During last week's transition of blog layout and archived posts, I lost half of my posts. That's kind of annoying, but I guess you could say I'm satisfied with the overall progress that was made. It could have been much more disastrous than it was!
Good news is that the blog is up and running. Bad news is that I lost the posts, but can still recover them If I desire to tediously restore them. Good news is that I will be transitioning the blog to it's own domain name and server within the next couple of days. Bad news is that this will cost a couple of extra dollars more than it was before, which was $nothing$. (WitnessToday.Org).
Good news, Jesus Christ is King! Bad news, not receiving Him as Lord has eternal consequences! Good news, two people at work asked for Bibles (pray for them) today. Bad news, It's very difficult to fully witness in a fast-food environment. Good news, I get to witness to them.
Good news, I registered for the Band of Bloggers: The Gospel Trust conference in Kentucky this April 15th, 2008. Bad news, registration is almost at full capacity so you'd better get on over there and do the do.
Good news? I'm done ranting in this manner. Bad news? I'll probably do it again sometime!
Feb 27, 2008
Feb 26, 2008
Multiculturalism and Theology
Today I had to put the finishing touches on a minimal three page paper due for school. The topic of this paper was to be the facet of diversity (cultural) in social work interviewing (assessment). I had already knew what the paper was going to require, and what direction it was destined to go. What direction you may ask? The direction of relativism and the importance of peacefully negotiating rights and wrongs in order to make headway and achieve some form of acceptance and understanding.
The depth of this is limitless, so I will only get to my point much quicker than normal because I don't have time and I need to spill these thoughts before they depart from me. Social activism and proponents of the social gospel all preach the same thing. They preach a needs based approach that seeks to materialistically solve an eternal and soul-based dilemma. An individuals relationship with God does not perfect his behavior instantaneously and abrogate him from accountability, but yet it can only achieve the absolute meeting of need through the Saviour Jesus Christ. It is in Him that the satisfaction of one's place in life, time, wealth, and success are measured correctly.
I can't begin to tell you how annoyed I've become with my current pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in social work and the liberalism that seethes throughout all of it's core teaching. But, I will tell you how I pray the degree provides a stepping stone to attain glory and honor for the Lord, and that His grace is magnified through me as a living testimony to it.
Here's a quote on the problem posed by multiculturalism in a larger spectrum of understanding. This commentary provides a great assessment and dead on description of the larger implications that tolerance and multiculturalism advocates.
The depth of this is limitless, so I will only get to my point much quicker than normal because I don't have time and I need to spill these thoughts before they depart from me. Social activism and proponents of the social gospel all preach the same thing. They preach a needs based approach that seeks to materialistically solve an eternal and soul-based dilemma. An individuals relationship with God does not perfect his behavior instantaneously and abrogate him from accountability, but yet it can only achieve the absolute meeting of need through the Saviour Jesus Christ. It is in Him that the satisfaction of one's place in life, time, wealth, and success are measured correctly.
I can't begin to tell you how annoyed I've become with my current pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in social work and the liberalism that seethes throughout all of it's core teaching. But, I will tell you how I pray the degree provides a stepping stone to attain glory and honor for the Lord, and that His grace is magnified through me as a living testimony to it.
Here's a quote on the problem posed by multiculturalism in a larger spectrum of understanding. This commentary provides a great assessment and dead on description of the larger implications that tolerance and multiculturalism advocates.
To cite a non-European, non-Muslim example, the draft constitution of Bolivia would allow for “communal justice” that could not be appealed by a court. Local tribes could punish malefactors as they see fit, which by custom means mob violence, lynchings, burnings, and burying people alive.
Thus, multicultural tolerance becomes intolerance. Multicultural freedom puts an end to freedom. Multiculturalism commits suicide. Relativists have no conceptual basis for opposing radical Islam; thus the weakness of nations that reject their own religious, moral, and cultural heritage.Veith, Gene Edward (2008, March 1). Suicidal Theology. World Magazine, 33.
Feb 24, 2008
Leaders and Errors
Today I slept in. Not so much as even a wink was out of sheer laziness, but utter exhaustion from the previous weak, staying up too late, and a stiff neck and back that has been haunting me faithfully for two weeks now. I've come to the conclusion that the stiff neck is my bed and pillows, my exhaustion is part of being a student and full-time manager at McDonald's, and the constant eating of fattening fast-food is definitely not providing the energy I need for all this. My solution is to sleep on my couch, take some anti-inflammatory medicine, and stop eating McDonald's.
