Jonathan Carl

Gospel Verses - God

The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalms 19:1 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Leviticus 19:2

Forgotten God by Francis Chan - Audiobook FREE @ Christianaudio.com

Francis Chan's new book, Forgotten God, is available for free in the month of June 2010 at Christianaudio.com . Each month Christianaudio.com releases another free book online, don't miss out!

Bible Fellowship ( Sunday School ) Teacher Tips - #2 - The Holy Spirit's Work

Bible Fellowship ( Sunday School ) Teacher Tips - #2 - The Holy Spirit's Work from Jonathan Carl on Vimeo.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 “1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13 "But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth." 1 Peter 1:2 “who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood” Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption”

Quote - Corrie Ten Boom

"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible." Corrie Ten Boom

Bible Fellowship ( Sunday School ) - Teacher Tips #1 - Preparing

Bible Fellowship (Sunday School) Teacher Tips - #1 - Preparing from Jonathan Carl on Vimeo.

2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season”

Quote - Charles S. Robinson

"Success is the world's criterion of merit; fidelity is God's." Charles S. Robinson

Studying Millenials - Spiritual Beliefs & Practices

Lifeway Research has published data from it's study of millennial (born 1980 thru 1991: currently 19-30 years old) that show their spiritual beliefs. Summary: "Two-thirds of American 'Millennials' – those born between 1980 and 1991 – call themselves Christian, but far fewer pray or read the Bible daily, attend weekly worship services, or hold to historical positions on the Bible and its teachings" Practices:

31% pray by themselves at least once a day
20% never pray
8% pray with others on a daily basis
65% rarely or never pray with other people.
67% say they rarely or never do read "sacred texts"
8% read the Bible or other sacred texts on a daily basis
21% percent do so at least once a week
25% attend religious worship services once a week or more
66% rarely or never visit a church, synagogue, mosque or temple
20% meet with others at least monthly in a small group to study the Bible or other sacred texts, but 80 percent rarely or never do so

Beliefs:

65% identify themselves as Christian
14% say they are atheist or agnostic
14% list no religious preference
8% claim other religions
53% disagree (strongly or somewhat) that the Bible is the written Word of God and is totally accurate in all it teaches
46% agree strongly & 26% agree somewhat that God is a real being, not just a concept. 28% disagree somewhat or strongly
40% agree strongly or somewhat that the devil, or Satan, is not a real being but is just a symbol of evil
50% agree strongly or somewhat that "when he lived on earth, Jesus Christ was human and committed sins, like other people." Only 30% strongly disagree.
31% agree strongly that Jesus is the only path to heaven.
70% believe heaven in a real place; 60% believe hell is a real place.
25% believe they will go to heaven after they die, because they have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior
16% believe they will go to heaven after they die because they have tried their best to be a good person and live a good life
4% believe they will go to heaven after they die because "God loves all people and will not let any of them perish."

James 5:19-20 "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." May we be a people used by God to turn many to worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Quote - William Booth

"God loves with a great love the man whose heart is bursting with a passion for the impossible." William Booth

Studying Millenials - Priorities of Life

Lifeway Research just summarized a study of Millenials (those born between 1980 & 1991: currently 19 to 30 years old) that shows what is most important in their lives. The findings... (permitted to list more than one priority)

61% place family at the top of their priority lists
25 % Friends
17% Education
16% Careers/jobs
13% Spouses/partners
13% Spirituality/religion
12% Finances
12% Happiness
11% Raising kids
10% Health
9% Activities
9% Well-being
5% The future
5% Nature/pets
4% Use of time

Some concerning aspects of this study:

"two-thirds of those who indicate they trust Christ as Savior mention nothing about faith, religion or spirituality when asked to name what’s really important in their lives"
“For many Millennials, Christianity is a family heirloom rather than a faith commitment. The Christian faith in America is being passed to a generation that is slow to embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ and even slower to treasure it.” - Thom Rainer

Family, friends, education, jobs, health, marriage, children, etc. are all good things to value. Unfortunately, when those areas of our life take priority over Jesus, they become god-things: idols.

