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?

***************************************************
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.

SCHOOLING OUR CHILDREN

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. --Mark Twain

What is right? For me, I would never consider having the government indoctrinate teach my children.
No, I am not one of these who think that there is a conspiracy behind everything the government does. I just don't think it is right for them (using my tax dollars) to teach my children that their ancestors used to walk on all fours or that homosexuality is fine.

For me and my family homeschooling is the only choice. We homeschool not only because of the obvious reasons but out of strong conviction that this is what is right. By doing this we can monitor what our children are taught in their formative years. Those "formative" years are going to be what molds their minds and values. How do I justify a pagan (not in all cases) teaching my children the above mentioned garbage? How do I justify a teacher/principal sending a note home to me telling me that my child is hyper?
Or should I be upset that school nurses are sending home notes telling parents to have their child test for ADD or ADHD? Should I be concerned that an explosive amount of parents have their children on Ritalin at the advice/request of these governmental institutions called schools?
I thought little ones are supposed to have energy.

On a side note...what is Ritalin doing to our children? Here is an interesting article about the favored dope for children.
The military still will not give a clear answer to whether they will or will not accept people into the military who have a history of taking Ritalin.
"But my child needs it. He could not cope with school if it were not for his medicine." What a total rubbish!! What did our parents and grandparents do about it when they were young? Discipline and love.

What about Christian or private schools? Christian schools (and many private schools) have become reform schools or holding tanks for those that the public school cannot handle and have expelled.

Who better to handle, teach, and love our children but us. It is not right to DUMP our children out so that someone else can do what we are supposed to do. It is not right to be mad when the teachers have a work day and the kids are out because you don't have a babysitter so you have to stay home with them.

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.

"School is the advertising agency which makes you believe that you need the society as it is." -Ivan Illich in Deschooling Society

I will continue this topic in a few days.

To Santa or Not To Santa

In our home we do not acknowledge Santa. On a practical level I have a hard time giving credit to a fat guy in a red suit who really does not exists. I also have a hard time lying, yes lying, to our children about a fictional character on a yearly basis.

I know some of you think that I am hindering the children's joy of Christmas, killing their precious little imaginations and overall just taking the fun out of the holidays. I disagree. I think that Santa, just like the "Easter Bunny," really takes the focus off of the original intent (Christ's birth or Christ's resurrection) and shifts it to something that is not real. I did not say that Santa is really Satan spelled differently or that the Bunny is wicked. I just think that we need to shoot straight with our children in a day where diversions are the order of the day.

What do you think? Do you home acknowledge these characters in your home and if so, why?

YET ANOTHER "OUCH"ER

"I grant freely that it costs little to be a mere outward Christian. A man has only got to attend a place of worship twice on sunday, and to be tolerably moral during the week, and he has gone as far as thousands around him ever go in religion. All this is cheap and easy work: it entails no self-denial or self-sacrifice. If this is saving Christianity, and will take us to heaven when we die, we must alter the description of the way of life, and write, “Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to heaven!"
-J. C. Ryle

ANOTHER "OUCH"ER

"Everywhere there is apathy. Nobody cares whether that which is preached is true or false. A sermon is a sermon whatever the subject; only, the shorter it is the better."
-Charles Haddon Spurgeon

THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

Recently our pianist gave me a picture of this outfit out of a flyer that came in the newspaper. I told the church that this is what Christmas is all about now. I, me, my, mine, etc. Worship of self runs rampant and we feed it with trash like this. If you have not already noticed, please read the message on the onesie. All the while we are so troubled at the hedonistic, self-centered, selfish, non-disciplined lives of our offspring. As I said earlier it is our fault, plain and simple.

Ouch!!

“If the gospel were more faithfully preached, there would be fewer people professing to believe it.”
--A. W. Pink

I came across this quote on christianresearchnetwork.com recently and it hurt. I mean it hurt because as a pastor I am responsible for preaching the whole counsel of God and sometimes we don't lay it out as strong and straight as we should. It makes me wonder if one of the reasons that many think they are saved (besides their spiritual blindness) is because we as pastors and preachers give them such a watered down version of the gospel that it is no longer the gospel but a freakish substitute.
What do you think?

