Tis the Season to be Jolly

In my last blog I talked about the aspects of Thanksgiving, and how we rush to get past it to get to X-mas. Well Christmas time is here, and this season tends to have the same kind of characteristics each year:

1. Traffic

2. Masses of people shopping for the perfect Christmas gift

3. Kindness in select moments (due to the seasons magic)

4. Rudeness during the same season (from people we assume to be Grinches)

Lights, trees, presents, tinsel, stockings, lots of sugar cookies, candy, chocolate are the fuel for the Christmas season. All of these things I love and can't wait to participate in, but as a believer I tend to step back and wonder if we have missed the point. Or rather we have combined the reason for the season (please excuse this horrible phrase--reminds me of the seatbelt slogan in my area: Arrive alive!) with the secular madness of Christmas. There are some interesting facts about Christmas that I knew but the more I thought about it made me appreciate more of what Christmas truly represents.

1. Jesus' birthday wasn't necessarily on Dec. 25th

Sorry if I have ruined Christmas for you (by the way Santa isn't real either), but Jesus probably wasn't born in Dec. Schlars have debated this but newer scholarship has shown that he more than likely was born in the end of March or the first week in April. This comes from the fact that th shepherds would not have been abiding in the field with their sheep out during the coldest part of the year. They mainly kept the sheep in from winter to the beginning of Spring. Also Mary traveled great distances (Matthew) in the coldest part of the year. Now by far this isn't impossible, but unlikely. Plus December 25th was originally a pagan holiday. It was a festival celebrating the longer length of daylight which was shorten from the Winter Solastice (which was one of the shortest daylight days of the year). The Catholic Church through some of the early church father's like Hippolytus and Chrystostm, both around the time of the 4th Century, decided to begin celebrating Jesus' birth on this day as they believed it to be. Again it doesn't say that it is impossible, but He more than likely wasnt.

2. The early church did not celebrate Christ birth

No where in Acts do we see a celebration with lights, trees or even a food festival (they were pretty good at throwing big food parties)! The early church did not celebrate Jesus' birth. We have no written record, no festival laid out. Why? Well the early church wasn't concerned with his birth but rather His death and ressurrection. If the birth would have meant something important to the early church they would have recorded it. Even Jesus didn't mention it. Yet within the first 4 chapters of Acts (Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10) four times Jesus' death and ressurrection was mentioned to the masses of people. Not that His birth wasn't important but His death and resurrrection was the central focus of the early church, Paul, and the church today.

3. The Christmas story comes mainly from Matthew, Luke.

The Christmas story is a combination of Matthew story (which follows the model of Jesus being the "new Moses"--baby being taken to Egypt, then fleeing Egypt..etc) and Luke's story to Theolphilus.

Often the Christmas story seems like 1 fluid story, but in reality it is the combination of Matthew and Luke stories together. Example: Luke has no record of Magi, Matthew does. Mark, nor John have any birth narratives in their books. Now they were writing to different communities, and Mark and John not having them doesn't negate Jesus' birth, but just making sure that we understand where the stories come from.

Okay so now in some eyes they would say that I have ruined Christmas. This is not my intention. I never said that we as Christians should NOT celebrate Christmas. What I wanted to do was make sure you understood that we just take all of this holiday information and believe that it must be true. Why should we celebrate how great God is on ONE day?? (not Sunday either) Christmas represents a view of the church, not necessarily a biblical view. For me Christmas seems to symbolize something that we should be doing year round. I think that is why it is so hard to see people being nice, or having an extra pep in their step, or churches flooded once a year. Christmas' meaning is celebrating Christ, as Lord and Savior.....this done by his people living, acting like him YEAR ROUND. Its that kind reminder that "Hey your living for me. You want to celebrate me, then live like it everyday of your life".

I just dont want people to get a distorted unbiblical picture of Christmas, you need to know why these things are in place in our soceity. They are not as religious as some politicans and religious activists want.

Scripture is clear, we celebrate and glorify God daily (or we should) as his people. Christmas symbolizes family, both Christian and physical. Celebrating His greatness and holiness with family members, and sharing the message of the gospel to all we come encountered with. That's the reason to be jolly, not cause of snowmen, and overweight, 60 year old men in red track suits, but because of the glorious death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I hope that you have a Merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year.

Be Blessed

Being thankful

Well more than likely most pastors around the U.S. have probably preached a sermon about being thankful. I don't think there is anything wrong with preaching about thankfulness. I guess the issue I have is that why do we have to wait till thanksgiving to actually be provoked to think about things we are thankful for? We have all heard someone say that they love these holidays for the atmosphere or the air of joy, thankfulness, and gifts. But once again my question seems to beg a response from us as individuals the other 363 days of the year. Obviously I am not making a blanket statement about every person in the world, but in America, especially for the Christian shouldn't an outward/inward thankfulness be evident year round?




1. Thanksgiving should be continuous despite your circumstances:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus"
This passage is one of the landmark Christian passages dealing with thanksgiving. Not only does it imply through language (the Greek indicates a this phrase to be a present active imperative--meaning it is a continuous, command) but also the occasion to give thanks (in all circumstances). This is a lesson that I myself am learning on a daily basis. Our society has ingrained in us a notion that when we are happy things go well, when we are sad then its all terrible. With that comes the idea of giving less thanks when things are difficult or bad, and to give more attention to thankfulness when success, and ease of life comes. I will put this in bold, nowhere does Scripture indicate this thought process. In fact, Scripture tells us that suffering, pain are for our benefit! (read Philippians, Romans 5:3-4, 2 Tim. 3:12) That pain and suffering are part of the Christian walk! (2 Tim. 3:12) and that we will see it in our lives. Once again using this verse, Paul does not indicate that circumstances should dictate our thankfulness or our prayer life, or our joy! (Read back a couple blogs on my entry on joy for a deeper analysis.) Give thanks----always.

2. Thanksgiving is a part of Kingdom living: (Eph. 5:1-4)
What most of us forget (in application not always intellectually), is that thanksgiving is an integral part of our Christian walk! Not only have we been transformed by the blood of Christ, given new life, adopted into a new family, given a Father of perfect love, who never abandons us but its part of our sanctification, part of our newly transformed character!

Ephesians 5:-4
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Once again Paul is writing to the Ephesians about the kind of new life (4:23) they should be living. They were to put off the old self (4:22), put off falsehood (4:25), anger (4:26), and not to let the devil have a foothold in their lives (4:27).
Remember the old Michael Jordan commercials by Gatorade in the early 90's? If not here is one VIDEO (I know I'm dating myself) but the video basically has Jordan doing moves and people desperately trying to imitate him. Paul is using similar language in this passage. He encourages them to "be like Christ", imitate him, look like him, since you are new children of Christ. The old self does all this stuff....you shouldnt, your new, instead you should give thanks! Paul makes it a point for the Ephesian to understand that thanksigiving is part of the new Kingdom life! It will be in the Kingdom, it was part of Christ, and it should be part of our daily life since we are new creations!!!

