Rhyme and Reason...

...or a Reason to Rhyme?

The Question; Why Christ in Christmas? To understand the answer to the question we need to know who Christ is, why He came, and what He did. (All of that is shoved into this image.) After that Christmas makes sense, but without those points confusion comes in waves.

So the image shows three things; first it shows a tree on the left, which symbolizes the fall of man and the introduction of sin into human history. From this point on in all of humanity (each and every person) is morally misshapen and often morally bankrupt. God made a covenant (an agreement or sorts) with mankind that sins can be atoned for by shedding animal blood as sacrifice. This is because sin must be paid for with death…that is its cost. So God allowed man to sacrifice animals, symbolically transferring the sin to the animal and paying the price of sin with their death. This was a lesser covenant by comparison with what was prophesized about the coming savior.

The baby in the middle is the one called Jesus "the Christ" (anointed one) who is mankind’s Savior from ourselves. He is the fulfillment of law and the embodiment of what God wants to communicate to us. He is God, but has subjugated himself; yielding all Godly power and ability to be like man and walk with man. He is a baby born by miraculous events who grew up blameless and following God's will until such a time when He began to teach others the same. He taught for roughly 3 years until He was willingly nailed to a cross and killed as a pure sacrifice.

Which leads us to the cross image on the right; the Son of God who came to earth as a child to (among other wonderful things) create a new covenant between God and man. God saw that mankind was misusing the old covenant and that something new must be done. Since Christ lived a sinless life (the only one to ever) when He became a sacrifice for the sins of man a new covenant was made. The old covenant between man and God had it so that man had to shed the blood of animals to atone for sin, but now through Jesus’ life and actions man has no need to shed blood again, ever. The new covenant has it so that Jesus one time shedding of blood and His death was enough for all of mankind so long as you accepted the covenant and followed in faith and love.

So now an offer has been extended and while my explanation may seem gruesome at points it is just a very straightforward description. The point is that God has made every acceptable effort to reclaim us; we only need to Believe in Jesus and Repent of our sinful ways and Seek God with our hearts and minds, our sins are forgotten and we have new (eternal) life. If you didn't know, now you do and if you'd like to talk about it email me at dbair@skellyloy.com or contact me through "comments".

This is why Christ is in Christmas, it is not a vain or hollow tradition (it's not supposed to be), but instead it is meant to be a celebration of the complete revelation of God to man and the salvation given freely to mankind.

Have a Merry and Christ-filled Christmas!

(This will be the last post until the New Year.)

Starligh Star-bright

(Brought on by an article from AiG and a neat desktop "wallpaper".)

*For a downloadable desktop image click the links below.
800x600 - 1024x 768 - 1600x1200

That Christmas long ago the sky was shining with beams of brilliance from the angels proclaiming something extraordinary and a special star lit the early morning sky. On that first Christmas morning the Creator of the world had now come to join the history of the world as a baby. That which was promised and prophesized many times over even so long as 6,000 years ago, the birth of the Savior of mankind had finally come!

As you appreciate the twinkling lights on these December nights (assuming we can see them through the clouds and light pollution), let them remind you of that time and those events. It can and will be fast paced these coming weeks, but don't miss out on the real light in human history, Jesus the Christ, our Savior and King.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (John 8:12; Matt. 5:16)

Random Thoughts (#207)

A few articles and cartoons this past year have me thinking about Christmas a little different than normal. Above is a cartoon from AiG that is comical and relatable to many of us as it seems that their is at least one person in each town that over-does-it with the Christmas decorations. We may “ooo” and “ahhh” or we could giggle at the gaudy looking lights and statues. But it prompts me to question what kind of preparation am I (are we) making for Christmas on the inside. Scripture tells us that our bodies are a temple for the Lord and that the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, which is true on many levels. If we could look inside ourselves at where we are inviting Christ and the Holy Spirit what would we see?

Would we see a building full to the brim of garbage, stinking festering? Would we see an empty building dressed up in lights and decoration? Would we see pristine living conditions and yet a locked room or two? Or would we see a place that is warm, well lit, and open; a clean place where shadows are fleeting?

This Christmas many have or will dress up their homes, nothing wrong with that, but while you drive by them or while you put up your own consider these things. Are you dressing up and cleaning out the temple? We all know that so many people only bother to dress up the outside of their "temples", but God is far more concerned with the inward things and He wants a place to celebrate and be celebrated this Christmas season.

Holiday Quiz Time

Being that it is the Holiday season, I thought I'd share this mini-quiz with you all. It comes from an article (AiG) and the answers can be found there (at the bottom) or you can message me. I thought this would be worth posting because of the noticeable loss of history over tradition. (They do share a common bond, but no they are not the same.) In large part we seem to have forgotten the history of the traditions like where traditions came from and consequently why we continue them. Then, having forgotten the true reasons we have replaced the meaning of these traditions with celebrations of various other things. St. Patrick's Day has become about drinking and the color green, but that is not its true origin or intention. The questions below are not nearly encompassing, but they are interesting and the average person is unaware of them.

Holiday Quiz: "How well do you know the history behind some of the holidays?"
1. What meats made up the Thanksgiving meal of the Pilgrims?
2. Why do we give candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween?
3. Why is the day after Thanksgiving called Black Friday?
4. Why is the shamrock associated with St. Patrick’s Day?
5. What prominent Christian event occurred October 31, 1517?
6. Why is the poinsettia associated with Christmas?
7. Why do we celebrate Easter with eggs and a bunny?
8. Why does Santa Claus wear red?
9. Who really was St. Nicholas?
10. Bonus: True or False; A star led three wise men to the stable to see Jesus.

To quote from the article; "During the coming holidays, will your focus be on barcodes or Bethlehem? On the risen Savior or a chocolate bunny?" It is a good point I think, but first we need to know the why of the celebration don't we? What good is the celebration if we don't know what we are celebrating? Sure we have a focus, but is that focus accurate? Maybe this isn't a big deal to you (I'm not big on the holidays either), but it's worth a few minutes to ponder and maybe check the answers to these questions.

False Reality

This is another clip from the Dilbert cartoon series. I love the Dilbert office comic that runs in the newspaper every day because it is surprisingly relatable. The cartoon is a bit different though as it involves other topics like the concepts of morality and various evolutionary ideas. While I often grind my teeth over the way most cartoons and shows portray these issues I got a great kick out of how this cartoon addressed the issues. While I don't take Dogbert's (the dog) side specifically, I love the things he addresses against Dilbert who is an evolutionary proponent.



Clip Focus 1
News Caster: "...and we'll implicitly mock the people who hold opposing viewpoints."
Dilbert: "Evolution is a scientific fact, unless your ignorant."
While I can't know the intention of the writer who put this in, I can say that it is accurate to a large extent. I can go online at virtually any site and be mocked by dozens, yet the few Christians around will rarely return fire. Whether the evolutionists think it is fact or not their should be no call for insults and personal attacks if truth is your foundation. This is becoming far more apparent to people as noted in recent polls and commentaries from film directors; that the average evolutionist is hard nosed and loud by comparison to the average Christian. The reason? I'm sure their are many, but none will ever validate the belief and likewise the belief does not validate hostility. Still I'm glad it is so, as it makes our jobs easier in the long run.

