Here's an excellent message... Be edified.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Global What?
Just took this picture from my back yard a few minutes ago. What you see is across the street from me. What do you see falling from the sky?
I'm just waiting for some nut to tell us that snow in April is some kind of positive proof of Global Warming.
I'm just waiting for some nut to tell us that snow in April is some kind of positive proof of Global Warming.
It's April 28th, and I ask you. . .can we PLEASE shut up about global warming now?
Jimmy Carter: Let's Talk with Hamas
As many of you may know, most of my listening these days is to Messianic radio. Specifically, WSTW (We Spread The Word). One of the programs on this station is "The Messianic Hour" with Rabbi Scott Sekulow.
If you want to hear what they have to say about Carter's position on peace between Israel and the Middle East, click here and play the April 26th archive. Be blessed by the first half, and hear the clip during the second half. You'll also hear about Presidential candidate Barak Obama's position on Israel.
If you want to hear what they have to say about Carter's position on peace between Israel and the Middle East, click here and play the April 26th archive. Be blessed by the first half, and hear the clip during the second half. You'll also hear about Presidential candidate Barak Obama's position on Israel.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Brian McLaren at Willow Creek
Brannon Howse and Bob DeWaay
From Christian Worldview Network:
"Pastor Bob DeWaay joins Brannon to discuss Brain McLaren's presentation this past weekend at Bill Hybel's Willow Creek Church. Brian told the young people to lessen their passion for eternity and live in the here and now. Brian then went on to talk about the myth of hell, the return of the Lord to conquer His enemies and how those that believe in these things are not surprisingly violent people. Brannon and Bob also discuss Rick Warren's continued moves to the left."
Listen Here...
"Pastor Bob DeWaay joins Brannon to discuss Brain McLaren's presentation this past weekend at Bill Hybel's Willow Creek Church. Brian told the young people to lessen their passion for eternity and live in the here and now. Brian then went on to talk about the myth of hell, the return of the Lord to conquer His enemies and how those that believe in these things are not surprisingly violent people. Brannon and Bob also discuss Rick Warren's continued moves to the left."
Listen Here...
Monday, April 21, 2008
Where Is Our Trust?
Psalm 21:
Psa 21:1
O LORD, in Your strength the king will be glad, And in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice!
Psa 21:2
You have given him his heart's desire, And You have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah.
Psa 21:3
For You meet him with the blessings of good things; You set a crown of fine gold on his head.
Psa 21:4
He asked life of You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever.
Psa 21:5
His glory is great through Your salvation, Splendor and majesty You place upon him.
Psa 21:6
For You make him most blessed forever; You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence.
Psa 21:7
For the king trusts in the LORD, And through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.
Psa 21:8
Your hand will find out all your enemies; Your right hand will find out those who hate you.
Psa 21:9
You will make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger; The LORD will swallow them up in His wrath, And fire will devour them.
Psa 21:10
Their offspring You will destroy from the earth, And their descendants from among the sons of men.
Psa 21:11
Though they intended evil against You {And} devised a plot, They will not succeed.
Psa 21:12
For You will make them turn their back; You will aim with Your bowstrings at their faces.
Psa 21:13
Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; We will sing and praise Your power.
I read this through this morning and put myself in the king's position, replacing the word "king" with "I". Sometimes it seems like there is no going on and that everything is closing in. Such times are a test. In what or Whom will we put our trust?
Will we obey Christ or deny Him by relying on our own resources?
Life can be tough, especially when we are downcast. It can be hard too when we have relied on our own "wisdom" and "strength" to accomplish what we will.
God asks us to place our trust in His Word alone.
May we pass our tests.
Psa 21:1
O LORD, in Your strength the king will be glad, And in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice!
Psa 21:2
You have given him his heart's desire, And You have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah.
Psa 21:3
For You meet him with the blessings of good things; You set a crown of fine gold on his head.
Psa 21:4
He asked life of You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever.
Psa 21:5
His glory is great through Your salvation, Splendor and majesty You place upon him.
Psa 21:6
For You make him most blessed forever; You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence.
Psa 21:7
For the king trusts in the LORD, And through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.
Psa 21:8
Your hand will find out all your enemies; Your right hand will find out those who hate you.
Psa 21:9
You will make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger; The LORD will swallow them up in His wrath, And fire will devour them.
