BibleSponge

Santa’s Dead; Here’s The Proof

2009-12-24T09:44:00.001-05:00

Here is irrefutable proof that Santa is dead with scientific proof of the unfortunate account. However, if Christmas was celebrated for the real reason (Luke 2:10-11), then this wouldn’t be such a big deal. But, as with any secular idol, it will fail sooner or later.

(AP News Release) North Pole, Arctic Circle - There are approximately two billion children (persons under 18) in the world. However, since Santa does not visit children of Muslim, Hindu, Jewish or Buddhist (except maybe in Japan) religions, this reduces the workload for Christmas night to 15% of the total, or 378 million (according to the population reference bureau).

At an average (census) rate of 3.5 children per household, that comes to108 million homes, presuming there is at least one good child in each. Santa has about 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, assuming east to west (which seems logical).

This works out to 967.7 visits per second. This is to say that for each household with a good child, Santa has around 1/1000th of a second to park the sleigh, hop out, jump down the chimney, fill the stocking, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left for him, get back up the chimney, jump into the sleigh and get onto the next house.

Assuming that each of these 108 million stops is evenly distributed around the earth (which, of course, we know to be false, but we'll accept for the purposes of our calculations), we are now talking about 0.78 miles per household; a total trip of 75.5 million miles, not counting bathroom stops or breaks. This means Santa's sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second-3,000 times the speed of sound.

For purposes of comparison, the fastest man-made vehicle, the Ulysses space probe, moves at a poky 27.4 miles per second, and a conventional reindeer can run (at best) 15 miles per hour.

The payload of the sleigh adds another interesting element. Assuming that each child gets nothing more than a medium sized LEGO set (two pounds), the sleigh is carrying over 500 thousand tons, not counting Santa himself.

On land, a conventional reindeer can pull no more than 300 pounds. Even granting that the "flying" reindeer can pull 10 times the normal amount, the job can't be done with eight or even nine of them-Santa would need 360,000 of them.

This increases the payload, not counting the weight of the sleigh, another 54,000 tons, or roughly seven times the weight of the Queen Elizabeth (the ship, not the monarch). 600,000 tons traveling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance - this would heat up the reindeer in the same fashion as a spacecraft reentering the earth's atmosphere. The lead pair of reindeer would adsorb 14.3 quintillion joules of energy per second each. In short, they would burst into flames almost instantaneously, exposing the reindeer behind them and creating deafening sonic booms in their wake. The entire reindeer team would be vaporized within 4.26 thousandths of a second, or right about the time Santa reached the fifth house on his trip.

Not that it matters, however, since Santa, as a result of accelerating from a dead stop to 650 mps in .001 seconds, would be subjected to acceleration forces of 17,000 g's. A 250 pound Santa (which seems ludicrously slim) would be pinned to the back of the sleigh by 4,315,015 pounds of force, instantly crushing his bones and organs and reducing him to a quivering blob of pink goo. Therefore, if Santa did exist, he's dead now.

NCFIC Day 2 Wrap-up: The Scandalous Gospel

2009-12-12T09:25:00.001-05:00

The halls of the convention center rang with deafening silence as brother Paul Washer brought the Gospel as only he can. There were no catchy clichés or comforting ideas about how to receive your “best life now”. No, the Gospel, the glorious, scandalous Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was put in a manner that all in attendance could understand and began like this:

Your home-school education, nice clothes, and manners cannot save you. Flee to Christ!

He continued as the heavy, grievous Holy Spirit began to fill the room:

My desire is to strip you of every hope in the flesh, to shut you off from every hope whatsoever of somehow making yourself right with God by your own virtue and merit. If you repent of trying to clothe yourself in the filthy rags of your own righteousness and fall on Christ, He will save you. Then you will grow in Christ-likeness, and you will know His presence; this is the Gospel.

This is the way the Gospel was meant to be preached. Not the sugar-coated, safe, non-offensive gospel that pastors dish out either every Sunday either out of fear or for self-preservation of themselves and their churches.

Brother Paul also offered this sound advice…

Judge everything you do by this standard: is it really only for Him? If he took everything away and left you only with Him, would you still have joy unspeakable, because your hope is in Him?

Over 2,600 men, women and children were left in a wake, shaken to the core of our sinful soul in what ended in a somber, sobering revelation of just how messed up and how undeserving of His grace and mercy we really are.

Unlike the talking heads on TV or at mega-church circus revivals, there was no manipulative altar call ending or Biblically-ignorant reductions of salvation to 4 questions or any foolish prayers to repeat. No, only a heartfelt proclamation that he would meet anyone afterwards and stay all night if necessary for those who wanted to deal with their sin and who had the Holy Spirit inside working on their hearts and drawing them to repentance. He left us with these words…

Throw yourself on Christ, and you will not be disappointed.

NCFIC Day 2 Afternoon

2009-12-11T16:35:00.001-05:00

Well my mind is racing a thousand miles per second. My body feels like all is in slow motion as the afternoon session with Paul Washer met with a rush of Starbucks. Between his anointing and the caffeine, let’s just say that I may have a sense of what an addict feels when they come off a high.

Holy smokes. Paul Washer just finished up a message on “Sufficiency of Scripture in Personal Evangelism” and completely destroyed the modern day 4 questions version of salvation. His message was to the point and not only offered up a recognition of the problem, but a solution as well.

His scathing deliverance of the scriptures finished up in Romans 10. He meticulously explained the context in which the book of Romans was written, and how the majority of so-called evangelical, Christian churches in the U.S. abuse and twist Romans 10:10 is twisted and ripped out of context and presented as a cheapened version of true salvation.