Clip Focus 2
Dilbert: "Theirs extensive fossil records!"
Scientist: "It's a skull fragment of our earliest ancestors; I have found the missing link!"
News Caster: "Thanks to computer graphics, and clay, we have reconstructed the missing link."
Here in the clip we see one of the evolutionists claimed strongholds (though it only speaks against them) the fossil records. How does it actually speak against them? As the scientist and news person note, their are no (I repeat no) transitions between species; hence the ongoing title "the missing link". That alone should negate it as a proof of evolution, but then their are the dozens of fakes where persons find a piece and attribute to it more information than it actually provides. A prime example of this is the Lucy skeleton, which is in fact a handful of bone fragments not a whole skeleton. (Lucy has since been proven to be no "missing link".) These are often (as the clip noted) just evolutionists making unfounded claims that fragmental evidence equals a missing link. Arranging information and assuming end results is not what I would call scientific.

Clip Focus 3
Dogbert: "My theory is that all the species that ever existed are still around, they're just hiding."
Dogbert: "Hi Bob."
While I do not quite get behind Dogbert here, he makes a wonderful point; that of "living fossils". Living Fossils are those creatures that were thought to have died out millions of years ago and yet have resurfaced after some time to prove themselves as existent. For evolutionists this raises a series of startling questions such as why hasn't it evolved in the "millions of years" it supposedly has existed? According to them it aught to have evolved a little, but no fossil, living or dead, has ever shown this. Another good question is if this creature has been around and they didn't think it was how many others that we count as extinct are their below the surface? In any case, none of these are a problem for Bible believers as this is just what one would expect given the biblical history therein.

It was surprising to me to see an evolutionistic cartoon character get the short end of the stick again in full view of the public and since it won't happen often I thought it worth mentioning.

Infected Systems

Well that bit me on the behind! I distinctly remember a few weeks ago making the confident statement, "No, I didn't get the flu shot. I usually get a 24 hour bug (cold or flu) once or twice." As if to say, it's no big deal to get sick, my immune system is up to the job. Pssh! Maybe next year I'll get the flu shot.

Starting out Friday with a cold, turning definitely flu-like during a long Saturday in bed; still confident in my bodies ability to fight it off mind you. Then Sunday rolls around and things haven't gotten any better. Sunday was very long and I couldn't eat or walk much. By now symptoms were a sore and swollen throat, light headedness, lower backache, neck pains, enduring headache, and wounded confidence. Sunday night revealed a fever bout that prompted me to take Monday off and seek medical help. Thankfully, it fell on the perfect time or at least the perfect time for such a nasty experience.

My friend and neighbor had already taken that day off in advance and was eager to help me get to the doctors and back as well as run for supplies. On top of that this was one of the precious few weekends I did not have pressing obligations. If it had to happen...it had to happen this weekend, but it is strange to be thankful for what the Doctor thinks has become Strep-Throat.

At any rate it's true what the book says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28 True getting sick is not "good", but it is also true that we will suffer in a suffering world. He did not promise His people a pain free life, only that things will work out for the best.

Big Bang - Big Conflict

Ever wonder if God could have used the big bang theory that scientists claim is viable? Ever wonder what the difference really would be between the Creation account of Genesis and man's phony baloney theory? Honestly their are many reasons why the big bang theory and the Genesis account can not exist in harmony, but below are a few plain-as-day examples to look over; clicking them aught to open larger versions.

As can be seen in the image above, the Bible says that Earth was created before the stars and that trees were created before the sun. However, the big bang view teaches the exact opposite. The Bible tells us that the earth was created as a paradise; the secular model teaches it was created as a molten blob. The big bang and the Bible certainly do not agree about the past in order of events. Whenever this kind of mismatch can be seen one or both must be incorrect. Since the Bible is God's word, a direct account of history, perfect and unchanging while the big bang is revised over and over again, without an end in sight, it is clear which is trustworthy.

Further, many people don’t realize that the big bang is a story not only about the past but also a prediction about the future, as can be seen above. The most popular version of the big bang teaches that the universe will expand forever and eventually run out of usable energy. According to the story, it will remain that way forever in a state that astronomers call “heat death.” But the Bible teaches that the world will be judged and remade in fire so a paradise can be restored. Their is a rather large difference at face value between the big bang and the Genesis account.

*More can be found on the topic here, towards the bottom of the page labeled "What are some of the problems with the big bang hypothesis?"

Turning Tide

Okay, so I used the Valueless post as a jumping point for the youth to try and talk about some of the more pressing evolution vs. creation issues. As usual I put several hours creating visuals and points to touch and rehearsing it a bit, only to be left with a ten minute window to stuff it into. Instead of even trying I gave up.

I just talked about how it is surrounding them, how it effected Pekka-Eric Auvinen, and how evolution teaches a lack of purpose. (Taking only a brief moment to let them know how important the topic is to me and that they can come to me whenever about these kinds of things.) From there we went over how we all have value, but sometimes those values seem to be in flux. Maybe because friends/enemies make comments and sometimes because we see what others have that we don't. Sometimes, as was the case in our evo-example, a value system can be learned by believing what the world tells us is the value for life.

Ending it all out by going over God's value for us. Noting the order and scale of creation; how it was all built for us, who are the focus of it. Noting that God has since then been patient, forgiving, and above all loving towards a rather...frustrating creation. Noting lastly that God's word tells us that our values are all equal and that value is set in stone, unchanging, no matter what we do that seems to change it (up or down). The nice thing is I saw some interest in both the evolution talk and the talk of values, though most of the kids were more interested in their chitchat.

When I look at what we covered I am satisfied. It's only when I think of all that had been prepared (20 hurried minutes worth) that I get frustrated; all that I want to share with them each time, which is (in reality) far too much for one sitting with our youth. So the deal is I'm probably going to press against our usual ten minute time span, but I'm going to mix in my passions as much as I can, when I can. I'll be using visuals and recent events more because that seemed to get interest and it helps them in thinking critically with current events. All in all, it isn't so bad, who knows, it may be the opening to a very nice chapter in youth devotions.

Valueless

In recent news their has been a shooting at a high school, but not in the US. This time the dark hand of the evolutionary worldview have come to rest on Finland. A young man named Pekka-Eric Auvinen has taken the lives of several students with a handgun, but he left behind a telling sign of the true power in this war between evolution and creation. If you ever wonder why I go on and on about it here is one potent answer. Pekka-Eric Auvinen labeled himself before leaveing this world and as such decided to act in an effort to clear out the weak so the strong could survive. "...I, as a natural selector, will eliminate all who I see unfit, disgraces of human race and failures of natural selection. No, the truth is that I am just an animal, a human, an individual, a dissident..."

This comes as no shock to creationists, who have long known that this is the heart of evolution; a lack of value on life, of value on self or others, of responsibility or moral code, of reason for being or caring.

You could say, "Well most evolutionists aren't hopeless killers" and you'd be correct, but only because most evolutionists would never admit (or perhaps don't realize) that their beliefs do not allow for morality, purpose, or any measure of value aside from survival of the fittest. Reducing each man, woman, and child to animals striving to survive and procreate. Nature itself neither creates nor holds a concept of morality, no value aside from one species outliving others. Yet this is what evolution is, a standalone philosophy of life.

Granted this side of evolution is not what is directly taught in schools, but as we can see from this and many other high-profile examples the kids are being asked to put their faith in this system and when they look for guidance, for value on who they are, they find nothing because nothing of the sort exists in the evolutionary worldview. Unfortunately then, any who do not abandon that worldview, taking on ridicule and confusion, are lost to the void. This is not the first evolutionist who put his money where his mouth was. Others include Karl Marx, Leon Trotsky, Joeseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Pol Pot, Jeffrey Dahmer, and now Pekka-Eric Auvinen. Now, let me go one step further and then stop so you don't think these examples are simply misguided evolutionists; here are a few quotes for you to ponder from the very founders of this hollow faith system called evolution.

