Pharaoh & Obama

Typically I don’t send out “forwards” nor do I read them very often, in fact 99.9% of them go directly into my recycle bin unopened. The following is an exception to that rule. In fact this post is bending two rules that I usually follow. The first I just mentioned. The other is that I don’t typically post anything of a “political” nature on the “refiners fire” site. But after having read this post, sent to me by a friend, I felt it was too timely not to share with everyone.

The post is as follows…

I would love to give the Minister of this predominantly black church in Virginia a hug and a high five. This guy is obviously a leader and not one of the sheep. Perhaps we should each decide who our real leader is………….  It is amazing to see that very little has changed in 4,000 years.
RECENT VIRGINIA CHURCH SERVICE -STIMULUS SERMON … Gen 47:13-27

Good morning, brothers and sisters; it’s always a delight to see the pews crowded on Sunday morning, and so eager to get into God’s Word.  Turn with me in your Bibles, if you will to the 47th chapter of Genesis, we’ll begin our reading at verse 13, and go through verse 27.

Brother Ray, would you stand and read that great passage for us? ….(reading)…

Thank you for that fine reading, Brother Ray…  So we see that economic hard times fell upon Egypt, and the people turned to the government of Pharaoh to deal with this for them.  And Pharaoh nationalized the grain harvest, and placed the grain in great storehouses that he had built.  So the people brought their money to Pharaoh, like a great tax increase, and gave it all to him willingly in return for grain. And this went on until their money ran out, and they were hungry again.

So when they went to Pharaoh after that, they brought their livestock -their cattle, their horses, their sheep, and their donkey – to barter for grain, and verse 17 says that only took them through the end of that year..

 But the famine wasn’t over, was it?  So the next year, the people came before Pharaoh and admitted they had nothing left, except their land and their own lives.  “There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land.  Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land?  Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh.”  So they surrendered their homes, their land, and their real estate to Pharaoh’s government, and then sold themselves into slavery to him, in return for grain. What can we learn from this, brothers and sisters?

That turning to the government instead of to God to be our provider in hard times only leads to slavery?   Yes.  That the only reason government wants to be our provider is to also become our master?  Yes.

But look how that passage ends, brothers and sisters!   Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt , in the land of Goshen .  And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly.”  God provided for His people, just as always has!  They didn’t end up giving all their possessions to government, no, it says they gained possessions!
But I also tell you a great truth today, and an ominous one.  We see the same thing happening today – the government today wants to “share the wealth “once again, to take it from us and redistribute it back to us.  It wants to take control of healthcare, just as it has taken control of education, and ration it back to us, and when government rations it, then government decides who gets it, and how much, and what kind. And if we go along with it, and do it willingly, then we will wind up no differently than the people of Egypt did four thousand years ago - as slaves to the government, and as slaves to our leaders.

What Mr. Obama’s government is doing now is no different from what Pharaoh’s government did then, and it will end the same.  And a lot of people like to call Mr. Obama a “Messiah,” don’t they?  Is he a Messiah? A savior? Didn’t the Egyptians say, after Pharaoh made them his slaves, “You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh”?

Well, I tell you this – I  know the Messiah; the Messiah is a friend of mine; and Mr. Obama is no Messiah!  No, brothers and sisters, if Mr. Obama is a character from the Bible, then he is Pharaoh.

Bow with me in prayer, if you will.

Lord, You alone are worthy to be served, and we rely on You, and You alone.  We confess that the government is not our deliverer, and never rightly will be.  We read in the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel, when Samuel warned the people of what a ruler would do, where it says “And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.”  And Lord, we acknowledge that day has come.  We cry out to you because of the ruler that we have chosen for ourselves as a nation.  Lord, we pray for this nation.  We pray for revival, and we pray for deliverance from those who would be our masters.  Give us hearts to seek You and hands to serve You, and protect Your people from the atrocities of Pharaoh’s government. In God We Trust…   

One concluding thought…

“Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it”

Questions Week 2; The Bible In 90 Days

This is the first question that I have received concerning the reading for the second week. If there are other questions concerning the current reading feel free to pass them on. jim@m4conline.org.   

