Earlier this week we once again witnessed a disturbing clash of worldviews, the hedonistic, naturalistic worldview where life is de-valued and the Christian worldview where life is precious and valued. A local Detroit radio station’s evening DJ decided that it would be a good idea to offer cash to the person who guessed the day that Brittany Spears would end her life either by a drug overdose or however she would die. This type of activity, if you want to call it an activity is known as a “dead pool”. Local residents and those touched by suicide were outraged at the stunt and the station pulled the web site that it had set up and issued a public apology.
In today’s culture we are constantly being bombarded with this naturalistic, hedonistic worldview whether it is from the abortion industry, the pornography industry or even from the national or local media industry. The live for self pleasure attitude rules the day and unfortunately it has permeated even to the church.
What is the response to this culture of death? Simply it is the promotion of the culture of life. There is no better place to start than in the home and in the church. God instructed His people to share without fail his commandments, decrees, and statutes and the place where that was to begin and continue was in the home. He said to teach them in the morning, at noon, in the evening, to teach them as you were on your way, and when you were coming home. Surround your home with those commandments and not only speak about them live them every day. How do we overcome the culture of death we overcome it at home.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The Next Generation
James Dobson, Chuck Colson, Jerry Falwell, D. James Kennedy each on of these men have had a huge influence on my life. I became a Christ follower back in 1980 and one of the first books I read following my conversion was Chuck Colson’s Born Again. One of the first people I watched intently on television was Jerry Falwell and I always enjoyed listening to Dr. Kennedy’s Truth’s that Transform and after becoming a father there was no greater voice than Dr. Dobson.
Over the past six months however we have lost two of the greatest voices for living a life founded on a Biblical worldview with the passing of Jerry Falwell and the just recent passing of Dr. Kennedy. And though I rejoice that these men of God have “run the good race, have competed their mission, and the crown that awaited them is theirs” I am concerned. I am concerned for the generation of men and women who have never been challenged as I was challenged by the likes of these men to examine their lives to see if they are “walking the walk”. I am concerned because I am wondering where the voice for the next generation is, who will be the men and women who will pick up the mantle and carry the Cultural Commission and the Great Commission to this next generation.
Over the coming years more of the voices of this generation will be called home and that is why today I want to encourage the next generation to begin to learn about those who have gone before them. I encourage this next generation to put down that PS III or to unplug that MP 3 just for a moment and to pick up and read the likes of C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaefer, James Sire, Augustine be challenged by the work of Nancy Pearcy, Chuck Colson, Ken Boa and G.K. Chesterson and above all renew your mind daily with the greatest compilation of all time The Bible.
If you of this next generation will do this perhaps you will be the one God has called to be the voice of your generation.
Over the past six months however we have lost two of the greatest voices for living a life founded on a Biblical worldview with the passing of Jerry Falwell and the just recent passing of Dr. Kennedy. And though I rejoice that these men of God have “run the good race, have competed their mission, and the crown that awaited them is theirs” I am concerned. I am concerned for the generation of men and women who have never been challenged as I was challenged by the likes of these men to examine their lives to see if they are “walking the walk”. I am concerned because I am wondering where the voice for the next generation is, who will be the men and women who will pick up the mantle and carry the Cultural Commission and the Great Commission to this next generation.
Over the coming years more of the voices of this generation will be called home and that is why today I want to encourage the next generation to begin to learn about those who have gone before them. I encourage this next generation to put down that PS III or to unplug that MP 3 just for a moment and to pick up and read the likes of C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaefer, James Sire, Augustine be challenged by the work of Nancy Pearcy, Chuck Colson, Ken Boa and G.K. Chesterson and above all renew your mind daily with the greatest compilation of all time The Bible.
If you of this next generation will do this perhaps you will be the one God has called to be the voice of your generation.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Two for one discussion
There are a couple of issues that I have recently read about that I would like us to really get into. The first issue is a local issue (Michigan). According to Focus on the Family’s Citizen’s link a pro-life group in Flint is suing the governor of this fine state because she is collecting petitions on her web site in support of embryonic stem cell research, but she refuses, on this publicly funded site, to give space to those opposed to embryonic stem cell research. In essence she is a giving a government benefit, a government voice favoring those who agree with her on this policy.
As a private citizen, on her own website, the governor can endorse whatever she wishes, but on a publicly funded website she must give equal access to all voices on an issue. Let’s hope the Federal Court sees the need for such equal access.
The next issue that needs to be discussed involves a statement made by Bishop Tiny Muskens of the Netherlands. He contends that Catholic Churches in the Netherlands should begin calling God by the name Allah in order to help ease tensions between Muslins and Catholics. "Someone like me has prayed to Allah yang maha kuasa (Almighty God) for eight years in Indonesia and other priests for 20 or 30 years," Muskens said. "In the heart of the Eucharist, God is called Allah over there, so why can't we start doing that together?" I don’t know about you but I have a real problem with a Christian, Catholic or otherwise, advising the flock he shepherds to act in a politically correct fashion just so as not to offend. I realize that the Lord God is above such “discussion and bickering” as Bishop Muskens says but the one who is “I AM” desires that all men would be come into a relationship with Him and the Muslim god Allah is not the “name given by which all must be saved” but only in the name of Jesus are men saved.
As a private citizen, on her own website, the governor can endorse whatever she wishes, but on a publicly funded website she must give equal access to all voices on an issue. Let’s hope the Federal Court sees the need for such equal access.
The next issue that needs to be discussed involves a statement made by Bishop Tiny Muskens of the Netherlands. He contends that Catholic Churches in the Netherlands should begin calling God by the name Allah in order to help ease tensions between Muslins and Catholics. "Someone like me has prayed to Allah yang maha kuasa (Almighty God) for eight years in Indonesia and other priests for 20 or 30 years," Muskens said. "In the heart of the Eucharist, God is called Allah over there, so why can't we start doing that together?" I don’t know about you but I have a real problem with a Christian, Catholic or otherwise, advising the flock he shepherds to act in a politically correct fashion just so as not to offend. I realize that the Lord God is above such “discussion and bickering” as Bishop Muskens says but the one who is “I AM” desires that all men would be come into a relationship with Him and the Muslim god Allah is not the “name given by which all must be saved” but only in the name of Jesus are men saved.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Lutherans Say Gay is OK
During a weeklong assembly that ended Saturday, August 11, 2007 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) again loosened its standards on homosexuality. While they voted down a measure that would have ended the church's celibacy requirement for homosexual clergy, they voted in favor of refraining from disciplining homosexual clergy who are in committed relationships.
These types of rulings always confuse me because I can never see the logic. By keeping the celibacy requirement they are acknowledging that homosexual sex is a sin. At the same time, by refraining from discipline they are effectivley endorsing the sin.
If I were in a 'committed' adulterous affair, I would not expect my church to say, as long as I am cheating on my wife with only one woman, they will not do anything about it. I expect my church to uphold Biblical truths and call me on the carpet for my sinful actions. If I repent of my sin, I can be restored within the body. If I continue to sin, I expect my church to remove me from any leadership position.
You would not ignore cancer in your body. You would take action to remove it before it spreads and destroys your body. The same implications are true with allowing sin to stay within the church body, specifically the leadership.
That being said, every one of us who walks through a church door is a sinner and fall short of the glory of God. Homosexuality is no worse of a short falling that stealing a pack of gum.
For those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are forgiven sinners. As forgiven sinners we still struggle to stay away from our sinful nature, but as forgiven sinners we acknowledge our sin and turn from it.
The action of the ELCA strikes me as a compromise between those who believe the Bible and those who do not. You can never compromise the Bible. For those Lutherans who are concerned about a split, do not be. Separating yourself from satanic influences is the best thing you could do.
These types of rulings always confuse me because I can never see the logic. By keeping the celibacy requirement they are acknowledging that homosexual sex is a sin. At the same time, by refraining from discipline they are effectivley endorsing the sin.
If I were in a 'committed' adulterous affair, I would not expect my church to say, as long as I am cheating on my wife with only one woman, they will not do anything about it. I expect my church to uphold Biblical truths and call me on the carpet for my sinful actions. If I repent of my sin, I can be restored within the body. If I continue to sin, I expect my church to remove me from any leadership position.
You would not ignore cancer in your body. You would take action to remove it before it spreads and destroys your body. The same implications are true with allowing sin to stay within the church body, specifically the leadership.
That being said, every one of us who walks through a church door is a sinner and fall short of the glory of God. Homosexuality is no worse of a short falling that stealing a pack of gum.
For those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are forgiven sinners. As forgiven sinners we still struggle to stay away from our sinful nature, but as forgiven sinners we acknowledge our sin and turn from it.
The action of the ELCA strikes me as a compromise between those who believe the Bible and those who do not. You can never compromise the Bible. For those Lutherans who are concerned about a split, do not be. Separating yourself from satanic influences is the best thing you could do.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
I am a Defect
I just found out I am in trouble. Pope Benedict XVI approved a document saying non-Catholic Christian communities are either defective or not true churches, and the Roman Catholic Church provides the only true path to salvation. I am pretty sure that in John 14:6 Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And in Acts 2:21 Peter tells us “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” I see nothing about the Catholic Church, the Pope or any priest being part of my salvation.
The argument that other churches do not have ‘apostolic succession’, making them inferior, also has me scratching my head. Paul went to the gentiles to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. None of those believers would have had any ‘apostolic succession’ since Paul was not one of the twelve. In fact, Jews for Jesus would have a better claim of ‘apostolic succession’ than the Catholic Church, since the apostles mainly taught Jews.
The Pope did get one thing right when the report stated "Christ 'established here on earth' only one church". That Church was called the Way in Acts. That Church consists of anyone who believes that Jesus was God in the flesh, he lived a sinless life, was crucified for everyone’s sin and rose from the dead overcoming death, that Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation, that salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned, and that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.
If you believe what was just stated, I do not care what denomination you are. Anything other than that is manmade and that is when the problems begin. Diverting from scripture is when Satan gets a foothold.
I was glad to see the Pope does not see me as a total loser. In referencing non-Catholic Churches the document stated "In fact the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as instruments of salvation, whose value derives from that fullness of grace and of truth which has been entrusted to the Catholic Church." Looks like I dodge a bullet and can go back to reading the Bible instead of going to the confessional.
The argument that other churches do not have ‘apostolic succession’, making them inferior, also has me scratching my head. Paul went to the gentiles to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. None of those believers would have had any ‘apostolic succession’ since Paul was not one of the twelve. In fact, Jews for Jesus would have a better claim of ‘apostolic succession’ than the Catholic Church, since the apostles mainly taught Jews.
The Pope did get one thing right when the report stated "Christ 'established here on earth' only one church". That Church was called the Way in Acts. That Church consists of anyone who believes that Jesus was God in the flesh, he lived a sinless life, was crucified for everyone’s sin and rose from the dead overcoming death, that Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation, that salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned, and that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.
If you believe what was just stated, I do not care what denomination you are. Anything other than that is manmade and that is when the problems begin. Diverting from scripture is when Satan gets a foothold.
I was glad to see the Pope does not see me as a total loser. In referencing non-Catholic Churches the document stated "In fact the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as instruments of salvation, whose value derives from that fullness of grace and of truth which has been entrusted to the Catholic Church." Looks like I dodge a bullet and can go back to reading the Bible instead of going to the confessional.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Celebrity Cience – Part II Global Warming v. Global Norming
John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, ... When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Show me the Money
Global warming is all the rage these days. Celebrities want to save the world by sending everyone (but themselves) back to the Stone Age. Scientists want government money to study the phenomenon and then suggest solutions that will require even more government money be sent to them for implementation. Poor countries love it because they can get the UN to redistribute money from the wealthy countries (US, UK) to their dictator’s bank account (and everyone will wonder why nothing was accomplished with all those billions of dollars). Liberal politicians love it because they have an excuse to redistribute money from the wealthy (middle class) to scientists and dictators and keep their environmental voters happy. The real story can be found by following the money and the lies that propagate the ‘crises’.
If you do not think it is about the money, consider that on May 22, 2007 Oxfam, a so called aid agency, stated that coping with the ravages of global warming will cost $50 billion a year. Their solution is for the United States to pay 44% of that cost. That is $22 BILLION each and every year that will come from your pocket and mine. Their rational is that developing countries cannot and should not be expected to foot the bill for the impact of rich countries' emissions, completely ignoring the fact that developing countries are the worst polluters.
Nothing New
American media has predicted global disasters for over 100 years. Each one was going to kill billions. In 1895 there was an imminent ice age, in the 1920’s a half degree increase in temperature led to global warming hysteria that lasted until the 1950’s, in the 1970’s it was another ice age and then in the 1980’s it was back to global warming.
Reality
There is no debate that the Earth has warmed slightly. The debate is whether it is manmade or part of a regular climate cycle. Going through the information that is available is a daunting task. For those of you who may be on the verge of believing that global warming is manmade and an inevitable catastrophe, lets run through just a few of items being tossed around regarding global warming. You can then do your own investigation to further educate yourself.
Global Warming Scare Tactic
Global Warming is Manmade.
Global Norming Reality
There is no scientific proof that global warming is manmade. There are a lot of people that want you to believe there is proof, but this is just people taking a warming trend and blaming it on mankind.
However, there is proof that global warming is directly linked to the Sun’s solar output. The World Climate Report states “When the sun is more energetic and putting out more energy, the Earth tends to warm up, and when the sun cools down, so does the Earth”.
We are currently in the midst of an active Sun cycle. Mars and Neptune are currently experiencing global warming in tandem with the Earth. Better ban Suburbans and Expeditions from those planets before we have a Universal catastrophe.
Global Warming Scare Tactic
The Earth is warming.
Global Norming Reality
The global temperature has risen an astounding 1/2°C since the 1950’s. My body temperature fluctuates more than that each day.
Global Warming Scare Tactic
Snow and Ice and Glaciers, Oh My.
Global Norming Reality
Changes to the snow cap of Kilimanjaro and glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica are the most common examples of Global Warming.
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro's snow cap has been shrinking for around 100 years. Most of the disappearance happened pre-1953. The snow cap is disappearing due to reduced snowfall cause by a weather shift. Climatologists acknowledge the icecap has come and gone before.
Greenland
Do you think the inhabitants of Greenland were being facetious when they named it Greenland? Greenland was a Viking agriculture society from 1100 to 1500AD. It was abandoned during the mini ice age in the 1600’s. If the glaciers melt, Greenland is just getting back to normal.
Antarctica
There is evidence documented by the British Antarctic Survey which shows that the ice shelfs retreated 9,500 years ago and did not reform for 1,500 years. "Thus, the present loss of ice shelves cannot be assumed to be a consequence of Man-made climate change, unless and until a cause can be identified". British Antarctic Survey
Just My Opinion
As Christians we are to be stewards of Earth. I do not want to breathe dirty air or drink polluted water any more than the next person. But it seems to me that you would have to be an ego maniac to think that you could impact, positively or negatively, something as finely tuned as God’s creation. You also need to be self centered to assume that just because you are alive today makes today “normal’.
Global warming is about the money, not saving the planet. At the risk of offending the GEICO Cavemen, unless you can show me that cavemen were driving around in SUV’s 10,000 years ago causing global warming, I will stick with global warming being a part of a natural rise and fall of Earth’s temperatures. Now keep your hands off my wallet.
You belong to your father, the devil, ... When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Show me the Money
Global warming is all the rage these days. Celebrities want to save the world by sending everyone (but themselves) back to the Stone Age. Scientists want government money to study the phenomenon and then suggest solutions that will require even more government money be sent to them for implementation. Poor countries love it because they can get the UN to redistribute money from the wealthy countries (US, UK) to their dictator’s bank account (and everyone will wonder why nothing was accomplished with all those billions of dollars). Liberal politicians love it because they have an excuse to redistribute money from the wealthy (middle class) to scientists and dictators and keep their environmental voters happy. The real story can be found by following the money and the lies that propagate the ‘crises’.
If you do not think it is about the money, consider that on May 22, 2007 Oxfam, a so called aid agency, stated that coping with the ravages of global warming will cost $50 billion a year. Their solution is for the United States to pay 44% of that cost. That is $22 BILLION each and every year that will come from your pocket and mine. Their rational is that developing countries cannot and should not be expected to foot the bill for the impact of rich countries' emissions, completely ignoring the fact that developing countries are the worst polluters.
Nothing New
American media has predicted global disasters for over 100 years. Each one was going to kill billions. In 1895 there was an imminent ice age, in the 1920’s a half degree increase in temperature led to global warming hysteria that lasted until the 1950’s, in the 1970’s it was another ice age and then in the 1980’s it was back to global warming.
Reality
There is no debate that the Earth has warmed slightly. The debate is whether it is manmade or part of a regular climate cycle. Going through the information that is available is a daunting task. For those of you who may be on the verge of believing that global warming is manmade and an inevitable catastrophe, lets run through just a few of items being tossed around regarding global warming. You can then do your own investigation to further educate yourself.
Global Warming Scare Tactic
Global Warming is Manmade.
Global Norming Reality
There is no scientific proof that global warming is manmade. There are a lot of people that want you to believe there is proof, but this is just people taking a warming trend and blaming it on mankind.
However, there is proof that global warming is directly linked to the Sun’s solar output. The World Climate Report states “When the sun is more energetic and putting out more energy, the Earth tends to warm up, and when the sun cools down, so does the Earth”.
We are currently in the midst of an active Sun cycle. Mars and Neptune are currently experiencing global warming in tandem with the Earth. Better ban Suburbans and Expeditions from those planets before we have a Universal catastrophe.
Global Warming Scare Tactic
The Earth is warming.
Global Norming Reality
The global temperature has risen an astounding 1/2°C since the 1950’s. My body temperature fluctuates more than that each day.
Global Warming Scare Tactic
Snow and Ice and Glaciers, Oh My.
Global Norming Reality
Changes to the snow cap of Kilimanjaro and glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica are the most common examples of Global Warming.
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro's snow cap has been shrinking for around 100 years. Most of the disappearance happened pre-1953. The snow cap is disappearing due to reduced snowfall cause by a weather shift. Climatologists acknowledge the icecap has come and gone before.
Greenland
Do you think the inhabitants of Greenland were being facetious when they named it Greenland? Greenland was a Viking agriculture society from 1100 to 1500AD. It was abandoned during the mini ice age in the 1600’s. If the glaciers melt, Greenland is just getting back to normal.
Antarctica
There is evidence documented by the British Antarctic Survey which shows that the ice shelfs retreated 9,500 years ago and did not reform for 1,500 years. "Thus, the present loss of ice shelves cannot be assumed to be a consequence of Man-made climate change, unless and until a cause can be identified". British Antarctic Survey
Just My Opinion
As Christians we are to be stewards of Earth. I do not want to breathe dirty air or drink polluted water any more than the next person. But it seems to me that you would have to be an ego maniac to think that you could impact, positively or negatively, something as finely tuned as God’s creation. You also need to be self centered to assume that just because you are alive today makes today “normal’.
Global warming is about the money, not saving the planet. At the risk of offending the GEICO Cavemen, unless you can show me that cavemen were driving around in SUV’s 10,000 years ago causing global warming, I will stick with global warming being a part of a natural rise and fall of Earth’s temperatures. Now keep your hands off my wallet.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Episcopal Priest and Islam
An Episcopal priest converted to Islam in 2006. She attends mosque on Friday’s, yet continues to preach at her Episcopal church on Sunday’s. She considers herself to be 100% Muslim and 100% Christian. I would dare to say she is 100% neither.
The most basic problem is the divinity of Jesus, his dying on the cross for our sins and his resurrection to overcome death. Islam accepts none of this and views Jesus as merely a prophet. Without the Christian understanding of Jesus, there is no Christian. All you end up with is another manmade religion.
What bothers me the most about this is not one misguided person and the damage she is doing on Sunday mornings. What bothers me is the Episcopal Church and its actions.
A quote from the article is “Redding's embrace of Islam has been affirmed by her bishop, Rt. Rev. Vincent Warner, who thinks the interfaith possibilities are exciting”. Exciting!! Are you nuts? Pull your head out of the sand buddy. The two religions are not compatible.
The other part from the article that amazed me was as follows:
“She was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1984 but has always challenged her church, calling Christianity the "world religion of privilege."
She has never believed in the Christian doctrine of original sin, and for years she struggled with the nature of Jesus' divinity, the Times said, concluding Jesus is the son of God insofar as all humans are the children of God, and that Jesus is divine, just as all humans are divine — because God dwells in all humans. “
Why did the Episcopal Church ever ordain her? Being a priest/pastor/preacher is not a job that any yahoo who can pass a few theology classes should be doing. Leading people to the truth can only be done by people who believe the truth.
So we have an Episcopal Church where whatever faith works for you is good with them, Jesus is just a nice guy and gay is OK. Can they be sued for damaging Christianity?
The link for the full article is:
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56244
The most basic problem is the divinity of Jesus, his dying on the cross for our sins and his resurrection to overcome death. Islam accepts none of this and views Jesus as merely a prophet. Without the Christian understanding of Jesus, there is no Christian. All you end up with is another manmade religion.
What bothers me the most about this is not one misguided person and the damage she is doing on Sunday mornings. What bothers me is the Episcopal Church and its actions.
A quote from the article is “Redding's embrace of Islam has been affirmed by her bishop, Rt. Rev. Vincent Warner, who thinks the interfaith possibilities are exciting”. Exciting!! Are you nuts? Pull your head out of the sand buddy. The two religions are not compatible.
The other part from the article that amazed me was as follows:
“She was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1984 but has always challenged her church, calling Christianity the "world religion of privilege."
She has never believed in the Christian doctrine of original sin, and for years she struggled with the nature of Jesus' divinity, the Times said, concluding Jesus is the son of God insofar as all humans are the children of God, and that Jesus is divine, just as all humans are divine — because God dwells in all humans. “
Why did the Episcopal Church ever ordain her? Being a priest/pastor/preacher is not a job that any yahoo who can pass a few theology classes should be doing. Leading people to the truth can only be done by people who believe the truth.
So we have an Episcopal Church where whatever faith works for you is good with them, Jesus is just a nice guy and gay is OK. Can they be sued for damaging Christianity?
The link for the full article is:
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56244
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