Sunday, July 30, 2006
Intelligent Design In Schools, YES!
"The mantra of evolution proponents in education and in the court rooms is that 'Intelligent design models are religion, and religion does not belong in the science classroom.' At a meeting in St Louis, the AAAS president Gilbert Omenn issued a statement strongly condemning the ID movement saying, 'Such veiled attempts to wedge religion … into science classrooms is a disservice to students, parents, teachers and taxpayers.'"
I so pray for the voice of truth to be heard. Read Dr. Patrick Briney's counterattack to this malarkey.
I so pray for the voice of truth to be heard. Read Dr. Patrick Briney's counterattack to this malarkey.
Blood and Bait
Captivating, the book, was put on the back-burner while we were involved in the couples’ study group, The Bait of Satan and my summer women’s study on contentment. Do you think God had something for me to learn since I chose neither topic? Truthfully, I saw no connection between the two until I was deep into it. The bait John Bevere addresses is unforgiveness, anger, bitterness...holding onto offenses. The gist...let God deal with the issues; pray without ceasing! Let me tell you, I fought it tooth and nail! Yea, you pray but Christians can’t JUST sit around, talking to God. We must be in the world! God brilliantly resolved it for my husband and I by sending us to church a few Sundays ago. We received teaching which I must share soon. But wouldn’t you know, Contentment, from the Women of Faith series, has me buttoning up when complaining surfaces. "Complain up!", we all agree, is the teaching that has stuck. Sound familiar? Overlapping with "give it to God", let go of the frustration, release your offenses to the Father, I truthfully did not see it coming. God was handing me a double whammy!
My sincere question..."How does one balance the two realms of our existence?" Neither author brought balance to their subject. The spiritual battle is raging. We pray it through but then, as in my life, your super-sensitive, strong-willed, intelligent yet highly illogical son is proceeding with the reckless abandon of youth in a dangerous course, possibly endangering the lives of his friends and his own. The earthly fight ensues. (Remember, prayers are being uttered.) Trusting God might have been in focus this morning but now I’ve got to engage, sword in hand! When the dust settles, I am wounded and bleeding; I won, I think. Yet our relationship feels rent! Bait of Satan, eh? Okay, so it has a name! I pray some more...and the whole scene repeats a week or so later. Motherhood in the 21st century. Sigh.
So, as the Eldredges’ Captivating carries me through, I gain understanding. Woman, in the image of God, reveals His love of relationship. I sorely miss relationship with my sons, who are at "that age" when Mom and Dad are not where it’s at. The pain teaches me, God hurts. He feels betrayed and jealous when He’s our low priority. Lonely and sad are in the range of emotions too. He so wants His children to talk to Him. "I love you Dad. Let’s have dinner!"
Jesus explained it this way. "Behold! I stand a the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." ~Revelation 3:20
Jesus explained it this way. "Behold! I stand a the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." ~Revelation 3:20
Friday, July 28, 2006
Christianity, the Newbie?
I’m getting comments on the ridiculousness of this claim, Christianity is Jewish! Was Christianity born two thousand years ago, with the birth of Jesus Christ? Not at all. The story of Jesus’ appearance on earth is minimized by the notion. All of a sudden, without Old Testament roots, Jesus does look like another prophet...a brilliant teacher even. But Mrs. Schaeffer, author of Christianity Is Jewish, re-emphasizes her point. "[Christianity] is a fulfillment. It is a next step. It is the proof that the covenant with Abraham was true. It is Jewish." (Page 121) The woman’s seed that would bruise the head of the serpent, the first gospel of the Word found in Genesis, 3:15, was the seed of Mary. The Jewish testament continues throughout to point to the Promise, as much of this blog has accounted. It is not that the Christian true believer has denied the Promise and prophecy of old—though few regard its importance. Christians have always embraced the Old Testament! The fact is, the Jew who denies the divinity of Christ has not seen and heard HOW Jesus fulfilled nearly one hundred of the Messianic signs in His brief life here! Therefore, do not be confused. The Jewish faithful are in no way Christian until New Testament truth is revealed to them and they believe. Obviously, there are two separate "religions". This does not make Christianity any less Jewish.
"There shall be a root of Jesse and He shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust." ~Isaiah 11:10
A true believer dwells on ALL of God’s Holy Word. The faithful who accept the New Covenant, with the God of the Old Covenant, will relish in the Torah and worship songs known as the Psalms, the history and foretelling of the life of Israel...because Jesus is there in the Ancient writings. Did Mary seen Him in her Hebrew heritage and writings or was her acceptance of her plight simply one of blind faith? Thanks be to God for Mary’s decision to believe, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy Word," was Mary’s humble submission to DO God’s will.
"There shall be a root of Jesse and He shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust." ~Isaiah 11:10
A true believer dwells on ALL of God’s Holy Word. The faithful who accept the New Covenant, with the God of the Old Covenant, will relish in the Torah and worship songs known as the Psalms, the history and foretelling of the life of Israel...because Jesus is there in the Ancient writings. Did Mary seen Him in her Hebrew heritage and writings or was her acceptance of her plight simply one of blind faith? Thanks be to God for Mary’s decision to believe, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy Word," was Mary’s humble submission to DO God’s will.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
God Talks
How does God speak to us, I’ve heard the question. Once, the question was put to me. I couldn’t answer with bold solid facts. Imagine the differences in how we talk...to our children, to a boss, a close friend...and then magnify the variety by an eternity. God eternally uses a multitude of resources...He reigns! He speaks through our faith, wherever we are in life.
God was into signs and dreams, in preparing Mary and Joseph for their divine assignment. Zacharias lost his ability to speak when he asked the Lord for a sign, a confirmation that this old man was to become a daddy. Elizabeth, his aged wife, was to give birth to the prophet, John the Baptist. The angel in the temple, the dumb struck Zacharias, the actual forthcoming of Elizabeth’s pregnancy...so how could they doubt poor Mary when she shared her inconceivable news? Better yet! God didn’t make Mary say it at all! Maybe the temptation would have been too great. To hear herself speak it, it would sound absurd! God protected her. She had been told by Gabriel that she was going to have a son, and His Name would be Jesus!