As with Voddie, I was able to chat with him after the message after waiting in a huge line. (There were so many people, that even the floor was covered with over 100+ folks after the seats filled long before he started.)

Paul and I conversed and I walked away with a few things. 1) I was finally able to thank him in person for his ministry and the work God has done in me through his preaching. 2) As Paul put it to me, “Man, you really married out of your league…” he said with a smile. I know that I don’t deserve the wonderful wife I’ve been given. It was a light-hearted moment that we both laughed. 3) Paul is also considering a church plant in WV. He will be in the Fairmont area next week. When I get my jaw off the floor, I’ll comment more.

He will be speaking again tonight, I can’t wait.

NCFIC Day 1 and 2

2009-12-11T12:44:00.001-05:00

Wow. The National Center for Family Integrated Churches national “Sufficiency of Scripture 2009: Practically Applied to Church and Family” is playing out to be an incredible event. Last evening Jeff and I were treated to some incredible sessions. You can follow my thoughts “play-by-play” at http://twitter.com/gracebiblewv.

However, I needed no Starbucks to arise this a.m. as we headed out to the convention center. Voddie Baucham was opening up with a message “Sufficiency of Scripture in Biblical Manhood”. Boy I could hear the female pastors from area churches back home yelling from here.

While not popular, Voddie courageously took on evangelical feminism and egalitarianism that plague the church today. Although theologically sound, he more importantly had the foundation of scripture and its sufficiency to stand on and refute the modern culture that has obliterated sound doctrine and teaching in the church. He also took on government schools and the like and their hatred for Christianity and where it started and what we as Biblical families can do to counter it. Incredible. I can’t wait for his breakout session.

Next up, Jeff headed over to “SOS Applied to the Regulative Principle in Old Testament Worship”. I meanwhile took in R.C. Sproul, Jr. and what was supposed to be “SOS in Biblical Inerrancy”. However, through God’s provision, his topic changed to “SOS in Suffering” due to a recent tragedy in his church. (More on this later in the SOS Recap).

Well, going to finish lunch here at the “Wok & Roll” and outrun Godzill-ra back to the convention center and sit in on Paul Washer’s “SOS in Personal Evangelism”. Stay tuned for details!

Real Men, Sound Doctrine & Good Advice

2009-12-09T13:57:00.001-05:00

Yes, there are still a few men that will wield Biblical truth no matter the cost. You won’t find them on TBN or some arena with tens of thousands seeking their best life now. They do exist. I have found two of them.

A few years ago, I was plugging around the internet and stumbled upon a broadcast of Louie Giglio’s 722 church service. As I was poking around, I stumbled upon a message by some guy about why he believed the Bible. This was a topical message about the time that Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” was in its heyday. The message “Why I Believe The Bible”, the man Pastor Voddie Baucham.

I was taken aback by his honesty and authenticity scarcely present in most pulpits today. Moreover, his ability to convey sound Biblical doctrine in a manner that is understandable. Upon further investigation, I discovered a love for cultural apologetics and a Biblical view of family and my role as a husband.

As I continued to pursue other influences, during a time of researching something for the youth ministry I was leading, I stumbled across another man that preached Biblical truth to 5,000+ youth with such ferocity, accuracy and boldness that I had to pick my jaw off the keyboard throughout the message. Not to mention his dissection of the modern day altar call vs. regeneration (watch it here). That man was Pastor Paul Washer.

Pastor Washer spent 10 years in the jungles as a missionary then moved back to the U.S. where he continues to preach. Though he receives hundreds, if not thousands, of requests for speaking engagements annually, he only engages as his availability permits, based solely on his family.

So what’s the big deal, why the attraction? Both share a few common threads that men would do well to pay attention. First, they both preach sound doctrine, simply the truth and nothing but the truth. They do not shy away from any of Scripture, regardless how allergic modern culture has made the public and the church to sound teaching and Biblical truth.

Second, an perhaps most importantly (you’ll see why in a minute), they put marriage and family in a Biblical context, as opposed to the latest 12-step program to make your marriage successful as culture deems appropriate. They show how a Biblical husband is to be priest, prophet, protector and provider in his home. And, from a ministerial angle, how to prioritize your family. As Pastor Washer puts it, “To the wind with your ministry…the Bible doesn’t say to die for your ministry or church, but to lay your life down for your wife” and “….if you lose your wife and family you lose everything”. Both ideas that I had never thought of in that perspective.

When I was at the height of my involvement of youth ministry, I was committing adultery against my wife with ministry. I thought as long as I was out doing the ministering thing, she would get over it or deal with her feelings and God would bless it. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Thanks their teachings my world was turned upside down. Thanks to their teachings I was set aside from my post in youth ministry. Thanks to their teachings I quit finding things to do for myself. God in His mercy, through their teachings saved my marriage. I asked my wife for forgiveness, repented and took a huge step back and threw out everything I thought I knew about marriage, family and ministry and started over. My marriage has never been stronger and my love for my wife is out of this world, my family has a solid foundation to stand on through trials and I’ve landed on my feet at a phenomenal church where I’ll be serving.

Now I find myself less than a day away from meeting both of them at a conference. I can sit in-person under their anointing. And best of all, I can thank them face-to-face for their work.

Here are some links to their preaching…

Voddie Baucham

Paul Washer

Messages on Sermon Audio

Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain

2009-12-08T13:53:00.001-05:00

After seeing it in the news on a national level, the inevitable finally happened. Some friends that I’ve come to know over the past 6 years have become influenced by one of the most dangerous individuals on the false prophet scene today. I have spent hours of the past few months researching him and his heretical ministry.

