New Year's Resolutions

Where does the celebration of the New Year come from? I'm actually asking the question seriously; I don't really know. Has it always been seen as a time for us to put the past behind us and look forward to a brighter future? Or for resolutions?

Thinking about putting the past behind us, I'm so thankful to God that as Christians we don't just do this on New Year's Eve, but everyday. Everyday is literally brand new for us. We walk a daily life of repentance and renewal; confession and absolution. Jesus said, "Pick up your cross daily and follow me." This sounds hard and it is; but then there is the eternally good news that "if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness." Everyday we acknowledge the bad news that our pasts are stained with mistakes and imperfections, but then we hear the good news that in Christ our sins are thrown as far as the east is from the west never to be remembered again.

So I guess the point is this: Resolve this next year to cling to Christ and Him alone.

Doubt

I just saw the movie 'Doubt.' The film was really well done; acting, writing and scenery were well done. But be warned: it is not a nominee for the feel good movie of the year.

Without giving away too much of the movie, I will let you know that the title really says it all. The story deals with the struggle that the established institution of the Church has with change and progress (however that's defined). The underlying worldview of the movie is that truth is in some sense unknowable. Truth is rather determined by who has the power. We the viewers never truly know what exactly has happened, and so we are left "in doubt."

A question that kept on popping up in my head throughout the movie was, "What do I say to those who say that truth can't really be known?" I suppose I could always retort with the question back, "Is that a true statement?" To which a real postmodernist would respond "yes/no."

What about this? Is there anyway to defend the idea of truth? Or is everything just a series of contradictions?

The Masks of God (Lectures on Vocation)

It's obvious now that I really like Gene Veith's blog (and other writings). What I particularly enjoy is his focus and emphasis on the doctrine of Vocation. (This is one of those things in the Church that is almost never taught on; if it was I believe there could be something of a revolution in the Church). Through his work he shows that the biblical view of things is that even the seemingly mundane, boring stuff of life has a glorious purpose in service to God and our neighbor.

Over the weekend I came across a series of lectures and articles by Dr. Veith on vocation. I've only listened to the first lecture of two, but it was fantastic. Click here to access the lectures and a number of articles on the subject by Veith and others (Thanks Ben). Enjoy!

(However, if you are at work right now or are spending time with your family, do not neglect them in order to hear about how to live out your vocation with them! Just continue to live out your vocation and learn about it later when you have time. :)

The Wait is Over

This week's sermon was based on Luke 2:21-38. The message was about the gifts that Christ brought with His coming. You can find it here or here or here.

Baptism Extravaganza

Just a heads up for any that might be interested: Over at the show The God Whisperers, they are running a series on the Biblical/Lutheran view of Baptism. I would definitely encourage you to check it out if you have time. Find the shows here.

The Feel Good Movie of the 90's?

Last night I was in the video store and I saw this movie for rent. I couldn't help but laugh out loud after looking at the premise. There is no deeper meaning behind me sharing this with you; it's just funny.

Rejoice O Favored One, the Lord is With You

Last week's message was of course about the good news of the Incarnation for us, for us, for us!

Listen to it here.

The Mission of the Church

I know I'm supposed to be preparing to preach right now, but I just had to post this. Found this on Cwirla's blog. Penn from Penn and Teller is an avowed atheist (as the video clip below shows)and has often made fun of Christianity. But listen to him describe this experience with someone who proselytized to him just the other night.



Reverend Cwirla points out:

Here's the quote from Penn in case you missed it:

I don't respect people who don't proselytize. If you believe that there's a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell, and you think, 'Well, it's not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward'... How much do you have to hate somebody not to proselytize?



HT: Cwirla

Help me...I'll Sue You

This was predictable. It seems that now in our sue happy culture if you actually follow Jesus' command to help those in need, you could be sued. That "prophetic" movie 'The Incredibles' had a great scene in which Mr. Incredible saves a man who jumps from the top of a building. The man is alive, but has some minor injuries. He sues him and wins. This sets off a slew of other lawsuits against other superheroes until all of them must go into hiding.

You can post anonymously if you like, but I'm curious: Knowing that you could be sued by someone you stop to help, will that cause you to hesitate more than you already do?

HT: Ben

This is true isn't it?

HT: Lombardoson

"Kill Your T.V."

Let me state this up front: I do not believe that T.V. is inherently bad. Like just about any other medium, T.V. is basically neutral, being used for either good or bad.