Not eating McDonald's is hard because my meals are free, it's fast, and readily available. But as of today I'm going to make an attempt to quit McDonald's for the coming week. Please pray for me as I undertake what seems to be a difficult task. This is something that is so easily overlooked and fouled up because it's so tempting to gorge and give in to such a simple luxury many of us overlook. It's funny to even think that I am sitting here fighting the temptation to eat food
that is mass-produced for the masses and sold to cater to the American god of appetite. I too have fallen victim to this idol and abuse it regularly. Now one must put into perspective the challenge of knowing when too much is excess.
Isn't it interesting that the fast food folly is not only consistent with how we abuse our diets, health, and attitude toward others, it's also consistent with how we demand our way in the world. We treat people in a manner that demands instant gratification on our part, we abuse what is a privilege to have in our abundance of food, and we demand instantaneous results from everything. This is a dangerous state of mind for us to be in as it almost always will cause negative reaction when the expected results being sought are not achieved.
Interestingly enough, this has become applied to how we as Christians often do service in the church, worship, and in our witness to the world through our lives. So many of us fall victim to this and overlook it because it has become the status-quo.
Leadership in the Church seems to have fallen victim to this practice as well. What has gone from being an issue that is ordained, fulfilled, and brought to fruition through God's will is now a situation that is satisfied by the filling of slots by warm bodies. Sometimes these warm bodies may meet qualifications in some form or another, but never fully encompass what the Scriptures lay forth as standards. The next thing you know, you have immature, undiscerning, naive individuals assuming roles over not just people sitting in pews every Sunday morning, but the souls of men!
Now that we so recklessly overlook the God given method of fulfilling leadership in the Body of Christ, we provide fertile ground for which the enemy begins to wreak havoc. Error seeps in, teaching and edifying is ignored, the Scriptures are placed on the back burner, and traditions begin to trump the truth of the Word. We now have what has always been becoming the way it's always going to be! Leadership no longer leads and lost sheep assume the role reserved for those who have been called of God to become overseers and aspire to teach the flock (1 Tim 3:1).
So, how is it that we are to provide a check and balance for this? Is it a fast-food method of doing church part of the problem? Are we witnessing a true Americanized, my way burger kind, dollar size-up-size my church problem occurring? How does the body act in order to guard the flock against deceivers, liars, and wolves in sheep's clothing? Is it the job of the Church to go about examining every teacher and in return devoting all ministry to proving that teachers negligence? Or is it the job of the Church and it's leaders to protect the flock and serve Christ through the equipping of the saints to protect them selves from this kind of infiltration?
I'll end with this, some think that the error of the Church today is it's lack of purity and ability to be as salt and light to the world is a result of the way they "Do" church. Some would also say that it is a matter of the church masquerading as the bride when it is not the church at all. I ask you this, and would openly request your opinions on this subject, what do you feel is the cause for the abundance of seemingly apparent error in mainstream Christianity and what role do you think the placement of leadership and how it's carried out plays?
Tell me, what's your opinion? You can comment below, or leave an email here.
Not eating McDonald's is hard because my meals are free, it's fast, and readily available. But as of today I'm going to make an attempt to quit McDonald's for the coming week. Please pray for me as I undertake what seems to be a difficult task. This is something that is so easily overlooked and fouled up because it's so tempting to gorge and give in to such a simple luxury many of us overlook. It's funny to even think that I am sitting here fighting the temptation to eat food
that is mass-produced for the masses and sold to cater to the American god of appetite. I too have fallen victim to this idol and abuse it regularly. Now one must put into perspective the challenge of knowing when too much is excess.Isn't it interesting that the fast food folly is not only consistent with how we abuse our diets, health, and attitude toward others, it's also consistent with how we demand our way in the world. We treat people in a manner that demands instant gratification on our part, we abuse what is a privilege to have in our abundance of food, and we demand instantaneous results from everything. This is a dangerous state of mind for us to be in as it almost always will cause negative reaction when the expected results being sought are not achieved.
Interestingly enough, this has become applied to how we as Christians often do service in the church, worship, and in our witness to the world through our lives. So many of us fall victim to this and overlook it because it has become the status-quo.
Leadership in the Church seems to have fallen victim to this practice as well. What has gone from being an issue that is ordained, fulfilled, and brought to fruition through God's will is now a situation that is satisfied by the filling of slots by warm bodies. Sometimes these warm bodies may meet qualifications in some form or another, but never fully encompass what the Scriptures lay forth as standards. The next thing you know, you have immature, undiscerning, naive individuals assuming roles over not just people sitting in pews every Sunday morning, but the souls of men!
