RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT. RANT.
Sorry... it's been one of those weeks at work.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
We Really Hate Rap Music...normally
But Denita and I cannot help but really LIKE this guy's albums!
Start with "The Long Road Home" and then listen to "Here I Stand".
Reformation Rap.... never thought I would ever hear something like this.
More tracks can be heard here.
If you like, you can pick up "Progression" on iTunes or from Sovereign Grace Ministries. "The Process of the Pardon" can be ordered from Sovereign Grace Ministries as well (no iTunes in this one)
Thanks to Tony Reinke for posting on this!
Start with "The Long Road Home" and then listen to "Here I Stand".
Reformation Rap.... never thought I would ever hear something like this.
More tracks can be heard here.
If you like, you can pick up "Progression" on iTunes or from Sovereign Grace Ministries. "The Process of the Pardon" can be ordered from Sovereign Grace Ministries as well (no iTunes in this one)
Thanks to Tony Reinke for posting on this!
December 21st Update 2
I must ask your pardon. I need a bit more time to get the latest sonogram pictures ready for posting. Until then, I must ask you to wait a little longer to find out if Zane is going to have a baby sister or brother for Christmas.
Family members who already know, please don't spoil the suprise in the comments.
Family members who already know, please don't spoil the suprise in the comments.
Monday, July 21, 2008
December 21st Update
Well, Denita and the squirming one are both doing fine. Everyone passed the genetic screenings without any hiccups so no HUGE needle will have to go anywhere near them.
Denita heads in on August 7th for another sonagram, and we should know if Zane will have a brother or sister then.
Denita's been a trooper. She has had more fatigue issues this time around (having the living room and kitchen on the second floor "helps" a lot), but otherwise is much healthier than she was carrying Zane. She's been safely loosing her excess weight, and has just now passed her original weight before the pregnancy.
I'll post more updates as they come.
Denita heads in on August 7th for another sonagram, and we should know if Zane will have a brother or sister then.
Denita's been a trooper. She has had more fatigue issues this time around (having the living room and kitchen on the second floor "helps" a lot), but otherwise is much healthier than she was carrying Zane. She's been safely loosing her excess weight, and has just now passed her original weight before the pregnancy.
I'll post more updates as they come.
Friday, June 13, 2008
December 21st, 2008
OK, I'll admit it... We are already peeking in the package to look at our Christmas Gift!
The quality is a bit fuzzy since I have still not found the power "brick" to the scanner, so I had to use the Shaky-Cam™ method.
The little one was dancing like the gopher at the end of Caddy Shack. So, until gender is determined, the baby's nickname is "Gopher" or "Scooter" (Muppet Show reference).
Denita and the little one are at the 12-13 week mark and Zane is through the roof with excitement. He insists that the little one is a boy, and will be named Max! Right now the only way he will accept the possibility of a little sister is twins...
Monday, June 09, 2008
The Curious Nature of the Human Ego
or Observations of Fallen Man's Obsession With an Incorrect View of Free Will Fashioned from the Fallacy That Our Choices are Not Affected by the Fall.
Sorry, feeling a bit like a Puritan writer with the title.
Having a Lutheran upbringing with a little Presbyterian thrown in, there are some times when even though my upbringing was not strong in the faith, I find myself in a bit of "culture shock" at the little Baptist church that God has called us to (especially since I find myself agreeing with around 99% of the "reformed" views).
This is a "basic" Baptist congregation, ie.: Not Southern Baptist nor Reformed Baptist. That being the case, there are quite a few people in the church who have a much different view on "free will" and salvation.
With the studying I have been doing, I have to agree wholly with the reformers that we are chosen by God, for His own reasons. The "elect" have no consultation, no choice in conversion. It is all God, changing our stone hearts into hearts of flesh. Being dead in sin before this regeneration, our "free will" knew and wanted nothing of God (for those who have issues with this summary, please study the book of Romans before writing any screeds in the comments).
Now many at our church believe that the "elect" are given a choice, that they have a say-so in their conversion. Where the "culture shock" comes in is the fact that in one breath they say they have a choice in their conversion, and in the next breath, they firmly declare that no one has the power to convert others through teaching or preaching the Word of God, only God can convert someone.
