The Flintstones Rocked

I loved watching the Flintsones as a kid . Still remember taking the famous Flinstone vitamins. I think Wilma and Barney were my favorite flavors. I could be wrong but just thought it was cool . I have great memories from this time in my childhood. I always get reflective as September arrives and look back to growing up . I will touch on the reasons why soon . Nuff said .  

The Shepherd

One of most touching passages in Isaiah comes in chapter 40 verse 11. God is called a shepherd                    

 [11] He will tend his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs in his arms;

he will carry them in his bosom,

and gently lead those that are with young.

(Isaiah 40:11 ESV)

  

Here God shows His heart to tend,gather ,carry and lead . A shepherds task was to care and know his flock. Sheep are very easily led astray and can be lead into danger very quickly. A good shepherd knew his flock in such a way that he could tell if they needed something be it the staff for discipline or even a soothing  touch or even the sound of his voice calming them. Is it not comforting to realize that the omnipotent God who created all universe knows you and has your well being in His heart. That no matter what may come , He leads,He carries and will hold you  to  His bosom. 

When Jesus came defeat sin,death,Satan and lay down His life as atoning sacrifice , the good  shepherd lowered Himself and as a lamb , was led to slaughter. Why? So that He might do just as Isaiah 40:11 says God will do. For  think for a moment about what it says. It is God gathering,tending,carrying for His sheep.  No wonder when Jesus refers to Himself as the good shepherd .

[11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

(John 10:11-15 ESV)

Read both of these passages together and see the amazing truth that shows God seeking,saving through the Son , Jesus Christ. What a beautiful,amazing and truly astounding truth . What a Shepherd we have , should we not follow Him ,trust Him and sing His praises. 

Final thought. To those who say Jesus is not God in the flesh , when Jesus calls Himself the good Shepherd he did two things. One , the image of the Shepherd as featured in Isaiah refers to God . Connection one. But not only does Jesus say Shepherd , He calls Himself "the Good Shepherd". Recall the encounter with the rich young man . When he called Jesus good , Jesus said why do you call me good for only God is good. Do the math . Nuff said.

Could It Work ?

I have been doing much thinking lately as to whether or not a Christian bookstore would work in my area.We currently do not have one since the old one closed more than 5 years ago .I realize with the current state of online purchasing and e-books , the question has to be is it viable at all. Would there be enough support locally to sustain it. My area has the numbers and with a Divinity school just minutes from where the store would be , one would hope so.

I have a heart for this or I see it not as a business but a ministry to the larger community , both to the believers and even as a outreach to the surrounding area. It would have to operate on a very basic and sustainable wage level.Something that I would be willing to do and draw enough of a basic wage to sustain a simple lifestyle(like I don't already). It would be also great if local Churches would support it and come on board. Seeing it as a vital need to help deepen Christians in their faith.

The advantage as well in being a independent store , I could avoid all the doctrinal weak or even heretical books that some mainstream Christian stores carry. That is not to say one would only carry the deep and profound works but many decent authors who are more for devotional could be incorporated as well. But the focus would be on promoting reformed teaching , apologetics and authors that would truly challenge and push a believer to grow. It would be cool to have some fun stuff as well for kids . There are so many ideas in my head .

But would it work? I don't know.All I do know if given a chance within the next couple years and Lord willing I will give it a go. One last thing , with it being all the rage to buy local , why not a local business that is independent from the soulless box-stores with people who truly care and know what they are selling.

I don't know maybe I'm crazy .....what do you think?

Make Time To Be Still

In this can beans,microwave dinners ,fast food in less than 10 minutes , work this shift or that shift ,open all day ,all night , everyday,buy this,get that, fast paced world , do you make time for God. To sit and listen to God speak through His word. Jesus said come , rest and receive His peace. Its not an option and thinking you get the God fix in just one hour on Sunday is simply not enough. To know God one must spend time with Him . May we fix our eyes ,our hearts and minds on His beauty and supremacy . Be still and know that He is God.

