Missional Mondays

It's been a fun couple of weeks for me; stressful at times, but fun, especially looking back.  I just finished a great class called: Jesus and His Mission.  It was VERY insightful and it most assuredly helped me in my studies.  On top of that, Elijah started to crawl, Mary and I saw the move Fireproof twice, and I got to study hard and preach 2 weeks in a row on Hosea .  Again, very busy, but fun.

Amidst this busy schedule, I found that my study in Hosea was very helpful.  Israel was chasing after idols and God was tired of it.  He promised Judgment (read: Assyria) for the nation.  He called out the Priests (Hosea 4:6), the Leaders (Hosea 5:1) and the individual pagans who thought that a piece of wood could help them out (Hosea 4:12).  In fact, things were so bad, that God wanted to destroy them.  But God is loving too.  Hosea has a major theme in the book and it deals with the tension between God's Wrath and God's Love.

Theology is important.  Some people bash those who work hard to study and learn doctrine without the realization that its intended purpose is to change that person so he/she can affect the world.  I'm that type of person.  I love the Scriptures because it points me to my Savior.  The more I study and understand, the more I grow in my passion for the Lord.  This is what God had been showing me, that he desires my heart and the attachment to himself (Hebrew: daath Elohim, which is translated "the knowledge of God" should be translated "attachment to God", which is what the word is trying to say; Hosea 6:6).  It's not enough to just 'know' him, we must KNOW him.

Puritan Sundays

An undressing from his sins and infirmities

(Charles Spurgeon)

"They will go away to eternal punishment, but
 the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:46

There is an essential difference between the death of the
godly--and the death of the ungodly. Death comes to the
ungodly man--as a penal infliction; but to the righteous--
as a summons to his Father's palace! To the sinner--it is
an execution; to the saint--it is an undressing from his
sins and infirmities! Death to the wicked is the King of
terrors. Death to the saint is the end of terrors--the
commencement of glory!

NObama For Me.

This election is important.  Actually, all are important but I think that this one is carrying a lot of weight and no doubt, the World is watching.  We have many issues as a nation, however.  People can't pay their bills.  People are hungry.  People can't get the credit they want for the car that they want.  People are sick of the status quo, sick of the War in Iraq, sick of their tax refunds and "sick of George Bush" (as one person said to me).  So...what are the important issues then?  Obviously people are going to vote because of their personal views on certain issues.  These issues, as it seems, in all facets of media are: Economy, War, Taxes, etc.  No doubt that the economy is on a lot of people's minds, but is that the best reason to elect a president?

I think people should vote on the issues that they agree with most (obviously taking in the issues they disagree with the most; for the betterment of society as a whole-not some personal agenda).  For example, there are some things about Obama that I like.  The biggest thing I like about Obama is his age.  He's young and seems to have a good grip on the current social trends (if you send out a text message to announce your VP, you are up with the times in my opinion).  I think that McCain is having to surround himself with younger people too (Palin, and others) so he can stay up on this stuff.  I myself am a younger individual, called to be a Pastor in God's Church, and don't want to be counted out of anything simply because of my age.  Sure I might make mistakes, but that is part of the learning process (not to insinuate that the Presidency is totally equivalent to a Pastoral ministry, but you get my point).

But this leads me to my major beef with Democrats, Liberals and Obama.  Abortion.  I hear people all of the time say to me: "you can't just vote on one issue" or something like that.  Guess what?  I'm not just voting on one issue.  I'm taking into account that if someone does not stand for the LIFE of the Unborn, he/she is automatically disqualified for public office.  We can argue all day about which tax system works the best, what strategy in Iraq would be best, and what to do with terrorism.  But if you can't get the Life issue right, I am unwilling to give you my vote or even consider you for any position in leadership.  Since Obama is "for women's rights" and not "for the rights of the unborn", he is automatically disqualified from becoming President.  Which means that I vote McCain (who is for women's rights, just with a little more conservative twist to what that means) because he's the only other option and it just so happens that he is Pro-Life (and I agree with small government values, etc.).  I'm a Bible-Believing, Jesus-Worshiping, Christian who is going to vote this year, not with my heart (Jeremiah 17:9), but with my Bible.  Paul in Romans 13:1-7 talks about the governing authorities.  He argues that they are there to protect the people.  Are not the unborn people too? Is this not a moral issue like Slavery was?  Answer: Yes they are people and yes it is a moral issue like Slavery.