Charles Darwin-
"At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilized races of man will almost certainly exterminate and replace the savage races throughout the world. At the same time the anthropomorphous apes . . . will no doubt be exterminated. The break between man and his nearest allies will then be wider, for it will intervene between man in a more civilized state, as we may hope, even than the Caucasian, and some ape as low as a baboon, instead of as now between the negro or Australian [Aborigine] and the gorilla."

Craig Venter-
"We are dealing in big ideas. We are trying to create a new value system for life. When dealing at this scale, you can't expect everybody to be happy."

James Watson-
"...there is no firm reason to anticipate that the intellectual capacities of peoples geographically separated in their evolution should prove to have evolved identically...Our wanting to reserve equal powers of reason as some universal heritage of humanity will not be enough to make it so,..."

Random Thoughts #615

Another recent event worth mentioning is the so-called "octopus girl" from India, pictured below. Named Lakshmi Tatma, this little girl was born joined to a parasitic twin. The joining left her with eight limbs (four functional ones) and two sets of several organs including kidneys, spines, stomachs, and hips. Surprisingly she was born healthy it seems and has since undergone a 40 hour surgery to remove the dead weight of her dead twin.


While I'm pleased that she has survived both her unusual birth and rare surgery, this is further evidence that God's word is true and that the ever touted evolution is a hollow claim. While many misinformed will claim that being born with oddities proves a mechanism for evolution the following remains painfully clear.

-These limbs and extras were not from changes in her genetic code, but from the merging of two whole human fetuses.

-No functionality was found in the "spare" limbs that would make this a benefit to her, in fact their existence prohibited her from even walking.

-These oddities, while unusual, proved no natural mechanism for producing new genetic information. These are pre-existing genes that were used.

And lastly, this case once again proves that the Curse recorded in Genesis, our fall from Eden, is still in effect today; snowballing as it goes. I only put this event in context to evolution as many people in the coming months will take it to be more than it really is. It's an example of just what a sad state the world is in and also a victory for modern medicine in that cleaning up the mess was no small feet, excuse the pun.

Dangerous False Direction

Not knowing the background of children’s tales may not seem important, but it is, at least it is for those of you with children or involved with children.

Years back when the Harry Potter explosion occurred and its movies and books started to go mainstream their was controversy and today their is the rise of yet another very similar controversy. The movie coming out is called the Golden Compass. It was written by ardent secular humanist (atheist) Phillip Pullman as part of a series called "His Dark Materials". Phil is the kind of motivated man that says comments such as, "My books are about killing God" and how he wants to “…kill God in the minds of children”. These books revolve around the adventures of children (looking much like Narnia), but they culminate in these children actually killing God. Not just a generic God mind you, but one named "YAHWEH"; bearing a striking resemblance indeed and one that falls in line with Phil’s atheistic agenda.

While the Harry Potter books are obviously geared towards witchcraft these books are more similar to Narnia (or at least the movie is). It almost makes parents relax thinking when they see the trailer, "Oh this is going to be like Narnia", but just as with the Harry Potter books this story starts out employing low-key and friendly elements while moving steadily towards evil. If you define evil as I do (that which God defines as against Him) then tell others about this upcoming disaster. Especially in reference to your children and their friends...

Parents seem far less upset by this Narnia look-alike (Golden Compass) than they were about the obvious witchcraft promotions in Harry Potter. Yet both of these storylines are anti-biblical and promote a subtle degradation of children’s morality, not to mention how they can unfairly test our children’s belief in God at such a young age. According to scriptures (Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4), parents (and other influential persons) have a duty to raise their children with sound understanding; rejecting the ways and teachings of the world.

Should we be lazy or apathetic at the cost of the children? Please forward this to others and talk to your children about it, or research this for yourself first with some of the links below.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4347226.stm

http://www.facingthechallenge.org/pp7.php

A Critical Need (Part 1)

This is a clip from the Dilbert cartoon series that had something very important to say and in fact it was done with such shocking clarity that I had to post on it. In this clip Dilbert, a proponent of evolutionary ideas, is called out after claiming that he believes only "science", "facts", and "proof". Dogbert (the little dog) stops him and reminds him that in reality he only assumes what he hears is true. Implying then that his general revelations and certainties are bordering on pointless. In truth Dilbert is doing what most do, choosing what information is acceptable as information comes; filtering out what he will and will not believe while verifying neither for himself. He is applying his presuppositions and his faith which for him are founded in secular science.

Dilbert: "Personally I require scientific evidence before I believe anything"
Dogbert: "No you don't."
Dilbert: "Yes I do!"
Dogbert: "No you only think you do, but in fact you rely on media reports that scientific evidence exists. You don't actually see the evidence yourself."
Dilbert: "I don't have time to read all the scientific studies myself."
Dogbert: "So you're not gullible your just busy..."

A Critical Need (Part 2)

This clip raises a very important topic that has had me worried for some time now; the issue of thinking critically. Thinking critically involves putting in extra effort when we see something or hear something. In this example we are talking about believing what we hear from any given source. I mean, is the scientist really any more trustworthy than the wandering street preacher? NO! You cannot know the heart (motivation) or mind (understanding) of any person. Yet all the time we read an article and trust in it's value, implicitly if it comes from people with letters after their names. This is so illogical it would be laughable if not such a danger to us. Its one thing to say, "I heard from *source* that *blank* is true." However, it's is a wholly different thing to claim "I know that *blank* is a true because *source* said so." The difference is that the first one acknowledges potential error in the source while the second one illogically assumes it to be true.

Now, I know I am not perfect and still commit some of these same mistakes, but I know that many more are even less capable (or perhaps less inclined to pay attention to it) than I am which is a dangerous state to be in. I want to plead with people, with the readers and passers-by, to start considering the nature of how they deal with information. Without questioning, without checking logic, without looking into what we are shown and fed, how do we know if it is true? Why we don't stop all the time to ask ourselves, what am I assuming and what do I actually know is crazy to me now after the past few years of watching others deal with confusion easily avoidable!

Anyhow, this is just another thing to think about; before we accept something, even something small, take a moment to consider it the claim is true. If you don't know the answer either don't accept is as true (don't make it a part of your accepted understanding) or put in the slight effort to verify it.

Quote-tastic

This is a low quality video I found a while back that contains several great quotes from influencial Christian Evangelists. (Though in point of fact all Christians need be Evangelists just as they need be Apologists and Creationists. That the title evangelist need be applied in their case only says how poorly the majority are doing.) Anyway, not much else to say about it as it says so much already.

Sinkholes and Hallowed Grounds

If you could follow my weaving thoughts for a day you'd see a lot of this; one thing leaping to another and finding connections. Sometimes finding a conclusion before following out the thought, only to have to back-track and see how it was reached. Anyway, thanks for reading my random ramblings.
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A sinkhole can be caused by lots of things as it is only a cavity or void underneath what looks like regular ground. It could be under a road, under a house, or it could be under open field. The topic hops into my tiny brain because outside of the building I work in there are two sinkholes. One in the road between the buildings and one a few hundred feet away at a sewer grate. They showed up because the groundwater levels are so very low right now. The river, only a hundred feet away, is low enough that you could walk across it and not get your knees wet. Since the ground is always holding a certain amount of water in it a lot of empty spots between the grains of dirt and rocks appeared when the drought hit. With no water to fill the gaps the air came in and the grains of dirt settled down further under the weight of cars and houses. This left significant holes under the blacktop, or at least that is the only noticeable event this past summer that might activate the sinkholes.

