Comments on: What David Letterman Can Teach Us About the Gospel http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/ By Russell D. Moore. Russell D. Moore serves as the teaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky. In addition, Dr. Moore is the Dean of the School of Theology and Senior Vice President for Academic Administration at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find sermons and other resources to help Christians engage the culture from a biblical worldview at www.russellmoore.com. Sun, 19 May 2013 12:56:39 +0000 By: as http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4412 as Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:16:24 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4412 @Peter Mular, (to author of article). What about the many Christians who are struggling with mental illnesses, or old sins from their unsaved days? There is plenty to "blackmail" them with, and the world will do so. I remember talking with a man who says he didn't act very Christian on a given day when he yelled at someone. This is also why so many people don't want to share their faith. They may be divorced or have a kid whose not behaving. There's something missing in the current gospel message today, (not the gospel, but the gospel message). @Peter Mular, (to author of article).

What about the many Christians who are struggling with mental illnesses, or old sins from their unsaved days? There is plenty to “blackmail” them with, and the world will do so. I remember talking with a man who says he didn’t act very Christian on a given day when he yelled at someone. This is also why so many people don’t want to share their faith. They may be divorced or have a kid whose not behaving. There’s something missing in the current gospel message today, (not the gospel, but the gospel message).

]]> By: David Letterman and the Gospel « Forward Progress http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4183 David Letterman and the Gospel « Forward Progress Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:08:46 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4183 [...] 15, 2009 by Michael K. Russell Moore has a great post about what David Letterman can teach us about the gospel. In case you missed it, [...] [...] 15, 2009 by Michael K. Russell Moore has a great post about what David Letterman can teach us about the gospel. In case you missed it, [...]

]]> By: Sherie http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4093 Sherie Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:51:43 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4093 Dr. Moore, I agree with a lot of your points, however I am also left with another question (or line of questioning). As believers shouldn't we be living in such a way that we don't have sins and things that we are hiding for which we could be blackmailed? Understandably none of us are perfect and we all have sinned, but I know I am trying to live in such a way that as I deal with the sin in my life and seek a true and honest relationship with God that all of my sin and shortcomings are open for the world to see and I have nothing to hide. I admit that the humility, authenticity, and openness that demands this is difficult to walk out at times. Maybe this situation was the catalyst for Dave to finally deal with his sin in this way. I wonder how Jesus or even Paul would have responded if they had received a letter like Dave did. Would they have felt blackmailed or would the response be that "There could be no evidence to show it, because it’s not a fact."? I believe that for Paul the facts were that he chose a life with God where God lived in Paul and transformed him from the inside out through living in him and Paul confessed his sins and had been forgiven, living openly and honestly before God and man about the mistakes he had made and how God had changed him. It seems like few Christians are living really open, authentic and transparent lives and we live knowing that we too could one day be exposed by someone. Wouldn't it be better for us to confess our sin and deal with it now so that from this point forward we can live free and unencumbered by our sin and this risk of exposure? Dr. Moore, I agree with a lot of your points, however I am also left with another question (or line of questioning). As believers shouldn’t we be living in such a way that we don’t have sins and things that we are hiding for which we could be blackmailed? Understandably none of us are perfect and we all have sinned, but I know I am trying to live in such a way that as I deal with the sin in my life and seek a true and honest relationship with God that all of my sin and shortcomings are open for the world to see and I have nothing to hide. I admit that the humility, authenticity, and openness that demands this is difficult to walk out at times. Maybe this situation was the catalyst for Dave to finally deal with his sin in this way.

I wonder how Jesus or even Paul would have responded if they had received a letter like Dave did. Would they have felt blackmailed or would the response be that “There could be no evidence to show it, because it’s not a fact.”? I believe that for Paul the facts were that he chose a life with God where God lived in Paul and transformed him from the inside out through living in him and Paul confessed his sins and had been forgiven, living openly and honestly before God and man about the mistakes he had made and how God had changed him. It seems like few Christians are living really open, authentic and transparent lives and we live knowing that we too could one day be exposed by someone. Wouldn’t it be better for us to confess our sin and deal with it now so that from this point forward we can live free and unencumbered by our sin and this risk of exposure?