Psa 21:10
Their offspring You will destroy from the earth, And their descendants from among the sons of men.
Psa 21:11
Though they intended evil against You {And} devised a plot, They will not succeed.
Psa 21:12
For You will make them turn their back; You will aim with Your bowstrings at their faces.
Psa 21:13
Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; We will sing and praise Your power.
I read this through this morning and put myself in the king's position, replacing the word "king" with "I". Sometimes it seems like there is no going on and that everything is closing in. Such times are a test. In what or Whom will we put our trust?
Will we obey Christ or deny Him by relying on our own resources?
Life can be tough, especially when we are downcast. It can be hard too when we have relied on our own "wisdom" and "strength" to accomplish what we will.
God asks us to place our trust in His Word alone.
May we pass our tests.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Getting Back to Basics
Today was a beautiful day. I've been spending my time outdoors after an overly long winter (where are all the Global Warming people now?). Mom has been kind of lonely (well, she did lose my dad about a year and a half ago) and I've been just a bit guilty of not "honoring my parents" by spending too much time on my own stuff and not any time just talking with her. She's 84 and doing reasonably well but still, you never want to take your parents for granted.
After borrowing dad's mower and doing a couple lawns, I spent the time on her deck reading. It was good just spending time there with her dog and ours playing.
The book was "Facing Your Final Job Interview" by Woodrow Kroll. I didn't really "read" it. I scanned through parts of it. The book is very readable but I just didn't have the energy today to concentrate on a lot, so I just scanned it for a few nuggets. And, while I wouldn't agree with every thing that Woodrow Kroll has to say, I was reminded of some very relevant and basic things.
While there were a few things that popped out at me, one of the main things was his reference to 1 Peter 2:9 although I'll include verse 10 just to complete the thought:
1Pe 2:9
But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR {God's} OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1Pe 2:10
for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.
Can't get more basic than this, can you? That is such a loaded passage! We are:
A chosen race
A Royal priesthood
A Holy Nation
A people for God's own possession
Think of this. The Sovereign Lord of Glory, Who made all things for Himself, has done all this. Those of us who have been regenerate, thus becoming part of the Body of Christ, has by His mercy and Grace, chosen us...into not just a priesthood, but a ROYAL priesthood, separated unto God (Holy), that exist as God's own possession!
But what for? To run around and do a lot? To sit back and take it all for granted? No. "...so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;...".
It is so that we may make a proclaimation! A proclaimation of God's excellencies. And what are those excellencies related to? Read on. . ."the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light".
Simply put we are to proclaim the excellencies of God that, in particular, involve the Gospel. The saving work of God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Does it mean "win converts"? It's not up to us to win converts. That is up to God. It is up to us to just tell of the excellencies of God, which have been shown most profoundly in the work of Christ in everything He has done by His mercy and grace to save those Whom He will save.
You can't get more profound than that.
It was Paul Washer who said something to the effect that "We do what we can to get people in the kingdom then try to move on to bigger things. Friends, there is no bigger thing than the Gospel!"
The Gospel is the greatest thing we could proclaim!
Let us do what Peter said is our whole purpose: to "...proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..."
Amen?
After borrowing dad's mower and doing a couple lawns, I spent the time on her deck reading. It was good just spending time there with her dog and ours playing.
The book was "Facing Your Final Job Interview" by Woodrow Kroll. I didn't really "read" it. I scanned through parts of it. The book is very readable but I just didn't have the energy today to concentrate on a lot, so I just scanned it for a few nuggets. And, while I wouldn't agree with every thing that Woodrow Kroll has to say, I was reminded of some very relevant and basic things.
While there were a few things that popped out at me, one of the main things was his reference to 1 Peter 2:9 although I'll include verse 10 just to complete the thought:
1Pe 2:9
But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR {God's} OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1Pe 2:10
for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.
Can't get more basic than this, can you? That is such a loaded passage! We are:
A chosen race
A Royal priesthood
A Holy Nation
A people for God's own possession
Think of this. The Sovereign Lord of Glory, Who made all things for Himself, has done all this. Those of us who have been regenerate, thus becoming part of the Body of Christ, has by His mercy and Grace, chosen us...into not just a priesthood, but a ROYAL priesthood, separated unto God (Holy), that exist as God's own possession!
But what for? To run around and do a lot? To sit back and take it all for granted? No. "...so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;...".