Image: Basic function of sinkholes

Now in church this Sunday we talked about Halloween which has many pagan customs and a few Christian ones. Halloween used to be called all hallows eve (precursor to all saints day), but was reduced to Halloween in stages. The term hallowed came back to me today while walking to the car and then connections started appearing. "Hallowed sounds like hollow", I thought as I looked over at the sinkhole. I then thought about what a sinkhole is, a void under the surface. Then it came together; "People have voids under the surface". Voids even they are unaware of. Voids they are in danger of becoming lost to.

So then the term hallowed came back, leading me to think of the God shaped hole in all of us. The thing most people try to fill with something other than what was intended. How everything can seem fine on the surface and then, seemingly suddenly, their footing gives way. Their once firm foundation now fallen, leaving them with a sense of helplessness, weakness, and surprise. If only they filled the holes with the God that fits...

Bear Fruit By Faith

*An old responce to someone that I finished, but never sent; in reference to a believers question about the below contradiction and if it condemns Christianity to failure. Figured I should put it to use somewhere.
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Some have said their is a "contradiction" of grace and works in Christianity, but is this true?

Really it is just confusing for people to grasp the idea of "salvation by grace", not works, but then to attach the honest comment, "but faith bears good fruit" implying action with it. While not an actual contradiction of any kind I think sometimes this becomes our excuse not to move forward and take up our crosses. We are saved and that doesn't require our efforts, but truth is our faith is hardly faith if we don't act faithful!

Specifically, it takes no faith to 'say' that Jesus is what He claims, but it takes faith to believe it. Even then it only takes a little faith to believe the claim, but it takes even more faith to want to follow after Him, taking up our cross, as is only right since Christians are those who "follow Christ" not just those who believe He is real. They can't know until they are told, until the confusion is removed and the truth revealed.

So what does that say to us individually? I mean sure, we believe, but to what measure? Is it evident by our lives and is that evidence affecting others? Is it strong enough that we face fears and make self-sacrifices for the glory of our professed King? Do we seek out the answers to the broken hearts and minds of the world? Important questions to all of us; it is a 'must' that we not just be saved, but live as if we believe what we claim!

Some days...

...are harder than others. (^_^)

Some days have us striving in ways that can make us look silly or make us frustrated for lack of progress. Some days we get our hands caught in the cookie jar or maybe we make a clean getaway, only to feel guilty later. I’m sure this cute pup has been in those shoes before and will again, but I'm no better. While this picture is adorable to me, bringing up these light thoughts, it is also a deeper example of how people operate as well.

We desire and we act on those desires; this much we would all agree on, but would you agree that we ‘only’ act on desire? An action is a result of feeling; all action requires a motivation which is the driving reason behind the action. There are only then two types of motivations and these are selfish and selfless desire. We often think we understand this, but do we in a minute to minute, day to day, kind of way? Selfish acts do not deny self and selfless acts are when we act for another without personal gain, perhaps even personal loss. This is trickier than it seems which is why it is worth talking about. Is it selfless to give away what you don’t need? No, it is no personal loss to give that which has no true value to you. It is only truly selfless when it is a loss for you, so the point is that in a selfless act you have no interest in (or are seeking no benefit) to self. Is it selfless to “do the right thing”? Not if you’re doing the right thing so as to not feel guilty or to avoid the sin of apathy. This motivation is an internal benefit and is at the core of the decision, hardly selfless motivation.

The point to all this is that selfish people are hardly aware of the depths of their selfishness. I am with you all on this; the accuser is accused as well. Still, it is true and worth investigation as Christ-followers. What is our deep motivation behind each decision? How do we benefit from each act? Even in what seems like a loss are we still benefiting? I’m sure we can all name a person who acts and thinks like the pup above, but we fail to notice when we do the same because we aren’t doing it with a gadget, an outfit, or our finances. Ours is an unseen selfish…

Here are some thoughts on self-denial that are worth your consideration.
More can be found about Selflessness (Self-Denial) here.
-Selflessness requires a lack of benefit to self, even to personal loss.
-Selflessness is not such if no true loss is met; it is at best a kind act.
-Selflessness cannot come without self-denial.
-Selflessness (or self-denial) and Selfishness cannot exist at the same time; one negating the other totally.
-Self-denial does not occur to benefit self, but to benefit others.
-Self-denial does not come from personal desires, but from acting as God has commanded; for that namesake.

Searching the Light

Morning all, no crazy conversation here today; just an update and a small reflection. I finally got to see the opening day of our new service and I have to say, I am not all that pleased. Yea, I know, that isn't what I expected to say either, but nothing seemed to go right. Technical problems, musical problems, flow problems, and most of all their was no detectable movement of the Holy Spirit. The songs were the same ones that brought me tears the two weeks prior, but this week hardly moved me. I looked around and saw faces that were shall-we-say, uninspired. I too contributed to that mess, and I'm none-to-pleased about that fact.

So as I thought and talked about the rough morning, one worked so hard for and yet not seen to blossom, the mistake became very clear. One that stung a bit as I (and everyone else) knew better than to make the mistake our own. Truth is it's not about "our service", it's about worshiping Him. It's not about success or failure, but about following His direction with a proper heart. It's not about what we hope for, it's about trusting and hoping in Him for what He wants. Even though we started out with this understanding, the past few weeks have been so intense and hectic we got lost. We need to go back now, to the heart of worship ourselves. Sure the details need addressed, but not at the cost we are paying. So while I intend on continuing my contribution toward the service (and the youth), I am not honestly as concerned about it. What good will that do anyway; to be distraught over this.

A long time ago I told one of the youth involved, "...either God will use this for His glory or He will tear it down...all we can do is try and let Him do what needs done." It is as true now as it was then I suppose, but I did (at some point) find myself overly complicating that. Feeling stressed that it might not work out right away, or possibly ever. Funny because I'm okay with it not working, but I find myself not being okay when it comes to the details I think I can affect.

Breakdown on the Beltway

Been talking a good bit lately about how life changes on us in what seem to be unexpected ways. How things break down and wear out over time; things like our cars, our houses, our clothes, and our bodies. Thanks to "the fall" we are not under God's perfect and sustaining umbrella anymore. Sure He holds the world together by the power of His word, but that isn't supposed to mean all is supposed to be perfect right now. It's more like a partial punishment as opposed to an utter annihilation over what we did and still do.

At any rate I found a cute picture on AiG that depicts a poor guy on a treadmill struggling to get back into shape or maintain his figure. I and I'll bet many of us can relate, though most people laugh at me for saying so because I'm short and skinny, but my baggy shirts could easily hide a large gut for all they know.

This cartoon makes me think back to the diet that Adam and Eve once had. One that was far far healthier than ours today. Makes me think I aught to start eating fruits, veggies, and nuts while drinking only water. It would be so much healthier than what I generally do and it worked for Adam and Eve.

So yea, I like how the cartoon below notes that eating fruit, one of the healthier foods, is what brought on our various health issues.

Standing on Ancient Stone

The following is my response to a question raised by the Pastor about how to respond to people who call believers "close-minded" or "bigots".

