The Outpost

Convictions of a Pastor - Part 4

2011-03-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Our church is studying through the gospel of Luke and this week one of our pastors spoke on the Good Samaritan.

There is so much in that story that Jesus tells that is wonderful and convicting at the same time. Jesus of course, talking to a very "righteous" person who wants to know how to inherit the eternal life.

Jesus, knowing his heart, says what is in the law. He doesn't say obey the law, but he asks him a question. The man, is confident that he has done that but wants to put Jesus in a corner and asks Who is his neighbor.

Of course then the story....a bat a man who gets the fool beat out of him and a hated man showing him mercy.

Jesus tells a story that puts the hated Samaritan in the place of a good neighbor. Even the man can see that even though he does not even say who it is - "the one who showed him mercy". Jesus says go and do like wise. Showing mercy is being a neighbor. We should certainly, as Christians, have this kind of heart attitude in us. The motivation however is not because it gets you to heaven or is a spiritual thing to do. We do it because Jesus is our Samaritan

The Samaritan in the story looks a lot like Jesus. Just as the story, a man is beaten and left for dead and deservedly so. We are like that man - we don't deserve anything. Jesus, like the Samaritan, sees us, comes to us, gets down of his horse. He shows mercy on you, even when you don't want it, deserve it or even know it. He puts you on the saddle, bandages your wounds and restores you to life. But Jesus takes it one step further. He gets down in your place - a place of judgment and he gets the fool beat out of him. What mercy. What Kindness.Jesus is your neighbor. He shows you mercy.

The neighbor is kind, merciful, looks beyond your condition to your need, looks beyond your lineage (child of Satan), looks passed the danger he will face. Being a good neighbor is more than being like the Samaritan. It is really about being like Jesus.

Are you a neighbor like that? Now that is convicting.

Convictions Of A Pastor - Part 3

2011-02-24T17:34:00.000-08:00

Over the last month the pastors from the church we have connected with have been preaching a series called "Outsiders". It is a look at the cost of true discipleship. We started our study in Luke chapter 5. The text is where Jesus is with his disciples in a boat and they are having no success in catching fish that day.

There are a few observations that could be made about this text. First, in verse 4 Jesus offers his suggestions on how Peter and the rest of the group should fish - "put out into the deep and drop your nets." Now know that Jesus is the God of the universe and in hindsight it would seem foolish not to listen to his words. But to these disciples Jesus was a carpenter - an occupation that probably knows bubcus about fishing. This is the first of several strange and hard to grasp requests that Jesus makes of his disciples. Peter might have thought "why should we listen to him - if we were making furniture absolutely - but fishing." Peter give a little defense but sort of reluctantly he lets the nets down. Most of us know what happens next - They catch a boat load of fish (pun intended).

Peter has a unique response to this amazing catch - he falls on his knees and begs Jesus to depart from him and says he is a sinner. You get the sense that if Peter could walk on water at this point he might have just left the boat. There was fear and awe in his heart. We have seen this before - several times actually. But the two that stand out are the callings of Isaiah and Jeremiah. God summons both of them and they both respond that they are unclean. This is the response of sinful people that come in contact with a holy God - we are not worthy and our sin is magnified a thousand times in the sight of God's holiness. Isaiah and Jeremiah, after seeing God's holiness and their sinfulness, are cleansed by God and are called to ministry and they both respond in obedience and faith. God specifically asks Isaiah who will go and tell others the good news of God - his answer "I will go, send me"

In a mirror image (or typological pattern if you will) Peter seems to be having the same kind of experience. Jesus says to them to not be afraid because they will now be fishers of men. Again, this is the same language used in Jeremiah 16:16 - Behold, I will send for many fishers saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.

Jesus is saying to the disciples - Do you know who I am - Did you read the prophets. The language should have sent bells and alarms ringing in the minds of the disciples. Peter (and the rest of the disciples) are in the presence of a holy God, they fall to their knees and see their sinfulness. So what do the disciples do - they get to the shore and...leave all those fish. Now to most of us this doesn't seem odd. I don't eat fish - I wouldn't think twice. But they weren't leaving behind fish - but cash and lots of it - a boat load if you remember. They walk away from all that. To be fishers of men. Why would they do it?

For the same reason Isaiah and Jeremiah before them do it. The same reason that you and I must be willing to do the same - because those that see the glory of God in Christ Jesus the only obedient response is complete abandonment and following Jesus with our lives. Taking nothing with us, holding nothing tightly in our hands and being willing to leave everything behind.

There have always been little things in my life that I was not quite willing to give up to follow Jesus. But that is not true discipleship. A real disciple of Jesus leaves everything, even earthly wealth and power, to follow Christ. I want to be like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter and millions of others who have said "Give Me Jesus, only Jesus".

Convictions of a Pastor - Part 2

2011-02-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

I think that Andrew Peterson might be one of the most creative and distinct artists around. His album "Behold The Lamb of God" might be the best Christmas album I have ever heard that captures the true redemptive, gospel story. I listen to him often.

I have just recently started to listen to another one of his CD's - Counting Stars. One song that has really hit home is the song "Fool With A Fancy Guitar". Now, I don't play the guitar or any other musical instrument for that matter. But the description "fool" has fit me on more than one occasion - perhaps some of you can relate.

You can listen to it here. Here are the lyrics - It’s so easy to cash in these chips on my shoulder
So easy to loose this old tongue like a tiger It’s easy to let all this bitterness smolder Just to hide it away like a cigarette lighter; It’s easy to curse and to hurt and to hinder; It’s easy to not have the heart to remember
That I am a priest and a prince in the Kingdom of God

I’ve got voices that scream in my head like a siren Fears that I feel in the night when I sleep; Stupid choices I made when I played in the mire; Like a kid in the mud on some dirty blind street; I’ve got sorrow to spare, I’ve got loneliness too; I’ve got blood on these hands that hold on to the truth;
That I am a priest and a prince in the Kingdom of God

I swore on the Bible to not tell a lie But I’ve lied and lied;
And I’ve crossed my heart and I hoped to die And I’ve died and died

But if it’s true that you gathered my sin in your hand And you cast it as far as the east from the west
If it’s true that you put on the flesh of a man And you walked in my shoes through the shadow of death
If it’s true that you dwell in the halls of my heart Then I’m not just a fool with a fancy guitar
No, I am a priest and a prince in the Kingdom of God

I love how Andrew puts to words what most of our lives look like - I know certainly my life looks like this. The Christian life is a constant struggle against temptation and sin. Those that say they don't struggle with sin or temptation must be superhuman. The Bible says that we are in a war - raging against the principalities of darkness. It is true that Jesus struck a death blow to Sin and death and Satan, yet we still see all around us that sin is still here and until Jesus returns we will be faced against it.

I struggle with anger - with a quick tongue that likes to lash out occasionally - and letting go of hurts - probably if we admit it, most of us do. Yet, Andrew reminds us what Jesus has already said - that we are a priest and a prince in the Kingdom of God. We are at the same time both marred by the presence of sin and yet uniquely set apart by God and saved for a purpose. I heard my pastor (that sounds funny) say recently that it is only in the gospel that we can be more (evil and exposed) and yet completely loved at the exact same time.

Those first two verses are convicting. I forget who I am. I am sort of like Simba in the Lion King - I am a prince but I am running around acting like a vagabond. If the song stopped there, I might walk away depressed, feeling completely exposed, unworthy, and hopeless.

And yet, Andrew closes with Hope (That is what the gospel does). He says that "if it is true that you gathered my sin in your hand and you cast it as far as the east from the west..." Even though I struggle with sin that is not fitting for a priest and a prince, Jesus Christ, in his death and resurrection, has already dealt with those sins for me. I am free - free to live, obey, love and follow Jesus.

The Christian life is a daily battle against sin. It is much like the battle of an alcoholic - you are only somber for the next 24 hours, then you start all over again. I can only strive for one day to obey Chist - then I start all over again, day after day after day.

Sometimes I forget who I really am. It is true that I am a worthless sinner. It is true that I was an enemy of God, a child of the devil. But in Christ I am a sinner saved by grace, I am an adopted son and brother of Christ. He has called me friend. What a hope!?! What a Gospel!

Convictions Of A Pastor - Part 1

2011-02-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

John Stott wrote a wonderful book called The Living Church: Convictions of a Life Long Pastor. It is a helpful reflection on his many years of faithful ministry. Recently, I have been reflecting on my much shorter ministry. I have been doing that from the pew of a local church here in Simpsonville, SC where my family and I have been placed. We don't know why God has brought us to this place at this time in our lives yet I am confident (as my friend Mel would say) that I have much to learn and God is teaching me that through the ministry of two pastor friends (one that I have known for years {Jason} and another I am getting to know {Kyle} as we speak). I doubt any one reads my blog - I am not famous and I am not eloquent. Over the next few months, an exercise that God may only use to build me up and make me into Christ - I hope to list some of the things that I have been challenged with, convicted of or are growing in on my journey of faith and my personal grace story (as Jason would say). Some of these things will come from sermons at the church I have been attending (Summit Mauldin) and others will come through the music I have been listening to in my IPOD - both I am confident are orchestrated in my heart by the Holy Spirit.

Four weeks ago I caught the last sermon in a series. The Title was asking Big and was part of a series on team (church) membership. The text was from Acts 17:26 - 27, which says "26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us..."

The teaching pastor reminded the congregation that God, in verse 26, has sovereignly put each one of us right where we are, even at this very moment, so that we can be used by God for the advancment of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the Gospel - that others might might be drawn to seek and find hope in God.

As I sat there that Sunday I felt the Spirit not tap my on the shoulder but trather yank me be the back of my ear (as I can vaugley remember my mom doing when I was a mouthy preteen). You see, for the last two months I had been moping around Greenville County South Carolina pouting and I had fully convinced myself that not only was I justified but that it was somehow noble and spiritual. You see, after two years of struggling with various crisies and conflicts with people at the church I was serving in, I walked away and humbly moved in with my parents and got a job at a local grocery story. Not exactly the kind of thing I thought I would be doing with my life at 35. My fellow co-workers kept asking why a guy pursuing his doctorate was working third shift at a grocery store. And me, a guy who preached or taught every week bringing to the attention of my hearers the sovereignty of God in all things, was acting like I had no idea.

To a degree I was right - I had no idea why God had brought me here for me - yet Luke tells me about the greater purpose of why I am here even if I couldn't see it at that moment - God placed me sovereignly for the advancement of the gospel. Sitting in the pew that day I knew my attitude had to change. Not because I wanted to eventually find a new ministry for God to use me in, but rather because God had already called me to minisitry right where I was in SC and I was missing it.

Luke tells us that God is much nearer to us than we can imagine - Jesus came down out of heaven, put on flesh, dwelt among us and is continually summoning sinners, like you and me, to Himself for his glory. But God has also called me, at this time and in this place (Or as Mordecai says - For Such a Time as this), to live in such a way that those that I come in contact with in SC would see Jesus in me. I was not doing that - Jesus does not pout about his circumstances - that is a sinful, self centered thing to do. Jesus did not pout when he willingly put aside his majesty for our flesh. He did not have a pitty party when his own people and a host of Roman soldiers stapled him to a tree.

As a pastor, I was convicted - God was doing something in my circumstances even if I couldn't yet see it. And his purpose, no mater what the journey may look like, is for me to be an agent of the gospel so that others might come to faith in him - even in SC.

Maybe you are in a place where you have felt like I did - you lost your job, your family circumstances are not what you thought they should be, someone in your life is sick and dying - and you walk around saying spiritual things while in your heart you are pouting like a five year old. I pray that Acts 17:26-27 will remind you that God has put all those things in your life for your good and for His glory - and for the advancment of the kingdom. Many of us are striving to buld and attain kingdoms - they just aren't Christs'. When we come to the realization that our lives are not for our sake but for the Glory of God, then we will stop pouting and start rejoicing in the places, often full of muck and mire, that God has placed us and seeing how we can show others the life changing power of the gospel that comes only through Jesus Christ.

After all, this is the point of scripture, from Genesis to Revelation - God is saving a people for himself and for his glory and he has chosen the foolish things of the world - Us - to be the agents that he uses to take the gospel to the world.
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A Christian Can't Serve the God of Money

2011-01-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

I have always respected Albert Pujols as an athlete and as a Christian. However, this story is very troubling.  Apparently Pujols won't resign with the Cardinals unless they pay him nearly 30 million dollars a year.

As a baseball fan, I would love for Pujols to leave St. Louis and take his "machine" like numbers to another team (like my Braves for instance). But I am allarmed by what appears to be an amazing demand for that kind of money from a man who is a follower of Christ.  Yes, wealth is a gift of God and can be used mightiliy for Him. But what does such a demand say about Pujol himself. Does he need that kind of money? Is it pride? Is it greed?

Could Pujols do much for the Kingdom of God with 300 Million dollars. Sure. Especially if he gave, as David Platt suggests, all be $50,000 away to the church and to mission around the world. However, imagine the kind of impact he could have on the world by taking far less in the name of Christ. Saying to the world, my riches are not of this world, my riches are in heaven with Christ. Now that would be a message.

