Deliver Detroit

Remnants of Deliver Detroit?

2012-01-20T12:56:00.003-05:00

As I prepare the new blog, I am pilfering the blog archives of Deliver Detroit. I am looking at articles, revising, reshaping, or scrapping them altogether. I wanted to survey the readers that are still here, yes, even those from Uzbekistan, and see if there were any favorite posts, series, or articles that you enjoyed reading over the years.

If you would like to, please email me at thegospelisgood[at]h0tmai1[dot]c0m, or use the contact tab above to send a message.

Thanks! Hope to hear from you soon!

2012-01-04T23:21:00.001-05:00

For all my loyal readers, I have an update concerning the blog. For all the loyal site bots and useless traffic links I get from Uzbekistan, well, I don't know what to say to you. Thanks for all the useless traffic?

I have been preparing new material for the blog I originally aimed to recreate on a WordPress theme in November. That did not happen. Good news is, I passed my licensing exam, and the semi-minute break I took helped in that regard. However, the blog theme is not ready. I hope it will be up and running by March 1st.

Until then, if I have any blazing insights or new book reviews I am itching to post, you will still see them here.

See you soon!

Three reasons New Year's 2012 is not that big a deal

2011-12-31T15:08:00.001-05:00

Armageddon is upon us. Ironically, only one second separates us from the final year of civilization. Or some would think right?

With a year full of end-time rapture predictions and prophecies finding fulfillment in the termination of the Aztec calendar who knows what to believe anymore? After all, it seems that the world is the same as it always was right?

Tonight at 11:59:59 pm., the clock will most assuredly flip to 12:00:00 am. and we will move from the year 2011 A.D. to 2012 A.D.

How much will change for you in that singular second?

According to world population studies it is estimated much will change in that singular second. At least one person dies each second. The second separating 2011 from 2012 will not change that fact.

So as many of us sit and ponder new year resolutions, books in review, and the world in news photographs, let us remember a few things.

1. The difference between this year and next is irrelevant if you are not living with purpose. That is a purpose that profits you through focusing on treasuring eternal reward. Be careful not to confuse temporal prosperity with godly approval of your efforts.

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (Jas 4:13-17)

2. Your ability to provide for you or your family does not equate to trusting God for your provision. It is easy to feel like everything is okay when your anxieties are calmed with full cupboards, warm beds, and ample clothing. This past year may have been harder than most, but it still is not as hard as it can get. It can be even more difficult if you truly find yourself counting the cost of discipleship.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Mat 6:33-34)

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted... (2Ti 3:12a)

and last but not least,

3. The way you live your life determines the reason why you live it. Many of us will get caught up in the daily grind and forget our purpose. Our public lives are easy to mask and putting up a facade is an easily accomplished task. We must measure our resolve to be godly by the private lives we live. It is then, and only then, that the facade comes down and the testimony that is you speaks plainly of the gospel. Every second is one in which we might perish. This must direct our actions.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Tit 2:11-14)

This New Year's Eve. I encourage you to not just reflect on the year in review, or the one coming ahead, but on every fleeting second that surges by in the blink of an eye. Remember also that it is not that which we have lost this past year that will matter as long as we consider that which we stand to gain in the life eternal.

The time between 11:59:59 pm. and 12:00:00 am. might be the final second you experience. At least it will be for someone.

Thanks for reading.

*If you are not a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you have found this article to be of use to you, please let me encourage you to understand there is no philosophy of life embedded in these thoughts. If I share these perspectives with you outside of the hope that is found in the forgiveness of sin, the salvation of mankind, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ, I live and speak both in vain. Please consider reviewing this presentation of the message of Jesus Christ at Two Ways to Live. I have found this to be the most useful statement of what the gospel means.

Book Review: Desiring God, Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (Revised Edition) by John Piper

2011-10-31T18:41:00.000-04:00

Following on the heels of a successful publishing the past 25 years, John Piper has again revisited one of his most popular works, Desiring God, Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Originally published in 1986, this book has been the go-to manual of what John Piper defines as Christian Hedonism.

Having never completed reading an entire John Piper book, I was not surprised to see it read like he speaks. John's book touches on many critical issues effecting the Christian in today's context. John has appropriately revised this entry to accommodate the advent of modern technology, the new ails of our age, and added an additional chapter to include, "Suffering: The Sacrifice of Christian Hedonism." Concisely, academically, and scholastically, John defends his thesis, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" throughout the entire text. John Piper also sufficiently demonstrates the story behind his passion for Christian Hedonism, and propagating it amongst brothers and sisters everywhere.

I had a difficult time engaging the book and being motivated to read it. It was not so much that the material or topic nature was not engaging itself, it is that I just found it a bit dry. I suppose John Piper may be able to level the accusation of anti-hedonist toward me at this point. Even though the premise of the book, and "Christian Hedonism" is to find joy in God, and thus draw God's satisfaction in you, it challenges some of the paradigms of the modern Christians faith.

John Piper demonstrates that the Christian life is easily seen as sacrificial in many regards. He also challenges the adage that finding joy in the "less-than" lifestyle Christ calls his disciples to lead is not itself as controversial as one might find. After all, having true joy in Christ is dying for him, storing up for yourself treasure in heaven. Knowing that there is reward for your temporal loss is at the center of John Piper's Christian Hedonism.

I enjoyed the book, but I am not sure I have been converted to Christian Hedonism just yet! Nor am I ready to call myself a Christian Hedonist. There is plenty of sound advice and good strong scriptural support for John Piper's Christian Hedonism. I also have now been afforded a glimpse into the "Desiring God" battle cry John is so well known for. With the addition of another chapter, and a group study guide, this book is worth the purchase for those who have never experienced it, and for those who have previous versions. A refreshing updated Desiring God will not disappoint!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review!

Taking an Extended Break from Social Media

2011-10-24T19:33:00.000-04:00

I admit, I love blogging. I love reading blogs, I love writing blogs.

But, I spend too much time doing all of the above.

Along with that, I spend too much time on Facebook, Google+, and a bunch of other time wasters.

So, here's the deal. I am working on a new blog that is currently under construction. I do not have a launch date, but if all goes well, I am aiming for the end of November 2011. New name, new site, new blog. What will happen to "Deliver Detroit"? I don't know yet. I imagine the domain will transfer links to the new name, but that is still to be determined.

I am also in dyer need of spending some time studying for my State Licensing Exam for Social Work. I also have a back log of books to read and review that are collecting dust.

Most importantly, I want to spend more time with my wife and daughter in the Word of God.

So you might see an occassional book review, theological thought, or link to something nifty, but as of today, Deliver Detroit is officially on a blog sabbatical.

See you in November!

And the Winner is...

2011-10-23T10:55:00.002-04:00

Andrew won the book giveaway contest for Van Parunak's book, "Except for Fornication: The Teaching of Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage."

When asked if this issue was one reserved for elders or if all believers should be informed of the dilemma, Andrew responded,

"All Christians should know where they stand.We're currently dealing with a potential divorce situation at our church andthe people who haven't thought much about the issue aren't helping thesituation much."

I agree with Andrew. As Van stated in the preface to his book, an old professor encouraged his students to know where they stand now, so when they face the issue they will not be struggling to counsel others when they are needed most.

Not being informed of our position on scriptural matters lends more to confusion and poor counsel. Let us be students of the word and study to show ourselves approved workmen.

Congratulations Andrew.

Free Book Giveaway: Except for Fornication, The Teaching of the Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage

2011-10-19T20:35:00.003-04:00

**Due to a limited response and apparent commenting errors, this giveaway has been extended. If you have problems commenting, please email me thegospelisgood(AT)hot(mail)(Dot)com and please see the details below.

That's right. You read it. Free book.

I love free books. Matter of fact, I love free books so much, I would like to give one away to someone else!

To enter, submit a comment with your answer to the question,

"Should all Christians know where they stand on the matter of divorce and remarriage, or is it only something that elders should deal with?"

Purchase this book on Amazon!

All comments must be submitted by ~~Tuesday, October 18th 2011~~ Saturday, October 22nd, 2011. I will draw a winner and post the results on ~~October 19th~~ Sunday, October 23rd here at the blog.

BONUS: If you have a blog or personal website, create a post and share a link back to this blog entry. Once you have, leave an additional comment below with a link back to your blog or website and I will enter your name an additional time.

No extra entries for Facebook, Twitter, or Google + link backs, but they would be appreciated nonetheless!

In September, I reviewed this entry of the Energion Aeropagus Series, "Except for Fornication." This book has proved very useful to me in personal study concerning the issue of divorce and remarriage, and I believe it to be something of worthy consideration to any serious bible student.

Whether you already have a settled opinion regarding this matter or not, a free book, less than 80 pages, and some serious exegesis to wrap your noggin around is very worth it.

I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Free Book Giveaway: Except for Fornication, The Teaching of the Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage

2011-10-18T18:25:00.001-04:00

Apparently there was a commenting error causing people to be unable to post there comments.

The corrected comment form is available at this link http://www.deliverdetroit.com/2011/10/free-book-giveaway-except-for.html

Or by just scrolling to the most recent post on this blog.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Accused of church aversion

2011-10-11T21:37:00.000-04:00

This post was originally written in 2008. In this post, I reflect on the position experienced by those who begin questioning the traditional patterns of the church in our day. Have you ever been accused of having an aversion to modern church?

One might become ostracized when discussing ecclesiology with individuals whose only exposure to it is that of the position justified by tradition, then proven from scripture. The perspective of 'church' being implemented as it is found in practice throughout the New Testament is often frowned upon and dismissed as being impossible to embrace due to cultural restraints we now face daily. As emergent as many may find this to sound, I think it's at least owed a second look in our study.

Some of us can discuss this openly, humbly, and in Christian love. But most of us, will dismiss the other party as a confessing heretic only to never find ourselves in fellowship with one another again. Whether or not fellowship ever existed between parties to begin with bears little relevance when the topic matter creates enough friction to cause harm or hatred toward a brother.

Most often, proponents of this perspective are misunderstood. Rightly so, as the norm is created by those who are zealous and promote a complete retreat to the other end of the spectrum where there is no return to the middle in sight. Either way, we need to remember that the disillusioned generation that has spawned and multiplied under the wing of emergent theology, there is still a part of that group that still resides under the wing of biblical theology.

One that does well to seek discipleship under the teachings of our Lord, also does well to understand that it isn't a retreat that's needed. It's a recovery. So when you encounter someone who may share in this thinking, you could remember to hear out the evidence first. Or just do what's always done, accuse, dismiss, and then accuse them of having an aversion toward preaching, institutions, or true church. Or in other words, dismiss their legitimate aversion toward cultural christianity and assign them false convert status because they don't meet the status quo.

Christianity and Social Work - Part 4

2011-09-29T09:18:00.002-04:00

This is the fourth entry in a series of posts addressing Christianity and Social Work. The purpose of these posts is to view questions proposed from a friend a few years back when he learned that I was pursuing a degree in Social Work. You can see the entire series as it is posted by clicking here. So, here is the next entry, enjoy!

Q. How does Social Work interface with Christianity?

A. Good question! There are a plethora of views on this topic that could be better explored independently of this discussion. But, for our purpose, I would assert that Christianity is the foundation behind the 'movement' and profession we often label Social Work.

To ask where these two entities 'interface' automatically assumes that they are in a dichotomous relationship. While the contemporaneous demonstration of social work and its academic institution across the land have set the modern precedent of what 'social work' is and how it is carried out, it really has its root in the outpouring of a Christian value and core faith tenet, loving one as he loves himself.

In closing, I will post a few links at the bottom of this entry, and include a quote from Alan Keith-Lucas' book "So You Want to be a Social Worker: A Primer for the Christian Student." I believe the author sums up the dilemma posed in this question rather well. It really does get to the bottom of our thinking when we as "Christians" begin to look at social work as a profession appointed to those who have been professionally trained, and not the tenet or vocation itself being born out of one's values and intrinsic convictions of faith.

"The real difference between Christians when it comes to theology does not lie in their secondary or tertiary beliefs. It lies in their whole attitude toward the Good News. Is is essentially a matter of emphasis. There are Christians, for example, whose interest in their religion is directed towards their own relationship with the Almighty. They are concerned chiefly with their own salvation. Theirs might be called a vertical religion. All communication is upwards and downwards, between themselves and God. Their relationships with people are not seen as part of their religion, except, perhaps, as they try to obey the commands that God has given them about justice and mercy and "loving one's neighbor as oneself", which they conscientiously try to do, but without any real concern for what their neighbor is thinking or feeling. The result, in too many cases, is a concern only for the spiritual state of their neighbors, a narrow form of evangelism and a lack of concern for such things as tolerable living conditions for others. They sometimes express their views by speaking of the "spirituality" of the church. The church, in their view, should be concerned only with the saving of souls, and need not trouble itself with the plight of the hungry, the oppressed or the troubled. It should also steer clear of any temptation to become involved in questions of social justice."

Therein lies the disconnect. There has to be an "interface." For most of us, that is acceptable to create those borders and lines that distinguish areas of our lives of when we are one thing and other times another. But for me, my life in social work is because I am Christian. Therefore, they interface at the cross of Jesus Christ.

Charles Loring Brace and the Orphan Trains
Jane Addams and the Settlement House Movement

Vantage Point: Sermons and Peter the Pulpit Preacher - Part 1

2011-09-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

The sermon is under attack. Its accusers claim that it is ineffective or out of date. In contrast to such criticism, the sermon is heavily emphasized and utilized in many Christian meetings to communicate biblical data to the masses, and as a brother from our assembly points out,

"The Sermon is so central to many groups that its delivery is one of the main duties of a professionally trained and salaried individual, the pastor."

The same brother, in his post, "In Defense of the Sermon" highlights not the problems with sermons, but the specific problems affecting today's sermons in our modern context. The post will in turn draw your attention to biblical anecdotes, the effectiveness of a good sermon, and even how to benefit as a listener.

The post offers a highly insightful and well reasoned presentation in defense of the sermon. It may even surprise you that this brother's idea of a sermon allows for questioning and verbal interaction. In the end, the post itself rests upon the premise that sermons are biblical, and have precedent through scriptural reference. I will not argue against the points made in the above post but will instead direct us to consider the nature of Peter's message in Acts 2:14-36. Was it extemporaneous, or was it carefully planned as the author states in the following?

To be clear: what I mean by “sermon” is an extended lecture on a biblical text or theme, prepared in advance by one individual who delivers it orally to a group of people. Unlike a discussion, the presentation is asymmetric (primarily from the teacher to the congregation, though it may be interrupted by questions). Unlike a meditation, it develops its content with an argument that usually takes some time to present. Unlike an extemporaneous address, the teacher devotes effort to preparing it in advance.

Before reading on, please be sure to have read the original article. When you finish that, read a follow up to one reader's comment "Peter's Planned Presentation."

My observations of the oratory given by Peter lead to another conclusion. Peter's 'sermon' was not a sermon at all. It should be noted that the schema in which we process the idea of a 'sermon' must be addressed. A sermon from the perspective of modern day pulpit preaching comes to mind, and the presentation places the deliverer in front of his audience. This same schema connotes planned preparation and crafted rhetoric. Reading such contemporary perceptions back into the texts of scripture can easily lead us astray.

I do not wish to offer a refutation of the above articles or point out invalidity of any of this brother's statements. What I would like to offer for you is a series of posts that will highlight some points from the book of Acts that provide evidence of genuine apostolic doctrine in action. While this brother's conclusions result in a case for careful preparation prior to confronting the masses with rhetorical structuring and systematic exposition, what I have found is that Peter was more of an opportunist and evangelist than a trained exegete or sophist.

What do you think? Do you think that Peter's sermon in Acts 2:14-36 was a prepared sermon? What indicators in the text lead you to this conclusion or disagreement? I hope to offer more in the next post in this series, Vantage Point: Sermons and Peter the Pulpit Preacher - Part 2.

*Arthur Sido asks a similar question at his blog - "A different perspective on sermons."

Faith that's quotable: Leonard Ravenhill

2011-09-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

This is a really difficult one to pass up, and no this series would not be well served without including brother Leonard Ravenhill.

I remember the first time I heard this man speak. It was via an audio compilation called "The Revival Hymn." His words cut to the heart and spurred motivation in the deepest recesses of my spirit that I never knew existed.

Ravenhill has written a great deal and is looked upon with admiration by many. But one thing Mr. Ravenhill would most likely detest is admiration of him to the neglect of the words he spoke.

Leonard Ravenhill was a powerful bible teacher and prophetic messenger in our time, certainly he possessed a faith that's quotable,

"One said, "If I lead somebody to Christ on the street, which church should I send him to?" (Sending someone to church today is) like taking a newborn baby and putting it in a refrigerator. I want a place that vibrates with God, vibrates with eternity."

"180" Movie - Debut

2011-09-26T00:32:00.001-04:00

The new documentary-styled film produced by Living Waters officially releases for free viewing today. I would strongly encourage you to view this film. A brief warning, there is content that you may wish to review prior to allowing children to see it (pictures and video of the holocaust and references to killing).

The film does contain a message that encourages individuals to consider their practices of electing officials who endorse abortion. I believe this is an issue that everyone needs to decide for himself, and involving oneself in the matters of the state are an issue you must address with your conscience.

And now the film,

For those reading via reader, you may click here to view the video.

Good Ministry, Bad Ministry, You Decide...

2011-09-25T21:30:00.000-04:00

Good Ministry: Seeking the power of the Lord and having faith in His glory to work miracles. (Mat 8:8)

Bad Ministry: Seeking to glorify the Lord but only having faith in your abilities.

Free Book: Isaiah 53 Explained

2011-09-24T09:00:00.002-04:00

I haven't read it yet, but this text intrigues me. The passage of Isaiah 53, a favorite proof-text for Jesus' messianic status. Also a favorite text to use by Jewish adherents in refuting Christians about Jesus.

You can find the book here.

Here is a description from the website,

Do you have questions about the meaning of life and spirituality? Maybe it is time to go right to the source and rethink your relationship with the Creator. Isaiah 53 Explained will help kick start your personal pilgrimage and introduce you to a chapter in the Scriptures that has the potential to revolutionize your life!
Isaiah 53 Explained makes the story of the Bible understandable, practically and simply explaining how you can have a soul-satisfying relationship with God and revealing the surprising key that makes this relationship possible.

I have not read this book yet, but my copy is on it's way.

Oh well Rob Bell…

2011-09-23T10:27:00.001-04:00

Lights! Camera! Action!

The blogosphere is going to be buzzing loudly for the next whoever knows how long. Rob Bell, author of the controversial 'Love Wins' has resigned from his position as 'Pastor' at Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, MI.

Accuse me of cynicism, but for me it is really not farewell. I say Oh well Rob Bell.

Still not really sure one can technically 'resign' as a Pastor. If indeed a Pastor is one who has been given to the Church by God (see Ephesians 4:11-16), then it does not appear logical that one cycles in and out of that position. So, what is really happening is Mr. Bell is leaving Mars Hill and pursuing other interests. If he was given as a Pastor at some point, then he remains a Pastor, that is his function as a gift to the Church.

Granted the impact Rob has had on many a ‘evangelicemergents’ here is a tribute to one of his more infamous videos. A parody of sorts. The original ‘Bull Horn Guy’ lampoons the fundamentalist street preacher who goes out to warn people of their imminent punishment in hell if they do not ‘repent’ and ‘believe.’ The satirist aptly demonstrates the fallacious nature of Bell’s original arguments. The original Bullhorn Guy Video can be watched online here.

Oh well Rob Bell.

And the Erasing Hell Book Giveaway Winner Is....?

2011-09-23T07:07:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all those who participated in the drawing to win a a free copy of Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle's book, Erasing Hell.

The drawing is now closed, but if you entered and would still like an opportunity to have a copy of this book, I have one more copy left.

