PT's Coffee Break

Grace for Doubting Believers

2011-08-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

Reading this morning from the Scriptures in Genesis 15, I found it a little odd that Abraham (Abram at the time) immediately believed God when He promised him a male heir, a son of his very own...and yet, Abraham did not immediately believe God when He promised him the land that his descendents would inherit. And we know that he didn’t because he asks the Lord, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?” (Gen.15:8). In vs.6, the Bible tells us that, “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” But then he turns right around and doesn’t simply take God at His word about the land. Very curious.
Yet, God is so kind and gracious, rather than rebuking Abraham for his unbelief, God instructs him to bring the elements to him so that He can make (lit. cut) a covenant with Abraham. God graciously stoops to Abraham’s unbelief and gives him a formal sign, a ceremony that assures Abraham of the unconditional promise about the land. Besides from being good, loving, and gracious, why would God do this? Why didn’t the Lord simply give Abraham His word and let it be it? Why did He lower Himself to Abraham like this?

I believe there are a couple of reasons, one being to satisfy Abraham’s doubts… although I still admit to not understanding how or why Abraham believed God about the son, but didn’t about the land, unless of course the “land promise” was a much bigger “promise” and therefore Abraham doubted God’s ability to fulfill. Though I must admit, even to me this seems unlikely. And yet the question remains.

Another reason I believe God allowed this and even graciously went through this ceremony was not merely for Abraham’s sake, but for all of his descendents… for the nation of Israel that was to come. Israel would endure much suffering and heartache, not only what God revealed to Abraham concerning their stay in Egypt, but even later at the hands of the Babylonians. What would be more encouraging to later Hebrews than to look back on the promise that God made with Abraham? Future generations would be continuously told about how the Lord Himself appeared to their Father Abraham and literally made a covenant with him to give his descendents the land. Therefore they would not give up or lose hope. They would continuously look to the Lord their God to fulfill His promises.

I believe it is also a great encouragement to even us today, as New Testament believers, as we think about all the promises that God has made to us, especially those concerning salvation through His blessed Son, Jesus. God made an unconditional covenant with Abraham, He swore by Himself because there was nothing greater for Him to swear by that assured Abraham and his descendents that one day they would indeed inherit the land. Likewise, we too can be assured and confident that the Lord our God who has promised us eternal life through faith in Christ will indeed keep His promise. Thank you, Lord for your graciousness and patience with doubting believers.

Practical Universalists

2011-08-04T03:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it seems like the even the best of Christians can become “practical universalists.” What do I mean by “practical universalists?” What I mean is, we know what the Scriptures say, we know the clear teaching of Christ when He said, in Matt 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

We know that with our mind, but emotionally it seems like we can’t accept it, because deep down in our hearts we think everyone is going to make it to heaven somehow someway, especially when we’re thinking of people close to us. It doesn’t seem to matter how people live. It doesn’t seem to matter whether they openly deny Christ. Deep in our hearts we still believe that when they die, somehow they will go to heaven. Of course, this is what universalists believe, that everyone is eventually saved and no one is judged. But of course, this is NOT the message we read in the Bible, God’s word. The fact is, there is a judgment coming and there is a time when the patience and mercy of God will run out and we will be left to His justice and wrath. In fact, I was reminded of this truth this morning from my reading in Genesis 7. In a very populated world at the time of the great flood, 8 people were saved; Noah and his wife, and his three sons and their wives. Out of the thousands and thousands of people on the earth, possibly even millions in the days of Noah, God saved 8 people.

This should remind us that as much as He dislikes to do it, God will judge wickedness in perfect holiness and righteousness. To allow ourselves to become “practical universalists” means that we allow mere emotionalism to rob us of the seriousness of God’s holiness, the certainty of God’s truth, and the urgency to proclaim the good news of Christ to a dying world. If we are to truly remain faithful, we must not allow ourselves to give into “practical universalism.” We must always bear in mind that judgment is coming and man’s only escape is repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ. May God in grace by the power of His Spirit keep us mindful of this reality, that it might greatly effect how we live!

Despair: A Subtle Instrument of Evil

2011-03-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those “A-ha moments” when before you were clueless as to what was going on, but then all of a sudden, like someone opening the drapes in a dark room to let in the light of day, the veil in your own heart and mind was lifted and you could see what was really going on? Just recently I had one of those moments, and just as clear as the day, the Lord pulled back the veil in my mind and revealed to me a clever and subtle tool of the enemy: Despair; the condition of being without hope.

It doesn’t take very long to survey the culture to realize this is a major problem and one that seemingly many people are overlooking. I believe this probably a major factor in the alarming rate of alcohol and drug abuse in our nation. It is the reason so many people are on anti-depressants. It is the reason people of any age willfully take their own life. It is why married couples call it quits and get a divorce. Why? Because in whatever situation people find themselves, they end up despairing of life, and the saddest part is, they don’t even realize what is going on. They don’t realize they’re sinking in the pool of despair. They believe their seeing life and reality rightly. And the more and more I meditate on this terrible condition, the more I see the evil, crafty hand of Satan in it. So, do we combat it? What is our defense?

First of all, when you stop and think about it, despairing really isn’t logical. Why? Because by definition to despair means to be without hope; in other words, when we despair we’re saying there is no hope for the future that nothing good is going to come. But do you really know that? Do you know precisely what the future will hold? Do you really know what your life will be like in 2, 5, or even 10 years or more? No. The only person who knows that is God. We do not know that. Therefore, to despair is not even logical, simply because we do not know. JRR Tolkien, the famous British scholar and author , wrote in his popular Lord of the Ring series, “Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not.” This is precisely what Tolkien was saying that despair is not logical because we do not know.

But secondly, despairing is not even Biblical, especially for the born again Christian. Why? Because we are NEVER without hope. For the past 4 weeks on Sunday nights we have been examining one of the greatest promises in Scripture found in Romans 8:28 where Paul writes, “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God for those who are the called according to His purpose.” In fact, when you stop and read it again, the believer should be forever the optimist. Why? Because Paul says, “And we know that all things work together for good…” So, for the Christian, God promises that EVERYTHING is working out for our good. Therefore, we should never be without hope.

So, dear friends, the next time you find yourself depressed and moping about… the next time you find yourself with a negative outlook on life or the future, … or consumed with worry or doubt… remember the promise of the Scripture. Remember that God is still on the throne and that He is still at work in your life and in your situation.

In Psalm 27, verses 13-14 David touched on this issue of despair when he said, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Unless he had believed, he would have lost heart; i.e. he would have despaired. But he didn’t; he believed, which is why he went to encourage us by saying, “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Friends, don’t become a victim of despair, don’t let Satan defeat you with this subtle instrument of evil. Wait on the Lord and never lose faith that He is still working on your behalf.

Resolution to Blog Quickly Losing Steam

2011-02-24T03:30:00.000-08:00

Last night, Andrea said to me something to the effect, "I see your resolution to blog hasn't worked out," or something like that. And she is exactly right... my chosen discipline to blog is quickly losing steam. And there are many reasons for that. For example, I write SO MUCH in my calling as a pastor, its hard to sit down and write something else. To give you an idea, sitting down each week to study for and to write 3 Expositional sermons is like writing 3 10-page papers in school every week. And I take my calling to accurately interpret and proclaim the Word of God VERY SERIOUSLY. I don't just get up there as some do and speak off-the-cuff. No, I study very hard to be as sure as I can what I'm saying is accurate. To give you a peak into my study, I probably spend an average of 10 hours of study and preparation time PER SERMON. So, that's 30 hours per week for nothing but studying!! Not to mention all the other things that have to be done. So, seriously I thought I studied and wrote a lot in seminary. Boy, I didn't have a clue how much I would study and write as a pastor.

But then some might say, "Well, then just blog what's on your mind." Well, the problem with that is, most of the things on my mind, I'm not at liberty to blog about in a public forum. Oh sure, there's plenty of things I COULD write about, but I would never do it on a public blog. That is what private journals are for.

Others might say, "Well, then comment on the news or current events." And I guess I could, if I kept up better with what was going on in the world. I mean, I know absolutely I SHOULD stay better informed about what's happening in the world, but where do you find the time to keep up with everything?? If I'm not studying, I'm ministering to someone in the church. And when I'm not doing either of those things, I'm either helping my wife or playing with the kids. I ordered Direct TV so that I could watch the FOX News channel... but I NEVER get to sit down and watch it! In the morning, its WordGirl or Backyardigans for the boys. And at night, its play time with the boys or reading books and getting ready for bed. And by 8:30 or 9:00pm, when the boys are finally in bed... FOR GOOD... I'm so mentally and emotionally exhausted I don't want to think about anything serious or important; I just want to veg out or be entertained.

So, there's my blog for today... or this week... or this month (haha) Why it is hard to blog as a pastor, a husband, and a DAD. Have a great day everybody!!

Too Blunt or Just Honest?

2011-01-17T05:46:00.000-08:00

There have been times when I have been accused of being too frank and forthright when speaking with people. I suppose that is true, in fact, I’m sure it is true. Maybe it comes from my relative youthfulness or perhaps it’s just my nature. Either way, it is true. And whether it is considered a vice or virtue, I guess depends on each individual person. Personally, I appreciate frankness in conversation. Having been a pastor now for several years and having been to many conventional meetings and been privy to quite a few discussions, I must say that I get frustrated and exasperated with a lot of double talk or cleverly devised speeches which perhaps give a glimmer of understanding to those in the know, and keeps in the dark those who are not in the know.
I think the real problem these days is that in many people’s opinion, truth is highly overrated. Why should we be worried about the truth as long as everyone is comfortable and feeling good? Why risk offending someone or upsetting the apple cart with truth when everything is moving along like a well-oiled machine? Truth can be so inconvenient and problematic. So, why is truth so important?

First, our God is a God of Truth. Deut 32:4 states, “A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Jesus said of Himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth….” Even the Holy Spirit is referred to as “the Spirit of Truth…” in John 14:17. On the other hand, Satan, the enemy of God is said to be devoid of truth and is the father of lies. (John 8:44) So, truth is at the very heart of the character of God, whereas deception and falsehoods characterize our enemy.
But not only is truth at the very heart of the character of God, but truth is also important because truth liberates. It is truth that sets men free in more ways than one. Again, Jesus said in John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Truth has a way of breaking the bonds that enslave us, especially the bonds of sin.
Truth not only liberates, but truth also sanctifies. In fact, before ascending back to His Father, Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Truth not only frees us, it makes us clean and holy. Truth helps us to get rid of the vile junk in our hearts and lives and conforms us more and more into the image of Christ. We desperately need the truth of God’s word and loving brothers and sisters who will love us enough to speak it to us.

And finally, truth unites. Truth is the only enduring, unshakable foundation upon which real and legitimate unity can be established. As Paul told the Ephesians, “There is one body and one Spirit,…one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism;” (Eph 4:4-5). To attempt to establish unity upon any other ground is to build on shifting sands.

So, can I be too frank or to blunt sometimes? I’m sure I can be. However, I would much rather err on the side of being too straightforward than to one day stand before my Lord, and have to answer for being deceptive and misleading because I did not speak more plainly the truth. Should truth be spoken in love? Absolutely, but it still must be spoken. May we endeavor to always be a people who hold to truth with the utmost steadfastness, and may West End Baptist Church always be known as a true church of the living God, “the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Tim.3:15)

2011- New Year's Resolution

2011-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

This year my biggest new year's resolution is to do a better job in leading my family in the worship of God. For years I have struggled to have regular devotions with the family with little success. The consistency was just not there. Looking back on it, I probably underestimated the spiritual battle that I was facing in trying to actually lead my family in worship.

But this year I'm more determined than ever. By God's grace, I AM going to lead our family in taking time to focus on God daily. My plan was to simply use the M'Cheyne Reading plan and simply read one chapter a day with the family. But after thinking through this a little, reading through an entire chapter straight from the Bible, which is written on a high school reading level, I thought this might be tortuous for my 6 and 4 year old. So instead, what I started doing about a week ago was reading through the Bible and breaking up the chapters into small "bitesize" chunks. And then from that, having a few questions for the kids about the content of the passage, along with one or two truths that we can glean from the passage. And then to finish it, I have a suggested prayer which is based on the Scripture reading. For any adult this would sound very elementary, but for a 6 and 4 year old, I think this will work out nicely. (Below is a sample of the Family Devotional)

The other thing I want to do regarding the family and worship is to have a special time on Saturday night in which we read the Bible, sing, pray, etc in order to prepare our hearts for going to worship the next day. I confess that I was inspired in this direction from a wonderful book that Andrea and I are reading entitled, Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship. We want to really train our children to really worship the Lord, to really look forward to going to worship and participating with the family of God. And for families with children, preparing on Saturday night in spiritual & practical ways, it simply is a must. So that when Sunday morning comes, we all can be in the right frame of mind, rather than being rushed, frazzled, and frustrated.

So, that is my biggest new year's resolution this year. The other one is to be more consistent in blogging. Not that I don't write enough in my job, but I think blogging or journaling can also a good spiritual discipline.

Sample
Jan. 2 – Gen 2:1-3
Questions to ask the children.
1. What did God do on day seven? (He rested)
2. Did God need to rest? (No.)
3. So, what does it mean that God rested? (He stopped working because His work was complete).
4. And what does the Bible say God did to the seventh day?
(He blessed it and sanctified it; i.e. made it holy or special)

What truth(s) can we glean from this passage?
God demonstrated for us that rest is good and appropriate. God knows how much we need rest and time to worship Him. This is why He provided one day out of seven to be a special day of rest and worship. So important was it, that He included it in His Ten Commandments. (Ex. 20:8-11)

Suggested Prayer
Dear God, thank you for giving us a special day each week to rest and worship you. Help us to keep it each week in a way that honors You and blesses us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thoughts on Prayer

2010-07-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

Luke 4:38-43; 25-27 (the inspiring Scriptures)

Not long after Jesus was baptized and tested in the wilderness, he came back in great power, preaching and healing all kinds of people. For example in vs.38, he was asked to heal Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, and he did. Vs. 40 says that people from all over were bringing all their sick and demon possessed, and that Jesus healed EVERYONE! Why did He did do that? Where is Simon Peter’s mother-in-law now? Where are all those once sick and demon-possessed people now? They’re dead… they’re either in heaven or hell, but the point is they all died physically. For some, Jesus’ healing only postponed their death. So, again, why did Jesus do this? Did he do it simply to extend their life? Was He simply being merciful to the remaining friends and family, giving them more time with their loved-one? Or was their another reason?

In vs.42, when the crowd sought Him and tried to make Him stay with them, Jesus said, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” So, Jesus said His purpose was to preach the kingdom, not to heal. So, why heal all those people?

Ac 2:22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— (see also Heb.2:1-4)

Why did Jesus do miracles? Validation. God the Father was healing all those people through Jesus to confirm and establish the truthfulness of His message. Which naturally leads me to ask the question, do we understand now why we don’t see more miraculous healings in our day, in our culture? Does the truthfulness of the Gospel really need to be confirmed and established today; something that has been a part of our national culture for over 400 years, beginning with the pilgrims and continuing right on through to our founding fathers, even up until the early part of the 20th century?

Another question to ask, especially for the church, is why are we praying for so many physical healings? In probably any church, if you ask for prayer requests, you’ll get 90 % or better will be requests for physical healing. After that, maybe 1-2 requests for comfort for someone grieving, and maybe 1-2 requests for protection for someone traveling…but very, very rarely will you ever get one for someone who is lost and separated from God, or even for a professing brother or sister who has gone astray. Why? Are we too earthly-minded, rather than being spiritually-minded? Does our focus on the physical betray the real focus of our heart? Or are we too afraid that we might offend if we make discerning judgments regarding the spiritual condition of a friend or neighbor? Are we in denial? Are we afraid that if we really start praying for people spiritually that God may just lead us to actually do something, like go and talk with them?

Again, why are we asking for so many physical healings, even if we understand that the spiritual is more important? Is our heart really focused on the validation of the Gospel as Jesus’ was, or does it really expose that we’re more concerned about keeping our friends and family alive with us than seeing the Gospel spread? What if a loved-one’s death opened the door for more ministry to be done? What if a loved-one’s death created opportunities for the lost to hear about Jesus? What is a loved-one’s prolonged hospital stay created opportunities for doctors, nurses, other patients, or even extended family members to have a opportunity to hear about and receive Christ as their Lord and Savior? What really is more important… living a few more years or seeing souls come to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ?

Now, I know as well as anyone how much our friends and families mean to us, I have dearly beloved friends and relatives too. But when someone does get sick or something bad does happen, maybe rather than spending so much time, trying to get every Christian and every church we know of to pray for their physically healing, maybe we would be better served and God better glorified, if we stop and ask, “Lord, how can this situation increase your glory? How can this terrible situation be used to magnify Jesus and spread the good news to those who need it most?” Who knows maybe even this heavenly perspective might itself bring peace, comfort, and even contentment to the one who is sick and to those who are closest to him? When Jesus was here, what was He really more concerned about… the physical healing and restoration of people, or preaching the gospel of the kingdom for eternal salvation? I think the Scriptures are clear, for Jesus, it was preaching the gospel of the kingdom. What should it be for us as His disciples?

Moratorium on Church Membership?

2010-06-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Who have ever heard of a pastor of a church wanting to call for a moratorium on adding any new church members? None that I’m aware of. But this is exactly what this pastor desires to do in his heart. Why you ask? Simply because it has been affirmed and reaffirmed over and over again that the typical, modern-day professing Christian doesn’t have a clue what it means to member of a church. Church Membership has all but lost all of its significance today in our culture. Far from being a community of deeply devoted Christ-followers who covenant together to share all of life together for the glory of God and to carry out the great commission, we change churches like we change our shoes. We’ll try this one for a while, and if it doesn’t fit, we’ll kick it off and get another, without one ounce of regret or second-thought. But what can we expect from the ultimate consumer-driven culture in which coveting is a value and where our personal happiness reigns supreme? In many ways, it takes more effort and devotion to be a member of the local “animal” lodge than it does the church of the Jesus Christ. If this small, insignificant, saved-by-grace pastor is broken-hearted over the current condition of Christ’s bride today, I can’t even imagine how broken-hearted He is.

Wrestling with the Lord's Supper

2010-04-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

The Lord's Supper is one of two primary ordiances in the church instituted by Christ Himself. It is a very special time of fellowship, personal reflection and evaluation, and a re-committing ourselves to the Lord and to the fellowship of believers. But is this sacred meal only properly to be observed when most of the church is present? Or can it be properly done in homes with only a few believers?

I have really been wrestling over this issue lately because of the desire of many of our shut-ins to participate in the Lord's Supper, even though physically they really aren't able to come and worship anymore.

In the Baptist confession of faith written in 1689 (one of the most detailed and lengthy confessions), it is stated of the Lord's Supper:

"1.THE Lord's supper was instituted by the Lord on the same night in which He was betrayed. It is to be observed in His churches to the world's end, for a perpetual remembrance of Him and to show forth the sacrifice of Himself in His death. It was instituted also to confirm saints in the belief that all the benefits stemming from Christ's sacrifice belong to them. Furthermore, it is meant to promote their spiritual nourishment and growth in Christ, and to strengthen the ties that bind them to all the duties they owe to Him. The Lord's supper is also a bond and pledge of the fellowship which believers have with Christ and with one another."

In this one paragraph of this confession about the Lord's Supper, we can observse both the corporate aspect as well as the individual aspect of the blessing of participating in this meal.

The question that I have is, which is more important and does one overrule the other? For example, can I as a pastor alone go and administer the Lord's Supper to an elderly shut-in, or does at least a portion of the church be represented because of the communal aspect of the meal? Sure the more practical and easier thing to do would be for me to just do it alone when I'm out doing my visiting during the day. But as one who is trying to be obedient and honoring to God, what is easier or practical cannot be my guide. I have to think through what I'm doing and make sure that what I'm doing lines up with Scripture and with the intention that Christ had when He instituted it.

Insights and comments from other believers who are also striving for God's glory are always welcome. :)

New Appreciation for Genesis 3:16

2010-03-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

Genesis 3:16 states, "To the woman He said,'I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children;'" (NASB)

I now have a new appreciation for this verse. When Andrea labored and delivered our first two, she had epidurals with both, the first more than the second. I can remember when Caleb was born that all day, Andrea and I had basically just sat in the hospital room, watching tv, until about 3:30pm when the nurse came in and said, "Ok, it's time to push." I was like, "What?" That experience was nothing like I had seen on television.

But yesterday, Andrea had NO epidural; she only had a little "Newbane" (sp?) to take the edge off, and it was really different. I mean she was hurting and uncomfortable for hours before it was time to push. No television yesterday, we were all business. And then when it was time for her to push, boy I really understood Gen.3:16 because it was like the movies. I'm sort of surprised she didn't start calling me dirty names! (haha).