Blatant false prophets are easy to spot (such as the “Jim Jones” of the world). It’s the ones who can pack a slab of meat full of sin and cover it in a skin of truth (Matthew 7:15-20). Perhaps what makes this false prophet so dangerous in my mind is his Wizard of Oz-like status. Although he is out twisting scripture, his most devious work is accomplished behind the scenes as an enabler.

To do this in an objective manner, and with grace (which I typically run short of), I have enlisted the help of two others that are more theologically sound than I. We will meet at a local cafe and discuss this and then post our conversation in 2 to 3 parts.

Before anyone starts with the “log and the speck” (Luke 6:42) chatter or the “why would you be so mean to do so” connotations, please understand two things. First, as church leaders we are to rebuke those who contradict sound doctrine (Titus 1:9). It’s a requirement, often not accepted by pastors either out of fear or self-preservation. Second, despite the fact that the “new” John 3:16 quoted by believers and non-believers alike is Matthew 7:1, you cannot segregate Matthew 7:1 from it's neighbor Matthew 7:15. In other words, you cannot “Beware…” (Matthew 7:15) without judging.

It will not be for the squeamish or politically-correct. As believers and non-believers have become repulsed by sound Biblical doctrine due to many worrying about their “best life now”, we will dig into this and seek out answers derived from Scripture that will remove the curtain from the booth from which this false prophet operates.

Boy Scouts Hold The Secret To Good Apologetics

2009-11-24T13:21:00.001-05:00

Several years ago when I was a young boy, I was part of the Boy Scouts of America. No, I never made Eagle Scout, or even became part of the Order of the Arrow. I did however learn a valuable lesson that most of us could learn from. It’s the Boy Scouts of America’s motto, “Be Prepared”. Those two simple words could have easily prevented this debacle of an attempt at Christian Apologetics.

Recently, Kirk Cameron of The Way of the Master had a less-than-stellar performance when confronted by a young lady supporting Darwinism. Kirk forgot his cup and got kicked hard.

Perhaps the most frustrating part was that she was throwing up lob balls the size of planet earth that he couldn’t hit with a bat the size of the galaxy! As a good Darwinist will do, they throw up the whole “you can’t scientifically prove the Bible” blah blah blah. This one is easy.

A long time ago, I would have been unnerved at this question and even pondered it myself. Until, a bit of studying and listening to Voddie Baucham sparked a revelation.

Using the scientific method, you can’t prove anything in history! Why? The scientific method says something has to be observable, repeatable, and measureable. Scientifically you can’t prove George Washington was President. It’s not repeatable, it’s not measureable, it’s not observable. No, how do you prove history? You use the same system we use in courts, the Evidentiary method. Is there collaboration? Is there things you can see and touch?

Let’s see? 66 books, 40 authors, 3 languages, over 3 continents telling the same story?! If that’s not enough, how about 6,000+ manuscripts or portions of manuscripts today that we can touch? Still not enough? And not to leave science out, how about over 23,000 archeological digs to prove or disprove the Bible and not one turning up anything that shows the Bible needs re-written?! That’s what happens with a historical document is put together by eyewitnesses in front of other eyewitnesses (2 Peter 1:16-21).

Also, Christians need to remember, we don’t need to defend the Bible. Like the greatest preacher outside of the Bible, C.H. Spurgeon, said, “Defending the Bible is like defending a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion?” No, you turn a lion loose and he’ll defend himself. Peter however does tell us to be prepared to offer a reasoned response for the hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:15).

Be prepared Kirk. Be prepared.

This Makes Ab$olutely No Cents

2009-11-02T13:36:00.001-05:00

Yet again, the Gospel and sound preaching is forsaken in the process of trying to attract folks to church. This post comes from the “Just When You Thought You Heard It All” bin.

Yes, let’s chalk up another win for the non-believers as they lock and load their comedic skits aimed at the church with this gem. I can hear it now on SNL, “Next week, join our morning service for ‘Double Down Your Faith’ or for you night owls, how about ‘Holy Craps – God Never Throws Sevens’…” The Lighthouse Church of All Nations in Illinois is making the object of a church service the very thing that causes corruption throughout the church landscape. Money.

No, I’m not talking about some pulpit pimp walking around handing out guilt trips and stories to fill the offering bucket. This is even more ridiculous, although Rod Parsley has that circus act down to an art. How about making a lottery system out of a church service?

Yes, the Lighthouse Church of All Nations is offering cash prizes to those who are “blessed and highly favored” by sitting in the right seat with number that is called. What?

Apparently the Gospel of Jesus Christ is no longer sufficient or relevant. And what happens when the Gospel becomes irrelevant? The numbers become relevant. Just take a look at their website, as they boast by keeping a running tally of “souls saved”.

While the intention may be good, there are a lot better ways to teach financial responsibility (a.k.a. Dave Ramsey). This is nothing more than a get rich quick scheme in a so-called spiritual application that is severely maligned.

In the “Spirit” of Halloween…

2009-10-26T14:00:00.001-04:00

Well, yet again we are at the cusp of another celebration of Halloween festivities. A time when folks from kids to adults dress up and celebrate death. People don their best ghoulish or sexy costumes and set out for an evening of – well, I’m not sure what exactly is the point.

One thing that comes to mind with the images is the topic of ghosts, spirits, incantations, etc. The following is a biblical look at ghosts and spirits.