{The Wave Offering}

A “wave” offering is exactly what it may appear to be. An offering placed in the hand of the priest and waved before the Lord.

This ceremony was a common ritual in Israel and typically focused on the grain harvest, though there were some “wave” offerings that included sacrificial animals. Instruction’s for the ceremony where grain is used is detailed for us in Leviticus 23:10-14. No one was to eat any of the grain of the harvest until the first sheaf of the harvest was brought to the priest, who in turn waved it before God. The wave offerings are intertwined through all aspects of Jewish life and culture.

What the “wave” offering consisted of…

• The fat and right shoulder, of the priest’s consecration-ram (Exodus 29:22-23)
• The breast of the priest’s consecration-ram (Exodus 29:26 & Leviticus 8:29 )
• The breast of all peace-offerings (Leviticus 7:30 & 9:21)
• Left shoulder, of Nazarite’s peace-offering (Numbers 6:17 & 6:19)
• The first fruits of barely harvest (Leviticus 23:10-11)  
• The first fruits of wheaten bread (Leviticus 23:20)
• The jealousy offering (Numbers 5:25)
• The leper’s trespass offering (Leviticus 14:12 & 14:24)
• The fat of the consecration-ram burnt on the altar (Exodus 29:25 & Leviticus 8:28)
• Was given to the priest as his due (Exodus 29:26-28; Leviticus 7:31; 8:29; 10:15;Numbers 18:11)
• Was to be eaten in a holy place by the priest’s family (Leviticus 10:14)

“Wave” offerings often centered on the first “first fruits” of the grain harvest. We see this idea carry over into the New Testament. Thousands of years after the law was given, we find the term “first fruits” used to describe Jesus

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1^st Corinthians 15:20)

Questions Week 1; The Bible In 90 Days

As we have been reading though the Pentateuch, (Gen-Deut) we’ve had some very good questions come out of our reading, which we discussed last week. The two that received the most attention was the identity of the Nephilim in Genesis 6 and the issue of how do we reconcile God’s hardening Pharaoh’s heart with the free agency (free will) of man.

I will do my best to provide some insight to these questions. If you have any more as your reading progresses please feel free to e-mail them to me at jim@m4conline.org  

{The identity of the Nephilim}

This is probably one of the most common questions to come out of the text of the book of Genesis. The opening verses of Genesis 6 paint a dismal picture of human degradation. One manifestation of the corruption of the race was the laxness regarding marriage. The identification of the “Nephilim” in 6:4 is to, say the least, problematic. The truth of the matter is scripture is silent as to the true identity of the Nephilim. When we are left without a concise answer all we are able to do is examine the context and propose some possibilities.

Before we move on to look at some of the ideas about identity we’re going to dispense with the crazy notion that is propagated within the world of conspiracy theorists and U.F.O. researchers that the Nephilim are aliens. We have no scriptural evidence for the existence of little green men appearing in the bible.

Genesis 6 and Numbers 13 (pre-Flood and post-Flood) both mention the “Nephilim.”

“The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

                                                                                                                                    (Genesis 6:4)

“The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

(Numbers 13:33)

Looking at the text (in this case the Hebrew text) usually provides clarification of confusion that is often arises due to translation from one language to another. With our question at hand this is not the case. There is no clear cut definition for the word Nephilim (naphal).  What we do know is that it is related to the verb “to fall” (naphal) which leads to the generally accepted thought that whatever the true identity of the Nephilim they are ones who have “fallen away from God.”

There are four primary views as to the identity of the “Nephilim.”

Common View # 1 The “Nephilim” are fallen angels

In this view the “sons of God” (vs. 6:1) are fallen angels thus the Nephilim are the offspring of these angels and human women. This is one of the most popular views. It stems from angels being called “sons of God” (Job 1:6, 2:1, 38:7) As pointed out earlier the word, “Nephilim”  is related to the verb “to fall” in Hebrew. This fact gives support to the idea that they were “fallen angels.