That being said, in general I think that too much T.V. watching tends to have a corrosive effect on the mind and one's ability to see the world in any realistic light. So I was glad to read today this study that shows young people are watching less T.V. than older generations. Now this doesn't mean that young people aren't seeking entertainment elsewhere (internet, movies, video games, etc.) they are. But it seems to me the newer forms of entertainment are less passive than T.V. watching and therefore are a net positive.

Connected with this, I have read lately that MTV's ratings are suffering. Woohoo! (I think they lost it when they stopped showing music videos and replaced it with trash reality shows).

For some great writings on the corrosive effect that T.V. (and technology in general) can have on culture check out stuff from Marshall McLuhan or read Neal Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death."

The Gift of Gifts

A few years back my wife bought a book of Puritan Prayers entitled, "The Valley of Vision." The book is literally chock full of wonderful, heartfelt devotion. In light of Christmas read 'The Gift of all gifts':

O Source of all Good,
What shall I render to Thee for the gift of gifts,
Thine own dear Son, begotten, not created,
my Redeemer, Proxy, Surety, Substitute,
His self-emptying incomprehensible,
His infinity of love beyond the heart's grasp.

Herein is wonder of wonders:
He came below to raise me above,
He was born like me that I might become like Him.

Herein is love;
when I cannot rise to Him He draws near on wings of grace,
to raise me to Himself.

Herein is power;
when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart
He united them in indissoluble unity, the uncreated and the created.

Herein is wisdom;
when I was undone, with no will to return to Him,and no intellect to devise recovery,
He came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost,
as man to die my death,
to shed satisfying blood on my behalf,
to work out a perfect righteousness for me.

O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds,
and enlarge my mind;
let me hear good tidings of great joy,
and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose,
my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father,
place me with ox, ass, camel, goat,
to look with them upon my Redeemer's face,
and in Him account myself delivered from sin;
let me with Simeon clasp the new-born Child to my heart,
embrace Him with undying faith,
exulting that He is mine and I am His.

In Him Thou hast given me so much that heaven can give no more.

Christmas Awesomeness!!!!

Chances are you've seen this before. The dialogue and the new rendition of 'Little Drummer Boy' are nothing short of painfully awesome!



And now wash your ears out with this....

Martin Luther's Christmas Day Sermon

I really love the Christmas story. Not because of all the cultural baggage that surrounds the Christmas story, but because of what the story tells us about our God. The Incarnation, God becoming flesh, shows us that He is not One who expects us to climb up some ladder or mountain to where He is, but rather He comes to us; to save us. Martin Luther in his famous Christmas Day Sermon from 1521 catches I believe the perfect tone. Here he is discussing the angel's proclamation to the Shepherds:

25. He does not simply say, Christ is born, but to you he is born, neither does he say, I bring glad tidings, but to you I bring glad tidings of great joy. Furthermore, this joy was not to remain in Christ, but it shall be to all the people. This faith no condemned or wicked man has, nor can he have it; for the right ground of salvation which unites Christ and the believing heart is that they have all things in common. But what have they?

26. Christ has a pure, innocent, and holy birth. Man has an unclean, sinful, condemned birth; as David says, Ps. 51, 5, "Behold I was brought forth in iniquity; and in sin did mymother conceive me." Nothing can help this unholy birth except the pure birth of Christ. But Christ's birth cannot be distributed in a material sense neither would that avail any thing; it is therefore imparted spiritually, through the Word, as the angel says, it is given to all who firmly believe so that no harm will come to them because of their impure birth. This it the way and manner in which we are to be cleansed from the miserable birth we have from Adam. For this purpose Christ willed to be born, that through him we might be born again, as he says John 3: 3, that it takes place through faith; as also St. James says in 1, 18: "Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."

27. We see here how Christ, as it were, takes our birth from us and absorbs it in his birth, and grants us his, that in it we might become pure and holy, as if it were our own, so that every Christian may rejoice and glory in Christ's birth as much as if he had himself been born of Mary as was Christ. Whoever does not believe this, or doubts, is no Christian.

28. 0, this is the great joy of which the angel speaks. This is the comfort and exceeding goodness of God that, if a man believes this, he can boast of the treasure that Mary is his rightful mother, Christ his brother, and God his father. For these things actually occurred and are true, but we must believe. This is the principal thing and the principal treasure in every Gospel, before any doctrine of good works can be taken out of it. Christ must above all things become our own and we become his, before we can do good works.