Does Santa Preach A Different Gospel

2010-12-17T14:26:00.000-08:00

If you want to ruffle some feathers in the church as a pastor, don't promote Santa. I am not sure why, but this always generates an anger that seems greatly displaced. I don't hate Santa. In my house we rarely talk about him positively or negatively. The first two years of my oldest daughters life we referred to him as "the man".   We have told our children that Santa is a game people play about a real man who died many years ago. I still remember, with fear and trembling, when my daughter was going around church telling all her friends that Santa was dead. You would have thought I had taught my children a cuss word. Parents were a little bothered. I am not sure why. Last time I checked Santa is dead...but never mind.

One individual said to me that I was stripping my children of "joy at Christmas" by not promoting and encouraging a belief in Santa.  Am I really doing them a disservice? The real "Santa", was a just a man, St. Nicholas by historical accounts, who was a prominent church leader in the early church. In fact he might roll over in his grave if he saw what people had turned him into (is there any body that wants to be portrayed as an overweight man with an uncontrolled beard who walks around in Pajamas all the time). If parents simply talked about his little known history or the gospel that he believed in that would be one thing. Most parents don't; the Santa they do celebrate preaches a very different gospel than what St. Nicholas believed in.

The mythical Santa has developed over the years into a grumpy old policeman, who tracks down all the bad kids to knock them off his list, who now lives eternally at the north poll and blesses only those kids that are good. The holiday song "Santa Claus is coming to town" says Santa knows if you have been good or bad so be good for goodness sake. Who determines who is good? This way of thinking, while common in our world, is very different from how God responds to us.

The Bible says that none of us are good, except for Jesus. We are all marred by a sinful nature and we deserve nothing. God doesn't save us because we are good or withhold gifts because we are bad. He blesses us in Christ because he first loved us and chose to save us through faith in the Gospel. Santa died, just like the rest of us will one day, baring the return of Christ. God is the only eternally existing one. I think Santa just teaches children, and apparently some adults, basic Pharisaical self righteousness.

Parents spend so much time telling a little white lie to their kids about the presence of Santa and about pleasing the big guy by being good. Trust me, you will have to unpack that one day when you start teaching them about total depravity and the gospel of Jesus. Why not teach our children about the true gift giver and how he lavishes on us gifts that we don't deserve all because of his gracious love for us.   Tell your kids that you (as parents) are giving your children gifts, not because they have been good, but because you love them and that is what parents do; and you are simply mirroring our Heavenly Father who gave us salvation, the spirit, fruit in our lives and so much more. Share with your kids real heroes of the faith. We are reading our children this Christmas "Peril and Peace", a church history book for children that teaches them of the many men (and women) who died for the sake of the gospel in the early church . There are no elves in it but it will keep their attention.

I could be wrong, but I don't think I am stripping my children of joy by celebrating the birth of Jesus without the presence of an obese elf. I hope I am directing their attention to the real joy of the season - The Lord Has come, let earth (and us) receive her King. Why not leave Santa out of our Christian celebration of Christ all together. He is dead - Jesus is alive...and Jesus is coming again.

Christ Centered Music

2010-09-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

I love great music. I especially love music that elevates and exalts the person and work of Jesus Christ in new and refreshing ways. The album highlights the work of the all three persons of the Trinity, which is something that is often missing from much modern "Christian" music. The variety of styles is refreshing. There is something on there for any music love. And if you love Jesus Christ your heart will be enriched as you listen to this CD. You can find the album here.

http://www.reformedpraise.org/wp-content/themes/reformedpraise/images/mercifultome-cover.jpg

Our Dating Children?

2010-09-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

I was directed to the video below by a church friend. The question that is asked is an important one and Pastor Mark's answer is sure to generate some discussion. This, however, is an important issue. For Christians, when do we allow our children to date. What is proper dating? Much of the dating that goes on by Christian teens does little to prepare them for a healthy, committed marriage relationship. Are we doing our children a disservice by telling them when they are young to act like the world in dating and then changing course and telling them not to marry like the world.

The Bible tells us to train up a child in the way he should go. Notice it doesn't say let them experience everything and learn from failing. There is a time to learn through failure. But seeing the problem with marriage and divorce in the culture and in the church I think we should finally recognize that the date/break up philosophy of the world is failing the church and it is time for a change.

What kind we do? We need to be like the Boy Scouts and Be prepared. Good dating practices don't just happen, they are learned. 1) encourage your children at an early age to develop friendships with all kinds of people. Isolation with one relationship is not always healthy. 2) Teach them to focus on their school work, family and friends instead of pushing them to dating relationships. 3) Dads, take out your nearly ready to date daughter and show her what a date should look like. Treat her well, open her door, do more than just sit mindlessly in front of a movie screen in the dark. Help her to have high expectations for both the date and the datee. If you have a son, let him see you on a date with your spouse or maybe even double date. 4) Dads, insist that you get to meet the dates. My father in-law insisted that I call him and ask for permission to take his daughter out. Wise practice in deed. I would imagine a low character boy would run from that. Make the first date a family experience. You learn what your boy/girl friend will be like in the future by seeing how they interact with mom and dad and siblings. 4) Prayer NOW - don't wait till you kids are 15 and hormones are raging. Pray and ask God to bring into their life godly relationships. Pray for their future spouse. Pray for wisdom when they are older. 5) Establish Clear boundaries and hold to them. Dating is not a right. It comes with maturity and wisdom. Some of your kids will mature faster than others. If your teen can't handle the freedom or make wise choices you may have to make some adjustments. Curfews are not meant to be broken. 6) Trust God - God is sovereign even over your child's dating practices. If you have been wise and you taught them well, don't fear.

I am not looking forward to those days of dating. But they are coming. Are you prepared.

Burning of the Koran?

2010-09-08T09:31:00.001-07:00

Rev. Terry Jones has boldly proclaimed that he will be burn the Koran on September 11. You can read his full story here.

In recent days politicians, generals and various religious leaders have all come out against this action. The Vatican has announced its displeasure towards this action and many churches in the United States have decided to hold joint-religious services on that day in protest of Rev. Jones actions.

There are two errors I see here.

First, those trying to counteract this action in the church by reading from the Koran in their services or having joint services across religious lines are acting foolishly. The Koran has nothing to offer followers of Jesus Christ. John, in his letter to the churches, reminds us not to participate with those who promote false teaching. Reading the Koran, in a church service, is unwise and un-biblical. Holding services with other groups further confuses the gospel. Islam (or other groups) are not one bad theology from being orthodox. They are not worshipping the same God - Allah is not YHWH.

But second, Rev. Jones actions are foolish and un-Christlike. He is not loving his neighbor as himself. He is not showing compassion to the un-learned. He is simply being provocative, perhaps trying to advance his own ministry.

Should we respond to Islam the way they have treated others, specifically the Christian church? No. We should not return evil for evil.

Should we become provocative by burning their "holy" book? This would be foolish and un-loving.

What should we do? We should show our Muslim neighbors what the gospel is and how it has changed us. How we no longer respond in our flesh through anger and petty political moves, but in love, compassion and grace to those who are lost. We should pray for them and share with them the gospel. No the gospel of the American dream. The gospel of salvation from sins through faith in Jesus Christ. That is what they need. That is what we should offer.

Making Known the Manifold Wisdom of God

2010-08-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

The church is given the humbling and privileged task of making known the manifold wisdom of God to the world. This wisdom is rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ as both savior and King. He took upon himself our judgment on the cross and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility; first between each of us and God and second between each other.

The wall of hostility is broken between you and God when your sins are atoned for. This happens as a repentant sinner is identified with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus through faith. God now longer sees us as we were, but now sees us as his son - perfect. It is not our righteousness but the righteousness of Christ that God is pleased with.

When our relationship with God is made right, he then begins to restore and make new our relationships with others. In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Greek; slave or free. We are either in Christ or we are not.

The church makes this wisdom known by proclaiming in worship the name Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We continue to make it known by sharing the good news of the gospel through evangelism. We show the outworking of the gospel in our churches by equipping and edifying other believers in the gospel that they might grow in their walk with Christ. We further show the love of Christ by encouraging one another to pursue righteousness and to confront sin that is present in our lives. Lastly, we encounter God in prayer, asking him to continue to bring about the unfolding of his plan and the glorification of Jesus Christ through the church.

May this be our goal as believers and as a church!

Christi-Unity?

2010-08-09T12:37:00.001-07:00

In our regular preaching ministry at Bethel we have been studying through Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus. The first three chapters are rich and full of many, wonderful theological truths. There is one common thread that flows through those many verses: Jesus Christ, in his death, burial and resurrection, brings a people that are separated and at enmity with God and each other together. He tears down the walls. He opens the means of relationship, both vertically and horizontally. Ephesians 2 says that we are built up, Jews and Gentiles, into the dwelling place for God.

This has great implications for each of us as followers of Jesus. We don't unity for unity's sake. We do not pursue uniformity ignoring diversity. We pursue unity because of a common confession - Jesus is Lord. We celebrate diversity within our unity because God is the Father of us all. In Christ we are now one - brothers and sisters. Unity is essential for those who know Christ. He prayed for our unity in the gospels. He died for our unity on the cross. His Spirit is empowering us for unity right now. Why - to bring him glory.

This week, as you think about the relationships you have with those in your church, try and identify areas that you have broken down unity and built up walls with others. Have you not extended forgiveness to someone who has wronged you? Have you refused to repent when it was your mistake? Have you allowed a careless word of gossip, falsehood or slander to tear down others? Unity and intimate relationships can take a life time to build and it only takes one moment to tear it all down.

Jesus is intent on making peace and unity; tearing down walls; and building relationships. The devil is focused on creating hostility, putting up walls, tearing down relationships and bringing disunity and chaos to our relationships.

Are you in the habit of building...or destroying?

Homosexuality and the Bible

2010-06-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Recently, Jennifer Knapp, one time Christian singer, came out as a lesbian. I watched her interview on Larry King live and was deeply saddened by not only her decision but more importantly by the carelessness with which she handles the "sacred text" as she calls it, ignoring clear words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

This week I watched a series of videos by Matt Chandler as he address this subject to the church. Each of the clips were Biblical, clear, and helpful.

I would encourage you to listen to them as well. You can find the videos here:

Are you prepared for T(t)ribulation?

2010-05-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

I remember growing up in a traditional church and hearing constantly that tribulation was coming to the world but that Christians would not experience it, because we would be raptured out of the world.

This was an encouraging thought. Who "likes" to under go tribulation and difficulty. The thought of avoiding it all together made practical sense to me. Unfortunately, many have become ill prepared to deal with tribulation and persecution for our association with the gospel in the here and now.

Even today, I wonder how many teens or young adults would be able to stand in the face of a Taliban soldier or a governmental authority and say with confidence, "I will not deny the gospel of Jesus; He is the Christ, the son of the living God", when faced with a sword or an AK-47. We need to be prepared for the worst, even if we are hoping for the best.

This article illustrates some of my concern (Here). It is becoming apparent that soon freedom of speech and religious liberty will be rained by limiting what we can say about common hot button issues, like homosexuality. This pastor was arrested for a conviction of the words of God. Are we willing to risk being arrested for standing with God's will and word? What if becomes illegal to even suggest that Jesus is the only way of salvation? Are you ready for that? Are your children?

Whether you believe that you will be present for the Great, bit T Tribulation is not worth arguing about. However, scripture does teach us that we WILL face tribulation as we stand for Christ and His Gospel. The early church was dragged into coliseums for entertainment as lions mauled them to death. Others were crucified like our Lord. Others were burned at the stake or thrown into rivers with weights tied to their bodies. Men and women through out history have suffered great tribulation and persecution for one thing: Standing for Jesus Christ and His Gospel of Salvation.

Are you the exception or the rule?

Twilight - A Movie Worth Watching?

2010-04-27T06:23:00.001-07:00

Recently, I unintentionally started a debate by observing that I thought wise Christians should avoid this series. I was surprised when few agreed with my concerns and thought I was being judgmental and hypocritical. This was not my hearts intent and I pray that God will reveal to me when I am acting in this way.

Twilight is a series of books and movies written by Stephenie Meyer. She is a gifted author, which is obvious simply by the demand for her books. If they were written poorly I doubt any one would be drawn to a story about vampires.

What concerns me is how this story has resonated in the church. And not just among adults. Many of those that watch this story are far younger (8, 9 and 10) than the PG-13 rating suggests should see it. Parents are already showing a lack of discernment that even the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) understands - these movies are not for children.

Beyond that though, parents are constant teachers. Everything we do teaches our children. We have a responsibility to them and more importantly to God to raise our children in their fear and submission of our Lord; by God's grace seeing them trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Even after they have confessed Jesus as Lord, we have a responsibility to help them to mature in Christ, knowing how to make wise and godly decisions. I am not convinced that Meyer's story does anything to promote this kind of spiritual maturity and, worse yet, it may actually be counterproductive to the things that we are teaching our children about who God is, His love and the gospel.