It is so that we may make a proclaimation! A proclaimation of God's excellencies. And what are those excellencies related to? Read on. . ."the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light".
Simply put we are to proclaim the excellencies of God that, in particular, involve the Gospel. The saving work of God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Does it mean "win converts"? It's not up to us to win converts. That is up to God. It is up to us to just tell of the excellencies of God, which have been shown most profoundly in the work of Christ in everything He has done by His mercy and grace to save those Whom He will save.
You can't get more profound than that.
It was Paul Washer who said something to the effect that "We do what we can to get people in the kingdom then try to move on to bigger things. Friends, there is no bigger thing than the Gospel!"
The Gospel is the greatest thing we could proclaim!
Let us do what Peter said is our whole purpose: to "...proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..."
Amen?
No Comment?
Just wanted to explain what has happened here at the blog. I have (at least temporarily) disabled comments.
Why?
Simple.
No, not because of trolls. It's easy enough to just ignore them and not post what they have to say. Other reasons perhaps? I thought of a few but I can't remember them and no, they weren't it either.
The reason has to do with checking my own motivation for what I post. Am I doing this for Kudos? To stir up disconent? I don't think so, but I think at this time in my blogging life, I'd rather just run a test.
This blog began as many have. Just a way to say what I think. It's a record of what I have read, encountered and thought. It is mainly for myself and that is very easy to forget.
I know, I know, a blog that doesn't allow comments is less "interesting". But that's ok. That, again, is part of the "test".
The temptation sometimes can be "What can I say next to get an 'amen' from someone". I didn't start this blog for hat purpose and I don't want it to be that way.
I hope you all can appreciate my point.
So, for those of you who have submitted comments recently, understand that it is, at least in part, due to the fact that I have been thinking of just shutting down the comment section. That's all. It's a way for me to evaluate my motives. "What am I really doing this for anyway".
For those of you who would offer an encouraging word while this period goes on, just take those words and offer them to the Lord and ask Him to give me strength and wisdom. I need it. There have been a few things going on that have been a challenge in my life (and my wife's). Yes, we're ok. But life just sometimes is a challenge.
Again, this is not a "rejection of what everyone thinks". It is, for me, a serious time of reflection and re-evaluation. And I think that is, at least periodically, a good thing.
Thanks for your faithful reading and I covet your prayers.
Tim
Why?
Simple.
No, not because of trolls. It's easy enough to just ignore them and not post what they have to say. Other reasons perhaps? I thought of a few but I can't remember them and no, they weren't it either.
The reason has to do with checking my own motivation for what I post. Am I doing this for Kudos? To stir up disconent? I don't think so, but I think at this time in my blogging life, I'd rather just run a test.
This blog began as many have. Just a way to say what I think. It's a record of what I have read, encountered and thought. It is mainly for myself and that is very easy to forget.
I know, I know, a blog that doesn't allow comments is less "interesting". But that's ok. That, again, is part of the "test".
The temptation sometimes can be "What can I say next to get an 'amen' from someone". I didn't start this blog for hat purpose and I don't want it to be that way.
I hope you all can appreciate my point.
So, for those of you who have submitted comments recently, understand that it is, at least in part, due to the fact that I have been thinking of just shutting down the comment section. That's all. It's a way for me to evaluate my motives. "What am I really doing this for anyway".
For those of you who would offer an encouraging word while this period goes on, just take those words and offer them to the Lord and ask Him to give me strength and wisdom. I need it. There have been a few things going on that have been a challenge in my life (and my wife's). Yes, we're ok. But life just sometimes is a challenge.
Again, this is not a "rejection of what everyone thinks". It is, for me, a serious time of reflection and re-evaluation. And I think that is, at least periodically, a good thing.
Thanks for your faithful reading and I covet your prayers.
Tim
Monday, April 14, 2008
Is Your Life a Reproach to the World?
The past month or so has been an interesting time. See, I began listening to Messianic Jewish radio. And I like it.
I like it not because it is "different", or "strange" but because of the God and Scripture centeredness of it all. It puts regular "Christian" programming to shame, easily. Most all the music is saturated with Scripture. And there is a sense of "Hey, this is the way it was supposed to be from the beginning!" because the message of salvation was entrusted to the Jews who were to share it with the Gentiles. So it is, in a sense, a restoration of God's intended order.