Exodus 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me."

May we be a generation that treasures Christ above all else.

Weekly Video Idea - To Be or Not To Be

Got an idea today while talking to some Ministers of Education/Discipleship Pastors from across Kentucky about how we train and encourage our teachers and leaders. Since we can't meet weekly together, I thought maybe I could send out a short (1-2 minute) video via email and my blog. In these videos I'd share some short Scripture, ideas, resources, and encouragement as you prepare for your Sunday lesson. Please let me know if this is something you'd actually use and appreciate!

Bible Fellowship ( Sunday School ) Teacher Tips - Intro from Jonathan Carl on Vimeo.

"remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins" James 5:20

Quote - Charles Spurgeon

"I believe in the doctrine of election, because I am quite certain that, if God had not chosen me, I should never had chosen Him; and I am sure He chose me before I was born, or else He never would have chosen me afterwards; and he must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find any reason in myself why He should have looked upon me with special love." -Charles Spurgeon

Quote - John Wesley

"Do all the good you can by all the means you can in all the places you can at all the times you can to all the people you can as long as ever you can." John Wesley

Quote - C.S. Lewis

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." C.S. Lewis

Quote - A.W. Tozer

"Salvation is from our side a choice; from the divine side it is a seizing upon, an apprehending, a conquest by the Most High God. Our accepting and willing are reactions rather than actions." - A.W. Tozer

Biblical vs. Christian Counseling: the History

David Powlison, of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation, has written a book (The Biblical Counseling Movement: History and Context) that seeks to explain the growth of the Biblical Counseling movement over the past few decades. It is important to understand in light of the many "Christian Counseling" practices that uphold man-centered truths and methods in place of God-centered Truth and methods when seeking to advise the hurting. "What Is Biblical Counseling? In principle, Christians believe that knowing Jesus Christ is the original and abiding "cure of the soul." But in practice, the church’s provision of personalized care and counsel has often been unthoughtful and unskillful. Psychiatry and psy- chotherapy (transliterations of two Greek words for "cure of the soul") claim to offer the deep truth that explains a human being. Beginning in the late 1960s, a biblical counseling movement sought to reclaim counseling for the church and provide a Christian alternative to mainstream psychiatry and psychotherapy. The Biblical Counseling Movement: History and Context is an informative and thought-provoking account of that movement. This book is an invaluable resource for those who want to understand the biblical counseling movement." - Publisher's Description This video is a short interview with David Powlison about his book.

“It is difficult to overestimate the importance of this book. The ‘counseling wars’ of the past half century have ignited passions often characterized by labels rather than by careful analytic thought. This is the first broadly comprehensive history of these developments. Although Powlison is one of the important players, he takes extraordinary pains not to misrepresent those with whom he disagrees. Above all, while trying to be open to truth and insight whatever their source (after all, the reaches of common grace are vast), Powlison faithfully argues that the Christian faith must play a constitutive role in building a robust model of Christian counseling. Amen and Amen.”- D. A. Carson, Ph.D., Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; author of The Gagging of God, Christ and Culture Revisited, and An Introduction to the New Testament “I have watched with much interest the developments in Christian counseling over the past forty years. The issues discussed here are still very important, and this book is a good introduction to them. Even readers already familiar with this movement will learn new things. David’s book is entirely judicious, careful, and balanced in its treatment of Adams, his opponents, and the events affecting the biblical counseling movement. I hope the book attracts a large readership.”- John M. Frame, D.D., Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; author of The Doctrine of the Christian Life HT: Justin Taylor

We are all theologians...

"We are all theologians, the question is whether what we know about God is true." -Josh Harris, Dug Down Deep "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." - A.W. Tozer This short, unique video gives you a picture of how we all ultimately have theological beliefs and why what we believe about God is incredibly important.