]]> By: Jon http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4088 Jon Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:46:43 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4088 Thank you, Dr. Moore, for pointing us to Jesus. Thank you, Dr. Moore, for pointing us to Jesus.

]]> By: Fleeeeeee from sexual immorality!! « allan at farcountry http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4085 Fleeeeeee from sexual immorality!! « allan at farcountry Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:40:20 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4085 [...] Russell Moore on David Letterman [...] [...] Russell Moore on David Letterman [...]

]]> By: Phil http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4068 Phil Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:50:11 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4068 @Dave (but not THAT Dave), Dave, I would have to agree with you, even as someone who is "inside of Christ." I don't find it very helpful at all in the discussion to throw around that everyone "outside of Christ" is in open rebellion because those who are "inside of Christ" are often "worse" than those "outside." That is why we need someone to save us in the first place...and still need a savior. It was a Christian named Paul who owned up to being the worst of all immoral people...essentially saying, "you want to know who to expect to be superior in wrongdoing, count on me, the Apostle Paul...not some talk show host. Not proud of it, but Dave L. has nothing on me." What may be more helpful is...because Christians believe that good people don't go to heaven but only those that realize they are far worse than they first realized, we actually now don't have to wait to be blackmailed before we confess. In fact, if part of growing in the Christian faith is deepening repentance, we not only expect to fail but have to assume it (otherwise we will think we're better than the buddhist or jew) and act superior to everyone else...which we've never been guilty of.:) Enjoyed the article and discussion. Cheers! @Dave (but not THAT Dave),
Dave, I would have to agree with you, even as someone who is “inside of Christ.” I don’t find it very helpful at all in the discussion to throw around that everyone “outside of Christ” is in open rebellion because those who are “inside of Christ” are often “worse” than those “outside.” That is why we need someone to save us in the first place…and still need a savior.

It was a Christian named Paul who owned up to being the worst of all immoral people…essentially saying, “you want to know who to expect to be superior in wrongdoing, count on me, the Apostle Paul…not some talk show host. Not proud of it, but Dave L. has nothing on me.”

What may be more helpful is…because Christians believe that good people don’t go to heaven but only those that realize they are far worse than they first realized, we actually now don’t have to wait to be blackmailed before we confess. In fact, if part of growing in the Christian faith is deepening repentance, we not only expect to fail but have to assume it (otherwise we will think we’re better than the buddhist or jew) and act superior to everyone else…which we’ve never been guilty of.:)

Enjoyed the article and discussion. Cheers!

]]> By: Worth Noting 10/8 – Taking Sin Seriously « Magnify Christ http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4067 Worth Noting 10/8 – Taking Sin Seriously « Magnify Christ Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:54:22 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4067 [...] Russ Moore looks at another timely story of public sin – Letterman’s mea culpa. [...] [...] Russ Moore looks at another timely story of public sin – Letterman’s mea culpa. [...]

]]> By: Louis http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4060 Louis Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:14:14 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4060 @Dave (but not THAT Dave), Every Buddhist monk, and Jewish people are in active rebellion towards God because they refuse to believe in God's son. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 1 Jn. 3:23 If you are not living your life in submission to the Son of God, (which is God the Father's command to us all) then you, by default, are living for something that is created. (and not the creator) Therefore, Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 Jn. 2:15-16 Thus, yes Dave, anyone who is outside of Christ is in active rebellion to their Creator. "Therefore let all Israel (and the whole world) be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts. 2:36 What else can we expect from people who are in active disobedience, then for them to multiply their disobedience, not only through their rejection of Yaweh's Son, but through lust, the love of money, sex, pride, self-righteousness, etc. etc.? ? ? The human race is sinful and is in desperate need of someone who can not only remove the penalty for their sin, but also remove the sinful nature. Praise God for His son who is both willing and able to do both of those things. @Dave (but not THAT Dave),

Every Buddhist monk, and Jewish people are in active rebellion towards God because they refuse to believe in God’s son.