And you learn some things that you never understood before.
Recently, Johnathan Cahn has been speaking of the scandal of the cross. Nothing new there. We all know that. But let's step back a second and take a fresh look at something else....
Remember the plagues that led to the freedom of the Hebrews? What did they do in preparation for the last plague? Yes, they put blood on their doorposts. Nothing new, you say? Well, that's what I thought. But it wasn't just something they did out of obedience and faith to God. It was more than that.
See, the painting of the blood on the doorposts would have been a reproach to the Egyptians. In a real sense, they were showing their allegiance to God and saying "We are separate unto the Lord" and the act of putting the blood on the doorposts would have been a reproach to the Egyptians.
Can you imagine how difficult it may be to do something like that? Yet they were obedient. They didn't try to just "go along" and "get along". They did what the Lord commanded, even though it was offensive to their captors.
And we are called to be separate to God. We are called to show that we are separate unto God. And we preach the Cross, which is a reproach to the world.
The Cross is a scandalous thing, just as their was scandal on the doorposts before the Hebrews were set free.
If we live rightly, we are a rebuke to the world. And the world will hate us, sooner or later. In one form or another.
So, it was no light thing for the Hebrews to act in faith, painting the blood on their doorposts. It was no casual thing. And neither should our lives be as they depict the scandal of the cross.
I like it not because it is "different", or "strange" but because of the God and Scripture centeredness of it all. It puts regular "Christian" programming to shame, easily. Most all the music is saturated with Scripture. And there is a sense of "Hey, this is the way it was supposed to be from the beginning!" because the message of salvation was entrusted to the Jews who were to share it with the Gentiles. So it is, in a sense, a restoration of God's intended order.
And you learn some things that you never understood before.
Recently, Johnathan Cahn has been speaking of the scandal of the cross. Nothing new there. We all know that. But let's step back a second and take a fresh look at something else....
Remember the plagues that led to the freedom of the Hebrews? What did they do in preparation for the last plague? Yes, they put blood on their doorposts. Nothing new, you say? Well, that's what I thought. But it wasn't just something they did out of obedience and faith to God. It was more than that.
See, the painting of the blood on the doorposts would have been a reproach to the Egyptians. In a real sense, they were showing their allegiance to God and saying "We are separate unto the Lord" and the act of putting the blood on the doorposts would have been a reproach to the Egyptians.
Can you imagine how difficult it may be to do something like that? Yet they were obedient. They didn't try to just "go along" and "get along". They did what the Lord commanded, even though it was offensive to their captors.
And we are called to be separate to God. We are called to show that we are separate unto God. And we preach the Cross, which is a reproach to the world.
The Cross is a scandalous thing, just as their was scandal on the doorposts before the Hebrews were set free.
If we live rightly, we are a rebuke to the world. And the world will hate us, sooner or later. In one form or another.
So, it was no light thing for the Hebrews to act in faith, painting the blood on their doorposts. It was no casual thing. And neither should our lives be as they depict the scandal of the cross.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Biblical eSources!
Just discovered this link over at TeamPyro by Dan Phillips. He has an excellent review of some Biblical eSources that are becoming available online. I'd recommend you give it a look.
You can go directly to the resource page here. . ..
You can go directly to the resource page here. . ..
A Response to Rick Warren
It was a number of years ago that we began hearing Rick Warren's question "What on Earth are you here for?"
Well, I think the following video is an apt response:
Well, I think the following video is an apt response:
Monday, April 07, 2008
Trolls Say The Darndest Things. . .
Ok, here's our first "Troll Quote".
This one is from a short while back, in response to my post on Focus on the Family's capitulation to Canadian "hate crime" laws. This particular self-proclaimed troll, like so many, likes to focus on the "you're so narrow" attack. He said:
"It must be tough being alone"
Well, it would be. . .if I were. But I'm not.
Our troll seems to forget that the Lord never leaves us or forsakes us. And if standing for the truth means standing physically alone, it doesn't mean that I am alone.
Oh yeah. Not long after I refused the comment, his response was "Ahh, blog moderation. . ."
Yup. Blog moderation. I think it's a good thing.
Stay tuned for more of "Trolls Say The Darndest Things".
This one is from a short while back, in response to my post on Focus on the Family's capitulation to Canadian "hate crime" laws. This particular self-proclaimed troll, like so many, likes to focus on the "you're so narrow" attack. He said:
"It must be tough being alone"
Well, it would be. . .if I were. But I'm not.
