The Institute of Indoctrination

Here is an excellent video that is worthy of your viewing. But before you do, please pay attention to the content as this subject is a highly charged issue that demands an opinion.

I am looking forward to some lively discussion.

Funny Picture

Someone sent this to me.

When is a baby a baby?

By noticing my last post it appears that the issue of abortion is still a hot topic even within the community that call themselves Christians. It seems, according to one commenter in the last post, that most of us in America are in the vast minority (compared to the rest of the world) when believing that a child's life begins at conception. According to the commenter, the rest of the world thinks that life begins at birth and not conception.

So, I guesss that woman that others call pregnant is just 9 months fat. Is that a blob of goo in her belly? Why is IT getting bigger by the month? And better than that, why does it move?

I still say and always will say that life begins at conception.

Luke 1

39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Confused

By looking at the results from Tuesday's election I want to pose a question that has dogged me for a long time.

It is obvious that Christians can disagree with many things within the church. I believe there are folks that believe in tongues, infant baptism, and other various issues that I don't agree with but are saved. I am not the final arbiter, God is. But there are issues that are not up for debate. Those issue include, but are not limited to, faith alone, Christ alone, in scripture alone. Most Christians would probably agree.

I also agree that outside the church, as it relates to politics, the same maxim still applies.

We, as Christians, can disagree over the issue of taxes, war, spending, healthcare and other issues. From a scriptural point of view I cannot see where Christians can politically support a candidate who supports abortion, homosexual rights/marriage, and the disdain toward Israel.

How can a Christian support someone who does support things that are contrary to scripture?

I welcome your response. Please try to stay on topic.

The Chicken Dinner Church

Let me explain.

I have not found a person yet who, liking chicken, does not have preferences about chicken. Some like white meat and others prefer dark. Some like the Crispy and others like the Original. And then there are the grilled people and the fried people. To us in the South it is usually an easy choice since chicken seems to be guest of honor at most venues.

With the previously mentioned choices in thought; think about church.

We go to church with the idea that we can treat it like a chicken dinner. "I'll take a couple contemporary songs and only 1 hymn please." "I'll take a sermon that makes me laugh and makes me feel good. No mention of sin please." "I'll take something fun for my kids to do on the side please." "I would like a tear-jerking sermon that stirs my emotions but leave off the judgment stuff." "Can I have an extra helping of activities for my family?"

And so if your church cannot please your palate (life) with your desires you find another chicken dinner to go to that does cater to your "preferences."

I think this highlights my point exactly.

Fake

Recently we had someone speak in our church who was sharing about a certain ministry. 

**As a pastor, I know when we speak or preach our tone or inflection may change. And sometimes even our mannerisms might change somewhat. ** Back to the post...

The man who shared is a pastor himself and was running very late. He was so late that I was rifling through texts in my mind that I could share in his apparent absence. The service started and we were almost done with the songs and offering and in he walked. (I must say at this moment there did not appear to be any humilty, remorse, or embarrassment as he sat down rather smugly.)

I then started rifling (for the 2nd time) of how to introduce this man, if it was indeed our speaker. I then thought that it could be a visitor. What would happen if I introduced him and this person says "I am just visiting"? I knew that I had to decide quickly because the time had come to make an introduction. I started to introduce him and the man says "That's not me................Just Kidding!"

Where some thought it was funny (and showed their approval by their laughter), I grimmaced from embarrassment and his lack of respect. I knew, if not for any other reason, he did that to get the attention off his extreme tardiness. It worked.

The reason for this post is focused on the word fake. As I sat and listened to our speaker share and manipulate the crowd, I grew weary. I watched as he "worked" the crowd and stroked their emotions. All the while, I seethed. I seethed for two reasons:

1. That he would arrogantly come to our church extremely late, make a wise crack to divert attention away from his tardiness, and manipulate our flock; and

2. That many in our church would so naively be swooned or be impressed by his manipulation. 

After the service, he wanted to spend some time talking with me. And I appreciate our conversation. However, the word fake comes to mind because the man/pastor that I spoke with after the service was not the same man who spoke during the service. Why is that? 

Are we as speakers/pastors/preachers a lot different in the pulpit than we are out of the pulpit? If so, could that not be considered as fake?

My goal has always been that I would not act one way in the pulpit while acting another outside the pulpit. Is this unrealistic?

How Do You Discipline Your Children?