You can enter a second chance drawing to receive this book by subscribing to Deliver Detroit by clicking this link. If you use a reader, I will accept an email on good faith that you have actually subscribed. Once you have subscribed, send me a confirmation email and we will enter you in the drawing which will run until 10:00pm EST on 9/29/11. I will announce the winner of the second chance drawing 9/30/11.

Blogger's, if you have a blog or website and compose a post on your blog linking back to this post, I will enter your name once more into the drawing.

Thanks to Jack for his comment,

"What a timely and important topic! Thank you for posting it! The doctrine of hell is important to every Christian's life because we believe in the inerrancy of scripture. And because the scriptures are without error, we know that hell is a very real place that is so awful that we don't even want our enemies to experience it! It should enforce the resolve in ever believer to obey the scriptures and share the gospel with those God puts before us. Hell isn't meant to be used to scare people into accepting Jesus. We must all recognize our need for Him and realize that we need Him. But, what kind of people would we be if, knowing of this imminent danger, we don't warn people and share the gospel with them? Sharing the gospel is an act of obedience, but also of love. Hell is important in the believer's life because it bears responsibility on us to share the gospel and live obedient to the scriptures. Our words and actions can affect the eternities of those around us."

I too feel distraught knowing that those who would reject the gospel, or having never heard it, may fall into a state of judgment, and spend the rest of their eternal lives in that state, but again feel compelled to obey Christ's words to GO and make DISCIPLES in order that we may pull some from the flames licking the hem of their garments (Jude 1:23).

And finally, the winner of the drawing was Bryan Frei. Congratulations Bryan, and thanks for your comment as well.

Bryan said,

"I think knowing Hell is important because Jesus had plenty to say on the subject and if I am to call him LORD and Master, I should follow suit. Just like the fact, Jesus taught about an historical Adam and Eve, thus it does not leave these subjects optional to adhere to."

I hope that we would all see our need to comment that which our Lord commends, and abhor that which he abhors as well. We might learn a thing or two about our own personal walks when we stop to listen to what he actually said.

Christianity and Social Work - Part 3

2011-09-22T09:00:00.014-04:00

This is the third entry in a series of posts addressing Christianity and Social Work. The purpose of these posts is to view questions proposed from a friend a few years back when he learned that I was pursuing a degree in Social Work. You can see the entire series as it is posted by clicking here. So, here is the next entry, enjoy!

Q. In what ways, if any, has your study of the mind shaped your faith?

A. I suppose that saying social work is a studying of the mind would be mislabeling what social work actually is. The difference between a social worker and a psychologist or psychiatrist, in short: is that the social worker seeks to empower the individual to utilize, develop, and understand the tools they possess in order to manage their lives. The field of social work is in fact so diverse that it would be difficult to limit the social worker's role to any one single spectrum. The above explanation is broad and universal in most social work roles.

I will have to admit that the beginning of my study in social work was met with great trepidation. I was fearful that I would have to embrace theories and practices that contradict my faith and beliefs. But, the biggest hindrance I experienced was that I approached all methods of therapy from a nouthetic approach. I feared that I would no longer be willing or able to help people without compromising my belief system.

So, without exhausting the details beyond necessity, I struggled very much in the beginning. Many psychological theories are in direct conflict with the teachings of scripture and pose a problem for Christians in therapy and human service fields. The premise that the problems of man are rooted in the mind is only valid if we understand that the mind is hindered by the fall of man and effected by sin.

The study of social work has shaped my faith with new perspectives. My training has shaped my faith through the broadening of my awareness. My knowledge of other approaches to helping man resolve the troubles of his human condition through his own means better equips me to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in this context.

I have come to a greater understanding of man being formed in the image of God (imago dei) and that encourages me to see the whole of humanity, its state without the truth of Christ, and the necessity of the Christian social worker to remember his first love with a sense of urgency. My study of the mind or social work in general has broadened my concern for the lost and the direct effect of sin on the lives of all earth's peoples.

In the end, the study of the mind demonstrates that there are certain organic issues that can effect the way people behave. There is also a spiritual issue that effects the way man responds to his environment. Plainly, the role of the Christian Social Worker is to obey Jesus Christ, and love his neighbor as he loves himself. A difficult task, but one that is required.

ONE MORE DAY! REMINDER! Book Giveaway: Erasing Hell: by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle

2011-09-21T17:09:00.001-04:00

~~This is a reminder, there is ONE MORE DAY to enter into this drawing! Don't forget. If you have a blog, repost this and put the word out. Let's make this giveaway interesting.~~

~~This week I would like to giveaway this new book from Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle. From the book description,~~

How could a loving God send people to hell? Will people have a chance after they die to believe in Jesus and go to heaven?

With a humble respect for God's Word, Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle address the deepest questions you have about eternal destiny. They've asked the same questions. Like you, sometimes they just don't want to believe in hell. But as they write, "We cannot afford to be wrong on this issue." This is not a book about who is saying what. It's a book about what God says. It's not a book about impersonal theological issues. It's a book about people who God loves. It's not a book about arguments, doctrine, or being right. It's a book about the character of God.

Erasing Hell will immerse you in the truth of Scripture as, together with the authors, you find not only the truth but the courage to live it out.

Just leave a comment below with why you think knowing hell is real is important to the Christian life and you will be automatically entered for the drawing. Entries will be taken until 9/22/11 and I will draw the winner on 9/23/11. If you miss the drawing, you can purchase the book here.

Why does the blog keep changing?

2011-09-21T09:10:00.000-04:00

I have been attempting to tweak some settings here at the blog. I do this from time to time, and it can be frustrating, so please bear with me.

I am attempting to make it more readable. I am also preparing for a new site in the future which will involve an entirely new upgrade.

Thanks for reading at Deliver Detroit...ya'll come back now ya hear?

Faith that's quotable: George Mueller

2011-09-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

I have always admired the work of the man known as George Mueller. Many of us in our day, look to George as a man of prayer, faith, and obedience. But he was not always a saint.

The man who would go on to impact the lives of numerous orphans, wear out the knees in his trousers praying to the Lord for support and sustenance, and leave behind a legacy we would all do well to seek for ourselves, was once a heathen.

George squandered his wealth, drank like a fish, and stole from his family. George was not an example any man would want his son or daughter to grow up to become in their adulthood. But, the Lord has redeeming grace for any a soul that would cry out to him in repentance and faith in the savior, Jesus Christ.

George was eventually able to find that grace. He also was able to show that grace to others in a most profound manner. Today, I thank God for this saint's life. This is a portrait of a man who's faith is quotable.

"A servant of God has but one Master. It ill becomes the servant to seek to be rich, and great, and honored in that world where his Lord was poor, and mean, and despised."

For those who enjoy biographies, I found this free biography of George Mueller on the web. I have not read it, so I do not give any endorsement of it or the author except to refer the link to you for your own perusal.

Book Giveaway: Erasing Hell: What God said about eternity, and the things we made up, by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle

2011-09-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

~~This week I would like to giveaway this new book from Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle. From the book description,~~

How could a loving God send people to hell? Will people have a chance after they die to believe in Jesus and go to heaven?

With a humble respect for God's Word, Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle address the deepest questions you have about eternal destiny. They've asked the same questions. Like you, sometimes they just don't want to believe in hell. But as they write, "We cannot afford to be wrong on this issue." This is not a book about who is saying what. It's a book about what God says. It's not a book about impersonal theological issues. It's a book about people who God loves. It's not a book about arguments, doctrine, or being right. It's a book about the character of God.

Publish Post

Erasing Hell will immerse you in the truth of Scripture as, together with the authors, you find not only the truth but the courage to live it out.

~~Jus~~t leave a comment below with why you think knowing hell is real is important to the Christian life and you will be automatically entered for the drawing. Entries will be taken until 9/22/11 and I will draw the winner on 9/23/11. If you miss the drawing, you can purchase the book here.

Good Ministry, Bad Ministry, You Decide...

2011-09-18T16:23:00.001-04:00

Good Ministry: Contributing to the needs of the saints and seeking to show hospitality. (Rom 12:13)

Bad Ministry: Tithing your money to 'the church' or 'the deacons' and letting them figure out what's best for the needs of the saints.

Age segregation in Churches?

2011-09-16T00:14:00.001-04:00

I received a press release yesterday from the National Center for Family-Integrated Churches. I have heard of them in passing in the past. I have also heard that the likes of Paul Washer and Voddie Baucham both participate and endorse this organization.

They are also not very well liked by the larger evangelical crowd. One thing they propose is that youth groups, youth pastors, and age-segregated 'worship' are unbiblical. Well, I tend to agree, so I never saw a need to examine their materials or research them beyond that. That is all until I received the release.

Essentially, was surprised me was some of the backlash from prominent evangelical reviewers like Christianity Today,

Christianity Today ran a harsh movie review of the film on their website and likened it to "an angry letter-to-the-editor," calling it "propaganda," "categorically dangerous," and "filled with scare tactics."

The above quotation can be found in the review.

And directly quoted from the press release,

Another critic of Divided, sounding much like Christianity Today, is a popular, neo-reformed blogger Tim Challies, who recently dismissed the film in an unfavorable review, counseling his readers to stay away from it. "It's a destructive message wrapped in a poorly-made documentary. The church would do well to ignore it," Challies wrote. He lobbed several grenades against the documentary, saying it was "not at all fair," builds a "case on a cliché," and is "not only uncharitable but also utterly ridiculous . . . complete and utter nonsense."

Tim Challies' review can be found here.

This organization apparently has its home in Wake Forest, North Carolina. I wonder if my friend Alan Knox is acquainted with them?

After reading the negative responses to the movie I decided I would contact the NCFIC and request a copy of the movie. Hopefully it will be here shortly, and I can offer some more thoughts then. I will however, have to strive ardently to discount my personal bias, as our our assembly currently holds meetings with all the children present, something I am finding is cause for alarm by most of the detractors. One of those behind the group, Scott T. Brown, is also the author of the recently released book, "A Weed in The Church." Hopefully, I will be able to review that soon as well.

What do you think of age segregation in your meeting?

Christianity and Social Work - Part 2

2011-09-15T21:44:00.006-04:00

Last week I posted the first post in a series on Christianity and Social Work - Part 1. I am continuing the discussion of this topic with the first question. Some questions may overlap each other in content, but for sake of clarity, I will allow each question to be answered and posted individually. If you have any questions or insights you would like to offer on particular questions please feel free to leave a comment, I would love to cover this subject as thoroughly as possible.

It is important to note that to differentiate social work and psychology is an important task, and must be done in order to know just what it is that separates the two. The initial line of questioning involved understanding Psychology as a whole and the questioner did not know there was much difference between the two fields, and not many do. The differences will hopefully be illustrated by answering question four. But for now, lets get to the first one shall we?

Q. What motivated you to choose a major in social work?

A. I was motivated to choose a major in this field by a number of factors. Most notably, my exposure to the field at an early age. Not necessarily as a proponent or pupil, but as a subject. I was privy to the insight of many well-educated social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, guidance counselors, and other “social service” workers and agencies. What I experienced personally and observationally showed me later in my life that there are many things that seemed broken in the way individuals are assisted through these avenues. I felt that I could make a difference. Although not to influence change on the social services and professions themselves, but to learn the methods and means to become accredited and serve in a capacity that would allow me to help individuals one person at a time. I honestly feel that treating everything BUT the sin nature of the individual is inherently evil in and of itself and merely reinforcing the problem that originally created the need for man's inability to be “good”. That problem I would identify from my own world-view is sin. My motivation is to reintroduce in the practices I employ as a professional the very things I’ve seen disregarded or ignored in my personal experience. In my opinion, this lack is conclusively identified as the absence of the Biblical Gospel and proclamation of restoration through salvation in Christ.

More to come…

Preaching Christ while working for the Government

2011-09-14T11:19:00.002-04:00

I work in Community Mental Health. Technically, I am not an employee of the government. But, by proxy, I am employed by a contractor whose major funding source resides at the County level. That County source gets its funding from the State, and the State receives most of its money for this funding from the Federal Government. So you see, essentially, if we want to keep our funding, we submit ourselves to the County's protocol and policies regarding the manner in which we provide services.

While working for my employer, I am defaulted into a position of being subject to the rule and regulation of Government Policy. This is not all bad. But in many ways, this poses significant obstacles to remaining obedient to the rule which matters most in my life, the rule of Christ.

Fundamentally, as a Social Worker, and an employee, I am hired to provide services to a multitude of individuals with various impediments, illnesses, world-views, and religious affinities. This set of characteristics is also synonymous with my co-workers and peers in the workplace. It is therefore not the environment, the funding source, or the people I serve and work with that raise a concern regarding my faithfulness to Christ and his rule, it is the test to remain obedient to Christ when others would rather you not be.

Principally, my profession requires you to be objective and constructive while employing your skills to assist, educate, and support our clientele and each other. The preferred tool of choice is an education that consists of knowledge from textbooks, clinical experience, world philosophy, and a hodge-podge of psychological/sociological theory.

While I would not throw the baby out with the bath water, as in some nouthetic approaches that staunchly promote the use of "The Bible Only" in counseling, I would err cautiously on the side of using tact. So without staking an empirical claim in either camp, what is then left?

I frequently find myself in the position of asserting the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. More often than not, the prevalence of Christian ideals and philosophy are more pervasive in human services and mental health treatment than one would assume. Even with a professional aversion to religion, specifically Christian religion, it is much easier to talk about the simplicity of what was taught by Jesus Christ.

At the end of the day, the most effective tools one can utilize in helping people who seek assistance from my agency, and by proxy me, is to preach Christ. Even with the adversarial nature of those who would oppose any form of proselytizing in the workplace, I always find myself coming back to the inner struggle with what I was taught professionally versus that which I have been taught by the words of the Lord.

So the safest philosophy to employ whilst preaching Christ and working for the Government is simple. Those who would normally stand against you are often those who scoff and blaspheme the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. At this point, their behavior becomes a qualifier and segue to open, candid, and purposeful discussion about what Jesus actually taught.

My clients, they generally are open and interested in knowing how to become freed from their afflictions, and often initiate discussions of Christ, the Bible, and living as a real disciple.

This leaves one last question to ask then. How closely does the life of the disciple match up with the words of his mouth? Which is more effective in a workplace where you are bound by government policies and hostilities toward your faith? Is it solely your words or is your deeds? Or is it better to ask is my life and doctrine compatible with each other to the extent that it is obvious to all those around me, client and co-worker alike? And ultimately, preaching Christ worth losing my job?

Act 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, (20) for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."

What do you think?

Book Review: Except for Fornication: The Teaching of the Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage by Van Parunak

2011-09-13T17:42:00.008-04:00

Approximately two years ago, a brother and I were discussing the topic of marriage and divorce over lunch. During our discussion, this brother shared with me that one of our own brethren had completed a work on the very subject we were elaborating upon.

At that time, there was a PDF known amongst our brethren in the assembly as the "divorce book" and was appropriately entitled "Let Not Man Put Asunder: A Biblical Study of Divorce." By H. Van Dyke Parunak. (This version is freely available at the above link to those interested in reviewing the version that surveys the entire bible on this issue). The brother in whom I was in discussion with, charged me with the exhortation to read this brother's treatment of the topic.

With a conclusion that divorce was at times permissible amongst believers under exceptional circumstances, I could not reason with a free conscience that it was acceptable for divorced persons to 'remarry.'

Yes, that puts quite a number of folks into a tight position does it not? It is a personal issue for many people, and a difficult and trying topic to wrestle with effectively. In the end, it creates a dilemma for those who would provide counsel or advise individuals facing marriage, divorce, or remarriage. It effects us at home and abroad. Mothers, Fathers, Step-Family, Cousins, Uncles, and Aunts.

Taking the advice of that brother who suggested I read the longer, more in-depth study of brother Parunak's book, I read it from cover to cover. I was so intrigued by the careful attention to detail and the purposeful and structured approach this brother had taken with the texts concerning marriage and divorce in the Old and New Testaments.

H. Van Dyke Parunak, or as many of us in the assembly call him, Van, has taken his larger study and condensed it for the latest entry in the Energion Areopagus series "Except for Fornication: The Teaching of the Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage." From the preface of the new book:

"This volume focuses on our Lord's teaching about divorce and remarriage in the gospels. It is drawn from a much longer study that covers the entire Bible. In this volume, I will sometimes refer to that study as "the longer book." That work also offers more technical detail on the passages considered in this volume. It is available as a free e-book at http://www.cyberchapel.org/DivorceAndRemarriage."

Without missing a beat, Van brings his teaching into the spotlight of Jesus' statements in the Gospels concerning the 'fornication' clause. He also makes a case for the truth and understanding Jesus would have had and taught by examining the evidence from Old Testament scriptures. What proves most helpful is that Van does not leave us alone with Paul's comments on the topic, he examines them in light of what our Lord taught as well. Convincingly, Van demonstrates their agreement, and that Paul does not make exceptions to the rule. A position that I found hard to reconcile until reading Van's work.

Van goes on to make the statement,

"The Lord Jesus uttered only eleven verses on the subject of divorce and remarriage, mostly restating the same two principles: divorce is wrong, and remarriage after divorce is adultery."

With this in mind, Van establishes his determination in seeking the truth of what the scripture itself says regarding this matter. With so much at stake concerning the impact that divorce and remarriage can have on families, it is essential to be diligent in understanding what the rest of the scriptures teach on this topic.

Dave Black, Professor at Southeastern Theological Seminary, Missionary, and Blogger, who is one of the editors of the Areopagus project, has stated on his blog at The Jesus Paradigm, that he feels this book to be one of the most important and helpful books written on the difficult subject of Christian marriage and divorce. He goes on to note,

"This book strikes me as a model of exegesis and interpretation. Not all will agree with its conclusions, but few I believe, will be able to ignore its biblical arguments."

I agree with brother Dave Black, and hope you will soon find out for yourself that you do also. The careful exegesis and attention to the original languages are helpful. This entry in the Areopagus series also proves helpful and lends itself to the accessibility of those who have little or no training in biblical languages or classical seminary training.

Van has chosen this undertaking for his own personal benefit and knowledge of the problem as God sees it, and the end result is the benefit of any reader who chooses to pick up this incredible work and read it. It had a profound impact on how I viewed the dilemma of divorce and remarriage, as well as how I viewed my own approach to the woman I was preparing to marry.

(This book is not yet released. Amazon has it listed for pre-orders, and the projected release date is 9/19/2011)

Featured Sermon Audio: "God's People Are Not Prepared" by Mark S. Case

2011-09-12T09:00:00.004-04:00

During my long commutes to work and back, I sometimes listen to messages from the SermonIndex.net Classics Podcast. I do not always know the speakers I am listening to, nor do I tend to agree with everything they say. But, I do attempt to listen to the message and discern what truth I may. I then pray that the Holy Spirit gives me direction to be motivated and apply what I hear.

This weeks entry, is from Mark S. Case. The message is entitled "God's People Are Not Prepared". This message is mostly topical and contains a reasonable plea to consider our usage of the phrase "Lord come quickly" and "hurry up Lord" while comparing our current state as believers and whether or not we really mean what we say.

The description reads: According to the scriptures, we should have on "the whole armor of God" in order to be able to "stand in the evil day." That day is now, and it is no secret that God's people are not dressed in His whole armor. Also, the scriptures show time and again, that as believers we shall give account of our lives to God. Today, there is no teaching of responsibility with accountability for the believer. God's people are not prepared to stand in the evil day, or to meet God to give an account of responsibility.

You can stream the message or right-click and "save link as" here.
You go directly to the message home page and read comments or play the message from here.

Enjoy, and if you listen to the message, what were your thoughts regarding the speakers perspectives?

Where were you on September 11th?

2011-09-11T09:00:00.006-04:00

Many will be remembering their whereabouts this day, holding steadfastly to memories of what they were doing and how they were feeling the day the buildings at the World Trade Center came tumbling down. You could liken this remembrance to similar phenomena created by the assassinations of men like John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., or John Lennon.

Undoubtedly, someone will ask you where were you on September 11th, 2001? I do remember where I was that day, what I was doing, and the shock and disbelief that encompassed me shortly after I laid eyes on the news broadcast showing the tragedy unfolding live and televised.

