It's like coming home!

Yet again, God has truly blessed me by allowing me the opportunity to go to church during an event. And God is at work, even in the heart of Aspen! Visiting the First Baptist Church of Aspen was like coming home.

I have to admit, the name "First Baptist" carries a bit of baggage with me. You see, in North Carolina there are Baptist churches on literally every corner. Unfortunately, it seems that many of them have gotten away from teaching the scriptures in any real way. I guess I'm not the only one, the church itself is prayerfully considering a name change. A change to something a little more, dare I say it, "seeker friendly".

There is nothing wrong, and everything right in attempting to appeal to people, so that they can come hear the Word of God proclaimed. I pray for God's continued guidance and wisdom as the leadership of the First Baptist Church of Aspen decide on a name.

I'm getting way off track! FBC Aspen was like coming home because of the love the true believers there showed towards me. God has gifted this church with a true heart of love. If they continue in His Word, I'm certain that God will use this church to do wonderful things in Aspen. (He already has begun to!)

So! If you happen to find yourself in Aspen, Colorado, make sure you set aside the time to go worship with the church who happens to be on the corner of 7th and Francis street, no matter it's name. I intend to keep track of this church, and to update this article when they announce their new name.

I really need the Lord's help with names! I met the greeter (perhaps the most important position at any church, this is the person who makes the initial impression on the visitor concerning the nature of the church). He is a true man of faith, who showed he loves God more than snowboarding because Sunday was an awesome powder day! It seems to me, that anytime we have something in our lives that we might make an idol of, some thing we really love, God will test it. It is awesome, when we look back and see that God gave us the desire to worship him and be with His people, even on those perfect powder days! (I have failed this one, so many times! Praise God, His grace is renewed every morning... I need it!)

I also met a couple of older members, who put me in mind of the story of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (the church that spawned the Calvary Chapel movement). Calvary Chapel was a small church with older members and a pastor who was convinced that the teaching of the Word for the "equipping of the saints" was the right way to go. The Lord gave them a heart of love and a desire to reach out to the lost in their community. For them, it was necessary to break with all of their "traditions" and to trust wholly in God. While Aspen is not filled with hippies, it is filled with affluent pagans that are seeking the truth, much like the hippies of the sixties. Filled with grown up hippies and their children.

I was honored to speak briefly with the worship leader, as well. Though his testimony really stood out in the worship service itself. The church sings "contemporary" music and even classic hymns with modern accompaniment. They worship in Spirit and Truth!

Finally I met Assistant Pastor Stan, and Pastor Steve. These two solid men of God have been raised up in Aspen for the kingdom of God in these times. He will be faithful to keep these men strong, as they will begin to face ever increasing resistance from elements in the community; if they remain committed to teaching God's Word. I will not pray that things go quiet and easy for them. No, let them learn to lean on God through the tough times that are promised to those who follow the Lord Jesus. As Pastor Steve taught in his lesson on Sunday, there is no "Easy Button" in this life. But God has given us a Comforter, who will see us through the hard times.

God is doing a great work in Aspen!

Tag(s): Aspen, First Baptist, Easy Button

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Born-Again Driving in Aspen

Back in the part of North Carolina where I'm from, six inches of snow falling overnight would shut everything down for at least a couple of days. Here in Aspen, it's business as usual. So, here I am driving (Well, not while I'm typing!) in conditions where I'd normally stay at home. I've driven a little bit in the snow, so I feel pretty confident. Better yet, unlike the assortment of poorly snow-equipped vehicles I've driven in the past, here I've been allowed to drive a four-wheel drive jeep with traction control and anti-lock brakes!

Whereas before, perhaps driving a rear-wheel drive vehicle, I might have been traveling sideways down the road because of ruts in the snow, now I have a vehicle that travels straight and smooth down the road in a safe manner. Of course, the temptation is to be over-confident and drive beyond the ability of the vehicle to recover. My old car couldn't help but be dangerous while driving down the road. This new car is only dangerous because I'm driving it!