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 1 Jn. 3:23

If you are not living your life in submission to the Son of God, (which is God the Father’s command to us all) then you, by default, are living for something that is created. (and not the creator)
Therefore,
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 Jn. 2:15-16

Thus, yes Dave, anyone who is outside of Christ is in active rebellion to their Creator.
“Therefore let all Israel (and the whole world) be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts. 2:36 What else can we expect from people who are in active disobedience, then for them to multiply their disobedience, not only through their rejection of Yaweh’s Son, but through lust, the love of money, sex, pride, self-righteousness, etc. etc.? ? ?
The human race is sinful and is in desperate need of someone who can not only remove the penalty for their sin, but also remove the sinful nature. Praise God for His son who is both willing and able to do both of those things.

]]> By: Ian http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4058 Ian Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:42:30 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4058 A great example of optimizing present cultural experiences for the sake of building and advancing the Kingdom with the gospel...thanks for demonstrating some mad gospel skills...I enjoyed, was encouraged, & learned! grace & peace, Ian A great example of optimizing present cultural experiences for the sake of building and advancing the Kingdom with the gospel…thanks for demonstrating some mad gospel skills…I enjoyed, was encouraged, & learned!

grace & peace,

Ian

]]> By: Renee http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4050 Renee Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:50:37 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4050 What a great article! Thanks. What a great article! Thanks.

]]> By: Here, There & Back Again « http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4049 Here, There & Back Again « Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:33:41 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4049 [...] Letterman and the Gospel. Some very powerful insight into the dread exposed sin places in the heart of man.  People need Jesus Christ. (HT – challies.com) [...] [...] Letterman and the Gospel. Some very powerful insight into the dread exposed sin places in the heart of man.  People need Jesus Christ. (HT – challies.com) [...]

]]> By: Marshall Jones Jr. http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4047 Marshall Jones Jr. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:45:10 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4047 Yes, this is a different take on the story. I liked how you likened our position to one being blackmailed. And it's true. We can't get out of it. Thank you for that analogy. Marshall Jones Jr. Yes, this is a different take on the story. I liked how you likened our position to one being blackmailed. And it’s true. We can’t get out of it.

Thank you for that analogy.

Marshall Jones Jr.

]]> By: What David Letterman Can Teach Us About the Gospel - Delivered By Grace | Theology Blog http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4042 What David Letterman Can Teach Us About the Gospel - Delivered By Grace | Theology Blog Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:33:22 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4042 [...] learn something critical about carrying the gospel to your neighbors, and to yourself.”  Click here for the full story. Tags: David Letterman, Russell Moore, The [...] [...] learn something critical about carrying the gospel to your neighbors, and to yourself.”  Click here for the full story. Tags: David Letterman, Russell Moore, The [...]

]]> By: J http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4041 J Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:06:12 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4041 @Michael, Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge." I'll break this down for you from the Greek... gamos = marriage timios = [is to be held] in honor (valued, precious) en = among pasin = all koitē = bed amiantos = undefiled pornous = for fornicators moichous = adulterers What does undefiled mean? What does fornicator mean? What does adulterer mean? Also, read 1 Cor. 7 @Michael,
Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
I’ll break this down for you from the Greek…
gamos = marriage
timios = [is to be held] in honor (valued, precious)
en = among
pasin = all
koitē = bed
amiantos = undefiled
pornous = for fornicators
moichous = adulterers

What does undefiled mean?
What does fornicator mean?
What does adulterer mean?