I was 22 years old, working in construction, and sitting on morning break when the radio informed us that a plane hit the first tower. I actually though little of it. I had never seen the World Trade Towers, and I never fathomed that what hit them was an actual passenger jet. Ignorantly, I pictured a bi-plane, or a small private jet. Then the news broadcast reported the impact of a second jet into the second tower. Someone finally explained to me the reality of what was happening.

After returning to work and carrying on in complete quietness, they sent everyone home at the report of the explosion at the Pentagon.

When I heard the estimate of deaths caused by the event I was devastated. A few days later, then President Bush called for a day of remembrance and prayer I left the job site and traveled to the nearest steeple-house I could find. I walked in, found the sanctuary, and took a seat in a pew, and meditated on my own mortality as I considered all those people meeting God under such horrible circumstances.

Physically, I was in Michigan, working, and attending to the daily grind on that infamous day in September. Spiritually, I was completely lost. I knew no Jesus, I had no answer for the deaths of all those people, and I had nothing that represented any absolute measure of true goodness to contrast the tragedy pausing our entire nation.

It would be five more years before Jesus Christ redeemed me and awakened my soul to the sound of his voice. But that day, hindsight being 20/20, nothing made sense.

All the world is still seeking answers to the dilemma of that day, finding answers in the scapegoating of Radical Islam, government conspiracies, and political finger pointing, and the result of that these past ten years have taught me absolutely nothing.

What has taught me something are the words of Jesus, which have etched a reality into my mind that will forever impact how I view tragedies like this,

Luke 13:4-5 "Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? (5) "I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."

The days of all men are numbered. The manner in which we live may never have any impact on the manner in which we perish. Unless we live for Christ, and submit ourselves to his commands, we shall not inherit eternal life.

On September 11th, 2011 I was lost. But with Christ, I have been found.

Andrey the orphan has a home!

2011-09-10T09:00:00.020-04:00

For those who have been following the progress of Andrey, an orphan from the Ukraine, you might be delighted to know he has been adopted! In the original post, asking for assistance financial and prayer support was requested.

In cooperation with the organization Reece's Rainbow, a grant fund was started and the drive for money to be contributed to Andrey's need was initiated. In a few short weeks after the campaign began, Andrey's fund grew significantly from $1,700.00 or so, upward toward $4,000.00 and on.

Through the use of social media, Facebook, Twitter, email, blogs, and word of mouth, many people began putting the word out about Andrey, and that he was imminently facing transfer to a horrible institution in which he'd surely languish and regress.

Thanks be to God that Andrey was adopted! If you have interest in helping out another orphan through the Reece's Rainbow granting fund, please visit their website. Also, it is the time of year for Buddy Walks. Walks are taking place in local communities all over the country and raising money for children with Down Syndrome. Walks affiliated with Reece's Rainbow can be found here.

I will be posting more information soon about another child to advocate for. Hopefully, another grant fund can be completed and another one of these children can be blessed with a family of their own!

Book Review: What's With Paul And Women? by Jon Zens

2011-09-09T09:00:00.001-04:00

Have you ever truly experienced a faithful assembly, committed to biblical literalism and committed to obedience to what the scriptures say? Have you ever longed to be a member of one of those types of meetings where people are consistent in their application of the doctrines of the Apostles?

I hope your answer is yes. But I also wonder if you really know what the end result of that could be in some cases. This book authored by Jon Zens presents the perspective of women's silence and subjection inside the meeting of the church. What's with Paul and Women?: Unlocking the Cultural Background to 1 Timothy 2 is an intriguing look at the fallacies the author believes put restrictions on women in ministry.

Since personally embarking on my own journey to discover the teachings of the scripture regarding the roles of women in the church, specifically their speaking roles, this book has become useful in examining the cultural context of 1 Timothy 2.

Jon Zens posits,

"Neither the Gospel narratives nor the recorded words of Jesus ever put restrictions on the ministry of women."

With 144 easy to read pages, Jon asserts freeing the sisters from the yoke of patriarchal bondage and suppression by educating his readers about the Artemis cult in Ephesian culture, a review of John Piper's "What's the Difference article defining Manhood and Womanhood, and well argued positions from scriptural evidence.

In my personal observation of literature concerning the Male and Female gender role debate, I am finding far more material that entrenches itself deep in its own camp. Whether it is the complementarians or egalitarians, there appears to be little out there towing the line down the middle of the debate and weighing uncertain information carefully before asserting a stance. This entry does just that in the egalitarian camp and goes on to assert the freedom of a woman to assume leadership positions in the church as well.

A good summation of the credibility Zens couches his argument in could be found in this quote,

"Paul entrusted his letter to the Romans to Phoebe who delivered it for him. She was a deacon in the assembly at Cenchrea and Paul held her in the highest regard (cf. Rom 16:1-2). Paul recognized her as a prostatis, a Greek word which carries with it the idea of leadership (cf. 1 Thes 5:12)."

A very good, informative, and enlightening read. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking answers concerning the gender role debate. This books examination of the cultural implications serve it well and make up for the portions that would be better promoted through more exegesis of the proof texts.

Good Ministry, Bad Ministry, You Decide...

2011-09-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Good Ministry: Being ready to follow the Lord wherever he may go, both into prison and to death. (Luke 22:33)

Bad Ministry: Not being honest with Jesus Christ about how serious you really are about serving him in that endeavor. (Luke 22:34)

Christianity and Social Work - Part 1

2011-09-07T22:46:00.000-04:00

A friend has asked me if he could pick my brain regarding my choice of major (Social Work) and how it correlates to my Christian Faith. We started this conversation back in 2009, and having worked in the field for a couple years, some of my responses have changed. The question is one I still keep asking myself and the answer, I believe will be changed several times more. But, the question itself has remained the same. Why did I become social worker? How does my faith and my vocational choice interact with each other? Why in the world would I embrace certain aspects of secular theory regarding human behavior? Is it all just as simple as relating it to sin and calling it a night? These questions all have validity in their inquiry, but does my answer to them hold a candle to biblical truth?

I hope to answer my friends questions as succinctly as possible, and I will be sharing them here. As he is not the first to ask me these, he is the first to take time to put down his questions in written form and allow me to tackle them one at a time. I hope this discussion proves fruitful for him, me, and all others who chose to read this. I hope it piques your curiosity as well, as it is question many of us have in a world where self-help has run amuck, the pharmaceutical companies get filthy rich while they create “cures” for mental health issues, and individuals are consistently convinced that they will “always” have a problem with their…problems…

May Christ be glorified in all this, and I am excited about these questions. I hope you will join me for discussion on these topics. And as usual, there is more to come!

Book Review: Read the Bible for Life by George Guthrie

2011-08-23T22:17:00.001-04:00

Reading the Bible. Seems to be a challenge for many people. In large part, there appears to be a segment of the 'Christian' population that falls short in this facet of their 'faith.' The deficit is apparently so great that a book was written to address the problem directly.

But, this book does more than just address the problem of 'lazy' reading practices. This book engages the reader in conversation. At least, it allows you to sit at the table and read in onto conversations taking place between the author George H. Guthrie and those he has selected to comment on various topics regarding Bible reading. Essentially, the author has created what is deemed 'Your Guide to Understanding & Living God's Word.'

Read the Bible for Life: Your Guide to Understanding and Living God's WordHonestly, I found this book helpful. It was not only resourceful and informative, it provided practical insight from many respected men and women. Actually, it was only one woman, Mr. Guthrie's wife sits down for a dialog about reading the Bible with the family. While touching on virtually every facet of reading and understanding the Bible topics related to foundational hermeneutics, ie., context, translation, application, the author also takes us on a journey through discussions concerning the Old Testament, New Testament, and crossing the culture bridge and reading it for our modern context.

Some of those conversed with include David S. Dockery, Andreas Kostenberger, George Guthrie (yes, he speaks with himself), Bruce Waltke, David Platt, Douglas Moo, and Michael Card. Indeed a solid lineup of many whom I would enjoy gleaning insight and wisdom from regarding their walk with Christ and the sustenance they have derived from living and breathing his word.

Essentially, the purpose of the book is to teach us how to not only read the Bible, but to read it well, to read it for Life. I would highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. It is a worthy read, and is something worth picking back up off the shelf to get reacquainted with from time to time. It would also make an excellent gift for a student or new believer struggling to get a grip on the scriptures.

You can purchase Read the Bible for Life: Your Guide to Understanding and Living God's Word by clicking the link or the image above. You can also pick up the workbook here, Read the Bible for Life (Workbook).

If you are interested in receiving my reader's copy, dog ears, worn edges and all, you can enter into a drawing to receive this book at no charge to you. All you need to do is subscribe to this blog, leave me a message in the comment section, and I will enter you into the drawing. You may receive two entries into the drawing if you leave a comment telling me what you think the cause behind the deficiency in Bible reading is in today's 'church'? I will close this drawing and choose the winner on September 15th, 2011. Hope you win!

I received this copy of Read the Bible for Life from B&H publishing for an unbiased review.

Book Review: Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna

2011-08-08T22:07:00.000-04:00

Have you ever taken a step back from something that you have always known and endeared so much that it would hurt to let it go? What if the very thing you are so certain of and cherish so much is exposed for what it really is, and you find that you have been essentially living a lie your entire life?

Frank Viola and George Barna collaborate together in this production from 2008 called Pagan Christianity. The book sets out to uncover deeply held beliefs and practices that many view as orthodox Christianity. Frank and George pull out all the stops in this treatise against the 'institutionalized' system of the Christian church and set out to trumpet a return to the church's biblical foundations. Frank and George instigate the presuppositions of the church of our day by contrasting it with historical and researched data while all the while campaigning for a more 'organic' approach.

We are also making an outrageous proposal: that the church in its contemporary, institutional form has neither a biblical nor a historical right to function as it does. This proposal, of course, is our conviction based on the historical evidence that we shall present in the book. You must decide if that proposal is valid or not. (page xx)

This book is a solid left-hook to the presuppositions and deeply held church traditions of our day. A few years ago, this would have been an extremely difficult book for me to read. But after reviewing the evidence contained in the scriptures, the attestation of scholarship, and willing to be challenged, I have been more swayed now than ever. What I once thought was 'church' never resembled anything close to what is revealed in the New Testament. Frank Viola and George Barna have assembled an excellent survey of the current church characteristics in modern Christendom, commented on them, and backed up their argumentation with a solid list of references, all jam packed into each chapter. You can read the fist chapter of this book online for free, or purchase it from your favorite book retailer.

Some of the fundamental flaws of this book are its purpose and lack of depth in the exegesis of some of the entries. Granted, the book presents a survey of the problems the authors see in the institutional church, sometimes it would do well to elaborate further on certain proof-texts that are often cited in defense of institutional practices. Furthermore, the refutation of the latter would be better received with more detailed presentation of the points. To the defense of the authors, they consistently claim that those explanations will come with greater detail in the follow up book, Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity, Frank Viola's positive follow up to the 'instigation' of Pagan Christianity.

All in all, if you are up for a challenging read, and you currently scratch your head every Sunday asking yourself, "Why do we do what we do?" You will probably find this book an intriguing, fast-paced, and invigorating read. I highly recommend it. Without agreeing to all of Frank and George's propounded views in this entry, I would state that they have done their homework. Where there is disagreement, further investigation quickly becomes warranted, and that is just based on their references alone.

Portrait of a disciple: Philip, Deacon or Evangelist?

2011-08-06T17:00:00.000-04:00

(Acts 8:5) Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Philip. Means lover of horses. If that is of any eternal value to you, God bless it! Philip, also the name of an apostle, and one who was known as one of the seven. The one I endeavor to discuss here is the latter. This Philip, plausibly one of the first deacons and later referred to as an evangelist. Was he one or the other? Was he both? We know enough about Philip from the book of Acts to confirm a few things.*

Philip was:

selected as a deacon (therefore not one of the twelve) (Acts 6:1-5)
a servant of tables and widows (Acts 6:2)
full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3)
a preacher of the gospel in Samaria (Acts 8:5)
a performer of signs and miracles (Acts 8:6,13)
a messenger of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12)
spoken to by Angels of the Lord (Acts 8:26)
directed by and submitted to the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:26,29,39)
sensitive to opportunities to preach Christ (Acts 8:30-37)
qualified to baptize (Acts 8:38-39)
found at Azotus, preaching in all the towns en route to Caesarea (Acts 8:40)
in Caesarea at least 25 years amongst the Gentiles when Paul came to enter his house (Acts 21:8)
the father of four unmarried prophetesses (Acts 21:9)

Well, that is quite a list. If the bio of this man were en-scripted on a conference brochure, it surely would bring registrants! Honestly, doing careful evaluation of the activities mentioned in the scripture give us cause to think there was much more that Philip did that was not recorded for us. But then again, Philip was found in Caesarea where his journeying ended in Acts 8 some 25 years later. One could infer that he took retirement. But one could also infer that he remained there and did the work of an evangelist. Luke, the author of Acts, ascribed Philip as an evangelist should we?

So following well accepted conjecture that the appointment of the seven in Acts 6 is evidence of the first deacons in the church, we look to the question, was Philip a deacon?

Deacons are:

dignified (1Ti 3:8)
reputable (1Ti 3:8)
proven blameless (1Ti 3:10)

Philip was:

dignified (Acts 6:3)
reputable (Acts 6:3)
full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom (Acts 6:3)

With minimal references to that which an evangelist actually does (Acts 21:8, Eph 4:11-12, 2 Tim 4:5), one must consider what information is actually available. Since it is obvious that Philip served in the capacity of deacon, we return to the question, was he an evangelist?

If Paul wrote to Timothy, and exhorted him to do the work of an evangelist, we could learn some characteristics of an evangelists calling from what he was instructed.

Timothy was to:

correct false doctrine (1 Tim 1:3)
encourage and be an example (1 Tim 2:1, 1 Tim 2:8; 1 Tim 3:1-13, 1 Tim 4:12)
teach and instruct on matters of modesty (1 Tim 2:9-12)
preach, teach, and read scripture publicly (1 Tim 4:13)
teach honor amongst the elders (1 Tim 5:17)
be selective of those he appointed and remain pure (1 Tim 5:22)
command the rich (1 Tim 6:17)
testify of the truth of Christ (2 Tim 1:8)
teach teachers (2 Tim 2:2)

an Evangelist is to:

preach the gospel from the scriptures
correct errors in the church
prepare leadership for the church
and spread the gospel from place to place

In conclusion, a candid look at the capacity of Stephen and Philip from the book of Acts tells two stories. One, they were worthy of their calling, and served the church as deacons. Two, they served well in preaching the good news.

Philip, was both a deacon (Acts 6:1-5) and an evangelist (Acts 21:8).

Both narratives of the function of Philip in the book of Acts illustrate the principle of service that a disciple is to emulate (John 13:10-14) in the church of Jesus Christ. As a deacon, Philip may have served tables, but it is unlikely that the requirements of his calling were restricted to delivering soup and sandwiches (more on this in another post later). Philip's role as a deacon epitomizes the function of his role as an evangelist. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, he served his brethren through a posture of service and the function of a gift given to the church for its building and perfecting (Eph 4:11). The evangelist is not just a preacher of the gospel to the lost, he is an essential component to the equipping of the saints. Philip was not A deacon or AN evangelist!

Philip was a disciple living worthily of the calling with which he was called (Eph 4:1).

Book Review: Radical Together by David Platt

2011-06-16T22:37:00.001-04:00

Radical Together, by David Platt is the follow up to Radical. The successor to this book spent a fair amount of time on the New York Times Bestseller list. It was also known for presenting a contrasted point of view of the state of American Christianity and calling believers to obey the scriptures in service and mission. You can read my review of that book here.

To be quite frank, I am not sure there is much new material here in this sequel to Platt's previous book. The content is a little more directive but it rehashes the need for change in the traditional church system. The problem that I observed while reading is not that the motive is wrong, it is that I feel the catalyst suggested for change will continue to be stifled by remaining within the traditional institution known as 'the church'.

David Platt does attempt to cover some ground that is seldom tread upon in evangelical literature. He makes his charge by defining six points the book is based upon,

One of the worst enemies of Christians can be good things in the church.
The gospel that saves us from work saves us to work.
The Word does the work.
Building the right church depends on using all the wrong people.
We are living--and longing--for the end of the world.
We are selfless followers of a self-centered God.

Platt goes on to target the tendency of Christians to get lazy or comfortable because they are consumed with programs and church activity. He also highlights the propensity of the other extreme, to do so much of this and that, it equates to works based salvation. With reliance upon the word, the fulfillment of the great commission, and looking forward to Christs return, David Platt poignantly emphasizes scriptural mandates for the life of a disciple.

I did like that David brings attention to forgotten aspects of what seems to be biblically obvious characteristics of the Christian life. While I was not enthralled with this particular attempt at clarifying why Christians need to behave differently than the status American Evangelical quo, I am glad that someone is at least attempting to address it in some facet.

You can read the first chapter of Radical Together online for free.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

A Twisted Scripture 9

2011-06-13T22:50:00.003-04:00

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

So then, my brothers, ~~when~~ before you ~~come together to~~ eat at home, wait for ~~one another~~-everyone else to finish eating at home- if anyone is hungry, ~~let him eat at home~~-tell him to go shopping-so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come. (1Co 11:33-34 Twisted)

A Twisted Scripture 8

2011-06-06T12:00:00.002-04:00

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when ~~each part~~ pastor is working properly, makes the body grow so that it he builds ~~itself~~ them up in love. (Eph 4:15-16 Twisted)

Andrey the Orphan from Ukraine: Still Needs Help!

2011-05-31T12:00:00.001-04:00

this is a repost from 3/10/2011. Andrey's fund it now $4915.00 and needs more help! Efforts have been proved fruitful in raising awareness and money for Andrey's cause.

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

(Isa 1:17)

Ever since this little boy has been brought to my attention, his situation has burdened my heart greatly. I suppose, due to my line of work, I have a propensity to advocate for the "little guy" or the "underdog." I believe it might be just more than the vocational essence driving me though. I believe it is because the underdog status resonates with me, in my spirit, very deeply. Andrey S., is a child with Down Syndrome. He is currently in an Ukrainian orphanage. At the age of 4 he is currently in line to be transferred to a 'mental institution' where most children (90%) do not make it through the 1st year. The conditions are poor, the social interaction is very little, and the digression of their condition is drastic. The cost to help out this child ranges from $20k to $25k on average.

What I am asking you here today on this blog is to give what you can, even if it is just $5. If just 200 people gave $100, Andrey would be halfway home. The biggest hurdle for this child's adoption is the funds. Once they reach a certain point, Reece's Rainbow, the organization involved in helping advocate for Andrey, will begin notifying potential families and alerting others of the grants available to help him be adopted. If you have a blog, please re-post this, if your assembly is looking for someone to help in benevolence, please plead this boy's case! Re-post this on your FaceBook or Twitter account. Whatever you do, do something! Pray, Fast, Pay, or Adopt him!

I will post the information concerning Andrey S., and the organization currently helping collect funds to create a grant for the child. After the information concerning the child, you will find some points of information that I collected to help alleviate ancillary concerns that may make donating worrisome. If you have any questions, please comment below and I will answer them the best I can.

Boy, Born December 28, 2006

Andrey is a tiny little monkey! HE REALLY NEEDS A FAMILY. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. He has also has strabismus, which can be corrected surgically here in the US. Andrey will greatly benefit from early intervention therapy, and will just blossom the way all of our other children have! This little one has an ASD and a PDA, with some impairment of circulation. He will need heart surgery when he gets home.

