January 23, 2007 Posted by Roger Overton
closeAuthor: Roger Overton
Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
Well, looks like Amy let the cat out of the bag 
As Amy replied in the post below, The A-Team paid the set of 24 a visit while they were filming in Santa Monica last Friday night. We learned a bit of plot information, but nothing substantial, and nothing we'll be sharing anyway 😉
So here are some pictures… The first is my picture with Adoni Maropis, the actor who plays the lead terrorist this season, Abu Fayed. As Amy noted, he was incredibly friendly. The evening would have been great had we just met him. But we also met some other guy from the show named Kiefer Sutherland. You might know him as Jack Bauer.
Don't worry, Amy got a picture with Agent Bauer as well…
I didn't want to look too fanboyish taking pictures of everything (well, I kind of did), but here's a couple of random shots. The first is the camera crew ready to film Jack running down the pier.
I know this one didn't turn out great (no flash allowed), but oh well. From left to right in this picture is one of the executive producers (Howard Gordon), cinematographer Rodney Charters (white hair), and director Brad Turner (wearing the yellow coat):
Posted in Main Page, Miscellaneous, Roger's Posts 
7 Comments »
A New Yorker article about Adam Gadahn's transformation from Southern California resident to Al Qaeda “media committee” spokesperson surprised me with a familiar name:
Gadahn wrote of a yawning emptiness, and he sought ways “to fill that void.” He began scrolling through AOL's religion folders on the Internet and tuning to Christian programming on the radio. That summer, he attended several Christian lectures and events, including one led by Gregory Koukl, an evangelical talk-show host who argues against religious pluralism. But Gadahn found evangelical Christianity's “apocalyptic ramblings” to be “paranoid” and hollow. As he later recalled, “I began to look for something else to hold onto.”
Now, Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason (known for “equipping Christian ambassadors in the areas of knowledge, wisdom and character”) is anything but “apocalyptic” and “paranoid,” and he is certainly no rambler. Yet this is the one name Gadahn recalls on his road to becoming a spokesperson for Al Qaeda?
I'll give Gadahn this–he did become an ambassador. Hmmm. It's like he's a super-villain who learned the way of Greg's ambassadorial powers and then turned to evil and became Greg's arch-nemesis, using his powerful knowledge for destruction, and apparently holding a longstanding grudge.
Just look at how Darth Gadahn has used his ambassador training for evil:
Last year, shortly before the fifth anniversary of September 11th, Al Qaeda's leadership featured Gadahn in a video titled “An Invitation to Islam.” The video began with an introduction from Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al Qaeda's main theoretician, who referred to Gadahn tenderly as a brother and as “a perceptive person who wants to lead his people out of darkness into the light.”
All kidding aside, since Roger and I have both worked with Greg, I can confidently say that Stand to Reason is not in the business of creating the winsome terrorist leaders of tomorrow. On the contrary, the Ambassador Basic Curriculum has been a helpful force for good for thousands of people. Why, just last month, this nice young man, Abu Fayed, took ambassador lessons from us.
Strange, though…he was only interested in getting his ambassador skills off the ground–the first part of the training. He insisted that he didn't need to learn how to land any follow-through discipleship situations. Um…uh oh….
Posted in Amy's Posts, Apologetics, Main Page, Politics 3 Comments »
January 17, 2007 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger Overton
Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
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As I’ve matured in my faith, I’ve changed my theological
views on a number of occasions. I grew up in a dispensational-premillennial
General Baptist church. In college, I became convinced of covenantal theology
(as opposed to dispensational). I went from Arminian to Molinist to Calvinist
and from believer baptism to infant and back to believer. Through all those
changes (and others), eschatology is one subject I never felt well equipped to
give an opinion about. That is, until I began learning from Dr. Kim
Riddlebarger, pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim. Dr. Riddlebarger was the first
person who made sense of the eschatological questions I had and helped me come
to solid conclusions about what the Bible’s talking about.
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I offer that background as a caveat: I was convinced by the
author about his book’s thesis before reading his book. That said A Case for Amillennialism made me ever
more confident in the ammillenial interpretation of the Bible. The book is
divided into three parts. Part 1 lays the foundation for eschatological
discussion by defining terms, surveying the various views, and examining the
how prophecy is to be interpreted.
The second part of the book is the meat of the case for the
amillennial interpretation of the Bible. Dr. Riddlebarger deals with issues related
to covenant, prophecy, interpretation, the Kingdom
of God, Israel, and much more. If Part 2 is
the meat, then Part 3 is the bones as it examines four critical passages:
Daniel 9:24-27, The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24 & Mark 13), and Romans 11,
and Revelation 20.
While the whole book is a treasure, my favorite is the
beginning where Dr. Riddlebarger defines the terms and provides a survey of the
various views. Understanding the landscape of eschatology is utterly crucial to
studying it, but few people seem to have such understanding. There and throughout
the book, Dr. Kim Riddlebarger presents opposing views (pre- and post-millennial)
fairly and offers precise criticisms. Though he admits that much more could be
said, he presents a thoroughly compelling case for his position that cannot be
ignored by those with opposing views. A
Case for Amillennialism is a necessary read for anyone interested in
eschatological issues.