Defenders of this position also point to two passages in the New Testament to support their view (2^nd Peter 2: 4 & Jude 6) 

Though these verses do not specifically mention the word “Nephilim,” nor do they say that these fallen angels had sexual relationships with women, they do link “the angels who sinned” with not keeping in their proper domain. Both of these passages seem to compare the sin of these angels with the sin of the people of Sodom who in a similar manner gave themselves over to sexual immorality and went after strange flesh.

Common View # 2 The “Nephilim” are fallen angels who overtook men

This view has some similarities to the previous view in that the sons of God have a relationship to fallen angels. In this case the “Nephilim,” would be men who were overtaken by fallen angels and/or demons. Unlike the previous view, this one holds that the offspring were not a mix of “angels,” and “man,” but completely human.   

This view also has scriptural a scriptural basis. It is possible for men to be overcome and influenced by Satan or demons; there are several accounts of this happening through the pages of scripture. Some examples of this include where Judas is influenced by Satan to be betray Jesus (Luke 22:3). We also read accounts of demons entering into people, such as the Gerasene Demoniac (Mark 5:15)

Though a probable explanation, this view begs the question… Would such people who are overtaken by demons and/or fallen angels be given the title “sons of God?” In gospel accounts, we see many people who were overtaken by demons, but we never have a single case where they are called “sons of God.”

Common View # 3 The “Nephilim” are fallen children (opposite of the Godly decedents of Seth)

This view often called the “Sethite proposal.” This view appeals to the context of Genesis 5, just before the mention of the sons of God and Nephilim. So, it has good support with regards to the literary context. In this view “the sons of God,” were kings or rulers. This idea has some biblical support, (Psalm 82:1–6). This view would explain why many ancient cultures refer to the existence of “demi-gods.”  

In this view it is assumed that there was a Godly lineage from Adam to Seth and followed down the line to Noah.

Adam–Seth–Enosh–Kenan–Mahalalel–Jared–Enoch–Methuselah–Lamech–Noah

In this godly lineage of Sethites, they were called sons of God, and it was these sons of God or their children who married or began marrying ungodly women (the daughters of men), and their children followed after false gods and rejected the one true God. In other words, they fell away from God. As was mentioned earlier the word “Nephilim” is related to the verb series “to fall” in Hebrew. In this view, offspring from these unions had fallen from God and were termed Nephilim.

This view isn’t without its issues. For if we look at the descendants of some of the other men in the line of Seth we are presented with a question; why didn’t these men pass on a godly heritage to their children? We must consider this because the other sons and daughters of Methuselah (Genesis 5:26) and Lamech (Genesis 5:30) did not make it to the Ark.  Unless these decedents died before the Flood, they would have been considered wicked (Genesis 6:5). It is a distinct possibility and many would say probability that many of Seth’s descendents weren’t  saved from the flood, indicating  that they were less than godly and thus shouldn’t all be lumped together as “sons of God.”

Another problem presents itself for the Sethite view comes post flood (Numbers 13). Post-Flood, everyone was a Sethite, because all survivors were decedents of Seth… so again we ask the question… where did those “Nephilim” come from?

Common View # 4 The “Nephilim” are fallen men

This view is similar in many respects to the previous view, so much so that many consider it to      consider it to be an upgrade of the previous. In this view, not all of Seth’s lineage or descendants were assumed to be godly, but that only some of them were godly. This view  also answers any perceived problems of the “Nephilim” we read about in Numbers 13, needing to be decedents of Seth, as there have been godly men both pre-Flood and post-Flood. It also holds consistency between the use of men (Genesis 6:1-2) identifying both of them both as “mankind.”