DugDownDeep_Carnahan.mov from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.

Bible Verses on Dating, Courtship, & Engagement

Here are a few passages/verses of Biblical wisdom and truth in regard to the practice of dating, courting, & engagement. Mark 12:30 “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Jeremiah 17:9-10 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? ‘I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.’” 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 “3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.” James 1:19-20 “19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" Romans 5:3-5 “3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Proverbs 12:4 “A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” Matthew 19:4-6 "4He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,5and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? 6So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." Note...all of 1 Corinthians 6:12-7:40 is important to read and consider...but here are three excerpts: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 12"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. 13"Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." 17But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 7:8-11 " 8To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am.9But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 10To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11(but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife" 1 Corinthians 7:32-36 "32I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 33But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. 35I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. 36If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. "

Quote - Chuck Lawless

“Evangelism is being, doing, and telling the Good News of Jesus Christ, depending on the triune God to draw His own unto Himself and His Church…that is, evangelism is never less than the telling of the Good News, but assumed is a lifestyle that supports the message.” – Chuck Lawless

Quote - Thom Rainer

“Church growth is evangelism that results in fruit-bearing disciples in the local church” – Thom Rainer

Francis Chan - The Big Red Tractor - A Powerful Illustration

If you are a follower of Christ, you need to watch this video. It will motivate you in an incredible way towards greater participation, service, sacrifice, and missional-living in and through your local church. This short video is called "The Big Red Tractor" and is a children's story that Francis Chan wrote to illustrate the current condition of the Church. More than a children's story, it is a powerful and convicting illustration all Christians should consider. It is linked to a recent book by Francis Chan titled "Forgotten God."

The Big Red Tractor from Jacob Lewis.

Lecrae - "Far Away" for Haiti Relief

Lecrae's music video and song, "Far Away" are available for preview and purchase in order to raise money for Haiti relief efforts.

Quote - Christian Smith

“the best way to get youth more involved in and serious about their faith communities is to get their parents more involved in and serious about their faith” - Christian Smith

Reconciliation after Murder and Cannibilzation

This video tells the brief story of a reconciliation that occured last month (December 2009) between the decendants of John Williams and the inhabitants of Erromango in the South Pacific. Erromango is where John Williams and James Harris were murdered and cannibalized in 1839 while seeking to share the Gospel message.

The Helpful, The Edifying, The Lawful, & The Illicit

Adam and Eve had it all. They had health (no sickness, injury, or death), wealth (The Garden of Eden), and prosperity (a perfect, uncorrupted relationship with God). It is hard to believe they threw it all away for the illicit....the one thing they were forbidden from doing. Genesis 2:16,17 “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Fast forward a little bit and we see mankind united in language with a desire to remain united in one location. This may not sound like a bad situation in itself, until it is revealed that they were all about making "a name" for themselves. They were about man's glory and not God's glory. The lineage and identity of being made in God's image was not enough for them. They decided to create an image and name for themselves. Pictured: Pieter Bruegel's The Tower of Babel, 1563

Genesis 11:4 “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”

Over and over across Scripture we could read and learn messages of idolatry...pursuing the illicit in place of what is good and trustworthy, a walk with Christ. Yet, despite the many examples and exhortations we have not learned. 1 Corinthians 10:6,7 "6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters" Americans, and many others in our world today, continue to desire evil. We have all we need and ridicously more, so we pursue the illicit. We pursue the unhelpful. We pursue the self-serving. 1 Corinthians 10:23 "'All things are lawful,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful,' but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." Christian freedom is amazing when it is understood as freedom of the law through the forgiveness of sin. Unfortunately, for many of us, Christian freedom is abused as a tool of self-worship, self-indulgence, and self-service. 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 5:15 "and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." Lord show us where we desire, pursue, or practice the illicit and help us to turn from it. God, convict and forgive us of where we seek to make a name for ourselves, instead of holding your name high and lifted up. Jesus, may the freedom we have in your grace and mercy be used to your glory, living our lives consumed by a love of you and not a love of this world....living our lives in a way where we don't seek our own benefit, but instead seek to meet the needs of others.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers

I am so thankful for the amazing work that Crisis Pregnancy Centers do in confronting the horrible abortion problem in our country. I am so encouraged by how they faithfully serve women in providing resources, counseling, and solutions for life with women facing unplanned pregnancies. The below video does a great job sharing one woman's story: Some saddening statistics:

"every year 3million women in America deal with an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy"
"42% of these pregnancies end in abortion"
"there is no statistical difference in abortions among women who profess to be Christians and those who don't"
"22% of all U.S. pregnancies end in abortion"
"in 2005 approximately 1.21million abortions took place in the U.S."

In my area, I am thankful for Clarity -Solutions for Women in Elizabethtown, KY and Crossway Pregnancy Resource Center in Radcliff, KY and the many people who have started, invested, and continued these amazing resources. Do you have a crisis pregnancy center in your area that you can support? If not, maybe the Lord will lead you towards starting one...

Psalm 82:3-4 "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. 4 Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."

HT: http://www.nambforlife.net/ & http://www.abort73.com/

Teaching Your Children About Money

How are you teaching your children about money? Society and government advertises and models spend, spend, spend but the Bible advocates different principles for using the money God has given us.

The Moon Jar is an excellent method for teaching your children the basics of financial stewardship. It takes the concept of a piggy jar and expands it into the three categories of saving, spending, and sharing. A Christian parent could use this as a tool to teach their children how to apply several stewardship basics:

Proverbs 13:11 "Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow."
Ecclesiastes 5:10 "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. "
1 Timothy 6:6-10 " 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
Proverbs 22:7 "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave."
Deuteronomy 16:17 "Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you"
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 "6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver"

HT: Challies

“Overview of Corrective Discipline” by Tedd Tripp

Have you ever been to a Christian Parenting conference? Ever wanted to go to one? Mars Hill Church shared a series of talks from their Biblical Parenting conference via online video so that all can benefit from it even if they couldn't attend. “Overview of Corrective Discipline” by Tedd Tripp

HT: The Resurgence

Parenting Resources

As Brittney and I prepare for Sophia's arrival in March, we desire to be ready to instruct and teach her to love Christ, love others, and to walk in wisdom.

Here are some resources which are on the top of my reading list as they've been suggested and reference by many pastors, teachers, and leaders that I trust and respect.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp

Instructing a Child’s Heart by Tedd & Margy Tripp

Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp

Proverbs 1:8 "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching."

Proverbs 31:26 "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Quote - Martin Luther

"...if ever a monk could get to heaven through monastic discipline, I was that monk....And yet my conscience would not give me certainty, but I always doubted and said, 'You didn't do that right. You weren't contrite enough. You left that out of your confession.' The more I tried to remedy an uncertain, weak, and troubled conscience with human traditions, the more I daily found it more uncertain, weaker, and more troubled." Martin Luther

God of Elizabethtown, KY

This is a cool video of our town/area...Elizabethtown, KY...with the song and lyrics from "God of this City" by Chris Tomlin. Thanks to all who made this...may it inspire us to more effectively reach and love the lost of our area with the Good News of Jesus Christ!

HT: Micah Johnson & Valley Creek Baptist Church

Quote - Andrew Murray

"Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation." Andrew Murray

Marriage and Men

All men (single, divorced, or married) should watch THIS MESSAGE by Mark Driscoll titled "Marriage and Men." Set aside a full hour so you can watch it all at once. Over 200,000 people have watched it and I guarantee that if you do, it will radically convict you in your current or future marriage.