Surprisingly, if someone would ask me if I believe that there are spiritual beings around on the earth, I’d have to say “yes”. However, it would have to have a footnote beside it that would reference Hebrews 9:27. That verse pretty much sums it up referencing spirits of people who have physically died.

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.

-Hebrews 9:27, ESV

Not to overstate the obvious, but this kind of flies in the face of the idea of deceased human beings hanging around the house to slam doors, creak stairs, flicker light switches or create other distractions and encounters that we often imagine. The mind is a powerful thing. I have refuted members of my own family who have sworn they have smelled my late grandmother’s perfume or experienced something that sensed, “she was there…” We allow the subliminal to create fantasies that are eerily lifelike. However, as with anything, your litmus test is book, chapter and verse, of which you’ll find no support in the Bible for this line of thought.

Scripture is clear in the regard of death. You die once and are judged (Hebrews 9:27) and if you are a believer and regenerate there is heaven (2 Corinthians 5:6-8) or you go to hell (Matthew 25:46). It’s really that simple folks. The closest reference to a haunting as given to us by the almighty Hollywood is Mark 5:1-20 where Jesus heals a possessed man.

Now, there are spiritual beings that can/do interact with us. They either do God’s will or they don’t, they’re called angels or demons. Again, it is important to filter this through our litmus test as well, remember, “book, chapter, verse”. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 makes clear reference of how demons can “masquerade as servants of righteousness”. So even if someone would go to a psychic or medium and seek “good” information, he or she would open themselves up for failure on three fronts. First, even so-called “good” advice or information about future events can be used for evil purposes. Second, a psychic or medium is now being trusted, rather than God. And third, by doing so, you are associating yourself with those who God was said to hate (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).

This may also be a good time to debunk the common candy-coated Christianity thought that “God only hates the sin, not the sinner…” Um, not exactly. He’s pretty clear referencing such cultic practices:

“…for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”

-Deuteronomy 18:12

Hopefully, this will give you a reference point the next time someone asks or you just wonder about the paranormal. I’ll close by apologizing for taking the fun out of your next trip to the movies to see such silly entertainment. You may want to instead make some popcorn and pull up a chair to the Bible, it’s much more interesting anyhow!

And now for some selfish promotion…

While everyone will be celebrating death with their kids, families and friends, a bar-turned-church will celebrate life over death. Check out the event on Facebook if you’re in the area and are looking for something to do. Grace Bible Church is hosting the First Annual Spirit Fest: Waking the Dead. It will be a celebration as we are awaken and called to “arise from the dead” (Ephesians 5:14).

Continuing Perversion of the Church

2009-09-28T17:35:00.001-04:00

The Reverend Weekley continues to preach at the Epworth United Methodist Church, where he hopes his message of acceptance will be heard beyond the church's walls.

Two parallel lines will never meet. On the contrary, if one line is ever-so-slightly tweaked a miniscule of a degree, the further they travel, the farther apart they become. One may argue (for another blog post) that the feminization of the church that started years and years ago is not too far of a leap to the homosexual debauchery we are seeing in the church today.

First, the Episcopalian Church went down the road of the first ordained homosexual. Then, as perhaps a natural progression, the next order of business was to begin legitimizing a process for same-sex “marriages”. Bottom line, when you twist scripture and it’s meaning, radical implications will be fully realized several decades down the road and continue in a downward spiral. Rather, the perversion that one generation gets away with becomes the normative for the next, and so on and so forth.

Today, we see the United Methodist Church about to make their mark in church history. Following a seemingly logical progression of perversion, “Reverend” David Weekley revealed to a congregation of over 200 that “he” hasn’t always been a “he”.

Yes, the United Methodist Church is going to have to make a decision that will have implications on their denomination for generations to come regarding transgenders/transexuals.

Today the ever-growing influence of the post-modern movements often support and condone unbiblical speculation about numerous genders that further muddies the waters. Yet another example of their refusal to acknowledge that absolute truth exists. (Which is…an absolute!)

So what does the Bible say about such atrocities in the world, let alone the church? I think a great starting point would be Psalm 139:13-16. God, not man, “knitted me together in my mother’s womb”, therefore since God created us, man cannot redefine it based on one’s desires.

In short, God does not make mistakes. He does not create a human and say, “Whoops! How’d that happen. She was supposed to be a ‘he’!”

One can easily see the perversion of sexuality after the fall of Adam, as it became an epidemic consuming entire cities (Genesis 19:1-7; Jude 7). And perhaps even make an argument regarding transvestism in 1 Corinthians 6:9.

Either way, the United Methodist Church is at a vital point in its history and existence. Let’s pray brothers and sisters that they make the right decision, the Biblical decision and remove this person from the pulpit. Then, get David the help he needs to see him come to true repentance for his deceptiveness to himself, the church, and most importantly God.

Mark Driscoll: Filthy Roman Sponge

2009-09-25T06:41:00.001-04:00

Perhaps one of the best pastors of modern times, Pastor Mark Driscoll lays out an interesting take on something that happens during the crucifixion. It definitely shows a quite different take on some details than most of us were taught regarding the crucifixion.

From the Mars Hill Church blog site:

Here is Pastor Mark from one of the most powerful moments of last Sunday’s sermon. You may never read an account of the crucifixion the same way again.

For more where this came from, check out the series “Luke’s Gospel: Investigating The Man Who Is God”

A Real Inconvenient Truth

2009-08-28T09:16:00.001-04:00

To borrow a term from an environmental wacko, the Gospel has in fact become an inconvenient truth. That’s not news shattering when you consider today’s culture and the garbage that we’re inundated with from television, radio, etc. What is (or should be) shocking is that this has become more of a thorn in the side to the evangelical church than the world.

