Time For Something New

As of late ,  it seems I have little to no motivation to write on my blog . Perhaps its discipline because if anyone knows me , they will tell you I have no shortage of thoughts and opinions on many things . So to get my butt in gear I 'm going to try something a bit different very soon . I will be trying a video blog once in a while to give a voice and personal touch to this blog . Don't worry for the multitudes who tune in to my musings it will not be a mindless rant or a epic , 3 coffee spot but hopefully it will be at times entertaining , fun ,serious and whatever may come . Stay tuned.

On a serious note , our Church will be looking for a new senior Pastor . Our current Pastor is leaving to take a post at a liberal arts Christian University . He has served this Church for 9 years . I have been grateful to his ministry  and will always be thankful for his role in accepting me back , a wayward pilgrim who needed to come home , with a gracious and warm welcome.  May we who sit in the pew be ever in prayer for the faithful men who lead us . So here is to Pastor Knowles as he moves on towards new things God has called him to . May grace and leading be with him ,  his wife and their children .

Fundies Drive Me Nuts

Sometimes you read or hear something and it is so out there , so damaging to real Christians that it leaves me angry almost beyond words. On my Facebook page a link was shared by a friend that featured a video clip by this extreme fundy Baptist . In it he railed against homosexuals and without any respect to them as people created in the image of God , made some of the most sickening comments that a true minister of Jesus Christ would not speak.

Listen , the scripture is clear beyond a shadow of doubt about sexuality . It is a one man , one woman in marriage . Period . I hold this as an eternal truth . All other expressions are sinful in the sight of God and need to be repented of . But to rage like a hate filled idiot and show no grace , no mercy , no love or compassion is as far as from the gospel message as you can get .

All this ill tongued preacher did was do damage to the Church , misuse the pulpit and cause a unnecessary offense to sharing the gospel . This issue is going to be more in our faces than ever before and how we speak and treat those who disprove of what God's word teaches will cause enough of its own hatred  , anger towards the Church and Christians . So we most be able to respond with honesty , courage and grace. Love your enemies , do good to those who persecute you . Sound familiar . How about we are all sinners saved by grace.

This issue is not going away . But the gospel of Christ is bigger than anyone trapped in any sin . Look if God can save me , He can save anyone . Gay ,Straight , we are all sinners in need of Christ to transform us , make us new and cleanse us by His blood .

House Cleaning For the Lord

Its always funny when you know your going to have a visitor come to your house that isn't close family ( sorry close family ) you immediately scurry around if the notice is short or take a full day or two if its longer to get things in order. Unless you area real slob , this is what normal people do . Why? Well we want to make a good impression and show I think appreciation and respect for the person or people coming. Its just common courtesy really.

So as I was doing this very thing a couple of days ago , I was reflecting on the coming of Christ . Many of the parables of Jesus that speak of being prepared when the master comes calling reminded me of the daily house cleaning we should all attend to in our daily walk with Jesus . Just as cleaning gets rid of the built up dirt and dust , we should live each day seeking God's grace and forgiveness . We should never leave sins unconfessed . The longer they linger the messier our hearts will become . Just like that mess in the corner of the room becomes a part of the room , sin that is not dealt with and confessed can take root in your heart and life . It can be deadly and filthy in ones life. God knows our hearts , our lives are a open book . He knows the corners , so be open and transparent . Come as a sinner in need of the cleansing power of Jesus blood and live a life of repentance .

Also just as keeping your house in a daily cleaning routine and therefore if someone comes , be ready . To be ready for the Lord is develop good spiritual  disciplines . Spending time in the word , praying , finding practical ways to serve your neighbor , your family and friends in Christ like ways will help in conforming you to the image of Christ .

But the most important thing of all , know that you have a visitor already present within you . The Holy Spirit has united you with Christ with His coming into your life. Living with that understanding , that we have been united with Christ makes His presence an already event. You enjoy fellowship with the living God . Step back from doing in your own effort and seek God's empowering by His Spirit to equip ,enable and give your life its contentment and purpose .

Why Do We Like Stories ?

We all like good stories . That is not saying we are all deep readers , or movie goers but humans like a story . It could be funny , serious , fantastical but within our being we all like a good yarn . Why this  is simple , I think. Stories give us a content to live out our lives .  We may not think that they do , but stories have been used to teach morals , ethics and truth for thousand of years . We read , sing to our children . Stories resonant with us .

That is because we know deep down that we have been made for more than just living and dying . Everyone at some level wants to have a purpose or meaning to their lives. Stories allow us to enter into a bigger picture .

Ultimately , the true story is we were made to worship and enjoy God . To praise and sing his praises . But in the fall of humanity , we were plunged into darkness . The good news is the story that does truly liberate us is happening right now as God brings dead sinners to life and we become part of a grand narrative . This story is good news , to all people . The good news of Jesus Christ is the story the whole world needs to hear .

Stories have always been given to be shared , and the best ones last a long time but there is one that will last forever and that is God's story and it is the grand story of them all .