Unlike our society that tries to hurry up the wonderful aspect of Thanksgiving, to get to Christmas, take some time now to be thankful for some things. Instead of thinking of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Super sales, buy, buy, buy---why not make a list of things your thankful for. But my point is this, being thankful, thanksgiving is NOT a holiday for the Christian! Its a lifestyle or at-least should be.

Be Blessed

Lights, Camera,........ Jesus?

Okay this the time of the year where many churches will celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now please believe me when I say that I do not condemn plays, nor do I hate plays, or think that it is un-Christian and the bearing of people's salvation rests in this, but I do question where we have gone with celebrating by putting on X-Mas plays specifically on Sunday mornings. (Note I know all churches don't do this)
Couldn't we celebrate the birth of Christ through our lifestyle, or by hearing preaching of His own Word? I know many churches put on plays, mine is included. But I sat thinking to myself the other day about why we do them. The answers were less than convincing: we feel a need to do them because of culture , not from a biblical perspective. We have them because we have always had them, or because that's what Christians do during Christmas and Easter. Now I know some people auotmatically would say, Hey wait, the play illustrates the gospel and it is a remembrance of the birth of God and it provides people an outlet to use their gifts and talents! All those things are true, but are they true because Scripture says so or because we think so? What I am getting at is this: I think that the holidays become more about the play than the message. That people want to be entertained, rather than hear the Word proclaimed, that these plays become more about the production with a thanks to Jesus afterwards. I was part of 3 different Easter plays. All in our huge orchestra. We are talking big budget Michael Bay type plays here. We had 150 actors and actresses, dancers, live animals, a 20 man tech grew, closed circuit TV, dvd sales, the same Jesus for 6 years straight (I tell you its hard to find a dude who looks like Jesus when you have had the same guy do it that long) and David Hassolhoff as Judas. Okay maybe not the last part but you get the hint. The question I would ask is do we really need plays? Do we need the production to truly appreciate X-mas or the impact of Easter? Or better phrased have we gotten out of hand with the holiday rituals and taken less focus off the mission?

I will use Acts as a basis for the simplicity the church can have during the X-mas, Easter season.


1. Think about the early church
The early church is a great example, not because they were great people, but because they had so much simplicity. Read the book of Acts, it has so much contained in it that teaches us about the power of the Holy Spirit and an available and willing heart.
Acts 2-Holy Spirit comes at Pentacost

Acts 2:14-41-Peter preaches the gospel

Acts 2:42-47-Early church has fellowship: apostles teaching, breaking bread, prayer

Acts 3:12-4:1-22: Peter preaches to the people (after a healing) and preaches to the Sanhedrin the gospel.

Acts 4:32-36-Believers share all things, take care of each other

The list is endless, I didn't even get into the numerous Paul sermons on the gospel.

Just look at what the early church leaders had:
1. They used the power of the Holy Spirit: Peter before he preached 2:4; before the Sanhedrin-4:8; believers were filled with the Holy Spirit which helped them preach the Word of God boldly-4:31,and so on.

2. Preached the gospel: Peter, and Paul dominate the speeches in Acts (Stephens is the longest) and each time they simply preached the gospel: the death and resurrection of Christ. That was the early churches soteriology (soteria-Greek for salvation/ logos=study--study of salvation). That was the powerful message, they proclaimed it where ever they went--that was their focus. (Acts 2:23-24,32; 3:15-16; 4:10; and read any Paul book)

3. They lived it out: Notice in the passages above I show that there are many instances of reactions to the preaching, and Spirit. People lived out the glory of God: Acts 2:42-46; 4:32-37.


Imagine if we [the church]...lived like that today. So much of ministry and evangelism is tends to get caught up in techniques, and what other books say, or how, when, why, where??!!! We need committees, meetings, and approval by the Supreme Court sometimes to do things. These guys just were empowered by the Spirit, preached the gospel, and lived it out.

Also just imagine if we told Paul, Peter or any of the 12 to put on a X-mas play during worship. How silly would that sound to them? Paul may punch you, Peter might yell, Philip was supposedly small so he wouldn't do much. It would be silly. They would say: Keep Focus on the mission (Christ) through preaching and serving.

I just feel like we have gone a little overboard, thats all. You can disagree, that's what is great about a blog and the internet. You can stare and this and be like "Hmm well this dude is a satanist and hates people with talent." Maybe I am, but my goal is get you to think biblically, not culturally. Plays are a part of culture, and entertainment. Those are the qualities we look for and it is no different with X-mas or Easter. Are they fun, yes. Are they exciting, sure. Do they stir our emotions, sometimes, but we need to hear the Word preached, proclaimed from His Word. We can take time, money, and effort to create an elaborate production to make a picture of the gospel. Why not use the money for those less fortunate, use the time for missions, and use the effort in preaching the gospel, empowered by the HOly Spirit, and then living it out everyday like it was X-mas or Easter.......its just a thought.

Be Blessed.

We are Cowards!

Just admit it. We are cowards! Your probably asking what in the world is he talking about. Or how DARE you call me a coward! So I am not trying to insult you (well maybe a little) rather just trying to get you to see that in a way we are all cowards. Have you ever had a problem with someone, or something someone did? Whether it was to you or to someone else? Ever get irritated with someone, annoyed or angered? Well I definitely have and some of them have come from within the church. Yes I said it, INSIDE the church (I do not speak of the building I work in but the overall body of Christ). There are stories perusing my mind now of situations I could have handled much better if I had just approached that person in love. Instead the natural human tendency is to tell someone else. Saying how they hurt you or mistreated you or just flat out stink as a human being. Though all those things can be true of that person, is this the most biblical way to treat someone? Well frankly no! Let's see what the bible says,

1. No matter what the problem is, or what they did to you, you MUST forgive them.

This is the one people tend to cringe on during sermons and talks. Everyone loves to be forgiven and sometimes its a lot easier but to forgive someone that has wronged you takes some serious gut check.
Matthew 6:12-" Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors..."

Ouch the assumption here is a present tense, "forgive us God", as in the past tense "we have also forigven those who hurt us, wrong us, made us angry." Watch a documentary called As We Forgive. It will make your petty arguments and silly differences seem so small. If people can forgive those in Christ for murdering their families, and yet you hold a grudge cause of an argument??

How can we ask for forgiveness from a loving God, yet not illustrate that same characteristic back to His people? Here's where it really hurts:
Matthew 6:14-15:
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Double ouch! I think this verse is self-explanatory! (Also read Matthew 18:21-35)

2. We are called to love them regardless of what the situation is.
Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was. Obviously it was to trick him, and get him to basically sound like a Pharisee. Instead He said, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Then he said to , Love your neighbor." He didn't say (and sometimes I wish he did), Love your neighbor, but only when they love you back. Not when they act stupid, or say something behind your back. You can get angry with them, and say anything about them as long as its justified by your own bias and skewed logic!
Yeah sounds funny but this is how we think....we are called to love despite the falleness of people. (this goes for unbelievers to!!)