Rather than rehashing the well-known inadequacies and ineffectiveness of most Sunday morning church fiascos, check out this clip from Rev. Al Martin. He would be kicked out of most churches today for a message like this. How about yours?

You Can Learn A Lot From A Muslim

2009-08-23T15:26:00.001-04:00

There are promises throughout the Bible that Christians cling to like a teen clings to an iPod. Mercy…forgiveness…eternal life… What do they all have in common? They all represent “the good stuff” of Christianity. It’s like only eating the gooey syrup out of your favorite Starbucks drink, than with all the ingredients.

But what about other promises? Ones that don’t necessarily make us feel all giddy on the inside. What about promises like “all who desire to live godly in Jesus Christ will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)??? Why don’t we embrace those as well? In fact, most Christians create somewhat of a Jefferson Bible and only take the parts that appeal to them. They are only interested in their best life now or their purpose in life.

Earlier this week, 17-year-old Rifqa Bary hitchhiked to a bus staion in Ohio, and then caught a ride to Orlando, Florida. Currently she is in custody of Florida’s Department of Children and Families.

The incredible part of the story is not the “what” but the “why”. She fled her home in Ohio in fear for her life by her Islam “family” for being the first and only to convert to Christianity. Yes, perhaps one of the most profound promises in the Bible has come to pass again.

This young woman’s courage goes to another level and shames that of most Christians when you realize what is at stake. You see, most Christians read 2 Timothy 3:12 and immediately think, “That’s OK, I can deal with it..” or “Sure, I’ll stand up for Christ and my beliefs facing a few verbal jabs from my friends”. But it is so much more for Rifqa.

So much more is at stake, when you read this remark she made in an interview…

"If I had stayed in Ohio, I wouldn't be alive," she said. "In 150 generations in family, no one has known Jesus. I am the first — imagine the honor in killing me.

That my friends is courage. This is an example of 2 Timothy 3:12 at its best. And, this is how to embrace that promise as well, that most of us need to take to heart.

The Prosperity “Gospel”

2009-06-24T15:37:00.001-04:00

I’ve hesitated, as this stirs up the nest amongst the church and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I’ve witnessed this first-hand as well as on networks such as TBN. I’m lying down, unwinding and along comes [ENTER PROSPERITY PREACHER HERE] with his message of health and wealth and how Jesus will bless me with all my desires…blah blah blah. The list goes on and on. From Benny Hinn to Jesse Duplantis to Joel Osteen and all in between, I give you the Prosperity “Gospel”.

“Do this” and you’ll be “blessed with that”. “Do this” and you “won’t have to worry about that”. You see this works for these false teachers until folks wise up and read the Word for themselves. It quickly becomes obvious that they are out to lunch in the mind and the pulpit and are “to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:6-10). Let’s put it into perspective, shall we?

“Moralistic Deism At It’s Best”

2009-06-19T07:58:00.001-04:00

Wow. Pastor Matt Chandler hit this one out of the ballpark and into the next galaxy. A fresh dose of why people continue to fall away from the church. Will the masses ever get it? Or continue to idly sit by as long as numbers look good and parking lots are full.

The Difference Between A True Hockeytown and The ‘Burgh

2009-06-16T10:30:00.001-04:00

First off, congrats Pens. They definitely deserved the Cup. They played harder and wanted it more. Dan Blysma did a great job taking over and getting this team on track.

The idea here is not so much about me being a disgruntled Wings fan who’s blindly disappointed. Although, I’m extremely let down after a crazy-good playoff run through the Ducks and Blackhawks. Did the Pens deserve to win the Cup? Unequivocally YES. Are they a better team than the Wings? Absolutely NOT. Albeit part of the game, not an excuse, the Wings played their most injury-plagued playoff run in history. A healthy Wings team vs. a healthy Pens team – Wings win in 5. Anyone with any hockey-sense that actually follows the sport through an entire season, and not just in the finals because a team is geographically close by, would take those odds.

So what is the difference between these cities? One knows how to win and respect the game, the other still has to learn the latter. Granted, either you love or hate the Red Wings –but they know how to win and how to lose. What? There’s a right way to lose? Yes, there is. It involves respect for the game and its athletes despite your grim feelings after losing.

One needs to look no further than the post-game celebration at Joe Louis Arena. When the Conn Smythe was presented to Malkin, Detroit fans clapped. When the Cup was presented to Crosby, Detroit fans applauded. And when the great Mario Lemieux hoisted the Cup, Detroit fans cheered.

Now, let’s contrast this with the Wings’ victory last year at the Igloo in Pittsburgh. They booed the presentation of the Cup to one of the greatest defensemen to ever play the game, Nick Lidstrom. They booed the presentation of the Conn Smythe to future Hall-of-Famer Henrik Zetterberg after he completely dominated their beloved #87. Before any Pens fans start commenting, please watch the video below…

At 2:46, Bettman comes out for the Conn Smythe presentation and at 3:05, Zetterberg is announced as MVP with boos that continue into the presentation of the Cup.

Pittsburgh may be ready to hang the banner of 2009 Stanley Cup Champs at the opening of next season, but they are far from being worthy of the title, “Hockeytown”. Let’s Go Wings!

The Most Profound Promise In The Bible

2009-05-29T11:32:00.001-04:00

Of all of God’s Word, there is one verse that sticks in my mind that seems to prove itself more and more everyday. It’s a promise that most of us take too lightly, yet is reaffirmed daily. It’s one that is refused by some, feared by others and brushed aside by the ignorant.

