Sunday, December 30, 2007

The Truth War

I have almost completed reading the book that I previously blogged about called "UnChristian - What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity."

As I read Steve Camp's blog post today, I found myself recalling the Emergent church attitudes and errors that were blatantly obvious within the theme of "UnChristian." The philosophy, premise, and theological opinions of the book authors stand in stark contrast to the biblical truth of the matter that John MacArthur points out in his new book, "The Truth War."


On the back cover of the "UnChristian" book it says in large black type:



1. Christianity has an image problem

2. Leaders offer vision for the future.


Note this very telling sentence:



"Find out why these negative perceptions exist, learn how to reverse them in a Christlike manner, and discover practical examples of how Christians can positively contribute to culture."


Steve's warnings in his blog post expose the conceptual errors inherent in the "UnChristian" book.

He writes:



Temporal vs Eternal


Emergent Christianity guts the faith to appeal to culture; and their myopic view of the kingdom of God predisposes them to be more concerned with the temporal, than the eternal.

The ECM has two Fundamental Flaws:
1.) a lack of reverence for God and His Word; and

2.) the unquenchable need to contextualize the Christian faith in adapting it to culture.

This is gangrenous to authentic Christianity. Erosion of the truth always begins with the subtle wandering away off the path of the essentials of the faith.



I have found that the Emergent church movement and several of its errant offspring movements, have the bad habit of moving towards either a "cross-light" (i.e. - "light" meaning, severe de-emphasis of the depravity of man and his need for repentance at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ in order to be reconciled back to Holy and Righteous God) or, just tend to ignore the subject altogether. Some have become so steeped in cultlike error that they have even gone so far as to actually call Christ's sacrifice for man's sin as "insane" and, thus 'celebrate' a totally cross-less Gospel.

Since the authors of "UnChristian" are so concerned with "negative perceptions" about Christian faith, why would they want to preach the Cross of Christ which is "offensive to those who are perishing?"

The answer?

They wouldn't...and they don't!

In their skewed worldview, tolerance trumps the need to preach repentance.

I am currently reading John MacArthur's "The Truth War." It is EXCELLENT! I think that I first heard about the book at Steve's Camp on This blog.

EVERY CHRISTIAN needs to read this book! You will then be better able to discern the truth, that is, Orthodox, Biblical Christianity and recognize the falsehoods and deceptions of the Emergent church, gay "christian" movement, and "seeker-sensitive" false teachers (like Brian McLaren).

MacArthur's subtitle says, "Fighting for certainty in an age of deception."

Deception is rampant in today's culture. It's not only deceiving those who have absolutely no Christian beliefs, but many deceptions disguised as "Christianity" are fooling many who claim to be Christians.

Those who deem themselves as Christians, yet are ignorant of what the Bible teaches, could end up going to an emergent church without having the discernment ability to recognize any errors being taught by the leaders there. This is especially problematic when the teaching and preaching at these churches are not biblically sound. The attraction of the "emergent friendly" atmosphere might "tickle their ears" but will, unfortunately, lack the sound doctrine of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

MacArthur has so many great quotes in his book that it is hard for me to choose which ones to share today.

As I continue to read through The Truth War book, I plan to blog about portions of this important book that will definitely help readers have more of an ability to discern truth from error.

For now, I want to show how MacArthur demolishes the "UnChristian" authors' premise in their book. Here are just a few of the relevant quotes:



"The idea that the Christian message should be kept pliable and ambiguous seems especially attractive to young people who are in tune with the culture and in love with the spirit of the age."

"People are experimenting with subjective, relativistic ideas of truth and labeling them "Christian." This trend signals a significant departure from Biblical and historic Christianity."

"The postmodernist recoils from absolutes and does not want to concede any truths that might seem axiomatic or self-evident. Instead, truth, if acknowledged at all, becomes something infinitely pliable and ultimately unknowable in any objective sense."


[Time out. For those who might be interested in seeing a debate that shows how a "postmodernist recoils from absolutes," I invite you to view a video that shows the exchange between New-Age guru Deepak Chopra and Christian Apologist and Ambassador for Christ, Greg Koukl on a program called "Faith Under Fire." The video is a bit grainy, but it's certainly worth your time to see that as the dialogue progresses, Chopra takes pride in "embracing his uncertainty," yet, verbally indicates that his relativistic worldview causes him to recoil from Koukl's certainty in his faith about the Person of Jesus Christ.]

Back to John MacArthur's quotes:



"Uncertainty is the new truth. Doubt and skepticism have been canonized as a form of humility. Right and wrong have been redefined in terms of subjective feelings and personal perspectives."


Here is the crux of the emergent movement. The notion that certainty about anything is inherently arrogant.

I have read countless blog posts from people who refuse to repent because they want to hold onto a particular sinful lifestyle; yet, make want to make the claim that they are Christian. This is wildly popular today in this age of postmodernism. The "UnChristian" book was filled with applause for the "do not judge" view!

How ironic is it that the belief that no one can really know anything for certain (e.g. "my" truth tells me differently from "your" truth mantra) is emerging as virtually the one dogma postmodernists will tolerate!!

MacArthur provides a biblical definition of truth.



Truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory, and being of God. Even more to the point: Truth is the self-expression of God.


He goes on to support this claim with Bible quotes, including what Jesus has said about truth. He also shows the necessity of absolute truth, why we can only get it from God, and how all other definitions which try to omit God, hopelessly fall short.

If you took the time to view the video of Chopra and Koukl's debate, you would have noticed that Chopra holds to the idea that his own cynicism should be regarded as the most splendid of all virtues! You can actually see the contempt on his face and his dislike for Greg Koukl when Greg shares the fact that (paraphrased here) "since all religions claim different things, logically, it is impossible that each religion can be true all at the same time."

Chopra thinks that his view is more "tolerant." He thinks that his view is more "noble." Chopra even naively claims that unlike Koukl, he does not "impose" his beliefs upon everyone else.

Greg nailed it when he came back at Chopra's hint of having "humility" with the fact that Chopra has sold millions of books promoting his views about his "uncertainty."

This claim of uncertainty on the part of Deepak's worldview is supposed to be an indication that Chopra isn't "imposing his views" upon others? C'mon!! How hypocritical is that?

Greg Koukl's book, "Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air" describes Chopra's worldview and exposes the irrationality of it.

Absolute truth does exist. It can be found in the pages of the Bible.

To claim religious neutrality is a fallacy. There is no such thing. Even the religions of atheism, skepticism, and secular humanism all have an object of worship. Namely, the self!

What is really sad, my Christian friends, is the fact that false teachers like Brian McLaren have much more in common with Deepak Chopra than with the Truth of Orthodox, Biblical, historic Christianity.

What does this tell us?

It tells us that the emergent church movement is moving away from the truth into a spiritual oblivion, similar to the one that Chopra embraces!

MacArthur writes:


Listen, for example, to how Brian McLaren sums up his views on orthodoxy, certainty, and the question of whether the truths of Christianity are sound and reliable in the first place:


How ironic that I am writing about orthodoxy, which implies to many a final capturing of the truth about God, which is the glory of God. Sit down here next to me in this little restaurant and ask me if Christianity (my version of it, yours, the Pope's, whoever) is orthodox, meaning true, and here's my honest answer: a little, but not yet. Assuming by Christianity you mean the Christian understanding of the world and God, Christian opinions on soul, text, and culture...I'd have to say that we probably have a couple of things right, but a lot of things wrong. 1

1 Brian McLaren, A Generous Orthodoxy (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004), 293.


McLaren suggests that clarity itself is of dubious value. he clearly prefers ambiguity and equivocation, and his books are therefore full of deliberate doublespeak. In his introduction to A Generous Orthodoxy, he admits, "I have gone out of my way to be provocative, mischievous, and unclear, reflecting my belief that clarity is sometimes overrated, and that shock, obscurity, playfulness, and intrigue (carefully articulated) often stimulate more thought than clarity." A common theme that runs throughout most of McLaren's writings is the idea that "there is great danger in the quest to be right."


