About Me
- Brian
- I am a high school vocational teacher who teaches Automotive Service Technology. I am also an evangelical minister. I love my Lord, my Students, and my Family.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tilt in Journalism?
I read an article today that says we need more honesty, truth, and morality in our nations leaders. I couldn't agree more with this statement. The rest of the article seemed to say something different. It pointed out that religion shouldn't be an issue when voting. It pointed out a man's personal beliefs shouldn't be considered when he was running for an office. It said a man had the right to choose for himself what he thought and what he believed and what he would do. My question is, if a man chooses, but then shouldn't tell us what he believes, then how can we as voters know who to vote for. For me the issue of religion is vital, I am a christian, and I know someone who is also a christian(in more than just name) will have the same values that I do. Furthermore I also believe that the honesty, truth, and morality that this article writer is looking for can best be exemplified by a christian. True Christianity does not breed violence, but tolerance. True Christianity does not breed ignorance, but knowledge. True Christianity does not breed hate, but love. A true christian, born again, and living in the spirit of God, will do what is right and just and not judge, hate, or belittle others. He would however tell you the story of Jesus and how he affected his own life, after that it is up to you.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A good email from my pastor about Truth
Good morning -
I normally do not use the email list for anything other than special prayer concerns or important events. However, I have recently been asked several times about a popular television personality and her promotion of all things new age.
A shepherd protects his flock and I am sure it would be profitable for you to know where your pastor stands. To be sure, I will not steal time from preaching the Word of God on Sundays to address insignificant mindless talk show hosts. Still, I cannot sit silently by and watch so many be deceived by the constant banterings of our anti-Christian national mainstream media. Folks, the bottom line is that we are in a battle for truth ... absolute ... biblical ... eternal truth. Unfortunately, those who are paraded before us on the television and radio do not share our esteemed value of truth ... truth is for them something that is not absolute but relative.
Recently, Oprah Winfrey began a world-wide class. I have never understood how any believer could waste time with Oprah, but unfortunately she has had world-wide appeal. I seriously hope that changes drastically now that Oprah has become more clear about her beliefs (or lack thereof!) She is not a follower of Christ. She does not believe His Word. Here's a link to watch what Oprah has to say for herself.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
You may know she is closely associated with Presidential hopeful Barak Obama. Listen to what Barak recently said concerning same-sex marriage. "I think that it is a legal right that they (homosexuals) should have that is recognized by the state. If people find that controversial, then I would just refer them to the sermon on the mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans." Excuse me? I had no idea there was an obscure passage in the theologically rich book of Romans! Here is what is sad ... Barak seems to believe that Jesus and the Bible contradict each other. ABSOLUTELY NOT! The Bible is in perfect harmony with itself, containing no error or contradiction. Do you see where his truth lies ... "in MY mind, for MY faith"
Guess where my truth lies? In the person of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and "the faith once delivered to the saints"
Barak goes on to say that his stance on abortion (abortion on-demand, even partial birth abortion, he is against notifying parents of a minor having an abortion) does not make him "less of a Christian." After his recent comments that he does not believe a person needs to believe in Jesus in order to be saved, I would be prone to say he is not "less of a christian", but instead he is not a christian at all.
I am aghast at how ignorant we have become as a nation. How can one bear the name "Christian" and totally disregard the One for whom that name stands and we do not challenge it! How have we become so flippant with the name and character of Christ that we associate ourselves with Him without regard? How have we come to the place where Jesus is so dishonored that we claim there are many ways to God ... as if His death wasn't significant enough or sufficient enough? How can we watch "preachers" and purchase their books at Wal-Mart when they say Jesus is not the only way for every man? Their popularity is strongly tied to their refusal to speak of sin and a need for salvation. The pastor of the largest church in Amercia, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, recently said, "For me, I believe in Jesus but who am I to say that is the only way? I've traveled with my father to India and I've seen those people, they love God and are sincere in what they believe." Hmmm, equating being an Hindu (does not beleive in Jesus) with a Christian. But did you hear him ... "For me" The modern principle of "truth is relative" In response to the question, "What if you are Jewish or Muslim and don't believe in Christ at all?" he said, "I am very careful about saying who is and who isn't going to heaven, I just don't know"
Can you believe this? Didn't Jesus make it absolutely clear ... "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by me." Our world will believe anything ... even those who have no beliefs ... but our world is refusing to hear or embrace the truth of the Bible.
We are constantly being bombarded with messages that do not square with Scripture ... this is a truth war. Calvary folks will soon have an opportunity to walk through The TRUTH Project to help us ground our beliefs and resulting behaviors in truth. Here is the challenge to all believers ... to not be swept away by "clever deceptions" but instead to "study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed."
Until we see HIS Scars -
Paul Middleton
I normally do not use the email list for anything other than special prayer concerns or important events. However, I have recently been asked several times about a popular television personality and her promotion of all things new age.