Understand, in Christ we are free...free indeed. But just because something is permissible does not mean that it is good - “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything." (see The Apostle Paul 1 Corinthians 6:12)

There are many troubling things in the series. Let me list three for you. 1) Paints an un-biblical view of love. John Lewinski makes several observations in an article (here). A love that leads to lying, disobedience, manipulation and more. Certainly not the kind of Biblical love that we find in 1 Corinthians 13 or commanded in Ephesians 5 (Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church; wives submit to your husbands as unto the Lord).

2) Deep mormon world view. The author is a mormon. And her writing is no doubt supported by her theological beliefs. A Touchstone Article (here) says this: "Edward..., though described many times as an “angel” and though he has many of the characteristics of Joseph Smith, Jr., is also, as the First Son of the Cullen Father and Bella’s means to joining this Holy Family, the Christ figure of the story. His signature ability to enter into all minds (even Bella’s in the end) indicates his identity as the Logos that is the pre-existent “cohesion of all things” (Col. 1:17)." For a biblically astute adult this kind of allegory may not be problematic but for a child or teen who is often thrown by the wind of various doctrines and beliefs, something even this subtle could do great harm to their own understanding and faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He goes on to say further "In some streams of Mormon tradition, Adam is, in fact, the finite God of earth (or the Archangel Michael), and Eve is his celestial wife from another planet. The Fall and expulsion from Paradise, according to this view, were necessary in order for Adam and Eve to marry and reproduce. “Celestial marriage” is a core ordinance for Mormon exaltation (salvation), and without the “Fall,” man could not take this important step in his progression from mortality to post-mortal life as a god in the Celestial Kingdom. This is a remarkable departure from orthodox, creedal Christianity with respect to sexuality and understanding how human beings relate to God." Meyer has no desire to promote the biblical account of creation, fall, redemption and Christ. The series says undercuts what our children have been learning in Sunday school.

3) The Bible says this: 1 Corinthians 10:6 says, 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 1 Corinthians 15:33 adds "Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Or Colossians 3 says "5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming." 1 Thessalonians 5:22 - 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 3 John - 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. AND 2 John - 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting" That is challenging - Don't bring it into your house - what is it - False teaching.

I believe that God is sovereign and that God will protect my daughters. But I can't help but wonder what I might be doing to undermine what God wants for them. Even something as subtle as what movies they watch or what books they read can be devastating to their understanding of the gospel. We have a responsibility as parents to direct our children to fear the Lord.

I love my daughters and their growing faith enough to say to them "O be careful little eyes what you see, o be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down in love, O be careful little eyes what you see."

Respect the Office and Not the Man?

2010-04-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

David Barton made this comment recently. "Respect the Office...Yes. Respect the man in the office...No I am sorry to say."

I was pondering this today, as I prepare to preach on Hebrews 13:7 - 17. Is this really what God wants us to do when it comes to our elected officials - respect the office not the man. Why don't we also apply that to the church - respect the office of elder but the man. Respect the office of deacon but not the man. What is the determining factor in who we respect and don't? If we simply don't like their decision, don't like their personality, don't like their hair? Do we stand in opposition to governmental authorities because they are antagonistic to God or simply because they are sinners? Obama is a sinner...but so I am I.

Romans 13 says that the authorities have been placed their by God. Not just the office but the man. God knows what He is doing (even though at times I think I know better...I don't). Did Paul respect the office or the man when we went before Agrippa or the leaders of Rome. Titus 3:1 Remind us to be submissive to rulers and authorities and to speak evil of no one (including Obama right?). He then gives us our motivation...because we were once like them...LOST.

I understand the frustration directed at our government. I am not pleased with the policies, decisions and directions of our president. But I have been convicted today as I read a statement that I probably used to say. A statement that made me feel (self) righteous. A statement that many Christians today are saying AMEN to. I am just not sure that it measures up to scripture.

Remember, our conflict is not against flesh and blood but against principalities of darkness. Respecting the man (and the office) does not mean we agree with everything the man does. It does not mean that we set aside our convictions. It does not mean that we are sellouts. What does it mean - that as I we respect and submit to him, we are demonstrating our submission to a much higher authority. A higher authority that one day even a president of the United States will bow to in honor. Only then, we won't be up in arms at the homage paid to a world leader. We will rejoice that every knee (including Obama) is bowing to the feet of King Jesus.

Perseverence of the Saints: A Test Case

2010-02-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite writers is Dr. Russell Moore. I enjoy his books and his articles are thought provoking and convicting. On his blog, Moore to the Point, he tells the story Jihadist who didn't grow up in a mosque, but in an Alabama Baptist Church. But more importantly he shows us that you and I are not that different from Omar. And perhaps there might just be an Omar in our churches right now.

You can find Dr. Moore's article here:

What Is Worth Celebrating?

2010-02-02T06:58:00.001-08:00

Fellow Missouri pastor Micah Fries thought this article about Tim Tebow was a must read. I would agree. I have often wondered why the NOW never found commercials that flaunt women around in bikinis as sexual objects to be found offensive. Maybe they don't really speak for women. Maybe we shouldn't listen.

Family and life...that is something worse celebrating.

Article Here.

Do You Believe In Jesus?

2010-01-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

Justin Taylor, who writes frequently for the Gospel Coalition, posted an astounding quote. What is so interesting about this quote is not necessarily who said it but what it says about those who claim to be Christians. I will leave you the quote below.

“I would say that if you don’t believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ and Messiah, and that he rose again from the dead and by his sacrifice our sins are forgiven, you’re really not in any meaningful sense a Christian.”

Who said this? It wasn't a pastor. It wasn't a leader in the church. In fact, it wasn't even a Christian. The quote is by Christopher Hitchens in response to a Unitarian Minister. You can read the entire quote here.

Facebook Confrontation

2010-01-26T10:29:00.000-08:00

The Bible commands us to lovingly and graciously confront those who have sinned or sinned against us with the purpose of forgiveness and restoration. Yet recently, I have seen a trend of many people, and an alarming number of Christians, using facebook and other internet forums to confront, attack, and hurt members of the body of Christ.

I am not sure if followers of Christ think that status reports meet the limited criteria of such a mandate in Matthew 18, but let me challenge you that it does not. Confronting, or worse still attacking, people through online mediums is not only foolish and counterproductive but it is a serious sin that needs confronting itself.

I have tried to encourage others to follow the Biblical pattern even online. What is the Biblical pattern? For starters, gossip is wrong. Gossip can be both false information that spread from person to person but also it can be true information that does not promote the best in a person's character. So I tend to remind people, that if you are saying anything about anyone else that does not make that person appear BETTER than you, don't say it. No little jabs, no tongue and cheek comments, nada...

That is hard. But in addition to that, most of use facebook to say things to people that we would NEVER say to them in person. Perhaps that is because we are too cowardly or we simply know what we are saying is not right, noble or completely true. What ever the case, face to face confrontation is the scriptural pattern and Face to Facebook simply falls short. I have tried no longer to have "conversations" with people on facebook about any matter, but especially those things that are sensitive or serious. Conversion is verbal, but it is even more so non-verbal. Facial expressions, tone, and even emotion can not be heard through emails and face book and therefore your conversation will only be partially heard.

Last, we must recognize that some of the things we post on a wall is read by a vast number of people. Some flippant word about a fellow student or friend could be ready by thousands and could greatly hurt their character, even if the statement has a context that other readers simply don't know.

In a world where we are becoming increasingly isolated and alone, let's spend more of our time talking in person. Understand, I don't think that facebook is evil. I think it is very helpful to reconnect with people and stay connected on some levels; and I am on quite frequently. But just like any other technology we have at our disposal, Facebook can be used for evil and we must guard ourselves (and each other) from such sin.

Reformation Starts At Home

2010-01-21T07:03:00.001-08:00

Revival was a popular word in the church a few years ago. Even today many people are very interested in revival in their churches. Richard Baxter, a pastor many years ago, sought significant change in his church as well. He called it "reformation" but I think it is basically the same.

Baxter wanted his church to grasp the gospel in a more significant way and to pursue the kind of holiness that the scriptures demand from those who know Christ. Baxter, however, did not pursue revival or reformation by bringing in some passionate preacher and his traveling band of followers. No, Baxter was much more simple than that. He believed the reformation in a church started in two places.

First it began with the pastor. The pastor must not only be serious about the word of God but consistent in his own life, pursuing holiness in all matters. Baxter had seen his share of poor excuse for pastors and he challenged those around him not to fall into similar traps.

But the most important place that reformation can be found is in the home. A passion for the things of Christ begins not from the pulpit but from the couch. As Godly fathers and mothers teach their children about the gospel, live out the implications and changes that the gospel brings, and share the gospel with those around them the church will change.

In our culture I think Baxter is especially poignant. We live in a time in which the family is being destroyed and the home is being redefined. It is vital for the sake of our churches that fathers, the spiritual leaders of the home, begin to take seriously their roles and to show our sons what Biblical manhood is really all about. It is crucial for mothers to start teaching their daughters what it is to be a modest, Christ like woman, rather than letting their influence be Miley and Paris.

If you want to see reformation in your church don't just tell the pastor to invite a guest speaker. Tell you family that things are changing in your home. Christ will no longer be an un-invited guest but the center of our homes.

Family Conflict and Christmas

2009-12-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

In most holiday films, jokes about the dysfunction of family relationships is common. But for many of us it is not too far removed from the dysfunction in our own extended families. I for one have experienced this kind behavior in my own extended family: uncles and aunts that hide things from others, cousins that simply ignore you, , siblings that fight and do not forgive, grandparents that hold grudges and parents that reject their own children. None of this is biblical and none of it is god-honoring. In fact, I might suggest that this kind of behavior is more reflective of Satan himself (God doesn't give his children stones if they ask for bread).

What is most sad about this description? These family members are believers in Jesus Christ.

What do we do about families in conflict? Dr. Russell Moore has this article that hopefully will encourage some of you this Christmas and maybe see some of this conflict slip into the past with all the wrapping paper and tinsel. Article.

Train Up A Daughter In The Way She Should Go

2009-12-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

Raising children is not easy. Raising daughters seems at times almost scary. I have three daughters. My daughters are not as scary as the things that try and oppose everything I do. There are so many forces around our children that are pulling them in different directions. Some times we shoot ourselves in the foot by inviting those negative influences right into our homes and into the hearts and minds of our children. I am amazed at how many Christian parents let their children see things that are so blatantly opposed to the gospel.

The movie, New Moon, is on such series. While you try and raise your daughter or son to fear the Lord, you submarine them by not just allowing them to be influenced by such a thing but paying for the "terrorism" your self.

Here is an interesting article regarding some of the things that our daughters can negatively learn from the Twilight series. Here:

Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See?

2009-12-08T07:28:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular movies right now is "New Moon". It may surprise you that it is also a popular series among Christian teen girls and adult women. Some might think that it is simply entertainment but do the movies and books teach and portray things that are not only dangerous to our spiritual life but also contrary to the gospel. Most of us wouldn't invite a false teacher into our homes to influence our families but we are very willing to allow movies to teach and preach a message that is against what we believe about humans, God, Jesus and salvation.

Attached is a recent Touchstone article about this very film. I would encourage you, if you are a Christian, whether you are a teenage girl, a single woman in college or a parent to consider what the author has to say and ask whether or not Christians should find entertainment in such a film.

Article Here

Humility and Grace

2009-09-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord for examples of Godly humility and grace.

Full of Hot Air?

2009-09-14T06:36:00.001-07:00

Michael Jordan is known as perhaps the greatest basketball player ever. Watching him growing up there was never a time that Jordan looked foolish on the court. Even his ill-conceived return to the Wizards didn't look embarrassing. He still had it going on the court.

However, this past weekend during his hall induction speech, I was embarrassed for M.J.
He began with tears and a brief but poignant recognition of Scottie Pippen. He briefly introduces us to his brothers and sisters. But as I sat for the rest of it I cringed. M.J. probably isn't the greatest public speaker, but he also sounded more full of himself than I even imagined as he takes shots at everyone who ever doubted him.

Leroy Smith - most of us don't know him but Jordan figured out a way to insult him and his coach. I was mortified for Leroy.
Buzz Peterson - former player of the year in Asheville, NC. He wasn't better than "me" Jordan said. He stuck it to him.
Coach Smith - didn't play him as a freshman. Coach was wrong - He stuck to Smith
Jerry Krause - didn't invite him to the ceremony...stuck it to him.
His Kids - you have a huge shadow to live in..."I wouldn't want to be you"...
Pat Riley, Byron Russell, Media, Naysayers - stuck it to them.

Did we know that Jordan was great. Absolutely. It probably isn't debatable. What did we learn about Jordan that night...He wants glory. His own glory.

The sad thing is that his glory will fade. His trophies and legacy will be forgotten. Glory and fame is a great aspiration IF our pursuit of glory is found in the glory of Jesus Christ. I pray that M.J. will discover that joy. He has a relationship with basketball. He (and we) need a relationship with Jesus.

Rather than having M.J. talk the other night, why couldn't he just play one more game for old times sake.

If you want to hear an inspiring speech by an athlete, check out this one by Art Monk (video and text).

Is Health Care A Moral Responsibility?