To the ending question my reply would be, "What basis do they have to call us bigots if they have no absolute authority steering that claim?" If we are truly speaking the word of God then the answer is, "They have no basis!"

I think the world's claims of bigotry are quite hypocritical as 'everyone' has a foundation which rejects other foundations, making them biased and closed-minded towards something though hey don't often realize that. Specifically, each person has a closed-mind or an aversion to other views whether they recognize it as such or not and this levels the playing field 'for' us, removing the sting of such a claim. (The door swings both ways so-to-speak.)

I suggest, in patients and love, turning their very claim on them by showing that they have no foundation to make that call, no capacity to discern what is right and wrong while apart from God's word. Without God each man does as he pleases with truth and morality, but if that is so then he can't claim that 'we' or anyone is wrong! He believes it is subject to opinion (choosing as he goes) if he does not follow absolute authority and the only absolute is God! At this point the door has swung wide to explain how God 'is' absolute and the only authority,using the Word itself and the truth that their is not another option when it comes to these things.

Granted disbelief doesn't need a reason (in fact it requires a lack of reason), but the truth is everyone has a ruling power in their lives that narrows the persons view on topics like morality and truth. Pointing out things like this can really shake the foundation of unbelief; opening a crack in the foundation for the Word to work.

Now, I've been accused of many things in the past; brought on by claiming that the bible was true and consequently God's views on truth, morality, knowledge, life, love, etc. (Just last week someone called me a closed-minded religious zealot for believing in a global flood if you can believe it.) Since it isn't PC to be exclusive in any way we get blasted for our firm foundation in Christ, but it is to be expected really; we are at WAR with a world that utterly opposes God's authority. So when these claims come we can strap on the armor, sword, and shield provided us (Ephesians 6:10-17) and get to the fight with confidence in our King's authority.

Sad that He has had to face this in the heart of every individual since Adam, save for one, and that one (Jesus) had to face it head on, to the cross, calling us to follow along.

Tall tales & shady portrayals (Pt1)

Time for a big one because I was asked, on a few occasions of late, about updates on the supernatural encounters that sometimes roll through my life and so I figured I'd post something on it. It ended up being three posts in total, but only this post is about my encounters.

1. In the past three days I have encountered a moving shadow of sorts in my bedroom, twice. It doesn’t talk and it doesn’t take a defined form. Surprisingly it doesn’t even make me nervous.

2. The nightly whispers (not house creeks or noisy neighbors) have subsided in large part after a couple month stint of rather late nights. I'm thankful for this temporary reprieve as it makes for rough sleeping.

3. One night about a month ago, the night before going out door-to-door to talk about searchlight and worship (See post "Ding Dong Yo") I was visited by something unruly. The only reason the encounter stood out is that at one point, wide awake and watching cartoons, it blew a cold puff of air in my left ear. So much so that my hair moved; as if someone had leaned a few inches from my head and let a quick burst of breath out. I prayed and it moved back to the far side of the room for the remainder of the night.

These aside very few encounters have passed my way lately, but I couldn't tell you why. Certainly nothing as intense as the couch encounters that, come to think of it, I don't know if I ever wrote about...at least I can't find it if I did.

Generally I steer clear of posting on this stuff for one reason. I leave these tales untold because it seems very few people have a biblical view of the supernatural and, because they do not interpret the world (both natural and super-natural) with such a biblical worldview, opinions vary greatly on whether the supernatural even exists let alone if my experiances are truth or not. Meaning that without a biblical worldview to guide understanding people get lost easily, being swayed by all manner of ideas. Consequently some disregard the supernatural entirely while others embrace it falsely.

If we are Christ-followers then let us not believe the tall tales the world has come up over the word of God. If we claim the bible is truth and that God is absolute in His determinations of reality, then let us not accept extra-biblical information when it conflicts. (e.g. ghosts, aliens, monsters, dimensional creatures, etc) Either God's claims are right or not, we can't have a bit of both when dealing with the thoughts of a perfect being. People generally miss-understand what the supernatural is, what is and isn't really going on, and having no background on how to interpret it, re-interpret what I might say to fit their favored ideas of the super-natural. This is why I avoid it in general conversation even though I enjoy the topic.

Tall tales & shady portrayals (Pt2)

So, what is a biblical view of potential supernatural encounters? I am no expert on these things, but here is the basic breakdown of what's real and not when it comes to supernatural encounters.

Things that do not exist:
-Ghosts are non-existent if one defines ghost as dead persons roaming the earth for any reasons. This is unscriptural and based on ancient mythology in non-Jewish or Christ-following cultures. These are demons not dead people as dead people do not "stick around" afterwards (Job 7:9-10) and they are adept at lying (2 Cor 11:14, 1 John 4:1).
-Aliens are non-existent as explained in three different ways in the post "Ufo-ology vs. Reality"; two of which are scriptural and one is naturalistic.
-Monsters are non-existent from a scripture standpoint as they can only be a part of creation because God never loosed supernatural monsters on us aside from the allowance of demons and "dark spirits". Then, being limited to natural creatures, they would have been created in the beginning at which point creation stopped and if they had been made then their would be a decent populace to behold by now. It could be said that creatures remain unfound in remote locations, but the concepts of vampires, werewolves, undead, the boogieman, and other urban legends/myths are all null and void when compared to scripture. Natural creatures (animals) are real, supernatural creatures ("monsters") are not.
-Dimensional beings are non-existent to any rational understanding. Primarily routed from scriptures and logic combined; the only one who created was God and He stopped at one point. This means if He created He did so in the 6 day period of creation. All of scripture shows how the focus is about the struggle of all creation (man and angel) to glorify God over itself. God does not give even a slight evidence of other dimensions OR creatures within. Consequently their is no scientific or scriptural basis for a rational conclusion that other dimensional creatures exist beyond what God has plainly created in those 6 days.

Things that do exist:
-"God" is both the creator and the keystone of our very existence (Genesis 1:1). He is the definition of supernatural (He exists beyond all natural understanding) though He defines (He has the authority to define what is real and true) and sustains the natural world as well (Colossians 1:16-17, Hebrews 1:3). He interacts with us in different ways (Romans 1:20, Romans 8:26, 1 Kings 19:12, etc), but His interactions can be defined as both natural and supernatural as He works in any way He chooses.
-"Angels" are messengers of God and an entirely separate creation from humans. (Hebrews 12:22-23) Angels do seem to have different classes as described in scripture. They can take different forms (Isaiah 6:2, Matthew 28:2-3) and while they are defined as messengers (Greek "aggelos", Hebrew "mal'ak") the message does vary depending on the way God intends to use them (Acts 7:53, Acts 8:23, Genesis 21:17, 1 Kings 19:7-8, Acts 27:23). The idea of a guardian angle is not scripturally sound and instead stems from new-age or so-called "Christian" mystic practices.
-"Demons" (plural) are the lesser creatures within the ranks of the Devils army and are also called "evil spirits" (Matthew 8:16, Luke 4:33-35). These hold no one physical form or method of maliciousness, but being as they stem from the father of lies (John 8:44) it is only fair to conclude that they too are exquisite liars, taking forms and approaches that suit the situation and best furthers their efforts. These, to my understanding, consist of the scores of angels that followed Satan’s lead and were cast down because of it. They, again to my understanding, are not bound to another realm (hell) and are so able to affect the world (Luke 8:2, Matthew 8:31-32).
-"Devil" (singular) is the original rebel (also known as Satan which means adversary or Lucifer which roughly means light-bearer or dawn-bearer) and leader of the rebellion against God. He is the angel that decided not to toe-the-line and chose to glorify himself over God. Because of this he was cast down and rules over hell with some power in the earthly realm as well. I do not know that he visits earth himself, only God would know that I think, but he doesn't need to with all the little helpers he has as mentioned above. (Ezekiel 28:12, Genesis 3:1, Revelation 12:9-10, Revelation 20:2)

This is the limit to what can be in that this is all that God claims to have created for us, with us, or concerning us. Again, if we are Christians then let us not believe the tall tales the world has come up with. (e.g. ghosts, aliens, monsters, dimensional creatures, etc) If we claim the bible is truth and that God is absolute in His determinations of reality, then let us not accept extra-biblical information when it conflicts.

