We Have to Raise the Bar

I realize I've not written anything on here in quite some time. I've simply been busy doing other things.

At any rate, I see no point in dilly dallying since we all have much to do. I've been watching the Hitchens/Craig debate hosted at Biola University earlier this year. For those of us familiar with both Hitchens and Craig I don't think anything said will surprise us (though I've not yet watched the entire debate so I'm not positive).

However, one thing has appalled me: The comments. I believe one of the great advantages of Youtube, blogs, Facebook, Myspace, etc... is the ability to interact with a caliber of people we may not find otherwise. And certainly readers of this blog know that I love interacting in comment threads, some of which grow to be incredibly long.

As I looked at the comments on the Hitchens/Craig debate youtubes I noticed a complete and total lack of depth and philosophical understanding on both sides (theists and atheists). For example, one commentator said that all of Dr. Craig's arguments are "fallacious" and have been "disproved". Obviously I disagree with such a statement, but even if I agreed with the proposition I would still be angry about it. Simply saying something is fallacious does not make it such.

It's well and good to disagree with Dr. Craig, I don't question anybody's right to disagree. But if I disagree with you I'm not simply going to say "your arguments are fallacious" as if by saying that I've discredited your entire case. If I say "your arguments are fallacious" I'm required to explain how they are fallacious. If I disagree with a deductive argument I must disagree specifically with one (or all) of the premises and explain how they violate some rule of logic.

On this blog we've discussed the Kalam Cosmological argument in the past. My skeptical readers have at the very least explained what premises they disagreed with and why they disagreed with them. And at that point we've had dialog. But if someone says "The Kalam argument is fallacious" without specifically pointing out a fallacy all I can do tilt my head and wonder.

Based on this I believe we have got to raise the level of dialog between skeptic and believer. If we don't we'll simply come to a standstill and possibly a shouting match.

This is not the only level on which we must raise the standard of dialog, however. Even in the midst of specific disagreements I've noticed (and have been guilty of it myself) people make assertions without a clear understanding of underlying presuppositions. A good example here can be found in the relativist. Of course there are different types of relativism (moral, epistemological, etc...), but every relativist denies the objectivity of something. However, it's impossible for a relativist to completely deny the objectivity of something without assuming the objectivity of something else.

If we specifically look at truth, a popular relativist mantra is "there is no absolute truth". However, this is an absolutist statement. If this is true then there is at least one absolute truth, and an infinite number of necessary qualifying statements. To be consistent (and this assumes the logical rule of noncontradiction) the relativist must say "There is no absolute truth except this one, and all statements verifying it ad infinitum". Thus such a statement is self-defeating and not justifiable.

That is just an example, but for progress to be made in the skeptic/believer dialog we have got to get beyond simply repeating our truisms and mantras and engage at a deeper level of thought the underlying issues at stake.

And there are many underlying issues and presuppositions that need to be brought to light. I'm tired of discoursing with people who believe happiness is the great end of mankind when they have simply assumed that without examining why they've assumed it. And I'm sure my skeptical friends are tired of discoursing with theists who have simply assumed things about the relation of knowledge and faith without understanding philosophical foundations for knowledge (as a theist I'm tired of dealing with this one).

I realize we will profoundly disagree on some things, but we have got to raise the bar on our standard of dialog if we ever wish to move forward.

God bless!
Joey

On Credentials and Academic Honesty

There are a few things I want to talk about in this post, mainly dealing with the use honorary degrees, bogus degrees from diploma mills, and the various types of doctoral degrees.

So often I hear someone referred to as "Dr. X". This happens a lot with televangelists. Take Mike Murdock for example. He has at least one honorary doctorate. No earned degrees though. And yet you hear him referred to on television as "Dr. Murdock". This makes it sound as if he's some type of scholar. The title "doctor" makes one seem to be an expert in their field.

At some point we have to ask if this is a little bit mis-leading. When I hear "Doctor" I typically think of someone who has earned a Ph.D., Ed.D., Th.D., J.D., M.D., D.M.A., or some other equivalent terminal degree. I don't think of someone who found favor with certain school officials who then decided to award an honorary degree.

I'm not diminishing honorary degrees, many people who are awarded them probably deserve a certain level of recognition. What I do want to question is the use of an honorary degree to establish academic credibility or expertise power (e.g.- leading people to trust you because you are an "expert" on the issue). My great-great grandfather was awarded an honorary Master of Science degree in recognition for his contribution to the field of geology. What I ask is that honorary degrees are awarded in recognition for an outstanding achievement in the field, not as a means of associating with a high-profile individual that might get recognition for the awarding institute.

In the case of Mike Murdock, the man has not contributed a single thing to the field of theology or ministry. If anything he perpetuates the idea that pastors are just greedy, self-seeking hucksters. But he conveniently hides behind the "Dr." title to establish his credibility.

There are also the diploma mills and fake degrees. People like Roland Martin claim to have a masters degree when it's from an unaccredited university called by some a diploma mill. In Martin's defense, I attended a debate he had with former Secretary of the Treasury Bay Buchanan, and Martin is a very smart man. He has been awarded several journalistic rewards and is a intelligent political commentator.

What I wonder is why the need to claim a fake degree? As far as I know he earned most of his awards before his "masters", and he has an accredited bachelors, so why the need?

During the aforementioned debate the issue of faith and politics came up. Martin was arguing for Obama, Buchanan for McCain; and there is a stereotype that Christians must be Republicans. To establish his Evangelical credibility Martin said "I have a master's degree in Christian communication". I have a friend, a fellow Christian, who is skeptical of seminaries (in fact, trying to discourage me from ever attending one). After the debate he pointed out that having a seminary degree does not necessarily make you a capable or integral pastor (Martin had, among his profanities, also said he was speaking at a Church the next Sunday).

Of course I had done a little research on Martin and knew the degree was unaccredited, but even so, it doesn't give those of us who take education seriously a good name. There are legitimate seminaries, and serious minded pastors and theologians who attend them and actually earn their degrees. There are doctors of various subjects who have earned their degrees.

And this brings me to the last point I want to make. Increasingly the Ph.D. is becoming the degree of choice for many pursuing doctoral work. But it should be noted that not all fields offer Ph.D.s. For a musician focusing on composition, performance, or conducting, the terminal degree is the D.M.A. (Doctor of Musical Arts). It typically takes three years of full-time study to complete, and often requires a master's degree for admittance. As such I think the D.M.A. is academically equivalent to a Ph.D., it's just a different title.

There are also professional degrees, such as the D.Min., M.D., and J.D. Again I believe these degrees are equivalent to (though distinct from) a Ph.D. A D.Min. requires at least 30 hours of study, with a pre-requisite of a 90-96 credit hour Master of Divinity. A M.Div. would be equivalent to a Ph.D. in most fields (with the exception of a thesis/dissertation, sometimes). A M.D. is a professional degree as well, not an academic degree. But I still think a medical doctor is academically qualified to teach subjects of medicine at the graduate level. I find it odd that some people look at the D.Min., Ed.D., PsyD, or other doctoral degrees that are not Ph.Ds. as "lite" doctorates.

Well, this may be my most boring blog to date, which is probably quite an accomplishment in itself, but I think we need to open this dialogue.

God bless!
Joey

Atheism and Life

On my blog over at www.checkmate101.blogspot.

com I was challenged to approach the world from an atheists perspective and see what I came up with. I gave my word that I would post a blog to that effect and we could further discourse the issue. So I'm going to write about what some of my conclusions would be if, hypothetically, I were an atheist.

Just to make sure there is no confusion, I am not an atheist; I am a Christian theist. I'm simply trying to examine what conclusions an atheistic world view would lead me to, largely for the purpose of better understanding this philosophy and opening discourse on the issue.

One of the questions I've struggled with has been that of morality. I don't doubt that atheists behave morally, for the overwhelming majority do. What I question is the motivation for behaving morally.

Men such as Frank Zindler and Christopher Hitchens propose that we should behave morally because of an enlightened self-interest. That is to say, I want moral behavior not because I necessarily care about other people, but because I care about myself. For example; if somebody with AIDS is bleeding to death on my doorstep, I don't necessarily have to care about that person to intervene. I should intervene solely because of my desire not to catch AIDS.

We could also look to acts of heroism. For example older members of a family of apes often intentionally lag behind when attacked by leopards/other predators in order engage the predator in a suicidal fight to protect the younger and more healthy members of the family.

In both these cases we see some sort of self-interest. In the first case an interest in protecting my own life, in the second case an interesting in protecting my species. What I question though is what makes the individual "hero's" actions in either case good? I understand we're fighting for survival, but why is survival a good thing? I realize that we can't breed, promote our species, increase the quality of life, etc... if we don't survive; but why is it to our benefit we do those things anyway?

Under an atheistic world view, whether we survive and help the species and planet tremendously or whether we all go extinct instantaneously makes no difference. The end result is the same. I might be able to understand this if I thought pleasing our natural self was worth living for. But let's think about that, why should we try to please our biological nature by eating, making friends, having sex, etc...?

The only answers I've found as of yet indicate that we do this to survive, we do this because it's natural, we must do it. Thus it seems to me that naturalism has greater faith in fate than Calvinists do. Think about it, we exist because of natural processes, our behavior is controlled by natural processes, our world runs according to natural processes, and we try to survive to satisfy those natural processes so that more people can exist to further satisfy them. Is it just me or does that not seem very much like fate? Does it also not seem that a great deal of faith, at least the amount required by a Christian theist like myself, is required to live, eat, drink, breath, and die solely because of and for nature?

Aside from this, I must ask on what basis was Hitler morally wrong? The only bad thing, based solely on enlightened self-interest, was he caused the world to turn against him and thus nature caused his demise. See, enlightened self-interest assumes a great value to life, and it has no right to make that assumption. Based on a solely atheistic view we are nothing more than a bunch of organs and bones, we are matter, and that is all we are and that is all we'll ever be (remember, I'm trying to find atheistic answers).

If matter can neither be created nor destroyed, and we are solely matter, who is to say Hitler was wrong to make 6,000,000+ people change form? Remember, according to atheism we're just matter, thus I don't see a whole lot of difference between us and ashes and it makes no difference in what form the matter we are presently composed of appears. I don't see how an atheist can assume any inherent value to life. Hitler was simply a product of his biological make-up and life circumstances (as far as they influence it, I believe in both nature and nurture, rather then either/or), and I don't see how any atheist can make the claim in the least that their morals are superior to his simply because they have different morals due to biological/psychological processes.

I suppose some people might try to invoke the Utilitarian Rule, that we do the greatest good for the greatest number of people. But again I ask, what's good? According to atheism why is it better to survive than to change form into ashes? Why is it better to be preserved rather than to decompose?

I imagine my thoughts here may offend a great deal of atheists, but I assure you that's not my intention. I was asked to see what assuming an atheistic world view would lead me to, and this is the first big issue (I may write more blogs to this effect, depending on how many issues are addressed in comments). I dare say at this point most atheists would prefer I remain a Christian rather than de-convert, I'm afraid I'd be an ever-so dangerous atheist.

God bless!
Joey

On Preaching To The Choir

I have very strong opinions on why the Church exists and what its role in society is. Other people, good principled people, have radically different opinions. Sometimes I think it's necessary to explain exactly why I disagree with their philosophies.

The most recent issue (and bear in mind it's only the most recent, not the most pressing or most important) deals with the Social Gospel. The Social Gospel was a movement who's early leaders included Josiah Strong and Walter Rauschenbusch (I have no idea if I spelled that correctly). The idea is if God's Kingdom is to come on Earth as it is in Heaven then we should promote the welfare of society by helping the poor, opposing war, etc...

I certainly agree we should help the poor. However, helping the poor is not the reason the Church exists; it is a natural result of the Church functioning as it should, but it's not why the Church exists. I'm often told I should help the poor, and sometimes condescendingly because for some reason certain individuals believe that, as a Libertarian, want to just let the poor die off and kill baby seals (o.k., no one has ever accused me of wanting to kill baby seals).

I do not want to let the poor die off. In fact I will happily pin my credentials for generosity against any of my Social Gospel-supporting friends. I'm a member of the ONE Campaign to end global poverty. I'm a member of the Save Darfur Coalition, and I orchestrated signing local Boy Scouts up to join the Coalition as well. I have refused to donate to any political campaigns because I think that money is better used going to organizations like the Save Darfur Coalition. I'm an Eagle Scout and have helped organize food drives for local homeless shelters and soup kitchens. I'm so extreme that I don't believe in dressing up for Church because I think God would be more honored by us using that money for missionaries to establish orphanages, wells, etc... Since I haven't managed to get the Church on board with that last one (even my Social Gospel friends, many of whom wear designer clothing and pay $4.00 for coffee at Starbucks) I generally wear used dress clothes; with the exception of a shirt, tie, and three pairs of pants that I got at a going out of business sale for something like 1/3rd to 1/4th of the list price. This last year I missed my city's "March for Jesus" to attend a 5k and raise money for a local deaf boy. I'm not going to mention the percentage of my income given to non-profits this year because I'm afraid I'd shame some people.

I'm not saying all this to brag, but to point out that many of my Social Gospel friends are big on talk but small on action. I believe talk is cheap (literally) and action is what is required. So by my philosophy, that the Church exists to evangelize, worship, disciple, fellowship, and minister I'm driven to much more action then most who believe the Church exists solely to help the poor (I realize the Social Gospel has other aspects, but let's handle these one at a time).

Now on to the issue of war. I don't like war, I don't like the war in Iraq, I would prefer we could avoid war. But sometimes moral principle does not allow us to do that. What? How can I say war might be moral?

Let me explain a few ethics rules:

1. The Utilitarian Rule: This rule states that, in order to be ethical, we should pursue the course of action that results in the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people.

2. The Moral Rights Rule: This rule states that we must not violate inalienable rights (the problem with this rule is not everybody agrees on what rights are inalienable).

3. The Justice Rule: This rule states that we must pursue the course of action that distributes benefits and harms equally among all the people affected by the decision.

4. The Practical Rule: This rule states that in making a decision we should be willing to communicate it to people outside those affected by it because the average person would think it is an acceptable decision.

Based on these rules there may be times where it would be more ethical to engage in a war then to avoid one. Opposing a dictator or fighting terrorists, as painful as it is, may produce more good for more people then letting that dictator or terrorist continue. Look at WWII, to produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people we had to oppose Hitler, he was not being just or moral; and certainly not practical. Was that a preferable option? Certainly not! But it was necessary.

Would Jesus support war? Well, He did have a Zealot among His disciples and He never condemned the Romans for their wars. I think the problem is we want God to be on our side, when really we should be on His side (you can thank Abraham Lincoln for that line). What's interesting is many of my Social Gospel friends are, like me, staunchly opposed to theocracies and yet they want our national policy to be based on their interpretation of Jesus teachings.

At any rate my Social Gospel friends prefer to preach to me about helping the poor when they are in fact preaching to the choir (sometimes hypocritically). Their message of no theocracy but national policy based on a theologically questionable interpretation of Christ's teachings is inconsistent. And lastly, if there's a problem do something about it, don't complain to me. Complain to your Senators and Representative, I must have a stack 5/6 inches high of letters they've written me about my numerous petitionings to their offices (most of which dealt with Darfur and poverty).

God bless!
Joey

Breaking God's Standards

As an assistant pastor, and one aspiring to full-time ministry in the future, I watch older ministers. I try to learn from them, I ask them advice, I look and try and see what they're doing right that I should strive for and what they're doing wrong that I should avoid.

I'm sure many of you are hearing about Pastor Michael Guglielmucci, the Australian minister who claimed to have cancer, wrote the hit song "Healer" (which appeared on Hillsong's latest album), and has now been discovered to be a fraud. Pastor Guglielmucci doesn't have cancer, he is not terminally ill, or anything of the sort. For whatever reason Pastor Guglielmucci decided to lie to his family, congregation, and essentially the world.

The Australian reports that Guglielmucci's credentials have been suspended, awaiting the complete results of certain medical tests (the full article can be accessed here: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24216087-5006787,00.html)

Guglielmucci's family, friends, and congregation are in my thoughts and prayers right now. But there's a larger issue that needs to be addressed here. If we look at Titus 1:7-9 we find some qualifications for overseers:

"Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless–not overbearing, not quick‑tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self‑controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

Clearly Guglielmucci's actions violate this standard. I've heard pastors say "we're humans too, we make mistakes..." and I understand that. But as pastors; people whose actions either advance or damage the reputation of the Gospel, people appointed by God to leadership in the Body of Christ; there's a higher standard. God does demand more of pastors, teachers, evangelists, apostles, and prophets (basically, all who are called to leadership in the Church).

The philosophy that says "we all sin every day" is a lie; it's a cheap excuse that lessens the power and message of the Gospel. Christ gives us the victory over sin, sin has lost its power and death has lost its sting (see I Corinthians 15:54-58). Any pastor who teaches we can't live above sin is denying the power of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.

I'm not saying we won't make mistakes; but the tolerance of sin as an everyday and common occurance inside the Church, especially inside the pulpit, indicates an atrocious philosophy being taught and lived in today's Church. We do have an answer to the problem of sin, and it's not like we don't know what it is!

Maybe our pastors don't know what the answer is, but allow me to quote the great Southern Gospel singer Joel Hemphill in explaining:

I claim the Blood Jesus shed on Calvary, those precious Blood stains were made there just for me. For all my sins, my sickness, and my pain, when I need healing I claim those precious blood stains".

As a Christian everything I do reflects on the reputation of the Gospel. It will either reflect poorly, or it will reflect well; but it will reflect. Don't you think skeptics watch and consider whether we're actually living what we preach? Listen, we can know every apologetic argument, evidence supporting our faith, and theological ism; but it doesn't mean much unless it reflects in our lives. I don't believe in having a theology that's just a paper tiger.

All of us will do well to consider how our lives reflect on the Gospel. Especially those of us in leadership in the Church. Today's Church faces enough problems, we don't need to add to that list.

God bless!
Joey

PS- While Guglielmucci himself lied about his condition, I listened to the song "Healer" and it is theologically sound; so regardless of the imperfect author the song itself is good.

Shortest Books Ever Written (Comic Relief Before the Upcoming Debate)

This post is to be entirely humorous, not taken seriously. I'm soon going to start posting the debate between Havok and I; but before I did that I wanted to show my readers I do have a sense of humor. Enjoy!

14. Don't Be a Geek and sequel Avoiding Socially Awkward Situations by Sweetswede

13. Dressing Culturally: How to Dress for Popularity by Sweetswede

12. Big Government Rocks by Sweetswede

11. Don't Upset Them: How to Preach Unoffensive Sermons by Sweetswede

10. Avoiding Issues in Debate: How to Never Address Your Opponent's Claims by Sweetswede

9. Psychological Sensitivity: Why Everything is Your Parent's Fault by Sweetswede

8. Success in Dating by Sweetswede

7. Chess Isn't Personal by Sweetswede

6. How to Play Winning Basketball by Sweetswede

5. Liberal Manifesto by Sweetswede

4. Ten Reasons I Support the ACLU and MoveOn.org by Sweetswede

3. In Defense of Abortion by Sweetswede

2. Why The Church Should Avoid Apologetics by Sweetswede

1. Merits of Atheism by Sweetswede

The Biblical Church

Hey everyone, this is a transcript of the sermon I preached tonight. Bare in mind it's not word for word, but just the thoughts that I write out before the sermon (then I make an outline and speak from that, so I don't just read what's written here). At any rate this will give you a pretty good idea of the sermon, and all the main points will be addressed.

Not every point will apply to every Church, I was primarily aiming at the Church in general. Last night talking to Patrick Taylor I said "I'd never have to preach this sermon at Chi Alpha"; my point being as a corporate body I think XA more or less succeeds in these things, though there are certainly individuals who would benefit (I hope) from this. At any rate I'm sure we'll discuss this more, I may put the actual sermon on youtube if I can figure out how. If I do I'll let you know.

God bless, and enjoy:

The Biblical Church

“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” -Acts 2:42-47, NIV

Background: Luke writes Acts around 60-62 A.D., basically as a historical tracing of the first 30 years of the Church. In tracing this history Luke explains and defends the Church, and also guides faith and practice (Adams et. Al.). This passage is one of the most well-known as a guide for practices in the Church, and it also provides details about the beginning of the Church’s witnessing in Jerusalem. Immediately prior to this passage we have the outpouring of the Spirit and Peter’s open-air evangelistic message that results in 3,000 people being added to the Church in just one day.

We can summarize what Luke is doing this way: The Church begins with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of this chapter. Immediately Peter begins fulfilling the Great Commission by preaching the Gospel. With this evangelism and the establishment of the Church we must look at where does the Church go from here, that is, what do we as members of the Church do once we accept Christ?

We are told the new found Church devoted themselves to the Apostle’s teachings, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. The idea of devotion in the Greek shows us they were “earnest towards, constantly diligent, attended assiduously to all the exercises, adhered closely to”. Think about that, they were constantly diligent in the Apostles teachings. They attended assiduously (with care and persistence) to prayer. They were earnest towards fellowship. These aren’t just some suggestions, this is what the early Church did. They were highly committed to these things.

The first of these things was the Apostle’s Teachings. There is a great parallel between the Great Commission and the events transpiring here: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20. Peter preaches the Gospel in an initial sermon, and immediately we have the new Church being taught the Way. The new Church was instructed as to how to follow Jesus.