But this cannot occur except through the faith that teaches us rightly to understand the Gospel and properly to lay hold of it. This is the only way in which Christ can be rightly known so that the conscience is satisfied and made to rejoice. Out of this grow love and praise to God who in Christ has bestowed upon us such unspeakable gifts. This gives courage to do or leave undone, and living or dying, to suffer every thing that is well pleasing to God. This is what is meant by Isaiah 9: 6, "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given," to us, to us, to us is born, and to us is given this child,”

Below is a portion of Handel's Messiah in which they sing these joyous words:

Nietzsche and the Consequences of Ideas

R.C. Sproul lectures on Nietzsche in this video clip. I think it's safe to say that there are few people that have argued against Christianity more effectively and vehemently than Nietzsche. Many Christians upon exposure to his ideas have found themselves doubting their faith greatly. Therefore it's certainly worthwhile to explore what the man believed and how one might counter his views. Believe it or not, he is still quite influential today.

This is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus

This last Sunday's message was based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. Listen to it here.

Ah bul ah..!!

The Real Santa Claus

Veith has a great article today up on his blog about the real St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was known for his giving to the children, but that is probably not his most important contribution to the history of the Church.

It turns out that St. Nicholas was one of the bishops that gathered at the Council of Nicaea to stand up for the Deity of Christ. At the time there had been a major split about to happen in the Church between those who denied the Deity of Christ (the Arians) and those who held to the Orthodox position. It is said that St. Nicholas was so passionate that Christ be worshipped as God, that when Arius spoke about Christ in less than worshipful ways, Nicholas walked up to him and slapped him! His zeal apparently overwhelmed him! He actually was supposed to be disciplined for acting in such an unbishoply manner, but he apologized.

So the real Santa Claus' greatest gift to the world was not toys on Christmas day, but his defense of who it is we celebrate on Christmas day. Dr. Veith suggests in his article that this might change the way we "do Christmas." Check out the article, "Santa Claus is Coming to Slap."

Update: More on the real Santa Claus from Rev. Bill Cwirla called "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Why?

"Christian" Films

From Veith's blog the other day I learned of a series of films entitled "The Decalogue." The films were directed by Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieślowski, a Roman Catholic, and are centered around the implications of the Ten Commandments in modern life. I have seen the first three so far and have been blown away.

For many years now I have lamented the pathetic stuff that often passes for Christian art. It usually comes across like propaganda and doesn't really reflect life for most humans at all. The Decalogue does not do this. It is controversial, thought provoking, mysterious and actually, just like life. It's not easy to find (you have to either get them through Netflix or go to one of those oh so cool independent video stores that pride themselves on actually knowing the director's name), but it will be well worth your time. Also, if you get a chance check out another foreign film entitled Babbettes Feast (wonderful illustration of grace and how one receives it).

Being Prepared for the King

This week we celebrated the 2nd week of Advent with a sermon on John the Baptist and his ministry of preparation. Here it is.

To those who are perishing....

We are the aroma of death. So says the book of 1 Corinthians. Biblical Christians for a number of years have been equated by various intellectuals as equal to Islamic fundamentalists. After all we both believe in absolute truth claims so what's the difference? (Never mind the fact that in this country Christians are mocked in the most grotesque ways but rarely respond with any reaction, while in many Muslim nations, a cartoon depicting the prophet Muhammad in a mocking way gets buildings burnt down, and people beheaded.)

Since the passing of Proposition 8 into law in California, the gay rights community and many on the political left have become unhinged towards "hateful" Christians. This morning a video was released in which you will see the disdain, disgust and frankly, hate they have for Biblical Christians and for Jesus Christ. I warn you, that some of the content is graphic and even blasphemous, but it's important that we know how the culture views us who follow Christ.

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Notice that the reason the majority of Californians voted for traditional marriage, according to their view, is because they are either "hateful" Christians or they were too stupid and got fooled by "hateful" Christians. This isn't just disdain for Christians, but for the majority of the citizens of California!

Two things: 1. What do you say to their charge that we "pick and choose" what we want to believe from the Bible? 2. What should our reaction be to those who would hold the same views as those in the video? Please go here to find out.

How to Respond to Terror?

I'm curious what y'all think the Christian response to terrorism should be. With the most recent terror attacks in Mumbai, it's important that we think "Christianly" about this. Is it possible for us Christians to desire swift justice for terrrorists (including killing) and yet at the same time desire the salvation of their souls?

For some insight (and the apparent conflict) on this you might look to Romans 13 and then look at Jesus' statements in Matthew 5:43-48.

Was the United States ever a Christian Nation?