Now that we so recklessly overlook the God given method of fulfilling leadership in the Body of Christ, we provide fertile ground for which the enemy begins to wreak havoc. Error seeps in, teaching and edifying is ignored, the Scriptures are placed on the back burner, and traditions begin to trump the truth of the Word. We now have what has always been becoming the way it's always going to be! Leadership no longer leads and lost sheep assume the role reserved for those who have been called of God to become overseers and aspire to teach the flock (1 Tim 3:1).
So, how is it that we are to provide a check and balance for this? Is it a fast-food method of doing church part of the problem? Are we witnessing a true Americanized, my way burger kind, dollar size-up-size my church problem occurring? How does the body act in order to guard the flock against deceivers, liars, and wolves in sheep's clothing? Is it the job of the Church to go about examining every teacher and in return devoting all ministry to proving that teachers negligence? Or is it the job of the Church and it's leaders to protect the flock and serve Christ through the equipping of the saints to protect them selves from this kind of infiltration?
I'll end with this, some think that the error of the Church today is it's lack of purity and ability to be as salt and light to the world is a result of the way they "Do" church. Some would also say that it is a matter of the church masquerading as the bride when it is not the church at all. I ask you this, and would openly request your opinions on this subject, what do you feel is the cause for the abundance of seemingly apparent error in mainstream Christianity and what role do you think the placement of leadership and how it's carried out plays?
Tell me, what's your opinion? You can comment below, or leave an email here.
Feb 23, 2008
Feb 19, 2008
Cumbersome Cleanup
For those of you reading who know anything about blogging or css or any of that other web lingo mumbo jumbo, you know that organizing can be a pain. What's more annoying about RE-organizing this site is not knowing a whole lot about what you are doing.
I have come to the conclusion that I don't have time for this, nor do I have any time for anything else. But just like doing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, or worse yet, cleaning out my bedroom, this full-time working college student is going to do it because it needs to be done.
I'm making headway on the new layout and have decided it was a long time coming. So until then, pray for me!
Feb 17, 2008
changes
This blog will be undergoing some changes in the next week or two....please keep stopping by....it will be progressive!
Feb 15, 2008
Warming the Homeless
This past Tuesday evening a weather system moved into the Metro-Detroit area. It only dropped three to four inches, but it dropped them quick, and they were sloppy. The road conditions became dangerous very quickly and many colleges in the area closed for the evening. One of these colleges were the one I happen to attend. While I was a little disappointed in not having a chance to share the tacos that we had prepared for the class (it was my turn to bring a dish), I was more disappointed that I didn't get to turn in my homework. I know, I'm a nerd, what can I say?
Within minutes of learning about the school closure I picked up the phone and called an old friend. This friend was the director of Tuesday nights at the local "Warming Center" in Westland, Michigan. This center allows men and women from the area to come and eat, shower, and sleep during the freezing cold winter months. On a slow night the shelter can attract between 20 and 30 people. I asked my friend if they needed help and he replied with a resounding "Most definitely!"
Once we were able to stretch the tacos a little further than intended (add potatoes to the hamburger meat) I was packed up and ready to go. As I went outside to finish loading up, my neighbor from across the street (14) inquired into what I was about to do. Quickly I encouraged him to ask permission to come with me and he made haste to his house and returned with eagerness and excitement. Not to mention he came equipped with many questi
ons about ministry. He truly has a servants heart!
The mission was busy when we arrived and there were some familiar faces I have made acquaintances with before already there. The television was blaring, the food was circling, and the homemade tacos went quickly. Everyone got at least one, and a few, who were able to raise their hands quick enough, got a second taco. They thoroughly enjoyed the hot food and hospitality by all who were helping with the shelter that night.
While my intention to go to the shelter this night was to help feed those who are the "least of these," there is also the intention to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With no idea that this event was going to arise I had little time to prepare a message and had to think quickly on my feet. So little can be said to those in these kinds of situations that can encourage these men and women, and few understand the difference between the true message, and the apostate message that so many of our "local church's" proclaim.
I sat down with what time I had (1 hour) to meditate on the word and the passage of Matthew 19:16-30 to assure that I did not mishandle the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15). That said, I made some brief notes and asked for guidance and wisdom and prayed for the softening of these men's hearts. At once the overwhelming task of preaching the Word to the souls of men intimidated me. I became uneasy, nervous, and began to tremble at the thought of what a great fear it would be to answer for falsely proclaiming the Word of God. My eyes began to well up with tears when I reflected on the privilege that the Lord was allowing of me to preach His Gospel.
After preaching on the passage for about 20 minutes, I began to notice the fidgeting and impatience stirring in the crowd of men. This was a sign that I was ruffling some feathers, and the comments began to flow. While some may not have heard much, others were paying very close attention, even to the point of fixed wonder as the follow-up conversations would soon indicate.