But even through that terrible/wonderful experience... her heart could be seen. She would scream at the mid-wife and nurses when it hurt so bad, and then immediately say "I'm sorry..." which we all thought was kind of funny. But when God said he would greatly multiply her pain in childbirth, He wasn't kidding around.

So, why would God do that? Why would He take such a wonderful experience as the birth of a child and make it so hurtful and sorrowful? Is God just mean and hateful like that? Well, of course God is not mean and hateful; He has nothing or no amount of evil or maliciousness in Him. Everything He does is good and righteous. So, why the pain in childbirth?

Well, I can't say this is the only reason, because knowing God, I'm sure there are more than one. But one reason I believe is because the Lord in His mercy wanted to give a lasting reminder of the consequences of sin. Sin has consequences. Rom 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death..." As the human race, we need to remember that our rebellion against God came at a great cost. And if we forget that cost, and seek not His mercy and forgiveness before we die, we will be eternally separated from Him in hell. So, God who is rich in mercy and grace, gave to mankind a perpetual reminder that "Hey, Sin has consequences! And you had better remember that before its eternally too late!"

Another reason for the pain and sorrow might be to remind us that in sin we are conceived and born. Some people have the mistaken understanding that man is born basically good and morally neutral, and that we only turn into bad people because of our environment or upbringing. This is not true Biblically. Kind David stated in Ps.51:5,"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me." Eccles. 7:20 also states, "For there is not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin." So, the truth of the matter is, man is NOT born basically good or morally neutral. He is born with a sinful nature that has been passed down from one generation to another since the time of Adam and Eve. Man is not a sinner because he sins... He sins because He is a sinner. This reminder is also a gift of mercy because again, we are reminded that we are sinners desperately in need of God's grace and forgiveness.

The good news is that God in His love and grace sent His unique and only Son, Jesus, to be the Savior of the world. Jesus came and paid the ultimate penalty for our salvation. He lovingly and willingly allowed Himself to be crucified so that we might live forever with Him. But how good is a cure if a person doesn't know he's sick? In childbirth, we have a perpetual reminder of our need for Jesus. So, even in something as terrible and sorrowful as labor pains, we see the incredible love and mercy of God.

Kid's Chore Chart

2010-03-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know who's idea it was, whether it was mine or Andrea's, but either way I like it. Our boys, who are only 5 and 3 years old, already have chores that they have to do, some on a daily basis. The picture below is snap shot of our chore chart (you can only see Caleb's part). As you can see the chores are listed on the left side with a corresponding block for each day of the week. And each time they do the chore, they get a star. For example, Caleb's chores are cleaning the table (after a meal), feeding his fish, cleaning his room, emptying the dryer, making his bed, and taking out the bathroom trash. Because all of those are things that he can do. Taite only has 3 things: cleaning up his toys, taking out the recyclables, and emptying the dryer (b/c he helps Caleb do that).And at the end of each week, for every star they have, I give them 1 dime. I know thats not a lot, but I can't afford a quarter for every star and a dime keeps things simple. So, why are we doing this?

Well, because I want to start early teaching my children about the value of hard work and about the proper and correct use of money. When I was growing up, I never received any form of allowance. And even though I know my Dad's reasoning (everything I had he provided), I still think I would have benefited from personally learning how to use, save, and be generous with my own money. As they get older, the chores will increase in quantity, and their value will go up as well. But for now, I think this is a good start.

iHeartFaces - "Excited"

2009-10-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

My wife showed me her photo for this site called iHeartFaces. She took a picture today that I thought fit the theme well.

*Larger View HERE*

You can view the other entries over at iHeartFaces.com

A Baptist Catechism for Young Children

2009-09-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine asked me to post this. So, here it is. Sorry, I don't know how to do PDF's for download. If anyone would like it, I would be happy to email it to them.

A Baptist Catechism for Young Children

Instructions for use: This catechism should be begun when a child is approximately 2 years old and should be totally completed by the time the child is 8 years old. Questions and answers should be memorized completely and accurately.

Q. 1. Who made you?

A. God/ Jesus

Q. 2. What else did God (Jesus) make?

A. All things.

Q. 3. Why did God make you and all things?

A. For his own glory.

Q. 4. How can you glorify God?

A. By loving him and doing what he says

Q. 5. Why should you to glorify God?

A. Because he loves me and takes care of me.

Q. 6. How many gods are there?

A. There is only one God.

Q. 7. In how many persons does God exist?

A. Three persons.

Q. 8. Who are they?

A. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Q. 9. Where is God?

A. God is everywhere.

Q. l0. Can you see God?

A. No; I cannot see God, but he always sees me.

Q. 11. Does God know all things?

A. Yes; nothing can be hid from God.

Q. 12. Can God do all things?

A. Yes; God can do all his holy will.

Q. 13. Where do you learn how to love and obey God?

A. In the Bible alone.

Q. 14. Who wrote the Bible?

A. Holy men who were taught by the Holy Spirit.

Q. 15. Who were our first parents?

A. Adam and Eve.

Q. 16. Of what were our first parents made?

A. God made the body of Adam out of the ground, and formed Eve from the body of Adam.

Q. 17. What did God give Adam and Eve besides bodies?

A. He gave them souls that could never die.

Q. 18. Have you a soul as well as a body?

A. Yes; I have a soul that can never die.

Q. 19. How do you know that you have a soul?

A. Because the Bible tells me so.

Q. 20. In what condition did God make Adam and Eve?

A. He made them holy and happy.

Q. 21. What is a covenant?

A. An agreement between two or more persons.

Q. 22. What covenant did God make with Adam?

A. The covenant of works.

Q.23. What was Adam bound to do by the covenant of works?

A. To obey God perfectly.

Q. 24. What did God promise in the covenant of works?

A. To reward Adam with life if he obeyed him.

Q. 25. What did God threaten in the covenant of works?

A. To punish Adam with death if he disobeyed.

Q. 26. Did Adam keep the covenant of works?

A. No; he sinned against God.

Q. 27. What is Sin?

A. Sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the law of God.

Q. 28. What is meant by “want of conformity”?

A. Not being or doing what God requires.

Q. 29. What is meant by “transgression”?

A. Doing what God forbids.

Q. 30. What was the sin of our first parents?

A. Eating the forbidden fruit.

Q. 31. Who tempted them to this sin?

A. The devil tempted Eve, and she gave the fruit to Adam.

Q. 32. What happened to our first parents when they had sinned?

A. Instead of being holy and happy, they became sinful and miserable.

Q. 33. Did Adam act for himself alone in the covenant of works?

A. No; he represented all his descendents, all mankind.

Q. 34. What effect did the sin of Adam have on all mankind?

A. All mankind are born in a state of sin and misery.

Q. 35. What is that sinful nature which we inherit from Adam called?

A. Original sin.

Q. 36. What does every sin deserve?

A. The wrath and curse of God.

Q. 37. Can any one go to heaven with this sinful nature?

A. No; our hearts must be changed before we can be fit for heaven.

Q. 38. What is a change of heart called?

A. Regeneration.

Q. 39. Who can change a sinner’s heart?

A. The Holy Spirit alone.

Q. 40. Can any one be saved through the covenant of works?

A. None can be saved through the covenant of works.

Q. 41. Why can none be saved through the covenant of works?

A. Because all have broken it, and are condemned by it

Q. 42. With whom did God the Father make the covenant of grace?

A. With Jesus Christ, his eternal Son.

Q. 43. Whom did Christ represent in the covenant of grace?

A. His elect people.

Q. 44. What did Christ undertake in the covenant of grace?

A. To keep the whole law for his people, and to suffer the punishment for their sins.

Q. 45. Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever commit the smallest sin?

A. No; he was holy and undefiled.

Q. 46. How could the Son of God suffer?

A. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became a man that He might obey and suffer in our nature.

Q. 47. What is meant by the Atonement?

A. Christ’s satisfying divine justice, by his sufferings and death, in the place of sinners.

Q. 48. What did God the Father undertake in the covenant of grace?

A. To justify and sanctify those for whom Christ should die.

Q. 49. What justification?

A. It is God declaring sinners forgiven, and treating them as if they had never sinned.

Q. 50. What is sanctification?

A. It is God’s making sinners holy in heart and conduct.

Q. 51. For whom did Christ obey and suffer?

A. For those whom the Father had given him.

Q. 52. What kind of life did Christ live on earth?

A. A life of poverty and suffering.

Q. 53. What kind of death did Christ die?

A. The painful and shameful death of the cross.

Q. 54. Who will be saved?

A. Only those who repent of sin, believe in Christ, and lead holy lives.

Q. 55. What is it to repent?

A. To be sorry for sin, and to hate and forsake it because it is displeasing to God.

Q. 56. What is it to believe or have faith in Christ?

A. To trust in Christ alone for salvation.

Q. 57. Can you repent and believe in Christ by your own power?

A. No; I can do nothing good without the help of God’s Holy Spirit.

Q. 58. How can you get the help of the Holy Spirit?

A. God has told us that we must pray to him for the Holy Spirit.

Q. 59. How long ago is it since Christ died?

A. More than nineteen hundred years.

Q. 60. How were pious persons saved before the coming of Christ?

A. By believing in a Savior to come.

Q. 61. How did they show their faith?

A. By offering sacrifices on God’s altar.

Q. 62. What did these sacrifices represent?

A. Christ, the Lamb of God, who was to die for sinners.

Q. 63. What offices has Christ?

A. Christ has three offices.

Q. 64. What are they?

A. The offices of prophet, of priest, and of king.

Q. 65. How is Christ a prophet?

A. Because he teaches us the will of God.

Q. 66. How is Christ a priest?

A. Because he died for our sins and pleads with God for us.

Q.67. How is Christ a king?

A. Because he rules over us and defends us.

Q. 68. Why do you need Christ as a prophet?

A. Because I am ignorant.

Q. 69. Why do you need Christ as a priest?

A. Because I am guilty.

Q. 70. Why do you need Christ as a king?

A. Because I am weak and helpless.

Q. 71. How many commandments did God give to Moses on Mount Sinai?

A. Ten commandments.

Q. 72. What are the ten commandments sometimes called?

A. The Decalogue.

Q. 73. What do the first four commandments teach?

A. Our duty to God.

Q. 74. What do the last six commandments teach?

A. Our duty to our fellow men.

Q. 75. What is the sum of the ten commandments?

A. To love God with all my heart, and to love my neighbor as myself.

Q. 76. Who is your neighbor?

A. All my fellow men are my neighbors.

Q. 77. Is God pleased with those who love and obey him?

A. Yes; he says, “I love those who love me.” (Prov.8: 17)

Q. 78. Is God displeased with those who do not love and obey him?

A. Yes; “God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Ps.7:11)

Q. 79. What is the first commandment?

A. The first commandment is, 3 You shall have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3 (NKJV)

Q. 80. What does the first commandment teach us?

A. To worship God alone.

Q. 81. What is the second commandment?

A. The second commandment is,4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:4-6 (NKJV)

Q. 82. What does the second commandment teach us?

A. To worship God in a proper manner, and to avoid idolatry.

Q. 83. What is the third commandment?

A. The third commandment is, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7 (NKJV)

Q. 84. What does the third commandment teach me?

A. To reverence God’s name, word, and works.

Q. 85. What is the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment is, 8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.

11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11 (NKJV)

Q. 86. What does the fourth commandment teach us?

A. To remember the Sabbath day and to keep it holy.

Q. 87. What day of the week is the Christian Sabbath?

A. Sunday, the first day of the week, called the Lord’s day.

Q. 88. Why is it called the Lord’s day?

A. Because on that day Christ rose from the dead.

Q. 89. How should the Sabbath be spent?

A. In resting from all work, in private and public acts of worship, and in doing good to our fellow man.

Q. 90. What is the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment is, 12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)

Q. 91. What does the fifth commandment teach me?

A. To love and obey our parents and those in authority over us.

Q. 92. What is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, 13 "You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13 (NKJV)

Q. 93. What does the sixth commandment teach us?

A. To avoid angry passions.

Q. 94. What is the seventh commandment?

A. The seventh commandment is, 14 "You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14 (NKJV)

Q. 95. What does the seventh commandment teach us?

A. To be pure in heart, language, and conduct.

Q. 96. What is the eighth commandment?

A. The eighth commandment is, 15 "You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15 (NKJV)

.Q. 97. What does the eighth commandment teach us?

A. To be honest and industrious.

Q. 98. What is the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment is, 16 "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Exodus 20:16 (NKJV)

Q. 99. What does the ninth commandment teach us?

A. To always tell the truth.

Q. 100. What is the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment is, 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

Exodus 20:17 (NKJV)

Q. 101. What does the tenth commandment teach us?

A. To be content with that which God has provided.

Q. 102. Can any man keep these ten commandments perfectly?

A. No mere man, since the fall of Adam, ever did or can keep the ten commandments perfectly.

Q. 103. Of what use are the ten commandments to us?

A. They teach us our duty, and show our need of a Savior.

Q. 104. What is prayer?

A. Prayer is asking God for things which he has promised to give.

Q. 105. In whose name should we pray?

A. Only in the name of Christ.

Q. 106. What has Christ given us to teach us how to pray?

A. The Lord’s Prayer.

Q. 107. Repeat the Lord’s Prayer.

9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)

Q. 108. How many petitions are there in The Lord’s Prayer?

A. Six.

Q. 109. What is the first petition?

A. “Hallowed be thy name.”

Q. 110. What do we pray for in the first petition?

A. That God’s name may be reverenced & honored by us and all men.

Q. 111. What is the second petition?

A. “Thy kingdom come.”

Q. 112. What do we pray for in the second petition?

A. That the gospel may be preached in all the world, and believed and obeyed by us and all men.

Q. 113. What is the third petition?

A. “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Q. 114. What do we pray for in the third petition?

A. That men on earth may serve God as the angels do in heaven.

Q. 115. What is the fourth petition?

A. “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Q. 116. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

A. That God would give us all things needful for our bodies and souls.

Q. 117. What is the fifth petition?

A. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

Q. 118. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

A. That God would pardon our sins for Christ’s sake, and enable us to forgive those who have injured us.

Q. 119. What is the sixth petition?

A. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Q. 120. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

A. That God would keep us from sin.

Q. 121. How many sacraments are there?

A. Two.

Q. 122. What are they?

A. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Q. 123 Who appointed these sacraments?

A. The Lord Jesus Christ.

Q. 124. Why did Christ appoint these sacraments?

A. To distinguish his disciples from the world, and to comfort and strengthen them.

Q. 125. What is baptism?

A. The quickly dipping of a person completely under water and then back up.

Q. 126. What is baptism a sign of?

A. That we have been united with Christ, and that we are cleansed from all sin by His blood.

Q. 127. In whose name are we baptized?

A. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Q. 128. Who are to be baptized?

A. Only persons who have exercised faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Q. 129. What is the Lord’s Supper?

A. The eating of bread and the drinking of the cup in remembrance of the sufferings and death of Christ.

Q. 130. What does the bread represent?

A. The body of Christ, broken for our sins.

Q. 131. What does the cup represent?

A. The blood of Christ, shed for our salvation.

Q. 132. Who should partake of the Lord’s Supper?

A. Only those who repent of their sins, believe in Christ for salvation, and love their fellow men.

Q. 133. Did Christ remain in the tomb after his crucifixion?

A. No; he rose from the tomb on the third day after his death.

Q. 134. Where is Christ now?

A. In heaven, interceding for sinners.

Q. 135. Will he come again?

A. Yes; at the last day Christ will come to judge the world.

Q. 136. What happens to men at death?

A. The body returns to dust, and the soul goes into the world of spirits.

Q. 137. Will the bodies of the dead be raised to life again?

A. Yes; “The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised.” (1 Cor.15:52)

Q. 138. What will become of the wicked in the Day of Judgment?

A. They shall he cast into hell.

Q. 139. What is hell?

A. A place of terrible and eternal torment.

Q. 140. What will become of the righteous?

A. They shall be taken to heaven.

Q. 141. What is heaven?

A. A glorious and happy place, where the righteous shall be forever with the

Lord.

Daddy Day at Marbles Museum

2009-08-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well, its like after mid-night, and I should be in the bed sleeping because I have an early morning tomorrow, but I guess that grande coffee at 6pm and glass of Coke at 8pm were too much for me. So, since I can't sleep I thought I would post a short blog about my day today.

I took the boys out for a "Daddy-Day." In case you don't know what that is, thats where it's just me and the boys all day... or most of the day. We left this morning around 7:30am to go to McDonalds for breakfast. And then shortly after, we headed to Raleigh to go to the Marbles Museum. (We were actually headed to a place called the "Playspace" on Glenwood Ave., but it no longer exists.) I wish the internet could be updated with information like that.

Anyway, we ended up finally getting there around 11:30am. So, we went ahead and ate lunch in the park before going in. But once we were in... Whoa, let the fun begin! There was so much to do and so many kids! Oh my goodness, it was like controlled chaos! I mean seriously, my boys played there for 3.5 hours and would have stayed longer, and we maybe did half the stuff you could do. But boy, they had a blast. I have posted a few photos below of our day.

Taite especially loved the HUGE Thomas the Train set...

Both boys really liked the water stuff. Here was a continuous running fountain layed out like a river with a waterfall at the end. They were a little wet after this.

This had to have been their favorite. It was the "peas and carrots" bin. (ball pit) They must have went in like 30 times. We even left for a while to go do something else, and ended up coming back to finish the day here. They loved it!

Here they were supposed to be learning about other cultures in the world, like how Eskimos sometimes live. I must confess, we didn't do much learning... just playing.

Not sure what happened to this last picture of Taite with "snow shoes" on... maybe my computer savy wife can figure it out for me.

Seniors and Obama's Healthcare Proposals

2009-07-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm a little surprised that more senior citizens aren't concerned about this new government ran healthcare system that the President is pushing. Under the current situation, seniors probably have the best access to free medical care as anybody through Medicare and Medicaid. But will that continue if these new proposals go into effect? Not likely.

Currently there are approximately 800,000 doctors struggling to care for some 250 million Americans with insurance. And when I say struggling, I mean it... my personal doctor has so many senior patients I have to wait days to see him when I need to. So, what is going to happen when 50+ million more patients are added to the system without a growth in the number of medical professionals? Doctors who are already swamped are going to be even more swamped. Forget waiting days or a few weeks to get much needed tests or check-ups... we will be waiting months, and in some cases years. We see this happening right now in Canada and England.

Did you know that there is a 25% high death rate in Canada for colon cancer than the USA? Why? Because of limited colonoscopies. Did you know that the death rate for cancer is 16% higher in Canadan than the USA? Why? Again, limited procedures... limited space... limited doctors. When there is an overwhelming demand and minimal amount of service providers of course rationing is going to take place.

So, when a 40 year old and a 65 year old both need knee replacements, who will most likely get it?

When an elderly person and a young person both need hip replacement, who will most likely get it?

Who will have priority in the operating room, a 70 year old diabetic or a 35 year old healthy individual?

I know our current system is not perfect... believe me, I can't stand paying over $600 a month just so I can get reduced rates when I go to the doctor every once in a blue moon! But if the gov't has any kind of track record for running anything... it is terrible!! And I just hate to see what's going to happen when they do this. Of course, we can already see what's going to happen... just look at the countries who are already doing this. I marvel at how moronic some people can be!

Church - Having It Your Way

2009-07-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I attended our local associational meeting of Baptist churches to hear about what God is doing in Eastern N.C. in the way of church planting. I'm excited to see how God is working, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that we have 6 different church plants or missions going on right now in our association. That is awesome because I didn't think there were that many.

One of the defining characteristics of most new churches being planted that I see (and older churches for that matter) is that each is targeting a specific group of people. If you like hard rock sounding music with a worship experience that feels like a concert, then we have a church for you. If you like high-church, liturgical worship that is very reverential, then we have a church for you as well. Maybe you like Harley's and tattoos... we have a church for you. If you like cowboy hats and spurs... we have a church for you. And in a way it is really good that we have so many different types of churches, because there are so many different types of people.

However, at the same time, I mourn a little that Christians have become so consumer-minded when it comes to church than really doing what is, I believe, more Biblical. Because in my humble opinion, I believe that the church that we should really belong to, worship with, and serve with, is the church where we live. Rather than our own preferences being the primary motivation, what about the community we're already a part of by living there? In other words, it's about being in a community and loving & serving that community of people no matter what type of people live there. I mean, I know people who will drive more than 30 miles away 2-3 times a week to attend a church that has more to offer them. What about the community in which they live? What about their brothers and sisters in Christ living 2 doors down the street? Maybe they need encouragement... maybe they need help. When did it become all about "me" and "what I want" rather than being about Christ and what He would desire?

