Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Public or Parochial?
I remember when I first started at my local Christian school, Faith Heritage, the bus driver asking me, "Public or parochial?". I had no idea what in the world she was asking and I'm sure she could tell by my half-confused, half-nervous facial expression. By the way, I was only 5 or 6. But I digress.
A friend of mine asked me via Facebook what my thoughts are concerning public school and Christian school. I think she asked me because I went to Faith Heritage (from here on it will be referred to as FHS)from kindergarten until I graduated. From there I went on to Philadelphia Biblical University for my undergrad and I'm currently in seminary. Basically, my entire education has revolved around Christian institutes. Did I mention that my dad is a pastor so I was at church all the time? Well I was and in many ways I still am. My wife and I have been a part of planting two churches; one in Philly and we're currently part of one here in Syracuse.
My connections with public school have come by way of my employment. I have worked for the Liverpool Public school system for 4 years as a special education TA. I have worked at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. It has been interesting and informative seeing that I never stepped foot in a public school when I was actually in school. OK, enough with the background, now my opinion.
Christian school definitely has some benefits but, as with most things, it has its downfalls as well. I truly enjoyed my Christian schooling at FHS but it was all I knew. My class stayed at around 50 kids all the way through. This allowed me to get to know everyone although I didn't hangout with everyone. We all knew each other and to a certain degree were all friends. So in that aspect it was nice. Athletically, we competed against the public schools and fared well. Academically, it was challenging. I recall many times talking with "public school kids" and being amazed at their lack of school work. Maybe it was just me, but it seemed like they didn't do the same quantity or quality of work. I don't mean that in a negative or arrogant way, it just seemed like we wrote more papers and whatnot.
Obviously, the most differentiating factor for a Christian school is the fact that it's Christian. We had chapel every Wednesday where we sang and listened to a sermon-esque message. The boys wore ties and the girls wore dresses. We were very spiritual in our attire (that's sarcasm, to a certain extent). There were mandatory Bible classes and annual retreats. Almost every class began with prayer as its foundation. Overall, Christ was at the center of every facet of school. When done correctly, it was a great thing.
But here's the catch. At Christian school the assumption is that everyone is a Christian. And by Christian I mean one who is living correctly, doing their devotions, praying regularly, and going to church (these aren't the only benchmarks of Christianity). Unfortunately, this is/was not the case and it was continually left unchecked. The same was true at PBU because you assume everyone must be "doing alright" spiritually or they wouldn't be at Bible college. In short, there isn't always a great emphasis on accountability which easily leads to a mere adherence to an outward set of rules. The leap to hypocrisy is an easy one since everyone can see your external actions while you hide your inner attitudes. I don't want to sound like Debbie Downer but Christian schools tend to breed apathy in a world that laughs at religion in general and Christianity in particular.
Conversely, I have worked in the public school system for almost 4 years and it has been an eye opener. Not necessarily in a negative light but more along the lines of a mission field. The apathy that is characterized in Christian schools (and in Christianity in general) is contrasted by the wanton need for firm belief in public schools. It seems to be me that it's either sink or swim in public school. There is not much middle ground of belief because of the constant pressure to stay close to Jesus. The blatant disregard for religion and religious people [read Christians] should be pushing our teens toward a deeper faith. They must have a firm belief or they might be relegated to a group of fools. Overall, it seems like public school either pushes you toward a submitted life to Christ or to complete disregard for him. For those who strive towards maturity in their faith, public schools, both in their education and polity, will challenge and engage every facet of their life. To me the public school system offers a refining and profitable environment for the Christian that will produce the faith needed for life. This is definitely more so than in the Christian bubble.
These aren't all my thoughts on Christian and public schools. There are many benefits for both but this blog is merely based on my experience and the need for missional intellectual Christians.
A friend of mine asked me via Facebook what my thoughts are concerning public school and Christian school. I think she asked me because I went to Faith Heritage (from here on it will be referred to as FHS)from kindergarten until I graduated. From there I went on to Philadelphia Biblical University for my undergrad and I'm currently in seminary. Basically, my entire education has revolved around Christian institutes. Did I mention that my dad is a pastor so I was at church all the time? Well I was and in many ways I still am. My wife and I have been a part of planting two churches; one in Philly and we're currently part of one here in Syracuse.
My connections with public school have come by way of my employment. I have worked for the Liverpool Public school system for 4 years as a special education TA. I have worked at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. It has been interesting and informative seeing that I never stepped foot in a public school when I was actually in school. OK, enough with the background, now my opinion.
Christian school definitely has some benefits but, as with most things, it has its downfalls as well. I truly enjoyed my Christian schooling at FHS but it was all I knew. My class stayed at around 50 kids all the way through. This allowed me to get to know everyone although I didn't hangout with everyone. We all knew each other and to a certain degree were all friends. So in that aspect it was nice. Athletically, we competed against the public schools and fared well. Academically, it was challenging. I recall many times talking with "public school kids" and being amazed at their lack of school work. Maybe it was just me, but it seemed like they didn't do the same quantity or quality of work. I don't mean that in a negative or arrogant way, it just seemed like we wrote more papers and whatnot.
Obviously, the most differentiating factor for a Christian school is the fact that it's Christian. We had chapel every Wednesday where we sang and listened to a sermon-esque message. The boys wore ties and the girls wore dresses. We were very spiritual in our attire (that's sarcasm, to a certain extent). There were mandatory Bible classes and annual retreats. Almost every class began with prayer as its foundation. Overall, Christ was at the center of every facet of school. When done correctly, it was a great thing.
But here's the catch. At Christian school the assumption is that everyone is a Christian. And by Christian I mean one who is living correctly, doing their devotions, praying regularly, and going to church (these aren't the only benchmarks of Christianity). Unfortunately, this is/was not the case and it was continually left unchecked. The same was true at PBU because you assume everyone must be "doing alright" spiritually or they wouldn't be at Bible college. In short, there isn't always a great emphasis on accountability which easily leads to a mere adherence to an outward set of rules. The leap to hypocrisy is an easy one since everyone can see your external actions while you hide your inner attitudes. I don't want to sound like Debbie Downer but Christian schools tend to breed apathy in a world that laughs at religion in general and Christianity in particular.
Conversely, I have worked in the public school system for almost 4 years and it has been an eye opener. Not necessarily in a negative light but more along the lines of a mission field. The apathy that is characterized in Christian schools (and in Christianity in general) is contrasted by the wanton need for firm belief in public schools. It seems to be me that it's either sink or swim in public school. There is not much middle ground of belief because of the constant pressure to stay close to Jesus. The blatant disregard for religion and religious people [read Christians] should be pushing our teens toward a deeper faith. They must have a firm belief or they might be relegated to a group of fools. Overall, it seems like public school either pushes you toward a submitted life to Christ or to complete disregard for him. For those who strive towards maturity in their faith, public schools, both in their education and polity, will challenge and engage every facet of their life. To me the public school system offers a refining and profitable environment for the Christian that will produce the faith needed for life. This is definitely more so than in the Christian bubble.
These aren't all my thoughts on Christian and public schools. There are many benefits for both but this blog is merely based on my experience and the need for missional intellectual Christians.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Life after life after death?
