That's why we so desperately need the real Gospel -- the Gospel of Christ. This is also why we need the church. Possibility thinking obviously has its limits." - Dr. Albert Mohler
“From the Patristic period (Arius, c. A.D. 256-336) until the present day (Jehovah’s Witnesses), some have claimed that “the Word was God” merely identifies Jesus as a god rather than identifying Jesus as God, because the Greek word for God, theos, is not preceded by a definite article. However, in Greek grammar, Colwell’s Rule indicates that the translation “a god” is not required, for lack of an article does not necessarily indicate indefiniteness (“a god”) but rather specifies that a given term (“God”) is the predicate nominative of a definite subject (“the Word”)…” from sample online
"Jesus Christ did not say, 'Go into the world and tell the world that it is quite right.'" C.S. Lewis
How do you decide who to vote for? Do you look at the candidate's character? personality? stance on issues?
For most of us, we use some sort of subjective mix and prioritizing of a candidates qualities. When we evaluate their stances on issues we, consciously or unconsciously, choose to prioritze the importance of issues.
What issues are most important to you? The economy? The war? Social issues? Moral issues?
When I evaluate a candidate or party, values issues rise to the top of my priority list. I want to know where they stand on important moral/ethical issues (not necessarily in this order) such as:
We must always keep in mind that there is no perfect party or candidate (or human, we are all sinners!).
http://ivotevalues.com/ is a great resource for keeping informed on the issues, political parties, and politicians.
When you vote over the course of this next month (I hope and pray you will excercise that right), what issues will you choose to prioritize and evaluate candidates on? I vote values. (and did so today!) “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:1-2) “For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Pet. 2:15)
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we flipped through it several time a day? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergency? This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected, because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think about where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
Read what Brian writes:
"If so many of us struggled as young men to stay pure (and some of us are still struggling), then don’t we all the more have to commit ourselves to equipping our sons so they can resist sexual temptation? We must prepare them, especially since we know that promiscuous sex has the power to endanger their lives and even their souls (Proverbs 7:24-27; Matthew 5:27-30). "
"We need to get over the awkwardness of having real talks about sex with our sons."
Proverbs 22:6 is a great general truth of wisdom (not a promise or guarentee) from God "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
In contrast to The Shack, A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God is an outstanding Biblical description of God and how our lives should be radically transformed in our relationship with Him. I am only through three chapters of it (listening to an audio version), but can already tell you what an amazing handling and exposition of Scripture He does in a convicting and inspiring manner!
If you want to be convicted of the weakness of your own walk with God and invigorated with a passion to pursue God more, read or listen to this book!
James 4:7-10 "7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
