Wednesday, December 24, 2008

A Commentary on a Christianity Today Article

The Article can be Found Here - Me and My Dirty Mouth

First I would like to say that I do respect at least part of the staff of Christianity Today, as I am looking at Dr. Thomas C. Oden's Systematic Theology on my reference shelf. That said, I think that this article is incomplete, inaccurate and misleading.

That said I will air my issues and comments on the subject. The overall theme of the article was swearing is bad. Pretty Simple and straight forward. However, the theme is muddied with this issue of Blaspheme and it's relation to "swear words." The Author Lisa Harper, does do an excellent job at condemning Blasphemy, something that many Christians have swung and missed on in evangelicalism. Her Comments are as follows:
The original intent of the third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7, ESV), was to forbid the Israelites from attaching God's name to purposes that weren't his, explains pastor and author Andy Stanley. We do so when we use language like "God told me" to legitimize selfish motives. Or we employ phraseology like "so help me God" to mask a lie, abusing Jehovah's perfect character as collateral for deceit.

Misuse of God's name isn't merely an accidental, irreverent slip of the tongue, but a deliberate thumb of the nose at the Creator of the universe.


That said there are some problems. My Biggest problem is the lack of defined terms. She doesn't state what clearly what is and is not "swearing." She also failed to address expletives at all. The point that I am trying to address with this is twofold - First: What we consider 'swearing' is simply acronyms of the past, and/or legitimate technical terms that have been deemed 'Foul.' There is nothing ontologically within certain words that make them bad, instead people of the past have seen them as foul and we have continued to perpetuate that belief. Second: There are things within the pages of our bibles that could be seen as swearing if said by a modern person. Most are written by Paul, but I think that these statements need to be considered in light of other biblical commands of having pure speech.

The Statements:

Romans 6:2 By no means! -- the Greek phrase [...] is a strong expression of surprise and disapprobation. -- This Phrase was rendered very powerfully in the KJV as God Forbid.

Philippians 3:8 For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. -- The term Rubbish is most properally understood as "dung" In fact, the head pastor of the Church I attend, said it best when he explained that if this were a bumper sticker, it would read "Rubbish Happens." This is definitely akin to the terms that are seen as swearing today.

Galatians 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Who put you under a spell? -- This is Paul Calling the believers of Galatia Idiots... Basically, according to Albert Barnes, Paul is saying that the Galatians are Remarkable Imbecilic.

Galatians 5:12 I wish that those who are unsettling you would castrate themselves! -- Need I say more, Paul is pretty clear on his feelings about those who are preaching circumcision.

All that as evidence, I think that there is a clear time and place for strong and even foul language. We should use foul terms to describe foul things.

As a caveat, I would say that this requires some defining on a personal level as to what is and is a foul thing, but what is foul language. I think that one must balance the foulness of the act/belief/event and the perceived foulness of the word used.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

A Christmas Devotional

In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me a pierced ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Then I said, "Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."
(Psalms 40:6-8)

As Christmas time draws near, I believe it is a wonderful time for all of us to reflect not simply on the miracle of the birth of the God-Man Jesus Christ, but also a time to reflect upon our total need for Him. One of the things that I love about this passage of the Psalms is that David is speaking directly about the desires of God. Verse six starts by telling us that God doesn't delight in the sacrifices made by Israel or even in the offerings that they have given. This is something that when we think about should make us step back for a moment and ask Why. I think that the answer is clear, when we consider the purpose of the sacrifices that the Levitical priests made. The overarching purpose and plan of God was that when a person sinned, by breaking Gods law (1 John 3:4) they were required to make a sacrifice of a specific type and kind. Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22 ). The purpose of this sacrifice was to delay the wrath of God. I realize that the majority of you at this moment are shouting, “No!, the purpose was to atone for sin” and I will grant that you are in a sense correct, however, the problem we see is that “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Hebrews 10:4).” So while they did have a forgiveness, it was neither complete nor permanent. Just imagine the feeling of the Jewish believer for a moment; imagine with me that you have really screwed up, you have violated the law of God. Now, you have to go and take one of your precious flock a flawless lamb, you take it to the place where it is to be sacrificed by a priest, the preist then kills the lamb and lets the blood cover the alter. He tells you that your sin has been covered, by the blood of this lamb. You leave, yet within you, you still have guilt, grief, sorrow, because you know that while your sin is covered is it has not been fully taken away. David said it this way in Psalm 31:10 - For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away. The grief of his sin had never left him. This was the case for all old testament believers. How wearysome would that be? I would like you to consider the following questions, and consider if you still had to feel guilt. How many Lies do you think you have told in your life? How many things have you stolen? How many times have you used the name of God in a filthy way? Has God Always been first in you life? These are four of the ten commandments, part of God's moral law, that all mankind has to live under. This is the Law that is written in the hearts of men.
The next part of this verse talks about God piercing the ear of David. This is a reference to the concept of the bond servant. According to Deut. 15:16-17 if a Hebrew servant refused to leave the house of there master after 6 years, (during the year of Jubilee) they were to put an awl through there ear, and they were then consider a servant of the master for life. We should desire deeply that Pierced ear, we should desire God to have marked us, not with an awl, but with his Holy Spirit.
Finally, we then see that David is speaking in a prophetic manner when he says Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. As we now know, we do not need any Burnt or sin offerings, because of Jesus Christ. Jesus who is the center, the earmark of this holiday season, is the one who would become our offering. I would say that when we Celebrate Christmas this year, we don't think about simply the incarnation ( literally, becoming meat – the Status of Christ Jesus) but that we think of the reason of for the incarnation. The reason is our sin. It is that we are wholly unable to attain to the standard of God's Holiness. Because of this Jesus became meat for us, he became the something so low that it is literally uncompilable for us. God took on this body and through it “Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:12a).” This was not like the levitical Priests who killed animal after animal, but Jesus took care of our sin “not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).” This is why when Jesus approached John the Baptist, John cried out "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29).” The primary purpose of Jesus ministry was to seek and save that which was us (Luke 19:10). If you have been sought and saved, Jesus' Call is for you to go then and make disciples. What better time this the Christmas season, when Jesus is already on peoples minds? Let us not be content this year to give simple gifts to one another, but let us share the Good News with a lost and dying generation.

Friday, December 19, 2008

More Thoughts from A .W. Pink

One reason why Christ was despised and rejected, was because He denounced religious traditions. Despite the Fall, man is essentially a religious creature. The peoples of the world pay homage to gods of their own devising; and there are few things on which they are more sensitive--than their religious superstitions! He who condemns or even criticizes the devotees of any religious belief or practice--will be greatly disliked. - A. W. Pink


What an amazing statement, and in a sense it is prophetic, in that today the greatest crime is criticizing another persons religion or religious beliefs. I mean today this criticizing is seen as intolerant. It was not long ago that Mitt Romney was calling Evangelicals intolerant for calling Mormonism a Cult... which it is, and has always been seen as, and will most likely always been seen as.

I mean it almost seems like we live in a world where I could say that my Wii is God and I could get a religious holiday just for it...

Calif. AG urges court to void gay marriage ban - You Have Got to be Kidding me!

By LISA LEFF, Associated Press Writer Lisa Leff, Associated Press Writer

SAN FRANCISCO – The California attorney general has changed his position on the state's new same-sex marriage ban and is now urging the state Supreme Court to void Proposition 8.

In a dramatic reversal, Attorney General Jerry Brown filed a legal brief saying the measure that amended the California Constitution to limit marriage to a man and a woman is itself unconstitutional because it deprives a minority group of a fundamental right. Earlier, Brown had said he would defend the ballot measure against legal challenges from gay marriage supporters.

But Brown said he reached a different conclusion "upon further reflection and a deeper probing into all the aspects of our Constitution.

"It became evident that the Article 1 provision guaranteeing basic liberty, which includes the right to marry, took precedence over the initiative," he said in an interview Friday night. "Based on my duty to defend the law and the entire Constitution, I concluded the court should protect the right to marry even in the face of the 52 percent vote."

Brown, who served as governor from 1975 to 1983, is considering seeking the office again in 2010. After California voters passed Proposition 8 on Nov. 4, Brown said he personally voted against it but would fight to uphold it as the state's top lawyer.