IT IS OUR FAULT!!

Romans 3.23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." It is a verse that we as believers understand well. We also can look at our children and see that the sinful nature is quite active in them as well.

It humors me when I hear some comment as they look around at kids and their behavior and think how kids are "different" today than when they were growing up. "Things are different for them" is what we hear. "They have a lot more things to distract them" is another one that we hear.

I submit to you and everyone else that kids are no different than they used to be. Think about it. Is there really a degree of lostness? I have not noticed any scriptures that would lead me to believe that some have a greater proclivity to sin than others. I think we all would agree that there are some that are more wicked in their behavior than others but that does not mean that they have a stronger willingness to sin whereas others may not. If that be the case then we might as well say that some are born with no sin and others are born with loads of sin.

The problem comes from us as parents. Proverbs 13.24 says "He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."

As a pastor, parent and a simple observer the problem is obvious. We want to be our child's buddy rather than his/her parent. We don't want them to be mad at us or to be hurt. So, we withhold punishment (specifically the "rod" but not exclusively) thinking that he/she will straighten up and "walk the line." This is foolish thinking. What motivation does a child have to straighten up if you condone (and that is what we are doing) their behavior? In actuality we are giving them mixed signals. We are showing them that there is no right and no wrong or in a word, relativism.

Writing this post made me think of a previous post. We are doing our children a colossal disservice by not disciplining our children. We have to face the facts.

IT IS OUR FAULT!!

THE EARLY CHURCH WOULD HAVE THROWN THEM OUT!

Why is it that we do our best to just get along with everyone? Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying that we need to create enemies at every turn. I am not saying that we should try to find the wrong in others in hopes that we can create divisions. What I am saying is that we, as believers, need to really be careful who we support and and give our attention to.

We have to decide what our boundaries are within doctrine when it comes to who we keep company with and who we part company with. I bring "to the table" Oneness Pentecostalism and two of its adherents; T.D. Jakes and the popular contemporary "Christian" group Phillips, Craig and Dean.

Oneness Pentecostalism espouses the antitrinitarian viewpoint which rejects the Trinity (the doctrine that God is three distinct persons in one being.) I bring this up because both Mr. Jakes and PCD (Phillips, Craig and Dean) are all pastors and supporters of this belief. Here are a few more of their beliefs...

1. Denies justification by faith alone by stating that baptism is also required for salvation.
2. Jesus is God the Father.
3. Jesus is the Holy Spirit.
4. The name of God is "Jesus."
5. Baptism is necessary for salvation.
6. Denies pre-existence of the Word as the Son. Teaches that the He existed as the Father.
7. Being born again means repentance, baptism, and speaking in tongues.
8. Baptism must be administered by an ordained Oneness minister to be valid.
9. Baptism must be administered with the phrase, "In the name of Jesus" instead of the phrase, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28:19).
10. Speaking in tongues is a necessary requirement to demonstrate that a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit, and is, therefore, saved. It is claimed to be the initial sign of the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
11. Women may be pastors.
12. Only Oneness people will go to heaven.

Antitrinitarianism is nothing more than Modalism. Modalism made popular in the third century by Sabellius taught that the monotheistic God progressively revealed Himself through the offices of the Trinity. Interestingly, Sabellius was excommunicated from the Church for his false teachings.

The Oneness Pentecostal teaching that God "manifested" Himself through the offices of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit comes directly from Sabellius, who even used the term "manifesting" to define his doctrine.

"But, have you heard how good PCD sings?" "Have you seen how many people go to the Potter's House where Bishop Jakes pastors?"

My response is WHO CARES? They deny a foundational doctrine of the church and we are supposed to just "not worry about it" and just get along??

I think we should come against this cultic teaching and separate ourselves from it and from them.

THE EARLY CHURCH WOULD HAVE THROWN THEM OUT.

PAPAL SIGHTING

This just in...

It appears that Pope John Paul II has been spotted. According to the Vatican Television Director and close friend of the late leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Hundreds had attended the ceremony. Gregorz Lukasik, the Polish man who took the photographs, said: "It was only afterwards when I got home and looked at the
pictures that I realised I had something.
"I showed them to my brother and sister and they, like me, were convinced the flames had formed the image of Pope John Paul II.
"I was so happy with the picture that I showed it to our local bishop who said that Pope John Paul had made many pilgrimages during his life and he was still making them in death."

