The Corner of River and Rhett

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267072732011-07-14T17:30:58.684-04:00The Corner of River and RhettA conversation with persons connected with the history of the Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. A founding congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America.Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.comBlogger3171100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-24658505908387090052007-08-20T23:07:00.000-04:002008-12-11T04:13:50.777-05:00Easy Reference for Appendix A

Appendix A: Abridged Guide to Evangelicalism as Middle EarthNo Tolkien work ever gets published without a fascinating appendix. So why shouldn’t a review about Tolkien. For those of you who have been struggling to “contextualize” this review into postmodern applications the following is for you. Tolkien detested allegory of all kinds, so please keep in mind this is just a hyper technical,

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-70435877121898081182007-08-20T23:02:00.000-04:002008-12-11T04:13:51.022-05:00Review up at ref21

The boys over at ref21 have published a review I wrote over on "The Children of Hurin." You can read it here. Or you can follow below. The appendix is where all he fun is. I'll post it separately.The opening of an exhibition in a fine museum is often greeted with wary warmth from discerning patrons and denizens of style. The curator who carefully guards the work of the old masters is trusted to

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-34203016153634252392007-07-24T12:00:00.000-04:002007-07-24T16:09:14.611-04:00News From The Four Farthings III

GreenvillianaKen Hamm will be on Greenville radio 660am Wednesday (July 25th) from 1-2pm with our good friends Dr. Paul Dean and Pastor Kevin Boling who host "Calling For Truth." They will interview the Answers in Genesis founder on the July 25th Show. Listen to the show live at 1pm here.Kudos to RC SproulRC was recently awarded a lifetime achievment award from the Evangelical Christian

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-41642293672145438512007-07-22T20:00:00.000-04:002008-12-11T04:13:51.244-05:00Hearing the Gospel (John Wesley)

Three days after his brother John had become a Christian, and three years after preaching the Gospel on a mission trip to Colonial Georgia Charles Wesley records what happens in his life when he heard the gospel. He was walking along Aldersgate Street in London, it was nighttime and he was listening in on a Moravian prayer meeting."About a quarter of nine, while [the speaker who had read the

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-35740632184598287012007-07-21T21:46:00.000-04:002007-07-21T23:59:02.099-04:00Hearing the Gospel (Spurgeon)

In January, 1850, a sixteen year old boy attended a service in a Primitive Methodist church in England. Because of the inclement weather, the regular pastor was not present. So a lay preacher spoke a few words from this text which instantly transformed the young man. Listen to his testimony..."You have often heard me tell how I had been wandering about, seeking rest, and finding none, till a

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-23716574424983883222007-07-08T23:38:00.000-04:002008-12-11T04:13:51.464-05:00Phillips installed at Second

Tonight at Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville the presbytery installed Richard D. Phillips as our new minister. It was a grand occasion and we enjoyed visiting with many folk from area churches who joined us. At least a dozen ministers (within and outside the PCA) were there with us to see Rick's official beginning at the Corner of River and Rhett.You can listen to the service here we were

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-4759067312483533332007-06-22T22:57:00.000-04:002007-06-23T02:14:42.278-04:00My GA Report

Here is my report given last Sunday Night to the congregation about the recent PCA General Assembly.The 35th General Assembly of the PCA met last week in Memphis, Ruling Elder Bill Wheeler and I represented our Church. General Assembly (often called “GA”) is a wonderful cacophony of people, meetings and activities. Sometimes it feels like a circus so much is going on. But they are always a

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-72761623018159591412007-06-18T21:00:00.000-04:002008-12-11T04:13:51.642-05:00Resolution of Thanks at the PCA GA

The General Assembly is over! Thought some of our readers might enjoy reading the final "Resolution of Thanks" composed by TE Rick Fite and myself and then presented at the end of this years's "GA" in Memphis last Thursday night.REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THANKSFathers and Brothers. We have gathered in the great “river city” of Memphis, Tennessee to listen to the story told of the Presbyterian Church

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-7364671810419107222007-06-11T00:01:00.000-04:002008-12-11T04:13:51.868-05:00Reagan on Forgiveness

While on my way to Memphis for the Presbyterian Church in America's General Assembly I picked up and began reading Douglas Brinkley's excellently edited Reagan Diaries. What an enjoyable read. There he is, Ronald Reagan, "the Gipper" in all his "well" aw shucks glory. The most striking thing I've noted so far is his expressions of Christianity.Here is an excerpt from the first day he wrote in his

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-12172732325515322432007-06-04T00:00:00.000-04:002007-06-04T02:42:00.397-04:00News From The Four Farthings II

Walking in MemphisThe 35th General Assembly of the PCA convenes a week from tomorrow in Memphis, TN. For more information you can follow online here. For those of you who have an interest in such things the three big questions seem to be:1) A Traditional question...Who will the moderator be?2) A Procedural Question...How will the new "Book of Church Order" and "Rules of Assembly Operations"

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-71420825486153714422007-05-29T12:15:00.000-04:002007-05-29T12:17:54.192-04:00Whatever happened to the Christian Right?