A Reasonable Faith But Still Supernatural

Coming up shortly in my home Church I have been blessed to co-lead an elective concerning the reliability of the Bible. My co teacher is John Delong .He is one the smartest minds I have met . He is  research scientist dealing with fruits and vegetables. I'm truly looking forward to helping and pray I'm up for the task. Its a real honor to be asked and I do not take it lightly.

The course we are teaching from is called True U  from Focus on the Family. The lecturer featured on the DVD is Dr.Stephen Meyer . After reviewing the material its main focus is on archaeological and extra biblical narrative to collaborate what the Bible says . It will hopefully arm those who come to it that what we have in the Bible is not a bunch of myths or legends but truth revealed by God about life and the world around us. That we can stake our lives on it .

I have often used evidences for the truth of the Bible and used even basic science to show that there is a reasonableness to believing in the truth of God's word. It is not a blind faith without any external realities to facts. But having said that , the fact is evidence alone will never convert someone to believe . It is a act of God to open a dead sinners heart and awaken the eyes to the light of the world ,  Jesus Christ.


[12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
(John 1:12-13 ESV)

The Holy Spirit is the one who awakens the dead sinner. Regardless of what we try and show that faith in the God of the Bible is not like what some Atheist have compared Him to a spaghetti god . There is a logic and reasoned response to at the very least shut the mouths of those who think it is a bunch of foolishness. But the goal is always to pull the person back to the gospel. The ability to lay a foundation of apologetics should never  be the end but the start to open up the word and proclaim Jesus , crucified ,risen and coming again. The only one who can save one from their sins through his life ,death and resurrection. That must always be our goal . To enter into a debate over evidence will lead down a rabbit trail.

Apart from the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit , one will never believe . Remember even our intellect is held captive to the curse of sin. That a sinners mind is against God .It hates Him,It despises Jesus therefore we could have presented the best defense we could muster and still it must be the work of God to convert. Evidences should only act as a shovel to at least get away the clutter to present the gospel but even through giving a defense , the gospel should ever be at the front .

It is not to win a debate to score points but to glorify God by presenting the gospel . Then let the Holy Spirit do His job. God will be glorified no matter if not one believes you.


 

Preacher Feature

It is grace at the beginning, and grace at the end. So that when you and I come to lie upon our death beds, the one thing that should comfort and help and strengthen us there is the thing that helped us in the beginning. Not what we have been, not what we have done, but the Grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. The Christian life starts with grace, it must continue with grace, it ends with grace. Grace wondrous grace. By the grace of God I am what I am. Yet not I, but the Grace of God which was with me. 

Martyn Lloyd-Jones  

Psalm 51 has always been one of most raw and true confessional parts of scripture one will read. Coming from a man totally broken and laid bare as David opens up to God concerning his sin. But are we all not David's to one degree or another . Our hearts are ever prone to wonder , to find solace and satisfaction in anyone or thing but our Lord at times. I find myself returning to this Psalm again and again . It convicts me and restores my soul . May it penetrate our hearts and move us to be honest before our Lord . There is cleansing and forgiveness at our Lord's feet . Come and be renewed.


Psalm 51

         [1] Have mercy on me, O God
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
[2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
[3] For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
[4] Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
[5] Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
[6] Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
[7] Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
[8] Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
[9] Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
[10] Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
[11] Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
[12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
[13] Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
[14] Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
[15] O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
[16] For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
[17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
[18] Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
[19] then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
(Psalm 51 ESV)

Lawn Mowers and Sanctification

You grab the lawn mower , put some gas in it and you crank it. Once,twice and over ,over,over until your shoulder ,back and arm is about ready to give out . You stand there frustrated and defeated. 

How does this have to do with growing in holiness? Well its so easy to think you are so on your way when you go to Church,bible study or hang with Christian friends but put a lawn mower in your way and you soon realize how  much you always need the gospel , how much you need the blood of Jesus , how much you need Jesus period. 

