Die Right So You Might LIve Right!

Are you dying and living the right way? Many are dying to please God and missing out on how good life in Christ is meant to be. There are many believers and unbelievers alike who are literally giving up their life one piece at a time in vain effort to win God's favor. Unfortunately, they have either forgotten or never learned that God has already (in spite of us) decided to like, favor and love us. He demonstrated such a heart through the Cross of Christ. Jesus did not choose to die for our sins because of anything we could ever do to win his favor! Jesus chose to die for our sins because He first chose to love us. His choice had nothing to do with us or what we could ever do for Him. Now...will you avail yourself of God's choice by placing faith in Him for your life? This question is not only for unbelievers but is also a very pertinent one for legalistic Christians. Instead of killing yourself to please God through right behavior will you instead die to self effort and vain attempts to win God's favor? Will you live by grace through faith in Him? Start dying right so you might live right today!

James

There Can Be No Justice When The Church is Totally Separated From The State

I hope (expectation of good) and I pray (demonstrating my dependence upon God) for a better America (the country of my birth). Does this make me a good Christian, patriotic one or both? Does it make me a better or lesser Christian to care what happens to a particular nation among the family of many? What place does nationalism have in the church? The question is a pertinent one as our world becomes a smaller place and our faith increasingly challenged by culture and government. Perhaps a better question is, should we consider ourselves "American Christians" or simply "Christians" without moniker identifying us by our geography or land of birth?

It has always bothered me to see an American flag in the sanctuary of a church. My angst has nothing to do with feelings for country; I am a proud American. My negative emotions arise from the identification of God with a particular nation or people. After all, God loved Russians during the cold war, Germans during World War II and even the Red Coats of the American Revolution. Didn't He? 

Certainly we claim no monopoly on the salvation, love or grace of the Christ. God could be said to be both multinational as well as multi-cultural. This is why an American flag in the sanctuary seems a misplaced demonstration of national pride and passion. Our founding fathers (yes they were all men) strongly opposed the idea of a national church. Their wisdom led to the establishment of the idea of separation of church and state. These men wanted the state out of the church. They had seen the abuses and great difficulties such arrangements created in the "Old World" and wanted no part of such in the new one. However, they understood the importance of faith in the public square. Specifically, they understood the necessity of a strong church presence within the affairs of state. George Washington stated the following in his farewell address of 1796, 

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

Religion, more specifically, Christianity, is absolutely vital to the continued good health of our nation. If we come to the place where we no longer recognize Christianity as the moral conscience of our people, all petitions for God's blessing will be in vain. One cannot depart God's moral counsel and at the same time enjoy His bountiful blessing. Discipline awaits those who spurn the counsel of God Almighty.

Unfortunately, our secular culture has pressured the church into abdicating its intended function in affairs of state. Popular culture and political pressure have intimidated the church and her people to the point of submission. No longer is the champion of righteousness taking her rightful place at the table of ideas. Christians are told to keep their beliefs personal and out of the public square. The result of this capitulation has been tragic. What we are experiencing today is nothing short of God's discipline or judgement upon a nation which has spurned His moral law.

God help us repent! There is no justice nor prosperity for a nation whose God is anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ.

James  

"Watch One Hour" -- One Hour With God Each Day in June!

A vast majority of people, Christian and non Christian alike, champion the idea that "prayer makes a difference." But, statisticians and their surveys tell us people pray very little.  "An Ellis Research survey for Facts & Trends finds just 16% of pastors are very satisfied with their personal prayer lives, 47% are somewhat satisfied, 30% somewhat dissatisfied and 7% very dissatisfied. Their median amount of prayer time per day is 30 minutes. During that time, a typical pastor spends 12 minutes with prayer requests, 8 in quiet time, 7 giving thanks, 7 more in praise, and 5 confessing sin. The top 5 things they pray for are individual congregation member’s needs, congregation’s spiritual health, wisdom in leading church, spiritual growth for church, and personal spiritual growth." (Facts & Trends 5/6/05) If these are the statistics for those in positions of spiritual leadership, we might expect the same or less from those sitting under their leadership. In general, people pray very little. 

Why are we not praying more? Perhaps we don't know the power of prayer? Perhaps we diminish the genuine value of the opportunity to have a relationship with God? Perhaps we are just lazy? Perhaps we lack faith in God? Whatever the reason for our prayer-less-ness, we must admit our life would benefit greatly if we prayed more. Why don't we find out how much our life might be changed by a stronger prayer life and a closer walk with God! Let's start praying!

Beginning June 1st I am challenging every believer I know to take a challenge called "Watch One Hour." This is a challenge to spend at least one hour in prayer everyday for 30 days. There are 30 days in June so this is an easy time frame to wrap your mind around! 

Will you join me in prayer? Your hour in prayer might be all in one sitting, 15 minutes four times each day or 10 minutes six times each day. However you break it down just make sure you are with Christ for at least 60 minutes everyday! Your life will be changed!