Our troll seems to forget that the Lord never leaves us or forsakes us. And if standing for the truth means standing physically alone, it doesn't mean that I am alone.
Oh yeah. Not long after I refused the comment, his response was "Ahh, blog moderation. . ."
Yup. Blog moderation. I think it's a good thing.
Stay tuned for more of "Trolls Say The Darndest Things".
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Yes, Yesterday WAS Humor Day. . .
Funny how you get busy. And my work schedule is such that it gets easy to forget what particular day it is.
Oh well.
Here 'ya go!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Some Things About Us Sheep
I like Carla. She has lots of good observations over at her blog. Here's a link to one of her more recent posts.
Memorable Troll Quotes Coming Up!
We get them all the time here at the 'Fly. Comments that never see the light of day, for all kinds of reasons.One main reason is that trolling has, of late, grown to almost epidemic proportions. Not necessarily in number but in just plain old nastiness. And I mean nasty. Well, at least they haven't stooped to calling my mother names. . .at least not yet.
It just seems that posting a comment from someone like this would be generally, well, stupid. What would be the point? After all, the whole idea of what a troll does is to try to get some sort of visceral gut reaction and start a fight. It turns into one of those "Supply proof but I'll never accept anything as valid proof" things. . .although they would never admit that.
And since the chief end of man is to glorify God and such conversation doesn't glorify God, then it just stands that it doesn't belong here. Besides, so many times, these people have their own blogs and submitting their comment basically amounts to advertising their blog (click on their name and "presto" you're reading their stuff!). Don't care for that too much here. So that is the second reason.
The third reason is that posting their comments would end up just being an embarrassment to them. It's happened more than once; someone belches fire and brimstone, going on and on about how I have some point wrong, how I don't know what I'm talking about, etcetera, etcetera, ad nauseum. Well, on more than one occasion it turns out that the article they were referring to was a quote from somewhere else, such as WorldNetDaily. All we did was post a reference to the article along with a short "teaser" snippet. Oooops! Guess you need to talk to them, huh? Posting that woulda hurt 'cha!
And there are other reasons as well, but then this post isn't about enumerating the reasons why troll comments don't get posted, it's about memorable ones. See, just because we don't post troll comments doesn't mean we don't have them archived. No No No! Yesserreee Bob, we sure do keep them. See, we can answer troll comments, but we can opt to do it on our own terms. . .and in doing so, we don't get mired in a thread that gets further and further afield and begins to generate more heat than light.
Besides, if I started discussing things with all the trolls that come by here demanding a "conversation", I wouldn't have time for anything else. So, they are archived. And we indeed deal with them; in a controlled way. It just seems to be the wise thing to do. Think of it as quarantining.
So, while I sort through the troll archives, prepare yourselves for a chuckle or two. Yes, names will be changed to protect the. . .er, never mind. We'll just change the names or leave them off altogether.
Till then. . .
Friday, April 04, 2008
So, You Say You Are a Christian?
Paul said to examine yourself to see if you are in the faith (2 Corinthians). Jesus warned that the devil would be planting tares (false converts) in the church, and He warned that many will believe themselves to be converts when they really aren't.
I'd recommend that you click here.
I'd recommend that you click here.
. . .and be honest with yourself.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Same Decision, Different Century
In light of recent news of compromise and "political correctness" invading the professing church, here's a decision that should be revisited on a daily basis. From Joshua 24:14, 15.
"Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Each of us, like those to whom this was originally addressed, has a decision to make. Will we bow down to the idols of this world or will we stand separate to the Lord? The decision will never get easier, only more difficult. The pressure is on to cave in. To be popular. To be accepted by the world and those who seek to be "relevant" to its depravity. I mean, who doesn't want to "get along"? Anyone in their right mind does, of course. It's only natural.
I was speaking about the Dobson issue with someone earlier today. I mentioned the "Let's stay safe" mentality. The response? "Well, you do have to be careful". Careful? About what? Telling the truth? Nope. I don't think so. See, it's not about "our safety". It's about what we have been commissioned to do. That is, spread the Gospel. And spreading the Gospel involves speaking of sin, the righteousness of God, judgment, repentance and faith. Nothing less -- leave the message of sin and the need for repentance out and you will be sharing a half-truth. And that is a "Gospel" that damns.