Like the previous view, godly men, “sons of God” were marrying women who were not godly “daughters of men”, such as Cain’s descendants, and or including ungodly people from Seth’s line, thus resulting in “Nephilim,” those who “fell away” from God’s favor. These “Nephilim” could easily have been people who had fallen or turned from God in a severe way. This would also make sense as to why some of Canaan’s descendants,(descendants of Anak were Canaanites) were called Nephilim in Numbers 13.

From this pastor’s mind this fourth view makes the most sense, that the “Nephilim” were 100% human descendants of Adam who were in a state of being “fallen,” far from God. This issue along with others we will see in the course of our reading falls into the area of opinion, and not of faith.  It is a question where the bible student will have to draw their own conclusion.

Primary source:  “Nephilim,” by Answers In Genesis 

{The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and the free agency (free will) of man}

Twenty times in Exodus 4–14 statements are made regarding the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. To get the full picture and to bring understanding of these events we must look back to the Hebrew text. Three different verbs are used to describe the “act” of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart:

1. Kabed – “to be heavy” this term appears six times. The word deals with the failure of an organ due to age or disease. Hence, when Pharaoh’s heart was “heavy” it was no longer receptive to outside positive influences.

2. Chazaq – “to be strong,” “hard,” or “bullheaded,” this term appears twelve times.

3. Qashah – “to be hard,” “difficult,” or “severe,” and this term appears only once.

This shows us the state of mind that Pharaoh is in during his confrontation with Moses

Ten times God is the subject of the verb, four times Pharaoh hardens his own heart, and six times Pharaoh’s heart is hardened.

Before the plagues commenced, God predicted twice that he would harden Pharaoh’s heart (4:21; 7:3). However; we see that no notice is given to the active role of God in the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart until after the sixth plague (9:12). At least seven times before the sixth plague the text indicates either that Pharaoh hardened his heart or that his heart was hardened.

In light of how this “hardening” has taken place, it appears to be an example of the permissive will of God. God permitted Pharaoh to continue in his self-imposed hardness and withdrew from him whatever inducements there might have been to listen to the demands of Moses. So it would seem that Pharaoh had already hardened his own heart before God stepped in

Here’s the breakdown of the event

Pharaoh’s heart became hard (7:13, 23)

Pharaoh hardened his heart (8:15, 32)

God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (9:7, 10:20)

 It appears that God just gave him up to his hardened heart, and ratified his decision to reject Moses’ demands.

 We also read in Romans 1 about God “giving people over” to their own desires. If we reject God enough, He will let us go our own way.

 Primary source:  “The Pentateuch,” by James E. Smith

the “sinner’s” prayer

A couple of weeks ago we had a visiting singing group come and perform at our morning worship service and again that evening for our community. The group did a fantastic job of sharing the message of Christ through song, and it was indeed a great blessing to have them with us. There was one thing however about their performance that I had to take issue with, something that I have witnessed on countless occasions at events such as this. At the end of the performance they offered an invitation, something that we do every Sunday morning at church, but then instead of presenting the gospel plan of salvation they simply asked those who wished to accept Christ to bow their heads and repeat a prayer, which often goes something like this…

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”

This method of conversion has had far-reaching effects worldwide as many have claimed this prayer as the basis for their salvation. The issue here is that there is much more to receiving the salvation that Christ offers each one of us than simply praying a prayer. Although the thoughts and attitudes expressed in this prayer are acceptable indeed expected of one wishing to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, we must not neglect the other aspects of the salvation process presented to us in scripture, those being repentance, confession, and baptism into Christ by immersion.