Also, read 1 Cor. 7

]]> By: mike http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4040 mike Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:58:24 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4040 @Paul, ..excellent point indeed! ....."But at least he doesnt go around claiming he is Mr. “Family Values” like some of our politicians" .......but i would have added Preachers.. @Paul, ..excellent point indeed! …..”But at least he doesnt go around claiming he is Mr. “Family Values” like some of our politicians” …….but i would have added Preachers..

]]> By: km http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4036 km Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:04:14 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4036 @Michael, Lots of sins that are full-fledged actual sins are not specifically enumerated in the Bible (the Book is only so long, mankind's combination of immagination and depravity are nearly limitless, and there needs to be room for the rest of God's revelation). Rather, most sins are referenced categorically or through generic terms. Non-marital sex is sinful as either "fornication" or "sexual immorality". The only people who take your position invariably have a vested interest in doing so (i.e. to allow them to cling to their particular favored sin). @Michael,
Lots of sins that are full-fledged actual sins are not specifically enumerated in the Bible (the Book is only so long, mankind’s combination of immagination and depravity are nearly limitless, and there needs to be room for the rest of God’s revelation). Rather, most sins are referenced categorically or through generic terms.

Non-marital sex is sinful as either “fornication” or “sexual immorality”. The only people who take your position invariably have a vested interest in doing so (i.e. to allow them to cling to their particular favored sin).

]]> By: David Letterman's Apology | Pulpit 2 Pew http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4034 David Letterman's Apology | Pulpit 2 Pew Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:14:05 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4034 [...] another helpful article on this subject, check out Russell Moore’s What David Letterman Can Teach Us About the Gospel. You may want to read these articlesAdvice for Rick Ousley and Quixotic MinistriesCandlelight and [...] [...] another helpful article on this subject, check out Russell Moore’s What David Letterman Can Teach Us About the Gospel. You may want to read these articlesAdvice for Rick Ousley and Quixotic MinistriesCandlelight and [...]

]]> By: Dave (but not THAT Dave) http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4033 Dave (but not THAT Dave) Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:04:11 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4033 This line almost made me stop reading: 'What interests me, though, is not that Letterman was doing “terrible things.” What else would I expect a man outside of Christ to do?' Yes, indeed. Every Buddhist monk out there is doing all sorts of terrible, immoral things. All those Jewish people are probably doing terrible things right now. It's one thing to know, in your heart, that you are walking the path to eternal salvation, and you reside in that knowledge and the peace it brings you. It's quite another thing to let that inner peace drive and excuse the dirty machinations of prejudice and religious bigotry. Faith should not tolerate ignorance, neither outside it's boundaries, nor within. Especially not within. But, I'm am "outside of Christ". What else would you EXPECT me to say? This line almost made me stop reading: ‘What interests me, though, is not that Letterman was doing “terrible things.” What else would I expect a man outside of Christ to do?’

Yes, indeed. Every Buddhist monk out there is doing all sorts of terrible, immoral things. All those Jewish people are probably doing terrible things right now.

It’s one thing to know, in your heart, that you are walking the path to eternal salvation, and you reside in that knowledge and the peace it brings you. It’s quite another thing to let that inner peace drive and excuse the dirty machinations of prejudice and religious bigotry. Faith should not tolerate ignorance, neither outside it’s boundaries, nor within. Especially not within.

But, I’m am “outside of Christ”. What else would you EXPECT me to say?

]]> By: Around the Blogosphere « Ponder anew what the Almighty can do if with his love He befriend thee http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4032 Around the Blogosphere « Ponder anew what the Almighty can do if with his love He befriend thee Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:43:48 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4032 [...] Russell Moore explains how David Letterman can teach us about the Gospel. [...] [...] Russell Moore explains how David Letterman can teach us about the Gospel. [...]