Doesn't McLaren's doublespeak (which is masterfully pointed out by Dr. MacArthur's comments about McLaren's quote from his book) eerily remind us of Satan's encounter with Eve in the Garden of Eden and how he (Satan) led her astray by saying, "Did God really say....?"

Hat Tips:

Camp On This

GCM Watch

Faith Under Fire

The Truth War

******* to be continued *******

I'm Sick Of It Already!

Generally, I do not like to talk about politics on Sunday. But while catching up on reading, deleting, or saving the 430 emails currently sitting in my mailbox, two articles caught my attention this morning.

The first was from Real Clear Politics about the bickering going on between Romney and McCain.

Second, was this article about Mike Huckabee, written by Doug Giles from TownHall. Giles has his own opinion about Huckabee and a fierce battle between those who agree and disagree with his assertions can be found in the comments!

I know. This happens every year. But for some reason, the verbal assaults and attacks seem much more virulent and vile this year. Does this election cycle seem more bitter, hostile and malicious to any of you out there reading this blog?

I hate this. I really hate the attack ads and bickering and spinning and accusations and misrepresentations that people throw out there because they don't like a particular candidate. How are we to find out the real truth about each candidate's record when there is so much misinformation being spewed out there?

Answer: We must do our own homework. We must cut through the spin and discover the real truth. Can these answers be found by reading each candidate's website? Perhaps there isn't as much BS (a.k.a. bickering and spinning) there?

Ugh. It has only just started and I'm sick of it all already!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Jesus - God Is With Us

It has been a very busy day! I was up and out so early this morning (after making banana pancakes for the family!) that I didn't get the chance to write a blog post.

However, I got an email alert from my blogging friend Charlie at AnotherThink. His recent essay entitled Emmanuel in Iowa is a great read!

Charlie happens to be one of my very first "blogging" friends. I discovered his blog way back in 2005 when I attended the first GodBlog Conference at Biola University. He has written many excellent essays on the Christian faith. When you read "Emmanuel in Iowa," I think you will agree that it ranks as one of the best!

Excerpt:

If you believe the writers of the New Testament, the Christian God is neither absent-minded nor disinterested in humanity. Christianity claims that for a short time in dusty Israel, Jesus became the Emmanuel and gave us a glimpse of what could be.


Jesus told the disciples of John the Baptist:

...tell [John] what you have seen and heard — the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of Me.' — Luke 7:22,23, NLT


He not only healed their diseases, but he hinted frequently that God was doing something altogether new through him, something that the world had not seen since the Garden of Eden:

One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, "When will the Kingdom of God come?" Jesus replied, "The Kingdom of God can't be detected by visible signs. You won't be able to say, 'Here it is!' or 'It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is already among you." — Luke 17:20,21, NLT


Why Emmanuel? Why does God want to know us, to call us his friends, to see us face to face? Apparently for the same reasons we do: It is in his nature.

Biblical writers describe Heaven as a place teeming with intelligent and, apparently, relational beings: angels, seraphim, and the three eternal co-existing beings who are somehow the One — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Created as we are in the image of God and sharing some of our maker's DNA, as it were, we are relational because God himself is relational.


My comment at his blog:

This is a wonderful post, Charlie! I really enjoyed reading it. You made a good analogy with the "personal appearances" of politicians making a difference to voters.

Politics aside, I'd like to say that the love, forgiveness, mercy and grace that "Immanuel"-made-flesh has given us is the hope eternal that every man/woman craves in his/her heart. Whether they want to admit it or not, there is a hole in the heart of every human being until he or she repents and surrenders to Christ. Upon being born again, Jesus enters our hearts in the form of the Holy Spirit. Upon this genuine conversion, our relationship with the Lord and the sanctification process that ensues, our "Immanuel" makes us whole again. It is truly a relationship like no other!

Men like Richard Dawkins must live sad, empty lives. There is nothing on this earth that will ever satisfy like personally knowing Jesus Christ - "God is with us."

God bless you and your family. May your New Year be joyful, blessed and healthy!

Love in Jesus,
Christine

*******

HT: AnotherThink

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Sad Day in Pakistan

I have been battling a cold over the past two days. Despite taking meds, it was a very restless night for me.

I happened to be up very early this morning, turned on the news and heard about the terrible assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

She was a beacon of hope for the Pakistani people. She was pro-Democracy reform in Pakistan. The people will be mourning her loss. There are statements of martyrdom.

There will be glee from those who hated her and were glad she was murdered. There will be prideful announcements regarding "who is responsible" for her death. This is the way, unfortunately, of radical Islam.

She was an ally of the United States. We can't help but admire her character, her decency and her brave attempts to bring Democratic reform and freedom to Pakistan.

She had many attempts on her life over the years. Unfortunately, this time the murderers succeeded.

This is all a part of the global war on terrorism. This murderous suicide attack on the former Pakistani leader (and more recently, former opposition leader) just demonstrates how important it is to keep after terrorists; whenever, and wherever they may strike.


Fox facts: Benazir Bhutto

Michele Malkin: Benazir Bhutto Assassinated

Hot Air: Breaking: Benazir Bhutto Killed in Bomb Attack

LGF: Bhutto Assassinated

*******

Update: Republican Presidential Candidates statements about Bhutto's Murder.

News Release: Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Issues Statement On Breaking News From Pakistan
December 27, 2007
Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee issued the following statement this morning after a campaign event in Florida:

“I am deeply troubled by the news accounts this morning of Pakistani opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in a suicide attack. This is devastating news for the people of Pakistan, and my prayers go out to them as we follow developments regarding this dire situation.

”The terrible violence surrounding Pakistan’s upcoming election stands in stark contrast to the peaceful transition of power that we embrace in our country through our Constitution. On this sad day, we are reminded that while our democracy has flaws, it stands as a shining beacon of hope for nations and people around the world who seek peace and opportunity through self-government.”


Governor Mitt Romney On Today's Events In Pakistan
Thursday, Dec 27, 2007

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on today's tragic events in Pakistan:

"We are still learning the details of today's tragic events in Pakistan, but this is a stark reminder that America must not only stay on high alert, but remain actively engaged across the globe. Pakistan has long been a key part in the war against extremism and radical jihadists. For those who think Iraq is the sole front in the War on Terror, one must look no further than what has happened today. America must show its commitment to stand with all moderate forces across the Islamic world and together face the defining challenge of our generation – the struggle against violent, radical jihadists.

"At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go to the family of Benazir Bhutto, and to all the people of Pakistan who are fighting against extremist forces that would commit such heinous acts as the whole world has witnessed today."


Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s Statement on the Assassination of Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
Today
Mayor Rudy Giuliani released the following statement on the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto:

“The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a tragic event for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan. Her murderers must be brought to justice and Pakistan must continue the path back to democracy and the rule of law. Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere — whether in New York, London, Tel-Aviv or Rawalpindi — is an enemy of freedom. We must redouble our efforts to win the Terrorists’ War on Us.”

*******

Update @ 9:44 a.m. PT

Email that I received from Joel C. Rosenberg


WHY BENAZIR BHUTTO'S ASSASSINATION MATTERS
By Joel C. Rosenberg (Washington, D.C., December 27, 2007) -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday by Islamic radicals. A leading pro-democracy and pro-Westerner political reformer in the Muslim world, Bhutto had just finished addressing a campaign rally of supporters in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi. Jihadists opened fire on the once and possibly future premier using automatic weapons, hitting her in the neck and chest. A suicide bomber then blew himself up at site, leaving Bhutto dead and killing at least 20 others.

