Sports the Religion of Men

Any one that knows me well , knows I do like sports. Not all sports, but the two that I will follow with some degree of consistency is , the NHL and NFL . Beyond that , I have a general knowledge of basketball,baseball,tennis,soccer and golf . However hockey and football are in my mind , the two most exciting sports in the world.

In the world of men , sports has become as close to a mans religion as you can get . They follow teams with religious fervor. Often having their moods effected by outcomes to major games . I know because I used to be one . I still recall having a sick , almost unbearable day after one of my teams lost in dramatic fashion ,so close to going to the championship. We identify ourselves with t-shirts,coffee mugs,decals etc..

If the team is the temple of worship , then players are the apostles . Each fan will have  favorite player . Picking a couple off their teams . They will know the stats and actively follow the players career .Putting the number of their favorite on a t-shirt at the very least. I seen more drastic fans even getting tattoo's .

The service is the TV or sporting venue , where men will gather in living rooms, an arena or sport bar to watch the spectacle take place . They will cheer,boo and engage the game as if it was a really important part of their lives. The game the next day will be discussed ,dissected and analyzed to death. We can talk for hours on end about the game . I have been guilty of this .

But this strikes me as very sad. Men will talk for hours in reality about  entertainment like it really matters.For in truth , it is entertainment In the grand scheme of things , it really doesn't at all. We can chat for hours about trade talks but switch the subject to more tangible things like real life and men , in general, clam up. I'm not talking about touchy ,get in touch with your inner child foolishness but just being real. How are you really doing in your life.

For men to open up about their burdens,fears,struggles,hopes and even sins , looks like weakness . Its safer to talk about things that really have not real baring in how we live.Men can hide behind sports talk   , thinking they are connecting . When in truth all you are really getting is a very superficial view of the person.

As men we need to forge relationships where we can talk openly and honestly , without shame. A man shows more strength in sharing his life , than hiding behind empty talk.


[2] Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
(Galatians 6:2 ESV)

As Christian men , we need to take this verse to heart. It will make us move in area we may not be comfortable at first but the pay off far out ways the discomfort. To bear each others burdens , means being real with our lives. Christ loved , so should we. He gave , so should we . He laid down his life , so should we.He forgave,so should we . He rebuked , so should we. He restored the broken,so should we as men.

Its fun to chat about the game .Its great to get together and cheer but lets make sure we do not stay there . May we really care ,love and help . To use a sports cliché , its time to get off the sidelines and get in the game . The game of life where its heaven or hell.

A Snake in the Grass

I remember years a ago playing in the yard . It was play as usual until my sister spotted what she thought was a stick or something. So when she approached it , it moved. Now I confess, living in Nova Scotia ,Canada , it was not a rattlesnake or cobra . Something extremely dangerous lurking , waiting to strike .That would sound so much cooler.No it was just a harmless garden snake. But for a 7 and 4 year old, it seemed like a giant boa. I don't have a fear of snakes like Indy Jones (good thing) but I'm not big fan either.Needless to say it pretty much ruined the rest of the day.Who knows how long we played with it right there. It blended in with its environment.

There is a another snake in the grass that hides but this one is not  harmless. That is indwelling sin. Even after we are saved , renewed and made alive with Christ , indwelling sin and the battle with it is a reality. Just like that day playing without any fears , one can be feeling confident about past sinful urges , and become complacent . You start thinking , I'm living victorious . But when that happens , we fail to grasp the insidious nature of the sin still alive within . 

[23] but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 

(Romans 7:23 ESV)

One of first things as a Christian we become painfully aware of ,as we grow in our faith , is sin in our lives. Sin is something ,prior to conversion ,we gave no real thought of. However as we mature in the faith , often we see how utterly sinful we were and still are in many aspects. The times I have been the weakest in my walk, are not the times I have been acutely aware of my sinfulness but when I felt confident. Thinking I was above that. Dealing with sin is something we need to do , not tuck it away .

Not to take it serious or downplay even its existence is a fools quest. But at the same time , we need not be morbid about either.Living in fear and condemnation.


[8] If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:8-9 ESV)

As John points out , we need to make a practice of confession . Trusting that our Lord will not only forgive but cleanse us as well. We need to practice a daily walking in repentance , realizing we need to linger in the shadow of the cross before we run to the empty tomb. By this I mean , marveling at what Jesus did on the cross shows the ugliness of sin , it will help us to hate the sin still lingering within.Then running to the empty tomb to behold the risen Lord , knowing we are justified because He has put our sin to death on that cross and by His resurrection , we are new creations in Christ.

Having a proper view of indwelling sin , will help us avoid the snakes in the grass. We will never be sinless this side of heaven , for we are on a pilgrims progress. It is a battle . We need to know the enemy to defeat it , trusting in Christ knowing that the war is won but many scrimmages till that great victory day.

