Thursday, April 29, 2010
Just laugh....
I wanted to share this with you all. Honestly, if this does not make you crack up then you need to lighten up. God is wonderful in all of His ways and He is righteous altogether! There is no one like Him in all the earth! He amazes me at His infinite wisdom, and His glorious creation! My intention for posting this was to hopefully make you laugh... There is a curse word used out of context at the end of the video that you will read with captions (you may turn it off once she speaks about being thirsty if you wish).... Please know that if you were or are offended by this post, I'd love to hear from you. JUST LAUGH!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Suffering.....
T4G 2010 -- Session 8 -- Matt Chandler from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.
Originally Posted at www.theresurgence.com/blog by Mike Anderson Director
Did King James write the Bible?
Just laugh... then cry... then laugh some more.... THEN PRAY!!! THEN DO SOMETHING!!!
WOTM Witnessing Clip....
Ray Comfort has been given a gift from God to share the gospel biblically.... Watch this video and think about how many things that Scott says that would have side-tracked you from effectively sharing the gospel.... As a matter of fact, as you watch, you will see how the conversation starts as a joke to Scott and at about the 3:54 mark of the video, it will become evident that the "joke wall" that Scott has put up throughtout the conversation is now down and his conscious has been awakened. Scott begins to open up and reveals some of the scars that exist in his life.
Way of the Master has helped me to strive for this moment in each conversation that I have with others about the gospel. Many times people say things to be cute and funny and you never make it to the place of what I call, "a real conversation". But once you arrive at that "real conversation", you will know it. Thanks Way of the Master for your commitment to God and His word.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Health Is a Heart Thing
Mike Anderson Director at the Resurgence
We recently ran a very controversial article titled Pastor, You're Probably Fat." This post is to answer some of the questions that people had on Facebook.
Healthy doesn't equal holy
Jesus is the only one who can save us—not an Atkin's diet or a Crossfit exercise program.
The Spirit is the only one who sanctifies us—not Chuck Norris' newest infomercial workout machine or the latest Dr. Oz meme.
Jesus must be our comfort and our satisfaction—not food. Jesus is the one who makes us perfect—not tight abs or big muscles.
So should we stop caring about our health?
No! Absolutely not. Your health is important because you are a steward of the body God has given you. He created you—he built you to need x number of calories each day, to need exercise to keep your energy up, to eat healthy food, and to get a certain amount of sleep.
Health as worship
The lie of health is that it will make you closer to perfect. Many people buy into this lie and turn exercise into an idol. Some stop eating enough or throw up their food. Still more get depressed and turn to food as a comforter in hard times. If this is you friend, you're buying into the lie.
The truth of health is that God created you to worship and enjoy him. He's given you one body, mind, and spirit to worship with. Any pursuit of true health must be to be toward the glory of God.
Love your God
God calls you to worship and enjoy him above all else. When you worship him you realize that your body isn't your own kingdom, but a tool he's given you to worship with. Your health gives you energy to be joyful in him. A healthy diet keeps your mind sharp to study his Word. A solid sleep pattern keeps you alert to spend time in prayer. You wouldn't have much success chopping down a tree with a dull axe; you have to keep your axe sharp. In the same way, you should keep your health as sharp as possible.
Love your family
Many Christian leaders are deceived in thinking they are more holy because they spend all of their time in ministry and then squeeze in a little time with family. If you don't actively pursue exercise and a healthy diet, you're depriving your family of energy, years with you, and a healthy example.
Love your mission
God has given you a general mission to be a disciple who makes disciples, and he's given many of us a specific mission. Ministry is physically taxing. It takes energy to preach, it takes rest to not blow out your adrenal glands with the stress of messy situations, and you can't pig out on caffeine & carbs if you want to maintain a long ministry.
Some Scripture for meditation
Think about these verses and what they tell us about the way to view our bodies:
"Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Philippians 3:19-21
"Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags."
Proverbs 23:20-21
Originally posted at www.TheResurgence.com by Mike Anderson Director at the Resurgence
6 Things to do About Obesity.....
Pastor, You’re Probably Fat: 6 Things to Do About It
John CatanzaroN.M.D. - Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
editors note: see this post on April 23rd 2010 ( "Health Is A Heart Thing" ) for a more introductory dealing with health.
There are simple rules when it comes to the fat vs. fit argument: fat is simply unhealthy, and fit is the standard we should live by. It is impossible to call fat fit or healthy. *
Our bodies that God has blessed us with are to be cared for with respect and honor.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Here are 6 simple rules to follow:
1. Reject Your Fat
The first step to overcoming obesity is to not tolerate it. Do not excuse it. Do not comfort yourself about it. Do not rationalize it with your reasons, whether emotional, spiritual, medical, or genetic. Say to yourself, I am fat and I need to get rid of it!
2. Recognize Your Eating Patterns
People don’t get fat for just any reason. They respond to all of their cravings, and eating discipline doesn’t exist. Over-eat and you will become fat. This may not happen in a week, but it will happen. The law of physics applies; if you continue growing fat cells, they will extend everywhere and invade every inch of your body. Obesity leads to early death, but fitness extends life.