It seems that today that “repentance,” is viewed as a dirty word. It’s one of those words that tend to make us uncomfortable, which cuts to the very core of our soul. In relation to our salvation, to “repent” means that we not only acknowledge that we are sinners separated from God, but that there is the presence of “true sorrow,” for those actions, which leads to us asking God for forgiveness. This in turn should lead to the determination within us to live a life apart from sin, a life that is pleasing to God. True repentance is turning from one direction to another; this change also involves restitution being made where possible (consider Zacchaeus Luke 19:8). Repentance is something that individuals must do for themselves, it isn’t something that can be done vicariously, and scripture clearly states that for salvation to be possible in our lives we must repent (Acts 17:30)

We are also told in scripture that we are to confess Jesus as Lord of our lives. This confession isn’t to be confused with the act of going to “confession,” which is practiced within some denominational groups. Confession is simply where we, like Peter (Matthew 16:16) stand before our peers and state publically for all to hear that we believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. In this action we vocally and publically agree with what God has said concerning His Son. This act according to Romans 10:10 also plays a key role in our accepting that great salvation we have been offered.   When asked, “Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?”  The believer can and should boldly respond, “YES, I have, and I belong to the Son of God Who loved me, and gave Himself for me!”

Baptism is now and I believe will always be a point of consternation when it comes to understanding its role in the salvation process. Much ink has been spilled over the centuries on this topic and now the blogosphere has kicked in full force on the issue, and I myself have even ventured into the battle, having a conversation with a gentleman that has now lasted well over two months… and what an enlightening experience it has been. Baptism has been called “the waters that divide,” and I can sadly see the truth in that statement. Most Christians would agree that a person should be baptized, Christ gave us the example and scripture states that we should be baptized. The argument comes as to the meaning of baptism. Most in the evangelical world teach that baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace, a symbolic gesture presenting to the world that a person belongs to Christ. This in itself isn’t wholly wrong, for there is indeed a symbolic nature to baptism, in that it symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. This being said, we must never relegate baptism to a merely symbolic action, for there are several passages of scripture that link baptism and salvation together. Baptism isn’t just a suggestion… it’s a command, and it’s for the “forgiveness” of sins (Acts 2:38 Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21) in every verse in scripture that mentions baptism…it’s always connected to the salvation of man. We are saved by the grace of God, through faith, in baptism, for good works.  

Three times in scripture (Acts 2:37-42; 9:1-11 &22:12-16; Acts 16:25-34) the question was asked, “What must I do to be saved?” This is a question that as individuals we must all ask at some point in our lives. Scripture is far from silent about what is required to obtain the gift of salvation that is freely offered to us. God gave us the pattern laid out in scripture, and we have no place altering that plan which God has ordained. Our methods of ministry can and must change to meet the times in which we live, but the message that we are to carry, has not and must not change. If we are changing the message to fit our methodology, we are not doing that which we have been commanded to do, and a re-evaluation is seriously in order. While most that propagate the “sinner’s prayer” method of salvation I believe most do this unknowingly, only repeating what they have been taught. Well-intentioned people the world over are skewing the picture of conversion with a nonsensical practice, fitting the mold of what C.S. Lewis once described as “a great cataract of nonsense,” where a modern idea replaces the clear teachings of scripture.

thoughts on preaching “sermon series”

Here sometime back I was asked why I preach so often using a “series” format. This is a question that I have been asked several times before and so I thought I would share my reasoning and though processes with everyone…

Through the generations since the birth of the Church on the day of Pentecost there has been but one message that we as followers of Christ have been charged with making known to the world, that message simply being that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and He alone is the path to salvation for all men. Though the content of that divine message remains unchanged and rightfully so, the presentation has changed over time to meet the needs presented by an ever changing cultural and social climate. In 1^st Corinthians 9:22-23, the apostle Paul makes the comment that he has become “all things to all people,” so that he might effectively present the Gospel message. His message never changed, his methods certainly did.  I don’t believe there is necessarily a “right” or “wrong” way to present the message we’ve been charged with, but over the years of my ministry I have found the most effective and productive way of presenting God’s word on a weekly basis to the congregation I’ve been called to serve is to focus on a “systematic” presentation where my messages are often presented in a “series” format consisting of anywhere between 3 to 12 separate messages.