Seasons

As I soon turn 47 in two months , one realizes that the autumn is setting in on my life. I don't have a problem with that at all. I still feel I can contribute much to life and those around me . In fact the scars ,sins and mistakes one makes should make one wiser. I indeed feel wiser. 

Entering into this phase means my boys are growing . My sons are making that transition into young men. They are leaving spring and entering the summer of their lives. The possibilities and new horizons are just starting to open up for them . It seems like yesterday they were being bounced on my knee, throwing snowballs,being taught how to throw a ball . They have filled my life with so many blessings. I'm so proud of them . The scripture teaches children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They have been a blessing.

My prayer for them is that they will serve the Lord and stand firm in the faith . I want them to love Jesus and follow Him all the days of their lives more than money,success even in  or recognition. I hope that even in my brokenness , as a Dad I have tried to show them the importance of the Christian faith. I was weak at times and for that I have asked for forgiveness but ultimately God is sovereign and I trust in His leading  . My prayer everyday is to commit them to Christ and always be open to their questions as they grow into men. 

Jacob Andrew Schofield and Jordan Kane Schofield , I love you and have been truly blessed to be your Dad .I look forward to watch you grow into men and begin your pilgrims journey in this world . 

Plastic Christianity

Plastic Christians annoy me . You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones always smiling as if life is full of flowers and sunshine . They carry around a fake sense of spirituality that is almost sickening . For any Christian who is truly struggling with sin,despair,depression.pain.doubt,despair and they have no answers but cliché  after cliché . You just need more faith or your prayers are not sincere enough . If you trusted like I did , then your business would not have failed , you would have been healed . I will stop there but you get the picture.

Sometimes, if we are truthful, we just cannot figure out what God is doing or has done. It is not always easy to trust or believe. When we look around and see so much real pain , real hurt ,real disappointment. Real fervent prayers for healing not answered, financial collapse , job loss , illness , divorce and even suicide. These things happen to real Christians. What are we to do , throw up our hands and quit ,walk away.

I can still recall one of the must callous things ever said to me . Just after my Mom had been told her cancer was terminal , a so called Christian brother after sharing this news , implied that she or I needed to have more faith . At that moment I was glad I was in my car when it was said to me. It cut , it hurt and it bled me. That is a plastic Christian . They can't allow for the world that is full of pain and brokenness. So they see those who are hurting,sick,struggling with sin , failing as defective .

Take heart dear brother or sister if right now your are struggling with doubt . If you feel forsaken and your heart is melting within you. You are in good company . Open the Bible and read with confidence the saints of the old and new testaments. Read of the cries and laments. They were broken,hurting , and they were real. Sinners in need of a God who was real . Who trusted in the promise of the one who would come and did come. A Saviour who was born in a lowly manger . Born of a virgin but in blood and water , a ordinary birth . who lived a normal life. Not rich , not of privilege . Who knew temptation but did not sin . Who wept with those in mourning. Finally giving His life , not that we might not still feel the pains of this world , but that we might be redeemed for the next. He experienced a brutal death on a cross , rose again and ascended to heaven to intercede on our behalf. His name is Jesus and He is not plastic.

So if you are in a dark place , look upon Jesus , Cry out , feel free to weep ,cry , lament and know that He is not far off from the hurting , the weary , the broken .


[18] The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
 (Psalm 34:18 ESV)

Confidence in the Preached Word

Pastor John MacArthur - A true expositor 

[4:1] I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom [2] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. [3] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. [5] As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
(2 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV)

With these words , Paul lays down to Timothy the most important task of a preacher, preach the word. For a long time , this was the most important task of the Pastor .It was lost for a time during a dark age of the Chruch , when the Roman Catholic Church became corrupt and the word of God became secondary to all sorts of traditions of men.Then came a Monk called Luther in the 1500's and the reformation put the word preached back to its proper place. Since the reformation , those who hold to Reformed theology , one of the clear distinctives is the emphasis on the word of God . In most Churches who are still strong in the Reformed traditions , the pulpit is front and center , with an open Bible.

One thing you will not find is a seeker sensitive driven worship. There is a seriousness but a joyful reverence that is there . I will be honest , I hate gimmicks . A loose and open atmosphere is not my cup of tea. Having skits during the sermon , showing a video , using props , for me , cheapens worship.It does not take what Paul said to Timothy to heart.

Worship should all move toward the proclamation of the word. From the opening, to the songs , there should be an emphasis we are moving to an encounter with God . Believing doesn't come by dressing up , showing videos that disrupt the flow of the sermon but the proclamation of the word . The preaching of the cross of Christ. Gimmicks to me, show the Pastor or Church , do not have the confidence in the word plainly preached to produce results. That they do not trust the Holy Spirit to do His job of taking the preached word and regenerate hearts of dead sinners.