Speak For Yourself , Not For Jesus

Yesterday President Obama said he was in favour of same sex marriage and in the interview implied Jesus would be as well . Now here is the thing that really rubs me the wrong way . If the President wants to endorse or say he does not oppose same sex marriage and the redefining of an institution that goes back thousand of years ,he is free to do so . However implying that Jesus Christ would in anyway be involved in promoting the legitimization of  sexual sin is wrong and blasphemes our Lord .

For over almost 2000 years the Church has stood against sexual sin , be it sex outside the bonds of marriage , adultery , bestiality , incest and homosexuality . No where will one find any example in the gospels any words of Jesus that would hint or indicate He would condone what the word of God condemns . Jesus knew the scriptures , inside and out , He knew what the Torah taught concerning sodomy and same sex activities . He spoke often of upholding all of the Old testament  , calling it the word of God and how it cannot be broken . It simply does not exist and to hint or imply Jesus would be all right with wilful sinning and its promotion leaves me totally baffled .

However like many the President cheery picks words like love , do unto others to justify his delusional view of the Bible and a Jesus of His own making . By ignoring the whole of scripture and pulling brief sayings out of context one can make the Bible pretty much endorse anything . But the bottom line is very simple , the scripture leaves no wiggle room , sexual sin is anything outside of the covenant if marriage between a man and woman. Whatever Bible the President has most be like a Etch a Sketch , just shake it and any things you don't like disappear. His Jesus is a clay Jesus , that he molds in the way he likes .

These are going to be very tough times to hold to a biblical view of sexuality . To publicly say the homosexuality is sinful and any union between a man/man or woman/woman is evil in the sights of the Lord , is not going to be easy. You will be labelled as a homophobe , narrow minded and intolerant . Be ready to defend and speak with both meekness and boldness .


Excellent Book to read concerning this issue is Same Sex Controversy by James White & Jeffrey D. Niell

A Concert , A Movie and Awesomeness

Saturday I had the pleasure of joining my two sons and my brother and his wife , to see the contemporary christian rock group Mercy Me in Moncton . The band was in stellar form , delivering a tight and energetic set. The band used a huge back drop featuring the cover of their new album , The Hurt and the Healer . On each side were huge led set up that allowed for graphic effects unique to each song they played. It also allowed for the lyrics to be displayed and the band encouraged the audience to sing along.

The lead singer , Bart Millard , was a excellent front man.Telling stories , interjecting both some humor and at the same time calling for us all to trust and rely  on only Jesus through no matter what trials one may face. His voice was strong and clear . The band worked like a well oiled unit , benefiting from years of touring and playing together. The highlight for me was the new song The Hurt and the Healer . A song that was written after a close cousin of Millards was killed in the line of duty as a fire fighter.It dealt with the hurt and pain one feels when a hurt of this magnitude occurs . But on the other side , we encounter the healer , the one who understands the pain and hurt . The one who will make all things new . It was a moment of real worship.

It was a night that had much fun , like the song Move , some sing along moments and many moments where the audience  and the band were one , in singing the praise of our Lord . Awesome night .

The Avengers -  Anyone who has read this blog knows from past post I loved comics as a kid. Just to set the record straight , I still do . The old ones that is . From the 60's and 70's mostly . So over the last 10 years , it has been amazing to see so many  solid outings come to the big screens . But in this one movie you have the mother lode of comic super heroes . Building from  Iron Man , Captain America , Thor and the Hulk films , which all hinted at the coming of the Avengers , it ties all them together .

The movie begins with Loki  , Thors brother , talking to a mysterious figure about taking over the earth . Loki of course wants revenge on his brother concerning what happened to him at the hands of Thor ( as told in Thor's movie) . He is bringing a army with him from another portal and bottom line . if the world is to survive , one hero will not do. So Nick Fury the head of S.H.I.E.L.D , begins to try and recruit a group of heroes under the Avengers banner.

At first it all doesn't go well . Ego's , different world views and each hero bringing baggage to the game cause for some real friction and even fights . This allows for some really excellent dialog . The sarcasm , the wit and humor of some of the script is well above what many would probably expect. But the reason it works is that its written with a seriousness that this is a real world , with real conflict . Yes it has many zingers , delivered mostly by Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man to perfection but it also has heart and real depth . As the movie moves along and all our heroes come to realize they must work together and put aside petty differences if they are to overcome the threat , it gives the movie a emotional connection to the audience that is needed if a movie like this is to work. Boy does it.

Joss Whedon , as the director , paced this movie very well .  Each hero is given time and space to shine . Even the two new comers , Black Widow and Hawkeye have their own moments . The battle scene between Thor , Iron Man and Captain America is amazing . Yes they had real issues when they first met , and it allowed for a truly fun and exhilarating scene . But the Hulk scenes and his fight with Thor before they are allies and then his scenes after they are the Avengers , is the Hulk I loved form the comics . Plus Mark Ruffalo plays him perfectly . Always on the edge , containing the monster within . Plus when the Hulk takes over , he still has the resemblance of Ruffalo. This is the Hulk.