Consider these recent events:The passing of Jerry FalwellThe health Problems of D. James KennedyThe fall of Ralph ReedThe failed run for Presidency of Gary BauerThe collapse of the Christian CoalitionThe political dabblings of Jim DobsonThe lack of a clear choice for evangelicals in 2008 (consisting of a Mormon, an Actor, a pro choice/pro gay Mayor, a Nixonian war hero, and others)Whatever did

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-65334220404661703342007-05-28T00:01:00.000-04:002007-05-29T12:34:56.736-04:00"News From The Four Farthings"

Gandalf once said of Hobbits that "you can learn all their ways in a month and yet after a hundred years they can still suprise you." It also could apply (I suspect) to River and Rhett (ahem). In an effort to address this we are beginning a new regular feature known as "News From The Four Farthings" which we hope will stimulate our readership and our blogging.The MotherlandThere are fascinating

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-49623917139910083902007-05-27T22:46:00.000-04:002008-12-11T04:13:52.019-05:00Sabbath at Second

Today, the people of Second Church enjoyed the preaching of the good "Bishop of Simpsonville," Carl Robbins. Sermon should be up here tomorrow. Carl preached on an interesting "I Am" passage in Matthew 11:29 this morning and throughly encouraged the people to emulate the gentleness of the Savior.It's a real blessing to have Carl as a leader within Calvary Presbytery and quite a treat to have him

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-62321854796592653042007-05-14T22:17:00.000-04:002008-12-11T04:13:52.260-05:00Justified in Christ

I'm looking forward to reading this book.

Ligon Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09153063931277545598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-7581250016206426132007-05-08T00:32:00.000-04:002007-05-08T00:36:35.358-04:00The Slow Agonizing Death of “24”

Recently the editors here at River and Rhett were copied on some interesting correspondence sent to Fox executives regarding our favorite weekly show on Fox - "24." We thought you our readers would enjoy seeing it as well.To the writers and producers of “24”:You are killing your show:First, you no longer have an overarching plot working the full 24 hours, but a series of little sub-plots that

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-83653187126112724342007-04-25T17:34:00.000-04:002007-04-25T17:39:55.625-04:00PCA Federal Vision Study Report is Out

For all of you study committee folk out there the PCA has just released the work of the Committee charged by GA to study the so-called Federal Vision/New Perspective(s) on Paul. You can find it at By Faith Online here.Here are the summary declarations and recommendations to the 35th GA.IV. DeclarationsIn light of the controversy surrounding the NPP and FV, and after many months of careful study,

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-21765195210523046572007-04-23T00:09:00.000-04:002008-12-11T04:13:52.390-05:00T4G 2008 Preview

In anticipation of what may be the most fascinating conference on the evangelical scene in 2008 the T4G'meisters have put up an interesting video where the Fab Four discuss their reflections and hopes of the event.Short version is "Bigger, Better." You can find it here.

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-33723712372061713012007-04-20T18:53:00.000-04:002007-04-20T18:58:31.440-04:00Hokietastrophe

The following article by Jon Payne appeared here this week on his Grace PCA website and is a useful response to the VaTech Massacre the American people witnessed in Blacksburg.Let me add on behalf of the Country Gentlemen from Clemson...Hokie Hokie HighThinking Christianly about the Virginia Tech Massacre This past Monday morning at Virginia Tech, while classes were in session, a young man – a

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-45298202257141526292007-03-13T00:08:00.000-04:002007-03-13T09:32:47.896-04:00Ligonier to Broadcast the 2007 National Conference (((LIVE, FREE))) on Internet

Ligonier Ministries has opened up the 2007 National Conference for everyone to be able to watch and listen online.Register Here!If you've never been able to be there in person or you registered too late for this year this online broadcast is a great way to experience one of America's great Christian conferences. With MacArthur, Mohler, Piper, Sproul and Zacharias speaking I can assure you it's

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-29878407810423032992007-03-05T00:02:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:53.281-05:00Going Back to Back

Congrats to ClanOz on the new wee lass. I understand Gabriel made an appearance in Western NC today. I'm sure he brought Warfieldian verve to the Little Tennessee River Valley. The Brothers Duncan seem quite busy in our various outposts in Dixie. Sasquatchus Floridius Duncanus seems particularly so. I supect we are all getting ready for the Spring Conference Season. For Conference Season is upon

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-67396054669667594332007-03-02T00:07:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:53.523-05:00Mel on Renewing Your Mind Today

I will interview/host RC Sproul on today's edition of Renewing Your Mind. You can listen online here.The theme of today's show is "Ligonier's outreach to the local church." A list of station and broadcasting times can be found here.

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-5626443637660839652007-02-27T00:09:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:53.646-05:00Tomb Raiders

From Al Gore winning an oscar yesterday for "An Inconvenient Truth" to the Jesus Tomb press conference today America's love for gnostic conspiracy theories is insatiable.Some positive in this. The Great One was on "Larry King" tonight fighting off 3 hobgoblins on this tomb business. Meanwhile the good folks at Shepherd's Fellowship have put togther some good links on this. You can find those

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-8919015891562736872007-02-24T23:11:00.000-05:002007-02-25T00:22:19.558-05:00James Cameron Claims "Found Christ's Tomb"

An article by Tim McGirk/Jerusalem of Time MagazineBrace yourself. James Cameron, the man who brought you 'The Titanic' is back with another blockbuster. This time, the ship he's sinking is Christianity.In a new documentary, Producer Cameron and his director, Simcha Jacobovici, make the starting claim that Jesus wasn't resurrected --the cornerstone of Christian faith-- and that his burial cave

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-82174463498445134602007-02-19T12:00:00.000-05:002007-02-19T13:27:13.915-05:00Liberal Prods seek America Haters

From an IRD Press release..."Liberal religious officials head to Iran this weekend to forestall U.S. Military Action" No word on whether NT Wright is joining the delegation. (River and Rhett)Dateline Washington, DC...A coalition of liberal religious leaders have joined together for a week long trip beginning on Saturday, February 17 to Iran. They plan to meet with Iranian president Mahmoud

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-87807261314075377802007-02-15T14:23:00.000-05:002007-02-15T16:34:26.427-05:00Jack Bauer's Guiding Principles

This most excellent summary of our uber PoMo superhero is found over at Tom & Gabe Browning's fun blog Post Tenebras Lux. I thought this might liven up your Thursday afternoon.One of my favorite TV shows is 24. In a follow up to my last post on unity over Trinity, where we saw that some seem to think that leadership is more important than doctrine, and "creative leadership" is even better, I