3. Stop Hiding Behind Religion
The very evidence of fat in a person’s life demonstrates that there are some spiritual areas that need attention regarding compulsions and lazy behaviors. Hiding behind your Christian faith (or fat) by saying what matters most is that you are growing in your spirit is an insult to God when you fail to address an area of life that matters to God. God is faithful and will point out the sin that causes the fat to exist in the first place.
4. Take Action
The call of the Christian is to constantly be engaged in spiritual warfare. Anything that insults the work of Jesus Christ by our bad behavior is sin. Excusing compulsive bad habits that lead to obesity can further a person’s sinful habits or behavior. God’s grace will break the heaviest of all chains. Stop stalling and take action! Find a health coach and remain accountable until this bad pattern is broken.
5. Cut Your Food Intake By Fifty Percent
Cut your calories by 50% and get them from wholesome food. Eat more green vegetables and quality protein (fish and organic sources of meat). There are wholesome weight reduction programs that include excellent food choices and assist in changing the negative hormone behavior. When a person is fat for a long time the body forgets how to metabolize fat and needs help. I would recommend you see a qualified doctor who can assist you with this.
6. Fitness Must Be Your Motto
Fitness is hard work. Fitness and Christianity complement each other. A fit Christian is a healthy Christian. Fitness of spirit, mind, and body are essential to honor and glorify God with this mortal body. Fitness requires daily commitment, and there isn’t room for excusing the need for it. This is part of your action plan! Fitness for life should be your pledge to God as an expression of respect, honor, and worship.
* Editors note: The following was removed by the administrator to help clarify the article and address the main issue:
There is no excuse for being fat. It is not a disease in and of itself, but it can contribute to diseases that afflict the body, mind, and spirit.
A person cannot call themselves spiritually fit if they excuse the fact that they are fat! If you are fat, regardless of the reason, your fat is a poor testimony of what Christ is accomplishing in and through your life.
Originally posted at www.TheResurgence.com by John CatanzaroN.M.D. - Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
What Proverbs has to say about Marriage...
Pastor Mark Driscoll
Originally posted at www.marshillchurch.org
Originally posted at www.marshillchurch.org
Friday, April 16, 2010
Professor Theodosius Dobzhansky's Problem...
Question to Ray Comfort:
"What do you make of Christians who nevertheless believe in evolution, such as the famous biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky? He specifically wrote "I am a creationist and an evolutionist. Evolution is God’s, or Nature’s method of creation."
Response By Ray Comfort:
True, Theodosius Dobzhansky believed in God. It’s hard not to in the face of this amazing creation. After all, the most intelligent of us can’t create a grain of sand, a frog, a bird, or the simplest flower, from nothing. We don’t know how to do it.
So how intellectually dishonest is it to say that there was no intelligent and eternal Creator? So one doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to believe in the existence of God. All we need is good old common sense, and that’s what Professor Dobzhansky had--common sense, and there are plenty of other intelligent people who believe in evolution and in God’s existence.
However, those who believe in God and evolution have to throw out Holy Scripture, because the Bible tells us that God created male and female in every kind of animal, and then He gave them the ability to reproduce after their own kind (see Genesis 1). We are told in Scripture that there is one kind of flesh and man, and one kind of flesh of beasts.
So the god of evolution and the God of the Bible are incompatible. Evolution didn’t "create” anything. It doesn’t have any genesis, and its explanation as to why there are male and female within every animal is ridiculously nebulous.
Those who choose to believe in any other god are guilty of violation of the First and Second of the Ten Commandments--something called "idolatry"--making a god in our own imagination, and that was the professor’s problem.
Originally Posted on April 16th by Ray Comfort @ http://raycomfortfood.blogspot.com
"What do you make of Christians who nevertheless believe in evolution, such as the famous biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky? He specifically wrote "I am a creationist and an evolutionist. Evolution is God’s, or Nature’s method of creation."
Response By Ray Comfort:
True, Theodosius Dobzhansky believed in God. It’s hard not to in the face of this amazing creation. After all, the most intelligent of us can’t create a grain of sand, a frog, a bird, or the simplest flower, from nothing. We don’t know how to do it.
So how intellectually dishonest is it to say that there was no intelligent and eternal Creator? So one doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to believe in the existence of God. All we need is good old common sense, and that’s what Professor Dobzhansky had--common sense, and there are plenty of other intelligent people who believe in evolution and in God’s existence.
However, those who believe in God and evolution have to throw out Holy Scripture, because the Bible tells us that God created male and female in every kind of animal, and then He gave them the ability to reproduce after their own kind (see Genesis 1). We are told in Scripture that there is one kind of flesh and man, and one kind of flesh of beasts.
So the god of evolution and the God of the Bible are incompatible. Evolution didn’t "create” anything. It doesn’t have any genesis, and its explanation as to why there are male and female within every animal is ridiculously nebulous.