The first words out of Jesus' mouth at the very beginning of His public ministry were "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand". This message remained constant, at least in principle. It was also repeated by the Apostles. And Paul wrote to the Galatians 1 saying "If anyone preaches another Gospel...let him be accursed." But the contemporary church can't tolerate that because it so wants to be accepted. Some have even gone so far as to claim that "Jesus never mentioned repentance".
Accepted by the world? Wow! Jesus said that anyone who lives Godly in this world will be persecuted!
Remember how I said that anyone in their right mind wants to get along with others and that "it is only natural"? Well, therein lies the problem. We aren't called to a natural life. The natural life leads to spiritual death. We are called to live supernaturally. "Whomever finds his life will lose it adn whomever loses his life for My sake will find it".
Now, what do I mean by that? Weird experiences? Mysticism? No. That's dangerous because no experience is self-authenticating. But we are called to a supernatural life. In other words, a trust in God that transcends circumstances, including the derision of those who dispise us.
Look at Hebrews 11. The faith "Hall of Fame". These are those who were justified by faith. They showed their trust. And while it wasn't a universal experience, many of them were persecuted to the point of death. Isaiah, for example, was sawn in two. What for? His life and what it screamed to the world by how he lived it.
But he trusted God.
And read of the others. Why should we be different?
As I've mentioned before on this blog, the world has said "American Christians had better prepare to be unpopular". And I say, the American church will be sifted as wheat. It'll get easier to tell the true believers from the false as the heat is turned up. The line will be darker and bolder and the differences will be obvious.
There was a study done years ago that demonstrated that only 2 percent of professing American Christians share their faith. And that is in a "friendly" environment! No one is threatened with stonings, crucifixions (contemporary Sudanese Christians can tell you it is going on today) or imprisonment (which happens in China for posessing a page of the Scriptures!) yet they keep their mouths shut.
No, my friends, it won't get easier, only more difficult. And if you melt in the mild weather like a "chocolate soldier" (all sweet and nice to look at), what'll happen when the heat is turned up? What if the authorities come to your door and say "Renounce Christ or Die"? It happens in other countries. What if the police come to your door and say "You've offended someone by talking about sin and the Bible. Either shut up or we'll arrest you". What would you do? What if another professing Christian (whom you consider to be a good friend) challenged your stand? Which would be more precious to you? Your friendship or being faithful to God? Be honest before God. It may reveal your true state before Him.
So we all have a decision to make. Whom will we serve? Whom will you serve? Are you a tare -- a Judas? Or are you wheat?
Jesus warned in Matthew 7 that "on that day, many will say to me "Lord, Lord" but I will say to them "depart from me, you who practice lawlessness" (disobedience, literally "acting as if I never gave you the law") You can make a profession, but that doesn't equal posession. And there is an eternity of difference.
Paul said in Philippians that "He Who has begun a good work in you will continue to perform it until the Day of Christ Jesus". How's your walk? Are you maturing in your faith? Have you grown since last year? If not, you might want to, as Paul said, "examine yourself to see if you are in the faith".
You say "Wow! You sure are being pretty stiff about this! You must really think you've arrived!" No, beloved. I haven't. I ask myself the same things every day. Self-examination, like repentance, is ongoing and sometimes very uncomfortable. But the stakes are way too high not to do it.
Others, no doubt, would say "You're being a tad legalistic aren't you?". Well, if simply seeking to obey God is legalism then I wear the badge of "legalist" with honor. Remember, Jesus said that the ones he will turn away are professing to know Him but really never did. . .and their disobedience proved it. No, they weren't legalistic -- but they will be shown as presumptuous; to their eternal loss.
So, as Joshua said, choose this day whom you will serve. It's either going to be the god of acceptance and tolerance or it'll be the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Who sent His Son to die for us.
Let us make the right decision and fear the One who can destroy the body and send the soul to Hell, rather than those who can only destroy our bodies and after that do nothing.
"Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Each of us, like those to whom this was originally addressed, has a decision to make. Will we bow down to the idols of this world or will we stand separate to the Lord? The decision will never get easier, only more difficult. The pressure is on to cave in. To be popular. To be accepted by the world and those who seek to be "relevant" to its depravity. I mean, who doesn't want to "get along"? Anyone in their right mind does, of course. It's only natural.