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-89148637756287885202007-02-15T00:01:00.000-05:002007-02-15T16:01:43.449-05:002007 PFGG Schedule

The Pastors Fellowship of Greater Greenville is scheduled to meet throughout 2007 in the historic Westin Poinsett Hotel located on 120 South Main Street in downtown Greenville, SC. The meetings take place on Tuesdays and are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The cost is $20.REGISTER HERE FEBRUARY 27, 2007Speaker: Joel Belz, Founder/Writer/Editor World MagazineTopic: Understanding the

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1165561123035659862007-02-14T14:20:00.000-05:002007-02-14T15:24:47.126-05:00Telling Someone You Love "No"

I serve God in the church. That's what I do. I believe in it and enjoy doing it and find that many of my life's greatest joys have come through this service. Just last night I was priviledged to pray with some outstanding young people after an emotionally charged season ending championship basketball game. I love these people and want them to know that I will rejoice with them and I will grieve

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-18885449339345527342007-02-12T22:17:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:53.880-05:00Happy Darwin Day (in the Church!)

This astonishing piece of secular pablum comes courtesy MSNBC and officially serves as a wakeup call to our Mainline Protestant readership! :-)...The calendar boasts plenty of religious holidays, but how many scientific holidays can you name? One of the red-letter days is coming up on Monday, when more than 850 events around the globe will mark Darwin Day, the 198th anniversary of the

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-11261309924478715792007-02-12T15:07:00.000-05:002007-02-12T15:04:56.113-05:00"Global Warming a Myth"

(From Drudge)President of Czech Republic Calls Man-Made Global Warming a 'Myth' - Questions Gore's SanityCzech president Vaclav Klaus has criticized the UN panel on global warming, claiming that it was a political authority without any scientific basis.In an interview with "Hospodárské noviny", a Czech economics daily, Klaus answered a few questions:Q: IPCC has released its report and you say

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-69054613526578793232007-02-10T21:20:00.000-05:002007-02-10T21:27:59.631-05:00Analyzing the Federal Vision

Several hundred interested folk gathered at Woodruff Road PCA in Simpsonville today to listen to noteworthy PCA scholars explain the development and problems with the so-called "Federal Vision" within the denomination and broader church. I observed audience members from 6 states, large numbers of non-PCA/NAPARC types as well as a surprising number of RE's from our local presbytery (quite an

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-28409770864582078662007-02-09T00:05:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:54.030-05:00New Tolkien Book Cover

This Alan Lee cover artwork is for the newest effort by JRR's son Christopher Tolkien who has edited/reworked many of the unfinished tales of Middle Earth the last 30 years or so.(From a Houghton Mifflin PRESS RELEASE)The Children of Húrin, begun in 1918, was one of three "Great Tales" J.R.R. Tolkien worked on throughout his life, though he never realized his ambition to see it published. Though

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-182924621932111902007-02-08T15:22:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:54.182-05:00Guy Waters radio interview on NPP

Guy Waters, the kindest man I've ever met was on Greenville radio today talking about newperspective(s)on paulauburnavenuetheologysocalled federalvision. If you have an appetite for such things you can listen on 660am's Calling for Truth radio talk show program here.It's interesting to listen to "just plain folks" try to grapple with this subject matter in conversation. A fairly compelling case

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-52685566044468536802007-02-06T12:04:00.000-05:002007-02-06T14:08:02.991-05:00Live Radio Today

For those who follow such things I will be doing some live radio today on different subjects. At 1pm I'll be with our friends Paul Dean and Kevin Boling at CallingforTruth talking about my time up here at the Desiring God Conference.Later in the afternoon (4:3opm) I'll be on the Paul Edwards show up in Detroit talking about my recent Joel Osteen article that appears at Reformation21.

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-15312451277037312312007-02-06T08:25:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:54.460-05:00From Siberia with Love

RC spoke last night to the DG Pastors Conference on the Holiness of God. He was warmly introduced by John Piper to a full room after a lengthy time of singing and prayer.Abraham Piper is blogging on the offical DG site about Sproul's talk here. Thabiti offers his impressions of RC here.John Piper's conference is full of young, hungry, world weary pastors who have come to be fed and encouraged in

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-62081598230248441602007-02-05T16:42:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:54.610-05:00How's the Weather

It's very cold in Minnesota here at the Desiring God Pastors Conference where I'm here with the Ligonier team representing the ministry. RC opens up the conference tonight by speaking on the message which has been prominent throughout his teaching ministry ~ The Holiness of God.About 1300 pastors, mainly young are here to listen to Drs Piper and Sproul along with our great friends Thabiti

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-47069330287840359642007-02-03T22:01:00.000-05:002007-02-04T00:56:52.547-05:00Mel in reformation21

I contributed a human interest piece for the good folks at reformation21 this month. You can find it here. It dealt with Joel Osteen's recent visit to the Greenville area.Looking forward to my trip Monday to John Piper's Desiring God Pastors Conference. I'll bring everyone a Global Warming Update from the great white North!