The first time I encountered this, it took every ounce of willpower God would give me to keep my jaw from hitting the floor. Giving God full credit for someone else's conversion but holding onto some amount of control over their own conversion just makes my head hurt.
I take great comfort in God's promises and in the example of Bethlehem Baptist Church (pastored by John Piper) that after ten years of steady work by God, doctrine that was even more jacked up than what is found in our church was corrected.
The Truth cannot be completely snuffed out, for there is no stopping God's plans. We just need to learn to trust, and wait on God.
Sorry, feeling a bit like a Puritan writer with the title.
Having a Lutheran upbringing with a little Presbyterian thrown in, there are some times when even though my upbringing was not strong in the faith, I find myself in a bit of "culture shock" at the little Baptist church that God has called us to (especially since I find myself agreeing with around 99% of the "reformed" views).
This is a "basic" Baptist congregation, ie.: Not Southern Baptist nor Reformed Baptist. That being the case, there are quite a few people in the church who have a much different view on "free will" and salvation.
With the studying I have been doing, I have to agree wholly with the reformers that we are chosen by God, for His own reasons. The "elect" have no consultation, no choice in conversion. It is all God, changing our stone hearts into hearts of flesh. Being dead in sin before this regeneration, our "free will" knew and wanted nothing of God (for those who have issues with this summary, please study the book of Romans before writing any screeds in the comments).
Now many at our church believe that the "elect" are given a choice, that they have a say-so in their conversion. Where the "culture shock" comes in is the fact that in one breath they say they have a choice in their conversion, and in the next breath, they firmly declare that no one has the power to convert others through teaching or preaching the Word of God, only God can convert someone.
The first time I encountered this, it took every ounce of willpower God would give me to keep my jaw from hitting the floor. Giving God full credit for someone else's conversion but holding onto some amount of control over their own conversion just makes my head hurt.
I take great comfort in God's promises and in the example of Bethlehem Baptist Church (pastored by John Piper) that after ten years of steady work by God, doctrine that was even more jacked up than what is found in our church was corrected.
The Truth cannot be completely snuffed out, for there is no stopping God's plans. We just need to learn to trust, and wait on God.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Questions from the Mirror
Christian, do you speak about the Gospel to others because you feel you are required to, or is it because you "cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).
If you do not want to speak of the Gospel to others, than you may wish to examine your heart, for it is not "Good News" to you.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Reading List
Just felt like sharing my current, recent and upcoming reading lists:
Current:
 | What Jesus Demands from the World by John Piper Read more about this book... |
 | A Godward Life: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life by John Piper Read more about this book... |
 | The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul Read more about this book... |
 | Christian Doctrine by Shirley C. Guthrie Read more about this book... |
(I am not enjoying this last one at all. The author claims to be Reformed, but leans too far towards "liberal theology" in some areas when I compare to Scripture. I'm continuing through this one just to keep testing my understanding of Scripture.)
Recent and recommended:
 | Hard to Believe: The High Cost and Infinite Value of Following Jesus by John MacArthur Read more about this book... |
 | The Cross of Christ by John R. W. Stott Read more about this book... |
 | The Truth of the Cross by R. C. Sproul Read more about this book... |
 | Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God by Voddie T. Baucham Jr. Read more about this book... |
 | The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World Read more about this book... |
 | Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist by John Piper Read more about this book... |
 | The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God by John Piper Read more about this book... |
 | Future Grace by John Piper Read more about this book... |
Upcoming reads:
 | Systematic Theology - (3-Volume Set) by Charles Hodge Read more about this book... |
 | The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D. A. Carson Read more about this book... |
| Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (4 volume set) by Kenneth S. Wuest Read more about this book... |
 | The Religious Affections (The Works of Jonathan Edwards) by Jonathan Edwards Read more about this book... |
 | Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin Read more about this book... |
 | Christian Theology, by Millard J. Erickson Read more about this book... |
 | The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations by Michael W. Holmes Read more about this book... |
 | The Bible in Translation: Ancient and English Versions by Bruce M. Metzger Read more about this book... |
Wish List:
 | The Works of Jonathan Edwards by Jonathan Edwards Read more about this book... |
| Spurgeon's Sermons (5 Vol. Set) by Charles Haddon Spurgeon Read more about this book... |
 | Humility: True Greatness by C. J. Mahaney Read more about this book... |
 | Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing by C.J. Mahaney Read more about this book... |
 | Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World by C.J. Mahaney Read more about this book... |
Monday, May 19, 2008
Questions from the Mirror
Christian, what have you done in this world because of Jesus the Christ?