Please understand this post, I'm not knocking new church plants or the pastors and people who are starting them. There are entire people groups out there in our own culture, that churches like mine just aren't reaching and probably won't reach b/c we're just too different. But for those of us who are established disciples, I believe we would do well to re-examine our motivations when it comes to selecting a church. Isn't the New Testament attitude more like "what can I offer," rather than "what can I get?" It reminds me of the situation in which a woman told her pastor that she was moving her membership to a bigger church because their current church just didn't have a good youth group to offer her children. To this the wise old pastor said, "Well, mam... until someone stays and builds a youth group, they'll never be one."

Proud to be a Southern Baptist

2009-06-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

Last week, I attended the annual Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, KY. I had a good time and once again, I can gladly say that I am proud to be Southern Baptist.

One of the things I am most proud of is the fact that for the vast majority of Southern Baptists, the main thing is still to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ all over the world. This was demonstrated in several ways last week in Kentucky:

1) Before the convention ever took place, many Southern Baptists were hitting the streets of Louisville helping those in need, passing out food, and sharing the love of Jesus with those who needed to hear it. And God greatly blessed our efforts. In those brief couple of days, there were over 1,000 decisions made to follow Christ. Praise God! It makes me very proud to be able to say that when we come to a city to meet, we don't just have our meetings and leave... we really try to bless that city!

2) Another demonstration of Southern Baptist's commitment to the Great Commission was seen in the motion that was made and passed, which authorized the current SBC President, Dr. Johnny Hunt to appoint and head a "Great Commission Task Force" to study and evaluate everything going on in the SBC, in order to report back at next year's convention with recommendations concerning how we can get even more focused and even more intentional about carrying the good news about Jesus all over the world.

Something else that I am proud of is the Resolution that was passed concerning President Obama. While we as Southern Baptists are proud of the fact that enough racial reconciliation has been accomplished in this country to make it so a black man can be elected president, at the same time there are quite a few of President Obama's policies that are just wrong and ungodly, and these things were denounced in this resolution. For example:

1) his decision to provide federal funding for embryonic stemcell research...

2) his actions to provide more funding for organizations doing more late-term abortions and less funding for abstinence education... and

3) his overwhelming support of the whole homosexual agenda, even evidenced as recently by the proclaiming of June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.

Even just today, I was reading in news story that Obama made the statement that many Americans still cling to "worn arguments and old attitudes." Well, maybe so Mr. President but these "old attitudes" are BIBLICAL attitudes. These were issues that we needed to speak out against and so I'm glad we did.

My Traveling Partners

2009-06-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

This is why I listen to audio books when I travel. :)

Strawberry Picking!

2009-05-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

Strawberry picking is really hard work...

But so worth the effort! :)

Obama & the National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T03:49:00.000-07:00

I know it's in the news right now how a lot of people are upset that President Obama is not really observing the National Day of Prayer like former presidents have done in the past, but you know for me (and this may surprise some people coming from me), but its really not that big of a deal for me. I guess most people, knowing that I'm a conservative Christian pastor would expect me to be very upset, but I'm really not. And here's why?

First of all, much of these National Day of Prayer Ceremonies are nothing more than a lot of political show. If someone is not living as a devoted believer on a daily basis, with prayer being a regular part of their lives anyway... then what good is it to all of a sudden to pretend to be one, one day out of the year? In my opinion - none at all.

Second, I generally do not like these National Day of Prayer Ceremonies because they are so ecumenical in nature. To me it is simply theologically dishonest and hypocritical to hold hands with people of many varying faiths and pretend to all be praying to the same God. The most dramatic example probably being Christians and Muslims both participating at the same time. Here you have two faiths that couldn't be more opposite, supposing and pretending to be brothers uniting together for prayer. The book of Amos 3:3 states, "Can two walk together unless they are agreed?" And the obvious answer is no, they can't. Even Christians and Orthodox Jews can't honestly meet together for prayer as brothers. Biblically we can only go to God in prayer through Jesus the Messiah, and they reject Jesus as the Messiah. So, all these different religious groups coming together for such purposes as prayer or worship or even missions with no basis in truth, in my opinion is not theologically honest or Biblically correct. Now agreeing to work together for some kind of specific social reform like world hunger, abortion, or the traditional view of marriage is completely different; I have no problem with that. But when you start talking about praying together and worshiping together, thats different b/c each one is making the implication that the other faith is just as valid as theirs, and that is not always true.

So, for me it's not a real big deal that President Obama is not participating in this event. The only little thing that does bother me about it is the question... why is he doing this and who is he doing it for? Let's face it... he's a politician, he's supposed to do things like this, especially since he's made the claim to be a born again Christian. Now, of course, I don't believe he's a Christian anymore than Job's turkey, but he himself has made the claim, so why is doing this? What is his motivation for breaking this presidential traditional? Is there a certain minority group of the population that he is doing this for? These are the only things that I wonder about. Maybe he's finally revealing his true self... an Unbeliever. If so, I respect him for at least being real.

New Sec. of Heath Seems More Preoccupied with Death

2009-05-02T04:21:00.000-07:00

It is so ironic that Obama's new appointment for the Secretary of Heath and Human Services be a person so obviously preoccupied with DEATH. But that is precisely the case with Kathleen Sebelius, Governor of Kansas, who's avid support of abortion rights, especially late-term abortion, is so blatantly clear.

The following report is taken from an article written by Bradley Mattes, Executive Director of the Life Issues Institute:

As Governor of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius has worked to oppose: parental notification before a minor daughter can have a surgical abortion, waiting periods before having an abortion, and informed consent. She has vetoed pro-life legislation that would have afforded women basic health care protections in abortion facilities, as well as one requiring specific medical reasons for a late-term abortion. Just before becoming Secretary of HHS, she vetoed a bill that would have required that abortionists provide statistical information to the state when doing late-term abortions.

Kathleen Sebelius has strong ties to the notorious late-term abortionist in Wichita, KS, George Tiller (also known as “Tiller the Killer”). Women from throughout the nation come to him for late-term abortions. He has faced multiple federal charges for doing illegal late-term abortions.

Ms. Sebelius’ confirmation hearings revealed that she underpaid her taxes by thousands of dollars. She also greatly under-reported the campaign contributions given to her by George Tiller. It was three times more than she reported under oath. She also failed to report that George Tiller had personally given $200,000 to a political action committee to elect her. Governor Sebelius even held a secret party at the governor’s mansion in honor of this late-term abortionist.

Kathleen Sebelius is not just pro-abortion, she’s a pro-abortion activist, with a special advocacy for late-term abortion.

It's comforting to know that the person so responsible for matters of health and life, seems more bent on ending life than preserving it.

Church Discipline - Tough Subject

2009-04-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight at our Wednesday night Bible study, we ended up discussing church discipline, or as some might call it - excommunication. We very quickly looked at 3 major passages that dealt with this topic: 1 Tim.1:18-20; 1 Corin.5; and Matt.18:15-17. This is a really tough subject for the modern church for many reasons. One reason is, for years now pastors just haven't had the backbone to preach the whole counsel of God, and therefore many sincere believers are completely ignorant of what God's word says. Another reason is, we live in a very tolerant, relativistic culture... which boils down to everyone is afraid to tell anyone their wrong about anything. People have forgotten that we are not the standard, God's word is, we aren't the Judge; He is. And finally, church discipline is for maintaining the purity of the collective body of Christ, as well as helping individuals believers be as close to God as possible... and its sad to say, but I just don't think the vast majority of believers in churches across this nation today are really all that concerned with their own personal holiness before God. So, if we're not concerned with our own, then we're certainly not going to hold anyone else accountable, and rightly so.

Now, one very important aspect about this is, people MUST understand... this is not about punishment or retribution... it's about RESTORATION. Because a professing believer living in a lifestyle of unrepentant sin is NOT in fellowship with God, and gives more evidence of being still dead in their sin and separated from God, as opposed to being alive in Christ and reconciled to God. And it truly breaks my heart for the millions of people out there with their name on a church roll, who believe when they die they're going to heaven, when in all probability... they're not. And it absolutely infuriates me with all the pseudo-churches out there, who claim to be Christian, but who have long since abandoned the Scriptures, who do nothing but deceive and lull people into spiritual apathy. I fear for the pastors of those so-called churches when they stand before God and answer for all the souls who were under their care. Church Discipline is indeed a tough subject... but one desperately needed in the modern church in America.

Rainy Days

2009-04-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

What do you do on rainy days when you just have to get out of the house? Well, in our town there's really not much more to do than to go to the local Wal-Mart and play with the toys! So, that's what we did. As you can see, we especially liked the toy leaf-blowers and the foam swords. Make sense... after a hard days work... everyone has to let off some steam. :)

Insane Religious News Stories - So Funny, It's Sad

2009-04-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

Story #1
The Episcopal Church defrocked long-time priest, Ann Redding, after she failed to renounce her faith in Islam. Redding, who became a Muslim in 2006, has maintained that she also remained a practicing Christian. She alleged that neither faith contradicted the other, but the Episcopal Church leaders did not agree, stating that a priest of the church cannot be both a Christian and a Muslim.

Story #2
Don't have time to pray... No problem, let the computer do it for you! For those without time to pray, but yet still want a little religion in their life... a website started right here in the United States, offers the soft apostasy of "prayer out-sourcing." Users of the site may subscribe and let the company's computers recite prayers for them using text-to-speech software. For example, protestant subscribers can pay $3.95 a month for a computer to recite the Lord's Prayer each day for them. The website also encourages Catholics "to show God you're really serious" by purchasing "The Complete Rosary Package" - for the small fee of $50. The site even has prayers for Muslims and get this... promises to point the speakers toward Mecca!

I promise these were actual news stories from World Magazine.
See for yourself at www.worldmag.com.

Species Confusion?

2009-01-23T17:44:00.000-08:00

This is Dinah, our cat. However, as you can see from the picture, she likes to sit up on her back legs alot. I think she thinks she's a meerkat or something. (haha)

No, but seriously... she's a good kitty. This week since Andrea has been gone, me and Dinah have gotten close. She keeps me company no matter what room I'm in. :)

Snow Days!

2009-01-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

Andrea said before she left for Charlotte, "Watch it snow while we're gone." Well, it did. Charlotte got about 2 inches also, but I believe we got a little more than that. I wish Caleb and Taite had been here to play in it. I'm not sure how much playing I myself could have done, seeing as how I've been sick for the last 3 days, but I would have really loved to see them!

Proper Theology Through Catechism Questions

2009-01-07T03:50:00.000-08:00

I've started teaching theology to my son Caleb who is 4 years through an old tool... Catechism Questions. I just started the other day and already he has 3 questions down. Here are the 3 he has down so far:

1) Who made you? Answer: God (or Jesus, as Caleb says)

2) What else did "Jesus" make? Answer: He made all things.

3) Why did Jesus make you and all things? Answer: For His own glory.

Caleb is so cute when he says, "For his own glory." Now, I know that he doesn't get the meaning of all that yet, but that's not the point. The point is simply to expose them to the proper theology, get it in grained on their little hearts, and one day as they mature, they will come to know what it means. Catechism questions is a time-tested tool for educating our children in the things of God. Many great men and women of God have used them successfully for hundreds of years. And as a Christian father, this is one of my passions... I want to really educate my children in the things of God. I absolutely can't wait until they're teenagers and in the church youth group. No spiritual milk for my boys... their youth pastor better come with some meat!

A Reminder for 2009 About Why I AM Here

2009-01-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

The Apostle Paul wrote to his young son in the faith, Timothy, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 2 Timothy 2:2, "the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

This is basically just Paul's way of restating the Great Commission of Jesus Christ found in Matthew 28:18-20. And it is a reminder for me concerning my purpose for living in 2009. This is what God has created me, saved me, and called me for... that I may take the things I have heard and learned from Him and committ these truths about God to other faithful men who will not only grow themselves to be closer and better disciples in 2009, but that they will eventually in turn teach others the things that they have learned.

Why am I here? To glorify the Lord God by doing everything in my power to make disciples of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Happy New Year and "God bless us, everyone!" - Tiny Tim.

Puberty Halting Drug... ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

2008-12-17T18:21:00.000-08:00

That's right! There is actually talk of a puberty halting drug in order to give gender confused young people more time to decide which gender they want to be. You can read about it by going to the address below.

Wow... I would never thought I would see this day. Teens actually having to decide what gender they're going to be like what college they're going to. And what makes it 1000 times worse, parents and professionals are actually going along with it. Unbelievable! What a sad and morally bankrupt world we're living in today. Jesus come soon!!!

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=354740

This Sickens Me to No End

2008-12-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

You know something is terribly screwed up in our country when a parent takes a toddler or child to the doctor's office for a common problem or routine check up, and just because the child may have a small bruise or scrap somewhere, and immediately the parent is looked at with suspicion.

And yet the same time, Planned Parenthood is protecting child rapists all the time! This kind of blatant illegal behavior just absolutely infuriates me!!

Copy the following and paste it in the window (can't remember how to make a link)

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=354222

I Never Thought I'd Actually Win

2008-12-11T04:40:00.000-08:00

As most boys, my little guys love trains, and I have to admit that I like them too. So, recently I have decided to start collecting the Thomas the Train Wooden Railway collection. They're great little toys, plus they were created by a pastor for his son. I think that is real neat. The stories and videos with Thomas and Friends are really good too... teaching good values and things.

So, the other day I was playing around on ebay. My very first time on ebay. And so I started bidding on something. They're were a lot of people bidding and the price was pretty cheap for what we were bidding on so, I never actually thought I'd win. Well, you can probably guess... I did win! I was shocked. This was the item I won... my very first piece. It is the Thomas the Train Deluxe Roundhouse.

I know some people think I'm silly... a 32 year old man collecting toys, but everyone has some type of hobby. Plus think about it this way... if I collect 1-2 pieces a year, just think how awesome a train set I will have when God gives us grandchildren. They will always want to come to Grandpa's house! (hehe.) Eventually, I like to get all the videos too.

I Love his Curious Little Mind

2008-12-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

The other morning, after our morning devotion, somehow Caleb and I got on the subject of angels. I asked him if he knew what they were. Of course he didn't. But he does know what soldiers are, and he knows all about swords, shields, and fighting and all that stuff.

Well, I began to tell him about the angels of God... I told him how they were strong and powerful soldiers in God's army and how they could fly very fast and far because of their great wings... and how they fought against the wicked spirits in the world. As I told him all this and more, it was so cool to watch his little eyes come alive with excitement and wonder.

For the rest of the morning, he took a little plastic figure that was supposed to be a wise man in a navitity scene, and pretended it was an angel. It was really cool. I know one day that wonder and awe will be gone, so I'm going to enjoy it now. He's so curious... thats why I really try to entertain all of his questions as good, honest questions, because I know he's learning. And hopefully, he's learning not only a lot about the world, but that his Daddy loves him enough to take time to explain anything to him.

By the way, the photo on my profile is of me reading a Bible story to my boys. We try to read a Bible story and have prayer together every morning. It's really cool now because if I'm slow getting there... Caleb reminds me, "Daddy, we have to have our devotion!" Who can ask for more?

Advent Conspiracy

2008-12-03T03:51:00.000-08:00

This is a link to the video I showed in church this past Sunday.
Really makes you think about what's really important!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU&eurl=http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/2008/11/that-sweater-she-wont-like.html&feature=player_embedded

Still Wrestling with Santa

2008-12-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

The other day Caleb (my 4 year old) looked at me and said, "Daddy, I want to see Santa Claus." I said, "why?" "Because he brings us presents."

It took everything within me at that moment from saying... "No. Santa does not bring us presents. Everything we have comes from Jesus!" But I didn't. I just sorta played it off by saying, "Really?" And then I just dropped it and so did he.

I know, I know... some of you are thinking I'm utterly foolish for making a big deal out of this, but I just can't help it. Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays in the year. During this time, we remember and celebrate probably the greatest miracle to have ever taken place... The Incarnation (God becoming man)... to come and be our Savior!! And what do we do in the church? We wrap it all up with lies and myths about some jolly old man in a red suit who gives presents to all good little boys and girls. I can understand why non-believers would emphasize this fairy tale... for them what else is there? But why do we, as Christians do it? There is so much more to Christmas!! Why do we have try to maintain this whole Santa thing?

And what makes it so hard is the fact that so many Christian parents do it. If I tell my kids the truth, and then they go and tell everyone in Sunday school... I'm going to have a lot of mad parents at me. So, what do I do? Nothing. I just let this myth contine. So frustrating!

I have often thought how great it would be if we, as the church, were as devoted to our faith as many Jews are to theirs. Their religious identity is so unique and well-protected, that they don't worry about Santa or get caught up in all the commercialism of Christmas. I sincerely believe we could learn a lesson from their example.

Need A Boat? Want to Help a Good Cause too?

2008-08-19T04:07:00.000-07:00

The boat pictured here has been donated to the South Roaoke Baptist Association to be used to help raise funds to supply a vehicle for Pastor Sigwayne in Swaziland. Pastor Sigwayne has been keeping one of our new works there going and now his transportation has failed.

This hand crafted river boat with trailer, boat, motor and trolling motor has been appraised at $1,900.00. The boat itself is new; the motor is a 25 HP Johnson. The boat is ready to go with all registrations.

We will be accepting bids until September 15th. We you please help us spread the word and invite people to bid by calling 252-756-4332, or emailing srba@suddenlinkmail.com. Full payment for the accepted bid must be made.

Depressed About Heaven?

2008-08-12T02:56:00.000-07:00

Recently I purchased Randy Alcorn’s new book, Heaven. I’ve read about 5 chapters so far and am finding it to be quite good, though I am just now getting to the real meat of the book. Well, I haven’t actually read it, I’m listening to it on audio CD. By the way, if you’re a slow reader like myself, this is a GREAT way to digest some wonderful books. Just pop them in the old CD player and listen to your heart’s content.

Something that I discovered in this book that I find amazing is just how many people seem to have a not-so-pleasant view of heaven. If fact, while doing his research for this project, Randy came across a great many people, who even though they believed they were going to heaven, didn’t seem all that excited about going. Why? Because they think it’s going to be boring and lifeless. A great many people have the idea that all we’re going to do is float around on the clouds and play the harp. Others think that heaven is just going to be one very LONG church service. I must confess, that if that was truly all heaven was going to be like, I’m not so sure I would be excited about going either. Of course, then people feel a little guilty because they “know” in their heart, they should be excited to go. Many then think that somehow they’re just not as spiritual as those pious individuals who are truly longing to go. Even in the church, Randy discovered that a great many people get depressed when they think about heaven. In fact, he has even spoken to some pastors, who get depressed when they think of heaven! Sound absurd? Well, maybe a little, but I believe I understand where they are coming from.

So, what has caused this terrible problem among God’s people? Biblical ignorance. To put it plain and simple, we, as the church, have not really taken the time to delve into the word of God to discover what God has revealed about this place called heaven. To site an example of this, in one particular systematic theology textbook, which is over 700 pages in length, only 1 page is about heaven?! That’s not a typo… only ONE page about heaven. Absolutely unreal, but it’s true. And so, since we really don’t know what God says about heaven, all kinds of false ideas have been brought in to fill in the gap, like gaining wings and playing harps.

Unfortunately, many theologians and pastors believe that heaven is one of those things about which God has kept secret from us. They unfortunately believe that it is a total mystery and that we really can’t know anything about it. Well, it’s true there is a lot we don’t know… but on the other hand, there is a lot we do know. We just haven’t take the time to dig out the truth that God has revealed in the Scriptures. And when you stop and think about it, would this not be a pretty clever strategy of Satan, the enemy of God… to keep the best that God desires to offer to mankind shrouded in mystery and confusion? I mean, if Christians aren’t looking forward to it and aren’t excited about it, why would we be very motivated to tell anyone how to get there? To tell you the truth, after hearing the first couple of chapters of this book, which is about what I’ve been talking about, I’m about ready to plan a sermon series on the topic of heaven, which at some point down the road, I may just do.

But you know, in my opinion, even if God had not revealed one thing about heaven to us, could we not still be looking forward to this incredible place simply by knowing the character of our God? Considering how much God’s loves us, and how much He desires to bless us, and how incredibly artistic and imaginative He really is (by observing the world around us) shouldn’t we able to trust our great God to know that whatever He has in store for us will be a million times better than anything we have experienced so far? I believe so. Friends, I don’t know if you’re one of those people who really don’t get excited about heaven or not, but let me offer a couple words of encouragement as I close. First of all, don’t feel guilty for not really being excited about heaven, if all you know of heaven is the lies from Satan and the world. Second, take some time to reflect on the wondrous creation that is all around you, and remember that as wonderful as this place is, it is still marred by suffering, death, and sin. However, one day its going to be re-created (or resurrected) and it’s going to be just as it was meant to be in the beginning. The Bible says in Revelation 21:1, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” (NKJV) Friends, I can promise you, heaven will not be disappointing or boring; it’s going to be more wonderful, more exciting, more adventurous, more beautiful than our minds can even imagine. Take some time to see what you can discover from God’s word what He says about heaven.

p.s. the pic at the top is just some clipart I found on the internet.