From a missionary who visited with him in November 2010: " Andrey seems to have regressed since the last photo that was taken of him. He has very low muscle tone and, while he is able to sit up on his own, his not able to stand, even with help. He was playing with toys and I got lots of smiles and laughter out of him when I tickled him. He definitely has some significant delays but I believe he could truly blossom with the love and therapy a family would provide. Oh how I pray he gets the chance…"

From one of our adoptive families who visited with him in May 2009: " He is such a little cutie! I am not sure if he is sitting on his own because he was propped against this fence outside and I didn't get a chance to snuggle him. But he is good size, a bit small for a 2 year old, but with therapy and stimulation, it would only be a matter of time before he thrives!! "

From his caregivers in April 2010: Selectively comes into contact with adults. Has commitment to the toys: rattles, musical toys. Self-sitting. Not walking yet. Eat with spoon, drinking from a cup with an adult.

Andrey S. was most likely the child of parents who willfully terminated their rights because of his special needs as a child with Down Syndrome.
Andrey is NOT part of a 'token' or 'novelty' demographic of children that US citizens target for adoption. Children with Down Syndrome are NOT a fad. They often encumber families with medical costs/care, time constraints, and constant engagement and behavioral monitoring. Along with the medical costs, the sheer challenge of socializing and raising a child with Down Syndrome is daunting. It would indeed take a special family to desire adoption of one of these children.
The specifics about how Andrey actually entered the orphanage and the strata/demographical data concerning his parents and their situation are not available at this time, and probably would not be available to anyone beside the adoptive family, and the social workers involved in the adoption.
Andrey is in an orphanage located inside the Ukraine. The Ukraine is not known for child trafficking and illegal payments to families for children. They in fact are very restrictive regarding foreign adoptions and have closed the doors for outsiders in the past. There is current potential for new legislation that will re-enact the moratorium, but has been tabled in the latest legislature meetings.
Trafficking of children to the United States by countries who participate in illegal adoption activities were halted by the U.S. State Department in 2008 (Guatemala and Cambodia). The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption has been enacted and created to monitor, regulate, and standardize these situations.
Ukraine is not party to this convention but still has a US embassy in Kiev, regulates all adoptions to foreigners very tightly, and requires adopting families to be married couples and under the age of 45. This is on top of the requirements the United States imposes on families who adopt children. They also must consider the adopteehttp://adoption.state.gov/country/ukraine.html#statistics
Contributing to assist Andrey will NOT be contributing to an organized effort to traffic children to the United States, especially Down Syndrome children.

Some more facts about adoptions in Ukraine,

· 2009 adoptions: 610 children

· Age/Gender: 53% Female, none under 1 year of age, 30% between 1 to 4 years old, in 2008.

· Estimated Total Cost: $30,000+

· Profile: 70% of children are age 5 or older; 30% are between 1 and 4 years old (2008).

· Parent Ages: Prospective adopting parents must be at least 21 years and the maximum age difference between the adopting parents and the prospective adopted child is 45 years.

· Family Status: Married couples only may adopt from Ukraine.

· Travel: Usually two trips required. Only one parent required for second trip. First trip is 2 to 3 weeks long. Second trip is 1 week long. If only one trip, 5 to 6 weeks.

· Timeline: From submission of dossier until appointment date, 5 to 12 months.

Why use Reece's Rainbow to help Andrey get adopted?

I spoke with the organizations founder, Andrea Roberts a few times already, and intend to maintain contact with her concerning Andrey's plight, and she herself is a mother of a child with Down Syndrome.
Reece's Rainbow is NOT an adoption agency, they are a granting/advocating agency. The more money that is available for Andrey's adoption, the more likely he WILL be adopted.
Reece's Rainbow is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that would receive ZERO dollars in compensation for assisting with Andrey's adoption. However, when a donation is made to a specific child, the Voices of Hope Fund receives 10% of that donation to go toward assisting other children and advocating for them as well. http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorship/voiceofhope
Andrea has assured me that the bulk of the cost for these adoptions in are consumed in the international travel and legal fees with both US and foreign entities. At least $9000.00 can be assumed to go straight to the Ukrainian government for costs alone.
As a side note. The adults I attend to on my caseload at work who reside in specialized residential settings can cost up to $3000.00 per month and receive minimal care. They are far from deprived, but are assuredly not "well" taken care of. With the cost of care being so high in an industrialized nation for adults, I could only imagine the costs for children in Ukraine with special needs.
Since 2006 Reece's Rainbow has helped place 500 children with HIV, Down Syndrome, and other medical special needs situations.

Here is an article concerning a couple who adopted in Ukraine, and received full grant funding for the actual adoption through Reece's Rainbow,

http://www.globegazette.com/news/local/article_444fdc30-1bc1-11e0-9edf-001cc4c03286.html

Believe it or not, I have found it next to impossible to dig up dirt on this organization. Since we have begun advocating for Andrey, his grant fund has grown by ~~45%~~ %65

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

(Gal 6:10)

Please join me in praying for Andrey. I hope you can support his adoption.You can donate directly through PayPal.

Memorial day? What is it we remember exactly?

2011-05-30T14:51:00.001-04:00

Today is memorial day. Regardless of the debated views surrounding its origins, it is set aside by the Federal Government as a day to remember the many individuals who have died defending the United States of America. Most folks will celebrate the day in remembrance of the fallen around swimming pools and BBQ grills, with very little ascent to the fallen dead. But for those that do set apart time to commemorate the valiant effort and brave actions of men and women throughout military history, it is a day of somber remembrance and grateful reflection of the freedom they now currently enjoy.

Freedom is a very biased word. It may even be a biased value as well. Hidden in the meaning of Memorial Day and the freedom derived from the military campaigns that cost the lives of those memorial dead provides a veil for something entirely different.

Sentimental thoughts see slaves freed burying the Civil War's Union dead to the shrapnel filled carcasses sent home in pine boxes from Afghanistan's war torn countrysides. Americans abroad focus on their ability to live leisurely lifestyles and cast bi-partisan votes on election day as freedom. In quoting John Piper from a message titled Don't Waste Your Life, "that's a tragedy." Whenever freedom is exchanged or evaluated by the cost of an individuals life, freedom becomes contingent upon the loss of freedom for those who lose their lives. Now, that sacrifice becomes noble and worthy of remembrance at cook-outs around the country.

I am perplexed. When it is suggested that one is enslaved to their hatred, anger, lusts, covetousness, adulteries, lies, or idolatry, it is met with resistance and ridicule. Even if you include that freedom is had by the death of Jesus Christ and new life through his resurrection if one turns from those sins, you are sure to be met with persecution. But, if you suggest that someone has given their life so that you can own a 4 bedroom ranch, a sports car, and voting rights, praise and rejoicing breaks out.

The question remains, what really is the cost? Arthur Sido at "The Voice Of One Crying Out In Suburbia," has summarized some statistical information that draws an interesting parallel between the combined numbers of dead service men and women in major U.S. military campaigns. The data of the latter dwarfs in comparison to the staggering number of aborted Americans in 2008 alone. You can see his post, "Some other Americans to remember today."

So what is it that we commemorate? Death, or life as a result of the death of another? In turn, what is the measure and value of the life that is lived as a result of the cost of the sacrifice? Today, let us remember those who have lost life, be it for a cause or vain glory. But remember, our Patriot dead are no more significant than enemy dead. The loss of human life is loss of life period. That can be seen in the devastating statistics seen in abortions every day.

Jesus Christ came that we may have life eternal. Not so that you can go to church on Sunday, have a 4 bedroom ranch, or go to war in the name of freedom. His life serves as a ransom for many, and as he refers to those who follow him as sheep, and he the shepherd, those who are his sheep will hear his voice (John 10:9-11). Those who truly love Jesus Christ, keep his commandments (John 14:15, 15:10). Today, remember the death of Jesus Christ, pray for those who will die (in war or the womb) without knowing him, and count the cost of your own life today (Luke 9:62).

I leave you with this video, which gets to the heart of the matter. Happy Memorial day.

A Twisted Scripture 7

2011-05-30T12:00:00.004-04:00

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

For ~~you can all~~ only men prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of male prophets are subject to prophets. (1Co 14:31-32 Twisted)

Getting to the root of sin and its place in our lives

2011-05-29T15:47:00.000-04:00

Read an interesting post at Evangelical Crossroads, Weeds: Theology from the garden today via the Koinonia blog. I was originally attracted to the gardening analogy used to demonstrate the point of sins very real presence in our lives, amidst all that we are and do. Because I garden, I understood the point, and it makes perfect sense when you consider the reality of sin on the surface but fail to contend earnestly with the roots below.

Author Chelle Stearns says,

"The imagery of weeds, sin and evil is intertwined throughout the Bible. The Old Testament prophets spoke of how God would uproot and plant. Judgment would be a sorting and a tending by God. Jesus, especially in the gospel of Matthew, talks of the complexity of discerning between the wheat and the weeds, and it would not be until the end of the harvest that whatever was not planted by God would be bound up and thrown in the fire. Jesus promises that at the end of the age, everything and everyone who causes sin and evil will be uprooted (cf. Matthew 13). In other words, Jesus is the good gardener who is patient enough to tend to his garden, not wanting to uproot too soon (2 Peter 3:9). God wants us to flourish, in the midst of all the weeds. Believe it or not, the healthier my garden, the fewer weeds. And so I wait, and I weed."

This is a great analogy to consider when we ponder the forbearance and longsuffering of our Lord Jesus Christ when we come face to face with our own inability to succeed at removing all the weeds in our lives, including the roots.

Are other people allowed in your refrigerator?

2011-05-29T12:00:00.006-04:00

Growing up, the refrigerator door was not a toy. At least that is what I remember mom telling me when I would swing it open. She also used to remind me that no duration of time spent gawking into the shelves would make any yummy treats appear that were not already present. Needless to say, I was not allowed to swing, peer aimlessly, or pointlessly open the door to the fridge without reason.

However, should I need to provide myself with a sandwich or a cup of kool-aid, the door was always an option, and I generally exercised privilege when there was purpose to the opening of the fridge. But there was an unspoken policy in place when it came to other people opening that door.

Having many friends from the neighborhood over frequently, the house was common ground to most who passed through. But, the fridge was not to be opened by those who did not reside in the house. Our home operated on a budget and a single income, sometimes even on state or federal assistance, making the contents of our fridge very valuable indeed. The refrigerator door was not to be opened by those who were not residents of the home, and those who did would be quickly reminded not to enter the forbidden fridge zone.

After growing up, I began to notice that this rule was not unique to my home, or dictated by a denominator of neighborhood children running to and fro spreading germs and invading privacy. I even experienced the same taboo feeling of daring to open the refrigerator door in the homes of close family members whose homes were open, but not frequented enough to warrant fridge rights.

To this day, I can honestly say that a visit to someones home brings fear and trepidation if they say that I am welcome to help myself to the contents of their refrigerator. Even if they insist, opening that door and exposing unknown contents, and fumbling for unfamiliar condiments to assemble a sandwich can provide great anxiety. It is much easier when people just get what I need out of the fridge for me and everyone is much happier that way.

Other people's refrigerators are messy. Sometimes they contain really leftover leftovers. The contents of a fridge can tell you many things about a person or family. Many refrigerators can give you a quick glimpse into the financial situation of its owner. It is interesting how much we can learn from a refrigerator is it not? Most people are uneasy about other people entering their refrigerators, and likewise their lives. I think the two can easily be one in the same. While thinking about Christian fellowship, the refrigerator door showed me what it is like to really have all things in common with others.

When I was younger, other people were not allowed in the fridge. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, my fridge is open to any who dare open it. And it's contents belong to any who desires to have them, even if it is the last turkey sandwich.

For me, true Christian Fellowship can be seen in the privilege of access to your brothers and sisters refrigerators. Even more so, fellowship is established mutually. A refrigerator full of leftovers is not a blight on your reputation when you truly desire to have others see you as you are. Commonality exists in the content of our relationships, and is truly fostered in Christ-like conformity when we allow our guards to go down and the doors of our refrigerators to swing open. Even though it is easier to just have someone serve you from their refrigerator themselves, we miss out on much of the value had in earning the trust and love in genuine relationship with others. When all things are in common, the relationship becomes more important than the possession, and that last piece of cheesecake truly belongs to any who desires it. My fridge is your fridge.

Now if you really want to push someone's allegiance to the limit and test the measure of their resolve, ask them to help you clean a dirty refrigerator. That might be the fellowship breaker indeed!

Could someone please tell me where fellowship is?

2011-05-28T15:00:00.016-04:00

It feels like forever since I remember my first struggle with the ideal of 'simple church.' You can call it home church, organic church, real church, or whatever church. But, principally, I was wrestling with what others were exclaiming to me was "biblical church."

You see, it all began when I started reading the scripture. No, I mean really reading the scripture! As I became more acquainted with the 'stories' and started to relate the 'characters' to actual 'events' lived out by real life 'people,' my biblical church view was becoming challenged.

As I was in the membership class of yet another church I had begun attending, looking for biblical fellowship and teaching, I started to feel completely torn in two. My brain was quite literally being divided between two positions. These two positions became the proverbial dogfight for quite some time.

One one hand, I was in an established church, in a respected community with excellent well accomplished elders. Their degrees and pedigree spoke loudly enough to attract any man dignified enough to label himself 'evangelical.' There were morning bible studies that brought together those who could get up early enough to make it in and hold their eyes open, and it was profitable, and allowed great discussions. Then at the strike of the hour, everyone shuffled from the classroom, to the foyer, to the sanctuary. Then, as the regular folk's began arriving, the sanctuary got settled, the organ piped on and the opening hymn began. At this point, you knew exactly what was going to happen, when it was going to happen, and at what time it would happen. Like clockwork, you could count on your worship folder and your watch to dictate your actions, and along with everyone else, fall in lockstep with the symphony of the meeting that is called church.

On the other hand, I was not quite satisfied with the 'fellowship' endured through three songs, a prayer, a sermon, and a benediction. I felt completely isolated in a room full of people. Something was missing. I guess I had fellowship in the coffee room with the leftover McDonald's someone graciously brought in, but that would not really pass scriptural muster in most places for 'fellowship' would it? That would be too much like a soccer game being sanctified because a couple church folk show up there. I did get to chat with the pastor briefly in the foyer and shake his hand. Even though I knew him pretty decently, it was like I got to meet him all over again each Sunday morning. He was a pretty busy guy, and if I had tough questions after the sermon, he would ask me to hold on to them until later, there was a line forming behind me. I suppose I could understand that, people really do not like waiting in lines, especially when they are in a hurry.

It is safe to say I was torn. Although I was struggling greatly with it, I had started driving to a friends home after these Sunday services to meet with them, to share scripture, to pray, and to break bread as we remembered the Lord Jesus. We were actually allowed to casually approach one another, share in each others lives, and honestly dig into the scriptures together. There was no pulpit, and nobody bothered arranging music. But someone always had a teaching, and someone almost always brought a song. Even though there was no worship folder, I knew what to expect. Whenever I would arrive there after the Sunday services I attended, I would expect fellowship. Each Sunday I drove there, I left fulfilled. It was indeed challenging, and these days were often very long, but I was starting to see something I had never seen before. I was seeing the lives of other believers, having things in common with them, and bonding with them as if they were my own brothers and sisters.

I cannot recall the length of time that this went on, but the more it did, the more challenged I became. Ultimately, I found myself at war with what I experienced in the morning because of what I witnessed occur in the evenings. I was also confused by what was going on in the evening because of what I knew from the morning services. And in between the two, I was forced to open my bible and begin to study this thing called the church. My conscience became so conflicted that I could no longer read what I knew was the status-quo in the mornings into the texts that were coming alive in the scriptures when I was allowing them to say what they meant. The book of Acts stopped being obscure and primarily descriptive and began demanding my obedience to the truth of what the early church gave their lives for.

In all of this, I was left holding a bible, looking at two meetings, and asking myself, where is fellowship? Most importantly, I had to open the bible and begin listening to the words that God inspired himself, and asking myself the question, what is fellowship?

How about your experience? Do you struggle with the traditional established churches of today? Do you see a discrepancy between today's practices and what the New Testament illustrates? Which discrepancies are the most difficult to reconcile? I am curious to hear your thoughts? Is this a conversation you have ever had with yourself?

Spring is here and Square Foot Gardening is near!

2011-05-24T21:15:00.000-04:00

So, I have been missing for quite some time, at least here at the blog that is. Spring is upon us here in Southeastern Michigan, and with the warm weather, comes new outside activities! Along with the responsibilities of a new job, raising a new baby, and everything else in between, we have decided to take up gardening!

In the past, I have tended traditional row gardens, and with some success, managed to harvest a crop or two. But those harvests often came with the burden of fighting weeds and time. Living in a condo with a small patio, we were not very sure we would ever accomplish the feat of a garden in such small quarters. We definitely could not fathom creating a row garden in our closed in patio, that essentially amounts to about 10' x 20' or so. On top of the cramped space, the ground area on our patio was a mud pit and weed patch. Then there is the dilemma of sunlight not hitting the ground for sufficient amounts of time. Needless to say, our gardening outlook was bleak.

But then a friend helped us out with a book he had come across. All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew is about a system of gardening made simple. Using raised beds, table tops, or deck railings, anyone can have a garden. The method not only allows you to utilize a custom soil/compost mixture that is proven to raise premium organic vegetables, but it also is broken down into simple terms, illustrations, and cost-effective material usage to help just about anyone get setup and growing! With good drainage, efficient use of water, and efficient space utilization, any area can become a productive garden that produces a crop rival to any traditional row crop around, in proportion of course!

With our limited space and planting time approaching quickly, I ordered the book, bought supplies, and prepared a space for planting. It has been a harried past month or so, but now that everything is ready, my garden is planted, and the patio is now a pleasant garden and retreat, I think we will actually have a tad more time for....the new baby!

Well, If you are a gardener, and you would like to check the method out, I have posted some progress pictures below. We will see how the crops finish at harvest time, but as for now, everything is doing great! I highly recommend this book not just for its information and instruction, but because it is fun to read and the illustrations make a pro out of any novice! Happy gardening!

Book Review: The Essential Bible Companion To The Psalms, by Brian L. Webster and David R. Beach

2011-05-04T00:46:00.000-04:00

There are two types of books a student of the Bible can benefit from. Commentaries, which can be very involved and theologically deep and companions, which can serve as quick references or summaries. While both resources can vary in skill and ability required to utilize them fully, the latter tends to be more accessible for the every day reader.

The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms is an excellent example of accessibility. Sitting down with the Psalms and giving them a cursory read will often leave the reader with questions or confusion. But, this new resource from Zondervan helps illuminate several key areas of each Psalm for the reader,

Theme - an overarching and common thread that runs through each Psalm
Type - categorized by various genres of Psalms that appear in the Scriptures
Background - a contextual synopsis of the historical and literal events that influence the understanding of the Psalm itself
Structure - a brief exposition of the Psalm verse by verse
Special notes - a breakdown of unfamiliar terms or ancient references that may be culturally unfamiliar

Last but not least, each Psalm has a brief reflection to summarize the message of the passage. Although each entry for each Psalm appears short and lacking on the page, the information is concise and accurate, providing ease of reading and appropriate information for studying one of the greatest treasure troves of Scripture, the Psalms.

I highly recommend you picking this book up, it is well worth having as a desk reference, coffee table book, or sitting on the reference section of your bookshelf.

I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for an unbiased book review.

Book Review: Following Jesus, the Servant King: A Biblical Theology of Covenantal Discipleship by Jonathan Lunde

2011-04-09T23:44:00.000-04:00

Following Jesus, the Servant King: A Biblical Theology of Covenantal Discipleship by Jonathan Lunde came to me at an interesting time. Just as my interest in honoring the call of our Lord Jesus to radical discipleship has piqued, this book provided a much needed survey of the progression of the covenants in God's Holy Writ. The author takes on the task of demonstrating something the mainstream church has shown to be lacking for quite some time, a historical and practical demonstration of true obedience. The exemplary servitude of Jesus Christ comes as a focal point and example in which the author demonstrates is the filter in which all obedience to God's word must be understood. Jonathan Lunde takes a practical approach to this by cleverly and systematically approaching three questions,

Why: Why should I be concerned to obey all of Jesus' commands if I have been saved by grace?
What: What is it that Jesus demands of his disciples?
How: How can the disciple obey Jesus' high demand, while experiencing his "yoke" as "light" and "easy"?