Proverbs 19.18- Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

I hear so much about how we should not spank our children these days. Many seem to be doing the "time out" thing as an alternative. Is it working? Or is it just making things worse? What about restriction? What is your choice of discipline when the offense demands some sort of action?

What I have noticed is the ones who oppose spanking were most likely from a generation that were spanked themselves. Odd!

Our Home

"For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." -Hebrews 13.14

This verse has been richocheting in my mind for over a week now. Think about it. All our energy, money, thoughts, dreams, and desires are focused on a place where our borrowed bed resides. It shouldn't.

THE NARROW GATE

A blog that I respect that will lay it on the line is I'm Speaking Truth
In this post he poses a great question...“Is Eckhart Tolle A Christian?”

Mr. Tolle is one of the latest buffoons that is on Oprah's crazy train. He is a New Age teacher that is widely popular and has a large following.

But the question of "Is Eckhart Tolle a Christian?" intrigues me. I suppose the answer could be as simple as:
If Oprah is a Christian then Eckhart Tolle is a Christian.

I think the real issue is what is your definition of a Christian? If it is being good and religious then I suppose both of the above mentioned are Christians.
But if the definition is a person who admits they are sinful and in desperate need of Christ and Him alone then I suppose they are not.

The real question is What is a Christian? If we just give opinion as to what feels good then maybe everyone is a Christian. If we just stick to the Bible as the SOLE authority (sorry to all of my anti-sola scriptura readers) then I think we might find that fewer than we think are probably saved.

Turning Your Heart Toward God- Thigpen and Kline

I have never read a book that I liked so much all the while gritting my teeth but it has now happened. Let me explain.

It is a non-fiction work written in a study guide format. One of the authors is editor of the bi-monthly "The Catholic Answer" which presents problems in the theological field.

The book touts itself as "a 12-week exploration of the spiritual disciplines." Let me say that it definitely delivers from that perspective. It covers topics like simplicity, forgiveness, reticence, obedience and several others that are often overlooked. These topics A few times it sort-of comes across as New-Age(y) but I don't think that is the intention.

What you will notice is the constant mention of Desert Fathers, Desert Wisdom, or Desert Elders. The "Desert" jargon was a term given to Ascetics and Monks who lived in the 4th and 5th century who were heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

My problem is there seems to be more of a reverence for the "Desert Wisom" than for the Word of God. There are many scriptures throughout the book but it seems to be in the shadows of the Desert Wisdom.

It reads very easy and the disciplines themselves are good to focus on. I would recommend this book for a discerning mature Christian who can differentiate between "thus says the Lord" and what Agatho said.

Between Two Worlds- Mike Timmis

This book is basically an autobiography of a man who struggled with his Catholic upbringing not “enjoying” the Christian life. His struggles led him to a very empty life and to become a workaholic.

At the prompting of a friend who recognized the deficiency in his faith the author agreed to attend a men’s Bible study held in his hometown of Detroit. He said "I will go once just to get my friend off my back." He went and based on the openness of the men there he committed his life to Christ wanting what these men had.

His life changed dramatically from this time on and he went on to become a committed evangelical leader of many para-church organizations including Prison Fellowship International.

He refused to leave the Catholic church believing rather that he should stay and seek to change the church by his witness. Based on his testimony, he feels he has made significant inroads to that end.

Overall an interesting book to read, easy to read, particularly his time spent witnessing to several world leaders.

This made me think of Martin Luther in a very small way in reference to his desire to see the church reformed.

Free To Be Bound- Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

This is a non fiction work written in a report form largely describing the author’s experiences growing up in the deep south and the racism that he saw in the churches and his desire and goal for reconciliation between the white and black church.

I do not believe this book represents a thorough analysis of the subject matter since it is written from his viewpoint only with no room for any contradictory or differing opinions.

It is quite clear that the author believes very much in his subject matter but again leaves little or no room for any differing thoughts on the matter. He is into the Black Jesus theology (even though he is white and attends a predominantly black church) that I understand is prevalent in many black churches today. He clearly believes that the black church and their worship style and teaching/preaching is something that the white church should adopt. He accuses the white church of not fully engaging the power of Jesus in its ministry meaning that it recognizes His power only as power to save us from sin but not to deal with all the problems of life.