The attack is certainly another tragedy for Bhutto's family (her father, who was premier in the late 1970s, was hanged by radicals in 1979) and we should be praying for their peace and comfort during this difficult time. But why else does Bhutto's death matter?

To be blunt: Pakistan and her nuclear weapons are in danger of falling into the hands of Islamic radicals. Such radicals have attempted to assassinate Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf multiple times in the last few years, hoping to seize control of the government and impose sharia law. Today's attack is a sobering reminder that Pakistan is just one coup d'etat away from Osama bin Laden or one of his fanatical, murderous allies suddenly gaining control. It is difficult to imagine a more nightmarish scenario than al-Qaeda in possession of Pakistan's nuclear arsensal, but this is not an impossibility.

For several years, and certainly throughout 2007, Musharraf has been severely criticized by Western leaders -- including those here in Washington, D.C. -- for imposing martial law and employing other heavy-handed tactics in an attempt to crush the radicals and safeguard the country from their control. He has deserved some of this criticism, but we must also keep things in perspective.

While we all want Pakistan to become a fully-developed democracy -- peaceful, prosperous and healthy in all respects -- we must be very careful never to underestimate the danger that Musharraf and his colleagues are in from the radicals. They are in a battle not just for the soul but the very survival of their country. I personally have serious concerns about how truly committed Musharraf is to Jeffersonian democracy. But I do not believe that he is the worst-case scenario for Pakistan. Bin Laden (or bid Laden-ism) is the worst case scenario.

Let us, therefore, take great pains not repeat the mistakes that President Jimmy Carter made in the late-1970s when he pressed so hard for democracy and human rights in Iran that the Shah eventually was forced to flee the country and the Ayatollah Khomeini took over. As deeply flawed as the Shah was, can anyone effectively argue today that Khomeini was better for the people of Iran, the people of the epicenter, or the world at large?

FYI: Benazir Bhutto, it should be noted, became the first woman prime minister of a Muslim country on December 2, 1988 and served until August 6, 1990. She was later reelected Prime Minister, serving from October 19, 1993 through November 5, 1996.

FYI: Agence France Presse reports that "there have been more than 40 suicide attacks in Pakistan this year that have left at least 770 people dead" and notes that "the deadliest terror attack in Pakistan's history targetted her homecoming rally just hours after her return, leaving 139 people dead".

FYI: The New York Times reports that "the attack Thursday...is the latest blow to Pakistan's treacherous political situation. It comes just days after President Pervez Musharraf lifted a state of emergency, imposed in part because of terrorist threats. Ms. Bhutto, 54, returned from self-imposed exile to Pakistan this year to present herself as the answer to the nation's troubles: a tribune of democracy in a state that has been under military rule for eight years, and the leader of the country's largest opposition political party, founded by her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, one of Pakistan's most flamboyant and democratically inclined prime ministers. But her record in power, and the dance of veils she has deftly performed since her return -- one moment standing up to the Pakistan president, General Musharraf, then next seeming to accommodate him, and never quite revealing her actual intentions -- has stirred as much distrust as hope among Pakistanis."


To visit Joel's WEBLOG with the latest on events in the Middle East and Russia -- including TIME magazine naming Putin "Man of the Year" -- please click here.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Better Is One Day

On the way to and from the mall (yet again!) today, my daughter and I were listening to the Kutless CD that my son bought me for my birthday in November. One song came on that she recalls listening to when she attended a Bible study with one of her friends. The song is called "Better Is One Day."

We were curious about all of the lyrics. You know...sometimes it is difficult to understand all of the words in a Christian rock song. So, I did a search and looked up the lyrics.

Here they are:


"Better Is One Day"

How lovely is
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,
For my soul doth long
And even faint
For You
Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is satisfied)
Within Your presence
I see beneath
The shadow of
Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)

One thing I ask,
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells
(One thing I ask)
One thing I ask
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Better is one day)
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

(My heart and flesh cry out)
My heart and flesh cry out
For You, the Living God
Your Spirit's water to my soul
I've tasted, and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You
To You

Better is one day
Better is one day
Better is one day
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

*******
These lyrics present much more than what might initially catch your eye or ear.

I am reminded of Bible verses throughout this song that describe the awesome place where we, as born-again believers in Jesus Christ, will dwell.

How lovely is
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,


Remember in John chapter 14 where Jesus tells his disciples that "he goes to prepare a place for you?"

Jhn 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Jhn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

How does the lyricist know that the Lord's dwelling place will be lovely?

1Cr 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

That is a truly awesome verse! Our eyes, our ears, and even our hearts cannot fathom what God is preparing for those who love him and are called by His name!

You might ask, where "is it written?"

Answer: In the prophet Isaiah's book of the Bible!

Isa 64:4 For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, [what] he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

In the Old Testament, the believers and followers of God were waiting for the coming Messiah. The plan of salvation was mapped out - way back at the beginning of the world. We have the awesome privilege of knowing and seeing through the Scriptures, what the saints of the Old Testament waited for...the first coming of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. In his first appearance, he came to take away our sins and place a new heart inside of us. That way, we can be reconciled back to God.


For my soul doth long
And even faint
For You


It will be so wonderful, that our souls, right now, would "faint," meaning, 5. indistinctly understood or felt or perceived; "a faint clue to the origin of the mystery"; "haven't the faintest idea." We cannot even perceive or imagine what it will be like to see our Lord Jesus!

But right now, we are satisfied with what has been revealed to us through Jesus' birth, life, death on the cross and resurrection to life; and God's revelation of truth that His Word provides!

Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is satisfied)
Within Your presence


Knowing that Jesus is with me...ALWAYS...no matter WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS LIFE is an awesome knowledge that only God could place through His Spirit, upon my heart, mind and soul. It is God's wisdom that shines through...not my own knowledge.

1Cr 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Jesus promised us the guidance of the Holy Spirit when we confess, repent of our sins, and ask for forgiveness. Believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord releases His mercy upon us, and with his grace, we receive the forgiveness for our sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God to make our hearts more like Christ. We can be satisfied within His presence! The Holy Spirit also reveals God's Word so that it comes alive in our hearts and minds. He guides us in the understanding of Scripture!

I have seen this happen in my own life. Bible verses that I once could not comprehend and/or understand are now being made clear to me. This could NOT have happened on my own merit. It is further proof (to me) that Jesus lives in my heart through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I see beneath
The shadow of
Your wings


Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)

When we think of being in a "court" on earth, we are either on trial because of a prosecution complaint against us, or, as a defendant against someone else who has done wrong towards us. The third reason we might be in court is as a juror.

However, believers in Jesus Christ go to the Court of God. At His Judgment, we appear with our Advocate, Jesus Christ. This is called the Judgment Seat of Christ.

2Cr 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.


It is different than the White Throne Judgment for non-believers. See Revelation 20:11-15.

With Jesus as our Redeemer King, we are not held accountable for our sins. They are as far as the east is from the west. What an awesome Lord we have! He died for every one of us so that we could be set free from the penalty for our sins! Our rewards will be affected by this judgment, but our salvation has been sealed in Christ Jesus.




Eph 1:13
In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Eph 1:14
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

I have shared the following essay numerous times on this blog, but it is worth it to read it again.



THE CROSS FROM GOD'S PERSPECTIVE

The Bible says, "We have an advocate with the Father; Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:1-2, KJV). Propitiation is the means by which God's anger is assuaged; His anger is dealt with, and God is made favorable toward us.

Some have said it is barbaric to think that God's anger needs to be assuaged by blood. They say, "How can a sacrifice that makes an angry God favorable be given by the God who is angry in the first place? And what about God's love?"

But it is precisely because God loves us that He had to deal with our sin - and it is on the basis of this that we are accepted. Jesus could die a thousand deaths and yet not achieve salvation for us unless God were satisfied with the sacrifice. Yet the question remains: How can God be both the One who provides the sacrifice that makes Him propitious and be the One who receives the sacrifice?