2009-08-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

“For a Catholic, that’s part of the comfort of it,” said the Rev. Matthew Allman, former parochial vicar of the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Mission Hill church Kennedy chose for his funeral because he prayed there when his daughter had cancer. “He has amazing relationships around the world. But the focus of the Mass is his connection to Christ.”

I didn't find the focus of the Kennedy funeral to be on Christ. I watched most of the funeral on Saturday morning and was greatly saddened by the exaltation of such a flawed man. I was waiting to see if saint hood would immediately follow. Then there was the focus on health care and partisan politics. Who knew that Jesus cared so much about health care. I thought he was concerned about soul care.

"Senator Edward Kennedy pushed for equality among the underprivileged and desired reform for America’s mental health system. He was a gift from God — it was as if God had reached down from heaven through Sen. Kennedy to influence the very pinnacle of change..." and more

"These works of the kingdom were daily concerns of Teddy Kennedy. The fabric of his heart and life and hands....in a society more complex than...our hope is that the fruit of his work has well prepared him for God's kingdom."

God did reach down to this world for change but it certainly wasn't in the form of a man from Massachusetts but rather in a man that looked remarkably Jewish two thousand years ago.

But the concerns of the Kingdom are more about the eternal destinies of people. The salvation of the lost. Jesus, the King of this aformentioned Kingdom, came to seek and save the lost.

Then to top it all off...our dear friend Al Gore, the inventor the Internet and now the Savior of the Planet had this too add Saturday night: Al gore was quoted Playing off the focus of the Kennedy funeral on the Gospel of Matthew’s parable of Jesus taking care of “the least of us,” Gore thundered that the country has “a moral duty to pass health care reform. This year.”

It sounds as if the anti-religious establishment is now trying to use religion to convince the religious that we need universal health care. I am just not certain that this was Jesus', nor the gospel writers intention. But never mind really...it doesn't sound like it matters. The concern is politics.

But the concern of the Bible is Kingdom...one that looks less like a democracy and more like a monarchy. A monarchy that is ushered in not in the policies of Washington but in the return of a King and the defeat of his enemies. A kingdom that is comprised of citizens who do not cling to their accomplishments at the day of judgment but who cling to the work of Christ.

It is too bad the catholic church that the funeral was held at doesn't have this view of life...that would be something to herald.

Wear Your Stripes Brian

2009-08-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

There used to be a time when it was easy to tell who the good guys were and who the bad guys were. This has changed in many areas of society. In the wild west, the villain wore black. In the world wars, apart from a few spies, each army war uniforms and they were easily distinguishable. In college football they still use the wold civil war colors of blue and gray. But in the era of terrorism, bombers no longer wear uniforms with pins or flags. They no longer stand out. They blend in. Which is what makes them more dangerous. Evaluating, monitoring and even fighting the enemy you can see is one thing. Imagine trying to do that if your enemy is invisible.

This is also a problem in the church. The Bible calls it "wolves" who look like sheep. Much like the old cartoon, the church is full of people, men and women, who are seeking to devour the saints and oppose the work of Christ. Usually they are very hard to spot because they are working hard at blending in. But what is the church to do when the wolves aren't trying to blend in any more, when their start to show their fangs and they are still welcome in the fold. The Bible is actually clear about what we are to do with the wolves but in recent years the Bible doesn't seem to have much authority in many churches and so the wolves are often celebrated and praised rather than shunned.

Denny Burk exposes a would-be wolf here, ...so sound the alarm. Brian McLaren sounds like he is trying to further erode the gospel . Full Article.

Who are the real Vick-tims?

2009-08-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

Michael Vick is everywhere these days. Sportscenter, 60 Minutes, Philadelphia...

No doubt, most of us (if we are human) are probably still bothered by what Vick and his friends were doing for fun during the offseason. But before you put this issue to rest completely, I would encourage you to read this thought provoking article from Denny Burk. You can find it here.

Green is the new Black

2009-07-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

It is socially acceptable to be green. Not in the mold of Kermit and that popular 80's television show, "You Can't Do That on Television" (I am still scared of green slime). Environmentalism is in full swing. It is the modern hippie movement. It is the dispensation of the new millennium. Of course there are differing views about what all this means. Al Gore is still claiming that the world is hotter today than it was fifty years ago. While he makes that speech it is snowing outside. Today the weather forecast in western Missouri was low 70's for the high and 50's overnight. IN JULY! I am not seeing the whole Global warming thing.

But this concern has impacted the church too. So much so that there is a Bible called the "Green Bible" which helpfully highlights all the environmental passages for us in green, all while printed on recycled paper, with a few comments from theologians and heretics alike on matters of faith and the environment.

I don't believe in green letter bibles. But to be fair I also don't use a red letter Bible. This is not because I don't like the environment or that I don't love the words of Jesus. I do. But all scripture is God-breathed; they are all Jesus' words. And while I have no hatred for environmentalism, scripture makes it quite clear that the earth is in revolt of its current human rulers and will continue to groan with and against us until this same Jesus returns to claim his people and his land for himself.

If you want to be a good Christian environmentalist, then love the Gospel. If you hate the fact that trees are being torn down for another convenient store, pray for the return of Christ. Are there things we can do in the mean time to be good stewards of the earth...absolutely. Recycle, drive a hybrid, care for pets...

Will a green Bible help in this endeavor? I think it will merely distract us. The point of the Bible is not the ozone...the point is Jesus. His concern is not just carbon foot prints, it is a sin nature that each of us is cursed with. Being earth friendly is more than just loving the earth...it is about loving the maker and creator of the earth and the one who will one day inherit all that we see and so much more...King Jesus.

There is a helpful article by someone far wiser than I that I recommend to you here.

John Minus Kate

2009-06-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

While the episode promised a bombshell, it was not surprising that John and Kate announced verbally (and later in print) that their marriage would be ending. John said...

"This afternoon, Kate filed for divorce. Our kids are still my number one priority. I love them and want to make sure they stay happy, healthy and safe. My job is being the best, most supportive and loving father that I can be to my kids, and not being married to Kate doesn't change that," he said in the statement.

Being married does not change that? Who is he kidding. In the episode he goes on to add that he has been a dad, now it is time to be himself. Wow.

Just as the movie "Kramer vs. Kramer" changed the view of divorce in American culture, this saga will no doubt leave a lasting impression. They became celebrities for of all things...having children. They decided to turn their home into a circus. They walked away from their church. The money became so attractive that they could not stop. And now, before our very eyes, John and Kate plus their eight children are a family in crisis.

Where is the out cry? Where is their pastor? Where are their friends? Probably they are all where the rest of the country is. Waiting for the next episode to be entertained.

As a pastor, it breaks my heart when people get divorced. Not just because of the harm done to the children, although it is great. Not just because of the harm to the couple, although it is tragic. More importantly, it is because of the harm to the Gospel. God never divorces his people, Jesus is a faithful husband, even when we are an unfaithful bride.

If you are a fan of the show (which I am not) or if you have never seen it, let us not glory in the fall of this family. We should not mock them. We should not laugh. We should cry. We should mourn the break up of another family. We should pray that God would miraculously save this marriage, this couple, this family; that their relationship would be restored; and that God would get all the glory.

Immigration, Aliens and Christians

2009-06-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

Justin Taylor interviews James Hoffmeier to introduce his new book on Immigration and Christians title The Immigration Crisis. The interview is enlightening and I hope to read the book soon. In the interview, the author addresses some of the misunderstandings or manipulations of scripture by many who oppose any kind of immigration standards. You can read the interview here.

This particular question and answer was particularly interesting:

Does the OT operate with similar distinctions that we have today between documented aliens and illegal immigrants?

What I learned in my study is that there are three relevant terms used in Hebrew (ger, zar, nekhar). Different English translations render the words differently. The TNIV and NLT render them all as “foreigner.” That is misleading and incorrect.

Zar and nekhar indeed refer to foreigners or visitors, people passing through a foreign land.

Ger or the verb gwr, which together occur more than 160 times in the OT, refer to foreign residents who live in another land with the permission of a host. A good example of this is found in Genesis when Joseph asks permission of pharaoh for his family to move to Egypt (Gen. 45:16-18). When they arrived, the brothers asked pharaoh if they could sojourn in the land (Gen. 47:1-4), and Pharaoh allotted them a section of the land of Goshen or Rameses (Gen. 47:5-7).

The law is clear that ger is not to be oppressed, but to receive equal justice, and have access to the social support system of ancient Israel. And there was a provision for religious inclusion, but they were also obligated to live in accordance with the laws just like the Israelites.

The Law does not, however, extend to the zar and nekhar such benefits and services. From this I conclude that ger was viewed as a legal alien.

The mistake of some well-meaning Christians is to apply the biblical laws for the ger to illegal aliens in American even though they do not fit the biblical legal and social definition.

The Theology of Adoption

2009-06-05T07:46:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite authors and preachers is Dr. Russell D. Moore. He is the dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where I also attended. When I first met Dr. Moore he was the Sunday school teacher for our class at DeHaven Memorial Baptist Church (along with Dr. Tom Nettles).

Dr. Moore has recently written a book, Adopted For Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches. The book, in the same mold as his preaching, is rich with theology and practical application no matter where you may be in life. It chronicles the difficulties that his wife and him had as they desired to have children and the things that God taught both of them about family, their own hearts, the gospel, and their (and our) own adoption as sons of God through Jesus Christ.

We are all adopted. He says, "The New Testament continually points to our adoption in Christ in order to show us that we're really, really wanted here in the Father's house" (Eph 1:3,5). Who better to understand, practice and support the adoption of children than those who are adopted already.

The wonderful thing about this book is that it is not only for those who are already looking to adopt. There are practical implications for the church as a whole, grandparents, those who can support others and more. My church has had a high view of adoption long before I arrived. I hope that this book will encourage them to know that they are obediently following Jesus Christ. I hope that it will encourage them to continue supporting adoption and those who adopt.

I hope the book will do the same for you.

The Tragedy of John and Kate

2009-06-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

John and Kate celebrate their 100th episode next week. There seems to be more concern and excitement in the Gosselin house about this milestone than about the crumbling marriage.

For years now, the country has been engaged with the life of this everyday, normal family. Christianity Today says that "evangelicals" especially have flocked to the TLC channel to catch a glimpse of this family {Entire Article Can Be Found Here}. We have praised them for their love of life, we have praised them for their love of family and yet all the while we have ignored the bigger issues of greed, fame, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.

It is only now that their marriage appears to be falling apart that we have even taken notice of other serious spiritual matters. In some sense we are appalled by what has happened to this family and yet we probably should not be. Christianity Today goes on to say this: Somehow most of us missed the long trajectory that was, day by day, moving them farther from a life of Christian virtue. Sexual immorality—whether actual or merely suspected—caught our attention, but the materialism, narcissism, and exploitation of children that preceded it was largely overlooked.

In a sense, the family has invited this kind of temptation, if not the sin and end result. Where was wisdom and counsel from other family? Where was a warning or rebuke from their church? Why does it appear that no one cared that this family was being destroyed right under our noses on weekly television?

We are all prone to this kind of temptation and sin. None of us are immune to it. We must constantly guard ourselves against hubris, pride and lust. We must not be captivated by the things of this world, but focus our selves on the things of heaven, namely Jesus Christ. We should certainly pray for John and Kate. Pray that their marriage survives. Pray that they walk away from the apparent security of wealth and return to the security of scripture.

But we must also pray for ourselves and each other. Pray that we do not fall into this same trap. There is a lion prowling around, seeking to destroy us and to tear us apart limb by limb. Some of us might already be in the Lion's mouth and his grasp is already around us. We have convinced ourselves that everything is OK. Don't be fooled. Run to the Shepherd.

The Sanctity of Life

2009-06-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was shocked to turn on the news and see scrolling across our local Kansas City news affiliate a story about the Sunday morning shooting of the infamous Kansas abortion doctor. I was deeply bothered by this act of premeditated murder. As someone who opposes abortion on both philosophical and theological grounds it saddened me that a doctor who has sworn an oath to protect life would so recklessly take it. However, how could this gunman act just as heinous in murdering this doctor.

As Christians, we should stand adamantly opposed to the senseless murder of innocent babies through the practice of abortion. We should use our right to vote, protest and other avenues to see the courts and laws changed in our country. But resulting to the same kind of violence is not the answer. It is not up to use to take the law in to our own hands. Life is precious from infancy to adulthood and beyond.

I have to admit there was a little bit of frustration during the candlelight vigils last night for this doctor, especially when so many unborn babies have had their lives "snuffed" out with out much of a second thought. But in this day, let us pray for the salvation of those who hurt unborn babies, abuse children in homes or take advantage of young girls on the streets of Las Vegas. Let us pray that God will open their eyes to their sin and need for Jesus. Let us not take action into our own hands by returning evil for evil, but let us remember that "vengeance is mine says the Lord" and he will obtain justice both for the millions of children cast away as medical waste but also for others who have had their lives taken...

To Watch or Not To Watch - Do You Ask Questions?

2009-05-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

Last night I was standing at the Red Box and watching a 8 year old boy, with credit card in hand, browse through the various titles available to finally settle on a violent rated R film. It caused me to wonder where were the parents in that process? Did they know? Did they approve? Did they willy-nilly say yes to a title not knowing anything about the content?