Its in the everyday task , the normal events of the day that reveal the weakness of the flesh. The old nature showing its shadow in the struggle with a computer that won't reboot or a flat tire . These are the times when we will see what growth  in our lives. But even if we fail we need to confess and trust that even that sin is covered by the work of Christ on the cross. We must confess , get up and realize that all things can be done for God's glory. In those simple moments of normal everyday struggles , God can use to show you His love and teach one to grow. 

So God bless lawn mowers that won't start but I hope it doesn't happen too often.

¹⁷And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

Whats Old is New

Who would have knew? I used to collect comics (which I have mentioned before) and records. Those vinyl disk  that music was placed on.Well comics had a great run for a long time but in the late 80's and into the nineties they bit the dust for having much value. Records were pushed out first by tape and then CD . Now the CD is being pushed out by MP3's through the use of I-pods and the like.

But something funny has happened over the last couple of years and its probably has much to do with an aging bunch of guys. Records and comics have made a bit of a comeback . Not to the heights in the past but just in my little area of New Minas and Wolfville ,Nova Scotia ,there is a growing number of people interested in collecting again.

What many guys and some gals are doing are buying what they either gave away or sold or lost one way or another. Many as they moved on to adulthood let go of their comics or records. Often over moving,space or lost interest. But many as they enter their late 40's begin to search out some of their favorites again.

But another funny thing that has happened , the kids of these parents are getting into comics and records as well. The classic comics have been bolstered of course with the movies like Iron Man,Spider-Man,Captain America ,Batman and Thor going on to successful runs at the boxoffice.So all of the kids are searching out the classic comics and new ones to read. The same with albums . With much of their parents music still being played , and records having a retro cool factor , they are finding out the superior quality of vinyl.

I had a pretty cool collection of both comics and records. I didn't collect thinking that one day they would be worth money , I enjoyed them to listen to and read. Some I lost in a fire and the others I sold or gave away .Granted after I became a Christian some stuff had to go , no question but I also now realize , I could have been more discerning and not became a self righteous legalistic knob head.

Thankfully with the opening of Rainbows End(a local store of used treasure in Wolfville ,NS) that carries both records and comic books I have began to purchase some stuff back.This time I'm using a discerning eye and its fun to find something really cool. Even my sons are into the records and understand why they are so cooler than MP3's.

Why do middle age men do it? Its simple , it recalls a safe time ,a fun time and even a innocent time , for me anyway. It brings back many great memories . Now if I could just find those old Planet of Apes magazines , that would be awesome.

A Lone Soldier

Watching the movie The Eagle, there was a scene when the Roman commander grouped a number of his men , locked their shields in a formation and proceeded to advance towards where a group of his men were being captive. As they advanced on the larger mass of Druid warriors , even though they were greatly out numbered because of the strength of their locked shields and movement in unison , they were able to fulfill the task. When one soldier lost his footing or struggled the other beside him on either side acted as his strength . As it was on all sides . When one was weak the other was strong . It protected them from the enemy and they made rescue of their countrymen.

Now what would have happened if they had of launched a lone soldier or even a group but had no plan of attack and each pursued a very individualistic attack. It would have met with a swift and brutal defeat. The enemy would have crushed them just by sheer volume . As to one man , perhaps a few would have been defeated but one stumble and death would be certain.

In this life as we journey through this fallen dark world , the Christian stands against many enemies that wish to destroy and devour them. Satan and his demons want to divide,isolate and create confusion. Anything to keep you away from fellowship with other saints. The world does much the same . With its busyness and constant motion , it whispers and tempts you. Putting up a constant barrage of distractions from work,to entertainment to draw ones attention away for the need of fellowship . Then the flesh relents to these enemies and in all its cleverness tells you , sleep in on the Lord's day , its been a long week or I'm just too busy to have coffee with that brother or sister . I need some me time .