Tall tales & shady portrayals (Pt3)

why three posts on such a strange topic? Why talk about something like this? Only because their is so much confusion about it. I am not by any means well versed on it, but I know enough to realize that nothing exists outside the realm of God's doing and that scripture provides the only basis for understanding the supernatural.

I can see as well as anyone that the media outlets and the imaginations of men have been building up ideas and "possibilities" of what the supernatural can be for thousands of years. This means that (as with the multitude of religions) their are scores of choices for people to sink their trust or hope in, but only one source can provide the truth.

I can also see how so many people, having adopted the naturalistic/materialistic worldview have decided that no supernatural event or thing is possible, or at least knowable. This is pure irrationality from the first claim (it is self-refuting), but people do believe it anyway just like they believe that ghosts and aliens are real.

The point is that if people are being led astray by the many options it is worth our time as Christians to sit down and define terms; to stop and say what is assumed and what isn't. To note that without an absolute source (one outside mans corruption) we are left making it all up as we go. Meanwhile their is a truth that can be known and answers to all our questions. In that, it is worth the time to think about these things and apply them to help lessen to confusion even slightly, both ours and anyone we talk to on these topics.

One might ask, "Why is a biblical basis required to understand the supernatural?" Implying that Christians can't just assume they are right any more than another person, but the problem is that when ideas conflict so utterly, only one truth exists. When compared and tested only the Christian worldview both survives its own claims and the insults hurled at it. God knows better than us and has given us enough information to know what to believe on most topics even though popular theory suggests otherwise.

A slice of Eden

Just a passing thought and a reminder of days we have not seen.

When I go over to my parents house their are dogs. When I go over to my uncles house their are cats. In weeks past I was struck by a thought as I sat with one of the puppies. She has a habit of being very afraid of strangers and yet once she welcomes you in she goes from dog-mode to cat-mode, rubbing the length of her side against you and leaning on you where you stand or sit. A very loving dog indeed. I sat with her outside for a few minutes as she sat down against me. That wasn't close enough of course so every few seconds she would shift her weight against me a bit more, thankfully she isn't a large dog. Her complete comfort-ability is what struck me at that moment. It stood in stark contrast to the rabbits and birds and other animals that flee at the mere sight of humans. It made me think for a minute, "Is this what Eden was like in terms of animals and people?" Maybe that isn't really important, but it was an interesting moment. We know that animals and man had no fear of each other, no aggression towards each other, in Eden. We also know that things are so very different out here in the world.

Anyway, tonight I'll leave work and as I pass the birds on the fence and in the rose bush they will fly away. The squirrels under the trees will bolt and climb to get away. This is what we see as normal and truly it is, but it wasn't always so. So next time you cuddle with your puppy or kitty remember their love for you and your love for them. It's a little slice of Eden... (^_^)

ilLogicaLinguistics

This is a quick-vent and a diagram of a problem I am seeing a lot in my travels. The problem is that people do not have a decent understanding of logic or how it works. This has come into play countless times in the past few years and is very hard to help people with.

I think the issue can be understood better by looking at language, any language. While it is true that people can learn to speak language by being around a language in use any person can recognize that their are many tiers within any language. Those who are uneducated in a language do not have as vast a vocabulary and do not understand what constitutes correct sentence structure. Those who study and practice the language will certainly have a better ability to apply the rules of grammar and will also know a larger vocabulary. This is how logic works as well...

What frustrates me is that people 'realize' that language is learned in tiers and yet not mastered by living within it, but they can't seem to understand how logic functions in the same way. I suppose that the answer is simple enough; they do not yet have the logical where-with-all to understand the logical contradiction itself. Instead an assumption is made in place of logic that what a person picks up along life’s journeys is what true logic is. Like a person with no type of real training in their chosen language might think that they speak properly and understand al that is necessary in that language.

Perhaps then, because of the circular nature of the problem, their poor logic is almost always followed by application of further poor logic; one overlapping the next. I can't count the number of times I've been accused of committing logical fallacies by people who are incapable of recognizing their own logic mistakes. On average the conversation dies because they don't understand what I am saying about logic or why it is important. Half the time they never conclude, even with help, that a fallacy has been committed on their part.

*If we were talking about Football or Pizza Shop or Cartoons logic wouldn't be as important, but in talking about the big questions it is of the utmost importance if one wants to find the truth.

Boney McGee

"The robust composite skeleton of a Neanderthal (L) is unmistakably different from that of a modern human (R) in this handout image from the American Museum of Natural History. Neanderthals, the stocky kin of modern humans, were far more widespread geographically than previously thought, with some trekking into southern Siberia before vanishing about 30,000 years ago, scientists said on October 1, 2007." -Reuters

You know where this is heading don't you? (^_^) The next sentence will have to do with some evolutionary justification. But do you see what I see? I see two distinctly human skeletons. One older and with slightly larger dimensions, but both are so very human. Note that their are no wings, no fins, no scales, no exo-skeleton, no gills, no extra arms/legs, and no tail. Without making an assumption a person can only conclude this is not a transitional form, but instead is a fully formed human.

Oh, but I can hear them now, (1)"But they have subtle differences in structure as you can see!" and (2)"It is a representation of transitions!" and (3)"This is an example of natural selection at work; that's why Neanderthals aren't alive today!"

1. Subtle differences are changes within a species; driven by mutations, adaptations, or natural selection. This does not give rationale to the conclusion that humans (or any other creatures) are a transitional form between species.

2. (See above.) Their is no evidence that each creature is simply at different stages of the evolutionary ladder. (This is a relatively recent grasp at straws by the evolutionary activists to side step issue of a lack of transitional forms which would be evidence for their beliefs essentially making them all transitional forms.) At some point one would still see a species change from one form to another and that has never been found in fossil records. (Also, See below.)

3. Yet natural selection is not a catalyst for new genetic information which is well known at this point in even secular scientific circles. That a species dies off means that any potential for genetic variation is lost with it. While the more suited do survive they are not being handed new genetic info with witch to drive evolution and transitional forms.

It's crazy to me that with the understanding we have on the subject today, this type of blatent propaganda is still infiltrating our society.

Bleed for something...

Yet another video purchased from Worship House Media for use in web-ministry. This one is about the importance of blood and none more so than the blood of Jesus shed on the cross to provide grace for us, the damned and the doomed. Why blood?

In the beginning, after the fall, God has deemed that only blood can atone for our sins; through sacrifices we gain some temporary form of cleanliness. Over several thousand years the blood of animals was made to be our hope, but the blood of animals can no more save than the blood of men. It is all imperfect and once we sin again we will just need more atonement. This is why we need to accept Jesus as Savior and King. His perfect blood is a permanent atonement.