The simple answer is that God's holiness demands propitiation.

God is blisteringly angry about our every single sin. You can see the awfulness of sin only by seeing what it did to His one and only lovely Son. If God looked at a sin and said, "Well, I'm not too bothered about that one," there would be injustice in His character. God retains His honor by giving His Son.

God unfolded a plan that both showed His unbelievably strong anger at sin and His infinitely strong love for us. He sent His Son and punished Him on our behalf. "The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world" (1 John 4:14, NIV). No other message beside the cross is able to deal with the root problem of man's sin in relation to the justice and holiness of God.

THE CROSS FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE

The heart of the Gospel is that through Jesus - and His work as our Substitute - God did for us what we could never do for ourselves. The punishment for our sin was dealt with by a substitute: Namely, Jesus. The Bible says, "When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6, NIV). The Greek word translated "for" means "on behalf of." The word is used repeatedly concerning Jesus: "While we were still sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, NIV).

In our evangelism it is so important that we grasp this because it tells us that when Jesus died on the cross He died on behalf of someone. There is no greater news than the glorious news that Jesus took our place on the cross. We are sinners by nature, but "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV). What a breathtaking verse!

THE CROSS FROM SATAN'S PERSPECTIVE

The Bible calls Satan "the accuser" in Revelation 12:10. He whispers, "You cannot possible expect God to accept you. You have a disgusting imagination. Look at those things you've done - your deceitfulness, your hatred and bitterness. You call yourself a child of God? " And to God, Satan says, in effect, "If You are just at all, You cannot possibly forgive his/her sins and accept him/her. Your justice demands that he/she be punished."

But John tells us how such accusations are dealt with: "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1, KJV). Generally, an advocate will stand up before a judge and plead on behalf of the accused something like this, "My lord, yes, he is not perfect - he has failed- but he is now a kind and helpful citizen, and I am bringing witnesses to testify to his good character." In so doing, the advocate pleads for the judge to be lenient.

Jesus, as our Advocate, doesn't work that way. When Satan accuses, Jesus says to His Father, "Everything You said about him is true. He is wicked; he is sinful. There is not one good thing about him. But, Father, You cannot punish him because the punishment already has been paid - by Me."

The Father looks to the sacrifice of the Son to see that the punishment was paid in full. Atonement made, acceptance guaranteed - and we are free. This is what is meant by Jesus being our Substitute.
"Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free,
For God, the Just, is satisfied,
To look on Him and pardon me." *

Jesus provided for our greatest need - the forgiveness of sin. Apart from Him it could never happen. That is why the cross must be at the heart of our evangelism.

* From "Before the Throne of God Above," by Charitie Lee Bancroft

From "Beware the Crossless Gospel" by Roger Chilvers

We now can see why the lyricist sings over and over again:

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere


Youtube live Christian music video performance of "Better is One Day" by Kutless

Monday, December 24, 2007

Here With Us

Here With Us
by Joy Williams

12/25/07 Update: Re-posted due to previous video no longer being available.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Love and God Bless,
Christine

*******
Here With Us Youtube video by Joy Williams

Sunday, December 23, 2007

A Humorous Christmas Package Story

Last year, my mom and her friend Phil came out to celebrate Christmas with us. This year, they are celebrating at home in New Jersey.

Last week, I realized that I needed to get to the mall, buy them gifts, and ship them out in time for the gifts to arrive before Christmas.

I noticed an email offer from Macy's for "free shipping" on any order of $99 or more. I thought what a great idea! I can just go online, pick out gifts for them and it will be mailed to them free of charge!

As it turned out, it took me at least an hour to find each gift! Whenever I would find an item that I thought they would like, sometimes the sizes or colors were no longer available.

I was starting to think that maybe I shouldn't have been so lazy! This "easy way" to send gifts was turning into quite the project. But it gets worse. Keep reading.

When I finally settled on my gift choices, I went to the check-out page. After filling in all of the shipping and billing information, I came to find out that one of the items was no longer available. Arrgghhh! Back to the shopping pages! Since I was trying to match three different items, I had to go back and change the colors of some of the previous items, too.

About an hour later, I completed the mission! Or, so I thought...

A few days later, I got an email message that one of the four items I was sending had already been shipped out. The other three items were not available for shipping yet.

Uh oh...

I looked at the details of the order and saw that the one item that was available was being shipped...to me! Arrgghhh! Apparently, when I went back to the shopping pages and changed my selections, the "shipping" section needed to be re-typed in. I didn't realize this and so the item was now being shipped to the billing address...mine!

I got on the phone. I was on hold for 45 minutes! Finally, a pleasant male voice came on the line and asked how he could help me. I told him the situation and asked whether or not the additional three items could be re-routed to my mom's address. He placed me on hold for about ten minutes, then came back and said that he would try to get it changed to the correct recipient. I asked him how sure he was that it would happen. Fifty percent chance? Eighty percent chance? He thought that there was an eighty percent chance that it could be re-routed.

Whew! That was good to hear.

We have had packages being delivered constantly at our house over the past two weeks. Some required signatures, others did not. On Dec. 19th, I arrived home after running errands to find a huge box at the front of my door. It was from Macy's!! Arrgghhh! I was immediately out the door, heading to the post office to mail it to my mom.

There is a small post office annex in a strip mall near the dry cleaners that I frequent. I thought that the line would probably be much shorter there, than at the main post office. I walked in, with my huge package and asked how much it would cost to send it to New Jersey. The service person measured it and weighed it. She said, "$78.50 ma'am."

WHAT????

Okay. I'm opening this thing right now and will try to figure out how to re-package it, right there in the postal place. It was the "last day for guaranteed delivery" before Christmas. I didn't have the luxury of going home, re-packaging it and sending it off the next day. The lady behind the counter helped me with some suggestions.

To add insult to injury, when I opened the box, the "gift wrapping" that I paid for online consisted of a white Macy's box with a single white ribbon wrapped around it. Nice....huh? Sheesh! Cheapos!!! I paid $6.00 for the gift wrapping!

I was livid! No, I was pi**ed off! (sorry) The Macy's internet sales manager that I was planning to call was going to get an ear full from me!

In order to get the items to fit into two of the larger Priority Mail package boxes, I had to take the items out of the Macy's boxes, wrap the white ribbon around them and stuff them into the boxes. Pretty...huh?

There was tissue paper, ribbon and boxes all over the floor as I tried to make the previously bulky items fit into smaller boxes. Couldn't even gift wrap them. They would not fit.

One older woman using a walker came in to get in line (a line that was growing by the minute) and because of my mess, she couldn't get through. I apologized to her and moved all of the stuff out of her way.

Because I had been furiously unwrapping the items in the back of the store, I didn't notice (until that moment) all of the people in line curiously looking at this "crazy lady" (well...if the shoe fits! Right Susan? heh heh ;-) ) kneeling on the floor, frantically shoving clothing into boxes and making a mess in the path of all these customers trying to get in line. It's a small place and a bit cramped. I just smiled at them and said...it's a long story.

I placed two items in one box, and the third larger, thicker item in another box. I placed the card and item description sheet in one of the boxes. The cost to mail them this way came down to $27.00.

Two days later (Dec. 21st), I returned home from Christmas shopping and found a phone message from my mom. She said that she got the gifts and that they were lovely! She mentioned that I have good taste!

I thought...wow...that was fast!

She then mentioned that she was planning on wearing one of the gifts tomorrow. I thought...tomorrow? Maybe she meant tomorrow night?

The next day (Saturday) I called my mom from my cell phone while driving around doing some last minute stocking-stuffers shopping. She thanked me, again, for the gifts. She said, "In fact, I have it on right now. (It was 3:00 p.m. eastern time). I wore it to the hairdressers (a.k.a. salon) this morning and everyone said I looked very "festive" in it."

I said, "You wore it to the hairdressers?"

