I recently watched this video. It includes a very interesting discussion on what magic is and the difference between what magic is and what is going on in the Bible. Sometimes in Christianity we react violently against magic in literature or movies, but we risk overreaching and deistically stepping into the wasteland of a purely naturalistic world where, in barring the supernatural, we have accidentally barred God himself. Though we reject magic as a means of attempting to use nature or supernature to control things, we do indeed affirm the power and ability of God to supernaturally break into this world and into our lives.
I am enjoying listening to some different things by Doug Wilson. I believe that John Piper, for instance, has had a significant influence on the shaping of my worldview and the way I read the Bible. I have read a lot by Piper, and I have listened to probably hundreds of hours of his preaching and teaching. For that I am thankful. I also have listened to many hours of teaching of people who have been influenced by Piper - preachers like Matt Chandler. It is good, indeed, to stumble upon teachers and preachers I have not heard much from before, like Doug Wilson. He strikes me as someone who loves the Bible, and he is older and wiser than myself - I have much to learn. From my previous post, I enjoyed seeing both the common ground and the unique emphases that someone like him shares with Piper. To lend my ear to multiple voices, even within the same Reformed stream of thought, is helping me to appreciate the richness of life in Christ and the riches of the Bible.
Also, I think it is distinctively cool to find a preacher who is doing an expository walk through Old Testament historical books. This particular sermon is one of many as he is preaching one chapter per week through Samuel. I do sincerely hope you enjoy and are edified. With all sincerity in Christ, I urge you, brothers and sisters, to lend your ear toward God, to repent from the heart, and to embrace Jesus for all he is for you according to Scripture, without delay and with all your energy. And as always, to God alone be the glory!
Sermon: Samuel XXIX – The Witch of Endor | Douglas Wilson from Canon Wired on Vimeo.