Overall, the book is easy to read but is slanted to one thought process only and assumes that the black church is superior in every way to the white church. He is committed to this viewpoint and has made it a huge part of his life living in a slum area and worshiping at a black church in Durham NC.

e-Nuts

Look at this link and tell me what you think.
What does this say to the world? What does he really hope to gain from this besides money? To me, it's just another sad state of "Carnival Christianity."

A Fear of Mine

For quite some time I have shared with the church that I pastor and with others one of the biggest fears that I have. It is not about my safety, job security, paying bills or our economy. It is about those folks that sit in the pews Sunday after Sunday.

I am not trying to sound over-pastoral, if that is possible, but the concern is real.

The burden that I have is one that many of us as Christians have. It is simply the concern that many, and I mean many, that sit in the pews on a regular basis are not saved and believe they are.

I regularly preach and teach those who care nothing for the Word, for holiness, for lost people, or for the glory of God to be revealed in their life. They are just content on being there, doing their duty, and going through the motions.

I think the reasons for this are wide and varied but I want to go over two reasons.

Before I go any further let me say that I am aware that God is the One who convicts us and draws us and awakens our hearts to our sinfulness and His greatness. The reasons I list here are ones that I think are our fault in the matter.

There is a basic misunderstanding of what salvation is. I suppose a lot of this is because of the preaching itself. If we preach that God want's to heal your marriage, finances and wayward children and not that we are hell-bound sinners because of our separation from God then ignorance will abound.

The second reason is just as pervasive. Though it appears to be the same as what is mentioned above, it's slightly different. The church has become a carnival of activities. The gospel is not preached and so the community views the church as a moral funhouse. A safe place where you can go and get re-filled, pumped-up, or simply a few laughs. Then many join the funhouse and growth is reported.

I believe the church is responsible for this huge mirage that has been put out there for the world to see. Satan does not have to be directly involved in this deception when the church is more than willing to do it for him.

The Crescent Through...- Nabeel Jabbour

This book is a non-fiction work, although it is based in large part on a mythical character created by the author, dealing with how to reach the Muslim world with the message of Christ.

It presents the authors view on this subject through the lens of his Arab heritage.

His point is well taken in that the Christian world should and needs to modify its way of presenting the Gospel to Muslims rather than using Christian talk and language though I have never been one to feel that we need to de-christianize our talk to witness.

While trying to be objective in his approach, the clear bias of the author is evident everywhere. Claiming to be a conservative he at the same time clearly is anti-Jewish, anti-American and pro muslim in my view. He often speaks in terms very much leaning toward the Muslim side of the issue and again, in my judgment takes liberty with the scripture to make his case. Just one example is that he accuses Joseph of using his position with Pharaoh to enhance his own family at the expense of everyone else in Egypt, including the Pharaoh. His point is that we Christians do the same thing with Muslims by taking advantage of them so as to enhance our own position.

All in all I was disappointed with the liberal tone of the book.

Dangerous Faith- Joel Vestal

The book is a non-fiction work dealing with world missions and evangelization.
It is primarily reporting the authors’ experiences in his missionary work but does try to interpret those experiences in a way to encourage others to be more involved in mission work.

His obvious viewpoint is that everyone should/needs to be involved in mission work in some fashion which is true. It may be financially or best of all (in his view) to commit your life to mission work in a foreign mission field.

This subject has polarized many through the years. Some say that local missions are the way to go while othes say that foreign missions are the only way. This book will definitely appeal to the latter crowd.

The book is reasonably thorough but with a clear emphasis on his personal experiences.

Overall I personally did not enjoy the book but will admit that the author is clearly passionate about the subject matter. While making comments to the contrary he seems to use guilt as a tool or means of convincing others to get involved in what he has been called to as his life’s work.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Not the labors of my hands can fulfill thy law's commands;
could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.
--Augustus M. Toplady

Honored

I am honored that NavPress has allowed me to be on their Preview/Review list for books that have come out or are coming out soon. In the next few weeks, in between regular posts, I will post a book review/preview of the selection of books that have been sent to me. Some of the books I would not have bought on my own and other books I would have picked up the day they were released. I hope that you enjoy reading the critiques and I welcome your comments.

How many should you have?

In an era of super-sized whatever I have a question.

Should we have mega-churches or should we have churches that plant new churches and support them? How many people should you have? Can a pastor really pastor a church of 2000 people?

I am not saying that mega churches are bad but I wonder if the pragmatic view of church growth has influenced our view of how large our churches should be.