She said, "Yeah...I didn't know what it was, but wore it anyway. It's a pants outfit, right?"

I said, "No mom...they are flannel pajamas!"

I tried so hard not to laugh! Here is, yet again, another one of what my kids label "a Grammy story." You see, my mom has many such stories in her 83-years-young history. Someone remind me to share the one about the mannequin! Hilarious!

She still said that everyone at the hairdressers thought she looked great! They probably didn't have the heart to tell her that she was wearing pajamas! Cute ones though...red with little skiing penguins all over them!

When I shared this story with my husband we both laughed till the tears ran!

Back to my phone conversation with my mom.

I asked her if she received two packages. There is a second one with a robe in it. She said no, not yet. Ah - ha! That's why she didn't know what they were! The card and the package description insert were in the second box!

Later that day, I received another package from Macy's. It was the one that was supposed to have been shipped first!

Ah yes...the joy and convenience of internet Christmas shopping!

Differences Over the Meaning of Jesus' Life

Found this interesting article entitled Who Is Jesus via WorldNetDaily.

I think that the author did a fairly good job sharing the contrast between the various beliefs of four distinct religious traditions.


However, I felt that the goal of "confronting differences over the meaning of Jesus' life" was sorely lacking on the Christian side of "the differences."

The Bible has recorded many of the words of Jesus. If some of these were included in the discussions, I think that many readers would have been led closer to the truth about who Jesus really is.

Fellow Christians, you or I could list hundreds of verses and/or references from the Bible that identifies who Jesus is!! In fact, it would be great for each of us to pick out our favorites and list them in the comment section.

The Bible reveals that Jesus himself asked, "Who do you say that I am?"



Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?


Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.


Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.


Ah! This verse gives us a hint to know why the author of the article may not be able to determine who Jesus really is. It has not been revealed to him by our Father in heaven. Perhaps further research will help lead him to Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

The conclusion people reach about Jesus determines whether or not one is reconciled back unto God and where each of us will spend eternity.

The answer to Jesus' question is in God's Word! Trying to find the answer outside of God's revelation to all mankind seems strangely disingenuous, doesn't it?

Isn't it odd that there were no Bible quotes or even references in the article?

So, we must ask, why did the author neglect to do any research from the Bible?

Or, if he did do some research, why would he not include any biblical references that could have given him the Christian answer to his original question?

The historical fact of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection to life is the proof of his claims!

Could the author's neglect in biblical research have something to do with being afraid of finding out the absolute truth of the matter?

I wonder...

What are your thoughts about this?

Saturday, December 22, 2007

At Christmas, We Celebrate God's Provision

Weekend, December 22 & 23

A Way to the Manger: The Gift of Eternal Life

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
John 17:3

Recommended Reading
Acts 4:8-12

It's a classic plot line of spy thrillers and edge-of-your-seat espionage movies: The protagonist is sent into hostile territory where he is to make contact with the one individual who can "save the world." Meanwhile, the bad guys are searching for the same secret agent to take him out of the picture before the good guys can make contact with him. The twists and turns are breathtaking. All the while, the clock is ticking . . . .

This good versus evil storyline, centered on one person who can save the day, is central to the world's literature because of the element of truth it contains. God sent one "contact" into the world to save it from destruction—to offer eternal life. He didn't send multiple saviors at different times and in different cultures. One Savior was all that was needed, so one is the number He sent. And His name is Jesus. When the Bible says there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, it's speaking of Him.

At Christmas we celebrate God's provision. Instead of wondering, "Why just one?" we celebrate the fact that One is all we need. And through Him, we receive the gift of eternal life.

For a small reward, a man will hurry away on a long journey; while for eternal life, many will hardly take a single step.
Thomas à Kempis

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Revelation 17:1 - 18:24 ; Revelation 19:1 - 20:15

HT: Turning Point online

Friday, December 21, 2007

What's Your Theological Worldview?

Found this interesting quiz via gcmwatch and couldn't resist posting it here at Talk Wisdom.

So...how many brave souls do we have out there who are willing to take the quiz and post their results in the comment section?

Hmmm?

Christine

P.S. I still don't know who "Karl Barth" is. It's one of the questions in the quiz. Can anyone enlighten me?

HT: gcmwatch

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Update: "Unchristian"

Update:
I'm back.
The following (below...after my rant!) is a commentary written by Brian McLaren that appeared in chapter 7 entitled "Too Political." As I mentioned in the previous post, McLaren's commentary is rhetoric that is mostly in direct contradiction to what was written by John Stott in his commentary. Compare and contrast them for yourself!

This chapter (Too Political) nearly sent me over the top!

Quips like "Christians rely too heavily on political influence" is considered "unChristian," while "We are cautious not to place too much emphasis on politics" is considered "Christlike" made my jaw drop. I kept thinking...says whom??

Then, the authors have the nerve to write the following:



Christians seem to fall on two sides of the path: too political or too apolitical. It is important to find an appropriate balance - neither ignorant and silent nor relying too heavily on political solutions to societal problems.


Obviously, these two authors have the "see no evil," "hear no evil," "speak no evil" mentality when it comes to the radical homosexual agenda being forced upon Christian believers.

Don't they know how important groups like The Alliance Defense Fund has become in the war against traditional marriage? Are they not aware of the gay indoctrination going on in public schools? Do they care? Apparently not. They devote an entire chapter (5) to describing how Christians show contempt for gays and lesbians. They even labeled it "Antihomosexual." But guess what? There is absolutely NO MENTION of those who have overcome homosexual behavior and identity through the saving grace and transformation that can be found through being born-again in Jesus Christ.

Why is that?

Probably because it doesn't fit in with their political agenda and views...that's why. To a liberal left Christian advocate, there is no such thing as a genuine, happy, saved by grace ex-homosexual.

Sorry. Didn't mean to go off on that tangent. It just strikes me as so disingenuous when Christians like these authors label themselves as "tolerant and loving," yet view those who have ministries that exist to help homosexuals overcome unwanted sexual behavior and attraction as "anti-homosexual."

Jesus said, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world (put in your idol or sinful endeavors) and lose his own soul?"

Ironically, the authors then state:



unChristian: Christians get enamored with politics.
Christlike: There is nothing gained by winning elections if we lose our soul in the process.

Involvement in politics is seductive.


So I must ask the authors, what ISN'T SEDUCTIVE ABOUT THE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA AND INDOCTRINATION GOING ON IN THE MEDIA, SCHOOLS AND POLITICAL ARENA?? WHAT ABOUT THE GAY "CHRISTIAN" MOVEMENT THAT WANTS TO SILENCE THOSE WHO HOLD TO BIBLICAL DOCTRINE REGARDING HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR IS SIN AND AN ABOMINATION TO GOD?

Oh...it gets better. You are gonna love the next one:



unChristian: Christians drown out and demonize the voices of others.

Christlike: Respect our enemies and be aware of our capacity for myopia.


Guys...you need to take that myopia concept to heart and apply it to yourselves!! Watch the news on any given night and you will see how much "drowning out" and "demonizing" is going on against the traditional Christians.

Want a current example? How about the fact that Mike Huckabee can't even deliver a commercial message that stresses the fact that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas? Why is his wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas" considered "offensive?"

It's so ridiculous!

Sheesh!

The authors go on and discuss some gibberish about how Christians "do not respect leaders whose political viewpoint is different from their own" and that the "Christlike" way is "respect and listen to our leaders and pray for them."

Where have these guys been over the last 7 years? Have they not noticed the leftists constantly bashing President Bush...a Christian??

Okay. On to the original subject of this update.