Most people ask this question the wrong way.
Most people ask this question the wrong way.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Questions from the Mirror
Christian, what gives you the right to be arrogant and proud when God lowered Himself to the position of servant?
John 1:9-14
Matthew 20:28 / Mark 10:45
John 13:1-20
Words to learn and understand:
1247 διακονέω [diakoneo /dee·ak·on·eh·o/]
1398 δουλεύω [douleuo /dool·yoo·o/]
3000 λατρεύω [latreuo /lat·ryoo·o/]
5256 ὑπηρετέω [hupereteo /hoop·ay·ret·eh·o/]
Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (G1247). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship.
Fun with JavaScript
Well, more like "Fun with someone else's JavaScript code"
For those of you who are NOT running NoScript, or have cleared WTTF in NoScript you may have noticed a new feature in posts containing scripture links. A little popup window shows up with the scripture reference when you hover your cursor over it (if you allow JavaScripts that is). There is also a little "L" icon after the scripture link that will open the passage in Libronix if you happen to have it installed on your computer.
Example: John 1:1-5
Thanks to the Libronix folks for putting out the Bible Reference Tagger!
For those of you who are NOT running NoScript, or have cleared WTTF in NoScript you may have noticed a new feature in posts containing scripture links. A little popup window shows up with the scripture reference when you hover your cursor over it (if you allow JavaScripts that is). There is also a little "L" icon after the scripture link that will open the passage in Libronix if you happen to have it installed on your computer.
Example: John 1:1-5
Thanks to the Libronix folks for putting out the Bible Reference Tagger!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Ah, non-destructive Linux fun
Being the tech geek that I am, I find myself constantly driving Denita nuts by tinkering with the computers at home.
One of my favorite things to do is mess around with is other O/Ses (Linux being one of my favorite to play with). Unfortunately, Vista does not often play well with dual-booting.
It seems that Micro$oft decided to completely change the boot/MBR files for Vista, making it a pain to setup dual-boots when Vista is already installed. This has seriously limited my tinkering fun... until earlier yesterday.
I ran across a video (bad me, I did not save the link) through Stumbleupon that took me to the Wubi website.
This little gem of a program makes installing Linux about as easy as it gets. You don't have to mess with setting up partitions, Wubi sets up Linux in a virtual drive on your standard Windows drive. You don't get the speed hit you can sometimes get running under virtualization software (such as VMWare) because the virtual drive is accessed at boot by Linux like a regular drive instead of running under Windows. Wubi also sets up a dual-boot menu through Windows so you don't have to even bother with boot loader program like GRUB.
However, Wubi is NOT for those who lack a high-speed internet connection. The install process downloads a Linux install CD-ISO and then quickly sets up the OS for you. The process is many times faster than a standard install from a CD. In fact, you should be up and running in Linux in about ten to fifteen minutes, after the ISO downloads.
You are limited to the Ubuntu flavored distributions however. Several build versions of Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu are available at this time, and it is just a matter of selecting which one you want during installation (and no, for the uber-geek, Wubi does not support simultaneous installs of multiple distros).
In all the time I have kicked around O/Ses, this has to be the smoothest installer I have ever used. All you need is a minimum of about 5 GB of free space on your drive, and you are good to go.
For those of you who have been curious about Linux, but did not want to hassle with setting up partitions, this is a great route to take. Note, that Wubi IS beta software. Be sure to backup anything important before using it.
Also, if you have multiple systems with the same hardware configuration, you can just copy over the virtual drive file and not have to spend any extra time patching and installing beyond the base install. On top of the ease of installation, you can uninstall Linux through the Wubi uninstall program.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Starting a new feature
With all of the changes recently in the TwoDragons household, bloging has been light. There really has not been enough free time to sit and work out a lengthy post. However an idea struck me the other day of short posts I could make, that were relevant to the changes we have been going through.
I'm having a fascinating time digging deeply into the Bible these days and I have been finding myself constantly examining my life and questioning many things within myself and I felt like sharing some of these.