No I didn't accidently write one too many life afters. We've all heard/thought/talked about life after death. We've all had loved ones whom we cherish die. The comfort has typically laid with the concept of heaven and what that entails. But what is the Christian biblical idea of heaven? Is it somewhere we I will live eternally with Jesus? Is it somewhere I look forward to and thus strive to enter? Is it somewhere where everyone goes after we die as long as we're good? Or is there something else? Is there life after life after death?
I would say yes. Heaven is a grand place but it is also not the final destination for the follower of Christ. The new heavens and new earth shall be our final home. Heaven is sort of like a waiting room until the final ressurection. So some might say why all the heaven talk within Church? I never hear much about the new heavens and earth.
Well, unfortunately, that is a main problem with evangelical churches here in America. We don't know our biblical theology. Check out the end of Revelation. Specifically, chapters 21-22. What does it say? Especially notice the fact of the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven. There is an idea we don't hear all the time. But isn't it so true? Isn't one of the main, if not the main, concepts in the Bible? The amazing truth of the Triune God is his entrance to earth from heaven. The heavens are always coming down to us here on earth, not vice versa. The Triune God is always making his presence known with us here in his created worldly order. We currently live on earth, one half of creation, while God lives in heaven. In the end, the Triune God will live in cohabitation with us on earth. The veil will be lifted and we will live in the full presence of the Trinity.
The incredible thing is that God has always been redeeming us and bringing us back into fellowship with him. Ever since the fall (Genesis 3) God has been making the movements of redemption towards us. Jesus' death and resurrection are the crux of history, which initiated the beginning of the new creation. Again, notice, he came to us; he didn't bring us to him. From Jesus' resurrection forward, the kingdom of God has been making inroads into the evil that pervades our world. The eschaton will bring God's kingdom to full fruition by way of God's presence being brought to earth.
The point of all this is my concern for the overwhelming assumption by many Christians about heaven. This is by no means a sufficient of complete thought concerning heaven and the new earth but hopefully it gets people thinking. We must be aware of the truth found in Scripture and how it effects our lives. More to come in the future.
I would say yes. Heaven is a grand place but it is also not the final destination for the follower of Christ. The new heavens and new earth shall be our final home. Heaven is sort of like a waiting room until the final ressurection. So some might say why all the heaven talk within Church? I never hear much about the new heavens and earth.
Well, unfortunately, that is a main problem with evangelical churches here in America. We don't know our biblical theology. Check out the end of Revelation. Specifically, chapters 21-22. What does it say? Especially notice the fact of the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven. There is an idea we don't hear all the time. But isn't it so true? Isn't one of the main, if not the main, concepts in the Bible? The amazing truth of the Triune God is his entrance to earth from heaven. The heavens are always coming down to us here on earth, not vice versa. The Triune God is always making his presence known with us here in his created worldly order. We currently live on earth, one half of creation, while God lives in heaven. In the end, the Triune God will live in cohabitation with us on earth. The veil will be lifted and we will live in the full presence of the Trinity.
The incredible thing is that God has always been redeeming us and bringing us back into fellowship with him. Ever since the fall (Genesis 3) God has been making the movements of redemption towards us. Jesus' death and resurrection are the crux of history, which initiated the beginning of the new creation. Again, notice, he came to us; he didn't bring us to him. From Jesus' resurrection forward, the kingdom of God has been making inroads into the evil that pervades our world. The eschaton will bring God's kingdom to full fruition by way of God's presence being brought to earth.
The point of all this is my concern for the overwhelming assumption by many Christians about heaven. This is by no means a sufficient of complete thought concerning heaven and the new earth but hopefully it gets people thinking. We must be aware of the truth found in Scripture and how it effects our lives. More to come in the future.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Lansing, MI Church Vandalized/Attacked
Here is a story about the "tolerant" actions of a liberal group and the Christian response of the church:
Michigan liberals attack Lansing congregation in the middle of Sunday worship
By Nick, Section News
Posted on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 01:33:05 PM EST
This is what we're up against.
On Sunday morning, amidst worshiping congregants and following unifying prayers that our President-elect be granted wisdom as he prepares to lead our nation through difficult global, social and economic challenges, the Michigan left declared open war on peaceful church goers.
They did it with banners, chants, blasphemy, by storming the pulpit, by vandalizing the church facility, by potentially defiling the building with lewd, public, sex acts and by intentionally forcing physical confrontations with worshipers.
This didn't take place in some dystopian, post modern work of fiction and it didn't take place in San Francisco or Berkley. This was the scene at a Bible believing church in Lansing, Michigan.
Read on...
On Sunday, November 9, 2008 Michigan liberals sat peacefully through announcements, worship and prayer for the sick, our nation and our President-elect before staging a coordinated, disgusting and repulsive attack on worshipers and the broader concept of the church itself at Lansing's Mount Hope Church.
The lefties were a part of a liberal organization known as Bash Back Lansing and their collection of radical blogs, including one of the state's most widely read "mainstream" progressive blogs (and none which will receive a link on this website) called on "queers and trannies" from across the state and the region to converge on Lansing for what they refer to as an "action." While many of the members claim to be anarchists (they drove on roads, ate non-garden grown foods, printed materials on products created by government protected free markets, wore clothing, talk incessantly about "organization," etc etc etc) their broader goal is stated plainly on one of their lefty blogs.
"I can tell you that we are targeting a well-known anti-queer, anti-choice radical right wing establishment."
Mount Hope, for the record, is an evangelical, bible believing church whose members provide free 24 hour counseling, prayer lines, catastrophic care for families dealing with medical emergencies, support groups for men, women and children dealing with a wide variety of life's troubles, crisis intervention, marriage ministries, regular, organized volunteer work in and around the city, missions in dozens of countries across the globe, a construction ministry that has built over 100 churches, schools, orphanages and other projects all over the world and an in-depth prison ministry that reaches out, touches and helps the men and women the rest of society fears the most. They also teach respect for all human life and the Biblical sanctity of marriage as an institution between one man and one woman.
This is what Michigan liberals label a "radical right wing establishment," and over 30 of them showed up in force yesterday. Wearing secret-service style ear pieces and microphones they received the "go" from their ringleader and off they went.
Prayer had just finished when men and women stood up in pockets across the congregation, on the main floor and in the balcony. "Jesus was gay," they shouted among other profanities and blasphemies as they rushed the stage. Some forced their way through rows of women and kids to try to hang a profane banner from the balcony while others began tossing fliers into the air. Two women made their way to the pulpit and began to kiss.
Their other props? I'll let them tell you in their own words... from another of their liberal blogs:
"(A) video camera, a megaphone, noise makers, condoms, glitter by the bucket load, confetti, pink fabric...yeh."
The video camera they put to good use as they attempted to provoke a violent reaction. The image of the pink-clad folks above is one of theirs, stating in a picture worth more than a thousand words the goals of the Michigan left.
The "open minded" and "tolerant" liberals ran down the aisles and across the pews, hoping against hope to catch a "right winger" on tape daring to push back (none did). And just in case their camera missed the target, they had a reporter in tow. According to a source inside the church yesterday there was a "journalist" from the Lansing City Pulse along for the ride, tipped off about the action and more interested in getting a story than in preventing the vandalism, the violence and anti-Christian hatred being spewed by the lefties. We'll see what he files and what his editors see fit to print.