James

The Importance of Christian Leadership: The Lessons of Benghazi, IRS and AP Scandals

Benghazi, IRS, AP, the three together spell trouble for our nation. To quote Jeremiah Wright, "America's chickens have come home to roost." I quote Wright in jest but his words are true if applied to the context of our current day. America is now reaping the consequences of the gross secularization of her culture and abandonment of Judeo-Christian morality. Once a nation removes God from the public square it is left to the devices of sinful human nature. The government of the United States is attempting to operate in a secular vacuum void of religious influences; a democracy can never survive such an environment. The success of any Democracy, government by the people and for the people, is completely dependent upon the influence of those who know and follow Christ. Democracy needs the leadership of those who are devoted to Jesus Christ.

One misconception of modern man is the idea people are generally "good" when in fact the exact opposite is the case. Certainly I could give a long list of examples and evidence to back up the claim of this assertion but the actions and attitude of any two year old sufficiently makes the point. People are born with a sin nature; a sin nature which makes them selfish, self seeking and incapable of pleasing God. This gross combination eventually produces very bad things in the life of the individual, family and community at large. Selfish, unrighteous people are incapable of governing in a way which provides for the greater good of the people they govern. Inevitably, irreligious, Godless men and women will lead a people to corruption and judgment as they selfishly seek their own good to the detriment of the greater good.

Character matters! Without leaders who have repented of past sin and committed themselves to a better, more righteous future, our nation is doomed to failure. The lesson of today's scandals is simply this: Government must stay out of the church but the church must interject itself into the state. The government needs the moral leadership of Christ followers.

Does God Have An Opinion On Same Sex Marriage?

Does God care if two men "marry" one another? Is it even possible for such a union to "be" a "marriage?" How can the church address the issue of same sex marriage without raising the issue of homosexuality above all other sin? The current debate in our culture over same sex marriage has left the church with several important questions to answer.

To the first question, yes God does care if two men or two women "marry" one another. How can I be sure of His interest? Because God has very clearly set forth what actually constitutes a marriage in Genesis 2. In this passage, God created the institution of marriage when He joined Adam and Eve together as "one flesh." He made them "one" both spiritually, emotionally and physically. The physical part had to do with the design of their bodies but the emotional and spiritual "oneness" was no less by design. God designed men and women to be joined into a "oneness" demonstrated in the institution of marriage. So does God care if two men attempt a similar union? Considering God's original design the answer is a resounding yes! God is opinionated when it comes to the "debate" concerning same sex marriage and His opinion, simply put, is no way!

This begs the question, "Can a "marriage" between two people of the same sex even exist at all?" If God has defined marriage as a relationship between man and woman, can a relationship between two people of the same sex ever be actually defined as a marriage? If man defines "marriage" then we have a very subjective institution which allows each successive generation opportunity to tweak and redefine. But, if God defines what constitutes marriage, we have an objective, eternal standard by which all generations are judged. According to the God of Christianity there is no such thing as a "same sex marriage." Such a union of two individuals might be called many things but marriage isn't one of them.

So how should the church respond to the current debate concerning same sex marriage? In order to find our answer we must reacquaint ourselves with a simple precept by which all moral questions should be addressed: Does the thought, word or deed in question miss God's mark? Sin, as defined in the original Greek language, means to "miss the mark." We must search the Scriptures for God's "targeted behavior" and determine whether the issue in question misses His defined "mark." God's "target" for marriage is one man and one woman in a committed, lifelong, monogamous relationship. So any other attempted union, whether between two people of the same sex or multiple people of both sexes, misses God's intended purpose for marriage. We must be the mouthpiece for God's word on the subject. We must proclaim the truth in love. We must stand for Biblical marriage and against any attempt to redefine this God ordained institution.

An Aside: 
Sexual sin is simply sin whether it be homosexual or heterosexual in nature. One type of sin is no uglier than the next. The homosexual who repents of his or her sin is a "sinner saved by God's grace" just as much as any other repentant sinner. The unrepentant adulterer or glutton is no less a sinner than the unrepentant homosexual. Too often the church has made homosexual people feel they are a special class of sinner. We have often been found hateful, unloving, uncaring and obnoxious toward those who struggle with same sex attractions. We must end our prejudice. No sinner and no category of sin is worse than any other. 

On the flip side, if you are homosexual and reading this post, we in the Christian community would appreciate it if you would cease being hateful yourself. Calling us names and treating us less than human makes it more of a challenge to love you. We are not going to acquiesce to your demands. We are not going to abandon or deny our faith, so stop demanding that we do so. If we can treat you with love and respect while disagreeing with your choice of lifestyle please attempt to do the same for us.

The bottom line: 
I have friends who are gay and we will continue to disagree on the subject of same sex marriage. However, there may be things upon which we can agree and find common cause. I will always fight for the dignity of every human being. I will pray and care for all people regardless of who they may be or their life choices. 

Christ's command to love has no preconditions and no qualifiers. As believers in Christ we should consider what this means in reference to those whom so many have chosen to marginalize and despise.

A genuine follower of Christ must always speak the truth in love. So believers in Christ must speak: God defines marriage not man. If the government wishes to allow people of the same sex to enter into a contractual relationship with one another for legal purposes and call it marriage there is little we as Christ followers can do to stop it. However, regardless what the rulers of our day might think or say, God's mark for what constitutes genuine marriage will never change. Genuine marriage will always be what God has said it is: One man and one woman united by God in a monogamous, life long, committed relationship.