Today’s Church has missed on this instruction. The Church today is simply not training believers how to follow Christ. The Great Commission commands us to make disciples of all nations and to teach them to obey everything Christ has commanded us. Consider that 90% of Americans own a Bible, but only half can name a single Gospel; and 10% think Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife (Nancy Gibbs). It would seem to me we’ve failed on the teaching part.

While over 60% of Americans believe the Bible is the Word of God, only 35% believe it is the literal Word of God (I’m not sure if parables caused confusion here), we may have a problem. This is really an unfortunate thing. The Epistles were all written to provide some type of instruction. The Word trains us in righteousness and thoroughly equips us for every good work (II Timothy 3:16-17). If we fail at learning the Word, if we don’t continue in the Apostles teachings, if we don’t become disciples, everything else will deteriorate as a result of being on a weak foundation and having no roots.

Some would argue at this point “Well we have Sunday School, and we have sermons, etc…” I agree, but I also think those things are failing. Most Sunday school classes prefer to spoon-feed the Saints rather than get into the meat of the Word of God. Sermons have been reduced to 3-point strategies no longer than 45 minutes. I just read an article in Relevant Magazine where a journalist visited 6 different Churches over the course of 6 Sundays; when he visited a Pentecostal Church he complained because the sermon went over 45 minutes, and the other sermons had all been about 20 minutes. Honestly I wanted to go to that man and look him square in the face and tell him he sickened me.

In Acts 20 the Apostle Paul is in Troas, getting ready to leave, and he preached all through the night until daybreak. What would the American Church do if we were confronted with actually having to be students of the Word? The Church that started at Pentecost thrived, and at the heart of that thriving was their continuation in the Apostles teaching, passed on to us in the Bible. In I Peter 2:2 we are told that we, as newborn babies, should desire the milk of the Word, and that through it we will grow.

The reason there are so many false prophets, strange doctrines, and private interpretations being popularized today is 1. People don’t know the Word, and therefore cannot spot false teachings; and 2. Those that do know the Word have failed to teach it to others and rebuke false prophets. There are people today (“cough… Joel Osteen…cough…Benny Hinn…cough”) teaching the strangest things, God can’t move on your behalf until you think positively; there are 3 levels to the anointing, etc… These are some pretty wacko doctrines! But the Church can’t recognize them because it has not continued in the Apostles teaching, we’ve not continued in the Message of Christ, and therefore the Church is being led astray. If we in the Church ever want to thrive like the Apostolic Church did, we must return to the Word of God that they preached!

We’ve lost a true expression of Biblical fellowship: Biblical fellowship, according the David Guzik, is about sharing something. Today we in the Church share, but I think we’re sharing the wrong things. We share gossip, we share feuds, we share anger, we share bitterness, we share mutual dislike, we share complaints, we share plenty, but we’re sharing all the wrong things! We ought to be sharing our lives, made common by the Savior and Lord we all share! If we share our struggles, we can share in rejoicing our victories!

Let’s look at this in context, Luke says they continued in fellowship, and he says they were together, had everything in common (all things were shared by all, in the Greek), sold their possessions and gave as others had need, met in the Temple courts, broke bread in their homes, praised together, and enjoyed the favor of all people. That’s a lot of stuff they were doing. The idea we get is they were always sharing their lives, always working with each other. Today we might say there were joined at the hips.

Fellowship was much more to the early believers than a 5 minute meet-and-greet at the beginning of each service. It was much more than a meal at Christmas and Resurrection Sunday time. How many times have we gone over to someone’s house with the intention of taking communion and praising God? Honestly the Church has set up such a hierarchy I think most people would be afraid to give communion because we haven’t given them a fancy enough title yet.

The early Church shared everything with each other.
The benefits of fellowship cannot be under-estimated. Fellowship provides accountability, it provides support, it helps intensify our heart for God, it provides a place of security and openness, it provides a place to receive prayer when we’re sick and struggling, the list goes on and on.

Now I must separate breaking of bread from fellowship. Breaking of bread was part of their fellowship, but it’s also a distinct activity. Sadly we’ve reduced it to a monthly ritual with little meaning. That is not, however, what communion is meant to be. To be as brief as possible, but still capture the essential meaning of communion I’ll quote a song:
“This is the body, this is the blood, Broken and poured out for all of us
In this communion, we share in His love, This is the body, this is the blood.
I will remember, everything Lord, You've done for me. I won't take for granted the sacrifice that set me free. I hunger and thirst for Your love, come fill me today. This is the body, this is the blood. Broken and poured out for all of us. In this communion we share in His love, this is the body this is the blood."

We are to do this in remembrance of our Lord (I Corinthians 11:25). We remember His sacrifice, we remember that His body was beaten and His blood was spilled so that we could be cleansed from all our unrighteousness. What Christ did is anything but ritual, Christ’s death and resurrection is the pivotal point in human history! As His followers we must remember what He did for us, in doing this I think it would be hard to follow Christ irreverently, or in word only in a dry and ritual way. When we realize what Christ has done for us we have no choice but to respond decisively and radically. On the other hand, if we fail to remember what Christ has done for us, than we will live as if He’s done nothing.

Just imagine gathering at each other’s homes to fellowship and break bread. It should not be a rare occurrence during Holiday seasons. Fellowshipping and breaking of bread should be sincere and it should be often. Let us bare in mind that these things are not suggestions, they are mandates.

Now we are told the early Church was devoted to prayer. I think today’s Church has failed when it comes to prayer.
Our failure has been 2-fold: 1. We don’t pray often enough. 2. We don’t understand what prayer is, so when we do pray it’s nearly meaningless.

As far as not praying often enough I’ve heard different accounts. Some assert the average American prays 2 minutes/day; while the average Christian prays 4 minutes each day and the average pastor prays a whopping 7 minutes each day. An Ellison Research Group study showed more favorable numbers, stating that the average Protestant minister prays 39 minutes each day, among those Pentecostal ministers compare favorably, averaging 47 minutes a day. Our pastors may be doing alright, but the overall population isn’t doing so hot.

Time, thank God, isn’t a very good measure of prayer. I think a good measure of prayer is the relationship one has with Jesus. Prayer is the key to intimacy with Christ, and as a result it would seem to me we could gauge the quality of one’s prayer life based on one’s relationship with the Lord. Here statistics fail, because to ask “are you in a good relationship with Christ” is to ask a question that will mean 1,000 different things to a thousand different people.

At any rate we think wrongly about prayer. We think it’s like a lottery, or we think of God as a magic genie waiting to grant our every whim. Prayer should not simply be a laundry list of things we want God to do for us, rather it should be conversing with God; seeking His face, searching for His guidance, discoursing about His will.

What individual topics will be addressed in prayer varies from person to person. As a student my campus comes up a lot. True prayer aligns us with God’s will, and once the Church starts walking in God’s will the Church will be unstoppable.

Now that we’ve examined these 4 marks of the early Church, we are told of their results. We are told there were wonders and miraculous signs. We are told the believers had everything in common. We are told they praised God. We are told they had the favor of all men.

It should come as no surprise we don’t see this when we realize we’re not continuing in the way of the early Church. If we don’t continue in the Apostle’s teachings (as given in the Bible), if we don’t continue in fellowship, if we don’t continue in breaking bread and prayer how can we expect anything good to come out of the Church?

Instead of a vibrant Church we’ve got one that accepts humanistic and selfish doctrines, teaching God was made to serve us. This is not what the Apostles taught. Instead of fellowship we’ve got an embittered, angry, and greedy Church. We think of relationships in economic terms. We invest in people, we value others, etc… I thank God He doesn’t think of us economically, if He did Christ would have never bought us.

We don’t praise like we should because we don’t think of God like we should. We don’t remember Christ’s sacrifice, we don’t realize how much He loves us, we don’t think of Him as the Lord of all Creation. If we did all these things we’d always have an attitude of praise and a heart of worship.

And if we fail in prayer how can we expect God to use us? How can we expect to see wonders and miracles? If we’re not walking with God how will we ever know when to pray or who to pray for or what to pray about? We have to be close to God and allow Him to show us these things, but if we don’t devote ourselves to prayer we’re cutting ourselves off at the root.

If the Church ever wants to see a true expression of worship, if the Church wants effective discipleship, if the Church wants vibrant ministry, if we want evangelism to flourish, if we want genuine fellowship, we’ve got to get back to the basics.

Now I’m tired of everyone sitting through the sermon saying “amen” and nodding your heads. God doesn’t just want your lip service, He wants your hands and your heart. God’s Word has practical application in our lives, and I think the Church has good theory but poor application. I can’t apply prayer to your life, I can’t make you fellowship, I can’t make you break bread, I can’t make you worship. How you come to apply all these things is something you’ll need to pray about and seek God’s face on. I’ve done my part in exposing you to the teachings of the Apostles.

Taking Issue With the Chapman Philosophy

Well, being that I've got a big debate coming up (it'll probably be about 7 blogs, each with my writing and my opponents) I wasn't going to write anything until then, but I saw advice so treacherous I had to take issue with it.

Don Chapman is a fairly prominent worship leader, his WorshipIdeas newsletter reaches over 50,000 people every week (including me). At one point I was so fed up with what Mr. Chapman said I un-subscribed, but eventually they started sending the newsletters to me again anyway. At any rate you can find out more about Chapman here: www.worshipideas.com and www.worshipideas.blogspot.

com

I've never met Chapman, I don't know him personally, and I'm not here to judge his character in any way. But as he has proposed what I think is not just a bad idea, but an unbiblical one, I must confront that.

I was going through my inbox, and saw the Worshipideas e-mail, and I saw the title was about hiring non-Christians for your worship team. Based on my past experience I thought "Oh I'll have to disagree with him", and I thought that rightly so. Chapman proposes that hiring non-Christians on your worship team can be a great way to enhance your musical talent and also evangelize.

It seems like a good idea in theory, but truthfully I think it falls short. Matthew 15:8-9 states " ‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.’" (NIV)
Upon examining the word for worship here we see it is Sebomai in the Greek. It means “To revere, stressing the feeling of awe or devotion” (Vine’s). Or “To revere, i.e. adore:--devout, religious, worship.” (Quickverse).

Now most of the time in the New Testament the word translated worship is Proskuneo. So why use Sebomai here? Well the verse quotes Isaiah 29:13. Notice that the definition of Sebomai here stresses reverence and adoration. The Biblical standard of worship goes far beyond a Sunday morning service, it refers to a consistent lifestyle of reverence, devotion, and service to God. In light of this by hiring a non-Christian to serve on a worship team one is putting an individual on said team that is worshiping in word only while the individual's heart is far from God.

This not only threatens the unity of the worship team, but it also makes the non-Christian a hypocrite, and sets a bad example. Worship team members are co-workers in the worship leading process. People in the congregation don't look at that stage and just see instrumentalists, they see worshipers and worship leaders. When the Apostles considered administrators to distribute food they required those people be full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3). Any leader in any capacity in the Church should be someone of high integrity. There are high standards for deacons ("the practical servants of the Church" according to David Guzik), which, though it refers to a specific office in most American Churches (e.g.-the deacon board), does not have such a political definition in the Greek.

In addition to sacrificing the Biblical model of leadership, having a non-Christian on a worship team is just asking for discord. I'm not saying a non-believer can't play instruments, that would be absurd, but in terms of their approach to worship and the Church in general they will have radically different ideas. I remember at camp there were a few staff members (kitchen staff and maintenance) that were not very committed Christians. While other counselors and I tried to set godly examples and get the campers focused on God, these staff members would negate our work by keeping them aimed at the carnal. What's worse is the campers had the impression they could follow these staff member's example (and they should have been able to, but there is sometimes a discrepancy between a testimony written on paper and one lived out). As you might imagine this could have detrimental effects on one's faith.

Worship leaders and worship teams are not much different. They should be spiritual leaders as well. Mr. Chapman has complained in the past that most Church boards are made up of business men rather then Spirit-filled believers, but what he is proposing here is no different. If you don't want worldly business men orchestrating your Church's business why would you want wordly instrumentalists on your worship team? I don't think it takes a genius to figure out the error here.

No serious minister would hire a youth pastor hoping "he might get saved after a while", so why would one hire worship team members with the same hope? I think we need to take spiritual leadership in any form seriously. It is not only ordained ministers who are called to have high moral character. Let us not forget the first Christian martyr was not an apostle or bishop, but an administrator, almost a layperson by today's standards.

Movie Review, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

With all the hype going on regarding Ben Stein's documentary "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" I was surprised there was such a small turn out, no more then 30 or so in the entire theater, when I saw it yesterday.

I'd done a great deal of reading about people calling it "propaganda" and so forth, and I must say I don't think any of the criticisms I heard regarding the movie were justified. Some claimed the movie provided different definitions of intelligent design, was grossly unfair, and so forth. However, the people who say such things are only justifying the overriding principle of the movie; that scientists and academics who think God might possibly have had a role in bringing the universe into existence are unfairly treated as illogical "ignorant or insane" (Richard Dawkins).

Thus I feel inclined to take a fair look at the movie, and in doing so I'll articulate my opinion on the controversy regarding it. According to the movie's definition, intelligent design is the theory that certain scientific phenomena are best explained by the existence of an intelligent designer. Now this is not a sectarian religious claim, for as a Christian I'm in agreement with Muslims, Jews, and people of other religions in regards to the fact that God (or a god) created the universe.

This is not Young Earth Creationism, for though I am a YEC (Young Earth Creationist), I consider the debate between myself and evolutionists as secondary to the question of whether or not God is the original cause of the universe's existence. Thus the movie does not attempt to disprove or discredit evolutionary theory (even YECs such as myself believe in some evolution), but deals with whether evolution can answer such questions as "where did we come from originally?

Essentially the answer is no, by the National Academy of Science's own definition science is the study of natural processes, causes, and effects. Whereas God is not a natural process, cause, or effect it is beyond science to make a verdict on this issue. This is not to say religion and science are enemies, nor is it to say that they don't over-lap, but there are certain mutually exclusive territories regarding religion and science.

What Ben Stein proposes is there are certain members of the scientific community who are taking evolution and using it to justify an atheistic world view, thus making science and religion enemies. I don't know how anyone can deny this fact when Richard Dawkins and PZ Myers admit to this openly on camera. However it becomes apparent that the claims of these people stem not from science, but from their contempt and disdain for anything God.

The heart of the issue is not Creation V. Evolution, the heart of the issue is can you be a rationally thinking person and believe in God? Any of my frequent readers will know that I answer that question with an emphatic YES! I do believe God created the universe and I don't believe science in any way contradicts the rationality of that belief, I believe that there is a place where science can't go further and based on what we've learned by it we must come to some conclusions.

So what is this place? This is where intelligent design comes in, now some say "that's not science", fine! Let me say then that it is a philosophy rooted in scientific evidence. Saying intelligent design isn't science in no way diminishes what it proposes, here's why.

The ultimate question, as we've mentioned, is not one regarding creation or evolution, it's one regarding the existence of God. And what Ben Stein does is asks point blank "where did we come from", "how did matter begin to exist in the first place" etc... These are questions asked point blank in the movie, and one man dodges it, but Richard Dawkins did answer. Dawkins says (paraphrased) that perhaps some advanced life form, that itself developed through evolutionary processes, seeded a living cell on the earth.

Ok, Dawkins big conclusion that every atheist in the world hails as scientific is we came from aliens. I should like to ask, how is that conclusion any more scientific then the hypothesis of God? I'd also like to ask what caused those aliens to exist?

You see what I'm saying? Science searches for facts, but this is something that science isn't able to approach. What I propose is the Kalam argument:
1. Everything that begins to exist has a cause
2. The universe began to exist
3. The universe has a cause (that must necessarily be uncaused and never began to exist but always was, this I say, is God).

My argument is rooted in science, in that it's easily proved everything that begins to exist has a cause, and that the universe began to exist. The logical conclusion is not "natural" and therefore not scientific, but it does not contradict science. I will happily pose this hypothesis against Dawkins aliens.

So I'll end with a challenge, prove me wrong. I'll debate anyone, anytime, anywhere, unashamedly. The hypothesis of God that so many atheists have tried to suppress falsely in the name of science is certainly no less logical then Dawkins aliens (that fall short in that they still need a cause).

God bless!
Joey

The End of The World As We Know It

In response to my most recent post (The Interview) I've received a request to further explain my views on the end times. Eschatology is a deep, highly debated subject. I don't intend to examine every verse dealing with the subject, nor do I intend to provide a detailed analysis of everything that will happen from the Second Coming through the 7 year tribulation.

The first thing I'd like to address is the Second Coming. Now if you'll examine Matthew 24 there are signs given that will precede Christ's Second Coming. Wars and rumors of wars, the earth quaking in various places, famines, persecution and so forth will all be transpiring before Christ returns for the saints. There is one thing regarding this that causes much confusion, and that is in fact the actual return.

When people say "The Second Coming" they often refer either to 1. The Rapture, and 2. Christ coming, judging the nations, the Thousand Year reign and so forth. So many are confused as to what will happen when. However, this is easily understood by realizing there are two phases in the Second Coming, in phase 1 Christ comes for the Saints (the Rapture), and in phase 2 Christ comes with the Saints. Essentially phase 1 happens, we have the seven year tribulation, and then phase 2 of the Second Coming. I Thessalonians 4:16-17, Luke 21:20-33, and Matthew 25:31-46 help explain why I'm saying this. For one event is visible by all, and obvious (the 2nd phase); the other is unexpected and involves the Church being caught to meet Christ in the air (1st phase). See http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/proph/rapt2com.htm for more details.

Rest assured I'm giving only a brief synopsis of these events. There are many other details, passages, arguments, and views regarding this.

Now after the Rapture, I believe there will be a 7 year period of tribulation. I believe most of the book of Revelation deals with this time period and what will transpire then. This is the time that will see the anti-Christ, the plagues, great judgment on nations, and so forth. There are specific prophecies regarding the anti-Christ and other end-time events found in the books of the major and minor prophets in the Old Testament (Isaiah, Daniel, Joel, etc...).

Immediately prior to this tribulation the Church has been taken (raptured). At the end of this tribulation we will see Armageddon, and the return of Christ with the Saints. This will lead to the 1000 year reign of Christ.

Now to get to the point, we don't honestly know exactly when Christ will return. At any rate there is no reason He could not return before you finish reading this post; and on the other hand He might not return for another 50 to a hundred (or more) years. It is my personal opinion that it will be sooner rather then later.

Either way, we should realize that life is a vapor (James 4:14). We need to live for Christ every moment of the day and every day of the week. Whether He's coming today, or next year, or 1000 years from now should have no impact on how we live; because we ought to live a life pleasing to God all the time!

Philippians 3:12-16 (God's Word Translation) sums up how we ought to live:
"It's not that I've already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Whoever has a mature faith should think this way. And if you think differently, God will show you how to think. However, we should be guided by what we have learned so far."
(Emphasis Mine)

Interview

I just did this interview, I thought it was pretty interesting so I'll share and see what you all think (my answers in italics):

> What does Spiritual warfare mean to you?

Spiritual warfare, in simplest terms, is the enemy attempting to keep us out of relationship with God in way one or another. There are numerous "strategies" but the goal of all of them is the same.

>
> What do you believe to be your purpose in life?
> There is much confusion about this, but ultimately life's purpose is not about something or somewhere, but someone. I believe life's greatest purpose is intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Occupations/talents/gifts are secondary to this.
>
> What Bible passage is your favorite?
> As far as we can have "favorites" I'd say Hebrews 12:1-3
>
> Who is your favorite Bible character apart from Jesus?
> Apollos
>
> Other than Biblical figures, who have been your heroes
> of the faith?
> Jim Whittaker, Mark Carter, D.S., John Ervin, my father to name a few
>
> In your mind what event has had the greatest effect
> upon the moral degradation of America?
> The Church abandoning the Gospel of Christ for political power.
>
> In a nutshell. what are your end times views?
> I'm a pre-tribulationist with a futuristic interpretation of Revelation
>
> What role(s) do you believe that Holy Spirit plays in
> our lives as Christians?
> I don't know is if I can provide an exhaustive list; but He fills us, empowering us for righteous living and ministry, He makes intercession for us, convicts of sin, and guides us in our relationship with Christ, as well as speaking to us individually in regards to various things (like I said, not exhaustive, but a start).
>
> To what degree are you responsible for your own
> sanctification?
> Essentially, since it is the Spirit that empowers us to live righteously, our only role is in following Him as He leads us in living God's Word (both written and spoken). This is not to say we have a passive role though, for we must follow and I don't think God is going to stop moving.
>
> What does baptism mean to you?
> Baptism represents dieing to sin (going under) and being made alive in Christ (resurrected/coming up)
>
> How do you feel about the death penalty?
> I feel it is not preferable, but may be necessary. In regards to the political aspect I think it is a state issue and should not be handled by the federal government.
>
> How do you feel about physical war?
> It is certainly not desirable, but is sometimes unavoidable.
>
> What is your take on the Iraqi war?
> At the time the decision was made to go to war we had legitimate reasons to do it. However, the war has been badly mis-managed. We need to set practical goals for the stabilization of Iraq, reach those goals, and get out ASAP.
>
> What do believe about the New World Order conspiracy?
> It's not a conspiracy, it's a reality. Governments have tried many times in the last century to create similar bodies and I believe with the European Union we are closer then we've ever been.
>
> How do you feel about the Patriot Act?
> 100% un-Constitutional, it needs to be repealed and done away with immediately.
>
> What are your thoughts on the 2008 presidential
> election?
> We are not going to get a great president. At present I lean towards John McCain, though not very strongly. I'd vote for Ron Paul on a 3rd party ticket.