What do you think?

How many do y'all have...?

Why is is that when you see someone you know (especially in the ministry) they want to know how many people go to your church? Now I know that might not sound like a bad question and from an etymological point of view it isn't. The idea behind it is what prompts me to bring this up.

Our culture cannot get away from the pragmatic idea that if your church is big God must be doing something great in it. That same pramatic idea also leads us to deduce that if your church is small that "God has written Ichabod across the front door" and that it is simply dead.

I suppose that the business principle of have a product, market that product, and sell that product for a gain has led us to bring that same principle into the church.

So, we have:
-Christ and His message of saving grace
we then:
-Have magic shows, concerts (that have no semblance of anything Christian), or some other gimmic to "draw in the masses"
finally:
-tell people that Jesus is there to be their best friend, boyfriend, marriage counselor, financial guru, physician/surgeon who will miraculously heal all wounds/sicknesses/diseases

So if we have successfully "drawn the masses" in through whatever means was needed our friends, family and the world will assume that God is doing a wonderful thing. And to follow that line of thinking; God is not doing anything if your church is not growing.

What if when we see people we ask them "How many people in your church really act Christ-like?" Or what about "How many in your church desire to live holy God-honoring lives?" How would folks respond then?

My problem is that we use warm bodies in our church building as a means of determining if God is doing something. I am reminded of 1Cor. 3.6
"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." The growth that we manufactor does not mean that God has "made it grow." I am reminded that Our ways are not His ways.

I think Satan has planted an amazingly deceptive theory of growth in the church that has roots as deep as an oak.

Interesting

Gay is No Longer Happy

I am sick to the point that I almost can't "stands no more" on this issue of the acceptance of homosexuality being force fed to the church. All the while the church remains silent for fear of retaliation from the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender) community. Also many in the church are opposed to the church speaking out about homosexuality because they have friends or family that are involved in this "alternative lifestyle."

To add fuel to this out of control fire we have this article of a large metro Atlanta Word-Faith church that is "considering their options in reference to having a gay group (SoulForce) to come in and lead workshops on human sexuality. What in the world is that church thinking?

The church cannot remain silent on this sin or any other sin for that matter. Who cares if people get upset or protest? Our concern should be what God thinks about it. I am equally concerned about the churches that choose to remain silent. Their silence puts them in the same league with those churches embracing it.

News Flash

So I ask a lady where my son works how her family is doing. She tells me that her daughter and her husband are getting a divorce. I hit the {pause} button in my conversation and think about her 19 year old daughter with a child getting a divorce and shake my head. {Play} I then ask her how her son is doing. She says that he is fine and that he is now working for a local construction crew. I ask her how his wife is and she tells me he is not married. {Pause again} I zone off and think to myself how I know she told me one time how he was married. {Play} I mentioned to her that I remember her telling me how he was married. She said that he has two little children but has not been married. Hmm

I suppose that I am still old fashioned (I am in my early 40's) and think that children = marriage. Silly me.

Quote of the Moment

Whatever “call” a man may pretend to have, if he has not been called to holiness, he certainly has not been called to the ministry.
~Charles Spurgeon

Ephesians 6.4

I have noticed for quite some time how parents seem to be having a harder time with their children than they used to. I realize that children since Adam and Eve's little ones have acted up and I know it will not stop. The problem now seems to be one that is different though. Let me explain.

I'm not sure when it started but for some reason parents have stopped being parents. They seem to be more interested in being their child's buddy or friend rather than his/her leader, protector and role model. The parents appear to be more interested in "hanging out" with their children than disciplining, correcting and teaching their children. If you think about it it makes sense though. It is much easier to be a buddy, pal, or friend than a disciplinarian, leader, or role model. The latter is not fun and makes the children mad. They don't want to be corrected, disciplined, or taught. They just want someone to give them what they want, when they want it, and how they want it. I know. I was a child once myself.

The problem with the above scenario is that the little ones that have been intrusted to us do not have the maturity, knowledge or history of mistake-making that we adults have. It is our duty and responsibility to teach them and that may involve hurting their feelings which may in turn prevent a larger hurt from happening down the road. It will make them mad when we disagree and correct them. Our job is not to be their friend, that will come when they are older. Our job is to lovingly correct, discipline, lead, and teach them to make good choices and pray that they will use that knowledge when they are older.

This Could Be a Wild One

I titled this article "This Could Be a Wild One" because this post could be one with many different comments and views. Here goes...

I was recently saddened by this article. I think the content and purpose of what the article is about will come across at first glance as good and productive. But when you really read it the article seems to shed some light on where the church as a whole within the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) is headed.

I actually think there is a quote in the article from the pastor that really sheds some light on the subject.
"He did describe it as “the most unusual day we have ever had in the life of this church.”"

To me, if I were a member I would pay attention to the changes that start happening in the church. The "Interpretative Movement" and "Dance" that already takes place would be enough for me take great notice anyway.

Another issue that really bothers me is where do these ideas come from.

"Lee said he received the idea for the series after reading “Confessions of a Pastor: Adventures in Dropping the Pose and Getting Real with God” by Craig Groeschel."

Groeschel, who launched Life Church in Edmond, Okla., in 1996, started out doing market research with non-churchgoers in the area and has a church that is gigantic and to me, very emergent friendly. On a side note...I have always paid close attention to the people someone listens to and the books that they read. The people who influence us have a huge impact on our thinking and practice.

I think my big concern with the sermon is:

1. I think Pastor Lee was showboating to get a lot of press and attention

2. Though he says he is not, Lee appears to be apologizing for Christian's view that homosexuality, shacking up, abortion is a sin.

3. "Lee quoted from “Unchristian,” a book recently released by the Barna Research Group, which reported that in a scientific poll 18-28 year-olds perceived the Church as “judgmental, homophobic, and irrelevant.”

Well, if Barna says something we had better jump to fix it. Calling sin sin offends people and gets us labeled as "judgmental, homophobic, and irrelevant."

"“Folks, they are not leaving the Church, they have already left. What are we doing to bring them back?” he asked the crowded sanctuary in each of the three morning services."

As I have said many times before, it is not our job to populate the church with lost people. The church are the called out ones, the saved.

“For me, I cannot stand in front of God and tell Him that I did nothing to reverse that perception. It’s important to know that the 18-28 year-olds are not against Christ; in fact, they tell pollsters that they have fond feelings for Him and believe in God. But the bottom line is that the Church is still perceived as judgmental, homophobic, and irrelevant” rather than for our love for them. "

Fond feelings and and $1.50 will buy you a cup of coffee at the Waffle House. Fond feelings have NEVER granted forgiveness to anyone from the Holy Throne of God.

I am not saying that I am opposed to all of the sermon. I think it has some points but mainly is full of trite comments.

What do you think?

Quote of the Moment

"Temptation usually comes in through a door that has deliberately been left open."
--Arnold Glasow

LUNACY AND SADNESS

It makes me mad and sad to see this every year. But the Catholic Church continues its idolatry and ritualism that breeds this ignorance.

Maybe this article will enlighten some to the mystical union the RCC promotes. Just go to Israel during the week leading up to Easter and walk the supposed route that Jesus took and pray and you will be moved. You will be closer to God than you've ever been.

What happened to loving God, living holy, and pointing others to Him? I guess I'm old fashioned.

Ron Paul

I have had problems with Ron Paul for some time. For the sake of some of our internet friends, I will share some of these concerns.

1. If he is going to run he needs to run as a Libertarian and not a closet Republican. If some were willing to vote for him in the Republican primaries then why not accept who the nominee is once it has been determined. He disagrees with over half the Republican platform and still wants to use that platform to move up to the White House? Keep in mind that he ran as a Libertarian in 1998. What changed?

2. He wants to end all income tax http://www.house.gov/paul/congrec/congrec2003/cr013003c.htm What is going to replace it to bring in money to support national defense, local and federal government, and our civil servants?

3. Mr. Paul’s views on homosexuality do not line up with orthodox Christianity.http://www.americablog.com/2007/08/ron-paul-on-homosexuality-sin-and-dont.html It appears that he supports the "Don’t ask don’t tell policy."

4.Why would Mr. Paul want to revise the repeal of the 17th amendment which would stop voters from choosing U.S. senators and allow members of the state legislature to choose them? Talk about keeping big government.

5. Mr. Paul wants to go back to using gold and silver as legal tender and abolishing the federal reserve. This would rock the U.S. economy.

6. He wants to eliminate the IRS but is in favor of Social Security. He still has not stated where tax revenue would come from.

7. He supports removing all troops from all foreign locations. He does not believe we should “police” other countries. Should we not stand up for other countries against wicked ones? Israel did. Should we defend Israel?

