Thursday, June 30, 2011
Another Movie On My 2012 List
So far this year has been very mediocre when it comes to movie releases . So far the only movie I have seen has been Thor and it was very good. Next year I'm already excited about the first installment of the Hobbit. This trailer from Pixar studios ,who have an excellent record , really got my bagpipes going . It looks great and who doesn't love a Scottish accent . Can't wait to see a full length one.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Just A Thought
If we are too attached to this world , then we will never be satisfied with the call to pick up our cross and follow Jesus daily.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Standing Our Ground
The Christian faith has always faced points in history where it has had to endure attacks and challenges from within and from without. All the early creeds and confessions we have stem from the debates and conflicts that arose . From the deity of Christ,the Trinity, the canon of scripture to the confessions of faith that came into being because of the reformation , the faith has endured and become stronger . The challenges give opportunities to reveal the truth of scripture and expose those who are hold heresy or will accommodate to the world .
As we enter the 21st century there are many points of contention but two seem to have become the prominent . The first being the gaining acceptance of homosexuality within denominations and a drift that has happened even within so called younger evangelicals. Lets face the fact , to stand on the God's word concerning the truth that gay marriage is not marriage and that the only God ordained sexuality that is holy and sacred is between a man and woman within the covenant of marriage.To call the gay community to repentance and sharing the gospel will only become more offensive and controversial in years to come as the secular world embraces this open affront to a holy God. Many will try I'm sure to accommodate the message of the gospel and God's word to look progressive and not "bigoted".
The second point will be the historical persons of Adam and Eve . Within certain circles there has been a movement to downplay the reliability of the first 3 chapters of Genesis and turn it into a "true" myth or an allegory that is more poetry and should not be considered historical in any real sense. Trying to bridge the gap that they believe between science and the Bible , they want to remove a real Adam and Eve , the garden and even the way we understand the narrative of the serpent (Satan) tempting eve and the entrance of sin into the world. Embracing theistic evolution to try and fit into the world of study they move.
But the thing is , if God created the universe by His word and power , caused all things to occur , upholds all things still , then that is creation even if you hold to a long period of time . It is impossible to reconcile this view with the Bible for it speaks of God actively creating, sustaining and caring for the whole universe. This is in line more with a deist view , that holds God just set things in motion but played no active role,not the Christian God.
As to Adam and Eve , no matter how one views the issue of time before their appearance , the narrative is impossible to read without doing some strange linguistic gymnastics to make it say other than they were real flesh and blood people. The other problem is what do you do with the rest of the Bible when it refers to them as real people. Paul clearly teaches that the sin of one man , Adam caused the whole creation to fall into sin . what of the lineages that trace Jesus line back to Adam , making Him the second Adam. Then how do you get around the fact Jesus held to the truth of Genesis completely . The impact will be a drift to a faith that will no longer have any bearing with the 2000 years that went before it.
Science has become the new gospel and the scientist the new apostles.However in my life span of 47 years I have seen theories come and go . Nothing I have read has diminished my trust in God's word.
So may we stand firm and know that the truth of God's word has nothing to fear concerning honest examination. It may cost us status and even life one day but may we look to the past heroes of the faith that stood what seemed at times , against a whole world.
Verse Of The Day : [13] Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
(1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)
As we enter the 21st century there are many points of contention but two seem to have become the prominent . The first being the gaining acceptance of homosexuality within denominations and a drift that has happened even within so called younger evangelicals. Lets face the fact , to stand on the God's word concerning the truth that gay marriage is not marriage and that the only God ordained sexuality that is holy and sacred is between a man and woman within the covenant of marriage.To call the gay community to repentance and sharing the gospel will only become more offensive and controversial in years to come as the secular world embraces this open affront to a holy God. Many will try I'm sure to accommodate the message of the gospel and God's word to look progressive and not "bigoted".