> In your opinion, which political system is most
> compatible with Christian spirituality?
> In terms of freedom to practice Christianity I'd say a Constitutional Democratic Republic. However, not political system should hinder a sincere believer from practicing, look at Paul and Peter in the Roman Empire.
>
> Can Christians truly be tolerant?
> Absolutely, in fact I think we as Christians should lead in the community of tolerance. That is not to say we must agree with or support everything, I certainly don't support same-sex marriage or abortion, but that is not to say I'm intolerant of people who do. I disagree with them, and I'll debate anyone anytime, unashamedly, but Christ was never intolerent, rather He left us an example of moral love and concern.
>
> What is your favorite movie?
> Amazing Grace
>
> Which 5 posts from your blog(s) do believe to be most
> significant? (post the links here)

> "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" -http://checkmate101.blogspot.com/2007/03/lost-tomb-of-jesus.html

"Time for Some Apologetics" -http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=100094885&blogID=191321525&Mytoken=B548B418-1A26-4C1A-9A711BEDBE0C03EA45853326
"
Family of God" -http://checkmate101.blogspot.com/2007/01/family-of-god.html

"A Generation in Chaos" -http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=100094885&blogID=267622753&Mytoken=0FF1EC58-45B8-4D5A-B6D895422AD2AF07841630

"When God Crashes a New Years Party"- http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=100094885&blogID=343924866&Mytoken=91AF15D5-1EBE-49C9-98EE9CAD074D6C0E46678973

>
> What other blogger(s) would you like to see
> interviewed?
> N/A

A Brief Response to Biblical Critics and an Examination of the Kalam Argument

The following are two related pieces I wrote in the last few days:

Part 1
Today I had the opportunity to discuss the meaning of Easter with various people; and in the midst of that someone told me they think there are lies in the Bible. Being the philosopher that I am I had to ask "why?" (nearly all philosophies attempt to answer that question in regards to something).

The response was (basically) "Well, it uses fear tactics... do this or you’ll go to hell, there’s no way to prove it". Now how often do we hear that? People are "scared" into religion, that accusation is thrown around a lot. Though I did not have the opportunity to discuss this at length with that individual, I do hope I got them thinking. However, I’d like to deal with it more in depth here.

I’d like to start by addressing that specific argument, that the Bible uses fear tactics to get people to believe. I must say Christianity has mis-represented God and His Word if people believe that the main reason one should be/is a Christian is to avoid hell. Now Jesus didn’t make any bones about, He was abundantly clear in stating that there is a hell, and that it’s not a pleasant place; but truly that is poor motivation to accept Christ. God doesn’t want a relationship with us based on fear, He wants one with us based on love. I’m of the opinion that the only reason God doesn’t force everyone to accept Him is He wants us to love Him because we WANT TO, not because we HAVE TO.

Now it should also be noted that the argument that was presented is an emotional one, not a logical one. As such it should not be one that really needs addressing, but unfortunately there is just as much mis-understanding about this issue in the Church as there is among non-Christians.

The heart of this issue is not one of whether or not there is a hell, but whether or not God exists; and if He does it begs the question "can we know Him?", and "What is He like?". I feel the Church may have been led astray on this, so I must confront it (this should answering many questions of skeptics as well).

In answering the question of God’s existence I will use two brief arguments.
1. To say God does not exist is a logically indefensible position. For example; if I were to say that I’ve hidden three golden coins somewhere in Fairmont and then ask you to find them, you could report back saying 1 of 3 things. You could assert you’ve looked, did not find them, and so they do not exist; you could assert you looked, but could not find them, but they may exist somewhere you have not looked; or you could assert the coins do exist, and you’ve found them (and then show them to me).

Now obviously the last two assertions can be verified; but the first one can not. To assert the coins do not exist one must have looked in every corner, hallway, street, box, cabinet, closet, book, etc... anywhere a coin may fit in the entire city! That position can not be verified. The second one may be, for it is very possible you did not look everywhere so the coins are somewhere you’ve not yet looked; and of course the third one is verified by producing the coins and telling me where you found them. So in short, to say God does not exist, an atheist must have searched EVERY philosophy, every religion, every piece of evidence, every space in the universe, etc... And where as NO ONE has searched the entire universe they certainly can not make the assertion God does not exist.

However, being that I’m attempting to make assertion 3 (the coins exist, I found them; in this case God exists, here He is) I must provide some type of evidence or logical proposition that verifies His existence. I will start with just one simple three-point argument:
1. Everything that begins to exist has a cause
2. The universe began to exist
3. The universe MUST HAVE a cause.

This gets us half-way through assertion 3. However, how do I know for certain that Jesus Christ is the correct way? There are three major monotheistic religions, how do I know Christianity is the correct one?

Well by means of reasoning we can safely say that there can only be one God. For it is quite impossible for there to be two all-powerful or infinitely powerful beings. They would eventually collide and thus limit each other and so they would no longer be all powerful. If you’ve seen "The Year Without a Santa Clause" think of the Coldmiser and Heatmiser; one of them can control a geographic area, but they can not possibly both simultaneously control the same area peaceably when one would lower and the other raise the temperature.

So we know that there can only be one Creator (Ockham’s Razor also leads to this conclusion). How do we know whether Judaism, Islam, or Christianity is correct?

The easiest way to draw lines here is the person of Jesus Christ. As a Christian I hold He is God-made-flesh and the Savior of mankind. Jews generally hold unfavorable (at best) opinions of Him; and Islamists hold He was a great prophet and nothing more, nothing less.

Now the central tenant of the Christian faith (and the greatest verification that Christ is God-made-flesh) is the Resurrection of Christ, for Islam or Judaism to genuinely discredit Christianity they must discredit the Resurrection. However, in light of all the historical evidence there is no logical reason NOT to believe the Resurrection as recorded in the Gospels.

There are several theories that do attempt to explain the Resurrection as something else. Those of the Islamic faith hold Jesus was never actually crucified, but a criminal that looked just like Him was crucified in His stead and Christ was taken to be with Allah. The problem here is this story has NO historical backing or record, it is contradicted by accurate historical records, and it wasn’t even proposed until the 700-800’s A.D. so there are no witnesses and no way to verify this.

Judaism typically tries to deal with the Resurrection by saying the disciples stole Jesus body from the tomb. Well, here’s the problems with that argument.
1. The tomb was guarded by a Roman guard; and it doesn’t follow logically that 11 (Judas Iscariot would not have been among them at this point) mostly unarmed disciples could defeat a company of the most well-trained soldiers in the world.
2. The Gospels record the origin of this argument as one made-up by the religious leaders in Jerusalem to silence talk about the Resurrection (Matthew 28:12-14).
3. The Disciples would not have died proclaiming Christ crucified, risen, and coming again if they knew the Resurrection was a lie.
4. This does not account for all the post-Resurrection witnesses of Christ.

So now I’d like to propose just a little bit of the evidence for the Resurrection of Christ. There were, in fact, several eyewitnesses, including the 11 disciples, two disciples on the road to Emmaeus, the women and their company at the tomb, the apostle Paul, and over five-hundred cited by Paul most of which were alive at the time (See the last chapters of the Gospels, I Corinthians 15:4-8).

There was also reporting of the preaching of the Resurrection, and the life of Christ in secular writings such as those of Flavius Josephus, and Tacitus. Not to mention records of the early Church in early Jewish writings.

The fact is the Gospels are so well verified from an archeological, historical, philosophical, even medical perspective there is no significant reason to doubt the Resurrection of Christ. Here I’ve only presented a small sample of all the arguments and evidence in the apologetic world, hopefully I’ve left the door open for some debate and discussion.

Well, that seems enough to get the discussion going. God bless!
Joey

Part 2
For those of you that read my most recent note, you’ll find I used a three-point argument to briefly prove the existence of God.

For those of you who are familiar with Dr. William Lane Craig or Lee Strobel (individuals from whom I gather many of these arguments) the Kalam argument should ring a bell. For those of you not so engaged in apologetics I’ll re-cap it here:
1. Everything that begins to exist has a cause
2. The universe began to exist
3. The universe has a cause.

Now in my last note I discussed briefly why the cause must be God. In this note I’d like to get into some of the objections to this argument and a few of the finer points.

Now many atheists upon hearing this argument will say one of two things:
1. What caused God?
2. The cause of the universe: is a cosmic-vacuum, can be demonstrated by Hawking’s Oscillating Model, etc...

The first question is an absurdity and completely misunderstands the argument. Notice that ONLY things that BEGIN to exist have a cause. God never began to exist, He always existed. He is eternal; transcending time. It is not the case that God was around for an infinite number of years before He created the world; it is that years were not even in existence, time was not around.

Now the second argument, that the universe was caused by a cosmic vacuum, universe making machine, etc... does not eliminate the necessity of God. Why? Because that universe making machine would have had to begin to exist, and therefore it must have a cause. Based on the same reasons I previously stated that cause must be God I state this cause would have to be God.

No scholar will dispute the fact that everything that begins to exist has a cause. However, some do dispute that the universe began to exist. But, the universe is distinct from God as far as eternal existence goes. For we know that time does exist, and the universe must be finite. To say the universe has existed an infinite number of years is to commit a mathematical absurdity that can only be proved in theory with imaginary numbers.

The universe can not be infinitely old because that would lead to contradictory mathematical results. For example:
Infinity minus infinity= 0
Infinity minus infinity= infinity
Infinity minus infinity =1
To provide a concrete example, say I have an infinite number of dollars, and I give you all of my money, this would be case 1 (above).
If I give you half of my money, this would be case 2.
If I give you all but 1 dollar this would be case 3.

As you can see, these are mathematical contradictions, because infinity is simply a theoretical idea and does not truly exist.

Some would here say that "How did God exist for infinity?" to which I must reply God is eternal, infinity is a span we humans created. God transcends our measurements of time, power, wisdom, etc... God is unmeasurable, not infinitely measurable.

Therefore, the Kalam argument stands up to these various scrutinies.

(For more see: Dr. William Lane Craig, www.reasonablefaith.org, and Lee Strobel’s "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for a Creator").

Be Happy?

Today I was talking with a middle-school aged kid who mentioned people in his school who cut themselves, and relate with the "emo" crowd.

Last week there was a fire and shooting threat at my alma mater.

Yesterday there was a bomb threat at a different local high school.

Does anyone see something wrong with these pictures?

I do. I see unhappy, dissatisfied people. Particularly unhappy, dissatisfied young people.

Why? Isn't today's prevailing theory of secular humanism, which teaches that the chief aim of man is to be happy, working? Is it not making people happy? No, apparently it's not; it seems to me it's making people miserable. Now don't get me wrong, there are numerous contributing factors to the decay of youth, but the one that seems most prevalent is a lake of direction and purpose, which should ultimately come from God.

Secular humanism fails in that it teaches mans chief purpose is to be happy. I'm sorry, but being happy is not a purpose, it is a symptom of one fulfilling purpose, not the purpose in and of itself.

Why do todays youth feel abandoned, and depressed, and distressed to the point they are mutilating themselves, and threatening to kill their principals? Because they are missing their purpose. We tell them to be happy, but provide no way to be happy. Happiness does not come from drugs, and sex, and wild partying, etc... Happiness will come when people enter the purpose God has for them; happiness is not the purpose, it is a result.

Listen to these words of the great preacher Smith Wigglesworth:
"If you wish to be anything for God, do not miss His plan. God has no room for you on ordinary lines" (emphasis mine). Humanism only has room for you on ordinary lines. The reason people are not happy with humanism is because it forces conformity to mediocrity. It is no wonder people are unfulfilled and unhappy!

In a very real way people today are parched. They want some substance to life, the humanistic world is a desert, with nothing but sand. However life in Christ is fulfilling! John 7:38 (NIV) says: "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." You need some water to truly live an abundant, fulfilling life, and Christ offers streams of living water to all who believe in Him!

A.W. Tozer said "the chief aim of man is to glorify God". You will never achieve true happiness outside of the will of God! God has put desires and dreams in your heart for a reason, He wants you to live abundantly. Jesus came "that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10, NIV). Jesus wants us to have an abundant, full life; but you have to believe in the One who offers that life!

So humanism says you should aim to be happy; it is apparent that happiness is a result, not a method. The only way you will ever truly be happy is by submitting your life to Jesus Christ and His great will for your life!

Blog Catalog

So I've signed up for blog catalog, it looks pretty cool. You should all sign up for it.

I probably should update this blog more often. Maybe I'll make that one of my goals.

God bless!

Everything

Alright, I've got more stuff running through my head then I can fit in the title, so I think the above title pretty well explains this post.

First, as most of you know I can be fairly cynical and caustic. I guess in some scenarios being cynical can be good. But for that to be the case the cynicism has to result in some type of positive action. I always hear about how corrupt our two big parties (Democrat and Republican) are; well my answer is to stop voting them into office! There is a plethora of third parties that we could elect. There is literally a third party that could cater to anybody's trifling whims. Even if we only gave third parties 20 seats in the Senate, and the two main parties both had about 40 third parties would be powerful enough to tilt a vote. We don't need overwhelming majority, just a solid minority. Look at British Parliament and people like Gladstone; they weren't only prominent when their party was in power. They were prominent when they made up a strong minority. It would be benefitting to this country to give the third parties a little bit of power. Now that I've done my political rant I think I should sum this up: cynicism can be good when it produces positive change.

Next, I'm tired of the Church being mis-represented by ignorant people. If people like Rosie O'Donnel honestly think that Christianity can be just as dangerous as Islam then one of two things has happened. 1. We in the Church have failed to show what the Church is really about. 2. People like O'Donnel are greatly mis-interpreting our message. Maybe it's a little bit of both. Pat Robertson hasn't really been a beacon of Christian love in this country. We in the Church need to distance ourselves from being dominated by a political agenda. It's not wrong for us to be involved in politics; but when politics run our churches we are in for a slew of trouble. Aside from this we have a tremendous amount of ignorant believers. Either they are Biblically ignorant but are "logical" or they are Biblically educated but can't seem to grasp logic. I would like the point out that you don't have the leave your brain at the Church door. There is room for educated, logical people in the Church. Like Aristotle said "it is the mark of an educated man to be able to entertain an idea without accepting it". This is not the state of the Church, so many Christian's are so closed to anything anybody (except Pat Robertson) says is wrong they have lost the ability to think for themselves.

Of course the same can be said of the far-left progressive movement. If the ACLU says it they believe it, no questions asked. They spout their mantras like is Canon; and if you disagree they respond as if they expect God to strike you down (even though they generally don't believe in God; which makes me ask, if there is no God then why should we give any thought to morals?).

Now getting a little bit more personal; I don't like it when people decide to take interest in me. Let me clarify: if I'm reading a book intently, please just leave me alone. I don't want you to sit there and watch me, I don't need your opinions of the author. If I want that stuff I'll engage you in conversation. I don't mind if you ask the title of the book, and what it's about; but don't go into a big speel about how much you disagree with the author. I honestly doubt you've read everything they have written in the first place. Now this applies not just when I'm reading, but when I'm talking with friends, when I'm writing, when I'm on myspace, when I'm doing anything like that. Please just let me do my thing.

Right along with that is I'm a very personal person. Let me try to put this into perspective for you. Think of a football field, I'm at one end of it. How open I am about personal matters with you depends on where you are in relation to the end zone that I'm at. There are few things that drive me nuts more then someone at the 50 yard line that thinks they're at the end zone. It is not my intention to be rude, but if you're at the fifty yard line I don't even know if you're on my team yet! Now keep in mind, this is a football field, you can always move closer (or farther away). Every mark you pass opens up the possibility for a closer relatinship, which opens the door for more openness and benefits as a friend. How do you become friends with me? Or anyone for that matter? Well, you have to talk, spend time with, help, encourage, and genuinly love anyone that is going to be a true friend, and that's just a start.

I know I normally do not get personal in my blogs, but this is something I've really been thinking about. What does friendship really mean? What does it entail? What is it in one person that would spark a desire for friendship with another?

I've always been of the opinion that we are measured by actions. But can we apply that measure to friendship? Having discussed this issue with a good friend we came to this conclusion: friendship is measured by your comfort around a person, how well that comfort allows you to communicate with that person, and what kind of bonds that allows you to form. This will then determine what you do with and for that relationship.

Any other thoughts on the topics?

The Lost Tomb of Jesus

Alright, many of you have probably already heard about "The Lost Tomb of Jesus". A documentary that will air on the discovery channel Sunday night. This documentary will present the idea that Jesus family tomb has been found, with some evidence of Jesus and Mary Magdalene having a son (named Judah, ironically).

I'm going to point out the facts about this whole find right now; because otherwise the skeptics will have a field day with this, perhaps even moreso then they did with the Da Vinci Code (which has been refuted and completely debunked, by the way; a work of fiction with no historical backing).

First, lets look at some of the theological considerations. In fact, I'll go straight to what the Discovery channel says on their website: " It is a matter of Christian faith that Jesus of Nazareth was resurrected from the dead three days after his crucifixion circa 30 C.E. This is a central tenet of Christian theology, repeated in all four Gospels. The Lost Tomb of Jesus does not challenge this belief." (Bold emphasis theirs). So there you have it, one might just dismiss the whole matter right there. But I'll go a little deeper into it. The term translated "Jesus" that is found in the tombs is the Hebrew name "Yeshua", which is indeed the name for Jesus; but also the name for Joshua. So perhaps Joshua and Mary had a son named Judah, this would explain the second Mary found in the tomb; and eliminate any theories about Jesus marrying Mary Magdalene.

But I'll go even deeper then that. What they are thinking could possibly be Mary Magdalene is in Greek "Mariamene e Mara", they translate it as "Mary, known as master". Well there are a few other possibilities here. First Mara is a diminutive of Mary, they say that right on their site. Second, it is from Aramaic they get "master" because mara is Aramaic for master; but the lettering of this inscription is Greek! Not Aramaic. Third, though the lettering is Greek, mara in Hebrew means bitter. So there are at least three possibilities of translation there; they chose "known as master" because it fits Mary Magdalene; but there is no reason I can concieve to believe it should be translated that way over the others (especially the Greek, since that inscription is in Greek).

The next thing I would like to examine is why are there three different languages for the inscriptions? (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic; ironically the languages of the Bible). If these people were a family, they would have died relatively close in time to each other; and it would make sense the inscriptions would have been put there by people speaking the same language, around the same time. I would also like to ask is what period have we dated these coffins and inscriptions to? Where the inscriptions put there at the burial or after the burial? If after the burial, by whom? And would that person be trustworthy? These are just questions I have.

Next, I would like to cite www.internetmonk.com on an article they did on it entitled "Resources and Responses to 'The Tomb of Jesus and His Family' Story".
This is a portion of what they had to say:

"But Bar-Ilan University Prof. Amos Kloner, the Jerusalem District archeologist who officially oversaw the work at the tomb in 1980 and has published detailed findings on its contents, on Saturday night dismissed the claims. "It makes a great story for a TV film," he told The Jerusalem Post. "But it's impossible. It's nonsense."

Kloner, who said he was interviewed for the new film but has not seen it, said the names found on the ossuaries were common, and the fact that such apparently resonant names had been found together was of no significance. He added that "Jesus son of Joseph" inscriptions had been found on several other ossuaries over the years.

"There is no likelihood that Jesus and his relatives had a family tomb," Kloner said. "They were a Galilee family with no ties in Jerusalem. The Talpiot tomb belonged to a middle-class family from the 1st century CE."

Well, I honestly think that answers the claims about "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" and any serious argument a skeptic might try to use from it. Please take the time to examine the evidence for yourself: "http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/tomb/explore/explore.html"
Source: http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/tomb/tomb.html

God bless!

The Sleeping Church

Well, I'm filling in for my dad at Church tomorrow so I figured I'd share the text of my sermon with you all. Enjoy.