This leads me again to another point.  Liberals will say: My religious views believe that life starts at conception, but I can't force my views on other people.  Okay, let's run with that argument and see where it goes:

I think that rape is wrong, but I wouldn't want to force my views on this sensitive issue.  We should allow a man to use his body however he wants because he should have that choice.

I think that Slavery is wrong, but again, why would I force my views on someone?  We should allow people to choose whom they want to be a slave and give them every right to do to him/her whatever he/she feels like doing because again, we wouldn't want to impose our views on others.

I think that child pornography is wrong, but again, we don't know (Scientifically) when a child really is a child and shouldn't force our views on others because they should have the right to do whatever they want.

Do you catch the absurdity in this postmodern thinking?  We're playing with absolutes here.  We're taking objective truths and compromising (i.e, 'being tolerant') so that we either 1) don't offend someone, or 2) don't force our religious views on others.

Question Mr./Mrs. Evangelical: Is this the type of person that you want ruining running your country?  Someone who won't stand up for anything biblical, calls himself a Christian, yet belly-ups on these moral issues?  If he can't get this issue right, then what other issues can't he get right?  I don't know how we can say that abortion is not an issue to be concerned about.  I've heard people say: "Well how can you be against abortion but for the war in Iraq"?  That's a logical fallacy for starters.  Second, let's not confuse the issues.  When we start comparing Abortion to other things, we rabbit trail the argument and go off in another tangent.  Abortion is clearly wrong and should not be tolerated.  The Roman Empire was doing it and look what happened to it.

It's time that America gets back its moral compass.  Nobody liked slavery, but all of the sudden we're okay with abortion?  I don't buy it and I certainly don't buy a candidate who says that he is a Christian but won't grow a pair and say that abortion is wrong (pardon the euphemism).  I'm not saying that McCain is on-fire for Jesus (to use some not-so-biblically-informed-evangelical-language).  But the life of the unborn is more important than the economy and again, if you can't get that right, you don't deserve to lead our country.

John Piper's New Jacket

America's (Former) God.

Alabama 1901, Preamble We the   people of the State of Alabama , invoking  the favor and  guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the  following Constitution. 

Alaska  1956, Preamble  We, the  people of Alaska , grateful  to God and to those who  founded our nation and pioneered this great  land.   

Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the   people of the State of Arizona , grateful  to Almighty God  for our liberties, do ordain this  Constitution... 

Arkansas 1874, Preamble  .  We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful  to  Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government... 

California  1879, Preamble  We, the  People of the State of California , grateful  to  Almighty God for our freedom... 

Colorado   1876, Preamble We, the  people of Colorado , with  profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of  Universe...

Connecticut  1818, Preamble.   The  People & Connecticut , acknowledging with gratitude the good   Providence of God  in permitting them to enjoy. 

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through  Divine  Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and   serving their Creator according to the dictates of their  consciences.

Florida  1885, Preamble We,  the  people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty  God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia  1777, Preamble We,  the  people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of  Almighty God, do ordain and establish  this Constitution...   

Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the   people of Hawaii , Grateful  for Divine Guidance ...  Establish this Constitution. 

Idaho 1889,  Preamble We, the  people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its  blessings.  

Illinois  1870, Preamble We, the   people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to  enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our  endeavors. 

Indiana  1851, Preamble We the  People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of  government. 

Iowa   1857, Preamble We, the  People of the State of  Iowa, grateful  to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our  dependence on Him for a continuation of  these blessings, establish this  Constitution. 

Kansas 1859, Preamble We,the  people of   Kansas , grateful  to Almighty God for our civil and religious  privileges establish this Constitution. 

Kentucky   1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are  grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious  liberties... 

Louisiana 1921, Preamble  . We, the  people of the State of Louisiana , grateful  to Almighty God for the civil, political  and religious liberties we  enjoy. 

Maine   1820, Preamble We the  People of Maine  acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the  Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity . And   imploring His aid and direction. 

Maryland   1776, Preamble   We, the  people of the state of Maryland , grateful  to Almighty God for our civil and  religious liberty...