He submitted his brief in one of the three legal challenges to Proposition 8 brought by same-sex marriage supporters. The measure, a constitutional amendment that passed with 52 percent of the vote, overruled the state Supreme Court decision last spring that briefly legalized gay marriage in the nation's most populous state.

Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, called the attorney general's change of strategy "a major development."

"The fact that after looking at this he shifted his position and is really bucking convention by not defending Prop. 8 signals very clearly that this proposition can not be defended," Minter said.

The sponsors of Proposition 8 argued for the first time Friday that the court should undo the marriages of the estimated 18,000 same-sex couples who exchanged vows before voters banned gay marriage at the ballot box last month.

The Yes on 8 campaign filed a brief telling the court that because the new law holds that only marriages between a man and a woman are recognized or valid in California, the state can no longer recognize the existing same-sex unions.

"Proposition 8's brevity is matched by its clarity. There are no conditional clauses, exceptions, exemptions or exclusions," reads the brief co-written by Kenneth Starr, dean of Pepperdine University's law school and a former independent counsel who investigated President Bill Clinton.

Both Brown and gay rights groups maintain that the gay marriage ban may not be applied retroactively.

Starr's co-counsel Andrew Pugno said Brown's decision to challenge the voter-approved measure and the argument advanced by the attorney general was "totally unprecedented."

"His legal duty as attorney general of the state is to defend initiatives passed by the voters," he said.

The state Supreme Court could hear arguments in the litigation in March. The measure's backers announced Friday that Starr had signed on as their lead counsel and would argue the cases.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What does it take? The voters have spoken, Twice! Get it through your head California Liberals, Gays, and Mr. Brown - The People Don't want Gay Marriage.


This is where things get to be even more amazingly Stupid - - - This is a direct quote from Mr. Brown:

Based on my duty to defend the law and the entire Constitution, I concluded the court should protect the right to marry even in the face of the 52 percent vote.


The Gays already have the Right to Marry, they can marry Just like everyone Else -- You sir are talking about extending a Special Right, creating a new right... People already have the right to marry in California. No Special Rights for 'Special' People!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

You Gotta Get Up

This is a first for me, as a blogger, I am posting a song that I think is Super Cool. It is a Christmas song, perhaps my favorite of all time. The song is called, You Gotta Get Up by Five Iron Frenzy. It Should be seen in the side bar.

*** Update *** I can't get this HTML code to work... any ideas?

Friday, December 12, 2008

Theological Terms - Theophany

This is an important term, that follows with some very important concepts; the term is Theophany, lets explore it a bit.


Basic Definition -

An Appearance of God that is perceptible to Human Sight.

Entomology -

From the Greek Theos meaning God, and phainesthai meaning to appear.

Biblical Examples -

Genesis 12:7, Genesis 17:1, Genesis 18:1, Genesis 32:30, Exodus 6:2-3, Exodus 24:9-11, Exodus 33:11, Exodus 34:5, Numbers 12:6-8, Isaiah 6:1, Luke 3:22, Acts 7:2, And of Course Revelation.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

ADF Update - When Police Ignore the Law

I get seemingly random updates from the Alliance Defense Fund, an organization that could be compared to the Christian version of the ACLU. The last update I received was this afternoon, and it had a story that was frankly, scary. I will share it with you here.

December 2, 2008

Because Kevin Deegan loves the Lord and cares deeply for his fellow man, he likes to preach and hand out gospel tracts on the commons area of Ithaca, New York. He doesn't exactly stand out from the crowd. In fact, on any given day, on that commons, you can find any number of recreation activities, celebrations, demonstrations, rallies, musical performances, poetry readings, speeches, and other expressive undertakings underway. It's a lively, rowdy crossroads of the community.

Not too long ago, Kevin was preaching in that setting when some of the local constabulary approached and told him he'd have to be quiet. City ordinances, they explained, dictated that no sound could be made on the city streets and sidewalks if that sound was loud enough to be heard more than 25 feet away.

Kevin was understandably stunned. Under those restrictions, public sneezing would be illegal on the streets of Ithaca. So would almost every other activity then underway on the commons. Indeed, as a noise expert hired by the Alliance Defense Fund (which represented Kevin) testified, this city ordinance would outlaw even such everyday sounds as the clicking of boots, small children playing, a ringing cell phone, and normal-decibel conversations.

Not only was the law ridiculous, it was very selectively enforced – in fact, ADF attorney Nate Kellum couldn't find evidence that the city had ever invoked the ordinance against anyone except the evangelist. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit agreed and found in favor of Kevin's First Amendment right to free speech…even on the Ithaca Commons.

That was two years ago. Three months ago, a friend of Kevin's, Jim Deferio was standing at Kevin's accustomed spot on the commons, doing a little preaching of his own. He, too, was approached by police officers who told him he'd have to stop, since he was violating the same city ordinance their predecessors had invoked against Kevin.

The next week, Kevin went back to the spot with Jim, and the two of them were approached by police, citing the same law. Kevin produced a copy of the federal court order authorizing him to exercise his rights, but the officers told him – incredibly – that the order didn't apply to them – only to the specific officers who had confronted Kevin years earlier.

So, now ADF is representing Jim. We've filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Ithaca on his behalf, along with a motion asking the court to suspend the ordinance while the case moves forward.

"Christians shouldn't be penalized for expressing their beliefs, especially when a court has expressly upheld their right to do so, as is the case here," said ADF Senior Counsel Nate Kellum. "Police officers cannot step beyond their authority and illegally suppress Christian speech in defiance of a court order."

The complaint in the lawsuit Deferio v. City of Ithaca filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York is available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/DeferioComplaint.pdf. The motion for preliminary injunction and memorandum in support is available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/DeferioMPI.pdf.

Please pray for our lawyers, including ADF-allied attorney Bob Genant, who is serving as local counsel in this case. And pray for the judges who are hearing more and more of these kinds of cases, as First Amendment rights are being ignored with increasing frequency, especially as they apply to Christians sharing their faith.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Election '08 - Clergy for Obama


Lets begin with the website --- http://clergy4obama.wordpress.com/ ---



Frankly, Just the name makes me tremble. It sounds like saying, Pastors for Damnation. It seems like the two are just oil and water... That said, I will start with there motto and move on from there.



We are Clergy for Obama.

We believe in Barack Obama’s ability to change this country we love so dearly; more importantly, we believe in our ability to be the change.

We believe in our ability to create a country where:
all children have nourishing food
the sick can find affordable healthcare
our young adults have real opportunities and a future they can trust
the elderly live securely and in community
women and men have choices about their private lives
armed conflict is a last resort, not a substitute for diplomacy

Together we believe in our ability to move this country
to a politics of hope
to a deep regard for the life of the planet and care for all creation
to an investment in programs that work to end poverty
to equal pay for equal work

We are children of God.
We are citizens of the United States of America.
We believe now is the time for change.

We are Clergy for Obama


I would like to begin here --
We believe in our ability to create a country where: all children have nourishing food --

Problem 1: "NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC endorses Sen. Barack Obama for president in 2008. Sen. Obama has a fully pro-choice record, and we are confident that as president he will be a champion for women's reproductive rights." So really the issue here is that Sen. Obama, is without a doubt a liar and a hypocrite. Many would quickly ask, "What?!" Let me explain -- Mr. Obama, claims to be a Christian, I'll be it a unitarian universalist, but a Christian none the less. Christianity at its core believes that Murder is sinful, and an immoral act. It would then follow that if Sen. Obama, truly was a Christian He would believe that Murder is immoral. When looking at what is within a mothers womb, and what a fetus is, it is clear that it is both human and a person. I will grant that it is in an odd location ( though all humans seem to have been there at one point in time save the first two) and it is rather under developed. It is very small and it's environment is different, much attached to it's location. All this said, it is still human, still a person. So then how can Sen. Obama be consistent with his so stated beliefs, and yet be a Christian? How can Clergy who are Christian support him? I think the answer is clear. I think it is fair to call him a hypocrite and a liar.

