Home of DJ and technophile Jonathan Puddle (aka J Puddy)
Christianity
Practical Atheism
Jan 18th
“If my neighbour is not a Believer, and he runs into financial trouble, then he will apply certain worldy solutions in order to get out of this trouble. He is an atheist, and so looks to man to solve his problems.
If I (being a Believer) run unto financial trouble, and I do the same thing as my neighbour, then I am committing Practical Atheism. As a Believer, my heart should be dwelling on the affairs of God, so in any trouble, I must turn to him first. He may direct me to the same principals that my neighbour is following, More >
1 year in 3 days
Jan 17th
I haven’t gotten around to sharing my New Year’s resolutions, but I just realised that now would be a perfect time, given that I managed to spend signifigant time on all three this weekend.
1. Grow in intimacy with God. I want to start spending quiet time with God regularly, not just when I think I need it. Let’s be honest, we all need, all of the time. So I have to try and figure out what works best for me, as I have spent probably a total of 6 hours soaking in God’s presence, in my life. It still doesn’t feel More >
Fellowship Church
Jan 10th
I’ve been reading tonight about a church in Texas called Fellowship Church. It’s quite a cool place. Highlights:
- 5th largest church in the US.- At least two of their staff have blogs written about work/church/technology/life.- They offer free WiFi internet access in their cafe and bookstore.- Robert Scoble – who’s name won’t mean much to many of you, but is an important figure in tech/blogging visited the church this year, on an invite from Brian (it’s his blog I’m reading.)
It’s cool to see a church that has a good grasp on technology, and is using it in a powerful and effective More >
Twenty Oh Five
Jan 3rd
“As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.
Leave the broken, irreversible past More >
Carpet Burns
Nov 20th
I spun what I felt to be a very solid set tonight at Youth Network. I was feeling the nerves before hand, so I retreated to my office and wrapped myself in my hoodie, like a hoodlum, and just sat there. It was quite nice, talking to God, all the dark of my hood.
Then after my set, Andrew G came over and prayed for me, and then Ben Poulsen, and I made a gradual progression to the floor. Once there, Kenny and Tim Fenney (now endowed with a girlfriend) came and soaked me and prophesied over me for quite some More >
Sums it all Up
Oct 20th
My good friend Rochelle bought me ‘My Utmost for His Highest’ when she was here for Fresh Wind. I love it. Mostly. There are the occasional spots that I find are kindof old world thinking, things to do with grace and freedom in Christ. Anyway… most of it is excellent. For those who have no clue what it is, it’s a daily devotional. Originally published in 1935.
Last sentence of my reading last night:“But if this time of soaking before God is being spent in getting rooted and grounded in Him, which may appear to be impractical, then you will remain More >
The 2nd Schism
Oct 18th
More hubbub on the “gay issue.” The Anglican church this time.
I was talking to my grandad a few weeks back, and he had just got back from a big meeting of all the Presbyterian church leaders in New Zealand. They had putting off the gay debate since before we moved here (5+ years), but they finally decided to decide something. In a very controversial movie, they through the notion out. Gay men could not become ministers in the Presbyterian church. Period.
The Anglican church hasn’t yet decided this. They’re currently asking that all churches that are allowing homosexual unions stop More >
Division
Sep 12th
An interesting talk on gays and lesbians and how the church should relate to them, by Tony and Peggy Campolo. Pretty well known dude (Tony) in Christian circles.
I’m listening to Du Hast by Rammstein. Best. Song. Ever.
Does that sound unsound?
Jun 20th
Two good friends of mine recently picked out the song “Look What You’ve Done,” by Tree63 as being theologically unsound.
Here are the lines in question:
“It’s not a question of what you can do for meBut what can I do for you my Lord?”
I have spent the day since wondering what is so unsound about it? Here’s the rest of the lyrics, if you’re interested:
Look what you’ve done for meYour blood has set me freeJesus my Lord look what you’ve done for me
I haven’t been the sameEver since that day I called your nameYahweh Yahweh look what you’ve done for me
What More >
Scratch.
May 13th
Well, I missed Blindside. That annoyed me very much yesterday. Lately I’ve been wanting to go to concerts so badly, but I can never get around to buying a ticket to them. A big part of it is the lack of enthusiasm towards concerts, among my Christian friends here in TO. Back home, whenever a big concert was going on, the whole youth group would organize tickets and everything, and everyone would be there. Everyone…
And couple that with the fact that I’ve been to maybe…1? concert in the city. It means that I don’t know any of the venues, or More >
Worship.
May 1st
I’ve been thinking this evening about how much God loves our worship. I know God loves all of our worship, but I was thinking in a purely musical context.
Most of my Christian friends who play instruments, since learning their instruments, have developed such a deeper love of worship, and different forms of worship. How many acoustic guitar players do I know that have worship times in their room with just them and God… this was an alien concept to me a few years ago.
But it’s interesting. I first began thinking deeply about it a few days ago when I was More >
That’s why…
Apr 26th
I had a thought a little while ago, and something I said to theken reminded me of it.
Picture the Israelites, wandering the desert, and having to go outside the camp for 7 days every little while until they were cleansed of whatever mildew or dead person they had been in contact with. Now, don’t forget that the Israelite camp was made of some 3 million people, possibly much more, I don’t recall the numbers. That’s a big freakin camp. And even if the nation of Israel was divied up into it’s 12 tribes, you’d still have to get yourself outside a More >