The Sleeping Church

Ephesians 5:13-14 “But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”

In examining this text there are a few things we need to look at, a few questions we need to ask, firstly:

I. What is a sleeper? Not a sleeper as in someone entirely without Christ, a sleeper as in someone who claims to have Christ but is in some type of spiritual slump. A sleeper has several characteristics.
A Sleeper:
? Has eyes closed. Anyone who has their eyes closed obviously can’t see. Their only hope is to wander around aimlessly or open their eyes. It isn’t that light is unavailable, just one who closes their eyes refuses to accept light.
? Lets their guard down. It is impossible to sleep and be alert. A good soldier in war will never sleep without some assurance of protection, either a friend on watch or a well hidden spot. The problem with Christians having a friend on watch to alert them of the Master is no man knows the day or hour, the problem with a hiding spot is you can’t hide from God, ask Jonah! Psychology tells us that we think of so many crazy things when we are asleep because our mind is letting all of its mental guards down. Likewise when a Christian begins to let their guard down we open ourselves to the filth of the world, no resistance to the world without our guard up. Also can you imagine trying to drive a car while asleep with your guard down? I can assure you it is a sure-fire way to prevent old age. I can also tell you it’s a sure-fire way to get a ride in a hearse. Thirdly I can say if everything is coming your way you are in the wrong lane! We wouldn’t try steering a car asleep but we think we can manage our Christian life asleep.
? Allows nonsense to run through head. This is because the mental guard is down. What’s going through our heads doesn’t necessarily have to be evil to keep us from God, there are plenty of distractions that are not evil; books, board games, telephones, sports, etc... however, they become evil when we begin to put them before God. Those things can help us sleep because there is no thought put into them, they require no energy. However, service of the King requires a lot of things we just aren’t willing to give, prayer, study, dedication, but we drown all those things out because we can spend all sorts of time doing other things that allow us to remain spiritually dead! It’s amazing that we can spend two stinking hours at the theatre, but can’t spend 15 minutes praying everyday!
? Can talk but doesn’t say anything. Lots of people talk in their sleep, seldom do they ever really say anything. We see so many Christians who can talk and talk and talk about what Jane wore to work yesterday or how the Steelers didn’t make the playoffs, but how many Christians can talk just as much about the Bible? About Jesus? We have a serious problem, we might label it as gossip, or in terms of spiritual things, sleeptalking.
? Doesn’t get anything done. Obviously, how can you do anything when you are asleep? It just doesn’t make sense, it isn’t feasible. Surely Jesus calls us to go into all the world and preach The Gospel! He doesn’t intend for us to sit idly around, sleeping! What a boring life! If the Christian life is all sleeping it’s no wonder we can’t fill our Church on Sunday morning, in fact I would go so far as to say if the Church is meant to sleep we have done a wonderful job! I dare you to go home and ask your neighbor what time they got up this morning. If you ask someone under 30 there’s probably a 50% chance it wasn’t before 9:00. You ask someone under 25 and I’ll almost guarantee it wasn’t before 12:00. Yes, the Church has done wonderful job of training sleepers, good ones, just look at all the mattress commercials on TV, we are excellent sleepers. Yes, we can spend all day doing nothing but we don’t have time to spread the Gospel.
? Is indifferent to circumstances. Lastly I’ll say a sleeper is indifferent to circumstances. They don’t care what’s going on. You know why? As long as they are asleep it won’t affect them one way or the other. What difference does it make if I’m out riding my bike? As long as you are asleep you’ll never know I went by. Now if I go out and preach and wake you up then I’ll get arrested for disturbing the peace. That’s a completely different story, because loud preaching doesn’t generally encourage sleeping. A sleeper doesn’t care if their neighbor is going to eternal damnation. What difference does it make to them as long as they can go on sleeping.

1. Is the Church sleeping?
Now I ask is the Church in this state? Is the Church sleeping? Does the Church have it’s eyes closed? Have we let our guard down? Are we letting nonsense run through our head? Are we talking but not saying anything? Are we not getting anything done? Are we indifferent to circumstances? I believe the answer to all these questions is yes!
? Are our eyes closed? Well, we certainly seem to be wandering pretty aimlessly for having our eyes open. If our eyes were truly open we would see what a crises the world is in! “Oh, well we know the world’s in a crises” really, could’ve fooled me, if you really believe the world is in a crises what are we doing about it??? We could be accepting the light Christ gives us, but we can’t sleep in the midst of light! There has to be darkness for spiritual sleep (or death), because if there is light then Christ is there! If someone walks in darkness but claims to have Christ then they are lying! Light and dark are mutually exclusive, they can not co-exist! I believe the Church’s eyes have been closed for too long.
? Have we let our guard down? Where were we when abortion was legalized? Where were we when they took the Bible out of school? What are we doing now that they want to legalize gay marriage? Let me tell you right now, the Republican and Democratic parties are not going to solve the Church’s problems. There are problems inside the Church that the Church hasn’t solved yet. What are we doing now that they are celebrating Evolution Sunday? Bet you didn’t know that there are people who call themselves Christian’s celebrating Evolution Sunday; I don’t know if they planned it but it’s the same Sunday as Scout Sunday, just last week. They celebrate it under the name of “progressivism”, if telling people there are many ways to Heaven, that you don’t have to accept Christ to get to Heaven, and that we should celebrate evolution is progressive then they can keep it cause I don’t want it! What are we doing now that preachers aren’t even preaching from the Bible? They’ve taken the Bible out of school and you can see the results, are we going to let them take the Bible out of our Churches? Come on Church, stop catering to the world, let’s have a backbone! “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15).
? Are we letting nonsense run through our head? If not our heads then it is certainly running from some of our mouths, and pulpits! Preachers preaching that Jesus isn’t the only way, you know what? The Bible has a word for people who don’t teach the Bible, they’re called false!
? Are we talking but not saying anything? Well, it seems we’ll talk about anything but the Bible. We’ll talk about anything but God. We can talk... talk... talk, talk, talk, talk, but we can do all that talking and not say anything! Talk is cheap, most Americans have heard someone talk about Jesus, but very few have had someone show them Jesus! Come on, according to verse 13 whatever makes manifest is light; so by means of deductive reasoning I would argue that if we are not making manifest then we are not light! But we are meant to be the light of the world; holy vessels of the Living God! Before gold can be made to a vessel it must be purified, and the way of telling if gold is purified is you heat it to liquid, and when the refiner can see his reflection in it he knows it’s ready! We need to be that pure gold and reflect Jesus, and show His light!
? Are we not getting anything done? Well, evangelism has slowed down tremendously. They estimate that only 4% of my generation will grow up to be true, born-again Christians! The baby boomer generation had 35% and look how bad America’s gotten already! Can you imagine what it will be like with 4%? That is what will happen if the current rate of evangelism continue. I would say that at least in terms of evangelism we are not getting much done. However, in terms of compromise many Churches are moving in leaps and bounds. We’ve got people who have figured out how to compromise on homosexuality; compromise on Jesus life, death, and resurrection; compromise on the authority of Scripture; compromise on weather the Bible is “absolutely right”. Well isn’t the Church just a theological oddity! Compromise everything! The only reason we haven’t compromised evangelism is because it doesn’t exist among sleepers!
? Are we indifferent to circumstances? Well, if we aren’t getting anything done, and if we aren’t opening our eyes, and if we aren’t keeping our guard up then I can only come to the conclusion that we just don’t care anymore! This is a problem! How can we reflect the Wonderful Counselor and not care? If a counselor doesn’t care then he or she is not a good counselor, at all; I’ve been a camp counselor for three years, and have never seen a good counselor that didn’t care! Now Jesus cared, so have we so easily given up on following in His steps? “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” I Peter 2:21. Tell me, can we be indifferent and follow in His steps?

II. The Remedy. Now we can see the sleepy, dead state the Church has fallen into. And realizing your sleep is one of the first steps to awakening, spiritually speaking. So how can we wake up? What does it take?

1. Awaking
? Realize your spiritual sleep. We have got to realize that we are in a state of sleep, we have to acknowledge being in the darkness. If you don’t know your in the darkness what motivation is there to enter into light?
? Realize the darkness. We also have to come to an understanding of this darkness. It is nothing short of spiritual death. This darkness is some type of sin(s), it’s either doing what you know is wrong, or not doing what you know is right, or a combination of the two. But we have to get away from the darkness, we can no longer be partakers of it if we are going to live in Christ. Verse 11 tells us we are to have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness but that we are to reprove them! So get away from that darkness that is causing your sleep. Stay away from it, repent of your sins and never go near that darkness again!
? Something has to rouse us. If you are going to wake up there is normally a cause, a mental clock that says you’ve slept to long, or an alarm clock, or the appearance of light. In terms of spiritual sleep I believe there must be something to rouse us; The Holy Ghost moving as our alarm. Now what happens when the Holy Ghost begins to move? Well, let’s see, sins are repented of, revival begins, people begin turning to Jesus, lives are healed, Christian’s begin using this God-given power to really make a difference in this world! We have a Church like that of the Apostles that turned the world upside down!

2. No longer dead. All those happenings lead to the increasingly apparent fact that the Church is no longer dead. Instead of a sleeping Church we have a giant out causing raucous in the darkness. The mighty Army of God is on the move and the forces of evil know because the move is so strong, so powerful, so crushing that those forces are defeated left and right. Come on people, Jesus was only in that tomb for three days and then He defeated death, hell, and the grave. On that third day I can picture it now. Satan is going to death, ‘can you hold him?’ ‘Of course, no one ever beat me’ Death says confidently. Second day same thing, Satan says ‘can you hold Him, I got plenty of legions if you need back-up.’ Death replies, ‘back-up, I don’t need no back-up, no one can beat me!’ Then the third day comes, and Satan says ‘can you hold Him?’ And Death frantically replies, ‘I don’t care how many legions you’ve got, I’ve tried everything I can and there just no stopping Jesus! He’s gone out of that tomb with Resurrection power!’ We can overcome this Spiritual death by the Blood of the Lamb! Jesus was victorious, and the Church is meant to be victorious! No weapon that is fashioned against us shall prosper!

III. Christ’s light.
1. Obliterates darkness. Now we can really look at this triumphantly. We don’t have to be a dead, sleeping Church. And once we are no longer dead the last part of verse 14 tells us that Christ shall give us light! We are roused and awoken by the Spirit, And then, oh then There is Light! Jesus is apparent. Christian’s are out preaching the Gospel, strongholds of the enemy are shattered because they can not co-exist with light, this sleepy world is turned upside down! The darkness that has haunted the Church and this world begins to break, but it doesn’t stop there, the darkness is completely gone! When Christ shall set us free we shall be free indeed! We aren’t in the darkness, we aren’t bound to the darkness, we aren’t slaves to the darkness. That is the Christian life I want to live, I don’t want to be some boring old dead Christian who just barely makes it into Heaven, or who doesn’t make it at all. When I stand before that great White Throne I want to hear well done thou good and faithful servant!
2. Produces fruit. Once we are living in the light we will inevitably produce fruit. Good fruits, not the wicked fruits of this world. If you are not producing fruit then you are still dead, because faith without works is dead; a tree without leaves is dead, or at least on break for the fall. We have to produce fruit if we are to live in the light! If you dwell in Jesus and Jesus in you then John 15:4 tells us that you will produce fruit. But don’t forget you have to dwell in Jesus, for a branch produces no fruit outside of the vine, you must dwell in the light!

IV. Conclusion: So what I want to ask you today is are you asleep? Will you continue in the dead patterns of sin or will you wake up and come to Christ and live in His light? The choice is yours, I can’t make it for you, your husband or wife, or father, or mother can’t make it for you. I’ll leave you with these words: “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”

Family of God

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:" Romans 8:16, KJV

I know I've never spent a whole lot of time talking about family, but I think it would be a good issue to get some discussion on. For those of you who don't know I have a large family, 3 brothers, 1 sister, 2 parents, 23 first cousins, 1 living grandparent, 16 aunts and uncles, and several great aunts, uncles, second cousins etc...

I have a huge biological family, and there are many people with families bigger then mine. However, as a Christian the people I consider family isn't limited to biological persons. Everyone is a child of God; everyone on Earth. Not everyone is in good standing with God and not everyone will make it to Heaven because not everyone wants to be in relationship with God, but we are all God's children.

That being established there are several things about families that make them special.

We have some kind of connection to them: Even in the blogosphere there are families and groups. Blogvillage would be one, I can go to any blog on blogvillage, know there won't be innappropriate material, and comment on someone elses blog. If the question comes up "well, what connection do I have to you?" I simply reply that I'm a villager on blogvillage just like them; we have a connection. Outside of the cyber world we also have connections to family groups. Our biological family is of course the most basic one we share common ancestors, common nationalities, common traits etc... We are connected to our families.

Now what does this connection bring? We'll there are really several things that we could bring up. It often brings unity, loyalty, commitment, trust, openness; we can experience all of these things in a family because the connections that bind us are so great that more or less there is nothing that could tear us apart.

A family is also a support system, when we can not bear everything life is throwing at us family is there to help us out; to share the burden. We often are able to put aside differences just because someone is family and we know that they need us.

Now don't get me wrong there are fights in families and arguments and all of that bad stuff; but all around, families are a pretty good deal.

Now the family of God is unique from our biological families in a few ways. I can honestly tell you this; my closest friends that I talk with the really deep stuff in life about are not always biological family. There is stuff I could tell a brother in Christ that I couldn't tell a biological family member. One of my closest cousins is so close not becuase of our biological relation, but because of our relation through God. "A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24, KJV. I have friends that I would say in many ways are closer to me then my biological brothers. Jesus is closer to me then anyone else on Earth, and He always will be.

I have one close friend that I worked with at Church camp, and I talked with him about stuff that I could never have talked to my brothers about. Because he and I were closer in Christ then my brothers and I.

The point I'm trying to make is families are good, but a Church family can offer you things that biological families can not.

Often biological family members are not believers; and that puts a gap between us. For me it's a pretty big gap too. It's discouraging to be around people who can't support you in your lifes purpose, and who can't grasp who you really are because they can't grasp who you really serve. It makes it difficult.

Well, I think I've gone on enough, let me know what you think. This may not be my most cohesive post ever, but it is emotional.

God bless!

Sometimes You Gotta Take a Stand

All right, getting of the isms for now I have decided that there comes a time where you have to just say enough is enough, period.

There is a sect inside the Church today that aims to rock the very principles upon which the Church is built. They want to redefine Christianity, they want us to be "politically correct", they want to take what the Church has been for two thousand years and make it into something else. They want a modern, progressive, backboneless Church.

Well, that sounds pretty good; a nice new progressive Church. Really? It does? Is that your final answer? I must say I have my doubts.

Going into this there are several issues that need to be addressed and understood.
First, many of these "progressives" come from liberal denominations. I don't mean liberal as in politically (even though the two often coincide). This being the case I'm going to be using that term several times in this post, if you're offended deal with it; you are in the blogosphere now. Now let me give you Robert Frost's definition of liberal: "a man to broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel." I think this definition fits rather nicely.

Second, I'm conservative; the cold hard truth. Now I know if your last name is Pelosi, Clinton, or Kerry you need an inhaler to deal with that but that's the way it is.

Third, I'm am dealing with this from a Biblical standpoint. I mean the whole Bible, I don't take the Gospels and make them more important then the rest. Likewise what Paul wrote isn't any more authoritative then what James or John or Peter or Habbakuk or David wrote. If you try to make an argument by saying "well Jesus never said anything about ___________" and that issue is found elsewhere in the Bible I'm going to delete your comment. Don't try that type of flawed reasoning on my blog.

Alright, now I'm ready to begin. Let's take a group known as The Center for Progressive Christianity head on (anything I claim as one of their points can be found on their website, www.tcpc.org).

Now the question I want to look at first is if progressivism is always a good thing. One time someone presented the argument to me that we should be progressive in order to not be traditional. Well, should we raise woolless sheep just because we traditionally raised sheep with wool? Should we not wear clothes just because we traditionally did wear clothes? Try that in America, you'll get arrested. That argument is flawed to the core. For that argument to be valid the first thing you have to establish is that traditionalism is bad. Then you'd have to prove progressivism is better. Next The Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 that "Jesus is the same yesterday, and to day, and forever." If Jesus is someway once, or says something, even if it was 2,000 years ago it is still practicle and is still very relevant.

Now I intend to look at the beliefs of this progressive movement, and one by one expose them for what they really are.

Progressive belief 1: (beliefs taken from www.tcpc.org)
"By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who have found an approach to God through the life and teachings of Jesus."
Now I must admit that on first glance this doesn't appear bad, or anything the Church hasn't taught for two thousand years; no, you look at that and there isn't much cause for concern. But read what they go on to say.
"Rather than assuming that Jesus is a sacrificial savior, or "The Savior," this first statement suggests that one can be a Christian by considering oneself a follower of Jesus' teachings and using his life, as we know it, as a model. It can also be implied that for those Christians Jesus and Jesus' teaching provide a way to experience, relate to or approach that Energy, that Force or that Presence we choose to call God."
These people want to take all the power out of the Ressurection, they want to eliminate the sacrifice Jesus made. Let me ask them something, what seperates Jesus from any other man if He wasn't the Savior? If He didn't Ressurect? Let me tell you, Paul is very clear that the main belief of Christianity is Christ's ressurection (Romans I think). And God is not some energy or force or presence that we choose. God is God regardless of what man wants to make Him to be. God created this world, God made a covenant with Abraham, God sent His only Son to die for humanity, God raised His Son from the dead after three days; and when Jesus came out of that tomb death, hell, and the grave were all defeated! If your god didn't do all those things then your god and my God are not the same! This isn't a gray area, the Bible leaves no room to doubt about who the One True Lord of the universe is.

Point 2: "Recognize the faithfulness of other people who have other names for the way to God's realm, and acknowledge that their ways are true for them, as our ways are true for us."
This goes back to what I was just saying. There are not many ways to God, at least there aren't if you are a Christian. Jesus said that He is the way the truth and the life and no man comes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6). In this area there is no room for compromise. There are multiple Scriptures that discuss Salvation, and none of them work without Jesus. For example Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (KJV). Or Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (KJV). And for those of you who thing the KJV is to "traditionalist" let me cite the New Living Translation, Romans 6:23 according the the NLT "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Salvation is God's free gift through (and only through) Jesus Christ. Period.

Point 3: "Understand the sharing of bread and wine in Jesus's name to be a representation of an ancient vision of God's feast for all peoples".

Well this one is rather simple. I Corinthians 11:27 "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." The original word for unworthily is "anaxios"; literally meaning "irreverently:--unworthily" (Quickverse). So the way I see it is one has to have accepted Christ, otherwise they are not reverent towards Him. But that's just my opinion; at any rate it seems to me that communion is a Christian practice.

Point 4: "invite all people to participate in our community and worship life without insisting that they become like us in order to be acceptable (including but not limited to):

* believers and agnostics,
* conventional Christians and questioning skeptics,
* women and men,
* those of all sexual orientations and gender identities,
* those of all races and cultures,
* those of all classes and abilities,
* those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope;
* without imposing on them the necessity of becoming like us."

Well, I really would like for more people to come to church period, regardless of race, gender, etc... I couldn't agree more with inviting all people to come join us. However what you often see is people who don't agree with everything the Bible says (such as an agnostic, or homosexual) leave the Church. Now I would love for those people to find and accept Jesus, I really would, but that feeling is contradictory to the TCPC's point here. They don't believe it is necessary to have Jesus in order to be a Christian. I believe that there is no Christianity outside of Christ and Christ is the only way to God and Heaven. That's what the Bible says, don't expect everyone to agree with me; but if you are a real Bible believeing Christian you can not disregard what the Bible says.

There are more points that I'll discuss later, as this post is already rather lengthy. God bless!!

Let me know what you think.

More Philosophy

Fire!!!!!!

Just kidding, wanted to make sure I had your attention.

What I want to discuss today is existentialism, another philosophical movement, but one that involves far less science then naturalism.

Existentialism is a philosophy that holds human existence is basically unexplainable and values are subjective to the individual. A complete definition of existentialism is difficult being that there are so many different beliefs held by existentialists.

Prepare to be amazed, to everyone's suprise I don't agree with this philosophy , shocking that I would disagree with something, I know (I'm being a little sarcastic).

Here I think might be the only place I can agree with a naturalist, we can both agree that human existence is not unexplainable. I think we can also both agree that there are things that are absolutely true, even though we might not agree on what they are.

Now I'd like to go into point number 1.

Human existence is definately not unexplainable. Really to make it simple God created man (and the earth for that matter). Now some people believe God used evolution, some like myself believe in a literal six-day creation; that's not what I want to debate in this post. Even in an exchange of ideas with a naturalist we both agreed that evolution, if it was true would not deny the existence of God. Human existence is most definately not unexplainable.

Now the more difficult part of the discussion. Perhaps some values are subjective, maybe you feel very strongly that you should not drink Kool-Aide, whereas I will drink it. In situations like that I could really care less how you feel about it. In Corinthians Paul talks about some people being able to eat meat and others not, solely on the basis of their conscience. In situations like that you just need to do what your conscience feels. However there are absolutely situations where values are absolute. Terrorists flying planes into a building to kill people are wrong! I don't care if they do believe it is in a holy war, murder is wrong. Attacking innocent civilians is wrong.

What we must keep in mind here is there is a difference between opinion and fact. Fact, the Earth is not flat; opinion, Republicans are a better political party. What we also must keep in mind is that we as the church have taken far to many issues that are simply traditional, cultural, or personal and preached them like they are Biblical (Edwards). Let me give you a list from Dwight Edwards book Releasing the Rivers Within in which he challenges us to look at a list of issues and rate them as Cultural, C; Biblical, B; Traditional, T; or Personal, P. (I've shortened it for times sake). I've put my response next to each.

Praying before meals (B
Having a daily devotional time (B
Having a daily devotional time in the morning (T
Going to church each Sunday (C, day is irrelevant as long as we have one.
Lifting hands during worship (B
Dancing during worship (B
Allowing children to run inside the church building (T or C
Playing golf on Sunday morning (T
Drinking alcohol (P
Drinking alcohol in public (B
Kissing before marriage (P
Having sex before marriage (B
Masturbating (P
Dating and marrying of mixed races (C

The point is every issue we try to make Biblical isn't. The church today has in a very real way become a bunch of Pharisees and legalists. We condemn people for playing golf on Sunday and wink when they break the speed limit (and the law).

The Church needs to wake up and start preaching Jesus of grace; not the Christianity of condemnation.

Philosophy, ooooo la la

Ok, so I have to do this research paper on one of the philosophical isms (Romanticism, Idealism, Realism, Naturalism, Existentialism) in English class. We had to do an abstract on each one before we could decide which one to do, and yesterday in class we compared our abstracts with others in our small group.

Of course we got into some good discussions about some of these philosophies; and I thought I would blog on some of this stuff and see what all of you had to say. Well, here we go.
We'll start with naturalism.

Naturalism defined: Naturalism is the philosophy that holds that all phenomena can be studied and proven naturally. It does not claim the supernatural does not happen, but claims it can be studied by natural methods and investigation and therefore has a natural explanation.