It is a sombre thing to preach the word. The Pastor who cheapens this task , does not understand his calling or task .

Completely Done by Sovereign Grace Music (Sons & Daughters) With LYRICS

When Jesus said ,"It is Finished" , everything that was needed to fulfill the law and justice was done.We need but trust in Jesus and what was done for us on that cross. We can add nothing to it . This song really reminds us of that. May we live in the light of Christ victory , in His death and resurrection.Putting to death the old man , living a new and growing in holiness.

Opening the Page

I have always loved reading. From the time I entered school , I was a reader. I still recall sneaking comic books into the classroom when I was in primary class. Who wants to read See Dick Run when your reading about the adventures of the Amazing Spiderman . Who cares about Dick when Spidey is locked in a battle with the Vulture,Rhino or the Green Goblin. If my memory serves me right , a good friend did the same thing and we did get in trouble a couple of times .But it was worth it.

As I entered my teen years , like many young males , Stephen King was my main read. His horror novels were riveting. My two favorites were Salem's Lot and The Stand . Creepy and page turners . They along with some history (typically ancient or war history) and the Lord of the Rings stuff ,fueled my reading . Plus I remained a avid comic reader for years . One of my favs was swamp Thing .

So with that in mind , I thought that as I read through a book , I will use one day a week to write some insight from what I'm reading. It won't be Stephen King . I haven't read anything by him since he moved on from horror. Just didn't like his newer stuff. Plus since my focus primarily is on Christian theology , it will be from that pool I will be reading . However it could be a classic of literature because I have thought about blogging through The Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan . We shall see.

Books I'm currently reading ; The Christian Life-Sinclair Ferguson , Scripture Alone-RC Sproul , Reason For God - Tim Keller , Christless Christianity - Michael Horton , The Potters Freedom - James White

Knowing About God or Knowing Him

I have always had a knack for getting interested in a subject and reading as much information as I could find . Then I would settle in , reading the material , gaining head knowledge.  When I was a teen, it was about different rock bands , supernatural phenomena ,historical events and hockey teams . One could say I was a information junkie .

Lately this has got me thinking about God. It is one thing to know about God. Studying the doctrines of the trinity,justification,eschatology,the atonement etc... However do we study these things for just head knowledge only. My mind can give ascent to these truths ,but unless it grips the heart and impacts it , my affections will not change. It can become so easy for anyone who has a knowledge hunger to want just the facts. It can become almost clinical. Doctrine studied should not be detached from the heart.

There is a deceiving nature to studying about God but not knowing Him . To rattle off facts about Him is not the same as loving Him and having Him know you. Granted , without study of these great and grand doctrines, one cannot know God properly but if we become more interested in the doctrine than our Lord, it will lead to a cold affection for the Lord.

Can we say we know Christ and He knows us. Can we call Him Lord of our heart , as well as our mind. The two need not be divided. They mustn't be divided . If the mind becomes all there is , we can become puffed up and cold or self righteous.Looking down on others who have yet to grasp the deeper truths. If it is all heart , than your feelings and emotions will sweep you along a roller coaster ride , leaving one always unbalanced . Both are wrong.


When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, he answered with this:


    [37] And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
(Matthew 22:37 ESV)

We are not to divide the way we love God into compartments. It involves the whole person. Our affection must be driven by our knowledge , our knowledge should deepen our affection. May this be our prayer ,that the Holy Spirit would stir up our heart unto knowledge and that deeper understanding of God would deepen our affection for our Lord.

God's Speaking , Are You Listening ?

Every Sunday during Church , our Pastor always encourages the congregation to open their Bibles and following along with the passages selected. I appreciate the fact that he encourages people bring their Bibles. But just the other day I started wondering , do we really understand that when we open our Bibles ,  we are reading the very words of God. That just as Adam and Moses heard God speak , that same God speaks to us in His word.

We are so blessed in this country to have a Bible in our hands , without the fear of persecution. Not only can we read it , think of the availability . You can find a copy in your local bookstore in numerous translations. We take this for granted. I know I have . So each day , as I open my Bible , may it make me tremble that in this sinners hands , God speaks. Am I listening ? Are you?



Westmister Confession of Faith
Chapter 1 - of the Holy Scripture
IV. The authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed
and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or
Church, but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the Author thereof;
and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God

Selective Breeding

 91–93% of pregnancies in the United Kingdom and Europe with a diagnosis of Down syndrome were terminated.


Let that stat sink in for a moment. It is staggering to fathom that 9 out of every 10 babies in the womb are killed because they have this birth defect. Before they even have a chance to live , they are terminated like a defective animal . 


From statistics in Canada , the percentage is pretty much the same . We are a equal opportunity murderous society.  Now I do not say that having a child with this genetic disorder is easy on the parents. The facts are many of these children will need care most of their lives in some form or another and that is daunting. Plus they in general can suffer from numerous early onset diseases, which contributes to a shorter life span. But at the same time many do live lives that are rewarding and fulfilled. 


To my mind this is a product of living in a society that has rejected any notion of God and has moved into the acceptance  of the concept of evolutionary biology. Think about this reality. If a child in the womb can be tested and it be shown that they have any form of clear defect , not just Down Syndrome , but lets say Cystic Fibrosis,Juvenile Diabetes or any number of diseases or disorders that will render them costly and even hinder the so called evolution of the species , then abort them . Let only the strong survive. The super man or woman . It is happening right in front of us and do we care?


Hitler is still hated and despised because of his ideology and rightfully so , but how is this any different . When Hitler deemed certain segments of society , people , subhuman or defective , carted them off to gas chambers or mowed down by gunfire and buried in mass graves like mere animals , we rightfully still feel sick to our stomachs . But these abortions are happening right now . The difference is , they are hidden in the dark. In cold sterile clinics of death . Out of sight , out of mind. 


It still baffles my  mind that people can condone this by saying , well what kind of life would they have anyway . But what is the difference when a small child suffers a accident and is severely handicapped or disease that can cause permanent damage. We don't cart them off to death clinics to put them down. At least not yet.Make no mistake about , it God is taken out of the equation and humans are nothing more than evolved cells, this will happen.


But we are made in the image of God,knitted together in our wombs by His power . He knows us , we are no accident or flukes. There is a reason for these children, even when we cannot perceive why at the time. But one of the clear lessons to be learned from those who suffer from any disability or defect , as a image bearer of God , they have value. Their lives are not insignificant. 


How  a society treats those who need our protection,love and support mirrors our love for God. God has a clear heart for the poor ,the widow , the weak. If we do not speak out for those who cannot speak ,what does that say about us if we call ourselves Christian.  


So stand up . Support the local pregnancy center , give to charities involved with helping parents with a child born with any debilitating  defect or disease.One person giving 10 dollars isn't much but 100000 is . 



[13] For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
  [14] I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14



[4] Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
 (Psalm 82:4 ESV)

Are We Really Thankful

[20] giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
(Ephesians 5:20 ESV)

In today's marketing blitz world , dissatisfaction is the word. We are bombarded in print media,radio,TV and even Internet with the illusion on newer,better ,faster everything. They want to create in the consumer a longing and hunger for the new . Every time you see an add it seems to tell you that you need this device or that car or TV . Don't be happy with what you have . Hey even Kraft dinner is new and improved .

What this has led to is a society that really isn't very thankful for what they have . Being thankful can only come from a heart that is satisfied. A soul that is content with what one has. If you are always wanting , always desiring , than you generally will be a ungrateful person.

As  Christians, one of the marks that should be evident in our lives is a spirit  of thankfulness. We are told to be thankful for everything to God . If we find our contentment,life,joy and love in God , being thankful will be the overflowing state of our heart. Just realizing everyday is a gift from God , to glorify Him , should be enough to be thankful. But one thing that can truly anchor the heart in a thankful state is to focus on what Jesus did on the cross.

Realizing the state we were in , dead in sin, with the wrath of God abiding on us but then by grace , set free ,forgiven and reconciled by the death and resurrection of Christ.

It can be real easy to become ungrateful. The habit to look around and see others doing better can cause one to be very covetous . But our thankfulness can only be fulfilled  in the one who never changes . If God is your anchor , then flowing out of the heart will be thankfulness.

So what are you thankful for?

Brian Moss - Not What My Hands Have Done

Here is love, vast as the ocean - Robin Mark

God's love is a unfathomable thing.That the very God of all the universe would send His Son , Jesus , to redeem the haters of God , does this not leave you speechless. God is love because He gave to save . Read John 3:16 , but let its profound truth sink in.

White Hats and Good Guys

So there I was once again , out drawing the bad guys . Riding off into the sunset . Anyone my age , OK almost 47, play acted as a cowboy. They were rugged,tough,gritty,with a basic code of conduct. They were the good guys of my Saturday cinema watching. Usually each Saturday I can recall watching mid afternoon movies. Often they were westerns. That is where I was introduced to my two favorite cowboys , John Wayne and Audie Murphy.

Audie Murphy didn't make as many as the Duke , but something about him was so cool. He wasn't that big of a man and perhaps that is what made me think he was great , since I was a bit small . He was a gunslinger and always the fastest. I can still recall the time he played a bit of a bad guy. Being only young it was hard to watch my movie "hero" play a bad guy. But in the end he did save the day.

