New Blog Site

My new blog site is located at http://kenbobpdx.spaces.live.com, please go there to get the latest on what's happening.

I'm a student again!

I've done it. I've taken the plunge again. I'm a student once more. Today I signed up for my first class from the Calvary Chapel Bible College school of distance learning. Whoo hoo! On-line education. Aint technology great?

The plan (God willing) is to get my Bachelor's of Biblical Studies from CCBC then perhaps a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University.

Until then, it's back to the books!

Today's "My Utmost for His Highest" daily devotional on Gen 22:9 was particularly challenging.  I loved how Oswald Chambers put it:

We seem to think that God wants us to give up things! God purified Abraham from this error, and the same process is at work in our lives. God never tells us to give up things just for the sake of giving them up, but He tells us to give them up for the sake of the only thing worth having, namely, life with Himself. It is a matter of loosening the bands that hold back our lives. Those bands are loosened immediately by identification with the death of Jesus. Then we enter into a relationship with God whereby we may sacrifice our lives to Him.

It is of no value to God to give Him your life for death. He wants you to be a "living sacrifice"— to let Him have all your strengths that have been saved and sanctified through Jesus (Romans 12:1). This is what is acceptable to God.

Pastor Gayle Erwin put it this way, "The problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off the altar!" 

How I desire to be identified with the death of Jesus, so that I may be identified with His resurrected life!  May my life reflect the words of Paul when he said, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live..." 

Lord, loosen the bonds that bind me to this earth and all it's deception so I may be usable in Your Hands. 
In Jesus Name and for His sake,
AMEN

Don't be distracted

With a great amount of publicity, several "family friendly" groups are declaring victory in the battle to keep Christ in Christmas.  Focus on the Family, American Family Association, and Family Research Council, have all raised the banner to battle against those who would want to de-Christianize the Christmas season. 

Through letter writing campaigns and store boycotts, a message is being sent to corporate America.  Don't piss off the Christians, because they are a force to be reckoned with.  They will, with their emails, letters and most importantly with their dollars, exert pressure on "ungodly" corporate America that bows down to radical special interest groups, who have an agenda of changing the landscape of America from the Christian roots upon which it was founded, into a secular godless society.  Heaven forbid!

In today's Focus on the Family broadcast, Dr. Dobson declared that 96 percent of the people in the USA celebrate the Christmas Holiday.  The entire hour was dedicated to teaching us Christians how to battle the "Scrooges" who would want to remove Christ from Christmas.

Don't get me wrong, I'm dismayed that our culture is moving from "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays" or worse, "Seasons Greetings".  After all Jesus is the reason for the season, right?  Without Christ there would be no Christmas, right?

Very soon now, Christians the world over will soon be celebrating the highest, best, most wonderful, most supreme gift to the human race, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We will exchange gifts with one another to commemorate the fact that "God so Loved the world that He gave....".

However, the rest of America who don't know a thing about Jesus as Lord and Savior will also be exchanging gifts with one another and celebrating "Christmas".  They will sing songs like "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer", "Frosty the snowman" and "Santa Claus is coming to town".  Some of them will, with a great deal of innocence and ignorance, celebrate one of the most Holy days with debauchery, drunkenness and football games.

What if the Christians took all the publicity, money and energy that these "family friendly" groups are putting into turning "Happy Holiday" signs into "Merry Christmas" signs and instead used it to spread the real meaning of Christmas?  I wonder what would happen if we focused on changing hearts, instead of signs and touching lives instead of corporate bottom lines?  I wonder what would happen if the church used it's new found "muscle" to serve the world as Jesus served his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion?  I just wonder...

Shouldn't Christians take a stand for righteousness? YES!  Shouldn't Christians be concerned about how a minority of secular citizens are forcing themselves and their ungodly worldview on the rest of the citizenry?  YES! 

We've been told for two thousand years that this drift towards godlessness was inevitable.  We are in the last days, folks. The return of our Lord is imminent.  Let's focus on what really matters.

This whole situation reminds me of the conversations between Wormwood and Screwtape in CS Lewis' famous work, "The Screwtape Letters".  If the enemy can get us to focus on something that appears on the surface to be "godly", but in the long run doesn't really amount to much, he will be able to distract us from the real issues that are the most important.

In the long run, this whole brew ha ha about Christ in Christmas is going to make the church look foolish.  Much ado about nothing.  This is a non-issue and we should be focused on preaching the Gospel and making disciples, not affecting corporate bottom lines, and arm twisting stores into changing signs.

 

Culture Wars in America

Yesterday I received an email from a well known and well read website that said that 80% of evangelical Christians feel that religion in America is "under attack". Given the recent discussions on my church's discussion list, I would have to agree with that assessment.  Apparently Christians are not the only ones who feel this way as 64% of the general population also agreed with that assessment.

To read the full article Click Here

It seems that while we fight a war against terror outside our borders, we are fighting yet another type of war inside.  I am told that we are engaged in a "culture war" of language, culture, traditions and borders.

Let me state for the record that I am deeply saddened by the state of our nation's morals and the erosion of all that we consider Christian and sacred being erased from the public square.  It is indeed a sad situation that some misguided people interpret the first amendment to the US Constitution in such a way that they are attacking the Christian heritage and foundation of our country.

What I cannot reconcile is what we Christians are to do about it, while maintaining a Christ like attitude.  More often than not, I see a militancy on the part of the church, that does not accurately represent the heart of our Lord.

The Word of God tells us that we are not our own, that we've been bought with a price.  It also says that we've been crucified with Christ, and we no longer live.  Likewise I read that greater love has no man, than he lay down his life for his friend and that he that wishes to be first should become the least, and the servant of all.

These passages suggest that our "rights" (as we in America are so fond of clinging to), have been superseded by the "rights" of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We are free, and we are slaves all at the same time.  I read that it is the Love of Christ that compels us and that the purpose of the scriptures is Love from a pure heart and a clean conscience.

How then can we effect positive change in our culture when so much of our culture seems to have such an anti Christian bent?  A correlating question is, "Is engaging in this culture war God's calling?"

I don't think our culture is so different than cultures in the past that have been anti Christian.  Look at the Christians in China, India, or Indonesia who are undergoing tremendous persecution.  The churches are underground and yet they are flourishing!

Throughout history whenever the church has enjoyed times of prosperity and peace, it has been fraught with corruption and tragedy.  Conversely, when the church has undergone pressure and persecution, it has thrived and expanded.

That seems to be generally true, except in America.  Why is that?  What is different about the church in America that causes it to loose its effectiveness in the face of persecution?  Is the type of persecution that the church is made to endure so different?  Is it that the church in America is enjoying too much peace and prosperity? Could it be the attitudes and reactions of the sheep in America are different than the attitudes and actions of our brethren overseas? 

I realize that I am painting in very broad brush strokes.  Please forgive me.  My aim is not to accuse, but to cause us to look deeply at the condition of our hearts and attitudes and ask the questions, "What, Lord, are you calling us to do?  How can I love You Lord and Love my brother who is persecuting me at the same time?  What am I supposed to do about the attempts to de-Christianize America?"

I'm sorry, but I don't find anywhere in the Bible where it talks about engaging in a "culture war".  Instead, I see where it talks about engaging in "spiritual battle". I read that the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

There is after all only one offensive weapon listed in the armor of God. That, my friends, is the Word of God.  I read where Jesus effectively wielded this weapon when he was weakened by fasting for 40 days in the desert and tempted by the head tempter himself. I read where Jesus repeatedly refers to scripture when refuting Scribes and Pharisees.

What I don't read is boycotting stores for taking down "Merry Christmas" signs and replacing them with "Happy Holidays" signs.  I don't read about letter writing campaigns to stores threatening them with boycott because of their anti Christian, politically correct ways.

I've heard it said that we must "Get the attention" of the CEO's of these companies first, before we can share the Gospel with them. I've spoken to countless non-Christians who don't want to become Christians because of the way that Christians behave.  We are perceived as being intolerant, and even bigoted.  While much of this perception is inaccurate, any truth to these perceptions is inexcusable. 

Do we really think that threatening a non-saved CEO with boycott is going to favorably get their attention? Personally, I think it's going to have just the opposite effect, and bolster any preconceived notions of intolerance.

We are supposed to be like sheep led to the slaughter that did not make a sound before the executioner.

I've also been told that if we don't take a stand against this anti Christian sentiment, little children won't ask their parents about the real meaning of the holidays.  Parents who are teaching their children about the real meaning of the holidays are already saved, for the most part.  For those who don't know the Lord Jesus as Savior, Christmas is about gift giving and receiving, nothing more.  No amount of boycotting of stores is going to change any of that.

I have a friend who thought they were doing the right thing by boycotting a local book store.  The store was a haven for "New Age" thought, and all the employees reflected the corporate bent. My friend refused to frequent the store, even though it was close by and very convenient. Once while driving by the store the Lord spoke to my friend and asked, "If you don't take Me in there, who will?  If you don't serve these people, who will?"  Since that time, my friend has made friends with the employees and has earned the right to have discussions with them about the Lord. Why? Because my friend served them in humility and grace.

What some of us in the church have lost sight of, is that we will be used of the Lord to effect the lives of those with whom we develop relationship. It's about talking to people and more importantly listening to them.  It's about serving people in humility and grace.  It's about earning the right to talk to them about things of the Lord.  If two are not in agreement, how can they walk together?

My prayer is that the church would once again take its rightful place as the city on a hill.  A place where all are welcome and the church effects mighty change in the lives of those who would come.

 

A tale of two resources.

My wife Kelly and I recently saw the movie "The Wedding Date" with Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney. Not a bad romantic comedy "chick flick" as far as "chick flicks" go. I won't go so far as to recommend it, and I certainly would not allow your kids see it. There's not a bunch of skin, but the whole premise of the movie is wacky. Oh wait.... it's a romantic comedy.... what was I expecting?

While the subject of the movie revolves about getting ready for a wedding (thus the title), the plot reveals the worldly view and shallow nature of "casual" sexual encounters. The ramifications of this behavior are not ultimately without their consequences, but these "consequences" aren't felt until the very end of the movie. Even then, the "consequences" (if you can call them that) don't really fit reality.

