation?