*Gospel-driven Disciples

Supreme Court: Churches Protected From Bias Suits

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that certain employees of church-run schools and other religious organizations cannot sue for job bias. The unanimous decision stresses the need of religious groups to carry out their mission without government interference.

In one of the most important church-state cases in years, the justices recognized a "ministerial exception" to federal protections against job discrimination, a stance that had been adopted by several lower federal courts.

Wednesday's decision did not fully define who would be covered but suggested that any people connected to the religious mission of the institution, even with minimal related duties, would be covered.

"The interest of society in the enforcement of employment discrimination statutes is undoubtedly important," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court. "But so too is the interest of religious groups in choosing who will preach their beliefs, teach their faith and carry out their mission." (emphasis mine)

Conversion is a work of God!

2012-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Conversion is a work above man's power. We are 'born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God' (John 1:13). Never think you can convert yourself. If ever you would be savingly converted, you must despair of doing it in your own strength. It is a resurrection from the dead (Ephesians 2:1), a new creation (Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 2:10), a work of absolute omnipotence (Ephesians 1:19). Are not these out of the reach of human power? ... This is a supernatural work ... 'Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but of mercy he saved us' ... 'Of his own will he begat us' (James 1:18). We are chosen and called unto sanctification, not for it (Ephesians 1:4). God finds nothing in man to turn His heart, but enough to turn His stomach; He finds enough to provoke His loathing, but nothing to excite His love. Look back upon yourself, O Christian! Reflect upon your swinish nature, your filthy swill, your once beloved mire (2 Peter 2). Behold your slime and corruption ... How then should holiness and purity love you? ... Who but must needs cry, Grace! Grace! ... What but free grace could move God to love you.”

Joseph Alleine, "A Sure Guide to Heaven"

The Long and the Short of It...

2012-01-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Humor and Faith

If "Jesus Wept" (John 11:35) is the shortest verse in the English Bible, what is the longest sentence in the English language?"

(Scroll down to view answer)

"I do"

Top Ten Television "Truths?" - Truth # 10

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

"Cat heaven is a wonderful place,

but you don't get there if you are euthanized."

--Angela Martin

The Office, Season 4, Episode 1

(Angela is holding a photo of herself and Sprinkles prior to Dwight euthanizing her)

_______________________________________________

Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement of this series. I am simply intrigued at times with the profundity, power, or playfulness of humanistic philosophy. This was just "profound" and "humorous" enough to take a place on my "irreverent" Friday's.

Apostasy

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Apostasy. Deliberate repudiation and abandonment of the faith that one has professed. Apostasy differs from heresy. A heretic denies an aspect of the Christian faith retains or maintains the name of "Christian."

Examples of apostasy are found throughout the bible - Demas (II Tim. 4:12), Hymenaeus and Alexander (I Tim. 1:20)

The apostles warned that apostasy would rise in the church which would culminate in the appearance of the "Man of Sin" (II Thess. 2:3; I Tim. 4:1-2)

The New Testament gives numerous warning to believers to avoid the danger of apostasy and the consequences of falling way from the Faith. (Heb. 6:5-8; 10:26)

Emperor Julian (361-363) renounced the Christian faith and attempted vigorously to reestablish paganism in the Roman Empire was a famous apostate who became known as "The Apostate."

The early church faced ten major and official periods of persecution. These persecutions resulted in some believers to renounce their faith in order to retain their lives. The church was divided over whether these "apostates" could be restored to the faith and the church. Some were readmitted with a public confession of guilt and repentance.

_________________________________
Walter A. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd ed,( Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, 1984, 2001), p. 85

Engedi

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

En Gedi's fame comes out of the story of David and King Saul. In I Sammuel 24 we are told that Saul was looking to take David's life. David and his men go up into the mountain of En Gedi to hide from Saul. God has told David that the time would come that, "his enemy would be given into his hands to do as he thought best." In this case David and his men find this place of solace. They hide deep in the recesses of the mountain. Saul brings 3000 men from Jerusalem to find and kill David. They are combing the mountain. Saul needs to "relieve himself" and goes into the very cave in which David is hiding. David's men see this as David's chance to end the conflict. David thinks about it and sneaks up behind Saul and cuts off the corner of his cloak. David then returns to his men. He tells them that after much thought he knows Saul to be God's anointed King. He believes it is not his right to harm him. He convinces them to leave Saul alone. King Saul later leaves the cave. As he is descending the mountain David calls out to him and shows him the corner of his cloak. He pledges to Saul that he will not, and does not want to, harm the anointed of God. He tells him that surely this should convince Saul that there is no need to hunt him down. David assures him that he is not, and never will be, a threat to Saul or his Kingdom. This could be the very pool of water that David drank from and bathed in while hiding from King Saul.

Sexperiment 2011?

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

A Piece of My Mind…

Don’t you hate conversations that begin with, “Well, I am no prude, but…?” I assure you that I am no prude nor do I shy away from legitimate conversations about sex. After coming across an article by David Shariatmadari in The Guardian, dated January 9, 2012 I feel compelled to weigh in.

According to Shariatmadari’s article Ed and Lisa Young spent 24 hours in a bed on the roof of his Dallas/Grapevine Texas church building in what they call a Sexperiment Bed-in. Their mission apparently was to “underline the importance of regular sex between married Christian couples. I suspect, tongue-in-cheek, Shariatmadari stated that Ed and Lisa Young would NOT practice what he intended to preach, at least not on that occasion.

Young streamlined the event live on his website. The Young’s gave interviews, answered relationship questions, and “taught” on God’s purpose for intimacy in marriage.”

Your first question is probably, why? Well, it seems the Young’s have written a book called Sexperiement which calls for a “seven-day sex challenge” for married couples. The point seems to be to encourage couples to have sex every day for a full week in order to “experience the power of marriage done God’s way.”

Cori, a commenter on Young’s website wrote, “Good one Pastor Young for talking about this in the church – for too long we’ve been embarrassed to talk about sex, and the devil has had a field day – time for Christians to take back what belongs to us!”

Lisa Young told CNN: “For far too long the church has been silent about a subject God was not silent about. He certainly is the author and creator of sex, so why would we not, in the context of church, speak about something that he (God) was not bashful about?”

There is no doubt sex is not only created by God but it is a gift of God to His children for both pleasure and pro-creation. Someone once said, “Sex is God’s wedding present to be opened on your wedding night.” Again, there is no doubt that the church has a divine responsibility to teach what God says about marriage, family, the home, and sex. The leadership of the church should not shy away from teaching every subject within the pages of the bible.

But, let me give you a piece of my mind…

First, teaching on sex and sexual issues must be done discreetly within the confidential confines of a safe setting not in the auditorium. Sexual issues certainly shouldn’t be taught from the roof of a church building while being streamlined live on a website. We must be sensitive to age, emotional maturity, and proper etiquette when the leadership teaches on this subject.

We certainly need to instruct God’s people on relationship issues, marriage, family, and God’s purpose for intimacy. The church should not be insensitive to the needs of the families that are within its membership. We certainly shouldn’t be afraid of the subject of sex.

Second, the mechanics of sexual intimacy should be discussed with husband and wives by doctors. Great care must be exercised when discussing the dynamics and mechanics of the sexual act. Less than prudent counseling sessions have ended in disastrous adulteries.

Third, we must guard against several inherent dangers while teaching, discussing, or counseling on such an intimate, personal, and sensitive subject.

· Reducing the subject of sex from precious and God-given to the level of the street where it could become mundane, dirty, or animalistic

· Titillating for the sake of arousing sexual feelings or desires

· Compromising biblical standards and parameters

· Creating temptation to sin while attempting to be relevant, hip, or on the “cutting edge

Bashful or not, prude or “prudent” or not, we must seek divine wisdom and leading when teaching on such a sensitive and powerful subject. Carrying out our God given responsibilities as pastors, parents, and partners (married) does not give us carte blanche to turn such a gift from God into a “three-ring circus,” or in this case into a video spectator sport on a roof top of a building supposedly dedicated to the worship of our majestic God.

What do you think?

Gregg Metcalf's 55 Undeniable Truths - The Second Ten

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

11. I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. I will shoot first and ask questions later, or I will drag your bleeding body inside my house "proving I shot the intruder inside the premises."

12. Life is extremely short. Therefore, take Solomon's advice, "Rejoice, O young man in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these Gold will bring you into judgement...Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 11:9, 12:13b-14, ESV)

13. If you are 15 minutes early, you are on time. If you are on time you are late, and if you are late, you are irresponsible.

14. Time heals nothing. Dependence upon Christ through the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and proactive obedience results in the healing of all wounds.

15. We do not all have the same amount of time. Each person may have the same 24 hour cycle in a specific day, but no one knows the amount of time or days God has decreed for each person. Use your wisely and fully.

16. If you take yourself to seriously you will explode. Don't think more highly of yourselves than you should. Learn to laugh at yourself, God knows, others already do.

17. If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time.

18. It can always be worse. Many times we will have trials and tribulations, but regardless of ours, someone somewhere has it worse.

19. There are two ways to become a fool: the first is to believe what isn't true, second is to refuse to believe what is true. Many times the only difference is wise discernment.

20. Insanity is repeatedly doing the same thing while expecting different results.

It Will Cost You Everything!

2012-01-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

A quote from Steve Lawson:

He [Jesus Christ] is not coming to play games. He is not coming to be docile. He is coming to dominate, and He is coming to slaughter... He is the King of kings and He is the Lord of lord’s— and at the end of this age He will bolt out of heaven on a white steed— and His garments are dripped in blood, the blood of His own enemies— and He is coming back to conquer and to damn.

~Steve Lawson (It Will Cost You Everything)

Theme Songs for Bible Characters

2012-01-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Humor and Faith

Noah: "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head"

Adam and Eve: "Strangers in Paradise

Lazarus: "The Second Time Around"

Esther: "I Feel Pretty"

Job: "I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues"

Moses: "The Wanderer"

Jezebel: "The Lady is a Tramp"

Samson: "Hair"

Salome: "I Could Have Danced All Night"

Daniel: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"

Joshua: "Good Vibrations"

Peter: "I'm Sorry"

Happy Birthday?

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

January 20, 1920 American Civil Liberties Union founded:

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonpartisan non-profit organization whose stated mission is "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States."

It works through litigation, lobbying, and community education. Founded in 1920 by Crystal Eastman, Roger Baldwin and Walter Nelles, the ACLU has over 500,000 members and has an annual budget over $100M. Local affiliates of the ACLU are active in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The ACLU provides legal assistance in cases in which it considers civil liberties to be at risk. Legal support from the ACLU can take the form of direct legal representation, or preparation of amicus curiae briefs expressing legal arguments (when another law firm is already providing representation).

The ACLU has played a role in many landmark court decisions, including the Scopes Trial, Brown v. Board of Education, Gideon v. Wainwright, Griswold v. Connecticut, Roe v. Wade, New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, and Miranda v. Arizona.

In addition to representing persons in lawsuits, the organization also lobbies for policies that have been established by its board of directors. Current positions include: opposing the death penalty; supporting gay marriage and the right of gays to adopt; supporting birth control and abortion rights (as established in Roe v. Wade); eliminating discrimination against women, minorities, and gays; supporting the rights of prisoners and opposing torture; supporting the right of religious persons to practice their faiths without government interference; and opposing any government preference for religion over non-religion, or for particular faiths over others.

The ACLU also maintains a variety of educational programs, intended to educate the public about civil liberties. It seems to very rarely, if ever befriend and advocate for Christian groups or positions. So, I don't know if we would want to "express Happy Birthday sentiments" or simply say "Oh My!"

2012-01-19T04:00:00.001-08:00

Waiting for new heavens and a new earth

"...according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens

and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."

(II Peter 3:14, ESV)

These new heavens and new earth will come into being following the visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ and after Jesus institutes His rule on this earth. Our Lord will judge the ungodly and Satan and then He will destroy the old heaven and earth.

God had originally created the heavens and earth and then gave them to Adam to rule, or to maintain dominion over them as steward or manager. Of course, as we read in Genesis, Eve was deceived with Adam joining in her deception sinned. Sin, then entered in both man's and the earth's experience.

The earth now, according to Paul (Romans 8:22), groans in anticipation for the day when God will judge Satan, Sin, and the ungodly. Even this earth longs for the day when the curse is lifted from it and it is restored to its original condition.

Peter told his readers that the "old heavens" will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat. At the same time it seems the "old earth" will also be burned up. We as believers are waiting for this day. This is our hope - Christ's return, the destruction of unrighteousness and the establishment of righteousness.

How about you? Are you expectantly waiting for the new heavens and the new earth that Christ will provide? Jesus Himself has promised them to us, you can truly count on them. What a day that will be!

Not A New Vision, Just a Tired Old Version

2012-01-18T04:00:00.001-08:00

Lyons Vision for Christianity in America is not new, it is simply the same tired old mantra that has been hanging around since the fall of man. Gabe Lyons, founder of Q and best selling author has set out to destroy what he calls "an incoherent half-truth of sin and salvation." Lyons recently (Jan 11th) spoke at Calvin College.

He claims that the Christian message that is being proclaimed today is no different than someone giving you a novel with the first and last 100 pages ripped out with no explanation. He states you would be furious at the author for writing a book like this or the person who would dare give you such a book.

Lyons advocated both his joy at and the "demise" of Christianity. He believes that what he calls "the Next Christians" will have a more enlightened view of what God really intended. In his first book called UnChristians, Lyons and his foundation tracked what he called the "demise" of Christianity by recording the "falling of Christianity" from public favor.

According to Lyons’ research, the first association with Christianity that 91 percent of Americans between the ages of 16 and 29 make is with an anti-homosexual stance. Three-quarters believe Christians want to impose a right-wing agenda on others, and 70 percent view them as proselytizers, merely interested in padding church rolls with fresh converts.

Lyons developed his vision for this new Christianity in his book The Next Christians. Lyons presented his audience with reasons for Christians to have hope. This hope lies in the rediscovery of what he called Christianity’s “full story.” He states that this story begins with a "good creation" and ends with the responsibility "to restore it." Lyons believes Christians are rediscovering that this means going and advocates that we go out from the churches into all areas of culture – into Madison Avenue, Hollywood and Wall Street, and the educational world.

The dangerous lie hidden within this new Christianity of his is a reduction if not refusal to talk about sin, repentance, and salvation in order to talk about restoring the original creation by the creation of good things in these above mentioned entities. Lyons has developed a vision of Christian community as a commonwealth founded on love and justice in the midst of the kingdoms of the earth. Through his organization Q, his website, and his books he is trying to sell this new vision.

God has not commissioned his church to restore the creation that was marred by the fall. He will do that by, not restoring this present heaven and earth, but by destroying them with fire and by melting them. God has commissioned His church to preach the good news of the gospel of reconciliation. Reconciliation of God and man made possible by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ which calls for the recognition of sin and repentance. These are the things that Lyons, Q, and those of his ilk have celebrated their demise.

Every generation has its Gabe Lyons. Those whom God has destined to be deceived will no doubt buy into his sad, tired, false premise. Those whom are has elected to eternal life will not be deceived regardless of the "reasonableness" of such false teachings.

Consistency

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

con-sis-ten-cy\ken-'sisten-se\n

1. a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc.: The liquid has the consistency of cream.

2. steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.: There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.

3. agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing: consistency of colors throughout the house.

4. the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness

If you ask me, the most difficult aspect of the Christian walk is consistency. Waiting, praying, trusting, believing, and even growing or stretching are far more easier tasks than actually remaining consistent in attitude or actions. The unbelieving world rests on coiled springs ready to pounce on any hint of inconsistency in the walk of a believer. May God grant us the daily wherewithal to conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with our holy calling as true children of God.

--Gregg Metcalf

Briefing

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Report on Religion
Faith, Church and History

CHURCH NEWS
Christian Persecution on the rise in India

Hostility in India has been increasing over the entire country as a direct result of the fast growth of the church and the great response to the Gospel in so many areas. Recent threats and outbreaks of violence against Christians in India show persecution is on the rise. Any hope for justice in this New Year looks grim.

North Korea still number one in persecution of Christians

North Korea tops the list for the 10th straight year as the country where Christians face the most severe persecution, while Islamic-majority countries represent nine of the top 10 and 38 of the 50 countries on the annual ranking according to the 2012 World Watch List.

Afghanistan (2), Saudi Arabia (3), Somalia (4), Iran (5) and the Maldives (6) form a bloc where indigenous Christians have almost no freedom to openly worship. For the first time Pakistan (10) entered the top 10, after a tumultuous year during which the nation’s highest-ranking Christian politician, Cabinet Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, was assassinated for his attempts to change the blasphemy law.

The rest of the top 10 list by Open Doors is composed of Uzbekistan, Yemen and Iraq. Laos was the lone country to drop from the top 10 list, falling from number ten to twelfth.

Persecution has worsened due to Muslim extremists, however Dr. Carl Moeller, Open Doors USA President/CEO, believes that North Korea still deserves its No. 1 ranking.

FAITH NEWS
Perry makes faith-based pitch to voters in South Carolina. returned to the presidential campaign trail on Sunday with a fire-and-brimstone rallying cry to evangelical Christians whose allegiance in the South Carolina primary will be a pivotal force in the Republican nomination race.

Opening a two-week tour across the state where he launched his campaign in August and now hopes to revive it, the Texas governor invoked his Christian faith throughout his remarks to supporters at a diner in Spartenburg, a bastion of religious conservatives in upstate South Carolina.

Faith in Jesus Christ, Perry told the Beacon diner crowd, was part of what led him to resume the campaign after he was trounced in the Iowa caucuses.

MINISTRY
January 10, 1739: George Whitefield, the preacher who sparked America's first Great Awakening, is ordained to the Anglican ministry. Whitefield took to open-air preaching after jealous ministers denied him the use of their pulpits, and he was perfectly suited to it—his booming voice, it was reported, could be heard a mile away.

January 11, 1759: The first American life insurance company is incorporated in Philadelphia—the "Corporation of Poor and Distressed Presbyterian Ministers and of the Poor and Distressed Widows and Children of Presbyterian Ministers."

2012-01-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Quotes and Quips

“Most Christians salute the sovereignty of God but believe in the sovereignty of man.”

― R.C. Sproul

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Humor and Faith

The Dentist's Hymn: Crown Him With Many Crowns

The Weatherman's Hymn: There Shall Be Showers of Blessings

The Contractor's Hymn: The Church's One Foundation

The Tailor's Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy

The Golfer's Hymn: There is a Green Hill Far Away

The Politician's Hymn: Standing On The Promises

The Optometrist's Hymn: Open My Eyes That I May See

The IRS Agent's Hymn: I Surrender All

The Gossip's Hymn: Pass It On

The Electrician's Hymn: Send Out Thy Light
The Shopper's Hymn: Sweet By And By

Hero (Michael Israel)

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this video? If you have it is well

worth watching again! Yes, it brought tears to my eyes.

Regardless of whether he is a believer or not or whether "nationalistic patriotism" is a spiritual component, we must, I say must, thank God for the various men and women that he raises up in services like the Fire Department or Police Department which are dedicated to serving and protecting us.

I enjoy sharing things with you that move me or bless me. I want you to share in the same blessing and enjoy various talents.

2012-01-12T04:00:00.001-08:00

ex-ag-or-ad’-zo

verb: To redeem by payment of a price in order to recover from the power of another as to ransom or buy off, to buy up for one's self, for one's use as in Christ freeing the elect from the dominion of the Mosaic Law at the price of His own vicarious death.

"To redeem (ex-ag-or-ad' - zo) them that were under the law , that we might receive the adoption of sons..." (Galatians 4:5, KJV)

Are We Trying to Have our Cake and Eat It Too?

2012-01-11T04:00:00.001-08:00

Woman denied handing out pagan books at public school

When the Buncombe County (North Carolina) School System called Ginger Strivelli’s bluff, the Pagan mother of a student at a Weaverville elementary school didn’t back down.

In December, school officials had allowed a local chapter of The Gideons International to make Bibles available at North Windy Ridge Elementary. When Strivelli’s son came home with one, she complained and asked to drop off some Pagan books at the school.

According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, Principal Jackie Byerly initially said, “If another group wishes to do the same [as the Gideons], I plan on handling that the same way as I have handled this.”

But when Strivelli showed up at the school with her books, she was informed that she couldn’t leave them because “a new policy is being crafted.”

When will people wake up and do some real thinking? A new policy is being crafted that will probably state that no materials can be handed out at the school. What are Christians afraid of? I will tell you what I believe the problem is - most believers truly doubt the sufficiency of Scripture and the Sovereignty of God.

We as believers need to know that this is not the Kingdom age where Christ rules with a rod of iron and works of unrighteousness are smashed. What I mean is what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. If we want the right to distribute "Christian" material or bibles on state, federal, or municipal property, then everyone else must have the same right. Are we so foolish as to think we can have and eat our cake at the same time?

I happen to believe that God's Word is fully sufficient to counteract any pagan material that the Devil can come up with. I also believe that God is so sovereignly powerful that He can at any time and in any manner overrule the works and powers of darkness. We have never been called to legislate righteousness. Our duty is not to prevent the distribution of pagan material but to witness to the reality and power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are to be both salt and light in a darkened and decaying world.

When we attempt to prevent the cults, occults, and pagans from distributing their material we run the distinct risk of being denied the opportunity of distributing "our" material. All we do is make our commission that more much difficult. You didn't see Paul drafting legislation demanding that the Athenians take down all the idols that filled the city. He simply recognized their deception, formulated a plan, preached Christ and proclaimed the gospel.

I believe Satan has developed a plan to "silence" Christian witness by deception causing believers to be distracted from their primary responsibility of being effective witnesses by attempting to legislate righteousness. In my opinion this is really the end result of Arminianism and Dominionism.

Arminian theology lends itself to the belief that even though God is "all powerful," he is restricted by man's actions and activities. Dominionism states that we as Christians are responsible to take over the world and make it a Christian domain. Neither is biblical nor do they lend themselves to our true mission of making disciples.

Hand in Hand

2012-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hand in Hand

Words by Gregg Metcalf

Music by Jenean Thompson

written May 1992

recorded by Christ Church of Federal Way, WA 1993

I was teaching expositionally through the Epistle to the Ephesians in our church in Federal Way, WA. As I studied the text I was moved by the promise of God's presence in a passage. I wanted to pray and praise God for the sweetness of the moment. Then I picked up my pen and wrote these words.

I finished them, took them to my secretary's office (an accomplished musician) and asked her to write some music. She did, a beautiful ballad was put together by her incredible voice and musical talent on the piano. She heard that Christ Church of Federal Way was producing a CD of worship and praise songs. She ran this song by the producer and our song was selected to be recorded. It came out beautifully.

When I fail and it's more than I can bear

when my heart tells me there's no one to care

when the sun has set and the night takes command

by His presence He takes me by my hand

Every day I live the winds of fear assail

and I think I'm about to be lost in the gale

I run to the one that commands the wind

I'm not afraid He holds my hand once again

Chorus:

Hand in hand together we walk through the night

by His strength by His grace by His holy might

He takes me where there is peace by his demand

in His presence He takes me by my hand

Have you fallen in the race and lost your way

is your night so dark you're afraid to pray

let me tell you friend there's a light up ahead

don't be afraid there is nothing now to dread

Chorus:

Hand in hand together we walk through the night

by His strength by His grace by His holy might

He takes me where there is peace by his demand

in His presence He takes me by my hand

We need not hear a heart so weak and in despair

have joy give praise for there is one who cares

Yes it is true that oft today I might fail

but I know I'll never be lost in the gale

Chorus:

Hand in hand together we walk through the night

by His strength by His grace by His holy might

He takes me where there is peace by his demand

in His presence He takes me by my hand

In His presence He takes me by my hand

Thank you Lord, for taking my hand

My Top Book Picks for 2011

2012-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a listing of my top 10 books for 2011. They would be a valuable addition to any believer's library.

1. ESV Study Bible

2. Christ Formed in You - Brian Hedges

3. Radical - David Platt

4. A Method For Prayer - Matthew Henry

5. John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock - Iain Murray

6. Concerning the True Care of Souls - Martin Bucer

7. Heroes - Iain Murray

8. Here I Stand - Roland Bainton

9. The Autobiography of George Mueller - George Mueller

10. The Church in the Making - Ben Arment

The Flaws of Worldliness

2012-01-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Quotes and Quips

“Worldliness proposes objectives which demand no radical breach with man's fallen nature; it judges the importance of things by the present and material results; it weighs success by numbers; it covets human esteem and wants no unpopularity; it knows no truth for which it is worth suffering; it declines to be a 'fool for Christ's sake.”

― Iain Murray

Highway Men and Hymns

2012-01-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Humor and Faith

For those of you who drive,

if you must speed on the highway,

please sing these......

45 mph: God Will Take Care Of You

55 mph: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

65 mph: Nearer My God To Thee

75 mph: Nearer Still Nearer

85 mph: This World Is Not My Home

95 mph: Lord, I'm Coming Home

Over 100 mph: Precious Memories

Book Review: Letter of Samuel Rutherford

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Letters of Samuel Rutherford
Author: Samuel Rutherford as selected by Andrew A. Bonar
First Copy Right: 1664
Type of Book: Hardback
General Subject: Inspiration, Christian Living
Price: $39.00
ISBN: 0-85151-388-3

The purpose of this book is extremely difficult to nail down. A collection of Rutherford's letters were published 3 years after his death. This compilation was published in 1891 and these letters were selected by Andrew A Bonar. Bonar's purpose of selecting these letters seems to come from the book jacket where he is quoted as saying, "What a wealth of spiritual ravishment we have here! This edition is a noble volume and we shall measure the soundness of Scotch religion very much by the sale of this work. One page of Rutherford is worth a thousand tomes of the Downgrade frothiness."

It seems that the purpose of this volume is to inspire, instruct, and to inculcate the very grace of God to those who would read these letters. These letters serve as a very large door way into the heart of this great pastor. They show his knowledge and love of the Savior and his love and commitment to his people.

Rutherford wrote various letters that encouraged, edified, or engaged the recipients in the grace and knowledge of God. He wrote these letters from the view point of a pastor who was deeply aware of his charge and responsibiltiy before his God to shepherd the sheep trusted to him. Rutherford made no attempt to be technical or dramatical. He wrote beautiful biblical theology which was coated by God's grace.

The author's style is homy, personal, parochial, and precious. He writes in the formal prose of his day, yet the letters flow informally from his heart to his people.

This book effected me very deeply. The heart and depth of this man's relationship with God is almost beyond comprehending. One cannot read these letters without grieving over one's sense of one's own lack of intimacy and yet a joy in knowing one can strive for this intimacy. Rutherford's language is almost heavenly, it was bathed in constant prayer. If Bonar's purpose was to inspire, edify, and demonstrate God's grace, that purpose was certainly accomplished. I would recommend this book to every believer who wants to know what it is like to walk in the shadow of God.

The theme of this book is inspirational letters of a pastor to his people. The thesis seems to be, pastors must comfort, instruct, and edify their people.

Rutherford develops this theme by simple narration. He also uses explanations and analytsis to present his various truths in various letters.

For example in letter four, he is writing to a parishoner whose infant daughter had died. He paints a tremendous picture of where a believer's affections should really be by writing:

"Build your nest upon no tree here; for ye see God hath sold the forest to death; and every tree whereupon we would rest is ready to be cut down, to the end we may fly and mount up, and build upon the Rock, and dwell in the holes of the Rock."

This book was extremely interesting and inspiring. It is an extremely valuable tool in Christian growth.

Samuel Rutherford was a Scottish pastor and theologian. He was a professor at Edinburgh College in Scotland. He was an author having published a book defending the Doctrines of Grace and his book Le Rex (The Law and the King) caused him to be charged with treason. He died before he could respond to a governmental summons.

My general conclusions is that is an extremely valuable addition to any believer's "library." This book will have a major impact on those who truly drink deep from the well of grace which each letter is bathed with.

Word Study: προλαμβανω

2012-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Our goal for today's word study is to determine the meaning of προλαμβανω within its biblical context. Please keep in mind there are two important truths that govern our study: first, our word study must be based on the original language and not the English word, and second, the context is the ultimate determiner of the precise meaning of any word that we are attempting to study.

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, ESV)

The King James, New King James, and the Revised Standard Version translate our word as "overtaken." The NASB, English Standard Version, and the New International Version translate it as "caught." The New Living Translation translate the word as "overcome."

Careful scholars will translate the original text with the English word (s) that most clearly convey its meaning. It seems that the best translation of this word is "overtaken, or overcome."

We can initially conclude that some believers are overtaken by some sin or fault. This doesn't tell us very much, however, it is a good start.

Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary (1969) defines "overtaken" as "to catch up with, to catch up with and pass by, to come upon suddenly; to seize."

The Englishmen's Greek Concordance of the New Testament (p. 657) shows that Paul uses this word one other time in the Greek New Testament:

I Corinthians 11:21 -- "For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk."

New Thayer's Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (p. 541) tells us that "overtaken" is used to translate the Greek Word προληφθη. It is defined by Thayer's as to take before, to anticipate, to forestall, to take one by forestalling (by surprise.)

Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words says that is a compound Greek word, "pro" and lambano." It means "to anticipate, to take, of forestalling the less favored, or "of being overtaken." In this passage it means " of being caught by sin through being off guard.

Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (p.14) says of Paul's usage in Galatians 6:1, "The point of προληφθη is that Paul has in view a fault into which the brother is betrayed "unawares," so that it is not intentionally wrong. In this case brotherly help is demanded rather than unloving judgment.

Prolambano (prol-am-ban’-o) can mean "to anticipate", "to take before" (hand) and "to be overtaken." It is used three times in the New Testament. It is used twice by the Apostle Paul.

So, let's pull this all together and define our word.

First of all, our definition carries within it the "genes" for debate and controversy. The word that Paul used does not refer to a deliberate, willful, or planned sin by an individual. As a matter of fact, Paul would not suppose such a man who deliberately planned to sin as even being a Christian. In Paul's theology, a believer has been freed from the penalty and power of sin and therefore has died to sin.

Secondly, Paul is not treating sin in the church as something that is a "hypothetical possibility." He recognizes that sin in the church is a reality. Therefore, moral failure should not be a surprise to other members in the body when it occurs.

Third, our word strictly by definition and context refers to an individual who has grown lax in keeping up his guard and is suddenly and by surprise overtaken by a temptation. This is a sin which people fall by weakness and being unalert. Barnes describes it as "a slip that might occur to a man on a very slippery or icy road." In other words, if he doesn't pay attention, suddenly, he will be overtaken by a fall from the ice.

Within the context then, those believers who are living out the fruit of the Holy Spirit are to take the responsibility to restore any believers who have dropped their guard and slipped into a fault or sin.

(I don't know why my typing switched to small in some places. I have used normal all the way through this post. It switched on its own. I am sorry.)

What Did You Resolve for 2012?

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

"I appeal to you...to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God..." (Romans 12:1, ESV)

While the rest of the world is making and pronouncing grandiose resolutions for this coming year, what about you Christian? How have you responded to this challenge by the Apostle Paul to the Roman believers? What resolution have you made to respond to this challenge to give yourself without reserve to the service of our gracious God?

I realize that many of us simply dismiss this challenge because we believe it is impossible for us to keep. After all, the last thing we need is one more resolution dangling about broken and forgotten. Recognition of our weaknesses and reluctance to step out in faith and make such an oath should not keep us from making it our aim. The good news is that such a commitment is not grouped with such things as "three strikes and you're out."

William Law wrote in A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life in regards to why particular sins are so prevalent, "Now the reason...is this, because men have not so much as the intention to please God in all their actions." Ouch! What is my intention? What is your intention? Do we, as blood-bought redeemed children of God intend to to please God in all of our actions? This is what Paul had in mind when he addressed the Christians at Rome.

It seems this intention is the key to a life of obedience, service, and holiness. Remember my favorite axiom, if we aim at nothing we will hit it every time? Well, if we don't make such a commitment, even though we know that we may fail not once but several times, we will never strive to live such a life that Christ and Paul called for.

Hell Was A Hot Topic in 2011

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

It seems that hell was a very popular topic in 2011. Hollywood films, New York Best-sellers list, and theological debates devoted quite a bit of time to this usually unpopular and dark subject. 2011 saw a resurgence in the debate of whether hell actually exists or not and will people really be sent there.

I did not see the movie but early in 2011 Hollywood put out a film with Anthony Hopkins who played a demon possessed priest engaged in a fierce battle with Satan called The Rite.

Harold Camping, former President of Family Radio predicted that Christ would return for true believers and that catastophic judgment would fall on the earth on first, May 21, 2011 and then when that didn't occur on October 21, 2011.He predicted judgment day with "weeping and wailing."

Former Pastor, Rod Bell wrote and released a best-selling book called Love Wins. Bell questioned whether a "few select" people would actually make it to heaven while billions of other people "burn forever in hell." Bell argued that God's grace and His infinite love will eventually win over many, if not all people giving them heaven also.

Pastor, oops, former Pastor, no, I guess Pastor Francis Chan wrote a response to Bell's book called Erasing Hell. Chan thoroughly studied the bible for what it and Jesus had taught about hell and concluded it was real. Chan worries that people will become complacent about their destiny with devastating results if Bell is wrong.

Also in 2011, Lauren Winner, assistant professor Christian spirituality at Duke Divinity wrote that Bell's book "exposed a debate among evangelicals that has been percolating underground for years." She states that there has been "hints of creeping universalism" in the evangelical world for about the last 30 years.

James Martin, culture editor of America Magazine has written extensively on the subject of hell. His conclusions (in accordance with Roman Catholic thinking) is that people land in hell not because they have faith or no faith, but because they choose to reject God's grace and attempts at reconciliation. Martin has stated that his favorite quote is from St. Therese of Liseux who said, "I believe in hell, and I believe it is empty." Martin does say two interesting things about hell, one, he is not taking any chances with hell, and two, in the end, hell is a mystery.

Well, it seems that hell was a mystery to many in 2011. Of course hell has been both taught and rejected for centuries. The reason for such a discussion in 2011 may be somewhat mysterious but the subject is not. The bible is quite clear on the doctrine of judgment, punishment, and hell for unrighteous unbelievers.

Monday Facts

2012-01-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

Fact: I missed posting and reading Monday facts during December.

Fact: Irene and I moved on December 10, 2011. Shannon, Sonja, Madilynn, Bryttany, and friends Larry and Alex did the complete move for us. They loaded and unloaded the UHaul. Praise God for their help!

Fact: Irene and I love our new place. It is a small apartment, but what the heck? It is only us two now, oh yeah, and Fi Fi. It is cozy and warm.

Fact: We froze for seven winters in our previous home. If there is one thing I will not miss about that house it is the freezing cold during the winter.

Fact: I now have a galley kitchen. It is unbelievably small. I am still having a difficult time getting use to cooking in it. I love the rest of the apartment but the kitchen is terrible. It is really for a single guy who lives on peanut butter sandwiches, potato chips, and soda. There is not even enough counter space for my griddle, I now use three pans for breakfast (in place of the griddle) to cook bacon, eggs, and hash browns. It was a dark- comedy trying to cook black bean soup yesterday and baked Cornish game hens. (This is not the kitchen, it was just a shot of a galley kitchen to use as an example.)

Fact: We had a wonderful "Christmas." Irene went down to Sonja's on Saturday to help prepare Christmas dinner. I got up leisurely, had biscuits and gravy and then gathered with the body at Coal Creek. I then drove down to Vancouver and enjoyed Christmas dinner with Irene, daughters Shannon and Sonja, granddaughters Madilynn and Bryttany, and nephew and niece Dan and Lupe. We had ham and a great roast.

Fact: My niece Lupe gave me a framed picture of the plaque and four rocks from the Areopagus where Paul preached on Mars Hill in Athens, Greece. Yes I am pretending Paul stood on or held those very rocks.

Fact: We spent New Year's Eve at home watching Season Six of Law and Order. Very quiet, very safe, and very cozy. Stayed up this year and watched 2012 arrive, usually I go to bed early and miss the arrival of the new year.

Fact: After being assigned to HMM-261 and transferring to HMH-461 MCAS New River, NC, I was ordered to join VMA-211 a light anti aircraft bomber stationed in Iwakuni, Japan. I was the NBC NCO, Training NCO, and Operations Clerk. My overseas tour was for 13 months and included Okinawa (The Rock) and Olongapo City, Philippines.

Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211) is a United States Marine Corps attack squadron consisting of AV-8B Harrier (V/STOL) jets, known as the "Wake Island Avengers."

VMA-211 can trace its lineage to January 1, 1937 when Marine Fighting Squadron 4 (VF-4M) was activated at Naval Air Station San Diego, California.Although it was the second time a VF-4M had existed, the previous one was decommissioned in 1931 and it was not considered the same squadron. The squadron was decommissioned in 1933 but was recommissioned as VF-8M in 1935. On July 1, 1937 VF-8M was re-designated Marine Fighting Squadron 2 (VMF-2) and by the end of the year, had completely reequipped with Grumman F3F-2s which replaced F3F-1s and a few even older F2F-1s. The squadron participated in annual Fleet Problems while at San Diego and even played a part in the making of the movie "Dive Bomber." Several future Medal of Honor recipients served with the squadron during this period, including Henry Elrod, Robert Galer, and Gregory (Pappy) Boyington. In January 1941, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii and was re-designated VMF-211 on July 1, 1941.

With escalation of the Vietnam War, VMA-211 moved to Japan in 1965 and commenced the first of four deployments to the Republic of Vietnam. In August 1976, the squadron returned to MCAS El Toro.

VMA-211 was deployed in the spring of 1972 to Naha Air Force base on Okinawa and within three months was redeployed to Bien Hoa Air Base in Viet Nam. It was the only strategic American fighting unit left in Viet Nam except for small Army Air Cav unit in Bien Hoa.

In September 1987, the squadron celebrated an aviation milestone when it passed 30 years of flying the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. After successfully completing the last overseas deployment with the A-4M Skyhawk in 1989, VMA-211 began transferring these aircraft to the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in preparation for transition to the AV-8B Night Attack aircraft. In June 1990 the squadron began flying the Night Attack variant of the Harrier. During this time the Avengers were awarded Marine Corps Aviation Association "Attack Squadron of the Year" three times, in 1995, 1996, and 1998.

In September 2000, the squadron began introduction of the latest Harrier variant, the AV-8B II+ radar aircraft. The squadron soon fielded a complement of both Radar and Night Attack Harriers.

Fact: Fi Fi likes working at the apartment offfice. Everyone loves her, gives her treats, and is spoiling her rotten. I should be treated this well. The tenants call her the "Assistant Manager."

Fact: Web Pierce was a great singer. He did a great job on "I Can't Help It if I am Still in Love with You." But He ain't no Hank Williams. Still love the original. However, it still didn't stop me from turning him up and rockin' the office a bit.

Fact: He put in a pool at his Nashville home in the shape of his guitar. That's Web standing on the diving board.

New Year

2012-01-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in Thy presence,
in Thy service, to Thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,
but may rely on Thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth Thy praise;
testify Thy love,
advance Thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with Thee, O Father as my harbour,
Thee, O Son, at my helm,
Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to Thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
Thy comforts to cheer,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilize.

May Thy fear be my awe,
Thy triumphs my joy.

- Valley of Vision, p. 112

Anticipating Tomorrow...

2011-12-31T04:00:00.000-08:00

"Happy New Year!" That greeting will be said and heard for at least the first couple of weeks as a new year gets under way. But the day celebrated as New Year's Day in modern America was not always January 1.

ANCIENT NEW YEARS

The celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible cresent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. January 1, on the other hand, has no astronomical nor agricultural significance. It is purely arbitrary.

The Babylonian new year celebration lasted for eleven days. Each day had its own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year's Eve festivities pale in comparison.
The Romans continued to observe the new year in late March, but their calendar was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun.
In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the new year. But tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar. It again established January 1 as the new year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days.

FOR LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR

Traditionally, it was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. For that reason, it has become common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends. Parties often last into the middle of the night after the ringing in of a new year. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year's Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall dark-haired man.

Traditional New Year foods are also thought to bring luck. Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune.

Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures.

The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.

TOASTING

One of the most venerable New Years traditions is the champaign toast at midnight to ring in the new year. Toasting can be traced back to the ancient Romans and Greeks who would pour wine, to be shared among those attending a religious function, from a common pitcher. The host would drink first, to assure his guests that the wine was not poisoned. Poisoning the wine was a fairly common practice in ancient times, designed to do away with one's enemies. In those days the wine was not as refined as it is today so a square of burned bread (toast) would be floated in the wine bowl and then eaten by the last person to drink. The bread was put there to absorb the extra acidity of the wine in order to make it more palatable. Eventually, the act of drinking in unison came to be called a toast, from the act of "toasting" or putting toast into the wine.

AULD LANG SYNE

The song, "Auld Lang Syne" is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scottish tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."

______________________________________________
Here's to hoping you have a safe, sane, and sanctifying New Year tomorrow as 2012 begins! Lord bless you all!

Does Jesus Need Saving?

2011-12-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Kidnapped by the Christian Right.

Discarded by the Secular Left.

Jesus Needs Saving.

So says Living the Question and savingjesus.com.Saving Jesus Redux Home Edition is a 12-episode video "exploration" for a credible Jesus for the 21st Century. This is a compilation of some 25 "experts" who come together for a conversation about the relevance of Jesus for today.

Amy-Jill Levine, a participant, says: "We're having a culture war and Jesus happens to be one of the weapons tossed about by both sides."

The savingjesus video exploration sets out answer questions like:

Who was He?
What can we know about Him - really?
Considering everything done in his name, is there anything about him worth saving?

Their advertisement in Time Magazine goes on to say, "With insights from 25 specialists, Saving Jesus leaves behind old paradigms and dogmas for a candid conversation about a Jesus you've probably never heard about - one with relevance for today."

Really? A conversation I have never heard about Jesus? With Brian McLaren and Walter Brueggemann as key participants I don't doubt it is a conversation about a Jesus I have never heard about. McLaren is attempting to single handedly destroy traditional Christianity and reconstruct it without biblical parameters.

This is so reminiscent of the time around "Easter" when all the documentaries, programs, and articles on the lost epistles, spurious writings, missing books of the bible, and resurrection legends appear.

Jesus is not lost. Jesus does not need saving. Brian McLaren and his cronies need saving. Jesus is not a cultural war weapon being tossed about by biblicists and biblical Christians. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God in heaven where he has been since his ascension back into heaven. He serves night and day as both high priest and advocate to the true children of God.

The Scriptures are clear on who Jesus is and why He is "relevant" to any age, including this modern age in which we now live. Would I discourage a conversation about Jesus? Certainly not. At least not a conversation based on sound proper biblical exegesis and in line with 2,000 years of accepted church history. Is it possible to tweak some things about Jesus life and/or ministry and through discovery find some additional facts? Yes.

However, nothing we now know or will ever discover will ever contradict what has been revealed in the Bible. Culture does not change Jesus nor cause him to need saving. Experts who have rejected traditional and biblical Christianity will not change Jesus nor cause him to need saving. Discussions lasting 12 or 120 episodes will not contradict or undo the revelation of Jesus Christ in our Sacred Scriptures.

Living the Questions, with its lofty goal of "...not the product of a denominational work group or other institutional effort aimed at simply dressing up the theological status quo...it is the response to the search for a practical tool to bring together, equip, and re-educate thinking Christians" has missed the mark. Jesus does not need them to redefine him or Christianity.

Jesus has not been kidnapped by the Christian Right. He was given as a gift to a lost and dying world.

Discarded by the left. To discard implies something once possessed, those apart from a saving work of Jesus Christ never had the true Christ, therefore, He cannot be discarded.

Jesus does not need saving.

However, Luke tells us very succinctly and pointedly that, "For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, ESV)

Thank You Lord for Philip P. Bliss!

2011-12-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

(From the Files - Re-posted from 29 Dec 2009)

On this day, December 29th, 1876 a passenger train crashed when the trestle bridge it was crossing collapsed near Ashtabula, Ohio. Ninety two people died in what became known as the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster. Among the number of passengers who died that day was Philip P. Bliss.

You may not know who Bliss was but you certainly know his hymns. Bliss was an accomplished composer, conductor, gospel singer, and evangelist. He wrote many hymns, some which you still sing today – that is if your church or fellowship still sings hymns.

Among the hymns that Mr. Bliss wrote are; Almost Persuaded; Hallelujah, What A Savior; Wonderful Words of Life; and Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. Thank God he also wrote the music to one of the most precious poems ever written. A man named Horatio Spafford wrote the words to It is Well with My Soul after receiving a telegraph that the ship his wife and daughters had been traveling on had sunk, and that his four daughters had drowned at sea. Philip Bliss wrote the tune to those words that we love and sing today.

How did he die? He actually survived the crash and had made his way out of the passenger car that he and his wife had been traveling in. While waiting rescue the passenger car caught fire and he went back into the flaming car to rescue his wife. In God’s sovereign plan both died in the fiery car and neither body was ever found.

The Bliss’s were survived by both of their two sons, George and Philip who at the time were aged 4 and 1 respectively. Eventually a monument was erected in Rome, Pennsylvania in Bliss’s memory.

By the way, one more fascinating piece of information, though neither body was found, his traveling trunk somehow survived both the crash and the fire. Inside the trunk was the manuscript for a song that he had written. However, no music for those lyrics was found in that trunk.

Soon afterwards as providence would have it, a man named James McGranahan wrote the music which allowed Thomas Edison to make it one the first songs ever to be recorded. Oh, what was the name of that song, you ask? It was I Will Sing of My Redeemer.

The night before that terrible railroad accident at Ashtabula... Bliss told his audience, "I may not pass this way again." Then he sang a solo entitled, I'm Going Home Tomorrow. This proved to be prophetic of his own home-going.

_______________________________________________________
Happy 58th Birthday to my loving wife of 38 years, Irene H. Metcalf of Kelso, WA!

Will the World End In 2012?

2011-12-28T04:00:00.001-08:00

According to Christine Bouer in an ABC News article Gary Geryl, 51 years of age, quit his job as a laboratory worker for a French oil company. He had saved enough money to last him until December 2012. Geryl believed he wouldn't need any money after December 2012 because the world would end that at that time.

Geryl told ABC News, "You have to understand, there will be nothing, nothing left. We will have to start an entire civilization from scratch." Why does Geryl believe this? What would possess a man to save, plan, join a survival group, and gather survival goods and equipment?

Geryl believes the world will end December 21, 2012 because of Mayan Cyclical calendars. Apparently this calendar renewed itself approximately 5,125 years ago, but is set to expire in 2012 with "catastrophic consequences." He also relies on the ancient Egyptians who "saw" 2012" as a year of change.

The Mayans seem to be the first group of peoples to predict the end of the world in 2012. The Mayans had calculated the length lunar moon as 329, 53020 days. Is there any truth to this calendar?

The Mayan calendar was put together around 250-900 AD. The Mayans had a number of calendars for spiritual uses. Their calendars were used for social, agricultural, commercial, and even administrative purposes. The main use of the Mayan calendars was religious in nature. Each day on the calendar had a patron spirit that represented that each day had a specific use or purpose.

Most of the Mayan calendars were short. A calendar called "Tzolk" lasted 260 days. The Haab calender lasted 3654 days. The Mayans then combined the Tzolk and the Haab calendar to form what is known as the "Calendar Round." This is a cycle lasting "52 Haab's" or 52 years.

The Calendar Round was used to remember certain dates, like your birthday or an important religious date. You could not record a date older than 52 years.

The Mayan's came up with a fix. They expanded on the 52 year Calendar Round. Remember that their calendar had probably relied upon their religious belief's, the menstrual cycle, and some mathematical calculations using the numbers 13 and 20 with a dose of astrological myths thrown in. (You are going to base something as important on the end of the world on this?)

How does the calendar work?

The Mayan Long Count began with a base year known as "0.0.0.0.0." Each zero goes from 0-19 and each zero represents a count of Mayan days. The first day in the long count calendar would be 0.0.0.1. The 19th day would be 0.0.0.19. On the 20th day the level goes up one 0. It would look like this, 0.0.0.1.0. Twenty years would look like this, 0.1.0.0.0. Four hundred years would look like this, 1.0.0.0.0.

Divided Opinions

Believe it or not the experts are divide about when the Long Calendar ends. Since the Mayans used the numbers 13 and 20 as the root of their numerical system, the last day marked on their calendar could be written as 13.0.0.0.0. This represents 5,126 years and corresponds to the modern date of August 11th, 33114 BC. The calendar renewed itself and ends 5,126 years later, which is December 21, 2012.

Will Time End or Is There A Problem?

The Mayan "Doomsday Prophecy" is based on a calendar which some experts believe has not been designed to calculate dates beyond 2012. Even Mayan archaeo-astronomers are divided over the issue of whether the Long Count is designed to be reset to 0.0.0.0.0. after 13.0.0.0.0, or does the calendar simply continue to 20.0.0.0.0 (8000 AD) and then reset again.

Karl Kruszelnicki writes: "...when a calendar comes to the end of a cycle, it just rolls over into the next cycle. In our Western society, every year 31 December is followed, not by the End of the World, but by 1 January. So 13.0.0.0.0 in the Mayan Calendar will be followed by 0.0.0.0.1 - or good-ol' 22 December 2012, with only a few shopping days left to Christmas." - Excerpt from Dr. Karl's "Great Moments in Science."

There's No Need for a Line

2011-12-27T04:00:00.001-08:00

A response to the song, Where is the Line to See Jesus"

There’s No Need for a Line

Gregg Metcalf

December 25, 2011

It was time for the special

The tape began to play

Congregation sat ready

All eager to hear today

She picked up the microphone

And she began to sing

Her voice was so angelic

The rafters began to ring

Where’s the line to see Jesus

I heard her ask in song

Was he at the store?

This was all so wrong

I sat there in dismay

Wondering why the care

Especially on this day

Of glad tidings everywhere

Little boy in the song

Sounds so sweet to everyone

As sorrow filled my heart

Oh the wrong that was done

Chorus:

There’s no need for a line

To see Jesus the babe

He shows himself on time

To those whom he saves

There’s no need for a line

He is not a display

Truly He is one of a kind

He may show Himself today

Yes, in the blink of an eye

And at the trumpet sound

We’ll join Him in the sky

Every knee will bow low

Every tongue will say

He is Lord of friend and foe

There’s no need for a line

No need for a store

Outside the camp you’ll find

The way, the truth, and the door

There’s no need for a line

The world will only refuse

The one who’s so sublime

Jesus the good news

There's no need for a line
you can find Him everywhere
His blood is the tie that bind
all those for whom He cares

Chorus:

There’s no need for a line
To see Jesus the babe

He shows himself on time
To those whom he saves

There’s no need for a line
He is not a display

Truly He is one of a kind
He may show Himself today

The World and Religion

2011-12-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Briefing - News and Notes of Interest!

Even Christians are taking Christ out of Christmas

Christmas in America is a season of time-honored traditions – the sacred performance of the annual ACLU lawsuit over the presence of an insufficiently secular “holiday” tree; the ritual provocations of the atheist displays licensed by pitifully appeasing municipalities to sit between the menorah and the giant Frosty the Snowman; the familiar strains of every hack columnist’s “war on Christmas” column rolling off the keyboard as easily as Richard Clayderman playing “Winter Wonderland”…

This year has been a choice year. A crucified skeleton Santa Claus was erected as part of the “holiday” display outside the Loudoun County courthouse in Virginia – because, let’s face it, nothing cheers the hearts of moppets in the Old Dominion like telling them, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus – and he’s hanging lifeless in the town square.”

Alas, a week ago, some local burghers failed to get into the ecumenical spirit and decapitated him. Who are these killjoys? Christians intolerant of the First Amendment (as some have suggested)? Or perhaps a passing Saudi? Our friends in Riyadh only the other day beheaded for Amina bin Salem (so to speak) Nasser for “sorcery,” and it would surely be grossly discriminatory not to have some Wahhabist holiday traditions on display in Loudoun County. (The Islamic Saudi Academy, after all, is one of the most prestigious educational institutions of neighboring Fairfax County.)

Across the fruitcaked plain in California, the city of Santa Monica allocated permits for “holiday” displays in Palisades Park by means of lottery. Eighteen of the 21 slots went to atheists – for example, the slogan “37 million Americans know a myth when they see one” over portraits of Jesus, Santa, and Satan.

Arab-American charities refuse donations from Lowe’s

A network of 22 Arab-American nonprofits says its members will no longer accept donations from Lowe’s.

Wednesday’s announcement comes after the home improvement chain stopped advertising during a reality TV show about U.S. Muslims.

The National Network for Arab American Communities and its Dearborn-based parent ACCESS said the retailer’s decision contradicts their values.

Lowe’s Cos. executives say TLC’s “All-American Muslim” became a “lightning rod for people to voice complaints.” The Mooresville, N.C.-based company’s decision followed an email campaign by the conservative Christian group Florida Family Association.

Keep Christ in Christmas sign stirs a controversy

Shoppers perusing the curiosity and gift shops in downtown Pitman might miss the sign hanging overhead that reads, “Keep Christ in Christmas.”

But the white plastic banner has caught the attention of a national group advocating the separation of church and state, which maintains that by allowing the sign on public property, the borough is promoting Christmas and Christianity and thus violating the Constitution.

The use of the term Christmas can be controversial when it comes to public life. Last winter, the establishment and subsequent name change of a “Christmas Village” outside Philadelphia’s City Hall riled observers of various religious persuasions.

The Christmas Truce of WWI

The peace that had existed for decades in Europe – since the Franco-Prussian War 40-plus years earlier – had resulted in tremendous progress in culture, infrastructure investment, commerce and international relations. Europeans of all stripes crossed borders relatively freely.

Before World War I, European Jews and Christians intermingled and intermarried with few eyebrows being raised and, although covert Christian anti-Semitism definitely existed, overt persecution of Jews was not a major problem. Jews were welcomed in the militaries and served with distinction.

When Archduke Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian empire, was assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, European peace rapidly unraveled and – by a series of errors of judgment, bureaucratic inefficiencies, ineptitude, lack of communication skills – all the nations seemed to declare war on each other.

It was mostly a case of “death (and killing) before dishonor” in which, no matter how worthy or unworthy the war aims might be, negotiation toward a peaceful settlement was considered to be a dishonorable way out of a conflict.

_______________________________________________

Missionaries:

In the unevangelized world, there are 20,500 full-time Christian workers and 10,200 foreign missionaries. In the evangelized non-Christian world, there are 1.31 million full-time Christian workers.

In the Christian world, there are 306,000 foreign missionaries to other Christian lands. Also in the Christian world, 4.19 million full-time Christian workers (95%) work within the Christian world.
Frontier Harvest Ministries

Number of Christian Books in Print:

There are approximately 6 million books about Christianity in print today.
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2006)

Number of Christian Martyrs Worldwide:

An average of 171,000 Christians worldwide are martyred for their faith per year.
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2006)

Holiday Wishes

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

To My Christian Friends - Happy Holidays

To My Jewish Friends - Happy Hanukkah

To My Atheist Friends - Good Luck!

Famous Last Words...

2011-12-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

1. "Are you sure the power is off?"

2. "Don't be so superstitious."

3. "He's probably just hibernating."

4. "I can do that with my eyes closed."

5. "I wonder where the mother bear is?"

6. "I'll get a world record for this."

7. "I'll hold it and you light the fuse."

8. "And that one over there, the red flashing one, what does that mean?"

9. "I'm making a citizen's arrest."

10. "It's fireproof."

11. "It's strong enough for both of us."

12. "I've done this before."

13. "I've seen this done on TV."

14. "Let it down slowly."

15. "Nice doggie."

16. "Now watch this..."

17. "Pull the pin and count to what?"

18. "Rat poison only kills rats."

19. "So, you're a cannibal..."

20. "Listen, I'm taking a course in chemistry, I know what I'm doing."

21. "That's odd..."

22. "These are the good kind of mushrooms."

23. "This doesn't taste right."

24. "What does this button do?"

25. "Which wire was I supposed to cut?"

________________________________

Which one is your favorite?

Do you have a story that under girds your favorite?

Will you share your story?

Gregg Metcalf's 55 Undeniable Truths - The First Ten

2011-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Much of my world is black and white. A number of influences, both good and bad over the last 56 years have made me pretty much what I am.

For my 55th birthday, I thought I would write down some of the truths I have come to appreciate, operate, and or calculate as being of great value. (I often write my thoughts, feelings, and/or significant musings on my birthdays. One day I will share a song with you I wrote for my 45th birthday, entitled "Forty-Five and A Little Bit Crazy.")

Of course, our Sovereign God has a unique purpose decreed for my life long before I was ever conceived. The indwelling Holy Spirit and the Word of God have both impacted my life.

Please do not make the mistake and assume that I don't have shades of grey coloring certain issues from time to time. I do not mean to imply that I am rigid, unbendable, or cannot compromise when need be. Amongst the occasion shades of gray I have developed over a life time some undeniable truths. From time to time I am going to post these truths. Today I leave you with my first 10 of my 55 undeniable truths:

1. If you don't ask, you won't get. The worse anyone can do or say is no!

2. Life is not fair. After the fall, it can never be fair. However, life is still good. Take Don Henley and Glen Frey from the Eagles advice and "Get over it!"

3. Character does matter in an individual. Character, whether good or bad, guides your decisions and choices.

4. Laws serve as restraints and penalties serve as punishments. Penalties were never meant to rehabilitate nor serve as a deterrent.

5. Words mean things. They must be chosen carefully, and be fully understood.

6. Practice does not make perfect! Only perfect practice makes perfect.

7. Not everybody can be a winner. There are losers. People really do loose.

8. It is never right to do wrong. Rationalization, , relativism, and/or situational ethics will never make a wrong a right.

9. It is OK to fail. If allowed and you are smart enough, you will learn valuable lessons from your failures.

10. The man who says there is no God is not the only fool. The man who says there is a God and then fails to live by His standards is also a fool.

Winter Reading

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

With the days "shorter," much colder, and the rain more prevalent during our Pacific Northwest winters I have planned my winter reading. Winter begins December 22, 2011 and comes to an official close on March 20, 2011. On those dark and blusterous winter nights I am going to get warm and cozy and have challenged myself to read the entire two volume set of The Works of Jonathan Edwards.

I have read a number of books, articles, and excerpts from these works but I have never completely read every page. It will be a challenge to work through his diary, the various books he wrote, and many of his sermons. I hope my brain won't explode as I take on the greatest theologian and thinker America has ever produced.

What about you?
What are your winter reading goals?

10 Reasons Why I Believe the Bible Is Inspired

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

1. The character of the Scriptures - they resonate with the presence of God through His Holy Spirit. Man could not and would not have conjured up such things as the infinite holiness of God, the absolute depravity of man, or the existence of evil. The character of scripture cries out for divine inspiration.

2. Jesus believed the Scriptures to be inspired. He quoted from and treated the Old Testament as sacred and not as a work of man.

3. The 12 Apostles believed the scriptures to be inspired and from God.

4. The early church and disciples of Jesus believed the Scriptures to be from God. They believed that the Old Testament was from God and accepted the New Testament books of the bible as they were written and distributed.

5. Martyrs believed the bible to be from God. So many gave their lives for the testimony of Christ. They bled and died believing the word to be inspired.

6. The longevity of the Bible. No book or collection of books have affected so many for so long. Great books, classic books, and masterpieces have come and gone but the bible remains and continues to work in the lives of men.

7. The vicious attack on the bible. No book has been hated so much and no book has had so persecution hurled against it. The bible has been hated more than it has been loved.

8. The millions of lives that have been changed by the bible. No book, no writing, no composition has changed vile and heinous sinners into holy men and women of God.

9. The internal witness of the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit bears witness with my spirit that I am a child of God by the work of God as He applies the work of Christ to my heart through faith, the Holy Spirit bears witness that the words of Scripture are the very words of God.

10. The impact that the word has had on my life. I am a changed man. My affections are on things above and not on things below in this earth. My hope is in Christ and that I will be delivered from the body of this death and will live forever with Jesus the Christ.

About Converson: The Effects

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

The Effects of True Conversion

According to

Charles H. Spurgeon

True Conversion…

…takes away the despair of the soul; but not true repentance

…gives pardon to a man; but does not make him presumptuous

…gives a man perfect rest; but doesn’t stop progress

…gives a man absolute security; but doesn’t prevent alertness

…gives man holiness; but doesn’t let him boast

…gives a man the desire to live for God; but doesn’t hinder blessed communion with God

_______________________________

Happy 16th Birthday to my darling granddaughter Madilynn Nicole Metcalf of Vancouver, WA! I love you pumpkin!

About God: God the Father

2011-12-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

Spurgeon Gems

"Beloved Friends, we may well continue to praise God, for our God continues to give us causes for praise!" --1893, Sermon 2296

"Never let us fall into the false notion that if we magnify Christ, we are depreciating the Father. If any lips have ever spoken concerning the Christ of God so as to depreciate the God of Christ, let those lips be covered with shame!" --1894, Sermon 2382

"Whenever we have to praise God, we do we do? We simply say what He is! 'You are this and You are that.' There is no other praise. We cannot fetch anything from anywhere else and bring it to God; the praises of God are simply the facts about Himself! If you want to praise the Lord Jesus Christ, tell the people about Him." --1891, Sermon 2213

"Why is heaven called a city? Because it is a place of fellowship where men meet one another!" --1893, Sermon 2291

Why Does Evil Exist?

2011-12-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Original sin is the only rational solution of the undeniable fact of the deep, universal and early manifested sinfulness of men in all ages, of every class, and in every part of the world.

---Charles Hodge

Funerals & Public Speaking

2011-12-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two! This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.

--Jerry Seinfeld

Happy Birthday George W!

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

December 16, 1714:

Revivalist and evangelist George Whitefield, the best-known figure of the American Great Awakening, is born in Gloucester, England.

Do Believers Have Guardian Angels?

2011-12-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Today, it seems, more than ever, that we have an overabundance of preoccupation with the subject of angels. One cannot go into a Holy Hardware Store -oops, I mean Christian Book Store and not be inundated with images, sculptures, books, and whatnot's. Due to the popularity of angels in Christian circles publishers are pumping out books about angels and experiences with angels almost faster than they can be read.

One can hardly drive across town and not see angels on bumper stickers, dashboards, or as ornaments on the outside of the cars. Angels are displayed in windows, hung on doors,and made into wind chimes. The production of angelic trinkets has seemingly eclipsed the sale and distribution of the little silver statuettes of Dianna from long ago Ephesus.

Sermons, bible studies, small groups, and many para-church organizations have preached, taught, and studied this topic it seems, more so than any other theological truths in the Scripture. Yet for all this interest and study we seem to have added to an embellished what Scripture does have to say on the subject of angels. It cannot be argued that much ink has been used on this particular subject.

It is a commonly held opinion that Christians have guardian angles. The idea of "guardian angels" seems to come from Matthew 18:10, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 18:10, ESV) and from Acts 12:15, ESV, "They said to her, 'You are out of your mind.' But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, 'It is his angel!'"

Where did this idea of "guardian angels" come from? Why is it so prevalent in many religions and cultures? Is there any foundation for their existence? Can they be proven from or by Scripture?

During the period of time between the end of the Old Testament era and the beginning of what we now call the New Testament era, Jewish tradition was preoccupied with angels and heavenly beings. Much of this preoccupation was simply speculation and superstition. Some of it even spilled into the early churches. It seems to have been a problem in the church at Collose.

The Apocryphal book of Tobith reads, "Do not worry; our child will leave in good health and return to us in good health...For a good angel will accompany him; his journey will be successful, and he will come back in good health. (Tobith 5:21-22)

The challenge we face here is that the Apocrypha is not inspired. It was not accepted by the early church and Christians. It is a collection of tradition, Stories, and superstitions.

Roman Catholic teachings have added fuel to the fire of speculation concerning the existence of guarding angels. For example, Ludwig Ott, a renowned and highly respected Catholic theologian actually developed the teaching of guardian angles. He taught, "Every one of the faith [Catholic] has his own special guardian angel from baptism." 1

Ott goes on to further develop his idea of guardian angels by teaching, "...every human being, including unbelievers...have their own guardian angel from...birth." 2

John A. Hardon, another Catholic writer says, "a guardian angel is a celestial spirit assigned by God to watch over an individual during life...The role of the guardian angel is both to guide and guard; to guide as a messenger of God's will to our minds,and guard as an instrument of God's goodness in protecting us from evil." 3

There is absolutely no biblical foundation whatsoever to prove or even suggest the existence of guardian angels. The Apocrypha was rejected for it fancifulness in some places, its inclusion of superstition, and lack of evidence of inspiration. Catholic dogma has not been proven to be accurate. Their teaching on this subject is mere tradition and not biblically substantiated. We would reject Roman Catholic teaching on this subject.

Although the teaching in Matthew is some what ambiguous and needs further study, it does not prove the existence of guardian angels. Charles Hodge, that great Presbyterian theologian and principal of Princeton personally believed children have guardian angels, he still wrote the following, "...this does not prove that each child or each believer has his own guardian angel." 4

So, it seems that while true believers have an innumerable supply of angles as their servants (Hebrews 1:14) the bible does not support the theory that each believer has a guardian angel. I believe God sends angels at times to serve, minister, protect, and to guide believers. I do not believe based upon the bible that we have a permanent or even rotating bevy of guardian angels to guard us.

Therefore, you do not have to worry about driving faster than your angel can fly! You could never drive faster than the sovereign and eternal purpose of God for your life!

________________
1. Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, trans. Patrick Lynch, ed. James Canon Bastible (St Louis, MO: B. Herder, 1954), p. 120
2. Ibid
3. John A. Hardon, S. J., Pocket Catholic Dictionary (New York: Doubleday, 1980), p. 175
4. Systematic Theology, Charles Hodge, 1:640

______________________________________________
Happy 53rd Birthday to my dear sister, Nancy Kay (Metcaf) Dupre of Ferndale, WA!

Family Radio Still Gets It Wrong

2011-12-14T05:16:00.000-08:00

In an editorial this morning Family Radio ran an editorial detailing their current position answering the question, "Where do we go from here?" Apparently they still believe that May 21 and October 21 were significant days in the plan of God. They conclude that God led them to certain truths concerning those days but did not reveal to them everything that they needed to know about them.

Family Radio believed that the Lord would return for all true Christians on those days but since "they" are obviously still here, God did not in fact return. They believe He will still come for true believers at an unknown date. They truly wish that God had returned for believers on either of those days. However, since God did not return for true believers, it is incumbent upon true believers to continue to preach the gospel until then. Of course they mean preach the gospel as they have defined it.

It was clear from this editorial that they still hold to the sinfully wicked false teaching that the church age has ended and that true believers are to leave their churches. The church age will end one day with the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Since He has not returned for His church (I Thessalonians 5) the church is alive and well. It is no secret that many of the visible representations of the glorious invisible church are heinous representatives. Christ promised that even the gates of hell would not prevail against the church. (Matthew 16:18)

What a great heartache it is to know that this organization with all of its tremendous resources remains heretical. My heart grieves for those who are deceived. Oh, that true followers of Jesus Christ would recognize the deception and false teaching and abandon this organization.

Words Mean Things!

2011-12-13T05:02:00.000-08:00

You may be a man of

FEW WORDS

but you must make them count!

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

The World and Religion

2011-12-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

Briefing - News and Notes of Interest!

Pennsylvania Town Rejects Atheist Holiday Display

A western Pennsylvania mayor refused to include a banner from an atheist group that says “there are no gods” as part of a holiday display that includes a Nativity scene, which has been erected annually on city property for decades.

Hundreds of people turned out to support the mayor’s decision to go ahead with the display Friday, which also includes symbols pertaining to Kwanzaa and Hanukkah and secular symbols, including Santa Claus, a snowman and a Christmas tree.

The city about 35 miles northwest of Pittsburgh added secular symbols to the display this year after the Freedom From Religion Foundation complained last year that it amounted to a government endorsement of religion.

Seeking to head off a similar challenge, the mayor also invited the Madison, Wis.-based group to contribute something to the modified display, so the group mailed a sign that read: “At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”

Democrats see opening to attract religious voters in 2012

Democrats claim to have an unprecedented, promising opportunity to expand their voter base into previously uncharted territory — religious voters.

Republicans have long walked in lock step with the loudest and most influential voices in the American religious sphere, professing a monopoly on the faith-based values that drive the decisions of millions of religious voters.

But eager to leave no stone unturned as they peruse the electorate for 2012 supporters, Democrats are setting out to court faith-based voters by connecting their policies on economic issues to the values of equality, tolerance and humanitarianism.

They’re backed up by evidence showing that social issues such as abortion, where Republicans perform better among religious Americans, are taking a back seat to concerns over unemployment and poverty.

Thank God for Tebow’s message

The popular headlines today are about sick pedophiles posing as lifelong football coaches, about a career college basketball assistant and his wife and their perverted triangle of abuse, about NFL players stomping on opponents and others being arrested for domestic violence. So let me get this straight: Tim Tebow praising God is a problem?

Sports and religion have mixed since the Mayans and Aztecs went at each other on rivalry weekend, when ESPN cameras weren’t rolling but the winning captain presented his head to the losing one because decapitation was believed the ultimate honor.
I’m thinking Ndamukong Suh would have made a great Mayan.

Joel Osteen’s getting a reality show

More than 10 million people watch Joel Osteen’s television broadcast each week, and soon viewers will be able to see how the pastor of America’s largest church lives outside of Lakewood.

A new reality show will follow the Osteens’ ministry as they serve and inspire people across the U.S., Lakewood confirmed.
Over the years, “just about every studio in Hollywood” has pitched show ideas to the Osteens, but they’ve always turned them down, until now, said Don Iloff, Lakewood spokesman.

The Osteens have been friends with Burnett and his wife Roma Downey, who are Christians and have visited Lakewood in the past, and they trust Burnett’s vision and expertise in the reality TV medium.

The program is in its early planning stages and has not secured a network to air it or even a name yet. The Osteen ministry team hopes it provides uplifting, positive programming that will bring families together to watch.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number of Christian Denominations: There are approximately 38,000 Christian denominations in the world. This statistic takes into consideration cultural distinctions of denominations in different countries.

Christianity in America: Today in America, about 75% of adults identify themselves as Christian. In comparison, the next largest religions in America are Islam and Judaism. Combined they represent only about one to two percent of the United States population.

Not all are truly Christian: There are more than 1500 different Christian faith groups in America.

Bible Distribution: Approximately 83 million Bibles are distributed globally per year.

Where Are You Building?

2011-12-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Quips and Quotes

From the Letters of

Samuel Rutherford

"Build your nest upon no tree here; for ye see God hath sold the forest to death; and every tree whereupon we would rest is ready to be cut down, to the end we may fly and mount up, and build upon the Rock, and dwell in the holes of the rock."

--Samuel Rutherford, Letter IV

(Letter written Jan 15, 1629 to Lady Kenmure as her Pastor on the occasion of the death of her infant daughter. Tribulation [is]the portion of God's people, and intended to wean them from the world)

__________________________________________________

Happy 78th Birthday to my dear mother, Evelyn L. Metcalf of Modesto, CA. I love you Mom!

Christmas-time Bulletin Blooper

2011-12-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

-- Next Sunday, as we prepare for Christmas holidays, the choir will sing, "Angels We Have Heard Get High."

Answers to the Pop Quiz

2011-12-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

How did you do? What did you learn? Here are the answers:

1. Either Jeremiah or a number of unknown authors over several years.

2. "Greetings O favored one, the Lord is with you!" (Luke 1:28, ESV)

3. Theophilus, a ranking Roman official.

4. Tarsish. (Jonah 1:3)

5. 176. (Psalms 119)

6. John Mark, Barnaba's Nephew. (Acts 13:13)

7. The Apostle Paul was stoned, dragged out of the city and left for dead. (Acts 14:19)

8. Approximately AD 90-95

9. This phrase is not found anywhere in Scripture.

10. Paul's traveling companions: Aquila, Priscilla, Aristarchus, Barnabas, Epaphras, Gaius, Justus, Luke, John Mark, Secundas, Silas, Sopater, Tertius, Timothy, Titus, Trophimus, Tychicus

Pop Quiz

2011-12-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Today, let's take a minute and test your biblical knowledge This will be a "closed bible" quiz! No peeking! No googling! No life-lines! Here we go:

1. Who do most scholars believe wrote the collection of laments known as "Lamentations?"

2. What were the first words spoken to Mary, the mother of Jesus by the angel Gabriel?

3. To whom did Luke write his gospel and historical narrative called "The Acts?"

4. To what city did Jonah decide to flee to when he first refused to go to Nineveh?

5. How many "verses" are there in Psalms 119?

6. Who abandoned Paul and Barnabas for Jerusalem when they reached Perga in Pamphylia

7. What significant event took place in Lystra of Lycania?

8. When did the Apostle John write his gospel?

9. Where in the Scriptures, Old or New Testament is the phrase, "Cleanliness is next to godliness" found?

10. Name three (3) of Paul's traveling companions.

How did you do? Those of you who take the quiz please comment on your score and how you did. Please comment on what you may learned from this pop quiz. Answers will be posted Friday, December 9th.

Expiration Date

2011-12-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:27-28, ESV)

Almost every food product that is sold has an expiration date. If it does not have an actual or specific expiration date, most products will say "Best used before ________," or " Use before __________." Of course the reason for these expiration dates is to remind us of the date when these products will no longer be usable or effective. As a matter of fact they serve a distinct purpose of keeping the consumer from getting sick or dieing by ingesting a "spoiled" or contaminated product.

James, the former pastor of the Jerusalem Church and half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ made this statement, "...you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." (James 4:14c, ESV) This is another way of reminding you and me that we too have an expiration date. There will come a day, unless the Lord comes for His church and transforms us instantly into our immortal and glorified bodies, that we will expire. We will die.

Mind you, this is an unusual event. God originally created us to live perfectly in His presence, for His service, in order to render honor, glory, and worship to Him. Although God knew from eternity past, and all His purposes worked according to His good will, man would sin and be subjected to physical death. Man was created to live physically eternally. Sin cut that short. The wages, the bible says, of sin is death. This includes both spiritual and physical death.

As 2011 winds down and 2012 looms on the horizon, our time in this life is racing toward our expiration date. Unlike the homogenized and pasteurized milk you buy at the local market, you do not have an expiration date stamped on your "container." We do not know the moment of our death. We need to be prepared for that day. The time to make peace with God and be reconciled to Him is now, in this life, prior to our expiration date. Pope John Paul II and Rob Bell are proven to be wrong by Holy Writ - there is no universal salvation after death. The bible clearly states, "Today is the day of salvation!"

Romans 10:11-13 (ESV) clearly states, "...there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on him. For every one who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Salvation, redemption, reconciliation is available to all and it is free. However, one must repent of sin, believe the message of the gospel, and place one's faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and call upon Him for this salvation that it might be applied by the Holy Spirit to your soul.

Do so before your unknown "expiration date!"

What Connects You To Your Community?

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

People are "wired" to be social creatures. Human beings have always had places where they could gather, meet, discuss, plan, or develop ideas for their own betterment. People have met in Taverns, eating places, city gates, social halls, and of course churches.

The internet is now the main place of gathering with friends and family through social websites such as Facebook, My Space, chat-rooms, message boards, electronic forums and specialized websites. Networking takes place around the world on sites like Link-in.

The mission of the church of Jesus Christ is to "Go...make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20a, ESV) Acts chapter one breaks this mission down more specifically to our own communities when Jesus says, "...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV) (Emphasis mine)

For me my Jerusalem is Kelso, my Judea is Cowlitz County, and my Samaria would be from Portland to Seattle, and then spreading out to the State of Washington. Then my mission field envelopes the Pacific Northwest, reaching to United States and then to the end of the earth. What is your Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria?

The question facing us is how can we visualize and cultivate out networks, our meeting places, and our proclivity to socializing with one another to fulfill this "great commission?" I think the answer is through connections, personal connections. We must connect with those around us, particularly those who do not know Christ as savior in order to be an effective witness.

Your city is filled to its limits with unsaved people who will die in their sin. Your city awaits you. What connections will you make in order to share the gospel with every creature? What connects you to your community?

Thinking Right Thoughts About God

2011-12-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Exodus 15:11 says, “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (ESV)

II Samuel 7:22 says, “Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”

More than a generation ago, A. W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

If that statement were true and worthy of consideration in Tozer’s time, it is more than true today and even more worthy of consideration today. What people think of and about God has undeniable and consequential ramifications. People live out their various thoughts, philosophies and opinions about God in their everyday life.

Knowing and understanding God therefore is not to be relegated merely to theological or theoretical musings. The knowledge of God and the understanding of God is very practical to every area of our lives. It is of great importance what you conceive God to be in your heart.

Tozer also wrote, “A god begotten in the shadows of a fallen heart will quite naturally be no true likeness of the true God.”

Psalms 50:21 says in part, “…you thought that I {Or that the I AM} was one like yourself.” (ESV)

We have the tendency due to our fallen nature to conceive of a god in our own heart that we can, both love and feel comfortable with. This must grieve our God tremendously. He alone is unique in every area of His being. He alone is the sole epitome of majesty, splendor, glory, and beauty. He is the very essence of holiness, exercising every aspect of this character and nature in perfect holiness. Yet, we so easily degrade and belittle Him with our humanistic imaginations of what we want Him to be to us or for us.

It is imperative for the honor and sake of God that we develop right thinking about Him. He is worthy of right thoughts. We are in desperate need of right thoughts so that we might honor Him, serve Him, enjoy Him, and share Him with those who yet have been instructed in the ways of thinking right thoughts about God.

Would You Pray With Me?

2011-12-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

I hope to lead an Evangelistic Bible Study called In Search of... in mid January 2012. Please join me in prayer between now and then as we seek to influence 2 to 3 unsaved couples into a seven week bible study.

In Search of... Is a seven week evangelistic bible study from the Psalms covering seven different things that human beings desire.

The goal is to stimulate thinking along the lines of spiritual things generated from relevant "needs" of individuals in order to share the gospel.

This study is schedule to begin Thursday evening, January 19th, 2012 at 7:00 PM

The goal is to present the gospel in a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere of a living room to six or eight people in order for God to claim some as His in redemptive power

The goal would is to enroll those who were redeemed by the power of Christ into the first segment of the Gospel-driven Disciples discipleship small group

Prayer Requests

1. Host home in order to hold the study

2. Six to Eight individuals to attend

3. Presence and power of the Holy Spirit

4. Ability to share and teach compassionately

5. God's character to be manifested for His glory

Post Script (P.S.)

Since making the decision to conduct an evangelistic study and placing this post in Que two weeks ago in order to post today, the enemy has been at work. I had hoped to develop a relationship with three unsaved couples in order to invite them to this study, the wife of one couple had an aneurysm and is in the hospital in intensive care, and another couple separated and seems to be headed for divorce.

This may delay the new evangelistic Bible Study and it shows that this is a very serious spiritual warfare that we are engaged in. Satan does not like his territory invaded. Praise God however, He is sovereign and does as He pleases! Amen!

If Jesus had consulted an Attorney...

2011-12-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

A Modern Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who shall be termed party of

the first part, whose place of business

is in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom, pursuant to terms and

conditions, come.

Thy will, duly uncontested, be done on

earth, inasfar as existing statutes

permit, as it is in Heaven.

Give us this third day of

December, 2011, our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts, notwithstanding

claims, liens and legal costs, as we,

who shall be termed party of the second

part, forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, i.e.

sin, corruption, greed, gluttony, etc.,

but deliver us from evil, the nature of

which shall be determined by the court.

For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power,

and, pending appeal, the Glory forever.

Amen.

God 1 - Satan 0

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring, he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15, ESV)

(circa Passover AD 32)

2011-12-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Briefing - News and Notes of Interest!

USMC mulling over decision to remove a cross from Camp Pendleton which honors fallen Marines in Iraq. The Marine Corps said Monday it is reviewing whether to remove a cross placed on a Camp Pendleton hilltop earlier this month by Marines honoring four comrades killed in Iraq. The review came after an atheist group argued that the cross on government land violates the separation of church and state. Several Marines, as well as the widows and children of two of the fallen Marines, carried the 13-foot-tall cross up to the hilltop on Veterans Day. The did so on their own and without Corps permission. The cross replaced one that had been there since 2003 until it was destroyed by a brushfire in 2007. “Camp Pendleton legal authorities are researching and reviewing the issue in order to make a judicious decision,” the Marine Corps said in a statement reported by the Los Angeles Times Monday.

Catholic Church in Germany sells outlet that sold porn. The Catholic church in Germany is to sell Weltbild, its bookselling arm, after the unit admitted last month to publishing pornographic novels, the company says. Weltbild is one of the Germany’s main book enterprises, with annual sales of 1.6 billion euros (2.1 billion dollars) and a workforce of 6,400. Its interests include general publishing, a main national bookshop chain and book clubs. Catholic leaders were outraged that the profitable company’s book range included steamy pulp novels with titles like “Boarding School for Sluts” and “The Lawyer’s Whore” and advice on how to practice esoteric superstitions that are condemned by Catholic doctrine.

Thanksgiving 1908.Theodore Roosevelt, that force of nature that was once President of these United States, was a deeply religious man. He attended church faithfully his entire life. (He was Dutch Reformed, but he often attended Episcopal services with his wife.) He opposed putting the national motto “In God We Trust” on currency, for fear it would cheapen the noble sentiment, as would be the case, in his view, if it were used on postage stamps or in advertisements. He was opposed to all religious bigotry as he would state immediately after the campaign of 1908 when the Unitarian Willam Howard Taft came under fire for his religion… A frequent reader of the Bible, Roosevelt once opined that a thorough knowledge of it was more valuable to a person than a college education. His Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1908 rejoices in the material well being of the country, but notes that there is far more to life than piling up material possessions. He would have vigorously dissented from the idiotic bumper sticker: “He who dies with the most toys wins.”

++++++++++++++++
35.4 - million square feet of graffiti removed in FY 2011 by the city of Los Angeles. Up 8.2% from FY 2010. No numbers released on the amount of tax-payer dollars to fund this criminal graffiti tagging.

7,500 - earthquakes recorded near Christ Church, New Zealand since a 7.1 magnitude quake hit the area in September of 2010. People think L.A. is bad!

1 in 7 - Americans who receive help from the Federal Government to put food on the table. Sounds like it is time to call in "...a man named Jed, a poor mountaineer who barely kept his family fed, but one day when he was shooting at some food, up from the ground came a bubblin' crude." We could use the food and crude it sounds like.

_____________________________________________

Happy 80th birthday to my dear Father, Glenn F. Metcalf, of Modesto, CA! I love you Dad!

Word Power

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

In Words We Trust
Words have meaning. The Words chosen by the Holy Spirit in Holy Writ have meaning. We need to be willing to diligently discover the meaning of those Words.

ABADDON - in the Old Testament, a place name of the realm of the dead. Three times in the Old Testament Abaddon is paralledled with Sheol (Job 26:6; Prov. 15:11; 27:20) In Job 28:22 it is equal to death, and in Psalms 88:11 is refers to the grave.

Abaddon belongs to the realm of the mysterious. Only God fully understands it. (Job 26:6; Prov. 15:11) It is the place or world of the dead in its utterly dismal, destructive, and dreadful aspects. In Abaddon there are no declarations of God's lovingkindness, (Psalms 88:11)

In the New Testament the word occurs once (Rev 9:11), the personalization becoming sharp. Abaddon is here not th world of the dead, but the angel who reigns over it. The Greek equivalent of his name is given as Apollyon. 1.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. W. J. Bdeecher, ISBE, Vol. 1,( Eerdmans: Grand Rapid Michigan), p.2

Are You Getting the most Bang for Your Buck?

2011-11-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

The other day I was working my way through my blog roll when I came across a blog that caught my eye. It made me stop and check it out. You know the kind that make you go ummmmm? Well, it made me do more than go ummmmmm. It made me do some thinking.

How expensive is your church membership? What are you getting for your church membership? Now, let me make it clear that I am really addressing this to the seeker-sensitive, cutting-edge, and/or production type churches rather than truly biblical churches.

Here is what I mean. Most of these churches have an entrance or membership fee; it is called the tithe. Setting aside the true teaching of the tithe for a moment, I am referring to that 10% or more that is received each week at your church. Let's say you make $60,000.00 a year. That puts your "tithe" at $6,000.00 a year. What are you getting for that $6,000.00? Mind you this works out to about $115.38 a week. Even if the show, oops sorry, the performance, oh again, sorry, service is 2 hours in length, that is roughly $58.00 an hour.

Most of these seeker-sensitive and cutting edge churches are drama, skit, or musical performance oriented. I mean they have huge productions. They have full costumes, lights, smoke machines, fans, even rain makers. The lighting alone must be horrendously expensive. In addition, many would be actors and actresses, regardless of how talented they may truly be flock to these churches to live out their long denied dreams of stardom.

Are these services worth $58.00 an hour? I can not think of anything that I have done that would cost that much, at least lately.

Netfliks charges 7.99 to watch unlimited number of movies as many times as you want.

Seattle Seahawk single game tickets in the nosebleed sections run about $155.00 or for a 3 hour game $51.67 an hour

Disneyland offers a ticket pass for $199.99 for three days which grants entrance into Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park

Even our "cheap date night (somebody thought I should have used inexpensive date night) runs about $10.68 (Lest you women start trying to find a better husband for Irene, we spend our money on many other items making life easier or for our kids, neighbors, and even strangers)

At our church, Coal Creek Community Church, we don't have productions, shows, drama, skits, or even musical performances. We don't have light machines, bubble machines, smoke machines, or rain-making machines. For our gifts and offerings, we do not practice tithing at Coal Creek, we receive each week the opportunity to gather with our brother and sisters in Christ, sing a couple of hymns, and hear a well studied and prepared exegetical and expositional message from the Gospel According to Matthew by a humble and gifted bible teacher.

Now, you are well aware that this has been somewhat tongue in cheek right? We at Coal Creek are not paying a membership fee anymore than most of the seeker-sensitive churches are. I am not impugning their motives nor judging their hearts. I thought I would play a little devil's advocate for a moment in order to evaluate the best way to invest in eternity and expand the kingdom of God.

Monday Facts

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Monday Facts is a weekly blog party designed to help you meet other bloggers. Tell us about your weekend, or give us some random facts that help us get to know you better!

Share your Monday post,

and link back here! ☺

Fact: I appreciate all your well wishes in regards to my cold. Thank you so much! You were all so kind!

Fact: I am feeling much better and it seems the cold is going away. As I type this, it is all but gone! Yeah!!!!

Fact: Thanksgiving was wonderful! Irene and I had a very relaxing day together. We went to Sizzler's for their Thanksgiving Special. We let them cook, serve, and clean up! We spent the day in thankful reading and relaxing in our recliners. New tradition at the Metcalf Ranchero - if we are not invited, or we do not accept any proffered invitations for Thanksgiving dinner from hence forth, we are skipping the preparation, cooking, and clean up and going to Sizzlers!