Those who choose to believe in any other god are guilty of violation of the First and Second of the Ten Commandments--something called "idolatry"--making a god in our own imagination, and that was the professor’s problem.
Originally Posted on April 16th by Ray Comfort @ http://raycomfortfood.blogspot.com
Thursday, April 15, 2010
How I Pastor My Family
Justin Hyde Acts 29 Pastor - Brenham, Texas
Many people ask me, "What do 'family devotions' look like at your house?" or, "How do you pastor your family?" or even more simply, "Do you pray or read the Bible with your wife and children?" Here is one attempt to answer those questions.
1. Routine
Our family works best with a routine. My wife and I, and our children, have a reasonably regular weekly schedule. Our "family devotions" fit into the larger rhythm and routines of our household (e.g. dinner, bedtime, etc.). Additionally, it is important to note that there are explicit and implicit aspects to our daily spiritual devotion. The bulk of the explicit aspects happen at night between when I get home from work and when I go to bed.
2. Intentional Evenings
I get home from work between 5:30PM and 5:45PM each night. But I have to prepare myself before 5:30PM so that I can hit the ground running when I walk in the door. Though I am invariably tired from my day's work, I have to remind myself that the most important part of my vocation happens after 5:30PM, not before. I am tempted to mentally "clock out" on my drive home, which would be easy. Yet I have to consciously prepare myself to give more energy, more attention, and more dedicated focus as soon as I walk through the door and am greeted by my 5 year old son, 3 year old daughter, newborn son, and wife than I have all day. This takes prayer, practice, and intentionality. It's easy to fail.
Husbands/dads, don't clock-out on your way home; be ready to be present and engaged; don't let your kids or wife expect to hear your formulaic: "I'm tired;" turn your phone off (I recently read something like this: "If you touched your wife as much as you touch your iPhone your marriage would be in a much better spot."); cancel your cable TV; repent of your addiction to new projects, hobbies, and distractions.
Wives, be gracious; be forgiving; learn and grow with your husband; make your home inviting and pleasing; manage the stress level (for you and the kids) before dad gets home (i.e. don't let the water boil all day so that it's boiling over the top right when dad's car pulls up).
3. Time To Play
We eat dinner at 6:00PM. So I walk in the door and devote myself to the kids for 20-30 minutes. Rarely do I take 5 steps into the house before having a 5 year old around my left leg and a 3 year old around my right leg (and now, often, a baby in my arms). Dads, your kids are ready to see you. Ready to punch you. Ready to kiss you. Ready to play. Ready to build. Ready to read. And of course your wife needs this from you too if she's making dinner or just needing a break after her long day. Husbands, remind yourself daily that your wife is likely more exhausted than you are by 5:30PM. Serve her well. This is also a good time to teach the kids about setting the table, helping to pick up the living room, honoring mom, serving a younger sibling, etc. But mainly this is a good time to play.
4. Mealtime
We always eat dinner together around the dinner table. My wife is hospitable, creative, thoughtful, carefree, and eager to worship through a shared meal. Our table is often decorated with candles, and sometimes flowers. We drink wine. We celebrate. We laugh. We joke. We make silly faces. We eat great food. We often, almost without fail, enjoy a dessert. We hold hands to pray. We take our time. Our children are watching and learning and savoring all of this.
5. Cleanup
After dinner we usually clean up (sometimes we wait until the kids are asleep). The children help with dishes, help put things away, help clean up. It doesn't take long and the payoff in relaxation and focus is often worth the price of clearing the table and loading the dishwasher. Yet regardless of whether we clean up now or later, our attention is devoted to the children from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. After dinner, we play. We read. We build towers. We go on adventures. We explore. We tickle.
6. Bible Time
At 7:15PM we all start winding down and I tell the kids: "15 more minutes of ____, and then it's 7:30PM." My kids know exactly what I mean. At 7:30PM it's Bible time. We all gather in the living room (if we're not there already); we get the Bible; and the kids pile on my lap. For the longest time we read the ESV Illustrated Family Bible. This Bible uses the actual ESV text but the stories are selective and the images are great and colorful.
Recently, we began using The Early Readers Bible only because Jonas received it as a Christmas gift. This is a great Bible too, but it's not the actual ESV text, which I prefer. It's a Bible written for young readers. Our 5 year old can blast through this easily, and sometimes I'll let him read during our devotional time, though rarely. At this stage I think it's important for me to lead this time and shepherd them as I read aloud. The great thing about The Early Readers Bible is the questions after each section. Very helpful.
Dads, it's important for you to call the family together. Don't force mom to keep looking at her watch, to always be waiting for you, to nag you to get started. Call the family together. Get the Bible. Know where/what you're reading. Lead your family. Wives, this may be new or unfamiliar for many dads. Go easy on him. Encourage him. Honor his leadership. Don't undermine. Don't criticize. Model respect and love for your children to see. And remember, the kids are watching.