There are several reasons that my preaching of scripture is most often carried out in a “series” format. I will briefly explain each of my reasons in order to attempt to provide explanation as to why I chose to present the Word in the format I do… 

These are just a few of my reasons…

1. It provides for a greater cumulative impact on the congregation as a theme is continually reinforced.

2. It provides for a more thorough treatment of a subject, theme, or passage. Each week builds on the previous weeks and takes the subject further

3. It provides continuity for the listeners as they remember the previous week and can anticipate what will be presented in the coming weeks.

4. It allows me to be more focused and directed in my study and preparation. It’s a great help in that I don’t have to spend the first few days of each week struggling over the choice of a topic for the next week’s message. As I study a subject, chapter, or book of the Bible for a period of weeks my study patterns I believe are more efficient and focused.

This doesn’t mean that I simply make my plan, not allowing room for change or the leading of the Holy Spirit. I seek out God’s guidance in every aspect of sermon preparation. To plan for the upcoming year takes all of the current year to compile. There have been many times when I’ve had my sermon completed, and in the days just prior to Sunday I have been led to change it, sometimes on a Saturday evening. More often than not, I follow my yearly sermon plans roughly 75% of the time.

5. I believe it serves to encourage regular attendance at church and communicates the message that each week is linked to other weeks.

In years past, especially before the advent of the printing press many preachers practiced what is known as “lectio continua,” which means they would continue in the reading and preaching of Scripture in order and would preach through a whole book of Scripture in a very lengthy series.

From my experiences I have found that a series of three to twelve sermons is most acceptable, because it’s important that we don’t spend so much time on one theme from scripture to the determent of another equally important theme. This is where guidance from the Holy Spirit is most needed in the planning process.  

There are many different types of series. Here is a basic list, and they aren’t listed in any order of priority.   

1. Doctrinal Series. A specific and fundamental doctrine of the faith is selected and taught in consecutive messages.

2. Narrative Series. God’s acts in history are part of His revelation of himself, so to study a process of historical events can be helpful. In this we see history moving towards His goal!

3. Biographical Series. The drama of individual lives is a prominent part of the Scriptures, but requires more than one sermon to explore them.  

4. Thematic Series. A specific theme of the Christian life or faith is selected and explored.

5. Issues Series. Many problematic questions arise in our attempt at living out our faith. 

6. Chapter Series. Select one special chapter of the Bible and work through it with consecutive sermons

7. Book Series. This is the most historical method, going back hundreds of years; a book of the Bible is selected and expounded in succeeding weeks until completed.

8. Request Series. This is a personal favorite of mine, it’s when a pastor solicits suggestions from the congregation on issues, questions, and passages that they’d like to hear addressed in a message. The topics my vary in type or context, but are tied together 

So there it is, the method behind my “madness,” even though I enjoy doing sermon series and believe presenting the word in this fashion is beneficial. However I don’t believe “series” preaching is the end-all be-all method to presenting the word of God, and I preach many messages during a given year that aren’t attached to each other in any form.

thoughts on turning 30

In our culture, turning 30 is an important milestone, as is turning 18, and 21. But unlike those who dread the idea of beginning one’s third decade of life, I experienced no such thing. I have discovered that there is nothing magical about turning another decade older. When I woke up on June 20, I felt no different than I did the night before. But  I am now no longer what the kids in our youth group call a “young guy.” I guess getting older means that I’m no longer cool, though the jury’s still out on whether I was truly ever “cool.”  I guess I’ve reached the age where I’m officially an adult, if that is indeed something that any person can achieve. Over the years I’ve noticed that our culture worships youth.  I’m no longer a 20-something, I’m no longer part of the target audience; I hope that doesn’t mean I’m no longer relevant.  

Here are just a few random things that I have learned over the past three decades of life….

I’ve learned that I can be comfortable being me. I don’t have to pretend to be something I’m not. The world gets to see me for who I am “warts and all” (though I don’t really have any warts.”)  

I’ve learned that doing the right thing, means doing the right thing by God’s standards, not the world’s standards. 

I’ve learned that following Jesus won’t make your life perfect, but it’s the craziest awesome adventure on the planet.