Feeling Sorry for Christian Teachers in Public Schools

2008-08-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

I’ve never been a teacher, so I’m not exactly sure how it works... if it is mandatory to join or whether teachers are extremely pressured to join the National Education Association. But I do know that most public school teachers are members of the NEA. Which is why I entitled this post what I did, because for Christian teachers in the public schools, there must be a serious tension within them, trying to be faithful Christians and yet having to be members of the NEA as well.

Why would I say such a thing? Simply because of the all the radical Anti-Christian positions that the NEA itself takes. Just the other day I was reading an article about the NEA’s most recent annual convention that took place in Washington, D.C. over the 4th of July weekend. The convention attracted some 9,000 delegates. Before the actual convention started, delegates sported all kinds of buttons with provocative slogans such as: “Gay Marriage causes Global Warming only because we are so hot,” “Hate is not a Family Value,” “The ‘Christian Right’ is Neither,” and “Gay Rights are civil rights.” Now, if that wouldn’t make a born again Christian a little uncomfortable right off the bat, I’m not sure what would.

But what about the actual business of the convention? What kinds of resolutions were passed by this noble convention of public school teachers? Well, first of all, all kinds of resolutions were passed that have absolutely nothing to do with better education. Resolutions supporting the state-hood of the District of Columbia (what is that about?), a “single-payer health care plan” (i.e. government run), gun control, and even the ratification of the International Criminal Court Treaty (yeah, this is really what public school teachers should be focus on)

So, did the convention actually have anything to say about education in public schools? Unfortunately, yes. First, the NEA “fiercely opposes any competition for public schools, such as vouchers, tuition tax cuts, parental option plans, or public support of any kind to non-public schools.” That’s a real shocker!

“The NEA strongly opposes designating English as our official language even though such a designation is supported by more than 80% of Americans.”

Of course, the NEA opposes home schooling, unless of course the parent is a state-licensed teacher and is using state-approved curriculum. And speaking of home schoolers, the NEA doesn’t support home school students participating in extra-curricular activities at the public schools even though their parents pay school taxes too. Go figure.

Oh, but it gets a lot worse. For example, the NEA resolutions includes feminist ideological goals such as “the right to reproductive freedom” (i.e. abortion on demand) and “the use of non-sexist language,” i.e. censoring out all masculine words such as father and husband.

Are you troubled yet? Well, hang on because “the influence of the gay lobby is pervasive in dozens of NEA resolutions adopted by the 2008 convention delegates.” And just in case you don’t know, “diversity is the code-word used for pro-gay indoctrination in the classroom.” Some examples are as follows:

-“The NEA demands that ‘diversity-based curricula’ even be imposed on preschoolers.”

-“The NEA urges it’s members to offer ‘diverse role models’ via the ‘hiring and promotion of diverse education employees in our public schools.”

-“The NEA puts ‘domestic partnerships, civil unions, and marriage on an equal footing.”

-“The NEA wants every child, regardless of age, to have ‘direct and confidential access, without notification to parents, to comprehensive health education. That would include things such as learning how to use condoms for premarital sex, as well as social and psychological programs and services.’”
-“The NEA wants all sex-education courses, textbooks, curricula, instructional materials, and activities to include indoctrination about sexual orientation and gender identification plus warnings about homophobia.”

I guess you can see now why I entitled this post “Feeling Sorry for Christian Teachers in the Public Schools.” And if there was ever any doubt in anyone’s mind why my wife and I are seriously considering home schooling our own children, I hope this articles opens the blinds and lets the light in for you. Christian teachers… God bless you on your mission field; you are in my prayers!

All references and quotes for this post were taken from an article entitled “NEA Delegates Adopted Radical Agenda” by Phyllis Schlafly, a writer for the weekly newspaper, "Human Events."

Another Unbelievable Ruling by a Liberal Judge

2008-06-30T03:18:00.000-07:00

(Taken entirely from the blog of Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky)

Another Chilling Precedent -- A Court Undermines a Parent
Posted: Friday, June 20, 2008 at 5:22 am ET

A recent court decision in Canada should send chills down every parent's spine. The ruling is so out of bounds that the news story sounds like a parody -- but it isn't. A Canadian judge ruled that a 12-year-old girl was "excessively" punished when her father told her she could not go on a school camping trip because she had broken rules for use of the Internet.

As the Globe and Mail [Toronto] reports:
First, the father banned his 12-year-old daughter from going online after she posted photos of herself on a dating site. Then she allegedly had a row with her stepmother, so the father said his girl couldn't go on a school trip.

The girl took the matter to the court - and won what lawyers say was an unprecedented judgment.

Madam Justice Suzanne Tessier of the Quebec Superior Court ruled on Friday that the father couldn't discipline his daughter by barring her from the school trip.

(To read the rest of this article click this link: http://www.almohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1173)

Sometimes they don't see it coming

2008-05-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Having Revival

2008-03-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

This week we are having revival at our church. Well, actually we're having revival services. Only God knows right now if we are truly experiencing a revival. We may know later, but not now.

As I type this, I am aware that there may be some reading this blog who may be unsure what "revival" is. For our church and many other churches, "revival" is 1 or 2 special times of the year that we set apart to have anywhere from 3-5 extra services besides the normal Sunday morning and Sunday night. Most of the time, we invite a guest preacher to come in and preach for the whole week or however long the revival is scheduled for. The purpose of the revival services is for the church to be "revived" spiritually... recharged or renewed in spiritual fervor. It is a time of making renewed and fresh commitments to Christ. A time to really seek His face in extra-ordinary ways.

So far, we have heard two powerful, Spirit-anointed messages from our guest preacher, Cory Wilson. It doesn't take long at all to know exactly where Cory's heart is as a man of God, and to know that God is definitely speaking through Him. Sometimes I wish, we could return to the days like when Billy Graham was a young evangelist. There were times when he would go and preach in a city and they just kept right on having worship services and hearing the Word of God powerfully preached for weeks... just as long as they felt the presence and power of God. If I remember correctly, one time they had a revival in New York City that last 10 weeks!! Wow!!

Oh, how we need so desperately to be fed continually from the Word of God. I simply can't imagine, the change in people's lives and in the life of our church... if say for example, we had 1 hour of worship every night for a month. What in the world might God could do, if we as His people decided for one month... to turn off our TV's and to purpose in our hearts to gather together to worship Him through prayer, song, and the hearing of the Word of God! As I said, I absolutely can't imagine what God might do. We might just have another Great Spiritual Awakening as our country had in it's early years.

"Oh dear Lord God... give us more of You!! Our hearts simply ache to know You better!!
Thank you, Lord Jesus, who by means of your sacrificial death and resurrection, for giving us the privilege and capacity to approach Your holy presence. May your fame and glory be known around the world!"

NO, My Kids Aren't Spoiled! (haha)

2008-03-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

In case, you can't tell... this is my wife spoon feeding my two boys while they sip their milk and watch TV. In reality, this doesn't happen a lot. But it sure made for a funny picture!! :)

The Difference in a Good Business and a Poor One

2008-03-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I joined this gym in Washington. I was going a few times a week. But recently I figured out just how much it was costing me in gas to drive all the way to Washington. Needless to say, I soon came to the conclusion that the cost of the gym membership + the cost in gas every week was just not reasonable for me to do at this time. So, today I went and cancelled the membership. I was on a month to month contract basis. All I had to do was give him 30 days and they would cancel the membership. But the guy who runs the gym (and may own it, not sure) told me that he completely understood and that he would not draft my account for April. Legally and technically, he could draft my account one more time, and he would be totally in the right to do so, but out of the kindness of his heart, he said he wouldn't.

The treatment that I received today was completely different from the treatment I received 8 months ago from a gym in Concord, NC. While we were in Charlotte I joined a gym called Xcel Xpress. I was under the same month to month deal there as I was here. But right before we moved away from Charlotte, I cancelled the membership. When I spoke to the manager, he said my account would be drafted 2 more times (2 more months) because I was supposed to give 60 days notice. Which first of all, doesn't make sense if it is month to month... and second, this is contrary to what I was told at the beginning, which was that I only had to give 30 days notice. But evidently when I signed the contract I didn't look close enough at the fine print. So, they charged me for 2 more months, even though I was living 4 hours away.

Fitness Unlimited cares about it's customers. If they ever open one in our town, I will definitely join again. But regarding Xcel Xpress, I wouldn't join that gym again if it was the only one around. I refuse to patronize any business that cons and deceives people that way. Thank you Fitness Unlimited for caring about your customers!

Why I Love Jesus

2008-03-08T04:07:00.000-08:00

In eternity past, for some reason beyond my understanding, the Lord God chose me for Himself and set His love upon me.

Before I could even reply, God had chosen me and had set His love upon me.

Even after I had come of age, and I chose to live in rebellion and wickedness, God had chosen me and had set His love upon me.

Yet even after I was knowledgeable and had great understanding of His kindness, love, mercy, and grace, at times I still willfully chose to scorn Him, to live in rebellion, to spurn the grace and blood of Jesus Christ... yet God had chosen me and had set His love upon me.

I am the man I am today for one simple reason... God the Father set His love upon me. I am who I am because of the unbelievable and unimaginable grace of Almighty God!!

And this is why I love Jesus!!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved."

Ephesians 1:3-6

Reminded of the Enemy

2008-02-28T05:02:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was reminded that the church of the Lord Jesus Christ still has a real enemy that is watching very closely and is still very much opposed to any good thing that may happen.

Sometimes, I must admit, even as a pastor, I can get so caught up in doing all the things that the ministry requires (studying, preparing, visiting, counseling, discipling, administration, overseeing, getting a vision, guiding the ship, etc, etc....) that I can easily forget this is no ordinary work that I am involved in... this is spiritual work! A spiritual work that has real life & death consequences... a spiritual work that can't be accomplished without the power of the Living God working in and through me... a spiritual work with a REAL SPIRITUAL ENEMY who desires nothing but to see me fail and to see this church go belly up!

A Doctor doesn't have to think about a real, personal enemy out there who is watching and striving to undo any good that he may do.
A Business man doesn' thave to worry about a real, personal enemy who has work in his own company who is bent on seeing him fail miserably.
Bankers and Lawyers don't even consider in all that they do, that there may just be someone out there who is trying to block, stop, undo, and mess up the work that they are trying to do.
But as a Pastor... as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ... I must remember that all of this work is first of all HIS work, without Whom, everything is in vain anyway. But also, I must remember that I do have a real, personal enemy out there who wants me to fail and who wants to keep the church from doing what God has called us to do at all costs!

2008 Pastors' Conference in Jacksonville, FL

2008-02-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

I am currently in Jacksonville, FL attending the 22nd Annual Pastors' Conference. This is actually my first year being here. I've wanted to come for a long time, but never had the opportunity until now. And I must say that I have had a great time so far. For anyone wanting to grow in their faith and to do ministry, this is like Disney World. There are so many good seminars to go to... covering every subject from Preschool to Music to Administration. It is just an awesome learning experience. I have been blessed so much from being here. I appreciate our church so much making it possible for me and Andrea to come and learn. I already have several ideas that are brewing in my mind that I believe will greatly bless our church when I return. If we come back next year, I would love for more of our leaders to join us so that they too can be richly blessed!!

Christianity: Is it your life or just a part of your life?

2008-01-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while since my last entry, but as I'm sure you know (if you know me personally or you read my wife's blog) I have been out of town. But I'm back now, and I wanted to share what God is doing in my life a little bit... maybe to encourage you... maybe to get you thinking... or simply to share what's going on in my heart and mind.

Something that I know (and have known) in my mind for a long time, but need to be reminded of for practical reasons... is that the Christian faith... My Faith... should not be just a part of my life, but in reality IS my life. As a Christian, I am a Christian no matter what... regardless of where I am or who I'm with. I guess I have been thinking about this lately because I have begun to question how I spend my "off" time. For example, what do I do when I go home after dinner, 0r what do I do on my day off, or what is my mind-set when I'm out on a date with my wife.

Now, before you get terribly worried that Pastor Travis is leading a double life and doing horrible things in my free time, I'm not. But in all honesty, there are times when I believe there is too much separation from my ministry or "my job" and the rest of my life. For example, when I go on a date with my wife... am I just as intentional about trying to share my faith and having a witnessing encounter with the waitress in the same way as I would be if I was out to lunch with church member or co-worker? Or when I'm at home after dinner and my kids are in bed, why am I choosing to relax by watching some meaningless, pointless movie that is doing absolutely nothing for me spiritually... as opposed to watching a movie with a Christian message that will encourage me or even sitting down with a great Christian book that will feed my spirit while I relax? How did great men of God in times past relax and unwind, before all the technical luxuries we have today like Direct TV? How did they spend their evenings?

Something I believe that the Lord is reminding me of again is, that it is WAY too easy for anyone in a vocational ministry like myself... to separate my ministry from the rest of my life. I can put in 50 hours of "work" (aka ministry) in a week no problem... and then do absolutely nothing spiritually uplifting for myself or in service for someone else and still think pretty good about myself. "Wow... I put in 50 hours this week... I've spent 20-25 hours in the Word of God, I've spent 7 hours or more prayer... wow, look at me." But wait a minute...what about those other hours... what about all that other time? Why am I compartmentalizing my life? My Faith is all of my life... Jesus Christ is my Total life... not just the 40-50 hours part for which I'm being financially supported for by my church. Why am I not reading my Bible on "my" time? My church members can't read their Bible while they're "working." Why can't I spend time in prayer or in silence before the Lord on "my" time? My church members can't spend time in prayer or in silent meditation if they're busy at their jobs (unless of course, they have a special job). This is something that the Lord is dealing with me about right now.

But what about any of you who are Christians, but are not full time/vocational ministers? Are you compartmentalizng your life? Do you give Jesus Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights and thats it? Or if you're really spiritual, Sunday mornings AND Sunday evenings + Wednesday nights... but that's all? What about in your "down" time? What about when you're relaxing in your easy chair? Are you meditating on God, or listening for Him? Or are you just vegging out in front of that one-eyed monster like every other person? Do you have any form of ministry to others outside of the appointed "church" times of Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday nights? Is Jesus really your life or just a part of your life? Just something to think about.

2008 - A New Year - Another Resolution, or Just a Repeat.

2008-01-01T03:50:00.000-08:00

Well, it's 2008... another year has come and gone. Wow, time is really flying. Sometimes it really boggles my mind how fast time is moving. I hope I can quickly get to writing "2008." Something kind of funny about that happened to me about 4 months ago. I can't remember what I was signing or where, but when I wrote the date I wrote "2004." Why? I have no idea... all I could do was laugh about it.

So, it's that time of year again... time for new year's resolutions. My new year's resolution isn't really a new one... just a revived one from the past. I need to eat better! No, seriously... I really do. In the past 3 months, I have really let myself go without restraint. In fact, in the last 4 months, since Andrea and I have moved here, I have gained like 6 lbs. Of course, it doesn't help very much when you have a church full of so many good cooks like we do!

But what has really been getting me is a resurgence of fast food, late night snacking, and drinks (like Mt.Dew, Coke, Pepsi, etc.) Back during the summer, I had cut out all 3 of those things except for Sundays, when I allowed myself one free day to eat what I wanted. But the rest of the time, I was incredibly disciplined... and in 3 months time, I had lost like 10 lbs! I really did feel great.

But recently, I've really let myself go... eating burgers and fries 2-3 times a week, snacking on chips, chocolate, peanut butter, and really anything at like 9 or 10 pm at night. And I have virtually stopped drinking water, concerning which I was drinking a gallon per day back in July.

So, there it is... my revived New Year's resolution. I don't look forward to the battle, but I know I really need to do it! Pray for me! :) ... No seriously... pray for me!

"Germy Bugs"

2007-12-29T00:26:00.000-08:00

Well, it's 3:2o AM and I'm here typing a blog... why? Because of "germy bugs" as Caleb likes to call them. Last night around 3 am, Caleb came running into our room crying because he had thrown up in his bed and had to again. Well, he only threw up once and then seemed to feel a lot better during the day, though he still didn't have much of an appetite. So, I thought he was all better. But then again tonight around 1:30 AM, the same thing again... he came running to our room again crying because he was sick again. So, right now, he's resting on the couch watching Nemo and trying to go back to sleep while I type this blog (in a different room).

I'm pretty familiar with stomach viruses, especially the 24 hour kind. I probably got one once a year when I was growing up. Seriously, I had them on a regular basis. But I've never seen one like this, where you throw up once... go 24 hours nothing... and then all of a sudden you throw up again. (By the way, if you have weak stomach skip down to the next paragraph). And what really concerns me about this is the nature or consistency of his throw up. Not intending to be too gross... but his didn't look like it came from the stomach, it came from deeper than that... like it should have gone the other way if you know what I mean.

I intend to call the Dr.'s office tomorrow to see if something is going around, and if there is anything to be concerned about. I hate throwing up with a passion, so it breaks my heart to see my little boy hurting like this. I really hope none of the rest of us get it, especially little Taite. Things like this are so much easier to handle when you're able to at least partially communicate with your children.

Can't Judge a Book by its Cover - Literally!!

2007-12-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

So, I received this book in the mail today, A New Testment to be specific. It was entitled, "The New Testament: Recovery Version." What was this? I had never heard of it before. So, I read the card that came with it.

"Dear Pastor...
As noted in the preface, the Recovery Version 'embodies extensive research into the meaning of the original text and attempts to express this meaning with English that is to the point, easy to understand, and readable.' Complete with over 9,000 explanatory notes and over 13,000 cross-references, the Recovery Version crystallizes the understanding of the divine revelation possessed by God's people throughout the past centuries."

I thought, "Wow, this sounds pretty good. This must be some new version that really opens up the original languages to the English reader." So, I turned to a very familiar verse John 3:16 and read:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone who believes into Him would not perish, but would have eternal life."
That sounds pretty good. Whoa... wait a minute. Let's reread that. "that everyone who believes into Him..." Now, what does that mean?

Ok, so now I'm officially suspicious. Where did this "new testament" come from? Who published it? It was distributed by "Bibles for America," but I have never heard of them before. But there is another reference... "Living Stream Ministry" But I've never heard of that before either. But then I got a real big clue. In the front of this "new testament" it is written, "outline, footnotes, charts, and references written by: Witness Lee"

For all of you who do not know, Witness Lee is associated with a cult called "The Local Church," which was founded by Watchman Nee. It sounds thoroughly Christian... even on the website, the statement of faith sounds orthodox and true. But that is because they use the same words but change the meanings. When you really dig into what they really believe, you discover that there are some major problems with their teachings.

For example: The Doctrine of God
Their view: They believe in Modalism (Modalism is the teaching that holds that God is not really 3 distinct persons, but only one person who appears to people in different "modes" at different times).
The Truth: Modalism is heresy. God is indeed One God, but is revealed in 3 distinct persons, and has been since all eternity.

Another example: Doctrine of Jesus
Their view: God as a man; after the resurrection He became the Holy Spirit or the "Lord Spirit"
The Truth: Jesus was the God-Man, but he was still distinct from both God the Father and God the Spirit. Jesus did not turn into the Holy Spirit; He sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples, while even now He Himself is at the right hand of the Father in glory.

G. Richard Fisher, nicely sums it up in his article, "Watching Out for Watchman Nee"
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/n01.html

A few of the problems in Nee's teachings:

Nee outlines no method of Bible study and interpretation and appears to deny evangelical hermeneutics. In his book Spiritual Authority, he sets himself and his elders up as the unquestionable authorities. By all appearances, Nee saw himself not as a servant but as a guru.

One gets the impression from Nee that the Bible was not nearly as important as Christians generally consider it. In his book The Ministry of God's Word, Nee says, "Words alone cannot be considered God's Word." In this book, Nee becomes very philosophical, mystical and incoherent. He says that only as we deliver the Word in terms of the "reality behind it," using what he calls "Holy Spirit memory" and "presenting the pictures as well as speaking the words" will the words be correct; otherwise they are not real.