If he is still making them then why does the RCC have Joe Ratzinger in the pontiff's seat?

And even more importantly...

Why is the late pope appearing in the fire? Shouldn't he be waving to us from the wings of glory?

YELLA

In old movies the coward of the movie was often called "Yellow" or "Yella" (for those of us in the south). We often understood it to be someone who would not stand up for they believed in.

Well, this story is about a group of "Yella" people.

A Christian organization that provides motivational speakers to high schools
has apologized to a school after one speaker made comments that could have been
interpreted as opposing abortion and support heterosexual relationships....

"The issue … was that the speaker indicated a pro-life stance when it came to
the abortion issue, and when it came to homosexuality and/or the gay issue, she
could have been interpreted as an anti-gay stance," Bob Poe......

"We have never taken speakers into the school system to deal with those
issues," he told WND. "I think we would rather that the speakers we bring to
schools not deal with topics that are controversial, that the school desires to
remain neutral about, although as YFC, an organization, we are pro-life and
pro-heterosexual."

Well, this group's name is Youth for Christ. I think they had better change their name because the name of Christ can be very controversial.

My question is "Must we always cower in fear if we offend them with our convictions or salvation?"

Are there any Christians out there that are not scared to stand up for what they believe in and will not cave in to public pressure?

Are you Yella?

BIRTH CONTROLLING

What do you think? Should Christians use birth control? Is avoiding certain days OK or is it wrong? We see in Scripture that it says to be fruitful and mulitply.
How many is a quiver full family?
I also know that some say "that God does not want us to have anymore." I also know that it is easy for all of us to say that God is leading us to do something or not to do something if we don't want it because we know you can't argue with God.

**I do not want to debate types of birth control and such. I simply want to discuss if birth control is a good thing in general.

YEAH...RIGHT!

It has come to my attention that Rudy (I want your conservative vote) Giuliani prays to Jesus for guidance.

One question. Does Jesus give Mr. Giuliani wisdom and advice when he advocates the killing of unborn babies? NOT POSSIBLE!!

He goes on to say...

"I'm guided very, very often about, `Don't judge others, lest you be judged,'" Giuliani said in the CBN interview. "I'm guided a lot by the story of the woman that was going to be stoned, and Jesus put the stones down and said, 'He that hasn't sinned, cast the first stone,' and everybody disappeared. It seems like nowadays in America, we have people that think they could've passed that test.

People love that verse when they want to silence their critics.

My problem is not with casting stones or assuming that I have never sinned. My problem comes with the fact that in a time when he needs to be religious he turns on the Jesus talk.

To me this is what the chameleon does. He is able to blend with whatever company he's in.

I know that this brings up a huge point but it has to be mentioned. I know that most of us have a personal litmus test a candidate must pass before they can garner our vote. The first test for me is abortion. Abortion is murder any way you look at it, even in rape or incest. It is wrong and it is murder.

For a candidate to tell me that he prays for wisdom and guidance from the Lord and supports killing unborn babies there is simply a conflict of interests. To me, this is not workable, credible or even negotiable. I cannot, with a good conscience, vote for Rudy Giuliani.

Rev., Brother, Deacon, Sister, Pastor, Elder, Dr., Prophet, Preacher, etc.

Melissa brought up this title a few weeks ago. It is a post that is hard to "title."

Should we address each other as brother John and sister Melissa. What about the deacons and pastor. As a pastor I wonder what it would be like to have someone call me Right Reverend Dr. Pastor Preacher _________?

Can these titles become a source of pride? Do we like titles because it makes us feel important or superior to someone else?

What do you think?
What does your church practice?

UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION

Mike Ratcliffe does a good job going over the issue of Unconditional Election. It is not an exhaustive work but is anything an exhaustive work. As he starts out...

"The Doctrine of Unconditional Election is not for sissies."

SIN

Steve Fuentes suggested this little question...

From whence did sin come? Is it God or the devil? What are the implications of what you believe about this?