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-703277824585942492007-02-03T21:23:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:54.866-05:00Al Mohler in Time

Al Mohler was interviewed this week by Time magazine. It dealt with Dr. Mohler's prospects (as a Calvinist no less) facing death in a recent personal health situation. We're grateful for Dr. Mohler's recovery here at River and Rhett and we're even more grateful for his testimony to God.Here is the article from Time...After roughly 200 years of decline, Calvinism, the faith of the Puritans, has

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-80539897847450492882007-01-29T23:00:00.000-05:002007-01-30T10:54:07.533-05:00Why We Love Gandalf (Reason #6)

Why we love Gandalf...He is a cultivator of friendships"There remain two more to be found (to fill the Fellowship), said Elrond. 'These I will consider. Of my household I may find some that it seems good to me to send.''But that will leave no place for us!' cried Pippin in dismay. 'We don't want to be left behind. We want to go with Frodo.''That is because you do not understand and cannot imagine

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-63581501915538811182007-01-29T00:28:00.000-05:002007-01-29T00:51:37.885-05:00Hymns Replaced by U2 Songs

The London Telegraph has a fascinating article on a new worship trend going on in the Western World.John Lennon once enraged Christians by claiming that the Beatles were bigger than Jesus. The Church of England is now recognising the pulling power of rock stars by recruiting Bono, the singer and lyricist of U2, in its bid to boost congregations.A Church of England bishop is to preside at this

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-47168167347991880902007-01-17T23:56:00.000-05:002008-12-11T04:13:54.979-05:00Welcome Back Jack

I know that our readership is patiently waiting for Gandalf. And a few of you have said you are ready for something else to happen.In the spirit of that I give you not more CTU: Middle Earth. But I turn you weary eyes to 24. Yes Jack is back. Here are some memorable lines from televisions best dramatic television effort the last 6 years...From Season SixJack Bauer: Do you understand the

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1168492846468046342007-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:002007-01-29T00:41:38.270-05:00Why We Love Gandalf (Reason #5)

Why we love Gandalf...He is always moving"'Where did you go to, if I may ask?' said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along.'To look ahead,' said he.'And what brought you back in the nick of time?''Looking behind,' said he.'Exactly!' said Thorin; 'but could you be more plain?''I went on to spy out our road. It will soon become dangerous and difficult...'"from The Hobbit Chapter 2 (Roast Mutton)#1

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1168384148279278052007-01-09T18:00:00.000-05:002007-01-29T00:47:28.339-05:00Tolkien Air Superiority

Mel, once again, demonstrates J.R.R. Tolkien "Air Superiority" in this exchange. A friend and colleague of mine had been wistfully longing for a copy of the new and celebrated (though overpriced) J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia but with a wave of his hand, brother Melton opined:"While most of the content of said tome is excellent, the presentation is awful and it’s ridiculously overpriced. Nothing in

Ligon Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09153063931277545598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1167968929538320402007-01-04T22:28:00.000-05:002007-01-29T00:42:19.157-05:00Why We Love Gandalf (Reason #4)

Why we love Gandalf...He understands the nature of evil"Other evils there are that may come; for Sauron is himself but a servant or emissary. Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1167857357994964352007-01-03T12:00:00.000-05:002007-01-29T00:48:10.890-05:00Happy Eleventy-Fifth Birthday!

...And the ship went out into the High Sea and passed on into the West, until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of singing that came over the water. And then it seemed to him that as in his dream in the house of Bombadil, the grey rain-curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them a far

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1167721004053487032007-01-02T00:02:00.000-05:002007-01-29T00:52:27.525-05:00Why We Love Gandalf (Reason #3)

Why We Love Gandalf...He wants things done right."Then Gandalf came and in his arms, to the wonder of Frodo, he bore the sword and the elven-cloak and the mithril-coat that had been taken from him in Mordor. For Sam he brought a coat of gilded mail, and his elven-cloak all healed of the soils and hurts that it had suffered, and then he laid before them two swords."I do not wish for any sword,'

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1167718929111065892007-01-01T19:05:00.000-05:002007-01-29T00:53:03.409-05:0025 Years Ago Tonight

I know everybody is waiting for some Gandalf and frankly for something to happen on this blog. Be patient!Everyone needs to be enjoying the bowl season right now. Have I ever mentioned to my erstwhile bloggers that I'm firmly against a playoff system for college football.In tribute to my favorite memory of the last 25 years in College Football I give you Perry and the Tigers' magical night in

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1167969946056221012006-12-25T23:00:00.000-05:002007-01-29T00:53:43.642-05:00Why We Love Gandalf (Reason #2)

Why we love Gandalf...Gandalf is content with being "party entertainment for Hobbits.""Gandalf is greater than you Shire-folk know - as a rule you can only see his jokes and toys. But this business of ours will be his greatest task"From Book 1 / Chapter 10 of The Lord of The Rings#1 Gandalf fights battles none of us can fight#2 Gandalf is content with being “party entertainment for Hobbits”#3

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1166160609276960612006-12-23T21:23:00.000-05:002007-01-29T00:54:27.454-05:00Why We Love Gandalf

A few week ago, and I apologize for the blogalonian captivity we’ve been through of late, I raised the banner of “Why we Love Gandalf.” Here is what I hope to cover before the New Year.#1 Gandalf fights battles none of us can fight#2 Gandalf is content with being “party entertainment for Hobbits”#3 Gandalf wants things done right#4 Gandalf understands the nature of evil#5 Gandalf is always moving

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1166160118057319062006-12-14T23:56:00.000-05:002007-01-02T02:07:13.366-05:00Why We Love Gandalf (Reason #1)

#1 Gandalf fights battles none of us can fight'Come, Gandalf tell us how you fared with the Balrog!''Name him not!' said Gandalf, and for a moment it seemed that a cloud of pain passed over his face, and he sat silent, looking old as death. 'Long I fell,' he said at last, slowly, as if thinking back with difficulty. 'Long I fell, and he fell with me. His fire was about me. I was burned. Then we

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1165987861882963612006-12-13T00:20:00.000-05:002006-12-13T00:31:03.846-05:00Know Your Muslims

Sorry things have been so slow lately here on River and Rhett. I for one have been suffering from something like a "bloggers block." I came across this over at Evangelical Outpost tonight, it reminded me of a lecture that the Brothers Duncan listened to by Paul Marshall at the John Jay Institute over Thanksgiving.HT(Evangelical Outpost)Is Al Qaeda Sunni or Shi’a? If you don’t have clue you’re not

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1165470331027953502006-12-07T00:01:00.000-05:002007-02-13T00:30:52.569-05:00Our Day of Infamy