HT: My brudda Stephen for pointing me to this message in its entirety

The Lord's Servant - 2 Timothy 2:22-26

Do you desire to be used by God for noble purposes? To be made holy? To be prepared for any good work? If so, then read what instruction the Lord has for you... 2 Timothy 2:22-26 "22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - Our Day & Age

How unfortunately, yet accurately, this passage parallels our day and age. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 "1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."

Sacraments = Efficacious? Not according to Scripture.

Although this video (Mass: We Pray) is simply a parody for humor (and an advertisement, see note below), it does bring up the sad fact that some churches/traditions elevate rituals and works as means of grace. This video is funny...but the subject matter behind it is a very serious issue that we need to consider Biblically.

NOTE: This game IS NOT REAL…it is simply an advertisement for a video game called Dante’s Inferno that is releasing in the Spring…Dante’s Inferno is not for young eyes or something I support. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1131) defines “sacraments” as “"efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions."’ The problem with the Catholic practice of "sacraments" lies in the reality that their focus is not on Christ's completed work on the cross, but in the human attempt to earn/accomplish "sanctifying grace." Grace is accomplished through faith in Christ alone....apart from observing the law...not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” Romans 3:28 “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.” "Are the seven Catholic sacraments Biblical?" - by http://www.gotquestions.org/ Romans 10:8-10 "8But what does it say? 'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." HT: Church Matters

Are You Rich? Test Yourself.

How much do you get paid a year? $20,000/yr...$30,000/yr...$40,000/yr...$60,000 a year...more? Do you consider yourself rich? http://www.globalrichlist.com/ shows you how rich you are relative to the rest of the world. For the vast majority of those reading this blog, WE ARE RICH. YOU ARE RICH.

What specific instruction does God have for you? Read closely...think hard about some of the implications and self-evaluation this requires. 1 Timothy 6:7-10 "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

What do you hold on tight to?
How do you discern between what you "need" and "want"?
Do you want to get rich? Do you want temptation/traps/ruin/destruction?
Do you love money? Do you invest your emotions/energy/time/spirit into getting money?
Are you wandering from the faith?
Are you pierced with many griefs?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. "

Are you arrogant?
Do you trust your wealth more than God?
Does your enjoyment/joy come from God or from this world?
Are you rich in good deeds towards others?
Are you generous, willing to share?
Are you laying up treasure in your bank account or in Heaven?

Quote - Blaise Pascal

"Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it." Blaise Pascal

Living in a Romans 1 World

What kind of world do we live in? What kind of America do we have today? While some relish and reflect on the past glories of our nation, the present reality is enormously disturbing. It seems to me that American society is seeking to outdo Sodom and Gomorrah through the degree of creativity to which sin is practiced, encouraged, upheld, advertised, and promoted. Instead of sin being labeled as sin, our society is labeling righteousness, holiness, and virtuousness as "intolerant," "close minded," and "ignorant." I just got done watching Chaz Bono (formerly known as Chastity Bono) being interviewed on Good Morning America. Throughout the interview, Chaz, extolled the "virtue" of her decision to try to make herself resemble a male and her journey into lesbianism and then transgender "therapy".

Do we call transgenders by their desired "gender identity" or by their God-created gender? As I write this post I wonder, could I be charged with defamation or hate speech for referring to Chaz as a "her" and "she" instead of how she desires to be addressed (and was addressed on national TV) as a "his" and "he"? The entire interview was a clear representation of depraved and fallen our world is. Anyone read Romans 1 lately? Some excerpts... Romans 1:21-22 "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools "

"I feel gender is more between the ears than between the legs." - Chaz Bono

Romans 1: 24-25 "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. '

"I felt more male than female." - Chaz Bono

Romans 1:32 "Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.'