What Can Christians Do For Boston?

What can we do to help the hurting in Boston? We can pray. Prayer is our weapon of warfare and balm of healing. Prayer is our privilege and opportunity to both know the mind of God and move the hand of God. Prayer is the ability to depend upon a power higher than our own. Prayer is powerful. We can send money, offer condolences, sing songs and observe a moment of silence but nothing can compare to the hope and help of God's people when they pray.

"God, you are holy, powerful and kind beyond our imagination. Your love has no end and is completely incomprehensible. You are above all powers; You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You are God and we are not. We approach you with humility and ask for Your strong intervention on behalf of those living in Boston who today grieve, hurt and find themselves filled with anxiety. We do not know all the ways to pray for the hurting and simply ask for You to do what You know to do for them. Restore faith where it has been shaken and remind those who doubt of both Your existence and Your love."

In Jesus name we pray,
Amen 

God is Good All The TIme!

"God is good, all the time, He put a song of praise in this heart of mine. God is good, all the time!" These words, from a popular chorus of a few years ago, sum up the way I feel this morning. God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good!

Often folks judge the goodness of God in subjective fashion based upon their current circumstances. God is good when things are going "well." When things are not so "well" God is determined to be "absent" or some other sanitized word used when questioning the goodness of the Almighty. Such temptations to judgment should humble us. How dare we question the goodness of the infinitely good God? How dare we question the righteousness of Jehovah based upon some momentary hardship? Job learned such wisdom in a very hard way I hope none of us must endure! God is righteous and good all the time!

Look around you today, regardless of any momentary hardships, and give thanks for the goodness of a God who promises to love and be faithful to you. God created you and continues to give grace for life. Regardless of what you face today, God is still in His Heaven, still sovereign, still loves you and is always good! 

James

Should Protestants Celebrate Lent? (A Response to SWBTS and Dr Thomas White)

I am protestant and I celebrate Lent. There I said it, the cat is out of the bag. Whew! I say this tongue in cheek because many protestants, including apparently SWBTS and Dr Thomas White seem to be under the false assumption it is wrong to observe Lent. Dr White wrote an article in support of his viewpoint here. I find his arguments very shortsighted and disturbing for a number of reasons and hope to use his article to contrast such a view with my own. I discovered Lent almost 20 years ago and it has been greatly used of God in my life. Lent can be a wonderful positive in our life (even as protestants) if we redeem it as such. After all, did we not coop the celebration of the Winter Solstice in order to place a date on Christmas? Could we not coop a traditional celebration of much less ignoble birth in order to prepare our hearts for revival and the majesty of Easter?

Lent has been around a very long time, at least since the 4th century. The purpose of Lent is to prepare the believer in Christ for Easter. Traditionally such preparation is made through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial. As Baptists, we do not practice penance because we believe Jesus completely paid for our sins on the Cross negating the need for such. We do believe in prayer, repentance, giving and fasting so the rest of what constitutes a traditional observance of Lent is well within the theological fellowship in which we Baptists do life together. 

Dr White states in his article he does not celebrate Lent because he is not Catholic. However, many protestant denominations celebrate Lent and have done so since the Reformation. Dr White's mention of Martin Luther's 95 Theses as support for his own choice to forgo Lent is weak and without scholarly merit. Luther actually said, "Lent, Palm Sunday, and Holy Week shall be retained, not to force anyone to fast, but to preserve the Passion history and the Gospels appointed for that season" (LW 53:90). I sincerely mean no animus toward Dr Thomas but his argument is porous and misleading. Protestants, even Luther, have celebrated Lent since the time of the reformation itself.

Dr White says Lent is a "man-made" religious exercise and he has freedom in Christ from such "bondage." So does this mean we are to consider Rick Warren's "40 Days of Purpose" a man-made legalistic exercise without any merit for those living under grace? This is a straw man argument at best. Just because a practice is old doesn't mean it was created by "Judaizers." Lent is no more legalistic than any special emphasis a church might undertake as a part of its spiritual life.

Dr White concludes his argument against Lent with the statement he "doesn't need to tell anyone when he is fasting." I agree personal times of fasting and prayer should be done in a humble state which often requires one to keep the practice to him or herself. However, Scripture is full of public, called fasts. This point of argument against Lent is without any Scriptural merit.

I am not picking on Dr White this morning but I do think his article is a great tool for discussion. Many folks fear Lent simply because of its ancient origins and association with the Catholic church. There is no need to throw the baby out with the bathwater! We split from Catholics over a myriad of theological issues which have Scriptural merit but Lent is not one of them. We need not lose something so wonderful as Advent, Lent or even the celebration of Pentecost. Luther himself championed the inclusion of such observances in the faith and practice of the Body of Christ. Lent is a time for spiritual inventory, confession and renewal. Lent is a time for spiritual renewal and revival as we look forward to Easter and the celebration of all Jesus did to make opportunity for us to be right with Him. Don't miss out on Lent and the blessing such an observance can bring to your life!