But like many my age and older , the cowboy of all cowboys is the Duke , John Wayne. I used to get my chips and pop ,  settling in to enjoy Duke bust the bads guys. He played a cowboy with strength,walking tall . His was tough as nails,loyal,wasn't always perfect but knew what was right and stood for justice.Unlike the trend in so many movies today , were the hero is conflicted , anti-hero, John's characters were black and white good guys .The only time he played a bit of a conflicted soul was in the excellent movie The Searchers. No the Duke was the cowboy.

I think looking back I loved these type of movies because the good guys always won. The hero would save the day but not without some hard rides.It was a time to escape .I also thought I would have made a good white hat.

They don't make many westerns anymore.Which is ashame. They are remaking one the Dukes greats , True Grit . I just hope they honor the memory of John Wayne by making a movie that will live up to the his name.

Fyodor Dostoevsky-"Anything is permissible if there is no God."

Dostoevsky is a well known author . Hailing from Russia in the 19th century , he is best known for 2 works, Crime and Punishment and The Brother Karamazov. I have only read bits and pieces of each work to my shame. But I'm more familiar with his long list of quotes then his literature.This quote has always stuck out to  me from all the others. It is stark and blunt. Like cracking a walnut with a hammer , it is so forceful in its clarity that it leaves little to the imagination.

Is this true ? I firmly believe so . First lets get one thing clear , the God he mentions is the God revealed in the Bible. He is saying that if this God doesn't exist , there are no "gods" period. No one over looking the universe , the earth , you and I . No judge , no redeemer , no heaven , no hell , no ultimate justice for any act committed, no evil,no good . For if there is no transcendent truth , no ultimate good , do not talk to me about right and wrong on any level. There is only what is.

If there is no true objective ethic or moral giver than any so called morals are fabrications of my own mind or the will of a society that can move towards any ideal . Hitler or Stalin may disgust you but if  there is no God , then why ? So why do you think its wrong . If you  think there is no God or your God is just composite of your own making , what makes your morals any more valid than a serial killer who feels that killing and raping is acceptable within his own mind. After all if it is the law of the jungle, survival of the fittest, than the strong has the right to take what he/she pleases.

Even the Apostle Paul echoes this thought when in 1 Corinthians 15:32 when after he tells them that if Christ has not been raised , then preaching Christ and about God is useless and he tells them that if this is true , If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

So with this in mind , if there was no God then here is what I would do . Read no further if for some reason you think in your non belief gullibility, you can honestly maintain a moral standard. You will not like what I'm going to say.


First I would cease going to Church . Burn every religious book I own , starting with the Bible. Second I would never have married , nor had children . They would be a drain and waste of energy and time. Plus if this whole universe is going to end one day anyway , why worry about keeping it going. Then I would manipulate as many people as I could for my own gains. I would endeavor to make money in whatever means I thought would be the best bang for my buck. I would seek pleasure in as many females as I could find. I would advocate putting to death all diseased , aged , mentally challenged individuals , they are the runts of the litter and should be put down to ensure the species thrives as longs as this meaningless cosmic speck of dust continues. 


I could go one but you get my point. Now any rational person will look at that and go , no way . But Why? Because no matter how much we deny God , we ultimately cannot live like there is no God . We know better. Made in the image of God , even scarred and broken with sin , our basic conscience knows that there is a right and wrong. We cannot escape God . 


So do you really live out your worldview if you say there is no God. No you act as if there is one . Because you deep down know , God is real. 

Michael Grimm, 30 ~ America's Got Talent 2010, auditions LA

Sometimes Its Nice To See A Dream Come True

One of my guilty pleasures this summer was watching America's Got Talent. The show is better than American Idol because it allows for a wide range of talent. Plus there is no age limitation. They had as young as 5 to those in their real senior years. The talent ranged from magicians, stunt cyclist , dancers and of course singers of every genre.

The winner gets a million dollars , a show in Vegas . It is life changing. By in large , the people featured are everyday people who have perhaps performed in small scale stuff , but are not noticed in the bigger picture. It was fun also to watch those who thought they had talent and did not. But the hunger to have a shot at a dream , brings out the good,bad and ugly.

This season overall , I would say was the best. From the singers to the magicians . They entertained at a level that would rival even the most seasoned performers. But the final tonight was rewarding to watch because the person I wanted to win did.

Michael Grimm , a soulful singer from Mississippi area , raised by his grandparents and trying to forge a career but facing a lack of exposure , won the contest. He had a humble , all american appeal but the bottom line , the man can sing. His dream has come true . He has huge exposure thanks to the show and a million dollars in the bank . Hopefully he will be smart and it will set his life on a road that dreams were made of.

We all have dreams and sometimes they do come true .