3. We must be willing to approach, be truthful and if possible let them go.
(Matthew 18:15-20)
The one thing that I think is most irritating for both parties is the unwillingness to approach each other. We either wait till the other person approaches us, or we wait FOREVER to approach the other person. Well you say I am not ready. I believe that, I have been there but the issue must be talked about (though its not was at all). Not only is approaching them hard, but telling the truth in love is even harder. To tell someone that they hurt you, or "show them their fault" is really hard to do. It makes you vulnerable in the sense of saying, "You hurt me, and you have the capacity to hurt me this way." But Matthew 18:15, tells us that we should "go and show" the faults or hurt we experienced. Then Jesus gives us steps by which aid our ability to deal with someone who hurt us:
1. Go and show, if they listen great, if not go to step two.

2. Bring one or two people with you, if they refuse to hear it go to step 3 (this way people can help to mediate, and counsel those who are hurting, but also to testify that something or someone has been wronged)

3. Bring it before the church and gossip about it till the moon turns red and treat them like crap! Okay maybe not but Jesus is making clear, that if someone is wronged that they should approach that person, love them, bring others into it for counsel and mediation (NOT gossip) then if they refuse let them go.


See the world has infected the church with the notion that if I am wronged, gossip about it. Tell everyone BUT the person who you have issue with. If we are upset with someone, 99.9999% of the time, it is due to mis-communication, or NO communication. And those two things only complicate a situation where there has been a wrong committed. Gossip, or malice or running to other people to bash, or burn their character just illustrates how much of a coward you really are. This is NOT a biblical based attitude toward other people, rather a worldly attitude that makes us feel good.
I have had many times where I have wanted to be ugly, to tell someone off, and to lay into someone about all their faults and short-comings. But I always have to catch myself and say is this the most Christ-like thing I can do? How would God gain any glory from me gossiping and tearing down someone else? I must retreat to His word, and not only retreat, I must submit to what it says (and not make loopholes or justify myself). Thankfully I am "under-construction" and being sanctified daily.

Be Blessed

Scripture Alone

In no way am I trying to create a movement, nor am I trying to glorify myself. I am not condemning people that do this, nor am I asking you to do what I am doing. Rather I had a thought that really made me think hard about Scripture. The Reformation declared "Scripture Alone" or Sola Scriptura, which affirms that ."..the Bible is the sole written authority for the faith and life of God's people. " It helps, guides and feeds our journey throughout this life. I love to read books, I may even have to buy another bookshelf for all the books I have, but I feel like sometimes we get alittle distracted. I had a seminary professor tell me once that so many people want to know what Piper thinks about a particular passage. Or John MacArthur says about this passage, or (insert name) says about a passage. He said what does Scripture say about that passage! SO many times we run to commentaries or books of authors to tell us what it says and yes that is useful but make sure you do an inductive study of the passage. Another thing that struck me was recently I saw Francis Chan speak about being fed ideas of Scripture. Using an encounter of two Jehovah's Witnesses and how they said Jesus was Michael the Arc Angel. He said that if you just read the Gospels, no commentaries, and had nothing else to feed you viewpoints, do you really see Jesus that way? Is that what Scripture indicates? More than likely no, but you were fed that.
So this led me to embark on simply reading Scripture. I will not read any external books (commentaries, supplemental) for the next month and focus on reading Scripture to gain a habit that should have been formed long ago. Any questions I may have I will write down and address later, or ask friends. I just want to absorb the Word, I want to soak in what God's word says and read it without being "fed" (presuppositions) or anything. God's word obviously can teach me all that I need: I can meditate on it (Josh. 1:8; Psalm 119:15) and learn from it. Not having commentaries or supplemental books didn't seem to stop the growth of the early church. (with this I understand that the NT wasn't whole until the 300's---though I would argue that since the Muratorian Canon of 125 had basically all the books contained in that Canon, there was a certain collection already being distributed--Plus see Colossians 4:16 for letters being read in other churches)
So far when looking at Scripture I know that God's Word is completely sufficient for my learning and growing in my faith:

We know that...
God's Word is eternal,
Mark 13:31
God's Word is Inspired by God
2 Timothy 4:16
2 Peter 1:19-21
God's word is living, active
Hebrews 4:12

We also know that if we remain in God's word that it will help us to avoid dishonoring God (Psalm 119:11)

I hope that this either convicts you in the sense that maybe your giving more time to other books than God's Word. I hope it encourages you to read more of God's Word, to thirst for it and seek passages that discuss God's Word (in its various forms). But most importantly I want you to see this as an entry of my need for growth, and my willingness to give something up so that I can grow in God's Word.
I also understand that since I am teaching various bible studies that involve supplemental books I will have to summerize them to keep my lessons clear and concise. Therefore I will exclude (work related) books that I will need to summerize for up-coming studies.

Also I will not be on a computer for the next week so my next entry will be on Monday!

Be Blessed

Conditional Happiness or Unconditional Joy?

When I was in college, I lead a mini-devotion in which I had this phrase stuck in my mind for quite awhile. The phrase was do you want conditional happiness or unconditional joy. That phrase has been something that continues to pop up in my life and ministry. I have pondered over that phrase and it has brought to light some Scripture passages and what they teaches us about true joy.

1. Joy is NOT contingent upon circumstances
So easily does the sin of happiness mask itself within the circumstances that take place in our lives. We don't have to go very far to hear how awful a day has been due to circumstances. Circumstances are unpredictable, unreliable, and emotionally is a rollercoaster ride. So then why would we root so much of our joy in circumstances? I know that if I went to prison (for whatever reason--knock on wood), or were given a pink slip, or told that I had some sort of disease those circumstances DO NOT warrant joy. I would be angry, upset, which would be okay as these are fleshly reactions, but in no way should my joy be gone. If joy were contingent on circumstances explain this passage:

Hebrews 12:2
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

How would one of the most gruesome ways to die be joyful? How is being shamed joyful? The circumstances do not sound joyful to me.

Philippians 1:18-23,25-26
"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain......Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me."

The circumstances do not give evidence for joy, yet because Paul's joy was not ROOTED or contingent on His circumstances but on something much greater (What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord) he was able to continue his ministry within the prison.

2. Joy is NOT contingent upon what we obtain
Another misconception is that I will find joy in what I have or obtain. Our world is centered on being consumers. I will be the first to tell you it is so cool to get new things. I love getting stuff in the mail: books, soccer jerseys, letters, new stuff, anything from amazon.com! Unfortunately alot of people put their happiness in obtaining or accumulating things. They surround themselves with things that they think will make them happy until that very thing wears off. I usually tell the youth that its similar to a video game that we all have to have and then it gets old. For more overarching view I use clothes or shoes as an example. We are all excited and happy then it wears off. The joy is fleeting, and unfulfilled. That is not the joy that is rooted in Jesus Christ, in fact the joy in Christ provides contentment

Hebrews 10:34-"You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

Philippians 4:10-13:
"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

One of the most abused verses in the Bible comes from 4:13 (or the last sentence-I can do everything through him who gives me strength). People think there is some sort of human effort or power to take on all circumstances. This verse does not indicate that. In fact its rooted in Paul rejoicing in Christ, and the Philippians concern for him. That he has learned to be content in all circumstances (in need or having plenty) because he has Jesus Christ, and that JOY in Christ is not contingent on possessions or lack there of. In fact he can endure anything that affects him because it is Christ who has already given him fullness and therefore strength to endure.

3. We will never find unconditional joy until we recognized that joy can only be found in Jesus Christ.

The Christian theologian St. Augustine put it perfectly in his book "The Confessions", saying, "You made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it finds its place of rest in You."

Ask yourself, where is your joy rooted? Could you read the Scripture passages like Phil. 1:18-26; 4:10-13 or Hebrews 10:34 and be able to still be joyful?

Be Blessed

Book Review: Suprised by Hope

I recently finished a book by N.T. Wright called "Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection and the Mission of the Church." N.T. Wright is one of the foremost biblical scholars and a prolific author. This book provides a wealth of knowledge and true biblical understanding of what heaven is, how vital and important the resurrection is within biblical theology as well as the Kingdom of God. Wright forces us to ask the question: what happens when we die? Most give the natural assumption, I will die and go to heaven. But where are the biblical passages to support this? How can one reside in heaven if the full plan of redemption hasn't taken place: meaning the Second coming? He breaks the book down into 3 parts: Setting the Scene, God's Future Plan, and Hope in Practice. Wright investigates in Part I, resurrection, heaven, and misconceptions with biblical exegesis and care to context of key passages. He emphasizes the restoration of all things, NOT the replacement. Especially in regards to the body (as some have simply said they can't wait to leave this body and get into their spirit body). He focuses on a restoration of the believers body (Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Cor. 15:52) and the earth (Rom. 8:22; Acts 3:21). He roots this within the Jewish OT, and how they perceived resurrection, and eschatology, then framing it within the NT narrative. As far as when this will happen Wright says,
"Some have supposed that we go immediately upon death into the resurrection state. I find that difficult, Paul says that if Christ is the first fruits, those who belong to him will be raised "at his coming: which clearly hasn't happened yet."

After he explains the resurrection, and some misunderstood passages he proceeds in Part 3 of the book into what the application of the resurrection is to the mission of the church. Explaining and discussing the meaning of salvation, how it fits, and the kingdom of God. Making a strong point that "the resurrection...is that the present bodily life is NOT valueless just because it will die." (pg 193) He makes it his duty to make sure believers dont just check out of this life because they simply want the next one! I heartily agree with Wright and found it absolutely refreshing to hear. This in part fits perfectly with the expansion of God's kingdom. Here's a perfect quote:

"He..[God] did not want to rescue humans from creation any more than he wanted to rescue Israel from the Gentiles. He wanted to rescue Israel in order that Israel might be a light to the Gentiles. and he wanted thereby to rescue humans in order that humans might be his rescuing stewards over creation." (pg. 202)

Finally Wright gives specifics for building for the kingdom focusing on justice, beauty, evangelism. Using specfics He closes the book with what the mind and mission of the church should be in regards to all that he has said throughout the book.

It is an excellent book, well written, has a bit of theology but application immediately with it and in no way is it heavy. If you want to know a biblical and proper response to the question of "where do I go when I die" and how the resurrection is important for the kingdom, and for the mission of the church read this book.

Be Blessed.

What God you talking bout Willis?

Recently Glenn Beck had a "Restoring Honor" conference in Washington D.C. to promote getting back to American core values; hope charity and love. Now in no way am I going to focus on the political aspects of this gathering, but what has interested me is that so many Evangelical and conservative Christians rallying behind what he says in regards to religion. The gathering was described more as a giant revival, where Beck constantly referenced biblical passages and getting back to God and Jesus Christ to guide us in our country.

This brought me to the thought that Glenn Becks idea of who God is, is NOT the same God that Evangelicals and Conservatives love and serve. So then why is he the spokesperson now for Conservative churches???
Most of you know that Glenn Beck is a Mormon. So when Beck refers to getting America back to God, as foundation, he isn't talking about the God of the Holy Bible.
I think people get so wrapped up on hearing what that their itching ears want to hear that they simply shrug off the fact that he isn't talking about our God. (2 Timothy 4) Glenn Beck is saying all the right things to people who love this country while intermixing his message with biblical ideas, and concepts to tug on the hearts of evangelicals and Christians alike. But these ideas and concepts of God are far from the God of the Scriptures.

Here is a short, general overview of Mormon Beliefs from carm.org:

1. Scripture:
Believed to be the Word of God, yet the book of Mormon is more correct than the Scriptures (History of the Church 4:461)

Devil:
-spirit born brother to Jesus
-both Jesus and the Devil offered a plan of salvation to the 'Father" and Jesus' plan was accepted, as the Devil wanted to be the Savior but was denied.
(Mormon Doctrine pg 192-193)

God:
-used to be a man on another planet
-God has flesh and bone qualities
-God had sexual relations with Mary to make the body of Christ
-God the Father had a father
-"God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man" (Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith pg 345)
-There are many gods
-There is a mother god, (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 443)
-God is married to his goddess wife and has spirit children, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 516).

Salvation:
... man is NOT saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation is ridiculous," (Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W. Kimball, p. 206).

Now I am for religious freedom, but the Christian churches of the United States to be rallying behind a Mormon and their theology just so that a political deal can be made. Tisk Tisk. You can plainly see that what is mentioned above is no where near a picture of the Most High God. Mormonism does not offer the salvation that comes through the death and resurrection of JEsus Christ. Mormonism does not provide the Almighty God the Father who is sovereign over all things and in control of all things. SO then why do we make one the spokesman when we dont have the same God?
1 John 4:1-3
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

My concern is this:
1. We (American conservatives/evangelicals) will just take any reference to God, or Christ that a celebrity throws out and then throw our support behind them without thinking.

2. That Truth will be compromised for the sake of rallying people together for a common cause just so that we have support in one area.

3. That we quickly forget the gospel, the life saving gospel from whom it is only from


I encourage you to open your Bibles, submit to its truth, and know who Jesus Christ is.

If you really want to know more I encourage you to go to Carm.org or read Mormonism Explained by Andrew Jackson
Link

**And here is an excellent article from Dr. Russell D. Moore on this very subject that I found after I wrote this:
Be Blessed

Dying for Christ?

Have you ever wondered if you would truly die for Christ if the situation presented itself? Trust me I am not trying to be morbid, but just trying to ask an honest question. I recently thought of this again as one of my friends from the beginning of my Christian walk, endured this.

Recently in the news there was an attack on a small group from the International Assistance Mission (IAM). They gathered a group of dentist, eye doctors, and regular doctors who were traveling to Panjshir provinces in northern Afghanistan to provide health type aid in that region. After they were finished, they traveled back and were ambushed by Islamic militants. From here the details are still being flushed out but from a survivor of this attack said that they were surrounded by men with guns. Some reports have said that they were searched by the militants and many were found to have Christian bibles on them. The IAM is a Christian funded agency but they do not promote nor have them proselytize or try to convert people. Convinced that they were spies and trying to convert Muslims to Christianity, the fired upon some of them while some were placed on their knees and shot.
One of my friends from 2003-04, was among those people (1 of the 2 Americans killed). His name was Brian Carderelli. Now I am not going to say we were best friends or that we hung out all the time, but I did know him, and I did enjoy his love and humor. I spent most of the summer of 2004 getting to know him at Grace Bible Camp. He was a counselor and I visited frequently. I would get to hang out with the counselor's on their time off and Brian and I would joke about...well anything. He had a great sense of humor and a gentle spirit about him. When I had heard he was dead and how he died it sent me into contemplation. I knew he was in the presence of God, but I wonder what he was thinking at the time. Was he scared? Probably. Did he know what was going happen? Maybe, maybe not. But I would have to think that he knew the risk, and he knew where he was going. Though Brian had a Bible on him, he wasn't looking to be a martyr. He didn't go because he wanted to be that but to do a documentary on the aid work done by this organization. But he could have lied, said he was a Muslim too, or said that the others were but he wasn't. I know this sounds crazy but what would you do if several guns were pointed at you? Brian stood firm not because he was spouting theology or anything but he had to make a decision in his mind to stand firm and take the repercussions of having a Bible on him and owning up to it or lying to possibly save his life.

I don't know what he would wanted from his life, but I do know what he would want from his death: for people to see Christ. That they would know where he is at, and that they themselves would draw closer to His ever loving presence. As believers, we have to think about dying for Christ. Maybe not in some remote part of the Middle East but even where we live currently. And it may not be a physical death, but a death of compromise, a death of shame, a death of not speaking out or standing firm due to fear.

His death reminds me...
.......that I cannot be attached to the things in this world. The pursuit of possessions, the gross materialism type attitude I fallin to is not really true life. Jesus once said in regards to living this way that, "Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. (Luke 17:33) Brian lived a life just focused on serving others and Christ. He was prepared for Christ' return by serving and illustrating the kingdom here on earth. Hopefully his story will be able to help family and friends see where his passion was: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

On a lighter note, here is a goofy pic of the things Brian and I used to do. Brian is on the left.
Be Blessed!

There is a season for everything...

We constantly live in a world of transition. Whether you are preparing to enter elementary school, middle school, high school, college, master's or the working world. Some are getting married, are married, or worse having kids??!!! (Just kidding-sort of) It seems like we are constantly moving from one chapter of life to the next. Some of us are very excited about starting new chapters in our lives while others wish for the good old days. I felt that transition when I graduated college. I spent 3 years getting to know people, knowing where everything was, and being involved in off campus activities only to leave it all and start something completely different and new. The realization is and was then that college is but a season in my life, a good season, but a season nonetheless. Whatever your going through, season's will change.
Let's take a look at the book of Ecclesiastes.
In this book, the "Teacher" who we assumed to be King Solomon, is reflecting back on his life. That has been on eof the primary themes of this book. Old Solomon looking back on his life, and realizing the emptiness for which man chases after (meaningless things-toil, success, money women, life without God). In chapter 3, he begins speaking of the fact that there is a time for everything.

Let's examine it:
"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven."

1. There is a predetermined season for everything...

Solomon points out that man is bound by time, and that all seaons are predetermined by God. He illustrates this with a cyclical time pattern of the behavior in life. Well what does that mean? If we continue past this verse it describes all aspects of life: birth, death, planting, uprooting, weeping, laughing, etc... They come and go, enter and leave our lives. College was that for me. Everything has a beginning, and an end. That is the nature of things on earth isn't it?

2. A fixed time for every activity...
Like the seasons in nature: fall winter, spring and summer.......life is broken up into fixed seasons or time periods. They are periods of time where there eventually is a transition into another season or period of life. Anyone who has been on this earth long enough can tell you this. I am constantly taught and shown this at my church, where a lot of our congregants are in the 70's and 80's.
Solomon speaks specifically: birth ( a fixed time to be born) and death ( a fixed time to die) and the rest of the activities he mentions all have fixed points. What does that mean to us? Well first as mentioned earlier seasons are fixed. Never are our seasons eternal. For example I love the camp counselors I worked with in 2003 and never wanted it to end. The reality is that season had to end, I couldn't be with that same group, at that same camp for the rest of my life. That time period was used specifically to show me and affirm my call to ministry. It was one of many seasons to illustrate that.

3. The meaning of seasons...
Lastly, I think once we understand the meaning of seasons or periods or chapters (whatever you wish to call it) in our lives it becomes much clearer of what seasons mean. At several seasons, I learned a lot about myself, others around me, and even biblical concepts like grace, compassion, mercy, patience and justice. I also think based off of the Old Testament and New Testament, seasons are meant to teach us of our dependency on Jesus Christ as our Source for all things. It would be easy me to want to be in a utopia season, yet I tend to forget Christ in those times. And even during difficult seasons, I am reminded that I need Christ and can't put so much my dependency toward my friends, or relatives or other people who need the exact same thing.

I have always been fascinated by the thought of life being like seasons. I'm not that old but I have experienced several already. With friendships, with leaving home, having new opportunities in ministry, with learning new things about myself, and even getting outside of my comfort zone to embrace a new season. At the same time, I try not to neglect the joy that I can have in every season. I think it is too easy to dismiss a season that I do not enjoy

In the end, seasons are good for our growth, as people, and most importantly followers of Christ. Maybe you are currently in a season, or transitioning out of a season, or entering a new season. The most important element with new seasons of life, and current ones is to always remember that our great God and Savior Jesus Christ is the constant (immutable=unchanging God) through all of our life's seasons.

Be Blessed

To mosque or not to mosque: that is the question

Okay so this has been in the news for quite a while and in no way am I interested in a political debate about this subject. Rather I want to look at it from the perspective that was written in a Relevant article. I understand that some people are emotional about this issue, but I am taking the question that Relevant asked in relation to how Christians should handle the placing of this mosque and its effects. The question was asked what should we do as Christians?

As Christians there is no debate, instead we should focus on serving and expanding the kingdom, focus on glorifying Christ in our daily activities. We should be more concerned that the divorce rate is no different than those who DON'T know Christ. Or that atheist and agnostics stick with their husband and their wives better than conservative Christians. (Read through Barna research group on this) Or that our churches are slowly on the decline, or that the gospel continues to be watered-down in many pulpits and churches. Let's help the needy, and the widows, homeless, supporting justice, love and mercy, (Ex. 23:6; Matt. 19:21; 1 Tim. 5:3; James 1:27) etc... Unfortunately this doesn't make the news because it's not controversial enough. We need to get our priorities straight, don't let the media get you all hyped for political news when we need to take that energy for all this and direct it toward telling people about God's wonderful gift of salvation and His kingdom.



Matthew 6:33:
"But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things (clothing, food, not worrying but trusting God) will be given to you."

Contextually Jesus told his disciples not to worry about the troubles in life because there was point to worry about things of this world. Jesus also spoke specifically about food, and clothing but did not limit it to only those two things. Jesus instead tells his disciples not to worry but to put their energies into focusing on the things above or of the kingdom. (which is repeated by Paul)
I like the New Living Translation:
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, l and he will give you everything you need."

Colossians 3:2:
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Paul reiterates the notion of keeping our focus on the things above not the earthly things. In the context of Colossians 3 he speaks specifically about the regulations that more Judiazer's were trying to put on the Colossian people. He says because they are in Christ, raised with Him they should be keeping their focus on the things above (where Christ resides) and not below. The concept is the same keep your focus on the things above/on the kingdom, don't get caught up in the earthly things!

Be Blessed

Taken for Granted

I remember when I was a kid and we traveled a lot and I was able to see some of the most beautiful places in the world: German castles, salt mines, Austrian ruins, etc... Now I usually get up early and take a walk around where I live. Walking and looking around I am usually awed by how beautiful creation is (even if its in Stafford). But as I walk I think of how much I take for granted on a daily basis. I (like other people) ask God to bless me. There's nothing wrong with that, but I truly forget in the midst of a busy day at work, lunches, classes, readings, meetings that I am already blessed BEYOND my wildest dreams.

I'm reminded of Psalm 103:2-5:
"Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not His benefits--
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things..."

Here is a list of blessings of such a great magnitude (I could also have used the spiritual blessings mentioned in Ephesians 1 or the covenant promises (blessings) mentioned in Galatians 3-4).

The psalmist says we should give praise for these reasons:
1. we are forgiven of all sin--The beauty of the gospel (the good news) is that we are forgiven of the sin that deserved death (Rom. 6:23) or destruction (Eph. 2:1-3).

2. we are healed of all disease--disease mentioned here covers a large variety---physical, mental and spiritual. Charles Spurgeon says on this verse, "When the cause is gone, namely sin, the effect ceases. Sicknesses of the body and soul came into the world by sin, and as sin is eradicated, diseases bodily, mental and spiritual will vanish." Christ's forgiveness of our sins, through His sacrifice on the cross has healed us and given us new life.

3. we are redeemed from the pit----redemption means purchased, primarily the payment of a ransom. Pit here is the Hebrew word sahat (sorry couldn't get Hebrew accents on there). Sahat unlike the common word we know Sheol (hell, pit, death), this word actually means corrupted, to decay, destruction, and ruined. Like what sin has done to the earth, and to all human beings. Again the picture comes clear the blessing of being forgiven by Christ, which heals us and redeems us from the ruin, the destruction of sin by purchasing us!!!

4. He satisfies your desire----what a word! This Hebrew word (saba for those who care) implies more than simply satisfying your desires, but implies an overflowing!!! It means to have enough, to fill, but to also overflow. This fits perfectly within the context of the Psalm (praising God for all His benefits or blessings) and within the framework of what the coming Messiah would do.

As a fleshy, non-perfect human being, I'm constantly seeking things I do not have, or wondering if God will bless me. Though I know this Psalm well and meditated on it several times , I still forget it it often, I don't appreciate it as much as I should, and I definitely take it for granted. Like creation, which I see daily as I go to work, or to lunch, or even to class, I take for granted the fact that I am forgiven, healed, redeemed, and completely satisfied in Jesus Christ and what He has ALREADY done for me. Thankfully I am a work in progress!

Be Blessed.

The World Cup 2010

Anyone who knows me knows I am a fanatic about football (and I don't mean that game where you use your hands!!). ANd being that my country Spain is in the final I'm even more excited about the WC. But in general I love to watch football, emulate great players, play it outside for hours, play it on video games, etc. But it hasn't always been the game in the World Cup that I love to watch, its the various cultures that attend. The World Cup excites me so much because you are getting a wonderful picture of what the kingdom of God looks like and will look like when it is physically manifested. Africans, Americans, English, Germans, Ghanains, South Africans, the Dutch, and the list is endless. All are proud of where they come from but at the same time enjoy each others company amidst a game that has brought peace to warring nations, and people even if for a brief period. The kingdom will be filled with those from every nation. Look at Revelation 7:8-10,


"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb."
People from all parts of the world, different cultures, praising God in His full glory! How awesome is that? I see this when I see the World Cup, a nice picture of what the kingdom will look like...and you know what that's exciting!

On a side note, I wonder if God will allow vuvuzelas in the kingdom?

Be Blessed.

John Piper - Church and politics

Have we gone too far?

July 4th is around the corner (exactly 4 days from today). I begin to see the guys in the make shift trailers in grocery store parking lots selling firecrackers. I think of lots of food, explosions, community, fun and parades.
I know that July 4th is a celebration: a celebration of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, of our independence from Great Britain. I remember as a kid, getting to volunteer, as a boy scout on a military base, in Oklahoma and meeting Lee Greenwood. I am certainly "proud to be an American", but have we gone too far in idolizing being American or patriotism? Before people get all up in arms, I am proud to be in this country, and more thankful for the lives that have given me this freedom but since when has it been tied to Scripture? I feel like in Christian circles being patriotic and Christian have blurred lines. Hence lay my frustration with the way Christians act toward govt. and elected officials (see my Christians and Govt. post). A very good article on this is in the new Relevant magazine. It was written by Greg Boyd and he ventures into areas I have already discussed by focuses his point on the Idolatry of Patriotism.

One important problem he identifies is that, "we have believed the pagan lie that God uniquely favors their country and that their national enemies are God's enemies"

Does God bless America sound about right? In no way am I asking God to NOT bless America but why can't God bless other countries? No country represents God, they represent the people in it! Even in the nation of Israel 65% of Jews say they believe in God, and this is liberal number.
The great part about heaven is that it is made of so many different kinds of people with their SOLE ALLEGIANCE to Jesus Christ! Remember our job is pray, to lift up, encourage, and most importantly submit to the governing authorities (regardless of what kind of government it is!!). It is okay to proud of where you come from but we can't forget our priorities: the kingdom! Boyd says that if "we become too invested in our nation, we can forget our REAL citizenship is in heaven."
I have actually had conversations with people who believed if you weren't American you weren't Christian. I have had the conversation that if your American your Christian!!! How crazy is this?

The danger in investing too much can also be that,"rather than manifesting the distinctive values of the Kingdom of God, we can begin to assume the ideals of our culture are kingdom values."

Finally I think Boyd brings a great example into the light of the phrase, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." These concepts are found no where in Scripture. First you already have life (John 3), you have liberty (Gal. 5:1) and the pursuit of happiness isn't something that you can truly pursue outside of Christ.

Our goal as believers is to reach people for Christ, our goal is to provide the good news of redemption, reconciliation, and renewal, and our allegiance is first and foremost to Jesus Christ. So during this 4th of July, celebrate, have fun, but remember where your allegiance lies.

For further reading on the kingdom a great book is Graeme Goldsworthy's: Goldsworthy trilogy: Gospel and Kingdom
Here it is on Amazon click here

If you would like to read the Boyd article click here
Be Blessed

Summer Memories

I know this is a biblical blog, but I can't help but think of some memories and being that I can hardly remember alot of stuff its best that I write it down. Besides the memories are more like a picture of GOd's grace and care for me at various times. The summer weather is here with blistering heat and humidity. This weather stinks for a lot of people, but there is a group that thrives and comes alive in this: Drum Corp people. I will never forget it, it was the summer of 1997, I had just graduated high school and decided to go to a drum corp show in Hampton, Va. That year they had some of the big wig groups there: The Blue Devils, Crossmen, etc... I will never forget hearing those groups and being in awe. I will never forget Crossmen playing "Birdland" with the screaming trumpets (called sopranos) and the drumline. I remember turning to my friends right after their show and saying that I was going to be in that group someday. After hearing the Blue Devils who played "A Night in Tunisia" which to me is still one of the best renditions of it, I left with a feeling of euphoria. From there I don't know how I got into the drum corp world, I think it was because most of the big groups were so far off I couldnt make it to the camps (you had to attend about 5 or 6 weekend camps about once a month) in states like Delaware, or NY. So I chose to be a part of a Division II corp called "Tarheel Sun" in North Carolina. The corp was dominated by people from the Virginia Beach area with some North Carolina peeps in there too. Immediately we worked so hard, in the sun, sweating, learning music, getting in shape. This was intense. I know at this point (non-musical) or ignorant people would just laugh and call it another form of band-geekizm. But this was hardcore: music, marching, reviewing-10 hours a day in the sun, no matter how hot it was you were out there practicing. Finally you made it to what they called "all-days". This was in May where basically you did this all day. 10 hours a day for 2 weeks learning the show, memorizing music....you get the hint.
Anyway you travel by tour bus, going from state to state, for 3 months till you get to like the Superbowl of Drum corp. Here are some things I remember from that tour: I remember being in Louisiana on a show one night and being bit like I was a piece of food by thousands of mosquitoes. it sucked, people's face were bit, arms, legs, everywhere, ahh it was terrible. I remember once (Akron, Ohio?)we practiced in a tornado storm, we did eventually stop when the sky went black but we were pelted by hail until then!! I remember climbing inside of a high school trophy case to get a Viking which we eventually duct taped to the back of bus for good luck. He broke the last week when the bus driver slammed his brakes. I remember being on a live morning TV show in Buffalo, NY, which we were originally told was going to be on a radio show, so we appeared in sweat pants and t-shirts at like 6am??!!!! I remember being in Allentown, PA, and hearing Billy Joel's "Allentown" being blasted to wake us up in the mornings. I remember my bus mate 'Buddha" (not his real name) and all the times we laughed and how we just gelled. I remember our off-day in San Antonio, TX and the water-park I went to. I remember wailing on my soprano during the solo part in El Cunga (our soloist decided to leave because he said they weren't feeding him and abusing him--all lies of course) during the July 4th celebration with Rob Hixson and getting yelled at by Al (horn instructor). I remember playing in D.C. and my friends came and I didnt know they were there except for when I took the field for the show. I remember turning to Drew one day when we were doing suicides (corp style) and saying " I think I am going to die. Wait no I can't I'm Superman!!" I remember how awesome we sounded and the shock on so many other Corps on how good we were. And finally all the friendship I made: Drew, BJ, Buddha, all of them were great people, and took me in and were great friends. We ended up winning 1st place at every show but the last 2 where we finished 2nd. Which still ticks most of us off to this day.

Oh and in 1999 I did march for the Crossmen. Here's the proof: click here It was fate all over again: I wasn't going to march that year due to money, and yet again I went to watch the Crossmen practice (as Drew left Tarheel to join them). I watched them practice and the horn line instructor came up to me saying that Drew had said something about being good at marching and playing. She said a spot was open and I could jump right in. I quit my job that day, went to the show that night, and got on a bus headed for N.C. show the next day. I had to learn the entire show, and music in about a week. That year was awesome as well. I remember playing with the big wigs of Drum Corp. I remember playing in front of 25,000 people in Madison,Wisconsin! We finished 10th place and I will never forget the experiences that I had with those groups. I had one more year to my name and still to this day this is one of the most difficult decisions I made was not to march my age-out year (something that is VERY special), yet I was in a cross-roads in my life--I was searching for Christ, and I knew that I needed to start college to begin my long journey to a 4 year degree. And I decided to pursue those rather than march and I am okay with it, but I always think what if (Crossmen finished 7th that year and played cool jazz numbers). But I will be a Tarheel Sun and a Crossmen for life. As someone wrote about the cross symbol used by the Crossmen says, "...every Crossmen member and alum knows, the cross has such special meaning."

Well they are certainly right, in more ways than you know!

Be Blessed.

What Ever Happened to Marriage?

Does any body find it sad that we have a TV show that tries to have a man or woman pick from a group of 15 guys or girls, who they will have to marry at the end of the show???!!! Yes I am talking about "The Bachelor or Bachelorette". Recently there was a CNN article about the latest contestants splitting after 3 months. Now you make think: why are you wasting your time on this. Well I will tell you. First I think shows like this give the luxury of marriage in a cheap and sleazy way: meaning that instead of a death do us part, its a pick what you want, marry it and if you dont like it divorce it mentality. Second, while choosing a "bride", the guys basically take advantage on every alone date to make out with every contestant or to see how far he can get with them. This is sad, and a gross distortion of the sanctity of marriage. HEre are the "stats" for the Bachelor show taken from a website:

"1 for 16. - it's the success ratio for The Bachelor and The Bachelorette since the ABC reality franchise debuted in 2002."

One marriage. Out of 16 seasons.

Can you believe that? Then the blogger decides to ask the question: Why can't they find love? Why can't they find love??? Geez it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.

You may ask: well how do you know?
Recently I have been ministering to a lot of couples in their 60's-80's. Most have been married for 50 to 60 years of their lives and decided to share their marriage advice with me. I am deeply indebted to them for sharing hardships as well as the wonderful parts of marriage. I wanted to know what made their marriage last so long, how did you avoid pitfalls and how did you keep it together? The majority of responses were that they:

1. Married their best friend.
Every single person I talked to on this issue said this. You have to have your best friend. Why? Intimacy aside: they will encourage you, move you, take care of you, tell you when your wrong, guide you, ride along side you, persevere with you, and most importantly love you when no one else does. I think this is the kind of love C.S. Lewis spoke of in his book Mere Christianity: not the infatuation love that rests on looks, and skipping hearts( not that this is bad but marriage cant last on this), but real committed love that NO MATTER what happens they stay committed to them. One lady who had been married for 57 years, said that she wouldn't want a rich man, or even a strong man, but a good man, a man that would be her best friend and she found him!

You know before God created a nation, before the first gospel (proto-evangulion), before the family, God's first institution was marriage (Gen. 2:21-25). This is probably why bad marriages affect so many different areas of life: children, family, friends, work because it is the first and foremost institution.

2. Always say I love you (some add a peck on the cheek) every time they leave.
One lady told me a story about a godly man named Bill. He was in his 80's, healthy and active. He loved Christ and loved his wife dearly. One day he left to the grocery store to grab little things for dinner that night. He reached the parking lot and slipped into a sleep (some here think it was a heart attack) and died in that parking lot. His wife said that she would tell him every time he left that house that she loved him and would give him a peck on the cheek. She said she never knew if he would come back or if something might happen. Now obviously we dont want to be paranoid and think that EVERY time we step out something will happen, but something might.

3. Never go to bed angry.
THis is biblical. Ephesians 4:25-27: "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

It doesnt apply directly to marriage but it does apply as individual Christians and our community with other believers. COntextually it speaks of the believers new life, since they have been raised with Christ they must put off the old self, the old ways: falsehood, evil for the new: righteousness, holiness. Ephesians is speaking of community: Eph. 4:25.....members of one body"
THe "in your anger do not sin" comes from Psalm 4:4 which also contextually speaks of our new holy (set apart life) in Christ.
Do not let anger linger. Most of the couples spoke of how they would never be able to physically sleep with anger in their heart. I know several times of where I was angry, or upset where I had the WORST nights sleeping. My mind was focused and thinking, my heart was racing and I could not relax and go to bed. Anger not only is a sin (Matthew 5) but it isn't something we should allow to rule our marriage or ourselves.

Biblical Role:
I know marriage isn't easy. Its a marathon, not a race. The perception of marriage has changed over time also. More people are divorcing for some of the stupidest and selfish reasons. They are exchanging 1 person for another, or using someone esle to fix their problems. What they must realize is that they must look to the Author and Perfecter of Faith: Jesus Christ (Heb. 12:2). He fixes problems, He creates a new heart, He leads and guides you---and He calls you husbands to "love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her"
You are to love her no matter what, and give your entire self to her in the same way that Christ gave himself totally to die for His people. This is NOT an option rather a command (imperative mood in the Greek). (See Eph. 5:25-28: Colossians 3:19)

Likewise wives you must submit (this isnt slavery) to your husbands just like you do to Christ. The husband is the head, just like Christ is the head of the church and you submit to Him correct? You should so the same with the husband. (See Eph. 5:22-24; Colossians 3:18)

***These are tall orders but I know that marriages would model Christ, they would last much much longer.

Oh and if your watching this TV show...quit.

Be Blessed.

High School Memories

From time to time I like to pause the theological stuff for reflections down memory lane. For the first time in a long time I thought about my high school graduation. Now this could have been due to the fact that I was fortunate to recognize some young people who are graduating in our church in a week. But its been about 13 years since I graduated high school and I never really thought back about it too much. High school was an awkward period for alot of people but it was definitely for me. I wasn't a believer at this time in my life and was searching for my place in my school. I just wanted to fit in. 9th grade is always the strangest because your in a new school, you no longer are cool and your trying to find a group to fit in with. I managed to pursue my love for music by doing several music classes. If the gift of music wasn't a part of my life who knows where I would have ended up. I put all of my energy into the musical groups I was a part of. Though parts of high school still haunt me (those clothes and hair), its a period of time that I grew as a person. Graduating from high school became a transition into the real world (and the high cost of college). In a week thousands of high schoolers will be graduating with dreams of college, or a tech school of some sort and saying goodbye to old buildings with funny lunch ladies, and smelly bathrooms with no toilet paper and broken sinks, principals who come onto the intercom to announce something of absolutely no importance, to fat security guards who if you ran .00003 of a mile from them they'd die, to vending machines that worked until that kid who decided to bust it open with his foot destroyed your chance of ever eating from them again, to goofy hairstyles, corny dances, stonewashed jeans, football games where you win the homecoming game 62-7, then lose every single game of the season, to yearbooks that you wish were burned up in a blazing inferno. But there are also some of the good things like putting whole bag of M&M's into a persons engine, your best friend getting puked on by a homeless man while waiting in line at the movie theater, to taking your senior pictures in your work clothes (I worked at Food Lion back when they had to wear a blue/green apron+nametag), to spending 6 hours at your friends house trying to break the 5 inch thick ice on his pond, to getting your shirt ripped off because it was caught in a tire from a moving car, to pelvic thrusting your band teacher during the school's very public Christmas concert dressed in a Santa Suit, to mispelling jipped (I spelling jiped) on a blackboard then getting in trouble for it and spending 6 hours in the teachers office, to telling your English teacher (when she incorrectly throws you out of class thinking you were talking--when you WERE NOT!) that your going to burn her house down with kerosene, and last but not least realizing that everything is going to change in your life. College graduation is very similar, but thats a diffrent memory for now.

Be Blessed

Longing for Pandora??

A blockbuster movie came out last year called Avatar. It was directed by James Cameron (director of the Titanic) and was a movie he had been thinking about make for quite some time. This movie beat all the records set previous for highest grossing movie, merchandising, etc... Basically it made ALOT of money. If you havent seen the film the premise is described here:

"A place set in the future when the Earth's resources have been pillaged by the human race. A greedy corporation is trying to mine from the planet Pandora, which is inhabited by a peace-loving race of 10-foot tall, blue-skinned natives called the Na'vi.

In their race to mine for Pandora's resources, the humans clash with the Na'vi, leading to casualties on both sides. The world of Pandora is reminiscent of a prehistoric fantasyland, filled with dinosaur-like creatures mixed with the kinds of fauna you may find in the deep reaches of the ocean. Compared with life on Earth, Pandora is a beautiful, glowing utopia.

I found an article about Avatar on CNN from January 2010, describing the fact that there were people so entranced by the beauty of the place called "Pandora", people were actually becoming depressed or suicidal.

One person wrote:
"One can say my depression was twofold: I was depressed because I really wanted to live in Pandora, which seemed like such a perfect place, but I was also depressed and disgusted with the sight of our world, what we have done to Earth. I so much wanted to escape reality,"

The want and need to go to Pandora is described by one of the actors:
"Pandora is a pristine world and there is the synergy between all of the creatures of the planet and I think that strikes a deep chord within people that has a wishfulness and a wistfulness to it,"

These people were longing for a place of peace, a place of love, a place where people lived in harmony forever. Funny thing is when I read this article I realized that these people CAN HAVE this very type of place: the kingdom of God. For what the kingdom of God actually is read my other post.
God's people in a similar way (the whole creation and its inhabitants) groan and long for when God (Romans 8:22-23) will refine the earth and combine heaven and earth together and unite Himself with His people!

These people are longing for a place on a movie screen, while there is a God who longs for them to know who He is so that they can live lives dedicated to Him--- living eternally with Himself in a perfect utopia!!!

Listen to this description:
"I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Rev. 21:1-3

How amazing is that?? God Himself will be with his people, no more death, tears, mourning or pain. Check these additional descriptions out:

"...and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
Rev. 21:10-11

"I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. "
Rev. 21:22-23

Wow, Pandora has nothing on the kingdom of God manifested like this. I can only imagine what John felt at those moments as this was all being revealed to him. Its exciting to simply read this knowing that as followers/believers in Christ, when our King returns to bring all things together---we will be there. Celebrating, rejoicing at His brilliance, His majesty, His glory--in a world that is perfect, pristine, harmonious, and better than any representation that movies TRY to imitate. Pandora in no way compares to the glory of the kingdom!

I pray that these people will hear the gospel message. The good news that we have in Christ so that they will have a past joy (Christ' death on the cross for forgiveness of sins) and a future joy ( Christ' return). If your a believer already then let this be an encouragement for whatever your going through: a bad job, bad friends, bad day,---that in the midst of this, "we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ..." (Titus 2:13)

So as the apostle John says in Rev. 22:21-"...Amen, Come Lord Jesus."

Be blessed!

Christians and Government (or church and politics) part 4

I recently found this video of John Piper (Q&A) discussing church and politics and found it to be refreshing--especially 2:38-3:05. It goes along with what we have been discussing in the earlier blogs. Check it out here
Be Blessed