Lambs among Wolves

This week's sermon was based on Luke 10:1-24. This is the sending out of the Seventy-Two for the mission of God. There is so much to learn from this passage about how we the Church are sent, that I could spend weeks on it. But Advent cometh! Listen to the sermon here.

The Gift of Worship

How is the Church Relevant to the Culture?

Once again, a wonderful view of vocation and it's effects on the broader culture. Notice that Keller makes a distinction between the individual of the church and "the Church." Very important distinction. The culture is not changed by legislation or any other mass force feeding, but rather one person at a time.

Moving Again

For the seventh time in five years, my family has moved. As much as I have done it (for school, to save money, for more space, etc.) I can tell you that it has not gotten any easier. I hope we don't have to do it again for a long, long time (If we do have to do it again, I hope that we will be able to hire movers that can pack up everything into a truck while I read a book).

So what's the point of me telling y'all this? Well, the other night at Adult Catechism class I declared that the biblical idea of worship was to be found in all of life, no matter what we're doing. We worship in work, school, play, and everything else, including moving. I have to confess: Yesterday I did not find myself moving with a joyful heart, thankful for God's amazing grace to me. I did not find myself worshipping God with my attitude.

Today the Holy Spirit has graciously convicted me of this disconnect between my words and my actions. May God by His sanctifying grace truly transform us from the inside out so that when these challenges come in the future we might display lives of worship!

The encouraging words of the Apostle Paul:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

John Stott's Basic Christianity

This book is a great read for getting what "the faith" is all about. This week is the 50th anniversary of its original release. Below is a small, but it seems to me, very relevant passage:

"The Christian landscape is strewn with the wreckage of derelict, half-built towers - the ruins of those who began to build and were unable to finish. For thousands of people still ignore Christ's warning and undertake to follow him without first pausing to reflect on the cost of doing so. The result is the great scandal of Christendom today, so-called 'nominal Christianity'. In countries to which Christian civilization has spread, large numbers of people have covered themselves with a decent, but thin, veneer of Christianity. They have allowed themselves to become somewhat involved; enough to be respectable but not enough to be uncomfortable. Their religion is a great, soft cushion. It protects them from the hard unpleasantness of life, while changing its place and shape to suit the convenience. no wonder the cynics speak of hypocrites in the church and dismiss religion as escapism." (p. 108).

Jesus said, "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple."

Why Catechism Matters

I've been meaning to post something on this story for quite awhile. A few years ago Christian Smith, a researcher from the National Study of Youth and Religion at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found some disturbing trends among youth and their views of God.

It seems that their religion can be summed up with the words, "Moralistic, Therapeutic, Deism." That is, there is a God who created the world and watches over it kind of (Deism); He wants us to be nice and fair and "good." (Moralistic) However, the only time that God seems to matter is when you're going through hard times (Therapeutic).

Of the three thousand teens interviewed in this study, most of them had no idea what the basic beliefs of their faith were. They seemed to talk about God as being good to talk to, but not as a Deity, as a Friend. Unfortunately, many of those questioned were Christian kids who had grown up in Church.

What should the Church do in order to counteract this thinking?

"It's a great time to invest"

I figured with all of the bad news we keep getting about the economy it would be appropriate to have a little humor. Check out this classic clip from Saturday Night Live:

R.C. Sproul on the Philosophy of Despair

The title doesn't sound like much of anything you might want to check out, but this teaching video from R.C. Sproul really gives us great insight into much of today's thought. In the video he teaches primarily about the views of Sartre and Heidegger, arguing that they are the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century. If you have about a half an hour, it is certainly worth your time.

Update: The link should be fixed now!

Pressing On Toward The Prize

This week's sermon was based on Luke 9:51-62. It's about the various distractions that come to would be followers of Jesus. You can listen to it here.

Great Sermon

The Reverend David Peterson is the Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is my friend Jeff Proctor's Pastor. God has gifted him and speaks the gospel through him wonderfully. Enjoy one of his sermons here.

Once we spend our money, we will show you that all Religions are the Same

Check out this story about the powerful of Hollywood and the Tech World coming together to spread peace and unity between the religions.

This idea of "religious commonality" is becoming more and more accepted. The fact that this view is based on complete non-sense doesn't seem to matter all that much. Truth in itself is no longer a value to be debated or distinguished. What matters is that we promote "good." What is "good" you say? Tolerance and Acceptance. What is bad? Claiming to know the truth.

I suppose George Orwell said it would be like this.