What I have enjoyed about this book is its repetitious nature. Many books cover key points and move on. Jonathan Lunde has done due diligence in emphasizing the recurrence of key points in each chapter, how it relates to the last, and how he will approach it in the next. All this comes in light of the application drawn by answering the Why, What, and How questions originally set forth in the beginning of this book. Because this book is a bit higher on the level of difficulty, the reminders are Lunde's points and purposes are extremely helpful. The benefits of this method along with the content of the book culminates the central focus on Christ's servant/King status and the call to discipleship. Whilst making no attempt to ultimately correlate the teaching of the law according to Christ and its relationship to the same course of doctrine in Paul, Lunde brings the two together well and spends just enough emphasis on the topic to show their ultimate reconciliation with each other in light of the covenants of God.

According to quite a few reviews previously written concerning this book, the author neglects much of the epistles and their teaching concerning discipleship if you will. Those who have pointed this out state that Paul and the other letters have appropriate content related to the premise of Covenantal Discipleship. I could not agree with their findings and have complete satisfaction in the supreme demonstration of discipleship according to thee supreme example, Jesus Christ. Everything else really is ancillary, Christ and his teaching should always come first, and the rest must follow in agreement, or be cast out. This does not say the epistles are not relevant, but it does demonstrate something I believe this book does well, revitalize a call to covenant discipleship through the Lord Jesus Christ and a call to obedience in him and his word. I did not have any expectations of this book, therefore there was not disappointment on this end.

Although an enjoyable read thus far, I have not been able to finish the final section. This review is only based on the progress I have made thus far and I hope at a later date to make an addendum to this review. I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for an unbiased view. I would highly recommend purchasing this book and giving it a read!

Introduction to Hinduism from BiblicalTraining.org

2011-03-26T16:52:00.000-04:00

I have always been an advocate of educating oneself about other world religions. When I was doing my undergrad I had the priviledge of taking a few philosophy courses that included surveying and investigating culture through world religions. A helpful book on the subject The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog, 5th Edition by James W. Sire also helps evaluate other world religions through an unashamed Christian lens.

If you ever interact with other world religions, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Judaism, you know that it is beneficial to at least understand their faith and know the talking points. It is hard to win the respect of other in conversation if you have not at least considered or possess knowledge of their faith. BiblicalTraining.org has published a course on the topic of Hinduism at their website.

From Dr. Timothy Tennet the website describes his course as an,

"In-depth survey of philosophical and popular Hinduism’s historical and theological themes. Exposure to current strategies being used to bring the gospel to Hindus and how Christian theology is being formulated in the Indian context."

Mourning is wise, and mourning death brings life - in memory of my Mother

2011-03-25T23:21:00.002-04:00

Grief. The word itself imposes ominous undertones. When considered in the context of the loss of something you cherish or of great worth, it can strike a hard blow to any one's heart. Succinctly defined, grief is imposed by some cause of sorrow, or an event that causes affliction. Grief then, is usually found occurring in close association with mourning.

I believe grief is most profound in the expression of losing someone you care about. Experiencing the death of a loved one can prove to be very challenging. Amidst the various trials life is proven to offer, none are met with as much trepidation as is death. But, death can be confounding in its own right. Some accept it, some deny it, many do not think about it, and some run headlong toward it. The consensus is a mixed bag that has little effect on the end result of death's presence in our world.

Ten out of ten of us have to face death, no matter what.

Today marks one year since the passing of my beloved mother Jeanette. Her final breaths were drawn struggling with Cancer and other complications on March 25th, 2010 at approximately 6pm. She expired shortly after my brother and I had been able to say our final goodbyes, choke back the tears and acknowledge that our loss was inevitable. For the first time in our lives we were going to be without the backbone of our family and readily, we would both admit, it was scary knowing that we would no longer have her strength and resolve to fall back on in times of need.

The comedy of the relationship my brothers and I had with our mother is comforting. She was no gentle, dainty, and parasol toting woman who giggled shyly while handsome gentlemen passed by. She was a Harley riding, cigarette smoking, factory-rat whose perfume was hydraulic fluid from a General Motors transmission plant. But on the flip side, she was our best friend, confidant, counselor, inspiration, and gentle nurturing mother. She was the best mother we ever had. She was a strong foundation on which we were able to inherit strong values, work ethic, and determination that pushed for justice, equality, and devotion for the things we loved. Most importantly, she taught us the importance of sacrificing yourself for the welfare of your family.

She is deeply missed.

Coming to the thirtieth year of my life, I would have never guessed all that has happened, was happening, and was going to happen, would culminate in the events that took place one year ago today. I have not written about these events prior to today out of various respects, but mostly, because I have not known much of what to say about it all. I do know that of all that my eyes have witnessed in the realm of life and in death, there is no way to sufficiently answer all the questions that arise when we lose someone.

Reflecting back on that day, one year ago, I recall vividly the silence that shushed the room, and the great distance from my mother that I experienced as I sat next to her bed. She was gone, but her body still lie beside me. I kept waiting for her to take another breath, and it never came. I wanted to cry, but I was also relieved she was no longer gasping for air. I was confused and unsure of my emotions and wanted to be angry, but could not muster the strength to express it. All I knew was nothing, and nothing sure felt different than having everything all figured out.

You see, that day was a sober reminder. It was a visit to the house of mourning, a solemn reminder that hit so close to home that I could do nothing but call on Jesus Christ, and the Father in Heaven, and beg for comfort, or else I would have not made it through that night.

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. (Ecc 7:2-4)

If someone would have came to me that evening and spouted off Romans 8:28 and said everything is going to be all good because I am a believer, I might have sneered and gave a puzzling look. At that point, telling me that this working out of my mother's suffering benefits my good makes her a means to an end for my own purpose. On the other hand, the author of Ecclesiastes demonstrates that a visitation to the house of mourning is more purposeful, if not rewarding, than laughter and festivities. But for me, reflecting on the death at the very moment death entered the room through the final breath of a loved one, my own mortality quickly came into view. Fundamentally, the wisdom found in the house of mourning does work good in the heart of he who is found there. But going there is not always the first, or preferable choice. We all too often are there involuntarily.

Standing at the doorstep of reality, my spirit was thrust to its lowest point and I could no longer rely on the flesh, but only hope in Christ. No longer having an opportunity to plead the truth of the redeeming sacrifice of the Christ to my mother, her eternal state was then placed into the hands of a just and merciful God. I no longer had to wrestle with uncertainty because I had resolved to trust God in all his goodness, and accept that which he has given me to handle.

I always think about my mother, her life, and what it meant to my brothers and I. And in her absence, I find myself leaning evermore confidently in the consistence of Christ and his mercy. That day my mother died, I became more intimately aware of why the Savior lives. He has come to proclaim that in order to have life, we must first die, and to die with Christ allows us to be raised in newness of life with him. Going into the house of mourning at the cost of my mother's earthly life granted wisdom for some that day, and I pray, it continues to hold its testimony, that all man shall perish, and reflecting on that encourages our need for a savior. We may lose our breath and our flesh may pass into death, but for those in Christ Jesus, death is no longer a dreaded event or consequence, but a great reprieve from the afflictions of this world.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Mat 5:4)

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (Jas 1:12)

Jeanette M. Lee December 16th, 1955 - March 25th, 2010

We miss you.

If you were an orphan, would you want help? Help an orphan today!

2011-03-20T10:27:00.002-04:00

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

(Isa 1:17)

Andrey S. was most likely the child of parents who willfully terminated their rights because of his special needs as a child with Down Syndrome.
Andrey is NOT part of a 'token' or 'novelty' demographic of children that US citizens target for adoption. Children with Down Syndrome are NOT a fad. They often encumber families with medical costs/care, time constraints, and constant engagement and behavioral monitoring. Along with the medical costs, the sheer challenge of socializing and raising a child with Down Syndrome is daunting. It would indeed take a special family to desire adoption of one of these children.
The specifics about how Andrey actually entered the orphanage and the strata/demographical data concerning his parents and their situation are not available at this time, and probably would not be available to anyone beside the adoptive family, and the social workers involved in the adoption.
Andrey is in an orphanage located inside the Ukraine. The Ukraine is not known for child trafficking and illegal payments to families for children. They in fact are very restrictive regarding foreign adoptions and have closed the doors for outsiders in the past. There is current potential for new legislation that will re-enact the moratorium, but has been tabled in the latest legislature meetings.
Trafficking of children to the United States by countries who participate in illegal adoption activities were halted by the U.S. State Department in 2008 (Guatemala and Cambodia). The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption has been enacted and created to monitor, regulate, and standardize these situations.
Ukraine is not party to this convention but still has a US embassy in Kiev, regulates all adoptions to foreigners very tightly, and requires adopting families to be married couples and under the age of 45. This is on top of the requirements the United States imposes on families who adopt children. They also must consider the adopteehttp://adoption.state.gov/country/ukraine.html#statistics
Contributing to assist Andrey will NOT be contributing to an organized effort to traffic children to the United States, especially Down Syndrome children.

Some more facts about adoptions in Ukraine,

· 2009 adoptions: 610 children

· Age/Gender: 53% Female, none under 1 year of age, 30% between 1 to 4 years old, in 2008.

· Estimated Total Cost: $30,000+

· Profile: 70% of children are age 5 or older; 30% are between 1 and 4 years old (2008).

· Parent Ages: Prospective adopting parents must be at least 21 years and the maximum age difference between the adopting parents and the prospective adopted child is 45 years.

· Family Status: Married couples only may adopt from Ukraine.

· Travel: Usually two trips required. Only one parent required for second trip. First trip is 2 to 3 weeks long. Second trip is 1 week long. If only one trip, 5 to 6 weeks.

· Timeline: From submission of dossier until appointment date, 5 to 12 months.

Why use Reece's Rainbow to help Andrey get adopted?

I spoke with the organizations founder, Andrea Roberts a few times already, and intend to maintain contact with her concerning Andrey's plight, and she herself is a mother of a child with Down Syndrome.
Reece's Rainbow is NOT an adoption agency, they are a granting/advocating agency. The more money that is available for Andrey's adoption, the more likely he WILL be adopted.
Reece's Rainbow is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that would receive ZERO dollars in compensation for assisting with Andrey's adoption. However, when a donation is made to a specific child, the Voices of Hope Fund receives 10% of that donation to go toward assisting other children and advocating for them as well. http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorship/voiceofhope
Andrea has assured me that the bulk of the cost for these adoptions in are consumed in the international travel and legal fees with both US and foreign entities. At least $9000.00 can be assumed to go straight to the Ukrainian government for costs alone.
As a side note. The adults I attend to on my caseload at work who reside in specialized residential settings can cost up to $3000.00 per month and receive minimal care. They are far from deprived, but are assuredly not "well" taken care of. With the cost of care being so high in an industrialized nation for adults, I could only imagine the costs for children in Ukraine with special needs.
Since 2006 Reece's Rainbow has helped place 500 children with HIV, Down Syndrome, and other medical special needs situations.

Here is an article concerning a couple who adopted in Ukraine, and received full grant funding for the actual adoption through Reece's Rainbow,

http://www.globegazette.com/news/local/article_444fdc30-1bc1-11e0-9edf-001cc4c03286.html

Believe it or not, I have found it next to impossible to dig up dirt on this organization. Since we have begun advocating for Andrey, his grant fund has grown by 45%.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

(Gal 6:10)

Please join me in praying for Andrey. I hope you can support his adoption.You can donate directly through PayPal.

Book Review: Radical by David Platt

2011-03-15T23:01:00.002-04:00

What is your dream? If you are a Christian, is your dream different that the one your unbelieving friend, spouse, or neighbor dreams each night? Do you both have a common dream? Maybe the American dream?

Being Christian in America can become easy living. Most American Christians enjoy the pleasures of their own vehicles, theatrically lit sanctuaries, and charismatic speakers that deliver relevant and punch messages, week in and week out.

Author David Platt attempts to weigh in with a new perspective on American Christianity in Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Platt evaluates the radical discipleship of New Testament Christianity and compares it to contemporary examples of Christendom. An unlikely critic, shepherding a 4,000 member church in Birmingham, Alabama, listening to a "mega-church" minister speak on radical separation from the American Dream creates an interesting dichotomy. If what Platt evaluates as a stark contrast between today's example of "discipleship" and the same "discipleship" laid out in scripture is true, we have a major disconnect.

Platt diligently demonstrates the difference in devotion through several means. When you can compare parking lots populated with millions of dollars in vehicles, bright lit meeting places, and freedom to worship when and where you please with secret meeting places, dimly lit gathering rooms, and bicycling from one meeting to another risking your life and not see a need for re-assessment of value, then something might be terribly wrong. Platt cleverly shows his readers how singular devotion to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ concerning devotion, giving, and fulfillment of the great commission in all that we do can revolutionize your life. The stupor and haze of the American Dream no longer has to confound your judgment concerning putting your own hands to the plow.

This book will encourage you to take a good hard look at your current situation, place it in perspective with the lives of the disciples, and other radical believers the world around, and allow you to make a fair assessment of the necessity for change in today's believers. I encourage you to pick it up today if you have not already purchased it. You may read the first chapter for free here.

David Platt has recently released a book called Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Faith that's quotable: Jim Elliot

2011-03-15T13:57:00.000-04:00

I have been reading Radical, by David Platt. I am almost finished, and will be posting a review soon. It has been a good read thus far. I thought I would share a quote from the book he utilizes with you that comes from a modern missionary whose life was ended taking the Gospel to the lost,

image from http://www.ccminternational.org
Surely those who know the great passionate heart of Jehovah must deny their own loves to share in the expression of His. Consider the call from the Throne above, "Go ye," and from round about, "Come over and help us," and even the call from the damned souls below, "send Lazarus to my brothers, that they come not to this place." Impelled then, by these voices, I dare not stay home while Quichuas perish. So what if the well-fed church in the homeland needs stirring? They have the Scriptures, Moses, and the Prophets, and a whole lot more. Their condemnation is written on their bank books and in the dust on their Bible covers. American believers have sold their lives to the service of Mammon, and God has His rightful way of dealing with those who succumb to the spirit of Laodicea. -Originally excerpted from Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliiot by Elisabeth Elliot

Book Review: Keep Your Greek, Strategies For Busy People by Constantine R. Campbell

2011-03-14T20:40:00.000-04:00

Are you a Greek Student? Are you an accomplished Greek Scholar? Are you a diligent minister of the word who has let the knowledge of the languages creep into the recesses of your mind? Are you discouraged by the reclaiming of once prominent recall of the Greek from your overbearing and busy schedule?

These are all great questions with great answers in this new book from Constantine R. Campbell. This new release from Zondervan brings together a series of blog posts that were previously posted at the author's blog Read Better, Preach Better, and offers them in an easy, engaging, and encouraging format. The blog posts now converted to chapters in the book are complete with responses from the blog on each post, and now subsequent chapter. Campbell gives cause, justification, and technical advice that is both practical and wise. With the inclusion of quotes from respected scholars and teachers of Greek, this book reinforces the student or graduate of Greek studies with motivation to serve God through diligent study and understanding. In just under 90 pages, Keep Your Greek converses and equips you with tools, tips, tricks, and categorizes useful resources, web pages, and other materials to get you into the game...or for those who have forgotten their Greek, back into it!

I loved this! As a blogger, and active blog reader, I found it exciting to see a dialog transpiring between the author and his audience. The chapters were helpful, and the practical responses offered by the commentators made the whole discussion real. For me, a mere student of the Koine Greek, I found the tips from those much more experienced than I helpful and even preventative in my own labors to acquire a "dead" language. This book not only helps you internalize language acquisition as a task of love, but also reinforces that the Koine is in no way dead, but perfectly alive, so long as you engage it!

I received this book at no charge in exchange for an unbiased review. You can see other entries concerning this book during its blog tour March 14th through the 18th at the Koinonia Blog.

Good Ministry, Bad Ministy, You Decide...

2011-03-12T14:20:00.000-05:00

Good Ministry: Forsaking all of your possessions for the sake of Jesus and the Gospel. (Mark 10:29)

Bad Ministry: Forsaking all thinking that you will gain in all back personally instead of in kind from those you meet on the way. (Mark 10:30)

Neglecting the assembling of the saints: The Meeting Dynamic

2011-02-22T13:19:00.000-05:00

In the previous 'Neglecting the assembling of the saints' posts, an intro, and breaking bread, I laid out quite a few points of doctrine that I have been focusing my thoughts and devotions on lately. It may be that I am obsessed with ecclesiology or it may be that I am trying to learn how important the meetings are to the unity and edification of the body. This entry will mainly concern itself with the importance of getting the Meeting Dynamic right.

If we have established, or at least considered, that the primary event in the meeting of the saints is the breaking of bread, then a few questions remain regarding how it all plays out logistically. Admittedly, one is hard pressed to develop a rubric or blueprint that stands alone as a sufficient foundation for all meetings in all places under all circumstances. But, it is obvious, from the pages of scripture, and early church history, that there was a common bond and thread running through the recorded meetings which took place in the churches of the saints. This common thread was the breaking of bread.

Overlooking the seemingly obvious feasting aspect of the meeting, we turn turn our gaze to the current approach to the Christian meeting in contemporary evangelicalism. It is, the "Sunday Service." Excepting to those who would hold the Sunday Service on Saturday, or substitute the meeting for some other day, the coming together in our modern context is similar in most occurrences.

Designated place of worship (usually a building/steeple house)
Designated order of service (welcome, prayer, singing, sermon, etc.)
Designated teacher(s) or clergy
Dismissal of the congregation or attendants

Now to the credit of some of those striving to build up the saints through the use of gifts given to "non-clergy" we can appreciate the invention of small groups, cell-groups, and bible studies that are more informal and can at times become involve open dialog rather than monologue. Although these insertions are a step in the right direction, they still do not represent a faithful adherence to scriptural examples of a meeting (or corrections of errors in said meetings, ie., 1 Cor 14:26 and following) where interaction, even spontaneous interaction, may occur.

If indeed the new status quo is the top-down pastorally directed order that we see today, then what impact would practicing the breaking of bread we see in the New Testament have on the meeting dynamic we currently see and practice today? I would conclude that there are negative and positive aspects. Whether they are seen as negative or positive, however, depends on your perspective.

Relationships with believers you do not know would be formed
The focus would be on body unity and not body separation
People will get to know you intimately
Having things in common, treating each others homes as if they are your own would be the norm
Time-frames and schedules would be difficult to adhere to
The brethren would bear the burden of ensuring the public reading and teaching of doctrine, relieving the chore of a singular individual to do it week in and week out
Brethren would be more compelled to bear one another's burdens
The weaker members would be more difficult to ignore and neglect
You would have to share your food with others

These are just a few of the things which would accompany a meeting that resembles the New Testament practice of "breaking bread." Of all these, I believe they may be summarized in this statement...

"...we as Christians would be required to step outside of ourselves, our individualism, and our selfishness and become genuine members of a functioning, living, breathing body, and that body is Christ's."

Book Review: Ultimate Allegiance, The Subversive Nature of the Lord's Prayer by Robert D. Cornwall

2011-02-21T13:23:00.000-05:00

The second entry of the Energion Areopagus Series is Ultimate Allegiance: The Subversive Nature of the Lord's Prayer by Robert D. Cornwall. This entry in the series takes on the content of the Lord's Prayer as written in a series of sermons that were once delivered by Mr. Cornwall during the 'Lenten season.' Regardless of denominational affiliation, the Lord's Prayer is profoundly familiar to many believers and is easily one of the most recited. In sixty short pages, Cornwall addresses each stanza of the prayer as it was once taught to the inquiring disciples several thousand years ago. There is a catch however. Cornwall stands firmly on the premise that the prayer itself has a different agenda. Instead of rote liturgical repetition, the prayer really is an example of the disciple seeking his true and proper place and subverting himself to God the Father through Christ the Son in allegiance to the Kingdom of God.