---women and men have choices about their private lives---
First and foremost, I would like to say that I both agree and disagree with this statement. The problem here is that the implication is that they are talking about the choice to kill their unborn child. Should people be free to make all kinds of choices with their private lives? Yes, Should those choices be allowed to cause harm to other human beings? No. Choices like rape, murder, abortion, torture, infanticide, abuse, neglect, ect. should all be regulated by the state, because they directly harm other persons. They are not choices that people should be allowed to make. Choices to Hurt others are unacceptable. Moreover, there are many "private" choices that the government moderates... Drugs (Yes, they are still Illegal), Sex (passing STD's), Rock n Roll (sound Curfew), Adultery ( if you are in the military). Abortion is unacceptable because it ends a human Life.

--- armed conflict is a last resort, not a substitute for diplomacy ---
No one likes war. I personally don't like war, mostly because unbelievers die and go to hell. That said, I think that the idea that diplomacy can work with radical Islam, is a joke. These are people who's scripture tells them to Kill Christians and Jews. How do you suggest that we deal with Radical Islam? How can you be diplomatic with people who simply want you dead?


---Together we believe in our ability to move this country---
--to a politics of hope--
How can a biblical centered preacher think that somehow our hope is in politics and not the Gospel? Our Hope is in the Cross... We don't want to put our hope in anything else? How would this statement work for someone who is in China, it wouldn't work for Christians there, why should it work here?



--to a deep regard for the life of the planet and care for all creation--
A deep regard for life... well except for the unborn, being as a tree seems to have more rights then a fetus... Do you really expect Mr. Pro-Death Obama to Change this?

---We are children of God.---

I seriously question if the majority of you are more likely Children of the devil.


I would like to make the public statement that I will not be voting for Obama, I do not believe that A christian Can vote for Obama, without sinning.

I personally Endorse McCain/Palin in '08.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I may not live in California but ...

I realize that I don't live in California. But as they say, so goes California, so goes the country... Which brings me to Proposition 8. For those who are unaware -- The Passage of Proposition 8 would amend the state constitution to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman, negating a California Supreme Court decision in May that legalized same-sex "marriage" in the Golden State.

This then brings me to who is for and who is against this --

In support of Porp 8.

Rick Warren, Jim Garlow, Miles McPherson
The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
Roman Catholic Church, LDS Church


Opposed to Prop 8.

Google, Apple, Every Major Californian News Paper (10 in all)
All six Episcopal diocesan bishops in California, and Several Liberal Jewish Groups.


I would like to publicly say that I believe that Pastor Rick Warren, of whom I am often Critical, is acting in both a biblically sound and proper Christian Manner. Well Done sir, Well done.

To The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod - You have done well to speak out on all three state issues that you have. If I were a Lutheran, I would most likely Go Missouri Synod.

To the six Episcopal Bishops - May God have mercy on your souls. I pray that you would repent and return to sound biblical thought. I hope the Anglican Communion gives you the left hand of fellowship. You openly blaspheme the name of Jesus Christ. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Notes - Image of God 1

1.Introduction – New Series on The Image of God
2.Gen 1:26ff “Creation
1. “Let Us” “Our” “Very Good”
2.What is the Image of God?
1.Character
2.Nature
3.Appearance?
4.Male/Female
3.Gen 3:6ff “The Fall”
1.Image Distorted
2.Romans 5:12 – Sin/Death
3.Despite all of this
4.Gen 9:5 “Man's Life is Still Valued”
1.Why?
2.Because of the image of God
3.Dispite
4.Romans 3:10-18
5.Gospel “God Seeks”
1.Man Doesn't like God/Law
2.Grace - Jesus

Monday, October 6, 2008

Evangelism: Fun or Not Fun?

Today I was in a Chatroom that will remain unnamed, to protect the innocent. I made the comment that I believe that evangelism, esp. in the context of meeting with Mormons, is fun. I was instantly attacked for such a view. I thought to myself, are these people joking with me?

Answer: Nope!

Without getting to technical I would like to argue my point, and really defend what I had said.

Now I would argue that first of all we should obey Christ's command to share the gospel. Matthew 28:18ff makes that crystal clear. Now I would also argue that that Christians should Delight in the Law of God (Psalms 119:77, Romans 7:22). To delight in something means that we get pleasure from it. Here is where it gets technical - The Word 'Enjoy' is defined as - "derive or receive pleasure from." The Word fun is defined as - "activities that are enjoyable or amusing." So based on language alone it is clear that Keeping God's Law is Fun, and therefore, evangelism, apologetics, ect should also be considered fun.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Pastor Fights Back: A news Story.

Girl blowing a kiss song from an increasingly popular singer is still stirring controversy as well as criticism for a pastor for openly objecting to the song.

Pastor Dave Allison of Havens Corners Church of Christ in Christian Union in Blacklick, Ohio, heard about Katy Perry's song I Kissed a Girl (and I Liked it) -- and he did not like it. As he explains, he became especially upset while he and his family arrived at a camping site.

"And as we went to check in there, there was a CNN story about how this song is literally changing behavior across America," Allison explains. "Young girls Pastor Dave Allisonare acting out on it, experimenting with kisses in public and those kinds of things."

Allison was then inspired to put a message on the church's sign reading "I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It. Then I went to Hell." He contends he was just trying to get across a message on the Bible's firm statement about homosexual conduct among men and women.

"[W]e're living in a liberal culture today, a relativistic culture. They don't read their Bibles the way people used to read their Bible," Allison adds. "And the liberal churches in America have done us a great injustice by muddying the water on the issue of sin when it comes to homosexuality."

He says he intended the sign as a loving warning to young people who might be taken in by the song.


I have to say that I really understand where this guy is coming from. Homosexuality is on the rise as is fornication, and I would submit that pop culture has a lot to do with it. Liberals in and out of the church want and fight to get us to water down the Christian message, and I, like this pastor am tried of it. I say that we should fight back, we should show that we oppose such behavior. We must teach the truth of Sin and Judgment to come.

That said, I think this billboard was a swing and a miss. I like that he stepped up and did SOMETHING, however, I think this loving attempt will be misunderstood. That said perhaps a good discussion on if understanding of people should effect the message, and how this message could have been changed to be more effective.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Landmarkism - More Theological Terms

I will be honest with you, and say that I had not heard of this (cult like) idea until I purchased two dictionary's of theological terms.. but I have learned that seemingly nothing good came out of the 1800's in American Theology...

A theological movement originating in Tennessee in the Mid-nineteenth century, holding that only Baptist Churches are true churches, that baptism is only valid when administered by a Baptist Congregation and that communion is to be restricted to the members of a particular congregation, for there is no such thing as the universal church. Landmarkism also hold that there is an uninterrupted line of succession of true Baptists, linking the present-day congregations with Jesus and the apostles. In order to show this, Landmarkist historians seek to reinstate many in the past whom the church at large considered heretics, and whose views are now reinterpreted in order to bring them in line with Baptist teachings.[From Essential Theological Terms, Justo Gonzalez].


So what we have is a group of Baptists, who now Join the ranks of The Roman Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox churches to have Succession (Though they call it church succession, as opposed to Apostolic succession) . But they also take on the classic American Cult Mantra --- Unless you are one of US you can't be saved. (Jehovah's Witness', Mormons, perhaps even SDA's fall into this [not all of them mind you] All American, all abhorrent).

Well that is your Term of the Day. Enjoy!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

More Bathroom/Shower Issues

Remember how it is that there is no longer segregation in term of sex in Colorado? This is now going to be voted on in Maryland. OneNewsNow.com Reports:

Baltimore residents have lost their battle against an ordinance protecting transgendered people.



Under the controversial "gender identity" law, a man would be allowed to walk into a women's restroom or shower room claiming he believes himself to be a woman, essentially opening the door for rape or sexual molestation. In July a lower Montgomery County court agreed more than 900,000 petition signers had the right to see it on the ballot to choose whether to overturn it -- but it was appealed.

"A group that supports rights for cross-dressing transsexuals came into court at the last minute and raised a number of technical objections, many of them quite far-fetched," says Alliance Defense Fund attorney Jordan Lorence.

But the Maryland Court of Appeals apparently did not see the objections in that light, and ruled that the measure will not go on the ballot. Consequently, says Lorence, voters are "stuck" with the transgender discrimination ordinance. "And there's nothing they can do about it unless they start all over again to gather signatures," the attorney laments.