"If you're happy, we're happy for you." - GMA anchor Chris Cuomo to Chaz Bono regarding her 'transgender identity'

Romans 1:18 "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" Want to see the continued economic, military, social, and moral decline of our nation? All you got to do is keep standing by, enabling, allowing, and supporting our nation's sprint ahead of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. I hope and pray that Chaz Bono stops worshipping her own "feelings" and "identity" and decides to worship the Creator of the heavens and the earth. I hope and pray that Chris Cuomo, and every other passive sympathizer or active supporter of sin, realizes and repents from their sin of encouraging wickedness. I hope and pray for myself and other Christians, that we do not become desensitized to the fallen state of our world and subconsciously exchange the truth of God for the lies of Satan. As a West Point graduate and a combat veteran I have no doubt that we live in a nation of freedom. What are some of the freedoms we value most?

freedom to sin extravagantly and creatively
freedom to worship the creation instead of the Creator
freedom to exchange the truth of God for a lie
freedom to be fools while claiming to be wise
freedom to degrade our bodies
freedom to approve and encourage wickedness
freedom to earn the wrath of God

May our nation and all of its people repent of their sin and turn to Christ.

Quote - Wolfgang Goethe

"Men show their character in nothing more clearly than by what they think laughable." Johann Wolfgang Goethe

Nor Sharing Your Faith = Hatred of the Lost?

Avowed atheist Penn Jillete, best known for his illusionist work with Teller, expresses in this video how he understands and respects those who choose to share their faith. Listen closely to what he thinks of those who posses exclusive truth claims yet don't share it with others.

I hope and pray that Penn Jillete comes to repent of his sin and trust in Christ as his Lord and Savior before he dies. He has heard the Good News but has rejected it. What about the billions who haven't heard the name of Christ?

Romans 10:14-15 "14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'"

HT: JT

Texting Acronyms - Do You Know What You're Saying???

In the last two years of diving into the world of texting and Facebook, I've been shocked and surprised at the acronyms some teenagers use...some thoughts:

Do the teenagers really know what the acronyms they use mean? (wtf, fml, etc...)
Do the parents know what their kids are saying?
Is it intentional or unintentional? How can I get them to be intentional in speech?
How can I inspire them to be more careful with the language they use?
Foul acronyms are just as awful as foul language.
If you wouldn't say it out loud to your parents, grandparents, teachers, or pastor...you shouldn't be texting/IMing/FBing it as an acronym.
The fingers on a keyboard or cell phone are just as dangerous as the tongue.

James 1:26-27 "26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Proverbs 12:18 "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. "

Previous posts with texting/technology connections:

Prayer - A Scriptural Study

This is a cool, FREE, online resource about prayer from a Scriptural perspective. It has six awesome, brief study sessions:

Praying for People Facing Hard Times - Part 1, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Praying for People Facing Hard Times - Part 2, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Praying for Leaders in High Places, Nehemiah 1:4-11
Praying that We Will Do More for God, 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Praying for God to be Famous, 1 Kings 18:36-39
How to Pray for Your Children, Matthew 20:20-28

It is convicting to me how weak my prayers are compared to the intensity, passion, godliness, specificity, breadth, and depth that saturate the prayers we find within the Scripture. How many opportunities to be used have I missed as a result of a lack of God-centered prayer? I hope and pray to draw closer to God every day in order that He may use my supplication and life in a way that glorifies Him in the way He deserves.

Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints"

Quote - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Quotes - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Hebrews 11 - Matt Chandler

This is an excellent sermon (HERE) by Matt Chandler of the Village Church, given November 12th at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's Chapel. It is geared towards anyone (lay and clergy)seeking to serve, lead, and teach within the local church. There are some convicting words of admonishment towards the loves of our life and our motives in service within the church.

2 Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" Proverbs 5:21 "For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths."

A Witness of an Ultrasound-guided Abortion

Abby Johnson shares with Mike Huckabee about the ultrasound-guided abortion she witnessed that caused her to quit serving as a Planned Parenthood director. This is a very interesting and detailed perspective that the public often does not get to hear on the abortion process.

HT: JT

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