Nee overemphasizes emotions. In The Ministry of God's Word, he claims that the effectiveness of a preacher's delivery is a product of his emotions. If a preacher does not feel emotionally charged in delivery, "the Spirit is stuck" and the "Spirit is inevitably arrested," Nee says. He continues, "The Spirit flows through the channel of emotion." Then he arrives at a strange conclusion: "Nose in the Scripture stands for feeling. Smelling is a most delicate act, man's feeling is most delicate." Therefore, Nee says, a preacher in speaking needs to "mix feelings with the words spoken, else his words are dead. If our feeling lags behind, our words are stripped of the spirit." To say as Nee does, on page 210, that the Holy Spirit only rides on feeling is dangerous.

Nee uses terms imprecisely. One example is his writing about a minister's receiving "revelations" in his "Holy Spirit memory" and those revelations being remembered in us by the Holy Spirit. This sort of metaphysical mumbo jumbo is impossible to understand, since there is no direct scriptural reference to a "Holy Spirit memory."

When a Christian begins to see Nee as a guide in determining the value of other Christian writers, or sees Nee's writings as a key to spirituality, that person is headed for trouble. Nee's presuppositions are suspect in light of the Word of God. His books provide grist for cult groups such as The Way, The Alamo Foundation, the Children of God and other groups. The astute believer should watch out for Watchman Nee.

Merry Tossmas

2007-12-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

This is pretty good... Check it out.

http://www.citizenlink.org/Stoplight/A000005834.cfm

Monday Memories - Crossroads Winter Conference 07

2007-12-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

What To Do With Santa?

2007-12-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Recently my wife and I have been doing a lot more talking and discussing about what to do with Santa Claus. As good parents wanting the best and most fun for their kids, we want Caleb and Taite to have many fond and very fun memories of Christmas. But at the same time, we're also extremely dedicated Christians, and desire to make sure they understand the real meaning behind Christmas. I guess every Christian parent has to deal with this issue at some point. And right now, our Caleb is at the age where we're going to have to really address it one way or the other. My wife recently wrote a very good blog about this issue from her perspective, to read it just follow this link: http://dreawd.blogspot.com/2007/12/santa.html

Personally, I really do not want to do Santa at all. And the reason may surprise you a little. It's really not about keeping the main thing at Christmas about Jesus... because we're going to do that anyway. The real issue for me is Integrity. The Santa Claus game or legend is not truth. I mean, let's face it... It's a lie. Now, I know that people will say, "but we're just pretending; it's a game." And I would have to say, "To you, it's a game... But to the child that you're convincing of it and even using it as motivational tool for good behavior, it's not pretending... it's real!" And in my opinion thats when pretending becomes deception... and for me, that's the issue.

My Experience
I remember when I was growing up, my parents did the whole Santa Claus thing. I wrote letters to Santa, left cookies and milk out for Santa, I can even remember my mom giving me a Santa-Chore chart to help me keep track of my chores and if I was doing good or not. The more gold stars I had the better! We're talking motivation here!! Now, I didn't like sitting on his lap at the mall or something, somehow I didn't think that was necessary. In my little mind, Santa was like God... He could just see you and He knew instinctively what you wanted. And I remember seriously believing in Santa until I was like 9-10 years old. And I remember even arguing with adults who expressed doubt in Santa. In fact, I believed with all my heart that I had actually seen him one time, and so I would argue with people about his existence. I'd look out my bedroom window on Christmas eve and believe I saw just a glimpse of his sleigh (probably a jet or plane). And so with all of that in my background... Can you even imagine how betrayed and how utterly FOOLISH I felt when I came to understand that it was all FAKE!

One of My Goals as a Parent
Now, taking that experience... look at it from my perspective as a Christian parent who is desperately desiring to teach my children about our great Faith. My parents were Christians and they taught me how to be a Christian, mostly through their actions. But they never aggressively taught me hard-core Christian doctrine from early childhood. Me, on the other hand, one of my goals is to pour out my Faith and all the truth I've learned about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Salvation, Sin, the Church, etc, etc... into my children. I want them to be extremely educated in the Christian faith. I want them reading and understanding things in high school that I never even heard of until seminary. I want them memorizing Scripture. I want them knowing the Bible backwards and forwards. I want them being able to recite catechsimal questions that teach systematic theology. I'm serious... I want my kids to be able to keep their youth minister and Sunday School teachers really on their toes, because their Daddy has taught them the truth.

The Dilemma
Now here's the question... How can I teach them so diligently about God and all these important spiritual things one minute and then turn around and lie to them about a jolly man in a red suit coming on Christmas Eve to bring them toys if they're good the next? Honestly, in good conscience... I just can't. I can teach them about the real St. Nick who was a strong believer, but I just can't convince them of something that is a blatant falsehood. I would rather my boys be able to confess to anyone one day that their Daddy never lied to them. And so when I'm teaching them about the real things of life, they won't ever have to stop and question if their Daddy is being serious or just "pretending."

Wordless Wednesday - slip n slide

2007-12-05T05:07:00.000-08:00

When It's Too Good to be True...

2007-11-30T02:34:00.000-08:00

My Dad use to tell me, "Son, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is (too good to be true that is). Yesterday, I received a cashier's check in the mail for $2800 from some kind of supposed contest or lottery called "Lucky For Life." The $2800 was just the first installment of the $30,000 I had won along with 9 other people. I was immediately suspicious because I have never purchased a lottery ticket and the postage stamp was from Canada.

But of course, I have to admit there was a small part of me that was looking at that check for $2800 and thinking "Wow... I could really use that!" I even went online to see if the bank was a legitmate bank. And it was! I mean, even if the rest of it was a scam and not true... $2800 would be just fine with me. :)

But then I called the Bank in Tyler Texas which the cashier's check was from, and sure enough... it was a fake check and it was a big scam. What they want you to do is to deposit that check in your bank account and then call them with your bank information so that they can "wire the rest to you." Right! The truth is as soon as you give them the account information, your money is as good as gone! So, if any of you out there receive a "Lucky For Life" sweepstakes letter saying you've won a lot of money... Don't buy it. It's all a big scam.

p.s. Found this afterwards... a "Rip-off Report"
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/287/RipOff0287601.htm

Newest Item on Christmas List

2007-11-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

Today, I went out to lunch with a friend and while we were out he showed me the neatest thing in his car. It was called a Navigon. I have seen items similar like this before, but I never realized how cool they were until I actually saw his work. This incredible piece of technology will absolutely do away with having to stop and ask for directions forever. Not only can you type in an address to get directions, but you can even just ask for things like hotels and restaurants, and it will come up with a whole list, and all you have to do is say take me there and it does. How cool is that? I can't count how many times I have been in a strange city riding all over the place looking for a particular place. And the best thing about it is there are no monthly subscriptions to a satelite service; all the information is right in the machine. You just pay for it once and go. Yep, this is definitely the newest item on my Christmas wish list.

Monday Memories - Meeting a former Colts Player

2007-11-23T07:18:00.000-08:00

Last year I had the privilege of meeting Shawn Harper, former NFL Offensive Lineman for the Indianapolis Colts. Shawn is now a Christian Motivational Speaker. He travels all around the country sharing his testimony of how Jesus Christ has saved him and what God can in your life if you let Him. In fact, that is how I was able to meet Shawn. He came to Bellevue, Ohio at the invitation of Touch the Heart Youth Ministries. While there he spoke in several schools and hosted a big youth rally in the park the following Saturday. If you would like you can check out his website at: http://shawnharperministries.org/

Thanksgiving at Grandmother's

2007-11-22T16:15:00.000-08:00

For my entire life, we have always gone to my grandmother's for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter for big family gatherings. Of course, I grew up seeing my grandmother a whole lot more than that, seeing as how I only lived like 300 yards from her. Haha. Well, today Caleb and I took the hour and a half trip back to Grandmother's house for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, little Taite was sick so Andrea decided to just stay here at home with him. I hated they weren't with us, but I know it was better for Taite... he slept most of the day.

Below is a picture of my son, Caleb enjoying some of grandmother's good cooking. Her turkey and dressing is the best I've ever eaten. I wish I had entire dish of it to bring home. I did bring Andrea some food for supper. And some very kind people from our church brought her some turkey for lunch which I thought was very sweet of them.

And well, after doing a lot eating, playing, and enjoying all of the family, we were pretty tired. As you can see from the picture below, Caleb got to enjoy a nice little nap on the ride home. It was a good day. I hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving day with family and friends!

Joint Thanksgiving Service

2007-11-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night, our church (West End Baptist Church) is going to have a Joint-Thanksgiving service with Everettes Baptist Church. I'm really excited about this and am very glad that Jason (their pastor) and the church body decided to do this with us. I think it's going to be a great time of worship and fellowship as two different local bodies come together to worship and give thanks to our great and loving God for being so good to us.

I think it's really great when churches can come together for worship, service, and fellowship. Sometimes, people (even pastors) can become competitive with other churches. If another church down the road is growing faster, or has a better building, or more programs than their own church, people at times can get envious and bitter. Sometimes they will even become resentful that God seems to be blessing one church more than another. Even at the conventions and things, pastors will at times compare numbers and/or ministies with others, like we're in competition.

But we have to remember, that when the Word of God is our center & authority and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being accurately presented, then we're not in competition with one another... we're on the same team! And in this day and time, especially in our culture, it takes all kinds of different churches to reach all the different kinds of people. Some people like formal services, others like casual worship. Some people like Southern Gospel, while others like Contemporary Christian. Some people like to dress up in coat and tie, while others like wearing their shorts and sandals. And truly, the Word of God gives freedom in these non-essential areas.

So, I'm very excited about tomorrow night and I hope we have a good turn out of fellow believers who desire to take special time out of their busy lives to praise and thank God for all His wonderful blessings that He has given. And most especially for the precious gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. And I pray that He will indeed be glorified and pleased with our small demonstration of unity tomorrow night.

Personal Reflections on the Annual Meeting of the BSCNC

2007-11-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that I have spent the last few days in Greensboro, NC meeting with fellow messengers of the Baptist State Convention for the annual meeting. I have never really been that involved with convention matters here in N.C., probably because I am just now beginning my first pastorate in N.C. And because I spent the last 2 years in Northern Ohio I was certainly out of touch. So, for the last few days I have spent a lot of time reading and listening. It was a very interesting convention, and I believe a pretty important one because some major decisions were made. Allow me to list briefly the 4 Major Actions taken by the convention and my personal reaction to them.

1) The convention voted to exclude Myers Park Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC from it's fellowship.
Last year, the convention made the decision that if any church of the Baptist State Convention affirms or blesses homosexual behavior is to be considered "not in friendly cooperation" with the BSC. By their own admission, Myers Park Baptist Church were and are in violoation of the conventions membership policies regarding the issue of homosexuality. The most interesting thing is that this large church of Charlotte with it's approximately 1,900 members contributed less than $250 to the cooperative program of the BSC last year and hasn't sent a messenger to the convention in 8 years. So, why this year? Do they want a little publicity? Are they trying to gather sympathy from the world? Only God knows their motivations. I'm sure this will come out as if we baptists hate homosexuals, which isn't true at all. We welcome, invite, and beg all men and women to come to Christ, and God loves all and saves all that call upon His name. But the Bible also tells us that God loved us too much to leave us the way we were in our sin. The Bible says, "If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away, behold all things become new." It is not we who are hating homosexuals... it is really those who choose to deceive them by telling them that God does not care enough for them to deal with their sin.

2) The convention also approved a proposal from our baptist colleges that will give the schools the right to choose their own trustees in exchange for relinquishing the funding they receive from the Baptist State Convention over the next 4 years.
The Baptist colleges of N.C. (Campbell, Wingate, Gardner-Webb, Chowan, and Mars Hill) no longer want any say-so or control from the BSCNC. In the past, we have appointed the trustees to these schools. But apparently our convention leadership has reached the point that they believe we would be better off just to let them go their own way, let them appoint their self-perpetuating boards of trustees, and for us to no longer have any say so. The presidents of these colleges asked the messengers "to please trust us..." that they would continue to appoint trustees from cooperating Baptist churches to their college boards. However, I must admit that I'm a little pessimistic. Maybe because I know very well human nature, and maybe because I've seen the direction that so many other previously Christian colleges and universities have gone. This truly saddens me. I would love to see our Baptist colleges remain under the guidance and direction of the convention, and be places of quality Christian education where solid conservative theology is upheld and taught. But it doesn't appear this will be possible.

3) Another important matter dealt with the severing of the relationship between the Baptist Retirement Homes of N.C. and BSCNC.
The truth of the matter is, through the unethical and illegal procedures of the trustees of the BRH of NC, the relationship between the BRH and the BSCNC has already been severed. There were talks of litigation which I believe we would win hands down since the board of trustees violated their very own constitution and bylaws. However, Scripture is clear that brothers in Christ should be mature enough to handle disputes and differences without sueing one another and bringing reproach to the name of Christ. Personally, I don't know about the spiritual condition of the BRH trustees, but I do know that the leadership of the BSC are Christians, and are deeply convinced that saving face and not doing harm to the name of Christ is far more important than anything else. Therefore, the convention voted to respectfully request the BRH to follow the procedures outlined in the BSCNC by-laws to officially sever the relationship with the convention and to seek to establish a new relationship. It was also approved to make this decision financially beneficial to them for doing this. But personally, I am not going to hold my breath waiting for them to comply with the request. The Baptist Retirement Homes Study Committee did a wonderful job in investigating and reporting to the convention the situation. The findings were very disturbing and sad, and I think a lot of good baptist people would be shocked if they read it, which I do recommend.

4) And finally, the convention also approved the board of director's proposed budgets for 2008 & 2009 and the N.C. Mission Offering allocations for 2008.
The big deal about the NCMO for 2008 is the fact that it doesn't include the WMU-NC. It is a very long and drawn out ordeal, which I won't get into all of it here. But the main issue had to do with the final say-so in the hiring and firing process of WMU-NC staff. Ruby Fulbright, the current president of the WMU-NC said she had it. But according to the BSCNC by-laws, which states that WMU-NC staff are employees of the BSCNC, the truth is, that the Executive-Director Treasurer has the final say-so. Further more, to give up that responsibility would cause the BSCNC to be open and vulnerable to all kinds of serious law suits and ultimately financial disaster. Therefore, the BSCNC position could not be compromised. But yet even so, understanding all the implications of their decision, the WMU-NC executive board still decided they would rather separate themselves and take on all the financial burden, and have therefore asked all the WMU-NC staff to resign from the BSCNC effective Dec.31st 2007. When one cuts through all the politically correct terminology and double talk, one finds that the gist of the matter is this: The WMU-NC executive board decided that they would rather be completely independent of and not be accountable to the BSCNC, and would rather instead be completely free and able to work with other entities like the CBF and the BWA. This is what it all boils down to. They want baptist money, but they do not want any accountability. This is not only wrong, it's unbiblical.

Personally, I think this is a terrible move by the board, and I do not believe that it represents the feelings or thoughts of the thousands and thousands of faithful ladies of the WMU across this convention. I love the WMU; they are extremely hard working and supremely faithful and devoted to the cause of Christ. And nothing would please me more than to see the executive board's decision reversed and the WMU-NC once again realigned with the BSCNC (which by the way has been offered to them) And if I were one of the ladies apart of the WMU, I would be calling for Ruby Fulbright's resignation and a return to the BSCNC. However, if they choose to continue down this road, then I believe we have no choice but to let them go and begin making efforts to establish a new mission education organization within the BSCNC. These are indeed troubling times, but I know the God whom we serve... that He is faithful and true... and I know that we will weather this storm, and I know that in the end the name of Christ will be lifted up and magnified. And I will pray to this end.

Movie Warning: The Golden Compass: Apparently Hostile to Theism and Christianity

2007-11-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

I don't know about this personally, because the movie hasn't even came out yet to be viewed by the public, but I thought I would pass this along to any would-be concerned parents or persons.

From OneMillionDads.com:

The Golden Compass is a film from New Line Cinema based on the first book of a series, His Dark Materials, written by English atheist Philip Pullman. It is set to release December 7 in theaters nationwide. From watching the trailer, it's easy to see that the film has a C. S. Lewis/Narnia feel to it, but don't be deceived. Pullman's book trilogy is the story of "a battle against the church and a fight to overthrow God," BBC News reported.

The Guardian, a British newspaper, goes even further to describe the books as "metaphysical fantasies encompassing parallel worlds, the death of God and the fall of man ...." "I don't know whether there's a God or not. Nobody does, no matter what they say," Pullman said in an interview posted on his website.

"One of the [book] series' main themes -- the rejection of organized religion and in particular the abuse of power within the Catholic Church -- is to be watered down," according to the Telegraph, a newspaper in the U.K. "But when the film is released in December the Magisterium will be shown as a critique of all dogmatic organizations, thereby avoiding a religious backlash."

Therefore, without yet seeing the film, OneMillionMoms.com and OneMillionDads.com is alerting Christians to the potential dangers of The Golden Compass. Because of Pullman's clearly articulated anti-Christian motives, we are warning all movie-goers to avoid the film.

Additional resources:- Read "Shedding Light on His Dark Materials" by Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware to explore hidden spiritual themes in Philip Pullman’s popular children’s fantasy series.

My Motto for Life

2007-07-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

"By His Grace... For His Glory"

Back in Ohio, when I was a youth pastor, I established this phrase as our youth group's motto to go along with our purpose statement. Later, I found out that Dr. Tom Nettles wrote a book about Baptist history that was entitled "By His grace... For His Glory." (I don't think he'll mind me using his title in this blog).

Since that time, I have come to adopt this as my personal motto for life. I guess because it really does sum up life very accurately. First of all, everything that we are or have is by the wonderful grace of God. Are you living? Are you relatively healthy? Do you have a mind to think with and a body to move around with? Do you have friends and family that love you, and that you love in return? These are just mere drops in the bucket of a vast ocean of God's blessings and provisions, of which He owes us NONE!

I think people often forget this. People have a tendency to WRONGLY think that God owes them something. God doesn't owe us anything! The ONLY thing that we have justly acquired from our Creator is JUDGMENT AND WRATH in HELL!! I know, I know that sounds reallly harsh. But unfortunately, that's the truth. After He lovingly created us and gave us everything we could have ever possibly needed, we rebelled against Him, and said, "NO! We don't want You for our god! We want to be our own god!" As a result, we are all now born spiritually dead, with every aspect our being bound with and contaminated by sin. But thanks be to God again... for He has provided a remedy for our condition, and that is through His only Son, Jesus Christ. By turning from our sinful lifestyles and trusting in Him, the Holy Bible tells us that we can be assured of eternal life in heaven with Him.

And after we have come to know Him as we should, and we begin to study His word... we quickly realize that ALL of life... is for His glory! That is, everything that IS... all of creation... from the smallest plant life to every man, woman, boy, and girl... EVERYTHING was made to bring Jesus Christ praise and glory forever.

Do you know why you exist? To bring Him glory. Do you know why you have been blessed and provided for so abundantly? To bring Him glory. Do you know why you have been blessed with children, your home, breathable air and clean water? Yep, you guessed it... To bring Him glory!

So, the next time you're tempted to gripe and complain... remember this, that in reality you (and me) should be burning alive right now in the fires of hell... and it's only by the grace of God that we're not! Have you surrendered to Christ as Lord and Savior of your life? If so, by His grace, you will never have to endure His wrath. Praise God!! If you have not, it is by God's grace that you're still alive... which means you still have an opportunity to surrender to Him and be saved. Don't wait... Do it today! Then you too will come to fully understand what it means to say, "By His grace... For His glory!"

My New Flock

2007-07-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a long time since I posted a blog. I think the last one was in March. Nobody is probably even reading it anymore since I've been so unfaithful to keep it going. And I'm not sure why I'm writing this one except for the reason that I have reached an extremely momentous occasion in my life. And that occasion is, I will soon be moving to a small town in eastern NC where God has given me the privilege of serving as Senior Pastor for the first time in my life.

I can scarcely believe that the Lord God would entrust such an extremely responsible position to me, but the church voted today, and God spoke loud and clear through His people. Normally, a pastor would like to have 3/4 majority or at least 2/3 majority to consider accepting a call to a church. But today 98 members cast a vote, and for the first time in their history, the church voted 100% to call their pastor. I was simply overwhelmed and stunned silent, and I know... I KNOW it is only by the grace of Almighty God that this so. I'm extremly excited to get started in this new ministry, and I believe with all my heart that God has great things in store for our church.

This is a picture of where the church meets.

New Job

2007-03-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Today I had my first day of general security training at Securitas in Charlotte. It was ok... very long and quite redundant since I worked security while I was seminary from 2000-2005. But I guess it was a good refresher. The really weird thing was that while we were sitting there watching all the different videos about general security policies and procedures, all of sudden... THERE I WAS ON THE TV! Yep! That's right, I was in actually in the training video! (HAHA). How funny is that?! Here I am training... and watching me do the job. I thought that was really neat and kind of weird. I wish I could get a copy of it. :)

But anywho, I have one more day of training and then I go to my assigned site for training on that particular post. I'm looking forward to it. I'd rather be working and doing something than just sitting around the house feeling lazy. But I had to blog about it. I'm probably the very first person in security history to be trained by watching himself do the job that he is in fact training for.