7. Questions & Answers
After we read a section of Scripture I ask questions. I ask questions about the story, about the characters, about the doctrines or themes within the story, about applying the text to the real life of 5- and 3-year-olds. In addition to asking questions about the text itself, our children also memorize the Small Children's Catechism by Chris Schlect. I cannot overstate the importance of catechism in the home. Someone has said, "Preaching without catechism is like building a house without pouring a foundation." So true. Other helpful resources are The Big Book of Questions and Answers (Sinclair Ferguson), My 1st Book of Questions and Answers (Carine Mackenzie), and Big Truths for Young Hearts (Bruce Ware).
8. Family Prayer
Then we all pray. We take prayer requests (this is important because the kids need to see dad asking mom how he can pray for her). And each of us pray. Sometimes I ask the kids to pray for certain things. Sometimes I ask the older to pray for the younger. Sometimes they want to say the Lord's Prayer (which means you need to help them memorize it when they're two or three). Sometime it's random.
Moms and dads, you need to guard this time so that the children don't grow to despise it. This needs to be an encouraging, graceful, loving, fun, sometimes silly, patient, and fruitful time. Be honest with one another. Teach your kids how to care, how to be sensitive to others' needs, how to articulate what they're feeling. Make disciples.
9. Bedtime
Now it's bedtime. Love those kids. Hug and kiss and tickle and snuggle like crazy.
10. Explicit vs. Implicit
Most of the above routine is explicit training and devotion. Yet each of those elements fit into the larger mosaic of what it means to be a part of our family. These explicit elements would only go so far (but not far enough) if not paired with the implicit aspects of the daily spiritual development that are more subtle and mundane.
The implicit aspects are the constant opportunities to listen to your kids, to talk to them, to tell them about Jesus, to tell them about something you read in Scripture, something you've wondered about God, to connect the dots between dinner and worship, to live a life of celebration and sacrifice.
The legitimacy of your "devotion time" is only as solid as the legitimacy of your devotional life. In other words, I reap the rich spiritual benefits at 7:30PM each night because I tilled the soil that morning, during the day, at dinner, and so on. Quality time doesn't replace quantity. In fact, you can only enjoy the quality because you've invested in the quantity. The implicit is the foundation that sustains the rest, only most people don't see the foundation so it's easy to ignore.
Please know, I fail often. I need much grace. God has given me a forgiving wife and patient kids. Husbands/dads, this is the most important work you'll ever do, and it will have more impact than anything you could imagine. Wives/moms, encourage your man to lead; create conditions in which he can succeed. Couples, be patient and forgiving. Don't be short-sighted. Love well. And savor your time together.
May God help us pastor our families well.
Originally Posted on The Resurgence Blog: http://theresurgence.com/how_i_pastor_my_family
Many people ask me, "What do 'family devotions' look like at your house?" or, "How do you pastor your family?" or even more simply, "Do you pray or read the Bible with your wife and children?" Here is one attempt to answer those questions.
1. Routine
Our family works best with a routine. My wife and I, and our children, have a reasonably regular weekly schedule. Our "family devotions" fit into the larger rhythm and routines of our household (e.g. dinner, bedtime, etc.). Additionally, it is important to note that there are explicit and implicit aspects to our daily spiritual devotion. The bulk of the explicit aspects happen at night between when I get home from work and when I go to bed.
2. Intentional Evenings
I get home from work between 5:30PM and 5:45PM each night. But I have to prepare myself before 5:30PM so that I can hit the ground running when I walk in the door. Though I am invariably tired from my day's work, I have to remind myself that the most important part of my vocation happens after 5:30PM, not before. I am tempted to mentally "clock out" on my drive home, which would be easy. Yet I have to consciously prepare myself to give more energy, more attention, and more dedicated focus as soon as I walk through the door and am greeted by my 5 year old son, 3 year old daughter, newborn son, and wife than I have all day. This takes prayer, practice, and intentionality. It's easy to fail.
Husbands/dads, don't clock-out on your way home; be ready to be present and engaged; don't let your kids or wife expect to hear your formulaic: "I'm tired;" turn your phone off (I recently read something like this: "If you touched your wife as much as you touch your iPhone your marriage would be in a much better spot."); cancel your cable TV; repent of your addiction to new projects, hobbies, and distractions.
Wives, be gracious; be forgiving; learn and grow with your husband; make your home inviting and pleasing; manage the stress level (for you and the kids) before dad gets home (i.e. don't let the water boil all day so that it's boiling over the top right when dad's car pulls up).
3. Time To Play
We eat dinner at 6:00PM. So I walk in the door and devote myself to the kids for 20-30 minutes. Rarely do I take 5 steps into the house before having a 5 year old around my left leg and a 3 year old around my right leg (and now, often, a baby in my arms). Dads, your kids are ready to see you. Ready to punch you. Ready to kiss you. Ready to play. Ready to build. Ready to read. And of course your wife needs this from you too if she's making dinner or just needing a break after her long day. Husbands, remind yourself daily that your wife is likely more exhausted than you are by 5:30PM. Serve her well. This is also a good time to teach the kids about setting the table, helping to pick up the living room, honoring mom, serving a younger sibling, etc. But mainly this is a good time to play.
