Plus its an exercise in reaching out to others and sharing my life,my thoughts and things that make me tick and in doing so , hopefully helping others and myself . So I truly hope what I have written and will write , will help others in their pilgrimage on this earth as a Christian . We all need each other in this fallen ,broken world .May we stand for truth, encourage one another and proclaim the truth of the gospel and not flinch.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Why Do I Blog ?
As I sit here and type , I sometimes wonder why I should continue to write this blog. But then as I step back and reflect , I realize if I don't write down my thoughts and share , I think my mind would implode. Anyone who has ever known me for any length of time , know my opinions are strong and when I'm convinced of my position, I will not give no quarter. Although I have grown in grace thankfully when encountering others who disagree.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Going ,Going ,Gone
In a recent article the closing of local Churches that go back over 100 year was highlighted. This has to be seen as truly tragic and a sign of the changing reality. In my time I have witnessed the decline of the Churches importance in local life to being a museum of what people did back in the day. Now many small rural Churches are either dying off , or used as a burial and maybe marrying sites.But as far as a vibrant worshiping Church , many have barely enough people to even keep them open.
Now we are seeing more and more close their doors . Going back only a little over 20 years ,the field which my Father-in-law ministered has closed 2 churches. There are many others that have shut their doors . The reasons are many and in some cases , population changes played a real part and the ever increasing secular world that sees faith as a waste of time and dumb,all contributed to the decline.However ultimately its God who has removed His blessing for He is sovereign .
If one looks statistically at the Churches that are growing and at the very least healthy are the ones who still preach the word of God .They proclaim the cross of Christ, the exclusivity of the Christian faith , believe that the Bible is the word of God , hold to the great doctrines of the faith. They preach the horrible realities of sin and hell hand and hand with the love of God found in Jesus Christ and Him alone. Why should God bless His Church when it no longer is a true Church.
If one looks at the denominations that are shrinking rapidly, including the ones that were mentioned in the paper , all have drifted and embraced open sin . From a denial of God's teaching on womens roles ,to acceptance of homosexuality , rejecting large portions of the Bible etc.. these Churches by their closures and decline ,show a judgement of God. In Revelation 2 Jesus pronounces that He would remove the lamp stand of the Church if it no longer was a valid Church. So it is a clear removing of God's blessing.
Granted at times a Church needs to be pruned and if certain members leave because the gospel is being preached clearly , then that can be a healthy long term thing. But sadly , the very thing that is needed ,repentance and a return to the Lord has not happened and the doors have closed .
But no matter what happens may we take heart with these words from our Lord , [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.(Matthew 16:18 ESV) Amen.
Now we are seeing more and more close their doors . Going back only a little over 20 years ,the field which my Father-in-law ministered has closed 2 churches. There are many others that have shut their doors . The reasons are many and in some cases , population changes played a real part and the ever increasing secular world that sees faith as a waste of time and dumb,all contributed to the decline.However ultimately its God who has removed His blessing for He is sovereign .
If one looks statistically at the Churches that are growing and at the very least healthy are the ones who still preach the word of God .They proclaim the cross of Christ, the exclusivity of the Christian faith , believe that the Bible is the word of God , hold to the great doctrines of the faith. They preach the horrible realities of sin and hell hand and hand with the love of God found in Jesus Christ and Him alone. Why should God bless His Church when it no longer is a true Church.
If one looks at the denominations that are shrinking rapidly, including the ones that were mentioned in the paper , all have drifted and embraced open sin . From a denial of God's teaching on womens roles ,to acceptance of homosexuality , rejecting large portions of the Bible etc.. these Churches by their closures and decline ,show a judgement of God. In Revelation 2 Jesus pronounces that He would remove the lamp stand of the Church if it no longer was a valid Church. So it is a clear removing of God's blessing.
Granted at times a Church needs to be pruned and if certain members leave because the gospel is being preached clearly , then that can be a healthy long term thing. But sadly , the very thing that is needed ,repentance and a return to the Lord has not happened and the doors have closed .
But no matter what happens may we take heart with these words from our Lord , [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.(Matthew 16:18 ESV) Amen.