"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever: and of His kingdom there shall be no end."
Messiah. The Lamb of God. King and Servant, the Shepherd and the"sheep before shearers", the High Priest and Sacrifice. As Mary approached her very pregnant cousin, Elizabeth, it was God who did the talking! This once and for all event was pronounced through Elizabeth, "You are blessed among women, Mary; blessed is the fruit of your womb. How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as you greeted me, Mary, my baby leapt in my womb for joy. Blessed are you, for believing, because there will be a performance of those things which were told you from the Lord." Mary had already passed the faith test. She humanly asked how it could be, honestly, not doubtfully. Hoping for information, innocently curious, her question was answered, and she believed. Humbly seeking, she found. And she was blessed with Elizabeth’s confirmation! She was blessed with Joseph’s acceptance because her Almighty Lord God was able, by way of a dream, to open Joseph’s heart and mind. Understanding, love and the will to obey was provided. Jehovah-Jireh–our God will provide.
Praise Him. It is on my heart that we shall praise the One True God, Who Is. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, yet One most Powerful Being. His tears come to me when I read about Israel and see and hear. They are not my tears...thoughts and feelings do not preclude the burning in my eyes. It is far bigger than me. Jesus cried, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...(purposeful omission)...how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wing..."
Stand on the Promise. Thank Him and adore Him for what He is going to do, because of what He has done. Empower Him with bold faith and confidence. Believe on Him. El-Shaddai, Lord of all. Do not fret. Trust.
"‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great numbers of men...in it,...and I will be its glory within,’ declares the Lord." ~Zechariah 2:4,5
"On that day, living water will flow out from Jerusalem...in summer and in winter!" ~Zech. 14:8
God has spoken. Hallelujah!
God was into signs and dreams, in preparing Mary and Joseph for their divine assignment. Zacharias lost his ability to speak when he asked the Lord for a sign, a confirmation that this old man was to become a daddy. Elizabeth, his aged wife, was to give birth to the prophet, John the Baptist. The angel in the temple, the dumb struck Zacharias, the actual forthcoming of Elizabeth’s pregnancy...so how could they doubt poor Mary when she shared her inconceivable news? Better yet! God didn’t make Mary say it at all! Maybe the temptation would have been too great. To hear herself speak it, it would sound absurd! God protected her. She had been told by Gabriel that she was going to have a son, and His Name would be Jesus!
"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever: and of His kingdom there shall be no end."
Messiah. The Lamb of God. King and Servant, the Shepherd and the"sheep before shearers", the High Priest and Sacrifice. As Mary approached her very pregnant cousin, Elizabeth, it was God who did the talking! This once and for all event was pronounced through Elizabeth, "You are blessed among women, Mary; blessed is the fruit of your womb. How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as you greeted me, Mary, my baby leapt in my womb for joy. Blessed are you, for believing, because there will be a performance of those things which were told you from the Lord." Mary had already passed the faith test. She humanly asked how it could be, honestly, not doubtfully. Hoping for information, innocently curious, her question was answered, and she believed. Humbly seeking, she found. And she was blessed with Elizabeth’s confirmation! She was blessed with Joseph’s acceptance because her Almighty Lord God was able, by way of a dream, to open Joseph’s heart and mind. Understanding, love and the will to obey was provided. Jehovah-Jireh–our God will provide.
Praise Him. It is on my heart that we shall praise the One True God, Who Is. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, yet One most Powerful Being. His tears come to me when I read about Israel and see and hear. They are not my tears...thoughts and feelings do not preclude the burning in my eyes. It is far bigger than me. Jesus cried, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...(purposeful omission)...how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wing..."
Stand on the Promise. Thank Him and adore Him for what He is going to do, because of what He has done. Empower Him with bold faith and confidence. Believe on Him. El-Shaddai, Lord of all. Do not fret. Trust.
"‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great numbers of men...in it,...and I will be its glory within,’ declares the Lord." ~Zechariah 2:4,5
"On that day, living water will flow out from Jerusalem...in summer and in winter!" ~Zech. 14:8
God has spoken. Hallelujah!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Mary's Story
The most powerful moment in human history, when the earth was literally turned around and upside down, cannot be overstated. (I am quite sure I am understating it–the words just aren’t there!) Don’t be confused by the word "literally". Many, many god-seekers have squished God into the physical, natural compartment of science. As far as we know, the physical planet did not do anything weirdly drastic when Jesus arrived. (On the other hand, Jesus’ death did bring about some strange physical events!) No, I mean to say, the turning "around and upside down" was in the unseen history of the spiritual, supernatural world. It directly affects human affairs, even though there are few who pay attention. The earth prior to Jesus’ coming was moving in a death spiral, a rebellious people, incapable of keeping to the Law received from God. From Eden to the Ark, from the Exodus from Egypt to Babylon, from Jerusalem’s revival to the heartless, godless Pharisees, no matter how God’s hand swept down to save His dear children, Satan had the victory.
This downward spin was "literally" reversed when God finally brought His promise to fruition! He was about to stomp on the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), bringing on the virgin birth of His beautiful Baby Boy. People, and I’m talking about supposed believers, can’t cope with the virgin birth. Those same ones who attempt to naturalize God and all He has done, whittle away at Mary’s miracle. She knew more so than Joseph, who probably had that nagging twinge of doubt attacking him in his weaker moments of faith. After all, his belief hung on a dream and Mary’s word...Jesus couldn’t talk yet! Mary was alone in her pure knowledge. God gave her an understanding friend in Elizabeth for by the Spirit, Elizabeth proclaimed Mary’s Truth out loud, for Mary’s sake. And for ours.
God confirms His actions for us. Jesus’ spectacular conception was a sign from God. Isaiah saw it, and wrote it down (7:14): "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel."