Likewise, recently, God has given me a new heart, a new life. My old heart traveled life crookedly. It couldn't help it, by nature my old heart was dangerous. The new heart that God has given me is capable of all kinds of terrain, dealing with circumstances that my old heart never could have handled. This new heart is only dangerous when I take control. You see, with the new heart comes a new "driver". When I allow God to control, when I focus on Him, then my new heart can easily maneuver through life. The problem, the temptation, is when I "see the boisterous wind" I take my eyes off of the Lord, and even try to grab "the wheel" of my life from Him! Then I'm a danger to myself and others.

The sad thing is, that I'm all the time grabbing for that "wheel" and off I go caroming about like a teen-aged diver in a snow covered parking lot... Except that I'm not in a parking lot, but rather on a highway. It's only God's grace that has kept me from smashing the guardrails and keeps pulling me from the ditches. And only His grace that keeps me from continually crashing other hearts, or running them off the road. I guess that is the key; the best way we can love our fellow drivers on the road of life is to love God and trust Him by keeping our hands off the wheel!

Tag(s): snow driving, Christian living

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Winter X Games 10

In my last post I mentioned one of the reasons that I have not posted as often recently, the other reason is the X Games.

My current employer requires me to travel, so I've been in Aspen, Colorado since the 24th. I'll fly back home on the 2nd. The X Games are being broadcast live on ABC and ESPN from today through Tuesday the 31st.

It looks like I'll be able to attend church tomorow, I just have to find one to attend. This is certainly not the "Bible Belt"!

Tag(s):X Games

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Evolution "Debate"

One of the reason's I haven't posted as much here lately is that my attention has been split. In reply to my post The Great Conspiracy "Mark" invited me to his new forum, Evolution - The Debate. I invite anyone with time, a heart for the lost, and the insight provided by God, to come on by. Also, anyone who believes in evolution is welcome to come and judge for themselves. Of course it could be just a good read. :-)

Tag(s): creation-evolution debate

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Humble Pie

There is nothing better than a large serving of Humble Pie! I suppose if one were to learn to walk with true humility, then eating the occasional "big'o slab" of Humble Pie wouldn't be necessary. But until then, I will rejoice at each bite.

I know this must seem backwards to the world. After all, we all know such proverbs as "If you don't blow your own horn, who will?" and "You've got to look out for number one!". The world says, "Lift yourself up, and you will be respected." and "You can't help anyone else until you have helped yourself."

God says, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:10) and "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."(Matthew 6:33)

For an excellent teaching on how humility is perhaps the very core concept of following our Lord Jesus, read the latest article by Mike Ratliff, here. I know it's a teaching about faith and works, but as he teaches, the works sprout from walking humbly, following our Lord's example!

If anyone had reason to boast certainly it was Christ Jesus! I mean really, he is God in the Flesh! But he came and walked this earth in submission and humility so that when he comes back again, it will be in the Glory of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords! So, eat humble pie now, learn to live pointing to Jesus Christ, the way that he pointed to God the Father. And be lifted up in his honor and glory in times to come!

Tag(s): humility

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Still Heresy: Christian Universalism

Back in May of '05 I wrote a short article explaining why so-called Christian Universalism is heresy. That post is linked here. Why bring it up again? Because a universalist found and commented on the article just last week. No, the comment is no longer there, I'll repost it and my reply here as a new post for two reasons. One, I don't want to link (not even with a text reference) to the websites mentioned. And two, this topic deserves fresh attention. So, in response to my article, titled Heresy: Christian Universalism
Rebecca wrote:

You really ought to check out what Orthodox Christian Universalist teachings are prior to trying to refute them. As it is you have only shown your lack of knowlege [sic] of the topic. If you should like to find out what Christian Universalists actually believe, you should check out some of their writings which can be found in places like [ed. snipped web address] or [ed. snipped web address] or look up [ed. snipped name] ministries. There you can find information addressing the verses you mention, hundreds of verses which clearing support Jesus' perfect work and triumph over sin and death and the salvation of all men. Then, if you still reject the bible's teachings on universal salvation and Jesus' perfect work, at least you will have some knowlege [sic] of what you are arguing against. I hope that one day you will know of God's perfect, undeniable grace which cannot be twarted [sic] by mere man or triumphed over by Satan's works. In the meantime, I have no doubt that "he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it unto the day of Christ Jesus." Be blessed in your search.

In reply, I wrote:

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Luke 4:8 KJV

Satan quotes Scripture... or rather misquotes (quotes it out of context) it to support his "logical" assertion during the Lord's temptation. The websites you mention do likewise. (Actually, they are all the same website!)

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8-9 KJV

If you do not wish to be on the wrong end of God's words, through His apostle Paul, then please renounce the false doctrine (the false gospel) of Universalism, certainly stop teaching it by pointing others to its propaganda websites!

The websites to which you've directed readers are examples of just the kind of heresy that the enemy uses to harden the hearts of those whom he is able. Even the name is a lie Orthodox (means according to the doctrine of Scriptures) Christian (means a follower of Christ and his teachings) Universalist (One who holds the doctrine that all men will be saved.) The simple reading of Scripture reveals that Universalism is neither a doctrine of Scripture, nor a teaching of Christ. It is flatly and undeniably heresy (a false doctrine).

I pray that you do this (renounce the heresy), because when the end comes and the Lord separates the sheep from the goats, you don't want to be a goat!
(See Matthew 25 for an example of the Lord's teaching on Hell.)

[Even though I have removed the direct references, the information is still easily available on the web. I cannot stop anyone from exposing themselves to false teaching, but I really do feel strongly about leading sheep directly into the wolves' den.]
Tags: heresy, universalism

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Walking the Walk by Faith: The Proper Evangelistic Viewpoint

This post Walking the Walk by Faith: The Proper Evangelistic Viewpoint is an encouragement to me. If you are struggling between the free will of man and God's sovereignty, go read it! Mike's post states eloquently the balance necessary in our understanding of God's sovereignty and Jesus' calling us to do the work of the Great Commission.

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. ¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)

If God is sovereign, and the work of salvation is entirely His,

⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

why then does he command us to go make disciples? Simply because we are not God! I told you, go read Mike's post, he's a lot more coherent!

Please don't be a "Calvinist" who shuts himself off from the blessings involved in sharing our faith. And on the flip-side, don't be "Armenian" such that you are assuring people that they are saved based solely on a prayer they may have said in some emotional time, but are seeing no fruit of the spirit (they may very well be tares, goats, false converts). Let's be Christians, and deliver the whole council of God!
Tag(s): Calvinist, Armenian

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The Walk

Truly inspirational!
sidekickharrysez: The Walk
Thanks to Mike Ratliff's blog for the link.

Tag: Christianity

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The Great Conspiracy

I'm not much of a believer in conspiracies. However, there is one "conspiracy" that I see almost everyday. The people who take part in this conspiracy have contributed to every social ill that western society suffers from today. This conspiracy is the root cause of the worst abuses man has perpetrated on man in the last century.

This conspiracy has lasted because it consists of the willfully ignorant, who believe and teach a lie because the truth is to terrible to accept. It also doesn't need secrecy in general, but this conspiracy thrives because its supporters are willing to shade the evidence, bend the truth, misrepresent facts, and if necessary outright lie.

This conspiracy is the so-called "Theory of Evolution".

The "Theory of Evolution" is the functional expression of "Naturalism" and "Humanism". Naturalism is the belief that there is nothing beyond that which can be observed and explained; therefore there is no Super-Natural. Humanism is the belief that humans are the highest form of life and that we determine our own collective destinies. In fact, as the highest form of life we determine the destiny of everything, in Humanism, mankind is god.

