Archives For Rob Bell

Why It Doesn’t Matter if Rob Bell is a Universalist

Chris —  March 1, 2011

So apparently Rob Bell has a new book out, and a bunch of people think he’s jumped the shark.  Maybe he has.  Maybe he hasn’t.  But why does anyone care?

Two thoughts:

1.  Rob Bell only has one judge, and he’s probably not a blogger.

“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” Romans 14:4

2.  Let’s review what exactly the Great Commission calls us to do:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. ” Matthew 28:19

We often use this as a rallying cry to go out and rescue people from false gods that are taking them to hell.  But is that what Jesus is saying?  The word disciple simply means a learner, specifically one who is learning to obey the way of life taught by Jesus.

It’s not that hell isn’t important.  I can think of at least six times Jesus brought it up.

But according to Jesus our job is to teach people to obey Jesus.

Why care what some else may or may not believe about hell?  We’ve got a job to do.

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Everybody Loves Jonah

Chris —  March 8, 2010

It seems that Lent is the perfect season for fish.

Three churches whose podcast I listen to regularly are all teaching through the book of Jonah.

Andy Stanley, king of the one-liners, can be heard at the North Point podcast.  Rob Bell, with his new teammate, the pop-mennonite Shane Hipps, are exploring the depths at Mars Hill Bible Church.  Austin’s own Gideon Tsang is lending a hand to Chris Seay at Ekklesia Houston.

Why do you think that so many teachers are gravitating to Jonah at this time?  What have you learned from the story of the reluctant prophet, the giant fish and the great city?

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8 Hours That Will Change Your Life

Chris —  December 29, 2009

I listen to a LOT of audio content.  It has helped me get in shape, learn more about my favorite topics, and grow closer to God.  I don’t expect you to listen with the veracity I do, but I can promise you that by just listening 8 hours a week will change your life.  Hereare my favorites.

This American Life — Consistently number one on iTunes, PRI’s Ira Glass uses an overarching theme, entrancing music, and humor to present stories of everyday people that are funny, sad and moving.

Radiolab — Seth Godin and I agree that this is simply the best audio program ever made.  Robert and Jad use sound as a paintbrush to break down the mysteries of science in everyday ways.  As if the radio show wasn’t enough, they “deleted scenes” to make additional content just for the podcast.  Listen to every single episode.

Catalyst — More than just a commercial for their conferences, it’s a great resource for leaders of all types.  Church leaders like Andy Stanley and Erwin McManus show up regularly, as well as business leaders like Guy Kawasaki and Chris Anderson. A great resource for early adopters.

Mars Hill Bible Church / Mars Hill Church – I enjoy listening to the two young, charismatic Christian doppelgangers back to back.  Rob Bell and Mark Driscoll gave their churches similar names, preach for an hour and appeal to young adults, yet have drastically different approaches to communication and theology.

North Point Ministries – I know no better communicator than Andy Stanley.  He has a deep theology, yet a simple style.  Great, no matter where you are in your faith walk.

Stuff You Should Know — Ever wondered How Muppets Work?  How to Steal a Nuclear Bomb? How to Fake the Moon Landing?  Give Chuck and Josh 15 minutes and you’ll have great ammo for the next boring cocktail party.

The Moth — Real people sharing personal stories on stage and unscripted.  Hilarious, heart breaking and enriching.

Two Gomers Run a Marathon — Steven and Anthony are two dudes who have been best friends since growing up in youth group together.  Fed up with the legendary lethargy, they try to do something they’ve never done: run a marathon.  It is so funny I am afraid of laughing my way into oncoming cars on a run.  Moreover, listening to how the deep faith and sincere friendship leads two normal dudes to do phenomenal things makes me want to accomplish more with my life, and dive deeper into my friendships.

Take a listen.

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