Contrast that against a book that Kelly and I are going through called "Sheet Music" by Dr. Kevin Leman. It's book about intimacy in marriage. Making music between the sheets.

That's one of the advantages of being involved in marriage ministries, you learn about all these really great resources for married people.

Dr. Leman is very frank and explicit in this resource, and he's also very clear. This book is a resource for married people only.

What a breath of fresh air in a world where sex is so casual that movies continually portray it as "OK" to hire a prostitute to pretend they are your boyfriend or girlfriend. Remember "Pretty Woman" with Julia Roberts?

The author, Dr. Leman, is clear that God intended that intimate encounters between a husband and wife are blessed by Him and supposed to be a whole lot of fun.

Not only that, but this guy has a great sense of humor!

He quotes another author, Stephen Schwambach, "Anybody who has ever experienced great lovemaking instinctively knows the truth: Sex is too good to have just happened. It didn't evolve as the result of some cosmic accident. Something this exquisite had to have been lovingly, brilliantly, creatively designed.

If an atheist ever comes up to you and demands proof that there is a God, all you have to answer is one word: "Sex". Give him a day to think about it. If at the end of that day he remains unconvinced, then he has just revealed far more about his sex life - or the lack thereof - than he ever intended!

God created sex. Doesn't that tell you a lot about who God really is? Among other things, it tells you that He is ingenious."

What an awesome line! I can't wait to use it on the next atheist I encounter. If nothing else, it's creative, funny and will help break the ice for a deeper, more meaningful conversation.

When it comes to marriage, relationships and intimacy there's no substitute for going to the Creator and following His instructions. If you have read "Sheet music" I'd love to hear your thoughts. If you haven't, and you are married and you are a follower of our Lord Jesus, here's a resource to help you make your own "Sheet music".

The Winds Of Katrina.

By now virtually no one in the US is unaware of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina.  An interesting article was posted to the "Christianity Today" E-Zine web site regarding the church's response.  It was an article entitled "The Parable Of The Good Church".  It's a good read and I recommend it.

The article dovetailed quite nicely with a conversation I had at work yesterday concerning Katrina and the cleanup afterward.

I work among a group of folks, some of whom are very liberal minded folk who pride themselves on bashing the current administration.  They are certainly entitled to their opinion and their pontificating allows me the freedom to speak boldly from a Biblical perspective.

So when I spoke yesterday about the government's responsibility about "taking care of the people" who've suffered from Hurricane Katrina, I think I shocked them.

I said that it was not the job of government to bail these people out of the mess they found themselves in, it's the church's job.  The look I got was so priceless, I wish I'd had a camera to capture the moment. 

Have you ever seen a puppy when they're confused about what you want them to do?  They cock their little heads to the side, raise their eyebrows and ears and have this complete dumbfounded look that screams, "HUH"?

That's the look I got.  "You don't think it's the government's job to protect it's citizens?". 

Yes, of course I do.  That's why we have an armed forces and law enforcement agencies, to protect the citizens from all enemies foreign and domestic.  Hmmmm.... that sounds familiar.  Oh yeah, it's a part of the oath of public office.

The government is supposed to provide BASIC services to the citizenry.  Internally the government insures the proper maintenance of law and order, emergency services and infrastructure so legal commerce can thrive and the freedoms of it's citizens is intact.  Externally, the government protects its citizens against outside enemies by raising an armed forces and providing aid and influence to other countries.  I think the constitution states it this way, "To provide for the common defense, to insure domestic tranquility..." It's about peace, not welfare.

The founding fathers NEVER intended the government to be the provider of welfare or "social security". We must be careful that we don't view the government as a cow to be milked as opposed to a watch dog to be fed.

Unfortunately we are way down that path already. The number of people on the public dole has produced generations of totally dependent individuals, many of whom were in the path of Katrina when she came to town.

The job of the church is to be the representation of the Lord Jesus Christ in flesh.  Jesus taught us that we are the ones who need to love our neighbor as ourself.  James chapter 2 is replete with verses that speak of "walking the walk" not just "talking the talk".

I was overjoyed at hearing that several churches in our neighborhood banded together to gather essentials and personnel to drive down to the Katrina effected areas to love on them and provide help where needed. Operation Starfish is in full swing as I write this.  Please keep the team in your prayers.

Other faith based operations have started as well.  Focus on the Family is raising money, the Katrina Response Initiative is coordinating efforts of an army of volunteers.  There are simply too many organizations and churches to list.

I say Praise God, Hallelujah!  This is what is supposed to happen when our brothers and sisters are in need.  I'm glad that the church is responding and I pray that the response does not stop when Katrina is cleaned up.  I pray that the government and the church learns valuable lessons from Katrina.

I pray that the winds of Katrina, are winds of change in the church.  Though violent and destructive, they shook the church out of its slumber to minister to the needs of the masses once more.  I pray the giant never sleeps again, but shows the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus through continued ministry towards the millions untouched by Katrina, but touched by personal catastrophe instead.

May our newfound compassion towards the victims of Katrina spark a flame of revival in the church and in this nation.  Rom 8:28