God is supernatural. Why wouldn’t His Son be given supernaturally? My sons (and their father) love the supernatural whatever...Underworld, Matrix, Star Wars, Superman–you-name-it super-hero, from Merlin to Gandalf, and of course, the supernatural occurrences in Lost are by far the BEST! They are not alone in their fascination! I suppose it is socially acceptable as long as you don’t start pressing these creations of men onto reality. It’s all in fun, right? But maybe our God-given creativity reflects God’s reality. God’s supernatural reality! So few of us have caught a real glimpse of any world but this one. We have all had the pleasure of seeing another realm through creative arts and literature, God’s gifts.
When the faithful say, "The supernatural exists and happens, really", the response is more often than not, "Impossible!" Mrs. Schaeffer emphasizes the believer’s dichotomy if he actually sees Jesus for who He is, God the Son, come down as truly Man for the redemption (upward spiral) of earth and yet reduced the speciality of the Christmas story. She states, "He [Messiah] had to have a different birth; anything else would be impossible rather than the virgin birth being impossible." (P 118) Because of the prophecies, the very specific promises of signs for the Jews to watch for–the Messiah born to a woman who would be from the line of Abraham, Jesse, David, Solomon–this virgin girl was a clear sign for the believing Jew. She was "expected", anticipated by the generations prior to the event. To be fair, God did not blind-side them. Preparedness was VITAL. More on paving the way for God’s own Son to follow.
This downward spin was "literally" reversed when God finally brought His promise to fruition! He was about to stomp on the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), bringing on the virgin birth of His beautiful Baby Boy. People, and I’m talking about supposed believers, can’t cope with the virgin birth. Those same ones who attempt to naturalize God and all He has done, whittle away at Mary’s miracle. She knew more so than Joseph, who probably had that nagging twinge of doubt attacking him in his weaker moments of faith. After all, his belief hung on a dream and Mary’s word...Jesus couldn’t talk yet! Mary was alone in her pure knowledge. God gave her an understanding friend in Elizabeth for by the Spirit, Elizabeth proclaimed Mary’s Truth out loud, for Mary’s sake. And for ours.
God confirms His actions for us. Jesus’ spectacular conception was a sign from God. Isaiah saw it, and wrote it down (7:14): "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel."
God is supernatural. Why wouldn’t His Son be given supernaturally? My sons (and their father) love the supernatural whatever...Underworld, Matrix, Star Wars, Superman–you-name-it super-hero, from Merlin to Gandalf, and of course, the supernatural occurrences in Lost are by far the BEST! They are not alone in their fascination! I suppose it is socially acceptable as long as you don’t start pressing these creations of men onto reality. It’s all in fun, right? But maybe our God-given creativity reflects God’s reality. God’s supernatural reality! So few of us have caught a real glimpse of any world but this one. We have all had the pleasure of seeing another realm through creative arts and literature, God’s gifts.
When the faithful say, "The supernatural exists and happens, really", the response is more often than not, "Impossible!" Mrs. Schaeffer emphasizes the believer’s dichotomy if he actually sees Jesus for who He is, God the Son, come down as truly Man for the redemption (upward spiral) of earth and yet reduced the speciality of the Christmas story. She states, "He [Messiah] had to have a different birth; anything else would be impossible rather than the virgin birth being impossible." (P 118) Because of the prophecies, the very specific promises of signs for the Jews to watch for–the Messiah born to a woman who would be from the line of Abraham, Jesse, David, Solomon–this virgin girl was a clear sign for the believing Jew. She was "expected", anticipated by the generations prior to the event. To be fair, God did not blind-side them. Preparedness was VITAL. More on paving the way for God’s own Son to follow.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Hardhitting Decision
You know, I just love it when Christian leaders hit the target...do a head-on, hardhitting message. I must confess, I have seldom read the Decision magazine that has arrived monthly to my home for umpteen years! It’s not that they are not good. More like, they’re not great. That’s why I love Zion’s Fire, from Zion’s Hope, Christian teaching from the Messianic Jewish perspective. It is hard to explain...Decision puts the Gospel out there, simply and directly! That’s a good thing! Most days, a lifelong church goer needs meat. At my age, prime cut steak is very satisfying! I’m starving for holiness, so I scarf down some Jerry Bridges. I’m desperate for deeper relationship in my prayer life for which Dutch Sheets is tastily rich. I’m battered-up from life’s harsh realities; John Eldredge and now, Stasi, meet me where I am, show me that God’s treasures are us (and me) and that His purpose is different for men versus women! At this time in my life, I am looking death square in the eye with my closest ally and friend, Mom, at 92 and fighting cancer. I thank God for the meaning and hope found rarely in theological writings, Randy Alcorn’s Heaven. But just to keep me earthbound while I’m looking up, Dr. D. James Kennedy reviews the Christian world view in much of his teachings.
I did have a point. The July-August Decision drove it home. Right away, "The Authority of the Bible: Why We Can Trust It, Why We Must Obey It", copyright 1951, on the cover with young Billy Graham, grabbed me. When is the last time you mainliners heard the likes of that? Ah, but it gets better! Spurred on by the heresy within the Church, Al Mohler impresses upon Christians the need for "Articulating the Truths of Scripture" in a Q&A special feature. The first article I read, "Fighting for Holiness" by J.C. Ryle, had these striking words highlighted, "True Christians are called to be soldiers and must behave as such from the day of conversion to the day of death. We are not meant to live lives of religious ease, indolence and security." Not your typical "me-centered" therapeutic sermon from the later twentieth century pulpit! J.C. Ryle lived from 1826 to 1900. Norman L. Geisler considers Dan Brown’s novel and "Why We Can Trust the Bible"; Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., professor of Old Testament debunks the contemporary Christian tendency to zero in on New Testament as the "real Bible". I haven’t read that last one yet; I kinda fell in love with Old Testament when I read Christianity Is Jewish the first time...so I get it. I have actually been known to say, "Ignoring Old Testament or printing the New Testament alone, to hand out to beginner Christians is a sin." It minimizes the Gospel. How can the message be clear if you start in the middle of the story?