It has been observed that as we move in this mad new world of social media and home entertainment we are actually becoming more isolated and individualistic than ever before.But along with this isolation , sinning becomes so much easier as well. Take the issue of sexual sin . In years past one would have to go public and buy that pornography magazine . Often just the public purchasing would shame many in saying no , their own conscience would be bolstered by knowing they would be seen and it would help them overcome. Same with those seeking an affair.They would have to go to the bars or clubs and risk being seen but now days , online one can be anonymous when seeking these things be it porn or an affair. Sure one may still be found out but the ability to sin is so mush closer to home  than it was just 50 years ago ,since its at your fingertips.

There are other temptations as well the enemy may use , and make no mistake , whatever your weak link may be , that is where you will be hit. It could be greed,anger,lust,envy,pride,self-righteousness,lying or numerous others but if one tries to fight these things alone , you will in all likelihood fail sooner or later.

God created us to be in community. At its basic foundation the family is that. It acts a rock of society . The stronger a family is the healthier a society will be . The same for believers. We are brought into the family of God. We are told to meet together,break bread and drink wine at the table of Lord as we recall His death and declare His resurrection .We are to receive the preached word , to join in worship with a common cause to glorify our Lord and then bare witness to the truth of Jesus Christ.The Church is the place we gather to strengthen one another , lift up and love each other. We are not to do so alone.

When Jesus sent out the 70 , He did so buy pairing them up. To be alone is both dangerous and opens on up to many pit falls. Just as the Roman legion joined together and were able to withstand thier enemy , when two or more Christians come together , to rebuke,encourage and love one another in Christ the enemy will tremble.


[12] And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
(Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV)

Standing together is so needed in this world that is so hostile towards God's children. That is why its so vital not forsake the assembly  together each Lord's day. It should also move into our normal week as well. First it should start with your spouse.God has placed you together.Use this unity to strengthen your fight against sin and the enemy. Make time to pray ,read and just talk. Second meet with friends . Men with men , women with women as much as possible. Not always to go , what sins are you up to , but just the camaraderie.


[9] Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. [10] For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV)

We need each other through this difficult pilgrimage. God's word has clearly called all who profess themselves to be Christians to lock shields with one another . Lifting the one who has fallen up , for each will have their day of needing to be lifted.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon in his ministry surrounded himself with solid friends .Throughout his life they all no doubt acted as the cord that would not break at times. May we find the same . If married cultivate that garden of blessing God has given you and lock arms . If single find friends who you can count on in good times and bad.

A lone soldier is weak and God never intended us to walk alone. The Church is His community , His army and may we stand strong with the fellowship of saints.

Great Ballads

Although I was always a rocker in my younger years , I had a soft spot for certain Country artist .Both Glen Campbell and John Denver have always been in my collection . Then at the start of the 80's Alabama began a music career that will never be matched by a Country band ever in my humble opinion. They had that rockier edge to their sound but always remained true to their country roots. But when it comes to ballads , man do they deliver . This is one of my all time favorite love ballads and I dedicate it to my amazing wife . 

Funny Stuff For a Good Clean Laugh

Who Doesn't Love the Pigeon Dance

All I will say is let the kids icons of their childhood remain innocent. Nuff said.

Tired of the Hallmark Christians

There is something that really gets me a bit angry and it concerns those who always presume on God's plan for ones life to be successful and rosy. You know the ones , something bad happens or you don't get that job,lose your job ,get sick etc.. and they say comments like a hallmark christian card. God has a wonderful plan for your life or something to that nature. It just drives me nuts because as they understand it or frame it , its simply not true. To say that presumes  I know that what God intends for you , which I don't . I can't tell you why your plans blew up . I can' t tell you that the grass will be greener once you get to where God wants you to go.