Have a Laugh
Peter Sellers was a comic genius in this role . Great laughs. Still recall my cousin Greg and myself watching one the movies and laughing so hard at some of the scenes , our stomachs hurt. Classic movies.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Quote Sunday
"They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses?" Martin Luther
Friday, June 17, 2011
Catechism Friday
Heidelberg Catechism (1576 A.D.)
106. Q. But does this commandment speak only of killing?
A. By forbidding murder God teaches us that He hates the root of murder, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge,[1] and that He regards all these as murder.[2]
107. Q. Is it enough, then, that we do not kill our neighbour in any such way?
A. No. When God condemns envy, hatred, and anger, He commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves,[1] to show patience, peace, gentleness, mercy, and friendliness toward him,[2] to protect him from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.[3]
[1] Matt. 7:12; 22:39; Rom. 12:10. [2] Matt. 5:5; Luke 6:36; Rom. 12:10, 18; Gal. 6:1, 2; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; I Pet. 3:8. [3] Ex. 23:4, 5; Matt. 5:44, 45; Rom. 12:20.
108. Q. What does the seventh commandment teach us?
A. That all unchastity is cursed by God.[1] We must therefore detest it from the heart[2] and live chaste and disciplined lives, both within and outside of holy marriage.[3]
109. Q. Does God in this commandment forbid nothing more than adultery and similar shameful sins?
A. Since we, body and soul, are temples of the Holy Spirit, it is God's will that we keep ourselves pure and holy. Therefore He forbids all unchaste acts, gestures, words, thoughts, desires,[1] and whatever may entice us to unchastity.[2]
110. Q. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
A. God forbids not only outright theft and robbery[1] but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, deceptive merchandising, counterfeit money, and usury;[2] we must not defraud our neighbour in any way, whether by force or by show of right.[3] In addition God forbids all greed[4] and all abuse or squandering of His gifts.[5]
[1] Ex. 22:1; I Cor. 5:9, 10; 6:9, 10. [2] Deut. 25:13-16; Ps. 15:5; Prov. 11:1; 12:22; Ezek. 45:9-12; Luke 6:35. [3]Mic. 6:9-11; Luke 3:14; James 5:1-6. [4] Luke 12:15; Eph. 5:5. [5] Prov. 21:20; 23:20, 21; Luke 16:10-13.
111. Q. What does God require of you in this commandment?
A. I must promote my neighbour's good wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to deal with me, and work faithfully so that I may be able to give to those in need.[1]
112. Q. What is required in the ninth commandment?
A. I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard.[1] Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil's own works, under penalty of God's heavy wrath.[2] In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth,[3] speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbour's honour and reputation.[4]
[1] Ps. 15; Prov. 19:5, 9; 21:28; Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37; Rom. 1:28-32. [2] Lev. 19:11, 12; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8. [3] I Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25. [4] I Pet. 3:8, 9; 4:8.
113. Q. What does the tenth commandment require of us?
A. That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of God's commandments should ever arise in our heart. Rather, we should always hate all sin with all our heart, and delight in all righteousness.[1]
114. Q. But can those converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?
A. No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience.[1] Nevertheless, with earnest purpose they do begin to live not only according to some but to all the commandments of God.[2]
[1] Eccles. 7:20; Rom. 7:14, 15; I Cor. 13:9; I John 1:8. [2] Ps. 1:1, 2; Rom. 7:22-25; Phil. 3:12-16.
115. Q. If in this life no one can keep the ten commandments perfectly, why does God have them preached so strictly?
A. First, that throughout our life we may more and more become aware of our sinful nature, and therefore seek more eagerly the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ.[1] Second, that we may be zealous for good deeds and constantly pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that He may more and more renew us after God's image, until after this life we reach the goal of perfection.[2]
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Few Thoughts On a Championship
It is hard really to put into words what was going on in my head as I counted down the last 10 seconds. There was a sheer joy,happiness and relief all in one wave. Its hard for a non sports fan to understand the journey it is to follow your team and watch its epic struggle to the promised land. You feel the highs , the lows and the agony of a loss. Your heart attaches itself to their struggle and as weird as it sounds , it also reveals much about your own soul.The good ,the bad and the ugly.