I was speaking about the Dobson issue with someone earlier today. I mentioned the "Let's stay safe" mentality. The response? "Well, you do have to be careful". Careful? About what? Telling the truth? Nope. I don't think so. See, it's not about "our safety". It's about what we have been commissioned to do. That is, spread the Gospel. And spreading the Gospel involves speaking of sin, the righteousness of God, judgment, repentance and faith. Nothing less -- leave the message of sin and the need for repentance out and you will be sharing a half-truth. And that is a "Gospel" that damns.
The first words out of Jesus' mouth at the very beginning of His public ministry were "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand". This message remained constant, at least in principle. It was also repeated by the Apostles. And Paul wrote to the Galatians 1 saying "If anyone preaches another Gospel...let him be accursed." But the contemporary church can't tolerate that because it so wants to be accepted. Some have even gone so far as to claim that "Jesus never mentioned repentance".
Accepted by the world? Wow! Jesus said that anyone who lives Godly in this world will be persecuted!
Remember how I said that anyone in their right mind wants to get along with others and that "it is only natural"? Well, therein lies the problem. We aren't called to a natural life. The natural life leads to spiritual death. We are called to live supernaturally. "Whomever finds his life will lose it adn whomever loses his life for My sake will find it".
Now, what do I mean by that? Weird experiences? Mysticism? No. That's dangerous because no experience is self-authenticating. But we are called to a supernatural life. In other words, a trust in God that transcends circumstances, including the derision of those who dispise us.
Look at Hebrews 11. The faith "Hall of Fame". These are those who were justified by faith. They showed their trust. And while it wasn't a universal experience, many of them were persecuted to the point of death. Isaiah, for example, was sawn in two. What for? His life and what it screamed to the world by how he lived it.
But he trusted God.
And read of the others. Why should we be different?
As I've mentioned before on this blog, the world has said "American Christians had better prepare to be unpopular". And I say, the American church will be sifted as wheat. It'll get easier to tell the true believers from the false as the heat is turned up. The line will be darker and bolder and the differences will be obvious.
There was a study done years ago that demonstrated that only 2 percent of professing American Christians share their faith. And that is in a "friendly" environment! No one is threatened with stonings, crucifixions (contemporary Sudanese Christians can tell you it is going on today) or imprisonment (which happens in China for posessing a page of the Scriptures!) yet they keep their mouths shut.
No, my friends, it won't get easier, only more difficult. And if you melt in the mild weather like a "chocolate soldier" (all sweet and nice to look at), what'll happen when the heat is turned up? What if the authorities come to your door and say "Renounce Christ or Die"? It happens in other countries. What if the police come to your door and say "You've offended someone by talking about sin and the Bible. Either shut up or we'll arrest you". What would you do? What if another professing Christian (whom you consider to be a good friend) challenged your stand? Which would be more precious to you? Your friendship or being faithful to God? Be honest before God. It may reveal your true state before Him.
So we all have a decision to make. Whom will we serve? Whom will you serve? Are you a tare -- a Judas? Or are you wheat?
Jesus warned in Matthew 7 that "on that day, many will say to me "Lord, Lord" but I will say to them "depart from me, you who practice lawlessness" (disobedience, literally "acting as if I never gave you the law") You can make a profession, but that doesn't equal posession. And there is an eternity of difference.
Paul said in Philippians that "He Who has begun a good work in you will continue to perform it until the Day of Christ Jesus". How's your walk? Are you maturing in your faith? Have you grown since last year? If not, you might want to, as Paul said, "examine yourself to see if you are in the faith".
You say "Wow! You sure are being pretty stiff about this! You must really think you've arrived!" No, beloved. I haven't. I ask myself the same things every day. Self-examination, like repentance, is ongoing and sometimes very uncomfortable. But the stakes are way too high not to do it.
Others, no doubt, would say "You're being a tad legalistic aren't you?". Well, if simply seeking to obey God is legalism then I wear the badge of "legalist" with honor. Remember, Jesus said that the ones he will turn away are professing to know Him but really never did. . .and their disobedience proved it. No, they weren't legalistic -- but they will be shown as presumptuous; to their eternal loss.
So, as Joshua said, choose this day whom you will serve. It's either going to be the god of acceptance and tolerance or it'll be the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Who sent His Son to die for us.