Is it Church or Christ

"Jesus doesn't call us to attract people to our churches. He calls us to minister the gospel through which He attracts people to Himself. This is what men have forgotten today: the inherent power of the cross to draw people to Jesus!”  John Barber - From the book My Almost for His Highest




What is our motivation when we talk to people about Church ? Do we focus on our Church as a great place to bring up children,have a relevant practical message , contemporary music etc... Do we invite people to our Church or to Christ. I'm not against inviting people to a Church service but the hope would be they hear the gospel clearly preached . 


The task of every Christian is not to "preach" the Church but to preach Christ and Him crucified. The Church is the secondary result of someone repenting and trusting in Jesus. By blurring the message we need to get out about the Cross of Christ ,we show how little we actually know about the gospel and the call,purpose of the Church itself. 


Anyone who comes to Christ will desire to be with God's people. They will hunger for the word to be preached , participate in the Lords table and worship together. Getting people to Church should not be our primary goal but to proclaim  the saving power of the cross . Jesus Christ must remain at the heart of our witness . 


The book this quote is taken from looks very interesting. I hope to get it,read it and feature some the writers insights in the future . 

Just For a Laugh

I grew up when variety shows were very popular .However none lived up to the Carol Burnett Show. Here is a little clip featuring Tim Conway . He was one of the best parts of show and started out only as a bit player but become a regular later on in the show.Enjoy.

Hymn Sunday

Old hymns are beginning to make a comeback with many young listeners, thanks to artist like Matthew Smith and Indelible Grace and others . They are taking classic hymns ,that have stood the test of time and reworking them with a contemporary flavor.

This a wonderful thing. Breathing new life into these standards is giving them a whole new base. The theology and gospel focus of these hymns need to be remembered and not forgotten .

So each Sunday , I'm going to feature some of my favorite hymns . Hope you enjoy.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se8oqprMC8I

Great God From Thee written by John Newton

1. Great God from Thee there's nought concealed,
Thou seest my inward frame
To Thee I always stand revealed, 
Exactly as I am

2. Since I can hardly therefore bear, 
What in myself I see
How vile and dark must I appear 
Most holy God to Thee?

Bridge: But since my Savior stands between
In garments dyed in blood
Tis He instead of me is seen 
When I approach to God

3. Thus though a sinner, I am safe, 
He pleads before the throne
His life and death in my behalf,
And calls my sins His own

Bridge 2: What wondrous love. What mysteries
In this appointed shine
My breaches of the law are His, 
And His obedience mine

3. Great God from Thee there's nought concealed
Thou seest my inward frame
To Thee I always stand revealed, 
Exactly as I am 

I Have a Shelter

From waking to sleeping , is it not comforting to know we have shelter in Jesus that never fails. His arms are a place of shelter and strength . He is our rock , a mighty Saviour who can save completely and totally.


[15] “Therefore they are before the throne of God,
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
 (Revelation 7:15 ESV)

Won't You Tell Me, Where Have the Men Gone

Usually I do not read the Globe and Mail . But there it was , where I was , so I decided to flip through it . Low and behold an article caught my eye . It was about the vanishing men in Church. The basic idea was the way the Church is organized , it naturally attracts more women . With its worship style , its safe messages and in general , feminized style messages.

This is nothing new . I have read other articles concerning this problem. That in general , men feel out of place in Church. But are the conclusions mentioned above valid for the exodus of men. In the mainline denominations and more contemporary style Churches , the answer is yes.

Old Hymns have been replaced with worship and praise songs. Now many are excellent , however at the same time many  you could substitute a girlfriends name and you could not tell the difference. Often they picture Jesus as a love , a friend wrapped around gooey ,cheesy lyrics.

Another is the message. Yes it is often not called a sermon or preaching , but a message . Sure it may feature a text but often the "message" is on felt needs . How to be a better person or how Jesus can help you cope with life. Jesus is reduced to a life coach or therapist to equip you to overcome life's issues. He is your guide,friend etc.. Add in the rejection of scripture teaching that women are not permitted to teach men , and you have a ever increasing female presence in the front of the Church.

Even the new buildings have a open,mall like feel. They have coffee , scones and in general have less of a reverent feel.The pulpit has been replaced with a open stage .

When I think about it , many Pastors that I can recall from my youth were even what I would call effeminate . You could not see them , hunting,fishing,throwing a ball , playing hockey or any sport . Their hands felt like , well , woman's hands . Soft. That is a fact . Put all these factors in the same pot and you have a feminized Church .

When I think of someone like my Dad , he would feel so out of place in many of my local Churches . As with many men of all ages. I'm not saying that men are brutes with no feelings ,but we are not touchy ,mushy in general.Plus this even does a disservice to women.

So what is the solution. Is it turning the Church into a sports bar type setting. Bring in big screen TV's ? No,No,No.