I’ve learned that in order to communicate the Gospel effectively I must properly prepare myself… no flying by the seat of my pants on Sunday morning.

I’ve learned that preaching without notes is not only possible but preferred

I’ve learned that I don’t have to settle for the mediocre or mundane…  but that I can live an abundant life!

I’ve learned that the people who have had the deepest impact on my life are all older than me, and several of them are no longer with me.

I’ve learned that with God’s guidance I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to, even if it seems impossible at the onset.   

I’ve learned that trust is the most significant aspect of any relationship.

I’ve learned that God is always there, even when it doesn’t seem like he is.  

I’ve learned how to compromise without compromising my values.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to be perfect. 

I’ve learned that I shouldn’t live in the past but should learn from it.

I’ve learned that “faith,” and “religion” aren’t the same thing…  

I’ve learned that God moves mountains and that prayer moves God!

I’ve learned that “blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.” (Thank you Bob Stacey)

I’ve learned that I am capable of independence, but that I’m also capable of working with a team

I’ve learned that people need you to understand them more than they need you to agree with them.

I’ve learned that lack of peroration on another person’s part doesn’t necessitate an emergency on your part.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to (and can’t) make everyone happy… 

I’ve learned that I can associate with those with whom I disagree.

I’ve learned that being a good friend is just as important as having a good friend. 

I’ve learned that a supportive leadership is the second best gift a pastor can have… the first is a congregation that prays for you!

I’ve learned that people you love will hurt us and that we e need to make peace with it, and move on.

I’ve learned that people who are Christians don’t always act like Christians, and can often do some pretty “unchristian,” things.  

I’ve learned that we are all pilgrims traveling down the road trying our best to live daily for God, and that we’re going to make mistakes, and my mistakes are no worse or better than those of another who travels this road.

Most of all I’ve learned that my family, my wife, my son, my mom and dad, and my brothers and sisters are totally invaluable, the greatest most rewarding gifts in life!

I’m sure that there is more that I stumbled upon throughout the last few years of my life, but I’m no conceited enough to think I have all the answers. Maybe when I am 31 I will have all the answers…, now there’s a pipe dream for ya! What I do know is that I am very content with myself and my life thus far. God is great…life is good…  I’ve turned 30… So what about the future… Bring it on… Carpe Diem!!

How are you handling our current financial situation?

I came across this interesting offering from the Center for Media Research that I found to be very interesting so I thought that I would share it with everyone. CMR recently released the findings of a study entitled “Reacting to Recession,” which was done by the London based M& C Saatchi. The study looks at the different attitudes and behaviors of differing groups of consumers in light of the current financial situation.  The study found there to be eight distinct types of individuals, each with their own approach to spending money. Which one of these categories do you fit in?     

Crash Dieters (26%) identify and cut out all non-essential spending until things improve. They live from week to week, and when the money runs out, they’re forced to take drastic action.

Scrimpers (13%) down-trade rather than cut out. They are more likely to substitute brands with private labels rather than dropping them altogether.

Abstainers (15%) want to maintain their lifestyle and postpone big purchases until the situation improves.

Balancers (9%) rob Peter to pay Paul. They prefer sacrifice to compromise.

Treaters (12%) don’t find it easy to cut back, but know they have to. So they reward their frugalness with regular small treats.

Justifiers (12%) are happy to give, but in the current climate they want to be sure their money is well-used. They’re looking for value deals.

Ostriches (9%) feel unaffected or in denial and are spending normally.

Vultures (4%) are looking to profit from others’ misfortune.  

These types can have an impact on not only how we as individuals live but also how the church operates financially. In the current financial climate it would be good to consider these attitudes when planning changes in programming, outreach, capital campaigns, or plans where increases in financial support would be called for.

