What Kind of Worshiper are You?

I'm primarily a Naturalist, but also an Activist, Intellectual and a Care-Giver when it comes to my spiritual life. Or so the survey says.

I was surprised that I rated higher as a naturalist than I did the others. It's true though: I feel closest to God when I'm outside alone.

Our Big Porn Problem

A good explanation of why Christians should have no part in pornography and how they can escape their addiction if they've already become involved.

The Count of Monte Cristo

I finished Alexander Dumas' classic a few weeks ago. This was truly one of the best books I've ever read and I have always been a big reader. The story was cleverly adventurous, with humor, romance, poisonings, and prison escapes to keep you on the edge of your seat. What I especially enjoyed was Dumas' ability to continually tie the plot back to his larger theme: Who should revenge: God, man or both?

It's a long read, but well worth it. You won't want to put it down. And one suggestion: If you can't read it frequently, keep a notebook of characters' names and attributes handy for your reference. Some of the French names sound similar and can be confusing if you aren't keeping abreast of the reading.

We all Die Sometime

Jesus healed many people during his ministry and every one of them still died. Some people just don't get it.

Killing our Little Ones

David Carroll came across a Biblical example of nations ignoring the sanctity of life. Which makes me point out: What is a commonality between all fallen nations? They all kill their own babies.

Theologian Guy reminds us that we have a strong basis for our actions as Christians--the Bible. He reminds us that how we feel has nothing to do with how we should act.

Everytime I visit Arizona, my mind contemplates the fate of the massive Hispanic immigration. Sometimes I'm a pessimist, but articles like these remind me that good people exist in all cultures...as do bad apples.

I was just about to blog about the horrible tragedy of Terri Schiavo when I saw this. Shout for joy!

"I've been in the pro-life movement 25 years, and I've seen some remarkable things, but I have never seen anything quite like this," says Janet Folger. "It's a phenomenal story of persistence and love on the part of the Schindler family, but all of the glory goes to God. We put our faith into action, but it was God that did the impossible."

If you are unfamiliar with Terri's plight, here is a brief review.

Loathe I am to support or recommend a Hollywood movie, but Radio seems to have what it takes to be a meaningful film.

But the film, like the parable [of the Good Samaritan], doesn't let us off the hook. It reminds us that those we—especially certain bioethicists—might regard as disposable are our neighbors and the proper objects of our compassion. Casting them aside is a sin, not only against their God-given dignity, but ours as well.

Finally, some sensible action taken to save newborns.

What We Say

I have to be careful with this one. As a web blogger, an English and Political Science graduate and a former newspaper editorial columnist, I've been more verbose than I should have been and I've thrown words around that should have never been uttered, let alone thought. This is not Scriptural, and it is not wise.

Paul says:
"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God." (1 Pet. 4:11).

Jesus says:
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
For by your words you will be acquitted, and by yourwords you will be condemned." (Matt. 12:36-37).

James says:
"The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. " (James 3:6)
and...
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." (James 1:19)

When I see issues, I tend to see them in black and white, and oftentimes I win arguments because I have backing for what I believe. As an early student of the Bible, I still have Scripture references for many of my beliefs and can be somewhat brazen when defending those beliefs. But when am I going to far? It seems the secret is to correct someone with love, not pride. I hope I can be more careful to show love when I'm trying to convince someone what I know is right.

Pleasing God

I notice a gap in what Scripture calls us to do and how we actually live. I'm going to do an inventory of my life. What am I doing that is contrary to Scripture but yet I have rationalized? I would suggest we all take an inventory and "clean house". Problem is, you have to read Scripture to find out these disparities and many of us, including myself, don't make adequate time for daily Bible reading. We also have to have strong desire to turn to God and do His will and I'm afraid many of us have gotten too comfortable living life the way we like it lived. Isn't that what society teaches us? Do whatever makes you happy. Well, I want to start asking, "What makes Him, my most Holy Maker, happy?"

Culture Worldview Amiss

How do we engage with a culture whose priorities are seriously out of whack?

Pride Leads to Every Other Vice.....

"The vice I am talking about is Pride or Self-Conceit: and
the virtue opposite to it, in Christian morals, is called
Humility. ... According to Christian teachers, the essential vice,
the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, greed, drunkenness, and
all that, are mere flea-bites in comparison: it was through Pride
that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice:
it is the complete anti-God state of mind." --C. S. Lewis

The following is my response to a friend explaining why I would not write a letter to the editor attacking a local politician.

Jesus publicly scolded Pharisees because they were hypocrites obstructing the salvation of Jews. Brostoff is not hindering the gospel in any way. The Bible gives me no excuse to attack people because of their political actions; rather, it admonishes me to be careful in what I say to outsiders and to not be involved with "civilian affairs" (2 Timothy 2:4). In addition, Paul is clear on how far Christians should engage themselves in politics. "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because they are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." Titus 3: 9-11.

"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith." 1 Timothy 6:20.

If nothing else, I would be concerned with the amount of time a Christian devotes to day to day, useless, unloving politics in relation to how much time he/she spends spreading the news of Christ. "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching." 1 Tim. 4:13 If one is devoted to spreading the gospel of Christ, there is not much room left for public discussion of politics.

And why should a Christian desire political discussion? Paul says Christians are to live "peaceful and QUIET lives in all godliness and holiness" while we also pray for our leaders. (1 Tim. 2: 1-5). Our goal should be God's goal (1 Pet. 4:1, Phillipians 2: 5-11). He clearly says that God's desire is for all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Is that truth that Republicans are better than Democrats? Or that taxes are to be low? Or that free speech is worth dying for? No, that truth is Jesus and that he is granting salvation to all men. A Christian’s focus should be in saving the lost. A peripheral focus should be to help those who are suffering (Matthew 25:31-36) by attending to their physical needs. Unborn babies are suffering, yes. Is Professor Rasmusen suffering because his blogspot must be moved to a private site? I don’t think so.

Just remember that Christians are promised persecution. If you are so uncomfortable with persecution that you wish to effect political change, Paul says our avenue to change is through PRAYING for our leaders. Not publicly attacking them.

In addition, I am a bit concerned that Christians would invest their time fighting with others on political debate forums like ASSMO and HoosierTalk. What does Paul have to say about those things?

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. “DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH FOOLISH AND STUPID ARGUMENTS, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THEY PRODUCE QUARRELS. AND THE LORD’S SERVANT MUST NOT QUARREL; INSTEAD, HE MUST BE KIND TO EVERYONE, ABLE TO TEACH, NOT RESENTFUL.” 2 Timothy 2: 22-24

It can’t be much clearer than that. Creating division and fights is wrong. Being less than kind to anyone is wrong. Having resent for someone or political party is wrong. Not pursuing peace is wrong. Your decision to remain engaged in worldly politics is yours. Only you and your conscience can decide what to do. I, though, have scriptural backing for my decision to get out of politics and assume wholeheartedly my God-given duty to reach out to the lost with love.

I leave you with this: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father, but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17.

"Live a life of love" (Ephesians 5:2)

"Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did" (1 John 2:6). Did Jesus devote His time to fighting Caesar and Herod or their political decrees? If you study His word, you will find that the answer is a resounding NO.
--Cherry