There is no provision in the law to protect citizens from predators, and there is no exception for religious organizations -- including the church, says Lorence. For example, he states it would be a violation of the ordinance if two men, one of whom claims to be a woman, wish to get married but are denied by a church that defines marriage as a man and a woman.


Wow, this is a great day for horny teen-age boys who want to use the womens locker room. Moreover, lets make it so that not only is Gay Marriage legal, but so that Churches can get sued over not marrying a Man and a Women, or a man who believes he is a Women. This is just foolishness. Man has desired for equality with such vigor that now we have equality in our bathroom usage. This is exciting... When will we come to our senses and stop allowing perversion to dictate morality? Stand up for Truth!

Monday, September 1, 2008

A sad day Down Under

I was Browsing through OneNewsNow (which has a Church Section) only to find this story. I have to say I was, angry to say the least. I have to say that I am ashamed of this man, for this church, and most of all I am sorrowful for all the people who wrongly supported, prayed and gave to this man. May God Have mercy on his soul?

About two years ago, Pastor Michael Guglielmucci announced to his congregation that he had terminal cancer. Today, he is cancer-free.

To the shock of many church members and fellow pastors, at a recent Australian Christian Churches (ACC) – formerly named The Assemblies of God – national executive meeting, the pastor admitted to having a lied about his battle with cancer. The Advertiser stated that the ACC was going to audit Mr. Guglielmucci's bank accounts, which were filled with donations he willingly accepted from people who prayed for his plight.

After inventing his cancer story, the pastor wrote a hit song titled Healer, which – according to the newspaper account – became "an anthem of faith for believers, many of whom are suffering illnesses and were praying for Mr. Guglielmucci." While performing it live at his church called Planetshakers – a subset of the church Guglielmucci's parents founded called Edge Church International – he wore an oxygen tube in his nose. The song, which is on Hillsong's latest album, appeared at No. 2 on the ARIA charts.

In the Healer video, Guglielmucci talks about his feelings after he found out about his so-called "aggressive form of cancer."

"I just went home," he said. "I knew I had to go home and needed to get alone with God."

And his followers were not the only one surprised by the deception. Among them also were his wife and family. Guglielmucci's parents are with him while he seeks professional help. Sources in the church community report that he attended his medical appointments alone.

Jonathan Fontanarosa, Edge Church's executive pastor, says everyone is waiting on a better explanation pending further investigation.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Todd Bentley Is Done, Finally the end has come

For those of you who are unaware, Todd Bentley is the Canadian Faith Healer who has been holding the "revival" in Lakeland,FL. He has claimed to have healed many people, yet there is NO proof, nothing shown on follow-up. Here is a sample of His work.



Hmm... Let me Knee you in the Stomach, so that the Demons will come out. So that you can then get prostrate (laid out) before the Lord... Disgusting. this man should go to jail for assault.

However, The End is Here to quote Five Iron Frenzy, According to OneNewsNow
Todd Bentley will step down as head of Fresh Fire Ministries, after the ministry revealed he had an "unhealthy relationship" with a female staffer. That announcement comes one week after Bentley's ministry announced he and his wife were separating. . . The Canadian evangelist will also cease all public meetings, including a 38-city stadium tour of U.S. cities.


I have noticed something, and it is this, it seems that False prophets tend toward sexual immorality. While that may or may not be the case here, whatever happened it resulted in Mr. Bentley's wife leaving him. Here is the real question, if you are in the middle of committing adultery in some sense, how is it that God is going to be working through you to Heal people? It seems a bit odd to me.

Well, whatever the case, I am glad that the Charlatan is done with his 'revival'

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Dooney Da Priest - The Good and the Bad

I was listening to an episode of Way of the Master Radio as I normally do, and they played a song from a fellow named Dooney the Priest. It was a cool song called "Pull Your Pants Up" so I figured I would check out this guy out. Here is a Statement that I found on his myspace page.

Dooney's mission as "The Street Priest" is to reach those that are trapped in environments of broken homes, drugs, alcohol, gangs or abuse and show them that with God's inspiration they can overcome as well as live a positive and victorious life in Christ Jesus!


Did you catch what set off my warning bells? How about the phrase, "show them that with God's inspiration they can over come ... [ and ] live a positive and victorious life in Christ Jesus." Tell me, where does the bible say that with God's "inspiration" we can have a victorious life or a Positive life?? Did Paul, or any other apostle for that matter live a "positive" life? really it is all about how you define the terms positive and victorious. A standard definition after a little google search, says,
characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc
I must say, I don't know where in the bible we are told that we can have a life of affirmation or acceptance or even certainty for that matter. It seems to me the unconverted, will do nothing more then HATE believers, because they HATED our Master.

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. (Matthew 10:21-25 ESV)


So how when Bloodthirsty men seek the very lives of the upright (Consider Modern China and Prov. 29:10 - but the verse first, then the people) how can we have a Positive life? The simple answer is that we Don't and should expect a life where we must Sacrifice ourselves for the sake of the Cross. This is a concept that I fear to many of my peers and fellow 'believers' can not stomach.

I would also like to Point out that we don't need God's inspiration, we need Christs' efficacious atoning sacrifice and the removal of the wrath of God. We need our sins forgiven. It seems that da priest, is coming from a very high view of man, with no understanding of depravity. This got me thinking, well why is this guy sounding like the Black Joel Osteen? Well, maybe because He is "not on the streets spreading the Word, he serves as a minister as part of the Shepherd's Staff at Bishop T. D. Jakes' The Potter's House of Dallas." (Gospel City)Oh, that's right, He works with T.D. Jakes... ya know that Guy who rejects the Trinity!!

So while the Music is Good, I compare it to someone like KJ-52, and I have to say that it just isn't That Good. And frankly, sir, with all due respect, the idea of a Christian leader putting a woman with a thong and her backside showing on his album cover is just a little off to me.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Mission For Life Outline

Sermon from NCC Fuel on 30 July 08

Mission for Life ---

Introduction -- Mission Trips are Great, But short lived.

1. Why we Go on Mission Trips - What is our Mission?

Biblical Examples of Mission Trips - Jonah, Paul

1. Serve Other Christians

John 15:12 - This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Act 2:45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

2. Share the Gospel

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. (Luke 24:45-47 ESV)

Matthew 28:18ff - And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

2. Why Do We think that we need to Go somewhere to do these things?

1. The Stereotypical Christian
8% Share there faith - How does this line up with Scripture??

John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.

2. Are You the Stereotypical "Christian"

1. 3 Questions
1. Do You Know the Gospel message?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
2. How is you Life?
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. (1 John 3:7-9 ESV)
3. How is Your Mission?
Matthew 28:18ff

David Crowder and Squirrels

So I really have like David Crowder sense he was at CIY in Idaho, Got to hang with him, talk with him, ect... So I have found two Videos of Mr. Crowder, that made me laugh... Enjoy!







So remember, Squirrels are evil, evil Creatures.

To my friends down under, have no fear... there are no squirrels there.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Tony Campolo in Town

As you may or may not be aware, Tony Campolo is a major player in the Red Letter Christianity movement. Which basically wants to focus less on Abortion and Homosexuality and more on things like AIDS.

I wanted to share a quote from the local paper here in town that spoke about his visit.

Finally, on abortion Campolo argued than rather than outlawing it - which, he says, never prevented abortions before - he would rather work to reduce the number of women who choose abortion. He said that 70 percent of abortions are financially motivated; providing contraception and the means for young mothers to care for their babies would drastically cut the number of abortions.


Now, several things were Striking to me. First, the basic line of argumentation is flawed, it looks something like this; people will get abortions even if it is banned so why bother banning it - seems to be the basic idea. With all due respect to a man who was once a good preacher, sir - We ban Drugs, murder, theft, ect... and people still do it, so should we legalize those things too? Of Course not. You have balked at the moral issue at hand, which is Murder. You have in effect said, people will murder others, so lets make sure that there are less people to be killed! This is crazy talk. Well we can't stop Murderer's so lets not make it Illegal! You have to be kidding me, sir.