Billy Graham’s second essay is taken from The Journey: How to Live by Faith in an Uncertain World, 2006. "Reading the Bible" offers encouragement with some how-to’s. No one with spiritual vision can deny the wisdom of Reverend Graham. He wrote, "The Bible is not an option, it is a necessity. You cannot grow spiritually strong without it." Amen. The decision is one we must make, daily.
I did have a point. The July-August Decision drove it home. Right away, "The Authority of the Bible: Why We Can Trust It, Why We Must Obey It", copyright 1951, on the cover with young Billy Graham, grabbed me. When is the last time you mainliners heard the likes of that? Ah, but it gets better! Spurred on by the heresy within the Church, Al Mohler impresses upon Christians the need for "Articulating the Truths of Scripture" in a Q&A special feature. The first article I read, "Fighting for Holiness" by J.C. Ryle, had these striking words highlighted, "True Christians are called to be soldiers and must behave as such from the day of conversion to the day of death. We are not meant to live lives of religious ease, indolence and security." Not your typical "me-centered" therapeutic sermon from the later twentieth century pulpit! J.C. Ryle lived from 1826 to 1900. Norman L. Geisler considers Dan Brown’s novel and "Why We Can Trust the Bible"; Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., professor of Old Testament debunks the contemporary Christian tendency to zero in on New Testament as the "real Bible". I haven’t read that last one yet; I kinda fell in love with Old Testament when I read Christianity Is Jewish the first time...so I get it. I have actually been known to say, "Ignoring Old Testament or printing the New Testament alone, to hand out to beginner Christians is a sin." It minimizes the Gospel. How can the message be clear if you start in the middle of the story?
Billy Graham’s second essay is taken from The Journey: How to Live by Faith in an Uncertain World, 2006. "Reading the Bible" offers encouragement with some how-to’s. No one with spiritual vision can deny the wisdom of Reverend Graham. He wrote, "The Bible is not an option, it is a necessity. You cannot grow spiritually strong without it." Amen. The decision is one we must make, daily.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
The Split In Time
The birth of a child is indescribably amazing. Where there was no one, a life is begun. Yet the human experience is but an inkling of the wonderment, the celebration of all creation in heaven and earth, the sheer presence of God’s glory born in a place, at one stunning moment...the birth of a real man, Jesus Christ. Time didn’t stop! Thunder didn’t roll! Not even a firework. Only two groups of men saw anything at all! A star. And a host of angels opening up the dark sky on a hillside. But that doesn’t mean nothing happened. Earth was changed forever, right then and there. Most would say it’s man’s doing that our record of history is split in two. If so, the decision was surely ordained by God in heaven. Mrs. Schaeffer describes a believer’s response as "breathless awe"! The division, sharply slicing time, began one very quiet night.
How was life on earth changed? The Promise had arrived, the Lord of all. Maybe some have not grasped the idea of Lordship. Jesus is a king. Even those who hate Him, hate His Kingdom, hate His family we call Christians, possibly don’t realize exactly why they hate. Jesus, by the virtue of His Name, requires exaltation, submission, humble servitude. People, pride-filled, self-sufficient, independent people, strongly resist His rulership, His laws, and sadly miss out on His perfect love and mercy. So earth had a new King! "The Word was with God, and the Word was God." The year 0, He was here, with us. Hallelujah!
Amazing love, how could it be? (I have the Newsboys on! "...that my King should die for me") Was Jesus here to take His throne? Well then, where is it? Where is He? ...He waits beside His Father; He is waiting for His followers to make His enemies His footstool (Hebrews 1:13)...ruling in the hearts of men. We are at war for the King. The primary lesson here is, we could not fight at all without the second reason for Christ’s precious birth. Born to die, Jesus’ death and sweet victory over death, sin, and the curse upon the earth...His Name,--the blood of the Lamb–set us free! Free from the debts held against US, ALL OF HUMANITY, "for the wages of sin is death." Free from Satan’s power over us. Jesus took back the keys to the kingdom! Do you realize that if a baby could make a decision to follow Jesus and formed no bad habits, he could very well be free from the slavery of sin as an adult? We are not held in bondage to sin, but as Jerry Bridges explains in Pursuit of Holiness, old habits and desires die hard.
This freedom is what redeemed means! Release from the grip of earth’s fall and curse. Sin has no power where Jesus resides. This is the Promise, the dear Word of God, come here for our Defense, our Refuge, our Joy, our Glory and Strength! He is Mighty and Able. This is why we are empowered to fight the good fight.
"Love covers a multitude of sins." Our Lord covers us so that we might cover each other. We are redeemed. Believe it. Live it. Reveal His awesome Glory so that we might not forget that the earth was changed in Bethlehem.
How was life on earth changed? The Promise had arrived, the Lord of all. Maybe some have not grasped the idea of Lordship. Jesus is a king. Even those who hate Him, hate His Kingdom, hate His family we call Christians, possibly don’t realize exactly why they hate. Jesus, by the virtue of His Name, requires exaltation, submission, humble servitude. People, pride-filled, self-sufficient, independent people, strongly resist His rulership, His laws, and sadly miss out on His perfect love and mercy. So earth had a new King! "The Word was with God, and the Word was God." The year 0, He was here, with us. Hallelujah!
Amazing love, how could it be? (I have the Newsboys on! "...that my King should die for me") Was Jesus here to take His throne? Well then, where is it? Where is He? ...He waits beside His Father; He is waiting for His followers to make His enemies His footstool (Hebrews 1:13)...ruling in the hearts of men. We are at war for the King. The primary lesson here is, we could not fight at all without the second reason for Christ’s precious birth. Born to die, Jesus’ death and sweet victory over death, sin, and the curse upon the earth...His Name,--the blood of the Lamb–set us free! Free from the debts held against US, ALL OF HUMANITY, "for the wages of sin is death." Free from Satan’s power over us. Jesus took back the keys to the kingdom! Do you realize that if a baby could make a decision to follow Jesus and formed no bad habits, he could very well be free from the slavery of sin as an adult? We are not held in bondage to sin, but as Jerry Bridges explains in Pursuit of Holiness, old habits and desires die hard.