Too often parents allow their children (or themselves) to view films (or Television shows) without ever doing any homework. Perhaps many parents don't know what kind of things to look for or avoid. It does take time but protecting the purity and holiness of our children (and ourselves) is worth the cost.

John Frame has written a short article called "Questions to Ask Films". You can access this article here as well as find other articles that he has written. While these questions are not exhaustive it is a great place to start in using wisdom in making decisions about entertainment and movies. You can also scroll through some of his reviews of various films in addition to asking the question "Should Christians Go To Movies At All".

These articles are interesting and helpful. Happy reading.

The Sanctity of Marriage

2009-05-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

Today, the California Supreme Court upheld a ban on same-sex marriages in the state. While they did not overturn any of the marriages that occurred during the time it was legal, the court did act appropriately. They determined that the state had the right to establish such a ban. As a Christian, I was pleased with the result and hope that other states would similarly pass bans protecting the sanctity of marriage. (Article Here)

However, as part of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, I am further concerned that the church has been overtly inconsistent. How you might ask? Because while the church rightly argues against same sex marriage, we have allowed a culture of divorce, infidelity and promiscuity to run rampant among the members of local churches. As a Christian, we should have a higher view of marriage than this. It is not enough to stand opposed to homosexuality. We must not stop there. We must also oppose, as the Bible clearly does, the Sunday school teacher that lives with her boyfriend, the deacon who commits an affair on his wife, and the church member who ends her marriage with her husband for "irreconcilable differences".

This is both a matter of scriptural authority and spiritual warfare. The matter of divorce is equally as important as same-sex marriage issues. Divorice is just as un-godly, just as un-biblical, and just as Satanic. Marriage is to be a picture of the church and divorce undermines that picture. As we stand with Jesus on other matters of great importance, let us also begin to change the culture of divorce in the church and begin to represent the unity of the trinity, the covenantal love of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in marriages that are permanent.

The Church and the State

2009-05-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Many people have debated whether or not the United States is a Christian nation. Some seem to think that the United States of American is the people that God is calling to "pray and call on His name" in the Old Testament (You have probably heard that verse quoted a lot recently). Recently Newsweek printed a story suggesting that Christian America has declined. The report is misleading. America has never been a Christian nation. True, many through the history of the U.S. have been devout followers of Jesus Christ and no structure has influenced this nation as much as the church. Many of our founding fathers were believers in Jesus Christ and our earliest governmental documents were greatly influenced by the Bible. But the decline in "christian America" is not because the church is declining but rather that those who are not truly followers of Jesus Christ are no longer calling themselves Christians. Pastor Mark Driscoll writes an op-ed article for Fox News addressing the original Newsweek article here.

Biblical Parenting and Discpiline

2009-05-21T05:57:00.001-07:00

In case you missed being with us last week during Sunday School, we watched a video from Dr. Russell Moore called the "Purpose Driven Paddle". It was challenging sermon on discipline in the home.

The Purpose-Driven Paddle from Russell Moore on Vimeo.

Counsel and Christians

2009-05-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

In Exodus 19, Moses writes of an interaction with his beloved father in-law. For most of us, we would probably not welcome such a conversation, much less heed the advice. It can be easy for us to dismiss the wisdom of those who "aren't technically" are family. If you come from a Christian world view though, the response of Moses should be a convicting and challenging model.

First, Jethro was truly his family. He was the father of Moses wife. He deserved respect and honor simply because of his position not because he had earned it. The same is true for our inlaws. They are to be respected and listened to because of their standing as parents. Certainly we do not need do everything they might say, but they deserve honor and respect. Besides, they are "technically" are family. Only a world view that sees family as only related to blood would think of in-laws as technically family. For Christians, who know that the family bonds go beyond blood, through the adoption of God, should have a much more appropriate outlook. Second, Jethro was part of Moses spiritual family, adopted into the Covenant Community much like we are in the New Testament. Jethro had come to believe and worship YHWH. Not all of our inlaws fit into this category, although it should be our prayer that they would.

Third, Jethro gives Moses godly wisdom on how to manage and judge the people of Israel. His advice was a gift of the spirit, practical to the life of the community and should be well received. Certainly, many of us don't receive counsel and wisdom well from in-laws. But you probably also don't receive counsel well from anyone. We tend to act like this. We are full of pride, thinking we have it all together. We tend to enjoy the idea that there is no one wiser than us. Of course we all know that this isn't true, but like Adam and Eve before us we have become convinced of a lie. A lie that we don't need others. A lie that we are all knowing. We receive advice with frustration, anger, contempt and worse. But the life of a Christian should be such that we here the counsel of others with humility. We should recognize that we can be self deceptive and need the reflection of others to illuminate our short fallings.

After all, if we can't receive counsel from those around us, what makes us think that we will respond any differently when the word of God challenges us on our behavior, thoughts and words. We might very well treat God as a "father in-law", dismissing his words as critical and carrying on as usual, not realizing the the pride of our hearts and the danger we find ourselves in.

I Want It?

2009-05-13T05:56:00.001-07:00

Michael S. Horton writes an engaging writing on the problems with the health and wealth gospel. He observes that the rhetoric has changed and the over the top antics have disappeared but the message is the same. His treatment of Joel Osteen is fair and kind. More importantly, Horton gets to the heart of the gospel and the fact that in the "name it claim it" groups, as well as in many Baptist, Evangelical churches we do not get the gospel right: Article Here

2009-05-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

It is heart breaking to see what parkinsons disease does to people. Michael J. Fox has brought much needed attention to the illness. He has also been a pioneer in promoting embryonic stem cell research. Many people feel that ESCR will be the cure for all diseases and are ignoring ethical concerns of many in the pro-life movement.

On Oprah, Dr. Oz makes a startling observation about stem cell research...

The Beautiful Creation of God - Earth

2009-05-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

On Friday, my children were out of school, and I decided to take my three daughters on a date with their father. We ordered lunch, had popcorn (lots of it) and watched the new Disney movie "Earth".

I have to admit, I was rather skeptical of what it would be like. I was prepared for evolution being the focus and the animals being just the eye candy. But I was pleasantly surprised. Not one time did I hear, Darth Vader...I mean James Earl Jones, say the words billions of years or evolved or Darwin. At one point he commented on how the whales had devised a system to catch fish using their air bubbles over generations...but that was it...

My youngest daughter screamed several times as one of the animals was getting attacked by a lion or cheetah. There was no blood, just the thrill of the chase. Watching in slow motion as the cheetah caught up with his prey was interesting. But seeing the beauty of the creation from space and seeing the seasons change in seconds from above was breath taking.

I would highly recommend the film to parents and children alike. And when James Earl Jones finishes in a crescendo...remind your children that all that is visible was created through the power of the word of God, for His glory...

Is It Wrong to Have Convictions?

2009-04-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

One would think in a land of tolerance and freedom of speech that people would be free to speak about issues that are important to them. At the Miss USA pageant, a contestant did so and has been completely vilified by both the corporation that sponsored the event and the rest of the media. Keith Lewis, who runs the Miss California competition, tells FOXNews.com that he was "saddened" by Prejean's statement. He goes on:

"As co-director of the Miss California USA, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss California believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman," said Lewis in a statement. "I believe all religions should be able to ordain what unions they see fit. I do not believe our government should be able to discriminate against anyone and religious beliefs have no politics in the Miss California family."

Co-director Shanna Moakler said that she fully supported Lewis' statement.

What is being forgotten in this debate is that Miss California did not offer her response un-provoked. You see, someone asked a question. Was she supposed to lie? Was she supposed to say what was politically correct simply to win the competition? The judge who asked the question certainly had to know the risk that the answer might not reflect his own view. Is that so bad? I am sorry but the only one who brought politics into the Miss USA pageant was the judge himself. So much for freedom of speech I guess. I mean if you can't even be honest in a direct question, when do you have freedom?

"Model" Proverbs 31 Woman?

2009-04-15T06:45:00.001-07:00

Most of us recognize her face, but very few of us probably know about the faith of Kathy Ireland. Very interesting.

Colbert Reports

2009-04-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

Steven Colbert hosts a famed author who believes he has found multiple discrepancies in the Bible. I certainly disagree with the author this is a funny dialogue...Laugh a little.

Sunday Is Coming

2009-04-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

Saw this thought provoking video this weekend. May we not lose the excitement and joy of Resurrection Sunday.

A Little California Two Step

2009-04-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

It is a little difficult to understand what Pastor Warren's concerns or views are about this issue, but it seems like he is doing more harm than good in this un-needed apology.

Huggable Urns

2009-04-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

I don't think about death often. But it is interesting that there is such a debate about how one should be buried when they die. Maybe I am just naive, but I just assumed that as a Christian cremation was not an appropriate sign of my faith - I believe that one day I will be raised from my rest to glory with Christ as opposed to being burnt in judgment. Russell Moore offers his view about such an issue here.

What Does Forgiveness Look Like

2009-04-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

What Kind of Flowers Does Your Wife Like?

2009-03-24T18:53:00.001-07:00

I know this isn't new, but this is funny...

I love Chik-Fil-A

2009-03-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

When the Going Gets Tough...

2009-03-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

Life is Hard.

Anyone who would suggest otherwise...might want to check their pulse.

Life with bad theology can be unbearable.

But for those who know Christ, those who believe and trust his word, there is hope.

For years, many Bible teachers have espoused the idea that a good God would not allow his people to suffer. Try telling that to the nation of Israel. As they were preparing for their journey out of Egypt, they heard and believed the gospel, they were excited about the promised land and then...Pharaoh started to abuse them...life went from bad to worse...

And the bad theology led the Jewish to blame Moses, blame God, blame the gospel. But the problem was not with any of those things...the problem was with them. God never promised them an easy journey; he never promised them a life free from pain. What he did promise them was a future.

God has given us the same promise. Those that are found in Christ have a future. A steady dose of good theology, of the rich Gospel of Jesus Christ, will encourage us when life is hard and will give us hope when things around us are a mess.

Life may be hard...but when the going gets tough...don't get mad, don't blame God, don't lose hope...hold firm to the Gospel....and wait....there is much still to be done.

What Are We Doing?

2009-03-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

Christians have long stood for the support of the family in public and private life. But the family has gone through a crisis, even in the church, in recent years. How now will this current economic crisis further affect the family and the church at large.

Dr. Russell D. Moore, Vice President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, looks into this issue in an article to Touchstone Magazine. You can find that article here.

I would be interested to know what you think. Leave your thoughts.

Getting Your Tongues Tied

2009-02-25T16:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, pastors make mistakes in what they say. I do it...probably more than I even realize...This pastor seems to be struggling greatly with his sermon.

Not only are the slips interesting but the theology reveals Arminianism at its finest...

I am so glad that the Bible is clear where pastors are foggy = "nothing can snatch me out of my father's hands..." I think the nothing includes even me...

A Wonderful Airball

2009-02-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

This is a remarkable story of sportsmanship.

Can Cell Phones Preach Another Gospel?

2009-02-10T06:48:00.000-08:00

Russell Moore looks at whether or not kids should have cellphones.

Perhaps we should look more closely at why we let our children do what they do

or why parents do what we do.

Real Alternatives

2009-01-26T06:40:00.001-08:00

Six Degrees of Separation - Nancy Pelosi and China

2009-01-26T06:23:00.000-08:00

There was once an excitement about having a female speaker of the house.

I think that is now over.

Pelosi, making comments to ABC's "This Week", was asked how adding money to expand family services would help the economy. She responded by saying, "They reduce cost. The states are in terrible fiscal budget crises now and part of what we do for children's health, education and some of those elements are to help the states meet their financial needs. One of those - one of the initiatives you mentioned, the contraception, will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government"

Pelosi, a mother and grandmother, thinks that children are a unnecessary weight to the economy. How long will it be before our governments position is similar to that of China? How long until we are limited to only two children per home and no baby girls? How long I Lord...please come quickly.

Who Is Your Prayer Partner?

2009-01-21T06:53:00.001-08:00

Russell Moore, one my favorite authors and speakers, wrote a commentary several years ago on who his prayer partner was. (here)

Scripture commands us to pray for our leaders and authorities. “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and for all those who are in authority” (1 Tim 2:1-2a HCSB)

I certainly do not agree with all of Obama's policies and views. But as Christians we are called first to honor and submit to him and others in power as unto the Lord. But we also need to pray for them.

You can pray in several ways.
1. That he will lead in a way that honors the God who put him there.
2. That he will change his views on the killing of the unborn.
3. That he will protect the innocent
4. That he will judge rightly the guilty.
5. That he will protect our rights to meet freely to worship
6. That he will have integrity and honesty in all his dealings
7. That he will be faithful to his wife.
8. That he will love and care for his children.
9. That he will come to know Jesus Christ as His King and Savior.

Attention getting bumper stickers, crude jokes and inappropriate comments about his character do not honor Christ.

Praying for the president does. Will you pray for Obama?

Obama is like Joshua?

2009-01-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

President Obama seems like a nice man. I would imagine that he is a kind husband and a good father to his children. But some of the accolades and praise that came yesterday caught my attention.