The final battle scene rivals anything I have ever scene . The special effects are amazing but they never over shadow the human element . In a movie like this the effects could have over taken the movie , but Whedon keeps the story and our heroes at the center . He draws us in and we cheer them on. Each actor playing our heroes were awesome as well . Chris Evans as Captain America , Chris Hemsworth as Thor , Downey Jr. as Iron Man , Mark Ruffalo as Hulk , Scarlet Johansson as the Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye , make up what truly is a perfect cast . Throw in Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury and what more do you want.

As a comic book geek , who loved this comic , this has it all . It is fun , intense , highlights sacrifice , loyalty , friendship and bravery . The Avengers have indeed assembled.

This movie gets 2 Cap shields , 2 Thor hammers , 2 Iron Man blast , 1 arrow form Hawkeye , 1 Balck Widow kick and a huge Hulk smash fist . Totally it up and it is a 10 in my books . Nuff said.

Fav Line in movie : Black Widow concerning the plan to attack Loki " But he's a god"
                             Capatain America "Ma'am there's is only one God , and I'm pretty sure He doesn't look like   
                                                           that". 

Great Weekend

Wow what a great weekend . Went to see Mercy Me in Moncton , New Brunswick Saturday night . What a great show . I will post some pics and a review of the concert within the next day or so.

I also bought a Charlie Brown mug while shopping at Hallmark . Hey one cannot say no to a Charlie Brown mug to have your morning cup of great coffee . This morning at my brothers , I tried a new blend put out by Just Us coffee , a local fair trade coffee roaster and cafe as well . Trust me , after you drink real good coffee you will say , how did I ever drink Tim Hortons . Talk about "brand" washing or what . Anyway I digress , I can't remember the coffee but it was a three cup explosion of love for my taste buds. Awesome roast .

On a final note , a real big thank you and hug to my wife for being such a support , love and friend . Because of her seizure disorder she cannot attend concerts and I really miss her not being there with me and our boys , but she is so happy to see our excitement and just is a wonderful woman. Glad as well while we gone , she had time to spend with her dear friend Hillary , which they had a blast doing yard sales , enjoying a farm market and some good wine as well .

So a good weekend . May we truly be thankful to God for family , friends and all the blessings they bring into our lives. Nuff said.

Freedom to Dialogue or Not

Freedom to express ideas within a public space is seen as a fundamental measuring stick to the health of a society and true freedom. Not matter how one may feel or think about certain views , the freedom to express said ideas in a non-violent manner should not be censored or limited. If we are to develop true tolerance and understand that we don't have to agree or accept another persons belief or views then we could go a long way to at the very least allowing multiple ideas to compete within the public sphere. This includes religion . Yes religion .

Recently in a local city , in my home province , a student was told that their T-Shirt was not to be worn again . Then it was reversed and said that Jesus T-Shirts could be worn as long as they aren't negative and put down another person belief system . Now here is the problem . If one claims to be a Christian , then one is claiming not only the uniqueness but the superiority of Jesus over all other prophets ,sages ,seers and religious leaders. He is not just a prophet , a wise sage or teacher but the Son of God , the one and only way to God . Read through the gospels . Jesus claims for himself and his message is not an  ambiguous message .

Now should one be allowed to wear a T-Shirt with any religious saying on it within a public school , even if it references a "negative" saying. First , who makes the decision as to what is negative. If one wears a shirt with a fish with Darwin written through it , many Christians might be offended . But I hold not one would complain . Nor would they if someone wore a shirt promoting gay marriage or a shirt that slandered Christ . I witnessed a few of these types of shirts during a brief time as a day custodian  at a local high-school . To my knowledge nothing was ever said . But I know that if someone had worn a shirt that proclaimed a stand against abortion or homosexuality , even if it tried to be "sensitive" , there would have been something done , I'm certain .

As the west moves further away from its Christian roots and embraces a pluralistic society with multiple beliefs systems and secular humanism being hammered at kids within our school's , to stand or call any attention to Jesus is going to be met with push back . However here is what drives me nuts , public schools are just that , public. The whole system is paid for by tax dollars from the public. Teachers , Principals , those within the department  of Education are all paid by the people. Therefore I argue that all ideas and expressions should be allowed as long as they are tolerant of others to co-exist in disagreement. I tolerate others around me who disagree with me , as they do of me . Within a publicly funded school system , all ideas that reflect the diversity of beliefs should not be censored.

Why are so many afraid of open debate and allowing religious beliefs a open form to be examined . I don't care if you are a atheist , Buddhist , Hindu, gay,Muslim , Pagan , Wiccan etc... I will defend your right to hold to your views within a public place . As I hope you would extend me the same freedom to proclaim Jesus Christ as well . I'm not afraid of dialogue are you ?