Posted in Book Reviews, Main Page, Roger's Posts, Theology 4 Comments »
January 16, 2007 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger Overton
Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
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One might say that in season one of the television series 24, Jack Bauer was having a bad day. His wife and daughter were kidnapped by terrorists who wished to manipulate Jack into assassinating Senator David Palmer. His ex-girlfriend and trusted co-worker turned out to be a mole and killed his pregnant wife. In the midst of the story line revolving around Jack Bauer, author Tim Wesemann believes there are spiritual truths waiting to be explored.
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Jack Bauer’s Having a Bad Day is an “investigation” into those spiritual truths to be found in season one. The chapters are divided into 24 “faith truths” ranging from issues of trust, dependence, and integrity. Most chapters begin with a snippet from the 24 plot line before exploring the spiritual implications. At the back of the book is a reader’s guide with 5 study questions per chapter for personal or group use.
While not every “faith truth” discussed in the book is obviously present in the plotline, each one bears important insight for Christian living. Tim Wesemann mixes personal stories and skillful writing with a keen perception for spiritual wisdom. Jack Bauer’s Having a Bad Day is a witty, fun, and meaningful book that helps to make one of America’s favorite shows more edifying.
Posted in Book Reviews, Main Page, Roger's Posts 3 Comments »
January 15, 2007 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger Overton
Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
The winner of the Jack Bauer Fact contest is John from Verum Serum. He'll be receiving a signed copy of Jack Bauer's Having a Bad Day by Tim Wesemann.
John's winning entry: “The anti-Christ is hoping Jack Bauer won’t be left
behind.”
Other top entries:
Jack Bauer is an Arminian…if you cooperate you can cut
a deal.
Jack Bauer once baptized someone until he talked.
Pray with Jack Bauer but if he offers the laying on of hands,
decline.
Jack Bauer giving the sacraments: “You have no idea what
it cost to secure this…”
The only reason you're reading this blog is because Jack Bauer is letting you.
Last year's Jack Bauer Facts.
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And remember, today is “Talk Like Jack Bauer Day.” Be sure to yell more than usual and punctuate your propositions with DAMMIT!
Posted in Main Page, Miscellaneous, Roger's Posts 2 Comments »
January 9, 2007 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger Overton
Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
Wanna know what the absolute most viewed post in A-Team Blog history is? You might think it has to do with some controversial political or theological issue, but it actually has to do with Jack Bauer. Last April I posted the Theological Jack Bauer Facts. It made its way around the internet and we eventually found it linked on Hugh Hewitt's blog and he read the post on his national radio show. (How's that for publicity?)
| With Season 6 starting next Sunday, we decided to throw Jack a welcome home party. (Jack's been tortured by a foreign country between seasons.) This time you get to write the Jack Bauer facts and submit them to us for a prize. Send your Jack Bauer facts (theological preferred) to rogeroverton@hotmail.com subject “Bauer Facts.” Entries will be judged by Amy and I according to our own subjective standards. “Facts” that constitute or come close to blaspheme will probably not make it. We'll post the top entries on the blog and the author of our favorite entry will receive a new signed copy of Jack Bauer's Having a Bad Day by Tim Wesemann. The deadline for entry is 11:59 PM PST on Saturday January 13th. You may submit as many entries as you wish. |
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To get us started, here's my pastor's entry:
God rested on the seventh day
because He knew that Jack Bauer was taking care of business.
Posted in Main Page, Miscellaneous, Roger's Posts 1 Comment »
January 3, 2007 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger Overton
Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
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From FoxNews.com:
“VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia — Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson predicted Tuesday a horrific terrorist act on the United States that will result in “mass killing” late in 2007.
“I'm not necessarily saying it's going to be nuclear,” he said during his news-and-talk television show “The 700 Club” on the Christian Broadcasting Network. “The Lord didn't say nuclear. But I do believe it will be something like that.”
Robertson
said God told him during a recent prayer retreat that major cities and
possibly millions of people will be affected by the attack, which
should take place sometime after September.”
The Wikipedia entry on Season 6 of 24:
“According to the trailer, San Antonio, St. Louis, Baltimore, Houston, Milwaukee, Portland, Las Vegas, San Jose, and others are attacked so far which result America being “Under Siege”, and the deaths of a 1,000 civilians.”
Obviously, Pat Robertson fell asleep while watching the trailer for season 6 of 24 and dreamed God was trying to tell him something. He just got the timing a little wrong.
What seriously disturbs me the most about what Robertson said in relation to his prior failed prophecies according to the FoxNews article: “
“I have a relatively good track record,” he said. “Sometimes I miss.”” Apparently he skipped the passages (e.g. Deut. 18:22) of the Bible that speak of determining a true prophet by ALL of their prophecies coming true. God doesn't “miss.” By claiming to speak for God with falsehoods, Robertson makes God out to be a liar. Robertson is a false prophet plain and simple.