Changing The Perceptions

Gaining The World, Losing The Soul by Brian McLaren

From a vantage point further in the future, I think that an honest diagnosis will tell the truth aboutr the pivotal role the Religious Right has played in these depressing statistics. In the aftermath of the Religious Right's ascendancy, it is not an accident that "antihomosexual" is the number one perception of Christians in America these days, followed closely by "judgmental" and "hypocritical" and "insensitive." Young people today could, if we had taken a wiser path for the last few decades, think "antipoverty" or "pro-environment" or "pro-fidelity" or "antiviolence" when they hear "Christian" or "evangelical." But because of the path influential people have taken over the last thirty or so, what young people think of the Religious Right is what they think about evangelicals and even Christians in general.

That's why some of us believe that leaders in the Religious Right have, in a classic case of gaining the world and losing the soul, successfully gained political clout but helped lose our next generation.

But even so, a diagnosis of the evaporation of Christian commitment in the West and a prescription about how to respoind must go deeper than complaining about the mistakes of the Religious Right. There are many factors, and they run deep. As for prescriptions, yes, we need more Bible - but we also need a better, more holistic and profound understanding of the Bible and what it says about justice, compassion, the future, power, poverty, money, war, sex, and the kingdom of God. Yes, we need more maturity - but we also need a better and more holistic maturity, a maturity willing to face the historic and social realities of our so-called Christian past: a past that includes anti-Semitism, racism, chauvinism, holocaust, colonialism, apartheid, slavery, attempted genocide of native peoples, and much else that is ugly and calls not for excuses and minimization but for forthright repentance. Yes, we need more discernment that goes beyond name-calling and making pronouncements on two or three issues.

The data presented here can help us greatly in this regard, prompting us to discern how deep and serious the problems are, so that our missional engagement in the coming years won't be more of the same.
- Brian McLaren
founding member, emergentvillage.com
Comments?

Criticism, & Some Praise for "Unchristian"

Remember that book I mentioned a few weeks back called, "Unchristian"? It appears that my first blogpost about the book was tracked by one of the author's "Summize" websites.

They're watching me!

Well, since I didn't get into any trouble (yet) for quoting extensively from the book in that first post, perhaps it might be okay to quote more today.

I did promise to share some of the good things that I found within the book. However, one problem that I found is that there aren't many to report. If I were to do a book review, my evaluation would most likely be quite negative. Why? Several reasons.

First, in chapter 2 (entitled, "Discovering Unchristian Faith") the definitions given for "evangelical," "born-again," and just plain "Christianity" were left up to the young people being asked questions for the survey to define! Isn't that a bit odd? Even the authors admit that this led to a "great deal of confusion."

Duh!!!!

With this in mind, they asked "Outsiders" (the term they gave to non-Christians) how they perceive the Christians within these categories.

The chart is so skewed that I question it's validity. In fact, the validity of most of the charts are questionable! The following is just one example.







The percent of outsiders, ages 16-29 equaled a sample size of 440 people.

1. Know of/aware of

a. Christianity = NA (not applicable? Why??)
b. Evangelical Christians = 57%
c. Born-Again Christians = 86%

2. Have bad impression

a. Christianity = 38%
b. Evangelical Christians = 49%
c. Born-Again Christians = 35%

3. Have neutral impression

a. Christianity = 45%
b. Evangelical Christians = 48%
c. Born-Again Christians = 55%

4. Have good impression

a. Christianity = 16%
b. Evangelical Christians = 3%
c. Born-Again Christians = 10%


It is sad and sobering to realize that one-third of young outsiders said that Christianity represents, as the book informs, "a negative image with which they would not want to be associated."







Furthermore, one out of every six young outsiders (17 percent) indicates that he or she maintains "very bad" perceptions of the Christian faith. Though these hard-core critics represent a minority of young outsiders, this group is at least three times larger than it was just a decade ago.


I haven't finished reading the book yet, but from glancing through the final few chapters I doubt that I will find one mention that the mainstream media's negative output regarding the Christian "religion" in general. I also highly doubt that the authors considered that the harsh and negative representation of certain Christian leaders (usually designated by the negative label of "The Religious Right") in particular, could have had a severely negative influence towards the current perceptions that these young people hold!

Note the next paragraph in the chapter on this topic:







Outsiders direct their skepticism toward all things Christian: the faith itself, the people who profess it, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. Frankly, their feelings toward all of these are interwoven. Still, don't assume that each of these four elements is perceived on equal footing - young outsiders are most likely to be frustrated with present-day expressions of Christianity, followed by their aggravation with Christians.


My question to the authors would be what do you expect?? Jesus himself told us that this would happen!


Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Luk 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Luk 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Jhn 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Jhn 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

1Jo 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
The next paragraph in chapter 2 tells us the more likely reason why the "outsiders" hate Christians. However, the authors don't seem to make the connection between what (and why) outsiders' "impressions" of Christians are negative. Could it have something to do with their uninformed impressions about the Bible and their ignorance regarding Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?


Their impressions of the Bible are mixed: most think it has good values, but only three out of ten believe that it is accurate in all the principles it teaches. And Jesus draws an interesting set of reactions. Jesus receives outsiders' most favorable feelings, but even the clarity of his image has eroded among young people. They are more likely than previous generations to believe he committed sins; they are also more likely to believe that people can live a meaningful life without him.


That phrase, "the clarity of his (Jesus') image has eroded among young people" is truly a sad state of affairs. However, unlike the two authors viewpoints and opinions on this issue (namely, blaming orthodox, biblically based Christian believers), I think it has more to do with the lack of biblical knowledge among these people! In addition, could such lack of clarity be the result of the fact that there is so much confusion among liberal left Christian circles because of their lack of biblical knowledge?

What's more, the authors own statistics reveal that I am correct about this.

In chapter 4 (entitled "Get Saved!), there is a chart that represents the



"Wide but Not Deep-Americans' Commitment to Christianity."

The chart shows that "Mosaics and Busters" [M & B] (labels given to ages 18 - 41):

1. Have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important = 65%

"Boomers and Elders" [B & E] (ages 42+)

1. Have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important = 73%

2. Absolutely committed to the Christian faith [M & B] = 29%

2. Absolutely committed to the Christian faith [B & E] = 48%

3. Possess a biblical worldview [M & B] = 3%

3. Possess a biblical worldview [B & E] = 9%


Why is there such a small percentage of those who hold a biblical worldview? We get our answer from Jesus himself when we read what Jesus said to the Father in his prayer:

Jhn 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.


Jhn 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.


Jhn 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.


Jhn 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

I noticed that the authors talk about urging those who call themselves Christians towards "spiritual depth." I don't see them emphasizing the need for repentance and receiving the Holy Spirit of God indwelling the soul of the believer.

In this particular chapter (chapter 4 - "Get Saved"), the authors rail against not only the ways, means, and methods utilized by traditional Christians and churches who emphasize "getting saved," but it appears that they are against the concept of conversion altogether! This is truly astonishing to me! They seem more pleased with Christians who express an "emotional connection" to Jesus; and then, instead of recognizing all of our need for transformation (as the Scriptures so attest), they simply emphasize the need for us to express more than a "one-dimensional" understanding of him (Jesus).

What is confusing, though, is that in the next paragraph the authors suggest that making "a decision for Christ" is "lightweight" exposure to Christianity where the decision is portrayed as "simple and costless."

This makes me wonder whether or not the authors, themselves, know the difference between mainstream Christians and born-again, evangelical Christians!

Next, they claim that they want to see "young adults who make emotional commitments" to Christ to try and facilitate "significant growth in the 3 percent who have a biblical worldview." Yet, they reject the very means by which we need to promote the biblical worldview. What do I mean by this?

I recall reading that one of the authors thinks that there are no judgments in the Bible. Thus, we are not to utilize any judgment in our evangelism.

Huh???

Then, how, may I ask, do they explain Jesus' own words in the following verses?

Jhn 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Jhn 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Confused yet?

I am!

This leads to my second reason for doubting the validity of what is espoused in this book. It could be regarded as even more important than the first reason stated above. Why? Because it explains why there is so much confusion within the pages of this book! What is this element that exists and causes such confusion?