James

Saturday Night Live Djesus and The Coming Persecution of the American Church

Sometimes surfing the net can be a real downer. This morning I watched a blasphemous video Saturday Night Live recently broadcast and MSNBC mock and malign Christians. Of course I am regularly bombarded by politicians (who in many cases claim to be followers of Christ) who do their very best to secularize the culture and marginalize the Christian faith. While all of this goes on the church yawns (when it is awake at all) and ignores the persecution awaiting believers just over the horizon.

I have often heard prayers lifted in worship services which thank God for a free country in which to worship Him. I wonder if those lifting such prayers know or even remotely appreciate the words they pray. Freedom, and more specifically the freedom to worship, is a very fragile thing. Most of the earth live under governments which seek to control religion and expressions of faith within their borders. In the United States we say we believe such a freedom to be our birthright. I wonder if we have forgotten the sacrifices which won the realization of such a right. God gave Americans the freedom to worship Him through the blood, sweat, tears and travail of many, many people who have gone before us.

Religious persecution is coming to the United States unless there is a revival of faith in our country. The current slide from a culture which revered Christianity to one which reviles it is only picking up speed. The media, government and popular culture are doing all they can to intensify the prejudice against Biblical Christianity. The recent Saturday Night Live skit is just a drop in the barrel of what is going on all around us everyday. Our own president disallowed a pastor from giving the invocation at his inauguration because he actually believed certain passages in the Bible were true.

I intend to write more on this topic during the week. For the time being I hope you will begin to pray for a genuine revival of Biblical Christianity in our country. Apart from a real, genuine move of God's Holy Spirit the church will soon find itself under persecution never before seen in our country.

James

Suggestions for Lent 2013

Lent is here! What are you doing to observe this 40 day opportunity for spiritual "reset?" Our church family is fasting and praying together on Wednesdays. We also are worshipping together on Sunday evenings; not a usual occurrence during the year. Personally I am seeking to be more diligent to seek God through prayer and meditation on the Bible. Through all of this both I and my church family are seeking a renewed relationship with Christ and subsequently a renewed relationship with others.

Jesus told us we are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. He also said we are to love our neighbor as ourself. If we do the former we will necessarily do the latter; to love God is to love those whom God loves. As much as we want to love both God and others, it is very easy to allow our love to grow cold over the course of our hectic lives. If this is where you find yourself I encourage you to observe Lent this year and seek a "reset" with regard to your walk with God. One of the wonderful things about the church calendar is the opportunity it affords change to be an intentional part of our life. Don't miss out on this important season in the life of both you and the church!

Suggestions for Lent:

1. Wake up 30 minutes early for a time of prayer

2. Start a new Bible reading plan (Youversion on the iPhone is a great place to find one!)

3. Attend special worship and prayer services at your church

4. Fast and pray one day a week 

5. Begin an intentional plan to share your faith with at least one person everyday

James

What is Lent???

Ash Wednesday and Lent are here! I can hardly believe it is time to type those words as it seems Advent happened only moments ago. The clock keeps ticking and thankfully we are here to hear it! So what is Lent? How can we celebrate it? And why should we celebrate it? I am going to give you the condensed and some might argue protestant version; I believe the following may help the Lenten season become a significant part of your spiritual life.

Lent is the 40 days preceding Easter Sunday. For those of you numbering the days, we do not count Sundays when tallying the length of Lent. These are days in which to examine one's conscience and ask God to reveal any and all unconfessed, un-repented of sin in our life so we might repent. It is a time for reflection and spiritual "housecleaning." To put it in old school terms, Lent is a time for revival and renewal. Lent is a time to get right with God and consider the price Christ paid to make a way possible for us to do so.

Often people will give up or take on something as a part of their Lenten devotions. Such a practice is great if it is something which will help point us to God. Anything we can give up or add which helps us better prioritize and enjoy our relationship with God is a good thing regardless of the time of year. Scripture admonishes us to fast and we should do so often!

Tonight is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season for 2013. This particular day is a time to reflect upon our mortality and subsequent hopelessness if not for the death and resurrection of Christ.

I hope you will find a church to worship with and celebrate the gift of Jesus this Lenten season!

James

Love Love Love!

Thought this was a great follow up to yesterday's post. Is just under two minutes long and has a great message to consider as you start your day today.

James

Radical Love Isn't So Radical It's Just Biblical

Most of the time what we call "Radical Love" is really just good old "Biblical Love." We refer to it as radical because it is much more than anything commonly experienced or given. Biblical love is complete abandonment of self for another. Jesus demonstrated this kind of love for us when He went to the Cross for our sins. How could He be any more "selfless" than to offer His life in our place? He suffered the curse, wrath and death due us for what WE had done in rebellion against God! 

Often, we consider the love of Jesus and give ourselves a pass from the responsibility to love likewise. Yet nowhere in Scripture do we find a permissive statement which allows anything less than complete love of God and the resultant love for others. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." In each command, the Greek word translated into English as "love" is "Agape." This type of love is both defined and illustrated best when we look to the Cross of Jesus. "Agape" is the complete giving of oneself. God desires, even expects, each of us to completely give ourself to Him and in turn love others with the same kind of love He demonstrated when He went on the Cross. The ability to love others this way happens when we first love God in the way He desires from us. 

Will you choose Biblical love today?