Posted in Main Page, Miscellaneous, Roger's Posts 12 Comments »
January 1, 2007 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger Overton
Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
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I’ve never been a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions. I
actually don’t understand all the hype about the new year in general, but
resolutions seem especially odd since so many people make promises to
themselves they seldom keep. Sure, it’s good to strive to loose weight, read
more, watch TV less, etc., but for most people it lasts a few weeks at best and
then they go on with life as it used to be.
Over the past week or so I’ve been reflecting on Jonathan
Edwards’ Resolutions. His 70
resolutions weren’t trendy goals for the new year, but purposeful steps for
discipline for his entire life and ministry. Here’s a bit of background on Resolutions from Stephen J. Nichols:
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“When he wrote these seventy
resolutions, Edwards was completing his schooling and ministerial training and
was anticipating setting out on his life’s work. He took advantage of the
opportunity to pause and reflect on the type of person he wanted to be and the
way in which he wanted to live his life.
In a manner that would typify his
entire career, he took up his pen and, in the moments of quiet he could wrest
from a busy day, wrote the guidelines, the systems of checks and balances he
would use to chart out his life—his relationship, his conversations, his desires,
his activities. In short, through these resolutions he offers himself his own
advice…
Edwards prefaces his Resolutions with an exhortation to
‘remember to read over these resolutions once a week.’ Perhaps this bit of
advice is also worthy of our imitation. The Resolutions
are as relevant today as they were when he first penned them so long ago. Reading through them on a
regular basis may very well help us also to live with all of our might to the
glory and praise of God.” (Jonathan
Edwards’ Resolutions and Advices to Young Converts ed. Stephen J. Nichols,
pages 5 & 12)
You can read the resolutions online, and it may be good to also print them out and post them somewhere. The booklet by Dr. Nichols I quoted from is handy to have on the nightstand and gives some background on Resolutions, as well as Advice to Young Converts.
Posted in Main Page, Poetry/Scripture/Liturgy/Etc., Roger's Posts 1 Comment »
December 30, 2006 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger Overton
Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
How should we react to Saddam’s execution as Christians? I’m sure some one will come along and write something better, but I’d like to put my thoughts out there to help start the conversation.
I believe our reaction should be mixed. On one hand, we should be joyful that goodness and justice has triumphed over evil in a significant way this day. It is significant because a symbol of death and
tyranny in the world has been destroyed. Instead of fading away into the pages of history via old age, a strong conclusion has been dealt. Such a triumph, I believe, is a blessed manifestation of God’s hand moving to make things right.
Conversely, we should also be mournful. Despite the wretchedness of the man hanged, he is a man made in the image of God. No matter how corrupted that image is, it resides nonetheless. Saddam Hussein is also a reminder of how fallen we all are. Certainly he caused more death than most of us will ever even have the opportunity to cause. But we, just as he is, were dead in sin as a result of the fall. The death and tyranny inflicted by Saddam are the consequences of what happened long ago in the garden, as is Saddam’s death. This should cause us to reflect on the sinfulness and guilt that mars us all who are children of Adam. Though those of us in Christ have been saved from the ultimate consequence of sin, we still daily experience and participate in it’s tragedies.
To go too far in either of these reactions would be wrong. It would be easy to be so joyful that we become jovial and make jokes about Saddam’s death. Such humor quickly crosses the line into inappropriate since a human death has occurred. The other extreme would be to be upset or depressed over the execution. Such a reaction does not pay appropriate regard to the justness of the death. There ought not to be any remorse or resentment because the execution was just and especially warranted in this case.
Posted in Ethics, Main Page, Roger's Posts 15 Comments »
December 29, 2006 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger Overton
Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
The stunning Jen Hardy offers insightful reflections on the nature of imagination.
Both Dr. R. Scott Clark and Dr. Laura Schlessinger have joined the blogosphere. Not to equate the two, but they both have important insights for people to hear. Unfortunately Dr. Laura said in her email announcing the blog that she'll only be posting once a week…
Some of you may like to know that the 4-Disc Extended Edition of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe was released this month and it will no longer be available after January (one of those Disney vault things). I haven't watched the extras. Though there isn't much added to the story in the extended version, there's some good looking battle footage that makes me glad I waited for this edition.
Over the next few weeks Jack Bauer will be manifested on this blog in various forms, but just to tease you a bit now- Merry Christmas from Fox. (HT: JT)
The guys at Truth is Still Truth keep turning out great FREE Logos additions, such as: Works of John Newton, Works of B.B. Warfield, and the Abraham Kyper Collection.
Hugh Hewitt's favoring Romney, Andrew Jackson's favoring McCain, and I'm favoring Guliani for the RNC nod (more on that much later, and I'm quite open- last week I was favoring Romney). The question is, can a divided Republican party defeat Clinton-Obama? I fear not.
I've already seen some chatter (ie: disgust) over Rob Bell's new book, Sex God. It's difficult to say much about it at this point, but it makes me wonder- do Rob Bell and his friends find controversial ideas, claims, books, etc. virtuous?
Some of you have already be-friended me on Myspace, but I thought I might mention it to the rest of you. I'm all for connecting with our readers as much as possible. (Yes, I'm on Facebook as well, but Myspace is superior if you block the ads)
Posted in Main Page, Miscellaneous, Roger's Posts No Comments »
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