"Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right."
Charles Hayden Spurgeon
25 April 2009
24 April 2009
The Importance of Being Judgemental...
... is the title of an interesting article by Alan Keyes. His voice sure is annoying, but he would have my vote for president!
16 April 2009
Warren to the Rescue... BOO!
Who elected this guy spokesman for the Christian church?
I honestly have never thoroughly read his book "A Purpose Driven Church" and have not even flipped through "A Purpose Driven Life." However I will need to read the last chapter of each of these books to see if the 'purpose' of life or church involves at some point a waffling around the truth for a political move forward. (It seems as Christians we are ever so sensitive to even appearing to be offensive toward others; but we rarely seem to be concerned about whether we are... I have to use the phrase... "a stench in the nostrils of God.")
I won't delve too deep into this (it may be for another post), but why do we not refuse to reject false or compromising teachers/pastors/leaders like Rick Warren? Is it because they become popular? If not, what is it that gives them free reign to reject the orthodox teachings of God's Word for political rhetoric at best and heretical babble at worst?
Anyway, the following video will illustrate what I mean!
By the way, for anyone wondering. I am anti-gay marriage. "Why" you might ask? Because God is. However I am not going to lose too much sleep if our nation legalizes it, because God's Word is the only thing that is timeless (not Washington legislation).
I honestly have never thoroughly read his book "A Purpose Driven Church" and have not even flipped through "A Purpose Driven Life." However I will need to read the last chapter of each of these books to see if the 'purpose' of life or church involves at some point a waffling around the truth for a political move forward. (It seems as Christians we are ever so sensitive to even appearing to be offensive toward others; but we rarely seem to be concerned about whether we are... I have to use the phrase... "a stench in the nostrils of God.")
I won't delve too deep into this (it may be for another post), but why do we not refuse to reject false or compromising teachers/pastors/leaders like Rick Warren? Is it because they become popular? If not, what is it that gives them free reign to reject the orthodox teachings of God's Word for political rhetoric at best and heretical babble at worst?
Anyway, the following video will illustrate what I mean!
By the way, for anyone wondering. I am anti-gay marriage. "Why" you might ask? Because God is. However I am not going to lose too much sleep if our nation legalizes it, because God's Word is the only thing that is timeless (not Washington legislation).
11 April 2009
Easter Bunnies, Jelly Beans, & Salvation
I'll be the first to admit that I love Jelly Beans. A trait, I happened to have passed on to my son.
But while I could eat Jelly beans all day long, I must admit that I am troubled by the fascination of the church with Easter eggs, Easter Bunnies, and Jelly Beans around the most important celebration of the year: Easter.
We dress our kids up like little rabbits, give them an Easter basket full of jelly beans, Peeps, and rabbit shaped, hollowed out chocolate, and throw in a token 'abridged' version of the Easter story. (I've even seen a picture recently of a the tomb with the stone rolled away and a goofy looking rabbit peering out!?) As much as we try to convince ourselves that Easter is truly about the resurrection, I think we're going to have to admit we care a lot less about that and a whole lot more about "the hunt."
I think my opinion about encouraging children to believe in fairy tale characters was evidenced by a previous post, but why do we talk about the stupid rabbit? Why is it that we are so compelled to "enrich" (I use that last work sarcastically) the truth of the resurrection with bunnies and candy eggs?
The usual excuse is that little kids don't understand the crucifixion and ressurection of the Savior. Maybe that's because we've never taken the time to explain it to them. (Which also brings me to the place where I wonder how many parents actually explain God's plan of salvation and our response to grace to their children.)
You won't hear any talk about an Easter bunny around my house. But you will hear about a much more significant event: the resurrection of the Savior.
He is Risen! He is risen indeed!
But while I could eat Jelly beans all day long, I must admit that I am troubled by the fascination of the church with Easter eggs, Easter Bunnies, and Jelly Beans around the most important celebration of the year: Easter.
We dress our kids up like little rabbits, give them an Easter basket full of jelly beans, Peeps, and rabbit shaped, hollowed out chocolate, and throw in a token 'abridged' version of the Easter story. (I've even seen a picture recently of a the tomb with the stone rolled away and a goofy looking rabbit peering out!?) As much as we try to convince ourselves that Easter is truly about the resurrection, I think we're going to have to admit we care a lot less about that and a whole lot more about "the hunt."
I think my opinion about encouraging children to believe in fairy tale characters was evidenced by a previous post, but why do we talk about the stupid rabbit? Why is it that we are so compelled to "enrich" (I use that last work sarcastically) the truth of the resurrection with bunnies and candy eggs?
The usual excuse is that little kids don't understand the crucifixion and ressurection of the Savior. Maybe that's because we've never taken the time to explain it to them. (Which also brings me to the place where I wonder how many parents actually explain God's plan of salvation and our response to grace to their children.)
You won't hear any talk about an Easter bunny around my house. But you will hear about a much more significant event: the resurrection of the Savior.
He is Risen! He is risen indeed!
A New Low for "the Church."
Maybe I should have titled this post: "A new low for the church of Laodicea." (Revelation 3:17)
Advertising by "cool" churches has reached an all time low. How can the church continue to deny what it is and who it is about to bring people to the cross of Christ. Things such as this disturb me greatly. I cannot put words to the frustration and discouragement things such as the advertisement below bring.
My prayer is simply this:
"May the God who rose on the third day victorious over sin, hell, and the grave pour out His Holy Spirit on the church in America today. We need a fresh anointing, a renewal of the power and work of the Living God. Have mercy on us oh Lord!"
10 April 2009
02 April 2009
Quoting a Quote #6
"If Jesus had preached the same message that ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified."
Leonard Ravenhill
Leonard Ravenhill
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