65 years ago today our Nation was attacked by the naval and air forces of Imperial Japan at Pearl Harbour.Here are the words given by FDR to Congress the first part of which we have heard so many times. Also included Churchill's pithy letter to the Japanese Ambassador and then take a look at Hitler's "kinist" type reaction to Dec. 7th in a stemwinder before the Reichstag...FDR..."Yesterday,

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1164608841450780132006-11-27T00:02:00.000-05:002007-02-13T00:31:33.245-05:00Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Rick Warren is inviting Barack Obama to speak this week at Saddleback as part of his church's program surrounding World AIDS Day.Warren is of course the popular California Baptist Pastor (and Purpose Driven author) who has become one of American Evangelicalism's most visible figures and has embraced a variety of humanitarian and political causes in the past year from AIDS awareness to

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1164488988831532912006-11-25T16:08:00.000-05:002006-11-28T16:11:34.880-05:00Congrats Gabriel

Gamecocks beat the Tigers 31-28.

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1164232920573744552006-11-22T16:55:00.000-05:002006-11-23T13:04:49.056-05:00River and Rhett taking over the airwaves!

Gabe and I did an hour of live radio on Christian Talk 660am's "Calling For Truth" program regarding that most important of topics today "Clemson-Carolina." We got some shout outs for the Blog while on the program. Listen Here. Thanks to Dr. Paul Dean for inviting us!Yesterday I was part of a panel that talked about the November Pastors Fellowship of Greater Greenville. The discussion mainly

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1164122929094401892006-11-21T10:14:00.000-05:002006-11-22T11:51:24.370-05:00McGoldrick lays the smackdown

What do Jim Jones, Pat Robertson and Tertullian have in common? Not much, the evangelical replies. Actually, the reply would probably be, "Who's the last guy?"Many chief sins can be detected in modern evangelicalism. Chief among them, surely, is the gross ignorance of many in the Church of Church history. I count myself among the unhappy lot.However, Dr. James McGoldrick, beloved professor of

Gabriel Fluhrerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406234912172653789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163999638669752362006-11-20T00:01:00.000-05:002006-11-20T16:01:03.980-05:00The War Between The Schools

It's Rivalry Week and The War Between the Schools has officially commenced here on River and Rhett. The following contains some epistemological reasons Clemson and Carolina people don't get along with one another. (If you are easily offended by satire PLEASE stop reading)The War Between the Schoolsby Melton L. Duncan (all rights reserved)It's about many things...Us vs. ThemGood vs. EvilMen of

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163828547438848242006-11-18T00:01:00.000-05:002006-11-22T12:31:43.163-05:00John & Mel on Live Radio

John and I were guests Friday on the "Calling For Truth" radio program in Greenville. It was the first time we had ever together done a bit of live radio. It was a lot of fun. If interested you can listen here. Gabriel and I are scheduled to make an appearance next Friday to talk about...Football.

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163820448783233042006-11-17T21:57:00.000-05:002006-11-18T00:24:26.016-05:00Al Mohler at Newsweek's "On Faith" Dialogue

For those of you have long since given up on the Mainstream Media (MSM) or the "Drive By Media" as el Rushbo has dubbed them you should check out Newsweek Magazine's new "On Faith" conversation on religion. You can find it here. Most specifically observe Dr. Albert Mohler (of Southern Seminary and T4G fame) participate as a contributing "faith panelist."This new "Dialogue" was started by Jon

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163540050796210862006-11-15T21:29:00.000-05:002007-02-13T00:32:26.864-05:00Pop Culture System Update

Here is an interesting bit of pop culture miscellany for us to file away when we converse with overly contextualized PoMo's...The New Oxford American Dictionary Announces the Word of the Year: 'Carbon Neutral' (Hat TipNEW YORK, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/) Erin McKean, editor in chief of the New Oxford American Dictionary, said "The increasing use of the word carbon neutral reflects not just thegreening

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163605071366547002006-11-15T10:28:00.000-05:002006-11-15T10:37:51.640-05:00Keller on Hell

Mel, what a powerful post. I count it two of my greatest joys that, in my brief time as a Christian, God brought me good books early and surrounded me with Christians who suffer well. How foreign that phrase is to us and to our culture! May God heal your friend and may we praise our Triune God Who loves us enough to give us crosses.I wanted to make sure I would be the only buffoon to post on

Gabriel Fluhrerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406234912172653789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163535761356351892006-11-14T22:37:00.000-05:002006-11-14T22:45:22.066-05:00What to do when a friend gets cancer?

A new friend of mine (that I met last year through Ligonier) is Brian Thornton who has a wonderful blog called "Voice of the Sheep". Brian is one of the folks that makes reading and contributing to blogs fun and it's been a blessing to get to know him in person at evangelical and reformed conferences throughout the country. He posted today about a horrifying providence he's working through in his

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163519105638463922006-11-14T10:43:00.000-05:002006-11-14T10:45:05.850-05:00Warfield on the Trinity

One of the perennial joys of studying at a good seminary is that one is assigned great texts of the past to read. Much to my delight, for my systematic theology assignment this week, I had the happy duty of reading B.B. Warfield on the Trinity.One need look no further than the doctrine of the Trinity in the files of "Hardly mentioned, Never Preached." Can you remember the last time that you heard

Gabriel Fluhrerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406234912172653789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163484851746489552006-11-14T00:11:00.000-05:002006-11-14T01:15:07.593-05:0090 Seconds of Middle East History

Check out this fascinating link to a quick overview of the military hsitory of the Middle East.HT (Calvinist Gadfly)

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163396568353101862006-11-13T00:16:00.000-05:002006-11-19T21:30:18.533-05:00Mel last week at Presbytery of Western Carolina

