I had a great Christmas. It was good to be home and spend some time with the family.
One of the gifts that I received was the Planet Earth dvd set. When I watch it I say "dang!" a lot on the inside. Occasionally I say it out loud, but I try to keep it under control so as to not be obnoxious to those around me.
Last night I had a sweet dream. I was with a bunch of friends, like hundreds, if I really even have that many (facebook says I have close to that). In my dream we were hanging out and having a good time... in the scenes from Planet Earth... which are actually scenes of Earth. We were just chilling on mountaintops, in the clouds, on really big lakes and glaciers (I've been practicing saying "glaciers" with a British accent), and in fields where there are a bunch of crazy looking animals. It was one of my best dreams ever.
I'm pretty sure I know why I had this dream. I think it has something to do with the fact that when I watch Planet Earth I get really excited about the New Creation. Everything that we see is longing for the day when it will be set free from its current bondage to decay and futility (Romans 8:19-22). Once creation is set free and born again we will have all of eternity to enjoy this world which we now inhabit. And we will enjoy it in a Christlike fashion.
I have written more about the New Creation on this blog (here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here). I kind of get excited thinking about it.
If you want to get excited about glory, then watch Planet Earth. If you don't have it, and you want to come over, I am pretty much always up for watching it.
Though the scenes from the dvds may look otherworldly, they aren't. It's our planet. Not only is it our planet, it is what our planet looks like as a consequence of sin, death, decay, and futility. I can't hardly imagine the thrill that will come when I see it firsthand without those things. I hope I have hundreds of friends around at that moment...
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
and from Spurgeon... (or We'll Fly in Glory)
As long as I am putting up quotes from old theologians about glory...
Here is one from Charles Spurgeon, the 19th century British preacher, in his sermon entitled Resurgam:
"That powerless body shall be raised in power. That was a fine idea of Martin Luther, which he borrowed from Anselm, that the saints shall be so strong when they are risen from the dead, that if they chose they could shake the world; they could pull up islands by their roots, or hurl mountains into the air… I think if we do not go the length of the poets, we have every reason to believe that the power of the risen body will be utterly inconceivable. These, however, are but guesses at the truth; this great mystery is yet beyond us. I believe that when I shall enter upon my new body, I shall be able to fly from one spot to another, like a thought, as swiftly as I will; I shall be here and there, swift as the rays of light. From strength to strength, my spirit shall be able to leap onward to obey the behests of God; upborne with wings of ether, it shall flash its way across the shoreless sea, and see the glory of God in all his works, and yet ever behold his face. For the eye shall then be strong enough to pierce through leagues of distance, and the memory shall never fail. The heart shall be able to love to a fiery degree, and the head to comprehend right thoroughly."
Now I do realize that what is said by here is merely a guess. However, glory has to be at least as good as the guess.
Note: if you pronounce the 'right' of 'comprehend right thoroughly' in an area such as Littleton (where I live) it will no longer refer to "that which is not evil" but will become equivalent to making the statement "comprehend very thoroughly." If you don't know what I am talking about, that's fine, just trying saying to a couple of times over and over in a Southern accent while attempting to draw out the 'right.'
Irenaeus and the New Creation (or I'm a Better Cluster)
I found a fascinating quote today inspired by Joel 3:18. It is about the New Creation and is found in Against Heresies by Irenaeus the 2nd century Bishop of the place that is now Lyons.
"The days will come, in which vines shall grow, each having ten thousand branched, and in each branch ten thousand twigs, and in each true twig ten thousand shoots, and in each one of the shoots ten thousand clusters, and on every one of the clusters ten thousand grapes, and every grape when pressed will give five and twenty metretes of wine. And when any of the saints lay hold of a cluster, another shall cry out, 'I am a better cluster, take me; bless the Lord through me.'"
"The days will come, in which vines shall grow, each having ten thousand branched, and in each branch ten thousand twigs, and in each true twig ten thousand shoots, and in each one of the shoots ten thousand clusters, and on every one of the clusters ten thousand grapes, and every grape when pressed will give five and twenty metretes of wine. And when any of the saints lay hold of a cluster, another shall cry out, 'I am a better cluster, take me; bless the Lord through me.'"