Update: (Thank you Matt) I should make clear that I have no problem with groups that seek to promote peace between the various religions. The problem is that often times these groups tend to squeeze out any mention of exclusive truth claims (See National Council of Churches; World Council of Churches, etc.) The person who does hold to their religion as being the only way to God is then seen as disrupting the peace.

Is it ok to doubt God's faithfulness in difficult times?

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is a piece of legislation that is being pushed forward that would basically do away with any and all preventative regulations regarding abortion. This would include things like parental consent for minors and partial-birth abortions. All the information you need regarding the FOCA is at this site.

There are some noteworthy items on the site:
1. Video of President-Elect Barack Obama speaking to Planned Parenthood
2. A story about a 14 year old girl that was given an abortion by Planned Parenthood after she was impregnated by her 21 year old soccer coach. Her parents were not informed.
3. Petition to show that you are not in favor of the FOCA.

Like a good friend of mine once said, "This is not a political issue, we are talking about murder."

Its up to you.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them.
(Psa 139:13-16 ESV)

Smart People Believe in God Too

This morning I read this great article (HT: Veith) on the comeback of Philosophers who believe in God. The popular culture often times gives the impression that the only people that believe in God anymore are those who just haven't really thought about it.

This article shows otherwise.

The writer of the article, William Lane Craig, truly is one of the most brilliant apologists for the Christian faith today. I would encourage anyone interested in learning how to defend their faith to check out his work. He is, in my opinion, the best.

Why Can't Women be Elders?

It seems lately I have had quite a bit of discussion about the role of women in the leadership of the Church. Many that I have spoken to have assumed that surely women could be Pastors in our Church. When I tell them this is not the case there is a bit of surprise (thankfully, not anger or disgust). I will then try and explain the biblical basis for my thinking on the subject. Below is a video, once again put out by The Gospel Coalition that gives a good synopsis of my take:

Quitting Church

It seems that recent studies confirm that there is an exodus starting to go on from Evangelical churches. The White Horse Inn, yesterday interviewed Julia Duin, the author of a new book entitled "Quitting Church," which deals with these happenings. The reason people are quitting? It's not because they're fickle and just want the "next big program." Rather it's because they're not getting solid Bible teaching. Their deepest questions seemingly are not being answered and the sermons are consistently 5 steppers on how to have a better marriage, better finances, and be a better parent.

People are interested in substantive, thought provoking, challenging biblical teaching and the Churches they go to just aren't interested in giving it to them. So they go somewhere else or just stay at home. I have seen clear evidence of this desire for more in-depth theological training from the members of my Church as our Adult Catechism class has continued to grow since its beginning just a couple of months ago.

Often times what happens in our quest to be "relevant" is we end up going too far. When this happens, Michael Horton says, "We don't save the lost, and we lose the saved."

So how do we integrate new people into the Church without oversimplifying the message so that the veterans are unfulfilled?

The Strange Math of the Kingdom of God

Last week's sermon was based on Luke 9:37-50. It deals with the question, "What makes someone great?" Listen to it here.

To tithe or not to tithe?

I haven't shared this with many, but lately I have been rethinking my view of the New Testament believers "mandate" to tithe. I like many, have believed in the past that the believer is supposed to tithe (give 10% of their income) to the Church or various ministries. I have taught this. But a few months ago I decided to do a study of this idea just to make sure what I was teaching was right. As difficult as it was for me to admit, I came to the conclusion, that my view may not have been correct. Below is a video from The Gospel Coalition that I think summarizes my view of the subject quite well:

The Christian's Responsibility to Government

Mouwage is what bwings us togedthow

This last week's sermon was based on Genesis 2 and was all about marriage!

Listen to it here if you like.

An Important Reminder this Election Day

Insightful little commentary by Mark Driscoll on his blog The Resurgence about the politics of the day.

More than any previous election I am aware of, this year's has been marked by a nearly fevered pitch for some kind of Savior to ride into Washington. Obama has praise songs written to him, and some Republicans think Sarah Palin is the savior of their party. The sad thing is because each of these political candidates are human, they will prove to be imperfect in their solutions. Our idols will once again show themselves to be made of wood.

For a biblical perspective:

Romans 13 states about governing officials: "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."

"For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer."

And never forget, Ephesians 1:20-21 says, God "raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."

He will not fail us!

Kill the Babysitter

Interesting article in the L.A. Times today linked the amount of sexual content kids watch on TV with the likelihood of teen pregnancy. Shocking. It also said that kids from a two parent household had a lower probability of pregnancy. Again, shocking. Thoughts?

Real Preachers of Genius: Seeker-Sensitive Mega Church Guy

Another one just for fun.....Ouch!

Mr. Really Really Bad Preacher

Found this little clip on Cwirla's blog: I think putting this up on my blog is not in my self interest!

Happy Reformation Day!

491 years ago today a disturbed monk placed a long list of theological concerns that he wanted discussed on the door of a church in Germany. It didn't take long before this list got into the hands of the people, and eventually into the hands of the leadership of the Church. Martin Luther was summoned to defend his positions, refused to give up on his positions and the Reformation came into full swing.

As a result, the central doctrine of the Church (Justification by grace alone through faith alone) was recovered. The doctrine that taught all people in the Church were priests before God was recovered. The Sacraments were brought back to their proper place. The church was freed to worship God in the freedom of His word.

Today we have much to be thankful for as heirs of the Reformation: Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura, Soli Deo Gloria!

On the lighter side, here is the "95 theses rap" It was put together by some students up at Yale. The accuracy of some of the things they rap is certainly questionable, but at least it will give you a decent laugh.



HT: Veith

Reconstructionism?

Interesting post by Dr. Gene Veith today on his blog. He has been making the case lately that already post-modernism is dying or dead and is being replaced with something else. I tend to agree with him as I don't know that post-modern thinking (everything is relative, no such thing as truth, etc.) can actually last outside of an essay by a bored philosopher looking for attention.

I think many in the culture would like things to be post-modern with its emphasis on supposed tolerance and acceptance of all cultural values. But when push comes to shove, the position betrays itself. It is impossible for those who espouse open ended tolerance and acceptance to be tolerant and accepting of those who are not tolerant and accepting.

So the result is what one of Dr. Veith's readers suggested as a title for what's going on now: Reconstructionism. In post-modernism, everything that we have held as true and valuable has been deconstructed and crushed. Marriage is redefined; Fetuses are not really babies; Gender? What's gender? ("Two genders? How 19th century, try something more like 6 you neanderthal!" The substance of this was a real statement from a real college professor at a real university).

Now it's time to rebuild what we have destroyed, but in the image that we want it to be. I could go on and on, but please read more at Veith's blog and comment about it here.

The Gospel Coalition

This April there is a gathering of various Theologians and Pastors that are calling themselves the Gospel Coalition. Their mission is focused on clarifying the gospel and teaching Pastors, Church leaders, and eventually everyone how best to communicate that gospel. Most certainly a worthy endeavor.



P.S. Pastor Erick is willing to accept any donations to send me to this gathering in April! :)

Sermon Audio: Cross and Crown

Last Sunday's sermon was based on Luke 9:23-36. You can listen to it here.

Words of Wonder

A wonderful message on the gift of worship through song by Bob Kauflin.

Luther said about music: "Music is the handmaiden of Theology."

Atheist Evangelists

Great commentary by Gene Veith about an article detailing an "outreach" campaign of British atheists. Check it out here.

Out of the Mouths of Babes?

I do not think this is what Jesus meant in Matthew 21:16, but I could be wrong. What do you guys think? How does this video make you feel? Happy? Angry? Uneasy? Sad? Is this just a cute video to be enjoyed or is there something wrong here?

MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

Came across this article about the passing of a Nun who served for years in the slums of Egypt. She dedicated her whole life to serving the needy and being their advocate.

As I read this I was reminded once again that truly the most satisfying thing we can possibly do is invest ourselves in the well being of others. As Jesus said, "It more blessed to give than to receive."

Sermon Audio: Who Is the True Jesus?

This last Sunday's sermon was based on Luke 9:7-22. It covers the feeding of the five thousand, but primarily deals with the question of who we say Jesus is. Listen to it here.

When is a Person a Person?

I found this article on Veith's blog this morning that is frankly devastating. The article deals with the issue of abortion in America and our collective shame for allowing it to happen. This insightful writer notices that abortion (the murder of unborn life) is no longer even close to the number one issue that evangelicals care about. Rather it's "the economy, stupid." As a matter of fact, in polling, abortion was ranked Number 7 in importance for evangelicals. Number 7!

So you say, "There are many christians that are pro-choice." I will concede at best, there are only confused Christians that are pro-choice. Yes, I know that's judgmental. But John was judgmental too when he wrote, "No murderer has eternal life in him." I am not calling all those who are "pro-choice" murderers, but by endorsing the allowance of abortion in the society, are you not in some way contributing?