The Theory of Evolution led directly to Nazism. If man is the highest form of evolved life, then it stands to reason that one of the "races" of mankind is more evolved than the rest. Well, since "Aryan" scientists (naturalists) came to this conclusion first, then obviously (accepting the Theory as true) the Aryan is the most evolved, and therefore the superior race. The Munich Olympics really strained this concept, but the answer to why the more evolved superior Aryan athletes lost was that the non-Aryans were "sub-human animals". If you kill off all of those "sub-human animals" so they can no longer pollute the gene pool, then you are doing a service to mankind. Well, if you believe the Theory of Evolution to be true, anyway.

The Theory of Evolution led directly to Communism. Since man is god, then man can best take care of himself. As he evolves he will best take care of himself in a collective society where the workers will do what they are best at, the thinkers will be freed to think, and the leaders will lead. Everything becomes utopia, just like the Garden of Eden as spoken of in the "myths" of the religious. Of course for this to work, one has to free the masses from their religious myths. And since Communism works for the good of all, then if you kill off all of the religiously infected people then you have achieved a greater good for society as a whole. If the Theory of Evolution is true.

The world "over population" lie, legalized abortion, assisted suicide, eugenics, euthanasia, genocide, and more are all the fruit of the Theory of Evolution.

All this is supported by well meaning scientists and teachers who are willfully ignorant of the truth. The scientists know that their individual science doesn't support evolution, but they assume that the other branches do. The geologist knows that geology does not support evolution, but he points to the biologist for the "truth". The biologist knows that biology does not support evolution, but he points to the geologist for the "truth". When they receive results back from their experiments and tests that don't give them "acceptable" answers they either retest until they get results the like or lie about the results to make them fit. The scientists must do this or face scorn and rejection at the hands of their willfully ignorant peers.

Or worse, some scientists are "True Believers". These are the religious fanatics of the Theory of Evolution. They have looked through and seen that if Evolution is false, then Naturalism and Humanism are also false. That means that, if the Theory fails, then there must be a Creator God. And if there is a Creator God, then that Creator, but by the fact of creation has authority to judge... This is to terrible to consider for the fanatic, he will lie, cheat, steal, and even kill to support the Theory of Evolution.

Of course the majority of the believers of the Theory of Evolution are not scientists. They are the everyday person who goes through his or her life with blinders on. Caught up in the cares of day-to-day life, they don't want to think about origins. When they do, they are comforted by the knowledge that all very intelligent and highly educated people believe that the Theory of Evolution is Fact. They know this because the news media tells them this is so. The news media, the scientists, and the rest of the believers are all willfully ignorant for the same reason as the fanatic, even if they will not lie (except a small harmless white lie), cheat (except a minor bending of the rules, if it is judicious), steal (except if it is something small that want be missed anyway), or kill (except, well damaging the reputation of someone isn't really killing).

But all this is for nothing, because even a simple person can look at the world around him and see that the Theory of Evolution is false. There must have been a designer. Some power beyond the Natural. A Supernatural Designer. If there is, then He gets to make the rules. If He has, then we should find out what those rules are. (If you want a hint, look for a book that is a coherent collection written by say 40 authors in three languages over the span of 1500 years. The manuscript evidence for the integrity of this book is so overwhelming as to be Super-Natural.)

Oh, you may have heard of something called "intelligent design". Even the courts are calling this religious Creationism re-packaged. It is not. It is the attempt of Naturalists who, seeing that the Theory of Evolution is failing, are trying to come up with a Natural Designer (instead of a Super-Natural one). If we are not the highest form of life (we obviously didn't make the earth, stars, sun and moon) then perhaps some Natural force or being did. A powerful and intelligent elder creature or species... Enter the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It's truly amazing the lengths to which we will go to avoid our responsibility to our Creator.