4. Mealtime
We always eat dinner together around the dinner table. My wife is hospitable, creative, thoughtful, carefree, and eager to worship through a shared meal. Our table is often decorated with candles, and sometimes flowers. We drink wine. We celebrate. We laugh. We joke. We make silly faces. We eat great food. We often, almost without fail, enjoy a dessert. We hold hands to pray. We take our time. Our children are watching and learning and savoring all of this.
5. Cleanup
After dinner we usually clean up (sometimes we wait until the kids are asleep). The children help with dishes, help put things away, help clean up. It doesn't take long and the payoff in relaxation and focus is often worth the price of clearing the table and loading the dishwasher. Yet regardless of whether we clean up now or later, our attention is devoted to the children from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. After dinner, we play. We read. We build towers. We go on adventures. We explore. We tickle.
6. Bible Time
At 7:15PM we all start winding down and I tell the kids: "15 more minutes of ____, and then it's 7:30PM." My kids know exactly what I mean. At 7:30PM it's Bible time. We all gather in the living room (if we're not there already); we get the Bible; and the kids pile on my lap. For the longest time we read the ESV Illustrated Family Bible. This Bible uses the actual ESV text but the stories are selective and the images are great and colorful.
Recently, we began using The Early Readers Bible only because Jonas received it as a Christmas gift. This is a great Bible too, but it's not the actual ESV text, which I prefer. It's a Bible written for young readers. Our 5 year old can blast through this easily, and sometimes I'll let him read during our devotional time, though rarely. At this stage I think it's important for me to lead this time and shepherd them as I read aloud. The great thing about The Early Readers Bible is the questions after each section. Very helpful.
Dads, it's important for you to call the family together. Don't force mom to keep looking at her watch, to always be waiting for you, to nag you to get started. Call the family together. Get the Bible. Know where/what you're reading. Lead your family. Wives, this may be new or unfamiliar for many dads. Go easy on him. Encourage him. Honor his leadership. Don't undermine. Don't criticize. Model respect and love for your children to see. And remember, the kids are watching.
7. Questions & Answers
After we read a section of Scripture I ask questions. I ask questions about the story, about the characters, about the doctrines or themes within the story, about applying the text to the real life of 5- and 3-year-olds. In addition to asking questions about the text itself, our children also memorize the Small Children's Catechism by Chris Schlect. I cannot overstate the importance of catechism in the home. Someone has said, "Preaching without catechism is like building a house without pouring a foundation." So true. Other helpful resources are The Big Book of Questions and Answers (Sinclair Ferguson), My 1st Book of Questions and Answers (Carine Mackenzie), and Big Truths for Young Hearts (Bruce Ware).
8. Family Prayer
Then we all pray. We take prayer requests (this is important because the kids need to see dad asking mom how he can pray for her). And each of us pray. Sometimes I ask the kids to pray for certain things. Sometimes I ask the older to pray for the younger. Sometimes they want to say the Lord's Prayer (which means you need to help them memorize it when they're two or three). Sometime it's random.
Moms and dads, you need to guard this time so that the children don't grow to despise it. This needs to be an encouraging, graceful, loving, fun, sometimes silly, patient, and fruitful time. Be honest with one another. Teach your kids how to care, how to be sensitive to others' needs, how to articulate what they're feeling. Make disciples.
9. Bedtime
Now it's bedtime. Love those kids. Hug and kiss and tickle and snuggle like crazy.
10. Explicit vs. Implicit
Most of the above routine is explicit training and devotion. Yet each of those elements fit into the larger mosaic of what it means to be a part of our family. These explicit elements would only go so far (but not far enough) if not paired with the implicit aspects of the daily spiritual development that are more subtle and mundane.
The implicit aspects are the constant opportunities to listen to your kids, to talk to them, to tell them about Jesus, to tell them about something you read in Scripture, something you've wondered about God, to connect the dots between dinner and worship, to live a life of celebration and sacrifice.
The legitimacy of your "devotion time" is only as solid as the legitimacy of your devotional life. In other words, I reap the rich spiritual benefits at 7:30PM each night because I tilled the soil that morning, during the day, at dinner, and so on. Quality time doesn't replace quantity. In fact, you can only enjoy the quality because you've invested in the quantity. The implicit is the foundation that sustains the rest, only most people don't see the foundation so it's easy to ignore.
Please know, I fail often. I need much grace. God has given me a forgiving wife and patient kids. Husbands/dads, this is the most important work you'll ever do, and it will have more impact than anything you could imagine. Wives/moms, encourage your man to lead; create conditions in which he can succeed. Couples, be patient and forgiving. Don't be short-sighted. Love well. And savor your time together.
May God help us pastor our families well.
Originally Posted on The Resurgence Blog: http://theresurgence.com/how_i_pastor_my_family
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Does God Really Care What I Wear?
by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Some time ago, a friend showed me a letter that a young man wrote to the editor of her Christian college newspaper:
The other day I was going to the business office to take care of some financial matters and I could not believe some of the things I was seeing. The landscaping around campus looked exceptionally great. There were new dorms, new faces and unfortunately, scantily clad females were everywhere as well.