Props were readily on display too, though some of the condoms may have been put to even more nefarious use.
An hour after police and security had collected and removed who they thought were the last of the liberals, a volunteer security person discovered two more, hiding, together, in a public restroom. While their compatriots engaged in openly violent protest in front of everyone these two snuck away to potentially stage their own protest of sorts, and only by the grace of God did one of the hundreds of kids at the church not happen upon that particular restroom in those moments. Precisely how long they'd been there and precisely what they'd been up to we don't know.
The church's response? After things settled down, the blasphemy ended, the lewd props removed and the families safe from fear of additional men and women running into and past them the pastor took the stage and led the congregation in one more prayer... not for retribution, or divine justice or a celestial comeuppance (that's what I'd have prayed for) but instead that the troubled individuals who'd just defiled the Lord's house, so full of anger and hate, would know Jesus' love in their lives and God's peace that exceeds human understanding.
Yesterday morning defined the difference between a church of believers and Michigan liberals. It also illustrated in shocking, painful detail precisely what we're up against.
Michigan liberals attack Lansing congregation in the middle of Sunday worship
By Nick, Section News
Posted on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 01:33:05 PM EST
This is what we're up against.
On Sunday morning, amidst worshiping congregants and following unifying prayers that our President-elect be granted wisdom as he prepares to lead our nation through difficult global, social and economic challenges, the Michigan left declared open war on peaceful church goers.
They did it with banners, chants, blasphemy, by storming the pulpit, by vandalizing the church facility, by potentially defiling the building with lewd, public, sex acts and by intentionally forcing physical confrontations with worshipers.
This didn't take place in some dystopian, post modern work of fiction and it didn't take place in San Francisco or Berkley. This was the scene at a Bible believing church in Lansing, Michigan.
Read on...
On Sunday, November 9, 2008 Michigan liberals sat peacefully through announcements, worship and prayer for the sick, our nation and our President-elect before staging a coordinated, disgusting and repulsive attack on worshipers and the broader concept of the church itself at Lansing's Mount Hope Church.
The lefties were a part of a liberal organization known as Bash Back Lansing and their collection of radical blogs, including one of the state's most widely read "mainstream" progressive blogs (and none which will receive a link on this website) called on "queers and trannies" from across the state and the region to converge on Lansing for what they refer to as an "action." While many of the members claim to be anarchists (they drove on roads, ate non-garden grown foods, printed materials on products created by government protected free markets, wore clothing, talk incessantly about "organization," etc etc etc) their broader goal is stated plainly on one of their lefty blogs.
"I can tell you that we are targeting a well-known anti-queer, anti-choice radical right wing establishment."
Mount Hope, for the record, is an evangelical, bible believing church whose members provide free 24 hour counseling, prayer lines, catastrophic care for families dealing with medical emergencies, support groups for men, women and children dealing with a wide variety of life's troubles, crisis intervention, marriage ministries, regular, organized volunteer work in and around the city, missions in dozens of countries across the globe, a construction ministry that has built over 100 churches, schools, orphanages and other projects all over the world and an in-depth prison ministry that reaches out, touches and helps the men and women the rest of society fears the most. They also teach respect for all human life and the Biblical sanctity of marriage as an institution between one man and one woman.
This is what Michigan liberals label a "radical right wing establishment," and over 30 of them showed up in force yesterday. Wearing secret-service style ear pieces and microphones they received the "go" from their ringleader and off they went.
Prayer had just finished when men and women stood up in pockets across the congregation, on the main floor and in the balcony. "Jesus was gay," they shouted among other profanities and blasphemies as they rushed the stage. Some forced their way through rows of women and kids to try to hang a profane banner from the balcony while others began tossing fliers into the air. Two women made their way to the pulpit and began to kiss.
Their other props? I'll let them tell you in their own words... from another of their liberal blogs:
"(A) video camera, a megaphone, noise makers, condoms, glitter by the bucket load, confetti, pink fabric...yeh."
The video camera they put to good use as they attempted to provoke a violent reaction. The image of the pink-clad folks above is one of theirs, stating in a picture worth more than a thousand words the goals of the Michigan left.
The "open minded" and "tolerant" liberals ran down the aisles and across the pews, hoping against hope to catch a "right winger" on tape daring to push back (none did). And just in case their camera missed the target, they had a reporter in tow. According to a source inside the church yesterday there was a "journalist" from the Lansing City Pulse along for the ride, tipped off about the action and more interested in getting a story than in preventing the vandalism, the violence and anti-Christian hatred being spewed by the lefties. We'll see what he files and what his editors see fit to print.
Props were readily on display too, though some of the condoms may have been put to even more nefarious use.
An hour after police and security had collected and removed who they thought were the last of the liberals, a volunteer security person discovered two more, hiding, together, in a public restroom. While their compatriots engaged in openly violent protest in front of everyone these two snuck away to potentially stage their own protest of sorts, and only by the grace of God did one of the hundreds of kids at the church not happen upon that particular restroom in those moments. Precisely how long they'd been there and precisely what they'd been up to we don't know.
The church's response? After things settled down, the blasphemy ended, the lewd props removed and the families safe from fear of additional men and women running into and past them the pastor took the stage and led the congregation in one more prayer... not for retribution, or divine justice or a celestial comeuppance (that's what I'd have prayed for) but instead that the troubled individuals who'd just defiled the Lord's house, so full of anger and hate, would know Jesus' love in their lives and God's peace that exceeds human understanding.
Yesterday morning defined the difference between a church of believers and Michigan liberals. It also illustrated in shocking, painful detail precisely what we're up against.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Theoloptical illusion
It is interesting how when you stare at the 4 dots in the pic for 30 seconds and then look at a wall or piece of paper you see something. Or perhaps I should say someone. You see, whenever we set our eyes on Jesus, He shows himself to us even when we don't expect it. He said himself, "And lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Maybe we shouldn't be so surprised when we see Jesus "shows up." He doesn't merely show up, he is always there; whether or not we're paying attention is another thing.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
I've got some news...
The video of the dancing group below has gained some notoriety via the web. Well I have done some research and have found out the truth behind the group. They are a cult from Ohio who deny the Trinity. Their name is The Way International. They are similar to Jehovah Witnesses in that they deny Christ's deity. They believe the Father is the sole person of God and completely deny the Holy Spirit. So apparently they aren't Christian at all just a mere shadow of it. I guess it shows to always check the reality behind everything.
The Soup
Apparently the Christian dancing ensemble video is an internet smash. I saw it on another blog and so did a whole host of people. So many, in fact, that it was on one of my favorite shows The Soup. If you have never seen the show it is hilarious. It definitely does not share a Christian perspective on the world but it does see the shallowness and hollow facets of our culture. And in seeing such things they duly ridicule them. The show is definitely a nice cap to every week. But without further ado here is their take on the video:
Monday, September 15, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Today is September 11th, the day that will live on in American memories forever. For my generation it is the equivalent to Kennedy's assassination. I remember exactly where I was on that fateful day. I remember where I was on the following September 11th because I was at Todd Beamer's grave side with my friend. The happenings of that tragic day are something that cannot be quantified or qualified, except as evil. We live in a world where evil has permeated every facet of our existence. It is seen everyday in our news, in our international relationships, but even more distinctly in our own faces.