8. Someone sent this to me recently http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEVMRESs6Qw

9. There seems to be a plethora of racists/anti-Semitic remarks that follow Mr. Paul.

I think Mr. Paul strikes many as an extremist and an isolationist. He has plenty of hot air toward the current administration but has no real solutions.

Lastly, I don't remember hearing Mr. Paul condemn this adminstration or our military for its aggressive posture right after 9/11. And for him to insinuate that there is/was a cover-up with the 9/11 attack is treasonous

WHO CARES?

After reading this story I had to shake my head and say "who cares what you think?"

You are probably wondering why I feel this why. It's simple. The Roman Catholic Church's history makes this story and Ratzinger's "plea" a total joke.

"Pope Benedict XVI denounced the 5-year-old Iraqi war and issued one of his strongest appeals for peace in the country Sunday"

Isn't this precious? Since we are in the "Holy Week" the "head" of the RCC decides to get all peaceful on us.

A few words come to mind when I think about this...Inquisition, The Index, and the Jesuits. Need I say more?

In the 1200's Pope "Innocent" issued a papal bull called Ad Exstirpanda which authorized the use of torture by inquisitors against non-Catholics that the RCC deemed dangerous which included anyone who questioned the RCC.

These torturous acts were only supposed to happen once. So, if the RCC wanted to torture again, they just said that it was a continuation of the first.

The church was not permitted to kill (like burning at the stake) so they forced the state to do so with a threat of excommunication if they refused.

The "Index" of prohibited books (Index Librorum Prohibitorum) was a list of books that the RCC deemed dangerous.

Where are the watchers of the watchdoggies to talk about this one? I say chasing their tails.

So, who cares what the head of the RCC has to say? He and his church lost all credibility when they prostituted the gospel for power and money about 1200-1400 years ago.

Quote of the Moment

"A baptism of holiness, a demonstration of godly living is the crying need of our day."
--Duncan Campbell

What is Man's Greated Need?

What is man's greatest need? When I say man I mean all of humanity. What is it that he needs most? Some say it is hope. Others say it is love, food or purpose. What do you think?

A Total Waste of Time

After reading this story about "The Relevant Church" it is no wonder why the church has no integrity or respect in the community.

Is this what church is all about? I would encourage Christians that may happen to belong to this church to stop going, to look for another church, and to go to the pastor, elders or leaders of this church and share your concern about this foolishness.

Lastly, when I noticed this last part of the original article along with the name of the church, it all makes sense now.

"Wirth is a former Baptist. He founded his non-denominational ministry three years ago. And he markets his church by tackling unusual or controversial topics."

Why not try something new like preaching the gospel?

UPDATE
I want to make myself clear. I understand that sex needs to be addressed. I understand that it will come from the pulpit. This does not condone churches that use the pulpit to issue worldly challenges. This is another ploy of the Emergent Church to avoid preaching the gospel. I suppose the phrase "Sex Sells" can be used within the church also.

Your Opinion Please

An owner of a blog that I frequently visit recently emailed me and asked about something that I think really needs to be addressed. Here is what she said (with her permission.) My comments will be under the asterisks.

Is it biblical for "ministries" to sell tapes/CDs of messages that they could probably give freely over the Internet? I understand that for a long time, messages could only be mass-produced through hard copies. Now, however, we have a way to upload things so that they can get to more people with little to no cost. Of course, there is always a need for hard copies for people who do not have Internet access frequently, but is it unreasonable to ask that the gospel and other messages that are helpful for Christian living be given freely?

I think of how Jesus told the disciples, "freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8). Is this just for the gospel or is it also for message of the whole counsel of God? I know that some people will have the argument that there are costs to reproduce messages and there are costs for packaging, etc. But are we not to live by faith? If we cannot get something to someone because of cost, then should we not ask the Lord for the means to do so? Do we believe that the Lord is able to tell His people to give where there is need and when there is need? Can we (or should we) get into the mindset that if it cannot be given freely (if God has not provided the means to give freely) then it should not be given?

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I think the issue is a bigger one than you have brought up. I think the issue centers on the ministry instead of the message. Let's face it; ministries do not pay the power bill with our purchasing of their messages. The bills are paid with donations and support from other sources. I think most of the time the messages that are for sale only cover the cost if we purchased hard copies. I do think that a small charge to cover server costs would suffice if we were to download the material.