This is . . . particularly hard for males because they are stimulated by sight. Now guys, we are not off the hook just because females are dressed inappropriately. We are called in 2 Timothy 2:22 to ‘flee from youthful lust and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.” However, girls, help us brothers out . . . . Please consider your clothing and what the Bible says concerning the way you dress . . . . (1)
It seems that women today have not only forgotten how to blush, but they also do not recognize what should cause a blush. Men and women are created differently. Men are visually stimulated, while women respond more to touch. As one man put it, “What a man’s touch is to a woman, the sight of a woman is to a man.” (2)
We may not understand why men are wired for sexual stimulation by sight, but remember, this is part of God’s plan, and He has declared it good—when it is used for His purposes. We have a responsibility not to cause men to stumble by dressing in a way that visually tempts a man to sin. This is a serious issue, if we desire to reflect God’s heart and be a blessing rather than a hindrance to the men around us.
A woman shared with me, “Five years ago I learned about my husband’s failures with his thought life, which led to an affair with a woman at work who dressed very sensually. My heart was broken.”
Let me ask you: Who was responsible for this affair? Was this husband? Absolutely! Did the woman who dressed sensually have any responsibility? Absolutely!
Richard Baxter was a 17th century pastor who recognized, even back then, that women’s clothing could snare a man’s mind. He used a word picture that graphically illustrates how our choices as women affect the men around us:
And though it be their sin and vanity that is the cause, it is nevertheless your sin to be the unnecessary occasion . . . You must not lay a stumbling-block in their way, nor blow up the fire of their lust . . . You must walk among sinful persons, as you would do with a candle among straw or gunpowder; or else you may see the flame which you did not foresee, when it is too late to quench it.” (3)
God calls us to walk in this world as “a candle among straw or gunpowder.” A fire or explosion can be devastating, and it can injure and destroy many lives.
As Christian women, our clothing choices can either help men succeed morally or can put temptation in their path that they may find it difficult to overcome.
Melody Green, widow of gospel music legend Keith Green, described the mixed message many Christian women send through their clothing choices:
Unfortunately, it seems that many Christians are lost in their own selfish little world—either oblivious or uncaring about the effect they have on others. They may even appear to have a real excitement and love for the Lord—however, their body is sending out a totally different message. I know, because . . . I have done it—partly in ignorance, but mostly in rebellion. I can remember thinking, “Well, it’s not my fault if they can’t keep their eyes off of me and on the Lord. They just aren't spiritual enough. Why should I have to change just because they are weak?” But the Lord showed me that it was my fault. I was responsible for causing my brother to stumble and it had to change. Once I really saw the damage my selfishness was doing to others and to the Lord, I was really ashamed of myself and embarrassed that I had been representing Jesus in such an unbecoming way. (4)
Ask yourself, “Am I helping or hindering men who desire to be morally pure?” “How can my dress and appearance bring glory to God and help my brothers stand?”
Remember that modesty is not first an issue of what we wear. It’s essentially a heart issue. If our hearts are right with God—if we’re walking in purity and humility before Him—the fruit will be a modest external appearance.
Our culture shouts, “Be cool,” “You only go around once,” “Go for the gusto.” But the Lord whispers, “You only have one life; live it for My glory.”
What would it mean for you to dress for the glory of God? Would you need to make any changes?
Living life to God’s glory may require some tough choices, but they will be worth it. By seeking to please the Lord in the way you dress, you can encourage the men around you who want to live godly lives. As the college student said in his letter to the editor, we can “help our brothers out.”
1) Phillip (Freaky) Howle, Letters to the Editor: “Women’s choice in dress leads men to stumble, ” The Skyliner (North Greenville College, Tigerville, SC. September 4, 2002).
2) “The Sin of Bathsheba” is an article published anonymously as “Address to Christian Women” in Patriarch, an online magazine for men. See www.patriarch.com/worldview.html
3) Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory in Baxter’s Practical Works Vol. I, (London: George Virtue; reprint ed., Ligonier, Pennsylvania: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1990), 392.
4) Green, Melody; Uncovering The Truth About Modesty, www.lastdaysministries.org/articles.
Originally Posted on April 5th 2010 from www.Oneplace.com Newsletter
Some time ago, a friend showed me a letter that a young man wrote to the editor of her Christian college newspaper:
The other day I was going to the business office to take care of some financial matters and I could not believe some of the things I was seeing. The landscaping around campus looked exceptionally great. There were new dorms, new faces and unfortunately, scantily clad females were everywhere as well.