Ultimate Allegiance spells out much of what I have been finding to be the most challenging in my own studies of the scriptures these days. Mr. Cornwall highlights the subversive nature of this prayer and brings a view not often seen at first glance. What I enjoyed most about this book is that it remains in line with the proclamation of the Kingdom of God, and in likewise manner is consistent with the teachings of Jesus to followers living in a Roman ruled empire. That fact alone illuminates statements like hallowed be your name, thy kingdom come, and forgive us our trespasses. He also goes on to elaborate on the phrases that are not scriptural in and of themselves but are additions added through years of Christian repetition and practice, like for thine is the kingdom, the power, and glory forever, and other ancillary additions. But of most importance, Mr. Cornwall remains diligent in bringing truth to the subversive nature of the Lord's Prayer, the true example of radical transformation of self, others, and the world around you through submission and obedience to God. As the title of the book proclaims, the prayer teaches us where our Ultimate Allegiance should lay.

This book comes highly recommended for those interested in new insight provided for this prayer. As Mr. Cornwall attempts to address the dryness of this prayer in congregations across the land and within his own life as well, he plainly accomplishes his initial objective to make this prayer living, breathing, and power filled for the life of the one who prays it. Most importantly, the central theme of the prayer aims to glorify God. The book is inexpensive, short to read, and deep in content, well worth the investment on all accounts.

I received this book in exchange for a review from Energion Publications. No books were harmed in the reviewing of this title. You can order this book at Amazon or from Energion Direct (which offers free shipping).

A reminder from NorthRidge Church

2011-02-21T13:19:00.006-05:00

I write this to voice my concern over a piece of literature I came across from NorthRidge Church. (If you are not a local reader of this blog, you can visit NorthRidge Church's website and see what they are all about, or at least what their website conveys.) The item in question is a reminder card given to new members being prepared for membership a few years back. I am not sure if it is still being used today. I dug it up in an old bookmark box trying to find a placeholder for a new book I am reading. Rather than scan and post the original, the table below will suffice. The glossy 2.5" wide by 5.5" tall (apx.) card reads,

Side 1	Side 2
Our Strategy (The Spiritual Journey) I. The Journey to Faith: SALVATION 1. Build Relationships 2. Live and Share Faith 3. Invite: To Weekend Services and Events 4. Persist One-at-a-time	Our Strategy (The Spiritual Journey) II. The Journey to Full Devotion: SPIRITUAL GROWTH 1. Attend Weekend Services 2. Attend New Life Services 3. Connect: to NorthRidge Groups 4. Serve: in NorthRidge Groups 5. Give: ‘excel in the grace of giving’

and this is what I see,

Side 1	Side 2
Our Strategy (Growing NorthRidge) I. The Journey to Faith: NORTHRIDGE 1. Build Relationships 2. Live and Share NorthRidgianity 3. Invite to NorthRidge 4. Persist One-at-a-time until they come to NorthRidge	Our Strategy (Growing NorthRidge) II. The Journey to Full Devotion: NORTHRIDGE PIETY 1. Attend NorthRidge 2. Attend NorthRidge 3. Connect: to NorthRidge 4. Serve: in NorthRidge 5. Give: your money to NorthRidge

Anyone else seeing this?

Disclaimer: I am not a critic of NorthRidge church for the sake of being a critic. I am however, deeply perplexed and disturbed by the true message that is promoted by this establishment. I am afraid, that it is no gospel at all. Just because the name of Jesus is on it, doesn't mean he's in it.

Good Ministry, Bad Ministry, You Decide...

2011-02-20T13:17:00.001-05:00

Good Ministry: Walking with confidence in the Son of God, the light of the world without fear of the world because Christ has overcome the world, and seeking to do the will of God, proclaiming liberty to the captives. (John 11:9)

Bad Ministry: Seeking to live according to the power of the flesh, refraining from being seen in the light because the light exposes your true deeds, and walking without the light of Christ in you. (John 11:10)

A Twisted Scripture 6

2011-02-19T12:34:00.000-05:00

I am the ~~living bread~~ matzo cracker which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this ~~bread~~ cracker, ~~he shall live for ever~~ let him always attend communion: and the ~~bread~~ cracker that I will give is ~~my flesh~~ communion, which I will give for ~~the life of the world~~ only those that attend communion. (John 6:51 Twisted)

Book Review: Fasting, The Sacred Practices Series by Scot McKnight

2011-02-08T21:45:00.001-05:00

Admittedly, I am intrigued by the topic of fasting. As sparse the evidence in the New Testament may be for pragmatism, I honestly believe the symphony of scripture provides plenty examples for our own personal implementation. What is addressed in this particular book treating the topic, is obviously anecdotal. What exactly is fasting, its past manifestations and origins, its contemporary examples, and just how do some of humans conduct ourselves while doing it? Jews, Christians, Muslims, and many other world religions, practice fasting. The question this book seeks to answer is, what in the world is your point? If you are fasting, is it to convince God to create a result in your favor? Or do you fast in response to something requiring the practice of body submission?

This is the first time reading any works by the author Scot McKnight. This particular offering was well balanced and demonstrated scholarly aptitude worthy of examination. At times, the book does begin to smell of ecumenism, but only to the extent of acceptance of ancient Catholic scholars and authorities on the practice of fasting. The author also systematically treats the various pros and cons related to the abundant forms of fasting we see occurring today. One of the examples treated in the book are a comparison of abstinence to fasting. This reminded me of my employment with McDonald's Restaurant and the purposeful marketing of the Double Filet O'Fish during Lent. It was amazing how many fasting Christians would demonstrate their piety with their manners and super-sized fish meals. I mostly enjoyed this book and found it interesting to see a fair treatment of the variety of fasting one could observe in practice in most every given circumstance fasting occurs.

In Fasting, The Sacred Practices Series by Scot McKnight, you will find that he is consistent with his thesis, critically treats the text, and concludes the book with a fair view of the 'medical' impact fasting has on the human body. The most interesting nugget of them all came in knowing that physiologically, the human body can hold out during a fast for 40 days before all things go haywire. Pick this book up today if you are at all interested in learning about fasting and what it really is about biblically. Hint, it is not about what you will get, it is about why you do it. Sorry Jentezen Franklin, I'm going to have to go with the Anabaptist Scholar on this one.

I received Fasting: The Ancient Practices Series as part of the Book Sneeze program in return for posting an unbiased review.

For the first time ever...

2011-02-04T23:54:00.000-05:00

I think I might have broken a record. For the first time at Deliver Detroit I have posted for four weeks in a row. That is twenty-eight days straight. Just thought I would tell you that.

Oh, and because I wanted to maintain my integrity and excellence in persistent blogging, I had to boast in this post, because my mind is toast right now.

I have nothing.

See you tomorrow.

A Twisted Scripture 5

2011-02-03T22:37:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

In the same way, let ~~your light~~ the Pastor's sermon shine ~~before others~~ at church on Sunday, so that they may see ~~your good works~~ his exegetical prowess and give glory to ~~your Father who is in heaven~~ his seminary training. (Matthew 5:16 Twisted)

Bible study software: The Word

2011-02-02T19:52:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of The Word? Not bird....The Word! Apparently, while trolling around the internet looking for E-Sword modules, I discovered a dissenting E-Sword user's website who is actively promoting The Word in protest of Rick Myers. Of minor note, E-Sword has also recently released it's software with a module down-loader built right into the software. It tells you what modules are installed and which ones currently available that you do not posses.

The Word appears to be a fantastic alternative to the E-Sword free bible software. Over the years, E-Sword has been unprecedented in bringing bible study software to the masses for free, while be comparable to many of the paid modules on the market.

Some of the functions I really enjoy are the enhanced graphical interface, the plethora of free modules and resources available, the compatibility with E-Sword modules (has a built in module converter), and the portability of the USB option. You can install the entire module library, plus the software on a single USB drive and take your Bible software and library anywhere you go.

I have also been able to successfully run The Word with the WINE program for MAC OS/X as if it were operating in it's native PC environment. So double the freebie value and now you have double sweetness!

I will be adding the links for this awesome resource to the "resource" tab here at the blog for future use.

So before you check it out, here are some of the highlights from The Word website include,

Fast and responsive
Tired of waiting for the program to follow you? Afraid of trying out new things? Not any more!

Configure everything
Tailor the software to your liking. Rearrange everything, configure every little detail to your heart's liking.

Everything for free
Unless you try it, you will not believe that free software can be of such quality. No catches, no ads, no nags, no registration, not even your e-mail to download.

Write down your notes!
Add notes to verses, chapters, whole Bible books or create you own personal hierarchical books. Highlight your favorite Bible passages. Edit, print, share you own modules.

Take it with you
The Word is portable! You can put it on a USB flash drive and carry your favorite Bibles, Books and personal notes wherever you go.

Enjoy an ever-growing library
Expand your library with many add-on modules, most of which would cost hundreds of dollars to buy.

Neglecting the assembling of the saints: Breaking bread

2011-02-01T13:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I brought up a foray of topics in an attempt to clear the cavernous recesses of my mind. It did not work too terribly well, as it is still pretty dusty up there. But, I shall keep trying!

I would like to provide a synopsis of the three topics breaking bread, the meeting dynamic, and apostolic ordinance/tradition in 1st Corinthians. It is my hope that my study into the topics can spark discussion and hopefully enlighten myself, my readers, and others to glean from the scripture what I feel has richly blessed me as of late. The freedom of allowing the text to speak for itself is a wonderful experience. Before you think I am going all froo froo on you, do not fret, I am far from it.

Why is breaking bread so important to me right now? Well, there appears to be significance in the meals that transpire in the scripture when Jesus is present. I may be reaching at times, but It is a faithful reach. It is a reach that I believe seeks to be obedient to the custom in which our Lord implemented the practices that bore out our modern day Lord's Table.

For example, take note of the following scriptural examples from Luke's gospel, and as you reference them, ask yourself, what kind of meal is taking place, who is at the table/meal, what purpose does it serve, and what was the outcome of our Lord's teaching/purpose?

Luke 5:27-32, Luke 7:36-50, Luke 9:10-17, Luke 10:38-42, Luke 11:34-54, Luke 14:1-24, Luke 19:1-10, Luke 22:7-38, Luke 24:13-35, and Luke 24:36-53. (note: if you do not read these texts with the question above in view, you will be wasting your time)

One must also consider the Exodus account of the Elders ratifying a covenant with the Lord, at table, in his presence in Exodus 24:1-12. The Lord's final meal with his disciples and the meal between God and the Elders of Israel bear an uncanny similarity to one another.

Now that we see a pattern of bread breaking and fellowship at table in Luke, it logically makes sense to carry this context of what 'breaking bread' is into the account of Acts. Now compare Luke 24:5-46 to Acts 20:7-12. Luke genuinely draws a striking paradigm between the two accounts, and they all entail coming together, breaking bread, eating together, the first day of the week, conversation, teaching of the word, and rising from the dead.

With the significance that is given to the contemporary practice of 'communion' this is not a subject that is often broached without raising a few eyebrows. Tradition, liturgy, and sacred rite are all things that can flare tempers and encroach upon individual preference. I am not sure the excuse of Christian Liberty finds itself wholly applicable to the disservice done to the body dynamic of God's people when they come together to break bread. The scriptural evidence is quite clear. The breaking of bread is a meal with God's people, gathered together, at table, in covenant with Christ, and remembering him. That meal was quite literal to our Lord, the disciples, and many other early Christians. Why has it become second place to us, and been relegated to oyster crackers and souffle cups of grape juice?

If the emblems have taken on more significance than the purpose of coming together in communion together and with the Lord, then why do it at all? The Church gathered is significant because the Church dispersed is the Church militant, diligently laboring in the fields for the harvest of our great King.

Special thanks to John Marks Hicks' book, Come to the Table for the light it has shed on many of the scriptural nuances illustrated in this post.

Neglecting the assembling of the saints

2011-01-31T12:45:00.008-05:00

Ecclesiastical tradition is a hot topic for many Christians. Especially those that direct our 'coming together.' For some it evokes feelings of splendor, liturgy, and commonplace. For many others, it sparks debate, hostility, and downright angst. Even though I am beginning to feel that traditions might rank up there with the no-no's of silence regarding Politics and Religion.

Falling somewhere in the middle of the two camps, I find myself always questioning what it is we do, why do we do it, are we doing it right, and does our Christian liberty give us the flexibility to be 'right' even when we are way off in left or right field?

I suppose I could elaborate a million miles in many directions about the impact that liberty has on our 'Christian Practices.' But, I have grown weary of justifying what liberty allows. Today, as a believer, disciple, and wretch, I am more concerned with what did the scripture really say about what we do.

It is really easy to look at events in scripture, compare them to our current church traditions, and then read back into the text why it is okay to do it as we do it, even thought they do not align. Sprinkle a little liberty on top, and now we have justification for our behavior.

I am sorry if I fulfill my calling as a dissident, and resist this. But I am going to anyway. I cannot in good conscience continue to accept the Romish practices of yesteryear we call Protestantism (evangelicalism), and not protest that which at least is contradictory to scriptural revelation. And with that said, I am being pretty liberal here.

There is a great number of 'traditions' I have been looking at with great scrutiny as of late, and I am beginning to find that they are all inextricably linked together.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
(Heb 10:23-25)

If I have your attention, and you are interested in joining me in this discussion, or even plausibly visiting my electronic monastery of ecclesiastical reflection and vein monkish babbling, here is what I am looking at the most lately.

The breaking of bread - Is it sacrament, oyster crackers and dainty plastic cups of grape juice, transubstantiation, consubstantiation? Can we justify this current practice by measuring it against the examples of the New Testament?

The meeting dynamic - What impact does the actual practice of breaking bread have on the meeting and the order we conduct our service?

The apostolic ordinances/traditions - What of Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians? What is our response to Paul's instructions regarding the Lord's table, breaking bread, the gifts, and the issue of women speaking/not speaking (not teaching, prophesying) in the meeting?

How are all these tied together you might ask? Well, for this post I will leave it stated as simply as I can with all the information I have been absorbing concerning all of these topics.

If the assembling of ourselves together, to stir one another on to good works, in an 'official' manifestation of the assembled church meeting is as the New Testament demonstrates (coming together to break bread), then what do the apostolic ordinances of Corinthians, the existence of gifts, and the role of men and women all look like in that meeting?

I do plan to elaborate more on my thoughts regarding these issues here at the blog, and definitely amongst the beloved brethren I share fellowship with, but now I pose the question to you. While we may not be forsaking the assembling of ourselves together even in the most liberal of ecclesiastical practices, are we neglecting it?

A Twisted Scripture 4

2011-01-30T22:20:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, ~~believe that you have received~~ act like you want it, and it ~~will~~ might be yours. (Mar 11:24 Twisted)

Seeking a Kingdom: New Devotional

2011-01-29T23:36:00.000-05:00

New devotional posted at Seeking a Kingdom. Titled, Nourished through the vine. It is my prayer that our righteousness be strengthened through the food that comes from the Father. If we submit ourselves to his care, abide in Christ, and do his will, we will abide in the Father, and be friends of God.

You can subscribe to Seeking a Kingdom through Twitter, Facebook, Feedburner, and in the future, Youtube.

Good Ministry, Bad Ministy, You Decide...

2011-01-28T14:00:00.002-05:00

Good Ministry: Enrolling widows that qualify, have faithfully served the saints, cared for the afflicted, and devoted themselves to every good work into support of the church. (1Ti 5:9-10)

Bad Ministry: Not helping a sister who is struggling in the assembly because she does not qualify for the 'widows' roll. (2Co 8:12-15)

Prayer Request!

2011-01-28T08:00:00.006-05:00

I am taking my state licensing exam for my Social Work License today at 11:00 AM (EST). I have not prepared as well as I should have, and have had great anxiety doing what preparation I have. Please lift up my time of testing in prayer, and on my behalf, request with me that the Lord would forgive my oversight and quicken my mind to do well.

"Well" for me is good enough if it is passing!

Free Audiobook: The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

2011-01-27T13:54:00.001-05:00

You can still get in on this months free Audiobook from christianaudio. It is a book I have long wanted to read, but have not quite gotten to yet. Maybe I will get to finally check it out on the daily commute. It is Jerry Bridges' "The Pursuit of Holiness" and is available until the end of January.

If you prefer the print version, and have a few dollars to spend on it, you can order it here.

A Twisted Scripture 3

2011-01-26T13:27:00.003-05:00

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, ~~which are out of place~~ which is inconvenient, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Eph 5:4 Twisted)

HT: GPP

Excellent Hymns from Page CXVI Hymns

2011-01-25T13:58:00.000-05:00

Page CXVI Hymns has graciously posted their new Hymns III album and is streaming them for free. You can preview the entire album before you purchase it. They have seemingly found an excellent compromise between a modern sound and classic hymns. They have truly made hymns accessible and known again. What I love most about this group is that they are a cool drink of water in a desert of worthless contemporary Christian music that makes my ears bleed sometimes. This is a worthy purchase indeed, and I hope you enjoy it.

The Mosaic Law, do we have a dilemma?

2011-01-24T13:00:00.001-05:00

The Mosaic Law. What is it exactly? Is it just the Ten Commandments? Is it all of the laws of the Old Covenant given to Israel? What is the correlation to the Old Covenant that the phrase "The Law" has in the New Covenant?

There are a million other questions that can be asked in relation to this topic, I am sure of that. But, the answer, has vast implications to the practical life of a modern day disciple of Jesus Christ. Without the reference we see from Paul in the New Testament, we would be left with a phrase that is either definitive or confounding from the mouth of the Lord,

Mat 5:18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Ranging from old perspective to new perspective regarding Paul, the debate will in dubiously rage on well beyond any answers or conclusions I could personally surmise. But, I do endeavor to reason it out through a biblical understanding. I am hoping that my next 'heady' book I undertake will assist me in the matter. Here's to opening up a can of worms. Anyone have an aspiring ideal about the law?

I will post a review of the book The End of the Law: Mosaic Covenant in Pauline Theology (Nac Studies in Bible & Theology) as soon as I finish it. If you have read it, please comment on your thoughts. Or if you care to engage in discussion on the matter, likewise. I would love to hear your opinion!

Evangelism report: 01.21.11

2011-01-23T13:47:00.001-05:00

Ann Arbor, Michigan. We journeyed to downtown Ann Arbor again this past Friday night. Yes, it was ridiculously cold, and with a couple of us wearing several layers (I had at least 3 and thermals), Antarctica and Michigan were neck and neck for near uninhabitable.

The night started in Liberty Plaza, distributing food with other organizations and 'church' groups that feed the homeless and working poor each Friday night. Afterward, we headed toward downtown Ann Arbor and U of M's campus.

We were fortunate enough to be in town at the same time as a Robert Plant concert, so there were plenty of people to talk to. Tracts were distributed across U of M's campus and there were quite a number of discussions had. Paul a drummer, who believed there was an essential need for 'experiencing' God. Bill, a drunkard, who believed his habit was justified because he does good works, and he is experiencing rough times right now. But, he knows the scriptures and their stories, and his knowledge is almost just enough to make him dangerous to his own soul.

Also, pray for the laborers and their households. Pray the Lord would protect their families from the attacks of the enemy for their faithful service.

Of note, prayer for the "History Teacher" are in order of request. He claimed his life was over because he caught a few cases some years back. He also justified his marijuana habits through open promotion of his fiscal need on his sign (the very thing that caused him to acquire criminal cases). He was adamantly opposed to religion in general, but very vitriolic toward Christians, the Bible, and Christian History. It was one of those interesting discussions where only one person hurls claims at the other without any opportunity to dialog. As difficult as it is to be faced with opposition to one's faith, it is even more difficult to respect their opinion, validate their claims, and have a civil discourse when they do not even come up for air. Please pray for this man, and hope that our conversations, or future interactions would be fruitful. Pray that his anger would not consume him, and that the bitterness over the course of his life would be seen for what it really is.

When he would not listen to reason, or exchange views regarding other options to provide for himself, or work for money as opposed to begging for change on the street, he state that his life was completely over. In an attempt to address something with a greater impact on life here on earth, and because there were few topics covered that resulted in much substance, he was asked about the next life, what happens when you die? He did not like that question at all, and knew immediately that we were Christian. In lieu of all of my opinion on the matter, I would like to address him directly below,

History Teacher, if for some reason you come across this post. I pray you will be interested in discussion next time. I would even be willing to buy you dinner, coffee, or whatever it is you might need that day. I absolutely will not buy you pot, but I will buy you something of sustenance. I also hope, that with all the knowledge you express, and claim to have, you would humble yourself to an exchange of opinion and worldview, maybe even a bit of debate. Either way, the claims you made on Friday were very lofty and significant. The irony that you knew we were Christians before we announced it to you says something profound to you does it not? I hope it says we care about your eternal state. I hope it says we are interested in more than just 'forcing our religion' down your throat. I wish I would have been able to say enough to own that claim, but respectfully understand how one bearing the name 'christian' would warrant so much anger.

History Teacher, next time, I hope you will let my life be an example of what I believe, and not preconceived notions or concepts of those who have approached you previously. We truly had no intent on making you angry, and we pray, next time, you will forgive us for what it was that angered you.

We will see you next time, hopefully.

Peace in a greeting, peace for eternal life: in full

2011-01-22T13:51:00.002-05:00

As I recently posted the devotion at Seeking A Kingdom, Peace in a greeting, peace for eternal life, I was a little constrained by the devotional format. That is okay, at least in part, as I tend to be wordy. But, I also wanted to give the full thrust of what I intended to say. I will let you be the judge, if you have read the devotional post, let me know if they are comparable, or if one is lacking? Or, maybe I didn't do justice to either? Either way, here it is.

Consider Matthew 10:7-15 as the text for this meditation. I would also like to draw focus on Matthew 10:11. The contrast of going with nothing is accentuated with the command of going into the homes of those who are found to have been worthy, that though they have nothing, they have sustenance and shelter provided by them that are worthy. (Mark 6:10, Luke 9:4)

And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. (Mat 10:12-13)

This is ironically, a greeting that is customary in Middle-Eastern/Jewish culture. It is also said by some commentators that the blessing of the disciples through their presence and prayers is in view in the peace to you salutation. But if the house is unworthy, or inhospitable, this instruction, let your peace return to you, implies a retraction of the blessing on an unworthy household.

We greet those we visit with gifts, and blessings, and sometimes with statements like Ata Shalom! Peace to you and your house!

If we investigate the Lord's usage of the phrase, we see it only occurs post-resurrection. Examples include Luke 24:26, and John 20:19-26. The only other time we see this phrase outside of the New Testament is in the Old.

Genesis 43:23 And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.

Please, do not misunderstand me here. I am not promoting the prosperity of wealth and riches, and the subsequent peace that is brought with financial security. But it is noteworthy that the peace spoken of here is that which is brought through provision God had given the Israelite's through the hand of Joseph, by means of Egypt, which in turn is an interesting provision for Hebrews indeed.

Turning back to Matthew 10:14-15 now. What words would the disciples have been bringing to the households they visit? Is it inherent in the blessing contained in the phrase Peace be unto you? Or is it simply a prayer of blessing upon entry or departure from household to household? The instruction then comes, and brings some clarity laden with conviction in v14. Jesus says, "when you depart out that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet." When Jews would travel from Gentile roads and cities and then return to Jewish land, they would shake the dust from their feet because of its unworthiness, they believed it would defile the 'Holy Land.' This is interesting for us to observe, because in Matthew 10:6, it is the lost sheep of Israel the Lord is sending them to.

In Matthew 10:15, the Lord pronounces condemnation upon rejection that the disciples will inevitably receive. The paradigm that is given for them is the tolerance for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment. Simply stated, those who reject the disciples will have it far worse than the city that was leveled by the wrath of God through hellfire and brimstone.

I believe the peace being brought to these households is the same peace that Christ brought to the disciples when they were locked away in fear and trembling because of the Jews (John 20:19). This peace is the news that the Father has sent the Lord Jesus, and he now sends us. And this peace is the same that greeted the doubting Thomas (John 20:26) who was then convinced of the Lords resurrection upon witnessing a living Christ.

The punishment Sodom and Gomorrah received was not due to a total lack of hospitality, as some have claimed, and some of us have heard. We know that they received punishment because of their wickedness, and received death the first time, and an eternal punishment slated for the next. They however did not receive the peace of the gospel. The missing piece there is the glorious news of a resurrected savior from the mouths of those who are witnesses thereof! Those who receive, then believe.

Looking at Mark 6:12 and Luke 9:5-6 we can see clearly this message the disciples brought. We also see the peace given unto others in their homes and towns, and that is that men everywhere should repent. Whoever rejects this message, rejects the Messiah, the one who issued the command with authority from on high. This rejection of the Christ is a testimony against them.

We preach Christ and him crucified. We rejoice in the power of him resurrected. And, we bring peace to those who receive it, believe it, and are baptized into his body.

Amen.

Seeking a Kingdom: New Devotional

2011-01-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

New devotional posted at Seeking a Kingdom. Titled, Peace in a greeting, peace for eternal life. It is my prayer that the understanding of peace is not grounded in the political climate of a land, or the result of radical social movements. But, that peace is only wrought intrinsically, in man's soul, and in his environment, through a vertical relationship with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.

You can subscribe to Seeking a Kingdom through Twitter, Facebook, Feedburner, and in the future, Youtube.

Quotables: William Booth

2011-01-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

"The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender to God." - William Booth (1829-1912)

Scripture...As We Live It #2 From Alan Knox

2011-01-19T12:00:00.002-05:00

Featured from Alan Knox's blog, The Assembling of the Church, one of my favorite entries in his Scripture... As We Live It series,

If a ~~brother or sister~~ member of your particular church organization is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without ~~giving them the things needed for the body~~ referring them to the Benevolence Committee, what good is that? (James 2:15-16 remix)

You can find more in the series here. You can also see the original entry for this post here.

Some miracles in life are truly profound!

2011-01-18T12:00:00.002-05:00

It is not generally a practice of mine to disclose abundant amounts of personal information here. But this is just too good to pass up!

Some of you already know, and many of you have no clue, but I am going to be a father! Yes! It is true. My wife has been carrying this blessing for the past 8 months now, and WOW how the time has flew by. We would like you to pray for us, and the child, as we approach the final weeks before she goes into labor. We are asking for a few things,

Pray for a drug-free delivery, Mrs. Lee needs all her strength, focus, and grace from our Father in Heaven so she may do what she has been preparing for these past 8 months.
Pray for a healthy baby, most importantly, pray for God's will in the life of our child, that he would consecrate a servant for his Kingdom, and that we would be good, godly parents for our child to emulate (need lots a help with that last one)!
And, pray for the salvation of our child. As we have prayed for others, and others have prayed for us, we ask you to join us in praying for this new addition to our family.

Thank you in advance for praying with us, and hopefully, when the time comes, we will be able to share the news of our little one's arrival with you. Stay tuned, because as excited as I am at the time of writing this, I am sure I will be much more when my little one arrives!

Reminder: Seeking a Kingdom Devotionals

2011-01-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

I have created a new devotional blog. You may find it at http://seekingakingdom.blogspot.com, this is currently the primary URL.

The site is dedicated to posting devotionals with an emphasis on Kingdom centered and Kingdom mindedness. Essentially, the goal is to promote the edification of believers in Jesus Christ through devotions that focus on preparation, participation, and practical living for the Kingdom of God.

This site is currently still under construction. There is accessibility via social media outlets like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. The goal is to encourage readers to spread these devotionals freely and to encourage others in hopes of magnifying God's wonderful guide to living a life pleasing to him, His word.

This site was constructed out of a desire to glorify the name of Jesus Christ, promote His Kingdom, and develop a heart of devotion in His followers.

The premise is simple. All of Scripture is profitable for cultivating a mindset in those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ unto obedience, servitude, and application. Therefore, all devotions found here will be useful toward stopping for a moment, meditating upon the Word of God, and disciplining oneself into devotion to the Kingdom of God.

Interested in submitting?

The formula for the devotions is as follows,

They begin with a portion of Scripture, the number of verses varying, yet remaining sufficient enough to convey context. The whole of the devotional should not extend beyond 600 words or more.

That Scripture is then expounded upon in varying ways depending upon the style employed by its author. Then, a practical application, summary, or message is surmised from the entry.

A prayer is offered. And the text is categorized for organization.

This site utilizes the thoughts and writings of several authors. Authors are attributed appropriately in their posts by their initials. Contacting site authors can be done through the contact tab in the menu bar at the site.

From time to time you may see a devotional posted from a well known source, author, or voice of the past. These devotions will be attributed properly and sources posted for reference.

Comments are welcomed and gladly accepted. However, they will be moderated and deliberated upon by the author of the devotion receiving comments, and the site administrator for validity, and profitability for edifying other site readers. Profane, obscene, perverse, spam, and other non edifying comments will be discarded swiftly.

Book Review: Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper, by Ben Witherington III

2011-01-16T12:00:00.002-05:00

Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper by Ben Witherington III addresses the topic of Communion in the history of the Church. Beginning with a survey of the cultural factors contributing to historic 1st century practices, Ben illustrates a profound progression and description of 'secular' traditions that are eerily similar to that of which Paul was addressing in 1 Corinthians.

Ben also goes on to discuss the trajectory of the Lord's Table from the final night of our Lord's earthly ministry with the Disciples, to the stratification and elitism of the 1st and 2nd centuries, on to the eventual liturgical and sacramental mystery that became the sacrifice of the mass.

Making a Meal of It serves as a running commentary that sheds light on the mystery that seems to surround the practice as we see it today. Regardless of the view a Christian has on the actual rite itself, this book covers the nuances between them, and then demonstrates why not even those were a matter of debate in the 1st Century Church practice. As it would seem, and according to the author, the meal of breaking bread in the scripture would be so much more inclusive than even the most liberal celebrants amongst us could imagine.

I personally enjoyed the conversing tone of this book. The author presents interesting information that gives a clearer portrait of what we traditionally see as the Lord's Table in our minds. With limited technical and scholarly jargon, the historical narrative provided by Ben made the read enjoyable. Consequently, I read this book via Kindle, and mostly on my Blackberry. Now, I typically do not enjoy reading on electronic devices, and the level of engagement I enjoyed with this title, led me to disregard that inhibition. Ben offers closing comments on practical implications and gives personal anecdotal evidence that supports what one would find in the scriptural support that does exist in the New Testament, that are helpful and encouraging.

If you find yourself questioning or curious about the modern practice in comparison to the scriptural practice of the Lord's Table in meetings across the globe, this book is a good primer for you. Enjoy!

The Lord's Table, sippy cup and all

2011-01-15T12:00:00.019-05:00

Okay. So I am having a real hard time believing that there are so few Bible reading believers who are not willing to stand in unity against the disunity of what passes for today's supposed Lord's Table, or Remembrance, or Breaking of Bread meetings.

If in John 17, the Lord Jesus himself prays for the unity of the disciples, and by proxy those who would become disciples in the future, unity is important right?

In Acts we see evidence of true communion through having everything in common, and truly bearing the burdens of the brethren that Christ may be glorified, including eating together.

In Luke we see bread being broken with sinners, tax collectors, and pharisees. Then we see the Lord break bread with the disciples on the night of his betrayal. Then we see him break bread with them again after he had risen.

Was Christ fractured into self-serving, compartmentalized, portions of individuality, or was he broken once for all that we may commune with him in the Kingdom?

I must say, I may be completely reactionary and responding to some things I am emotionally invested in working out. But, what I feel I am reacting to can be summed up in the simple purchase of ease, and convenience via individualized, sterile, disposable, longer shelf-life communion cups that include unleavened bread AND juice all in one for celebrating (?) the breaking of Christ's body and pouring out of his blood. Swallow, sip, and toss it away. No muss, no fuss.

Another reason to look at the scripture and ask, is this what it really said?

Half-baked sacrament or breaking bread?

2011-01-14T13:15:00.003-05:00

As early as the late 1st century, and well into the 2nd, we begin to see a form of gatekeeping or table-fencing creeping into the meetings of Christians. If grace is a means received when one partakes of the Lord's Table, eating the bread or drinking the cup, then Christ really is only partly sufficient as a sacrifice no? Then the result would require an administration of the element of grace to those who are seen as worthy would it not? Interesting and yet perplexing thought here if you think about it.

"The Church had come a long way since the Last Supper, and much of it had involved a journey away from, and even against, it's original Jewish recipe. The result was half-baked sacramental theology with too many foreign flavors overwhelming the main ingredient."

-Ben Witherington III, Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper

Now, if the means of grace must be administered properly, then an effective system must be adhered to. Why not implement priests, altars, and appropriate delegates to serve the means of grace as it should be. If the sacrifice is being re-initiated, then the priesthood and temple shall be also. I wonder if this would look anything like the modern evangelical landscape, or would it look like the breaking of bread seen in the assembly of Christians?

Ben Witherington goes on to make another interesting point in Making a Meal of It,

"One wonders what Jesus, dining with sinners and tax collectors and then eating his modified Passover meal with disciples whom he knew were going to deny, desert, and betray him, would say about all this. There needs to be a balance between proper teaching so the sacrament is partaken of in a worthy manner and overly zealous policing of the table or clerical control of it."

What do you think? Is the Lord's Supper really something that has so much liberty of interpretation that we can do it in this way or that way? Or is it really so simple that a plain reading of scripture reveals the manner in which the disciples, and ourselves, should take it?

Book Review: Come to the Table by John Mark Hicks

2011-01-13T14:00:00.027-05:00

Come to the Table: Revisioning the Lord's Supper is an interesting treatise concerning the manner in which the Eucharist is observed in modern Christianity. This book takes the reader through a journey from the Scriptural attestation, a brief early Christian witness, and a modern application in 205 short pages. John Mark Hicks' treatment of this debated, diversely observed, and often divisive issue is fair-minded and communicated in a conversing manner. Come to the Table invites the reader to do just that, come and dine with the master, who is host of the table.

The Table discussion has long been a controversial subject amongst believers. The debate of trans-substantiation vs. con-substantiation has raged for ages. Zwingli and Luther debated the manner in which the table was conducted and sparked a reformation dialog the carried on for centuries. Is it really that simple? Or is it actually much simpler? Some questions that lack answers normally, receive an admirable treatment in Come to the Table. Some of them include,

What is discerning the body?
What is eating and drinking unworthily?
What is the table of demons and the table of the Lord?

I really enjoyed this book for it scriptural substance. Hicks is very purposeful in painting the picture of what the Lord's Table was according to Luke, Acts, and 1 Corinthians. You begin to find yourself seated at table with not only the Lord and his disciples, but also with those whom Paul is addressing in Corinth. Giving data from the Old Covenant, showing more clearly the data of the New, and modernizing our approach for today all come together quite well. I also really enjoyed the audacity that Hicks demonstrates by taking the road less traveled and taking the debate out the picture by stating pretty plainly what scripture is saying.

If I could have my druthers with this book, I would opt for a more systematic approach to the topic. I am not sure that it could do the subject justice, but that tends to be my reading preference anyway. Of all the systematic deductions I have read, this book has gone an extra mile by delivering a simple, logical, and plain view without mucking it all up with presuppositions to support.

This book was much worth the read and if you are interesting in learning more about the Lord's table, maybe even 'revisioning' it, then this book will get you started. Hicks also provides a bit of a practical application guide for believers or congregations who are currently exploring the topic and looking for an example to kick things off with.

Hope you enjoy it, I did!

Coming up Methodist: Fire in the bones

2011-01-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

continued from Coming up Methodist: God’s wonderful plan

Imagine the majesty of a sanctuary built and fashioned in the likeness of Noah’s ark, is intricately designed with sculpted wood, and has acoustics that power the message of any orator well into the vestibule with nary a sight of electronic amplification. It would be beautiful no? The vestige, edifice, and pomp that accompanied the services in that sanctuary over the years have surely done it justice, and the architects must have been proud. David Wilkerson and other circuit riders even used to preach to packed audiences of Christian youth that once populated the numbers of evangelicalism and showed a faint promise that Methodism was being blessed by God.

That was one of my first impressions of “Church.” I was impressed by a building.

Now it has become a hallowed orifice. Revival was only a hope of those who dared pray the Lord would fill the pews with soldiers donning the armor of God. Some would even drop to their knee and pray to the Lord a mighty spirit of proclamation would whisk across the weary saints who still dared to stand for the Kingdom of God. Now the attendance on a given Sunday is a mere trickle compared to its capacity, and another staggering 50% of the formerly mortgaged parcel lay in ruin occasionally intriguing members with its ghosts of a brimming past that once promised life to the congregation. Bearing with it all, the news that one could only surmise, is that this steeple house, has seen her day. She now lay there dying, waiting for her last breath. And yet countless resources are poured into keeping it all going. For what I would ask?

The day I departed the First United Methodist Church of Wayne I felt a great sadness in my heart. I wish I could explain to you what it was exactly, but can only begin to mark it with great burden. The overwhelming feeling of hope that had been born in me the day I made it my home, inherited my new family, made new friends, and became invigorated with the zeal of Christ’s Gospel was a distant shadow. Having a desire to preach the Gospel that had given me life was my sole passion. I could hardly think of much outside seeing the Kingdom be proclaimed, and witnesses encourage other witnesses to not look back from the plow (Lk 9:62). My shoulders bore a weight I could no longer carry, and my prayers, as though they were not being answered, actually were.

Sadly, the church, while teeming with the life of humans who had breath in their lungs, was spiritually gasping for air as the same old same old was the accepted, and yet revered, norm. A fish fry was no place for evangelizing the ‘un-churched’ and council meetings were regularly being held to discuss the squawking of those zealously desiring to proclaim Christ and Him crucified. A thick air of sectarianism could be sensed between what seemed like an organized army dashing the dreams of some barbaric tribal upstart with nothing but hope on their side. Eventually, the upstart limped off into the sunset in defeat, but not in surrender. Even though many were attempting to silence those who were pointing out the obvious offense there is the resonation in the faithful to speak with Jeremiah the Prophet,

If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
(Jer 20:9)

How could a place that bore the name ‘church’ be such an enemy of the Gospel of Christ? Would those who faithfully remain, those who genuinely love the Lord, those who would lay down their lives for the Master ever realize that they had been overrun with tares? Can you see the wheat of the field if the tares have outgrown it? Is it plausible that the once potent Methodism of yesteryear had smoldered like a candlewick at its fateful end? One could only imagine, one could only dream, that Christ would revitalize the hearts of those who have chosen ‘church’ over Him. Truly, the first love had become an edifice. Truly, the faint knocking at the door is the Christ calling out to those inside to repent (Rev 3:20) and sup with Him. If the Christ has set the fire in the bones of those who are sent to preach His word, then surely those who seek to quench it cannot possibly be of Christ, can they?

next: Coming up Methodist: Messengers from on high

Good Ministry, Bad Ministry, You Decide...