The format I plan on using is a simple question and answer style, similar to a catechism. I know AJ will probably have a field day with some of these.
So without further delay, I give you:
Questions from the Mirror
I found myself asking this recently, "How do you use your soapbox?"
Before my change of heart, I would honestly say that I used it frequently as a perch, from which to stand above others to display my knowledge. I was driven by a desire to make sure that people did not think of me as mentally deficient in any way.
Now that I have begun to understand the truths within the Word of God, I have been trying to put that box to its proper use... to hold supplies I or someone else might need.
I am still quite opinionated, but with God's help, I will learn when my opinions do not matter in the slightest.
I'm having a fascinating time digging deeply into the Bible these days and I have been finding myself constantly examining my life and questioning many things within myself and I felt like sharing some of these.
The format I plan on using is a simple question and answer style, similar to a catechism. I know AJ will probably have a field day with some of these.
So without further delay, I give you:
Questions from the Mirror
I found myself asking this recently, "How do you use your soapbox?"
Before my change of heart, I would honestly say that I used it frequently as a perch, from which to stand above others to display my knowledge. I was driven by a desire to make sure that people did not think of me as mentally deficient in any way.
Now that I have begun to understand the truths within the Word of God, I have been trying to put that box to its proper use... to hold supplies I or someone else might need.
I am still quite opinionated, but with God's help, I will learn when my opinions do not matter in the slightest.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
I'm Geeking Out here!
For those of you who know us, TV is NOT an important part of our lives. In fact we haven't really watched TV since Zane was born.
But I do have a weakness for old TV shows, and I had no idea that CBS had done anything remotely as cool as this online...
Thank you Ars Technica for posting on this!
And now for the Online Resources
My last post bombarded you with the software resources I've been using. Now I think I'll pass on several of the online resources I have been using as well.
- Audio Podcasts
- Ask Pastor John
- Covenant Life Church*
- Desiring God Radio
- Desiring God Sermon Audio
- Let My People Think
- Mars Hill Church Sermon Audio*
- Mars Hill Church: Preaching and Teaching*
- Renewing Your Mind
- Resurgence featured audio*
- Truth for Life Broadcasts*
- The Village Church - Sermon Audio*
- Websites
*denotes iTunes Podcast
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Not Dead, just Reading
Man, I've had to use the "not dead" header too many times around here.
But seriously, I've been spending as much time as possible reading and studying and have not had much "free" time. I wanted to break the silence by sharing some of the programs I have been using to help with my studies, in case any of you might be interested in them.
First off, the freebie e-Sword. This little gem gives you access to many translations of the bible (in several languages), commentaries and lexicon resources. The one drawback is the installation scheme. You have to download and install each resource separately. For users with Windows Vista, prepare to spend a lot of time setting this program up (UAC prompt to start install, install procedure, clearing "did this program install correctly" window for each and every resource installed). Beyond the installation hassle, the interface is rather clean, but I would love an easy way to toggle the display of Strong's Numbers and morphology tags.
Second freebie, the SWORD Project. This one is very similar to e-Sword. In fact the resource list is pretty much identical. The main difference is the install scheme and the program interface. All of the resources can be downloaded and installed manually, or you can use the built-in Install Manager to download the files you want. Makes for an easier install (if your connection to their FTP server does not stall, I have that problem on my connection). The SWORD Project also has versions for several operating systems. My favorite, for its interface, is BibleTime for KDE installs of Linux. The Windows version is a bit sloppy in the interface department in my opinion, but is still usable.
Both of these resources can give you the basics to start looking into more serious studies in the bible, such as examining the original languages. One complaint you might have is the fact that the NIV translation is missing. This is not the fault of the programs, but due to Copyright limitations. You can, however, purchase the NIV for these programs.
Now, if you are wanting to get deeper into studying the bible, there are two main programs that I use, BibleWorks 7 and the Libronix Digital Library System.
BibleWorks gives you a great number of resources in which to study the original language versions of the bible. There are Hebrew and Greek resources available so you can pick apart the original material to your heart's content. One word of warning though. The lexicons included are very good, but they are only abridged versions. If you want the full, unabridged lexicons you will have to purchase them separately.