Many of these men had no riches or power of which to forfeit. Nor did they possess anything of any value (in their minds) to surrender and follow after the Lord. What I tried to make clear to them was what was required of those who follow Jesus Christ. The sins they embrace and cater to on a regular basis, the sins that keep them stagnate, and the addictions that bind them to their own self-will are what they possess and need to surrender. Jesus then clarifies the wonder and incredible power of God to do these things for those who are walking in humility and surrender before the Lord.
The reward of forsaking this world, this flesh, and these desires with the power of the Spirit we possess is innumerable. You cannot even for one second begin to believe that the Lord of Glory would not return good on His word!
There are quite a few who received Bibles, tracts, and conversation following the preaching of the Word. Here are some of the names of which you could pray for today, tomorrow, or all week! Please keep them in prayer as the Lord appeared to move in their hearts as they sought answers to many of the questions that arose that night, some stating that they've always thought they were saved, and are learning that they may not be...
Within minutes of learning about the school closure I picked up the phone and called an old friend. This friend was the director of Tuesday nights at the local "Warming Center" in Westland, Michigan. This center allows men and women from the area to come and eat, shower, and sleep during the freezing cold winter months. On a slow night the shelter can attract between 20 and 30 people. I asked my friend if they needed help and he replied with a resounding "Most definitely!"
Once we were able to stretch the tacos a little further than intended (add potatoes to the hamburger meat) I was packed up and ready to go. As I went outside to finish loading up, my neighbor from across the street (14) inquired into what I was about to do. Quickly I encouraged him to ask permission to come with me and he made haste to his house and returned with eagerness and excitement. Not to mention he came equipped with many questi
ons about ministry. He truly has a servants heart!The mission was busy when we arrived and there were some familiar faces I have made acquaintances with before already there. The television was blaring, the food was circling, and the homemade tacos went quickly. Everyone got at least one, and a few, who were able to raise their hands quick enough, got a second taco. They thoroughly enjoyed the hot food and hospitality by all who were helping with the shelter that night.
While my intention to go to the shelter this night was to help feed those who are the "least of these," there is also the intention to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With no idea that this event was going to arise I had little time to prepare a message and had to think quickly on my feet. So little can be said to those in these kinds of situations that can encourage these men and women, and few understand the difference between the true message, and the apostate message that so many of our "local church's" proclaim.
I sat down with what time I had (1 hour) to meditate on the word and the passage of Matthew 19:16-30 to assure that I did not mishandle the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15). That said, I made some brief notes and asked for guidance and wisdom and prayed for the softening of these men's hearts. At once the overwhelming task of preaching the Word to the souls of men intimidated me. I became uneasy, nervous, and began to tremble at the thought of what a great fear it would be to answer for falsely proclaiming the Word of God. My eyes began to well up with tears when I reflected on the privilege that the Lord was allowing of me to preach His Gospel.
After preaching on the passage for about 20 minutes, I began to notice the fidgeting and impatience stirring in the crowd of men. This was a sign that I was ruffling some feathers, and the comments began to flow. While some may not have heard much, others were paying very close attention, even to the point of fixed wonder as the follow-up conversations would soon indicate.
Many of these men had no riches or power of which to forfeit. Nor did they possess anything of any value (in their minds) to surrender and follow after the Lord. What I tried to make clear to them was what was required of those who follow Jesus Christ. The sins they embrace and cater to on a regular basis, the sins that keep them stagnate, and the addictions that bind them to their own self-will are what they possess and need to surrender. Jesus then clarifies the wonder and incredible power of God to do these things for those who are walking in humility and surrender before the Lord.
Then Peter said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
(Mat 19:27-30 NASB)
The reward of forsaking this world, this flesh, and these desires with the power of the Spirit we possess is innumerable. You cannot even for one second begin to believe that the Lord of Glory would not return good on His word!
There are quite a few who received Bibles, tracts, and conversation following the preaching of the Word. Here are some of the names of which you could pray for today, tomorrow, or all week! Please keep them in prayer as the Lord appeared to move in their hearts as they sought answers to many of the questions that arose that night, some stating that they've always thought they were saved, and are learning that they may not be...
- Ben Brown
- John
- Sparrow
- Chad
- Mike Carter
- Tamara
Feb 11, 2008
Feb 6, 2008
Feb 4, 2008
Feb 2, 2008
Prosperity and Persecution Compilation
Listen to this powerful Audio Compilation that compares and contrasts the Christian duty and call to the heresy of the word-faith and prosperity preaching of today's pulpits...
Prosperity and Persecution...
Enjoy...
Prosperity and Persecution...
Enjoy...
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