James 

Super Bowl and "Old Man's Disease"

The Super Bowl is behind us and with it another year of football. I am a big fan of the game although not as much as in years past. Some of my excitement for the game has faded in the face of millionaires who often seem far more in love with themselves than the game they play. "Team" is a loose moniker now days, applying only to names on the collective payroll of a billionaire owner. I long for the days when football possessed a bit more purity and passion. Those were better days in which the starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys sold life insurance in the off season to make a living. And today I suffer from "Old Man's Disease," a longing for something from the past which seems in many ways so much better than its counterpart in the present.

I suppose there are a number of folks sitting in the pew each Sunday who also suffer from "Old Man's Disease." Often we long for something in our past whether it be a particular hymn, preacher or sanctuary which made us feel great passion and excitement for God and our faith in Him. Some of these "jewels of the past" can occasionally be recaptured but others are now forever consigned to our memory. Thank God for those the things in our history which inspired us to greater faith in Christ! Yet, isn't it good to know we are not dependent upon people, things or methods for the vitality of our faith? Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! Aren't you excited for what God has in store for your future? If He could inspire you with so much goodness in the past just imagine what He has planned next!

James

Hillary Clinton Tells Us The End Justifies The Means...But a Lie is Still a Lie

"What does it matter?" This was the statement given by Secretary Hillary Clinton to an investigative committee of Congress and the American people. "Why does it matter that your government lied to you about Benghazi?" It is impossible, apart from what some may call a conspiracy theory, to understand why the press is not all over Mrs. Clinton's statement this morning. Regardless of what one may believe about Benghazi itself, Mrs. Clinton's statement should terrify the American public. The Obama administration told the American public the attack on our ambassador in Libya was the action of a spontaneous protest against an anti-muslim movie. The truth is, the attack was an organized terrorist attack. 

Mrs Clinton, just so you know, lying is wrong; it is wrong to cover up, mislead or share an untruth. It is even more wrong if one's lie is used to perpetuate another, previously told lie; lies beget lies. The Benghazi lie seems to have been told in order to cover the president's talking points concerning the United States' war on terror; talking points used to score political points during a tight election season. Mr Obama had, for some time, told the American public "Al Qaeda was on the run." "America was winning the war on terror." "The terrorist network was in shambles and just a shell of its former self." Of course, we now know all such statements are false. All one must do is turn on the news and hear a report on Algeria, Libya or Syria to understand the Al Qaeda terrorist network is alive and strong. Benghazi should have been a major talking point in the election of 2012. The attack should have raised questions concerning our progress in the war on terror. However, the government used all its power to cover up, mislead and lie so the story would not be "news" until after President Obama won reelection.

Our political leaders set precedents for the popular culture. Bill Clinton's cover up of his affair with Monica Lewinsky proved such; oral sex once was once considered "sexual relations." Now, we are told a lie doesn't matter once it has served its purposes. "What's done is done." In affect we are told the ends justify the means. We cannot sit by and let such perversion go unchallenged.

The question the church and nation must now address is whether we will hold our public officials accountable for what they say is true. God help us if we buy into Mrs Clinton's "ends justify the means" morality.

James

Today Is The 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The United States has been a killing field of the unborn for four full decades. How terrifying to occupy the womb in the United States this morning. The tragedy and holocaust continue day after day while the government and over half the country give an approving nod. God help us.

Mother Theresa once said, "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." She hit the proverbial nail on the head. Abortion is a selfish decision made by those who would discard a baby in order to have a more comfortable lifestyle. A child, even one still in the womb, is created by God and should be respected, protected, honored and loved. No people or nation can expect the blessing of God when it treats an unplanned pregnancy as a "punishment." How can a nation with so much prosperity be so cruel to the most vulnerable among us?

Pray for our leadership today. Pray for our president, congress and judiciary. Pray for an end to the holocaust of abortion. 

James

I Love Ice Cream, The Texas Rangers...And You!

I have always enjoyed baseball but in the last few years I have really come to "love" baseball. In particular, I "love" my Texas Rangers. I say "love" because I feel an intense enjoyment and "like" for the way they play the game. I also have a great fondness for them because "The Ballpark in Arlington" is only a short distance from where I live. My love for the Rangers is defined by my enjoyment of the game and the convenience of our relationship. Unfortunately, many significant relationships in life are often built on a foundation similar to the one upon which my love of the Rangers is built.

Many times "love" is poorly expressed by the English language. We say we "love" baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and chevrolet but the same word "love" is used when we speak of the relationship we have with our wife, children, mother and father. Other languages have multiple words for differing types of love one feels depending upon circumstance. Greek has three words for love indicating erotic passion, brotherly love and unconditional, sacrificial love. Perhaps our life and relationships would be easier if English had more than one word for love as well. I do love ice cream but it is not the same love I have for my wife or God! It would be nice to know if the love being expressed for us is on par with ice cream or of a much deeper variety!

The Apostle Paul defined love, at least in part, when he wrote 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter of the Bible, often called the "Love Chapter" demonstrates for us what deep, abiding, unconditional love, looks like. This is the type of love we should have for God and people; a love which far surpasses one's fondness for a baseball team or bowl of ice cream. This type of love is expressed by the giving of our life to the object of our affection. This is a love which seeks the good of others and lives sacrificially for them. This is the love we have for our God when we give our life to Him; when we die to self and live in and for Him. This is the love which provides a foundation for all healthy relationships in life.