Its recovering the great truths of scripture. Its reclaiming the bigger picture. The great and majestic nature of God. That He is holy , an all consuming fire.That He is creator,sovereign,redeemer and coming king .  Its about getting back to preaching the word with power. Proclaiming the truths of redemption only in Christ. That we are sinners in need of a great Shepherd who is not the jello Jesus of most TV's shows or movies. The true Jesus who rebukes the Devil, healed the sick,raised the dead, preached the hard truths and laid down His life on a brutal cross so that we may be saved.

We need to recapture the great doctrines of the faith . From the beauty of the trinity , to the reformation truths of the 5 Sola's(grace alone,faith alone,In Christ alone,scripture alone , for God's glory alone).

We also need to show men that to be a Christian is not for the timid . Its hard,its dangerous. They say men like to be challenged , they like to feel alive . Well embracing the life changing gospel of Christ will place one into the firing lines of the world who hate Jesus , hates the word of God . Men need to see the grand picture , the epic struggle we are in . That Jesus Christ is a coming king .

These are just a few things that I think could help. Coming to Christ is not about being a better person or getting in touch with your inner child . It is realizing your sinfulness , your depravity before a holy God . It is looking at the cross and marvel at the fact that God the son , Jesus Christ became sin for us , that we may be saved by His blood. That the Holy Spirit awakens dead sinners to life , and empowers us to  live a new .

One of the titles Jesus uses to describe himself is of a shepherd.

    [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
(John 10:11 ESV)

A shepherds life was hard. Isolated,tough , wrought with danger.Sometimes they had to defend the flock against wild animals and thieves. Well Jesus was no limp wrist Savior. As our great Shepherd He defeated the devil,sin,death and delivered us from wrath and certainty of hell .

Preach the truth and men will realize that the Church is not  a place the women take children to learn morals. But a place where God meets His people in the epic truth of redeeming a people to worship Him . May we recapture the grand truths . That will satisfy women,children and men.

Not all is gloom and doom. There is a whole new awakening in doctrine and the reformation truths happening. Plus many solid ministries reaching men with the gospel . So where have all the good men gone ? No where , they are still here and will lead the Church again with strength and  a servants heart.

To Burn or Not Burn .... I Guess Not

Unless one has had their head in the sand , you have heard of the Pastor in Florida that was going to burn Korans on September 11th in protest against Islam . The Koran is of course the Muslims holy book. Supposedly given to Mohammad by the angel Gabriel , around 600 AD. The Koran is revered by Muslims , and  even handling  the Koran that is disrespectful can be punished , even by death.

So the fact that this pastor was going to burn about 50 Korans , angered the Muslim world . In fact sending some into a frenzy. With many threatening violence towards troops in occupied areas and I'm sure Christians in those areas would have been targeted as well.  Is that not a commentary in itself.

However he has now relented and will not go through with the planned burning. Thankfully common sense prevailed and some sanity was shown .

From the outset I thought this was a foolish action . Burning anothers religious book does nothing in the way of presenting them the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact it gives Muslims world wide, fodder to further distrust the west . It puts up a barrier  even thicker than the one that already exist.
It accomplishes nothing .

If this Church really wants to stand for the truth of the gospel , share the truth  only found in the person of Jesus Christ. Expose Islamic claims to the light and truth of the Bible.  Just to say that that Jesus Christ is the way ,the truth and the life , will cause conflict. The religion of Islam is not compatible with Christianity .

To cause controversy is really is not the issue . To cause controversy by preaching the cross of Christ , the resurrection , is good . No matter how we present the gospel it will offend .

Hopefully out of this controversy will come a greater interest in Islam from Christians. That we would learn how to engage Muslims with thoughtful debate, with respect  but at the same time without any compromise.

One last thought to leave you with. As dumb a stunt as this Pastor was going to do , over the last year more Bibles and New Testaments have been burned ,destroyed ,defamed than any other book .Since it is the only true Holy Book , God breathed , how have Christians responded? With pray and more vigilance in sharing the truth of Christ. The funny thing ,politicians , celebrities have been very vocal condemning this act, but the Bible can be burned ,exchanged for porn ,ripped apart by a black metal artist and the what is the response , silence . Telling is it not.

6 Days On the Road and Resting On The 7th Day

I have to confess , when it comes to reading the account of Genesis , for the longest time I have allowed for the possibility of long periods of time. Seeing the day as a possible ambiguous time frame , I always allowed  the chance of long periods of time. Its been a long time since I accepted the theory of evolution and even in my reluctance to take Genesis at face value , God is the creator .

So what is my position today . I'm sure my wife , who I have had many a conversation about the the meaning of "day" , is interested what I will write. After reading and looking at the text , it really makes no sense not to read them as intended. Working through the text , it is hard to force , I now realize , any other construct . The bottom line if we truly believe in a all powerful God , why force limitations on His ability.

The thing we have also consider is that we are not given a time frame on how long Adam and Eve where in the garden before being tempted by Satan . The narrative just jumps into the temptation. It could have been immediate but it could have been a long period of time.