The famed boxing promoter Don King said, "Barack Obama is similar to the Biblical character of Joshua...going across to the promised land."

Singer Smokey Robinson said, “There are so many Biblical figures who had the same task...”

Denzel Washington: “The apostle Paul, Moses, John the Baptist – any one of them. Seriously, he is like one of those apostles for our day. He came to lead us to the original design of what we are supposed to do on this earth.”

Oprah, Jay-Z and others - "Obama has changed my life, he makes me want to be a better person."

...wow. By the sound of it, Jesus really should have taken a some pointers from the acclaimed politician.

The reason these comments make so much sense to those saying them is that they don't understand the point of the Bible, the prophets, and the apostles at all. Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah whom Joshua was a picture, and Moses, David, Zerubbabel, and countless others. But there is also great confusion as to the purpose of God's plan in Jesus as well. Many believe Jesus didn't come to deal with sin and separation and death and our status as being enemies of God, to die on the cross, be raised from the dead and exalted as the King of Kings. For many Jesus is a picture of oppression, an example of sacrifice, a guy to follow, a revolutionary politician who wants life to be easy for us.

As Christians, we need to return our source of Godly wisdom and insight to the scriptures, not to celebrities. We need to remember that there was a Man who was a lot like Joshua, who actually had the same Hebrew name. He has already come, he has already made it to the promised land, he has already conquered sin, oppression, hatred, evil, death and Satan himself and one day he will lead those who know Him to the promised land as well. What is more, he is returning...and trust me...no one will confuse Obama or anyone else with the exalted Yeshua when he makes his appearance. I hope He will change the lives of people in this country through the power of the Holy Spirit. And I just hope that Oprah and Denzel will recognize Him.

The Inauguration of a new...Church?

2009-01-20T06:31:00.001-08:00

Is It Unpatriotic To Be Disappointed Today?

2009-01-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

It began on Friday...and continues today. The inauguration celebration for Mr. Obama is in full force today. Would you consider me unpatriotic if I am not one of the millions who are celebrating?

Don't get me wrong, I understand the historical moment of an African American becoming president. Certainly it is an achievement that none thought possible. But I see schools having parties, people singing songs, men and women saying that they now have hope. Is Obama becoming president or is he the Messiah?

You see I am not pleased today because this man who apparently brings hope for the living brings fear to the babies in wombs by being in favor of abortion on demand and likely repealing the partial birth abortion ban.

I am not pleased as an American because I read yesterday how schools, newspapers, and work places are stifling the constitution by excluding criticism of the new president {I hope the ACLU has seen these atrocities}. I am unhappy because Obama would rather stand in opposition to protecting the Defense of Marriage Act than on the Biblical authority. I am concerned because his brand of Christianity is decidedly different from the Biblical witness and he will become the representative of Christianity and religious pluralism coming together.

I am alarmed as I watch men and women of the church throw praise and glory on a man that is reserved only for the God/Man Jesus Christ.

But I am also Joyful. Joyful because my future does not lie in the hands of President Obama but in the hands of King Jesus. Joyful because my hope is not in the triumphal entry of President Obama but in the triumphal re-entry of King Jesus. Joyful because the thing that will change the world is not Obama and a singing children's choir but rather King Jesus and a choir of multitudes of Angels declaring His arrival.

So today call me unpatriotic....call me un-American. You may not be that far off. You see I am a citizen of a more glorious Kingdom. I am a follower of a more glorious leader. I pledge allegiance to a more beautiful flag. No, I am not unpatriotic, I just don't believe that this kind of praise is worthy of this particular man.

"Worthy is the Lamb, seated on the throne
We crown you now with many crowns, you reign victorious.
You are high and lifted up, Jesus Son of God
The darling of Heaven Crucified...Worthy is the Lamb."

Let's Stand Together

2009-01-19T06:49:00.000-08:00

The Apostle Paul exhorts the church in Philippians chapter 4 to help two women over come discord and disunity for the sake of the church.

A splintered church is a weak church. Paul calls out the people involved, identifies the problem and encourages assistance in reconciling. Why does such an issue take such a prominent role in this letter. After all, it is not uncommon for people to fight and argue.

Reconciliation, repentance, and forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel. We are reconciled to God through the substitutionary death of Christ, we repent and turn from our sin and look to Christ, God forgives us and we are part of his family. As Christians we should be practicing this pattern in all of our relationships, but especially in the church. We must be showing and living out the gospel in our lives. To have anger, bitterness, and an unforgiving spirit is not only spiritually immature, it is also opposed to Christ. We are told in scripture that if we will not forgive, God will not forgive us.

Are there people in your life that you need to reconcile with?
Do you need to ask for forgiveness or grant it to someone who has wronged you?
Let's stand together and show the world what the Gospel is all about by forgiving one another and restoring them to relationship as individuals, as families and as a church.

Hail King Obama

2009-01-19T06:38:00.001-08:00

I have been observing the headlines preparing us for the presidential inauguration.

Here are some of them: "OBAMATHON: THE CONCERTS, THE SPEECHES, THE PARTIES, THE HOPE..."; "He can save us!"; "Barack Obama has only four years to save the world.... ".

As a Christian this kind of rhetoric concerns me greatly. The Media, the Left, and now many in the church are giving Obama the kind of attention and status that was once only reserved for King Jesus. Don't get me wrong, I hope Obama succeeds in being a great president. I hope he leads our country well. I also hope that he changes his views on abortion, life, homosexuality and more.

But Obama can not save us. Obama can not save the world. Obama can not even save himself. After watching the film Valkyrie this weekend, I have a sense of concern over making one man so great, so big, so messianic. The only place he can go is down...He hasn't taken office yet, he hasn't signed one bill, he hasn't made one policy change...and he is already the great American Hope.

God help us to only put our hope in Jesus: For our future, for our life, for salvation, for our world. Hail King Jesus.

Do What I Do and What I Say

2009-01-14T08:27:00.001-08:00

They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. In the church imitation is vital to a vibrant walk with Christ. In Paul's letter to the Philippian church he encouraged the church to follow the example of Jesus Christ - His humility, self-sacrifice, selfless love, and self-giving attitude.

But at the conclusion of chapter 3, Paul again urges the church to imitate - to imitate Paul and those who follow in the likeness of Christ. Paul is not encouraging the exaltation of people or trying to put himself on a pedestal. But he is emphasizing the vital importance of the example of godly people and how we should be encouraged to imitate their zeal, commitment and love for Jesus Christ.

Who are you seeing and imitating in your Christian walk? Who is influencing you? This is a very important question for those who want to become more like Christ.

But also ask yourself who are you influencing? Are you living a life that is a testimony to others of the grace of God in your life and the amazing transformation of the power of the Holy Spirit. Or are you actually leading people away from the Gospel, away form the Church, away from Christ.

What Does "Christianity" mean anymore?

2009-01-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

Christianity has always had its detractors and opponents. It used to be mainly from other religions, outsiders or simply atheists. But more and more the greatest opponents of Christianity are actually..."Christians" or at least those who would call them that.

There is no greater example than that of Gene Robinson, a gay Episcopal priest. He has been selected to offer the invocation at one of the inaugural celebrations for Barrack Obama. You can read about his view right here.

Let's pray for Gene Robinson, that he would find forgiveness at the Cross of Christ. Let's pray for our country that people would trust in Christ alone as Savior. Let us also pray for our churches that we would be free from this kind of false teaching, compromise, heretics and enemies of the cross that are disguised as angles of light and workers of righteousness.

Resolutions, Renewals and Resolve

2009-01-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

Each new year we often sit down and reflect on the twelve months prior and look to make changes to our life and patterns. Most often we make this analysis on our own and list our top 3 areas of change.

The Bible tells us that we are deceptively wicked and given the chance we won't accurately look at our lives and hearts. In Philippians 3, Paul reminds us that we are tempted to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. We may conclude that we have arrived, that we are perfect, that there is no more work left to be done. Paul left to his own abilities might have come to this conclusion as well. But the Holy Spirit had convicted and convinced Paul that there was still something left to be done.

This year I would encourage you to make resolutions a different way. First, Rather than making them yourself, ask a close friend or fellow follower of Christ what areas they think you need to grow in. Give them permission to be honest and open so that you are not deceived. Second, read through passages of scripture (Fruits of the Spirit, Proverbs 31, etc.) and see what areas Scripture illuminates for you that you could grow in. Third, resolve this year to pursue Christ more diligently and feverishly. That may mean casting aside habits and patterns that get in the way. It may mean cancelling your cable or cancelling your season tickets. Fourth, look for ways to renew your enthusiasm for the advancement of the Gospel in love for the lost and the love for the church. Paul said, let us press on for the prize. Are you running...are you crawling....have you stopped....Press on...

Now is the time for a fresh start...a new beginning...an exciting Journey.

The Scandal of the Christmas Story?

2008-12-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

One of the most intriguing parts of the Christmas story in Matthew is the genealogy list in chapter 1. There are a lot of hard names, strange people and interesting back stories in that list of names. Three weeks ago I preached on Matthew 1 focusing on Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the promises of Abraham. Yesterday my family and I were reading together week four of our advent readings and we came to this same text. Reading through the names we focused on the five women and their histories. We saw that these were not the kinds of people you would expect to find in the lineage of the Messiah - almost scandalous.

What Have They Emerged To?

2008-11-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

The ever evolving "Emerging Church" continues to be a difficult thing to define. But there are some areas where we are beginning to understand their views on some issues.
Most notably, much of their view on Homosexuality is becoming increasingly obvious and concerning.
Tony Jones, a leader in the movement itself, writes this article on the acceptance on Homosexuality and other orientations in the church itself. He says, he doesn't want to get this issue "wrong" and that the lifestyle itself should be sanction both by the state and the church.
If Mr. Jones doesn't want to get it "wrong" why doesn't he try and look for answers in the right place. The inspired word of God gives us the divine word on all things pertaining to life and godliness. Mr. Jones, scripture says you are getting it wrong.

Read for yourself here:

How Much Are You Willing to Risk?

2008-11-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

This is not a question about getting involved in extreme sports or becoming the next Word Series of Poker Champion. It is a question of how far are you willing to let your convictions take you?

Are you willing to lose your job? Are you willing to oppose your father and mother, your kids, your friends? Are you willing to be ostracized from society? Most of us probably never thought that a day would come in this country where we would have a choice to make between our faith and convictions vs. some of these other things. Well that time is now...

Scott Eckern, artistic director of the California Musical Theatre, is finding out the cost of your convictions. I do not know if this is man is a follower of Christ. The article does not say for sure. But after supporting Proposition 8 in California the man is now stepping down from what he loves most. Mr. Eckern is not losing his job because he used his place of employment for propaganda. It is not because of poor work. It is because word got out, that in his private affairs, he gave $1000 to support the proposition. When Gay and Lesbian groups got wind, they immediately began to protest the Theater and would still be doing so if Mr. Eckern had not stepped aside.

Apparently we have reached a point in our country where we can not have a view. If you stand up for convictions, some will protest until you lose your job, your livelihood, your home, your family and maybe even...your life. What happened to the idea of being open to all opinions. What happened to the principles of the ACLU that we should be understanding to those who disagree. Apparently that is only a one way street.

What would you have done if it was your job on the line? Would you have the courage to stand up for what is Biblically right? The day is coming - if it is not already here - where Christians will be faced with some of these questions.

You can read the full article here.

What is next for the issue of abortion?

2008-11-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

The Democrats platform is this - make abortion rare but legal.

Can we as Christians compromise to that?

Mark Dever in a WSJ article suggests no. It would be like saying let's try and minimize the killing of Jews in concentration camps but not make it legal.

You can read the article here.

Spreading the Love Around?

2008-11-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

I loved Keith Olbermann on ESPN. Keith Olbermann on MSNBC as a political host has been a little less interesting. But Keith Olbermann as religious guru is frankly apalling. I don't often watch "Countdown" but last night curiosity got the best of me and I watched the last 10 minutes and saw a rant on the Proposition 8 from California and gay marriage. In the segment , a visibly shaken Olbermann called the vote to ban gay marriage in California "horrible" and suggested viewers examine their hearts.""This is about the human heart," he says. "The world is barren enough," he said. "With so much hate in the world, so much meaningless division... this is what your religion tells you to do? This is what your heart tells you to do? You are asked to stand now on a question of love."

Keith laid in to so called "religious" persons and their "book" by suggesting that the loving thing to do is to let them love who ever they want. Keith was right on the tragedy that prohibitted white's marrying blacks and the marriage of slaves. He adds, "don't we have to accept their love...give them that feeling...your religion tells you to do this...a no good reason...you want to honor your God...then spread happiness." He then adds, "how do you reconcile the command of the Golden rule with the issue of gay marriage." Dr. Albert Mohler spoke about Proposition 8 on November 10 on his radio show as well, with a slightly different take and interpretation on the issue. As Christians what do we think about gay marriage. Is it just a matter of "love"? Are we unloving for holding to our convictions? Are we horrible for believing that when God speaks to a matter such as this that we should obey what he says? The golden rule doesn't supersede the commands and will of God on this issue.