Fact: I watch the Lions play every Thanksgiving. This year was no exception; was pleased to see Green Bay go 11-0 even though the Lions seem to be rebuilding. Tough game for the Lions. Contrary to the fantasies of the "left", there can only be one winner. Congrats to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

Fact: I married on a Monday evening, at 7:30 PM, June 18th, 1973. Shortly afterwards the Marine Corps slated me for a 6 month Mediterranean Cruise aboard an LPH (Landing Platform Helicopter) Newly married, and not wanting to leave my new bride for a Mediterranean Float I was able to trade my 5711 MOS billet slot with a guy who wanted to go on a six month float and I was assigned to HMH 461 (Heavy Marine Helicopter)

Fact: Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. The squadron, known as "Ironhorse", is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW).

HMH 461 provides timely and effective CH-53E helicopter combat assault transport of heavy equipment, personnel and supplies, on order to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and other units. I served with HMH 461 as an NBC NCO, Training NCO, and Operations clerk. I served HMH 461 from July 1973 to March 1974.

Fact: "My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth." (Psalms 121:2, ESV)

Fact: I was summoned for jury duty for Cowlitz County. My group number is 5 and I have to report tomorrow, (Monday November 28, 2011.) Supposedly there is a trial - hopefully they will plea bargain down.

Fact: I have served on a jury for Clark County, Vancouver, WA. In fact I was chosen to be jury foreman. It was just like TV, the judge asked me, "Mr. Foreman?" I looked around, I was excited, for a minute I thought George Foreman was in the courtroom. But the judge only meant me, "Mr. Foreman," he said, "Has the jury reached a verdict?" I got to say, "We have your honor, not guilty."

We all thought she was guilty of the charge but we concluded that the prosecutor did not prove his case and based on the shoddy evidence presented we had to vote not guilty (based on evidence not gut feeling/emotion)

Fact: She did it. She simply drew a prosecutor who was ill prepared and who thought the case was a slam dunk. He forgot about 12 honest citizens. Wow, was the Deputy Sheriff mad who had arrested her!

Fact: This is the last Monday's Fact until after the New Year.

Fact: Christ for Chicago needs your prayers and support. Please check out their website and consider becoming a prayer partner with them as they seek to plant a new church in Chicago. Josh and Erin are personal friends whom I recommend to you and your mission $$'s

www.christforchicago.org

Facing Death and knowing God thru Christ

2011-11-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

"See in what peace a Christian can die."

~~ Joseph Addison, writer,

d. June 17, 1719

I learned everything from Noah's Ark!

2011-11-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

1. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

2. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.

3. Don't listen to critics -- do what has to be done.

4. Build on high ground.

5. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

6. Two heads are better than one.

7. Speed isn't always an advantage. The cheetahs were on board, but so were the snails.

8. If you can't fight or flee -- float!

9. Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.

10. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic was built by professionals.

11. Remember that the woodpeckers INSIDE are often a bigger threat than the storm outside.

12. Don't miss the boat.

13. No matter how bleak it looks, if God is with you, there's always a rainbow on the other side.

The Day After Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Your acid reflux will make you weep
you'll cry and cry, and try to sleep
but sleep won't come the whole night through
your acid reflux, will burn a whole in you

Chorus:

when tears come down your face like rain
you'll hunt around for something to kill the pain
you'll walk the floor the way we all do
your acid reflux, will burn a whole in you

your big blue eyes made you stuff your face
you had to eat everything around your place
but now you feel what real heartburn can do
your acid reflux will burn a whole in you

just one more piece of pie one more turkey leg
a couple more rolls and a dozen devil eggs
gravy so spicy it was like witches brew
your acid reflux will burn a whole in you

Chorus:

when tears come down your face like rain
you'll hunt around for something to kill the pain
you'll walk the floor the way we all do
your acid reflux, will burn a whole in you

Bridge:

you're on the hunt for a bottle of tums or two
and now you know what real heart-burn can do

So, stop your crying and just cowboy up
go pour some Maalox in your favorite coffee cup
and take a lesson that really isn't so new
your acid reflux, will burn a whole in you

(Gregg Metcalf, November 17, 2011)
(to the tune of Hank Williams, Sr.'s "You're Cheatin' Heart")

____________________________________________
Note: The tree in our house usually goes up today (the day of Thanksgiving), with an impending move we may not put up a tree; so I put up a tree on my blog the day after Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you! May God grant you a blessed time of fellowship and thanksgiving today!

I am praying that you all have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day.

Everyday is to be filled with unceasing thanksgiving and prayer due to the mighty grace of our glorious God! As this nation feasts on food, football, fun, and fantasy pray that this might be the day perhaps God in His grace will grant repentance and claim some as His possession in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Thank you everyone who reads this blog! You are a great encouragement and blessing to me. I love you all and it is my prayer that you and your family are enjoying a tremendously blessed Thanksgiving Day with those whom you love!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

A Very Beatles Christmas

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

From the, "Say What?" File...

A “fresh, fast-paced performance of the Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo!”

That’s the promise from Kirkwood United Methodist Church, which announced this morning that its members would Come Together for a little less than Eight Days a Week (two days, in fact) next month to celebrate Christmas with Beatles songs.

“The carefully selected collection of Beatles songs in our production are authentic to the lives of Mary and Joseph, who were real people going through genuine strife and consternation, and ultimately, genuine joy and wonder at the birth of Jesus,” director, and KUMC associate pastor, Rocky Marlowe said in a statement. “Relating their story in modern language not only makes the story fresh, but very relatable and inviting.”

"Let it Be Christmas" will be staged Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Louis Community College at Meramec Theatre - 11333 Big Bend Road.

Reserved seating for this performance is available for a suggested donation of $12. For general admission tickets, the suggested donation is $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors (65+) and children 12 and under. Tickets are available online at www.kirkwoodumc.org, or at the church, located at 201 W. Adams in Kirkwood.

After the Beatles pageant concludes, church leaders promise to Get Back to traditional Christmas celebrations, including a creche scene featuring Lady Madonna.

Gregg Metcalf says God did not persuade Herman Cain to run for president

2011-11-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

Herman Cain says God told him to run for president

In a philly.com article by Ray Henry, Herman Cain said that God convinced him to enter the race for president. Apparently Cain's first response was Mosesesque, "You've got the wrong man, Lord, Are you sure?"

The article goes on to quote Cain, "That's when I prayed and prayed and prayed. I'm a man of faith, I had to do a lot of praying for this one, more praying than I've ever done before in my life." "And when I finally realized that it was God saying that his is what I needed to do, I was like Moses, 'You've got the wrong man, Lord. Are you sure?"

Now first of all, what is the Lord going to say? "Wait a minute Herman, let me check my Decrees and Divine Purpose book." "Yeah, it's right here on page 777, 7th on the right, tell Herman Cain to run for president.'"

Second, setting the theology aside that would demonstrate unequivocally that divine revelation has ceased, why make such a statement at all? I have no problem with Cain being as he calls himself, "a man of faith." I have no problem with a man of faith running for the presidency, but why make such a claim? Cain may very well be a fine, decent, honorable, and upstanding man whom we may need at this hour. (although I am still opposed to 9-9-9)

There is no way to verify the claim. Cain certainly was careful with the words he disclosed, i. e. there is nothing that commits God to making sure he wins the presidency. If he fails to get the nomination or if he gets it and looses to Obama both God and Cain can arise from the ashes as "unscathed."

What has got a burr under my saddle? Why can't we just take responsibility for our decisions and actions? Why do we need to justify our decisions with the caveat, God told me to do it? After all, we poo-poo all those who kill their fellow human beings and then bring God to their defense by stating He told them to do it.

The Scriptures give us no room to state that God tells us to do or not to for that matter anything. However, over and over we are told such things as, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV) "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)

We can go to God in earnest prayer and commit our plans, our goals, our desires, and our ideas to God and then trust God, who knows what is absolutely best for us, to enable us to bring those plans or decisions to fruition or not through circumstances, people, and or finances. God opens doors and closes doors and actually directs the steps of His children in His perfect will. This comes from being sensitive to the events and people around us, not because God "speaks to us" and persuades us verbally to take a course of action.

I would much rather a candidate state that after earnest and devout prayer that he or she has the peace that God provides and is making a run for the White House than to have them say God told me to do it. I have absolute confidence that through a number of circumstances, some favorable and some not so favorable, God led me to Longview to plant a church. He did not tell me to do this, he didn't speak to me verbally. If for some reason this church doesn't succeed or if God opens an existing church in Texas or Tennessee it wasn't because God told me so.

Monday Facts

2011-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Monday Facts is a weekly blog party designed to help you meet other bloggers. Tell us about your weekend, or give us some random facts that help us get to know you better!

Share your Monday post, and link back here! ☺

Fact: I have a cold.

Fact: I have avoided the cold and flu for the last two or three years.

Fact: I hate being sick. Thank you God for the wife you gave me who will "baby" me the rare times I am sick.

Fact: I am half-way done typing my first manuscript for Part I of my Gospel-driven Dicipleship Manual.

Fact: This is going to take awhile it looks like.

Fact: After graduating the United States Army Chemical Warfare School in Anniston, AL, I was assigned to a medium duty helicopter squadron stationed at the MCAS New River (NC) called HMM 261.

Fact: HMM (Marine Medium Helicopter) 261 was activated April 5th, 1951 at Cherry Point, North Carolina and adopted the name of Bulls."

Fact: During the 1965-66 tour in Viet Nam, the Bulls operated from Danang, Marble Mountain, Chu Lai, and the USS Valley Forge. The squadron continued to fly the H-34 helicopter throughout both tours, and participated in several major offensives including: Operations Starlight, Harvest Moon, Double Eagle, Utah, Nevada, Texas, and Hot Springs. During its 1965-66 tour HMM-261 flew 11,859 combat hours, MEDEVAC-ed 2,315 wounded, flew 38,090 combat sorties, ferried 47,522 troops into battle and expended 32,610 rounds of ammunition. Throughout its three combat tours in Vietnam, many of the units' helicopters were badly shot up while performing medevacs and troop insertion missions; during 1965-1966,its helicopters were hit 273 times with many aircraft destroyed. Squadron members were awarded personal decorations from the Navy Cross on down.

In 1966, the Bulls came home to New River again. During the late 1960s, the squadron accepted their first, brand new CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. The squadron still flies an updated model of the same helicopter, the CH-46E. Throughout the 1970s, the Bulls participated in various training exercises in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean regions. It was during this time that the squadron added to their nickname and became the "Raging Bulls".

Fact: "Righteousness and justice are the foudation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you." (Psalms 89:14, ESV)

Fact: I have established and written my reading goals for 2012. This of course doesn't include the books my best friends send me, or the books I blog for from Thomas Nelson, Multnomah, Banner of Truth Trust, or Tyndale.

Fact: Abraham Lincoln once said, "The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who will get me a book I ain't read yet."

(Do I have any best friends?)

Fact:

Country preachers

have always been a real hardy bunch

but lately some of my kin folk

like me can't keep down our lunch

I guess its because

I kinda got sick with a danged old cold

I guess I went and broke the family mold

I am very sick

with this blasted cold

although I've tried everthing

it's grown big brassy and bold

stop and think it over

put yourself in my position

if I keep sneezin' and puke all night long

it's a typical prediction

Lordy, I have loved some Nyquil

and I have loved soft tissues

and they both tried to help me

in my misery

when that wife of mine asked me

how did you get yourself in this condition

I said hey sweet thing please just bring

my special prescription

Chorus:

So, don't ask me Gregg

why are you sick?

(Gregg) why do you moan and complain

Why must you curse that doctors name

Stop and think it over

try and put yourself in my unique position

If I am sick and its my nose I pick

It's a family tradition!

(written by Gregg Metcalf, Nov 17, 2011)

(to the tune of Hank Williams, Jr.'s Family Tradition)

Why Translate the Scripture?

2011-11-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

(1494? - 1536)

English translator of the Bible and Reformer

"I perceived how that is was impossible to establish the lay people in any truth except the Scripture were plainly laid before their eyes in their mother tongue."

--William Tyndale

Have You Heard From the Shepherd Lately?

2011-11-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

On Point With God

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Our God is on a mission. God has been on a mission ever since He broke in what we know as time and space and revealed Himself to mankind. God. God created this earth with a purpose and or design and He has been "on point" actively and purposefully leading the way.Everything that God does is in accordance with His mission. There is not one thing that has taken place on this earth throughout know history that has not been used by God to further His purpose.

What is God's purpose? What is He "on point" actively and purposefully leading the way to? This answer may come as a surprise to those of you lean more to man-centered theology or philosophy rather than God-centered theology, but it is not to make you happy,healthy, and wealthy. God's singular purpose in all that He does is to reveal Himself, in the fullness of His nature and character, in order that His nature and character would be glorified. Everything that God does, including the redemption of your soul through His Son Jesus Christ is designed to fulfill that purpose.

God determined to reveal Himself in such a way in order that some of every people would be reconciled and drawn to Him. God invites all the people of the world to repent, come to know Him, and to worship Him. Knowing however that fallen man would never desire to come to the God of the Bible, God has designed a means by which He actively reconciles some men of every tribe, tongue, nation, and people to Himself.

Blackaby and Willis noted: "God has chosen to reveal Himself, His purpose, and His ways, involving His people with Him as He invites all the world's people's to know and to worship Him.

Through Abraham, God revealed Himself as the LORD, the Almighty, and the Provider, who wants to bless all the peoples of the world through His people

Through Moses, God revealed Himself as the I AM THAT I AM, who plan is to show His glory to the world through His people, who are to be a kingdom of priests to all peoples

Through David, God revealed that His Seed would rule all nations and His kingdom would be for all peoples.

Through Jesus, God revealed His love and His purpose to reconcile the world to Himself through Christ's incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension

Through Paul, God revealed that the mystery of the ages is that He includes all (types/kinds) peoples in His redemption (emphasis mine)

Through John, God revealed that some from every nation, tribe, tongue, and people will worship Him forever"

So, God is at work! God is at work at all times! God will accomplish His purpose of exalting His name, or His character and nature, as He works to draw a company of people from every tribe and nation on this earth in order to worship His exalted, glorious, and majestic character. Do not despair; God is right on time, behind everything that happens, and remains untharwted in all He does.

Five Things Your Sin Won’t Tell You

2011-11-17T05:46:00.000-08:00

1. Its payoff is eternal death

“For the wages (pay) of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23, KJV)

2. Although private and hidden it will make itself public

“…behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure you sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23, ESV)

3. Its Promised Pleasure is only temporary

“…choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” (Hebrews 11:25, ESV)

4. There is no earthly or human activity that can remove its stain

“For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4, ESV)

5. That when you are owned by Christ sin’s bondage is broken

“For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” (Romans 6:14, 17, ESV)

Book Review: The Jesus Experiment

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: The Jesus Experiment

Author: Bill Perkins

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

General Subject Matter: Christian Living, Spiritual Growth

Type: Paperback

Price: $14.99

ISBN: 978-1-4143-1142-5

The purpose of The Jesus Experiment is to provide the reader with a real-time connection to Jesus Christ in order for the reader is able to test His promise to give the reader abundant life. The author gives us this statement on the third page of his introduction.