A shepherd protects his flock and I am sure it would be profitable for you to know where your pastor stands. To be sure, I will not steal time from preaching the Word of God on Sundays to address insignificant mindless talk show hosts. Still, I cannot sit silently by and watch so many be deceived by the constant banterings of our anti-Christian national mainstream media. Folks, the bottom line is that we are in a battle for truth ... absolute ... biblical ... eternal truth. Unfortunately, those who are paraded before us on the television and radio do not share our esteemed value of truth ... truth is for them something that is not absolute but relative.
Recently, Oprah Winfrey began a world-wide class. I have never understood how any believer could waste time with Oprah, but unfortunately she has had world-wide appeal. I seriously hope that changes drastically now that Oprah has become more clear about her beliefs (or lack thereof!) She is not a follower of Christ. She does not believe His Word. Here's a link to watch what Oprah has to say for herself.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
You may know she is closely associated with Presidential hopeful Barak Obama. Listen to what Barak recently said concerning same-sex marriage. "I think that it is a legal right that they (homosexuals) should have that is recognized by the state. If people find that controversial, then I would just refer them to the sermon on the mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans." Excuse me? I had no idea there was an obscure passage in the theologically rich book of Romans! Here is what is sad ... Barak seems to believe that Jesus and the Bible contradict each other. ABSOLUTELY NOT! The Bible is in perfect harmony with itself, containing no error or contradiction. Do you see where his truth lies ... "in MY mind, for MY faith"
Guess where my truth lies? In the person of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and "the faith once delivered to the saints"
Barak goes on to say that his stance on abortion (abortion on-demand, even partial birth abortion, he is against notifying parents of a minor having an abortion) does not make him "less of a Christian." After his recent comments that he does not believe a person needs to believe in Jesus in order to be saved, I would be prone to say he is not "less of a christian", but instead he is not a christian at all.
I am aghast at how ignorant we have become as a nation. How can one bear the name "Christian" and totally disregard the One for whom that name stands and we do not challenge it! How have we become so flippant with the name and character of Christ that we associate ourselves with Him without regard? How have we come to the place where Jesus is so dishonored that we claim there are many ways to God ... as if His death wasn't significant enough or sufficient enough? How can we watch "preachers" and purchase their books at Wal-Mart when they say Jesus is not the only way for every man? Their popularity is strongly tied to their refusal to speak of sin and a need for salvation. The pastor of the largest church in Amercia, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, recently said, "For me, I believe in Jesus but who am I to say that is the only way? I've traveled with my father to India and I've seen those people, they love God and are sincere in what they believe." Hmmm, equating being an Hindu (does not beleive in Jesus) with a Christian. But did you hear him ... "For me" The modern principle of "truth is relative" In response to the question, "What if you are Jewish or Muslim and don't believe in Christ at all?" he said, "I am very careful about saying who is and who isn't going to heaven, I just don't know"
Can you believe this? Didn't Jesus make it absolutely clear ... "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by me." Our world will believe anything ... even those who have no beliefs ... but our world is refusing to hear or embrace the truth of the Bible.
We are constantly being bombarded with messages that do not square with Scripture ... this is a truth war. Calvary folks will soon have an opportunity to walk through The TRUTH Project to help us ground our beliefs and resulting behaviors in truth. Here is the challenge to all believers ... to not be swept away by "clever deceptions" but instead to "study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed."
Until we see HIS Scars -
Paul Middleton
Ever had one of those days?
It seems I often have what people refer to as one of those days. You know the kind of day I'm talking about, the one where you would love to just go back to bed and start all over, but the day is half done so you don't. The kind of day where all the gold in life seems tarnished, and the milk of kindness is spoiled. Yeah one of those days. I used to fuss and complain about those days, but now I have learned a new lesson. I have learned to cherish even these days of hardship. Each day is a chance to bring someone to the Lord. Each day is a day to give thanks to God, even the days that are one of those days. God teaches us through our difficulties, he never leaves us and he cherishes us. I often lamented those days, now I have started asking a new question, God what do you want me to learn today?
Saturday, April 19, 2008
What is the Truth?
A friend once told me that he could never be a Christian. He said that he could always reduce the Christian argument down to accept Christ or go to hell. He then said I don't believe in hell, therefore you're argument has no strength and you cannot make me believe it. As I was studying my Bible today it came to me that he was right. We cannot make anyone believe the truth. They have to choose it willingly. It would seem that if I argue for something and someone believes it, then if someone else comes along with a more eloquent tongue, that person will lead them to believe something else. Jesus tells Pilate I have come to testify to the truth. Truth is an absolute. If there was no hard absolute truth, then there could be no reality. My conclusion to this is that the best witness for Christ is to live our life in accordance with his plan. Our life is a powerful testimony. May God bless you and keep you today.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Welcome
Hello all! I am new to blogging and I hope to improve as I continue to do this. First of all thanks for visiting and please check back as I will continue to add information to the site. I plan for this to be a family oriented and a Christian site so please behave and act accordingly. Please also be patient as this is a work in progress.
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