We all have the capacity for every form of evil. The human nature present within me is the same nature within you. We could never say that we would never do something as horrid as murder. However, the truth is evident that indeed we can.
One of the problems with this thinking is the pervasive idealism of humanity. Beginning in the 19th century humanity became the end all of everything. There is no need for a spiritual world. There is no such thing as sin. There is no need to look back. Progress was the rallying cry for all of humanity. This was true in at least America and Europe, which then spread to every corner of the earth due to the Industrial Revolution and military might. So it was progress, progress, progress. Technology, science, and even theology was seen in the positivity of progress. Forget the past for we are forging on to the future of humanity.
The "-isms" of the day centered on the progress of humanity and replaced God with human will. We were no longer made in his image but rather we were our own image. Thus, we had Nazism, Marxism, racism, nationalism, and Darwinism. All had replaced the spiritual reality of God with the physical human.
Enter in the 20th century. This was the fleshing out of all these ideologies. The result? More death and destruction that ever seen before. The progression of humanity meant the survival of the fittest at the expense of the weak. At the core of it all was the rejection of the image of God seen in human beings. And when you replace the image of God with our own, it ends up in death. Look at every atheistic ideology and see how it manifested itself. Death everytime.
This short history lesson is just to point that even the most prestigious, educated, well off person is capable of evil. It is at our core of being because of sin. But this isn't the way it has to be.
If today has done anything it is to remind me that this isn't the way it's supposed to be. There is more. Evil has to come to an end. There has to be another force that will rid this world of the evil which controls everything, including me.
His name is Jesus. His kingdom began its reinstitution with his incarnation. All his miracles point to this. The entirety of Scripture points to this. His name is Jesus. He will put things back to how they are supposed to be. He will win.
His name is Jesus.
We all have the capacity for every form of evil. The human nature present within me is the same nature within you. We could never say that we would never do something as horrid as murder. However, the truth is evident that indeed we can.
One of the problems with this thinking is the pervasive idealism of humanity. Beginning in the 19th century humanity became the end all of everything. There is no need for a spiritual world. There is no such thing as sin. There is no need to look back. Progress was the rallying cry for all of humanity. This was true in at least America and Europe, which then spread to every corner of the earth due to the Industrial Revolution and military might. So it was progress, progress, progress. Technology, science, and even theology was seen in the positivity of progress. Forget the past for we are forging on to the future of humanity.
The "-isms" of the day centered on the progress of humanity and replaced God with human will. We were no longer made in his image but rather we were our own image. Thus, we had Nazism, Marxism, racism, nationalism, and Darwinism. All had replaced the spiritual reality of God with the physical human.
Enter in the 20th century. This was the fleshing out of all these ideologies. The result? More death and destruction that ever seen before. The progression of humanity meant the survival of the fittest at the expense of the weak. At the core of it all was the rejection of the image of God seen in human beings. And when you replace the image of God with our own, it ends up in death. Look at every atheistic ideology and see how it manifested itself. Death everytime.
This short history lesson is just to point that even the most prestigious, educated, well off person is capable of evil. It is at our core of being because of sin. But this isn't the way it has to be.
If today has done anything it is to remind me that this isn't the way it's supposed to be. There is more. Evil has to come to an end. There has to be another force that will rid this world of the evil which controls everything, including me.
His name is Jesus. His kingdom began its reinstitution with his incarnation. All his miracles point to this. The entirety of Scripture points to this. His name is Jesus. He will put things back to how they are supposed to be. He will win.
His name is Jesus.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
2 year Anniversary
By the way, today is our 2 year anniversary. In the words of Al Pacino, "Hoo-ah!"
How will they know we are Jesus'?
It seems to me that there is a lot of interfaith hatred being thrown at the Emergent Church and its leadership. I have read countless blogs, articles, and personal agitations against the movement. I have a 5 cd discourse by J.P. Moreland, who if you haven't read of any of his stuff you need to, on the dangers of postmodernity and the Emergent Church. Now, he dismantles their argument but in a way that is done with love and that makes sense. He boldly and clearly articulates his position and offers great insight to what should be done. This stands in stark contrast with the majority of critiques I have read.
Unfortunately, it seems that a majority of people lump every Emergent leader and quasi-Emergent person into one large group of heresy. And on some of their tenets I can understand. But to immediately throw them under the bus and ridicule them seems a little harsh.
Before I go any further I should say that I understand Jesus' love and his anger. He did deal harshly with the people of his time who were the religious authorities. But was this because of their radical opposition to Jesus? Were they so close to Jesus' side that He wanted them to make that final step into his camp? Jesus clearly hates sin and those who commit sin are doomed for hell outside of Christ. But those within the walls of Christianity are our brothers and sisters and we need to love them.
All I am saying is that to an outside world who already despise Christians for a whole host of reasons (see the book UnChristian) we are just adding to the already gaping hole in our foot. We continually tear down the veil covering our hatred for all things outside of our denominational boxes and the world is watching. Why in the world would anyone want to join the ranks of those who so blatantly hate each other for peripheral reasons? We agree on the core foundations of Christianity and it is there we must gain a foothold and grab the hand of our fellow believer. From there we must unite in our efforts to show our world the life that is in Christ. The lives and worldviews of the world are not the ways it is supposed to be. Jesus came to earth to show us this new/before-sin world. And it is to this end he has called us. We are to love God and love our neighbors. This includes our own. As Jesus said in John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Unfortunately, it seems that a majority of people lump every Emergent leader and quasi-Emergent person into one large group of heresy. And on some of their tenets I can understand. But to immediately throw them under the bus and ridicule them seems a little harsh.
Before I go any further I should say that I understand Jesus' love and his anger. He did deal harshly with the people of his time who were the religious authorities. But was this because of their radical opposition to Jesus? Were they so close to Jesus' side that He wanted them to make that final step into his camp? Jesus clearly hates sin and those who commit sin are doomed for hell outside of Christ. But those within the walls of Christianity are our brothers and sisters and we need to love them.
All I am saying is that to an outside world who already despise Christians for a whole host of reasons (see the book UnChristian) we are just adding to the already gaping hole in our foot. We continually tear down the veil covering our hatred for all things outside of our denominational boxes and the world is watching. Why in the world would anyone want to join the ranks of those who so blatantly hate each other for peripheral reasons? We agree on the core foundations of Christianity and it is there we must gain a foothold and grab the hand of our fellow believer. From there we must unite in our efforts to show our world the life that is in Christ. The lives and worldviews of the world are not the ways it is supposed to be. Jesus came to earth to show us this new/before-sin world. And it is to this end he has called us. We are to love God and love our neighbors. This includes our own. As Jesus said in John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A Rant
Working in the public school system has enabled me to relax and get some work done this week. Now this work may not be tangible, quantifiable "work" but more along the lines of reading articles and seeing what is going on in the evangelical/Christian world. I use the term evangelical lightly because it has come under the disdain of many Christians, myself included. Not that I disagree with everything labeled evangelical but there are many things that greatly annoy me.