It is the plethora of relativism that can be found amongst its pages!

Greg Koukl, one of the best Christian Apologetics leaders and teachers of our time would have a field day reviewing and refuting much of the relativistic perpectives included throughout this book!

Found another blogger who had some concerns about the book, too:


The book seems to have quite a few folks from the emerging-church/religious-left/trendy-Christian perspective, like Dan Kimball, Brian McLaren, Andy Stanley, and Jim Wallis. Why are we not hearing from anyone like David Jeremiah, John MacArthur, John Piper, or Chuck Swindoll? Were any of them asked to participate (did they decline if they were?), or do Kinnaman and Lyons think they have nothing to say (or that what they say is irrelevant)?

Who is actually guilty of creating these stereotypes? Paul & Jan and other creeps on TBN, or the Lutheran pastor down the street? Who is to blame?

Do Kinnaman and Lyons see any "negative perceptions" as being irreversible? For example, Jesus sounded like He was making an exclusive claim by saying, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father, but by me." Do Kinnaman and Lyons think that Jesus was being exclusive, or, is following Jesus just one of many paths to God?

What do Kinnaman and Lyons think Jesus meant when He said, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand?" What should we repent of?


I know. By now you are probably wondering when will I get around to sharing something good about this book. It's coming!

There were snippets of good thoughts in the first few chapters. However, it wasn't until the sixth chapter (ironically labeled "Sheltered") where I found an entire commentary that I could agree with.


The author of this commentary is John Stott - rector emeritus, All Souls Church, London.

A Call To Radical Discipleship

If we belong to Jesus Christ, we have a double calling in relation to the world. On the one hand, we are to live, serve, and witness in the world and not try to escape from it. On the other hand, we are to avoid being contaminated by the world.

So we have no liberty either to preserve our holiness by escaping from the world or to sacrifice our holiness by conforming to the world.

Escapism and conformism are both forbidden to us. This is one of the major themes of the whole Bible, namely that God is calling out a people for himself and is summoning us to be different from everybody else. "Be holy," he says to us, "because I am holy."

This foundational theme recurs in all four main sections of Scripture - the law, the prophets, the teaching of Jesus, and the teaching of the apostles. Let me give you an example from each. Take the law. God said to the people through Moses: "You must not do as they do in the land of Egypt where you used to live, nor as they do in the land of Canaan to which I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God" (Lev. 18:3-4). Similarly god complains through Ezekiel, "You have not followed my decrees, by have conformed to the standards of the nations around you" (Ezekiel 11:12).

It is similar in the New Testament. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of the hypocrites and the pagans and added: "Do not be like them" (Matt. 6:8). Finally, the apostle Paul could write to the Romans: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed" (Rom. 12:2).

Here then is God's call to a radical discipleship, to a radical nonconformism to the surrounding culture. It is a call to develop a Christian counterculture.

The followers of Jesus, for example, are not to give in to pluralism, which denies the uniqueness and lordship of Jesus, nor be sucked into materialism or become led astray into ethical relativism, which says there are no moral absolutes.

This is God's call to his people to be different. We are not to be like reeds shaken by the wind, as Jesus said, but to be like rocks in a mountain stream; not to be like fish floating with the stream, but to swim against the stream - even the cultural mainstream.

We are faced, in fact, with two cultures, two value systems, two standards, and two lifestyles. Which shall we choose? If we are not to be like chameleons, changing color to suit our surroundings, what are we to be like?

The answer is that we are to be like Christ. The eternal and ultimate purpose of God by his Spirit is to make us like Christ.

- John Stott



*******to be continued*******

Note: Check back for a second commentary quote (written by Emergent church leader, Brian McLaren) which puts forth views that are, unfortunately, quite the opposite of what John Stott has written here.

*******
Update:
I'm back.
The following is a commentary written by Brian McLaren that appeared in chapter 7 entitled "Too Political."

This chapter nearly sent me over the top! Quips like "Christians rely too heavily on political influence" is considered "unChristian," while "We are cautious not to place too much emphasis on politics" is considered "Christlike." What I would like to know is...says whom??

Then, the authors have the nerve to say the following:


Christians seem to fall on two sides of the path: too political or too apolitical. It is important to find an appropriate balance - neither ignorant and silent nor relying too heavily on political solutions to societal problems.


Obviously, these two authors have the "see no evil," "hear no evil," "speak no evil" mentality when it comes to the radical homosexual agenda being forced upon Christian believers.

Don't they know how important groups like The Alliance Defense Fund has become in the war against traditional marriage? Are they not aware of the gay indoctrination going on in public schools? Do they care? Apparently not. They devote an entire chapter (5) to describing how Christians show contempt for gays and lesbians. They even labeled it "Antihomosexual." But guess what? There is absolutely NO MENTION of those who have overcome homosexual behavior and identity through the saving grace and transformation that can be found through being born-again in Jesus Christ.

Why is that?

Probably because it doesn't fit in with their political agenda and views...that's why. To a liberal left Christian advocate, there is no such thing as a genuine, happy, saved by grace ex-homosexual.

Sorry. Didn't mean to go off on that tangent. It just strikes me as so disingenuous when Christians like these authors label themselves as "tolerant and loving," yet view those who have ministries that exist to help homosexuals overcome unwanted sexual behavior and attraction as "anti-homosexual."

Jesus said, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world (put in your idol or sinful endeavors) and lose his own soul?"

Ironically, the authors then state:


unChristian: Christians get enamored with politics.
Christlike: There is nothing gained by winning elections if we lose our soul in the process.

Involvement in politics is seductive.


So I must ask the authors, what ISN'T SEDUCTIVE ABOUT THE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA AND INDOCTRINATION GOING ON IN THE MEDIA, SCHOOLS AND POLITICAL ARENA?? WHAT ABOUT THE GAY "CHRISTIAN" MOVEMENT THAT WANTS TO SILENCE THOSE WHO HOLD TO BIBLICAL DOCTRINE REGARDING HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR IS SIN AND AN ABOMINATION TO GOD?

Oh...it gets better. You are gonna love the next one:


unChristian: Christians drown out and demonize the voices of others.

Christlike: Respect our enemies and be aware of our capacity for myopia.


Guys...you need to take that myopia concept to heart and apply it to yourselves!! Watch the news on any given night and you will see how much "drowning out" and "demonizing" is going on against the traditional Christians.

Want a current example? How about the fact that Mike Huckabee can't even deliver a commercial message that stresses the fact that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas? Why is his wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas" considered "offensive?"

It's so ridiculous!

Sheesh!

The authors go on and discuss some gibberish about how Christians "do not respect leaders whose political viewpoint is different from their own" and that the "Christlike" way is "respect and listen to our leaders and pray for them."

Where have these guys been over the last 7 years? Have they not noticed the leftists constantly bashing President Bush...a Christian??

Okay. On to the original subject of this update.


Changing The Perceptions

Gaining The World, Losing The Soul by Brian McLaren

From a vantage point further in the future, I think that an honest diagnosis will tell the truth aboutr the pivotal role the Religious Right has played in these depressing statistics. In the aftermath of the Religious Right's ascendancy, it is not an accident that "antihomosexual" is the number one perception of Christians in America these days, followed closely by "judgmental" and "hypocritical" and "insensitive." Young people today could, if we had taken a wiser path for the last few decades, think "antipoverty" or "pro-environment" or "pro-fidelity" or "antiviolence" when they hear "Christian" or "evangelical." But because of the path influential people have taken over the last thirty or so, what young people think of the Religious Right is what they think about evangelicals and even Christians in general.

That's why some of us believe that leaders in the Religious Right have, in a classic case of gaining the world and losing the soul, successfully gained political clout but helped lose our next generation.