But what convinced me to take a new look is 2 miracles that Jesus  performed. The first from the Gospel of John when Jesus turns the water into wine. when it happened , the wine was perfectly fermented and the host was praised for saving the choice wine for the last.What tasted like aged wine , was in fact just a few minutes old. It has the appearance of age . The other miracle was the feeding of the 5000 plus. After blessing the bread and the fish , Jesus fed the masses with fully formed bread and fish . New but with look of fully grown fish and cooked bread.

Now I know perhaps , this will not satisfy those who run after every new theory , who want to look culturally relevant but if I'm to trust God , I can live with 6 days and a young earth . For even within science , there is enough conflicting information about the age of the universe .

That is not to say that others cannot hold to differing views , like I used to hold , but they must hold to the historicity of Adam and Eve. The problem as I see , if one tries to accommodate to the world theories , something must give and I think God's word has stood the test of time . Unlike the ever changing world of theoretical science .

So , How Old Am I ?

After the last post , I wanted to look at the creation of the universe . How old is it and whether or not you can take the days in Genesis as literal days. So to frame the next installment, I will just post what Genesis reveals about the creation of the world first. So stay tuned for what come next.

1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse [1] in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7 And God made [2] the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. 8 And God called the expanse Heaven. [3] And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth, [4] and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants [5] yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.

14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, [6] and for days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. 16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds [7] fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” 21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.

24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let us make man [8] in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

Fold Up The Tents

Because there is a law such as gravity, the Universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the Universe exists, why we exist.

It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the Universe going. 

Stephen Hawking 

In the all out war against God, the newest volley fired His way is from Hawking. A renowned physicist who wrote the well received A Brief History of Time . He is no doubt a very smart man . That being said , is he not a perfect example of what Paul tells us in Romans 1: 21-23.

[21] For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Claiming to be wise, they became fools, [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 

Physics was never one of my favorite subjects . Further I cannot say science was a big love of mine. Although  I did enjoy biology . So what can I say against such a great intellect. Well I can say this . Hawkings , for all his smarts , brings with him a world view that denies the Creator. That in his heart , darkened with sin , he will form any theory to run or escape from the reality of God. For he knows that if there is a God , then he owes his very existence to him. If there is a God , then he is also accountable to him for his actions. 

Just read the first part of what he said. The law of gravity , sense it exist, allows the Universe the ability to create itself from nothing. A couple of questions come to mind. How does he know gravity existed prior to creation . Then how can gravity cause out of nothing , something to come into existence. If  gravity existed , then that in itself meant something existed . The last time I checked , out of nothing ,nothing comes.

I'm sure in the book coming out called The Grand Design , Hawkings will elaborate and enter into fields of meta-physics and philosophy .  It will dazzle those who hate God , as I once did , but God will remain . As the Psalmist said , the fool says in his heart , there is no God .So unless God grants  repentance to Hawkings , and he sees his sinfulness before a holy God , need for Jesus Christ , he will die in his sins .

Perhaps the the turning against even the possibility of God , which he played with in the past , is a judgement on him now , as God is giving him over to his own sinful desires. Even  the smartest people , sin corrupts. Hawkings is no different in his heart , in love with sin and against his Creator , than a lowly janitor . All are in need of God's grace . May he repent before death , or then he will realize who created all the universe . 

Matthew Smith - Lord Jesus, Comfort Me (A Communion Hymn)

What is our hope for the forgiveness of sin? When we gather around the Lord's table for communion , we publicly announce His death on the the cross and blood that was shed on Calvary , so that we might have our transgressions forgiven. It is a means of grace each time we gather at the table.



[23] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
(1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV)

Lock Down The Hatches

Panic in the grocery store today. Well not quite but it was very busy . They issued a Storm watch for our area.Hurricane Earl,love that name , is heading towards us . However by the time it gets here ,it will be a tropical storm. It still could be a good wallop .

Plus I realize that the over spending on items at the grocery store is not a bad thing. Sooner or later we will get a bad one and be left in the dark again. Plus after watching a movie like The Road , realizing having a survival kit is a good thing.

Once one has children it changes . Especially when one has type 1 diabetes . You think ahead a bit more . The need for medication is a life sustainer. So I try to plan ahead to have at least a months supply on hand . Plus have staples in the house like peanut butter , crackers , can goods and water . Hoping that in the event of something big, that normal supplies could be obtained within a month.

Having always had a fascination with end times , it is so much more comforting knowing God is in control. doesn't mean we should not plan as best we can for events , but regardless in life or death , God measures our days and things that will occur. I truly cannot comprehend living life apart from God .

So whatever may come to pass , God has all situations in His hands.




[57:1] Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
 (Psalm 57:1 ESV)