The theme of The Jesus Experiment is encapsulated in the subtitle, "what happens when you follow in Jesus' footprints?" The thesis of this book is that the reader can apply concept of a scientific experiment by applying the concept to Jesus' claim or promise of providing His followers with abundant life.

Perkins develops both his book and his thesis by way of argument or persuasion. Perkins provides twelve chapters as a twelve week series of exercises that centers on one major truth about Jesus each week. The author uses what he calls "four commitments" to persuade the reader that Jesus can be trusted to provide the abundant life that He promised to His followers. These four commitments are:

Ask what Jesus felt, thought, said, and did in a variety of situations
Observe your own responses in similar real-life situations by noting what you feel, think, say, or do when you are self-reliant
Evaluate what you would feel, think, say, and do in the same circumstances if you were abiding in Jesus following His example
Apply a specific plan to prepare yourself to actively follow in Jesus' footsteps the next time you encounter similar circumstances.

The author includes at the end of each chapter or exercise a set of questions to be answered and charts to be completed on the readers progress.

Perkins uses several real-life illustrations in which he was personally involved in order to further drive home his point. He uses past and present failures and successes in his own walk to demonstrate that the experiment or exercises work and that Jesus does keep His promise concerning abundant life.

Lest we get to far afield and forget to inform the reader of this review, this is not another "prosperity gospel, health and wealth" book or scam. Perkins uses these illustrations, scripture references, and exercises within sound biblical exegesis in order to encourage the reader to "put Jesus to the test" in regards to the promise of an abundant life.

I found The Jesus Experiment to be interesting. Perkins is a talented writer. The book held my attention all the way through. His illustrations are well chosen and support the points that he makes. I think Perkins was objective in his approach to the many within the church who need sound guidelines to develop their faith and trust in Christ as they growth in grace. I believe this book to be a useful tool to the audience for which is was written.

Perkin's main argument is that the goal of Christian spirituality is for believers to become more like Christ. He proposes for example, that Peter was never more like Jesus than when he stepped out of the boat and began to walk on the water. The moment Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and he focused on himself and his surroundings he began to sink. So Perkins argues hat we are to keep moving forward in our Christian walk and growth step by step ever learning to keep our eyes on Jesus as we follow Him.

The Jesus Experiment raises the issue of true Christian discipleship. The book suggests the possibilities that with discipline, grace, and ever growing faith a believer can follow after Christ and receive all that Jesus promised to provide for His children.

The weakness of this book is that it tries to "pack" to much helpful material in such a small space. Perkins is barely able to skim the surface of Christian growth or maturity. However, this book is a good start for new or shallow believers. It is readily adaptable for a Sunday School or Small Group Study. It can certainly be used individually also.

Bill Perkins is an accomplished writer. He ha authored or collaborated on twenty books. He is the founder and CEO of Million Mighty Men. Perkins has served as a pastor for over 24 years. He holds degrees from both the University of Texas and Dallas Theological Seminary. He addresses men's groups, leadership conferences, and has led chapels for major league baseball teams. Perkins blogs at www.billperkins.com

The Jesus Experiment short two page end notes section and no bibliography.

In summary I found this book to be interesting, factual, helpful, and would recommend it to anyone as a good means of taking spiritual inventory. It will serve as a helpful guide to those who truly care WWJD.The concluding chapter is very convincing in regards to the benefit and thesis Perkins set out to demonstrate.

The principal topics are Introduction, What Jesus Did in Private, What Jesus Did in Public, and What Jesus Did With People. These main topics are broken down into several sub-divisions which support the main topic.
________________________________________________
I received a free copy of The Jesus Experiment for this review. I received nothing else nor was I required to give a positive review. This review is my own thoughts and opinions.

Why Study Theology?

2011-11-15T05:42:00.000-08:00

"If you do not listen to theology, that will not mean that you have no ideas about God. It will mean that you have a lot of wrong ones - bad, muddled, out of date ideas." (C. S. Lewis)

"...every Christian is a theologian..." (Bruce Milne)

"By virtue of being born again we have all begun to know God and therefore have a certain understanding of His nature and actions. That is, we all have a theology of sorts, whether or not we have ever sat down and pieced it together. So, properly understood, theology is not for a few religious eggheads with a flair for abstract debate - it is everybody's business. Once we have grasped this, our duty is to become the best theologians we can to the glory of God, as our understanding of God and His ways is clarified and deepened through studying the book He has given for that very purpose, the Bible." 1

The principle to grasp today is this - biblical theology or doctrine serves as the foundation and fundamental framework for everyday practical Christian living. So, let's get "jiggy" with it!

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1 Bruce Milne, Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity, 1982), p.11

Monday Facts

2011-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Monday Facts

is a weekly blog party

designed to help you meet other bloggers.

Tell us about your weekend,

or give us some random facts.

Share your Monday post, and link back here! ☺

In conjunction with Seams Inspired's Party, I give you my Monday Morning Facts, for what shall we say? For your enjoyment, entertainment, encouragement, curiosity, concern, comprehension, snoopiness, wonder, amusement, to tickle your funny bone, and or your inquisitiveness!

Fact: Yesterday, Irene and I attended the memorial service for a friend and fellow church member. Milton Sheppa was truly a trophy of grace, blessed by God's enduring love and mercy for 106 years. Yes, Milton finally completed his race and had his spirit returned unto His heavenly father after living in this life for 106 years.

Fact: Seems the kids have their own plans this year and with one in Long Beach, CA and one in Mesa, AZ it seems Irene and I will be enjoying a rare Thanksgiving Day alone. As a result the menu will be simple: small turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli, pumpkin pie, and dinner rolls.

Fact: I will make room in my December blog for at least four of the recipes you have requested.

Fact: After graduation from boot camp I was ordered to attend the United States Army Chemical Warfare School at Ft. McClellan. I was one of eight Marines at a Army base and Army School in Anniston, AL.

Fact: Anniston was BB and MR (before brains and mature reasoning). We partied hard in Anniston, Birmingham, Montgomery, Nashville, and even Atalanta. Only by God's grace I survived.

Fact: The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (PS 103:8)

Fact: The weekend was very quiet. Carried Irene to a few stores and then read a couple of books. Enjoyed the "kick-back" and relaxed time with Irene.

Fact: Mt. Solo (we live right next to the base) is absolutely gorgeous! The trees are green, orange, red, and yellow. Mt Solo is about mile long and 600 in elevation and runs east to west right along the Columbia River. Our house is about a hundred feet from the very base - we get deer, pheasant, quail, and other critters into our pasture.

Fact: This weekend I planned all the topics for each day's blog in December.

Fact: San Francisco 49ers won again!

Fact: Lord willing, I start writing my Gospel-driven Disciples Training Manual tomorrow. I have written SOP's for the military, I have written my own Car Sales Training Manual when I managed and trained car sales persons. I think I can write a training manual for discipleship training.

Fact: It is time to start thinking about planning and setting spiritual goals for 2012. I need to review 2011 this quarter and then for the over all year and begin looking toward 2012.

Fact: If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time!

Shallows and Deeps

2011-11-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

"In the divine Scriptures, there are shallows and there are deeps; shallows where the lamb may wade, and deeps where the elephant may swim."

John Owen

Follow the Money!

2011-11-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

Judge Judy to Prostitute:
"When did you realize you were raped?"
Prostitute (wiping away tears): "When the check bounced."

Paper kills column saying devil makes people gay

2011-11-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Gay rights groups say they’re pleased the oldest Roman Catholic newspaper in the United States has retracted an opinion column suggesting the devil may be responsible for gay attraction.

The column in the Boston archdiocese’s The Pilot newspaper was titled “Some fundamental questions on same-sex attraction.” It was written by an adviser at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. It said “scientific evidence of how same-sex attraction most likely may be created provides a credible basis for a spiritual explanation that indicts the devil.”

The 182-year-old newspaper withdrew the online column Wednesday and posted the author’s apology.

'Tremendous damage'

The gay Catholics group DignityUSA says the column was outrageous and inflicted "tremendous damage on the souls" of gay people. The Human Rights Campaign said Thursday it's a shame the archdiocese ran a column ignoring the science about sexual orientation.

Regardless of what DignityUSA and the Human Rights Campaign believe or proclaim, science has little or nothing to do with sexual orientation. Since the fall of Adam, mankind has been infected by a human nature that is absolutely depraved. The human nature is morally corrupt and absolutely perverted. This perversion extends itself into every area of the human nature including sexuality.

Fortunately, this absolute depravity of every living human being does not mean that we are as sinful as we can be. Their are a number of restraints in effect which limit or hold back the level of perversity in every human being. Those restraints can be family, the church, society, the law, fear of punishment, or the Holy Spirit.

Satan, more than likely doesn't tempt anybody to sin, exapnd on their depravity - let alone determine sexual orientation. The Scriptures seem to indicate that Satan is probably in heaven, standing before the throne of God, "accusing the brethern night and day." Granted, Satan has assigned his demons to individual Christians, but Satan himself rarely concerns himself with a specific individual.

James, former pastor of the Jerusalem church and half-brother to Jesus Christ makes it clear in his epistle to the Jews that human beings sin because the depraved human nature entices and lures each of us by way of temptation. The human nature uses internal desires, lusts, longings, and proclivities as a fisherman uses a lure to entice us to take the lure and sin. Therefore, any sexual desire, apart from God's specific means of satisfying that desire, arises from the human nature, offers itself in an enticing and alluring fashion in order to cause the human being to "take the bait" and give into sin.

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

2011-11-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 236th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.

Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground. At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.

The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.

Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

Book Review: Culture Shift

2011-11-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Culture Shift

Author: R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

Publisher: Multnomah Books

General Subject Matter: Apologetics, Christian Living

Type: Paperback

Price: $12.99

ISBN: 978-1-60142-381-8

In establishing the purpose of the author, it is necessary to quote from his preface, "...we are swimming in one of the most complex and challenging cultural contexts ever experienced by the Christian Church...How are Christians to remain faithful as we live in this culture? How should we think about so many of the critical moral questions of our day?"

The purpose is seen in Mohler's last sentence in the preface, "My hope is that these essays will assist you as you seek to be faithful to Christ as a concerned and intelligent Christian." The purpose of this book is to assist the reader in understanding and responding to the ever changing culture in which today's believers are living.

Theme: The battle for the moral heart of America
Thesis: This is trustworthy help for developing a comprehensive Christian worldview based on timeless truth

Mohler develops his thesis by the method of argumentation. Mohler uses the technique of persuasion to establish the truths of his thesis. The author presents twenty five components of today's culture and explores them through the means of a short essay. Mohler uses these short essays to explore the effects that these components have on today's culture and argues how the reader is to respond to them.

Culture Shift is a very interesting book. Mohler's style of writing easily holds the reader's attention. Mohler is very objective as he identifes cultural trends and develops suggested response. This is an imporant book with a very important message for believers today. Even though each essay is very short and condensed, Mohler carefully chooses what information to convey in order to get the most "bang for the buck." These essays are of the utmost value to the reader enabling the reader, especially the Christian reader to respond in a biblical manner.

Mohler argues that these cultural entities are not "merely academic." He states that every believer will be touched by them at some point in his or her life-time. This is a powerful proposition with which I agree. Mohler argues that our homes are constantly invaded by the culture that is all around us. Again, I agree that whether it be through media, electronic sources, or people we work with or worship with culture changes will effect each of us.

Areas from homosexuality, morality, situation ethics, public schools and their agenda, abortion, character to the new American family, impact every human being, including believers requiring a response. The believer must develop a biblical world-view in order to respond in a biblical manner.

The author is readily and more than able to address these areas of culture. Dr. R. Albert Hohler, Jr., is president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Mohler writes a popular blog is writes regular comments at AlbertMohler.com. He is an acclaimed and accomplished author. Time.com has called Dr. Mohler the "reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U. S."

Due to each chapter having footnotes listed within the chapter there is no end notes section. There is no index nor bibliography.

In summary I found the book to be very interesting and compelling. The content of Culture Shift is very relevant for today's Christian. My general conclusions include a high recommendation to every believer to read this book. It is my opinion that Mohler has given the Christian Community an excellent tool with which to think about the response required to the cultural shifts in our country and community today. This book is a trustworthy help for developing a comprehensive Christian worldview based on timeless truth

America’s Most Famous Preacher Turned 93

2011-11-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

For the Rev. Billy Graham, America’s most famous evangelist across a career that lasted some six decades, the prospect of old age and death was for a long time something he tried not to think about, despite his convictions about the eternity that awaits human beings.

“I fought growing old in every way,” Graham, who turned 93 on Monday, writes in the newly-published “Nearing Home,” a book that ranges from Scripture quotations about the end of life to brass tacks advice on financial planning. “I faithfully exercised and was careful to pace myself as I began to feel the grasp of Old Man Time. This was not a transition that I welcomed, and I began to dread what I knew would follow.”

Graham’s book, his 30th, comes not only as he reaches another year, but as America’s huge Baby Boom generation moves into old age, its senior members now eligible for Social Security and retirement.

Graham, spent most of his life as an Arminian neo-evangelical attempting to reach the multitudes for Christ by mass evangelism. Graham during his long tenue as a preacher and evangelist has "broadened" the gospel beyond its biblical limits by being a part of the dumbing down of the good news. At times it was difficult to support Mr. Graham due to his salvific and redemptive universal tendencies. You see this especially in an interview that he gave in 2006:

"In Graham's view, the core message of the Gospel, and the love of God "for all people" should take priority..But more recent years have given him something he had little of in his decades of global evangelism: time to think both more deeply and more broadly....He.refuses to be judgmental.thinks God's ways and means are veiled from human eyes and wrapped in mystery. "There are many things that I don't understand," he says. He does not believe that Christians need to take every verse of the Bible literally; "sincere Christians," he says, "can disagree about the details of Scripture and theology-absolutely"..he is arguing that the Bible is open to interpretation, and fair-minded Christians may disagree or come to different conclusions about specific points. Like Saint Paul , he believes human beings on this side of paradise can grasp only so much.

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror," Paul wrote, "then we shall see face to face.".."As time went on, I began to realize the love of God for everybody, all over the world," he says. "And in his death on the cross, some mysterious thing happened between God and the Son that we don't understand. But there he was, alone, taking on the sins of the world..I spend more time on the love of God than I used to.".. When asked whether he believes heaven will be closed to good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or secular people, though, Graham says: "Those are decisions only the Lord will make.I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have."

Meacham, Jon. Newsweek Magazine . 14 August 2006. Excerpt from interview with Billy Graham. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14204483/ .