Look at the life of Paul. After he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus , was left blind for a bit and was converted,healed and began his ministry to proclaim the gospel. If I walked up to him and said God has a wonderful plan for your life Paul , to which I would mean , victory ,ease ,health and security , I would have been way off . Paul suffered hardship for the sake of the gospel of Christ.Stoning,whippings,beatings,ship wrecks,hunger,imprisonment and finally beheading in Rome.

Most people who babble off these hallmark Christians statement usually misquote the Bible so badly its easy to see. But the harm they do to those who are in a struggle or facing persecution for the faith  is immeasurable. One that I'm tire of hearing is about the promise to Israel in the Old testament that when the Prophet tells Israel if they would tithe all they have and give to God , He will reward them tenfold. That was a specific promise to Israel of Old . It was fulfilled in the hearing of the promise. To try and apply it to today is a very poor use of scripture and faulty exegesis. But this type of stiff abounds in hallmark Christians. If one gives to God , I don't know what blessing will come your way .

The one things I do know is that in Jesus Christ we have an inheritance that will not perish. That in Jesus Christ we will be raised and glorified. That in Jesus Christ we are no longer our own but we are His . That in Jesus Christ ,He will present us to the Father spotless and without sin because of His blood. That in Christ , we will be called to suffer for the sake of the gospel for the immeasurable gift of grace given to us.

The joy,peace,hope,victory,riches that we have been given are not of this world . The call to take up our cross and follow Jesus is a thing of wonder and beauty. To know that we enter into the sufferings of Christ is not a bad thing but a glorious truth for as Paul reminds us ," Indeed, all who desire to  live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted," 2 Timothy 3:12.


So the next time you share the gospel do yourself a favor don't say God has a wonderful plan for your life line. The next time something bad happens to someone don't share cliche hallmark greeting card responses. Enter into that persons struggle or pain . Weep ,pray,listen and serve. Point them to Jesus Christ and let God show His splendor and beauty . 

Should This Not Effect How We See Things

This song comes from Matt Papa's amazing new album. He offers up a no compromise declaration of the truth of the gospel . This song is one of the outstanding tracks . It is Christ centered and God glorifying.

Preacher Feature

John Piper -  Let Jesus Argue With Your Soul About Being Anxious

We should be slow to treat Jesus as if he doesn’t know what he is doing. He is not naïve in the way he deals with our anxiety. In Matthew 6:25-34 he tells us three times not to be anxious (vv. 25, 31, 34) and gives us eight reasons not to be anxious.

Evidently he thinks this will help. So don’t call it simplistic. Call it grace. Believe him. Take every reason and preach it to your soul as true. Say,

Soul, this is true. Jesus Christ says so. Trust him. He died for you. He loves you. He created you. He knows you. No one — no counselor, no pastor, no friend — knows as much about you as he does. Listen to him. Let these reasons sink in. Bank on them. Now, let’s get up and do what we need to do. Be gone anxiety.

Here’s a summary of what he said:

1. Life is more than food and the body more than clothing (Matthew 6:25).
2. God feeds the birds and you are more valuable than they are (Matthew 6:26).
3. It's pointless. It adds not one hour to your life (Matthew 6:27).
4. If God clothes ephemeral grass, he will clothe eternal you (Matthew 6:28-30).
5. Unbelievers are anxious about stuff. And you are not an unbeliever (Matthew 6:32a).
6. Your father (!) knows that you need all these things you're anxious about (Matthew 6:32b).
7. When you seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, what you need is added to you.
8. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Tomorrow's trouble stays there (Matthew 6:34).

_

Stand and Be Firm

Riots in London.The Us in debt mess.Drought in Africa. Open your paper or should I say news server online and you are bombarded with tales of woe . People losing their jobs ,homes . So much confusion and real suffering. To this many say , how can you believe in God . If He even exist why doesn't He do something ?

