All System's GO!!!!!!

You know what? I have a hard time thinking that theology has been reduced to something more then what logical people do for a hobby. I mean theology is defined as the study of God. At what point did this become just a hobby?

Now I am in no way saying every lay Christian needs to be able to flesh out a doctoral dissertation. But why does it seem that the thirst for the knowledge of God has been replaced with the thirst of the Reader's Digest version of all things relating to God, Scripture, Christianity?

Paul even charges the church at Rome to continue to transform themselves by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2). This comes at a point where Paul is clearly showing our humanly response to the doctrine, or Gospel, he has spent laying down in the previous 11 chapters.

I guess more then anything this is just me verbalizing my thought process. I am not saying we all need to be reduced to seminary students, or that we all need to be the same in how we renew our minds. I guess I would just love to see the all encompassing sufficiency of scripture become publicly elevated. I love my bible and I see God, throughout history move mightily when scripture is elevated to exalt Him.

Anyways, I guess all I wanted to say today is that I love scripture and I love Jesus.

Also, click on the title, it's a link to an article.

The "MAN" always trying to keep the Church Down....NOT THIS TIME!!!!!


NFL OKs churches showing Super Bowl on big screens

The NFL will allow church groups to show the Super Bowl on large-screen televisions, reversing a policy that drew criticism from elected officials.

In a letter to U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league will no longer object to "live showings -- regardless of screen size -- of the Super Bowl" by religious organizations, The Washington Post reported.


An earlier story in The Post about church groups canceling Super Bowl parties over fear of legal action by the NFL led to protest by some lawmakers and conservative leaders.


At the center of the issue is an NFL policy which holds that organizations showing public viewings of its games on televisions larger than 55 inches violate the league's copyright. Sports bars are exempt from the policy, but last year, the NFL sent letters to two church groups, advising them of the rule, according to The Post.


In its letter to Hatch, the NFL said it would not object to big-screen viewings in churches as long as they are free and held on premises that the church uses on a "routine and customary" basis, according to the report.


Hatch said in a prepared statement that he was grateful that the NFL made the exception.


"Many families want to enjoy the Super Bowl in a group atmosphere -- but obviously aren't going to take their kids to a sports bar," he said, according to The Post.


Steve Holley, executive pastor of Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Va., which canceled its big-screen Super Bowl party this year over the policy, was also pleased by the change.


"[The NFL] decided to set aside profit for community spirit," Holley said, according to The Post. "I'm encouraged by that."

source/ http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3256621

The Missional Leader
How does a leader prepare to redirect a church toward its mission in the world?
by Chad Hall, Leadership correspondent


In his role as super spy Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise portrays an agent willing to face incredible odds and unbelievable danger in order to accomplish a "mission: impossible." Church leaders face assignments just as tough: to lead congregations to serve Christ in a changing and sometimes hostile world.

The word for this ministry challenge is missional. How does a church become missional? And for leaders, is moving a consumer church to become missional, in itself, a mission: impossible?

http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2008/cln80128.html

The Gospel: gone in 3 generations!


It’s funny, being a youth pastor and seeing the statistics of teenagers that leave the church, and the faith for that matter, I am constantly thinking about the generation I have been entrusted to teach, lead and guide. I have heard so much about Deuteronomy 6 and how it is the Christian family that has the responsibility to disciple the next generation; which I totally agree with whole heartedly. But with the divorce rate being 50% plus even within the church, it makes me wonder about the kids that are out their that don’t have that family in place to disciple them!

Are we to just limit the things of Deuteronomy 6 to kids that actually have a father and mother that still live together? If that is the case; what about the over 50% of kids that are lost and have no family structure to show them the way? How do we go about equipping the next generation of kids that have no model to follow within the "Christian Family?"

I’ve heard a preacher say that it only takes 3 generations to forget about Jesus. The first generation gets it, the second, hears it but wants something more practical, and the third generation forgets it and wants something completely different.