This is . . . particularly hard for males because they are stimulated by sight. Now guys, we are not off the hook just because females are dressed inappropriately. We are called in 2 Timothy 2:22 to ‘flee from youthful lust and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.” However, girls, help us brothers out . . . . Please consider your clothing and what the Bible says concerning the way you dress . . . . (1)
It seems that women today have not only forgotten how to blush, but they also do not recognize what should cause a blush. Men and women are created differently. Men are visually stimulated, while women respond more to touch. As one man put it, “What a man’s touch is to a woman, the sight of a woman is to a man.” (2)
We may not understand why men are wired for sexual stimulation by sight, but remember, this is part of God’s plan, and He has declared it good—when it is used for His purposes. We have a responsibility not to cause men to stumble by dressing in a way that visually tempts a man to sin. This is a serious issue, if we desire to reflect God’s heart and be a blessing rather than a hindrance to the men around us.
A woman shared with me, “Five years ago I learned about my husband’s failures with his thought life, which led to an affair with a woman at work who dressed very sensually. My heart was broken.”
Let me ask you: Who was responsible for this affair? Was this husband? Absolutely! Did the woman who dressed sensually have any responsibility? Absolutely!
Richard Baxter was a 17th century pastor who recognized, even back then, that women’s clothing could snare a man’s mind. He used a word picture that graphically illustrates how our choices as women affect the men around us:
And though it be their sin and vanity that is the cause, it is nevertheless your sin to be the unnecessary occasion . . . You must not lay a stumbling-block in their way, nor blow up the fire of their lust . . . You must walk among sinful persons, as you would do with a candle among straw or gunpowder; or else you may see the flame which you did not foresee, when it is too late to quench it.” (3)
God calls us to walk in this world as “a candle among straw or gunpowder.” A fire or explosion can be devastating, and it can injure and destroy many lives.
As Christian women, our clothing choices can either help men succeed morally or can put temptation in their path that they may find it difficult to overcome.
Melody Green, widow of gospel music legend Keith Green, described the mixed message many Christian women send through their clothing choices:
Unfortunately, it seems that many Christians are lost in their own selfish little world—either oblivious or uncaring about the effect they have on others. They may even appear to have a real excitement and love for the Lord—however, their body is sending out a totally different message. I know, because . . . I have done it—partly in ignorance, but mostly in rebellion. I can remember thinking, “Well, it’s not my fault if they can’t keep their eyes off of me and on the Lord. They just aren't spiritual enough. Why should I have to change just because they are weak?” But the Lord showed me that it was my fault. I was responsible for causing my brother to stumble and it had to change. Once I really saw the damage my selfishness was doing to others and to the Lord, I was really ashamed of myself and embarrassed that I had been representing Jesus in such an unbecoming way. (4)
Ask yourself, “Am I helping or hindering men who desire to be morally pure?” “How can my dress and appearance bring glory to God and help my brothers stand?”
Remember that modesty is not first an issue of what we wear. It’s essentially a heart issue. If our hearts are right with God—if we’re walking in purity and humility before Him—the fruit will be a modest external appearance.
Our culture shouts, “Be cool,” “You only go around once,” “Go for the gusto.” But the Lord whispers, “You only have one life; live it for My glory.”
What would it mean for you to dress for the glory of God? Would you need to make any changes?
Living life to God’s glory may require some tough choices, but they will be worth it. By seeking to please the Lord in the way you dress, you can encourage the men around you who want to live godly lives. As the college student said in his letter to the editor, we can “help our brothers out.”
1) Phillip (Freaky) Howle, Letters to the Editor: “Women’s choice in dress leads men to stumble, ” The Skyliner (North Greenville College, Tigerville, SC. September 4, 2002).
2) “The Sin of Bathsheba” is an article published anonymously as “Address to Christian Women” in Patriarch, an online magazine for men. See www.patriarch.com/worldview.html
3) Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory in Baxter’s Practical Works Vol. I, (London: George Virtue; reprint ed., Ligonier, Pennsylvania: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1990), 392.
4) Green, Melody; Uncovering The Truth About Modesty, www.lastdaysministries.org/articles.
Originally Posted on April 5th 2010 from www.Oneplace.com Newsletter
Friday, April 9, 2010
Do you make efforts to fellowship with the body of Christ... Mary certainly Did!
If video does not work click on Title
Originally Posted at www.marshillchurch.org
Originally Posted at www.marshillchurch.org
Mary's Song...
By Becky C., Virginia
I’m a 17-year-old girl in college with a new job and I’ve been stressing out about how much work I have and that I don’t have enough time, etc.
However my commute to my part-time job is about 45 minutes. Thanks to my dad, who introduced me to Mars Hill Church and Pastor Mark Driscoll, I have been listening to the sermons on Luke during my commute.
Today I listened to the sermon on Mary’s Song. I found it so encouraging. It was so moving to me how Pastor Driscoll explained how Mary was not anxious, when she had plenty of reasons to be anxious.
My life is pretty good, however, I know I tend to worry. It was so good to be told to worship instead of worry. It didn’t even occur to me that I should be worshipping Jesus instead of worrying about papers and tests.
Thank you. That’s really the point of this comment, to thank Pastor Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church for giving amazing sermons and making them available to the public for free. It has helped me grow in Christ even during one of the busiest times of my life (so far).
Thank you.
Originally Posted at www.marshillchurch.org
I’m a 17-year-old girl in college with a new job and I’ve been stressing out about how much work I have and that I don’t have enough time, etc.