A NEW Look!

2007-03-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Because I'm getting a new job with Securitas Security, I had to shave my beard b/c they don't allow facial hair. They don't believe it is professional enough. I definitely didn't want to. Personally, I think I am definitely a beard man, but you have to do what you have to do. What do you think?

Before...

After...

Down By Creek

2007-03-15T03:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Clift (Andrea's Dad) and I and Caleb went to the little creek behind their house. For the most part, Caleb loved it. Mostly he just threw rocks in the "e-ow" (water). But then he figured out that it was ok for him to actually get in the water. He really loved that. Normally you wouldn't be doing this in March, but it has been unseasonably warm - in the 80's! Caleb had a great time!

Who's The Real Man?

2007-03-08T02:14:00.000-08:00

The other day while I was waiting for dinner to get done I turned on the TV and watched a sitcom called "Yes Dear." Very rarely do I watch this or any other show simply because I just don't watch that much TV unless it happens to be a movie I want to watch. But I caught this one.

The show was all about how Greg was struggling with his manhood. He, nor the others in his family, thought very much about his manhood since he didn't play any tough sports like football, he is kind of weak, and even a little skiddish. He tried doing things to prove his manhood like playing football with "the guys" and climbing a very tall tree to retrieve the football to prove he was brave, and hince a real man. While trying to comfort his brother-in-law, the other guy (forgot his name) stated that Greg probably couldn't help it; that he had inherited a "wuss" gene. To make a long story short, in the end Greg did "prove" his manhood by punching a huge guy in the face to get to his toddler before he ate a peanut candy bar, which he is deathly allergic to.

But the reason, I'm writing about this show is because it is a perfect example of how really twisted and screwed up hollywood is when it comes to values and what is important. Supposely Greg isn't a real man because he doesn't play the tough sports or do the rough and tough manly things, while his brother-in-law is a real man because he does do those things. Even though it is it Greg who (on the show) is working, being responsible, and providing a home for his family, while the brother-in-law is living under Greg's roof like a bum and a moocher. He can't find a good enough job to support his family because he was just a big drinker and partier who goofed off in school and barely graduated. But he is the real man... because he can drink beer and play tough football. He can't stand on his own, support his family, or hold a adequate job, but he is the real man.

Sadly, this is probably the way many in our culture believe. It's no wonder boys are growing up confused and unprepared for life and all it's challenges; they don't even know what being a real man is. My boys will know because I'm going to train them, and it will begin when they are very young... and you can trust it won't be hollywood's definition of manhood that I use!

Want A Better Life - Trying Planting Different Seeds

2007-02-26T03:29:00.000-08:00

Galatians 6:7-8

The Lord has warned us; we have no excuse. When we reap evil consequences and heartaches, many times it's because of the decisions that we ourselves have made. Sometimes we think we will be the exception to the rule; that somehow we can do as we please with no adverse effects or negative consequences. But then God's word rings clear once again... "God is not mocked" And so, just as He has said, we reap the consequences of our actions and decisions.

You see, just as God has ordained the law of gravity, which is absolutely universal, impartial, and very predictable so is the law of sowing and reaping. The Word of God says very clearly, "For whatsoever a man sows, that He will also reap." You can't plant corn and harvest navy beans. You can't plant tulips and get rose bushes. And you can't continuously so to your old sinful nature and reap a blessed and favored life from God.

The Word of God is also very clear in that we have a choice of what type of life we're going to reap by what seeds we sow. We can sow to our "flesh" (i.e. our sinful nature) or we can sow to the Spirit (God's Spirit). Sowing to the flesh brings about corruption and destruction, whereas sowing to the Spirit brings about eternal life... not just life in heaven forever, but a better quality of life NOW!

Not satisfied with your life now? Are you experiencing an abnormal amount of suffering, trials, heartaches, and trouble? What type of seeds are you sowing? My mind immediately thinks of a young lady named Brittany, who just recently shaved her head. What a terrible way to live! What an extremely sad situation she has found herself in! Is the media and everyone around her to blame? Or has Brittany spent a large portion of her life sowing bad seeds? "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man (or woman) sows, that he (or she) will also reap."

My heart goes out to her. I pray that she will repent of her sin, turn to God, and find the true joy and peace that only He can give. Then and only then, will the pieces of her shattered life truly be put back together.

DEBT = Financial Bondage!

2007-02-19T04:03:00.000-08:00

I never realized before just how bad debt was until we began studying it just recently. I have known plenty of people all my life who lived with debt, and it never seemed to effect anything. But just recently, I have learned just how strongly the Word of God talks about debt.

For example, Romans 13:8 states, "Owe no one anything..."

And Proverbs 22:7 states, "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrow is servant to the lender."

Now, if these two were not enough to convince us what God thinks of having debt, the view of debt given in the Old Testament should leave no doubt. In Deut.28:1-2, 12... one of the rewards for obedience that God promised the people of Israel was they would be free of debt. And conversely, in Deut.28:15, 43-44, Debt was one of the curses for disobedience!

And there's that the whole presumption aspect of debt. You see, when we go into debt over something that we think we simply must have at the moment like a new computer, a new big screen TV, etc... we're presuming that things are going to stay well with our financial situation, and we'll simply pay it off in a few months. But in James 4:13, we're warned against the sin of presumption. We really don't know how we're going to be fairing in 6 months. If God permits, we could be doing well... or we could lose our job, get sick, get in accident, anything can happen. So, we must be very careful in this regard to.

Now, the Bible doesn't say it's a sin to go into debt. It simply discourages it because you become somewhat in bondage. The very smart and Godly people at Crown Financial Ministries state that it's their opinion that it is permissible to borrow for: 1) a home mortgage, 2) your vocation, or 3) your business. But there are things to consider even then... like:
-Will the item purchased produce income or at least go up in value?
-Does the value of the item equal or exceed the amount owed?
-And will the repayment of the new debt put too high a strain on your budget?
All very wise questions.

Personally for me, I understand very practically just how debt is financial slavery. My wife and I don't have the freedom to give sometimes or do the things that we would love to do because of debt. I would love to give more to my church, more to missions, be able to just bless the people we love... but I'm often hindered b/c we simply do not have it to give. I grew up with the understanding that when you recieve your income, first and foremost you give your top 10% to God no matter what... whether your eat or not, that first 10% is God's and to not give it is stealing! Then you pay the people that you owe. And finally, you use the rest to live on or give to help others. One of these days (December 2009) we will be out of debt by the grace and favor of God. Because 1) we have a budget, and 2) we have repayment plan to pay off all our creditors. And then we will be completely free! But until that time, we live under the curse of slavery because of bad choices. If you're reading this, learn from our mistakes. Don't give into the temptation of "have now - pay later." Save your money, learn to live without, and you will be free and blessed because of it.

The Newest Member of our Family: Taite Ezekiel

2007-02-16T00:49:00.000-08:00

Just the other day I was talking with a gentlemen who suggested that I introduce my new son on my blog. I guess I hadn't thought about it b/c my wife posts gobs of pictures of both our children on her blog so I didn't see the need. But after thinking about it, I thought... that's a good idea.

So here he is... Taite Ezekiel. He was born on Dec 18th, 2006 measuring 19.5 in long and weighing 6.7 lbs. So, in this picture... he's about 5 weeks old. He's a good baby and we're so thankful to God to have in. In case you're wondering about his name "Taite" means cheerful - b/c he has certainly made us cheerful and happy... and "Ezekiel" means God will strengthen, which is our prayer for our little boy.

So, who does he look like?

I OWN NOTHING.

2007-02-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

One of the things that I have the privilege of doing is teaching a Senior High Small Group Bible study on Sunday mornings. Right now, we are doing a study entitled, "Discovering God's Way of Handling Our Finances." This turning out to be a great study; one that I hope all the students are taking seriously. I'm leading the study and yet I'm learning and be reminded of things just like the rest of the students.

Well anyway... this is Lesson #1 - I OWN NOTHING! That's right, you and I own nothing, because God in fact owns it all.

1 Chron. 29:11 - "For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours... O Lord."

Ps. 24:1 - "The earth is the Lord's, and all it's fullness, the world and those who dwell therein."

Ps. 50:10 - "For every beast of the forest is Mine and the cattle on a thousand hills."

Haggai 2:8 - "'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the Lord of hosts."

No where in God's world does it speak about Him transfering ownership to us. No, it still all belongs to Him. We are simply stewards and managers of His resources. Why is this so important to realize and accept this?
1) It will make us do a better job of handling the finances that have been entrusted to us. Far too many people struggle financially today, even though we live in one of the most properous nations on earth. And it's not always because we don't have sufficient income. Most of the time, it's because we haven't learned how to handle what we've been given; i.e. doing it His Way.

2) It will also cause us to have the right perspective and attitude regarding all the finances and resources in our care. What happens when something breaks down or is stolen? Do we get angry and bitter? Does it steal our joy? Our peace? It probably wouldn't if we correctly recognized that it was never OURS to begin with.

When we have the right perspective about all the money and possessions that's in our care, all kinds of decisions (like saving, investing, and spending... and not just giving) will become spiritual decisions. We begin to pray not, "Lord, what should I do with my money?"... But rather, "Lord, what would You have me do with YOUR money."

A GREAT SUPER BOWL!

2007-02-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

What a great Super Bowl last night. The Colts beat the Bears 29 to 17! Go COLTS!! But not only was it great in that respect, but it was also a great night for the kingdom of God. Last night Touch the Heart Youth Ministries had our annual Super Bowl Party/Youth Outreach in our town. We had a great turn out of both students and adult volunteers. I believe the final count for students was like 135, which I believe was a record for us. The kids had a lot of fun playing basketball, volleyball, X-Box, cards, etc. Then at half time, our guest speaker testified to the love and saving grace of Almighty God. And when the time came for the students to respond to the truth, there were quite a few who felt led to surrender to Christ... some for the very first time, others in a renewed commitment. Of course, only God knows the sincereity of these public decisions... which time will reveal, but we praise God for what occurred.

Immediate Judgment

2007-01-30T01:42:00.000-08:00

One of the worst judgments that God could ever do to man is to remove His Spirit from us. In the book of Romans, Ch.1, the Apostle Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) writes that the "wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men..."

But why is His wrath being revealed? Because even though all men know of God, the vast majority do not glorify Him as God nor give thanks to Him. Rather than worshiping and serving Him as Lord, they worship and serve themselves. We hurry about with our lives doing what we want. We don't stop to give Him thanks or credit for the wonderful blessings we enjoy; in fact, we think we deserve them. That's why we get so terribly upset when things go bad. But not only are we not thankful, we also fail to yield ourselves over to Him as Lord. Men don't want another authority in their life; we have too many already. Instead, man is determined to be his own lord, his own king... he will do what he wants, when he wants!

And what is God's immediate action to this at times? Romans 1:24-28 basically tells us that God gives us exactly what we want. Three different times in these verses, the Word of God states, "God gave them over...." But gave them over to what? God gives us over to ourselves! Since we don't want to have anything to do with God, God gives us over to ourselves and allows our depraved hearts to do and go exactly as it desires. And the downward spiral of our wicked hearts set free to do as it wants takes us to unimagined depths of wickedness and depravity. And the results... all kinds of sexual impurities, the degrading of our bodies, unnatural affections, shameful lusts, costly perversions, and absolutely warped thinking.

"Oh dear God, do whatever necessary to keep me in Your will... fill me with guilt, burden me with conviction, lame my physical body, crush my spirit... but never, never take Your Spirit from me. Don't ever, ever leave me to myself. In Jesus' name... Amen."

Back from Winter Conference

2007-01-16T04:42:00.000-08:00

Myself along with 3 other adults and 10 students just got back last night from a winter conference in Gatlinburg, TN hosted by Crossroads Worldwide. And boy was it a great conference!

First of all, God blessed every aspect of our trip... from the drive down and back to the hotel rooms to the weather... just everything.

And second, the staff of Crossroads did an absolutely phenominal job as always of hosting a great Christian conference. The worship was awesome and the speakers were powerful!

And lastly, I really believe God did a very special work in the hearts of some of our young people. One young lady was saved... another repented of hard, bitter feelings and recommitted her life to Christ... another repented of being a silent Christian...and others were exposed and challenged to go to a higher level of Christian discipleship.

It was just a wonderful time of fellowship and discipleship with some really great young people!

If any youth pastor out there stumbles onto this blog... let me just say that I STRONGLY recommend the ministry of Crossroads Worldwide founded by Clayton King. I've been going to their events going on 6 years now, and I've never once been disappointed. They're faithful, humble, trustworthy servants of God... and they are a wonderful blessing to the Church in this generation!

First Time at an Air Show!

2006-09-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Today, Andrea and I took Caleb to the Cleveland Air Show. Actually, we all went thanks to an old high school friend of Andrea’s, a guy by the name of Brian Collins. Brian is actually on the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels team. And because he is such a nice guy, he gave Andrea and I free V.I.P tickets to the air show.

Today was probably was one of the coolest things I’ve done in a long time… I loved it!... Every minute of it! We were able to see all kinds of airplanes and jets, not only up close, but also in air doing all kinds of terrific stunts. We saw this one plane (the A-10 Thunderbolt, I believe) simulate dropping bombs. And we saw this big rig truck that was powered by 3 jet engines… it could do a quarter mile in like 3.6 seconds!! Freaky! We were even able to see the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights. Wow! How do they jump out of a plane from 12,000 feet, and land with such precision and accuracy??!! Very cool!

But the absolute coolest were of course the Blue Angels. Oh man, they were just terrific… I was almost speechless. All I could say to Andrea after every stunt was “Awesome.” I just don’t know how in the world those guys could do the things they could do. And believe me, I’m not over exaggerating with my response here either. If I had been single and 18-20 years old, I’d probably went over to the booth and enlisted. I really can’t explain it. It made me proud to be an American… proud to have such fine military personnel… and a little envious that I wasn’t directly involved. It was just awesome!! If you’ve never been to an air show, then you need you to see these guys perform… they were amazing. Thanks, Brian so much!! I’ll remember this Labor Day for a long time!

p.s. Caleb was awesome too! Not one time did he throw a fit or get angry… and without a nap from 9 am – 5 pm!! He was frightened a couple of times, but overall he couldn’t have been better. Thank you, Jesus.

Glad Its All Over

2006-07-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it's almost the end of July and all my woes with Kidney Stones are over... for now. (Though I hope for good!) I don't wish those things on anyone. The first procedure wasn't so bad, b/c I was completely knocked out. But the second procedure, where they had to go in and remove the stint... for that I wasn't knocked out, though I wish I had been. That was no fun at all!! But it's all over now, and fully back in the saddle full swing.

I must say that because of this, I have made at least one really huge change in my life. I use to never drink water... I loved Pepsi and Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper, etc., etc. way too much so I never drank water. Well, that is no longer the case. Besides my coffee in the morning and my glass of milk at night, about all I drink now is water with just a tad of lemon juice. My dad told me that pure lemon juice was good for the kidneys and stuff, so I've learned to like it. So, who knows... maybe haven given up Pop I won't have any more stones. I sure hope so!!

A New Appreciation for Health Care Costs

2006-06-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just recently I discovered that I have a kidney stone... and let me tell you, these things are no laughing matter! So, of course I had to go see a Dr. and find out how to take care of this thing. The latest and most advanced procedure that he wanted to do was to use some sort of shockwave to break it up so I could pass it. However, the nice little price tag for that procedure was only $12,000!

Now, normally, with conventional medical insurance that would be taken care of, but our family does not have conventional medical insurance b/c we simply can't affor it. We do belong to a group that helps protect us from outragious medical bills, but it's not insurance; technically we're classified as self-pay. So, I didn't want to go that route.

So, I'm going to go with the second option which is much more involved, but is cheaper for some reason (which I really do not understand). They're actually going to go in with a scope and a lazer and bust it up that way, so that I can pass it. It will be done as an outpatient surgery. And here's where I get to the point of this blog. To even schedule the surgery, I have to put down $500 just to bring the lazer to the hospital. Now, fortunately, I think we're going to be able to handle that by the grace of God.

But what about those people who can't come up with $500 on the spot? It really hasn't been that long ago when we couldn't have done that either. What are they suppose to do? Would a guy just have to suffer for months with a kidney stone until he could raise the money to get the lazer?

I don't have any solutions to this health care crisis that we're currently in, but I do have a new appreciation for it. I hope that the leaders of this country that we put so much hope in, will be able to come up with a solution.

Is the Church too Feminine Today?

2006-06-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

I was reading a very interesting article yesterday in a certain magazine about missions and church growth, and the article was about the how so many churches are below average when it comes men attending and getting involved. This particular article that I read put forth the idea that our churches have become too feminine and too soft for the typical man. And one does have to question, when so many other religions do not seem to have a problem drawing the masculine side of the population, why are we, as Christians, having such a hard time?

The author of the article mentioned a couple of examples of how we have become too feminine. First, most churches and services seem to be focused toward Grandma and all the ladies, not only in decoration, but also in the style and planning of the typical service.

Second, pastors seem to focus way too much on the soft empathetic side of Christ. Week after week, we present this soft, loving Jesus. What about Jesus' masculine side? Like driving out the money changers from the temple with whips and dying on the cross, taking all the beatings without uttering a word. The author even grieved over the praise songs that are so prevalent... songs he calls "Jesus is my boyfriend" music.

Finally, he mentions how we have subtley changed our terminology to be more feminine. For example the very bold and masculine, "Follow Me!" has become "Come have a personal relationship with Me." Who is that going to draw quicker... the typical man or a lady?

I want to know what you think! Do you think the typical church is too feminine, too soft? How might you make it different? Please Comment... I'm very interested in what you have to say.

Where is this level of devotion today?

2006-05-25T04:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while I was studying my Bible in order to teach my students, I learned about a particular faithful Christian named Epaphras. Epaphras was one of the founding members of the church in the city called Colosse (to whom Paul's letter to the Colossians was written).

Colosse was located on a major trade route from the East to the West, therefore it had a steady influx of traders, merchants and travelers from the East. And of course, just like today when people from other cultures come to a new area, they bring with them all of their beliefs, philosophies, schools of thought, and practices, which in this case would have been a lot of Eastern thought like Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. Added to this was the original Gentile (pagan) background and heritage with all it's teachings. Plus there was also a large Jewish community that lived there. Add all of these things together and throw some elements from Gnosticism, and what you get is a city that is fertile ground for every form of religious speculation, heresy, and false teaching imaginable.

And this brings me to the point of this post. The Church in Colosse was facing a major crisis, a crisis of Ideas. The church was beginning to be invaded by all these false ways of thinking; they were beginning to be deceived and taken captive by hollow and empty philosophies of men, rather than holding fast to the truth of God. Therefore, one man named Epaphras, took it upon himself to travel to find the Apostle Paul who could hopefully help the church in this time of crisis. This journey that Epaphras set out on was a 1,300 mile journey from Colosse to Rome where Paul was in prison... 1,300 miles!! That's the distance from Lake Erie in Northern Ohio to Miami, FL. And remember this was the ancient days... he didn't have any planes, buses, or even cars. He either walked or rode a horse or camel or something; either way that was one large journey! Why in the world would he do that??

1) Epaphras undoubtedly loved the church of Jesus Christ! Can there be any doubt about this? A man who was willing to sacrifice so much and put himself to such inconvenience... a man so desperate for help from the great Apostle Paul.

2) Epaphras also understood very well the dangers of false teaching to the church. Only someone who was extremely discerning about a situation would go to such lengths to solve the problem. Epaphras was one man who understood well just how important right belief is, and just how dangerous wrong belief is.

As I studied this, I thought about it... Where is this level of devotion and dedication today in the church? We have a hard time getting in a car and driving 5 minutes down the street to come to church to worship. Or we act like it's a big deal to get up at 9am on Sunday morning inorder to worship the Lord who has saved us. If someone mentions a mission trip or service opportunity, we frantically begin searching our brains for some lame excuse of why we can't participate. We will allow anything and everything to come before church. I'm not a legalist, but some of the things that we will allow to keep us from worship and service with the Lord's church does communicate something about the dedication and love in our hearts for our Lord and Savior.

You know, in all serious... (myself included) we really should be utterly ashamed of the laziness and lack of devotion that is so rampant today in the modern church. And for many of us, it's not a laziness toward other things, b/c we're the busiest generation to ever lived. No, then it becomes a matter of proiorities. How different the church would be if more people were like Epaphras! How much greater glory for the Kingdom of God and the spread of the Gospel could there be, if we had just a handful of people like Epaphras! May God break our hearts over our own lack of dedication and devotion to Him... and may He give us hearts that will put Him as the chief priority in our lives.