IDEAS

Every week or so, I will write about a topic of your choice. If you have a request, please email me at deadtheologians@gmail.com

WITH JESUS

“Now, I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a box and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry. But I have told them not to do that because I don’t want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end with the Hallelujah chorus, because I am not going to be there, and I am not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down upon you poor people who are still in the land of dying and have not yet joined me in the land of the living. And I will be alive forevermore, in greater health and vitality and joy than ever, ever, I or anyone has known before.”

D. James Kennedy, Ph.D.

BAPTISM

One interesting part of the Christian life is working out how we feel about the ordinances of the church, namely communion and baptism. How this relates to church membership also adds another angle to the mix.

This post got me thinking. The issue at hand is baptism. We know the modes of baptism are different. We also know that the reasons for baptism are different for some. The question I have is ...

Can someone join your church (or should they be able to) if they have not been baptized in the mode that your church recognizes and for the same reasons your church recognizes?

Should that person be allowed to join AND participate in communion?

I welcome your comments as this discussion is normally a good one.

ANOTHER INTERESTING POST

I came across this post after scouring through my comments section.

It deals with the idea of fundraising at churches. I have had a problem with it for years. To drive by a church and see a "yard sale" on the front lawn of the church just kills the idea of what church is about.

The other posts on this site are also very good so give it a look.

TATTOOS-Part 2

Is this type of tattoo (which is called Embedded) any different than the post before on tattoos? Where does altering your body become sinful? Where does altering your body become nothing more than vanity which is sin. I know that many out there want to push "Christian Liberty" but where is the line? I find it interesting that some classify this as "art" and therefore is off-limits to critics because of "free-speech." To me that is not even a stretch, that is simply foolish.

What about piercings? Is this another topic or does this fall in the same line?

For my critics out there let me make some disclaimers.

-I am not discussing those who have already had this done.

-I am not discussing those who are not saved.

-I do not care if someone is using it to "witness" to those around them. You know who you are.

-I did not say that anyone having anything done to their body is going to roast in Hell.

INTERESTING POST

I would like to hear what you think about this post that I came across today.

It made me think about the state of the church today in general.

How Dead is Dead?

I hear about being dead in sin. Then I hear "choose Christ."

If you are dead in your sins how can you "choose Christ"?

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain...John 15.16

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him...John 6.44

If God is on one side voting for you to be saved and the devil is on the other side voting against you being saved and you have the deciding vote then it appears the power is in your hands.

And if God does want everyone to be saved then why do you pray for people to be saved? And if He wants everyone to be saved then once again, man is in control.

Does man really have 51% of controlling interest in his salvation? How about 50-50? That would put Him and man on an even level.

These illustrations sound ridiculous don't they? So does the idea that man is in control of his destiny or salvation. Salvation is 100% totally of God by God and for God. Pride is the sin that makes us want the credit for our salvation.

JUST PLAIN SIN

It is obvious that I need to clarify something. The couple that is mentioned below is living together. They had a "living together service" in which they:
1. wanted man's approval and blessing and
2. God's blessing on them and their family.

They were not married in this service legally or morally. That was not the intention of this service. The service was a celebration of living together.

I came across this within the past couple of months. It is true. I have changed the names to protect the wicked participants.

The Uniting of George (Jr.) Howard and Brenda Sue Mathers
June 20, 2007 at 11:30am
Jones County Recreation Park

Inside the program it says...

Unity Blessing
Patricia Wahman assisting

Opening Song by ......

We have come together as family and friends to witness the joining together of George and Brenda as they unite their lives together as a couple. We gather to ask God to bless their union.

George and Brenda wish to declare their commitment to each other to love, comfort, and honor each other in sickness and in health and be faithful to one another as long as they live. George and Brenda take seriously the full nature of this commitment of joining their lives together.

We celebrate with them that they have been drawn together in love and that they desire to please and serve God in this new relationship.