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Jesus Christ will be persecuted. – 2 Timothy 3:12

Now, here’s where we as Christians get into trouble. We want all of Gods’ promises…as long as they’re desirable. Here is one that we want to ignore because it’s an inconvenience to our daily living. It may cost us our social status, our wallet, our job – or even our lives in some cases.

The most recent fulfillment of this promise comes to us from the “left” coast in the great city of San Diego (or San Diablo). Pastor David and wife Mary Jones have been ordered buy a San “Diablo” County employee to cease and desist a Bible study at their house! Yes, you read that correctly. San “Diablo” County has insisted that they are “unlawfully using their land”…

the couple received a written warning that cited "unlawful use of land," ordering them to either "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.

Where is the ACLU (Atheists Communists and Liberals United) now? Where’s the freedom of religion?

It’s my prayer that Pastor David will press on with his Bible study and draw strength from the Lord. I pray that through faithfulness, God will use this gross misuse of authority to bring Himself even more Glory!

You Don’t Have To Defend The Bible

2009-05-15T07:28:00.001-04:00

Not too long ago, the unsuspecting Christian culture was rocked by Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code in 2006. Again, we will see talk shows inundated with want-to-be scholars of the maligned ‘Jesus Seminar’ and other ignorant mouthpieces with a public platform planting seeds of doubt in uneducated Christians. Enter “Angels & Demons”.

Yes the 2nd installment of an attempt to “shake Christianity” has been made. And it has failed even before it’s debut. I say we can learn from this.

What can we as Christians learn from these types of movies and attacks on the one true religion? Simple.

Put It In Perspective

I arrived at a conclusion after all the nonsense and chatter of The Da Vinci Code. Regardless how believable someone could make this propaganda sound legit, from here until Jesus comes, it will be in the FICTION section of every bookstore in the world. So before your BP starts climbing, remember that.

Know Your Role

As I’m sure the title of this post may have taken you by surprise, it’s true. You do not have to defend the Bible. Trust me, the Bible can completely stand on its own. I like it put this way by one of the greatest preachers ever…

"Scripture is like a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose; it will defend itself." –Charles Spurgeon

We are not called to defend the Bible. However, where Christians, even pastors, get into trouble is they neglect a very important piece of Scripture that specifically instructs on such occasions we may encounter. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to be ready to make a reasoned response or the Greek word “apologia” to give an account for the hope that lies within us.

In other words, as Christians we should be ready to explain at any given moment 1) what we believe and 2) why we believe it. It can be put no more plainly than this passage of Scripture:

16For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"-- 18and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. -- 2 Peter 1:16-21

Folks it doesn’t get any plainer than that. You can read a great post about that here. So that’s why they told me to read my Bible all those years! :-)

Old Adages Ring True Close To Home

2009-05-03T08:55:00.001-04:00

Recently, a sister in Christ gave birth to another beautiful child of the God. Afterwards, she experienced some complications and is still in the Intensive Care Unit.

There are a couple things that both church members and others alike can learn from this experience. They are valuable lessons not to be quickly forgotten.

First, the wedding vow ‘through sickness and in health’ has never rang truer than with Wendy’s husband Matt. Matt has been a rock and continues to stand firm. I had the opportunity to have lunch with him yesterday and wondered if I would be as good under the same circumstances.

Second, ‘a family that prays together, stays together’. It’s true in the home and it’s true with the church family. The joint efforts of Wendy’s church family has been incredible with support physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And from what I understand, the love and prayer hasn’t been contained to just Wendy and Matt. Others around the ICU unit have been lifted up as well.

http://prayforwendy.blogspot.com

Please visit her blog that is being updated by family and leave comments, prayers, encouragement – anything to show and reaffirm to them that He is still on the throne and that there is hope.

Youth Ministry Pt. 7: A Plan To Stand

2009-04-29T13:59:00.001-04:00

Well here we are. In the previous six parts, found here, here, here, here, here and here, I have pointed out several areas of what the church of today calls ‘Youth Ministry’. Some of the areas are readily agreed upon, others gather responses such as ‘Are you serious?’. Nevertheless, all points have scripture to stand behind them.

My goal in opening this can of worms, and what a big can it has been, was not to inebriate readers and youth workers. However, it was to pull off the nice, neat looking bandage that has allowed a sore on the church landscape to fester underneath. Granted it’s ugly, but after airing it out, repenting and asking God for a direction that tries to conform to His instructions to the best of our ability, it will heal. It will start to take the shape of His will and not that of our culture or what the leading youth pastor on TV says.

It’s obvious that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to youth ministry. However, if we can agree on a mission statement that lines up with the Bible, and base all of our efforts on that, then we will be well on our way in a direction that pleases God. So how’s this…

The mission of [church name] youth ministry is to equip parents to fulfill their Biblical responsibilities of discipling and evangelizing their children and to reach out to youth who are without Christian parents.

This statement has several references to stand on, such as Deuteronomy 6:5-7, Ephesians 5:15-21, 4:12.

Equipping and Empowering Parents

The first part of this statement strikes the heart of my biggest concern with youth ministry in its common form today. It’s one thing to run a ministry that’s not specifically outlined in Scripture. But, you cross the line when you offer a ministry that goes against Scripture.