One thing is an article I read today about a church known as the 6th most influential church in America. How they came up with that, I have no clue. Regardless, this church and its senior pastor have the endorsements of Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, and a few more of the prominent evangelical leaders of America. I came across this church by way of reading an article/podcast of the senior pastor blaming his congregants for their lack of a biblical worldview. They were surveyed and it was concluded their lack of belief in salvation through Christ alone, biblical inerrancy, and a few other Christian tenets. The pastor went on to say that the blame is theirs for not believing these things. His solution to the problem? A few more minutes added to the service to bolster their faith. Even better, they were going to provide more time for parking at the church so people wouldn't hate each other. No mention of any form of discipleship or biblical teaching. He didn't take any of the blame as the pastor. He is the shepherd of the church and should be the one leading them into biblical truth. This, of most importance, is the reality of Jesus' salvation. He is alive today and is the sole means of redemption. If your church is not solidly founded on this then what in the world are you believing?
The problem is their lack of gospel truth. They are proud to be a seeker sensitive church, but to what ends? To bring people into the church where they continue in their unbelief? To have a church full of people stagnant in their spiritual conditions? I even went to the website and looked at a few of their "Teaching Highlights." The name of Jesus wasn't even mentioned. Their pastors' bios look more like little boys having a peeing contest. They are full of credentials and statements of their own praise. What in the world is going on?
The church needs to be a place of teaching and preaching to the believers present in order for them to reach their worlds. You empower them at church to send them out to the lost. Now, obviously, non-Christians come to church and we need to be aware of them. But we can't water down the gospel in order to meet the needs of them. What does that produce? A bunch of people who don't know the first thing of their condition or what the Bible says about life. We must preach the hope of Christ and how he gives us life and life abundantly. Then we missionally and incarnationally live that out in our neighborhoods, at work, etc. It's not a matter of mode of preaching; it's a matter of substance. Preach the Triune God and allow him to work. It's not about us and our credentials. It's about making disciples who live out their faith in our world.
One thing is an article I read today about a church known as the 6th most influential church in America. How they came up with that, I have no clue. Regardless, this church and its senior pastor have the endorsements of Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, and a few more of the prominent evangelical leaders of America. I came across this church by way of reading an article/podcast of the senior pastor blaming his congregants for their lack of a biblical worldview. They were surveyed and it was concluded their lack of belief in salvation through Christ alone, biblical inerrancy, and a few other Christian tenets. The pastor went on to say that the blame is theirs for not believing these things. His solution to the problem? A few more minutes added to the service to bolster their faith. Even better, they were going to provide more time for parking at the church so people wouldn't hate each other. No mention of any form of discipleship or biblical teaching. He didn't take any of the blame as the pastor. He is the shepherd of the church and should be the one leading them into biblical truth. This, of most importance, is the reality of Jesus' salvation. He is alive today and is the sole means of redemption. If your church is not solidly founded on this then what in the world are you believing?
The problem is their lack of gospel truth. They are proud to be a seeker sensitive church, but to what ends? To bring people into the church where they continue in their unbelief? To have a church full of people stagnant in their spiritual conditions? I even went to the website and looked at a few of their "Teaching Highlights." The name of Jesus wasn't even mentioned. Their pastors' bios look more like little boys having a peeing contest. They are full of credentials and statements of their own praise. What in the world is going on?
The church needs to be a place of teaching and preaching to the believers present in order for them to reach their worlds. You empower them at church to send them out to the lost. Now, obviously, non-Christians come to church and we need to be aware of them. But we can't water down the gospel in order to meet the needs of them. What does that produce? A bunch of people who don't know the first thing of their condition or what the Bible says about life. We must preach the hope of Christ and how he gives us life and life abundantly. Then we missionally and incarnationally live that out in our neighborhoods, at work, etc. It's not a matter of mode of preaching; it's a matter of substance. Preach the Triune God and allow him to work. It's not about us and our credentials. It's about making disciples who live out their faith in our world.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Be careful little eyes what you see...
48% of America's Minors Exposed to R-rated Entertainment: Dartmouth College Study
By Jenna Murphy
HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE, August 12, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A newly released study by Dartmouth College experts reveals that movie ratings are ineffective when it comes to barring minors from R-rated (18+) films.
Dartmouth researchers found that approximately 22 million of America's young people between the ages of 10 and 14 (12.5%) have viewed one or more restricted films. The most alarming numbers were recorded for the film Scary Movie with an estimated 48% (10 million) of this same age group having viewed the film despite the 'restricted' rating.
The online, family-friendly film reviewing site, Screenit.com, gives "Scary Movie" an "extreme" rating (the highest possible) for sexuality, violence and profanity.
"Our data reveal a disturbingly high rate of exposure among 10-14 year olds nationally to extremely violent movies," says Keilah Worth, the keynote author of the study and post-doctoral fellow at Dartmouth Medical School and at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center's Norris Cotton Cancer Center. "In Britain, no adolescent would be admitted to these movies unless they were 18. The R-rating in this country is clearly not preventing our young people from seeing them."
It is no secret that exposure to violence as entertainment leads to eventual desensitization. In a joint statement, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry confirmed that violence in television, in music, in video games and in movies increases violence among children. "Its effects are measurable and long-lasting," the four groups say in a statement. "Moreover, prolonged viewing of media violence can lead to emotional desensitization toward violence in real life."
Dartmouth Researchers were able to pinpoint that Black youth from families with a lower socioeconomic status were most at risk for early exposure to R-rated films.
"No expert in child development would advocate for subjecting children as young as 10 to this level of violence, yet the study shows that such exposure is commonplace in this country," says James Sargent, the senior scientist on this study and a professor of pediatrics at Dartmouth Medical School.
"We should re-think the current movie rating system, which has been in place for 40 years, and was designed when kids could only see movies in theaters. Ratings need to be more prominent on all movies, whether they are seen in theaters or purchased in the store, and we need clearer messages to parents. Pediatricians and child advocates should instruct parents to strictly abide by the movie-age guidelines and to closely monitor movie viewing."
I work in a middle school and these stats are dead on. I am amazed at how many of my 12-14 year olds come in on Monday mornings, or other mornings for that matter, having seen the newest raunchy R-rated movie. Our kids are playing sex and violence filled video games, seeing every kind of foul and perverted thing in movies and yet we wonder why they act the way they do. I know I sound "old fashioned" but have you seen the unbelievable way kids, especially young girls, dress today? Our kids are maturing faster physically today than they are emotionally. They are dressing in ways that their emotions and minds cannot respond to. The amount of skin that is visible in middle school is more than ever should be allowed. There is a direct correlation. We must protect our children from allowing all sorts of trash into their minds because it is our thoughts that control our actions. Thoughts lead to actions, which lead to habits, which eventually turn into lifestyles. The line from the children's song, "be careful little eyes what you see," seems to carry a much heavier meaning to it nowadays. Be aware of what you see because it will affect you.
By Jenna Murphy
HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE, August 12, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A newly released study by Dartmouth College experts reveals that movie ratings are ineffective when it comes to barring minors from R-rated (18+) films.