But even so, a diagnosis of the evaporation of Christian commitment in the West and a prescription about how to respoind must go deeper than complaining about the mistakes of the Religious Right. There are many factors, and they run deep. As for prescriptions, yes, we need more Bible - but we also need a better, more holistic and profound understanding of the Bible and what it says about justice, compassion, the future, power, poverty, money, war, sex, and the kingdom of God. Yes, we need more maturity - but we also need a better and more holistic maturity, a maturity willing to face the historic and social realities of our so-called Christian past: a past that includes anti-Semitism, racism, chauvinism, holocaust, colonialism, apartheid, slavery, attempted genocide of native peoples, and much else that is ugly and calls not for exuses and minimization but for forthright repentance. Yes, we need more discernment that goes beyond name-calling and making pronouncements on two or three issues.

The data presented here can help us greatly in this regard, prompting us to discern how deep and serious the problems are, so that our missional engagement in the coming years won't be more of the same.
- Brian McLaren
founding member, emergentvillage.com
Comments?

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Biblical Uncertainty Drives Emerging Movement

Steve Camp has posted a video at his blog that all Christians need to see. It visually demonstrates how the "emergent church movement" is steeped in error!

Steve writes:

Church Dystopia - What's driving the emerging/emergent movement?

Steve's brief, but absolutely accurate answer to that question?

Ecclesiastical negativity; biblical uncertainty; theological infidelity; spiritual unrest; and the thirst for cultural relevancy.


I found the video astonishing! I didn't realize how dangerous this movement really is until I saw this video. It's "leaders" can be seen and their reprobate views exposed...in an up close and personal way via the video. It's very New Agey...and the "leaders" exude a kind of guru, "touchy-feely" type atmosphere.

Very creepy...

Here is a copy of my comment at Steve's blog:

Thank you for sharing this video. It shows that the "Emergent church movement" is even more dangerous than I had first thought!

I have done several blogposts about this growing heresy, including this one.

The book of Jude warns us that false Christs will be presented and "worshipped" the closer we get to the end times. Heresies will increase and deceive many...even the elect if that were possible. In other words, there will always be a remnant of the faithful who will not be fooled by such "movements" that are blatant errors disguised as Christianity.

Keep up the good work here, Steve, sharing the truth of the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No matter how many heretics try to change such truth; they will be found out and exposed - first through the efforts of the faithful; and, even more importantly, by the plumbline of Scripture that will always refute their errors.

God bless you!
Christine

Revisionist Homosexual History

There have been a few times on this blog where I asked readers to donate to a particular cause. This time I am pleading with you to do so!!

If you have the means to donate (ANY amount will help!!) to the Save Our Children fight against re-writing history and the onslaught of homosexual indoctrination which is coming into California Public Schools via SB 777, please give as generously as you possibly can!

Remember, what happens in California doesn't just stay in California. As the largest publisher and distribution center of public school textbooks, it's much more accurate to realize that what goes in California, eventually, ...so goes the entire nation as a result!


What I think is awful is the fact that the State of California cannot afford the expense of this revisionist history...in more ways than one. Financially, as well as morally!

Isn't it absolutely stupid that these radical homosexuals want to push their agenda upon a public whose majority does not want it???!!!!

It's so utterly ridiculous! The money could be much better spent elsewhere...to say the least! The damage that would be inflicted upon our children is tremendous. We need to keep fighting the good fight against this onslaught of moral depravity being pushed upon our children!

Jesus had strong words for those who would do harm to children.



Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Mar 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Luk 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.


Homosexual indoctrination of children is offensive to both the children and the parents who have raised them as Bible believing, Christ following Christians!

Either this horrendous curriculum is tossed or the Exodus from public schools will be so great that public schools will die as a result. Either way...GOOD!!

Christine

Here is a copy of an email that I just received:


Florence Nightingale, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington Carver, and Joan of Arc. What do all of these historic figures have in common?

According to the homosexual agenda, they were all gay.

For many years conservative and Christian leaders have been sounding the alarm about revisionists' campaign to rewrite history. These revisionists have distorted history to advance political and societal agendas for atheism, feminism, and finally homosexuality. These revisionists understand that education, especially concerning history, is their most powerful tool in molding young minds to accept their agenda. When a child is told, from the tender age of 5 through their entire public school career, that homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality and other controversial lifestyles are normal and to be honored, they will accept this as truth.

That is why this battle over school curriculum is so crucial. We are fighting for the hearts and minds of a generation. The SB 777 referendum is the current battlefront in defending innocent children from indoctrination. The homosexual rights group that sponsored this law, Equality California, finally admitted last week that SB 777 is in fact about curriculum-not just preventing discrimination against students. In their 2007 legislative scorecard the group declared that the bill "prohibits curriculum that is discriminatorily biased against LGBT people and other protected groups," including transsexuals, transgenders, and bisexuals. These activists are keenly aware that they need "inclusive" curriculum in order to start indoctrinating young minds.

[Note from Christine - Do you see how brazen they have now become?? It's as though they think...there is nothing anyone can do about it anymore. Well...I've got news for them! YES THERE IS SOMETHING THAT WE ALL CAN DO ABOUT IT!!!]

According to the Safe Schools Coalition, a group formed to advance homosexual teachings in school, "inclusive" curriculum should feature historic figures that were considered gay, including the figures listed above. There is no evidence to suggest that these figures were in fact homosexuals, but when revising history, it's preferable to co-opt real historic figures for your cause.

With the passage of SB 777, we can now expect year-round homosexual instruction.

The Safe Schools Coalition features 12-month lesson plans for teachers to use. For January, students can expect to learn about George Washington Carver's "letters documenting his same-sex relationships, although of course, given the era in which he lived, he was not particularly open about his sexual orientation." February is African-American History Month and features more instruction on Mr. Carver and other African-American gay figures.

March is Women's History Month and students will learn about "women-loving-women born this month" including Susan B. Anthony who is "believed by historians to have had three intimate relationships with women in her life." Teachers will also instruct students on the definitions of such terms as "lesbian," "transgender," "intersex," "questioning," and "two-spirit." Teachers are encouraged to "infuse LGBTIQ/2-spirit cultural awareness into the every day life" of their classroom.

These types of detailed lesson plans exist for every month of the year, with special attention paid to June (GLBT Pride Month) and October (GLBT History Month).

As you can see, we face a well-organized and well-financed (with tax-payer dollars) agenda. The SB 777 referendum is about the people. Every day we receive letters, e-mails and phone calls of support from the thousands of people who understand just how critical this campaign is.

To help us protect the innocence of children we ask that you (1) send in your petitions as soon as possible and (2) order and fill 10 more petitions before the January 4th deadline.

Together, we can preserve our values and save our kids.

REQUEST PETITIONS


Just the Facts on SB 777

Contribute to Save Our Kids Campaign

Lesson Plans
January
[Note from Christine: I only needed to glance through the so-called "curriculum" in the "January" lesson "plans" to see how crucial it will be to DEFEAT THIS INDOCTRINATION AGENDA!!!]

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December


OUTRAGED YET???!!!

Yep...it's a modern day smorgasboard of Sodom and Gomorrah re-education! Homosexual history every month of the year?? When will these kids get to learn reading, writing, math, science, REGULAR history???

WE ARE OFFICIALLY ENTERING THE TWILIGHT ZONE OF GAY REVISIONIST HISTORY AND PROPAGANDA!

Members on the SAVE OUR KIDS Campaign Team:
Save Our Kids Co-Chairs

Senator George Runner

Assemblyman Joel Anderson
Assemblyman Bob Huff
Assemblyman Doug La Malfa
Assemblywoman Sharon Runner
Assemblywoman Audra Strickland

Senate Candidate Dennis Mountjoy
Assembly Candidate Larry Dick
Assembly Candidate Jim Nielson

Capitol Resource Family Impact 660 J Street Suite 250 Sacramento CA 95814