]]> By: Michael http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4031 Michael Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:18:18 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4031 Letterman was upset by the note because it threatened to go public with private, personal material. No one wants their sex-life portrayed on T.V. He was joking when he said it was 'terrible,' which is why he went on to joke about how people are going to be amazed that 'David has sex!?' If Letterman had sex with a perfectly willing and totally consenting female before he was married (which is what the allegations are), then he did nothing wrong. In the Old and New Testaments many forms of sex are prohibited. They include adultery, homosexuality, sex during menstruation, prostitution, rape, etc. "Pre-marital sex" is quite simply not one of the many detailed forms of sexual immorality God has breathed down to us in Scripture. The reformation was a long time ago. We should so be beyond this Catholic way of holding on to traditions of men. If you think Christ is going to judge Dave for his sex, you have to point to a verse of Scripture that says so. Nowhere is having sex before marriage ever condemned in Scripture. You can define "sexual immorality" as sex before marriage, and someone else can define it as sex before breakfast. What Scripture says it what counts, and it prohibits neither of those. Letterman was upset by the note because it threatened to go public with private, personal material. No one wants their sex-life portrayed on T.V. He was joking when he said it was ‘terrible,’ which is why he went on to joke about how people are going to be amazed that ‘David has sex!?’

If Letterman had sex with a perfectly willing and totally consenting female before he was married (which is what the allegations are), then he did nothing wrong. In the Old and New Testaments many forms of sex are prohibited. They include adultery, homosexuality, sex during menstruation, prostitution, rape, etc. “Pre-marital sex” is quite simply not one of the many detailed forms of sexual immorality God has breathed down to us in Scripture.

The reformation was a long time ago. We should so be beyond this Catholic way of holding on to traditions of men. If you think Christ is going to judge Dave for his sex, you have to point to a verse of Scripture that says so. Nowhere is having sex before marriage ever condemned in Scripture. You can define “sexual immorality” as sex before marriage, and someone else can define it as sex before breakfast. What Scripture says it what counts, and it prohibits neither of those.

]]> By: A Happy Pointer in a World of Defeat http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4030 A Happy Pointer in a World of Defeat Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:30:05 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4030 [...] second reminder bores in amidst the constant pinging of my Inbox with updates on pro-life defeats, compromised sexual ethics, schools committed to the queering of elementary education. Ping, ping, ping… Yet I am [...] [...] second reminder bores in amidst the constant pinging of my Inbox with updates on pro-life defeats, compromised sexual ethics, schools committed to the queering of elementary education. Ping, ping, ping… Yet I am [...]

]]> By: A La Carte (10/6) : NGM Planet http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4028 A La Carte (10/6) : NGM Planet Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:10:50 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4028 [...] really belong in the junk yard are the wizards in Washington who peddled this economic malarkey." Letterman and the Gospel Russell Moore: "If you pay a little attention right now to David Letterman, you could learn [...] [...] really belong in the junk yard are the wizards in Washington who peddled this economic malarkey.” Letterman and the Gospel Russell Moore: “If you pay a little attention right now to David Letterman, you could learn [...]

]]> By: Russell D. Moore http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4027 Russell D. Moore Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:04:13 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4027 @Asher, I appreciate that Asher! @Asher, I appreciate that Asher!

]]> By: Russell D. Moore http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4026 Russell D. Moore Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:03:55 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4026 @Tony, Thanks Tony! @Tony, Thanks Tony!

]]> By: Russell D. Moore http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4025 Russell D. Moore Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:03:40 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4025 @Collin, I had not heard that song, but that's great! @Collin, I had not heard that song, but that’s great!

]]> By: Russell D. Moore http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4024 Russell D. Moore Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:03:10 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4024 @Giancarlo, what's stopping you? Come on! @Giancarlo, what’s stopping you? Come on!

]]> By: David Letterman, retirement, the Duggars, college and evolution « Strengthened by Grace http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4021 David Letterman, retirement, the Duggars, college and evolution « Strengthened by Grace Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:44:56 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4021 [...] Moore on “What David Letterman Can Teach Us About the Gospel.” “The gospel is such good news for blackmailed creepy people like [...] [...] Moore on “What David Letterman Can Teach Us About the Gospel.” “The gospel is such good news for blackmailed creepy people like [...]