This freedom is what redeemed means! Release from the grip of earth’s fall and curse. Sin has no power where Jesus resides. This is the Promise, the dear Word of God, come here for our Defense, our Refuge, our Joy, our Glory and Strength! He is Mighty and Able. This is why we are empowered to fight the good fight.
"Love covers a multitude of sins." Our Lord covers us so that we might cover each other. We are redeemed. Believe it. Live it. Reveal His awesome Glory so that we might not forget that the earth was changed in Bethlehem.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
At Least Magenta!
A letter from the local PCUSA pastor, proclaiming pride in the sweet unity of a diverse church, might be all the nudge we needed to "shake the dust from our feet". (We haven’t attended in years.) The logic of the letter? You take the red states–blue states polarity, stir it up with the ridiculous "Peace, Unity, and Purity" statement emitted from the recent General Assembly in Birmingham, and you get "purple". The report releases desiring presbyteries (ordaining bodies) from obedience to the church constitution concerning the usual biblically non-debatable issues. Keep in mind, consequences of disobedience against God were not discussed! But, sigh, this pastor of the above letter fame laments how no one notices, in all the disdain, how middle of the road, peace lovin’ churches everywhere just keep on doin’ their thing: "worshipping, loving our neighbors, growing in Christian faith"! Somehow I think he believes this is a good thing.
Thus, all the happy little purple churches get together Sunday Mornings, all over the sleepy countryside, bringing contrasting political and cultural views to the cross. I would not have a problem if these views were being hit head on by biblically pure teaching as the "blues" walk through the door! Te purpleness should lose some of its blue hues as the congregation "grows in the faith". Examples from the letter:
"We have very different opinions on these issues" (end quote) except these issues are not matters of opinion.
"The same person who supports the Iraq war also loves their lesbian daughter."
Of course they love her! Christians don’t hate the gays! They don’t hate sinners! Saying God’s law is against homosexuality and sin in general, as stated in the Word of God, is a question of pleasing God and submitting to His will, not bigotry. Let’s hope the daughter is in a Spirit-filled, obedient church with her parents or wherever she lives!
"The one who opposes abortion also opposes capital punishment"
The fact is, God also opposes abortion but came up with capital punishment Himself! He sanctified human life and there is a price for taking it away.
"God is not a Republican, or a Democrat."
No, He is God! Isn’t it high time we release our diverse opinions and come together in humble submission to God’s plan? FYI, the Republican party platform comes much closer to God’s plumb line. Democrat spokespersons and their blue opinions are reeking with humanism, built on sand.
This is a prime example of what this blog has been about in recent days. Pastors, lead your flocks with God’s Truth. You’ll see a color change. God is faithful toward those who obey without wavering. The goal is holiness, because we love Him. The goal is worship with a pure heart. Worship, love, and peace are not above the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. God has set forth His message of love and righteousness. He shoots straight from the hip–-church leaders, take note, and follow.
If you don’t think He means it, do Him a favor,...leave.
"Expel the wicked from among you." ~1 Corinthians 5:13
Dr. D. James Kennedy is boldly seeking prayers on this month’s request from his prayer calendar, Pray For America. Please pray fervently for "moral leadership from pastors willing to speak out with courage and biblical clarity on the moral issues facing America." ~Amen.
Thus, all the happy little purple churches get together Sunday Mornings, all over the sleepy countryside, bringing contrasting political and cultural views to the cross. I would not have a problem if these views were being hit head on by biblically pure teaching as the "blues" walk through the door! Te purpleness should lose some of its blue hues as the congregation "grows in the faith". Examples from the letter:
"We have very different opinions on these issues" (end quote) except these issues are not matters of opinion.
"The same person who supports the Iraq war also loves their lesbian daughter."
Of course they love her! Christians don’t hate the gays! They don’t hate sinners! Saying God’s law is against homosexuality and sin in general, as stated in the Word of God, is a question of pleasing God and submitting to His will, not bigotry. Let’s hope the daughter is in a Spirit-filled, obedient church with her parents or wherever she lives!
"The one who opposes abortion also opposes capital punishment"
The fact is, God also opposes abortion but came up with capital punishment Himself! He sanctified human life and there is a price for taking it away.
"God is not a Republican, or a Democrat."
No, He is God! Isn’t it high time we release our diverse opinions and come together in humble submission to God’s plan? FYI, the Republican party platform comes much closer to God’s plumb line. Democrat spokespersons and their blue opinions are reeking with humanism, built on sand.
This is a prime example of what this blog has been about in recent days. Pastors, lead your flocks with God’s Truth. You’ll see a color change. God is faithful toward those who obey without wavering. The goal is holiness, because we love Him. The goal is worship with a pure heart. Worship, love, and peace are not above the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. God has set forth His message of love and righteousness. He shoots straight from the hip–-church leaders, take note, and follow.
If you don’t think He means it, do Him a favor,...leave.
"Expel the wicked from among you." ~1 Corinthians 5:13
Dr. D. James Kennedy is boldly seeking prayers on this month’s request from his prayer calendar, Pray For America. Please pray fervently for "moral leadership from pastors willing to speak out with courage and biblical clarity on the moral issues facing America." ~Amen.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Jonah's Dark Side
Taking a twist here, the story reveals Jonah’s dark side again. What faith he has...but hath not love. The expected three days journey through the city, warning their demise in forty days, was met on the first day with "sackcloth and ashes" from the people and a decree from the king for fasting and humble repentance! God changed the future for Nineveh, and forgave them.
Picture it! Jonah’s mad cause God relented from letting justice wail on these ugly specimens of human beings. See what I mean about fearing that I slip in te public eye? Truth is, I get really upset with liberals and the harm they are doing to my country, my family, my sons (i.e. court rulings in favor of ACLU’s silencing of God and Christians, anti-war influences in a treasonous media, anti-America white-guilt teaching in schools and universities, to name a sample of irritations)! I can totally relate to Jonah’s response! Okay, now you know!