Why I don't think I could ever pastor my Home Church.

2006-05-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

*click image for larger view*

Something that I have often considered in the past was eventually returning to the church that I was brought up in and being it's pastor (years from now). Maybe it's because for several years while I was in Bible college and Seminary, while still attending my home church, I had such a burden for it. I had a tremendous burden to see it prosper and be used of God to greatly glorify His name and His Kingdom in a greater way than ever before. I knew it's people and I saw the tremendous potential that it had. I believe I even had a vision of what the church could be one day.

But as I sit this morning and comtemplate that scenario, I don't think I could ever pastor my home church. And it's not because the people know me too well or because I had a horrible reputation while I was there or left on bad terms or anything like that. No, the reason I don't think I could ever pastor my home church is because it would mean pastoring my own family... my Dad, my siblings, my aunts and uncles, and so on and so forth. And it's not because I don't think they would listen to me or because they don't respect me. On the contrary, I have a very good relationship with just about all my kin, and I believe they do respect me... they've told me before how proud they are of me, and I've had deep, meaningful conversations with many of them.

No, the reason I don't think I could ever pastor my home church is because, I wouldn't want to pastor my own family. I'm learning more and more that ministry is a very, very lonely life. Whether it's wrong or right, the fact of the matter of is, a pastor just can't be as transparent, vulnerable, and open with the things on his heart as he might need to be or want to be with the people in his congregation and town. Too many times, it comes back to haunt you or harm you. He can't share the struggles that he faces; he can't always voice his deep concerns or frustrations. No, in our culture, he's the pastor and everyone holds him to a much higher standard than the rest of the people. Of course, the Bible says that we're all supposed to be striving for the high standard of Christlikeness, but it seems like people expect pastors to have already arrived, and if he fails to live up to it perfectly, then he needs to be sent on his way!

No, my family are some of the very few people in my life that I can be completely open and honest with, be just as vulnerable as anything, and be just as forth coming as I need to be, and I know they will listen to me, be there for me, and continue to love me anyway. At home where I was raised with my closest family members, I'm not Pastor Travis... I'm just Travis. We all probably have people like that in our lives... and I believe that we all need people like that, even us pastors.

A Tribute to One Amazing Mom: My Wife

2006-05-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

When so many of her peers are studying for finals and looking forward to the ending of another semester, my wife has a calling that is without end.

When so many of her peers are partying and enjoying days of limited responsibility, my wife has one of highest callings of responsibility known to man.

When so many of her peers are off traveling to exotic places and experiencing new things, my wife is the consistent bedrock of our home, that makes for a happy and secure refuge.

When so many of her peers are being recognized for their outstanding achievements with robes and tassels, my wife is content with the favor and smile of God and the gratitude of two very grateful men in her life…

What does my wife do? She is a Christian Mother!

This post this week is to say thank you to my beautiful wife…
Thank you, Sweetheart for making this house a home… a place that is always warm and inviting and enjoyable.

Thank you, Sweetheart for all the care, nurture, protection, and training you give to our son… an absolutely vital and loving foundation that will serve him well all the days of his life.

Thank you, Sweetheart for the way that you tirelessly keep our home well-organized and clean… a place that is peaceful, relaxing, and always open to friends.

Thank you, Sweetheart for all the sacrifices that you have made in order to be here with me in Northern Ohio in order to be obedient to the call of God on our lives.

To: My Dearest Wife:
Let no one ever despise your youth for you are an amazing mother! I know I cannot give you everything you deserve, or always understand you in the ways you would like me to, but I can promise that I will love you all the seasons of my life and be thankful for the joys of sharing this life with you. Ever how many children the good Lord decides to give us, I am absolutely positive that one day all of them will gladly rise up and call you blessed! Truly, charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised!

Oh Lord, Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

From your loving husband,
Travis

Technology Is Sometimes A Great Blessing

2006-05-06T04:36:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a good while since I've posted a blog. I guess it's because I do so much writing in my calling to the ministry like, writing several Bible lessons a week, newsletters, important letters, devotionals, etc... so much so that to sit down and do more in my spare time is sometimes not exactly what I want to do. But this morning, I'm in the mood to do it.

I've just finished listening to one of the great Bible teachers of our day, Dr. John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church. He has a international radio ministry called "Grace to You." Now, I can't get his particular program on any radio station around here, but I can go online and listen to the current one or any archived program I want to. And what is so cool is that it hasn't been that long ago when that was not possible. I mean how many believers in Christ would have loved to be discipled and taught by one of the greatest Bible teachers of our time, but couldn't because the technology was simply not there. Not too many years ago, the only people who would have been blessed by his exposition of God's word would have been the ones sitting in his church week after week. But now, believers all over the world can benefit from it with simply a computer and an internet connection. I know there are some who are very suspicious about technology and who are very afraid of the evil that it might bring. But just as any technology can be used for great evil, it can also be used for great good as well. So, I praise God and thank Him for such advancements.

If you would like to listen to Dr. MacArthur, just go to...
www.gty.org and click on the "broadcasts" tab, or just go to...
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/grace_to_you/

No Ordinary Execution

2006-04-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Mood: Joyful and Grateful

Tomorrow is Good Friday. Tomorrow, all over the world, born again disciples of Jesus Christ will remember more so than usual the incredible price that was paid for our forgiveness. We will spend extra time in prayer and worship, remembering and worshiping our beloved Savior who willingly allowed Himself to undergo one of the cruelest, most grusome forms of execution ever devised by wicked men. And He willingly did so for one reason, because it was the Father's will to redeem a special people for Himself. Praise, and honor, and power and glory be to our God forevermore, and to His beloved Son, Jesus the Christ, who is no longer dead but is alive forevermore, seated at the right hand of God!

Last Sunday, I taught a lesson to my class from Luke 23:32-49 about the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior. And as I studied that passage, one thing truth became abundantly clear... that this execution of "a condemned criminal" was unlike any other execution before. This type of thing had been done before; this was nothing new. And yet there was something different about this one... there was something special about it. What was it? It wasn't the mood of the soldiers, it wasn't the crowds of the people, it wasn't the Roman Governor who sentenced him... No, it was the condemned Himself! This was no ordinary execution because this was no mere man being put to death; it was none other than the Son of God... God the Son, incarnate in human flesh! And there are 3 sources of testimony that testify to the proof of His divinity.

First, God the Son (Jesus Himself) testified to His own divinity...
a. by an incredible offer of forgiveness (vs.33-34)
b. by an incredible promise of eternal life (vs.39-43)
c. by an incredible power over his own death. (vs.46)
Jesus had just underwent one of the cruelest, most gruesome forms of punishment ever devised by wicked man… He had been scourged to the point that his chest and back would have looked like ground hamburger… much of his beard had been plucked from face… and great thorns had been pressed down into his scalp causing a great profusion of blood. The word of God says that He was completely unrecognizable! But yet even after enduring all of this horrible, horrible suffering for us… Jesus was able to look on his enemies and those spitting and mocking him… he was able to look at them with compassion… and breathe a prayer of forgiveness for them.
What man could have done that? Jesus testified to His own divinity by his compassion.

But Jesus testified to His divinity by an incredible promise of eternal life…Was he mad? Insane? He was on the cross… How in the world could he talk of paradise? B/c He knew who He was… and He knew why He was there… and He knew where He was headed. What unbelievable confidence and composure, in such agony?!

But if those two were not enough, Jesus finally testified to His own divinity by a real display of power… a power that He had over His own life… b/c here Jesus did something here that no other man in the world can do… he was master over his own death. No one killed Jesus, no one murdered or took his life; He laid it down of His own accord... And 3 days later He took it up again! (Ref: John 10:17-18)

Second, God the Father testified to His Son's divinity...
a. Through the fulfilling of prophecy… prophecies such as:
-he’d be crucified between 2 thieves (Is.53:12)
-his garments would be divided and gambled for (Ps.22:18)
-he would be surrounded and ridiculed by his enemies (Ps.22:7-8)
-he would commend his spirit to the Father (Ps.31:5)
Only the almighty, all-powerful, all-knowing God who is in complete control could announce with such accuracy the sufferings of the Messiah. And by doing so, Scripture proves that Jesus is the Messiah sent from God the Father. God the Father also testified through the creation itself. From 12 noon to 3pm, there was an unnatural darkness over the land. (Luke 22:53). And finally, God the Father testified to Jesus' divinity through the ripping of the Temple Veil from top to bottom, symbolizing the doing away with the old sacrificial system (Matt 27:51). God was testifying to the world that there was no access to Him through Jesus Christ. No more would a veil separate man from God. Now, every person has unbelievable access into the very throne room of heaven through Jesus Christ. As John 14:6 says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but by Me (Jesus)."

Third, God the Spirit testified to the divinity of Jesus...
a. Through a condemned criminal…
b. Through a pagan soldier…
c. Through the crowds of people…
+What do we see from all three of these?
We see the genuine recognition that Jesus was someone unlike anyone else. The condemned criminal recognized Jesus as Messiah and asked to be remembered when He came in His Kingdom. The pagan soldier, who would have been very use to watching men die on the cross, was terribly fearful after seeing the way Jesus died, and even confessed out loud that this man was of divine origin. The crowds of people normally would have enjoyed and celebrated at the execution of criminals deserving to die. I’m reminded of times no so long ago in our own country when they had public hangings… people would gather in the cold and rain, they would sing hymns, sometimes sermons were preached… and they were not coming to mourn over convicted criminals, they were coming to watch a deserving man die for what he had done. But at this particular execution, when it was all said and done, they didn’t celebrate or rejoice, but the Bible says they mourned greatly as Jesus’ death. And we know that this was the Spirit of God testifying through these people b/c the Scriptures tell us that no one recognizes and confesses Jesus without the work of the Spirit of God in their hearts. (References: 1 John 4:2-3; 1 Cor.12:3; 2 Cor.2:14) It doesn’t necessarily mean that all became genuine believers and followers (though it is very possible that many did… after all about a month and a half later 3000 people would be saved after one sermon!!) So, we don’t know…but we do know that the Spirit of God was active in showing people who Jesus was.

What was so special... so different about this particular execution? This one was unlike any other because on this particular day, Jesus the Christ, the very Son of God fulfilled the redemptive plan of God by purchasing salvation for every chosen child of God. All praise and honor and glory and power be unto Him forever and ever! Amen!!

Being a Dad

2006-04-10T03:58:00.000-07:00

Mood: Content

One of the things my little boy likes to do every now and then is to watch teletubbies. Personally, I hate the teletubbies... there are so many other things I would rather be doing than watching teletubbies. But sometimes I sit down and I watch teletubbies. Why? B/c Caleb likes to watch teletubbies. This what it means to be a Dad... sometimes you have to sacrifice. Sure there are plenty of things that I enjoy and that I'd rather be doing, but I sacrifice what I want for time with Caleb.

This is probably one of the most important things we can do as Dads is to spend time with our kids. They don't need a lot of fancy toys and every new thing that comes out on the market. They need us... they need our time, our attention, our encouragement, our affirmation of them, and our love.

As a pastor, that is one thing that I'm always concerned about in the back of my mind. I don't want to get so focused on ministry and being busy with church stuff or ministering to other people that my own family gets neglected. I think that happens way too often, and its the biggest reason PK's (preacher's kids) grow up resenting their Dad, despising the church, and rebelling against God. That's why I'm like a Nazi when it comes to my calendar; I'm super organized when it comes to my time. I have an average week on my palm with usual activities blocked off to keep me on track. I have Bible study time, exercising time, ministry time, I even have "me time"... but I also have plenty of family time. I just absolutely refuse to get so busy that I do nothing but run around like a chicken with its head cut off being busy in ministry. That would be detrimental to me and to my family.... and ultimately to the church as well.

Being a dad means A LOT of sacrifice... it means doing things you don't particularly enjoy. For sure being a Dad has been the most challenging and the most enlightening thing I have ever experienced... but it has also been the most enjoyable experience as well... and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Oh yeah... We also enjoy playing video games :)

America's Top Medical Researchers: "We are blind and intend to stay that way!"

2006-03-31T04:23:00.000-08:00

Mood: Not Surprised

This post is a paraphrased-republishing of an artical found in World Magazine.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have revealed that the U.S. suffers from a huge data gap concerning the negative emotional fallout of abortions upon women-- fallout that pro-abortion groups have long claimed does not exist.

After a 25 year study in New Zealand, researchers released in January a study that showed a strong link between abortion and severe mental illness. Upon hearing of this study, U.S. Rep. Mark Souder of Indiana, wrote to the NIH asking whether "any studies of comparable rigor" had been published on U.S. women...." NIH wrote back, saying they were "not aware of any similar data sets that currently exist in the United States." NIH also told Souder that the New Zealand study is not wholly applicable to American women because of cultural differences and that the NIH has no post-abortion studies of U.S. women in the making for the near or foreseeable future.

Heritage Foundation scholar Patrick Fagan said NIH's admission shows that America's top medical researchers have already made up their minds on abortion - and not based on science.
"The NIH letter says, we have no good data, we cannot compare with anybody else's data and we don't have any specific suggestions for acquiring this data. In other words, we are blind and intend to stay blind."

Hindu Extremists: Haters of People Doing Good.

2006-03-28T01:53:00.000-08:00

Mood: Prayerful

After weeks of hiding underground, Emmanuel Ministries leader Samuel Thomas was arrested in New Delhi on March 16th. This man and his father, Bishop M.A. Thomas, has done nothing but good for the people of India. Operating 13 orphanages, 65 schools, and dozens of ministries to leper colonies in Rajasthan alone, the ministry targets and helps the "untouchables" as well as other outcasts in the region.

But Hindu extremists in the northern state of Rajasthan would rather see all these helpless orphans return to the poverty- stricken streets. Angered by the message of hope that the ministry brings to Hinduism's lowest members of the caste system, the extremists are sending death threats, arresting ministry officials, even burning down facilities in an orchestrated wave of terror.

Just recently I received an email concerning the arrest of Samuel Thomas described like this: "Five or six men, one of whom claimed to be the station house officer of the police station in Kota, Rajasthan state, tried to push Thomas into a car. One of them then put a firearm to the face of one of the lawyers and warned them not to resist the arrest. The officers neglected to follow proper procedure--showing neither their identity cards nor an arrest warrant."

From his office underground, M.A. Thomas writes, "I really have no idea where this will go or how this will end. But we, the believers in India, will always sing 'because He lives, I can face tomorrow.'"

Pray God will protect Dr. Thomas, giving him calm faith and the opportunity to be a witness of the keeping power of his Savior.
Pray God will protect the Christian school and orphanage in Kota, Rajasthan.
Pray the prayers and written protests of Christians worldwide will force the Indian government to release Dr. Thomas and allow the E.M.I. facility to remain open.
Pray that these Hindu extremeists will be driven to their knees from the guilt of their sins.
Pray that even these Satan-inspired, hate-filled men will be granted genuine repentance and faith in the only Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For more information about this see the March 25 edition of World Magazine.

Marketing Life

2006-03-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

Mood: Grieved

Tonight I read an article in the USA TODAY that made me quite sad. In fact, it was the cover story and it was entitled, "Egg-doner business booms on campuses." In this article, the writer reports that young women across the country are donating their eggs for both research and adoption, and are getting compensated very well. In California, one campus paper has daily advertisements that read “Egg Donors Needed, $10,000.” The donors are typically female college students between the ages of 18 and 29, who are healthy, attractive, and have above average test scores. The really sad thing is that because many, many college students are so bound up in debt with the cost of living being so high and student loans and tuition rates being the way they are, this probably seems like a very easy solution for large amounts of cash in a relatively short period of time. And with new barbaric and immoral practice of embryonic stem-cell research occurring, which is the using of human life for research and testing, the demand for healthy eggs has only dramatically increased, and is likely only to increase all the more.

To me, this strikes at the very heart and soul of what it means to be a person of moral character and true righteousness. To think that woman-kind has been given the awesome and wonderful gift of helping to create another human life… to have such a marvelous treasure and awe-inspiring ability and potential inside her very body… an unspeakable gift from the Creator Himself to her, only for her to turn around and market it and sell it off to the highest bidder for mere money is extremely grieving and disgraceful. It makes me ashamed to be living in a day, when we’ll use and sacrifice the unborn for our own selfish desires. And if you think that I have this opinion just because I’m a Christian and a pastor, then listen to the statement made by Harvard Business School professor Debora Spar who writes about this growing industry in her new book, The Baby Business, where she says, “We are selling our children.”

I’m a very proud father of a beautiful and smart little boy, named Caleb. He is our only child right now; God willing it won’t be that way for long. But I just can’t imagine selling off my child to the highest bidder to pay off some stupid loan or to pay anything else off for that matter. And what’s a thousand times worse, I can’t imagine harvesting cells, tissues, or anything else from my little boy so that I might live a little longer or live a little healthier. When are people going to wake up and learn that death is INEVITABLE!! For thousands and thousands of years the death rate per person has always been and still is 1:1! Except for two special men in ancient history, whom God decided to take before they actually experienced death, the plain, simple truth that if you’re live now, one day you will die! So, why participate in such a cruel and barbaric practice as sacrificing our children for our own well-being?! Especially when it only postpones the inevitable! But the truth is, even if it did work great, and it had the potential of extending our lives by a 100 years, it still would not be right or even worth the price of sacrificing another human life, that is so precious.

May God have mercy upon us… and may the generations to come be better people than we are.

Outside Author Draws Bad Conclusions

2006-03-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

Mood: Tired

Gary North in his essay, The Foreign Policy of 20 Million Would-be Immortals, puts his very limited knowledge concerning Christianity’s teachings about the end times to use and draws, in my opinion, some bad conclusions.

In this essay, North tries the make the case that American “Fundamentalists” strongly support the nation or state of Israel for the sole reason that they do not want to die. And because of the certain passages in the Bible that talk about 2/3 of the Jews being killed in the Great Tribulation that is to come, then American “Fundamentalists” all have this “better you than us” mentality and care nothing for the Jews.

I can’t speak for all Christians… I can’t even speak for all Christians who hold to pretribulational premillenialism, but as for myself allow me to correct some of North’s wrongful conclusions.

1. Genuine Christians are not would-be immortals; we are immortals. Jesus said in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son (Jesus) that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” As genuine believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the gift of eternal life now! Therefore, whether I die tomorrow or 50 years from now or I’m taken up into the presence of God by Christ Himself at the rapture, I have life forever more.

2. Genuine Christians do not fear death. As the Apostle Paul stated in the book of Philippians, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain!” You see, those who true followers of Christ do not fear death, b/c death is only the beginning a much, much better life. In fact, many Christians… especially those who are suffering either from persecution or from a disease-ridden body, welcome death and even long for death. They long to put off this old, ragged mortality for the promised, glorified immortality of heaven.

3. Many Christians believe we should stand with Israel b/c they believe they are still God’s chosen people and He is not finished with them yet. In Genesis 12, God made Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, some promises. One of the promises was “I will bless those who bless you… and I will curse those who curse you.” And for many, many Christians, that promise is still in effect today. Therefore, if we as an American nation desire to continue to be somewhat blessed, then we must stand with God’s people. And the truth is, we are a blessed nation. But as a whole, we have turned away from God in so many areas, it is surprising to me that we are still as blessed as we are.

4. If that interpretation of the prophecy concerning 2/3 of the Jews is true, then it will come to pass regardless of what anyone does. I’m not an expert concerning the doctrine of last things. I do believe that my Lord and Savior is returning one day… I do believe there will be a “rapture” of his church (the word might not be in the Bible, but the teaching is!)… and I believe that much of the book of Revelation is still yet to be fulfilled. However, I can’t really speak on that specific prophecy at this time. But there is one thing I do know about prophecy and God’s word… if He says it will happen, it will happen. You can think I’m heartless, cold, or whatever… the Bible is very clear that God is sovereign and completely in control; nothing happens without His divine permission or command. Therefore, if He said 2/3 of the Jewish people will die in the Great Tribulation, then 2/3 of the Jewish people will die. Is that comforting? No! Is that something to rejoice and be happy about? Absolutely not! But God’s word will happen. Any honest person who has taken the time to really study the Bible and see just how many things have come to pass that He said would… would be a true believer. Those who haven’t, and yet still wail against it don’t want to know the truth.

Commitment To Blog?

2006-03-09T04:07:00.000-08:00

Mood: Relieved

Lately there's been a lot of things going on that I am very glad are over... at least I hope are over.

So, what's this commitment to blog all aboout? Well, I've been thinking about it. To make sure I don't stay gone in my own little world, I'm going to try to blog at least once a week... probably like every Thursday or Friday. I need to force myself to think through issues, current trends, and world events, and hopefully to give a Biblical perspective... b/c that's who I am. We'll see how it goes. :)

To everyone reading this... God bless and make it a great day!