For taking apart the original texts, BibleWorks shines once you get used to the layout and interface. Its main drawback is the fact that it is really only good for bible analysis. If you want to include more diverse sources for study, you cannot really do this within just the BibleWorks program.
This is where the Libronix Digital Library System shines. The LDLS allows you to use the program as an actual library, combining several diverse sources together for studying. Heading over to the Logos website (Libronix is the software, Logos handles the "books" of the library) you can browse through a large selection of "books". You can buy boxed sets (such as the various Logos 3 products), along with individual books.
The main drawback to going the Logos route is the fact that most of the books cost the same amount as the printed versions. The searchability of these electronic versions is wonderful, but I question the pricing, considering the lack of printing costs. The Logos 3 boxed libraries are a different matter entirely.
The boxed libraries can be a wonderful deal, especially if you are looking to get into deep studies on Christianity. The Scholar's Libraries (standard, silver or gold versions) contain so many books, that you would probably need a loan and a new room added to your house to have all of the printed versions. The Original Languages Library compares well to BibleWorks 7, but has a few more "teach yourself" resources for the extra $100 you will pay for it.
If you are looking into software for in depth biblical study, my advice is to take the time to seriously compare the products out there. If you are just wanting to look into the original texts and compare bible translations, BibleWorks might be the route for you. If you want to build a library over time then Logos might be the way. Both products have their strengths and weaknesses. I personally use all of the software I have mentioned here (but that route can start getting expensive quickly).
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Oh, Let the Games Begin!
Apparently, with my recent change in faith-view, I have uncovered a great love for apologetics. I have been spending most of my available time over the past three months absorbing/devouring as much information about Christianity as possible, and the Holy Bible in particular.
This gift for absorbing information started as a desperate defense to save my family from being ripped apart. I will not go into the full details in this post (details will be forthcoming soon), but it involves a VERY heavy influence from the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
I was forced into a position where I had to become a non-Christian, Christian Apologist. I gave myself a headache just typing that sentence.
I went into deep bible studies with no interest in what was there for myself, it was just to counter the false teachings of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society that were threatening to destroy our family. In the end, while I had no desire to search for God, God and Jesus had chosen me, and I found myself filled with a faith that came not from me. This was the most powerful experience I have ever felt, and it is, as the Apostles stated:
Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
This is why I recently tracked down a copy of one of the most "dangerous" and useful books available when it comes to the project I mentioned in an earlier post.
Today, a book that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society would love for people to just forget that they ever published, was delivered to my mailbox. Within this simple, 1165+ page purple book, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society proves that their own translation of the Holy Scriptures is flawed purposefully mistranslated to further their goals. The book that they would love for the world to forget is The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures. They put out two versions before they realized that there was no way they could re-edit it to the point that their changes to the Greek texts would not be exposed. The first edition was a 500,000 copy run, printed in 1969 (what was delivered today). The text was then revised in 1985 before it was finally pulled from circulation.
For those who do not know what an interlinear translation is, I will let the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society explain what this book is:
"By Way of Explanation" on page 5
In the broad left-hand column of the pages of the main material will be found the original kioné Greek text as revised (in 1881 C.E.) by the renowned Greek scholars B. F. Wescott and F. J. A. Hort, and in between the lines of the Greek will be found the word-for-word English translation. In the slim right-hand column of the page will be found the twentieth-century language translations entitled "New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures," in its latest revision. The word-for-word interlinear translation and the New World Translation are arranged parallel on the page, so that comparisons can be made between the two readings and the accuracy of any modern translation can be determined.
The key phrase here is: so that comparisons can be made between the two readings and the accuracy of any modern translation can be determined.
When you actually compare the word-for-word translations below the Greek text and the NWT, glaring mistranslations/omissions can be seen. While the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society call Wescott and Hort, "renowned Greek scholars", they apparently believe that they are more studious when it comes to Greek, because in several places they felt that the accepted translations from these "renowned Greek scholars" needed to be changed.
Now, you may say that I have a strong bias against the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and will just say what justifies my agenda. I will never claim that I am not biased against the "Society", but I will not state something that I cannot backup with concrete proof. Until I can get our scanner to work, here is a site that can give you a taste of "anomalies" between the original Greek text and the NWT.