Christians: 40,000,000 babies have been aborted since 1969. That equals out to approximately 2,850 a day. 120 per hour. 2 per minute. In the time it has taken me to write this, there will have been about 8 babies killed.

Sorry my evangelical brethren, the economy is not the most important issue.

Interesting Article. Surprising? No

Check out this article about the social/political leanings of the average college student when they enter into college as opposed to their views after their Junior year.

Kung Fu Jesus?

Every day I write a daily devotion for attenders and friends of Victoria Community Church. Right now we are currently going through the book of 1 John. This morning's devotion dealt with the vast number of "different Jesuses" we come across in our culture and how to tell the true One from the false ones.

Unfortunately, a lot of the time the church is responsible for creating all sorts of false perceptions about Jesus. We tend to make Him in our image, rather than be remade in His image. Therefore, Jesus becomes everything we might want Him to be at the time (such as "my homeboy." Maybe that's what Thomas meant to say when He cried out, "My Lord and My God?!")

With these things in mind, it is with humor, embarrasment and a certain amount of shame that I introduce you to "Kung Fu Jesus."

Sermon Audio: The Church Sent

This week's sermon is based on Luke 9:1-6. In this passage Jesus sends out the Twelve for the first time. This message deals with why we need not fear sharing our faith. Listen to it here.

Redefining Marriage

It seems that just about everyday I receive an e-mail encouraging me to speak out about same-sex marriage. In California this year we have a proposition on the ballot that would "define" marriage as between a man and a woman. Of course this proposition has been brought up this year because a court made a decision that marriage was not between a man and a woman.



Now today the court in Connecticut has also made the decision that marriage is not just between a man and a woman. Therefore, so called "same-sex marriage" is permissible.



Can we please just be honest? There has never been a time in recorded human history where marriage has ever been anything but the union between a man and a woman. (Genesis 1&2 sets the pattern). Sure, there may have been times when different races of people were not allowed to come together in some societies. These silly restrictions were lifted, but never did the fundamental definition of marriage change. It was always a union of a man and woman. This may seem obvious, but in our times, obvious cannot be taken for granted.



What times do we live in? Postmodern times, where definitions to words can be changed by a majority of people, or forget that, you the individual can make up your own meanings. Language means nothing. So it is fitting since words don't mean anything, we can fundamentally change the meaning of the word "marriage," to now mean the union of two committed people? (The activist or proponent of so called, "same-sex marriage" never wants to deal with the gigantic social problems this definition opens us up to. And for that matter why should marriage be defined as a union only between two people, why not more? Why not incestuous relationships? Can someone please deal with these questions honestly and thoughtfully, instead of emotionally?) Fundamentally different definition folks. If you want society to recognize this relationship with some kind of special union (as much as I wish it wasn't the case), fine. But it is not by any historical standard or definition "marriage."



Obviously, the foundation of my thinking is based on biblical teaching. However, one does not need to even use the Bible, just plain reason, to deal with this issue.



Finally, I do not write this to rally Christian conservatives to become politically active primarily. I write this so that you Christians would start praying more for your gay and lesbian friends. Pray that God would give them sight. Go to them in the name of Jesus and love them. This is not an anti-gay writing, it is a pro-truth writing.

The Pornification Of A Generation

Its everywhere. Its almost impossible to avoid it. I am talking about pornography in all of its insidious, insipid forms. Kevin Scott, an English professor at a small college in Georgia, decided to write a book about porn culture after his 5-year old daughter asked him for a Bratz doll. In a recent Newsweek article Scott said, "I realized porn culture and I were in a death match for my daughter's soul."

Is it that bad? Has this culture of sex really impacted the youth of today? Check out this article about a 15-year old girl who is being charged with child-pornography for sending nude pictures of herself to her friends. This is the second or third incident I have read about this year.

Every second 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography. Every 39 minutes a new pornographic video is being created in the United States. The U.S. porn industry generates over 13 BILLION dollars every year. The average age for first internet exposure to porn is 11 years old. Do we have a problem?

The Bible tells us, in 1 Corinthians 6:18, to flee sexual immorality. The words sexual immorality are translated from the Greek word porneia. Does that word sound familiar? So Paul is telling us to flee, or run away from porneia. The word flee is a present, active, imperative verb. What does that mean? Well the idea behind it is to make it your habit to flee. To keep on fleeing all the time. To never stop. It is also a command (imperative), not a suggestion.