Not to say that the blood of men isn't an important thing of course as it keeps us alive, but the blood that was shed for us is greater than our own while man and animal are dirty, impure. The blood of Jesus pours out for us as it seeks to remove shame and hopelessness. Can we accept that an innocent man (truly innocent) was made to die so that we might live? What's more can we ignore it?

It's not easy to imagine a perfect (sinless) life. It is not easy to imagine being guilty for the shear volume of crimes we have committed each day. It is not easy to comprehend how blood removed guilt; since it mixes the physical and metaphysical worlds together. It is enough to blow a mind, but with the Word of God in hand these things can be known. Seek and believe...

Accounting for lost time

So I was writing a few emails today, before starting work, and realized how detached I had become from family and friends. Not that I don't care of course; I just have lots going on. Still, I recognize it is too much even for a loner like me. So I'll post some of what's been happening recently.

-The youth group is about to kickoff again this Sunday and I have to have devotions ready for every other weekend. That is exciting as I really wanted to get time talking to the kids, but the down side is it will rarely be about the things I want it to be.

-Also, that contemporary service that I was talking about earlier is set to go off in two Sundays. There is so much to plan for it still (not to mention the side events) that we are having three meetings a week to try and get it all under control. It is all so very exciting, but very exhausting. It will be nice to have a service like that for people (myself included) to worship at.

-I got an invitation to a 10 year reunion for high school. Shut up…I’m old, I know. I doubt I’ll go; it seems to be about drinking and showing off families. Plus most of my high school friends were a year behind me or they aren’t in the area now so they won’t be there. I can only think of one reason to go at all and it isn’t as motivating as it aught to be right now.

-Another cool thing is how those apologetic sites are starting, slowly, to generate a bit of attention. So I’m excited that people are just starting to use those websites and respond. (Side Note: It’s weird how apologetics sounds like apology, but it was originally understood to mean giving or having a defense. So an apologist is a defender for something. Generally someone who is able to answer or direct a person who has questions or critical comments against Christianity or God. Basically, I study and practice so that I can help people deal with their confusion or apprehension in regards to God…in case I didn’t explain that before.)

-This coming weekend I hope to do the brakes on my car, but I'm a bit gun-shy after the last time. It didn't go as well as it could have and even though what broke wasn't my fault it was still quite pricy, making me think twice before diving in again.

-I have to go get my license renewed this week. Apparently it expired mid-may and I didn't know it. (^_^)

-Besides that stuff (over the past few weeks) I haven’t had time for much else. No time for traveling; no time for climbing and falling out of trees. In those precious spare moments I just put on some cartoons and power down.

Self-destructing Science

A current hot-topic these days is how scientists are so close to "creating life in a lab" and how this is supposed to further give credence to evolution. Obviously I'm not the only one who thinks this is fruitless as the article states and also the cartoon below.

The question this all raises (as the cartoon and article note) is that if intelligent scientists must gather special materials and use special (non-natural) methods to create even a minimal semblance of life (under very controlled conditions), then how is this not evidence for intelligent design? Moreover, how could it possibly be evidence for chance evolution?

Truly, it gives me a strange hybrid feeling (both sad and comical) to think of these men and all their ability or knowledge, not to mention their finances, as they scramble to defeat themselves, foolishly believing they can overcome the God of creation. All the while missing the huge flaw in the evolution theory, the problem of information without an intelligent source.

The image below (from AiG.org) is a wonderful depiction of the current situation, one that has been ongoing for over 50 years now.

Talking to Unbelief

Recently I was taken to a myspace journal entry about a persons reason for disbelief in God. It started off with talk of thermodynamics, as if a scientific argument was driving his decision on God. Then he changed entirely and justified his unbelief with what Christians refer to as "the problem of evil" or "the problem of suffering"; that a good God would never let the world as it is. Their-in lies the true reason for his disbelief, as his point was now not about science but instead that he didn't believe because of his aversion to suffering in the world. This is not an issue of evidence or proof as he had no backing for the claims that then followed other than his wounded heart. We talked a little about these things, but that door has closed to me now.

Semi-on topic, I always figured that all people could be convinced in some fashion and that all one had to do was find that crack in their armor. (IE; challenging the heart, the mind, the conscience, the pain or hope they hold, etc...) These days however, I realize it isn't that simple. Even a person utterly without resistance can refuse to fall before the Word of God. All that is really required to stay in unbelief is the will or desire to do so.

*The image below is familiar territory both in terms of scripture and also my efforts online.

Good Pudding

I do a lot of debating and apologetics work online so I have to be up on answers to all sorts of critics. Many of these critics, such as the one in recent posts "Excerpts of War 43", focus on evidence of God in creation. In reality this is not a debate of evidences as much as it is between worldviews. A worldview is made up of your a priori commitments or presuppositions; those things that you hold to be true at the core of your understanding without question. Everything else is derived off of that core belief and most people don't keep this in mind when debating evidences, causing most to end in frustration. A person who comes to cast questions on a God topic, yet is unwilling to address or reconsider their presuppositions, will never be able to see evidence for God.

For instance a person open to the possibility of Gods existence can hear the statement, "that things have been created means a creator exists" and they can see the truth in that. It then is evidence leading to the existence of God. However, if a person comes to a discussion and with a fervent belief that nothing exists outside the natural world (the majority of atheists and so-called "science" believers) they will hear the same statement as the first person, but will refuse it because it does not make sense within the framework of their presuppositions. Since it is in opposition in that way, they refuse it as evidence and instead find another way to interpret the world.

Below is an interesting video I purchased from Worship House Media about what evidence for God can be when you aren't already decided on the matter and are thereby willing to consider these things. (Though I wouldn't try using these in a debate it would be good for general discussions.) Anyhow, the proof is in the pudding they say...

Loyalty to Royalty

We all have a king in our lives. Something or someone that gives us direction in the things we do and say. Something that we use as a keystone in our lives. Something we submit ourselves to in thought or in deed.

Recently I posted a series of videos on youtube and myspace which I purchased from the Worship House Media site. One of these is a creation based off of S. M. Lockridge's sermon on Jesus the King. It is an awesome video that lists different aspects of Jesus, creating a view of Him that is scriptural and raises Him up as the true King of Kings. Their is none greater than is Jesus the Christ, that's my King!

Still, if every person has a king they serve (be it money, family, power, or lust as these are all person desires made to be in the place of God) it begs the question, "Who's your king?" No other king can save you. No other king can help you. No other king is as interested in you as you are in it. Consider these things and seek Him all the more.

Signs and "Signs"

Driving down the road can tell you a lot about the area you’re in or at least it can tell you a lot about the state of your society, our society. What I see isn't promising...

Simply looking at the ones along my route to work we’ve got a billboard that promote lawyers that specialize in getting DUI persons out of trouble. We have a billboard that promotes divorce lawyers using images of attractive bodies; as if to say, "Hey look what's waiting for you". We have billboards of plastic surgeons which note that they are "focused" on the body and face as if to say, "Hey you, you aren't good enough but we can make you better." Truly, examples of poor morals and a heavily confused society abound when it comes to the plentiful billboards around the area.

These signs are what to us then? Are they just the norm to be accepted and ignored? Are they simply someone else’s idea of advertising strategy? Or are they really a sign of what people are looking for today? Is it really a sign of bankruptcy in "developed" areas and cities?