--Listening to: Casting Crowns - Lifesong - Set Me Free
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures quotes are from the First Edition Printing, copyright © 1969 by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Used pursuant to the
Thursday, October 18, 2007
I Think I'm About to Vomit
Aren't there laws regarding "contributing to the delinquency of a minor"? Because this really should fall under that category.
More for the Padded Walls
What is Christianity?
Summed up in a very quick sentence, I'd say it is a relationship with God through the teachings of the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth.
Now then, where are the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth found... the Gospel, those series of books and letters that make up what we call the New Testament.
Now, if you are a pastor, claiming to be a Christian, what should you do?
I think the obvious answer is to actually talk about the Gospel, and not distort the message found within.
Unfortunately, there are many pastors out there who claim to be Christian, but distort the message of the Gospel, or do not even talk about it. With their "feel good" message speaking what you "want to hear" versus "what you need to hear", they are slowly but surely eroding the pillars of the Gospel within people. This can be seen in many "mega-churches" these days in the USA and quite frankly, it is disgusting.
The Gospel is not all "flowers and sunshine". There are many passages that state that things will be difficult following the path of the Christ.
The reality is this: truth causes strife. There will always be disagreements between people, and there is no way to please everyone all of the time. In the Christ's own words (from Luke 12:49-53):
Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, a father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.
Disagreements within Christianity are quite common, and can be quite healthy (the last thing we need in this world is a Thoecratic GodBot State running everything). But if you teach that the walk with the Christ is a path that should be without any hardships and struggles, you are setting up a lot of people to start hating God when they hit the wall of disappointment in life. Teaching that a "good life" is a right, due to the sacrifice of the Christ, will ultimately cast more people into darkness than bring them into the light of Jesus.
Let's let a man with a better way with words than I, touch on this subject:
My thanks go out to Mars Hill Church for posting their sermons online to share with others in this world.
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Friday, October 12, 2007
I Really Need a Padded Wall
...because pounding my head against sheetrock is starting to hurt.
As someone new to/returning to the faith (I was raised in a Christian family, but cannot really say that I truly believed until just recently), it grieves my heart to see the diminishment of Scripture in many parts of the Church.
One of these is the current row among Protestants regarding homosexuality.
Before anyone jumps all over me, let me state that I have no right to condemn anyone, and that is not what I am going to do here. I am a sinner along with everyone else in this world.
Exodus 20:1-17 And God spoke all these words, saying,
2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
I, along with anyone who reads this post, have broken many of these commandments in the past. I am no better than anyone else, therefore I cannot condemn anyone, lest I ask for condemnation upon myself (Romans 2:3).
However, without condemning, I can, and should, offer words of correction to fellow Christians who are not following God's commands (Leviticus 19:17-18, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13).
To the split within the Church regarding homosexuality:
Leviticus 20:1 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying
Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
According to Scripture, homosexuality is an abomination to God. However, with Leviticus 19:17-18 and Matthew 22:34-40 stating we cannot hate our brothers, but must love them, we cannot condemn them. But we are sinning if we do not confront them and point out what Scripture says in these regards.
If you allow an unrepentant adulterer, murderer, thief, idolater, etc. into a leadership position in the Church you are not following God's word (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Therefore, if you are following Scripture, an individual who is in an active, homosexual relationship, should be removed from any Church leadership position.
Anyone who unrepentantly disobeys the word of God must be removed from any position of influence in the Church. This is not my decree, but God's.
Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Now, does Matthew 18:15-17 give us the right to just kick the homosexual sinner out of the Church, and wash our hands of them? I say no. It is our duty as Christians to still treat them with kindness and love and preach to them God's word, for is that not what the disciples did to Gentiles and tax collectors?
If you hear anyone profess to be a Christian, but also says they hate someone, know in your heart that person is not a Christian. Because of Sin, humanity cannot be trusted with hate. Hate for us can never be righteous, only evil due to the corrupting nature of Sin. If you feel that you must hate sinners, please do everyone a favor and take a LONG look in the mirror when you get up. There you will find the closest sinner to you to start hating.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
If you find something that you do not like in the Bible, the fault is not with God, it is with you. It is due to something within yourself that you love more than you love the word of God. For if all Scripture is breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), what was an abomination in the beginning, is still an abomination today.
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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