Its like do they think Christians just crawled out under a rock and went gee , look at all the mess? I don't think I will believe anymore. But if you read your Bible the truth is its full of pain and strife. Its not like its a sappy stupid Christian movie that ties all the knots neatly and the rainbows burst forth. Those who follow God often pay a huge price while on this earth. Affliction, persecution,hostility and even death for following the one true God revealed in the scriptures.

 The problem is not God's but ours. We are a depraved,dark,corrupt,sin filled mass of humanity . We lie,steal,murder and grasp onto money till we die. Sure God could solve the problem but that would include destroying every single human on the planet . He would be totally just in doing so . He is holy, we are not so when we cry to God and say unfair and demand justice , if He gave us what we wanted , well it would not go well.

But the amazing story is God gives us grace instead and sent His Son to undue the work of the Devil,awaken dead sinners to life and at the cross has started a avalanche of change that will come in all its fullness at Jesus second coming. Yes the world looks crazy at times and things come into ones life that you can't comprehend but Jesus says come to me.Rest in me . I know this road is narrow and difficult but its not over.I'm reigning and my Father is puttng all my enemies under my feet .

 ¹⁸For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18


Stand and be firm in the faith in this fallen world. As Paul says in Romans the struggles we face right now pale in comparison to the glory to be revealed .This life is but a link of a eye compared to the wonders,glory, splendor and beauty of being in the presence of God. Think of it , to see the one who took the cross for you , that bled His precious blood ,that endured the wrath for your sin .He will embrace you and cloth you and adorn you one day with a glorified body . That God sings over His sheep.Jesus calls us friend and will wipe tears from the saints face. 


Oh the joy ,the wonder of it all. So do not be in despair ,God is on the throne and hears our cries . Rest in Him and sing hallelujah , the Lord reigns . Nuff Said .

A Charlie Brown Day

You have heard it said some days it would have been better to stay in bed. Well in some ways it felt like that. All was not bad but it just seemed like everything I touched messed up in some way. Granted a few things I had no control over and were bound to happen sooner or later . The worst being the vent pipes running from the furnace and hot water heater fell apart. They were in need of replacement for at least 2 years now but we rent .The landlord has known they were getting rusted out but , well you know that story about landlords.

So as I struggled to patch them together well enough so we could at least use the hot water , I was filthy from head to toe. Tracked a mess running up and down stairs for tools which took me a bit to clean. But as I struggled to figure out how to rig something that would work till the landlord gets his act together and fixes the problem , I vowed to stay calm.

As I was working away I had Steven Curtis Chapman's new song Do Everything going through my head. In lifes everyday circumstances , when you play the role of Charlie Brown and the tree eats your kite, you miss the ball to win the game,get a rock instead of candy or whatever it may be , how we react in large part tells us our spiritual temperature. The first thing I did was just ask God to help me deal with it without anger and to glorify Him by reacting in a manner that shows the indwelling Spirit conforming me to Christ. No elaborate prayer just Lord , help me out.

In the past I have not always reacted that way.My Irish temper would rise and take hold. But this time I crucified the old man and did not let him rise . I rested in the strength of Jesus even when fixing a messy,old ,fallen down  bunch of pipes.

So that was some of my Charlie Brown day . But the good news is , getting the rock that is Jesus to stand on is a very good thing in this Charlie Brown world.

I Enjoy Movies

I make no bones about it , I enjoy movies. Now I realize that many ardent old school Baptist thought going to the cinema as worldly distractions and sinful. For a time I fought within myself concerning movies and going to a theater .However I do believe the film arts are and can be not only entertaining but thought provoking. Which  can lead to world view discussions. I know because I have engaged in them.

I do discern what ones I decide to attend . The worst offenders to me are the gross out comedies. I don't think they are funny,they are extremely offensive. In general I like action,fantasy,sci-fi ,westerns and some horror (but very few). Some dramas may make my list but I generally wait to see them on DVD. If I go to the big screen it should be for the pay off of the uber screen.

