Monday, September 30, 2013

September's Holy Things

This month has been interesting. I was unable to post as often as I would have liked, but it appears that people were content with perusing the archives. This month's hits held true to form and my RSS subscription actually tripled at one point! (Yes, it quickly dropped back down. I guess people realized how boring I actually am.)

So take a look at what people wanted to read. Maybe you'll find something to occupy your eyeballs for a while! Take note that the Ragamuffin Gospel review has vaulted itself into the #1, all-time position while the distinction between Inerrancy and Infallibility has crept into the fifth slot.


Month of September

EntryPageviews
422
Jun 17, 2013, 2 comments
124
105
75
Sep 11, 2013
44


All-Time

Friday, September 27, 2013

Friday, September 20, 2013

Turn the Other Cheek: A few #BTSermon notes

Last Wednesday night Pat McGuire lead the discussion on Bold Faith. He referenced the "Turn the Other Cheek" passage in Luke 6. You will note that #BTSermon is not just a place to share direct quotes, but to explore thoughts provoked by the message.

God's Business

This is a great place to begin. Pat McGuire asked the question, "Did Jesus practice what he preached?" And boy, did he ever! God is in the business of loving us. Even while we were still enemies, God was actively showing his love towards us (Rom. 5:8). If there is ever an instance of practicing what is preached, this is that instance.

This thought leads to devotional worship. What other response do we have available to us but gratitude? Jesus is simply asking us to mimic him. I say simply because that is clearly what he is saying, not that is it a simple task. It is not simple; it is counter-intuitive. Nonetheless, it is what he asks of us.

No Cowards

An inevitable question that rises from a face-value reading of this passage has to do with self-defense. Are we to become cowards then; never fighting, turning the other cheek while sacrificing our bodies to the flames/sword/gunfire and take on the role of victim? Shall we offer up our families and other loved ones in the name of Luke 6? I know extreme pacifists who would claim this. To these challenges I say the following:
  1. With respect to loved ones. We are to turn our own other cheek, not to offer someone else. We are to provide the best opportunities for our loved ones. In some cases, this may mean self-preservation. In every case, this means we do everything with their benefit in mind. So no, we do not turn our children's/wives other cheeks. This is a decision that must be voluntary—it cannot be made for them.
  2. The first question is more difficult. It is true that martyrdom is an honorable passage into glory. However, martyrdom is not the same as recklessness. The Church has always encouraged escape from persecution and trouble when available. Aquila and Priscilla are examples of early Christians that fled persecution, yet they are mentioned favorably for their service wherever they are. Martyrdom, then, becomes a final option which a tormentor insists on.

Audience of Enemies

Along the lines of martyrdom is this thought, that the Christian who turns the other cheek to his enemy becomes a manifestation of God's love towards mankind. When we, as Christians, view our enemy as an audience rather than a nuisance, our eyes may open to the vast, new mission-field available to us. Perhaps this close contact is just the opportunity to preach the gospel that you have been praying for.

Maybe you should take advantage.

More #BTSermon

Below is a widget with all tweets tagged #BTSermon. Please peruse the list and let me know your favorite tweet in the comments section. I'd love to hear from you!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Remember the Terror

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

—2 Timothy 1:7

The Place of Fear

Today is another anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. I do not wish to rehash the day, though I do wish to honor those affected. I went through some of my notes and pulled some of the quotes and notes regarding the place of fear (terror) in a Christian's life. We also remember that this year was not without terror, as we also suffered the Boston Bombings.


What we should do about it

We must do the things that honor the Lord. If we fear Him, then we will do the things that honor the Lord.

—Walter Stanley


Dr. Gary Cohen preached on the Tetrapharmacos


The Tetrapharmacos is the Stoic Philosophy on what not to fear (be afraid/in terror of).
  1. The gods
  2. Pain
  3. Death
  4. Man


Genesis 32:9-12—Jacob Prays

  • Rest in a Gods truer promise.
  • Ask for deliverance.
  • Fears laid before God.
  • Remember future promises.

Conclusion

In the end, the God we serve is simultaneously a God of Wrath and a God of Love. We have reason to be afraid, yet we have reason to be confident. I leave this post to the verses of a well known hymn at my assembly:
Our times are in Thy hand;
O God, we wish them there;
Our lives, our souls, our all, we leave
Entirely to Thy care.

Our times are in Thy hand:
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.

Our times are in Thy hand;
Why should we doubt or fear?
A father’s hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.

Our times are in Thy hand;
Jesus, the Crucified,
Whose hand our many sins have pierced,
Is now our guard and guide.

Our times are in Thy hand;
We’ll always trust to Thee,
Till we possess the promised crown,
And all Thy glory see.

Source: Hymnal.net

Azaliah (Acoustic Cover) Dead Come to Life


I Don't Usually Do This

BUT... my sister and her friend's band, Azaliah (pronounced like the flower) have entered a contest and need hits so they can win it. So yes, I'm using my power over all 10 of you who read this blog to ask for hits—crass, boorish views.

Hopefully you like it. If not, that's ok too. Thanks for listening!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Quote: Creation Making Itself


A creation making itself, an evolving world which is a creation making itself, is a greater good than a ready-made world would be. However, it is a good that has a necessary cost, because that process of shuffling exploration of potentiality will necessarily involve ragged edges and blind alleys.

Sir. John Polkinghorne
Belief in God in an Age of Science
From: Life, God and Other Small Topics

This quote was stated in response to creation and the problem of pain. How do you answer critics who bring up these issues? Let me know in the comments!

Christopher M. Jimenez. Powered by Blogger.

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