The idea: If we are doing anything that allows parents a free pass on discipling their kids, that’s bad. If we are doing anything that is assisting in directly disobeying the 5th Commandment, it’s heresy. The 5th Commandment is the first of the horizontal commandments and given to the community of faith (Deuteronomy 5:16). Go back and take Ephesians 6:1-4 in context (see Ephesians 5:15-21). You will see that children who are obedient and Spirit-filled are ones that are submitted to their parents’ spiritual authority. If parents can just drop kids off at a weekly gathering, that’s enticing them to pass off their responsibilities of discipleship and evangelism to the church. If church leadership fails to hold parents responsible, it only continues a trend of the past three decades.

Bottom line: Churches should be utilizing Scripture, today’s technology – anything- to equip parents to disciple and evangelize their children. Prayer, workshops, Bible studies, books, trips – ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to equip parents. The future of the church depends on it.

The ‘Orphans’

The second part of the statement addresses a growing concern for churches. It takes into account youth who may not have parental leadership in the home or church. Notice that I reference ‘youth without Christian parents’. If their parents are in fact striving to fulfill their responsibilities, they wouldn’t be orphans.

The idea: Youth that do not have parental guidance at home or at church are a vital component and concern for the church family. Again, why would we toss them into an environment where at best only 10% of their peers in youth ministry have a Biblical worldview? What does all that have to offer them in the way of discipleship or evangelism? Considering that some studies show our effectiveness as adults evangelizing at 40+ Christian adults to gaining 1 convert?! Youth evangelism effectiveness is even less.

Bottom line: Churches should be pairing up these ‘orphans’ with families that are already displaying this model of family discipleship and evangelism. Or another option would be pairing them up with a couple that has successfully raised kids and are still drawn to them.

Conclusion

While some may or may not agree with any or all of this series, it’s hard to compile a mission statement that will line up with Scripture better than the one I have put forth here. By lining up our youth ministries with the Bible, we will set in motion a reverse of the perversion of ministry that has plagued our Christian culture over the last 30 years. Otherwise, we will fall victim to the old cliché ‘those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat it…’

By taking a Biblical approach and lining up our youth ministries with Scripture as best we can, everything else from skate days to field trips to youth camps are just candy sprinkles on top. I like candy sprinkles, don’t you?

Signing Your Own Death Warrant

2009-04-16T15:44:00.001-04:00

One needs to look no further for blatant persecution of Christ than at President B.O.’s Georgetown speech. What? You read it right. The White House asked that Georgetown cover up a monogram symbolizing Jesus’ name in Gaston Hall, where President B.O. was speaking.

Call me crazy, but doesn’t it sound an awful lot like denial? I wonder what his trusty evangelical sidekick Rick Warren thought about it? Or perhaps this quote from Catholic University spokesman Victor Nakas sums it up:

"I can’t imagine, as the bishops’ university and the national university of the Catholic Church, that we would ever cover up our religious art or signage for any reason," Mr. Nakas wrote. "Our Catholic faith is integral to our identity as an institution of higher education."

Somehow this instantly moves me to 2 Timothy. Something about Christ returning a favor to us the way we showed it to him,

if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; (2 Timothy 2:12)

Being “denied” by Christ is a death sentence. Anything that will result in eternal separation is death.

Getty Images

And perhaps even more profound or prophetic was the image ran in the article (shown above) of President B.O. looming as the monogram was eclipsed behind him in the dark. Perhaps that is prophetic in itself as to where we’re headed.

Happy Easter, Here’s What Happened

2009-04-10T00:02:00.001-04:00

Before I start, let me preface this message by telling you that there is nothing wrong with celebrating the resurrection or Jesus Christ. His resurrection is essential for the Christian faith to exist. Duh?! So why am I telling you this? As we hold up typical church and cultural Easter traditions, there will be some things that will sound so crazy and off the wall. However, once we examine them along side the Bible, you’ll quickly see that the world and even the church have been a bit off the mark at this time of the year.

Not Mentioned

Easter is not biblical. Lent is not biblical. That’s right. Easter and Lent are not biblical. As a matter of fact, I challenge you to find ‘Easter’ in the bible. I’ll save you the time, it’s not in there. Actually, it is in the KJV bible, erroneously translated I might add. The original Greek word ‘pascha’ is correctly translated in every other version of the bible, including the NKJV, as ‘Passover’.

Some of you may have heard or attended a church that celebrates Lent. Please understand that I do not mean to offend, but to inform. You see, the idea of Lent comes from Jesus’ 40-day wilderness fast when He gave up His divine power to experience humanity fully.

So what’s the big deal? Well, let’s see what the Big Guy has to say about the matter of all these extra traditions that supposedly celebrate Him.

beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?' "You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. "Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:30-32)

As a matter of fact, the word ‘Easter’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘Eostre’, which is the goddess of spring. In her honor, sacrifices were made at the time of the spring equinox.

So why all the fuss? My issue with all this is that so many Christians get so wrapped up in this self-made traditions and rituals, and allow them to get in the way of the true biblical meanings and observances at this time of year. We’re more concerned about what kind of candy to get Johnny than how we can fully explain the death and resurrection to our kids. Bottom line is that neither the apostles or the Gospels teach the observance of Easter. Nor did Jesus give us a law requiring us to celebrate this feast. Most of these traditions were created by man.

So how did Lent and Easter get into the mix? A 2nd century theologian Irenaeus was witness in a letter he sent to Rome that some early Roman bishops banned the observance of Passover on the 14th of Nisan. Just one problem here, that was the actual day that Jesus and the apostles practiced the observance each year. When they banned it, that’s when Lent and Easter were introduced into Christian practice.