2011-01-11T21:44:00.000-05:00

Good Ministry: Partaking of the table of the Lord, eating and drinking with the brethren, waiting for those who have not yet come, and seeing to the needs of others with whom you partake. (1 Cor 10:21, 1 Cor 11:20-22, 1 Cor 11:33)

Bad Ministry: Partaking of the table of Demons, forsaking your brethren, and eating and drinking all that you can before anyone else partakes of that which you have brought for them. (1 Cor 10:20-21, 1 Cor 11:18-22, 1 Cor 11:33)

A Twisted Scripture 2

2011-01-10T13:02:00.002-05:00

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

But to all who did ~~receive him~~ pray a prayer, ~~who believed in~~ who wore t-shirts bearing his name, he ~~gave the right to become children of God~~ came into their hearts, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh ~~nor of the will of man,~~ but of the revivalist, a paid preacher sent by God.
(Joh 1:12-13 Twisted)

Book Review: The Quotable Chesterton by Kevin Belmonte

2011-01-09T21:11:00.000-05:00

The Quotable Chesterton: The Wit and Wisdom of G.K. Chesterton is a handy little compilation of quotes, excerpts, and pithy sayings from the renowned, and plenteous works of G.K. Chesterton. The editor, Kevin Belmonte has poured through Chesterton's works, and cleverly arranged them according to topic alphabetically. The book contains not only excerpts of Chesterton's magnanimous labors, but also includes brief interludes and introductions on selected topics scattered throughout.

I have not even known how extensive this man's writing has been until I was exposed to this book. I have not ever read Chesterton. In the exposure that I have had, I do know that he is prolific, honored, and thoughtful. Some may even label him a philosopher. To me, this book was a good primer for all things Chesterton. Having grasped just a few nuggets here and there while diving headlong into extended samples in this book, I feel acquainted with The Quotable Chesterton. I doubt I would ever pull this book out as a venerable reference, but it certainly is worth a glance now and again. To make a long review short, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books. If you are a Christian, I do not know much of what this mans theology entails, but I am not sure I have heard so much as a gripe against him for it.

"I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program for this unbiased review."

Book Review: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

2011-01-08T12:45:00.002-05:00

The Cost of Discipleshipby Dietrich Bonhoeffer is not new to the "Christian" book world per se, but it is a new read for me. Technically, I did not read this book, I listened to it. I have never listened to an entire audio book previously, but this was a good one to start with.

One of the forgotten doctrines of this age, an overlooked necessity in modern Christendom, is discipleship. Bidding believers, or would be disciples, to 'come and die' with Christ is a central call of the book. Bonhoeffer, fixes on a position that many in today's evangelical climate would not be intimate with, one that listens to and obeys the words of Jesus Christ.

Stunningly deep at times, this is a book that warrants a second pass in order to fully grasp. Even then, it might be worthy to purchase a paperback copy to wear out. Bonhoeffer's emphasis on personal holiness may put off a few readers who subscribe to free, cheap, unhinged grace, but hopefully, will win them with the work of effort he puts into illustrating true cost counting for Christ.

Leaning on Luther in many instances, Bonhoeffer also offers commentary and correction regarding certain emphases in Reformed doctrine. Being a personal believer that the Reformation was only an instance and not an end-all to Christian principle, this book will encourage you to tread lightly on dogmatic assertions of once-saved-always-saved'ism that lack power and proof and rely confidently on the security and call to discipleship given of our Lord Jesus Christ, to 'come, and follow me."

Book Review: A Case for Amillenialism by Kim Riddlebarger

2010-12-30T22:23:00.000-05:00

A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger has been sitting on my bookshelf for about two years now. At least I think that is how long it has been there. Nevertheless, the past year, as tumultous it has been for me, I have been trying to finish it. The problem is, I have been continually reading other books while I have been reading this one.

This book is rather weighty in comparison to most books I read on a regular basis. It essentially comes off as a theological treatise on eschatology more than an apologetic for the end time view known as 'Amillenialism.'

Riddlebarger makes it easy for me to relate to his views in this book because he focuses on the scriptural evidence while keeping the views of other end time perspectives in consideration. But there is a primary treatment of the Dispensational perspective, the view both Kim Riddlebarger and myself were former proponents of. This bias that may have developed shows itself consistently throughout this book.

I believe it is easy to adopt the views of others concerning the 'last days' in Christianity when the subject is made into a checklist and easy to digest. There is so much material on the subject at the Family Heresy Store in the $5.00 bin that anyone came become an armchair analyst of the end times. Unfortunately, a great majority of American Evangelicalism has come under the heavy influences of Premillenialism, Dispensationalism, and what I often refer to as Rapturism. This book would be a good place to start discerning the different view points before you 'camp' out in any particular teachers philosophy.

If you are looking to hear an honest analysis of the Amillenial viewpoint and digest a careful exegesis of the critical end times texts like Matthew 24, Revelation 19 and 20, and other critical contributions referring to Israel and its future, this book may serve you well. Even though it took me too long to read it, it probably is not a book I would blaze through anyway. I look forward to reading it again.

Hopefully you will too.

A Twisted Scripture

2010-12-27T11:02:00.001-05:00

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for ~~the Holy Spirit will teach you~~ your seminary credentials and pastoral training ~~in that very hour what you ought to say~~ shall prepare you to exegete the Scriptures correctly." (Luk 12:11-12 Twisted)

Book Review: Mere Churchianity by Michael Spencer

2010-12-25T23:11:00.004-05:00

Mere Churchianity: Finding Your Way Back to Jesus-Shaped Spirituality, is Michael Spencer's one and only book before his passing and he leaves us with a treatise on what he has termed 'Finding Your Way Back to Jesus-Shaped Spirituality.'

An enjoyable read for those looking to hear from one of the Internets most outspoken voices on the world of Christendom as many of us know it. Most notably, Spencer speaks volumes to those who have made an attempt or successfully escaped Christendom. With a humble down to earth approach, Spencer has directed his writing efforts in a new way. Now he is lending his effort toward a few specific groups of people,

- Those who have already left the Church and rejected it

- Those who have already left the Church and are seeking a genuine experience of 'Church'

- Those who are thinking of leaving the Church

- Those that have left and are thinking of going back

The readability readers of Internetmonk.com have enjoyed previously is also present here in this offering. Michael Spencer shares with his readers the personalized experiences from his life that have given him a desire to be and see a new example of the life that discipleship should give in the lives of believers.

Finding my own fundamentalist values challenged at every turn of the page has left me asking questions, turning to my Bible, and praying to the Christ for guidance on His will and how I can faithfully take part in it.

I would have liked to see a little more theological treatment of certain issues (mainly a definition of Church according to the Bible). I did not particularly care for some of the subtle ecumenical apologetics, and felt like I had read some of the latter chapters previously. Who knows, I could have been experienceing Deja-Vu, but it seemed like Spencer began to repeat himself.

Worth the purchase, so check it out!

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Sowing a seed of death in the life of another

2010-12-23T13:07:00.004-05:00

Death is an inescapable statistic that effects every living human being. Comparably, it effects all living things. In the past few months, a significant number of friends and loved ones have passed away. It causes one to consider the superstition that death hits home frequently during this ‘holiday’ time of year. I am not quite sure that it is more frequent, but I would attribute the season and family significance as playing a major role in the impact death has on family and friends. Most importantly, it causes me in particular to consider my role in those individuals lives. Did I have as much an impact on their life as their death has on mine? This hits much closer to home in the loss I experienced earlier this year when my mother had succumbed to a hard battle with cancer in a few short months. How much more do I hope that I had a significant impact on the one who bore me, nursed me, and loved me despite my past?

These are troubling questions. It is all the more troubling when I consider whether my impact was effective in changing their lives for the good. But what if the impact that one initially had was negative? What if my contribution to their life, in the long run, contributed to their death. This is such a sobering thought, because it makes you wonder why have I been left standing here to continue on, when my deeds, are much more deserving of the death endured by those I care about? Even if I made amends, and attempted to right the wrongs by doing something good for them before they died, have I truly done justice by them?

I suppose the case and point here is this. Guilt. It is powerful. It can crush someone, and it can destroy them. Guilt has certain degrees, depending on one’s conscience, but it still effects everyone of us to an extent. I am experiencing a little guilt, or say, responsibility for being the person who may have tipped the first domino in an old friends life, if I may be extreme here, many of my old friends lives. To say the least, their decisions are solely their own, but my contribution to their bad decision essentially initiated that chain of events leading to their demise. Should I feel accountable to some extent here? Should I acknowledge and accept this guilt that I may more fully repent?

One can consider Luke 9:62 and the setting of our hand to the plow and never looking back. For we shall not be worthy if our head is constantly over our shoulder, and the Kingdom will no longer be in our sight. But having been redeemed, do we now consider that the contributions, the sins against our neighbor, the life we once led is dead with the old man, or does the old man’s deeds still have bearing on our flesh. This is a tough one to meet out when we consider a Christianity that is entrenched in perfectionism and false piety, alluding to some victory over this life without trial. As if we are living our ‘best life’ now.

In a closing thought I am considering the idea posed to me by a dear brother in Christ. What was the response to Paul, now an Apostle, dead to Saul of Tarsus coming back through the towns and villages he once ravaged, seeking the blood of disciples who followed in the Way. What might have been the perception he had of the children left behind to dead fathers, imprisoned mothers. What of the widows and the stumbling blocks placed in the way of many who witnessed this man, who once committed evil in the name of religion, now proclaim the good news of eternal life? Eventually, we read that Paul’s resolve was nothing more than to know Christ and Him crucified amongst those he ministered to (1 Cor 2:2).

Christian, does your life’s history impact your future? What is now the measure of your resolve with your sins in view? Does being forgiven much cause you to love much (Luke 7:36-50)? Is the love you show a communication of the same life giving sound and voice of the Lord Jesus Christ that saves you? Tell me, are you making amends through sorrow or proclamation of the Gospel?

Yes, I feel some guilt behind the events of my past, but one faithful thing I can account to the Lord’s grace in all of this is amazing. I have witnessed His love for sinners through the opportunity given to preach Christ and Him crucified to those men before they died. We all are going to die. What is the measure of your resolve?

The autonomy to worship gods and idols

2010-12-15T22:46:00.001-05:00

Originally posted at Seeking a Kingdom. Please note, we are still looking for authors interested in writing devotions for the blog. If you are interested, contact me through the tab above.

Isaiah 40:18-19 To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains.

Scripture illustrates man’s propensity to create his own suitable standards. We value our way so much that even our standards as followers of Jesus Christ, start to become negotiable. When we find ourselves in this trap, we quickly begin making God like us, and in this we transgress His law (Exo 20:3-5). We begin to appeal to our own autonomy. Our defense and logic generally results in a self-righteous sentiment, “but God is loving, and understanding.”

Jesus spoke with a rich man who asked what was required of him to inherit eternal life (Mk 10:17-22), the Lord demonstrated the measurement by which men are evaluated and spoke to him of the law. But this man had great possessions, self-righteousness, and a trust in human attainments rather than Godly gain. But God’s love and understanding said (v21), “sell all that you have,” lay down your riches, follow me.

A scribe zealously assured that he would follow wherever the Lord went (Mat 8:19-22). And faithfully, those who approach Christ receive the ‘love and understanding’ of God. He draws out the truth of his motives by showing his utter lack. Following Christ wholly is dependent upon setting our affairs in order first. Man’s agenda to live life in accordance to man’s autonomy is minimized by Christ’s words, “let the dead bury their own dead.”

It is possible for Kingdom citizens to demonstrate faithfulness, realization of truth, and a casting out of dependence. Casting aside the old man we establish a desire to exchange our ways for Gods. The believers in Asia, under the instruction of the Gospel learned a better way. Their dependence upon magic arts and costly books quickly became irrelevant and they burned them, disposing of the foundation they once held dear, despite their cost, and established a new level to build upon (Acts 19:17-19).

All man is counted as dead in trespasses and sin (Eph 2:1-2), and in his innate desire to worship something, has chosen idols in the place of God. Man has chosen autonomy that supplants the statutes of the Most High and casts out any need for dependence upon Him. But who is wiser than God? Who consults of themselves and receives counsel more worthy than the Lords (Isa 40:13-14)?

We must ask ourselves if our watches are stopped at a pivotal time in our own history. Is the mystery of God made known to us? Have we heard the voice of the Son of God and now live (Jn 5:25)? Or do we seek status in the Kingdom without subscribing to its requirements?

The rich man was dead, and subject to his idols. The man burying his father was dead and subject to his idols. The book burners were dead, but they heard the voice of the Son of God, received life, and cast out their autonomy, their choice to follow man’s ways, his knowledge, his books of wisdom. With Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, the answer to idolatry is cost counting. Has God’s love and understanding set you free from your chained idols, who are dead works of man’s hands? Or are you still autonomous?

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, renew in me a right spirit, cast aside my transgression, and illuminate my path with your righteousness. Lord, let my ways be your ways. Let me worship you and seek your will. Let me strive to follow you, the Good Shepherd. I do not want to be bound to the work’s of my mind or man’s hands, but to your word.

Book Review: Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament

2010-12-14T21:05:00.002-05:00

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Thomas R. Schreiner is a fine example of a good commentary. With a mass of past and contemporaneous commentaries available to us for study, this new venture from Zondervan is very promising.

With most commentary, you will find a scholarly observation of the text, but be succumbed to an overwhelming abundance of authorial opinion. With the systematic breakdown of each chapter and verse, this commentary will only expose you to succinct portions of the author's opinion, and leave the rest to your observation of the text. Leaving you to compare the opinion of the writer to the content of the text, based on what the text actually presents, is a good plan for any exegete.

What's more appealing here is that the author does not merely expound upon a Greek explanation for this and for that. The commentary pains itself to clarify conflicting views, Greek translation, and scholarly perspective. The language of the commentary is conveyed in such a way that one need not be fluent in the original language to benefit from the exposure it provides, although it does help to know some basics. Plainly stated, this commentary is as much for the 'layman' as it is for the 'academic.'

Five great things about this commentary in particular -

It is lightweight, readable, and presents well
It exposes the reader to the essential information necessary for good exegesis, like background, opposing views, and language translation.
It is affordable.
The series is not bound to a singular author and each New Testament book is unique.
It demonstrates the importance of understanding the nuance of language on modern exegesis

I wholly recommended purchasing this commentary if you have a few dollars in your book budget. If you have a ton of commentaries on Galatians, I am not sure this is going to stand out much more than some of the classics, but its editing, approach, and presentation will surely provide a refreshing approach to all things commentary!

*I received this book from Zondervan as a review copy

You lay your gift at your altar, and I will lay my gift at mine.

2010-12-03T22:27:00.000-05:00

In light of a recent discussion with a brother concerning how brethren are to treat one another when disagreement arises, I would like to re-post my thoughts on the matter from 2008. They are still the same as I have indicated here, and I still find it amazing that we seldom practice what we 'preach.'

An interesting thing has occurred to me. So many of us believe that we fully grasp the consequences of our actions before we make decisions. So many times does this behavior incessantly repeat itself. On the contrary, the Christian, should learn from the mistakes that have been made. The benefit would then be applying the lesson learned from the consequence to any actions thereafter. So what of the behavior that causes tension amongst members of the body of Christ? When bad decisions are made, consequences occur, and chastisement (by the Lord) follows, what then? Does the failure to make the right decision warrant excommunication of the offender? To what degree and extent are consequences to be carried out?

Mat 5:24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

So reading in Matthew, I observe the teachings of Christ, and the principle of reconciliation toward others when offense has occurred. Now I would ask the question, if you are making offerings up to God by way of worship, are you doing so without offense to God, or are you offending God by your worship for leaving such matters unattended? Or is it downright apathy and a willful choice to ignore it until it goes away?

On to the last part of my concern. In the case of division, and the clear cut obvious nature of it's existence, what is to be done next? Division is clearly defined as being a separation between two things. Whether these things be people, places, or things, they are no longer in unification or like-mindedness. The Greek word σχίσμα (schisma), is the root word from which we base our own English word schism. It is a metaphorical definition of division or dissension. In reference to I Corinthians 12:25 this point comes home in a full thrust. Paul was instructing the Corinthian Christians to treat each other (as different as they may be) and care for each other the same as those who were similar. The attitude toward the gifts of others or the lack thereof is to be the same. We grieve when others are afficted, and we rejoice when others are exalted, all this we do as if it were occurring to us. This is unity amongst the brethren in the spiritual sense. Not a denominational, creedal, or formal allegiance. But in a purposeful, intentional, and cohesive bond that is unbreakable because it exists in the whole that is Christ's body. Existing eternally for His glory and Temporaly for His purposes.

What's my point? Well, I would ask that if you preach Christ crucified, reconciliation of sinners toward God, and a righteous standard of living, then you should also exhibit that in your personal relationships with others. And where we fall terribly short (I do all the time), we attempt to correct the behavior, learn from it, and move on. Furthering our purpose, unison, and commission in the same spirit without division. If we are considering the differences of our brothers and their shortcomings when interacting with the body, we are also considering our own. This should be of the first things we consider before we cast our stones (or apathy) at each other.

Book Review: Breaking Bread

2010-11-24T22:25:00.001-05:00

Do you bless your food before you eat? How about after?

Deu 8:10-12 And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. (11) "Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, (12) lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them,

The topic of 'breaking bread' has always been interesting to me. I must admit, I am on a self commissioned quest to debunk the mystery of the souffle cup of grape juice, and a teasing oyster cracker as sufficient means of celebrating the 'Lord's Table.' I keep asking over and over, what does it all mean.

In my questioning, I discovered a book regarding the topic of, you guessed it, 'Breaking Bread.' Only this time, the perspective is painted with the brush of meals in Judaism.

If 'breaking bread' in ancient Judaism meant having a meal together, what is it that the early Christians would have done as well? The author's premise is definitely not to treat my thesis, but there is an interesting view introduced in it's pages. The Halachah, or the blessing placed on meals of believers changes how we view feasting.

This book takes the reader on an exciting journey into the biblical precedence of praying the Torah and Blessing the Lord, not just the food, for the meal. It is compact and approachable for the reader in many regards. You can find the book for a mere $10.00 online, or visit their site for other great products and information from a Messianic Jewish lens. Visit First Fruits of Zion for more great stuff.

Blindness by Michael Snowdon: How precious is sight?

2010-11-10T23:00:00.002-05:00

Blindness from Michael Snowdon on Vimeo.
Excellent video set to the instrumental of 'Nothing But the Blood' by Page CXVI. Of whom is currently streaming songs from their upcoming album Hymns III. If you have not heard any of their contemporary renditions of classic hymns, they are well worth the listen.

Why Four Gospels? A review

2010-11-07T20:44:00.000-05:00

David Alan Black has written a new book. Or more accurately, has updated a previous edition, and published a second, therefore making it new. It is also NEW to me. I had never heard of the previous version or the thesis that he introduces in the new book.

Black introduces his perspective of the 'Fourfold Gospel Theory' regarding the origins of the synoptic order concisely and coherently, in a fashion that is readable for scholar and non-scholar alike.

With the majority of scholarship assigning the Gospel of Mark as the baseline document for Matthew and Luke, Black introduces a perspective that is often overlooked concerning Church history, the Patristics, or the early Church Fathers. Black's thesis promotes the concept that a majority of the early church documents, from Justin Martyr to Augustine (100ad - 400ad) all consistently testify of the prevalence of Matthew's Gospel being written first.

With the prevalence of evangelical dismissal of anything common to the 1st century or pre-reformation thought concerning the order and historicity of Church life, or documents, this book comes as a challenge to the dismissal of Patristic witness concerning the chronological order of the Synoptics. Black brings his deductions to a level of understanding that most of us can understand and consume while challenging us to examine how we view the documents themselves.

Many might ask why it would matter to examine this thesis of Black's? They might even question what the necessity of looking outside of the canon itself to learn about the origin of our scriptures would avail? But the question I often ask in response is why have we blindly accepted so many things concerning the text that directly contradict some of the earliest and most astute scholarly witnesses that the church as known? The church fathers precede the reformers, the age of the enlightenment, and contemporary scholarship, but rank low on the level of progression toward intelligence because of their age. Yet, their witness is just as adept today as it was then, and their scholarship is as acute as some of the best that modernity has to offer.

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Dr. David Alan Black has taught New Testament Greek for over 30 years. He holds a Doctor of Theology from the University of Basel and is currently professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC. He has published over 20 books, including The Myth of Adolescence, Interpreting the New Testament, It's Still Greek to Me, and The Jesus Paradigm. He and his wife, Becky live on a 123-acre working farm in southern Virginia.