Life Coach...maybe. Woman of God...Absolutely Not!

2006-03-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

mood: Emboldened

18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
(2 Peter 2:18-21, speaking of the deception of false teachers)

For about 20 minutes tonight I listened to a self-proclaimed prophetess twist, misuse, abuse, and distort the sacred Scriptures (The Holy Bible) in order to raise money for a religious network on cable television. Without hardly missing a beat or taking a breath, she prophesied and promised people the world, if they would only sow their financial “seeds” into their network. I know this kind of thing has been going on, not just for years, but literally since the world began. I guess it still astounds me sometimes at the audacity and the level of brazenness with which these so-called “prophets” stand before the camera and say “Thus saith the Lord!”

It really is terribly, terribly frightening to think about what will be like for them when they stand before the great and awesome Judge of the earth and give account for how they misled, deceived, and took advantage of so many unsuspecting people in the name of the Lord Jesus.
May God be merciful... but I don't think He will.
Matt.7:21-22

What is Love?

2006-02-18T02:55:00.000-08:00

mood: reflective

What is Love: From what feels good to What IS Good!
There seems to be a lot of confusion about love today. Even though millions are searching for true and lasting love (evidenced by the billions of dollars internet-dating sites rake in every year), there still seems to be quite a bit confusion about love. When asked on the street, people say everything from passionate feelings deep inside to sex to something so mysterious it can't be put into words. Well, personally... I don't think its something to be confused about; I just think we've been taught a lot of junk by the world and the culture. For example, let's consider some common fallacies regarding love.

3 Common Fallacies About Love... And the Truth about Love from God's Word:

Fallacy #1 - Love is primarily for the fulfillment and comfort of self.
This is so true when it comes to what many people believe about love. In fact, everytime you hear someone talking about how their needs aren't being met in a relationship, they're progating this idea about love. When a guy tells his girlfriend, "If you loved me, you'd do it!" Or when a girl dates the cool jock at school to inflate and raise her own social standing among her peers... regardless of which one is worse... both are primary examples of self-centered and self-focused love.
The Truth - Love is for the glory of God and for the good of others!
1 Peter 4:11 states, "that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ..." This is a universal truth of Scripture, that everything was created for the glory of God... including the concept of love. And Jesus taught us that true love is selfless, giving, and sacrificing; it dies to its own needs for the sake of others. As He stated in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."

Fallacy #2 - Love is primarily a feeling.
This is probably the majority opinion out there, that love is just a feeling. And I must admit that this seems right because we all have feelings of affection from time to time. But feelings do not define, measure, or govern true love. I have tremendous feelings toward my wife... but if my feelings aren't matched with actions of kindness, respect, and faithfulness, then my feelings don't mean squat!
The Truth - Love is measured and governed by our actions, not by feelings.
In Mark 14:32-36, Jesus was praying in the garden the night before his crucifixion. And the Bible shows us that he prayed with great fervency and prayed that if there was any other way for the Father's plan to be accomplished (the plan of redemption) to do it another way. Jesus was looking forward to the cross... He didn't have warm, fuzzy feelings about being stripped, beaten, and nailed to a cross. He was in tremendous spiritual and emotional agony about what was about to take place! Does that mean He didn't really love us as much as we like to think? Or worse that He didn't really love the Father as much? Were His emotions a good test of His love? Absolutely NOT!! Or was Jesus governed by His emotions; did they lead and direct Him? Absolutely NOT!! If they had, He'd never went to the cross! After all that praying, Jesus still in great emotional agony prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will but Your will be done!" Jesus proved that He loved the Father and us, but going against His emotions and facing death anyway!

Fallacy #3 - Love is out of our control.
It is most likely that many of us propagate this false notion about love without even realizing it. We say things like "I think I'm falling in love..." or "Dude, I'm just madly in love!" Stop and think about it for a second... why in the world do we describe love like falling into a pit or worse like a mental illness? What do these statements and others like it reveal about our attitudes regarding love? That love is out of our control. But why teach that? I believe the answer is because it removes all personal responsibility from our lives. You see, if love is truly some external force that effects us that we have no control over, then we can excuse and justify all kinds of behavior... and not just pre-marital sex, but lying, murder, rape, and many other sins of the flesh have all been justified before by people claiming to be in love. Is this true love? Of course not!
The Truth- Love is completely under our control.
When considering what Jesus Christ did for us... Did God the Father choose to send Christ to die on the cross or was He compelled to by some external force? Did Jesus choose to go to Jerusalem to face His death or was He compelled to by some force? In all of it... in everything God has ever done for us, He did it because He chose to. He chose to create us... He chose to love us even after we rebelled... and He chose to die on a cross in our place.
And that same choice is ours today... I can choose to be kind, loving, and respectful to the people around me, or I can choose to be selfish, mean, and cruel. It's not about being under the control of some mysterious force that causes me to do all kinds of ungodly things without responsibility, its about choosing to put the needs and desires of others above my own in whatever relationship I'm involved with.

Conclusion
Hollywood and MTV shows us a hot, steamy love scene between two people and says "This is love." But God the Father takes His only Son and puts Him on a cross to pay for crimes that He didn't commit and says, "No, this is real love... my love for you." 1 John 4:10-11 states, "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Ahh.. Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

mood: amused

As I stopped by the grocery today to pick up some roast chicken tonight for dinner, I couldn't help but be amused at all the men in the store scurrying about down the card aisle and around the flower table picking up those last minute valentines for their someone special.

As I thought about this, my first thought was look at us... slaves of our culture! The market says buy cards and flowers, and we buy cards and flowers. We're all wimps!

But then I thought, "But on the other hand... for many of us, I'm afraid that if we, men, didn't have a special day set aside for it, our poor, deserving wives would never get flowers!" I think I can speak for the male side of the human race when I say... many of us need some prodding and encouragement sometimes to do what's right. So, thanks Hallmark or who's ever responsible. :)

Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart!! I love you more than words can say!!

Of Pups and Wolves

2006-02-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

mood: reflective

If you had a young pup, would you throw him in a pen full of bigger, meaner dogs... only to come back mangled, beaten, and bruised... just to teach him what it means to be a dog in the real world?

Or would you rather personally love, nurture, and train up your pup until he was big enough and smart enough to face the mean, cruel beasts of the wild on his own and yet not fall prey to them?

As I stand gazing out our second floor apartment window with my most precious possession in my arms (Caleb), I think about this kind of logic when considering putting my son into the public school system. I know all kids are not bad influences, and I know most teachers are probably doing their best, but way too many of the kids today are quite frankly absolutely horrible influences. They're rebellious, mean, vile and absolutely without any morals whatsoever. They have no knowledge of God; muchless a good, healthy fear of Him. Which is quite understandable when most adults do not fear God either. A generation so without the proper raising and guidance that even children as young as 5-6 years old are coming home talking about sex and using words I didn't even know existed until I was atleast in high school.

As a Christian parent absolutely determined and bent on raising my son to know, fear, and love the Lord God with all his heart, I just absolutely refuse to throw my son to the wolves. The sacred Scriptures are clear, God has placed the burden of responsibility for the raising of children on the parents... Not on the school system, the government, Grandma or Grandpa... Not on the village as some politicians like to spout... and Not even on the church or the children and youth pastors. The responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the individual parents under God. With that being the case, how in the world could I ever relinquish this incredible responsibility to strangers in the midst of morally decadent society?? Even rats know when to abandon a sinking ship!

Customers Don't Need Explanations, Just Results.

2006-01-31T04:58:00.000-08:00

This morning on the way to the high school with a student of mine, I stopped at a particular fast food place to get some little round hash browns. I normally don’t stop for breakfast, but this morning I was unusually hungry so I decided to stop.

I drove up to the window and placed my order, and then turned to my student and asked if he wanted anything. Without asking me if my order was complete, the employee totaled and finalized my order, and said, “That’ll be $0.79 at the second window.” So, I then politely asked, “Can I get another order of hash browns, please?”

And here was where the employee made the mistake… instead of just saying “yes sir” and doing whatever necessary to get me an additional order, the employee came back over the speaker, “I can’t change an order once it’s been completed.” Now, what was I suppose to think from that comment? Can I not get an additional order of hash browns? Have I just sealed my fate regarding this breakfast stop? Just because the register had been totaled, my desire for 2 rather than one was now impossible… because that was the impression that I got. Oh how tempted I was to respond with, “Ok, I’ll just go down the street to your competitor and see if they can fix my order!” But I didn’t; I refrained from that comment. But I did respond back, “Well, just cancel that order and make a new one,” which was my way of saying, “I don’t care how you fix it or what you have to do… I want two orders rather than one so, just do it!”

Upon pulling around to the window, the employee looked at me and said, “that’ll be $1.59 (for 2 orders),” and then proceeded to tell me about how the order couldn’t be changed until I got to the window… something about other cars being in front of me. But again, I didn’t then and I still don’t care where the problem had to be fixed or what computer they had to use or what the procedures are for changing or correcting orders… all I wanted was 2 hash browns instead of one.

As a faithful, paying customer, I neither desire nor need explanations or excuses… I just want what I ordered… period. When I was working in the public arena a few years ago, and it didn’t matter if it was helping someone with an order of food or loading a bag of concrete or gravel, when the customer wanted or needed something, I said, “yes sir” and then did whatever necessary to deliver. And deep down, I think that’s what all of us consumers want… not excuses, not explanations… just results, plain and simple. I don't know... maybe I just think different.

Ok, ok... New Blog

2006-01-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

Hi. My wife really wants me to post a new blog b/c I guess its been a little while. The trouble is I've been so busy lately that I haven't really kept up with the news so, I can't comment on current events, and the several things I've been reading and studying about I haven't finished yet... so I can't comment on those either. But there is one thing I can comment about...

I miss my family!!!

Yes, my fantastically gorgeous wife and most wonderful son is away from home this week; they're in N.C. visiting family... and boy do I miss them!! I like a quiet house, but this is too quiet! I come home from working or anywhere and usually (if I time it right) I open the door to "Daddy's home!"... and Caleb running towards me with a big smile. I miss that! I miss seeing my wife's beautiful smile and gorgeous eyes... I miss Caleb grabbing my leg. I miss eating one of my wife's great dinners... I miss Caleb cramming his face with hands. I'm not depressed or anything... I'm just really ready to have my family back home with me.

I'm an extremely blessed man. God has given me a simply beautiful wife, whose heart and spirit is just as beautiful as her appearance, who I adore with every fiber of my being. And God has given me a wonderful little boy, whose smile is the joy of my heart, who I love more than my own life. Yep... God has been more than gracious to me. But most of all, God has given me true LIFE... by the shed blood of His Son, He has offered me complete and total pardon for my sins... and I now rest joyfully in the knowledge that God is my Father and that no matter what happens, I will always be His child.

Good Night.

Was I born at the wrong time?

2006-01-13T04:19:00.000-08:00

Of course I know I wasn’t. God is completely sovereign; I was born precisely when He meant me to be born. I guess I’m just bemoaning the speed and busyness of our society today. There never seems to be enough time for quiet reflection and solitude. We’re always so rushed and hurried; if its not one deadline, its three!

I think back to the time of the traveling preachers like Wesley who would travel from town to town on horseback to preach the Gospel. He probably spent hours and hours alone, sitting on his slow-paced horse, reading and meditating on Scripture. No cell phones, no pagers, no deadlines, no rushing from this appointment to this meeting and so on and so forth.

Is it any wonder why the church is so Biblically ignorant and weak today? Seriously, how much time do we really give to God in quiet study, meditation, and reflection in His word? How much time do we spend praying and interceding for our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc.? We run in circles like there’s no tomorrow… the highest virtue is the ability to multi-task! And for all our rushing around, for all our running around, for all our over-stuffed calendars, are really any better off? I don’t think so.

Well, that’s enough for now… its 7:30 am... so, I’m off to the gym with my cell phone, day planner, and Bible-on-cd... “Lord, help me!”

What if there is no Rapture of the Church prior to the Tribulation?

2006-01-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

This is the question that has absolutely consumed me for the last week or so. A very dear friend of mine (and brother in Christ) let me borrow a book that he had read entitled, “The Rapture Question Answered: Plain and Simple.” In this book, the author makes the case that the rapture (the catching away) of all true believers by Jesus Christ at His Second Coming is not prior to the tribulation period, as many scholars teach, but rather is somewhere in the middle of the last half of the 7 year tribulation period. It is a position that he calls “Pre-Wrath” position, a reference to the wrath of God that will occur in the end times.

All my life, I have been taught that the Pretribulational rapture position was the most biblical position because it was based on taking the Bible literally and not symbolically or allegorically. And with End-Times teachings and Prophecy being so hard to begin with, I have never really fully studied it for myself, but just accepted the word of those I trusted to be men of God and good Bible scholars.

Even in seminary, we were taught all about the different positions… postmillennialism verses amillennialism verses historical premillennialism verses dispensational premillennialism…
Post-trib verses Mid-trib verses Pre-trib… But in all my studies, I don’t recall ever once being told about the Pre-Wrath Rapture Position. And I must admit that before reading this book Matthew 24 never made a lot sense to me; I couldn’t figure how it all worked. Because in that teaching, Jesus begins to tell his disciples about the end times. And in that teaching, He talks about different signs in the heavens and the revealing of the man of sin (the Anti-Christ), the great persecution, and the great falling away (the apostasy of the church), but then in the middle He talks about something that sounds like the rapture. Now, like I said, that never made sense to me before, but now it does. In fact, its making more and more sense to me the more I read it.

What if the rapture of the church isn’t at the beginning, but rather near the end? What if we are destined to go through the hour of great testing at the hands of the Anti-Christ (assuming of course we’re still alive when all this happens)? What if all of us who claim to be God’s people will suffer terrible persecution; a persecution so bad that Jesus says this about it. “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matt.24:21)

And to be honest, it makes sense… if Christians all over the world are suffering persecution right now... being jailed, beaten, tortured, and killed… why then should we think that we here in America will somehow escape all these horrors and more? It is very, very sobering to think about. Will I be strong enough to withstand the persecutions for the name of Christ? What will happen to my family? Will I have to witness unspeakable horrors upon them?

I haven’t come to my own conclusions yet… but it is definitely worth researching and studying! Obviously God wants us to be equipped and prepared… He wants us to know… otherwise why would He have ever given it to us? Is the teaching about the things to come really so hard, complicated, confused, and hidden or have we (man) made it this way? Could it be this plain and simple? If it is… may God’s grace be abundantly with us… b/c we will need it!!

One New Year's Resolution

2006-01-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

Well, its that time of year again… a time to reflect back with evaluation on the previous year and a time to look forward with vision and planning for the upcoming year. And as we all know, it’s that time of the year when we make commitments for the new year.

I have never really made New Year’s resolutions before, but this year I will join the thousands of people and make a few. One will definitely be to get more exercise. Since the nature of my career is not strenuous manual labor, it is very easy for me to get out of shape and put on the pounds. So, I have made the commitment to work out at least 3 times a week. And I must say that it’s not simply b/c I want to look better… the real reason and motivation is b/c 1) The Bible says my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and so I should take better care of it. And 2) my family has a history of heart trouble, and I want to be around for Andrea and Caleb as long as possible in God’s will. So, I need to take the necessary steps to make this happen.

But as I think about this, I’m also reminded of something God has said, “Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8) In the Apostle Paul’s day, the gymnasium was the focal point of the city for youths between the ages of 16 and 18. Since athletic ability was highly esteemed, there was usually a gymnasium in every town. The cultic exaltation of the body resulted in a preoccupation with exercise, athletic training, and competition, not unlike our own culture today. Paul was alluding to that cultural reality when he exhorted young Timothy to exercise himself for the goal of godliness. I can hear Paul now, “Timothy, if you’re going to work hard and train, train your inner nature for godliness.”

Is exercise and watching what we eat of any value? Of course, Paul didn’t say it was completely worthless. However, when examined against the entire back drop of eternity, it is of little value and not great value. Why? Well, first, bodily exercise only benefits the body. You may feel better, but running and lifting weights does nothing for your spirit, which must be exercised with “spiritual” disciplines, like studying Scripture, praying, fasting, journaling, attending worship, participating in fellowship with other believers, sharing your faith, so on and so forth. And secondly, bodily exercise is only profitable for this life. These 70-80 years we live in this life, aren’t even a drop in the bucket to eternity! But godliness… training ourselves to be like Christ, as Paul states here, is not only profitable for this life, but also for the life to come.

So, all of you out there who are making resolutions like me to eat better, get some exercise, and regain fitness… don’t forget that exercising ourselves toward godliness is far, far more profitable in the long run. I’ll end this entry with a quote from a great pastor-teacher, John MacArthur…
“It is spiritually immature to preoccupy yourself with your body. Doing so betrays a limited perception of spiritual and eternal realities. It should be (simply a given fact) in the church that Christians are a group of people who are in spiritual training to be conformed to the will of God, not a group of body worshipers.” (page 155-156, The Masters Plan for the Church.)

May God greatly bless all of you this coming new year with His abundant grace and peace.

In NY for the week...

2005-12-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

"...every eye shall see Him"
Revelation 1:7

A City Transformation Youth Event

December 27-30, 2005

Blue Cross Arena

Rochester, NY

http://www.joshuarevolution.org/

The Most Popular - Most Misunderstood Bible Verse

2005-12-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

I know what you’re thinking, John 3:16 has got to be the most popular. Wrong! It’s Matthew 7:1. This verse is probably quoted more often than any other passage in the Bible, by Christians and non-Christians alike. And what is this beloved passage? You’ll know it as soon as I begin…
“Judge not, that you be not judged.” See, I told you, you'd know it. And why is this passage the most beloved, most quoted verse in the entire Bible? Because it can be taken out of context and misused very easily to justify any and all sinful behavior. Christians will often quote it as soon as a fellow brother or sister in Christ confronts them about an area of sin in their life, and non-Christians will use it every time they’re confronted with the Biblical truth that they’re lost sinners needing salvation. “How dare you call me a sinner? How dare you try to judge me, you arrogant twit!?” That’s generally the response you get.

Basically, this boils down to Matt.7:1, becoming the end-all verse that stops dead in its tracks, any attempt to be a loving, caring, discerning, and yes… Biblical Christian. Is this really what Jesus meant? Did He really mean that we can never approach a brother or sister in Christ about sin in their life? If so, then why did He give instructions for doing it in Matt.18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5, and Galatians 6:1-5?

Did Jesus really mean that we can’t ever know who is really on God’s side and who is not? If so, then why did He say just a few verses later speaking of false teachers, “you will know them by their fruit.” Jesus, you mean, I’m to examine the fruit of a “professing” Christian’s life and compare to your Word to see if its real or not? But that’s making a judgment, Jesus? How could I ever tell another human being that they’re wrong?... that they’re life is not matching up with their "profession"? But even more important than that… Why would you ever want me to do such an unloving, supposedly “un-Christian” thing as pointing out the sin in another person’s life? Should I not be much more loving and kind and just take them for their word? Why in the world would you ever want me to do such a thing, Jesus?!

“Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying,… you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.”
(Ezekiel 33:1,7-9)

You see, in reality, the most loving, caring, and yes, Biblical thing we can do, as Christians, is to warn people regarding their sin and the terrible judgment and wrath to come. Matt.7:1 is not the end-all verse commanding us that it is never appropriate to be discerning, judging, and yes, even confronting from time to time. Jesus was simply warning us about having a harsh, condemning, and critical spirit that finds fault in everything and everyone, even to the point of trying to cast judgment on another person’s motives, which no man can do. As the Scriptures tell us, confronting those who are lost, and helping to bear the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ actually fulfills the “law of Christ,” which is the law of love.

Training Kids to be KILLERS

2005-12-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

This morning, I found a sobering and even frightening article written by Lt. Col. Dave Gossman. In this article, this man who helps to train numerous elite military and law enforcement organizations around the world, speaks about the "virus of violence" that is killing our society and documents his research with alarming statistics. Lt. Col. Gossman also illustrates very thoroughly how much of the violent media influence on our kids is very similar to, if not worse than the "killer training" being used in the military today; tactics and programs such as brutalization, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and role modeling. Gossman writes, "During World War II, we discovered that only 15-20 percent of the individual riflemen would fire at an exposed enemy soldier (because of the natural, internal resistance to killing one's own kind). When the military became aware of this, they systematically went about the process of "fixing" this "problem." And fix it they did. By Vietnam the firing rate rose to over 90 percent." The methods of instruction listed above that were used to "fix" this problem, are the same methods affecting our kids today.
(Click on any of these pictures to view the actual article)

Check out the article yourself... it is extremely sobering