So I have to check my motives at all times. Do I want the Left saved, changed? Usually. But anger and frustration give way to more of a "BE GONE!"...at times. Well, even God has His limits. He has spoken about the end of this age when He who has the power and authority will pronounce Judgment. In the meantime, who am I? As God said to Jonah, "You can’t even tolerate the withering of this gourd vine but you wanted Me to crush these ignorant Ninevens without a second chance!"
The same sensitivity that makes me a good Samaritan one day makes me, on another day, cry for God’s justice on the enemy in the culture war worldwide, because of what they are doing against future generations. Lies, propaganda, stealing of their inalienable rights in tyrannical power grabs, disregard for their safety, and broadly speaking, an utter disdain for Freedom! God, why do You let them continue? Hear our prayers.
Motive check...Jonah’s concern for self-preservation–"Save the gourd!"–OR preservation and expanding of God’s Kingdom. Teach them Your way, oh Lord–show them Your Truth.
...Let us do it with love.
"So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void; but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." ~Isaiah 55:11
God knows something we can’t know. Because we are being sent, like Jonah, to warn of God’s restrained wrath (We don’t know that it might be only forty more days!), perhaps God sees prepared hearts, ready to hear, in Nineveh.
Picture it! Jonah’s mad cause God relented from letting justice wail on these ugly specimens of human beings. See what I mean about fearing that I slip in te public eye? Truth is, I get really upset with liberals and the harm they are doing to my country, my family, my sons (i.e. court rulings in favor of ACLU’s silencing of God and Christians, anti-war influences in a treasonous media, anti-America white-guilt teaching in schools and universities, to name a sample of irritations)! I can totally relate to Jonah’s response! Okay, now you know!
So I have to check my motives at all times. Do I want the Left saved, changed? Usually. But anger and frustration give way to more of a "BE GONE!"...at times. Well, even God has His limits. He has spoken about the end of this age when He who has the power and authority will pronounce Judgment. In the meantime, who am I? As God said to Jonah, "You can’t even tolerate the withering of this gourd vine but you wanted Me to crush these ignorant Ninevens without a second chance!"
The same sensitivity that makes me a good Samaritan one day makes me, on another day, cry for God’s justice on the enemy in the culture war worldwide, because of what they are doing against future generations. Lies, propaganda, stealing of their inalienable rights in tyrannical power grabs, disregard for their safety, and broadly speaking, an utter disdain for Freedom! God, why do You let them continue? Hear our prayers.
Motive check...Jonah’s concern for self-preservation–"Save the gourd!"–OR preservation and expanding of God’s Kingdom. Teach them Your way, oh Lord–show them Your Truth.
...Let us do it with love.
"So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void; but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." ~Isaiah 55:11
God knows something we can’t know. Because we are being sent, like Jonah, to warn of God’s restrained wrath (We don’t know that it might be only forty more days!), perhaps God sees prepared hearts, ready to hear, in Nineveh.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Jonah, Chapter 2
Jonah 2: "In my distress, I called t the Lord and He answered me. From the depths of the grave, I called for help and You listened to my cry. You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas and the currents swirled about me; all Your waves and breakers swept over me.
"I said, ‘I have been banished from You sit yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’" (From the depths of guilt, separation from God’s love, the pit of hell on earth...Jonah knew God was there.)
"The engulfing waters were at my throat, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of te mountains, I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in...forever." (sin, the unholy life of self-centered focus, ...and damnation)
"But You brought me up from the pit, O Lord, my God. When my life was ebbing away (in lonely, helpless hopelessness), I remembered You, Lord, and my prayer rose to You, to Your holy temple. (to the mercy seat of protection and grace, in God’s holy presence)
"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
"But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you (myself, my will, my all)
"What I have vowed, I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord."
Verse 10: "And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land."
Such a hard thing for us. Offering a sacrifice of praise amidst struggle. Who ever accepts their depression and trial as a rescue attempt from their Father? Jonah was spared twice! Once when he was sent to the sea’s deep grip where he had nowhere else to go; God carried him in the belly of a whale (a lost soul, floundering, too limp to resist anymore). The more recognizable saving of Jonah from out of the depths onto safe dry land (when the trial snaps us to!) Both were necessary, as much as we HATE to admit it. The second birth is impossible without the death of our own determination.
"I said, ‘I have been banished from You sit yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’" (From the depths of guilt, separation from God’s love, the pit of hell on earth...Jonah knew God was there.)
"The engulfing waters were at my throat, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of te mountains, I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in...forever." (sin, the unholy life of self-centered focus, ...and damnation)
"But You brought me up from the pit, O Lord, my God. When my life was ebbing away (in lonely, helpless hopelessness), I remembered You, Lord, and my prayer rose to You, to Your holy temple. (to the mercy seat of protection and grace, in God’s holy presence)
"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
"But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you (myself, my will, my all)
"What I have vowed, I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord."
Verse 10: "And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land."
Such a hard thing for us. Offering a sacrifice of praise amidst struggle. Who ever accepts their depression and trial as a rescue attempt from their Father? Jonah was spared twice! Once when he was sent to the sea’s deep grip where he had nowhere else to go; God carried him in the belly of a whale (a lost soul, floundering, too limp to resist anymore). The more recognizable saving of Jonah from out of the depths onto safe dry land (when the trial snaps us to!) Both were necessary, as much as we HATE to admit it. The second birth is impossible without the death of our own determination.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Merely 169 Years Ago
"Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the World, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day.
"Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the Progress of the Gospel dispensation?
"Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth?