Second, Most abortions occur in women who are not married. So why not teach the bible, and Jesus' words that teach that Lust and fornication are Sin. That we shouldn't do them. You want to cut back abortion without law, use the bible. It is the Truth that sets people free from the wickedness of Sin. So why not preach the Word, instead of saying, "sin all you want, with no consequences?" You see, the basic order of things is as follows - Sex leads to Babies. More sex, equals greater chance of having a baby. Sex with Lots of different people may lead to having a baby with someone you did not want to have a baby with and/or not knowing who you are having a baby with. This doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of diseases that Mr. Campolo is so concerned about. If you are worried about abortion and Aids, teach people to get married, and only have sex with there spouse.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Pisseth on the Wall by Steven L. Anderson



This is a Real Pastor?!?!

I have visited this church's website and found some odd stuff. First is there Doctrinal Statement.

Doctrinal Statement

We believe that the King James Bible is the word of God without error.

We believe all Scripture was given by inspiration of God, and that God also promised to preserve his word. Divine inspiration is of no value to Christians without God's promise of preservation.

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith. Being born again by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is the only requirement for salvation.

We believe that Jesus is God, and that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Ghost of the virgin Mary.

We believe only in the local church and not in a universal church.

We reject the teaching of Calvinism and believe that God wants everyone to be saved.

We are Non-dispensational.

We believe that life begins at conception (fertilization) and reject all forms of abortion including surgical abortion, "morning-after" pills, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), birth control pills, and all other processes that end life after conception.

We oppose worldliness, modernism, formalism, and liberalism.

I have removed some things for brevities sake, but this is the weirdest SOF I have ever seen. I was sitting here thinking why is this so odd? then the website told me...
Pastor Anderson holds no college degree
Oh, that explains it, wonder why the guy can't exegete his way out of a paper bag??? Wonder why he feels that one of the most inferior biblical texts (1611 KJV) is the only truly inspired word of God? Wonder why He preaches sermons about real men who "piss" standing up? Because He has received no training on what it is to be a pastor. He is an Average Joe, who has Memorized a lot of the bible, over 100 Chapters according to the church's website, who has no idea of how to practice good hermeneutics. In fact, the Guy says that that Bible College is Blasphemous!! This man is clearly clueless about theology. I pray that God would get him into a good Sem.


Pastor Anderson

I understand you are a KJV Only Guy... But I have to say that Your argument is full of logical errors and frankly is just unconvincing. But Just for fun, I will give an error in the KJV, to prove that it isn't the perfect text....

Hebrews 4:8 says For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. in the 1611 KVJ.
Hebrews 4:8 says For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. in the ESV.

Jesus did give us rest, and no other day was spoken of... We find rest and fulfill the 4th commandment by being Christians and Having rest in Jesus.

A real Man doesn't need to stand up to Pee, a Real man needs to Love Jesus, and Understand Theology.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Oh that the reformers were here

From - http://www.jamesdobsondoesntspeakforme.com/

James Dobson doesn't speak for me.

*Well He doesn't speak for me... so no issue there.

He doesn't speak for me when he uses religion as a wedge to divide;

*I think that Religion is a Wedge that SHOULD divide us... there are people who believe in many False Gods, there are people who believe in a couple of False Gods and there are people who believe in just one False God... But they all believe in a false God(s) {which Mark Driscoll would say is a demon) and not the True and living God. There is a Wedge there and rightfully so.

He doesn't speak for me when he speaks as the final arbiter on the meaning of the Bible;

*I have to agree here, but I think that he is pretty close most of the time at least more so then Mr. Obama.

James Dobson doesn't speak for me when he uses the beliefs of others as a line of attack;

*Generally speaking I would say he doesn't here either, but only because he doesn't go far enough... Is should be a line of attack and a plea to come to there senses.

He doesn't speak for me when he denigrates his neighbor's views when they don't line up with his;

*Again, I think if he denigrates a view, I would agree 9 times out of 10.

He doesn't speak for me when he seeks to confine the values of my faith to two or three issues alone;

*There really is only one issue and two issues of our day - 1. How do you line up to the BIBLE?! [ Abortion and Gay Marriage for which I think he does speak for me, they are both sinful, immoral and disgusting... a tribute to man being able to invent new ways of doing evil.]

What does speak for me is David's psalm celebrating how good and pleasant it is when we come together in unity;

*As long as we have unity IN Jesus Christ, I agree

Micah speaks for me in reminding us that the Lord requires us to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him;

*I agree here to, and how can we act justly if we are allowing thousands of babies to be murdered daily??

The prophet Isaiah speaks for me in his call for all to come and reason together and also to seek justice, encourage the oppressed and to defend the cause of the vulnerable;

* "defend the cause of the vulnerable" Like the unborn who are being murdered, who Mr. Obama would allow to be murdered more easily... the thought that a 'Christian' could support Murder is beyond me.

The book of Nehemiah speaks for me in its example to work with our neighbors, not against them, to restore what was broken in our communities;

*Ummm... this is exegetically poor. This was a community of people who had the same faith. How can I would with an unbeliever and give God the Glory?

The book of Matthew speaks for me in saying to bless those that curse you and pray for those who persecute you;

*It sure does... and I have a feeling that persecution is knock, knock, knocking at the door in America for true Christians.

The words of the apostle Paul speak for me in saying that words spoken and deeds done without love amount to nothing.

*I agree... and what is more loving then telling someone they believe a Lie?

The apostle John speaks for me in reminding us of Jesus' command to love one another. The world will know His disciples by that love.

*We are to love other Christians with a special love and outsiders with a different love. We are to love, no disagreement there, the question is what is love? I have to say Tolerance isn't Love, it is more like apathy.

These words speak for me. But when James Dobson attacks Barack Obama, James Dobson doesn't speak for me.

*Ummm... wrong, he does speak for me there.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

What does that mean?

Have you ever been talking with someone and just wanted to say, "What in the World does that mean?!?" I had an experience like that today, and Yes this will be about theology. So I was talking with a pastor and he was relating a story and within this story told me that if i was going to do what he did, I would need, prayer, fasting and to "make sure I was right with God." How can a Christian not be right with God if all of our past, present and future sin has been removed, and we are seen as Righteous, because of Christ's imputed righteousness? Heard this phrase many times from Christians, get right with God, and it seems what they are speaking of is to repent of the sin in our life. But when is our life without sin? If you understand the rhetorical nature of the question, you will see the problem here. We are either right with God or we aren't, God can't say, OH you sinned 5 min. ago now we aren't square, because Jesus squared everything at the cross.

So where did this term come from and why are we saying it?

Mercy and Justice

"We all are hypocrites, We all want to recive mercy [from God] and give justice." - Mark Driscoll

I was stricken by the truth of this statement. When I sin, I only want God to deal with me via his loving kindness and mercy, but when someone sins against me - I am ready with the imprecatory Psalms on standby. I virtually scream out, "God Get them, Show your wrath and avenge me."

As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry its, no more to rise! (Psalms 140:9-10 ESV)
Yet I think that this is something that needs to be rehashed within myself, I need to have my spirit filled with compassion for the sin of others against me. I am actually reminded of a sermon preached by T.J. Southard at Mountain View Christian Church on forbearance. He was preaching from the text Mark 1:40-45.

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them." But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.(Mark 1:40-45 ESV)


The point that T.J. Made was that Jesus healed this Guy who came to him and basically asked for healing; Who if he was healed of his skin disease could get his life back. Jesus Healed him with the quasi condition of "See that you say nothing to anyone." Jesus basically says don't tell people that I healed you. But the Guy doesn't obey, instead he goes and tells people, and Jesus could "no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places." Jesus had to stay out of populated places because of this guy. If I was Jesus, I think I would have removed the healing from the guy. He didn't keep his part. Jesus could have rightly removed this man's healing, taken away his life and possibly family, but He didn't.

I think that is the attitude that I need to have. I think that is the attitude that we all need to have, after all we shouldn't be paying back those who mistreat us with anger, we should be praying that God effects them, changes them. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing (1 Peter 3:9 ESV). We are called to forgive, not be vengeful because vengeance belongs to God alone (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19).

Friday, June 6, 2008

25 Questions to ask a Pastor, while looking for a Good Church

I will confess, I didn't come up with the questions myself, but I think that they are very Good. That Said, I e-mailed these questions to 3 pastors here in town, only one has responded. I will also put his response here. The only other information I have about this pastor is that, while at a local event, when asked what the gospel was, he danced around for about 3 min and never mentioned repentance in any form; nor was there any clearly defined answer.