Monday, December 15, 2008
revelation, pt. 4 (Why You Should Read Bedtime Stories to Your Kids)
From my perception of things, it has been a popular thing to speak about life and theology in terms of a story. I appreciate this.
I think it is good that Louie Giglio has emphasized to thousands and thousands of college students that they need to find their story within the larger story of what Christ is doing.
It think it is good that so many narrative theologians (Stanley Hauerwas, Hans Frei, and others) have emphasized that the Gospel is shared as a story rather than systematic outlines or propositions.
I think C. S. Lewis’s metaphor of comparing God’s sovereign hand and man’s free agency to an author writing a story in which characters freely act could be a helpful way to think through some of the difficulties of that centuries-old discussion (yeah, that’s a long sentence).
I can relate to G. K. Chesterton’s statement, “I had always felt life first as a story, and if there is a story, there must be a Storyteller.”
Thinking of life in terms of a story is good and I think it is a natural way to think about life. I tend to think of my life in terms of chapters. I also see my tendency to view my story as a sad one, as a tragedy of sorts. Consequently, I find that I then determine to play the part of the tragic hero resulting in drama, but rarely anything good.
I was recently challenged when an older, wiser man told me, “You cannot read your own story. You will always deceive yourself into reading and writing the story the way you want it to be.” He made this remark within the context of arguing that we all need a measure of accountability. We need someone who can help us read the story of our lives properly. Thus, it is important for us to have someone in our lives that knows us well and is deeply involved in what we do and who we are. I find that this is a point that makes a lot of sense.
As I have been thinking through the book of Revelation, I was reminded of the words of this older man about reading my story. This is because Revelation is emphatic that Christ is both the beginning and end of the story.
He is the “first and the last” (Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13).
He is also described as the “Alpha and Omega” (1:8; 21:6). This is another way of saying that Christ is the first and the last using the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Isn’t it interesting that this is a description rooted in the very building blocks (the letters of the alphabet) of written communication?
Christ is the “beginning and the end” (21:6). The story of history begins with Christ and it ends with Christ. The story of all that exists is rooted in Him and finds its consummation in Him.
This is exactly the sort of commentary and perspective I need on my story. My story finds its place within the greater context of the story about Christ. The narrative of my story, on a smaller scale, also finds its beginning in Christ and its end in Christ.
Revelation is not only a book about the end. It is also a book about the story of history from beginning to end. This is because it is a book about Christ. As Christians we can have faith and confidence about the end because Christ is there. Just as I find Him in the beginning of my story as my Creator, and just as I find Him at the beginning of the story of the new and redeemed me as my Savior, so also will I find Him in the end of my story when He will be revealed as the conquering Lord.
That should give me a godly confidence. It is a confidence that does not see this life as a tragic personal story, but rather as a tale of cosmic victory.
I think it is good that Louie Giglio has emphasized to thousands and thousands of college students that they need to find their story within the larger story of what Christ is doing.
It think it is good that so many narrative theologians (Stanley Hauerwas, Hans Frei, and others) have emphasized that the Gospel is shared as a story rather than systematic outlines or propositions.
I think C. S. Lewis’s metaphor of comparing God’s sovereign hand and man’s free agency to an author writing a story in which characters freely act could be a helpful way to think through some of the difficulties of that centuries-old discussion (yeah, that’s a long sentence).
I can relate to G. K. Chesterton’s statement, “I had always felt life first as a story, and if there is a story, there must be a Storyteller.”
Thinking of life in terms of a story is good and I think it is a natural way to think about life. I tend to think of my life in terms of chapters. I also see my tendency to view my story as a sad one, as a tragedy of sorts. Consequently, I find that I then determine to play the part of the tragic hero resulting in drama, but rarely anything good.
I was recently challenged when an older, wiser man told me, “You cannot read your own story. You will always deceive yourself into reading and writing the story the way you want it to be.” He made this remark within the context of arguing that we all need a measure of accountability. We need someone who can help us read the story of our lives properly. Thus, it is important for us to have someone in our lives that knows us well and is deeply involved in what we do and who we are. I find that this is a point that makes a lot of sense.
As I have been thinking through the book of Revelation, I was reminded of the words of this older man about reading my story. This is because Revelation is emphatic that Christ is both the beginning and end of the story.
He is the “first and the last” (Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13).
He is also described as the “Alpha and Omega” (1:8; 21:6). This is another way of saying that Christ is the first and the last using the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Isn’t it interesting that this is a description rooted in the very building blocks (the letters of the alphabet) of written communication?
Christ is the “beginning and the end” (21:6). The story of history begins with Christ and it ends with Christ. The story of all that exists is rooted in Him and finds its consummation in Him.
This is exactly the sort of commentary and perspective I need on my story. My story finds its place within the greater context of the story about Christ. The narrative of my story, on a smaller scale, also finds its beginning in Christ and its end in Christ.
Revelation is not only a book about the end. It is also a book about the story of history from beginning to end. This is because it is a book about Christ. As Christians we can have faith and confidence about the end because Christ is there. Just as I find Him in the beginning of my story as my Creator, and just as I find Him at the beginning of the story of the new and redeemed me as my Savior, so also will I find Him in the end of my story when He will be revealed as the conquering Lord.
That should give me a godly confidence. It is a confidence that does not see this life as a tragic personal story, but rather as a tale of cosmic victory.
"The whole story is the meaning, because it is an experience, not an abstraction."
Flannery O'Connor
Flannery O'Connor
Saturday, December 13, 2008
revelation, pt. 3 (or A Word When We are Reminded that Christ is the King of Kings)
Scripture has [at least] a three-fold purpose. One, it testifies to Christ (see this post). Two, it is meant to encourage believers (Romans 15:4; 1 John 1:4). Three, Scripture equips the believer (2 Timothy 3:16).
Revelation, as Scripture, fulfills all three of these purposes. It both equips and encourages the believer by pointing to Christ. The Christocentric nature of Revelation is evident from the opening words that describe the book as the “revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Revelation is a book written to persecuted and hurting believers. In it is offered the reminder that Christ is both the firstborn of the dead and “the ruler of kings on earth” (1:5). As firstborn of the dead, Christ is the resurrected man who has demonstrated his divine sonship through the conquering of death (see also Romans 1:4). He is not simply One born of the dead, He is the firstborn of the dead. “Firstborn” implies that there will be more who will be born, and this is exactly the point. We too, who are in Christ, shall be resurrected from the dead as sons of God who, through Christ, will conquer death (1 Corinthians 15).
As “ruler of the kings of earth” Christ exercises sovereign control over the rulers and authorities of men. This carries special significance to those who face persecution from their rulers. The idea that YHWH is in control over the kings of the earth shows up often in the Old Testament. Here in Revelation, it is learned that Christ exercises that control over the authorities of the world. Satan once offered Christ all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:9). Christ rejected the offer, and through His obedience to the Father the subjection of the nations to Christ is accomplished (1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 1:5).
This is meant to encourage believers. Even though the nations rage against Christ and His followers, this should not come as a surprise to believers. Jesus told His disciples “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). Then, a little later, He offered this encouragement: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Since, as Revelation tells us, Christ is the ruler of the kings of the earth we can join with the Psalmist in his declaration:
Then a little later, the Holy Spirit through the Psalmist issues a warning:
The kings of the earth are warned to obey their Ruler, because He is Lord of both mercy and wrath. Many kings and rulers (and nations) rebel, but the Lord is merciful and delays His quickly kindled wrath, in order that men might repent and not perish. However, there is a coming day when this will no longer be the case. It is this coming day of which Revelation speaks.
Revelation, as Scripture, fulfills all three of these purposes. It both equips and encourages the believer by pointing to Christ. The Christocentric nature of Revelation is evident from the opening words that describe the book as the “revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Revelation is a book written to persecuted and hurting believers. In it is offered the reminder that Christ is both the firstborn of the dead and “the ruler of kings on earth” (1:5). As firstborn of the dead, Christ is the resurrected man who has demonstrated his divine sonship through the conquering of death (see also Romans 1:4). He is not simply One born of the dead, He is the firstborn of the dead. “Firstborn” implies that there will be more who will be born, and this is exactly the point. We too, who are in Christ, shall be resurrected from the dead as sons of God who, through Christ, will conquer death (1 Corinthians 15).
As “ruler of the kings of earth” Christ exercises sovereign control over the rulers and authorities of men. This carries special significance to those who face persecution from their rulers. The idea that YHWH is in control over the kings of the earth shows up often in the Old Testament. Here in Revelation, it is learned that Christ exercises that control over the authorities of the world. Satan once offered Christ all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:9). Christ rejected the offer, and through His obedience to the Father the subjection of the nations to Christ is accomplished (1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 1:5).
This is meant to encourage believers. Even though the nations rage against Christ and His followers, this should not come as a surprise to believers. Jesus told His disciples “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). Then, a little later, He offered this encouragement: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Since, as Revelation tells us, Christ is the ruler of the kings of the earth we can join with the Psalmist in his declaration:
Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his anointed [Christ], saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
Psalm 2:1-6
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his anointed [Christ], saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
Psalm 2:1-6
Then a little later, the Holy Spirit through the Psalmist issues a warning:
Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2:10-12
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2:10-12
The kings of the earth are warned to obey their Ruler, because He is Lord of both mercy and wrath. Many kings and rulers (and nations) rebel, but the Lord is merciful and delays His quickly kindled wrath, in order that men might repent and not perish. However, there is a coming day when this will no longer be the case. It is this coming day of which Revelation speaks.
Friday, December 12, 2008
I'm back...
I'm not going to assume that anyone has noticed the lack of posts and been disappointed... but, I'm back.
The last month has been a little crazy.
Busier than expected.
Surprising.
Tumultuous at times.
Exciting at others.
I spent the past week in Orlando. CWR sent Jeremy and I to a CCCA conference at Disney. It was a lot of fun. There are a number of thoughts that I think I will post in the next week or so. It would be kind of a Pensees of sorts...
We got back last night. I was permitted to sleep in a bit, but it is now time to go to work...
The last month has been a little crazy.
Busier than expected.
Surprising.
Tumultuous at times.
Exciting at others.
I spent the past week in Orlando. CWR sent Jeremy and I to a CCCA conference at Disney. It was a lot of fun. There are a number of thoughts that I think I will post in the next week or so. It would be kind of a Pensees of sorts...
We got back last night. I was permitted to sleep in a bit, but it is now time to go to work...
Monday, November 10, 2008
revelation, pt. 2 (or What the Grotesque Tells Us about the Last Day)
The Southern novelist Flannery O’Connor (“A Good Man is Hard to Find,” “Judgment Day,” “Everything That Rises Must Converge”) wrote that “redemption is meaningless unless there is cause for it in the actual life we live, and for the last few centuries there has been operating in our culture the secular belief that there is no such cause.”
O’Connor continues, “The novelist... will find in modern life distortions which are repugnant to him, and his problem will be to make these appear as distortions to an audience which is used to seeing them as natural; and he may well be forced to take ever more violent means to get his vision across to this hostile audience.”
This is exactly the sort of thing that I believe Cormac McCarthy has done in No Country for Old Men. Now, I have not read the book, but I have read his Pulitzer-winning The Road. I saw the movie based on No Country for Old Men and was really impressed/disturbed. I will not make a broad recommendation that everyone should see the movie because I think it would probably scandalize a number of people. However, I do want to point out that No Country for Old Men expresses an idea that is central to the book of Revelation. It is the idea that evil is getting worse and worse, but at the same time, the evil that is seen is just the same old evil that man has known from ages pass.
The opening words speak to the sense that evil is becoming increasingly intense. It is a theme that is seen throughout the story. Evil is pervasive and sinister and it is an evil that seems to be growing. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell remarks, “The crime you see now, it’s hard to even take its measure. It’s not that I’m afraid of it. I always knew you had to be willing to die to even do this job. But, I don’t want to push my chips forward and go out and meet something I don’t understand. A man would have to put his soul at hazard. He’d have to say, ‘O.K. I’ll be a part of this world.’”
Bell’s friend, Ellis tells him, “Watcha got ain’t nothing new.”
The book of Revelation was given to encourage believers (Rev.1:3). As one reads the book there is a recurring theme about the evil and persecution and darkness that faces the people of God. Believers are essentially told “Watcha got ain’t nothing new.” Yeah, things are terrible. There is darkness and suffering. And yeah, it is getting worse, but at the same time, it is the same old evil that has been there since Eden. The encouragement in Revelation goes beyond this and reminds believers that there is a coming day when evil shall be no more.
This is where there is a stark contrast between No Country for Old Men and Revelation. The one offers a terrifying picture in which evil cannot be stopped and carries on without foreseeable end. The other offers hope and a promise that there is a bloodied King who has conquered, and will conquer, evil decisively.
O’Connor continues, “The novelist... will find in modern life distortions which are repugnant to him, and his problem will be to make these appear as distortions to an audience which is used to seeing them as natural; and he may well be forced to take ever more violent means to get his vision across to this hostile audience.”
This is exactly the sort of thing that I believe Cormac McCarthy has done in No Country for Old Men. Now, I have not read the book, but I have read his Pulitzer-winning The Road. I saw the movie based on No Country for Old Men and was really impressed/disturbed. I will not make a broad recommendation that everyone should see the movie because I think it would probably scandalize a number of people. However, I do want to point out that No Country for Old Men expresses an idea that is central to the book of Revelation. It is the idea that evil is getting worse and worse, but at the same time, the evil that is seen is just the same old evil that man has known from ages pass.
The opening words speak to the sense that evil is becoming increasingly intense. It is a theme that is seen throughout the story. Evil is pervasive and sinister and it is an evil that seems to be growing. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell remarks, “The crime you see now, it’s hard to even take its measure. It’s not that I’m afraid of it. I always knew you had to be willing to die to even do this job. But, I don’t want to push my chips forward and go out and meet something I don’t understand. A man would have to put his soul at hazard. He’d have to say, ‘O.K. I’ll be a part of this world.’”
Bell’s friend, Ellis tells him, “Watcha got ain’t nothing new.”
The book of Revelation was given to encourage believers (Rev.1:3). As one reads the book there is a recurring theme about the evil and persecution and darkness that faces the people of God. Believers are essentially told “Watcha got ain’t nothing new.” Yeah, things are terrible. There is darkness and suffering. And yeah, it is getting worse, but at the same time, it is the same old evil that has been there since Eden. The encouragement in Revelation goes beyond this and reminds believers that there is a coming day when evil shall be no more.
This is where there is a stark contrast between No Country for Old Men and Revelation. The one offers a terrifying picture in which evil cannot be stopped and carries on without foreseeable end. The other offers hope and a promise that there is a bloodied King who has conquered, and will conquer, evil decisively.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
revelation of Jesus, pt 1
(or An Introduction to why Revelation is more about Jesus than it is about Obama, McCain, the pope, Russia, Iran, helicopters, credit cards, or Kirk Cameron)
I have had a number of questions about the book of Revelation recently. I think that this can largely be attributed to the election craze and the throwing around of words and phrases like “signs of the times,” “he might be the antichrist,” and “the end of the age.”
As a result, I thought it would be an appropriate time to look at the book of Revelation. It would seem that there are a lot of questions about this book. Admittedly, I stayed away from it for a time. A professor I had last year, Thomas Schreiner, opened the book up to me and helped me realize that Revelation is meant to encourage and grow me in the Lord in the same way that the rest of the Scriptures are meant to give us hope. From him I learned that Revelation is much more mainstream and normal than it is generally perceived to be. It is not eccentric and outside of mainstream Christian theology as it is often treated. It is not astrology, it’s theology. This is a lesson that was in large part learned through reading Schreiner’s New Testament Theology.
There are various approaches to interpreting the book of Revelation. It is not my intention to discuss the different views. Rather, I am going to attempt to primarily emphasize aspects that we can all agree upon. After all, the book was written to be useful and meaningful (Revelation 1:3). It is my sincere hope that at this series of posts will motivate my friends and family to dig into the Word.
Inevitably, my view of interpretation will come out at points. When that happens I will try to note it.
***For those who wonder, I tend to see recapitulationism (also called iterism or idealism) as doing the most justice to the Book of Revelation. Don't worry Brent, I still hold to Newtonism... Recommended reading: Augustine’s On Christian Doctrine, Book III and Dennis E. Johnson’s Triumph of the Lamb.
I have had a number of questions about the book of Revelation recently. I think that this can largely be attributed to the election craze and the throwing around of words and phrases like “signs of the times,” “he might be the antichrist,” and “the end of the age.”
As a result, I thought it would be an appropriate time to look at the book of Revelation. It would seem that there are a lot of questions about this book. Admittedly, I stayed away from it for a time. A professor I had last year, Thomas Schreiner, opened the book up to me and helped me realize that Revelation is meant to encourage and grow me in the Lord in the same way that the rest of the Scriptures are meant to give us hope. From him I learned that Revelation is much more mainstream and normal than it is generally perceived to be. It is not eccentric and outside of mainstream Christian theology as it is often treated. It is not astrology, it’s theology. This is a lesson that was in large part learned through reading Schreiner’s New Testament Theology.
There are various approaches to interpreting the book of Revelation. It is not my intention to discuss the different views. Rather, I am going to attempt to primarily emphasize aspects that we can all agree upon. After all, the book was written to be useful and meaningful (Revelation 1:3). It is my sincere hope that at this series of posts will motivate my friends and family to dig into the Word.
Inevitably, my view of interpretation will come out at points. When that happens I will try to note it.
***For those who wonder, I tend to see recapitulationism (also called iterism or idealism) as doing the most justice to the Book of Revelation. Don't worry Brent, I still hold to Newtonism... Recommended reading: Augustine’s On Christian Doctrine, Book III and Dennis E. Johnson’s Triumph of the Lamb.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
profaning the name of God (or a post for my Christian friends that say they are voting for Obama)
Last night I watched the 30 minute Obama commercial. I thought it was very well done. It was moving, powerful, and it made me long for a change in the world I see around me.
Obama promised healthcare for everyone so that others would not have to share his experience of watching his mother’s last days be a battle with both cancer and insurance companies. I was also moved when an old man shared about how he had to come out of retirement and work as a sales associate at Wal-mart to pay for his wife’s medication. I felt a sorrow for that old, tired husband.
Obama promised increased job security so that working men and women can provide for their families. He showed a man and woman who are doing all that they can to provide for their family, but are just barely making ends meet ever since the woman lost her job and the man’s hours were reduced.
Obama promised to end the war and employ a diplomacy that would promote peace across the globe. Who wouldn’t want that?
Obama promised to lower taxes for those who make under $200,000. He said this was to lift the financial burden that people find themselves under. They showed a woman who reflected on how each time she goes to the grocery she has to determine if she can afford a whole gallon of milk.
As Obama spoke he conveyed confidence, strength, and a certain freshness.
Last Thursday I voted. I did not vote for Obama. And let me say, I do not believe that an informed voter who claims Christ as Lord should vote for Barack Obama.
I believe this for one reason and one reason only. Obama supports abortion and infanticide.
Some evidence:
- from barackobama.com
- from Robert P. George the Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University
- you could also check out this video interview
- or spend some time looking around the site hosting the Freedom of Choice Act
The reason I let this one single issue affect my view of the candidates is because I believe that I should be committed to the work of the Kingdom of God. I believe that I should desire that which God Himself desires.
I do believe that Obama shares God’s desire for an end to death from disease. I also believe that Obama shares God’s desire to see an end put to the greed of health insurance companies.
Obama seems to share God’s desire for a person to not have to worry about job security or how to provide for one’s family.
God and Obama desire peace on earth and an end to war, violence, aggression, and death.
Obama seems to share God’s desire for freedom from oppressive governments and the worry and strain they put on day to day life.
In each of these things I think Obama expresses, to a certain degree, a sincere desire to work towards these ideals of the Kingdom of God.
But what Obama has neglected to recognize is that God desires life, not death, for all people.
When pharaoh systematically began to murder those infants who posed a threat to him, God acted against pharaoh. As the people of God wailed over the slaughter of their sons, God heard from heaven and sent judgment down on the king of Egypt.
When the people of Canaan continued to place their infants in the fiery hands of their god Molech, Yahweh sent Joshua and His army to annihilate them.
When Herod began to murder the infants of his people, God called Joseph to leave the comforts of home and the security of his job to go to Egypt until Herod faced judgment.
The biblical pattern evidences that it is never right for people, whether pagan or God-fearing, whether citizen or national authority, to choose convenience or comfort over an infant’s right to life.
Again and again in Scripture the leaders who choose to eliminate the lives of infants are the leaders who are presented as doing the very work of the demons.
For this reason I do not believe that there is biblical merit to say that we should sell the lives of children in exchange for a promise of better healthcare, increased job security, and a new diplomacy.
As an American, I think you should not vote for Obama on account of the Enlightenment ideals found in the words of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
As a Christian, I believe you must not vote for Obama on account of the words of our God who said, “That which you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me.”
Some quotes from two others who have made an impact in the way I think:
Russell Moore: “And isn't it true that everywhere throughout Scripture and the history of the world there is present a hostility towards life and particularly towards children? This is because the serpent sees what many of us fail to see in the birth of children--blessing, and life. The serpent sees in the birth of children the kind of dependent faith that Jesus says images the Kingdom of God. Most of all, the serpent sees among "the least of these" the brothers and sisters of our Lord Jesus. Today is no different. There is, yet again, hostility coming towards human babies, and it is happening in exactly the same way--by the Prince of the Power of the Air exciting evil passions. Satan uses Pharaoh's lust for military stability that says, "I don't want another king," in exactly the same way he uses a Southern Baptist deacon's lust to maintain his reputation to load his teenage daughter into a car and drive her under the dark of night to a clinic in a nearby city so no one will ever know she was ever pregnant. The blood of children flows”
(see the full article)
Chip Baggett: Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, are looking for a savior. The world around us is broken by sin and desperately needs restoration. However, looking to presidential candidates is not the solution. These men are not able to bring world peace, combat the aids epidemic, or end world-wide hunger. We need to look to One who is greater that Barak Obama and John McCain. We need to look to One who can not only heal our physical needs, but heal our spiritual needs as well. Jesus Christ is the one true Savior of the World!
(see the full article)
Obama promised healthcare for everyone so that others would not have to share his experience of watching his mother’s last days be a battle with both cancer and insurance companies. I was also moved when an old man shared about how he had to come out of retirement and work as a sales associate at Wal-mart to pay for his wife’s medication. I felt a sorrow for that old, tired husband.
Obama promised increased job security so that working men and women can provide for their families. He showed a man and woman who are doing all that they can to provide for their family, but are just barely making ends meet ever since the woman lost her job and the man’s hours were reduced.
Obama promised to end the war and employ a diplomacy that would promote peace across the globe. Who wouldn’t want that?
Obama promised to lower taxes for those who make under $200,000. He said this was to lift the financial burden that people find themselves under. They showed a woman who reflected on how each time she goes to the grocery she has to determine if she can afford a whole gallon of milk.
As Obama spoke he conveyed confidence, strength, and a certain freshness.
Last Thursday I voted. I did not vote for Obama. And let me say, I do not believe that an informed voter who claims Christ as Lord should vote for Barack Obama.
I believe this for one reason and one reason only. Obama supports abortion and infanticide.
Some evidence:
- from barackobama.com
- from Robert P. George the Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University
- you could also check out this video interview
- or spend some time looking around the site hosting the Freedom of Choice Act
The reason I let this one single issue affect my view of the candidates is because I believe that I should be committed to the work of the Kingdom of God. I believe that I should desire that which God Himself desires.
I do believe that Obama shares God’s desire for an end to death from disease. I also believe that Obama shares God’s desire to see an end put to the greed of health insurance companies.
Obama seems to share God’s desire for a person to not have to worry about job security or how to provide for one’s family.
God and Obama desire peace on earth and an end to war, violence, aggression, and death.
Obama seems to share God’s desire for freedom from oppressive governments and the worry and strain they put on day to day life.
In each of these things I think Obama expresses, to a certain degree, a sincere desire to work towards these ideals of the Kingdom of God.
But what Obama has neglected to recognize is that God desires life, not death, for all people.
When pharaoh systematically began to murder those infants who posed a threat to him, God acted against pharaoh. As the people of God wailed over the slaughter of their sons, God heard from heaven and sent judgment down on the king of Egypt.
When the people of Canaan continued to place their infants in the fiery hands of their god Molech, Yahweh sent Joshua and His army to annihilate them.
When Herod began to murder the infants of his people, God called Joseph to leave the comforts of home and the security of his job to go to Egypt until Herod faced judgment.
The biblical pattern evidences that it is never right for people, whether pagan or God-fearing, whether citizen or national authority, to choose convenience or comfort over an infant’s right to life.
Again and again in Scripture the leaders who choose to eliminate the lives of infants are the leaders who are presented as doing the very work of the demons.
For this reason I do not believe that there is biblical merit to say that we should sell the lives of children in exchange for a promise of better healthcare, increased job security, and a new diplomacy.
As an American, I think you should not vote for Obama on account of the Enlightenment ideals found in the words of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
As a Christian, I believe you must not vote for Obama on account of the words of our God who said, “That which you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me.”
“You shall not give any of your children to make them pass through the fire to Molech, and so profane the name of God: I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 18:21
Leviticus 18:21
Some quotes from two others who have made an impact in the way I think:
Russell Moore: “And isn't it true that everywhere throughout Scripture and the history of the world there is present a hostility towards life and particularly towards children? This is because the serpent sees what many of us fail to see in the birth of children--blessing, and life. The serpent sees in the birth of children the kind of dependent faith that Jesus says images the Kingdom of God. Most of all, the serpent sees among "the least of these" the brothers and sisters of our Lord Jesus. Today is no different. There is, yet again, hostility coming towards human babies, and it is happening in exactly the same way--by the Prince of the Power of the Air exciting evil passions. Satan uses Pharaoh's lust for military stability that says, "I don't want another king," in exactly the same way he uses a Southern Baptist deacon's lust to maintain his reputation to load his teenage daughter into a car and drive her under the dark of night to a clinic in a nearby city so no one will ever know she was ever pregnant. The blood of children flows”
(see the full article)
Chip Baggett: Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, are looking for a savior. The world around us is broken by sin and desperately needs restoration. However, looking to presidential candidates is not the solution. These men are not able to bring world peace, combat the aids epidemic, or end world-wide hunger. We need to look to One who is greater that Barak Obama and John McCain. We need to look to One who can not only heal our physical needs, but heal our spiritual needs as well. Jesus Christ is the one true Savior of the World!
(see the full article)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
redeem the time...
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
These words from Ephesians 5:15-16 have been on my mind since about mid-morning. They came to my memory as I tried to deal with the sadness I felt as a result of reading about my friend Andrew's past weekend.
It is a reminder to me that I must not waste my life. The world is broken. The Kingdom of God will fix it. The Gospel must go forward so that we might hasten "the coming of the day of the Lord" (2 Peter 3:11-13).
There is a coming day when young people will explore the created order in joy and excitement without the threat of harm. There is a coming day when young men will race forward to the waterfall at the end of the canyon and dive into its waters without the risk of not coming up again. There is a coming day when men will not scream in terror for fear that they may have lost a brother.
There will be no more wailing.
No more crying out to God in despair.
No more fear of death.
No more pain.
No more sorrow.
We are told that the day will come soon. If often feels as though it cannot come soon enough. Yet we know the Lord tarries in order that the Gospel may go forth.
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
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