Make sure you are not attempting to build relationships with God or the people in your life on the same kind of love you have for ice cream! Sometimes our "love" is conditional and based upon what we get rather than what we have the opportunity to give. If you find this to be true of some relationship in your life you can always confess your sin and seek God for a better kind of love and life! 

James

Hurting Children Should Not Be a Prop For a Political Crusade

Let me begin this morning by saying this is not an issue of political affiliation. Democrat or Republican I would feel the same about this issue. 

This morning, President Obama used children as a prop in his campaign for comprehensive gun control. Exploiting the fears of seven year olds in one's argument for gun legislation is a new low for the office of the presidency. Is there no shame in the White House of the United States in 2013?

We are called to pray for our leaders and it is obvious our current president needs prayer as no other president ever has. We seemingly have a man bereft of a moral compass occupying the Oval Office. Regardless of what you think about gun laws there can be no excuse for the use of children and their attempts to understand the evils of Sandy Hook in one's campaign to change long held beliefs about gun ownership. Where is the public outcry from BOTH parties at the heinous use of innocence this morning?

It is time for the people of the United States to wake up and demand more from its leadership, Democrat and Republican alike. Christians in particular should make their voice heard in the public square and do so without compromise or apology for their cherished beliefs. Hurting, confused and brokenhearted children should be comforted, protected and nurtured not used as political props for a political crusade. If our nation refuses to demand more from its leadership we lack the moral fortitude with which to lead ourselves. Democracy in the United States will live or die on the morality of her people.

James

What it Really Means to "LiveStrong"

This seemed an appropriate video to share in light of my earlier post concerning Lance Armstrong. "Team Hoyt" is a picture of those who truly "Live Strong!"

James

Is Lance Armstrong Sorry He Cheated?

News accounts tell us Lance Armstrong will soon confess he doped his way to seven "Tour De France" championships. Armstrong has (for years) denied these charges both in and out of the courthouse. He has chosen Oprah Winfrey as his confessor and vehicle through whom he will seek forgiveness from the public and athletic officials. You see, Armstrong has been banned from competition for life and wants to run marathons, triathlons  and perhaps even ride another bike race someday. Armstrong has also built an empire called "Live Strong" which he seeks to protect through his moment of contrition aired on Oprah's OWN network. Naturally, this begs several questions such as "Why now" and "Is his contrition genuine?"

Confession is, as they say, good for the soul. When made in relation to God, confession brings forgiveness, salvation and a new way of life. However, Scripture is clear, only confession born from genuine contrition leads to salvation and second chances. The Apostle Paul said genuine confession is the product of Godly sorrow and results in genuine repentance. Repentance of course being a complete life change; a brand new direction for ourselves. Godly sorrow is the kind of sorrow produced in us when we realize we have hurt the heart of God and are sorry for doing so. On the other hand, Paul indicates there is a kind of sorrow called "worldly sorrow" which is simply grief over having been caught doing something wrong. This kind of sorrow does not lead to forgiveness, salvation or a new way of life. So, is Armstrong's contrition genuine or is he simply sorry for getting caught?

Most often it seems our "stars" and "athletes" are simply sorry they got caught or sorry the world doesn't approve of some activity they enjoy doing. Their worldly sorrow may lead to absolution from an adoring public but it does not lead to any real and lasting change in their life. If the country forgives Armstrong and he is allowed to compete again is there any reason to think he won't cheat again to gain a competitive advantage over his competitors? If his contrition is the result of Godly sorrow the answer would be yes but I suspect his contrition is motivated by worldly sorrow and desire to compete again. After all, it took a lifetime ban from competition to bring him to confess any wrongdoing. I hope I am wrong and even feel a twinge of guilt for assuming his confession tainted. Love does "believe all things" and we are called to love Lance Armstrong. My motivation for the question is simply to benefit both he and those who might learn from his failure. If you want real change in your life it requires more than a clean slate from your friends, family or an adoring public. Real change and a second chance in life are only produced by genuine confession of sin before God and the Godly sorrow which motivates it. Real change happens when we receive a new heart from Christ.

Lance Armstrong lied to the public for a very long time. He cheated to gain a competitive advantage against those who were racing without the aid of drugs. He has lived a very selfish, self-centered life. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." We should forgive and give Lance a second chance. Let us just pray Godly sorrow and genuine repentance will lead him to take full advantage of the grace extended him both from above and below.

James

Baby's Smile Saves His Life

This story broke my heart but gave me incredible joy to read. I pray God's blessing on this couple and hope their story encourages someone to make a right choice today.

James

Mother Refuses To Abort Child After Seeing Him Smile

A Little Inspiration For Those New Year Resolutions

I found this pretty inspirational and thought I would share it here. In Christ there is endless potential as we embark upon 2013 and all the "good works He has prepared in advance for us to do." God knew you would make it to 2013 and there is a reason He got you here! Glorify God and enjoy Him!