I'll be honest with you all, I think naturalism is a load of rubbish. Not everything does have a natural explanation; take for example the resurrection of Christ. Here are some of the natural explanations:

1. Jesus survived the cross. Ok, let's say that hypothetically that did happen. After surviving the cross He would have been in a condition where you could practically see His internal organs; He lives in a tomb that way with no food or water for three days, rolls a several hundred pound stone uphill and defeats an entire Roman guard. He then inspires His disciples to preach His rising again with the promise they shall receive bodies like His. That explanation just doesn't stand to reason.

2. The disciples stole His body from the tomb. His 11 disciples (Judas Iscariot is no longer with them) armed with at most two swords for the 11 of them defeat an entire Roman guard, and then preach Jesus rose again, and die preaching that they saw Him rise again. That explanation doesn't make sense, they would not have died for what they knew was a lie, nor could they have defeated a Roman guard (the traditional two soldiers is not a accurate depiction, scholars believe it was many more then that).

The only probable explanation (and the only one with real historical merit) is that Jesus indeed rose from the dead. There are four eyewitness accounts of it in the Bible in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Paul also testifies to it and cites in I Corinthians a list of eyewitnesses who saw Jesus risen again (over 500, most of which were alive when Paul wrote this). Given that most of the eyewitnesses were still around had Paul or the Gospel authors distorted the truth they would have been battered down with objections by eyewitnesses. There is also secular citations of the Christ's rising again, take Josephus for one. The evidence for the Bible is more then I can cover in a single post, this is just a brief summery.

Now I want to move on to Naturalism in the origin debate. Many hold that because of natural explanation there is no longer any need for a Creator. Let me make this clear, putting aside the literal six day creation/day age debate, evolution does not eliminate the need for a Creator. Even if we are to assume the Earth is billions of years old, and macro-evolution has taken place that still wouldn't eliminate the need for a Creator.

I think most of you know I'm a literal six day Creationist. Let me explain why evolution does not eliminate a Creator.

There are many Creationists who are not six day literalists like myself; I'll leave that debate up to a later post. What I want to establish now is that modern science does not eliminate God.

Nothing comes from nothing. The universe (regardless of its age) could not have possibly come from nothing, it had to originate from something at some point in time. Many atheists try to claim the age of the universe is infinite, but that just doesn't make sense.

For example, let us say I have an infinite amount of marbles, and I want to give you an infinite amount of marbles; I could just give you all my marbles. You have infinity I have none. Or I could give you the odd numbered marbles, you have infinity, I have infinity. Or I could give you all the marbles from 4 up, I have 3 marbles, you have infinity. The problem is those equations contradict themselves: in the 1st infinity-infinity=0, in the 2nd infinity-infinity=infinity, in the 3rd infinity-infinity=3. That argument could be applied to God if that was the classical idea of God; that is if God didn't transcend time. But God does transend time, He is eternal.

Another theory atheists try to use as science to discredit Creation is the big bang. Well the big band actually supports Creation more then evolution; in that right after the big bang there are thousands of advanced lifeforms appearing with no ancestors, which completely is opposed to what evolution says should've happened. This corresponds with what the Bible records as having happened, God creates the earth very fast and life appears very fast. Aside from that even if the big bang supported evolution where did the rocks come from? The vacuum? Where did the vacuum come from? These arguments come to the conclusion that there must be a Creator.

There are many other arguments that could be made, but maybe I'll make some of those replying to comments. I think I've given you all enough to argue or agree with, so let it begin.

God bless!

We have a problem

Well, I know all the Republicans are upset with the recent election, but look at the bright side, now legislators must come up with really good legislation or President Bush will just veto it. Likewise President Bush must support really good legislation or the House and Senate won't pass it. My party at Boy's State was in a similiar situation when we won the Governor's seat, won majority on the Supreme Court, but lost the House of Delegates and Senate. The result, what got passed was A: really good bipartisan legislation or B: passed by such a majority it overrode the Governor's veto.

Anyway, regardless of the fact that Nancy Pelosi, a San Fransican liberal will be Speaker of the House (and right after the Vice President in line for the Presidency) God is still in control. I hear all the supposedly "Religious Right" people in panic mode right now. Well who is in control, God or the government? I'm not too worried, even if a bunch of Democrats control Congress God is still in control. Even though Bush is still in the White House God is still in control.

Sure, the religious right is all about faith when Republicans are majority, but as soon as Democrats take control the Bible Belt starts spouting unbelief like its going out of business.

Let me be frank, God is God regardless of the party in control. I'm tired of some people who are more conservative in political stance using God and the Church when it's convenient and ditching God and the Church when it's not convenient. If you don't realize this yet let me clue you in... the Church is being used by power hungry politicians that could care less about the Church as long as we continue to send our healthy 35% of voter their way. This mentality that the Republican party is the moral party is absurd, and sense we're being honest the Democrats aren't any better. We need to realize that political parties do not and are not going to represent the Church as long as the Church is told what it needs to preach by these politicians. The Church has in a very subtle way nearly given God His pink slip and elected the Republican party as His replacement.

You don't think so? Allow me to make a point. Lets say the Christian Church technically began on the Day of Pentecost, just a few hundred believers under the Divine direction and with the supernatural empowerment of Almighty God grow to many thousand and turn their world upside down within a few years, maybe less then that. The Church today, which worldwide supposedly numbers about 2 billion (2,000,000,000) can't get a thing done for the Kingdom. The only thing I hear about is how God used to move, and the great revivals that used to take place and all this stuff that used to happen. Well what's the problem? If the Apostles did it with a few hundred surely we could do it with 2,000,000,000. Yes, it could be done with 2,000,000,000. But we need to stop relying on the numbers to do it. How many men Gideon have to defeat the Midianite army? It was something like 300 against nearly 120,000. What's the differance between then and today? Gideon was counting on God to win the battle regardless of numbers. We're counting on numbers to win the battle and in doing so we've left God out, we figure if we can be important in a political party then that party will take care of us.

We have a real problem. It is past time to quit making our political party more important then God. God is a jealous God, and let me tell you something, you're either with God or you're not You can't be loyal to God and to the world. I'm not saying you can't be in a party, I'm saying you need to make sure that whatever party you're in you put God in charge, NO. 1.

Well, hopefully I rocked the boat a little bit today (which is a story I'll mention later). God bless! Let me know what you think!

Who Do You Serve?

I'm sick and tired of the Church bending over backwards to accommodate the secular world! Honestly folks, does the Church not have a backbone? What is wrong today? I can't understand how someone can accommodate Christ and the world in everything at the same time.

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24, KJV.

So-called Christians today go around and you can't tell the differance between some people who call themselves Christian and the world. They go around cussing, lying, cheating, engaging in pre-marital sex etc... honestly it's like the end of Animal Farm where you can't tell a differance between the pigs and the humans.

Let me make something clear: YOU CAN'T SERVE THE WORLD AND GOD AT THE SAME TIME!! If you think you can then one of two things is happening, you don't really know what serving the world is, or you don't really know what serving God is. In most cases I see personally it is people don't really know what serving God is. When I was at Boy's State I was talking to a guy in my cabin who thought it was rather peculiar that I wouldn't date hardly any of the girls in my school, he asked why. Why? Because they aren't Christians! He replied "I think we're all Christians here, just some of us stronger believers." The thing was, that guy wouldn't know a Bible if you knocked him over the head with an original Guttenburg (the first Bible every actually printed). This guy didn't know a thing about Christianity; and therein is the problem. People think they can adopt their parents faith, and people think "everyone I hang out with claims to be Christian. Everyone I hang out with has sex, cusses, lies, steals, etc... Therefore it must be ok for Christians to do this stuff." Well it's not ok, the mentality that everyone who is in America is a Christian, just some not as strong believers is a bunch of fried bologna.

If someone is a true Christian that involves a commitment to Christ; you're either Christian or you're not.

Some say, well I can confess so I can keep sinning and confessing. NO! as Paul put it "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid." Romans 6:1-2, KJV. Jesus said if you love Him you must obey His commandments, and loving the Lord your God with all your heart is the greatest commandment, therefore we can conclude that if you are not putting your best toward obeying Christ's commands you do not really love Him that much and you are breaking the greatest commandment.

So I challenge you today "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15, KJV. So either server the world or serve God, but you CANNOT serve both!

Can we stay silent?

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps". I Peter 2:21, KJV

I intend to hit an issue that has been completely and totally ignored by the Church. An issue that is killing millions every year around the world. An issue that will not be popular among most of you who read this blog. However I've decided that I'm not going to use my voice to gain your approval, and I'm not going to use my voice to gain popularity. I'm not sure of the preacher's name that made this statement, but he hit the nail on the head. "Well why in God's Name do you expect to be accepted everywhere?"

This issue is Aids, particularly in Africa. It's an issue that people love to ignore, love to turn a cold cheek to, love to make theories up that justify ignoring it. But as Christians, as the Church of the Most High God we can not just ignore this issue.

You say "oh well they have Aids because of their lifestyle" yes they do and no they don't. Some rape, some are raped, some are born with it, some are just plain sexually perverted, but you know what, I don't care how they got it. Even if it is their lifestyle Christ loves them no less. It's our lifestyle that made/makes us worthy of Hell. We deserve hell, everyone of us, but as Relient K put it "the beauty of grace is that it makes life un-fair". Even though we absolutely deserve hell that's not what God wants for us and He has provided a way out. If you don't believe we should show grace to sinners then you're a hypocrite and you don't know what grace is. Stop using the fact that they may be sinners as a reason to not help them, if it is not right to help sinners then why did Jesus die for us?

You may say there are more important political issues, oh really? No, there might be issues that they say are more important, but who are they and why are we listening to them? Over 2 million deaths a year in Africa from Aids I'd say that's pretty important wouldn't you? There might be more deaths from abortion, but at this rate it won't take Aids long to catch up. And why in blue-blazes does one issue make another insignificant? It doesn't, the only thing that's insignificant is the amount of attention this epidemic is getting.

"Money won't stop Aids in Africa." No it won't, but that's no excuse not to help. That money will show those Africans the love of Christ, and according to John 13:35 it is by loving one another that people will know we are Christians. And if we're living right we will be a reflection of Christ. We have a chance to show the love of God to these people, and God is the only one who can heal Africa.

I'm going to be frank here. The reason many of you do not care about Aids in Africa is because stopping this epidemic it is not endorsed by a political party. Dear Lord give us a backbone if our every decision is based on party lines. Stop using your political party as an excuse to be inactive, stop putting loyalty to party above loyalty to God.

"Well there are poor people here." How poor? You know how many 'poor' people there are that own computers and cars and houses in America? And even if you own nothing, here there are homeless shelters and soup kitchens. The poor of Africa has nothing. The orphanages are generally crowded and the hospitals financially strapped and undermanned. We need to quit ignoring the issue.

I hope some of you feel convicted after this, I know I do. I know many of you will condemn me, argue with me, try to tell me I'm wrong. Whatever, let partisan politics be your god if that's what you choose. But this is something everyone needs to reach out in, regardless of political stance. I have decided I can be silent no longer.

Some Religious and Political Thoughts.

Alright, this might not be the kind of blog you are accostomed to, but I like to think outside the box.

1. You do not have to be a Republican to be a Christian. I am more conservative I will grant, but I think many people are turned away from Christianity because they think you have to belong to a certain political party or something like that. What is required to be saved is outlined by the Romans Road.

2. Being in the Republican Party does not make you a Christian, being an American does not make you a Christian, your parents being Christians does not make you a Christian. Only you can decide to follow Jesus for yourself. I can't decide for you, your parents can't decide for you, and your political party can't decide for you.

3. Everyone has sinnned, at one point or another we've all messed up and sinned. To prove my point stand up, read through this list, and if you've ever done any of the things mentioned below sit down (you can't stand back up once you are down):

* If you've committed idolatry sit down
* If you've ever stolen anything, of any size sit down
* If you've ever disobeyed your parents sit down
* If you've ever murdered someone sit down

(Still standing?)

* If you've ever told a lie sit down
* If you've ever coveted sit down
* If you've had sex outside of marriage sit down
* If you've ever lusted sit down
* If you've ever taken the Lord's name in vain sit down
* If you haven't loved God with all your heart soul strength and mind sit down.

Are you sitting down? The Bible says "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). "For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). So at this point do you agree you've sinned? Do you know what the punishment for sin is? "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a). Not just physical death, but spiritual death, eternal death in hell. Now obviously we don't want to burn for eternity, and God doesn't want us to either. We have all sinned and deserve this punishment "But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23b) And God's gift of eternal life is only through Jesus. There is no other way to receive this gift.

How do I receive this gift? I'm so glad you asked! Romans 10:9-10 says "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in you heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." So what you must do is "repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). So accept you are a sinner, repent of your sins and turn from them, believe on Jesus and confess Him as Lord and you will be saved! Then find a good Bible-preaching church and a Christian mentor who can show you how to walk the walk, and spend time in God's Word!

God bless you all!

What is The World's Sin?

What causes sin? What is it that causes people to do that which is unrighteous, unholy, impure, and detestable? I believe Martin Luther got it right in coming to the conclusion that sin is caused by an unbelief in God. He drew this conclusion from the following verses:

"8 And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world's sin is unbelief in me." (John 16:8-9, NLT).

Now Jesus is talking here, and the "he" Christ talks about is the Holy Spirit. As you can see in verse nine "The world's sin is unbelief in me." Oh come on! You might say, "lying has nothing to do with unbelief!" I beg to differ; if you really believe God knows when you lie you will be less inclined to do it. If we still do it we are not convicted enough of God's judgement. Or Jonah running away from God, Jonah did not believe God would know where he was, if he did I doubt he would have left home. Or, take for instance David and Bethsheba. If David really considered that God would know what he did in secret David probably would not have done it. We can see in every example how unbelief led to sin.

We can clearly see the cause of sin is unbelief in God. This unbelief (or doubt) is the opposite of faith. "So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith" (Hebrews 11:6, NLT). If we are unbelieving we are doing the exact opposite of what God wants us to do. And God wants the best for us. He wants us to live life satisfied. The problem is we are going to the wrong places to get satisfaction. We are going to psychics, astrologists, maybe even cryptozoologists to get satisfaction there and we are going there because we don't believe God will fill our thirst. But God has given us what we really want, we just need to go to Him for it. "Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "If you are thirsty, come to me!" (John 7:37, NLT) There isn't a more open invitation to be filled, and Jesus doesn't give us stagnant well water. He says "If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within." (John 7:38, NLT). Now rivers of living water! That is exciting, that is fulfilling, satisfying, and so much more! Anyone who wants to dupe you into a dry religion has got Christianity all wrong!

We can see our problems, I have realized that all sin comes from unbelief. Sin is not what God has planned for us. God has rivers of living water planned for us! Which is so much better then the shallow, stagnant wells the world would lead us to. Those wells will only lead to death, Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life throught Christ. I John 1:9 tells us "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (KJV). And Romans 10:9 tells us "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (KJV).

So we can repent of our sins, confess Jesus as Lord and accept Him as our risen Savior; or, one can continue drinking from stagnant, contaminated water. No matter how good that well water seems we all know that Living Water is better, and that is what Christ has promised.

If only...

Ok, this is how most of us guys honestly feel. I'm not gonna say I agree with everything in here, but I do for the most part, so here it is.


Body: From a guys point of view:

We don't care if you talk to other guys.

We don't care if you're friends with other guys.

But when you're sitting next to us, and some random guy walks into the room and you jump up and tackle him, without even introducing us, yeah, it ticks us off.

It doesn't help if you sit there and talk to him for ten minutes without even acknowledging the fact that we're still there.

We don't care if a guy calls you, but at 2 in the morning we do get a little concerned. Nothing is that important at 2 a.m. that it can't wait till the morning.
____________________________________________________
Also, when we tell you you're pretty/ beautiful/ gorgeous/ cute/ stunning, we freaking mean it.

Don't tell us we're wrong.

We'll stop trying to convince you.

The sexiest thing about a girl is confidence.
____________________________________________________
Yeah, you can quote me.
____________________________________________________
Don't be mad when we hold the door open.
Take Advantage of the mood im in.

LET US PAY FOR YOU!

DON'T "FEEL BAD"

We enjoy doing it.

It's expected.

Smile and say "thank you."
____________________________________________________
Kiss us when no one's watching.

If you kiss us when you know nobody's looking we'll be more impressed.
____________________________________________________
You don't have to get dressed up for us.

If we're going out with you in the first place, you don't have to feel the need to wear the shortest skirt you have or put on every kind of makeup you own.

We like you for WHO you are and not WHAT you are.

honestly, i think a girl looks more beautiful when she's just in her pj's. or my tshirt and boxers, not all dolled up

____________________________________________________
Don't take everything we say seriously.

Sarcasm is a beautiful thing. See the beauty in it.

Don't get angry easily.
____________________________________________________
Stop using magazines/media as your bible.

Don't talk about how hott Morris Chesnutt, Brad Pitt, or Jesse McCartny is in front of us.

It's boring, and we don't care.
You have girlfriends for that.
____________________________________________________
Whatever happened to the word "handsome"/"beautiful"

I'd be utterly stunned by a girl who greeted me with "Hey
handsome!" instead of "Hey baby/ stud/ cutie/ sexy" or whatever else you can think of.

on the other hand im not sayin i woulndnt like it ether ; )
____________________________________________________
Girls, I cannot stress this enough:
IF YOU AREN'T BEING TREATED RIGHT BY A GUY, DON'T WAIT FOR HIM TO CHANGE. DITCH HIS SORRY, DISCRACE-TO-THE-MALE-POPULATION BUTT, AND FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL TREAT YOU WITH UTTER RESPECT


Someone who will honor your morals.

Someone who will make you smile when you're at your lowest.

Someone who will care for you even when you make mistakes.

Someone who will love you, no matter how bad you make them feel.

Someone who will stop what theyre doing just to look you in the
eyes....and say "i love you" ...



....AND ACTUALLY MEAN IT!

Give the nice guys a chance

**************************************************
Guys repost this if you agree

Girls repost this if you think it's cute

Every Guy who isn't a jerk will agree with this, so we hope that all the girls that read this will repost this

Oh, just some thoughts.

Greetings.

Has anyone ever asked you a question that made you think?

In case you don't know by answering that, thought was required, so everyone should have answered yes. But once someone asked me something that really makes one think. Did God ever make a mistake?

Just so you know where I'm going with this the answer is no. God has NEVER and will NEVER make a mistake. The ACLU is mans fault, not God's. The question was really asked to me though in reference to God's judgement on Isreal, and the Flood and things like that.

In all logic it is impossible to say God made a mistake. God is perfect so mistakes would be out of His very nature. His judgement on earth is absolutely justified. Because with His divine love there is also divine justice. In all justice God could not allow man to continue on his path at several points in history. Because God disciplines those He loves. I am reminded of when David sins by taking a census; and God says David can choose to be punished by man or by God. David chooses God because David says God may be more merciful then man. And I believe man would have done much worse to Isreal under David given the chance.

God also warned Isreal before He allowed Babylon and its enemies to conquer it. He gave them the chance to turn from there wicked ways. When they did not and God punished them it was in all justice.

Just something to think about. God bless!

"I Was At The Alter."

Alright, some of you might know this, others might not. But, I am a Pentecostal, and I feel like sharing my testimony about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Just last month I was in Maine. And there I attended the Aroostook County Pentecostal Campmeeting, where Evangelist Sam Austin was the speaker. And it was there that I was baptized in the Spirit with evidence of speaking in tounges. Anyone who has never experienced it might be close minded to it, but I will assure all of you the Baptism of The Spirit is very real today.

I will tell you the power of the Holy Ghost was on me so strong I was trembling, Bro. Austin prayed over me, and soon after that I was speaking in other tounges.

Now, you may want to know why this all matters, so I will tell you. One hundred years ago at the Asuza Street mission in L.A. people had gathered and reportedly praying for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost that the Prophet Joel (Chapter 3, 26-30, I think) had told would happen in the last days. That event marked basically the start of Pentecostalism in this nation (maybe continent.) I have to tell you though, the Spirit is still moving. God is still working on this earth, and we are still called to preach the Gospel.

Today on my camping trip I preached about how close the coming of The Lord is. The signs of His coming are everywhere, and everyone of them being fulfilled.

If you haven't entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, now is the time. Neither you nor I know about tommorrow. Christ could come in the blink of an eye, any minute now. You may have one chance and one chance only right now to enter into relationship with Him. I tell you that He loves you, so much that He died for you; but, death did not defeat Him. He conquered death, and Hell, and the Grave. He laid down His life so that you would have the privelage of entering into personal relationship with Him. Romans 3:23 tells us that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." And the wages of sin is death, not just physical death, but spiritual death. But we see God's love in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us; and we know that whosoever believes on Him will not parish, but have everlasting life.

So the choice is yours. The only thing between an unsaved sinner and God is a prayer of confession, repentance, and acceptance. You must confess and repent of your sins, and accept Jesus as your Savior. He is the only way. The only distance between one person and God is the distance from ones knees to the floor.

What Price Will the Church Pay?

Well I've got an interesting situation. I'm in the middle of a clash with a very popular worship leader. It all started with a weekly e-mail I get from him. The e-mail contains the most popular songs, other worship relevent things, and a story or advice on how to handle certain situations.

Well this weeks story told about a friend of his who was visiting a church in NYC (you can read the whole thing at www.worshipideas.blogspot.com). His friend mentioned that the message was on getting out of debt, and that they would give away $1,000.00 to one person in the congregation that week. Now pardon me and my big mouth, but I politely left this comment: "Maybe I missed it but at what point did they actually preach from the Bible? Call me a skeptic but it sounds to me they were preaching a fluff gospel."