"That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity and gave to the world the first irrevocable pledge of the fulfillment of the prophecies announced directly from Heaven at the birth of the Savior and predicted by the greatest of the Hebrew prophets 600 years before." ~John Quincy Adams, July 4, 1837, Town of Newburyport
Imagine the visions of fireworks mixed with the angelic proclamation to the shepherds! Unlike the thinking today, John Quincy Adams was not belittling Independence Day by comparing it to a Christian celebration. Nor was he bringing it to the level of the secularized Christmas, aka "Winter Holidays". Let me tell you, this wise old man had seen this country born. He was spilling his heartfelt love for her by comparing her birth to the central historical occurance of the Savior's first arrival.
The United States of America's impact on the course of events here on earth, he believed, would be pivotal in the spreading of God's Kingdom. Perhaps comparably so to the very birth of the Divider of Time. Why such an outrageous statement? Obviously, the man was settling into alzheimer's. Or he knew Jesus was at the core of baby America's purpose. Jesus was the reason for the treason. (I am sorry. It slips sometimes!)
As many truthseekers know, our Lord is being crucified today, by the Amaerican elite (or is that title an oxymoron?) while the disciples watch from dark shadows.
If the rain has sent we Americans in this day, take it as a nudge from our Loving Father to remember, and thank Him, ....and pray.
BTW, Christmas in July, coming up after Jonah!
"Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the Progress of the Gospel dispensation?
"Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth?
"That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity and gave to the world the first irrevocable pledge of the fulfillment of the prophecies announced directly from Heaven at the birth of the Savior and predicted by the greatest of the Hebrew prophets 600 years before." ~John Quincy Adams, July 4, 1837, Town of Newburyport
Imagine the visions of fireworks mixed with the angelic proclamation to the shepherds! Unlike the thinking today, John Quincy Adams was not belittling Independence Day by comparing it to a Christian celebration. Nor was he bringing it to the level of the secularized Christmas, aka "Winter Holidays". Let me tell you, this wise old man had seen this country born. He was spilling his heartfelt love for her by comparing her birth to the central historical occurance of the Savior's first arrival.
The United States of America's impact on the course of events here on earth, he believed, would be pivotal in the spreading of God's Kingdom. Perhaps comparably so to the very birth of the Divider of Time. Why such an outrageous statement? Obviously, the man was settling into alzheimer's. Or he knew Jesus was at the core of baby America's purpose. Jesus was the reason for the treason. (I am sorry. It slips sometimes!)
As many truthseekers know, our Lord is being crucified today, by the Amaerican elite (or is that title an oxymoron?) while the disciples watch from dark shadows.
If the rain has sent we Americans in this day, take it as a nudge from our Loving Father to remember, and thank Him, ....and pray.
BTW, Christmas in July, coming up after Jonah!
Monday, July 03, 2006
Jonah
Previously, I had asked you to swallow your man-sized pride, your adult earthbound faith, for the teaching from Mrs. Schaeffer on Jonah. (I apologize for the lapse in time and I hope you haven’t choked!) My Bible study on contentment delved into Jonah this week and I am taking it as a kick from God to get moving! So children, here is a story about a prophet long ago but not so far away.
Once upon a time there was a wicked goy city and lo and behold, God knew their hearts. He called upon His prophet Jonah to preach their wicked ways to them, in God’s perfect timing. Jonah did not want to do this...personally, he didn’t give two hoots about those evildoers. Why should he? They’re not even Hebrew! And Jonah became a survivor. You know the feeling. "God, just help me get through this day." And so we run from God’s prompts, plod through another eight hours, eat dinner, watch TV, bed. "Phew. God didn’t snag me!" Only the words we tell ourselves go more like, "I’ll go see Aunt Bea next week." and "Just couldn’t get to the computer today." That second one is mine. I fear writing and putting me out there. What if I really mess up God’s teaching? What if my ugly human-ness, my imperfect love, shows? I have said before, I would love to have someone holding me accountable. (BTW, where are you, John? Then again, I could spend more time makin’ rounds to find out where my fellow bloggers are!) Is my not wanting to post evidence that I don’t care, like Jonah? Jonah confuses me. But that comes later. I think we live in scarey times. I don’t want to go to Nineveh and neither did Jonah. Was he scared? Maybe that was his initial resistence! After his brave confession on the escape ship from Joppa, during God’s attention-getting storm, Jonah is tossed into the deep. Oh yea, I’ve been there!
Jonah is rescued by a great whale! Rescued? Did she say rescued? Never have I been taught this! Jonah was being punished, right? Yes and yes. This prophet of Israel had to face consequences of dodging God’s will because God was going to save Nineveh, if He had to turn His prophet around Himself! God protected this gifted man from drowning with a perfectly placed safe haven. Along comes this whale, see? Edith Schaeffer claims that men have been known to actually survive being swallowed and spewed out by large sea creatures. A morsel for the naturalist out there but hold on, don’t burp up your prideful doubt just yet!
Not wanting to take credit here for this spark of brilliance, Mrs. Schaeffer compares time in the whale’s belly with being in affliction, a deep depression. Resisting God, life going haywire, hit bottom depression. Now we’re talking real life. How many ways can we find ourselves in a whale’s digestive system? Spiritually...emotionally? And like Jonah...physically? The vacuum of meaningless existence, sucking life from humanity.
The prayer this man uttered tells you why he was chosen for the mission of entering such a dark place as Nineveh. I’ll continue with chapter 2 after the Fourth or you could cheat and look!
Once upon a time there was a wicked goy city and lo and behold, God knew their hearts. He called upon His prophet Jonah to preach their wicked ways to them, in God’s perfect timing. Jonah did not want to do this...personally, he didn’t give two hoots about those evildoers. Why should he? They’re not even Hebrew! And Jonah became a survivor. You know the feeling. "God, just help me get through this day." And so we run from God’s prompts, plod through another eight hours, eat dinner, watch TV, bed. "Phew. God didn’t snag me!" Only the words we tell ourselves go more like, "I’ll go see Aunt Bea next week." and "Just couldn’t get to the computer today." That second one is mine. I fear writing and putting me out there. What if I really mess up God’s teaching? What if my ugly human-ness, my imperfect love, shows? I have said before, I would love to have someone holding me accountable. (BTW, where are you, John? Then again, I could spend more time makin’ rounds to find out where my fellow bloggers are!) Is my not wanting to post evidence that I don’t care, like Jonah? Jonah confuses me. But that comes later. I think we live in scarey times. I don’t want to go to Nineveh and neither did Jonah. Was he scared? Maybe that was his initial resistence! After his brave confession on the escape ship from Joppa, during God’s attention-getting storm, Jonah is tossed into the deep. Oh yea, I’ve been there!