James

The Defense of Liberty: Personal Responsibility

The difference between life in a democracy and under despotism is found in whether one has ability to voice ideas to his or her government. Those living in a democracy have this privilege while those under a despotism do not. It appears the United States is rapidly moving away from democracy and toward despotism. We must soon choose a new path or suffer the consequences for our failure to do so.

Our country was founded upon the idea all men are created equal and given certain inalienable rights by God. These rights include liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe we have been created by God and blessed with the right to pursue the destiny of our choosing. There has never been a nation on earth with the kind of guarantee one receives as birthright in the United States.

We do not have the right to food, housing, health care, birth control, abortion or even education. We have the right to pursue each of these but no inherent right to possess them. Our founders were men of industry, hard workers and self reliant; never in their wildest dreams would our forefathers have imagined a day when the government would take upon itself the responsibility to provide citizens the basic necessities for life. A person like Barrack Obama, Nancy Pelosi or John Boehner would have been laughed out of the first Continental Congress. In fact, with precious few exceptions, all of our current politicians would have been laughed out of that first congress.

Personal responsibility is biblical. God tells us in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." We have a responsibility to provide for our own needs and pursuit of happiness. The more we depend upon government for these things the more power government has over our life. The more power government has the less ability we have to interject ourselves into our government. The less we are able to interject ourselves the less democracy we enjoy and the more despotism we endure.

Christians have a responsibility to be politically involved. We must defend liberty and the God given rights we enjoy as part of our birthright as human beings. The defense of such begins when we take responsibility to put food on our own table.

James

What You Were Made To Do!

Today is Sunday and I hope you find a place to worship the King of Kings. God is real and deserves worship, praise, love and adoration from every mouth He created. Don't sell yourself short! Make today about your created purpose! Glorify God and enjoy Him!

James

Is Your Jesus Real or Plastic?

God is real. Think about those words. What does it mean to actually believe? God...is...real. Jesus is the Son of God. Think about these words. Jesus...is...the...Son...of...God. What is the impact of a living, real faith? If God exists and Jesus is the Son of God then Christianity is true and your faith should have impact; real, genuine, obvious impact in your life.

James

Louie Giglio: Why Bow Out So Easily?

Louie Giglio is a pastor in Atlanta, Georgia. I first becomes acquainted with Louie while a student at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Louie started a Bible study for students called "Choice" which met at a church near campus on Monday nights. The Bible study was very popular among students and I found myself in the audience on a few occasions. Louie always brought a good word encouraging students to deeper faith in God. I haven't kept up with Louie over the years and was somewhat surprised to hear of an invitation recently extended him by the Obama administration to be a part of the upcoming inauguration. Giglio was asked to give the benediction at the end of this month's festivities. The invitation was soon challenged by social liberals because of Louie's views on homosexuality. Gigilio holds to the traditional Christian view that any sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and woman is sin. How shocking. Pressure began to mount and Giglio removed his name from the inaugural program.

Many are writing blog articles (Great One Here) bemoaning the pressure placed upon Giglio for his orthodox beliefs. There is united outrage among evangelicals as well as calls for an end to religious litmus tests for those who would venture into the public square. I also feel outrage over the intolerance and bigotry of the left and homosexual lobby in particular. But my bigger disappointment is with Giglio. Why withdraw your name Louie? Why not force the Obama administration to publicly remove you from the program thereby exposing their own prejudice? I just don't get it. Perhaps there were threats behind the scenes? Perhaps deals were made? Who knows the motivation but a quiet "bowing out" on the part of Giglio is very disappointing.

Christians must be prepared for opposition from the lost world. Jesus promised us, assured us, that we would be opposed and even hated for our faith in Him. The Gospel has never been popular with the world at large. Only recently, in America, have we bought into the idea we could be both orthodox and liked by the world living apart from Christ. 

I support you Louie. I love you man. But I really wish you have chosen a different path on this one. I trust you had good reasons but I hope the desire to be liked wasn't one of them.

James

American Freshman Study: A Generation of "Little gods"

Narcissism is the psychological state in which a person has an "inordinate fascination with oneself." According to a recent study by the American Freshman Study, the United States now has the most narcissistic generation of young people the world has ever seen. We have raised a generation of people who think they are little celebrities living in a world that revolves around them. Of course every generation and every person struggles with pride and selfishness. Christians call this self adulation sin and it was cause for the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. Man has always wanted to be his own god. The American study simply reveals the greater depths of depravity to which our current generation of young people have fallen. In summary, our young people have found new lows in which to live their life by thinking of themselves more highly than they should. 

Dr Keith Ablow, respected psychologist and Fox News contributor concludes from the American Freshman Study, "Watch for an epidemic of depression and suicidality, not to mention homicidality, as the real self-loathing and hatred of others that lies beneath all this narcissism rises to the surface." Sin has its price. If the church does not rise up to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of this generation with the Gospel of Christ, we are in for a bumpy ride ahead.

Everyone has a god whether it be the one, true and only God, Jehovah, or something as narcissistic as self. Upon their entry into the "Promised Land," Joshua challenged the Hebrew people to "choose this day whom you will serve!" We must raise the same challenge in our day. We must challenge our generation with the reality of a God who loves them but will not share His throne with them.