]]> By: Asher http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4018 Asher Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:11:27 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4018 "Not to be paralyzed by cosmic blackmail," is a daily joy to acknowledge in refreshing myself with the gospel ... and gives me drive in telling others of Christ as the ultimate advocate. Thanks for taking time to write this post and teaching this lesson! “Not to be paralyzed by cosmic blackmail,” is a daily joy to acknowledge in refreshing myself with the gospel … and gives me drive in telling others of Christ as the ultimate advocate.

Thanks for taking time to write this post and teaching this lesson!

]]> By: Tony http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4016 Tony Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:24:06 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4016 Thanks for this insightful post, Dr. Moore. Tony Thanks for this insightful post, Dr. Moore.

Tony

]]> By: The Walters 5 » Dr. Moore on David Letterman http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4014 The Walters 5 » Dr. Moore on David Letterman Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:56:47 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4014 [...] the whole blog post here. Posted in Uncategorized [...] [...] the whole blog post here. Posted in Uncategorized [...]

]]> By: Collin http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4012 Collin Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:44:56 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4012 "Let’s remember the gospel, and learn from Dave Letterman how scary blackmail can be. As the accusations come at us, let’s acknowledge the truth of the satanic claims. Let’s find ourselves in Jesus. And let’s point to a bloody cross and an empty tomb where those accusations were verified and crucified." There is a great song by Shane and Shane called "Embracing Accusations" that beautifully articulates this paragraph. It is taken from Galatians 3:10-14. Here are some of the lyrics: "The father of lies Coming to steal Kill and destroy All my hopes of being good enough I hear him saying, "Cursed are the ones Who can`t abide." He`s right Alleluia he`s right! The devil is preaching The song of the redeemed That I am cursed and gone astray I cannot gain salvation Embracing accusation Could the father of lies Be telling the truth Of God to me tonight? If the penalty of sin is death Then death is mine I hear him saying, "Cursed are the ones Who can'`t abide." He`'s right Alleluia he`'s right! Oh the devil's singing over me An age old song That I am cursed and gone astray Singing the first verse so conveniently over me He`'s forgotten the refrain Jesus saves!" “Let’s remember the gospel, and learn from Dave Letterman how scary blackmail can be. As the accusations come at us, let’s acknowledge the truth of the satanic claims. Let’s find ourselves in Jesus. And let’s point to a bloody cross and an empty tomb where those accusations were verified and crucified.”

There is a great song by Shane and Shane called “Embracing Accusations” that beautifully articulates this paragraph. It is taken from Galatians 3:10-14. Here are some of the lyrics:

“The father of lies
Coming to steal
Kill and destroy
All my hopes of being good enough
I hear him saying, “Cursed are the ones
Who can`t abide.”
He`s right
Alleluia he`s right!

The devil is preaching
The song of the redeemed
That I am cursed and gone astray
I cannot gain salvation
Embracing accusation

Could the father of lies
Be telling the truth
Of God to me tonight?
If the penalty of sin is death
Then death is mine
I hear him saying, “Cursed are the ones
Who can’`t abide.”
He`’s right
Alleluia he`’s right!

Oh the devil’s singing over me
An age old song
That I am cursed and gone astray
Singing the first verse so conveniently over me
He`’s forgotten the refrain
Jesus saves!”

]]> By: Giancarlo http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4009 Giancarlo Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:53:01 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4009 Dr Moore, Thank you for bringing us back to the gospel. That is what we need to hear every single day. Thank you for your ministry, I loved your book Adopted for Life...I hope you would be my professor someday hehe. In Christ, Giancarlo Monterrey, Mexico. Dr Moore,

Thank you for bringing us back to the gospel. That is what we need to hear every single day. Thank you for your ministry, I loved your book Adopted for Life…I hope you would be my professor someday hehe.