Contrary to Keith's opinion, the only loving thing that we can do is to point people to scripture, to point them to their sin, to direct them to Jesus and to tell them about His love that moved him to lay down his life for His friends. Keith, I am standing on love...a love for the souls of the lost...a love for the word of my God, a love for Jesus...that is where I am standing...what about you?

Memories, like the corners of my mind

2008-11-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to church like usual. Last night I went to teach at a youth event...nothing unusual there. When I got to the fellowship hall and saw all the games, food, supplies and t-shirts; I stood there and pondered and was brought to tears.

You see, everything was usual, except this was not my youth group...this was not my event. I planned 16 retreats during my tenure in New York, seven Amazing races, two RACSO nights (hahaha), two Bahama Trips, Keswick, Great Adventure, Splish Splash and more...and I have such fond memories of all of it. But that was my youth Group...this is not.

I am so glad that God has called me to be the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church and I look forward to being here for many years. But I miss those kids that grew up with me. I miss those teens who were my first and only youth group. I love teens and not just any teens...names like Bob, Nate, Danielle, Jon-O, Enrique, freekishly tall boy, Alaina and many others popped into my mind...

Memories are fun. The reminders are often exciting and can bring back a flood of emotions. But in this case they were sad...they were hard...they hurt...not because they were bad...but because they were so good and yet they seem so far away today. So Lisa, Tyler, Tricia, Nina, Kristen and the rest of you Long Islanders...keep pursuing the prize for which Christ has called you. Keep loving Jesus by loving His Church. Press on, don't give up...and know that someone in Missouri loves you all, prays for you often and looks forward to the reunion we will share in this age or the age to come.

Inspiring Questions

2008-11-06T06:48:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, on her way to church, our daughter (3) was telling my wife why it was not good that Barack Obama became president. She said, "he kills babies." My daughter was scared. My wife was alarmed at her candor. I was proud of the lack of spin from a child.

When we explained to our daughters what abortion was and why we were morally opposed to it, I could find no other way than to use such language, it is killing. When my wife and I were expecting our second daughter, genetic testing was required in NY state. We went in and found that we both carried a gene that would leave our daughter with a 1 in four chance of being born severely handicapped. The counselor suggested abortion. We, none the less, did not terminate the life of the baby in my wife's womb. Our daughter, other than being a little accident proned and a sinner deserving death, has nothing wrong with her.

So my daughter sees the sobering truth of what abortion is. I only wish that President Elect Obama could see that. For all the history that was made Tuesday, what is lost is that the first black president supports abortion and planned parenthood, an organization that was born out of the Eugenics movement whose sole purpose was to eliminate minorities, the handicapped, and specifically blacks. Of all the people who should hate abortion, planned parenthood and this culture of death is Barack Obama. If you hate racism (as you should), you also should hate the abortion movement.

Let us pray that he sees the truth...that there is a life in the womb...and taking a life (through abortion or KKK lynching) is morally wrong. May God change the heart of Obama to love King Jesus by loving the most vulnerable.

Picture This

2008-11-04T06:32:00.000-08:00

Our church is hosting a polling place today. As I was bothered as I drove in and saw signs of campaigns all over our yard. Apparently, even though as a church we can not endorse a candidate under the guise of separation of church and state, it is ok for our property to do so, against our wishes. As I saw the signs and pictures as I came in I was reminded that there is a picture I would love for people to see as they enter a polling place and it is not one of the candidates pictures or signs...it is this one....

when I see this, I remember how Jesus would vote, what Jesus would do...It is exactly what Joseph did...choose life...

Chik-Fil-A for Everyone

2008-11-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, it is not quite for everyone...but today if you vote...Chik-Fil-A is giving you a free chicken sandwich. Now that is change I can believe in...

Trinity Theology and the Shack

2008-10-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

It is a highly recommended book. It has the endorsement of Michael W. Smith.
It is provocative. It is sparking debate. But is it even Biblical? Could it be the "h" word {heresy}?

The "shack" promotes doctrines of God that are not only problematic but have been addressed and dealt with by church councils and theologians long ago. But they are resurfacing again. Modalism...Feminine God...and other such notions are distracting the church and causing confusion.

I came across this critique of the book by Pastor Mark Driscoll. Hopefully it will cause you to think twice about reading it.

The Fine Line Between Hope and AntiChrist

2008-10-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

As Christians I would assume that all of us know where our future lies. It is found in a coming King who will return to claim his people for his own.

Recently, some have begun to confuse and blur this hope. Many are not putting their hope and security in a coming King and a Kingdom but in stocks, money, security or worse....a person.

There have been countless men through out history who have taken on a "messiahship" type of persona. There have been many men that we have identified as the Anti-christ as well: Gorbachev, Ronald Reagan, Hitler. Let's not forget the infatuation with bar codes and micro-chips.

To be fair, I have never heard Barak call himself the savior of the world or the messiah. I would assume that Barak Obama does not have visions of grandeur in his mind regarding his role in humanity, but I have seen and heard others give him such a label. A label that is un-biblical and dangerous. Take this video below. I wasn't sure if I was watching a PSA or a worship service.

Neither Barak Obama or John McCain can bring such peace and happiness. Nothing can change the sinfulness and hatred and killing that is found in the world today apart from the intervention of a sovereign King and Lord. As Christians we need to be more discerning and careful with our words, actions and allegiances. Sarah Palin is not our great hope. Barak Obama is not the man we need. The man we need is one who has holes in his hands and a tattoo down his leg that reads "King of Kings and Lord of Lords". I never thought the Anti-christ would be as obvious as Gorbachev or Hitler but I also never thought that so many Christians would be so un-discerning in who they place their hope in...

...My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness...

The Jesus Story Book Bible

2008-10-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Do you want a Bible for your young children?

How do you teach your children the timeless truths of God's word?

Sally Lloyd Jones, author of the "Jesus Story Book Bible" gives us a wonderful tool that not only is creative and fun but doesn't lose the point of the whole Scripture: The point is Jesus. Her writing is creative, the pictures are dynamic and through out the story she teaches us about God's never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love...

Ms. Jones loves children and her experience in writing for them is evident in this Bible. What is also evident is her grasp of the Biblical story, her deep appreciation for God's word and her love for Jesus. Her website has other resources that you may find helpful as well.

Every story whispers his name, is not just a slogan but a reality. All of scripture teaches us something about Jesus. From Noah and the Ark, to David and Goliath, Barak and Deborah, and on and on.

I purchased this Bible for our girls a few years back and we have thoroughly enjoyed using it for the purposes of teaching them more about Christ. The Jesus Story Book Bible would be a wonderful gift for any parent or child. Do your children know the STORY beneath all the rest of the stories in the Bible. Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation...and he is at the center of your story too...

Take Time To Read

2008-10-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of my later life is learning to appreciate reading more and more. In high school and college I was not much of a reader. I try not to just read for readings sake, but to read things that will encourage me, challenge me or even rebuke me.

I am not a fast reader but I have been trying to maximize my time to read more. Turning off the TV once in a while is a great way to start. Try reading while you are waiting...on hold, at a doctors office, at the bank. Reading when you are stuck some where...stuck in bed cause you are sick, stuck in the Hospital...

You will find that reading makes the time go much faster and that you are able to make the most of those moments when it looks like little good can come out of them.

Currently I am reading "The Gospel According to Jesus" by John MacArthur and "Running Scared" by Ed Welch.

What are you reading...I would love to hear.

If you aren't reading something...pick something up...if nothing else the Bible is a great place to start.

Oh weh Oh....Walk like an Egyptian?

2008-09-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

The apostle Paul sees a connection between the way a person lives (their walk) and what that person truly believes in their heart. In the last 3 verses of Philippians chapter 1, Paul urges the believers to life worthy of their citizenship.

As Christians, we are citizens not of our country but of the Kingdom of Heaven. We are strangers in this land. Our conduct should be worthy of the Kingdom and the King that we follow...King Jesus. The authenticity of our faith is not found in how many Christian CD's we own; how many books we read; or whether or not we come to church. The real measure of the heart change that only Christ can bring is the way we live.

Are we still walking like an Egyptian...or are we walking like Christ....

...oh weh oh...walk like a Christian

The Humility of...ME!

2008-09-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have been introduced to Facebook. I am now a statistic.

I am sure the novelty will run out soon, but it is actually sort of interesting to see and hear from people from your past that you wondered what happened to or ...gulp...forgot about.

I am reminded as I see names of people from the past...how bad of a friend I really am. You see, a good friend wouldn't forget names and faces...a good friend wouldn't lose contact so quickly....a good friend would rejoice with those friends when they rejoiced..and cried when they cried. After all these friends aren't just high school buds, they are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are family.

I see pictures of me and...laugh...laugh at how I used to be...laugh at how I still look a lot like that today...

I was reminded of nearly catching the Chi-Chi's restaurant on fire...as my sweater went up in flames. I am reminded of being selfish to my friends...not putting them first, but me...I am humbled because as much as I loved those years...I am somewhat embarrassed as I look back today and how bad of a friend I was then...and yet by God's grace those people still called me a friend.

Friendship like that points me to Christ. An imperfect, sinful guy, who is immensely selfish...doesn't deserve a friend...much less the greatest FRIEND ever...

God never ceases to take me from my most proud moments to my most humblest, no doubt each time to direct me to Christ...Thank you Jesus for being my friend...and for giving me friends that point me to you.

For the Love of God...Love the Church

2008-09-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

Do you love God? I would imagine most of us would say YES.
Do you love Jesus? Of course, because he first loved me.
Do you love the Church? The building or the people....the building is nice...but the people get on my nerves...they are hypocrites...they are sinners...

Perhaps you have heard something like that...Perhaps you have said something like that.

In Philippians, the Apostle Paul spends so much time making a connection between love of Christ, the Gospel and our love for the brothers and sisters in Christ around us. Paul loved the church so much and was so concerned about their spiritual maturity that he would joyfully be willing to not go to heaven to be with his Savior. Wow. What love. He would rather remain for them. That does not sound like mere toleration. That is deep godly affection and love.

The place where we live out our love for Jesus is by loving the least of his brothers...Where else will you find the brothers of Christ than in the church. Get yourself connected to a local body. Live out the commands of scripture to "... one-another" the body.

If you love God you will obey His commands. And He commands you to love his church.

The Anchor Holds...but not so firmly

2008-09-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

Ray Boltz, in a recent article, wanted to tell the Christian community that he was in fact...gay.

The article, while mostly disturbing and unfortunate, makes some very interesting statements and observations about the text of scripture. In fact, whether intentionally or inadvertently, the scripture that Ray Boltz reads does not have much authority or certainty in it at all.

He doesn’t want to get into debates about scripture and has no plans to “go into First Baptist or an Assembly of God church and run in there and say, ‘I’m gay and you need to love me anyway.’”For him, the decision to come out is much more personal.“This is what it really comes down to,” he says. “If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live. It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be … I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself.”

With scriptural logic and interpretation like that we run into all kinds of problems. Aren't some people made and have desires that lead to murder. I guess that would be ok since they have "desires" like that and God certainly wouldn't send them to hell if that is how they were created. What about someone who can help cheating on his or her spouse. Is it no longer sin because they can't help it because they have been made that way. Osama Bin Laden must be saying Amen in some cave in Afghanistan.

Living in sin never leads to a closer relationship with God. In fact, sin always leads to separation. We were created in Sin, those who inherited Adam's sin nature. But God is not concerned with letting us live out who we are or think we are. He is more concerned with seeing us image His Son. That is what God created us to be. Our sin prevents us from imaging our creator as we ought to. We need a new birth, something that will change us from the inside out. We need redemption from our sins and the Holy Spirit to conform us to Christ likeness.

God's word is clear and when our life does not line up with scripture, it is not scripture that needs to be changed but us.

The Anti Brady Bunch

2008-09-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, when the Patriots battled the Chiefs most people thought the game would be another boring blow out. And then...the scream...New Englanders held their collective breath...and the rest of the NFL world...well....they cheered. They celebrated...they rejoiced...

Brady, we are told, will be out for the year with a knee injury. There was a sense in which most people were very happy of the events that left Brady in pain. There was a sense of glee as he clutched his leg. In fact, some might have even been...(gulp)...praying for such a thing.

The Apostle Paul faced a similar response when he found himself in Jail. He wrote to the Philippians that some had been preaching the Gospel out of Rivalry and were no doubt a little happy when the prominent apostle meet his match in a Roman jail.

As Christians we aren't to find joy in the pain, trials and suffering in the lives of others, especially those who are fellow citizens of the Kingdom with us. We don't laugh and celebrate when our brothers and sisters in Christ face great pain and trial. That kind of response is anti-Christ. The Bible says that we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. And all along our concern is to be whether or not the Gospel of Jesus Christ is going forth.

How can you support and undertake those who around you who are facing trials?

How can you encourage those who are facing great challenges?

How can you pray for those who are in tears over their life?

How can you show Christ to those who badly need Him?

Are You A "Lone Stranger" at your Church?