Will you recognize God exists and serve Him or will you choose to worship yourself while expecting (overtly or not) others to do the same? This must be our call to a generation  on the fast track to hell.

For those interested in reading about the American Freshman Study Click Here

James

Gun Violence: Can We Legislate Peace?

Can we change society simply by the passing of new laws to govern behavior? The question is often asked, "Can we legislate morality?" Of course the answer to this question is yes! We do legislate morality and actually must do so in order to maintain any sense of civil rest. However, can we change the true nature of our world through the legislative process? If President Obama and congress were to outlaw all guns would the new laws eliminate homicide or simply change the methodology chosen by criminals to do so? If we were to outlaw all liquor would we eliminate alcoholism or simply create new industries which would provide drink for those who demand it? If we outlaw premarital sex will we incur a lower rate of teen pregnancy? Any rational person sees the obvious answer to these rhetorical questions. In each instance changing the law would have some affect upon our culture but ultimately fail to attain the desired results. Morality can be legislated but good moral choices can never be coerced if someone is intent on making bad choices.

Behavior is only changed when a person receives a new heart and nature through relationship with Jesus Christ. Only those who have encountered the power of God can genuinely be free from the power of sin; a power which draws each of us into one poor moral choice after another. When will the church realize the opportunity before her? When will we see the futility of substituting legislative or political action for spiritual fervor? The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only power by which individuals and our nation can be genuinely changed for good. 

Share the Gospel today!
James

Part Two: Woody Allen Interviews Billy Graham

This is the follow up to the video I put up yesterday afternoon...good stuff!

Woody Allen Interviewing Billy Graham (Part 1)

The video isn't the best quality but the content is pretty interesting. Woody Allen interviewing Billy Graham is worth the time to watch. (only about 6 minutes long)

Does God Have Ownership of You?

The new year is a great time to ask a question which must be answered by all of us. Have you committed your ways to God? Is your life really given to the one you call, perhaps nonchalantly at times, Lord? The word "Lord" means ownership and absolute control. Does God own you? Does He have absolute control of your life? The decision to allow God such a place is a matter of trust. Do you trust God enough to give Him everything?

There is an old hymn called "Trust and Obey" written in the late 19th century by John H. Sammis. Sammis wrote the hymn when told the story of a young man who gave his life to Jesus during an evangelistic meeting led by evangelist Dwight L Moody. The young man was no theologian, knew very little about the Christian faith but understood enough to say, "I'm not quite sure. But, I'm going to trust and obey." Oftentimes we must do the same! Many times we don't understand what God is doing or the circumstances of our life but we choose nonetheless to trust Him and obey. This is what it means to give God ownership of our life. Our trust, faith and obedience are not contingent upon our understanding of circumstance or perception of God's goodness at any given moment. At all times we are His! At all times we trust, follow and obey.

"Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!"

James

How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Christmastide has ended and we are back to the grind of the post-holiday world. We are now in resolution mode! If you are like most folks, you have recently resolved to change at least a few things about your life in 2013. A survey taken a few years ago found 75% of people eventually break their resolutions and a third don't even make it to the end of January before doing so! How can we beat the odds and stick to our new plans? Here are a few helpful hints:

1. Is your resolution just a good idea or something which really needs to happen in your life?  -- Pray about the size of your list! Focus on the really important things and prioritize them. If your resolution isn't important to the overall quality of your life then don't put it on your list! Too often we overload ourselves with a list of resolutions that are too long and unimportant. Make a short list of the things you really feel need to happen and stick to the short list! 

2. Is your resolution a "God-thing" or a "Good-thing?" -- If your resolutions are God led your motivation and ability to keep them will be infinitely greater than if your list is something you come up with on your own...regardless of how good your list may be.

3. Pray Pray Pray! -- Pray everyday for God to help you make the changes He has led you to make. Prayer does change things, beginning with you! Ask God to keep you in repentance. Repentance being a change of direction which is the crux of what any resolution.

4. Ask friend to help you -- Accountability is a good thing especially when resolving to change something about ourself. This is why groups such as AA team individuals up with a "sponsor" when they join. Someone to cheer and hold us accountable is of great value when the inspiration to change has waned and the going gets tough. 

You can keep your resolutions in 2013! Pray, receive your plans from God and trust Him for the ability to be the person He wants you to be!

James

Epiphany Is Sunday!

Despite what many folks may have told you at work this week, Christmas is NOT over! We are in the midst of what the traditional Christian calendar calls, "Christmastide." This is the 12 day period between Christmas Day and Epiphany. What is Epiphany you may ask? The dictionary defines the word as, "an appearance or manifestation of a god or some other supernatural being." The more common usage of the word in our day is "sudden intuitive understanding or flash of insight." Taken together we really have the most perfect of all definitions, Epiphany is the flash of insight received by the Wise Men who traveled to see the appearance of the One True God in the person of Jesus Christ.

In the Christian church, Epiphany, is the day we commemorate the journey of the Wise Men to see the child Jesus. These men, and we are never told just how many wise men there really were, journeyed from afar to see the one Born King of the Jews. Our Christmas festivities end each year when we celebrate both their journey and our own to Jesus Christ.

Take some time this Sunday to think about your journey of faith to Christ and pray for someone who has yet to find The King!

James