This was his response: "I wouldn't call you a skeptic, I'd call you a genius. Since Chris didn't give details about the sermon, that you can conclude the content is "fluff" proves that your power of deduction is astonishing. I'll bet they didn't even have a sermon, since all of these new-fangled churches are just so... shallow. And since New York City is a horrible, drug-infested place, I would guess this wasn't, in fact, even a church, but some sort of cover for one of those drug parties they have up there."

To this I responded: "Chris said that the message was on getting out of debt. That seemed to me to indicate all the detail he thought important.

I'm glad they've started a successful church in such an unchurched area. I'm not gonna say this is the case at this church, but the church has paid a high price for popularity before."

Now, aside from his slightly contemptuous response to me, lets focus on something else. How high a price will the church pay in order to be accepted? Many are already compromising on such issues as homosexuality. There are some who are willing to say all will make it to Heaven, or God doesn't care how closely you follow the Commandments.

This is unacceptable. The church is getting to the point where it will compromise on anything in order to pick up a few members, be accepted by society, and stay tax exempt. Jesus warned against people who distort the Gospel. The church now needs to realize that we can't have an untheological devotion; or an undevotional theology. Now is the time to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel to all people, not compromise to gain acceptence. I'm not accusing the church mentioned at worshipideas of doing this, I'm just saying several churches have.

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13, KJV

"But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

God bless you all!

New blog!

Well I recently started a myspace. Mainly in order to get the networking benefits. I really like how easy it is to use; however this one thing I have against it. It is not a blog. Your myspace has a blog, but it is not a blog. As far as true blog sites that I've found blogger is the best.

At any rate you can check out my myspace at

You can see pictures of me and everything so check it out. God bless!

P.S. Don't forget to vote for my site by clicking the blogvillage banners that, by a template accident, now appear on every new post and on all the old ones. It does advertise blogvillage really well though, so I guess it's a good accident.

Blog Village

Well howdy everybody.

Today you have the opportunity to hear me advertise a wonderful website. It's called blogvillage. Basically it's a booming website that ranks family-oriented blogs. It currently has something like 150-160 members. I am one of them. The unique thing is all these blogs would pretty much be acceptable if children were in the room. There is a wide variety of blogs here also. It really is an excellent site and I give it my unreserved recommendation for any family-oriented blogger. And even if you are as bad at technology as I am I can testify to their dedication and commitment to helping you get connected with them.

Anyway, if you so desire to visit this site you will find a link at the bottom-left hand corner of this page. (Hopefully I can move it to a more prominent spot.)

Well God bless you all!

The End of Time.

Well, a few days ago I asked if anyone could elaborate on Biblical prophecy regarding Lebanon and the situation taking place now. Searching for it last night I found both an exciting and startling answer. Startling because it reveals how close we really are to the end of time. You may be familiar with Christ's end time prophecies. They are found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Matthew in the 24th chapter, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Now it is really becoming clear how Lebanon and this situation point to the glorious return of Jesus Christ, and the rapture of the church.

The website I found: really sheds much light on the issue. And all the thoughts on this website were written before 2005, when the author died. Sure lots of people are now writing about Lebanon since the war started, but this guy was interpreting Scripture about Lebanon many years before this war.

He has cited Scripture on his website that proves the Antichrist will come from a new country, formed out of Lebanon due to a crises there. The Antichrist will then move to the east and south and conquer those countries, and eventually gain control of many more. Most of the evidence for what this website says is found in Daniels visions, and if you will go there for yourself you will see the Scriptual authenticity of what is said.

Pastor Ronnie Libby "The New England Prophet" just this last July said he believed the Lord would come within the next year. An Assemblies of God overseer said he thought it would be within the next 6 months or so. Maybe you just think I'm rambling, but to end this post I will cite several scriptures that support what is said.

Daniel 8:3-14, 17, 19-26
3 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.

4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.

5 And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.

6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.

7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.

9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.

10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.

11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed....

17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision....

19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.

20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.

21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.

22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.

23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. (KJV)

Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 10:9,10 "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation."

The U.N. What has it done.

I have a bone to pick with the U.N. First of all, its been reported that the U.S. supplies something like 90% of the U.N. budget. Your tax dollars are sponsoring it. I might not mind that if the U.N. wasn't so ignorant.

They opposed us in the war on Iraq, they consistantly argue against us and our allies, even though they did give Israel back its land in the 1940's they have since demanded Israel to cede large portions of it to terrorists, and repeatedly rebuked Israel for defending herself.

"Well they keep the peace" you might say. Do they really? Have they kept peace in many war torn African countries? Didn't they pull their troops out of Rowanda when civil war was raging there? Some peace keeping force that is. Have they kept peace in Sudan? Have they done a thing in Iran other then wave a piece of paper in Iran's face and threat? Iran knows the U.N. doesn't have the backbone to do anything, that's why they are not going to stop uranium enrichment. Sure they will point out the death in Lebanon, but what about the Israeli's who have been blown away by rockets? They will bash Israel for killing some civilians who terrorists use as human shields, but they won't bash terrorists who are intentionally targeting the Israeli populace. If your countries fourth largest city was hit by rockets wouldn't you be upset? How would you react if Houston, Texas was shot with rockets? Or maybe if Glasgow, Scotland was shot with rockets? What if Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia was hit? If cities like that were hit the whole world would be outraged! But if Israel retaliates the whole world screams shame on them. This double standard is intolerable. Koffi Annon, Jacques Chirac, and other leaders owe a deep and most sincere apology to Israel.

I'm Back

Well, you can let out your sigh of relief, I'm back. Maine was fantastic as it always is. I had many wonderful experiences there.

At the Aroostook Pentecostal Campmeeting I was baptized by the Spirit with evidence of speaking in tounges.

I went to another campmeeting with my second cousin (Many of my first cousins are considerably older then I due to the fact that my mothers siblings are many and spread out in years.) And it was excellent. It really drove home the point for me that God doesn't only move in one specific denomination. Don't get me wrong, I believe you must be a Christian to be saved, but there are many Christian denominations that hold many of the core Biblical beliefs, hence why we say we have "doctrinal differances". Any group that claims to be Christian must believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only Messiah and the only way to recieve salvation. Some of the differances among denominations are in regard to being baptized in water, how to serve communion, beliefs on divorce, etc... not questions regarding salvation for the most part.

I also had the privalege of seeing two real moose and one made of chocolate. One moose, just a baby, we saw on the way back from campmeeting; the other, a large and older female at Mount Katahdin. The life-size chocolate one was in a candy shop and by far the most mouth watering. It was 1,700 pounds of pure chocolate.

I also went on a whale watch, and saw a few finback whales and about 4 minkys. That was cool, considering finbacks are the second largest mammel on the planet. We also got to see multiple sea dawgs, as they are called up there. It was cool when I was on the bow and one was right in front of the boat and I got to see it swim away.

Anyway, before I bore you with more vacation details I'll get to more political business. The situation in Israel and Lebanon hasn't really gotten any less harsh. Here I want to ask anyone who might be knowledgeable about Biblical prophecy what they think. I'm just an amatuer when it comes to end time prophecy so if anyone has any opinions on this please just drop me a comment. God bless

Catch you later!

Well, just got back from a scout camp, heading to Maine for two weeks. Won't be blogging for awhile of course. God bless you all!

Israel Vs. Lebanon

As most of you might have heard, Israel is bombing Lebanon while Hezbollah fires rockets into northern Israel. Of course I must have a controversial stance on the issue.

Israel has a right to defend herself. Their nation was attacked, and their people taken prisoner. Don't give me that line about Israel taking Palestinian prisoners and bringing this on herself. Israel takes prisoners because those people have obviously done something wrong or were a threat to her. I'd be taking prisoners too if these people constantly blew up my citizens. If you want to talk about someone bringing it on themselves lets talk about Sadam and him killing thousands of his own citizens.

The fact is the majority of the Islamic world can't stand the fact that Israel exists. They are not against tyrrany, they are against Israel. According to the Quran, in Al-Fatiah, Chapter 1 Verse 7 the Jews have earned the anger of Allah. In the Quran Jews (and we Christians as well) are often associated with pagans. Jews are frequently accused of knowingly distorting the truth (ie. Scriptures). The point is these people have an unsatiable desire to wipe Jews and Christians alike of the face of the earth.

Many Muslims will not even cliam the likes of Bin Laden and Sadam because they rightfully know that what those people have done and are doing is wrong. I'm not accusing the Muslim community here, I'm accusing the extremist terrorists that everyone bases their opinion of the whole Muslim community on, many times those opinions are wrongfully based.

Anyway, I think France, Russia, and the EU need to really stop accusting Israel. I know you want to keep your good old trading pals; but, Israel was attacked and Israel has a right to defend herself, I don't care what the Frenchies say about use of excessive force and all that political jargon. In case France hasn't noticed the United States really could care less what they think about our policy. I can't speak for Israel, but I think they feel many western countries (that's you France) have betrayed them, and rightfully so.

Food for thought on Philosophical questions.

Question #1: "Why are the fundamental questions of life (like where do we come from and why are we here?) so rarely discussed by the "average" person?" (Phil Haversack).

My answer: Because those questions, even though they are fundamental, are not average. If the average person were to properly answer such questions it would require above average amounts of time and research, and the answer will force one to live above average lifestyles.
In answering those questions posed above I must say that according to Genesis chapter 1 we are created by God. That is where we come from. The reason we are here is to serve , have relationship with, and glorify God. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6, KJV). It must be understood that without a divine being there is no purpose in life. The reason being is that purpose is the object for which something exists (www.thefreedictionary.com) Evolution provides no purpose because if evolution is true we have no object to exist for. We are here by chance for no reason according to evolution, "Science alone cannot provide a meaning to life."(http://wiki.cotch.net/index.php/If_man_comes_from_random_causes,_life_has_no_purpose_or_meaning)
Most people acknowledge the shallowness and meaninglessness of life without God. Most people want those feeling of shallowness filled with purpose. Now you can temporarily fill them with videogames, sex, doing whatever pleases you. But if you live that way you say that nothing matters, history doesn't matter, the future doesn't matter etc... but you don't believe yourself because you don't live it out, if you did there would be no reason (according to your philosophy) to not throw yourself off the top of the Empire State Building. But because you have a fear of something, a fear of death or pain, you will not do that. The reason you fear is you are not sure of yourself or your philosophy. The Bible says in Proverbs 28:26 "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered." (NKJV). And so if you try to invent your own purpose you are a fool. Now look at say Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and he was completely sure of himself and of his faith in Christ. Now, you logically tell me which one you'd rather be.

Question 2: "What is truth?" (wikipedia).

My answer: I must use something I've already quoted. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6, KJV). According to David Guzik "a. In light of soon events, this declaration is a paradox: Jesus' way would be the cross; He would be convicted by blatant liars; His body would soon lie lifeless in a tomb

b. But because He took that way, He is the way to God; because He did not contest the lies we can believe His truth; because He was willing to die He becomes the channel of resurrection life unto us

c. The exclusiveness of this statement is staggering; if there are many ways to God, Jesus is not one of them ".


Some more philosophical quotes:

1. "Those who lack the courage will always find a philosophy to justify it." (Albert Camus).

My response: That can be true, but what is also true is that many who lack courage can overcome it by defying that very lack. Many to overcome a lack of courage have a philosophy to justify being brave. "Be strong and of a good courage fear not nor be afraid of them for the Lord thy God he it is that doth go with thee. He will not fail thee nor forsake thee." (Dueteronomy 31:6, KJV).

2. "The most dangerous criminal now is the entirely lawless modern philosopher. Compared to him, burglars and bigamists are essentially moral men." (Gilbert Chesterton).

My response: I actually agree with this statement. If modern philosophers justify such atrocities as abortion, support such immoral things as gay marriage, and desire to remove all traces of Christianity from society then philosophers are a greater threat then burglars and bigamists.

3. "If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing." (Anatole France [Jacques Anatole Thibault]).

My response: Yes, quite true. Often when evolutionists try to argue for evolution "well its what most of the scientists believe." Well, most of the scientists used to think Galileo was crazy, just because it is what the majority believes that is not what makes it right.

Of Stoics and Epicureans.

Stoicism claims that freedom is secured by the removal of desires, and they don't much approve of emotions either. Well, I will contend that true freedom comes from Christ. "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2, KJV). What we really need to be freed from is sin and death, and Jesus is the only one who gives that freedom. "But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57, KJV). We do not need to be free from things like love, peace, gentleness etc... those are charachteristics that are desirable. And once we accept Jesus God will give us those things, for "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV). Notice that against such things there is no law, so we see that the Stoics were wrong in claiming all desires and emotion must be removed.

Epicureanism claims that fulfilling desires is basically the way to obtain pleasure. However I will contend that true joy comes from God, one of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. In Romans Paul says "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13, KJV). And in Philippians 4:4 we are told "Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice." (KJV).

I could go on for days answering philosophies and Stoics and Epicureans, but I will end now, possibly to several people delight. Anyway, God bless.

Splitting Church?

There seems to be a problem in the worldwide Anglican Church (Episcopal Church here in the States). Actually it is a problem that is not to far off from some of the other branches of Christianity. Should the church allow homosexual leadership? Let the bullets fly.

Biblically it cannot be denied that homosexuality is wrong. The counter argument seems to be that God accepts "Just as I am". While I firmly believe God accepts us just as we are, I do not believe He intends for us to stay that way. According to Romans 12:2 we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. If you can't admit your doing something wrong why do you need a Savior? I won't lie, I'm just as much a sinner as the practicing homosexual, or the alcoholic, or the liar, or the hypocrite, etc... But I am forgiven. I'll admit that I've sinned, and done things I shouldn't have done.

The issue in the Anglican Church right now is something that has caused much debate in the Scouting community; it even resulted in the Save Our Scouts Act of 2005. But this issue is not limited to the Anglican Church, the United Methodist Church in 2000 voted on it, and there are all sorts of homosexual churches springing up and non-homosexual churches that endorse it. Lets take a closer look at the issue.

In the American Baptist Church (ABC) May of this year the Pacific Southwest region voted unanimously to split from the parent demonination because it refused to deal with the acceptance of homosexuality in other regions. The ABC church of West Virginia narrowly rejected spliting. (http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=23275)

In the United Church of Canada after a vote allowing practicing homosexuals into the pulpit they went on to demand the government of Canada recognize same-sex marriage with legislation. (http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_ucc.htm) By the way some 3.1 million Canadians identify themselves with that Church.

Just this June the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted 30-28 keeping a law it has restraining ministers to heterosexual activity inside of marriage. While I'm glad they kept the law the narrowness of the vote disturbs me. (http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2006/06/19/1).

At any rate it is vital for us in the church to stand strong on the Word, and in a loving caring way reach out to the hurting homosexual community. God loves the homosexual just as much as He loves you and I, but He never loves when we disobey Him.

A little humor

I got this message in an e-mail devotional I get.

Praise The Lord!

There's a little old Christian lady living next door to an atheist.
Every morning the lady comes out onto her front porch and
shouts "Praise the Lord!".

Now the atheist yells back, "There is no God". Yet She does
this every morning with the same result. As time goes on the
lady runs into financial difficulties and has trouble buying food.
So she goes out onto the porch and asks God for help with
groceries, then says "Praise the Lord".

The next morning she goes out onto the porch and there's the
groceries she'd asked for, and, of course she says "Praise the
Lord". The atheist jumps out from behind a bush and says, "Ha,
I bought those groceries - there is no God".

The lady looks at him, smiles and shouts "Praise the Lord,
not only did You provide for me Lord, You made satan pay for
it!!!!".

The Battlecry

As you all may have heard about one month ago a group known as Battlecry, (and I am a member of that group), swept across the nation with huge rallies in various cities.

Now it should come as no surprise to anyone that Battlecry has earned some harsh opposition (much of which is because Jerry Falwell supports the movement). Many are frightened at the imagery and lingo Battlecry leaders use. With all the war talk and imagery many are afraid of a militant youth movement. Don't worry, the war Battlecry makes reference to does not involve violent use of any real guns, grenades, tanks, submarines, or Navy Seals. Infact, its a culture war.

Members of Battlecry (such as myself) are tired of the filth corporate America is shoving down on youth. Porn all over the internet, sex the new sign of maturity, the use of drugs glorified all over etc... We are tired of all this corruption.

However, Battlecry does not put enough emphasis on the fact that the solution is Jesus Christ, the solution is resisting the corrupt world, and instead taking our corrupt ways and following Jesus more intensely then we followed the world.

The Apostolic Church was militant, and I don't mean that as in car bombers, and flying planes into towers. I mean that they were uncompromising, unwilling to yield to anything that tainted the Gospel, when they were persecuted they procliamed the Good News all the more. The kind of militant that turns the world upside down, the kind that replaces hate with love, the kind that will do what's right even when its unpopular, the kind that tells the world "God loves you", and shows the way out of the traps that we see in the world today.

I believe Paul explained it best in his letter to the Church at Ephesus: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]." Ephesians 6:12, KJV.

Oh that verse in Romans

Romans 12:2

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (NKJV).

Why is it that people claim to be Christians but you can't distinguish between them and the world? I'll tell you why, it's because so many people who claim to be Christians are conforming, the NLT Bible actually translates it as copying the patterns of the the world.

I must tell you what, IT SHOULDN'T BE THIS WAY. We get all these artists who get up there for the Grammy's "I want to thank my parents, my fans, and oh, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" You're what?! Sure they want to claim the Cross on stage when the whole Christian community watches, but in their songs when they use Jesus name it's not as their Savior. If the Christian community would stop supporting that filth then several of those artists would be going out of business. And seeing how 50 Cent's songs arn't worth his name we need to be putting some of them out of business. We got no business listening to them(Yes that includes, but is not limited to: Metallica, Green Day, Eminem, etc...),we got no business watching South Park, we got no business looking at porn on the internet, we got no business talking the way the world does, we got no business smoking what they smoke and drinking the way they drink, we got no business sleeping with people out of marriage like they do, we got no business acting homosexual. The list goes on and on. The problem is Christian teens today are not seperating from the world. God has called us to be holy, which means set apart for a special purpose. You can't be for a special purpose if you're not set apart at all.

Where is the Church today? Where are our Timothys, Elijahs, Isaiahs, Moses', Noahs, Davids, Gideons, Pauls, Peters, James'? Come on Church, the apostolic Church was radical, we are talking militant(not as in violent militant), they were so umcompromising in their preaching that we are told they turned the world upside down! If God could do it then He can do it now. Now is the time for the true blood-bought saints of the Living God to boldly "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10, KJV).

Oh but no one will listen! You say, I would argue if you want people to listen you gotta put on a show. No body's listening now because we aren't saying anything! If we did they would listen. If this country's 35% of registered voters who are Christians would stop supporting the big, corrupt industries that are working to get rich from our moral decay then they would begin going out of business.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]" (Ephesians 6:12, KJV). So what are we doing! We are the body of Christ, so why are the arms sitting motionless? Why aren't the legs walking? Why isn't the mouth speaking? We really need to pray for some backbone in this generation and a revival that will spread across this land! Now is not the time to back down and say "oh look its the end times, time to quit" NO! It is the end times, lets save as many as we can! Lets proclaim the Gospel in such a way that we turn this world upside down. It's true that Satan is going about like a roaring lion, but he's only roaring because he has no teeth! First John 4:4 tells us "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (KJV). It's time to play Gideon and shout "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon." (Judges 7:20, KJV). Now is the time to stand stronger, more determined, more confident, more committed to The Cross then ever before! Satan is fighting a losing battle, Jesus said "upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16: 18). Peter wasn't the rock Jesus was talking about, Jesus is the rock Jesus is talking about!

So let us stand like we've never stood before, let us fight for souls like we've never fought before, let us pray like we've never prayed before, let us be holy like we've never been holy before!

In His Steps

I suppose it would be fitting to give an explanation of the title of this page. My title is inspired by the book "In His Steps" by Charles Sheldon. I recently finished reading the book, this time the whole time through.

The plot of the book is the pastor of a prestigious church, with several wealthy members, challenges his congregation to go a whole year without making a decision before asking "What would Jesus do?", and honestly basing their decision on the answer to that question. I must say after having read it I am very challenged. When one really thinks about it it is easy to realize how far we are from really walking In His Steps. The Bible tells us that Jesus set an example that we should follow in His Steps. The reading of this book has helped me really define Christian discipleship, and how far I am from honestly following in His steps. The book Mr. Sheldon wrote has rocked the very principles upon which our comfortable, socially accepted church is built. And it was a beneficial earthquake. I would suggest anyone who is game for a new definition of discipleship should read it. Our church today could use a shaken like that.

God bless, and good night.

The Great Debate

If any of you have ever taken the time to read any of my blog, you will realize I'm an opinionated person. Well last night I had a clash with a friend in regard to the Bible. I intend to answer my critics, as is hard to do when typing over the internet in speedy debate without speedy fingers. H= my opponant, M= me

H: "christian's punishment is to spend their lives in terror of their imaginations"
It is interesting that he mentions this in regard to Exodus 15 where we read that The Lord is a man of war. After all, the Bible says:

"2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Obviously my opponant should try reading the whole Bible, not just an out of context portion.