Mr. Moderator, Fathers and Brothers of the Presbytery of Western Carolina... Good Morning!I bring you greetings from Dr RC Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. My name is Mel Duncan and I serve Ligonier as their Director of Church Relations. It is my great privilege to represent the ministry at conferences and events throughout the country and one of my primary aims is to get to know what is going on

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1163085745956508532006-11-09T10:12:00.000-05:002006-11-09T10:22:26.243-05:00Election Reflection

Mel, great post. My second favorite policital pundit, George Will offers these superb thoughts.As for me, several thoughts:1. This is all about Iraq. The only mandate from the people is "win and get us out of there." Unfortunately, the combination of win and get out is not possible right now. "Go in with more and win" could win. "But pull out and win" means lose. Consequently, the President has

Ligon Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09153063931277545598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1162973134697298792006-11-08T00:30:00.000-05:002006-11-08T03:40:01.290-05:00Purple America

America went to bed last night thinking it had elected a divided government that restored checks and balances to Republican excess during the Bush era. No longer Red State / Blue State America has returned to a 50/50 nation. On November 8th we are clearly purple all over.Barring a major election reversal in the Old Dominion the Democratic party has succesfully destroyed the "permanent GOP

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1162352208032608472006-10-31T22:28:00.000-05:002006-11-01T00:19:34.783-05:00Derek Thomas on Calvin on New Perspective

Happy Reformation Day and welcome back Gabriel! Your Barth&Henry post was strong and well worth the wait.So you've been thinking about the New Perspective lately. Over at Ref21 Justin Taylor asked our favorite Welshman Derek Thomas what would Calvin think about the NPP? Derek Thomas in his response, ably demonstrates his worth by clearly stating what's at stake with this discussion.Sorry Justin.

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1162311958897806362006-10-31T11:09:00.000-05:002006-10-31T11:25:59.066-05:00Henry and Barth

It's been so long since I've posted, I feel like a stranger! But, let me praise God, first of all, for the birth of our first covenant child, Garner Katherine, just a couple days before Mel's latest gift. God is so good.Many know of my disdain for anything and everything regarding Karl Barth. As I've interacted with people, I find that most admire him because of his supposed "revolution" in

Gabriel Fluhrerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406234912172653789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1162094822589795662006-10-28T23:41:00.000-04:002006-10-29T00:19:34.920-04:00Encyclopedia of South Carolina

The Encyclopedia of South CarolinaThe State of SC Humanities Council has recently released the most important publishing initiative on South Carolina History in modern times called the South Carolina Encyclopedia.Being a government project it took 7 years to do the job and the resulting project is ridiculously overpriced ($70) but it's absolutely fabulous and from a quick scan of my areas (which

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1162014466270323242006-10-27T23:41:00.000-04:002006-10-28T01:52:26.490-04:00The River and Rhett "Word Cloud"

I found an interesting site which scans a blog or a website for major words and then creates a visual image known as a "Word Cloud." Bigger words are those used most often. It's quite revealing and raises the question are we talking enough about the right things here?

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1161663827587798292006-10-23T22:15:00.000-04:002006-10-24T00:25:37.943-04:00Ligonier Pastors Conference

Greetings from sunny central Florida and Ligonier Minstries' 4th Annual Pastors Conference where around 400 guys from all over the USA and at least 5 other nations have come to hear RC, Steve Lawson and River and Rhett's very own Ligon Duncan speak on subjects related to ministers and ministry. Simply put it has already after just the first of 4 days been a great occasion.It's a humbling thing to

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1161395589889038222006-10-20T21:48:00.000-04:002006-10-20T21:55:06.973-04:00Why is Preaching So Bad Today?

The great Tim Challies has a link to the current issue of Southern Seminary's "The Tie" which has a sensational article by Al Mohler on the state of preaching today in Evangelicalism. Here are the highlights from Challies...Al Mohler writes a brief commentary on "The State of Preaching Today." As he reflects on this, he writes "On the one hand, there are signs of great promise and encouragement.

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1161312530489623322006-10-19T21:36:00.000-04:002006-11-07T06:58:03.373-05:0050 Worst Evangelical Books

Lig and John, you've given us some good thoughts on Worship. It never ceases to amaze how dogmatic a PoMo can get when you comment on their worship and/or hair style.The boys at ref21 have put up some good "best books lists" while Purgatorio has an equally compelling list of "best bad books."50 Books You Should Leave on The ShelfThese are books that have influenced evangelicalism that one should

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1161285930928770602006-10-19T15:08:00.000-04:002006-10-23T19:44:04.500-04:00Reading up on Worship

Thanks, John, for your thoughts on some of the accoutrements to some current worship services that often have a diluting effect (whether those who employ them want to or not, and whether they realize it or not).One reason that the subject of worship is hard to discuss today (other than the fact the personal tastes and preferences often reign supreme in our thinking, rather than a concern to

Ligon Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09153063931277545598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1161195013887594232006-10-16T20:08:00.000-04:002006-10-18T14:10:15.096-04:00Icon Free Baby Zone

River and Rhett has set up shop on the east side of Greenville this week as the Second Presbyterian (Blog) family continues to grow. We welcomed Garner Katherine, a beautiful wee lass to Callie and Gabriel on Sunday. Mother and baby are fine though Gabe looks exhausted.Meanwhile just an average “James Davis rush” down the hall Lynda and I anxiously await the birth of our daughter a short distance

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1161040787272477612006-10-16T19:14:00.000-04:002006-10-25T11:11:53.806-04:00Lights, Camera, Worship

I get a number of magazines and brochures from companies which specialize in video and audio enhancements for worship services. These catalogs are full of lighting textures, backgrounds, graphics and visual treatments for projection screens and power point templates. There are also companies which provide licensing for Hollywood movie vignettes designed to be used as illustrations for sermon

John M. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064836215793386454noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1160716712537937152006-10-13T01:18:00.000-04:002006-10-13T01:19:30.176-04:00Friday College Football Quotes of the Day

In honor of Clemson's 614th all time Victory against some hapless Owls last night and in a deliberate attempt to bait GNEF out of baby watch I give these noteworthy College Football Quotes."I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first."George Rogers, former South Carolina Running Back"I've been big ever since I was little."another great one from Clemson's William "The Fridge"

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1160621404600711602006-10-11T22:46:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:50:04.706-04:00Common Grace and Scholarship

Dennis Johnson, Professor of Practical Theology and Academic Dean at Westminster Seminary California, delivered a very helpful message on the theme of Common Grace and Theological Scholarship. Using Titus 1:5-16, he shows how it is unscriptural and dangerous for believers to withdraw from interaction with the secular or unbelieving thought-world.Hat Tip (Justin Taylor)Here is how it concludes...