1. What is man's biggest problem, sin or self esteem?



2. What must a man do to inherit eternal life?



3. How do you deliver the salvation message?



4. How hard is it to become a Christian?



5. How often do you talk about sin, righteousness and judgment?



6. How seeker sensitive is your church?



7. Who do you do church for?



8. Do you dumb down your sermons?



9. Can you explain the Doctrine of the Trinity?



10. Do your sermons emphasize theology or are they more relevant?



11. Describe your youth programs.



12. Describe your evangelism programs.



13. What church growth model do you follow?



14. How much do you give to missions and the hungry?



15. Do you believe the Bible contains no errors or contradictions?



16. Do you believe in a literal 6 day creation?



17. Do you believe in a literal hell and eternal punishment?



19. When you distribute the Lord's Supper, do you emphasize the need to exa! mine yourself?



20. Can a person who is living in a persistent lifestyle of sin inherit eternal life?



21. Does your church exercise church discipline?



22. Do Sunday school teachers, nursery, and youth volunteers fill out an application to answer questions about their core beliefs



23. What are the essentials of the faith?



24. Do you have a cross in your sanctuary?




25. What is the primary purpose of man?



Hi Ken,

In response to your email – Family Life Church is all about Encountering Jesus, Experiencing Life and Expecting Change. Our core values and beliefs are on our web site (listed below).

As to the answers to your list of questions I think you will find them on our web site, also. We endeavor to make it as informative as possible. However, I can tell by your questions that FLC may not be what you are looking for, but if not, I know there are many great, Bible – believing, Christ-centered churches here in Newberg.

God Bless,

Dave Benson

www.myflc.org

Saturday, May 24, 2008

A new Series - Understanding Theological Terms

Today I have finally made a decision... I am going to start a series on Theological Terms. I will begin presently.


Harmartology - The term used to refer to the theological investigation of sin. Harmartology concerns itself with understanding the origin, nature, extent and consequences of sin. Furthermore, harmartology seeks to understand how sin is transmitted throughout the human race and how sin opposes God's purposes for creation.

These Definitions will be coming from several theological terms dictionaries I have.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Ceder Mills Bible Church - Statement of Faith

One thing I enjoy doing when I go to other churches is looking at the statements of faith. Yesterday I was at Ceder Mill Bible Church. So I picked up their statement of faith, read through it... thought this is pretty Good. I will give two example directly from the Statement of Faith, one good and one questionable.

We Believe in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as inspired of God and inerrant in the original writing, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life. (II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:21)

This is a Good example of a clear statement. It gets the the point, it is supported by Scripture and it oozes confidence. Well done.

This next example is from the same Church.

We Believe that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death which is separation from God; and that all human beings are born with sinful natures, and in the case of those who reach moral responsibility, become sinners in thought, word and deed. (Genesis 1:26,27; Psalms 14:1-3; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10-19; Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 John 3:8)

There is a lot to unpack here. I would put into the 5 statements I see.

1. We are made in the image of God
2. Adam sinned and Earned Physical and Spiritual Death
3. Spiritual Death is separation from God.
4. All men are Born with a sin nature.
5. We only become sinners once we reach 'moral responsibility.'

First, I want to say that the wording of this is somewhat unclear. It isn't simple, like there other statements. It lacks the clarity of the previous statement. In fact, when showing this statement to two pastors they both said they were unclear on the exact meaning, and timing of said moral responsibility.
Second, this is my major point of contention. I believe that they have failed to provide any clear reference from scripture to support statement 5. Not that I think it is wrong, per se, but I think it is unsupported. Perhaps the addition of a scripture like James 4:17 and 1 John 3:4 could clear up what sin is and when it is committed. I see No biblical warrant for statement 5. Sin is Breaking the Law of God at any age.


I think that if they support there statement that this could be a very good statement of faith.


Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Jan Hus Sermon.

Well, it has been a Very long time sense I have taken the Time to write a Blog. I apologize for that. I have been occupied with other things...

One of which I will be discussing and posting about here, in the post you are reading.

I have been preparing a message about Jan Hus (John Huss) the reformer. It was kind of like my first "adult" sermon... as I preached a couple of times in High School. So I addressed the Youth Group tonight and it was Great. I will Post the Outline here, for you to read, and Will soon post the full length Video.

Jan Hus Sermon Outline


  • Who was Jan Hus? b.1369(1374)-July 6th 1415.

    • Rector of the University in Prague.

    • Follower of John Wycliffe

  • What did He Teach?

    • Christ is the Head of the Church (Not the pope - Picture)

      • Christ Alone can forgive Sin.

      • Bible is the Authority ( Bible to be read by the People)

    • No Indulgences ( What is an Indulgence?)

      • Pay money or Do something to get forgiveness for sin

  • What happened (The Story)?

    • Promise of Safty

    • Fake Trial

    • Burned (twice)

  • How do this relate to us?

    • Living For Christ – ( You call yourself a radicle Christian??)

    • Are you really a Christian?

  • Gospel Message.

    • Law – Ten Commandments

    • Grace – Jesus Died on the Cross for Sinners


Scriptures

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' (Matthew 7:21-23 ESV)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
(Hebrews 11:1 ESV)


Friday, April 18, 2008

Just Plain Sick

New Haven, CT (LifeNews.com) -- A Yale University art student is causing a national controversy with her senior art project that revolves around self-induced abortions. Aliza Shvarts says she artificially inseminated herself “as often as possible" in order to become pregnant and reportedly used herbs to cause abortions.

Shvarts, a senior art major, intentionally caused the death of the babies with the herbs.

Afterwards, she allegedly saved her blood and the blood from each of the babies she killed to create an art display.

The display consists of a cube with video footage she took of the miscarriages on either side and a canvas in the middle with paintings created from the blood.

Shvarts mixed Vaseline with the blood to prevent it from drying and placed the blood between sheets of plastic wrapped around the cube that hung from the ceiling.

In a statement, Shvarts wouldn't reveal how many abortions she had over the nine month period in order to create the art project but it appears at least two abortions were necessary to complete the art display.

Shvarts said she did not intend the project to have "shock value" or to generate controversy.

"I hope it inspires some sort of disclosure. Sure, some people will be upset with the message and will not agree with it, but it’s not the intention of the piece to scandalize anyone,” she said.

"It was a private and personal endeavor, but also a transparent one for the most part," Shvarts said. "This isn't something I've been hiding."

Laura Echevarria, an editorial columnist for LifeNews.com, says Yale University officials should have put a stop to the project or at least not display it.

"Yale should be ashamed that it is allowing an 'art' project that will offend millions of Americans," she said.

"Abortion is the deliberate destruction of human life. Putting that destruction on display as so-called art crosses a line and Yale should respond by pulling this project," Echevarria added.

Though Shvarts contends otherwise, Echevarria insists Shvarts likely created the project to receive attention.

"It is a gruesome and macabre display that, contrary to the 'artist's' assertion, was likely contrived because of its shock value," Echevarria said.

"This is just unbelievably macabre. I mean, how does someone do this not only to their own body but to the lives she kept creating and then aborting. How do you lose your sense of humanity to do such a thing?" Echevarria added.

She said Shvarts's project is also offensive to women who have had miscarriages and suffered the loss of a child they desperately wanted.

According to a Yale Daily News report, Shvarts won't reveal the names of the sperm donors and said they were checked for sexually transmitted diseases.

She said she wasn't concerned about the medical effect of the abortions -- even though the legal abortion drug RU 486 has killed 13 women worldwide and injured more than 1,200 in the United States alone.

Jonathan Serrato, a member of the campus pro-life group, told the Yale student newspaper he finds the concept disgusting.

"I feel that she's manipulating life for the benefit of her art, and I definitely don't support it," Serrato said. "I think it's morally wrong."

Yale University will have the project on public display from April 22 to May 1 and Shvarts' display will appear next to other senior art projects.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

The Church Fathers of Mormonism

Orson Pratt said this :

there is no doubt that the holy ghost came upon mary to sanctify her and make her holy and prepare her to endure the glorious presence of the highest that when he should overshadow her she might conceive being filled with the holy ghost hence the angel said as recorded in matthew that which is conceived in her is of the holy Ghost that is the holy ghost gave her strength to abide the presence of the father without being consumed but it was the personage of the father who begat the body of jesus and for this reason jesus is called t the only begotten of the father that is the only one in this world whose fleshly body was begotten by the father there were millions of sons and daughters whom he begat before the foundation of this world but they were spirits and not bodies of flesh and bones whereas both the spirit and body of jesus were begotten by the father the spirit having been begotten in heaven many ages before the tabernacle was begotten upon the earth. The Seer Page 158.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Jehovah's Witness' Hymn's

Now I know that JW's Reject the Deity of Christ.
And thus they Should Reject the Worship of Christ.

They Question is do they worship him??

The JW's that I meet up with claim that they don't... However, let me submit a hymn from the JW hymnal - Sing Praise to Jehovah - Copyright 1984.

#53 - Theocracy's Increase

1. Hail the Theocracy ever increasing! Wondrous expansion is now taking place. Praise to Jehovah is sung without ceasing By those who walk in the light of his face. Long years ago saw the humble beginning As our Redeemer a lowly way trod. Now a great crowd join the remnant in bringing Praises to him at the right hand of God.

Now Let me juxtapose this with the 10 commandments and some other bible verses.

"You shall have no other gods before me. "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:3-6)

6 “This is what Jehovah has said, the King of Israel and the Repurchaser of him, Jehovah of armies, ‘I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God. 7 And who is there like me? Let him call out, that he may tell it and present it to me. From when I appointed the people of long ago, both the things coming and the things that will enter in let them tell on their part. 8 Do not be in dread, YOU people, and do not become stupefied. Have I not from that time on caused you individually to hear and told [it] out? And YOU are my witnesses. Does there exist a God besides me? No, there is no Rock. I have recognized none.’” (Isa 44:6-8 NWT)

Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" (Matthew 4:10)

Isn't This Hymn seeming to Worship Jesus?

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Easter Sunday, Pretentious Sunday

What does your Church look like on the average Sunday Morning, when there is nothing 'special' going on - Except for the Preaching of God's Word - Does it look casual, dress casual, formal, Black Tie? I am not commenting on the attire of people in the church, as I don't really think it matters, But what does matter is when that attire changes. The Church I attend in normally casual to dress casual. I like it that way, it is comfortable, yet reverent. Now, I haven't been at this church for a year yet, but pretty close, the first day we ever visited there was last easter.

What I observed today was the following, People who have never worn a tie before were wearing ties. People who had never worn a suit before were wearing suits. I have to, ask myself why? Now, there is no doubt in my mind that the Choir director asked people to dress nicely, which is fine, it was a bit of a performance. That said, it does give an impression that there is something that happens on a regular basis, that just isn't the case. Why do we dress up on Easter, knowing that a bunch of people who don't normally come to church, will be there? Are we trying to make ourselves look better? Are we dressing up so that we will fit the expectations of people? What is the Deal here? Why not just look like you normally do, and give a gospel message, and talk about how Jesus IS alive? I mean what is the deal with the change? What effect do people think it will have? Is this something that is just a throw-back to when the older generation went to church on easter and put on there 'Sunday Best?'

Honestly, why the pretension? Why not be who we are every Sunday, even on Easter Sunday, even on Christmas Eve? God looks at the Heart, not the clothes, doesn't He? I mean do we honestly think that God will somehow be more present if we dress up? Let's focus on the Heart, the Cross, the Blood, the Christ, and not on what people will think about the clothes we wear. Don't we go to church for Christ, and to come close to him, to be encouraged by His Word, and not to show people how good we can look, how nice of a suit we have, ect..?

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matthew 23:25-28).

We don't want to give people the appearance that we are Good on the outside when we are rotten on the inside, do we? Do we honestly think the wearing a suit to church, verses jeans and a t-shirt makes a difference to anyone but men who will judge you on the way that you appear?

Friday, March 21, 2008

A response to Sargon

I was looking around on a Mormon Apologetics discussion board and found this post, and saw fit to respond to it.

Mainstream Evangelical Christians believe that no man, including Joseph Smith of course, can view the face of God and live. This belief is based mainly off of one verse in the OT, and a few choice proof-texts in the NT. Rather than engage those specific verses at this time, I wish to point out another facet of the discussion.

LDS often quote OT passages which unambiguously say that certain OT prophets viewed the face of God and survive. To reconcile these seemingly contradictory passages, Evangelicals such as Mr. Slick of CARM have devised a way interpret these OT passages through the lens of the NT.

Mr. Slick of CARM tries to explain the discrepancy this way:

QUOTE
Second, though they are most definitely are occurrences of God being seen in the Old Testament, these are not manifestations of the Father. They are the appearances of the pre-incarnate Christ.


Mr. Slick then continues to list a few places in the OT where God is said to have been seen. However, Mr. Slick offers no further explanation for why his view is justified, other than mentioning that the NT text prohibits God the Father from ever being seen by man. What I wish to point out is an obvious double standard being used by critics of the LDS church.

Mr. Slick, and others, contend that the apparent contradictions in the OT involving theophanies can be properly understood if we use chronologically later revelation and scripture to interpret it. A short afternoon spent in the CARM chat-room with a poster named Neolights reveals that it is an acceptable and common practice used by Evangelical Christians. Mr. Neo assured me that it was perfectly permissible to interpret the OT texts through the lens of the NT. It was also candidly admitted that the OT writers did not have that advantage.

I of course have no qualms with that methodology, in fact I believe it! What irks me however is the double standard. While Evangelical Christians can use later revelation, the NT, to interpret older revelation, the OT, Mormons apparently are not given that privilege. Mr. Slick from CARM and his associates use NT scriptures which they believe teach the Trinity, and interpret the theophany passages in the OT with them. They interpret the passages by suggesting that it is Jesus, not the Father, who is seen in these passages. The immediate context of these passage gives absolutely no hints of this perspective, and the OT authors certainly had no such idea in mind.

Mormons also have the privilege of interpreting both the OT and the NT texts through the lens of modern revelation, whether or not Evangelicals like it. We understand the passages a bit differently then our Evangelical brethren, but our methodology is the same. We use scripture to interpret scripture. Evangelicals need not believe that our scripture is inspired and true in order to understand this right that we share.

We reserve the right to interpret Biblical statements about who can or can't see God by the information provided to us in modern revelation and scripture.

The argument made from OT texts by Evangelicals which suggests that God’s face cannot be seen by virtue of NT passages cannot be upheld without employing a hypocritical double standard, one which has been and should continue to be exposed.

Sargon


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now I for the most part understand where Sargon is Coming From. He says that Mormons have the same right to understand previous revelations with more current revelation. In principle I understand where he is coming from, because he is correct in that we do the same thing as Christians. However, Christians practice a little thing called "hermeneutics." This is the art and science of biblical interpretation. We, as a rule reconcile, all verses so that there is not a contradiction within the revealed Word of God. Mormons, however, do not do this. Mormons look at the most modern revelation, and then use previous texts to support that revelation and discard any text that does not agree with the modern revelation. Mormons Do not use hermeneutics. Remember that Mormons don't even truly believe that the bible is the infallible word of God, they state that they believe the bible so long as it is correctly translated. So I would suggest asking our Mormon Friends what verses in the bible are incorrect?

Let me sight some examples of this -

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Now a Mormon would look at this and say that Joseph Smith prayed to God, as one who was seeking for truth and asked which church he should join.

As a Christian, I see several problems with this. 1) The context of the Book of James - v.2 tells us that it is to the believers, Those who are saved. Was Joseph Smith saved when he was asking God for Wisdom? I Would argue that he wasn't. He makes no statement of faith, no confession or statement of regeneration. 2) Rom 3:11 says that no one seeks for God. So how is it that Joseph Smith was seeking for God?

So the idea that God answered Joseph because of his plea for wisdom is out of the picture, because the verse doesn't apply to him.

This is the same thing that Christians do to both orthodox beliefs and to Mormon beliefs, Check the doctrine against the bible, and see if it checks out, does it contradict any bible verses?