“Christian Fundamentalist Terrorist”

As most people have heard George Tiller, the much vilified Kansas abortion doctor, was shot to death Sunday morning while attending services at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita. Tiller, often referred to as “Tiller the Baby Killer,” was one of only a handful of doctors in the United States providing what has been labeled as “late-term therapeutic abortions”  for women in need. Women travelled from all corners of the country to see Tiller when their own physicians and local medical providers, bound by law, wouldn’t abort a “late term” viable baby. One of his patients was quoted as saying that Tiller was, “the one shining light in the worst week of my life.” New York University Professor, Jacob Appel described Tiller as “a genuine hero who ranks alongside Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King Jr. in the pantheon of defenders of human liberty.” Even with such accolades from within liberal circles Tiller was one whose life was plagued with controversy, some people loved him, other people hated him, and many people, myself included, prayed for him often. He served as a “poster child” for abortion advocates, and a “rallying point,” for the supporters of life. Many in the pro-life movement thought that they had finally seen the end of Tillers atrocities when he was charged with 19 misdemeanors, relating to some of the countless abortions he had performed at his Wichita clinic. However on March 27, 2009, Tiller was found not guilty on all charges, though up until his death the Kansas’s Board of Healing Arts had continued to investigate charges of ethical violations that mirrored the prosecutors’ original criminal allegations.

It’s a disheartening fact that violence has been a part of the anti-abortion movement from its genesis, from the bombing of abortion clinics, murders of abortion providers, to the covert violence of harassing women trying to get to clinics for reproductive services. All these actions are vile, and completely invalidate the messages of the pro-life movement. As with any movement, the message can be correct, but the messengers can and do invalidate that message by the way that it is presented. The murder alone is responsible for his actions. An entire movement, in this case cannot be held responsible for the actions of one “deranged” individual. However this is exactly what is happening in our out of control, liberal media. One article I read written by Shannyn Moore; which was posted on “The Huffington Post,” which by far is one of the most vile liberal smear sites on the web, wrote; “Christian Fundamentalist Terrorism. It’s shocking to write. But it’s time to start calling it what it is.”  She, like anyone else is entitled to her own opinions but her brash statement paints with too broad a brush in her labeling Tillers murderer as a “Christian fundamentalist terrorist.” Was the murder of Dr. Tiller domestic terrorism, yes it was, and we can call it that, but we don’t know anything concrete about the individual who took Dr. Tillers life, so to present this label as she did not only presents unknowns as facts, but wrongly presents a picture to the world that all “pro-life” advocates are “terrorists.”

Now the Church is and always has been the driving force in the pro-life movement, in spite of suffering from its own guilt over issues of injustice from the past it has consistently taken a stand for “life” and the protection of the innocent. This because from scripture we know that all life is precious, for all are created in the “image of God.”  The murdering of doctors who murder innocent children doesn’t demonstrate a pro-life belief. In reality such a murder demonstrates pro-death belief. One cannot justify Tiller’s murder as an appropriate action, even if it did bring a swift end his crimes against humanity. One cannot justify bad behavior as a reason to use bad behavior.  Though some have in recent days, no bible believing Christian can justifiably support murder, even if it is the murder of a murderer.  We live in a nation of laws and accordingly the individual or individuals who are responsible for Tillers death should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

With the change administrations in Washington, the pro-life movement is faced with a new challenge. Unlike his predecessor, who was an ardent defender of human life, President Obama is committed to making “abortion on demand,” including the barbaric “partial birth abortion,” not easier to obtain, but available at taxpayers’ expense. Killing a child in the womb, even when it is sanctioned by government is murder. Just because government approves of such a heinous action through its laws does not mean that those laws are just. So how should Christians react to these events? First, pray for the Tiller family, though his actions were vile, he himself was created in the image of God, loved by God, and now will stand in judgment before God, as we all will someday. Second, pray for the individual who committed this crime, that they might come to see the error of their ways and find forgiveness for their actions. Third, pray for the family of those responsible for this crime, for the liberal media onslaught will undoubtedly be relentless. And forth, pray for our President, and other elected officials that they would come to see abortion for what it truly is, “genocide,” and that they will enact laws that respect life.