Let us listen to the words from 1Corinthians 13:4-8

Therefore, George, without reservation, do you pledge to love, honor, cherish, and care for Brenda all of your days?
George: "I do"

Brenda, without reservation, do you pledge to love, honor, cherish, and care for George all of your days?
Brenda: "I do"

Presentation of the rings:

The ring is a symbol of everlasting love. There is no beginning or end to it, just as their is no beginning or end to your love for one another. Do you George, pledge your love to Brenda by giving her this ring?
George: "I do"

Do you Brenda, pledge your love to George by giving him this ring?
Brenda: "I do"

Let us join together in prayer.
The Lord's Prayer sung by James Couch

As George and Brenda begin their life together, let us now pray for God's blessing on their home.
Ever loving God, we pray that you will bless the home that George and Brenda now begin. Unite their families in love and understanding. We pray that they will grow in love and peace with God and each other all their days and that George and Brenda may reach out in concern and service to each other and to others through Jesus Christ. Give them patience and understanding toward each other. Help them remember their past loved ones but to look to their future together with hope and joy. We rejoice in their union and pray your blessing on them. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen

George and Brenda will be at home at 29 Peach Trail Somewhere, USA

This was a ceremony for two people to shack up together. This is not a wedding ceremony. It is a "live together ceremony." I know the person who knows this couple. This couple was living in sin and wanted the community's approval of their sin with God's blessing.

WICKED

NEEDS NO COMMENT

TATTOOS-Part 1

I am totally amazed at the attitude toward tattoos these days. I hear people say stuff like "Have you seen Kelly's new tattoo? I have just got to get one."

I remember growing up in the early 70's and seeing a lot of people with tattoos. The people, as I remember it, that had the tattoos were the tough-rebellious group. The tatoos were pretty basic with the dark green ink sharing its message with all to see. The 80's and 90's did not seem to be as colorful (tattoos, that is). In the 2000's the needles starting coloring again.

As Christians what is the view that we should have toward tattoos? Should we just think that it is part of the culture and it is not hurting anyone.

"Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19.28

Is this verse still applicable today? Does this verse apply if we have a "Christian tattoo?"

What if we have a little one on our ankle like so many today? Is that Ok? What about the new embedded tattoos?

I like what Tony Capoccia said...

"I think the spirit of Lev. 19.28 is that we are to respect the human body for it is a gift from God to us to use, and that it is the temple of the Holy Spirit:"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." [1 Corinthians 6:19-20]

Since God said to honor your body, then Satan will try to dishonor it! We have seen the pagan cultures do all kinds of bizarre things to the body to honor their false gods (demons)--they cut their bodies, put rings in many places, paint and tattoo, and do other awful things.

Is it any wonder, as our culture continues to turn away from the true God that we are beginning to degrade our bodies more and more."

"Tattooing is often a magical rite in the more traditional cultures, and the tattooist is respected as a priest or shaman."(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 73)

"The actual tattooing process, which involved complex ritual and taboos, could only be done by priests and was associated with beliefs which were secrets known only to members of the priestly caste. . . Hambly concluded that historically tattooing had originated in connection with ancient rites of scarification and bloodletting which were associated with religious practices intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next." (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 158)

Famous witch and author Laurie Cabot writes of the tattoo:"The origins of tattooing came from ancient magical practices. . . "(Laurie Cabot, Power of the Witch, cited in Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated by Dr. Cathy Burns, p. 301)

NEVER!!!!

It seems that a Catholic Bishop has figured out a way for other religions and Muslims to live in peace...for everyone to call God "Allah."

NEVER, NEVER and NEVER!!!

For all of my Papist readers, how can someone encourage this and be saved? This is a slap in the face of a holy God. Allah is a demonic illusion posing as God. Allah's real name is Satan.

Truth cannot be put aside for the sake of unity.

Bragging Rights

The Isle of Hope has another good post. This is very true. As a pastor I can vouch that bragging in the ministry is commonplace. It is utterly shameful.

Emergent Posters

I was doing my usual checks of blogs and sites and noticed that I forgot to mention this one

http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/posters.htm

I have been watching the "poster" post for a bit now and it seems to get better by the day. Tell me what you think.

Music

Most of us are aware of Eph. 5.19 "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord."

Is this a mandate dictating the music we should have in church or listen to personally?

As a Christian we must decide how we feel about about music. Should we only listen to Christian and if so what constitutes "Christian." Is it Southern gospel, hymns, praise, choruses, contemporary, and etc?

On the other hand are we free to listen to secular music? What about classical or jazz? Love songs are fine aren't they? We've heard it all but the question is still there.

From a personal standpoint I feel that I cannot listen to secular music. I do listen to jazz occasionally and classical regularly. Other than that I listen to contemporary Christian and hymns with some praise.

I say that I cannot listen to secular because:

1. I was a slave to rock music before I was saved. I had a very difficult time giving that stronghold to the Lord. I realized what a hold music had on me.

2. The verse listed above.

I suppose some would say that the jazz that I occasionally listen to does not lift up the Lord and they are right. Believe it or not though, the classical that I listen to often does make me think on things above.

Before you write me and tell me that these are my personal convictions and you can listen to what you want just think about it for a moment. Most of the country and rock music of today is self focused and definitely not honoring to God. How can I repeat most of these words when they are about me, sex, vengeance, or sinful habits? What does the music that you listen to in private or in church make you think about? Is it the beat or is it the Savior?

I know that this one subject can put a charge into the most relaxed of individuals. But think about it and let me know your thoughts.

Spurgeon on Free Will

"Philosophy and religion both discard at once the very thought of free will; and I will go as far as Martin Luther, in that strong assertion of his, where he says, `If any man doth ascribe of salvation, even the very least, to the free will of man, he knoweth nothing of grace, and he hath not learnt Jesus Christ aright.' It may seem a harsh sentiment; but he who in his soul believes that man does of his own free will turn to God, cannot have been taught of God, for that is one of the first principles taught us when God begins with us, that we have neither will nor power, but that he gives both; that he is `Alpha and Omega' in the salvation of men."

"Their foot shall slide in due time"- Deut. 32.35

Free(?) Will

I came across this post and it made think about the idea of "Free Will." I would be eager to hear your view on this. Please do keep in mind though that this topic can really get heated.

People want to feel that they have a free will. I think it all boils down to the fact of pride. We want to feel like we have a say in what goes on. We want to think that "God does His part and we do ours." In one way this statement is correct. God does do His part. He chooses, convicts and draws us to Himself. We also do our part. Our part is sin, sin and sin. We run from God. We hide from God. We are opposed to God on all fronts. Salvation is totally and wholly His. He initiates it and completes it.

We have sinfully made salvation a man thing. If you really think about it from man's point of view salvation totally is up to man.

It goes like this. "Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart. Just let Him come in. He is waiting on you to make a decision for Him. He is ringing His holy hands hoping that today will be the day."

What an unscriptural view of salvation. We moved God out of His seat of Omnipotence and taken His place. If we teach that God is really limited by what we do then salvation is all about man and not God.

Pastor's School Update 2

I wanted to give one more update as to the happenings at Beeson Divinity School's Pastor's School in Birmingham, AL.

When my family and I arrived we each received a nice duffle bag with somet things inside. Keep in mind that I shared in an earlier post that I was afraid this conference had been going downhill over the past several years with its heavy emphasis on ecumenicalism. One of the items in the duffle bag was a Lead Like Jesus Seminar DVD with Ken Blanchard and Erwin McManus. I knew that was a problem. It found its way to the trash.

A friend, while we were there asked me to look over a handout he received while at a session on Suffering and Evil. The leader of the class, a Ph.D, M.D. and a professor at the school proceeded to give his deistic view of the happenings of the world and that God cannot intervene and that many things happen by mere chance. Buffoonery

The week left me mentally rested but spiritually bothered by the throng of Rodney King Theology ideas and viewpoints. Is this where everything is headed?

On a brighter note Calvin Miller seems to have changed a bit. Over the past couple of years Miller has been a little too liberal for my liking and seems to have been friendly with the mystical crowd. In the session I went to he seems to have made a strong change back to his roots. It is clear that he is not Calvinistic in his theology but his strong evangelistic fervor and desire to see the church be the church and not follow the church growth methods was refreshing.

I am contemplating if I will attend the Pastor's School next year.

Pastor's School Report-Catholicism update

This week I am at Beeson Divinity School's Pastors School at Samford University in Birmingham, AL.

