Comments on: a strange thing about Strange Fire

By: ox

ox — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 03:43:13 +0000

In reply to Brian.

But of course.

It is fascinating to listen to these sessions. They use very blunt language, accuse men like Piper and Grudem of egregious betrayals, but go out of their way to say how much they’ve benefited from them, etc, etc

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

By: Brian

Brian — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 03:38:55 +0000

Well, Don, JMac is an evangelical. He may be more “conservative” than the next evangelical but regardless of the adjective added, they are still evangelical and they have for the most part been soft in that category. Oh, they may speak it but the action is missing. Even JMac does this.

By: ox

ox — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 14:16:32 +0000

In reply to Wally Morris.

Good points, Wally. Sort of a group hypnosis rather than an individual affirmation.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

By: Wally Morris

Wally Morris — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 13:20:42 +0000

Several years ago, I did a personal Bible study on applause/clapping. At times, clapping could express disapproval as well as approval/worship. However, today applause/clapping in churches is another sign of the influence of secular culture’s [the world’s] methods in the church. I find it strange that Christians would rather clap/applause than say “Amen” or “Praise the Lord”. Is this indication of the “dumbing down” of Christians, so that we are more comfortable with non-verbal expressions rather than verbal praise? I find even people who do not know the Lord will applause in church because they are “comfortable” with that response. Applause doesn’t really demand any thinking or heart—just an automatic response because everyone else is doing it. Sort of like standing ovations—you don’t want to be the only one not doing it.
The issue of applause/clapping in churches is not a minor issue. Instead, it is an indication of the weakness of Bible-believing churches, shallowness of their spiritual life, and influence of the world.

By: ox

ox — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 13:11:15 +0000

In reply to d4v34x. That might be merely a cultural difference. But for sure I'd call down the clapping if it started while I was preaching

By: d4v34x

d4v34x — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 13:05:31 +0000

Its interesting to me that the Amen chorus bothers you. Is it that it’s interruptive primarily?

I’m not a big amen-er, but occassionally chime in. I do nod quite a bit though. And vigorously.

By: Tyler Robbins

Tyler Robbins — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 23:38:31 +0000

I believe Bro. Brandenburg made the same point in his latest blog post. There is a condemnation of false teaching, but not a call for practical separation. This is a problem.