So far this year I haven't  seen too many basically because not many have grabbed my attention.But so far all three that I have seen have been truly enjoyable. The three have been Thor,Captain America and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. All I have been very well done.

So yes I do like movies does that make me a bad Baptist ? I don't think so . Like I have said before I see the arts as Gods gift ,a reflection of His creative being in man and in a fallen world unfortunately ,they can be used for evil but even through the lens of fallen man , due to God's common grace, truth does still shine through. Nuff Said.

On The Box

As of late there has been a resurgent of street preaching. It has always been around and has been both been good and very bad . Perhaps that is why many turn the nose down at it because what comes to mind are the cult of the wacko's associated with the Westboro Baptist Church and others who have no connection to any local church or denomination and who preach not the gospel of Jesus of the Bible. But at the same time there are many good and solid street preachers who faithfully preach the gospel in the open air.

Open air proclamation has a long history . In fact two of the best known in Christian circles are John Wesley and George Whitefield . Who preached very effectively in the open air and God used the word preached to save many souls. The list could be larger and take us right back to the Bible .So preaching in the open is a valid form of proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ.

However even though it is a valid and we should not be embarrassed by it , I think a few things should be in mind if one is called to pursue this call.

1. Is the man someone who has the ability to preach . Not everyone is called to the task of being a preacher of the gospel.It is a call upon a mans life to enter into this task from God. If the man is found to be adequate in handling God's word and has the clear gift to preach then that is the first hurdle. This should be done within a local Church under the elders and Pastors examination to determine if the call is true.

2.The man should not be a new convert but someone who has mastered at the very least the fundamentals of the faith. He should be confident in handling God's word . Not that he will ever be perfect for we will always be growing in our understanding of the word but will have a sound doctrinal bedrock comprehension of the gospel.

3.The man should be linked to and part of a Bible believing Church and his ministry should be an extension of that Church. He should be seen as a Evangelist. The purpose of the street preaching should be for God's glory  first and for the building up of His church. In the book of Acts when the Church was being established the Bible tells us that the preaching was resulting in numbers being added to daily. To preach apart from a link to a Church is disconnected and dangerous. Yes I know going to Church does not save but for a believer of Jesus not wanting to join a Church is a very odd thing. The street preacher by being an extension of his local Church helps this become a reality. A street preacher may be used by God to bring about repentance and faith but the Churches task is to disciple and nurture Christian into the faith. something that will not happen in a random encounter on the street.

4.The street preacher must not have a self righteous attitude of if I can do it , all should be doing it . I can find no where in the Bible that this is the case. Should we all be involved in sharing the gospel , a loud and hearty yes. But preaching is a unique call . We are all called to witness and should be able to give an answer for the hope within us , but don't expect everyone to be able to do this calling. Some are just not equipped to do so and if that spirit exist in you at all , I contend you should not pursue this ministry till God has humbled you to see the diversity of the body of Christ.

5. I also think street preaching is more effective in more urban areas than rural or country.In other words the open air ministry will have to be modified depending on the area. Its just a matter of population and density of people. In more rural areas , strategic times would need to be planned .

My last thoughts concerning this are the Churches or Seminaries in the local area that might have a man who is called to this ministry. It should be fully supported both financially and with prayer.If they turn away or try to find some excuse why someone should not do so , I suspect it has much to do about looking respectable in the eyes of the world and the community. If this is the case I believe it truly shows the heart of these Churches and Seminaries. That they are ashamed of the gospel and don't want others to see them as fanatics.

I commend the men who feel called to this ministry . I believe it has its place and can be used by God for His glory if its done within a biblical framework. So may we pray for the men who get up on the box and herald the good news.Bottom line if we say we love Jesus , then we should not be embarrassed by the gospel preached truly for God's glory.  Nuff said.