My family and I have been coming to it for the past 9 years. It has been a source of mental rest for me and at times spiritual encouragement. Over the past 3-5 years I have noticed a strong tendency toward the ecumenical movement. It has bothered me because when this movement is pushed something else ALWAYS follows...compromise. For all groups to get along you have to bring in all sorts of things and teachings and throw out other things to make room for the ecumenical party favors.

When I arrived here Monday I noticed that the Dean of Beeson, Timothy George (who is Mr. Ecumenical in theology circles), was teaching a class with Franciscan Brother-Father-Friar Francis Russo from Washington DC. The name of the class was "Saint Francis of Assisi-A Saint for all of us." I thought to myself "I've got to go and hear this."

I have never thought that an ascetic lifestyle equated salvation but I guess to some it does.

Anyway, my son and I attended and it was ridiculous. Timothy George's explanation of Francis of Assisi's salvation was "he looked around and was burdened for the homeless derelicts on the street and decided to become one himself."

Francis Russo stood up in his Franciscan garb and told us how he had taken the vows of:

1. Poverty

2. Chastity

3. Obedience

I was wondering if he wanted us to clap or something. I never heard about his conversion though. Interesting

He then stood near a framed painted picture of Jesus on a cross and told us about how Francis of Assisi loved the gospel. Over and over I heard that phrase with not one crumb of an example of such.

Then the Q&A came. Amazingly, I restrained myself. Finally, one fellow in the front row said how he was worried that the "dialogue" between Catholics and Baptists is starting to fade because of Joseph Ratzinger's (the pope) comments last month and how worried he is that some Baptists are withdrawing fellowship from the "dialogue." I wanted to throw some cheese up there to him and play "Time to say goodbye" on my air violin.

Russo along with George said that what Ratzinger (the pope) said was nothing new and they had always felt that way. I wanted shout "AMEN, AMEN and AMEN." The problem came when no one had a problem with that answer.

I will post later with more of the sordid details from this class.

Papal Bull on Mariolotry

Chris at Papal Bull has a good post about what is commonly known as Mariolotry or Mariology. Do check it out.

Wickedness Run Wild

The wickedness never stops.

The Templeton-funded seminar "Open Theology & Science" held at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts is evidence of this. Slice of Laodicea brought this to our attention and can be followed here.
It amazes me how we so quickly lower God to our standards. If we can make Him touchable, tangible, and tolerable then we can rule our own lives without God's intervention. He is just some deistic cosmic force that created in the beginning and now sits back on his human-made throne and hopes that we give him credit for things. He wrings his hands hoping that things that turn out for the good but is hopeless to control or change things. He has no idea of what the future holds and is just as surprised by its events as we are. This is what Open to Correction is sharing with us in the latest installment from Compromising Today.

I suppose these conferences are for our good. When God starts getting too much recognition, admiration, and exaltation man has to bring God down a peg so that He can be not on our level, but below us.

Most of the above is written in total sarcasm. I am appalled that this wickedness (and that is what this is) goes on. May God have mercy on us.

Too Much Fun

I think the problem that I see that is so prevalent today is the worship of fun. If you can jazz up the lesson with fun or dress it in a Veggie Tale's outfit it will be a hit. BUT, you have to stay current or up to date or you will be moved into the morgue of purposelessness.

We have to have fun or we don't want it. The entertainment industry is booming because we all want to have fun, we all want to laugh, and we don't, Don't, DON'T want to be too serious or touch on sensitive subjects that might offend.

The church has become a tool that promotes worldliness. It shows the world that adultery, drunkeness, and vile behavior is something that we can laught at. The TV is proof of that.

The mom and dad who want to be entertained to death are no different than the child who wants to be entertained in church. In the end it is all about making ourselves estatic with entertainment. Right?

The Arch-Heretic Speaks

To all of my detractors, this post seems to clarify my point about the Roman Catholic Church being a cult.

Of course this article does not highlight their main doctrines but does emphasize the point that they think that everyone else is wrong. To make a claim like that is presumptous and wicked. That is saying that the RCC is THE authority and defines Christianity.

I really do not know what other proof the papist and papist sympathizers need.

In all of the years that I have taught about World Religions at the church level and college level, going over the Roman Catholic Church brings out the optical daggers and fumes of anger like nothing else.

The truth hurts.