H: "I've read things by academics and not weak people who need a fake philosphy to validate their existance"

It's funny that he should mention academics. Because I always thought George Washington, Noah Webster, Isaac Newton, Abraham Lincoln etc... Were academic people. Everyone of them believed the entire Bible. Would he say that the men who formed the Constitution were weak minded? 52 of that 55 were active members of their Church.
In regard to fake philosophy, America's founding philosophy was Biblical, and America is the most powerful nation on earth, is that a fake philosophy? Seems to me that what he calls "fake" philosophy works.

H: "besides, you just dont make something up and then ask for someone to dispprove it....you have to prove it even exists first"

So he wants to say not to just make something up. Well lets consider the facts; the Bible has 24,000 manuscripts, more than any historical document. It was written over the course of some thousands of years and has more unity in what is said then almost any book one might read. The books of the Bible were almost entirely written by eyewitnesses, which leaves no room for distortion when it is considered they were also written very soon after the events they describe. And time and time again people have went on missions to disprove the Bible, and the evidence they have found supporting it has been overwhelming. Explain to me the pictures of a large boat on Mount Ararat in Turkey, where The Bible says the Ark landed. A Biblical Ninevah has been discovered in Iraq. David's tunnels under Jerusalem have been found. Jesus predicted the destruction of the Jewish temple, which was destroyed about 70 A.D. if memory serves.

He also cliamed that very broad general predictions were made in the Bible that were guaranteed to come true. Well, is being born in Bethlehem a broad prediction? Is taking a trip to Egypt as a child a broad prediction? Is being crucified a broad prediction? The probability of filling every prophecy made about the Messiah is "one chance in trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion!" (Strobel, The Case for Christ, 183). Tell me is that a broad number of people? Actually only one had met all the requirements, and its not Buddha, Krishna, or Mohammed, lady's and gentlemen, the only person to meet those requirements is Jesus of Nazareth!

I think I've made my point, even though there are hudreds of other examples I could use. God bless you all.
H: "yeah go to jesus grave. What do u find! NOTHING"

Amen! Truth from a critic, there is nothing in Jesus tomb, because Jesus defeated death, hell, and the grave!

Wonderful Savior!

What if we in the Church really got to grasping the concept of how Wnderful a Savior Jesus is? Billy Sunday once preached a sermon on it, explaining how Jesus is wonderful in every aspect: His birth to a virgin was wonderful; His life full of mercy, love, miracles and compassion was wonderful; His death was wonderful, dying for a sinner like me; His resurrection was wonderful, defeating death, hell, and the grave; His forgiveness is wonderful, though Paul wants us all to acknowledge we are the chief of sinners that does not make us immune to Christ's forgiveness! He has taken my sins away and I am no longer a slave to sin! As the old hymn suggests "Come every soul by sin oppressed there's mercy with the Lord, He will surely give you rest by trusting in His Word".

New Blog!

My new site is www.freewebs.com/biblebeltpolitics. There is a blog on the site under the "blog" page. This blog may soon get outdated.

It's Time To Make Some Changes Around He'ah!

Greetings happy blogger-readers,
As you may have seen in the title there are going to e some changes on this blog.
I will try to avoid political rants. Primarily becuase it is very devisive and I think it would do better to spend more time preaching, if you will, then politicking. I think that I had not put enough focus on Jesus,my Lord and Saviour, and I intend to do that; infact, I'm launching a new site www.freewebs.com/biblebeltpolitics, which will be entirely focused on Jesus Christ, and other issues concerning Biblical Christianity. God bless you, and to Him be the glory, great things He has done!

Now, that being established, if you've read "Parting is not sweet at all" I need to say somehting about it. While it is true that my ministry at camp ended, that was only the beggining of my ministry in the real world. Since camp I have had numerous opportunities to minister. Camp helped prepare me for this ministry, and I made it sound like I was done. That was not the case.

The Fight in The Church

Everyone wants to defend Harry Potter and accuse Lord of The Rings; or, they want to defend LOTR and condemn Harry Potter. I believe its time to stop playing pick-up-sticks and get to the point.

No one will deny that there is witchcraft in Harry Potter, the books are based upon him becoming a wizard. Some people want to accuse these books/movies of promoting witchcraft, and based on some people I've met, yeah, these books open the door for it. However, people who are weak-minded enough to make these fictional books reality probably need to see a doctor. And there are countless other media publications with much the same problem, Aladdin, Snow White, The Wizard of Oz and so on and so forth. The reading of the book or watching of the movie is not what we really need to be concerned about. It is that it opens the door to these things.

Likewise LOTR does also open many of the same doors. But look beyond Gandalf's pointy hat and tall staff and find the source of his power, Illuvetar, the creator of Middle-Earth. And the term wizard in England during Tolkiens day simply meant a master of illusions; therefore, Gandalf is not meant to be a sorcerer. Saruman and Sauron who abondoned that path are explicitly portrayed as sorcerers and necromancers. The big problem is most people don't look that far into it, they look at a guy with a beard and pointy hat and automatically think "withccraft".

I do not think that people are necessarily sinning by watching LOTR or reading Harry Potter. What I would advise is going into both of them knowing they are fictional books and be careful of some of the concepts presented in these books/movies.

My next big point is LOTR, Harry Potter, and other movies with witchcraft are the only ones taking any heat, what about the movies with murder, stealing, lying? Those things are just as much sin as witchcraft is, and they also open peoples minds to those concepts, they can make people think nothing of those things, and there are some people (and I've met some personnally) who are negatively effected by those things.

Its time to stop squaking "there's withccraft" when we are not likewise gonna squak "there's sexual immorality". Its all equally sin, and simply watching something with witchcraft or stealing or murder or whatever is not a sin of itself, as long as you can do it in faith knowing its not sin, if you think it might mess you up, don't watch it!

Why read?

My brother asked me what the point in reading the Bible was if I didn't remember it. I answered that the Word of God does not come back void; I've also thought about this, in 16 years I've eaten alot of meals, and most of the meals I don't remember the menu to, but every one of those meals fed me when I was hungry and nourished my body so that I would stay in good health. Likewise, I don't remember alot of what I've read in the Bible, but every chapter has in some way given me spiritual food and helped keep me spiritually healthy.

By the way I wrote a quote in the front of my Bible that reads "This book will keep you from sin; and, sin will keep you from this book".

Post NO.100

Hey, if you've seen the link to the American Patriot Party page on this site I would advise not clicking on it. The entire party seems to be in disarray due to what I gathered to be internal fueds between national and regional leaders. Certain sects are even splintering of to form their own parties I think, just goes to show you that some third parties don't even make it to an election. By the way the APP was less then 3 years old. God bless

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, mine was wonderful. Not much else to blog right now, God bless.

Happy B-day Jesus

The Strength Of A United Church

What if the Church would stop bickering amongst itself and unite? How would that influance our country? Lets have a look.

The church could become the most powerful political force in the U.S. with 35% of the vote, while that is not the majority with three major political forces; The Church, Democrats, Republicans, she would be strong enough to: Elect several senators, split the electoral vote, be well represented in the House of Representatives, and possibly elect a president.

She would be strong enough to take care of most homeless people, fight to improve education, and make sure everyone has equal rights.

If the Church took its place we would not have state-sponsored religion, we would have a state that took care of all members equally, weather Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, or whatever.

On that note how many homeless shelters and community based organizations are sponsered by religins other then Christianity? Not many, an overwhelming number of Boy Scout Units are located in Church buildings, Christ-based rehab and homeless shelters are numerous, and several Christian colleges and schools.

These examples don't even scratch the surface of what the Church could do united, we would be strong enough to win the war for Christmas, end abortion, and everything else we want our politicians to do for us. God bless!

Corporate Christmas Awards

Here are companies that have recieved some awards for this Christmas that I've come up with:

Target: Mr. Scrooge Award.
For complete exclusion of the term Christmas from your advertisements, and your employees greetings and farewells. Not allowing Salvation Army bell ringers. Hum-Bug!

Lowe's: The Grinch Award.
For using the term "Holiday" instead of Christmas in all advertisements (except in Spanish). Even though holiday means holy day we believe you are using it to avoid saying Christmas, and have no backbone. "Lowe's hated Christmas, the whole Christmas season!".

K-Mart: Santa Clause Award.
For using the word Christmas in advertisements,and having a Christmas section. This is a good award, unlike the two above, Merry Christmas!

Wal-Mart: Jack Frost Award.
For using Christmas in advertisements, and allowing Salvation Army bell ringers.
Merry Christmas!

Me Agreeing With A Libertarian?

Just watched an interview on Hannity and Colmes, and on this program there was a libertarian guest, a pastor guest, and of course Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes. The debate: Is it a Christmas tree of a Holiday tree? This was sparked by a sign Low's had up, in English it said Holiday tree, in Spanish the word was Navidad, which is translated Christmas.

Believe it or not I agreed with the Libertarian more then the pastor. The Libertarian said that you can call it a Christmas tree or you can take it home and call it the easter bunny for all he cares, thats your right; however he was sick and tired of an attack on every symbol of Christianity in this country. He hit the nail on the head, see many people and groups (such as the ACLU), have decided that the term Christmas forces our Christian religion on them. Even though they make an invalid and contradictory point that might be for another day. Christmas is celebrated all over the world, and in the U.S. primarily as the birthday of Jesus Christ. While I know not everyone holds my views regarding Jesus(I'm full Gospel, Pentecostal, Christian), I challenge any member of the ACLU, any atheist, any skeptic of Christianity to say this is not Christ's birthday, and historically back yourself up. I know that the exact day is not recorded; however, there is sufficient evidence that Jesus was born on the 25th of December or somewhere there about. And by the way, be warned if you wich to argue this point, I have never lost a debate to an atheist, or an evolutionist.

Now if you still insist on calling a CHRISTMAS tree a Holiday tree, I would like to ask, what Holiday? You can try to cover it up, but Christmas is there. And by the way, here are some suggestions and points about changing the names of holidays, especially for members of the ACLU.

1. A minora would have to be called candle-ora.
2. We would have to be be visited by the holiday bunny, and paint holiday eggs.
3. We have holiday trees, but no holiday tree stands, only Christmas tree stands.
4. I have never seen a holiday light display, only Christmas light displays.
5. Christopher Columbus, and Martin Luther King Jr. were both Christians, I guess now you can have "America discovered day" and "Civil rights leaders day".
6. Martha Stuart only sells Christmas decorations, not holiday decorations.
7. Where might I purchase a holiday stocking?
8. 52 men who signed the Constitution were active members of a church, no more constitution day.
9. Lief Erikson was a Norse, his day in October is not ethnically sound.
10. Merry Christmas!

Abortion: The Childs Perspective

Week 1
Mommy, I am only 8 inches long, but I have all my organs. I love the sound of your voice. Every time I hear it, I wave my arms and legs. The sound of your heart beat is my favorite lullaby.

Week 2
Mommy, today I learned how to suck my thumb. If you could see me, you could definitely tell that I am a baby. I'm not big enough to survive outside my home though. It is so nice and warm in here.

Week 3
You know what Mommy, I'm a girl!! I hope that makes you happy. I always want you to be happy. I don't like it when you cry. You sound so sad. It makes me sad too, and I cry with you even though you can't hear me.

Week 4
Mommy, my hair is starting to grow. It is very short and fine, but I will have a lot of it. I spend a lot of my time exercising. I can turn my head and curl my fingers and toes, and stretch my arms and legs. I am becoming quite good at it too.

Week 5
You went to the doctor today. Mommy, he lied to you. He said that I'm not a baby. I am a baby Mommy, your baby. I think and feel. Mommy, what's abortion?

Week 6
I can hear that doctor again. I don't like him. He seems cold and heartless. Something is intruding my home. The doctor called it a needle. Mommy what is it? It burns! Please make him stop! I can't get away from it! Mommy!! HELP me!! No . . .

Week 7
Mommy, I am okay. I am in Jesus's arms. he is holding me. He told me about abortion. Why didn't you want me Mommy?

Every Abortion Is Just . . .
One more heart that was stopped. Two more eyes that will never see. Two more hands that will never touch. Two more legs that will never run. One more mouth that will never speak.

If science can declare a single-celled organism, without even a nucleus life, I think they can declare the baby in a mothers fetus a living human!

How Dumb Can We Be?

I've been noticing something lately, we in America have become far to illiterate. Some days back a guy reading something out loud for my Spainish class had trouble with town names, one of them being San Diego, a very large, well-known city. Someone in my history class asked me about a very common word, not knowing the meaning (this was a honors class). She further went on to assult me for reading at least part of the section before we did the worksheet, then I was quick to point out that she had barely got a C on the last test, (I got 107/100) that silenced her quick. Many students have struggles naming state senators and representatives, I warrant most could not name the state Secretary of State, and very few know who has been nominated to replace Judge. Sandra Day O'Conner (thats one of two Supreme Court Justices who was a sway voter. The Supreme Court is one of our three brances of government responsible for making sure the other branches act in accordance to, and pass laws that abide by the Constitution).
We have got some serious problems with education here, and believe it or not the senate had to recently vote down a bill that would cut funding for schools. I'm sick and tired of poor education,students and teachers need to get on the ball.

Just to back up my accusations, here are the percentages of eigth graders who scored BELOW national proficiancy levels in reading alone, state ranking on top, %'s on bottom.
United States 29%
45
Alabama
37%

34
Alaska
30%

43
Arizona
35%

35
Arkansas
31%

48
California
40%

21
Colorado
25%

26
Connecticut
26%

7
Delaware
20%

42
Florida
34%

39
Georgia
33%

50
Hawaii (worst)
42%

19
Idaho
24%

21
Illinois
25%

28
Indiana
27%

12
Iowa
21%

14
Kansas
22%

21
Kentucky
25%

44
Louisiana
36%

5
Maine
19%

35
Maryland
31%

1
Massachusetts (best)
17%

28
Michigan
27%

7
Minnesota
20%

48
Mississippi
40%

19
Missouri
24%

3
Montana
18%

7
Nebraska
20%

45
Nevada
37%

7
New Hampshire
20%

7
New Jersey
20%

47
New Mexico
38%

21
New York
25%

35
North Carolina
31%

1
North Dakota (best)
17%

14
Ohio
22%

31
Oklahoma
28%

26
Oregon
26%

17
Pennsylvania
23%

32
Rhode Island
29%

39
South Carolina
33%

3
South Dakota
18%

32
Tennessee
29%

35
Texas
31%

28
Utah
27%

12
Vermont
21%

14
Virginia
22%

21
Washington
25%

39
West Virginia
33%

17
Wisconsin
23%

5
Wyoming
19%
*Child Trends Data Bank

Affirmitive Action Or Special Rights?

After consideration of the matter I've come to decide that affirmitive action often results in certain groups recieving special privilages. Here is why.

While we don't see much segregation any more we still have a few problems. An all white school would be politically incorrect, however all black schools a acceptable, really neither should be if you really want everyone to be equal. Many schools have things such a black heritage clubs, but if someone was really proud of being Caucasion it would be inntolerable to start a white culture club, or something of the like; the person trying to start it would be considered a klansman.

On a school bus one driver will not allow male and female to sit together after some people tried some things. Some students complained because two homosexuals were sitting together which opened the door for the same trouble. When the driver seperated them he had to go before the school board because these students thought they were being discriminated against. Thank God the driver won that one.

These are just a few areas where affirmitive action has failed. If we really consider everyone equal then we wouldn't need all these laws, ad we wouldn't have statistics like "87% of urban African Americans are involved in crime". And we wouldn't make a big deal about Hillary Clinton being the first female to run for president, or people wouldn't ask "arn't you for a female president". I honestly don't care what the sex of the presidential candidates are, I want their views, and their credentials. God bless you all!

Samual Alito

Well, the third Supreme Court appointee in five months. This guy is the center of great controversy, as any might expect in the big to party system we have. I would like to see a fair trial given to Judge Alito, no 20+ hour filibusters.

This guy appears to be conservative, this pleases me. While Democrats will no doubt question "his ability to interpret the law without bias" I think we need to stand up and let them know that its their activist judges who can't even differentiate between "no law regarding the establishment of religion" and the seperation of church and state. I call into question weather Democrats are really upset with this corrupt country, or weather they have such an intense hatred of any state that comes up red on an electoral map that they have to scream " gay rights, abortion, we hate Republicans". Its time that the far left wingers realize that just because its there views does not make them that of "mainstream America". Indeed, judging by the 58,000,000 votes Bush got, a few million ahead of Kerry, we have to consider that maybe that 58,000,000 represents mainstream America. God bless you all!

P.S. Based upon what I know of Judge Alito, he has my full support, and until I find philosohpical judicial flaws, or soemthing of the like, he will have my full support.

What I say goes?

Shelom! Earlier this night at scouts, we were electing interim patrol leaders, about 7 guys were running out of 14 present. There were two guys up there I was voting for, and whenever my hand went up about 4 other hands went up with it. Not surprisingly the two people I voted for won. I don't know, but maybe I wield a little to much power, I don't know if other hands went up because of mine, but once when I signaled "not him" the guy got 0 votes. Anyway, I might have to decrease my own power, God bless

Lets Think About The Children

I was reading an article about the Kentucky legislature, it turns out they passed a bill that stated rapes of same-sex types can be punished more severly by a few extra years in prison. The Supreme Court of Kentucky shot the bill down, stating that moral disagreement is not enough.

Well lets think about the children: 1. The pshycological damage for any rape can be catastrophic, let alone I personnaly know someone who is now gay because they were raped by someone of the same sex as a child. This person may always be confused from this point on, consider that.
2. The goverments power is derived from the people as we clearly see in the Declaration of Independence. If the people want a law like this, (provided it is not contradictory to our Constitution), then the people should be able to have one. I daresay most people will first think about their children when considering this.
3. It is well-known that this kind of sexual activety opens the door to more STDs then would more natural activeties.
I think the Kansas Legislature was well justified in making this law. God bless you all!

No Spam please

Hello, since our blog has had significant problems with comment spam, we have incorporated a word verification protection system, this means to comment you will see a screen with a word, and you must type the word in correctly. This helps because computers are unable to read and type the word, therefore people will have to comment in person. God bless you all!

Outcry Against Abortion

I've read an article today regarding the nomination of Harriet Miers to the U.S. Supreme Court. The article emphasized that Miers is opposed to abortion, and that when running for Dallas city council, she said she "supported a constitiutional amendment to ban the procedure in most cases", and that and that she had the same view on the use of city funds and facilities for the procedure, (Times West Virginian, 10-19-05, 4A). That does not surprise me, what got me was a statement made by a democratic senator: "This raises very serious concerns about her ability to fairly apply the law without bias in this regard" (Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California). Just in case Mrs. Feinstein is unaware our Constitiution never does guaruntee the right of a women to have an abortion. The Decision of Roe V. Wade was based on the 9th and 14th amendments, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retianed by the people", reads the 9th. the 14th says "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;". To say that taking the life of an unborn baby is a right retained by the people is absolutely horrific, and read the second part of the quotation of the 19th, "nor shall any State deprive any person of life". If scientists can declare that a single-celled germ, that does not even have a nucleus is a living thing, then I think we can declare that sperm and egg united a living thing, and did you know that when abortion is normally performed that baby is perfectly formed, can hear, has aheart and a brain etc... surely this baby we are killing is a person, and thus it is murder. Its time we on the right start combating the far-lefties with core facts from the Constitution, so even when we look at the Constitution without bias, we can say that abortion is unlawful.

If you need more evidence, look at when these amendments were passed, 1791, and 1866, a time when abortion would not have really been thought of, so if it wasn't an issue originally protected by these amendments what right have we 100+ years down the road to declare these issues under the protection of our Constitution? Surely murder existed back then, the press existed, religious persecution existed, and all these things are still protected. Abortion was not near as common, if it existed at all, I bet if we were to look at what Congress assembled meant by these amendments we would know that abortion would have never crossed their minds. God bless you all, and open the eyes of lefties who think our Constitutional rights no longer apply to religious people, we Christians for example.

Where is the Love?

There is a question I should like to ask, and don't be surprised if by the end of this I seem to be in a Christian version of a Howard Dean red faced rant.

Tell me church (of which I am a part), where is the love? Where is the unity in Christ? Have we loved our neighbor as our self with all the criticizing we do? More importantly we must love the Lord with all of our hearts, and the Bible says you can't hate your brother. Sure we talk about faith, hope, love, the gratest of which is love, but how many of us practice what we've preached? I see Christian pinned against Christian all the time. We've become so focused on the little things that other people do that bug us, we've forgotten to practice the Golden Rule. Is it not in I Corinthians 13 where Paul tells us that love keeps no track of wrongs?

I believe its time we in the Church wake up and do our job. Turn our backs on strife, troubles and the things that might not be going our way yet, and turn our eyes towards Jesus. He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the great I am. He is able to heal the wounded heart, the child molester, the homosexual, the one who cuts, the alcoholic and every opressed. I tell you Jesus died for that homosexual, and that gothic just like He died for you and me! Jesus is coming, and he isn't coming to get a dead Church, He is coming for the same Church he left! Its time we arise and start living our faith, for James tells us that faith that does nothing is dead!

Just Blog'n 27 (I think)

Hello, not much going on here. Having some troubles in scouts with racial terminology, its very frustrating, these are Boy Scouts were talking about here, not gang bangers. Boy Scouts shouldn't have this problem, and I don't really car if its white to white, black to white, black to black or any of the many other combinations you can come up with. We do not need racial terms like cracker and the n-word (which if I say I could have my blog flagged). Lets just stop using these terms, my theory is if you wouldn't do it infront of a cop, say it infront of your mother, or say it infront of your pastor then don't say it at all! I don't remember Jesus using the terms I listed above, so what right have we to say them? While it is true they probably didn't have those exact terms there were racial terms. Anyway lets stop shouting against racism and still use these terms, how hypocritical are we? Anywho, God bless you all!