The second point will be the historical persons of Adam and Eve . Within certain circles there has been a movement to downplay the reliability of the first 3 chapters of Genesis and turn it into a "true" myth or an allegory that is more poetry and should not be considered historical in any real sense. Trying to bridge the gap that they believe between science and the Bible , they want to remove a real Adam and Eve , the garden and even the way we understand the narrative of the serpent (Satan) tempting eve and the entrance of sin into the world. Embracing theistic evolution to try and fit into the world of study they move.
But the thing is , if God created the universe by His word and power , caused all things to occur , upholds all things still , then that is creation even if you hold to a long period of time . It is impossible to reconcile this view with the Bible for it speaks of God actively creating, sustaining and caring for the whole universe. This is in line more with a deist view , that holds God just set things in motion but played no active role,not the Christian God.
As to Adam and Eve , no matter how one views the issue of time before their appearance , the narrative is impossible to read without doing some strange linguistic gymnastics to make it say other than they were real flesh and blood people. The other problem is what do you do with the rest of the Bible when it refers to them as real people. Paul clearly teaches that the sin of one man , Adam caused the whole creation to fall into sin . what of the lineages that trace Jesus line back to Adam , making Him the second Adam. Then how do you get around the fact Jesus held to the truth of Genesis completely . The impact will be a drift to a faith that will no longer have any bearing with the 2000 years that went before it.
Science has become the new gospel and the scientist the new apostles.However in my life span of 47 years I have seen theories come and go . Nothing I have read has diminished my trust in God's word.
So may we stand firm and know that the truth of God's word has nothing to fear concerning honest examination. It may cost us status and even life one day but may we look to the past heroes of the faith that stood what seemed at times , against a whole world.
Verse Of The Day : [13] Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
(1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sad To Hear
I have always had a soft spot for Glen Campbell . He is an amazing guitarist and a great vocalist. His hits are many and even though he has had a wild and crazy life , he in the last years seems to have a real faith in Jesus Christ. I still recall watching his variety show between 1969 and 72.
So it was sad to read that he has early onset Alzheimer's disease. It is a devastating disease and one that truly takes a toll on those that love someone suffering from it. This side of heaven is never an easy road , suffering seems to be a road constantly near our door. But in the suffering comes opportunities to love and serve those afflicted. My prayers are with all who have this disease and Mr.Campbell. Oh do we long for that day when the effects of the sin will be done away with and all things are made new .
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Quote Sunday
Our justification means not only that our sins are forgiven and that we have been declared to be righteous by God Himself, not merely that we were righteous at the moment when we believed, but permanently righteous. For justification means this also, that we are given by God the positive righteousness of His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Catechism Friday
Heidelberg Catechism (1576 A.D.)
116. Q. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
A. Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which God requires of us.[1] Moreover, God will give His grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them.[2]
117. Q. What belongs to a prayer which pleases God and is heard by Him?
A. First, we must from the heart call upon the one true God only, who has revealed Himself in His Word, for all that He has commanded us to pray.[1] Second, we must thoroughly know our need and misery, so that we may humble ourselves before God.[2] Third, we must rest on this firm foundation that, although we do not deserve it, God will certainly hear our prayer for the sake of Christ our Lord, as He has promised us in His Word.[3]
[1] Ps. 145:18-20; John 4:22-24; Rom. 8:26, 27; James 1:5; I John 5:14, 15; Rev. 19:10. [2] II Chron. 7:14; 20:12;Ps. 2:11; 34:18; 62:8; Is. 66:2; Rev. 4. [3] Dan. 9:17-19; Matt. 7:8; John 14:13, 14; 16:23; Rom. 10:13; James 1:6.
118. Q. What has God commanded us to ask of Him?
A. All the things we need for body and soul,[1] as included in the prayer which Christ our Lord Himself taught us.
[1] Matt. 6:33; James 1:17.
119. Q. What is the Lord's prayer?
A. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.[1]
[1] Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)