The Goal here is to strive for correctness. And to be honest, I don't see Mormons doing this with the bible.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

News and Responce: Gays Have More Rights then Christians, in New York

I am not a fighter for 'civil rights,' I am a fighter for the gospel. However, there comes a time at which we must take a stand for the civil liberties of the people of this (Great?) Nation. To that effect, I am posting this story that I recieved in my e-mail today, and will right a response to it. Please Read on.


ALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND NEWS RELEASE

March 14, 2008 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT ADF MEDIA RELATIONS: (480) 444-0020

ADF files appeal after court finds Christians “guilty” of praying

Christians who engaged in free speech in New York public park convicted by judge

ELMIRA, N.Y. — ADF attorneys filed an appeal Friday on behalf of four Christians arrested and convicted on charges of disorderly conduct for praying in a public park. Police arrested the four last year after they silently prayed during an event celebrating homosexual behavior while lying prostrate on the ground.

“Christians shouldn’t be punished for expressing their religious beliefs. They have the same First Amendment rights as anyone else in America,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Joel Oster. “Arresting and prosecuting Christians simply because they choose to exercise their First Amendment rights in a public place is unconstitutional.”

On June 23, 2007, four Christians, including Julian and Gloria Raven, entered Wisner Park with their heads bowed to pray for the participants of a “gay pride” event. Materials advertising the event stated that it was open to the public and that all were invited.

The four were told by a police sergeant that they were not allowed to “cross the street, enter the park, or share their religion with anyone in the park.” The entire group was later arrested and charged with disorderly conduct even though the officer herself testified at trial that their actions were peaceful.

The court sentenced the Ravens, along with Maurice Kienenberger and Walter Quick, to a $100 fine at a trial Feb. 29 (www.telladf.org/news/story.aspx?cid=4408). Additionally, each member of the group is required to pay court costs.
“At no time did the peaceful actions of this group break the law,” Oster said. “If the sit-ins of the 1960s were not a crime, then certainly this wasn’t either. The law on this is well established.”

A copy of the appeal filed by ADF attorneys in Elmira City Court in People of the State of New York v. Raven is available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/RavenAppeal.pdf.




How is it that today, in the United States of America, we can have people arrested for public prayer? Is this not a Christian nation? If it is, how is it that Homosexuals have more rights then Christians? How is it that a Christian is not allowed to "cross the street, enter the park, or share their religion with anyone in the park." Are we not free to evangelize anymore? Is this where we are going? I am wondering where the ACLU is, with there love of "free-speech"? Or have they, like most people, including Christians, bought into the idea on one way tolerance, tolerant and even accept anyone, but the Christians?

Why do Christians have fewer rights then other groups?

Friday, March 14, 2008

Thoughts from A .W. Pink

The more fully we are conformed unto the image of Christ—the less power will the world have to
attract us. When I say that, I refer to something more than its amusements and grosser sins; I
mean also its pretty things.

One of the marks of a child is to value a thing not according to its worth and usefulness—but
according to its attractiveness to the eye. The more we are really growing in grace—the less shall we be attracted by such baubles, and the more attention shall we give to the adorning of our souls.

One half of practical godliness, is a dying unto the world; the other half is a living unto God: the mortification of self-love; and the strengthening of love to God. "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, andI unto the world." (Galations 6:14) That is the language and the experience of a mature saint—dead to the world. It no longer has any attraction for him, nor power over him.

A. W. Pink

What do we truly "Glory" in? Is it The Cross?
Do you realize that saying,"We Glory only in the Cross" is ( to paraphrase John Piper) Like saying:
"I glory in Lynching"
"I glory in the Electric Chair"
"I glory in Lethal Injection"
Think about how offensive that would be to say today, and that is how offensive

the Cross Truly is.

The Perfect Man-God, Jesus Christ, Was nailed to the Cross For OUR sins.

Now that is something to be offended over.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

News: Disordely conduct, aka Worship Music

ANN ARBOR, MI — Without a warrant or other legal authorization, uniformed police officers conducted several raids on Faith Baptist Church in Waterford Township, Michigan, and threatened to prosecute several young Christian musicians for disorderly conduct – because the Township prosecutor objected to the playing of contemporary religious music. “Praise and worship” music is a central part of Faith Baptist’s religious services.

The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, filed a federal lawsuit on Monday against the Waterford Township supervisor, prosecutor and two high ranking police officials. The lawsuit was prompted by the series of police incursions into the church and threats by the Township prosecutor to raid the church every time music was heard coming from it.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, observed, “Uniformed police officers entering a church during religious services and young church members being threatened with prosecution is something that happens in Communist China – not in America.”

Continued Thompson, “It is clear that Waterford Township authorities targeted Faith Baptist Church because of the type of religious music it uses in its services. Some of the individual police officers involved in the raids – apparently more sensitive to the constitutional protections surrounding religion than were their superiors – personally apologized afterwards.”

Faith Baptist Church, headed by Pastor Jim Combs, has a congregation of 10,000 members and conducts religious services on three different campuses. The police raids targeted the Waterford Township campus with 5,000 members.

Pastor Jim Combs first contacted the Thomas More Law Center in late October 2007, after the first in a series of police raids.

During a Wednesday night youth service, uniformed Township police, led by the Township prosecutor, burst into the Church’s sanctuary where the Church’s “Praise and Worship” band was warming up. The prosecutor ordered the officers to take the names and addresses of all the young people on stage so that they could be charged with “disorderly conduct.”

The very next Sunday, Waterford Township police again raided Faith Baptist, this time during the Pastor Comb’s evening sermon. Officers were about to disrupt the services and remove the “Praise and Worship” band members and order them to surrender their driver’s licenses for personal information. However, an Assistant Pastor volunteered to bring the members to the police so as not to create an uproar among the congregation.

The Township prosecutor was caught conducting personal surveillance on the Church from his parked car just days later.

The lawsuit, filed Monday, alleges that Waterford Township officials violated Faith Baptist Church’s and the band members’ rights to Free Exercise of religion, Free Speech and Freedom of Association under both the Michigan and the United States Constitutions, and that Waterford Township’s actions have chilled Plaintiffs’ ability to worship according to their religious beliefs. Plaintiffs are asking the court to permanently prohibit further police raids and for monetary damages.

Brandon Bolling, the Law Center attorney handling the case, stated, “The Township prosecutor was very explicit: he told the pastors that churches should not play ‘rock music,’ and threatened that each time he heard music coming from the church he would conduct a raid.”

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

A Knock at the Door

I was sitting at home alone, on Friday. It was about noon. I was watching the end of the movie "Gladiator." Then came a knock at the door.

I was very confused... I was not expecting anyone, but was clothed by chance. I looked through the peep hole, and there was a single older gentlemen, who I was sure was a vacuum salesmen. He had on a long black coat and a very nice black hat.

I opened the door.

"Hello," he said. " I am looking for John Conrad."
*Confused* "Well, my wife and I live hear, and I am not John Conrad. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Oh, well, I have here a request from John Conrad, This is 203 correct?"
"This is 203, but I am not John Conrad."
"Well, John was looking to have someone teach him about the bible"
*I perked up from my distress at missing the final fight seen* "Really?!"
"Yes, Are you interested in learnig about the bible?"
*At this point I was fairly confident, that this man was no longer a Vacuum salesmen, but that he was a Jehovah's Witness, I know I let out I big grin* "well sure, Come on in!"
"Well, Thank you"
*A chance meeting. I was looking to call these guys and look who shows up. This is just to convenient.*

The fellow, who would introduce himself as "Dean" came in and proceeded to try to explain what the bible was. He seemed very, shall I say, unrehearsed. He stumbled over his words, he seemed very unsure of himself. I wonder if it was because I was intimidating, or he hadn't done this often. Either way it was a painful ten minutes of "bible-learnin" I couldn't stand to Hear the introduction of what the bible was.

"You know Dean, I think that this is pretty cool, but I am in Bible College"

This launched us into a 5 minute discourse about bible college.

Which culminated in him finally opening the bible, to 2 Peter 1:20-21. (which is surprising that he didn't go to 2 Timothy 3:16).

We had a pleasant conversation, and then he asked if there was a time that he could come back. I said that the next day, Saturday, would work.

He and His wife came back on Saturday at one, it was pretty cool. I have it recorded, in audio form. Which may make its way up here at some point.