Jonah is rescued by a great whale! Rescued? Did she say rescued? Never have I been taught this! Jonah was being punished, right? Yes and yes. This prophet of Israel had to face consequences of dodging God’s will because God was going to save Nineveh, if He had to turn His prophet around Himself! God protected this gifted man from drowning with a perfectly placed safe haven. Along comes this whale, see? Edith Schaeffer claims that men have been known to actually survive being swallowed and spewed out by large sea creatures. A morsel for the naturalist out there but hold on, don’t burp up your prideful doubt just yet!
Not wanting to take credit here for this spark of brilliance, Mrs. Schaeffer compares time in the whale’s belly with being in affliction, a deep depression. Resisting God, life going haywire, hit bottom depression. Now we’re talking real life. How many ways can we find ourselves in a whale’s digestive system? Spiritually...emotionally? And like Jonah...physically? The vacuum of meaningless existence, sucking life from humanity.
The prayer this man uttered tells you why he was chosen for the mission of entering such a dark place as Nineveh. I’ll continue with chapter 2 after the Fourth or you could cheat and look!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
A World View Christian
If people in the United States must govern themselves and their country (which are the conditions of a free republic), then they are not allowed to be spectators or worse, hermits. Citizens need to have knowledge of our Constitution, our history, and to some extent, law. Why? Because our lawmakers, our judges, our teachers and politicians are our servants. This vision is rapidly eroding. Americans do nothing but passively complain of their oppression. It is not a government BY THE PEOPLE when the people are dumbed down and asleep. Yet the Church does nothing. Wait, what does the church have to do with anything? Thus asks the church-state separatist and alarmist! The Christian population is the key group in preserving a self-governing body, a free country. They know the Book. That is the Book on which our statutes are built. Also, they know the Boss. That is the Guiding Light by which the Republic is guided. Take away the statutes? Take away the Light? You’ve got France. You’ve got chaos. An anarchy based on human reasoning alone. So let’s be reasonable.
Not knowing how our country works is identical to being a Christian without having a clue what the Bible says. It cannot be done. To give one’s life to the Lord is an automatic surrender to His Word, which is God’s voice of direction. To be American is to become a driver of freedom, not a passenger of the government. To be a driver, you had better know where you’re headed and have a map (or Map Quest) to get you there! You guessed it: knowledge of our Constitution, Foundational documents, our law!
This thought process began with a question put to me: What do you mean, a world view Christian? I spattered out the usual "living out the faith in all areas of life." And then I realized that wasn’t nearly enough to explain my meaning. Because the topic was false prophets and misguided teachings in the churches, the aim was to hit on the leaders, the teachers, the authors of Christianity. I don’t SEE them in combat, engaging in the battle for the Church. Take that a step beyond, I don’t SEE them engaging in the battle for our country either!
The world view believer is responsible for the knowledge he gains, the level of involvement, awareness and watchfulness of the issues at hand. World view Christianity is activism, confrontation and if you like, compassion. I am on overload with forgiveness and tolerance. The diluted version of the faith runneth over with sweet love. I am convinced this is why my sons and other Christian youth are obsessed with "hate rock". It sounds angry and it is angry.
Anger has been dowsed by one-sided doctrine. There is a place for anger, even in the religion of Love. You know, love is tough! Notice, I am not beating around the bush. If I sound over-the-top with confrontation and intolerance, remember the scales. They have been tipped for far too long!
The world view believer is responsible for the knowledge he gains, the level of involvement, awareness and watchfulness of the issues at hand. World view Christianity is activism, confrontation and if you like, compassion. I am on overload with forgiveness and tolerance. The diluted version of the faith runneth over with sweet love. I am convinced this is why my sons and other Christian youth are obsessed with "hate rock". It sounds angry and it is angry.
Anger has been dowsed by one-sided doctrine. There is a place for anger, even in the religion of Love. You know, love is tough! Notice, I am not beating around the bush. If I sound over-the-top with confrontation and intolerance, remember the scales. They have been tipped for far too long!
My wise ninety-two year old mom rebukes the churches, "They are not doing enough to fight off the enemy. Our children are being attacked on every front and the churches do nothing (visible)." Maybe they’re praying–maybe they are more aware of problems than meets te eye. But when they speak, it is a message of passivity. "Get involved in a church" "Stay where God has placed you, even when it hurts, because trials strengthen us." A true world viewer would say, "Get out and take your money with you." Let it alone. Let it die.
"[Jesus] replied, ‘Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into the pit." ~Matthew 15:13,14
"[Jesus] replied, ‘Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into the pit." ~Matthew 15:13,14
World view Christians ACT in all aspects of life. They vote with their pocketbooks, knowing it matters whether they support the struggling Christian film industry, send their kids to anti-Christian colleges and public schools, purchase Christian music an art. In fact, the double-minded Christian often does just the opposite, believing that to be "in the world" means to be involved with it. But this loose interpretation leaves us with the notion, "it is okay to go along as long as you remember Jesus and go to church." "After all, Jesus ate with the heathen!" But do you really believe Jesus was yuckin’ it up over a beer and ciggy? Jesus, to be sure, was talking—not about the latest game and the big hit Coen movie! True, the cultural involvement gives us a segue into meatier issues. The key here is confrontation. Love is in there. Forgiveness, absolutely. But not necessarily people-pleasing NICE! Involvement in the world is going to bring much opportunity for bold thwarting of sinful ways. The culture, the government, education, the kids...are the citizens’ and the Church’s business. Pure church doctrine would be a great place to start. Stop minding your own business and mind your business!