Tag(s): conspiracy, evolution

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Thought Life (Visual Influence)

As I turned to greet a young couple, who were seated next to me, my eyes were instinctively drawn to the exposed cleavage in the low-cut blouse the young lady was wearing. After that brief indiscretion (which perhaps no one but myself and God noticed) I quickly shook hands with the young man, said "Glad to see you" and was off looking for someone else to talk to.

Later, while sitting awaiting class to begin, an attractive woman arrived late and made her way to the seat just in front of me. As she sat, with her back to me, her hip-huggers stayed low and her open-knit top with the flesh-colored undershirt rode up displaying a tattoo, that I just couldn't quite make out as it was covered by the back of the chair.

All this was at Church, yesterday.

I know, it's all my fault. If I were really spiritual, then there could be naked super-models walking around Church and my focus would never leave Jesus... Well, I'm not there yet, and those two images that I described above are burned into my brain. It's not sinful to see things, it's sinful to let your mind toy with wrong ideas.

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:14-15 KJV

But also we should avoid things that could cause others to stumble. I heard an interesting way of putting this on the radio, "If Jesus was coming to take you to church, what would you wear?"

Maybe I'm selfish, but I can't turn on the TV without seeing half-naked women, I can't go to the mall without seeing half-naked women, at least let me go to church... No, you know what, the church is for those of us who are not perfect, whether it is in our thought life or how we dress. Come as you are, and I'll let God deal with my heart and yours.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
James 1:2-7 KJV

Lord give me your wisdom!

Tag(s): visual

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The Truth Shall Make You Free

This is one of those snippets of scripture that has gotten into the popular culture. And, removed from its context, it doesn't always make sense. For example; a prisoner who is in jail because he is guilty would certainly disagree with this quote. The truth put him in jail. So, what is the truth that shall make us free?

First, let's get the immediate context...

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31-32 KJV

We see that it is a conditional statement, that is, a requirement must be met before we even know the truth, and knowing the truth is required for the truth to free us.

For the truth that shall make us free, let's look a few verses earlier.

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him.
John 8:28-30 KJV

The "truth that makes us free" is that Jesus is revealed as God on the cross. "When you have lifted up the Son of man," Here Jesus is plainly speaking of His coming crucifixion, to us who have the benefit of 20/20 hindsight. To those who heard it then, they believed that Jesus would be revealed as God when He was "lifted up" as in honored as the King that would restore the Kingdom to Israel. He had told them plainly before that

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
John 3:14 KJV

That serpent was lifted up on a pole. And even just a few verses before He tells them

Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
John 8:21-24 KJV

They almost get it! He is telling them that they must believe that He is the "I am"! Those that do not believe that Jesus is God will die in their sins. Those that believe that Jesus is God may then be His disciples if they continue in His word. And by continuing in His word they will know the truth and the truth will free them.


This is actually our choice as well, believe that Christ Jesus died for our sins on the cross, or die in our sins and face the judgment to come. We know we are sinners, just by comparing our lives with the Commandments God established. But fortunately, as Paul wrote to the Romans,

the word is near us, even in our mouths and in our hearts. If we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we shall be saved. For with the heart we believe unto righteousness; and with the mouth we confess unto salvation.(Romans 10:8-10)

Technical note: In the King James, and some other translations you will see words that are grey and italicized. The translators did this so that you would know that the word doesn't exist in the original language, but has been added for readability in English. Most of the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John are followed by a grey and italicized he. Therefore this word doesn't exist in the original language! You may have noticed that every time before chapter 8, when Jesus said "I am he", those nearby picked up stones in order to stone Him. They understood that He was claiming to be the I AM, the God who spoke to Moses, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:14). Claiming to be God is the basest form of blaspheme (see the Ten Commandments). So, this Jesus was not only claiming to be the King of the Jews, the Messiah, but also God. "I and my Father are one."(John 10:30 KJV)

Tag(s):truth, gospel

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Are You Wheat, or Are You a Tare?