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1160458589058996732006-10-10T00:05:00.000-04:002006-10-11T19:49:09.286-04:00Hateful Calvinists

Over on ref21 Rick Phillips has posted an interesting article on "hateful Calvinists." It's a very useful read that could be applied to a variety of situations though it specificly references Rick's reaction to the despicable Phelps Clan from Kansas (the gang that protests at funerals around the country in the name of proclaiming God's judgment on America). From Reformation21...Having been

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1160372580660388512006-10-09T00:03:00.000-04:002006-10-10T01:27:00.600-04:00Spotlight on November

One month till November and what may be a Historic Election for Democrats in the House and Senate ala the GOP Takeover in '94. Bill Kristol of The Weekly Standard has spotlighted two ads one from each party to make a point on how candidiates are using issues to score points. "A call is placed from New York to a known terrorist in Pakistan. A terrorist plot may be unfolding. Should the government

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1160342952674927792006-10-08T17:29:00.000-04:002006-10-09T07:15:55.350-04:00A Few Good Men for Haiti

Some of you may be interested in hearing a sermon by Esaie Etienne, a Haitian American raising suport to go back to Haiti and serve the Lord with MTW. He will be working closely with Charles Amicy. God is raising up faithful men; will he also raise up faith givers? Esaie still needs about 1500/mo. before he can leave. Please pray that God will meet the need. Esaie would like to be on the field by

Ken Gamblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804399100477388680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1160191702675590422006-10-06T23:28:00.000-04:002006-10-06T23:31:41.016-04:00Some interesting "Top Lists"

Christianity Today lists its Top 50 tomes that have shaped Evangelicals. It's pretty rough, reminds me of the point of Mark Noll's Scandal of the Evangelical Mind (which made the list). http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/october/23.51.htmlAlso Walter Kaiser has compiled a list of the top 15 Archaelogical discoveries of all time. Very interesting. http://theologica.blogspot.com/2006/10/top-

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1160100254428377802006-10-05T21:50:00.000-04:002006-10-05T22:04:14.660-04:00Sure of Things Unseen

In the 17th century, the Archbishop of Canterbury inquired of a celebrated actor, Thomas Betterton, how he made such an impression on his audience. Betterton replied :"Actors speak of things imaginary as if they were real, while you preachers too often speak of things real as if they were imaginary."May this never be true of the clergymen friends of River and Rhett.JMD

John M. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064836215793386454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1160080747531742952006-10-05T16:38:00.000-04:002006-10-05T16:44:26.976-04:00Love the Lord thy God

Jon Payne is one of America's great young ministers. Jon is a PCA "Teaching Elder" in Douglasville, Ga at the Grace Church. Every week he writes a letter to his people to encourage them in their faith and to challenge them to dig deeper in their knowledge, understanding or experience of God's truth in their lives. Often revealing Jon is one of those wonderful shepherd's whose delight is telling

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1160012495691273342006-10-04T21:36:00.000-04:002006-10-06T20:24:46.116-04:00October Pastors Fellowship Meeting Set

Dear Pastor, Elder, Ministry LeaderPlease join us for lunch at the Historic Poinsett Hotel in Downtown Greenville.The Pastor's Fellowship is designed to provide pastors from various denominations with a forum for spiritual growth, dialogue and fellowship. The Pastor's Fellowship is scheduled to meet monthly in the Gold Ballroom of the Historic Westin Poinsett Hotel located in downtown Greenville,

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1159893504226615982006-10-03T12:28:00.000-04:002006-10-05T11:39:01.256-04:00Ecclesiastical Conspiracy Theories

If you are tired of the conspiracy industry relating to 9/11, you'll get a kick out of this. A little racy in places, but fun and helpful. And check out the links. It occurs to me that the analysis not only speaks to 9/11 conspiracy theorists, but also to many current ecclesiastical conspiracy theorists. Consider the author's observation:"A clue to the real attraction of conspiracy theories, I

Ligon Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09153063931277545598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1159816284437344312006-10-02T15:11:00.000-04:002006-10-02T17:59:37.283-04:00Gamecock Conspiracy and Mark Driscoll

Interesting weekend in Evangelicalism, USC almost pulled off a huge surpise victory and an unwarranted "comment controversy" has emerged from the recent Desiring God Ministries' Conference.As many of you know Gabriel and the boys are riding high after almost taking the #2 ranked Plainsman down in Olympia, SC Saturday Night. An interesting story is emerging about how they did it. See here. Now on

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1159722643693894772006-10-01T13:05:00.000-04:002006-10-01T13:14:19.580-04:00Encountering the Holiness of God

Today our Sunday School Class began studying the book of Isaiah. We began our series by looking at the Prophet's encounter with the Holiness of God in chapter 6:1-13. I mentioned the following story (as told by John Piper) about Chuck Colson as an illustration.On June 1, 1973, Charles Colson visited his friend Tom Phillips, while Watergate exploded in the press. He was baffled and shocked at