Honestly? As I travel out to less "developed" areas I tend to see more and more billboards for hometown dinners and hometown stores. Most of which do not rely on anything other than their name and maybe a logo. Hardly controversial or inappropriate. I also see many "religious" commentaries and promotions. (I quoted "religious" to note that I don't always agree with the commentaries themselves and the kind of Christian revolution they imply.) Still, it is a return to morals and wisdom by comparison as I drive away from home. In a grand scheme though, as cities grow and rural areas fade the future is sure to hold more of what I see around here.

I suppose I'm just commenting on what I see; noting that the "signs" are pointing towards rough waters ahead.

Of angels and butterflies

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go out surveying for work again. I usually take the offer a few times a year to get out and get some exercise, but this time I bit off a bit more than I can chew. It was at a limestone quarry up near state college and we were surveying a series of wetlands and channels on-site.

Factors like being in the sun all day, swarmed with insects, dodging poison leaves or thorn bushes, and navigating the ugly terrain carrying all the gear made it very difficult work. Mostly because nothing was close or easy to get to. Even points that were only 4 feet apart required me to climb down and then up or walk 50 feet up and back down the channel. At one point I even found myself hanging nearly upside-down in one of the deeper trenches; having caught my left leg in a tree root while climbing down into it. While it was interesting to see the quarry and the work going on there I found myself only wanting to leave by the half-way point; grumbling under my breath about how much it sucked.

Then their was a surprise appearance by an old friend. Many months back I posted about a little white butterfly who broke the negativity of my day. A messenger of sorts to remind me of better things. Well I doubt it was the same guy in the literal sense, but it was the same guy to me. He would flutter by and hover near me. I'd say, "Hey there. Haven't seen you in a while." and I'd smile because of the encounter. That much got me thinking about that same message delivered so long ago.

Throughout the day he came to walk with me on several occasions and I do mean that; the little white butterfly would pull up beside me and proceed to keep the same pace and direction I was. We talked a little bit along the way about how I appreciated his company in such a strenuous time. It was not only a reminder to see the good in things like the chance to view and appreciate creation, but also was just a reminder that He is always there to keep us on the right path...keep us focused and strong.

At any rate, I'm getting older. Their was a time when a day climbing wouldn't have phased me much. Now however, I went home and fell asleep before the sun when down. (^_^)

Excerpts of War 43a

Just got done with one of the larger non-forum debate I've had so far. I was challenged privately on youtube to give "empirical evidence" for a divine creation or creator. This is very simple to do, but is so rarely understood or (as in this case) so rarely accepted. The debate went something like this and it is posted for all to read at the URLs in the post titled "Excerpts of War 43b".

After defining what empirical evidence was, to make sure he wasn't going to wiggle out of it, we began. The first evidence I listed which is scientifically verifiable (as far as science can verify anyhow) is that things exist without natural cause. Meaning no natural process or law is known that can create matter or information from nothing. Simple enough, but my debater seemed to think this wasn't empirical. He then decided that I was using a "god of the gaps" argument. If you don't know this is when a person holds a starting position on a topic as well as an ending, but then does not have a reason to make the jump from that starting position to their conclusion. An example would be, "I don't know where the universe came from so God must have done it." Yet this is not the argument I proposed, instead pointing to known natural laws and their shortcomings. Then reasoning that if natural processes are not up to the task their is logic in concluding that the super-natural is at hand. Looking to simply make a crack in his foundation to work with, smomething that might open the door to more than the natural world in our discussion.

This didn't seem to get through to him and he went on mocking and making comments about me deciding on God by way of "lack of knowledge". To which I remarked (over and over) about the nature of his belief and how it is no less filling in gaps than I. In fact, his is even more so than mine ever has been. He would mock my conclusion for not being scientific enough for him (without giving his reason for doing so), but would then state that he believed evolution even though science doesn't fully understand it. In essence he believe evolution was a guarantee even without empirical evidence or a complete knowledge on it. I believe the two faced nature of his argument reveals his distaste for God more than it does a rational belief in science.

And so on we went round after round, occasionally I would list other evidences that could be dealt with empirically or logically and he would mock them or ignore them. At points he would attempt a refutation, but they were not strong arguments as they were self-defeating either by way of logic or non-empirical hypotheses. (Remember that 'he' demanded we remain empirical.) The real dissapointment is that all the way through he made the same mistakes, logical fallacies and the like, while holding to his presupposed evolutionary stronghold. It never once let him consider that God could be creator. I did try to get him to talk about presuppositions (as it would have helped us get to the real point of the debate) but he never remarked on the proposal.

One good thing was that at the end I was told "now unless you have some great revelation please ...give it up" and I excitedly took that opportunity to reveal what has happened in this debate as well as offer up a very compact gospel message...step by step, referring to scriptures all the way. It is posted below along with the ULRs holding the conversation. Feel free to look them over if it is something you’d be interested in. If not that is fine as I'll be leaving them up for a long time anyway in case they are needed for proof of the actual conversation we held in the future.

Excerpts of War 43b

"now unless you have some great revelation please ...give it up." -evolutionist

Great revelation you say? Disagree or agree as you will, but this is the Word of God and as such your denial is pointless. Here is your revelation step by step...

God knows that men seek to be self sufficient and in that light they often refuse to believe that they are created, that they are not in the power-seat; instead looking to nature for guidance instead of its creator and sustainer. Jeremiah 10:8 "They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols."

Sadly without God you can have no real wisdom (as God is the author of wisdom) and this is also well noted in His word. Romans 1:21 "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."

God warns us 'all' against such thoughts even though we have not earned His love and concern. Isaiah 5:21 "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight."

His correction is a clear sign that He wants better for us and even though it goes against our apparent nature it is for the best. Job 5:17 "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."

This is what happens in our world and the creation/evolution debate is a glaring example of it. Those who do not recognize the creator (or choose not to) fall victim to believing that nature or chance is their creator. So they turn and worship that because it cannot tell them what is right and wrong. Sadly those who fall victim to this futile thinking are locked in sin and will be found guilty of their crimes come their day in God's court. The only way out is through Jesus, who is God, who has made Himself a sacrifice so that your sins and mine can be washed away, so that our criminal record can be forgotten in court. This only works however if you truly turn from futile thinking and seek Him. Is it for you? It is for everyone! 1 Timothy 2:4 "God our Savior, who desires ALL MEN to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth"

Some say "when will it come", as if it will not, but He is only giving you more chances as the days pass. Do not count Him as unable or non-existent because you have not met Him. 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

Some say "when will it come", as if to say they will wait till the very end. This too is unwise. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."

Consider this my friend, as you are not aware of all things even as you claim I am not, this is not something to be mistaken about. The price is far too high. Open your mind and heart to the possibility, pray that God come and reveal himself and keep a keen eye to see Him. Why Jesus? Because He is the beginning and the end. Because He is the only way, the source of truth, and the source of life. 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,"

As for me, you may think to reply in opposition, though I pray not, Here is why I speak these things to you. I am a sinner who has a long criminal record (lots of sin) and Jesus, my God, came and blessed me with His love and mercy. He has instructed me to speak and what to speak as the Word tells us to as well. 2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," Colossians 1:28 "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."

The reply I got to the above message was a clear sign of how impacting our discussion had been for him...

"lol...i was tempted to respond to your "great revelations" with text from batman #1." -evolutionist

ULR's where the discussion can be read:

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss2.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss3.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss4.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss5.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss6.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss7.html