There are many in this world who call themselves "Christian" and even consider themselves Christian, but Jesus (the Christ) said,

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:22-23 KJV

You see, the Lord tells us that even among the Church, there are those who are not His.

²⁴ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: ²⁵ But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. ²⁶ But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. ²⁷ So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? ²⁸ He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? ²⁹ But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Matthew 13:24-30 KJV

The tare, spoken of here, is a weed that is indistinguishable from the wheat, until the ear of the wheat develops. (Thanks to Fausset's Bible Dictionary via e-Sword.) That is, until a "Christian" grows enough to produce fruit, we cannot tell the true Christian from the false.

The book of James (among other things) addresses this issue. There were those, in his time, that believed that they could convert and yet live like the world. The "sinner's prayer" is just a bunch of words, unless you have faith in your heart. James points out, that unless your faith produces fruit, then your faith is dead and unable to bring you eternal life.

If you go regularly to Church, listen to the Word as it is being taught or find a Church that teaches God's Word.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 KJV

Seek God in earnest and He will reveal Himself to you! Don't just be content to go to Church every Sunday and to live like the world the rest of the week. Seek true life change by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The consequence of rejecting Him is eternal death.

³⁶ Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. ³⁷ He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; ³⁸ The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; ³⁹ The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. ⁴⁰ As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. ⁴¹ The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; ⁴² And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 13:36-43 KJV

Tag(s):Kingdom of God, Christianity

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Halley's Bible Handbook

This is going on the reference shelf! It is a bit dated, but that just means that there is even more archaeological information available now than in Dr. Halley's time.

This Handbook is designed to be read along with the Bible. The abbreviated commentary includes a brief introduction to each book of the Bible and highlights key passages.

The most important page in the book is page 814. This book is cited by Pastor Chuck Smith, of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and it is obvious that he took page 814 to heart. A distinctive of Calvary Chapels is their acting on the advice of Dr. Henry H. Halley, as offered on page 814. (Sadly; this is a distinctive, and not a forgone conclusion common to all churches!)

By Dr. Henry Halley / Zondervan Corp. This is one of the all-time best-selling Bible handbooks! Since its 1927 publication, Halley's has offered millions of readers a wealth of Bible information in a simple and easy-to-understand format. It includes a concise Bible commentary, important archaeological discoveries, historical background information, church history, maps, and much more. 864 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

Oh, page 814 expounds upon the simple suggestion that all churches have a congregational Bible reading plan and that the pastor's sermon should be from the part of the Bible that was read by the people during the prior week!
Tag(s):Books

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Thought Life (Music)

I struggled, first thing this morning, with a song. The song was from my past and, while it does have a catchy tune, it condones and even praises values that I no longer wish to hold. Music is a very powerful media, it is helpful in memorization (I learned both Psalm 148 in part and the Preamble to the Constitution via music), and it communicates directly to the emotions (there is a reason that soundtracks are added to movies). As a matter of fact, I find it difficult to forget songs with catchy tunes. "So what?", you ask. "What's the big deal about having some old rock songs rattling about in your head?"

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [desire], and enticed. Then when lust [desire] hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:14-15 KJV

"Will you die because you listen to secular music on the radio?"

Yes.

But not directly (unless there is an electrical short in the radio). You see, the things that we put into our brains, become the things in our hearts. If all you listen to is music that espouses the joy of sin and ignores the consequences, then it becomes easier to allow yourself to do those things. Why not instead tune into music that espouses ideals that you actually believe in?

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 KJV

That's the kind of music that I want to have floating around in my head! So, switch that radio station to the "real rock alternative", your local Christian music station of whatever style that you prefer (check out different styles, you might find that you like them). Of course, if you have enough time, you can tune into teachings on the local Christian talk stations as well. And, on the off chance that there are no "good" Christian stations in your area, one can play tapes or CD's of Christian music.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 KJV

Tag(s):Music

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Challenging New Year's Resolutions

Understanding I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him, by His grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake. I will remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence.

Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.

Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.

Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.

Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope that God will accept.

Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better.

Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slaken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful, I may be.

Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

Resolved, always to do that which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak.

Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 1.

Thanks to BBN Voice the magazine of the Bible Broadcasting Network

Tag(s):Resolutions

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The Difference Between Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia

I had an interesting discussion at work today; it seems that not everyone understands the difference between the Harry Potter series and The Chronicles of Narnia. Why would someone accept one and reject the other?

It all comes down to the world view of the authors. C. S. Lewis trusted in Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. J. K. Rowling trusts in herself. The lead characters in Narnia depend on Aslan who, not because they merit (or deserve) it, chooses to save them. The lead characters in the Harry Potter series depend on themselves and their own hard work (and a little luck) in order to save themselves.

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Psalms 146:3-5

Let me establish the level of importance of this subject. Nobody will be cast into Hell because he has read (or not read) any of these books. Our eternal destination is solely determined by what we believe and do concerning Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ who, not because of anything good in us or any good thing we may have done, has chosen to save us.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 KJV

Tags:Harry Potter, Narnia

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Beyond the Gates of Splendor

In 1956, a team of missionaries---including Jim and Elisabeth Elliot---traveled to Ecuador. This feature-length documentary tells their startling true-life story of sacrifice, ministry, love, forgiveness, and changed lives. The powerful journey begins with interviews of the Waodani people discussing their way of life before hearing the gospel message. (Rated PG-13; contains some violence and native nudity.) 96 minutes.

I have seen this documentary. It's the story of the true courage of those who love Christ more than their own lives, Christ's love as exhibited by the wives of five slain missionaries, and the changes brought about in the lives of a people who are born again because of Christ's work. I highly recommend the documentary, and am looking forward to End of the Spear the theatrical version of this story, told from the point of view of the natives.

tag: movies

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Recent Blog Updates

I have taken advantage of some of the time that I've had away from work this last month to make a few changes to the layout and to add some features to this site.

First, since I tend to write long posts, I've switched the main and archive pages over to summaries with a link to the post page with the full post thereon posted. :-)

Second, due to the excessive length of the (right) side bar, I have trimmed some of the links (need to do more trimming) and placed the archive page links in a drop down menu.

Most dramatically, I've added a side bar on the left side of the main and archive pages. This bar contains a list of books which I'm currently reading, or have recently read. I intend to write short reviews of the books listed and once I've done so, I'll add a link to those reviews with its appropriate entry on the left.

Oh, I've also added "tags" to each post (well, the most recent couple of months posts, so far). This should help readers get an idea what the post is about (in conjunction with the summary) and should make older posts more accessible to the web (and, more importantly, users thereof).

Tag:blog

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Reflecting on 2005

A new year is begun. As I reflect on the past year, I see that God has done great things in my life! It seems strange, that I'd still be in the process of having my burial clothes removed after more than a year of my Christian walk.

What am I talking about? My pastor just taught John 11:38-57 this morning. It's an awesome picture. Jesus could have rolled away the stone by himself. He could have personally unwrapped Lazarus' grave clothes. Instead he allowed others to take part in the resurrection of Lazarus! Likewise, He allows us the opportunity to aid in the spiritual rebirth of our neighbors! Jesus supplies the power to bring them to everlasting life, but we get to roll away the stone by speaking the Gospel, the Good News, to them. He also allows us the opportunity to loose the grave clothes of those who have been born again into the Kingdom by teaching and discipling.

Just recently during the Wal-Mart gift wrapping (which I mentioned in my previous post, The Reason for the Season) I was afforded the opportunity to witness to people while their Christmas gifts were being wrapped. The cloth that had my jaws tied shut was removed with the help of my Church's youth leader. Thanks Nick!

Tag(s):Christianity

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