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1159542876721171902006-09-29T10:51:00.000-04:002006-09-29T11:14:36.956-04:00"Much Depends Upon Dinner"

Well, now that Auburn realizes more practice time is needed before they try to waltz into Williams-Brice for an easy win, I can assure our brother Mel that Farel is rather lifting his hands to shout "GAME", while Calvin echoes "COCKS" back at him. A loss is indeed a loss, but the plains of Alabama should be noticeably more silent today.It surely has been an emotional rollercoaster here at River

Gabriel Fluhrerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406234912172653789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1159545440857044802006-09-29T09:55:00.000-04:002006-09-30T01:41:37.326-04:00Friday College Football Quote of the Day

"I was born big"Defensive Tackle William Perry, Freshman starter on 1981 National Championship Clemson Tigers football team who (by the way) manhandled all night long All-World Center Dave Rimington from Nebraska on that most legendary of January nights in the Orange Bowl 25 years ago."The Fridge" said this is response to a question to how he had learned to compensate for his large size.

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1159472877020927052006-09-28T12:36:00.000-04:002006-09-28T16:24:00.556-04:00Looking for Reformers

What a week of ministry and work in Greenville. Funerals, farewells, Pastors Fellowship and unexpected conversations. It seems like most of our River and Rhetters are all multi-tasking in unexpected ways of late. We were delighted to have a visit from Ken and Lig. John stared down a Florida Bear this week in classic Sasquatch fashion, Dave (I'm told) was seen at a Yankees game this week booing

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1158611025974849762006-09-26T16:19:00.000-04:002006-09-27T10:38:40.810-04:00Perhaps a Friend will meet the Savior

Recently another elder and I counseled a young man concerning the death of his good friend. Sometimes counseling opportunities come at very unexpected and inconvenient times. This one happened to be in the middle of Morning Worship. This young man jumped to his feet and in a nervous and polite way asked, "Why are they going to kill my friend?" His friend was a twenty-one year old who had been

Ken Gamblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804399100477388680noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1159161040177794632006-09-24T23:20:00.000-04:002006-09-25T01:17:58.700-04:00A Time to Gather Stones

This evening our Senior Minister preached his last sermon to the congregation of Second Presbyterian Church. It was a consideration of Paul's relationship with the Ephesian Elders in ACTS 20. Our pastor (typically) didn't draw over attention to the obvious application of his long planned retirement from our church life, but we all took the message even as the Ephesian Church. Our Pastor is a

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1158957296041080392006-09-22T16:11:00.000-04:002006-09-22T16:34:56.153-04:00Some Ryle on a Friday

Mel, I haven't had a chance to listen to RYM yet but I love the McLean "Valley" recordings. He is top-notch; every minister or elder who reads Scripture before God's people should listen to his diction and cadence. Outstanding.Regular readers of this blog will, no doubt, realize a few things: Mel loves the Clemson Tigers, Dave loves the Volunteers and I try to steer clear of too many posts

Gabriel Fluhrerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406234912172653789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1158955999944030542006-09-22T15:24:00.000-04:002006-10-04T19:02:48.213-04:00CT and the Young Reformed Resurgence

Christianity Today, September 2006Young, Restless, ReformedCalvinism is making a comeback—and shaking up the church.Christianity Today’s cover story this month focused on the resurgence of Calvinism among the younger generation. All of the pictures and most of the interviews for the article come from Together for the Gospel (a conference in Louisville, KY back in April, in which I participated

Ligon Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09153063931277545598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1158902280968217372006-09-22T00:17:00.000-04:002006-09-22T08:45:27.396-04:00Mel on RYM Today (9/22/06)

Should ya'll be interested I interview RC Sproul on Renewing Your Mind radio today. If you're in the Greenville area tune into www.christiantalk660.com at 9am. Or you can listen online at www.ligonier.org.This is my "national debut" on radio. We conducted this interview last month in Orlando at Ligonier's Lake Mary studios. Gabe, I also think you'll enjoy the Max Maclean reading from "The Valley

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1158901754746641152006-09-22T00:08:00.000-04:002006-09-22T01:09:14.986-04:00Friday College Football Quote of the Day

"At Clemson we have a style of football played radically different from anything on earth. Its notoriety and the fear and admiration of it has spread throughout the length and breadth of the entire Southern world of football. All colleges should have fixed athletic traditions and should be as loyal to them as to the institution itself. The complete unity and harmony of athletic opinion and

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1158901610943009382006-09-21T23:57:00.000-04:002006-09-22T02:08:24.746-04:00Talking about Torture

There's been a lot of talk about the ethics of torture lately. Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina has raised such a ruckus against current Adminstration policy that some local folks (upset with his stance) are encouraging David Wilkins (current Ambassador to Canada) to take on Lindsay.Well tonight at The Lion's Den, the legendary Christian Men's discussion group of Greenville folk hosted by

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1158729075482068142006-09-19T20:10:00.000-04:002006-09-20T01:15:05.796-04:00Fun at First Pastors Fellowship Event

Today was the first day of our Pastors Fellowship of Greater Greenville. Kevin Boling and I co-convened the event and we were delighted to welcome 60 ministers from at least 8 different denominations (we're still trying to figure out who and where everybody came from) to hear Southeastern Seminary Professor and Editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society Dr Andreas Kostenberger

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707273.post-1158609287493266722006-09-18T12:00:00.000-04:002006-09-18T17:12:30.546-04:00Losing A Young Friend

As the congregation of Second Church was gathered to worship the living, true and sovereign God yesterday one of our beloved sons drew his last breath in this earthly world. David Andrew Spears was the youngest child of our Associate Pastor Robert and his dear bride Jenny, a brother to Daniel, Katie and Rebekah; brother-in-law to Joe and Nathaniel; and proud uncle of Nate, all members of Second

Melton L. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11196115509527446756noreply@blogger.com2