Massachusetts  1780,  Preamble We the  people of Massachusetts,   acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great  Legislator  of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction . 

Michigan  1908, Preamble We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful  to Almighty God  for the blessings of freedom establish this Constittion.  

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the   people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil  and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate  its blessings:   

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the   people of Mississippi in  convention assembled, grateful to  Almighty God, and invoking His  blessing on our work.  

Missouri  1845, Preamble We, the   people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme  Ruler of the Universe, and grateful  for His goodness . Establish  this Constitution...   

Montana   1889, Preamble. We, the  people of Montana ,  grateful  to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution .. 

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the  people,  grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this  Constitution. 

Nevada 1864, Preamble We  the  people of the State of Nevada , grateful  to Almighty  God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...     

New  Hampshire  1792, Part  I.   Art. I. Sec. V Every  individual has a natural and  unalienabe right to worshp God according to the dictates of his own conscience. 

New  Jersey   1 844, Preamble We, the  people of the State of New  Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty  which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and  looking to Him  for a blessing on our endeavors. 

New  Mexico  1911, Preamble We, the  People of New Mexico, grateful to  lmighty God for te blessings of liberty.. 

New   York 1846, Preamble We, the  people of the State of   New  York , grateful  to Almighty God for our freedom, in  order to secure its  blessings. 

North   Carolina  1868, Preamble   We the  people of the  State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler  of Nations, for our civil, political, and rligious  libeties,  and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of  those... 

North  Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the   people of North Dakota , grateful  to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...   

Ohio  1852, Preamble We the   people of the state of Ohio , grateful  to Almighty God for  our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote  our  common... 

Oklahoma  1907, Preamble Invoking   the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this 

Oregon 1857,  Bill of Rights,  Article  I  Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according  to the dictates of their consciences 

Pennsylvania  1776, Preamble We, the   people of Pennsylvania , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of  civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking  His  guidance... 

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the  People of the State  of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy,  and looking  to Him for a blessing... 

South  Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the  people of he  State of South  Carolina grateful to  God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this  Constitution. 

South Dakota  1889, Preamble We, the  people of   South Dakota , grateful  to Almighty God for our civil and  religious liberties .. 

Tennessee  1796, Art.  XI.III. That all  men have a natural and indefeasible  right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their   conscience... 

Texas  1845, Preamble We  the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with  gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.   

Utah  1896, Preamble Grateful  to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this  Constitution. 

Vermont 1777,  Preamble Whereas  all government ought to enable the  individuals who compose it to enjoy  their natural rights, and  other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man .   

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights,  XVI Religion,  or the Duty which we owe our Creator can  be directed only by Reason and  that it is the mutual duty of all  to practice Christian Forbearance,  Love and Charity towards each  other 
Washington 1889, Preamble We the  People  of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the  Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution   

West Virginia  1872,  Preamble Since  through Divine Providence we enjoy the  blessings of civil, political and  reliious liberty, we, the &nbs;people of West Virginia reaffirm  our faith in and constant reliance upon God .... 

Wisconsin  1848, Preamble  We, the  people of Wisconsin , grateful  to Almighty God for  our freedom, domestic tranquility... 

Wyoming 1890, Preamble   We, he people of the State of Wyoming , grateful  to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish  this Constitution. 




And America doesn't have Christian roots...

Missional Mondays

There is an ever growing concern amongst American citizens with the state of our economy.  I know nothing about the Stock Market or Wall Street, but I do know of the corruption that has taken place.  I went off about it before.  But what can we really do about it?  Our society, being the 'service' society that it is, functions on people buying and selling at a certain rate in order to keep up with jobs and profit gain.  It's really sad that all of this money is going to go to feed this demand.  I understand completely the reason why the Government is doing this (they pretty much have to at this point) but I wonder if God doesn't think of America the same way he thought of Israel.  Israel had walked away from the covenant (Hosea 2:13).  They had forgotten about God and the grandeur of the Exile.  As a nation they strayed away from what God was trying to do for them.  Is America going in the same direction?  Most assuredly, American history is scarred with things like Slavery , Oppression of Women, etc., but what is happening with issues like Abortion , Gay Marriage and the like?  Are these not moral issues too?