This is the thing that keeps me up at night!!! Not only do I think and pray about my kids. I also pray about my kids children. I now start to pray for my kids children's kids, if that makes sense!?! I heard that the great theologian Jonathan Edwards used to pray for the next 5 generations of his family. WOW!

I guess what I am trying to figure out is, how do we equip the 50%+ of kids who have no parents to disciple them, as well as the kids that don’t even come from Christian homes! Who’s responsible for teaching that part of the next generation? It’s easy to sit here and say that Christian families need to follow the Deuteronomy 6 framework. But, as the statistics show, that scenario or situation is not only the minority as a whole, but even a smaller sliver of what we are dealing with in the context of the church. Which, is just a whole other problem in and of itself! We really need to target the young men (I mean the guys in their 20's who are out of college, starting a career who define themselves as successfull by a bank account and adding to a list of sexual conquests) who think that woman are just nothing but objects and "dumpsters" for pleasure. I will definitely address this soon!!!!!

Again, I agree that it is the parents responsibility to disciple their kids. If you consider yourself a Christ follower, this is your responsibility. But that is only a part of what we are dealing with if we are talking about the next generation. It starts within the Christian family but it doesn’t end there. Especially, if we want to teach, lead, guide and equip the future generations with the RIGHT AND ONLY GOSPEL MESSAGE!!! JESUS CHRIST DIED IN OUR PLACE AND TOOK THE WRATH OF GOD INSTEAD OF US SO THAT WHEN GOD LOOKS AT US HE SEES NOTHING BUT JESUS (Gal 4:1-7, 1 Tim 1:15, Heb 12:2)

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO. THIS IS WHAT THE NEXT GENERATION IS:

http://www.revelationstudios.com/portfolio/all/1.html

Not a Safe Band
By Jackie A. Chapman
posted 01/28/08

For many, the term "Christian heavy metal band" is something of a paradox, even after years of Petra, Stryper, and other bands as evidence to the contrary. Still, some feel that Demon Hunter appears scarier than most, from their symbolic skull on the album covers to their hardcore metal sound with guttural screams. And yet ironically, few metal bands have made as much an effort to vary their sound and make hardcore metal more musical, or taken as much to explain what the band is about—meeting young listeners where they are to share the love of Christ. Lead singer and songwriter Ryan Clark explains the thinking that went into the making of Demon Hunter's latest record, Storm the Gates of Hell.


http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2008/demonhunter-0108.html

Christian Politics

Well as we are in an election year I have been thinking a lot about the landscape of politics and especially how the “Christian Community” views it. When I say thinking a lot, I mean I have been hearing and watching what people think about candidates, policies, etc. There seems to be this trend with Christians and who and how they vote.

It’s funny because I think we Christians have this default mechanism that just votes for everything that they perceive is “Christian.” We think that this is our duty and not doing that is some how bad or “Un” Christian.

I was listening to a radio show by a Christian guy I listen to a lot. I think he brought up a valid point. We, or most people, would be the first to jump up and point the finger or argue that it is un intelligent and off base to vote for someone like Hillary just because she is a woman; or Obama just because he is black. So, why couldn’t those same people point at us Christians and say the same thing?

See, I think this “default” mechanism in us “Christians” is something that points to something deeper then just politics or how we vote. I think it is a direct product of the “Consumer” mentality that exists amongst the Christians in the Western world.

See, if you don’t know what a “Consumer Christian” is, it is the Christian that thinks the church exists for them and their comfort. That somehow following Christ is just showing up to church on Sunday, maybe attending a mid week service and throwing a check in the offering every so often. Essentially, it is living vicariously thorough other people doing what God commands and they some how are the same because they go to the same church.

Ultimately, what I have noticed is, just voting for the Christian candidate is the “Consumer” way of evangelism. Somehow if we elect Christian officials and they make Christianity law, that Atheists and the like will have to become Christian because it is law. Or, if Christianity is law, that somehow validates what they believe, therefore not having to defend or fight for what they believe; or simply making defense of the faith as easy as “ well a law was just passed…”

Now I am in no way saying you should vote for someone who isn’t Christian so you don’t become part of this problem. I think the issue is your motive. Thinking that a change of laws will somehow make people believe in God and His goodness or point people to Jesus are unbiblical. Before Jesus ascended into heaven he said ”go, and make disciples of all nations..” Not vote, and have other people make law that the things of me be followed. That was tried once and obviously God had to send His son to fulfill it.

Maybe this is just an incoherent rant, but ultimately what I am trying to say is, it takes a change of heart, not a change of laws that points people to the one true and glorious thing that is. Jesus Christ!

Thoughts on Hebrews

Hebrews Chapter 3

I am hoping these blogs find you well. This was born out of my personal thoughts and study on these chapters. So what I hope is that you actually read the chapters along with this blog.

"Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor then Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor then the house itself."
Hebrews 3:3

The greatest thing about the book of Hebrews is how the author unpacks the gospel and give so much praise and reverence in defneding the power and greatness of God and Jesus Christ. It really is something that brings me into a greater understanding of how great our God is, as well as our Redeemer.

On to my thoughts on this chapter:

All of us, jew and gentile alike, should fix our eyes on Jesus. Moses was faithful, just like many others in the faith. But he,like the many, were faithful as servents. Christ, who is God,is faithful as a son. Therefore, having and deserving greater honor.

Disobedience and unbelief will keep us from the promises of our one true living God. Just like Israel under Moses, who heard God's promise concerning Canaan, they refused to believe it. This act is described as rebellion(v.16), sin(v.17) and disobedience(v.18). The consequence of this action? God,in His anger, closed the doors of Canaan in the face of that whole generation of Israelites (Nu 14:21-35)

Why do we question the things of God? Obviously here is an example of a people who hear God's promise, see miricles,signs and wonders. Yet they refuse to believe and complain the whole entire time. After awhile God is so angered, and finished with them, that he closes the door on the promise He made and gave them over to themselves.

When I concentrate on the things I don't see God doing it 1) shows my disbelief. Why don't I believe that God want's what's good for me?(Ro 8:28). 2) shows my disobedience. When I think God ISN'T doing what He promised, I tend to take over and go about things how I see fit. And 3) is a subtle form of idolitry. When I focus on what God isn't doing I refuse to give Him thanks for what He has and is doing. Therefore I am concentrating on where I precieve God isn't.

I need to rest and be confident in God and His promises and most certainly the gospel. I don't know my direction, path and well being more then my God and Creator!

Untill next time.

"Praise your name oh Lord. Praise you name higher than the heavens and the earth, which are nothing but a speck in your righeous and gracious hand."

Thoughts on Hebrews



Chapter 2




"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." Hebrews 2:1



As the author is clearly speaking to the newly converted Jews, he begins with a cautious and careful warning. The author spends all of chapter 1 making clear the case that Christ was above angels and that angels are subject to him.

If the law, which was given by an angel through Moses was real and lasting and brought certain punishment for any violation or dissobedience. How much greater will the punishment be if we ignore the gospel, which was given by the Lord and confirmed by witnesses?(vs. 2-3) God also confirmed this message through signs, wonders, miracles and gifts.(v.4) If we live by the law alone, and place creedence in our actions and fail. We deserve Punishment.We reap a consequence. But if we refuse to hear and live the gospel, which was given and confirmed by God, we deserve the ultimate punishment. We reap an eternal consequence.


Just because Christ was made lower then angels for a time, does not diminsh the gospel or new revelation. It does not make the law greater because it was given through an angel. Christ came to restore humanity's dominion over earth. (As Adam sent us into bondage, Christ came to free us, cr. Romans 5:12-21) Jesus, although he was lower for a time, is now crowned with glory and honor at God's right hand, which makes the gospel that much greater then the law. Which makes it possible for Jesus, through his death, to save all humanity.