When your team wins it all it would be so easy to gloat and take satisfaction against all those who bullied you,chirped at you and made fun of you in the past. But at the same time , I will take my wife advice and just enjoy the experience of knowing that for the 2010/2011 season , the Bruins are the champs. If it takes another 39 years to get to the dance , I very much doubt I will be around , so I will be happy,content and just glad I had the chance witness the Bruins battle to the end and win the holy grail of hockey.
Boston Bruins , Stanley Cup Champs ......... I'm smiling and its good .
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
God is Not a Road Map
Old beliefs let us down, many roads lead to heaven.
One love, many faiths all share the world in search of grace.
Across the universe, the same force that moves the earth's
In my heart, makes me whole, wash my doubt and fear away.
Taken form those great "thinkers" Journey . Song title Tantra
This mantra that all religions or belief systems are equal is one of the biggest chants in music . You can come across it almost in every genre . But anyone with even the basic knowledge of different religions knows this to be utterly false. Each make claims to ways one can achieve salvation that are unique to its own belief sytem. However the truth claims of Christianity fly in the face of all other religions.
To achieve enlightenment or salvation is by ones own efforts. A following of laws or rituals and at the end of it all it is through self achievement. Against this comes of person of Jesus who's claims about Himself leaves one no wiggle room. We are not called not to just follow Him but to repent and trust in Him for our salvation. It is His life ,death and resurrection that assures us of salvation.
The God revealed in scripture is a God of grace but you will be hard pressed to find grace in other religions contrary to what the great theologians of Journey say . Nor is the "god" revealed in other religions truly knowable. In many it is more an it ,an impersonal force . Once again totally contradicting the true God revealed in the Bible.
God is not a road map , nor is He a journey of self discovery. He has revealed Himself clearly and we are without excuse. The reason most prefer this fuzz deity is it demands no repentance , no cross , no savior,does not have any real answer for sin or evil and makes you your own savior. This is why we must be discerning when we encounter these messages and realize the culture at large are being bombarded .
Realize the preaching of Christ and Him crucified is an offense and stumbling block , it shocks us and the natural man hates the truth of God . But God's grace can and will change the dead sinner , if he can do it for me , than anyone can be put on the narrow road .
Verse Of The Day : [3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, [4] who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, [5] to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
(Galatians 1:3-5 ESV)
One love, many faiths all share the world in search of grace.
Across the universe, the same force that moves the earth's
In my heart, makes me whole, wash my doubt and fear away.
Taken form those great "thinkers" Journey . Song title Tantra
This mantra that all religions or belief systems are equal is one of the biggest chants in music . You can come across it almost in every genre . But anyone with even the basic knowledge of different religions knows this to be utterly false. Each make claims to ways one can achieve salvation that are unique to its own belief sytem. However the truth claims of Christianity fly in the face of all other religions.
To achieve enlightenment or salvation is by ones own efforts. A following of laws or rituals and at the end of it all it is through self achievement. Against this comes of person of Jesus who's claims about Himself leaves one no wiggle room. We are not called not to just follow Him but to repent and trust in Him for our salvation. It is His life ,death and resurrection that assures us of salvation.
The God revealed in scripture is a God of grace but you will be hard pressed to find grace in other religions contrary to what the great theologians of Journey say . Nor is the "god" revealed in other religions truly knowable. In many it is more an it ,an impersonal force . Once again totally contradicting the true God revealed in the Bible.
God is not a road map , nor is He a journey of self discovery. He has revealed Himself clearly and we are without excuse. The reason most prefer this fuzz deity is it demands no repentance , no cross , no savior,does not have any real answer for sin or evil and makes you your own savior. This is why we must be discerning when we encounter these messages and realize the culture at large are being bombarded .
Realize the preaching of Christ and Him crucified is an offense and stumbling block , it shocks us and the natural man hates the truth of God . But God's grace can and will change the dead sinner , if he can do it for me , than anyone can be put on the narrow road .
Verse Of The Day : [3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, [4] who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, [5] to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
(Galatians 1:3-5 ESV)
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