In Christ,
Giancarlo
Monterrey, Mexico.

]]> By: David Letterman, Extortion, and the Gospel – Justin Taylor http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4007 David Letterman, Extortion, and the Gospel – Justin Taylor Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:55:39 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4007 [...] A good meditation by Russell Moore on what we can learn. [...] [...] A good meditation by Russell Moore on what we can learn. [...]

]]> By: Russell D. Moore http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4005 Russell D. Moore Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:53:16 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4005 @Peter Mular, I appreciate that Peter. @Peter Mular, I appreciate that Peter.

]]> By: Russell D. Moore http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4004 Russell D. Moore Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:52:54 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4004 @Ritherburt, Thank you brother! @Ritherburt, Thank you brother!

]]> By: David Letterman and the Gospel « Look Both Ways http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-4001 David Letterman and the Gospel « Look Both Ways Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:04:18 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-4001 [...] You can read the entire article here: What David Letterman Can Teach Us About the Gospel. [...] [...] You can read the entire article here: What David Letterman Can Teach Us About the Gospel. [...]

]]> By: Ritherburt http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-3998 Ritherburt Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:44:03 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-3998 What a blessing to have such clarity. Thank you Dr Moore. I look forward to Moore moore What a blessing to have such clarity. Thank you Dr Moore. I look forward to Moore moore

]]> By: David Letterman and the gospel « Nathan Millican's Blog http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-3995 David Letterman and the gospel « Nathan Millican's Blog Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:08:50 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-3995 [...] now public, in a sense, all of our’s one day will be public.  So, I’m thankful for his article, but I’m even more thankful for Christ and His sacrifice for my sins.  May that truth never [...] [...] now public, in a sense, all of our’s one day will be public.  So, I’m thankful for his article, but I’m even more thankful for Christ and His sacrifice for my sins.  May that truth never [...]

]]> By: Peter Mular http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-3991 Peter Mular Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:40:31 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-3991 Dr. Moore, Again your insight makes me ashamed as I realize that as I heard about this story on the news all I did was pick up more rocks to throw. Thank you for the reminder. May we all be better equipped to share truth. I know I am after reading this. For the Kingdom, PM Dr. Moore,

Again your insight makes me ashamed as I realize that as I heard about this story on the news all I did was pick up more rocks to throw. Thank you for the reminder. May we all be better equipped to share truth. I know I am after reading this.

For the Kingdom,

PM

]]> By: Paul http://www.russellmoore.com/2009/10/04/what-david-letterman-can-teach-us-about-the-gospel/#comment-3990 Paul Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:33:04 +0000 http://www.russellmoore.com/?p=4223#comment-3990 Letterman is fine; he never was the “Family Values” type. Yes, he probably cheated on his girlfriend now wife. But at least he does go around claiming he is Mr. “Family Values” like some of our politicians (can you just see the grin on all “Fake News” reporters/commentators). This has been a tough summer, for Dave, for our economy but at least he did not end up on the “Republican 2009 Summer of Love” list: Assemblyman, Michael D. Duvall (CA), Senator John Ensign (NV), Senator Paul Stanley (TN), Governor Mark Stanford (SC), Board of Ed Chair, and Kristin Maguire AKA Bridget Keeney (SC). Letterman is fine; he never was the “Family Values” type. Yes, he probably cheated on his girlfriend now wife. But at least he does go around claiming he is Mr. “Family Values” like some of our politicians (can you just see the grin on all “Fake News” reporters/commentators). This has been a tough summer, for Dave, for our economy but at least he did not end up on the “Republican 2009 Summer of Love” list: Assemblyman, Michael D. Duvall (CA), Senator John Ensign (NV), Senator Paul Stanley (TN), Governor Mark Stanford (SC), Board of Ed Chair, and Kristin Maguire AKA Bridget Keeney (SC).

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