God sending His son, making him flesh & bone, shared our humanity (v.14) to live perfect and destroy the death,slavery,bondage of evil, the devil and this world. He was made like us, faced temptation to help us, and became "High Priest" (like Moses) to atone for our transgressions. He didn't stay celestial to save angels, but he became merciful and faithful in His service to the Father.

"You made him a little lower then the heavenly beings and crowned Him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under His feet:" Psalm 8:5-6




"My king, my ruler...my Father. Praise you for your love, praise you for your Son. Thank you for adopting me into Your family!"

Thoughts on Hebrews

Chapter 1

"In the beginning,O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands." Hebrews 1:10

I have been going through the book of Hebrews and I am finding that it is a very masterful and powerful book. The author displays greatly the power and majesty of the gospel.

The superiority of God through His son is demonstrated by seven descriptive statements:
1)"appointed heirs of all things," ( cr. Romans 8:17) Christ,having performed the work of redemption, was righteously and gloriously exalted to the posistion of firstborn heir of God(the inheritence of God's estate)

2)"through whom he made the universe." (cr. John 1:3) All things were made through Christ. Nothing was made without Him or apart from Him.

3)"The Son is the radience of God's glory." (cr. John 1:14) The brilliance of the sun is inseparable from the sun itself. The Son's brilliance is inseparable to or from diety. He himself is God!

4)"exact representation of his being." (cr. Romans 9:5) Jesus Christ is not just an image or reflection of God, the Son Himself is God. An authentic representation of God's being.

5)"sustaining all things by his powerful word." (cr. Col 1:17) The Son dynamically and righteously, as only He can do, holds everything together that has been created through Him.

6)"provided purification for sins." (cr. Titus 2:14) Through His redeeming death on the cross.

7)"Sat down at the right hand of the majesty in heaven." Christ is actively ruling with God as Lord over all!!!!

Jesus Christ was superior to all angels.Therefore,however great,awesome, and powerful they themselves are portrayed in the eyes of man. No angel could lay claim to his inhertited name.

The author then usues examples in the OT showing 3 things:
1) That He is God's Son (Ps. 2:7, 2 Sam 7:14)

2) He is worshiped by angels (Ps 104:4, Ps. 45:6-7)

3) Though Christ is God, He is distinguished from thr Father ( Ps. 110:1)

What is absolutely amazing and mind blowing is we see how much God loved His Son Jesus, and how great God is for giving us His son. As well as how amazing Christ is for his atoning death. As Paul says in Gal 3:29, if we are Christ follower's, then we are heirs with Christ! This has nothing to do with anything we are or do, but everything to do with God and His righteousness imputed to us by faith (Romans 4:13)

Be encouraged Brothers and Sisters in Christ

"Praise be to the most righeous Father and Creator"

Joel Osteen and the Glory Story: A Case Study

Michael S. Horton, Ph.D.

"Name it, claim it"; the "health-and-wealth" or "prosperity gospel" : these are nicknames for a heresy that in many respects is only an extreme version of perhaps the most typical focus of American Christianity today more generally. Basically, God is there for you and your happiness. He has some rules and principles for getting what you want out of life and if you follow them, you can have what you want. Just “declare it” and prosperity will come to you. God as Personal Shopper.

Although explicit proponents of the so-called “prosperity gospel” may be fewer than their influence suggests, its big names and best-selling authors (T. D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, and Joyce Meyer) are purveyors of a pagan worldview with a peculiarly American flavor. It’s basically what the sixteenth century German monk turned church reformer Martin Luther called the “theology of glory”: How can I climb the ladder and attain the glory here and now that God has actually promised for us after a life of suffering? The contrast is the “theology of the cross”: the story of God’s merciful descent to us, at great personal cost, a message that the Apostle Paul acknowledged was offensive and “foolish to Greeks.”

For the rest of this essay:

http://www.wscal.edu/faculty/wscwritings/horton.osteen/glorystory.php