2008-09-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

Have you grown tired of all the politics? I watched a lot of both conventions and found myself tired of hearing the same old things, the same old rhetoric, and the same old promises. Then something caught my ear. John McCain, in his acceptance speech at the RNC, said perhaps the most thought provoking thing thus far. Not because of its political ramifications but because of its Biblical ramifications.

Here is what he said:

On an October morning, in the Gulf of Tonkin, I prepared for my 23rd mission over North Vietnam. I had not any worry I would not come back safe and sound. I thought I was tougher than anyone. I was pretty independent then, too. I liked to bend a few rules, and pick a few fights for the fun of it. But I did it for my own pleasure; my own pride. I didn’t think there was a cause more important than me.

Then I found myself falling toward the middle of a small lake in the city of Hanoi, with two broken arms, a broken leg, and an angry crowd waiting to greet me. I was dumped in a dark cell, and left to die. I didn’t feel so tough anymore. When they discovered my father was an admiral, they took me to a hospital. They couldn’t set my bones properly, so they just slapped a cast on me. When I didn’t get better, and was down to about a hundred pounds, they put me in a cell with two other Americans. I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t even feed myself. They did it for me. I was beginning to learn the limits of my selfish independence. Those men saved my life.

We are all inherently selfish people. We think that all we need is ourselves. But God knows our most deepest needs. We need someone to reconcile us to God. No amount of selfish pursuits can ever fix that problem. God has sent His Son Jesus to die as our substitute and to make us like Him. He also knows that we need people...relationships that will be part of the sanctification process. The "relationship" that He has given us is the church...the body of Christ.

Begin to learn the limits of your selfish of your selfish independence. Turn to Jesus. Trust in God's faithfulness and promises. Unite yourself with the body of Christ. Love the Church. And as you do, you will learn that you are also loving Christ.

Filling In the Gaps

2008-08-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a wonderful explanation of the Gospel as given by a friend of mine...

Did I Miss Something

2008-08-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

In all that I saw and heard in this video I seemed to have missed the "evangel"...

maybe it just wasn't there...

Making the Most of Your Sunday

2008-08-19T11:29:00.001-07:00

Do you have children? Do you ever wonder how you can prepare yourself and your children for the time that you will spend in a Sunday service hearing the glories of the Gospel. I have three daughters and even though we diligently work at teaching them how to behave, sit, and participate in the service there are times when things don't go as we had hoped. If you have ever experienced such things you are not alone.

My cousin is a pastor at Edgewood Baptist Church in Indiana and he recently commented on how he prepares his children for the Sunday services. He reminded me that we take great care in preparing our children for school each day and we should do the same for our time together each week. I would be interested to hear your thoughts after you read this short article.

The Unavoidable Truth on Abortion

2008-08-19T07:17:00.001-07:00

Since Rick Warren's Forum with the two presidential candidates the issue of abortion has been the focus of much of the media's attention. Denny Burk has an interesting article on the inconsistency of one of the presidential candidates. Is it a lack of memory? Is it a lack of truth? I will let you make that decision. CLICK HERE

Sharing a meal

2008-08-18T14:20:00.001-07:00

There is something special about sharing a meal with people, especially those you care deeply about. This desire to gather around food is a God given desire that reminds us we desire to share a great supper (a marriage supper) in the comfort, protection, and presence of our King, Jesus Christ.

On Yesterday, our church shared together the Lord's Supper. Before we enjoyed the meal together, we looked into God's word to see what the Bible tells us about this special meal and why it is so different from all the rest.

Dr. Russell Moore has written that the Lord's Supper is a sign...something to point us backwards to what God has done and also point us forward to what God will ultimately do.

As we gather together, we are telling each other that share with us that we are FAMILY, united in Christ. He is our brother and God is our Father. Each one that shares with us is also our brother and sister in Christ. No matter what nation or tribe or tongue you may be; in Christ we are now family. We are also celebrating that a SACRIFICE has been made and accepted through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. We have been reconciled to God. We proclaim that we are waiting a KINGDOM where we will join with all the saints of God through out time and with Jesus Christ our King and share in a marriage supper that will be unrivaled. We proclaim there is still something left to be done...we are awaiting the return of Christ who has said he will share that meal with us.

The next time you partake with your church I hope you will be reminded of some of these promises of God.

Do Statistics Lie?

2008-08-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

In the much anticipated political forum with Pastor Rick Warren, John McCain and Barack Obama, one of the most interesting questions was one related to abortion.

When asked when a baby gets human rights, Obama seemed to side step the issue by saying it "was above his pay grade". He went on to add that "abortions have not gone down over the last eight years".

Unfortunately, the statistics don't back this statement up according to an article published by Kathleen Doheny of US News.

Is abortion a critical issue for men and women of faith, particularly those in the Christian Church. As Obama said, it is a moral issue. I believe it is very critical. Does life begin at conception? Does it begin at birth? Where do we find the answers to such questions. I believe we can find them in God's word.

Certainly abortion is not the only major issue for those of the church, but it is one of the most important. If we can kill (abort) un-born children who are not wanted, then there is little to stop us from using the same logic in killing the handicapped, those in comas, those who are old, those battling cancer...or (as in some countries) those children who are not male....

As a father of three, I love my three daughters. As much as I love them, God loves them even more. The Bible teaches me that they are each a special gift from God, not an inconvenience to my regular routine and schedule. They are each made in the image of God with dignity and worth as a human. They are each one also sinners from birth who are in need of a Savior to rescue them from their sins. I have a responsibility to teach them, train them, discipline them, love them and raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This began as I prayed for them before my wife and I ever conceived. It continued as they were being formed in the womb and will remain until God calls them home.

If we as a church truly believe in the sanctity of human life we must seek to preserve it from the womb to the grave...and also seek to rescue those born into this world by directing them to the One who came to bring life and to bring it more abundantly.

Great Provision

2008-08-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

God has richly blessed us through out our ministry. We have seen many joys and trials that God has used to shape us and to conform us to His Son's image.

Today, we finally moved into our new home. Over the last several days we have been trying to get all the things we owned moved in. What is interesting is that we have seen how much stuff we have...and how much stuff we don't need. But often what we do with our stuff is to hide it away so it can't be seen. Yet, it is there, even un noticed, holding us down, creating clutter and not allowing us to maximize the full potential of the space we have.

We often do the same thing with sin in our lives. We don't rid ourselves of it, we just slide it around, call it something else, hide it from view and pretend it is not there, all the while it ways us down, holds us back and gets in the way.

When we look to Christ and trust in His work for our salvation, all of our sins are laid on His cross and he bears the full weight and burden for them. We don't need to hide them, he sees them anyway. We can give them over to Him, let him cleanse us and clean us out from the inside and prepare us for greater service for His Kingdom and lives lived for His glory.

How Firm A Foundation

2008-08-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday in my first "official" sermon at Bethel Baptist Church I thought that it would be appropriate to clarify the gospel. While it would be wonderful to think that ALL the people in a particular church have looked to Jesus Christ as their substitute and Savior that is not always the case.

In fact many in the church have become a "Christian" in name only, with out ever showing the fruits of such a conversion. Our Salvation is firm not based on the sincerity of the faith of an individual; the works of an individual; or even the amount of tears that are shed as one walks to the altar. The firmness and security of our salvation is rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ as the sufficient sacrifice for sins.

When one has rested in this finished work of Jesus Christ and has set aside their feeble attempts at righteousness in their own strength and abilities we can sing and rejoice confidently that Jesus will never, no never, no never forsake us.

Racism and the Church

2008-08-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Is racism dead? Our experience and culture around us tells us 'no'.
Is racism dead in the church? According to a recent article in a national paper the answer is also 'no'.
It was once said that the 11:00 AM hour on Sunday mornings was the most segregated hour in the country. While statistics can be deceiving at times, the fact that this perception is still labeled onto the church is alarming.

The Bible tells us that ALL men are sinners and that God does not show partiality.
The Bible also tells us that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free. In God's eyes 'races' are an illusion. There are only two kinds of people...Sinners and Sinners saved by grace.

The church should certainly not be the most segregated group of people. The church should be full of all kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds who come together because of one commonality - faith and hope in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer, Savior, and Brother.

There is no room for racism in the Kingdom of God. Racism is a sin that needs to be nailed to the cross. Do you show partiality to those who look different than you? Or do you long for the day when men of all nations, tribes and tongues will bow at the feet of Jesus. I pray that our church will give us a small glimpse of that future reality as our pews begin to fill up with all kinds of people, sinners, coming to trust and follow Jesus.

Have It Your Way

2008-08-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

A man in Jacksonville, FL, has demonstrated that the heart of a man is immensley wicked. Apparently not happy with the way his Subway sandwich was made, a recent customer called 911 to complain that his sandwich did not have the appropriate sauce.

We live in a culture in which we want everything when we want it, how we want it and we want it now. More than just revealing the particular pallet of this man, we see how wicked and gready people are - even about things that seem utterly pointless.

We act and respond as if we deserve to have the greatest and best all the time and when we don't get it we pitch a fit like little children. The depravity of man is great - in fact the Bible tells us we are dead in our sin.

The Bible tells us there is something we do deserve - death for the wages of our sin. In fact that is exactly what we will get - eternal seperation from God in Hell...

Or...we can look to the One who was sent by God to redeem us from our sinful state, to pay the penalty for our sin and to give us a new heart that is no longer a slave to our sinfulness but a slave to Him, walking in newness of life and pursuing His glory above our own selfish needs.

Maybe you have never called 911 for Ketchup. But we all are deeply selfish and love to pursue our own appetites. When you look to Jesus Christ your appetites will gradually be conformed to look alot like His...seeking to find our appetites filled not on what we can grasp with our hands but with all the our Father longs to bless us with through His Son Jesus Christ.

Our Family

2008-08-05T08:37:00.001-07:00

We tend to think of our family as those who share our DNA. Henry the 8th was so consumed with DNA that he committed some atrocious acts. In the Kingdom of Christ our family is bigger than our DNA and it is closer too. We are family of orphaned adoptees...men, women, children,...people of all races and nationalities; who once were not a family, but now because of the blood of Jesus Christ (our brother) we now share a common ancestry. One that is bigger than bloodlines and family trees.

When I think of my family I not only think of my wife and children and my sisters and my parents; but I also think of my other sisters and brothers...

Are We Really Alone

2008-08-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

The AP has reported an amazing discovery. It appears that the soil on Mars, while supposedly containing some traces of water, actually contains a contaminant that makes life on Mars virtually impossible.

Well there is a surprise. Just after the Catholic Church has said that life on other planets is completely compatible with the Bible it now appears that life is highly unlikely.

It would seem that it would be more useful for our time and dollars to answer some questions that actually pertain to us. I am less concerned about life on other planets than I am with life abundant and eternal. Now that gets me excited. And you don't have to be a nuclear scientist to figure out the answer to those questions. The Bible makes it quite clear through the words of Jesus Christ the answer...Knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ.

Are we really alone...absolutely not. But it is not little green guys from space that are with us but rather angelic forces, both good and evil; a Sovereign and Holy God that deserves our praise and devotion; an enemy named Satan; and a conquering King and Savior Jesus Christ.

Let's spend some time getting to know about this reality...

Just Another Manic Monday

2008-08-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Ministry is never routine. I would think that God does this intentionally so that we are constantly depending on Him for strength and wisdom. My firs Monday was anything but routine...

...Early hospital visit, two hour meeting (I don't like long meetings), no lunch, lots of questions, being called into substitute fast pitch soft ball duty (never seen a fast pitch before) and humbly saying sure, fouling off my first fast pitch (yeah...it was a miracle), another hospital visit and in bed around mindnight...

At least I can say that I am not bored...

Let's hope that on Tuesday the pace is not quite as fast!

New Beginnings

2008-07-31T21:16:00.000-07:00

It is August first on the east coast (it is still but 11 here in the Midwest) and today is my first official day of ministry at Bethel Baptist Church in Independence, MO. The Taylor house hold has been full of excitement over the last few days. We are settling into our surroundings, meeting new people, and beginning to feel at home.

Today, as we drove around looking at some furniture, we were talking in the car about all the things around us that remind us about our former ministry and home in New York. We were laughing at the "traffic" we experienced on the way to Wednesday payer meeting that made us a few minutes late. We have seen signs and reminders of people and places all around us. Many times we have been brought to tears as we ponder about our ministry with those on Long Island. Tears of sadness, tears of amazement and tears of joy abound these days.

We keep reminding each other that God has directed us each step of our lives: from moving to Louisville to attend seminary, to Long Island New York to serve in our first church, seeing three girls given to us by God to care for, nearly losing one daughter to an undetected illness, bringing us Mrs. Fouskis to help with our daughter,...the list could go on and on.

So it isn't much of a surprise to see God bring us half way across the country to a small city in the Midwest. With God, nothing is ever a surprise, just divine placements for his glory and purposes. As we begin a new today, some things have changed immensely. Some things have barely changed at all. We have two more children this time around. We still have a mini van, although slightly newer. We still live close to church, although not as close. We will begin ministry again during the Olympics although this time it is the summer games. But our God is still the same. Our Savior is still on the throne. Our purpose has not changed.

We still serve by His Grace and for His Glory....
...we still serve in and for His Kingdom, just at a different outpost!!