Sunday Quotes

What were we made for? To know God. What aim should we have in life? To know God. What is the eternal life that Jesus gives? To know God. What is the best thing in life? To know God. What in humans gives God most pleasure? Knowledge of himself. J.I. Packer

Not One Second

I was reminded today that if it were not for the righteousness of Christ imputed to me by faith , that I would surely be undone . Not one of us no matter how we may think, is capable of maintaining a righteousness that equals that which is given to us . Even on our best days , the days we truly think we have it all together and think we are ascending , could stand before God's holy gaze with out calling out like Isaiah , woe is me , I'm undone.

The comfort of trusting in the completed work of Jesus is what can calm the soul , bring one to repentance daily and assure our soul our position before the Lord. We are called to walk and live in a manner worthy of our lord , growing in holiness and righteousnesses but those themselves are the work of the Holy Spirit in us. But those works of righteousnesses are the result of the faith given to us by grace , but as Luther has said even our best efforts are tainted with self and sin. May we never forget that only in Christ are we ,  sinners , justified . It is by faith , that we are made right before God . Faith in the righteous one , the holy Son of God.

Christians need the gospel as well as the non-believer. For the believer it calls us back to the glorious work of Jesus and we should rejoice in that grace given. May we point others who are still under the curse of the law , and think they are "good" , to the realities that apart from repenting and trusting Jesus Christ , the wrath of God abides on them . But what a story we have to tell. NUFF SAID 

2 Corinthians 5:21

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²¹ He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become therighteousness of God in Him.

Preacher Feature

Michael Horton is one of my favorite contemporary Theologians. He is engaging and writes in a style that can take a very deep and dense theological concept and make it make sense to everyone.  I soon will begin working my way through his 1000 page systematic theology. Lots of tea and coffee will be used.

Quick Follow Up

My astute wife left a comment concerning the post concerning being real on Sunday morning .  She rightly said that first and foremost we are there to worship our amazing God. To lift our hearts and be fed from the word. That should be the primary reason we gather , to extol of Lord and have the word preached. I agree totally with her as well when she said that Sunday morning should not turn into a Dr.Phil moment.

What I should clarify is as  we engage each other at Church , building friendships , we need to have someone we truly trust and can be real with. More or less someone we can just talk to and be open and honest with our struggles . Ultimately if one is married , your spouse should be . I thank God that my wife truly lets me be honest and free to tell her my struggles. But at the same time I don't think its healthy either to constantly go on and on.We need to trust that our lives are hidden in Christ and when we confess our sins and walk in repentance ,Jesus forgives.

Nuff said.

Trying To Be Real

Very essence of being a hypocrite is pretending to be something you are not. There is not anyone who has not walked into those shoes.  No other time is this apparent then on a Sunday morning at your local Church. We do not want to show our weakness so when someone ask how are you doing or how have you been? We smile and with a lying tongue and a hypocrites smile we answer fine. 

This is playing the hypocrite . Putting on a mask to play the role of a happy ,successful ,victorious Christian. In truth many Churches actually do not want this type of honesty or real soul baring. Why? Lets face the hard truth , we do not want to be bothered with others problems .Out own lives are tough enough,Right? We need to be real , to be honest that sometimes the week has been hard , full of doubt , temptation,struggles with inward sin, anxieties,fear, disappointments ,broken relationships,fractured loves and on the list could go . Life is messy and as Christians we are called to to share each others burdens and encourage one another in the Lord. 

Until we enter into our rest , this life is a battlefield. Jesus never promised a life of ease and a vacation in the Hampton's . He has called us into his sufferings. The call to die to self and pick up the cross daily and follow Him.

To be honest and real is to confess our struggles , our doubts ,our sins and in that brokenness and weakness, look to Jesus and trust in God's promises of joy,peace and contentment's even amid the strife and toil we sometimes encounter this side of heaven. 

So lets not play the hypocrite anymore and be real . Why should we anyway , no one knows us better than our Lord . 

Just needed a Laugh

Tim Hawkins is real funny and clean , imagine that . Just wanted to laugh .