Verses 19-20 go on to say:
Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

You are not your own. You were bought with a price. These are statements of fact. These are statements of truth. God bought you with the blood of His Son Jesus. Through that, you have been made clean and are no longer in bondage to sin. Therefore, glorify God in your body and teach your children to glorify God in their bodies.

For more insight into the struggle with sexual sin Marc Driscoll has published a free e-book online. Be warned that he uses frank language that may be offensive to some people. This book was focused on helping the men in his church combat sexual temptations. Enjoy and may the Lord bless you.

Financial Crisis!!!

Over the last number of days we have heard alot (and seen alot) about the financial crisis going on throughout the world. The stock market is significantly down, losing more per day than seems real.

As Christians, we are not immune from these things. We suffer the effects of this crisis by possibly losing jobs, home or well being. It is important at times like these to remember the words of Jesus:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

In this truth we rest.

Jesus, I'm Desperate!

Sermon audio of Sunday's sermon is up and ready to be listened to. The title of the message is "Jesus, I'm Desperate."

Postmodern Anthem

A few months ago I caught this song on the radio and surprisingly, the lyrics jumped out at me.
Is this is a song that accurately describes the cynicism in America, and the resulting emptiness that comes with it? The song is called "Believe" and the band is "The Bravery"

Facing Death... With Humor

Dr. Gene Veith has a link to an interesting op-ed in the Los Angeles Times this morning. The op-ed is written by a satirist named P.J. O' Rourke, who has just found out he has cancer. His confession is grainy, politically incorrect, but nonetheless, I think, thoughtful and funny. Keep in mind while reading that he is a satirist! Check it out here.

Christless Christianity

One of my favorite Christian radio shows (there aren't many) is "The White Horse Inn." The host of this show is a professor at Westminster Seminary named Dr. Michael Horton. I found out today that he is releasing a new book called, "Christless Christianity." The book couldn't come at a better time as so much of the Church seems to be falling for a gospel that isn't a gospel at all. Soon I will be putting up promotional information for this book in the fellowship area of V.C.C. Check out the video below:

Parenting Help

I know that many of you have kids and feel like you need as much help as possible raising those kids. I know I do! Thankfully, theresurgence.com has made this instructional video below free of charge. Be edified:

Sermon Audio: Crashing the Gates of Hell

Yesterday, we went over Luke 8:26-39. You can listen to it here.

Listen to this Sermon!

Please listen to this sermon.

Saved by Grace

With each passing day I become convinced of two things:

1.) I am a truly wretched sinner.

2.) The only way I could possibly be saved is by some amazing act or acts of grace from God.

Thankfully, the second thing I am absolutely certain has happened. Jesus Christ lived perfectly from conception because I have not; Jesus Christ on the cross took the wrath of God my sin deserved; Jesus Christ rose from the dead in order to restore eternal life to my sin soaked body of death.

In meditating on the holiness and justice of God this morning I realize once again how much everything depends on Jesus. In my nature, I am a condemned sinner, but thanks be to God that through faith in Christ I am a new creation, a saint destined to live forever at His throne!

Saving the world...one flight at a time

As members of God's creation ordered to be good stewards of that creation, it saddens me that so many Christians seem not to care all that much about the environment. That being said, the ideas for "how to save the world"so often seem to be so silly or impractical that, frankly, I can't blame people for not getting involved more in "Green" programs.

Last year, there was the scam that various celebrities and politicians used called "Carbon offsets." The idea behind this was to make up for your carbon footprint, you would buy a carbon offset, which meant you bought some space in some country somewhere to plant a tree.

Today, there is this story about the giant disconnect between those who live green on a daily basis and yet tend to take the longest and most flights, which completely erase any green activity they do at home.

So, as Christians, how green should we be? What are some practical ways that we can be good stewards of the environment?

Update: Now you don't have to find the verses yourself to answer these questions. You can just turn to the "Green Letter Bible." Unfortunately, I am not kidding.

Where is your Faith? Sermon Audio

This last Sunday the sermon was based on Luke 8:16-25.

It is entitled, "Where is your faith?"

DON'T Contextualize Christianity?

This is an interesting take on what it means to share the gospel. Pastor John Piper says that the gospel "DOES NOT" need to be contextualized. Is this true? Watch the video below and tell me what you think.

Christianity and Politics part III

This last Sunday, The White Horse Inn radio program had a special roundtable discussion on Christianity and politics. The roundtable featured a writer about the history of politics and the church in America, a Republican Strategist, and a Democratic Strategist, along with the host Micheal Horton. They are all Biblical, Evangelical Christians. Check it out here.