Jonathan Carl

Quote - A.W. Tozer

"A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself." A.W. Tozer

Parents - Do You Prioritize the Spiritual Growth of Your Child?

A recent Lifeway Research survey reveals some startling statistics regarding the spiritual influence of parents on their children. This survey reveals that many parents show little concern in action for the spiritual growth of their children. The first two stats appear to reveal the opposite though...

"72 percent (of parents) want their children to have more than they themselves had growing up"
"87 percent of parents believe it is important to teach their children how to have a relationship with God"

The truth is revealed as the application is considered in the process of teaching children about having a relationship with God...

"55 percent of parents agree they try to take their children to worship services on a regular basis"
"47 percent agree they do not want to influence their children too much about religion, saying, 'It’s important they find their own way.'"
"17% of weekly churchgoers, 41% of born-again Christians and 24% of evangelicals do not strongly agree that they need to take their children to services regularly"

The results: many parents value in speech "a relationship with God", but are a significant number are unwilling to build and support that relationship by bringing their children to church.

Since when do children learn to 'find their own way' without the influence of their parents? Do not doubt that children are influenced, for good and for bad, by what they see and don't see in the lives of their parents. A child of any age is far more likely to model what is done rather than what is said by a parent. They will prioritize what the parent prioritizes in the use of their time, emotion, money, and energy. Is your relationship with God a priority in your life? Does it show in a way that inspires your child to emulate you? Is there any hypocrisy that must be rooted out? 1 Corinthians 4:16, 20 "Therefore I urge you to imitate me...For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." Proverbs 20:7 "The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him." Photo Above: A sealed church door in Anglesey, Gwalchmai at St Morhaearn's Church from http://www.photosofchurches.com/

Quote - Francis Bacon

"Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark." Francis Bacon

Essential Church - A Must Read for all Youth, College, & Young Adult Workers

I just finished listening to the audiobook of Thom Rainer & Sam Rainer III's book Essential Church: Reclaiming a Generation of Dropouts and highly recommend it to all of those within churches who minister, volunteer, or work with middle school, high school, college, and young adults within the church.

Although the focus is on studying dropouts (dechurched) from the church who are primarily in their 20s, the value of the research is remarkable for the spiritual formation of those teenagers who are still in church and preparation for the many life-changes they will hit as they exit their high school years. In this book, the authors explore why young adults leave "nonessential churches" and contrast it with "essential churches" that effectively close the back door in retaining believers active participation in the local church. Christians today cannot help but notice the trend of those who leave the church in their late teens or early 20s only to return when they begin a family or encounter a significant life-event. It is perplexing and troubling to those of us who understand and value the local church as God intends it. In the first century the followers of Christ were inextricably connected with the local church. In the 21st century we have a generation of Christians who views church as optional. Those of us connected and committed to God's work through the local church MUST work to help bring those claiming Christ back into the fellowship and protection of the flock. It may require some tough self-evaluation and changes within our churches, but the potential reward in the lives of believers and winning of the lost is incalculable.

Quote - Richard Trench

"He has brought himself to this state; he has exposed his heart as a common road to every evil influence of the world, till it has become hard as a pavement." Richard Trench

Babies In The Womb vs Eagles in the Egg

In The Womb is an incredible photographic and videographic look into the human womb by National Geographic (they also have a series on multiples and animals) that reveals the reality of life in its earliest stages. As technology increases to allow 3D & 4D ultrasounds, it reveals what we already know (but some try to suppress); the incredible life God creates at conception in the human womb. I continue to marvel at our country, where we punish the disturbing and moving of eagle's eggs with monetary fines and jail time (Federal Law - 1900, increased in 1972 in the midst of the Roe vs. Wade appeal process) but finance, endorse, and encourage the mudering of innocent human children. Psalm 97:10 "Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. "

It is my hope and prayer that those who endorse and allow the evil of abortion would open their eyes to the images of these human children, gaze upon the torn bodies of the aborted, and repent of their wicked ways. Even if we have supported or been complicit in abortion in the past, our God is a forgiving and loving God who desires us to turn to Jesus Christ in faith and trust! 1 John 1:9-10 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

Back in blogging....big news!