Dartmouth researchers found that approximately 22 million of America's young people between the ages of 10 and 14 (12.5%) have viewed one or more restricted films. The most alarming numbers were recorded for the film Scary Movie with an estimated 48% (10 million) of this same age group having viewed the film despite the 'restricted' rating.
The online, family-friendly film reviewing site, Screenit.com, gives "Scary Movie" an "extreme" rating (the highest possible) for sexuality, violence and profanity.
"Our data reveal a disturbingly high rate of exposure among 10-14 year olds nationally to extremely violent movies," says Keilah Worth, the keynote author of the study and post-doctoral fellow at Dartmouth Medical School and at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center's Norris Cotton Cancer Center. "In Britain, no adolescent would be admitted to these movies unless they were 18. The R-rating in this country is clearly not preventing our young people from seeing them."
It is no secret that exposure to violence as entertainment leads to eventual desensitization. In a joint statement, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry confirmed that violence in television, in music, in video games and in movies increases violence among children. "Its effects are measurable and long-lasting," the four groups say in a statement. "Moreover, prolonged viewing of media violence can lead to emotional desensitization toward violence in real life."
Dartmouth Researchers were able to pinpoint that Black youth from families with a lower socioeconomic status were most at risk for early exposure to R-rated films.
"No expert in child development would advocate for subjecting children as young as 10 to this level of violence, yet the study shows that such exposure is commonplace in this country," says James Sargent, the senior scientist on this study and a professor of pediatrics at Dartmouth Medical School.
"We should re-think the current movie rating system, which has been in place for 40 years, and was designed when kids could only see movies in theaters. Ratings need to be more prominent on all movies, whether they are seen in theaters or purchased in the store, and we need clearer messages to parents. Pediatricians and child advocates should instruct parents to strictly abide by the movie-age guidelines and to closely monitor movie viewing."
I work in a middle school and these stats are dead on. I am amazed at how many of my 12-14 year olds come in on Monday mornings, or other mornings for that matter, having seen the newest raunchy R-rated movie. Our kids are playing sex and violence filled video games, seeing every kind of foul and perverted thing in movies and yet we wonder why they act the way they do. I know I sound "old fashioned" but have you seen the unbelievable way kids, especially young girls, dress today? Our kids are maturing faster physically today than they are emotionally. They are dressing in ways that their emotions and minds cannot respond to. The amount of skin that is visible in middle school is more than ever should be allowed. There is a direct correlation. We must protect our children from allowing all sorts of trash into their minds because it is our thoughts that control our actions. Thoughts lead to actions, which lead to habits, which eventually turn into lifestyles. The line from the children's song, "be careful little eyes what you see," seems to carry a much heavier meaning to it nowadays. Be aware of what you see because it will affect you.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Parade of Nations
The other night my wife and I were watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics. Holy crap what a show. I mean, honestly, have you ever seen a show like that? The whole Chinese technology being light years ahead of us? Yeah it's correct. Anyways...the whole show lead up to the parade of nations. I heard the athletes had to wait several hours in their suits in 90 degree heat just to walk in. As I was watching it got me thinking (and yes this is going to be theological so get ready).
The majority of the entire world was present via their athletes. They are the best of the best in their respected field. The whole point of the Olympics to be better than your opponent and to win the gold. This will in turn bring honor and glory to your country. So, in essence, the Olympics and everything that goes into it (viewers, stations, pictures, athletes, etc.) centers in on the worship of athleticism and competition.
Revelation 7:9-10 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;
and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
Now that is the picture of a parade of nations! It reminds me of a concert when everyone's attention is given to the band. It's almost as if the crowd is worshiping the band. What a foreshadowing for the day when every knee will bow and give praise to Jesus. He is the only one worthy of our praise. Unlike the Olympics, every persons' effort will be given to the glorification of Christ. There will be peace. Not individual peace, although that is part of it, but worldly peace unlike any Olympics could ever attain. I know I will not be a part of the Olympics parade of nations but I can't wait to be in Jesus'.
The majority of the entire world was present via their athletes. They are the best of the best in their respected field. The whole point of the Olympics to be better than your opponent and to win the gold. This will in turn bring honor and glory to your country. So, in essence, the Olympics and everything that goes into it (viewers, stations, pictures, athletes, etc.) centers in on the worship of athleticism and competition.
Revelation 7:9-10 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;
and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
Now that is the picture of a parade of nations! It reminds me of a concert when everyone's attention is given to the band. It's almost as if the crowd is worshiping the band. What a foreshadowing for the day when every knee will bow and give praise to Jesus. He is the only one worthy of our praise. Unlike the Olympics, every persons' effort will be given to the glorification of Christ. There will be peace. Not individual peace, although that is part of it, but worldly peace unlike any Olympics could ever attain. I know I will not be a part of the Olympics parade of nations but I can't wait to be in Jesus'.
Interesting way to spend a day in school...
Legislature Passes Bill for "Gay Day" Celebrations in California Public Schools
By Peter J. Smith
August 8, 2008, SACRAMENTO (LifeSiteNews.com) - California public schools soon will be planning "gay day" celebrations every May 22 unless Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoes the legislation.
Thursday the California Assembly approved AB 2567, which designates May 22 as "Harvey Milk Day." The 43 to 26 vote occurred on party lines with Democrats for, Republicans against. Earlier this week, AB 2567 passed the California State Senate on another party line vote 22-13 - Democrats for, Republicans against.
The bill will require all public schools to "conduct suitable commemorative exercises" in commemoration of the anti-religious, homosexualist agenda of the late San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk.
According to a Senate analysis of the bill, "This bill requires the Governor to proclaim May 22 as Harvey Milk Day…The designation of a day of significance triggers statutory encouragement for public schools to observe and conduct commemorative exercises suitable to the day."
"This bad bill will teach impressionable schoolchildren the anti-religious, homosexual-bisexual-transsexual agenda of Harvey Milk," warned Randy Thomasson, President of Campaign for Children and Families.
"If signed into law, AB 2567 will mean an official day commemorating homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality in California government schools…This will harm children as young as children as young as kindergarten."
By Peter J. Smith
August 8, 2008, SACRAMENTO (LifeSiteNews.com) - California public schools soon will be planning "gay day" celebrations every May 22 unless Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoes the legislation.
Thursday the California Assembly approved AB 2567, which designates May 22 as "Harvey Milk Day." The 43 to 26 vote occurred on party lines with Democrats for, Republicans against. Earlier this week, AB 2567 passed the California State Senate on another party line vote 22-13 - Democrats for, Republicans against.
The bill will require all public schools to "conduct suitable commemorative exercises" in commemoration of the anti-religious, homosexualist agenda of the late San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk.
According to a Senate analysis of the bill, "This bill requires the Governor to proclaim May 22 as Harvey Milk Day…The designation of a day of significance triggers statutory encouragement for public schools to observe and conduct commemorative exercises suitable to the day."
"This bad bill will teach impressionable schoolchildren the anti-religious, homosexual-bisexual-transsexual agenda of Harvey Milk," warned Randy Thomasson, President of Campaign for Children and Families.
"If signed into law, AB 2567 will mean an official day commemorating homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality in California government schools…This will harm children as young as children as young as kindergarten."