Youth Ministries- A Point Made Even Clearer

Here is an article that highlights the point. I could not have said it any clearer.

Youth Ministries? Part 2

I recently asked in my first post "Is the youth minister a scriptural office?"

A few wrote back and stated that " 'xyz' is not in the Bible either, does that make it wrong?"

To me this is what is described in Latin as "argumentum a silentio" or an argument from silence.

To follow this reasoning one could easily take anything that is not specifically prohibited in the Bible and say that it is fine.

The problem I still see that is most prevalent is that "it works." Just because something works does not make it a good thing. Pointing a gun at someone's head "works" also. That does not make it right. Again, this is pragmatism.

Then we have others who think that since little Jr. and little Jane do not have a godly daddy that a youth minister is or can be a blessing to them. What is wrong with the men and women of the church pointing little Jr. and little Jane (Titus 2) to the Lord and to good works?

Here is an interesting question to consider. Why do we feel that little Jr. and little Jane need a specialized service like children's church, youth groups, youth Bible studies and so on? What is wrong with the Word from the pulpit? Does it really need to be scaled down to help them understand when in fact the Holy Spirit is the One who opens our spiritual eyes to understand.

I know this is not popular in a day when we have singles Bible studies, singles-again Bible studies, senior adult Bible studies, men and women's Bible studies and left-handed blue eyed people that like American Idol Bible studies. But I think these questions have to be asked.

We have "specialized" groups so much that "big" church is not needed or relevant. Since when does something have to be relevant to be spiritually productive?

Besides, little Jr. and little Jane cannot sit still during church for a whole service.

Interesting Quote

"There is enough dust on some of your Bible's to write "damnation" with your fingers. "
--Charles Spurgeon

Youth Ministries? Part 1

I know that I am bound to make people mad at this post. That is ok. My goal is to get people to think and to live a life that pleases God. I think the best way to handle this post is not to get emotionally involved and consider the content. Is there any truth to it? Is it a valid point? Also, I would ask that before you bring out your pen (sword) please consider some of the questions that I am raising.

For a while I have wondered about Youth ministries. Is the youth minister a scriptural office? What is the point to a "youth ministry" led by a certain leader?

I understand that many of you are thinking about how your children have been blessed by the young man who is the youth leader or youth minister. Let me get straight to the point.

1. Why would I want my child going to a young man telling him things that he should be telling his father and/or mother?
2. Why do most youth ministries seem to specialize in entertainment and teaching the Word seems to be minimized?
3. Why do we want the children/youth separated from the parents more than they already are?
4. What did the youth do before youth minstries existed?

I pose a few questions here with the intention of answer a few and asking a few more in my next post.

Pragmatism Illustrated

I am sure that many of you have seen this but it is definitely worth a second look.

We have become so focused on results that the means in which those results are acquired does not matter. Just as long as it works, that is what matters.

"The greatest threat to the gospel specific to today is the indirect challenge of pragmatism among evangelicals". --Mark Dever

I believe Satan has had to put no effort into growing this into our mindset. We want our church to grow. We want to see people saved. But somewhere down the line we have crossed over into secular territory because it appears to work. Of course it works. You are baiting the world with the stuff the world loves. Who wouldn't come to that? Just like mice and cheese. You give the world what they want and bam, growth.

"The most insidious opposition to the Gospel has come from within worldly churches." --Iain Murray

But I think the church is guilty on two major fronts.

1. We are compromising our integrity and purpose as a church. Instead of preaching "Christ and Him crucified" we give them toys, fun, and no words from the Word of God. That might run them off as Schuller says. We continue to give the masses what they want instead of what they need. But as we do this a problem comes in and has to be addressed. To keep this flow of people growing and entertained you have to feed this "machine" of sorts, or it will break down. When it breaks down, God might just "lead them to the church down the road."

2. Supposing that you really do want people to be saved and you really do want to preach the gosepl to them once they are in the door. You have tricked them by deception. You have baited them with fun and activities and now you pull the rug out from under them to preach about sin and salvation. They thought they were coming for fun but you have changed directions on them. This is being dishonest to the people.

Both of these are wrong in God's eyes but the last one is wrong in the world's eyes.

"The biggest mission field in America is professing-Christianity". --John MacArthur