Harriet Miers

It should come as no surprise to you that I insist on taking a "far right offensive" stance on this issue of our most recent Supreme Court nominee.

From what we can gather Miers is a Texas Conservative, Fundamental Christian, and probably not one to vote with the likes of Scalia or Souter. I am very happy to see a conservative be appointed here, and honestly I could care less what mainstream America thinks. Even though a mojority of Americans are pro-life, pro-religious, pro-Constitutional rights, the left gets to claim that there views, which are in Newtons law "equal and opposite" to mine, are that of mainstream America.

Don't heed political jargon such as that. Terminology like that is meant to make people think their senator in Washington actually cares about them. So without the big poli terms lets look at Harriet Miers. (I'm not out to please people, if I was I would have given politics up long ago, and I pay little attention to "rules of war" in political issues, so far-lefts can expect a beating).

Miers: Fought pro-choice stance for national bar association, Bravo! Appears to know that there is right in wrong, and believes in the sanctity of mariage, thank God! Is probably against seperation of church and state (which I can't even find in the Constitution), Encore! Is being portrayed as a far-right winger with possibly farther right views then mine. Conclusion, we could've used someone like her long ago. Lets get more right wing, and whoever doesn't want to, well, there is Canada. I can only hope Miers is anti-ACLU, anti-take God out of schools, anti-get rid of Boy Scouts, and pro-national morality, pro-Ten Commandments in the court house, pro-"one nation under God". I'm looking for hard-core conservatives who have a spine, and will say "these are our views, mainstream or not". God bless you all

Just Blog'n something

Good Morning! Actually its about 8:00p.m. here. Not much to blog about in terms of just blog'n. Not getting any comments that areworth keeping on these posts, if you notice I delete many comments because people use them to advertise for non-blogger sites. Anyway God bless you all!

Hoooooowwwwdddddddddddyyyyyyy!

Shelom! Not much to blog about. Do have DSL not AOL now. It is fruitless to indoctrinate an annuated canine with new innovations. In other words you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I'm not entirely comfortable with this DSL yet, but I should get used to it.

School is going pretty good thank God. For it is only with God am I able to get A's. And I thank God for everything He has done. God bless you all!

One Nation Under God

Howdy ya'll. Caution to all politics haters, you may not want to read this post!

"George Washington, Thomas Jefferson. Samuel Adams, first Chief Justice John Jay. Nmaes synonymous with the spirit of our country, founding fathers of the USA. Over two hundred years ago they shook of the chains of tyrany from Great Britain by divine call. citing 27 Biblical violations they wrote the Declaration of Independance, with liberty and justice for all. But somethings happened since Jefferson called the Bible the cornerstone for American liberty, then put it in our schools as a light. Or since give me liberty or give me death Patrick Henry said our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We eliminated God from the equation of American life, thus eliminating the reason this nation first began. From beyond the grave I hear the voices of our founding fathers plead, you need God in America again. Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution 52 were active members of their church ,Founding fathers like Noah Webster who wrote the first dictionary could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse. James Madison said we've staked our future and our ability to follow the 10 Commandments with all our heart, these men believed you couldn't even call yourself an American if you subvert the Word of God. In his farewell address Washington said you can't have national morality apart from religious principle and its true, cause right now we have over 150,000 kids carrying guns to these war zones we call public schools. In the 40's and 50's student problems were chewing gum and talking, in the 90's rape and murder are the trend. The only way this nation can even hope to last this decade is put God in America again.

The only hope for America is Jesus, the only hope for our country is Him. If we repent of our ways, stand firm and say we need God in America again.

Abe Lincoln said the philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next. So when you eliminate the Word of God from the classroom and politics you eliminate the nation that Word protects. America is now No. 1 in teen pregnancy and violent crime, No. 1 in illiteracy, drug use and divorce. Everyday a new Holocaust of 5000 unborn die, while pornograhpy floods our streets like open sewers. America's dead and dying hand is on the threshold of the church, while the spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah vex us all! When it gets to the point that people would rather come out of the closet then clean it, its the sign that judgement of God is gonna fall! If there's ever been a time to rise up church its now, and as the blood-bought saints of the living God proclaim, that its time to sound the alarm from the hurch house to the White House and say we want God in America again! I believe its time America to stand up and proclaim that One NATION UNDER GOD is our demand, and send this evil lifestyle back to satan where it came from and let the Word of God revive our dying land!

For Jesus Christ is coming back in all His glory, and every eye shall see Him on that day, thats why a new anointing of God's power is coming on us to boldly tell the world you must be saved! Because astrology won't save ya, your horoscope won't save ya, the Bible says these things are all farse! If your born-again you don't need to look to the stars for your answers, cause you can look to the very one who made those stars! History tells us time and time again to live like there's no God makes you a fool, you wanna see kids live right, stop handing out condoms and start handing out the Word of God in School!!

I tell you The only hope for America is Jesus, the only hope for our country is Him. If we repent of our ways, stand firm and say we need God in America again!"

(Carmen, The Standard/ America Again) Lets keep this One nation under God, I won't pledge to any other nation!

Just Blog'n 25?

Hoowwwwwwdy! Whats up ya'll? Not much here, I've been in the blogging buisness for about half a year, and you may notice a large majority of these blogs are in the more recent half. Well your right, during the summer I had alot more opportunity to blog. Now that school is in session I'm rather busy. Thank God I get through it though.

Tomorrow my school will be collecting money for hurricane Katrina, and we have corporate sponsors who will match whatever we collect. So if we collect 1,500$ then the actual donation will be 4,500$. I will be donating provided I remember to bring money (which I seldom take to school). I would encourage everyone to do what you can to help. Any Katrina victims reading this our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all!

John Roberts, 2.

Howdy ya'll. John Roberts has now been nominated to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. I personnally don't think he'd do a bad job, but I predict harsh opposition from Liberals playing their partisan games (of which Conservatives are guilty to). Hopefully Mr. Roberts will get a smooth hearing in the senate.

On another note last night I was up until about 2:00 playing Texas Hold'em. We played three rounds, the first time I placed last, the second I placed third, and the third I placed second. I was tired by the third round so I went all in before the flop with a Jack, 2 off suite. I got called, a 8, Queen. On the flop I got another two and a Jack, giving me two pair. However two eight did come up by the river, which caused my demise. It was still very interesting. Anyway God bless you all!

This is a blog, not free advertisement.

Howdy, I've noticed a increase in the number of comments lately. This is good in a way; however, I want to make something very clear:

1. Comments should not advertise for a non-blog site, unless its just a link to ones site with no advertisement in the comment.
Comments that resemble the below are toast.
"Great Blog, I'll be back. Another great site is (site link here), you might want to try it".

2. Any vulgarity in any comment will result in immediate removal from the blog.

3. Any comment put on just to advertise a non-blog site will be deleted.

I appreciate comments such as the one on "Christmas in September". The writer is courteous, and encouraging. He links to a site, but he doesn't advertise it, it is modestly put in on the bottom with no referance to it in the comment. Please if your want to put a link in a comment don't make it the center of the coment. God bless you all!

Just Blog'n 24(?)

Howdy ya'll. School is going good. Went up to Coopers Rock earlier, pretty awesome. Its kinda hard to think that camp was just three months ago, and school about three days before that, and now I'm back to school. About one month ago I was in Maine, life just seems to be going by so quickly. Life really is very short like James said. Anyway God bless you all.

Christmas in September

Hey, a few days ago in Madrigals we started singing songs for our competition in December. Of course we are singing Christmas songs, in September. I really like Christmas songs, but its a bit awkward at this time a year, ya sing em and wanna get all into the Christmas spirit suddenly to remember its only September, :( . Anyway God bless you all!

Soy de Houlton

Earlier today in Spainish class the teacher was asking where some people where from. In Spainish you answer where you were born, not where you currently live. Well I was not born in Fairmont, I was born in Houlton, Maine. A tiny town of three thousand on the Canadian border. I can't even say about or out without an accent. Some people give a good-natured chuckle, others think its cool.

Anyway school started, and I honestly feel more whooooooo! Rather then ohhhhhh... My classes arn't really hard so far, but it was also just the second day. But honestly they won't be getting much harder, God bless you all.

The Lord is Good

Here is part of a song by Steve Brock, I believe we should focus on this more

"The Lord is good, His mercy endureth forever and ever, through all generations. So I will stand up and sing praise, Hallelujah! for I know the Lord is good." God bless you all.

FOUR LETTER WORD THAT DESTROYS

Fear.

This one feeling can completly dominate at times. But the thing is this can only dominate when we let it. If you always expect the worst thats what your gonna get, the worst. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, and of peace, and of a sound mind. Hallelujah! We need to stop focusing on the worst and start claiming the best. We have got to change the mentality of "well in this scenario this (the worst) happens". I tell you that scenario didn't happen with father Abraham. In his scenario would we ever expect a child? It takes faith, lots of it. When Abraham considered his circumstances he did it in faith, not fear. When we consider our circumstances we must do it in faith not fear.

What Job feared the worst is what happened to him. So why are we allowing this fear into us, sometimes we might not realize it, other times we just aren't looking in faith. I tell you Paul certainly didn't fear the snake that bit him, Moses took a step of faith and overcame his fears. We need to look on the positive, expect the best. The "I can't" attitude must be gone within the church. We must not allow it. In the words of the Great Dr. Suess (and my little alterations) "this fear should not be here, it should not be about, this fear should not be here as long as satan is out". And satan needs to stay out, let fear in and that can give satan a stronghold. God bless you all!

ACLU Lost This One.

"Dear Josiah,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Boy Scouts of America. It is always good to hear from a fellow West Virginian.

As you may know, during the Senate consideration of the Department of Defense Authorization bill earlier this summer Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn) introduced an amendment related to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and federal agencies. Specifically the amendment provided that no federal law, including any rule, regulation, directive, and instruction be construed to limit any government agency from providing support to the BSA."

This is a portion of a letter I recieved today from Senator John D. Rockefeller (D-WVA). I had wrote him along with many others regarding ACLU attacks on the BSA. The bill he refers to passed in the senate by a 98-0 vote. I would like to thank Sen. Rockefeller for his efforts and support. God bless you

Arrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

I don't know how much longer I can take my familys negative attititude. My entire family is just plain discouraging. It's hard to deal with being the only person even trying to maintain a positive attitude in my family. I realize in many cases I might be part of the problem, but I honestly don't know how to act in a positive manner when responding to my family's attitude. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Its sad to say that I can almost put my family as my NO.1 stumbling block for my faith. I don't know what to do in response to them, if it weren't for prayer and God I'd have no hope whatsoever. Not to say God won't mend this situation, or that prayer can't change things, but I'm frustrated with my family. I feel like the only one praying here, even though I know I'm not.

I don't know as if openly confronting my family would help or not. I bluntly told my mother that I'm sick of this familys negative, pessimistic attitude. And then if I try to tell my lil bro and sis something, even if it would help them I get told to leave them alone. If I tell my brother not to have the "I can't" attitude I get scolded. There may have been a few times I did the right thing in the wrong manner, but most of the time it was the negative attitude of family members.

God bless you all.

"Go ye into all the world"

As Christians we are instructed "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel". This is something I think we could all work on. Many of us have the mentality that all the world doesn't include our school, workplace, neighborhood etc... Summer is coming to an end, but this summer I've realized mediocrity in the Christian walk is not an option. We can't stay lukewarm. We have got to pull together as Christians, anchor onto one another

Down With Xanga, And Shorten Our Alphabet.

Howdy, I'm well aware that many people are now bloging on xanga. The name alone clearly puts blogger at the top spot. Would you want to get a chicken sandwich at McDonalds over Chick-Fil-A? So give me your reasons for not blogging on Blogger. And on blogger we can choose if people outside the blogger community can comment. Clearly blogger is better.

And why would you use a x in place of a z, one would pronounce xanga as zanga. So whats with the that. I say we eliminate x from the alphabet, and when we write something like X-Ray,just put a line down the middle of the z giving z two forms. And phone, f sould replace the ph, fone, we eliminate extra typing and writing. Thats also one less rule to be taught. All silent letters should be gone, such as when you have pn the n is silent, if your not gonna say it why does the english language put it there. I sincerely believe we can eliminate the letter K entirely, Karl would become Carl, Kipper would become Cipper, thus making C able to represent all long K sounds.

We could also eliminate several words from our language. Rather then having words such as great, excellent, fabulous, we could have, good, plusgood, and doubleplusgood. And rather then bad we would ungood, twiceungood rather then terrible and so on. Fast would eliminate slow by having unfast. We could do this with several words. God bless you all.

P.S. If any English perfectionists heads are spinning sit down, count to ten and admit "English isn't a perfect language". If your going through denial about this then comment and we will get a English Anonymous group counsleing service running.

Just Blog'n 23

Hey, I was going to blog about something really important last night, but I couldn't get to my dashboard, and I don't remember what I was going to blog about.

Anyway my borther is in from the Navy, he's been in Norfolk for about six months, and now he's going to Italy for two years! He will be touring Europe with the NATO band.

Its about that back to school time of year for most. But keep in mind once school starts there are only 5 months till Christmas(Begin bracing for battle with ACLU about if we can say Merry Christmas!). And once Christmas break is over its about five months until summer.

God bless you all!

Just Blog'n 22

Why is it we in the church have lost our zeal? Could it be that the church has quenched the Spirit? If this is the case wake up church! Do you not know that Jesus is coming? When I stand before God I want to hear "Well done thou good and faithful servant". And in case you never noticed theres only one other response in the Scripture, and its "Depart from me..." I certainly don't want to hear that. Maybe if people in the church weren't already acting defeated where we already have victory, maybe if we'd stop putting the trial and tribulation part of Scripture over the 'be of good cheer I have overcome the world' part we'd be doing better. If you ask you will recieve, when the apostles were filled with The Spirit on Pentecost they had been praying. If we ask God will give, ask to be filed with The Spirit and God will give us The Spirit.

Someone can know all there is to know about Scripture, end time prophecy, etc... but if God isn't in it how much will come of it. We must let faith direct our lives, faith that does nothing is dead, and anything not done in faith is sin. When will we the church wake up and smell the coffee? If we don't we may soon wake up to smell the flames!

Defense of LOTR

I've decided to post a defense of thre lotr trilogy. While many Christians say the books are full of evil, I am one Christian who disagrees. One evil that might come from lotr is if one becomes so obsessed by it you make it more important then God.

Witchcraft in lotr: Yes there is indeed witchcraft in these books; however, the witchcraft is commited by evil people and it is portrayed as evil.

Gandalf a good wizard?: There is no such thing as a good wizard, and heres my defense of Gandalf. The wizard in Tolkiens day was simply a master of illusion, and Gandalf is only called a wizard by the people of middle-earth because they think he looks like one. In reality Gandalf is a Maia (Mair?). These people were sent by Illuvatar, the creator of middle-earth, in order to combat Sauron (whose story is very much like that of Satans). All of Gandalfs power comes from Illuvatar, the real witchcraft comes from the other end, from Sauron. I must grant Gandalf is a sorcerer, based on the grounds that a sorcerer can be someone who smokes (what they smoke I'm not sure).

The Palantir: I know in elvish palantir means "farsighted". While these look like crystal balls they really aren't. Anyone can use them, even simple Hobbits, and weak-minded stewards. Tolkien offers no explanation to how these work (being able to communicate through stones), but most evidence leads away from them having anything to do with the demonic.

Furthur defense would take a long while, but if you have any other questions feel free to ask. God bless you!

Just Blog'n 22

Earlier today I saw a spider, not your average spider, a large spider probably larger in circumference then my pinky. This spider was weaving a web, and its a really cool thing to watch, and then think about how that spider was designed perfectly so that it could make that web, and how God made humans the most intricate part of His creation. God made you exactly the way He wanted you, even if your purpose isn't weaving a web (which it probably isn't) God has a purpose for you, and like the spider He designed you just right to do it, we owe Him something. God bless you all.

John Roberts

Well, we have here a political battle. Is Roberts conservative or not? Is he pro-gay? Does he sympathize with abortion clinic bombers?

Honestly conservative you may call me, but I've heard so much about this guy if half of its true I would never want him to serve on our Supreme Court. Maybe he is against the Roe V. Wade desicion, but if he's really pro-gay I don't want him there. I am whole-heartedly against abortion, but you don't bomb an abortion clinic.

Abortion is an issue not delegated to the federal government, so some would argue it should be left to the states; but, with modern science we can show life actually starts very early inside the womb. This being the case ABORTION IS MURDER! A women has the right to choose, she can choose to keep her legs shut or spread them out.

Most gay-rights issues amount to special priveliges for gays. A buisness should not be required to hire a certain number of gay employees, nor should the BSA have to have gay scoutmasters. We as Christians should reach out into this world of sinners. If you have no contact with sinners how can you witness to them? God can change the gay, the child molester, the thief etc...

Remember weather Roberts gets the seat or not, God is in control. "Can you add any days to your life by worrying?" We just need to do God's will, He'll take care of the rest. God bless

Just Blog'n 21

Howdy ya'll. Got to talk with some people from camp on the day of yester. Hopefully get to see them next weekend. Anyway I suppose church could've gone better today, not that the service wasn't good, but there were some rather dissapointing responses to the preaching.

This goes alot into a situation at the church I attend, and I currently can't give many details.

Just Blog'n 20

Wow, its the 20th time I've just blogged. This page is nearing its .5 year old birthday. Kinda cool, but I've changed alot since I started this blog. Especially since camp. I've realized that all the camp posts are now nearer the bottom of the page, its rteally awkward. Even though two months ago today we were in the begininng of teen camp it seems so long ago. And camp itself seemed to last longer then a month. Probably because we were always active and doing stuff. God bless you all.

Update

Hey, many of you might have heard about the "SUPPORT OUR SCOUTS ACT OF 2005". This bill gurantees that scouts can't be discriminated against when it comes to city support, or use of city property. The senate passed this bill by a whooping 98-0 vote. The senate basically voted against the ACLU, thank God. The bill isn't law yet, it has to go through some commitee yet, but its on the way.
I would like to thank SEN. Bill Frist and friends who put the act before the senate, I would also like to thank all the senators who voted on this matter.

On another note, I think I'm going to write my scout council and explain to them the complete and utter lack of morality among scouts. The way most scouts conduct themselves has rocked the very foundation upon which scouting was built. I'm a Chaplain Aid who doesn't ignore the Scout Law "A scout is Reverent". Or the oath "On my honor, I will do my best to do my DUTY TO GOD". These make up the entire premise for scouting. And yet I honestly can't say that most employees at a local scout camp do their duty to God. It is time for those of us honest and reverent scouts to make our stand. I've met enough scouts to know I'm not alone, at least there are a few scouts left who do our duty to God. God bless you, and help the BSA.

Excited

Hey, just was talking about some Bible verses and got really excited
Undignified:

"I will dance, I will sing, to be mad, for my King. Nothing Lord is hindering this passion in my soul.

I'll become even more undignified then this, some would say its follishness, but I'll become even more undignified then this."

I honestly fell that way, Heaven yes, and Hell no! I'm ready to do some Hell razing, (raze: to destroy, to stomp on). "Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world". "On this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Amen, God bless you all.

James 5:16

"The effectual fervant prayer of a righteous man availeth much" This is such an awesome verse! Fervant can mean "burning", its so cool. Our burning prayers availeth much, how awesome is that!

Just Blog'n 19

Hooooowwwwwwwwdyy! Getting a little bit frustrated with my younger siblings, I guess most of you know how that is. They have to constantly fight over everything, even which rack something goes on in a store. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I've already gone into anger+boredom=explosion. I'm really having a hard time here, what happened to the good old days when the oldest sibling had seniority, and when things could be solved by a fist fight among siblings. I will grant it wasn't the best way, but it was better then the way kids today try to settle things. Anyway God bless you all.

Just Blog'n 18b

Hey, we didn't have patrol elections yet. I didn't get ASPL, but thats ok. Now I know the Chaplain Aids are going to do their job (the patrol CA(s) report to me, I believe). There is gonna be a little reformation if I have any say in how this position works. Anyway, I had prayed about it and I'm pretty sure this is where God wants me. I think maybe I had been taking this job to lightly, which I'm gonna avoid. Anyway, God bless you all.

Just Blog'n 18

Howdy! I've got scouts tonight (The ACLU must be happy). We are probably going to have patrol elections. We had troop elections last week. I have secured a position on the troop executive board, no matter how elections go tonight. There is a chance (probably 50%) that I will get appointed ASPL, this would be a great opportunity, but I couldn't be troop Chaplain Aid. I could still be patrol Chaplain Aid though. Anyway I will keep you updated.

Howdy Ya'll,2

Howdy, got attacked by a type of bees for the fourth time this summer! It was as good as getting attacked by yellow jackets can be. I must thank God for not letting one of them into my mouth(where they could find a spot to sting and kill about instantly) and for only allowing two of them to get me. God bless you all

Just Blog'n 16(?)

Well Howdy-Ho happy blogiac, how are you? I should like to know, is anyone reading this, anyone? I guess if your a new reader you didn't see the stuff about camp, if so then scroll a little more then halfway down the page, it begins with "My First Job".
Anyway, I was thinking(if anyone still reads this) Maybe it would be a good idea for me to put my testimony on here, what do you think? God bless you all