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Is living together the answer?
Here is some interesting data pointing to the reality of premarital cohabitation:
Reality Says Cohabitation a Disaster for Marriage but Poll Shows Public Believes Otherwise
By Peter J. Smith
UNITED STATES, August 1, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Despite increasingly high divorce rates, nearly half of the US public now clings to the belief that pre-marital cohabitation will make divorce less likely according to a recent national poll.
A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll of 1,007 adults released for the weekend shows 49 percent believe living together reduces the chances of divorce. 13 percent said cohabitation makes no difference at all on marriage's success. Only 31 percent held the view that shacking up before marriage increases the risk of future divorce. 7 percent had no opinion.
"If you're living with someone, you actually get to know somebody more than you would not living with them," Christopher Sekulich, 37, of Melvindale, Michigan told USA Today.
Living together before marriage has skyrocketed since the 1960s, when Western cultures began to cast off traditional sexual mores; but the same period has seen a correlating upsurge of divorce.
The evidence has prompted a number of studies that have indicated that by trying to avoid divorce by cohabitation, unwed couples seriously compromise their marital success. A 2006 report published in the journal Demography indicated one-half of all cohabiting unions collapse within a year and 90 percent within five years.
"The common view of cohabitation as a steppingstone to marriage needs to be seriously questioned," commented Daniel Lichter a professor of policy analysis at Cornell University and the study's lead researcher. "Instead, serial cohabitation may be an emerging norm as cohabiting unions form and break up," he said. "If marriage promotion programs hope to target poor cohabiting women, our results seemingly suggest that the likelihood of success is not assured." Most respondents also said they had little concern about the effect upon children of living in an unmarried cohabiting household. 47 percent insisted it makes no difference, and 12 percent believed there would be positive benefits.
However, the sentiments match up little with the reality that children suffer the brunt of collapsing marriages, and unmarried cohabitation creates an insecure situation for their development. A study by the Vanier Institute of Family entitled "Cohabitation and Marriage: How Are They Related?" compiled results from hundreds of research papers that examined the social, emotional and financial effects of cohabitation and marriage on women, men, children and society.
Anne-Marie Ambert, the study's author, concluded that cohabitation is inherently unstable and carries a high cost on children's physical and psychological development.
Ambert noted, "Commitment and stability are at the core of children's needs; yet, in a great proportion of cohabitations, these two requirements are absent."
Reality Says Cohabitation a Disaster for Marriage but Poll Shows Public Believes Otherwise
By Peter J. Smith
UNITED STATES, August 1, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Despite increasingly high divorce rates, nearly half of the US public now clings to the belief that pre-marital cohabitation will make divorce less likely according to a recent national poll.
A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll of 1,007 adults released for the weekend shows 49 percent believe living together reduces the chances of divorce. 13 percent said cohabitation makes no difference at all on marriage's success. Only 31 percent held the view that shacking up before marriage increases the risk of future divorce. 7 percent had no opinion.
"If you're living with someone, you actually get to know somebody more than you would not living with them," Christopher Sekulich, 37, of Melvindale, Michigan told USA Today.
Living together before marriage has skyrocketed since the 1960s, when Western cultures began to cast off traditional sexual mores; but the same period has seen a correlating upsurge of divorce.
The evidence has prompted a number of studies that have indicated that by trying to avoid divorce by cohabitation, unwed couples seriously compromise their marital success. A 2006 report published in the journal Demography indicated one-half of all cohabiting unions collapse within a year and 90 percent within five years.
"The common view of cohabitation as a steppingstone to marriage needs to be seriously questioned," commented Daniel Lichter a professor of policy analysis at Cornell University and the study's lead researcher. "Instead, serial cohabitation may be an emerging norm as cohabiting unions form and break up," he said. "If marriage promotion programs hope to target poor cohabiting women, our results seemingly suggest that the likelihood of success is not assured." Most respondents also said they had little concern about the effect upon children of living in an unmarried cohabiting household. 47 percent insisted it makes no difference, and 12 percent believed there would be positive benefits.
However, the sentiments match up little with the reality that children suffer the brunt of collapsing marriages, and unmarried cohabitation creates an insecure situation for their development. A study by the Vanier Institute of Family entitled "Cohabitation and Marriage: How Are They Related?" compiled results from hundreds of research papers that examined the social, emotional and financial effects of cohabitation and marriage on women, men, children and society.
Anne-Marie Ambert, the study's author, concluded that cohabitation is inherently unstable and carries a high cost on children's physical and psychological development.
Ambert noted, "Commitment and stability are at the core of children's needs; yet, in a great proportion of cohabitations, these two requirements are absent."
Well I just finished Surprised by the Power of the Spirit. My good friend, Steve Evans, let me borrow it, I think knowing it would open my eyes a little. The whole premise of the book is that Jack Deere used to be an OT prof at Dallas Theological Seminary. If you don't know, DTS was one of the main proponents of dispensationalism but is now leaning more towards covenant theology. It is also the seminary of choice for most Philadelphia Biblical University students and faculty. Again, if you don't know, PBU is where I did my undergrad studies. All this to say, that I whole heartedly can see where the author is coming from and the underpinnings of his theology and practice.Prior to some significant happenings in his life, and his eventual dismissal from DTS, Deere was a cessationist. This simply means that he thought the works of the Holy Spirit, i.e. tongues, miracles, and healing, had stopped after the apostles died. Thus, the beginning of this book starts out as his theology is challenged again and again by God. Without going into great detail, he lays out a biblical foundation for the relevance and need for the work of the Spirit today. There are a few things that I took away, besides the work of the Spirit, which I think are paramount for many Christians today. But I'll just mention one.
Deere discusses how his theology came about from study but mainly from "good" Christian teachers telling him what the Bible says. He gives a story of a doctoral candidate at DTS who couldn't give one Scriptural reference for his beliefs. From this it began to dawn on him the probability that the majority of Christians, and seminarians/pastors, could not give a valid biblical account for their beliefs. Rather, they were simply taught that the Bible teaches this and therefore you must believe it as well. The point is do not take a "good" teacher's word for the Word. I can't tell you how many things I was told/taught at PBU that I wouldn't hold to now. I truly enjoyed my PBU experience but their one downfall was their lack of objective teaching. Now I know that they are entitled to their position and all that. But when professors are telling students to put their hands down when they have an opposing view there has to be something said. How can we honestly expect well-rounded students who have weighed all the biblical interpretations and have earnestly looked to God for guidance when they aren't allowed to voice their questions? Are certain profs to afraid to allow questions to be heard? Don't they know their own arguments well enough to face a 20 year old? OK now I'm ranting. I hope and pray that there aren't more schools and situations like this where there is no flexibility or openness to other faith traditions. Jesus is a person not a philosophy who works in the lives of every believer not just one's with him in a box.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Just some random thoughts on church. Enjoy.
· The church will be a place of refuge for the lost. This includes those lost spiritually, emotionally, financially, etc.
· The church will be a place of connection.
· The church will be a center of worship of God for being God.
· We will revel in God's grace as we practice dispensing his grace to our community.
· We will be known for our service, sacrifice, study, and solidarity.