After a few months off from blogging (finishing my Masters of Divinity and spending an AWESOME summer leading our church's youth group), an appropriate way to get my website up and running again is through a VERY SPECIAL announcement.... Brittney and I are expecting our first child in early March 2010. Our child is a precious gift from God, one we have prayed and hoped for since we first married. We continue to pray for our child's health as well as its future salvation and service to our Lord Jesus Christ. Over the past few weeks we have clearly seen the beginning of a heartbeat (6 weeks), legs/arms/head/body/umbilical cord/clear heartbeat/small movement (8 weeks), and listened to its heartbeat as well (12 weeks). We look forward to seeing it via ultrasound again soon and love praying for and feeling its growth every day! This visual and audio evidence is such a clear reminder of the reality of life within the womb. It is also a sad reminder of the tragedy and evil of abortion that ends the lives of so many children every day. Enjoy the below photo (8 weeks) and audio (12 weeks) of Baby Carl and please join us in praying for him/her! "13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

The Twittering Tongue & James 3

The other day I attempted to sign up for both Twitter and Facebook Mobile only to be denied because my cell phone provider does not support them. Although I was partially disappointed, I think I was mostly relieved. No instant access to Facebook and Twitter might help me in the long run by preventing me from rashly throwing my immediate thoughts and feelings onto the information super highway... It is a scary thing when we have in our hands the ability to lash out or openly share our emotions, feeling, frustrations, etc. not just with those within earshot, but with all of the world on the Internet. Far too many teenagers and adults rashly write things on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Blogs, etc. that they would not dare say directly to others. Often they write or say things without thinking about the audience who is paying attention...their friends, family, teachers, employers, employees, pastor, youth minister, and strangers. What we say and do should always be about giving glory to God. Oftentimes in our technology-laden society we allow (and are teaching following generations)the immediate pouring out of our emotions without giving thought to the ripple effects that such comments may hold. Let's take our time in thinking through what we choose to share, and in the process teach our teenagers to rightly handle the responsibility that comes through the freedom of social networking! Let us not become the stumbling block to the beginning or growth of another's faith! James 3:5-10 "5So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." James 1:19 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" Let's be slow in our Internet-based speech!

Quote - Jerome

"A false interpretation of Scripture causes that the gospel of the Lord becomes the gospel of man, or, which is worse, of the devil." Jerome

Quote - C.S. Lewis

"If you read history you will find out that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next." C.S. Lewis

Are we an Ezekiel 16 Nation? Am I an Ezekiel 16 Person?

When you think of the United States of America, what images come to mind? Are they great ones? Do you tend to see how the United States has provided freedom to the oppressed, democracy to counter tyranny, aid to the impoverished, hope to the nations, and leadership in the midst of chaos? What do you think captures God’s eye when He looks upon our nation today…our headlines, our entertainment, our focus? (Ezekiel 36:22-32) When you think of yourself, what images come to mind? Do you see yourself as a person who cares, provides, loves, serves, contributes, and is faithful? What do you think God has to say to each of us about our day to day lives…about the focus of our hearts? (1 John 2:15-17) When we fail to spend time daily with God, we can quickly begin to think better of ourselves than we should (Romans 12:1-3). Apart from God’s Word and prayer we will quickly lose our sensitivity to and conviction of sin. I fear that we as a nation and as individuals have far too often allowed our focus to be drawn away from Jesus Christ. When we look across the Old Testament we cannot ignore the cycles of Israel and Judah, whether under judges and kings or in exile, in which they abandon God and reach a point of punishment and rebuke. Try reading Ezekiel 16 today and ask yourself a simple question: have we been an unfaithful bride to our Creator by loving the creation more? Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV) “4But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” It is tempting to think that we may solve the problems of our nation and the problems of our lives through some act of our own. We want to be able to work our way out of the problems of the day, whether through laws and legislation or through the busyness and compartmentalization of our lives. However, there is only one true solution…we as a nation, as a church, as individuals must humbly repent and faithfully refocus our lives on Christ and seek Him daily. (Zephaniah 2:3, 3:1-2) Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) “1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Quote - Martin Luther

"I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." Martin Luther

Quote - Leonard Ravenhill

"The Bible is either absolute, or it's obsolete." Leonard Ravenhill

Sexual Sin

Lots of good questions are being raised lately due to the plethora of situations regarding gay marriage and likely 'hate crime' legislation:

Apart from homosexual sins, it is equally important not to lose focus on the many heterosexual sins that we often choose to overlook or not confront...

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV) " 9Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

Adjusting our Addictions

I was actually kind of surprised that the newest data only shows one in ten video game players as being addicted. Maybe they raised the standards for being defined as 'addicted' due to the reality of our addiction-prone world today...

An 'addicted gamer' spends 24 hours a week playing video games
A 'casual gamer' ONLY spends 12 hours a week playing video games

How awesome would it be for us to have 1 in 10 Christians addicted to the Bible and Prayer! How incredible would it be if the 'casual Christian' invested 1.5 hours a day in their walk with Christ??

Where is your time, energy, emotions, and focus directed? How can you seek to shift your 'addictions' towards Jesus Christ?

Psalm 1:1-3 "1Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."

Ephesians 3:14-19 "14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Quotes - Dr. Albert Mohler

Quotes from Dr. Albert Mohler in He Is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World "Large numbers of Americans...profess belief in God but live like atheists." "The heart and soul of expository preaching...is reading the Word of God and then explaining it to the people so that they understand it." "Preaching therefore is always a matter of life and death." "God is most beautifully praised when His people hear His Word, love His Word, and obey His Word." "Our people can have a deep repository of biblical facts and stories, and yet know nothing about how any of it fits together." "Congregations that are fed nothing more than ambiguous 'principles' supposedly drawn from God's Word are doomed to a spiritual immaturity." "We must assume a context of spiritual confusion, and this is often now a hostile confusion."

'Hate Crimes' Legislation - An Attempt to Curtail Freedom of Speech Rights

"A vote is looming this week in Congress on a bill that one conservative activist warns would not only silence Christian opposition to homosexuality, but also would legitimize deviant forms of 'sexual orientation.'" - read more of this article HERE This is a significant issue that has already arisen in European countries and Canada, often resulting in the arrest of pastors who teach the whole counsel of God...to include confronting the sin of homosexuality. If you want to hold onto your freedom of speech rights in the United States, beware the progress of this bill! 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 " 1Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one."

Courageous Contestant vs. Pitiful Pastor

Miss California Carrie Prejean made worldwide headlines today during the Miss USA pageant. The most interesting part is that the attention given to her wasn't for winning, but for sharing her convictions when challenged. She was specifically asked her views on the issue of gay marriage on live worldwide television...by a judge who is both gay and outspokenly aggressive and liberal (in the followup to this matter, the judge swore at Carrie Prejean via an enraged video blog). Although caught off guard, Miss Prejean responded to the question by stating "I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman." Though her comments seemingly cost her the crown, she later stood by her convictions stating "I was raised in a way that you can never compromise your beliefs and your opinions for anything." Contrast this scenario with that of pastor and author Rick Warren in recent weeks. Rick Warren is respected by many as a visible Christians leader, who only months ago stood firmly against gay marriage only to later recant and claim to be in favor of gay marriage, with no explanation for his change of mind. It is a sad world we live in when pastors lack courage and moral integrity to stand firm on what God's Word so clearly teaches. What is more important to you? Political correctness or biblical correctness? Are you prepared to suffer for your love of Christ? Or will you cower, recant, and withdraw when faced with opposition to the cross of Christ? It is my prayer that I may courageously defend my Lord when the opportunities arise and that He raise up more examples of Christians such as Carrie Prejean to do the same, even when the attack is least expected. "The pastor should stand ready to define, defend, and document his own deep convictions" - Dr. Albert Mohler in He Is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World "If there is no controversy to your ministry, there is probably very little content to your preaching." - Dr. Albert Mohler in He Is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World 1 Peter 3:13-17 "13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.' 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."

Quote - Jim Elliot

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot

Quote - D.L. Moody

"There's no better book with which to defend the Bible than the Bible itself." D.L. Moody