Passover

Started in Exodus (Exodus 12:1-13)
Jesus’ death takes place of sacrificial lamb
Matthew 26:26-28
Annual reminder of Jesus’ sacrificial death
Christ actually commands us to celebrate His death not His resurrection (1 Corinthians 11:23-28)

Feast of Unleavened Bread

1 Corinthians 5:8
Focuses on Christian’s need to live in sincerity, truth and purity

Why Can’t We Count?

Jesus did not die on Good Friday. Now while I believe that intentions are good, they are severely misled. Has anyone here ever wondered why in Matthew, Jesus says that,

‘for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth’ (Matthew 12:40)

but there’s only a couple days from Friday to Sunday? Umm, that is kind of in contrast of what He said. Do we not think Jesus, the Savior of mankind, could count to three? I do.

So how do we get three days out of Friday to Sunday? You don’t. Jesus wasn’t crazy. Look at these 3 pieces of scripture:

Matthew 12:39-40
Matthew 17:23
Matthew 20:19

To me, it’s pretty clear that He will be crucified, die and rise again on the third day. I can tell you that the whole Good Friday-Easter Sunday explanation is tradition without biblical foundation.

So how did it happen? Luke 23:44 tells of Christ’s time on the cross and the darkening from the 6th to the 9th hour, or noon to 3 pm our time. Now you have to understand that this was just before a high holy day and the Jews wanted the bodies taken down. So we know that He was to be entombed within the next few hours before the approaching Sabbath (John 19:31).

Here’s where it gets interesting. First, we have to get a hold of something that most people overlook. There were 2 Sabbaths. Let’s compare Mark 16:1 and Luke 23:56. Mark tells us that the women bought the spices ‘when the Sabbath was past’. Luke on the other hand tells us that ‘they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.’ How could they have bought spices after the Sabbath and then prepared them and rested on the same Sabbath?

The only explanation is that there were 2 Sabbaths involved. The first was the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:14-22), which fell on Thursday that year. So they started observing it on Wednesday evening until its completion on Thursday evening. Then, Friday, they purchased the spices and oils for His body. Friday evening they had to rest as it was the beginning of the weekly Sabbath until Saturday night. Then, Sunday, they went to the tomb at sunrise.

Finally, let’s understand also that Jesus did not rise from the dead Sunday morning. That would be impossible and would prove the Bible to be wrong regarding this account. John 20:1-2 tells us that Mary and the gang arrived ‘early to the tomb, while it was still dark’.

The correct timeline should go as follows:

Jesus crucified Wednesday afternoon
Laid in tomb Wednesday night to Saturday night
Rose from the dead before Sunday morning sunrise

What Matters In The End

Jesus Christ did rise from the dead. Sadly, many get only part of this story and apply it fully to their life. They know about Jesus and know that He was crucified. But they don’t put enough emphasis on the best part which is the resurrection.

Because of the death and resurrection:

We can be forgiven of our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 2:2)
We have eternal life (John 11:25-26)
We have a direct connection with the Father (Matthew 27:50-51)
The possibilities are endless

Let’s Beat The Drum Again…

2009-04-02T15:06:00.001-04:00

Today’s living example of parents being the main influence in the home (Deuteronomy 6:7, Ephesians 5:15 – 6:4) comes to us directly from Raleigh, NC. While this is an extreme case, it’s equivalent to what takes place all over churches today right under our noses.

Yes folks, Cheryl Mozingo successfully passed down the wonderful art of shoplifting to her two daugters, Heather (22) and Nicky (24). The family has a trail of court appearances through 7 counties in the area. In fact, Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue reminds us of this,

"It's unfortunate," Sughrue said. "But the passing down of criminal behavior from parent to child is not a new phenomenon. Obviously, it perpetuates something that can lead children into some of the same problems their parents have had."
(emphasis added, read full article here)

It’s heart wrenching to see a family like this, let along two young women that are in great need of being reached out to. Most Christians would respond, “Aw…someone needs to reach out to them.” But how can we fathom the idea of reaching out to others when we’re failing to reach out to our own flesh and blood right under our nose?

Here is the legacy she is leaving behind. How will yours look?

While this may be shocking to some of us and unthinkable to others, is it really that different than tossing our kids out into ministry and hoping they get the spiritual nourishment they need? While the parent (or lack of) in this case has failed to instill the very basics of good morals into these young women (proven by the repeated list of legal run-ins) it pales in comparison to what we are setting our youth up for in the church if we don’t get serious about equipping parents (Ephesians 4:12) to disciple and evangelize their children.

Happy National Atheist’s Day

2009-04-01T08:36:00.002-04:00

Let today serve as a reminder that we need to reach out to our unbelieving brethren in hopes of stirring them up and nudging them in the direction of Christ. Perhaps this post’s title is not the most subtle, although accurate (Psalm 14:1), but for Christians who are the butt of jokes and consistently attacked in today’s mainstream media (2 Timothy 3:12), I think it’s quite humorous and a welcome laugh. I’ll not beat the “we must know what we’re talking about” (1 Peter 3:15) when we discuss Christianity with atheists, you can read that beat here from a previous post.

Rather, I’ll leave you with a few humorous cartoons to enjoy. Remember, God has a sense of humor. Don’t believe me? Look at the platypus.

It Can Be Fun To Hold It

2009-03-27T09:13:00.001-04:00

Well, it’s Friday. Not feeling serious. Not feeling well, but then who does all the time? I have no idea where this came from. But the next time you’re on a plane or in a restaurant and have to go so bad that your bladder feels like it’s about 50 lbs., just try this to get you through. Enjoy!