· Leaders will be given opportunities and mentors.
· Everyone from all walks of life will be included. Love will resound in our midst. It will shine from our hearts, heads, and hands.
· We will be a place for the outcasts. We will include special needs people as they are God's creation.
· Truth will be met by grace. We will not dilute the word in hopes of gaining ground with people.
· We will be simple. We will do the necessities and do them well. We will not be bogged down by extra weight.
· We will have an understood what and how of church.
· We will be a house of prayer and yearning for God to do great works. This will be done in an expectant manner. God does not need us but uses us.
· We will be a church that is connected with fellow churches. We are not alone in the battle and therefore must unite with the universal body.
· We will not only focus on our local church but will think globally. Therefore, missions will be a must and practiced through monetary donations and actual trips.
· Our people will know the truth of the Bible and will have it practiced. They will feel uncomfortable if they do not embrace the truth and life of Christ.
· Our people will know the reality of the universal church. We will not live and worship in a bubble but will see and feel the hearts of our brothers and sisters.
· We will tackle social problems.
· We will tackle social and cultural attacks on Christianity.
· We will systematically analyze every facet of the ministry to ensure quality and efficiency.
· Leaders will be sought out based on their willingness and acceptance of the ministry philosophies, not on being all-stars. This will ensure fluidity rather than personal agendas being followed.
· We will be a historically aware church with details of liturgical worship in a contemporary setting. We will look to our faithful ancestors for guidance and wisdom.
· We will practice the spiritual disciplines necessary for growth, both ancient and current.
· The church will be a place of refuge for the lost. This includes those lost spiritually, emotionally, financially, etc.
· The church will be a place of connection.
· The church will be a center of worship of God for being God.
· We will revel in God's grace as we practice dispensing his grace to our community.
· We will be known for our service, sacrifice, study, and solidarity.
· Leaders will be given opportunities and mentors.
· Everyone from all walks of life will be included. Love will resound in our midst. It will shine from our hearts, heads, and hands.
· We will be a place for the outcasts. We will include special needs people as they are God's creation.
· Truth will be met by grace. We will not dilute the word in hopes of gaining ground with people.
· We will be simple. We will do the necessities and do them well. We will not be bogged down by extra weight.
· We will have an understood what and how of church.
· We will be a house of prayer and yearning for God to do great works. This will be done in an expectant manner. God does not need us but uses us.
· We will be a church that is connected with fellow churches. We are not alone in the battle and therefore must unite with the universal body.
· We will not only focus on our local church but will think globally. Therefore, missions will be a must and practiced through monetary donations and actual trips.
· Our people will know the truth of the Bible and will have it practiced. They will feel uncomfortable if they do not embrace the truth and life of Christ.
· Our people will know the reality of the universal church. We will not live and worship in a bubble but will see and feel the hearts of our brothers and sisters.
· We will tackle social problems.
· We will tackle social and cultural attacks on Christianity.
· We will systematically analyze every facet of the ministry to ensure quality and efficiency.
· Leaders will be sought out based on their willingness and acceptance of the ministry philosophies, not on being all-stars. This will ensure fluidity rather than personal agendas being followed.
· We will be a historically aware church with details of liturgical worship in a contemporary setting. We will look to our faithful ancestors for guidance and wisdom.
· We will practice the spiritual disciplines necessary for growth, both ancient and current.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
http://www.alittleleaven.com/2008/07/false-christ-in.html
Click the link above for some crazy stuff about a guy claiming to be Christ in Siberia.
Click the link above for some crazy stuff about a guy claiming to be Christ in Siberia.
Homophobic
I am currently reading unChristian, which is a social commentary of Christians by non-Christians. Oddly enough, the majority of people do not think that Christians are very Christ-like. I have peeked into this book for quite some time now and finally purchased it a few weeks ago. The funny thing is that as I have been reading it I have not really found any information that I didn't already know. Not that I am a sociologist or anything, but most of the common assumptions and attitudes proposed in the book are pretty dead on. Christians have an image problem that is mostly caused by our own doing. And one of these is homophobic.
So the other night Mel and I are driving home from somewhere and I see this rainbow striped VW Bug. Plastered on the side of it is "FAGBUG.com." At first I couldn't believe that someone would have this on their car, so ofcourse I have to check out the website. Interestingly, it is a woman who had a rainbow sticker on her car and as a result, someone spray painted "fag" and "you are gay" on the side of her car. From there she decided to keep the words on her car and travel the US in order to raise awareness for homosexual rights and the like. Along the way she has encountered many trials and much support but it made me wonder why is she in my little town of Phoenix? Do I want that going on here? As a Christian, and one in seminary, do I think that she should be driving around with FAGBUG on her car? What if children see that?
I guess I simply wonder how Christians, and ones looking out for sinners who need Christ, might address such situations. I know I am to love but to what degree? How can I show support for the homosexual agenda and still hate the "sin"? How can I love my gay neighbor as myself and yet distinguish between loving people and loving sin? Just thoughts on what is commonly a controversial subject.
So the other night Mel and I are driving home from somewhere and I see this rainbow striped VW Bug. Plastered on the side of it is "FAGBUG.com." At first I couldn't believe that someone would have this on their car, so ofcourse I have to check out the website. Interestingly, it is a woman who had a rainbow sticker on her car and as a result, someone spray painted "fag" and "you are gay" on the side of her car. From there she decided to keep the words on her car and travel the US in order to raise awareness for homosexual rights and the like. Along the way she has encountered many trials and much support but it made me wonder why is she in my little town of Phoenix? Do I want that going on here? As a Christian, and one in seminary, do I think that she should be driving around with FAGBUG on her car? What if children see that?
I guess I simply wonder how Christians, and ones looking out for sinners who need Christ, might address such situations. I know I am to love but to what degree? How can I show support for the homosexual agenda and still hate the "sin"? How can I love my gay neighbor as myself and yet distinguish between loving people and loving sin? Just thoughts on what is commonly a controversial subject.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Theology of 3-year olds
My wife and I are part of a church plant in Syracuse. It is called Catalyst and we meet at Nottingham High School. I have the privelege of teaching the 3-5 years olds. This usually means I have three or four kids, mainly girls. This past Sunday I had my usual 3 young ladies (ages 3, 3, and 4) and they were wonderful. Instead of using our typical DVD program to pass the hour, I taught them from a book. It was way too wordy so I was forced to improvise. The amazing thing was to see and hear these little girls talk about how Jesus helps us when we pray. They have no clue the theological ramifications or doctrinal bases for prayer but they still believe. How often I need to have this child-like faith. Rather than worry, I need to pray. And in the words of Leah, one of the three year olds, "Jesus will make us happy." How true.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Blogging
Well, if you were curious, I am new to this blogging phenomena. I hope to be able to take everything I have ever read, written, seen, experienced, or merely thought about and concisely record it. Hopefully there will be some earth-shattering material but we'll see. My main hope is to get the love of God out there and discussed in ways that, perhaps, haven't been done before. I am passionate about the area I live in and want to see people's lives changed because of the love of God. I am in seminary and thus I have a naive elementary vantage point from which I think I can change everything. Hopefully, you do to. Well, here we go...
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