Let us make the right decision and fear the One who can destroy the body and send the soul to Hell, rather than those who can only destroy our bodies and after that do nothing.
A Rare Call to Action
As you all know, it has been very rare that I've used this blog to call for boycotts, letters and such. But in light of what I received in my email this morning, I would like to make an exception.
Here's what I got in my email from the American Family Association this morning:
"McDonald's has signed on to a nationwide effort to promote "gay" and "lesbian" business ventures.According to McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner, McDonald's will aggressively promote the homosexual agenda. In remarks on McDonald's Web site concerning the company becoming a member of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Skinner wrote: "Being a socially responsible organization is a fundamental part of who we are. We have an obligation to use our size and resources to make a difference in the world...and we do."
Read the rest here, then if you are concerned about this, call your local restaurants, write them a letter, or something. One way we serve as salt and light in this present evil age is by standing up and saying "Hold it, this is wrong!".
Thanks for your time. . ..
Here's what I got in my email from the American Family Association this morning:
"McDonald's has signed on to a nationwide effort to promote "gay" and "lesbian" business ventures.According to McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner, McDonald's will aggressively promote the homosexual agenda. In remarks on McDonald's Web site concerning the company becoming a member of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Skinner wrote: "Being a socially responsible organization is a fundamental part of who we are. We have an obligation to use our size and resources to make a difference in the world...and we do."
Read the rest here, then if you are concerned about this, call your local restaurants, write them a letter, or something. One way we serve as salt and light in this present evil age is by standing up and saying "Hold it, this is wrong!".
Thanks for your time. . ..
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Dobson editing radio show to avoid 'hate crimes' laws
Wow. We don't have any such laws in the U.S. (at least not yet) and Focus on the Family is already caving in. You have to wonder what will happen once we have such legislation enacted.
Whatever happened to speaking the truth without compromise and honoring God? The Lord said that if we live Godly lives, we'll eventually be persecuted for it. Well, it looks like Focus on the Family have nothing to fear, they are already beginning to capitulate.
Here's an excerpt from the article at WorldNetDaily:
"Posted: March 28, 2008
10:00 pm Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
"Hate crimes" laws were defeated in Congress just a few months ago. Just a few weeks ago, Frank Wright of the National Religious Broadcasters Association warned, "We must be one in Christ to face the days ahead" because "hate crimes" laws would create untold new liability for Christians.
Now a major Christian ministry has confirmed that such "hate crimes" laws already are setting limits on what it can broadcast.
The issue is "hate crimes" laws in Canada, and they are affecting U.S. Christian ministries that broadcast into that nation.
WND reported just a week ago on a Christian ministry based in Canada that essentially was ordered shut down under that nation's "hate crimes" laws which prevent Christians from expressing Biblical opinions on a wide range of issues.
So what used to be called MacGregor Ministries with offerings in how to recognize and eliminate "faulty fads" in Christian churches has been re-created in the United States, and now operates under the name MM Outreach Media Ministries, according to spokeswoman Lorri MacGregor.
"Canada has very strong hate laws," she told WND..."
The rest is here...
Whatever happened to speaking the truth without compromise and honoring God? The Lord said that if we live Godly lives, we'll eventually be persecuted for it. Well, it looks like Focus on the Family have nothing to fear, they are already beginning to capitulate.
Here's an excerpt from the article at WorldNetDaily:
"Posted: March 28, 2008
10:00 pm Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
"Hate crimes" laws were defeated in Congress just a few months ago. Just a few weeks ago, Frank Wright of the National Religious Broadcasters Association warned, "We must be one in Christ to face the days ahead" because "hate crimes" laws would create untold new liability for Christians.
Now a major Christian ministry has confirmed that such "hate crimes" laws already are setting limits on what it can broadcast.
The issue is "hate crimes" laws in Canada, and they are affecting U.S. Christian ministries that broadcast into that nation.
WND reported just a week ago on a Christian ministry based in Canada that essentially was ordered shut down under that nation's "hate crimes" laws which prevent Christians from expressing Biblical opinions on a wide range of issues.
So what used to be called MacGregor Ministries with offerings in how to recognize and eliminate "faulty fads" in Christian churches has been re-created in the United States, and now operates under the name MM Outreach Media Ministries, according to spokeswoman Lorri MacGregor.
"Canada has very strong hate laws," she told WND..."
The rest is here...
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