However my commute to my part-time job is about 45 minutes. Thanks to my dad, who introduced me to Mars Hill Church and Pastor Mark Driscoll, I have been listening to the sermons on Luke during my commute.
Today I listened to the sermon on Mary’s Song. I found it so encouraging. It was so moving to me how Pastor Driscoll explained how Mary was not anxious, when she had plenty of reasons to be anxious.
My life is pretty good, however, I know I tend to worry. It was so good to be told to worship instead of worry. It didn’t even occur to me that I should be worshipping Jesus instead of worrying about papers and tests.
Thank you. That’s really the point of this comment, to thank Pastor Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church for giving amazing sermons and making them available to the public for free. It has helped me grow in Christ even during one of the busiest times of my life (so far).
Thank you.
Originally Posted at www.marshillchurch.org
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday
WARNING ALTHOUGH THESE VIDEOS ARE BASED ON EVENTS THAT REALLY HAPPENED TO OUR LORD, FOR THE SALVATION FOR US ALL, THE CONTENTS ARE GRAPHIC AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Good Friday is a day of remembrance when, as Christians, we solemnly reflect on the death of our Savior Jesus on a Roman cross to pay the penalty for our sin. It is a sober reminder of what we did to God before our joyous celebration of what God did for us—resurrect from death and conquer Satan, sin, and death—on Easter Sunday.
“No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
- Jesus Christ (John 10:18)
Originally posted at www.marshillchurch.org
Good Friday is a day of remembrance when, as Christians, we solemnly reflect on the death of our Savior Jesus on a Roman cross to pay the penalty for our sin. It is a sober reminder of what we did to God before our joyous celebration of what God did for us—resurrect from death and conquer Satan, sin, and death—on Easter Sunday.
“No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
- Jesus Christ (John 10:18)
Originally posted at www.marshillchurch.org
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A little clarity on "The Church"
Originally posted at http://raycomfortfood.blogspot.com/ The "Atheist Central Blog" on March 30th 2010
"Lurker said... Excuse me, Pastor Ray, I enjoyed your service, but I think that it is funny that you bring up the importance of da Vinci's notebooks.... are you aware that Leonardo da Vinci gained valuable knowledge about the workings of the human body by going against the will of the church and dissecting corpses, an act that would have surely landed him in a load of religious trouble? How do you feel about the church's involvement in holding back science and medicine, historically, as well as the role of religious groups holding back science today?"
Ray Comfort's response
Lurker...I think you are a little confused as to the biblical meaning of the words "the Church." According to the Bible it's those who love God, irrespective of their denomination. The Church is called a number of things in Scripture--"The Body of Christ," "believers" "saints" and Christians."
It was rather the Roman Catholic church (small “c”) that held back science, imprisoned Galileo, was responsible for The Inquisition (the torture of Christians), The Crusades, etc. The Catholic church is still at it today. It is filled with pedophiles, officially rejects the authority of Genesis, and instead embraces the fairytale of evolution.
By the way, I love Roman Catholics as much as I do atheists. None of the above is untrue. Still, watch atheists call me a Catholic-basher/hater, because I mention these undeniable facts.
A comment on this post:
If the Roman Catholic Church (capitol "C" as it is the name of the church) says evolution is true, then it is true. The Church is infallible.
As Jesus said to St. Peter: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" Matt 16:18-19
Does anyone else see the difference between one who believes in Christ and trust in the infallible word of God and one who believes in the Catholic Church and trust in the fallible Catholic Religion?
"Lurker said... Excuse me, Pastor Ray, I enjoyed your service, but I think that it is funny that you bring up the importance of da Vinci's notebooks.... are you aware that Leonardo da Vinci gained valuable knowledge about the workings of the human body by going against the will of the church and dissecting corpses, an act that would have surely landed him in a load of religious trouble? How do you feel about the church's involvement in holding back science and medicine, historically, as well as the role of religious groups holding back science today?"
Ray Comfort's response
Lurker...I think you are a little confused as to the biblical meaning of the words "the Church." According to the Bible it's those who love God, irrespective of their denomination. The Church is called a number of things in Scripture--"The Body of Christ," "believers" "saints" and Christians."
It was rather the Roman Catholic church (small “c”) that held back science, imprisoned Galileo, was responsible for The Inquisition (the torture of Christians), The Crusades, etc. The Catholic church is still at it today. It is filled with pedophiles, officially rejects the authority of Genesis, and instead embraces the fairytale of evolution.
By the way, I love Roman Catholics as much as I do atheists. None of the above is untrue. Still, watch atheists call me a Catholic-basher/hater, because I mention these undeniable facts.
A comment on this post:
If the Roman Catholic Church (capitol "C" as it is the name of the church) says evolution is true, then it is true. The Church is infallible.
As Jesus said to St. Peter: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" Matt 16:18-19
Does anyone else see the difference between one who believes in Christ and trust in the infallible word of God and one who believes in the Catholic Church and trust in the fallible Catholic Religion?
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