People want to have a small kingdom here so they work, work, and work to have a miniature heaven here. We work to have a larger ministry instead of our ministries reaching more people. I am not opposed to ministries prospering and growing but a lot of this is business and not ministry.

Also, if these are messages from God should they be copyrighted?

I am not opposed to ministries charging for things. But ministries that charge for sermons or tell you its free when in reality they have a "suggested donation" is not right.

What do you think?

COMMITMENT...WHAT IS THAT?

What is commitment? The generations that are alive today, I believe, are one generation away from seeing the age of commitment die.

Let me explain. I was born in the 60's. The only commitment that I have really seen is in my grandparents generation. My parent's generation, who were born in the 40's, have periodically forgotten what commitment really is. I know there are always exceptions, but, as a whole, the death of commitment is upon us. I am not a doomsday prophet just a realist.

Longetivity in a job is foreign; in a marriage, it is rare; in the church, it is unheard of. This lack of commitment is destroying the family which destroys the church. This then branches out and destroys the workplace.

We look for reasons to leave our jobs, spouse and church. In the church, we don't care about scriptural truth anymore. When this happens, false beliefs run rampant and destroys our homes and churches.

Where is this leading us?

Neither Can Save Us

Make not mistake about it, I am very conservative. But, every Christian has to acknowledge that neither Democrat nor Republican can save this country of ours.

Many years ago we had Christians who really loved the Lord and lost people while not loving the Lord they respected those who did.
Now, we have many claiming to be Christian who show no love for the Lord or His ways. The rank and file lost person cares nothing for the Lord (nothing new) and also hates those that do love the Lord.

Sin is excused, loved and embraced by the church and the lost sit back and feel confirmed in their rejection of the savior.

The political system is not going to save this country from impending doom. It has to start with the church. The church has to quit committing spiritual adultery and join itself back to her real love, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Holiness and virtue need to be descriptions of His body, the church. I'm afraid adultery and compromise are its descriptions now. Is it any wonder why the Lord feels so far away now? He has not left us we have walked away from Him. We have no discernment, no power, no convictions, and no integrity. How do I know? I am one of the church.

Republican or democrat is not what we need. We need a hunger for righteousness.

SCHOOLING OUR CHILDREN- PART 2

I want to continue my rant on schooling our children but first; a side rant.

Recently, I came across a lady in our community who took her child out of public school because he has been in trouble lately and was recently suspended from elementary school. She is not a Christian and feels the best thing is for her to do is to homeschool him. BIG MISTAKE. I have never seen these types of situations have a happy ending. What happens when he acts up at home and she gets totally exasperated? He will start begging to go back to public school and promises her he will be a picture of perfection if she gives in.

Now, the continuation...

"We want our Christian children to go to public school to be a witness." STOP, STOP, STOP!! This is a farce. Who is going to be a Christ-like example to your children at school? Remember the math.

Lastly, who has more influence on our children? Our children are at public schools for 7-10 hours a day. We see them maybe an hour before school and a few hours after school. Do the math.

Have you visited a child in public school lately? In our county the doors are locked like a fortress. The homosexual friendly or politically correct speakers/teachers (in some cases) are on the inside and the parents/visitors have to ask permission on a speaker to gain entrance into the building. I know why they say they have the locks; to keep out the bad guys. Then I hear of schools not allowing a parent to come and see/pick up their child because the other parent calls and tells the faculty that they have just had an argument with their spouse and they are concerned for the health of the child. Who is the government school to become the domestic police???

I could keep going but I have two observations and two questions.

Observation #1...

I think most Christians are scared to pray about homeschooling because they are afraid of what God might say because they already have an idea as to how He feels about it.

Observation #2...

I think that public schools have become the 20th and 21st century babysitter for our kids. "We need someone to watch my kids till 6pm Monday-Friday so I can have some time for myself." This is wicked and selfish.

Question #1...

How long do you think it will take you to "un-teach" or reverse the damage done to your child from the anti-God teaching?

Question #2...

Why is it that when a woman teaches in a public school she is applauded for doing a good service but if that same woman homeschools her own children in her home she is ridiculed?

A CHALLENGE

My wife came across and sent me this link to which I was very thankful for. I think to have a new found awareness of the Puritans and their love for God is a good thing. I urge you to go to this site and accept the challenge that has been put forth.