I'm aware that I would be a terrible theologian if I didn't clarify the fact that God had a specific covenantal relationship with Israel (not the USA) that served its purpose until the coming of our Lord Jesus.  But I think that some of the principles still apply.  Nevertheless, I preached yesterday from Hosea 1-3 and pulled out some of these ideas.  Below is the sermon.

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Puritan Sundays

How can we learn contentment? 

(J. R. Miller, "The Hidden Life" 1895)

"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Philippians 4:11

How can we learn contentment? 

One step toward contentment, is patient submission to unavoidable ills and hardships. No earthly lot is perfect. No mortal ever yet in this world, has found a set of circumstances without some drawback. There are . . .
  trials which we cannot change into blessings,
  burdens which we cannot lay down,
  crosses which we must continue to carry,
  thorns in the flesh which must remain with their rankling pain.
When we have such trials, why should we not sweetly accept them as part of God's best way with us?

Discontent never made . . .
  a rough path smoother,
  a heavy burden lighter,
  a bitter cup less bitter,
  a dark way brighter,
  a sore sorrow less sore.
It only makes matters worse! One who accepts with patience, that which he cannot change--has learned one secret of victorious living.

Another part of the lesson, is that we can learn to moderate our desires. "Having food and clothing," says Paul again, "let us be content with these." Very much of our discontent arises from envy of those who seem to be more favored than ourselves. Many people lose most of the comfort out of their own lot--in coveting the finer, more luxurious things which some neighbor has. Yet if they knew the whole story of the life they envy for its greater prosperity, they probably would not exchange for it their own lowlier life, with its more humble circumstances. Or if they could make the exchange, it is not likely they would find half so much real happiness in the other position, as they would have enjoyed in their own.

Contentment does not dwell so often in palaces--as in the homes of the humble. The tall peaks rise higher, and are more conspicuous--but the winds smite them more fiercely than they do the quiet valleys. And surely, the lot in life which God makes for us--is always the best which could be made for us for the time. He knows better than we do--what our true needs are.

The real cause of our discontent is not in our circumstances; if it were, a change of circumstances might cure it. It is inourselves, and wherever we go--we shall carry our discontent heart with us. The only cure which will affect anything--must be the curing of the fever of discontent in us.

A fine secret of contentment, lies in finding and extracting all the pleasure we can get from the things we have--the common, everyday things; while we enter upon no mad, vain chase after impossible dreams. In whatever state we are in--we may find therein enough for our need.

No earthly misfortune can touch the wealth which a Christian holds in the divine promises and hopes. Just in the measure, therefore, in which we learn to live for spiritual and unseen eternal realities--do we find contentment amid earth's trials and losses. If we would live to please God, to build up Christlike character in ourselves, and to lay up treasure in heaven--we shall not depend for happiness, on the way things go with us here on earth, nor on the measure of temporal goods we have. The earthly desires are crowded out by the higher and spiritual desires. We can do withoutchildhood's toys--when we have manhood's better possessions. We desire the toys of this world less--as we get more of God and heaven into our hearts.

Paul knew this secret. He cheerfully gave up all that this world had for him. Money had no power over him. He knew how to live in plenty; but he did not fret when poverty came instead. He was content in any trial, because earth meant so little--and Christ meant so much to him. He did not need the things he did not have. He was not made poor by the things he lost. He was not vexed by the sufferings he had to endure, because the sources of his life were in heaven--and could not be touched by earthly experiences of pain or loss.

Idolaters.

Didn't Paul say something about something like this about something in Romans????  Ah yes, Romans 1:25

WOW.

To the Next President:

I think this speech might shake some people up a bit...why don't you give it?

'My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has been completed.

Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short . The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. THEN EVERY YEAR THERE AFTER IT'll GO TO OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SO IT WONT GO BROKE IN 20 YEARS.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine ? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe China.

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia . Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. Its president and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple of extra thousand tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put 'em? Yep, border security.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska- which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, 'darn tootin.'

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America . It is time to eliminate homelessness in America .

To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thank you guys. We owe you, and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.

God bless America .. Thank you and good night.'

Okay, so maybe it's not exactly the best idea, but the underlying principles are accurate.

Election Day:

I'm not of the Catholic persuasion, but this video speaks some truth.  I'd say that you ought to "vote with Scripture and conscience", rather than just "conscience", but I get the point.  Here she is: