tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52973802656901279712024-03-13T16:23:58.660-05:00Multifaceted ChristianityChristian Worldview RuminationSterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-51639173003280959892007-03-25T21:07:00.000-05:002007-03-25T21:29:42.536-05:00Internet, Information and Interesting Premises<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8i0tDdmZ8hPTLQsD-LnFxfq5mBpu2DsPhecGPi4WM6x9vGR6uwENy3lvbbI0zRzIksjaby3Dq5Ut1h_tW8xHl8iEbgZ2QRcHt1yhFxTjAxOiDszjl2T5Ocvh9Hrk9v5ymlgu6KWqjn70/s1600-h/Rollercoaster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8i0tDdmZ8hPTLQsD-LnFxfq5mBpu2DsPhecGPi4WM6x9vGR6uwENy3lvbbI0zRzIksjaby3Dq5Ut1h_tW8xHl8iEbgZ2QRcHt1yhFxTjAxOiDszjl2T5Ocvh9Hrk9v5ymlgu6KWqjn70/s320/Rollercoaster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046054601871920018" border="0" /></a><br />I spoke to a fine friend tonight who survived a terrible automobile accident. He thanks God for his recovery and salvation. This conversation reminded me of an acquaintance who has a wife who is dying. I've visited the hospital, spoken to him about redemption available in Jesus Christ, and pray for both he and his wife. Other than the efforts of the health professionals I believe he has no hope. As a result of my concern for them both, while poking around on the net I found an interesting post from <a href="http://www.doesgodexist.org/AboutClayton/AboutClayton.html">John N. Clayton</a> an atheist who God saved. While his site is an apologetic ministry, his writing in the article called <a href="http://www.doesgodexist.org/SepOct97/YourWifeIsDying.html">"Your Wife is Dying"</a> confesses the wonder of simple prayer and the answers to those prayers. Its worth the read.Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-76047332242125194062007-03-24T21:05:00.000-05:002007-03-24T21:17:32.264-05:00Transitional Translations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiewD42CY04g228gQlizGpTAPipSQYtp-G8A4gAHLesBWu7gHy3It8jx0m2aVJL321eL7PeyTzE3vJ0BK0X6pjNHK4_ZWDl92tcjxvpybBoZ2HcFm89j-9mAn5GeWQtq7kDHXvyowhK8/s1600-h/ClockworkOrangeScene.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiewD42CY04g228gQlizGpTAPipSQYtp-G8A4gAHLesBWu7gHy3It8jx0m2aVJL321eL7PeyTzE3vJ0BK0X6pjNHK4_ZWDl92tcjxvpybBoZ2HcFm89j-9mAn5GeWQtq7kDHXvyowhK8/s320/ClockworkOrangeScene.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045677800096074610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">Today a belief that is not based on proof is the ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestation of things that are desired and expected to be obtained as promised by God, the thing that furnishes proof of the things that are not perceived by the use of the eyes.</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik-WTG0VO9BS3ExjWvOCLWyfwzHbB9Fwx9IW-5ZRyJq3ipzPNL_7NHvTXAHF6sxoelzCGuM5hb91wXeWqF3bJMVoVRyf9RKyeG7sR5MjEFsgwQrkg7ClmEpK9hTo3OjiBdVwf3Sbjl84/s1600-h/Dali-mae.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik-WTG0VO9BS3ExjWvOCLWyfwzHbB9Fwx9IW-5ZRyJq3ipzPNL_7NHvTXAHF6sxoelzCGuM5hb91wXeWqF3bJMVoVRyf9RKyeG7sR5MjEFsgwQrkg7ClmEpK9hTo3OjiBdVwf3Sbjl84/s320/Dali-mae.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045678139398491010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">Yesterday the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or act of approval of the heart with an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation is that which has a firm, confident foundation in the awaited joyful salvation from the mortal body as promised by God and the fulfillment of the same promises with joy, it is an evidential proof of the things not perceived by the use of the eyes.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Hebrews 11:1-2</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.<br /><br /></span></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p>Ever think that some kind of deception is being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">perpetrated</span> on you? Well just check your dictionary and apply the meaning of the words from the Webster's 1828 and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mirriam</span>-Webster online dictionary and apply the definitions to a well known Scripture verse.</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p>This process is a direct parallel to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">evangelising</span> of the atheist today and their imputation of the atheistic worldview upon the Word of God.<br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-1606053809933105922007-03-14T12:06:00.000-05:002007-03-14T12:46:26.560-05:00Go Endocannibalistic!<div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;" ><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Endocannibalism</span></span><br />Eating other human beings within a social group.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_WjT_P-3LD5Q3ZpYNflK1kBIfWTD0xpQZYXoZx-gTUXtECuOkeu0tDAIwq1krrjrSGV6rYrOUN1lzuiXDpoJpBKDhIwOCX0k-1_jiaWYytSWeqTjQpLiKjZ-djhfojW8IWMLK_0amMY/s1600-h/stemcellnerves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_WjT_P-3LD5Q3ZpYNflK1kBIfWTD0xpQZYXoZx-gTUXtECuOkeu0tDAIwq1krrjrSGV6rYrOUN1lzuiXDpoJpBKDhIwOCX0k-1_jiaWYytSWeqTjQpLiKjZ-djhfojW8IWMLK_0amMY/s320/stemcellnerves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041835379834237922" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family:arial;">This juicy tidbit just in from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Endocannibals</span>; Dr. Evan Snyder of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Burnham</span> Institute for Medical Research in La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jolla</span>, California, who led the study, in the journal Nature Medicine: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">"</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Human stem</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > cells taken from both embryos and fetuses</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> delayed a fatal brain and nerve disease in mice,</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> moving throughout the brain to take on the jobs of damaged neurons, scientists reported on Sunday."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As long as man (and women for you people who can't yield to the Christian Worldview) disregards Genesis 1:26-28 we will 'enjoy' covert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">endocannibalism</span>. Just like Jeffrey Lionel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Dahmer</span> (5/21/1960-11/28/1994) we will kill other human beings for our benefit.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Genesis 1:26-28 "</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." </span><span id="en-NASB-27" class="sup" style="font-family:times new roman;">27</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. </span><span id="en-NASB-28" class="sup" style="font-family:times new roman;">28</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.""<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsHrRPx68yO9BuDpHJy95rius9_KWqWZp0NxJOJcvwhVYIO6qXqayEmIwTxNXdbf_FCOz9rbP1bZulTr_XUMwlee-t7-LDtm8a2mF8hkyamKUb39KPIv8t9PsMUBxywYnU0_KgF0H8F0/s1600-h/frankie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsHrRPx68yO9BuDpHJy95rius9_KWqWZp0NxJOJcvwhVYIO6qXqayEmIwTxNXdbf_FCOz9rbP1bZulTr_XUMwlee-t7-LDtm8a2mF8hkyamKUb39KPIv8t9PsMUBxywYnU0_KgF0H8F0/s320/frankie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041836642554622962" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >What is the difference between a toasted Grandma Maude' tongue and liver sandwich and embryonic stem cell research you may ask? Why it is A-1 Steak sauce of course. You see, in both circumstances a human being dies for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">another's</span> benefit without their express determination to do so. Now don't get me wrong, perhaps my grandmother would have permitted me to eat her internal organ and her sharp tongue, but I made a decision not to kill my grandmother and my unborn children. (Andrea sighs in relief ;-)<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uQFZimf_kYSzdwA6BfCodM2EavvvubyTBcRu2F8HsjsVC4ZcbELsVj4j3v7VEiWSco3tJLvnuQbwKq1nKjXmqKzX6Ktb_LxxSOh_wNgy1VyNg-plf_-gaoY97abtqbJr1r5ksoEX7b0/s1600-h/dahmer.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uQFZimf_kYSzdwA6BfCodM2EavvvubyTBcRu2F8HsjsVC4ZcbELsVj4j3v7VEiWSco3tJLvnuQbwKq1nKjXmqKzX6Ktb_LxxSOh_wNgy1VyNg-plf_-gaoY97abtqbJr1r5ksoEX7b0/s320/dahmer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041836865892922370" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />Why would one decide not to kill their grandmother for food and their unborn children to harvest their eyes for cornea transplants? Only one answer: THEY WERE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD! Otherwise all things considered, the powerful triumphs over the weak. Yes folks, Hitler, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tattoos</span> and lunch meat. The postmodern world will make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">truthiness</span> self serving right down to the choice of the packets of mayonnaise and ketchup at the abortion clinic where the dismembered bodies of little babies await transport to the pumpernickel bread and Mount Olive pickles.<br /><br />Lunchtime!<br /></span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-32130186826097893382007-03-13T21:14:00.000-05:002007-03-13T21:26:55.050-05:00Fundie Atheist? YES S S S S S S S S<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHCZ_w1yntrS9qBRLHnUwIfWD7SYN1ThVV0ss91JJdKAuPX-Hbh25YUOpo_rtALCMKjsj_P1bTztBEIdr2UPhLoiZBPjJ9fc8bZQ9BZwIqK08BUtieRi6uGUCqynGSToNk_zjEuUS_Uw/s1600-h/atheist.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHCZ_w1yntrS9qBRLHnUwIfWD7SYN1ThVV0ss91JJdKAuPX-Hbh25YUOpo_rtALCMKjsj_P1bTztBEIdr2UPhLoiZBPjJ9fc8bZQ9BZwIqK08BUtieRi6uGUCqynGSToNk_zjEuUS_Uw/s400/atheist.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041600427943277522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><u>Existence of God</u></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >You <i>may</i> be a fundy atheist if....</span><br /><ol><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You became an atheist when you were 10 years old, based on ideas of God that you learned in Sunday School. Your ideas about God haven't changed since. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You think that the primary aim of an omnibenevolent God is for people to have FUN. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You believe that extra drippy ice-cream is a logical proof against the existence of God, because an omniscient God would know how to stop the ice-cream from being extra drippy, an omnipotent God would have the ability to stop the ice-cream from being extra drippy, and by golly, an omnibenevolent God wouldn't <i>want</i> your ice-cream to be extra drippy. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Although you've memorized a half a dozen proofs that He doesn't exist, you still think you're God's gift to the ignorant masses. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You believe the astronomical size of the universe somehow disproves God, as if God needed a tiny universe in order to exist. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You think questions like, "Can God create a rock so big that He cannot lift it?" and, "Can God will Himself out of existence?" are perfect examples of how to disprove God's omnipotence and ultimately how to disprove God. When someone proves to you the false logic behind the questions (i.e. pitting God's omnipotence against itself), you desperately try to defend the questions, but then give up and go to a different Christian site to ask them. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Related to the above, you spend a great deal of your spare time writing to Christian websites asking them these very questions. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You declare on a public forum that you are "furious at God for not existing." </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You spend hours arguing that a-theism actually means "without a belief in God " and not just " belief that there is no god" as if this is a meaningful distinction in real life. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You consistently deny the existence of God because you personally have never seen him but you reject out of hand personal testimony from theists who claim to have experienced God as a reality in their lives. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You can make the existence of pink unicorns the center-piece of a philosophical critique. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You insist that "the burden of proof is on he that alleges/accuses", and "it's impossible to prove a negative", then state "That's what Christians do. They lie. Their most common lie is that they were once atheists." When reminded about the burden of proof bit, you reply with, "Well, prove Christians don't lie!" </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You adamantly believe that the "God of the gaps" idea is an essential tenet of orthodox Christian faith espoused by all the great Christian thinkers throughout history. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When you were a child, someone came down with a deadly disease and prayed and prayed for God to take it away. God did not remove the disease and your friend died. You ask other Christians why they had to die when they were such a nice person and never harmed anyone. Dissatisfied with their answers, you suddenly decide that there is no God and that all Christians are nothing but lying, conniving con artists and hypocrites....all that is except for your friend who died. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You call a view held by less than ten percent of the American public "common sense". </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You're a spoiled fifteen year old boy who lives in the suburbs and you go into a chat room to declare that, "I know there is no God because no loving God would allow anyone to suffer as much as I...hold on. My cell phone's ringing." </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You attack your fellow atheists, who hold the "belief that there is no god", calling them "liars," and state that, "I do not deny the existence of any god. I just don't believe in any." Then you tell someone that their God is "made up." When someone calls you on this, you state, "I never made such a claim." </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Going with the definition of "without a belief in God", you insist that all people are born atheists, and that dogs, cats, rocks, and trees are as well. You make statements like, "My dog is an atheist. Ask him about his lack of belief." </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You believe that if something cannot be touched, seen, heard, or measured in some way, then it must not exist, yet you fail to see the irony of your calling Christians "narrow-minded". </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You say that there is no God and that those who believe in God do so in blind faith, yet your claim that there is no God also rests on blind faith. </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">While you don't believe in God, you feel justified on bashing God or attacking those who believe in something that you KNOW doesn't exist, fighting against or even discussing about a non-existent being are the symptoms of mental illness! </li><li>You complain when Christians appeal to their emotions when justifying their belief in God yet you feel justified on appealing to your emotions for lack of belief in God. </li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">You blame God for the starvation, sickness, pain and suffering in the world...when, indeed, it is MAN's greed, politics, selfishness and apathy that not only causes, but also ignores the sick and the starving masses. We aren't our brothers' keepers....but we should be. </span></li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><li>When asked where the big ball of matter (that started the "Big Bang") came from, you insist that it popped out of nowhere. </li><li>You say that the existence of God is a "blank idea", since no one knows the universe's secrets, yet you continue to state your opinion of God not existing as a "fact". </li><li>You believe in many things about history (the culture of the ancient Mayans, egyptians, etc.), yet you refuse to accept personal modern-day testimony from someone who has personally experienced God. </li><li>You ask Christians to come on to your forum to address issues you raise. When you don't like the answers or can't accept them, you proceed to delete the conversation</li></span></ol>Thank you to J.P.Holding and <a href="http://www.tektonics.org/af/fundyath.html">TEKTONICS.ORG</a>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-10111708092000957622007-03-12T09:31:00.000-05:002007-03-16T16:52:21.706-05:00ON THE AIR : Live like you are being RECORDED<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkx8laIRgzgzZD-1zybvIKW_jXluA01dt04SCezbt-UkIEd2W2WJHuFEC71xgEPbz4Fs0i3LlJcO_pq6W5WB4iSfD5yZrA9-HVi2nv1ir2B-OS5nYWMZH5dxrpJLj7nyBTQj82Zo9BHw/s1600-h/goofymicrophone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkx8laIRgzgzZD-1zybvIKW_jXluA01dt04SCezbt-UkIEd2W2WJHuFEC71xgEPbz4Fs0i3LlJcO_pq6W5WB4iSfD5yZrA9-HVi2nv1ir2B-OS5nYWMZH5dxrpJLj7nyBTQj82Zo9BHw/s320/goofymicrophone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042606313578968114" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-family:arial;">We're all about confidentiality. Living in denial of the Omnipresence of God, we want our sinful words and actions covered up. To use an animal metaphor, like a cat in the litterbox.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I ran across an internet article on people who are audio recording their everyday life; lifelogging. While there are interesting considerations of who people react to as far as the authorities in their lives, I cannot help thinking about the absence of the consciousness of the Omnipotent, Omnipresent God of the Universe, Jesus Christ.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Christians, to say nothing of a-theists, disregard the truth of the Scriptures and sin in action and words every day, therefore ignoring the truth that God is the ultimate authority and knows-it-all. The atheist on the other hand likely react the same way the author does when he admits the following:</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAN7NvqpXaUvI9xKKM2HPc505LBkKls0CJSn6JndzJdwdOtAlGwxJnZVLKx7IztzKoQJq82EUyhtdyelDRkpkA8oVAKTrbwjfUhHC490RV-Y4_M4ZiQqFRiWDHwHxHJ2tc0FZvjhzsRLQ/s1600-h/ontherecordallthetime.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAN7NvqpXaUvI9xKKM2HPc505LBkKls0CJSn6JndzJdwdOtAlGwxJnZVLKx7IztzKoQJq82EUyhtdyelDRkpkA8oVAKTrbwjfUhHC490RV-Y4_M4ZiQqFRiWDHwHxHJ2tc0FZvjhzsRLQ/s320/ontherecordallthetime.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041064824046629826" border="0" /></a><br />""There are times when I think we're out of our depth here," Mr. Ellis says. "There are things that you don't want people to know about you and <span style="font-style: italic;">things you don't want to know about yourself</span>." <p>Once, for example, Mr. Ellis and his wife got into an argument as they were leaving for vacation. That night he realized he had recorded the fight, which is somewhere in that pile of discs. "I never went back to listen to it, but there exists that recording of me being an #$%^+*@," he says. "<span style="font-style: italic;">I don't particularly like the idea of that existing</span>.""</p><span style="font-family:arial;">"(edited for the honor of Jesus Christ)<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Ignoring the God of the Universe, we decide that there are appropriate (right, good) and inappropriate (wrong, bad) things that we do and would prefer, or fight to be sure, that those things are eliminated. The problem for the atheist is, WHY? The usual answer is that morality is determined by consensus which ends up being a parallel to the consensus of the worst of human history, and the reason falls apart.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The problem still exists for the Christian. How to live consistently with the Christ of the Scriptures. The answer lies in the scriptures. The righteous live by FAITH. Now for you atheists, I'm not talking about the current Mirriam-Webster's definition, belief without evidence, as this definition that has been incrementally changed from the more accurate definition of Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1828:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span>"FAITH, n. [L. fides, fido, to trust; Gr. to persuade, to draw towards any thing, to conciliate; to believe, to obey. In the Greek Lexicon of Hederic it is said, the primitive signification of the verb is to bind and draw or lead, as signifies a rope or cable. But this remark is a little incorrect. The sense of the verb, from which that of rope and binding is derived, is to strain, to draw, and thus to bind or make fast. A rope or cable is that which makes fast. Heb.]1. Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth. I have strong faith or no faith in the testimony of a witness, or in what a historian narrates.2. The assent of the mind to the truth of a proposition advanced by another; belief, or probable evidence of any kind.3. In theology, the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred writers, is called historical or speculative faith; a faith little distinguished from the belief of the existence and achievements of Alexander or of Cesar.4. Evangelical, justifying, or saving faith, is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God''s testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God''s character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God''s testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.Being justified by faith. Rom. 5.Without faith it is impossible to please God. Heb. 11.For we walk by faith, and not by sight. 2Cor. 5.With the heart man believeth to righteousness. Rom. 10.The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind, which is called trust or confidence, exercised towards the moral character of God, and particularly of the Savior.Faith is an affectionate practical confidence in the testimony of God.Faith is an affectionate practical confidence in the testimony of God.Faith is a firm, cordial belief in the veracity of God, in all the declarations of his word; or a full and affectionate confidence in the certainty of those things which God has declared, and because he has declared them.5. The object of belief; a doctrine or system of doctrines believed; a system of revealed truths received by christians.They heard only, that he who persecuted us in times past, now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. Gal. 1.6. The promises of God, or his truth and faithfulness.shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? Rom. 3.7. An open profession of gospel truth.Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Rom. 1.8. A persuasion or belief of the lawfulness of things indifferent.Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Rom 14.9. Faithfulness; fidelity; a strict adherence to duty and fulfillment of promises.Her failing, while her faith to me remains, I would conceal.Children in whom is no faith. Deut. 32.10. Word or honor pledged; promise given; fidelity. He violated his plighted faith.For you alone I broke my faith with injured Palamon.11. Sincerity; honesty; veracity; faithfulness. We ought in good faith, to fulfill all our engagements.12. Credibility or truth. Unusual.]The faith of the foregoing narrative."<div id="main"><dd><br /></dd></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Note the difference between the faith of the scriptures and the effected definition of the post modern world; an unsubstantiated superstitious oooey-goooey preference for the mindless.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So as the Christian lives, may we live by the faith of 1828 and apply the mind of Christ to our words and deeds so we may be unashamed in the presence of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, working within us to will and do according to God's good pleasure, </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW0Ge_NDHJHNUliGhsN6I_VyMdd55iYCPP59ALKQZ2zIJ6c3kD_WZtUQOSTkQujuQ_KDRII67TC3dNie8ONsfJh3PiF8jQMx4FzJ3yTl72JPjH7SlefTwK1zM09mK0Wq7-xtgQ8EdEsk/s1600-h/011129_1172_0011_lshs~Antique-Silver-Microphone-in-Orange-Light-Posters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW0Ge_NDHJHNUliGhsN6I_VyMdd55iYCPP59ALKQZ2zIJ6c3kD_WZtUQOSTkQujuQ_KDRII67TC3dNie8ONsfJh3PiF8jQMx4FzJ3yTl72JPjH7SlefTwK1zM09mK0Wq7-xtgQ8EdEsk/s320/011129_1172_0011_lshs~Antique-Silver-Microphone-in-Orange-Light-Posters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042605282786817042" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Philippians 2:12-16</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;">"</span></span></span><span id="en-NASB-29404" class="sup" style="font-family:times new roman;">12</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So then, my beloved, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">salvation with </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">fear and trembling;</span><span id="en-NASB-29405" class="sup">13</span>for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. <span id="en-NASB-29406" class="sup">14</span>Do all things without grumbling or disputing; <p> <span id="en-NASB-29407" class="sup">15</span>so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,<span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><span id="en-NASB-29408" class="sup" style="font-family:times new roman;">16</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">holding fast the word of life, so that in </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">run in vain nor </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">toil in vain.</span>"</p><span style="font-family:arial;">Go for it!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: verdana; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://chronicle.com/free/v53/i23/23a03001.htm">On the Record, All the Time</a><br /></span></span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-35197202586562899722007-03-10T20:41:00.000-05:002007-03-10T20:58:43.394-05:00Postmodern Reconstruction of the word: FAITH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg17dU2FeGBxmSjt7TeIX1OI9sbCm1Fpihq5pSEZfl-yjEtzoC7rPJG1eSc7uVaMUYKlI97sqbOjA0t1q0xemS18N22OTpBCFPIH48KnseK_Y1I_HjuamntpTHTWMZTjqo9rMxa6gFLA/s1600-h/ram.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg17dU2FeGBxmSjt7TeIX1OI9sbCm1Fpihq5pSEZfl-yjEtzoC7rPJG1eSc7uVaMUYKlI97sqbOjA0t1q0xemS18N22OTpBCFPIH48KnseK_Y1I_HjuamntpTHTWMZTjqo9rMxa6gFLA/s320/ram.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040478917493011378" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Faith of Abraham</span>: Obedience?<br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">,… <span>so that you will not grow weary and lose heart</span></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /><br />Instruction from God Genesis 22:1-3<br />The Faith (Obedience) of Abraham 22: 4-14<br />Blessing from God 22:15-24</span><p></p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><p>Instruction from God Genesis 22:1-3</p></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />In the old testament God spoke directly to individuals and by way of prophets to people at large. God spoke directly to Abraham. Today God speaks to us through the objective character of His Word, the Bible.<br /><br />God spoke to Abraham and in this passage commanded Abraham to:<br /><br /> Take your son<br /> Go to Moriah<br /> Sacrifice Isaac/Burnt Offering<br /><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-size:85%;">"The word came from Ha-Elohim, the personal, true God, who tried him (??????), i.e., demanded the sacrifice of the only, beloved son, as a proof and attestation of his faith. This constituted the trial, which necessarily produced a severe internal conflict in his mind. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Faith (Obedience) of Abraham Genesis 22: 4-14</span><br />and the historic tension of sin/Righteousness</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">But Abraham brought his reason into captivity to the obedience of faith. He did not question the truth of the word of God, which had been addressed to him in a mode that was to his mind perfectly infallible (not in a vision of the night), but he stood firm in his faith, </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hebrews 11:19.</span><br /><br />"accounting that god was able to raise him up, even from the dead" </span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">The issue shows, that God did not desire the sacrifice of Isaac by slaying and burning him upon the altar, but his complete surrender, and a willingness to offer him up to God even by death." </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The obedience of Abraham is the central experimental aspect of Genesis 22. As God had instructed, Abraham must obey. This obedience was beyond the temporal aspects and abilitites of Abraham which is demonstrated by the difficulties Abraham had with "truthines". Abraham could be considered to be schitzophrenic in his relationship to God. On one occasion he would be disobedient and the next he would obey. </span></p>He was disobedient when he:<br /><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Left with Family Genesis 12:4<br />Lied (deception thru Sarai to Pharaoh) Genesis 12:11-13<br />Violated the order for the home (slept with Hagar) Genesis 16:1-4<br />Lied (deception thru Sarai to Abimilech) Genesis 20:1-2</span><br /></p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">On the other hand he obeyed God:<br /><br />Left Ur of the Chaldese Genesis 12:1-4<br />Changed his name Genesis 17:5<br />Circumcised himself and household Genesis 17:10<br />Changed Sarai's name Genesis 17:15<br />And in Genesis 22:3<br />Abraham rose Genesis 22:3<br />saddled his donkey (3)<br />took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son (3)<br />he split wood for the burnt offering (3)<br />arose and went to the place of which God had told him (3)<br />I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship (5)<br />return to you (5)<br />Abraham took the wood (6)<br />he took in his hand the fire and the knife (6)<br />God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering (8)<br />the two of them walked on together (8)<br />Abraham built the altar there (9)<br />arranged the wood (9)<br />bound his son Isaac (9)<br />laid him on the altar (9)<br />stretched out his hand (9)<br />took the knife (9)<br />stopped the knife<br />Abraham raised his eyes (13)<br />Abraham went and took the ram (13)<br />offered him up for a burnt offering (13)</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">How do we account for the difference in Abraham's behavior from one time to the next? The key is the dichotomy of Regeneration by the Holy Spirit and the gift of Faith. So what is this FAITH that by it, Abraham obeyed God? </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Faith: 4. Evangelical, justifying, or saving faith, is: the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God''s testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God''s character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God''s testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation. "Faith, in its essential temper, is that elevation of soul by which it aspires to the good, the true, and the divine."</span> </span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">We can understand the obedience of Abraham in light of the book of Hebrews.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">FAITH<br /><br />Hebrews 11<br />1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2For by it the men of old gained approval.6And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.<br /><br />8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.<br /><br />13All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.<br /><br />17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." 19He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">How does one get this type of Faith?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Romans 10:17</span><br />So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.</span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">John 3:18-22</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">18"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19"This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20"For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21"But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The only possible way for a person to have Faith is to be made so by the Decree of God the Father through the imputation of the righteousness of Jesus Christ by spiritual rebirth and regeneration by the work of the Holy Spirit.</span><br /><br />"The work of the Holy Spirit that most concerns us is the renewing of the elect after the image of God. And this is not all. It even savors of selfishness and irreverence to make this so prominent, as tho it were His only work. The redeemed are not sanctified without Christ, who is made to them sanctification; hence the work of the Spirit must embrace the Incarnation of the Word and the work of the Messiah.<br /><br />First, The work of the Holy Spirit is not confined to the elect, and does not begin with their regeneration; but it touches every creature, animate and inanimate, and begins its operations in the elect at the very moment of their origin. Second, The proper work of the Holy Spirit in every creature consists in the quickening and sustaining of life with reference to his being and talents, and, in its highest sense, with reference to eternal life, which is his salvation."<br /><br />So, the Faith of Abraham is the singular work of God that is Decreed by the Father, Executed by the Son and given by the Holy Spirit thru the testimony of the Word of God. The order of salvation helps us to understand the sequence of events of the decree to salvation by God:<br /><br />In the Reformed camp, the ordo salutis is </span></p><ol style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">election,</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">predestination,</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">gospel call</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">inward call</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">regeneration,</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">conversion (faith & repentance),</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">justification,</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">sanctification, and</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">glorification. (Rom 8:29-30)</span></li><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></ol><span style="font-size:85%;">Therefore, the Faith of Abraham is not a simple ascent to the truth of God, but it is the Gift of God, enabling a dead-in-trespasses-and-sin man to once again following Adam's sin, relate to God. The spiritual rebirth of Abraham, enabling him to relate to God helps us understand that Abraham, like Paul is still a sinner and will upon decreasing occasion struggle with sin.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Romans 7:4-9:33</span><br /><br />4Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">7What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, "You shall not covet." 8But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; 10and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; 11for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">13Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">14For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">21I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Romans 8</span> </span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">1Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who </span>are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">9However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">12So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh- 13for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">26In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; 34who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36Just as it is written,<br /><br />"For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."</span></p>37But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.<br /><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Romans 9<br /><br />1I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, 2that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 4who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">6But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; 7nor are they all children because they are Abraham's descendants, but: "through Isaac your descendants will be named." 8That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. 9For this is the word of promise: "At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son." 10And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; 11for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12it was said to her, "The older will serve the younger." 13Just as it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">14What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth." 18So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.</span></p>19You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?" 20On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it? 21Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? 22What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? 23And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, 24even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles. 25As He says also in Hosea,<br /><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />"I will call those who were not My people, 'My people,'And her who was not beloved, 'beloved.'" 26 "And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, 'you are not My people,' There they shall be called sons of the living God."</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">27Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, "Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved; 28for the Lord will execute his word on the earth, thoroughly and quickly." 29And just as Isaiah foretold, "Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left to us a posterity, We would have become like Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah."</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">30What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; 31but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. 32Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33just as it is written,</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed."</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The struggles that the believer undergoes today are no different that the perceived dichotomy of the disobedience and obedience by Faith of Abraham. We must realisitically expect the struggle to continue and intensify if we are not subject to the work of the Holy Spirit, lacking in the disciplines of the Grace of God in the administration of His Word to our own minds. The renewing of the mind is the work of the Holy Spirit through the reading of the Word of God. Without the Word of God, the Spirit and the Flesh war is a continuing struggle that effects the believer, cripples relationships and becomes the playground for satan.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">When the believer feeds upon the Word of God the blessings are Wisdom, Endurance, Discernment. The victory of the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit; </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Galatians 5:16-24</span><br /><br />16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.</span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Romans 12:1-3</span><br /><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.<br /><br />3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Blessing from God 22:15-24</span><br /><br />I will greatly bless you (17)<br />I will greatly multiply your seed (17)<br />your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies (17)<br />In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, (18)</span><br /></p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In conclusion, the writer of Hebrews concludes the treastie on Faith by Chapter 12:1-3</span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hebrews 12:1-3</span><br /><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />1Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<br /><br />3For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. </span></p>May God grant repentance to you freethinkers. I pray for you to know the Truth, as the Truth, Jesus Christ will set you free. And,.. you will be free indeed!Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-28778496007815857122007-03-10T12:42:00.000-05:002007-03-10T13:40:31.868-05:00Nice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvVtyQix5ahGsPbfVQ3p5epQEDBp_E0wVv4IN-MZ5x1FcR3ozbieQkEjAzBrXKAk8wt7LlECRwVbdqcjP1UFW-uIsK_xm8xxfqmwyk_MiBfefl4g5fProv-xVzrBm9zHFX46K2DibG9A/s1600-h/ManwithRedJersey-rudievanrensburg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvVtyQix5ahGsPbfVQ3p5epQEDBp_E0wVv4IN-MZ5x1FcR3ozbieQkEjAzBrXKAk8wt7LlECRwVbdqcjP1UFW-uIsK_xm8xxfqmwyk_MiBfefl4g5fProv-xVzrBm9zHFX46K2DibG9A/s320/ManwithRedJersey-rudievanrensburg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040358486610031522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;">On a personal note, I stumbled across an inventive South African Artist named Rudie van Rensburg that, in my humble opinion, is a very creative and masterful painter in acrylics.</span> <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.southafricanartists.com/showartist.asp?Code=VANRE004">Rudie van Rensburg</a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Those of you who know me well understand my love for the visual art, not the arts in general, but in fine visual arts. As a design student and art historian (i've forgotten more than I learned in art history) I appreciate painting and color, because frankly I'm a poor painter and terrible with color. So, this cubist is notably good at both. He leans heavily on the cubist mode and understanding of creativity and perception, but he's also prolific and cheap.<br /><br />I cant get away with posting his work at our home or store, but the blogosphere is free. So there.<br /><br />For you unbelievers, man can paint within only the Christian Worldview because of being Created in the image of God, the CREATOR. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br />Genesis 1: 1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2The earth was £formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was £moving over the surface of the waters. 3Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >6Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7God made the £expanse, and separated the waters which were below the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. 8God called the expanse heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >9Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good. 11Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them”; and it was so. 12The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good. 13There was evening and there was morning, a third day.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >14Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; 15and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. 17God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. 19There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >20Then God said, “Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens.” 21God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind; and God saw that it was good. 22God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >24Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind”; and it was so. 25God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >26Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; 30and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so. 31God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Thereby reflecting His CREATIVE character. Otherwise, the naturalist artist has no business calling themselves creative. And thats not my humble opinion, it is Gods, DEAL WITH IT.</span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-34442164120322837862007-03-09T22:05:00.000-05:002007-03-10T12:41:59.089-05:00Naturalist slips up Creation=Evolution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisKcQqAEEA_kMv9PCDHB-pAEsqQeljrgsM7QGYtuZshAA3Onbi1tISbOUXYbLXIognyvCB4MkEiso-2mAILu6C-196JpIrbr9v9BsU7Vo6H3zyipGj7_XDNw23F1HQUCN0sZ-Aw0yrzI/s1600-h/robotsalamander.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040128830413747090" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisKcQqAEEA_kMv9PCDHB-pAEsqQeljrgsM7QGYtuZshAA3Onbi1tISbOUXYbLXIognyvCB4MkEiso-2mAILu6C-196JpIrbr9v9BsU7Vo6H3zyipGj7_XDNw23F1HQUCN0sZ-Aw0yrzI/s320/robotsalamander.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070308/481/wx10103081827&g=events/tc/111104robots;_ylt=Aq55N.U5dg79cCL2fDfuLU5xieAA"></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Now here's a hoot. Naturalist Scientists use creative efforts to determine evolution.<br /><br />They're at it again! Suppressing the Truth in unrighteousness.<br /><br /></span>Romans 1<br />For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.<br /><br />For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">WASHINGTON - The first animal to crawl onto land from the ocean probably looked a bit like today's salamander, and researchers have wondered how it was able to switch from swimming to walking. Now, European scientists have built a robot with a primitive electric nervous system that they say mimics that change in motion.<br /><br /><br />The robot doesn't look much like a salamander — it's nearly a yard long and made of nine bright yellow plastic segments each containing a battery and microcontroller — but it does seem to move like one.<br /><br />The point was to understand how a spinal cord developed to direct a swimming motion that could handle the different coordination needed between a body and its limbs for walking, according to the team led by Auke Jan Ijspeert of the Ecole Polytechnique Federale in Lausanne, Switzerland.<br /><br />So they first <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">designed </span>a basic nervous system modeled on that of the lamprey, a long, primitive eel-like fish. Then that </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">design </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">was modified to show how it could evolve into a nervous system that also could control walking.</span></span><br /><br />And to prove their point, they built the salamander robot — which walks across floors, down the beach and even manages to swim in Lake Geneva.<br /><br />Its swimming motion uses undulations like the lamprey, while on land the robot uses a slow stepping gait with diagonally opposed limbs moving together while the body forms an S-shape.<br /><br />The work, the researchers reported Friday in the journal Science, is "a demonstration of how robots can be used to test biological models, and in return, how biology can help in designing robot locomotion controllers."<br /><br />The research was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the French Ministry for Research and Technology.</div>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-29113435949360773532007-03-08T22:04:00.000-05:002007-03-09T08:36:56.668-05:00Pastafarian Worldview Devoured by Christianity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_SsbL3K-YmxxZTWkvmgflE3l5oKTCfCpJWi2NbA4DMmuv2Map6RKmd0mLDkuYcHD_zOOwhgqsQuH9eWSkH00bXLfcrLhjvCU-f7n66cXyO_QhszP4WGgzoMhjAaw5EnC4mc3YjRH7TY/s1600-h/FSM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_SsbL3K-YmxxZTWkvmgflE3l5oKTCfCpJWi2NbA4DMmuv2Map6RKmd0mLDkuYcHD_zOOwhgqsQuH9eWSkH00bXLfcrLhjvCU-f7n66cXyO_QhszP4WGgzoMhjAaw5EnC4mc3YjRH7TY/s320/FSM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039757122469114722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Secular humanists God is Dead and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FSM</span> remains will be delivered in approximately 12 hours.</span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Secular humanists establish their individual autonomy as a God, thereby verifying their sinful<span style="font-family:arial;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > condition. The parallel from the naturalist's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FSM</span> god (Flying Spaghetti Monster) is a poor parallel for the establishment of</span></span></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"> the argument from the Scriptures for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Triune</span> God.</span><br /><br />This man is most certainly a Christian operating from the Christian Worldview as he is actually eating a substance that exists. He can establish the pasta's existence based upon the scriptures early in Genesis, chapter one as it is a plant based food.<p><br /></span><span id="en-NASB-29" class="sup">29</span>"Then God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; <p> <span id="en-NASB-30" class="sup">30</span>and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food"; and it was so."</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8KOqw0rRcnw-YHrYpVG50SRCOnLUSwBu5Kvrac62xlBlLn3JzJKWa_5kXd1sOLpHg9s4X6ZYa86mCMadIzBsGZx0c6ucLT6myh8NPAgYqH0MAufzjC3bLSM08kexHz1dxdyaR952qnI/s1600-h/FSMBlue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8KOqw0rRcnw-YHrYpVG50SRCOnLUSwBu5Kvrac62xlBlLn3JzJKWa_5kXd1sOLpHg9s4X6ZYa86mCMadIzBsGZx0c6ucLT6myh8NPAgYqH0MAufzjC3bLSM08kexHz1dxdyaR952qnI/s320/FSMBlue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039763406006268802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >The Secular Humanist Naturalist (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SHN</span>) cannot even eat with their worldview. They have no objective truth upon which to base the existence of food. Therefore, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SHN</span> will have to borrow from the Christian Worldview in order to stay alive. Wait a minute, perhaps there is another way. In order to Stay Alive, they may borrow from ,....<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nVPyJXANPLbulOeYEBx0gGLsRxMiua8zBSu0L33KPiajhvN6WjZ1pTy_EuZXF0xSK0G1w1gysxhdUzGGoxih7Hube8ubK7HiHd-5eEXlQeqLcETnWws8pNKcV42G4mLP6vmbwIGm5mU/s1600-h/travolta.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nVPyJXANPLbulOeYEBx0gGLsRxMiua8zBSu0L33KPiajhvN6WjZ1pTy_EuZXF0xSK0G1w1gysxhdUzGGoxih7Hube8ubK7HiHd-5eEXlQeqLcETnWws8pNKcV42G4mLP6vmbwIGm5mU/s320/travolta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039759888428053362" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Personally, I think the atheist would be much better off with Christianity. That Christian Science blend is kind of like mixing Starbucks Decaf with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">poopie</span> remains of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">FSM</span>. Not my idea of a stable foundation for life.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We will see what the Atheist thinks this Sunday as there is a cable special on the umteenth anniversary of the dance classic. I have a friend who will report on the show (as we are celebrating TV Turnoff month during this month) on Multifaceted Christianity on Monday. Stay tuned, perhaps Travolta will be revealed to be the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">FSM</span> and a nice snack for the Christian Mind.</span><br /></span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-44518270713077655252007-02-21T11:06:00.000-05:002007-02-22T14:44:51.324-05:00Humanist God Exists: Algorithm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3KlEAHKlEi2xY_PjvrHeq414O17u5CuO2ccpA6pJJylb0-YdxksvUsOrVGnZukPvQkcJAyaO8URrBwgg11iWtzwzlf5Olud8Y1_8Q-GKKarjoqONPhoyAzx5dMuDr59Zaeax0W0rcg4/s1600-h/calculator.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3KlEAHKlEi2xY_PjvrHeq414O17u5CuO2ccpA6pJJylb0-YdxksvUsOrVGnZukPvQkcJAyaO8URrBwgg11iWtzwzlf5Olud8Y1_8Q-GKKarjoqONPhoyAzx5dMuDr59Zaeax0W0rcg4/s320/calculator.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034386644697642674" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You may ask, How does this apply to a Humanist? Since the Humanist establishes himself as the final arbiter of Truth (truthiness) and the Humanist executes their (individual) job as a computer programmer, they are the primary cause of the establishment of an authority outside themselves. This sounds to me like a "god". Therefore consistent with idolatry: establishing an authority that is an insult to the God of the Scriptures, the Holy God of the Universe, Jesus Christ.</span><br /><br /></span>Algorithm helps computers beat human players</span> <!-- END HEADLINE --> <div id="ynmain"> <!-- BEGIN STORY BODY --> <div id="storybody"> <div class="storyhdr"> <p><span> By Andras Gergely </span> <em class="timedate">Wed Feb 21, 6:01 AM ET</em> </p> </div> <p> BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Computers can beat some of the world's top chess players, but the most powerful machines have failed at the popular Asian board game "Go" in which human intuition has so far proven key. </p><p>Two Hungarian scientists have now come up with an algorithm that helps computers pick the right move in Go, played by millions around the world, in which players must capture spaces by placing black and white marbles on a board in turn.</p> <p>"On a nine by nine board we are not far from reaching the level of a professional Go player," said Levente Kocsis at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences' computing lab SZTAKI.</p> <p>The 19 by 19 board which top players use is still hard for a machine, but the new method is promising because it makes better use of the growing power of computers than earlier Go software.</p> <p>"Programs using this method immediately improve if you use two processors instead of one, say, which was not typical for earlier programs," Kocsis said.</p> <p>Whereas a chess program can evaluate a scenario by assigning numerical values to pieces -- say 9 to the queen and 1 to a pawn -- and to the tactical worth of their position, that technique is not available to a Go machine.</p> <p>In Go all marbles are identical and scenarios are too complex, so the computer has to think forward all the way till the end of the game and emulate the outcome of each alternative move, whose number rises exponentially with the number of turns.</p> <p>ONE-ARMED BANDITS</p> <p>Even the most powerful computers have failed at that task, but Kocsis and his colleague Csaba Szepesvari have found a way of helping computers focus on the most promising moves, using an analogy with slot machines in a casino.</p> <p>Punters will find that certain one-armed bandits in a casino appear to pay more on average than others, but an intelligent player should also try machines that have so far paid less in case they are hiding a jackpot, Kocsis said.</p> <p>The key is to find the balance between the two sorts of machine.</p> <p>Go software using a similar method, called UCT, does not have to scan all possible outcomes of a game and they can quickly find the best mix of scenarios to check.</p> <p>"This bandit algorithm has proven advantages," Kocsis said.</p> <p>The possible outcomes of a game are like branches of a tree, and earlier Go programs, unable to scan all branches, picked some at random and tried to find the best move from that sample.</p> <p>The UCT method helps a computer decide which routes are most worth investigating and programs based on it have consistently won games against most other machines. </p></div></div>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-26466730106923888322007-02-18T08:40:00.000-05:002007-02-18T08:53:25.543-05:00Bucket of Gravity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0wJlWnrFIquujB1tolfatbGG5lsgTVk7k8Fsw5obz3aeHpI9HWQPrSCr-fgYg_XhRPd1rps8oSgJ27rj_hhAwMQ9ubaRI4AkXIjupP9idj1KJzfvRWsEYhyphenhyphensGWuR0nCl8kCP0gv4_H4/s1600-h/buket.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0wJlWnrFIquujB1tolfatbGG5lsgTVk7k8Fsw5obz3aeHpI9HWQPrSCr-fgYg_XhRPd1rps8oSgJ27rj_hhAwMQ9ubaRI4AkXIjupP9idj1KJzfvRWsEYhyphenhyphensGWuR0nCl8kCP0gv4_H4/s320/buket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032871066703001218" border="0" /></a><br />The United Nations needs a Bucket of Gravity to ward off an asteroid in 2036. All humanists alert: "1M euro reward for your bucket of gravity".<br /><br /><br /><br />Send it via USPS express mail (or take the subway 4, 5, 6 at 42nd St-Grand Central)<br /><br />Ban Ki-moon<br /> 1st Ave (Cross Street: 46th Street)<br /> New York, NY 10017<br /> <span class="phone">(212) 963-8687</span> <br /> <strong></strong><br /><br />SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - An asteroid may come uncomfortably close to Earth in 2036 and the United Nations should assume responsibility for a space mission to deflect it, a group of astronauts, engineers and scientists said on Saturday.<br /><br /><p>Astronomers are monitoring an asteroid named Apophis, which has a 1 in 45,000 chance of striking Earth on April 13, 2036.</p> <p>Although the odds of an impact by this particular asteroid are low, a recent congressional mandate for NASA to upgrade its tracking of near-Earth asteroids is expected to uncover hundreds, if not thousands of threatening space rocks in the near future, former astronaut Rusty Schweickart said.</p><p></p> <p>"It's not just Apophis we're looking at. Every country is at risk. We need a set of general principles to deal with this issue," Schweickart, a member of the Apollo 9 crew that orbited the moon in March 1969, told an American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in San Francisco.</p> <p>Schweickart plans to present an update next week to the U.N. Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space on plans to develop a blueprint for a global response to an asteroid threat.</p> <p>The Association of Space Explorers, a group of former astronauts and cosmonauts, intends to host a series of high-level workshops this year to flesh out the plan and will make a formal proposal to the U.N. in 2009, he said.</p> <p>Schweickart wants to see the United Nations adopt procedures for assessing asteroid threats and deciding if and when to take action.</p> <p>The favored approach to dealing with a potentially deadly space rock is to dispatch a spacecraft that would use gravity to alter the asteroid's course so it no longer threatens Earth, said astronaut Ed Lu, a veteran of the International Space Station.<br /></p><p></p> <p>The so-called Gravity Tractor could maintain a position near the threatening asteroid, exerting a gentle tug that, over time, would deflect the asteroid.</p> <p>An asteroid the size of Apophis, which is about 460 feet</p> <p>long, would take about 12 days of gravity-tugging, Lu added.</p> <p>Mission costs are estimated at $300 million.</p> <p>Launching an asteroid deflection mission early would reduce the amount of energy needed to alter its course and increase the chances of a successful outcome, Schweickart said.</p> <p>NASA says the precise effect of a 460-foot (140-meter) object hitting the Earth would depend on what the asteroid was made of and the angle of impact.</p> <p>Paul Slovic, president of Oregon-based Decision Research, which studies judgment, decision-making and risk analysis, said the asteroid could take out an entire city or region. </p>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-90332561555855216662007-02-17T22:20:00.000-05:002007-02-21T11:11:11.203-05:00The Transfer of Suppression of the Truth in Unrighteousness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetoAOqi32ANTC4aFkaGu71_xxg9cb3gcTCCM7HMIuzmEw9b3op5komS4b1mgePcOLnjFAMGVAH3OEEMHu658NXYKxiGPrifw1ytelbwE17hjk75luIbfYrUg1JsrMMFLLK0MGFo1FpWM/s1600-h/HarringtonDawkins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032710662559397490" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 101px; height: 88px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetoAOqi32ANTC4aFkaGu71_xxg9cb3gcTCCM7HMIuzmEw9b3op5komS4b1mgePcOLnjFAMGVAH3OEEMHu658NXYKxiGPrifw1ytelbwE17hjk75luIbfYrUg1JsrMMFLLK0MGFo1FpWM/s320/HarringtonDawkins.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a name="content"></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Ever care to "suppress the truth in unrighteousness"? Adopting the presuppositions and evidence of the God hating Richard Dawkins is a start. I read this analysis of Dawkin's recent attack on Christianity and thought it worthwhile for a secular analysis.</span> </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Madeleine Bunting Saturday January 7, 2006 <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/">The Guardian</a> </div><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"No wonder atheists are angry: they seem ready to believe anythingRichard Dawkins's latest attack on religion is an intellectually lazy polemic not worthy of a great scientist.</div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />On Monday, it's Richard Dawkins's turn (yet again) to take up the cudgels against religious faith in a two-part Channel 4 programme, The Root of All Evil? His voice is one of the loudest in an increasingly shrill chorus of atheist humanists; something has got them badly rattled. They even turned their bitter invective on Narnia. By all means, let's have a serious debate about religious belief, one of the most complex and fascinating phenomena on the planet, but the suspicion is that it's not what this chorus wants. Behind unsubstantiated assertions, sweeping generalisations and random anecdotal evidence, there's the unmistakable whiff of panic; they fear religion is on the march again.<br /><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There's an aggrieved frustration that they've been short-changed by history; we were supposed to be all atheist rationalists by now. Secularisation was supposed to be an inextricable part of progress. Even more grating, what secularisation there has been is accompanied by the growth of weird irrationalities from crystals to ley lines. As GK Chesterton pointed out, the problem when people don't believe in God is not that they believe nothing, it is that they believe anything.</div><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There's an underlying anxiety that atheist humanism has failed. Over the 20th century, atheist political regimes racked up an appalling (and unmatched) record for violence. Atheist humanism hasn't generated a compelling popular narrative and ethic of what it is to be human and our place in the cosmos; where religion has retreated, the gap has been filled with consumerism, football, Strictly Come Dancing and a mindless absorption in passing desires. Not knowing how to answer the big questions of life, we shelve them - we certainly don't develop the awe towards and reverence for the natural world that Dawkins would want. So the atheist humanists have been betrayed by the irrational, credulous nature of human beings; a misanthropy is increasingly evident in Dawkins's anti-religious polemic and among his many admirers.<br />This is the only context that can explain Dawkins's programme, a piece of intellectually lazy polemic which is not worthy of a great scientist. He uses his authority as a scientist to claim certainty where he himself knows, all too well, that there is none; for example, our sense of morality cannot simply be explained as a product of our genetic struggle for evolutionary advantage. More irritatingly, he doesn't apply to religion - the object of his repeated attacks - a fraction of the intellectual rigour or curiosity that he has applied to evolution (to deserved applause). Where is the grasp of the sociological or anthropological explanations of the centrality of religion? Sadly, there is no evolution of thought in Dawkins's position; he has been saying much the same thing about religion for a long time.</div><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There are three areas in his programmes where the lack of rigour is most striking. First, Dawkins is featured in Jerusalem; the point is that religion causes violence and most of the world's conflicts can be traced back to faith. If only they didn't have segregated schooling in Israel and Palestine then peace could emerge. Likewise in Northern Ireland.</div><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Let's leave the political scientists to point out the absurd simplification of these political struggles over land, rights and resources, but take a wider point. Human beings develop collective identities - ethnic, nationalist, religious or political - and find in them a sense of belonging, of personal identity and solidarity; the problem is how, at points of competition and threat, those identities flare up into horrible violence. Pinning all the blame on religion blindly ignores the evidence; the Rwandan tragedy was about ethnicity, the Holocaust about a racist political ideology. Crucially it fails to grasp the modern phenomenon of fundamentalism and how religious identity is being mobilised in an attempt to carve out positions of power within a rapidly globalising world; this kind of violent religion is a political product of rapid social and economic change.</div><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Second, Dawkins mounts a charge of "child abuse" against religious education; it manipulates childish minds, inculcating in them a terror of hell and damnation. On this argument, I'm with Dawkins for a while; he's right that many religions have a horrible habit of using fear to shore up their authority. But that's only part of the story - religion can also provide children with a deep sense of confidence from the teaching that they are each precious in the eyes of God, of reverence for their gift of life and of ethical bearings.</div><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">His conclusion is that no children should be exposed to religion until they are old enough to make a choice; anything else is indoctrination. But this is quixotic; how can they ever make any choice without knowledge and how can they ever have knowledge without running into Dawkins's allegation of indoctrination? Furthermore, the concept of a child to be kept a blank slate, free from parental influence, is absurd - or does it just apply to religion, and if so, why? What about the many ways in which parents shape children (so constraining many choices) for both good and ill? Isn't the point that children should be encouraged to develop thoughtful, inquiring minds and a strong ethical framework - and that this is possible both with, or without, religious belief?<br />Finally, Dawkins returns to the old complaint that religion "cuts off a source of wonder"; he once famously described the medieval view of the cosmos as "little" and "pokey". It's a revealing comment because it exposes a remarkable lack of empathy for how people in other ages or cultures imagine the world. That seems a terrible poverty of his imagination. Just think: when most people's radius of experience was a few miles, the world must have seemed a vast, deeply mysterious entity.</div><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">That lack of empathy also lies behind Dawkins's reference to a "process of non-thinking called faith". For thousands of years, religious belief has been accompanied by thought and intellectual discovery, whether Islamic astronomy or the Renaissance. But his contempt is so profound that he can't be bothered to even find out (in an interview he dismissed Christian theology in exactly these terms). If this isn't the "hidebound certainty" of which he accuses believers, I'm not sure what is.</div><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Let's be clear: it's absolutely right that religion should be subjected to a vigorous critique, but let's have one that doesn't waste time knocking down straw men. It's also right for religion to concede ground to science to explain natural processes; but at the same time, science has to concede that despite its huge advances it still cannot answer questions about the nature of the universe - such as whether we are freak chances of evolution in an indifferent cosmos (Dawkins does finally acknowledge this point in the programmes).</div><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dawkins seems to want to magic religion away. It's a silly delusion comparable to one of another great atheist humanist thinker, JS Mill. He wanted to magic away another inescapable part of human experience - sex; using not dissimilar arguments to Dawkins's, he pointed out the violence and suffering caused by sexual desire, and dreamt of a day when all human beings would no longer be infantilised by the need for sexual gratification, and an alternative way would be found to reproduce the human species. As true of Mill as it is of Dawkins: dream on.</div>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-43385493028570804402007-02-16T22:10:00.000-05:002007-02-16T22:46:15.633-05:00Deny the Obvious?<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >The conviction of the humanist observer leads to misinterpretion of temporal evidence. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmd6YvuiOsicCpABogIcA1MPnA6LA1JYMApbkxPdr8veDBQn_EWh7cR6QYMXDgY_VwDRU87_f0_UnqC4BRRY2QO12TuUYXHN0YcW2doKp4mIvgusfZB7o8wXgvR8l4_SIDBNI0UmpmA4/s1600-h/notlistening.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmd6YvuiOsicCpABogIcA1MPnA6LA1JYMApbkxPdr8veDBQn_EWh7cR6QYMXDgY_VwDRU87_f0_UnqC4BRRY2QO12TuUYXHN0YcW2doKp4mIvgusfZB7o8wXgvR8l4_SIDBNI0UmpmA4/s320/notlistening.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032343021948794466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ephesians 4:18-19</span><br />18being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Humanists, operating on the foundation of their own autonomy claim to think freely, while interpreting evidence thru a restricted grid of denial. While it is refreshing to see that some regional atheist groups are stable enough to entertain member Christians, there are atheist groups throughout the United States who cannot support the untenable humanist worldview except within the restricted structure of atheist only member groups. </span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Like a little child who covers the eyes to 'disappear' denying the truth of the normal function of reality, the atheist humanist shuns the evidence that he claims to be 'free' to examine and to think 'freely'. The obvious complexity of creation and the witness of the Word of God are picked apart without an honest effort to examine the 'evidence' of the revelation of the person of God in the scriptures. The atheist humanist demonstrates their constricted thought by the failure to read with objectivity the entirety of the Scriptures.<br /><br />So why not call these pseudo social, truth denying get togethers something like the "Mid-State Sinatra Club" (I do it MY way), or "The Burlington Boogie Man Group" (believe it or not, Deists dont exist because we dont like the way they think) or "The Inane Repose Battallion" (I make theological mistakes when I guess what blasphemy really means).<br /><br />I think Gene Cook's Wednesday internet broadcast called "The Narrow Mind:Atheist Wednesday" does a masterful job of exposing the fallacy of "free-thought". In every case but the smartest atheist I have ever heard: The Discomfiter.<br /><br />He's bullit proof. Listen in,.. <a href="http://www.unchainedradio.com/"> Unchained Radio </a><br /><br />.</span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-549845389325042932007-02-11T16:36:00.000-05:002007-02-11T20:02:16.930-05:00Well Rested,..<span style="font-family:arial;">Good night's sleep, great Church body, visit the example of the Graceful Sovereign God's sparing of a life and then a,... Nice nap.<br /><br />I think I missed something,...<br /><br />Oh yes, the Piedmont "Freethought" Association!<br /><br />I really missed the people. There is a very good and honest thinker there surrounded by a myriad of very challenged infidels. One who thinks, at least, honestly, and a pile of, well not to adept minds. I enjoyed taking a Christian Worldview and challenging their ability to think and willingness to be challenged. That's one thing that did happen, challenge. One rose to the occasion and answered the challenge, while the remainder were just plain dull of mind and ,. well, simply brash.<br /><br />So, for you PFA Readers, here is the best thing I have to offer you;<br />Romans 1</span><br />15So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."<br /><br />18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing to be wise, they became fools,<br />23and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.<br /><br />24Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.<br /><br />26For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">To my PFA Friends; </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When the search for Truth leads to dead ends (puns intented) read the entirety of the Book of Romans. Beg God for His mercy, repent and be saved from the wrath of God measured out on sinners. I will continue to pray for each of you (even though you ask not to be prayed for) as I recognize that it is the Grace of God which saves sinners, I pray that each of you are found among those who eagerly receives that Life giving Grace. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Feel free to contact me, if you are willing and need to talk. You can find me at<a href="http://http://www.royaldiadem.com "> Royal Diadem Jewelers</a> </span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-48390645906981335512007-02-10T14:45:00.000-05:002007-02-10T15:01:10.878-05:00Surprize!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxskaCbKjA2aUC0iAahtAyJFFgD3M7av8V_vZWMjJDbnNrGYmWSQJDGC5-5gRBsG9X27HsIlbm-GLL3hIQvXNZ02jEi12diLAyDs3dR24dNT5slQcild78A6xtqzoE_LoTH8I_KqJJ4Wg/s1600-h/snooze.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxskaCbKjA2aUC0iAahtAyJFFgD3M7av8V_vZWMjJDbnNrGYmWSQJDGC5-5gRBsG9X27HsIlbm-GLL3hIQvXNZ02jEi12diLAyDs3dR24dNT5slQcild78A6xtqzoE_LoTH8I_KqJJ4Wg/s320/snooze.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029999219640661586" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well, for the past seven months, I have spent every second Sunday afternoon at the Piedmont Freethought Association monthly meeting.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The local fellowship-starved Autonomous Bondage Thinker society members get together to worship Richard Dawkins and their own personal avoidance techniques for their sin. The Good News is that regardless of the presence of a Christian Witness to the Grace of God in the Person and Sacrificial Atonement of Jesus Christ, God will do with the members of the PFA members what He wills, and they dont like to hear that.</span><br /><br />Romans 1<br /><p> <span id="en-NASB-27947" class="sup">16</span>For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. <span id="en-NASB-27948" class="sup">17</span>For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." </p><h5>Unbelief and Its Consequences</h5> <span id="en-NASB-27949" class="sup">18</span>For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, <span id="en-NASB-27950" class="sup">19</span>because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. <p><span id="en-NASB-27951" class="sup">20</span>For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. <span id="en-NASB-27952" class="sup">21</span>For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. <span id="en-NASB-27953" class="sup">22</span>Professing to be wise, they became fools, <span id="en-NASB-27954" class="sup">23</span>and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. </p><p> <span id="en-NASB-27955" class="sup">24</span>Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. <span id="en-NASB-27956" class="sup">25</span>For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. </p><p> <span id="en-NASB-27957" class="sup">26</span>For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, <span id="en-NASB-27958" class="sup">27</span>and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. <span id="en-NASB-27959" class="sup">28</span>And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, <span id="en-NASB-27960" class="sup">29</span>being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, <span id="en-NASB-27961" class="sup">30</span>slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,<span id="en-NASB-27962" class="sup">31</span>without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;<span id="en-NASB-27963" class="sup">32</span>and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.<br /></p><span style="font-family:arial;">Well, this Sunday will be different. I will be taking a nap to the surprize of the PFA members. So to you my friends in the PFA;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Option 1: Repent while you have time.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Option 2: Stay alive as long as you can.</span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-20211709288115481982007-02-04T08:09:00.000-05:002007-02-04T22:34:39.656-05:00i'm afraid of GLOBAL WARMING!Yeah, Right,....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KCisWxVrR5AFxfU88eDQmi3dnRB-FADCStAN_korC0sXqGyZ4gh1Cl3Tc_g9FIzfCvWsfPMA9g2lmCNVSykNZ7EcXyJ6omrGBMMjZmmsfc_7i534weD-PeQDQOa10Dfql442dSkVyl0/s1600-h/solxray.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027665774269953074" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KCisWxVrR5AFxfU88eDQmi3dnRB-FADCStAN_korC0sXqGyZ4gh1Cl3Tc_g9FIzfCvWsfPMA9g2lmCNVSykNZ7EcXyJ6omrGBMMjZmmsfc_7i534weD-PeQDQOa10Dfql442dSkVyl0/s320/solxray.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>2 Peter 3:10-12</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div>10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) declared that it is;<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><em>"Most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic (human) greenhouse gas concentrations,"<br /><br /></em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div></div><div>Well, I would like to remind the scientists that the number one cause of Global Warming is,..... THE SUN!<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Proverbs 1:7</span></div><div> </div><div>The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div></div><div>Better to fear God then to fear man: Repent<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div></div><div><strong>Acts 2:38</strong></div><div>Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div></div><div>"<a name="one.htm">1. The meaning of baptism</a><br />Baptism is the initiatory sign by which we are admitted to the fellowship of the Church, that being ingrafted into Christ we may be accounted children of God. Moreover, the end for which God has given it (this I have shown to be common to all mysteries) is, first, that it may be conducive to our faith in him, and secondly, that it may serve the purpose of a confession among men. The nature of both institutions we shall explain in order. Baptism contributes to our faith three things, which require to be treated separately. The first object, therefore, for which it is appointed by the Lord, is to be a sign and evidence of our purification, or (better to explain my meaning) it is a kind of sealed instrument by which he assures us that all our sins are so deleted, covered, and effaced, that they will never come into his sight, never be mentioned, never imputed. For it is his will that all who have believed be baptised for the remission of sins (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38).<br /><br />Hence those who have thought that baptism is nothing else than the badge and mark by which we profess our religion before men, in the same way as soldiers attest their profession by bearing the insignia of their commander, have not attended to what was the principal thing in baptism; and this is, that we are to receive it in connection with the promise, "He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved," (Mark 16: 16.)"<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div></div><div>*<a href="http://www.reformed.org/books/institutes/books/book4/bk4ch15.html#one.htm">http://www.reformed.org/books/institutes/books/book4/bk4ch15.html#one.htm</a></div>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-50412653751652450532007-01-31T13:17:00.000-05:002007-01-31T16:37:41.696-05:00Baaaadddd Escatology<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/images/AuntieC.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/images/AuntieC.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 Peter 3:15</span></span><br />but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">the hope</span> that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. <span style="font-family:arial;">Jesus will return.<br /><br />Orthodoxy depends upon the Biblical fact of the return of Jesus Christ in judgment.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When is another question. Brilliant theologians have differed in their opinions of either when that judgment will take place, (or did take place in some tenuous positions) or how the specifics will be in the, in my friend John Lowe's <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vernacular</span>, "time to come". Personally, I prefer the numb headed <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">eschatological</span> position. It consists of two principles:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1) <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lotsa</span> people die.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2) God wins.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(credit Greg <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Koukl</span>, who is </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >not a <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">numbhead</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If my <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">eschatology</span> rested on what I like, I would prefer to take a <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pre</span>-wrath rapture, thus avoiding the really nasty judgment. I've never held too tightly to the <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">eschatology</span> of the typical Southern Baptist <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">dispensational</span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">pre</span>-tribulation rapture position due to the effect upon the Gospel. Some <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">pretrib</span> holders also motivate the unbeliever to make a profession of faith to get out of hell with the least cost, what Dr. John MacArthur rightly calls "easy <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">believism</span>".</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you have not read Hard to Believe by Dr. John MacArthur you are missing one of the finest diagnosis of the modern day church as it misleads and still-<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">borns</span> "<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">bELIEVERS</span>'. (remember, little first letters mean the opposite of the normal definition within context in my ~writing~). To use a <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">dispensational</span> metaphor, the <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Laodicean</span> church age is certainly producing "<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">bELIEVERS</span>" who are <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">metaphorically</span> still-born, Born Again Believers. Dead in their trespasses and sin and not regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So, I thought that the cartoon was inspiring: There are two positions that I truly believe to be major distractions for human beings:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1) Christians looking for a "Beady eyed, <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">yallow</span> skinned, red horn, now <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">hooo</span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">duz</span> 'at remind <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">yun'z</span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">ofh</span>?" <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">AntiChrist</span> and are ignoring the lost in their midst, who need the Good News from the Scriptures.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2) Atheist and Agnostics who have established their Autonomy and suppress the truth in unrighteousness, suffering the penalty of judgment for their sin without the "great exchange" of The Righteousness of Jesus Christ swapped for their filthy rags of Autonomous Self Righteous Secular Humanist worldview.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Atheists: Repent and beg for the grace of God by Salvation in Jesus Christ.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Christians: Put down the Left Behind series and read your Bible. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-15968826974846449172007-01-23T10:48:00.001-05:002007-01-23T10:48:23.761-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:300%;" >Danger?</span><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6244/2209/320/717822/robot4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >Danger?<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Only if you stand before the God of the universe who righteously judges sin.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid377408391/bclid379163505/bctid379163477">Click for a video of Me warning of DANGER!</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Christians are accused of alarmism when they are perceived by atheists to behave like "chicken little" giving a false alarm. The truth of the matter is that in order to make any sense of the trials of life, the foundational understanding of the person of God and His character is the basis for making sense of perceived ills (sin and wrongness) that empiricists measure and weigh with finite minds. Righteous Judgment is a foundational characteristic of God known by the revelation of the person of God in the Scriptures. The only way to make sense of the Hitlers, Dahmlers, Susan Smiths and the abortionists of this world is with the character of God and His righteous Judgment and the Mercy he provides in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for atonement of sin.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >The Christian must answer to the great commission (for atheists; the scriptures clearly delineate a commission similar to the order and funds given by a benefactor to an artist to produce a work of art, that in the end is totally attributable to the benefactor) clearly delineated in Matthew 28 in order to live consistently with the Christian Worldview.</span><br /><h4>Matthew 28</h4> <span id="en-NASB-24197" class="sup">1</span>Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. <span id="en-NASB-24198" class="sup">2</span>And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. <span id="en-NASB-24199" class="sup">3</span>And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. <span id="en-NASB-24200" class="sup">4</span>The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.<br /><br />The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. <span id="en-NASB-24202" class="sup">6</span>"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.<span id="en-NASB-24203" class="sup"> 7</span>"Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." <span id="en-NASB-24204" class="sup">8</span>And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. <span id="en-NASB-24205" class="sup"><br />9</span>And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. 1<span id="en-NASB-24206" class="sup">0</span>Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to <sup></sup>My brethren to leave <sup></sup>for Galilee, and there they will see Me."<span id="en-NASB-24207" class="sup"><br /><br />11</span>Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.<span id="en-NASB-24208" class="sup"> 12</span>And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,<span id="en-NASB-24209" class="sup"> 3</span>and said, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.' <span id="en-NASB-24210" class="sup">14</span>"And if this should come to the governor's ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble." <span id="en-NASB-24211" class="sup">15</span>And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is <sup></sup>to this day. <h5>The Great Commission</h5> <span id="en-NASB-24212" class="sup">16</span>But the eleven disciples proceeded <sup></sup>to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.<span id="en-NASB-24213" class="sup"> 17</span>When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but <sup></sup>some were doubtful. <span id="en-NASB-24214" class="sup">18</span>And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. <span id="en-NASB-24215" class="sup">19</span>"<span style="font-weight: bold;">Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" id="en-NASB-24216" class="sup">20</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."<br /><br />Christians, when you answer the Great commission remember that the Grace of God is un-measurable by an empiricist without the Righteous Judgment in which it stands in contrast. For the unbelieving autonomous empiricist; are you honest in your observation and personal measurement of truth? Will you read the whole post, including the Scriptures and honestly measure consistently with your profession of "freethinking" with a truly open mind and be willing to permit that open mind to submit to the authority of the God of the Universe?<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >My PFA* <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">friends and countrymen, I agree with the Apostle Paul concerning you as you face righteous judgment:</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Romans 9<br /></span><p> <span id="en-NASB-28159" class="sup">3</span>For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, <span id="en-NASB-28160" class="sup">4</span>who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, <span id="en-NASB-28161" class="sup">5</span>whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. <span id="en-NASB-28186" class="sup">30</span>What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith;</p><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >In the end, the resolution to the problem of warning of righteous judgment of your sin is;</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Romans 3:<br /></span> <span id="en-NASB-28013" class="sup">21</span>But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, <span id="en-NASB-28014" class="sup">22</span>even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; <span id="en-NASB-28015" class="sup">23</span>for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, <span id="en-NASB-28016" class="sup">24</span>being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; <span id="en-NASB-28017" class="sup">25</span>whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; <span id="en-NASB-28018" class="sup">26</span>for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of <span style="font-weight: bold;">the one who has faith in Jesus</span>.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >I plead with you to truly think freely, set aside your presuppositions and weigh the balance between an autonomous, empiricistic, atheistic worldview and the only way to make sense of this world, the repentant Christian life. May God have mercy on your, my PFA friends, Souls.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >*(Piedmont Freethought Association) </span><br /><p> </p>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-29646791169640500402007-01-23T10:47:00.003-05:002007-01-23T10:47:57.324-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.victorycelebrationchurch.org/_mod_files/ce_images/BibleStudy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 254px;" src="http://www.victorycelebrationchurch.org/_mod_files/ce_images/BibleStudy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Family Bible Study</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I've supported family Bible study for a number of years following exhortation to establish a "family altar" from a pastor friend of mine. While the principle of patriarchal spiritual leadership finds its foundation in Genesis 1 and is abdicated in Genesis 3, the Bible is clear in Deuteronomy 6 concerning the Father's responsibility to teach his children about the God of the Scriptures. (For those unfamiliar or confused, I refer to the Triune God of Orthodox Christianity)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deuteronomy 6:4-7</span><br /><span id="en-NASB-5091" class="sup">4</span>"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! <span id="en-NASB-5092" class="sup">5</span>"<sup></sup>You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. <span id="en-NASB-5093" class="sup">6</span>"<sup></sup>These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. <span id="en-NASB-5094" class="sup">7</span>"<sup></sup>You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This weekend I had the distinct pleasure to watch my terminally funny, cuter-n-uh-spotted-puppydog-under-uh-red-wagon 14 year old daughter celebrate her birthday with a few close friends. My 19 year old daughter had two friends (siblings of a friend of the birthday girl) and two other friends were tallied to give us an extended family for an overnight stay. It was a pleasure to demonstrate our family Bible study for the visitors, each from a functioning Christian home (there are people who say they are cHRISTIANS but do not live consistently with their profession, therefore I call them little "c" cHRISTIANS).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Well, the inductive Bible study methodology takes lots of effort, time and hard work, the challenges of "teaching" the inductive methodology adds to the delays that we are unaccustomed to when it is just the VanDerwerker family. Each of the girls participated and we had the normal distractions, phone calls, no pen, "what page are we on", "What color highlighter do you have" and lots of laughter. This was a great joy to me to see young women enjoying studying the Bible in a family setting. I know each of the girls laughed and learned.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The best part of the family Bible study came much later when my 19 year old sad "Dad, this was a great weekend. There was a spirit of hospitality, friendship, joy and discipleship at our home this weekend that was wonderful!" That comment was from a little girl now housed in an adult body. (She was giddy over the gift from a good friend, a "Belle" tiara from the movie "Beauty and the Beast" -- perhaps she still imagines she is Belle,...)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A few hours later I listened to a friend of mine in a conversation with some folks who proposed that Christians who teach their children the Bible are actually committing "Mental Child Abuse". While I kept quiet, I admit that I would like to have had my daughter answer that question for the participants and watch a few swallowed tongues.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It's hard work for a father to answer his responsiblities to his children and teach them about the person of God as revealed in the Scriptures. It's also hard to deal with the truth. I am glad that God has granted repentance to me, renewed my mind and provides the will and ability to do so. With the words of a familiar hymn, "To God be the glory for the things He has done,.." I agree with the author.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">God bless each of those young women, your friendship </span><span style="font-family:arial;">means a great deal to my daughters, and you are a pleasure to me.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >ps: The image is not our family, that man weighs 60lbs less than I do and is 20 years younger ;-)</span><br /></span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-1766253812145015032007-01-23T10:47:00.001-05:002007-01-23T10:47:31.082-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://artnartist.com/album_1/images-album1/Man_Thinking_500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://artnartist.com/album_1/images-album1/Man_Thinking_500.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Freethought Man, will you play your cards RIGHT?</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tomorrow Shepherd's Fellowship of Greensboro continues the outreach to the Piedmont Freethought Association who meet at the Unitarian Universalist church on Hilltop Road at 4PM Sunday afternoon. We will take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the PFA Members, expressing the grace of God to sinners. May God be pleased to save some as the autonomous secular humanist worldview is challenged by the truth of the Word of God, the foundation for the Christian Worldview.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The question for the atheist is:</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Have you considered the Truth of the Scriptures and with understanding, chosen your position as a superior measure of truth? If so, upon what foundation do you make such a decision and is it consistent with reality? Do you know the Scriptures well enough to pass the following test?"</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />ALL Questions are TRUE or FALSE. Once I post the answers; "Will you deem them correct or incorrect based upon your autonomy?"<br /><br /></span> <strong style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Doctrine of God and Christology<br /></span></strong> <span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >1. Jesus was fully God, but only appeared to be human</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />2. Jesus was created by God before all things</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />3. Jesus was part man and part God</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />4. In the Old Testament, God was known as the Father, in the New Testament as the Son, and after Pentecost as the Holy Spirit</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />5. Jesus only died spiritually on the cross</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >6. God exists in 3 separate persons, who are only one in purpose</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><strong style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Doctrine of Salvation</span></strong><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><strong style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></strong> <span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />7. Our salvation is based upon perfect obedience to the Ten Commandments</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />8. For we know that we are saved by grace after all that we can do</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />9. I am saved because of my decision to accept Christ</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />10. People who have never heard the gospel are innocent and go the heaven</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />11. The Bible teaches that there is an age of accountability, that children who die before this age go to heaven because they are innocent</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />12. If I die with unconfessed sin, I will go to hell</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />13. There are certain sins that I can commit which will cause me to lose my salvation</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />14. The Holy Spirit living inside me enables me to live a victorious life so that I am acceptable to God</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />15. Justification is the process by which a person, through faith in Christ and sorrow for his sins, receives the gift of the Holy Spirit and so becomes a child of God<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />If you would like your answers graded, email to me at sterling@royaldiadem.com. It is my desire that God will be pleased tohave mercy on your soul and regenerate you, resulting in</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > the acknowledgement of your state as a sinner</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > begging for mercy.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Courtesy of the </span><em style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>White Horse Inn</strong></em><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> website-</span> </span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-71244590529475983852007-01-23T10:46:00.004-05:002007-01-23T10:47:01.049-05:00Rejoice!<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><st2:bcv_smarttag>Luke 2</st2:bcv_smarttag><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Syria</st1:place></st1:country-region>. 3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>4Joseph also went up from <st1:place>Galilee</st1:place>, from the city of <st1:city><st1:place>Nazareth</st1:place></st1:city>, to <st1:place>Judea</st1:place>, to the city of <st1:city><st1:place>David</st1:place></st1:city> which is called <st1:city><st1:place>Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city>, because he was of the house and <st1:personname>family</st1:personname> of David, 5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>14"Glory to God in the highest,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to <st1:city><st1:place>Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city> then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." 16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>19But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. 21And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"), 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS." 25And there was a man in <st1:city><st1:place>Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord<st1:personname>'</st1:personname>s Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>29"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>According to Your word;<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>30For my eyes have seen Your salvation,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>32A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>And the glory of Your people <st1:country-region><st1:place>Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>."<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>33And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- 35and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>36And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to <st1:place>Galilee</st1:place>, to their own city of <st1:city><st1:place>Nazareth</st1:place></st1:city>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>40The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><h2 style="font-family: arial;" class="date-header">Sunday, December 24, 2006</h2> <!-- Begin .post --> <a style="font-family: arial;" name="116699573832887797"></a> <h3 style="font-family: arial;" class="post-title"> The Proper Commemoration of the Incarnation </h3> <div style="font-family: arial;" class="post-body"> <p> </p><b style="">INTRODUCTION</b> (Read Luke 2:1-20) <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent">In today’s modern world, the materialistic hype and spin of our culture surrounds us and constantly tries to squeeze us into its mold, especially during what has been traditionally known as the “<i style="">Christmas” </i>season.<span style=""> </span>Many people, especially <i style="">professing</i> Christians, use this season of the year as an excuse to become willingly ensnared by the idol of materialism (Matt. 6:24).<span style=""> </span>However, this is the time of year when many Christians genuinely celebrate the incarnation and first advent of the Messiah who is known as Immanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23).<span style=""> </span>Many faithful believers the world over take this time of year to meditate on the wonder and greatness of our God, Who before the universe was created, decreed to send His Son into this sin-cursed world, to save sinners by bringing them under the care of the Great Shepherd, who would die for sinners (John 10:10, 15; Rom. 5:8).<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.4in;">Historically, what we now call “Christmas” was originally known as the “Christ-mass”, a celebration that was developed within the early Roman Catholic Church and was designed to counter the rival pagan festivals that were held at the end of each year.<span style=""> </span>Many have heard about the ancient pagan festivals of Saturnalia which occurred at the end of December of each year and some have even said that the birth of the pagan god Mithra was on December 25<sup>th</sup>.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>Either way, the term “Christmas” as we understand it today, <i style="">does</i> have many pagan elements, but not necessarily because it developed as a rival celebration in opposition to the pagan gods that were prevalent within the <st2:place st="on">Roman Empire</st2:place> but because <i style="">today’s</i> typical understanding of “Christmas” absolutely reeks of modern <i style="">selfishness</i>, <i style="">materialism, worldliness</i> and <i style="">secular humanism</i>.<span style=""> </span>There are many today who, in the name of Biblical Christianity would avoid celebrating the birth of Christ at this time of year because they believe that it would mean that we are somehow conceding to or indirectly participating in the ancient pagan rituals often associated with those rival celebrations set up by the early Roman Catholic Church.<span style=""> </span>They reason that because we know that such and such a group worshipped trees several thousands of years ago and placed glitter and gold on it then that means that we are doing the same thing when we put up a tree and put glittering lights on it during the Advent.<span style=""> </span>Now, when I compare the tree issue with similar issues in the New Testament, it becomes clear to me that my concerned Christian friends have gone a little overboard. <span style=""> </span>The issues Paul talks about in <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">1 Corinthians 10:19-31</st1:bcv_smarttag> and in <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">Romans 14:15</st1:bcv_smarttag> deal with issues much more likely to be “tainted.”<span style=""> </span>The issue of meat sacrificed to idols was a very hot topic of the day, and there was not question about the “background” of such meat. <span style=""> </span>Likewise, the observance/honoring of Sabbaths or religious festivals (cf. <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on"><st2:place st="on"><st2:state st="on">Col</st2:state></st2:place> 2:16-17</st1:bcv_smarttag>), was a current and hot topic. <span style=""> </span>But Paul said these were “indifferent things” and things which were a matter of individual preference: <span style=""> </span>if you wanted to honor one day above another, go ahead. <span style=""> </span>If you wanted to eat the meat from the temples, go ahead as long as you knew the meat was nothing special (cf. <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">Rom 14:14</st1:bcv_smarttag>).<span style=""> </span>So, <i>when there is grace and freedom</i> <span style="">about such <i style="">very</i> contemporary and <i style="">very</i> well-known and very “religious-looking” matters</span> in the New Testament (such as freedom for me to eat meat offered to idols), it is difficult for me to make the much-less-dramatic issue of “Christmas trees” into something to be avoided on Biblical grounds.<span style=""> </span>Let’s look at two very common examples.<span style=""> </span>I don’t know many Christians who avoid referring to the fourth day of the week as “Wednesday” because the origin of that name of that day is found in the pagan god Wodin, nor do I know of any Christians who accuse other Christians of hypocrisy, compromise, and syncretism when they do so!<span style=""> </span>On the other hand, there are symbols in our (any) culture that are “tainted” and perceived as something repulsive or inherently evil, unlike Christmas trees or Wednesday. <span style=""> </span>For instance, in American culture, I personally would not use the Swastika or a Pentagram to signify something that otherwise for me would have a holy meaning simply because the associations of those symbols are still too fresh in the minds of the populus and too well-known for their association with evil.<span style=""> </span>So, in my opinion, the difference between your teenager wearing a pentagram around their neck versus your family decorating a tree during a celebration of Christ’s first advent is measured in light-years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.4in;">Thus, my purpose today will not be to rail against all the ancient and medieval pagan elements that may have crept into the modern form of what is known as “Christmas”<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> simply because neither you nor I have any personal and absolute connection to neither ancient nor medieval pagan practices.<span style=""> </span>More importantly, I want to discuss the problem of the trading of the commemoration of the advent of Christ with the materialistic blasphemy and selfishness that has taken place and offer a biblical solution for this problem.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.4in;">Christ’s first advent is supposed to be a message to the world that Christians can celebrate and experience joy <b>not</b> through false gods and materialism, but through the fact that God the Son was incarnated as a man (John 1:14). However, the advent celebration of the birth of the Savior has veered far into materialistic idolatry for several reasons, one of which is a lack of seriousness about God, Christ, and the Bible.<span style=""> </span>Listen to what Evangelical Greek Scholar, Daniel Wallace states regarding the marginalization of Christ and the watering down of the gospel in the contemporary evangelical church,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.4in;">Even with the proliferation of Bibles today, Christians are reading their Bibles less and less. I believe the evangelical church has only 50 years of life left. 50 years left of evangelicalism because of marginalization of the Word of God. We need another Reformation! The enemy of the gospel now is not religious hierarchy but <i>moral anarchy</i>, not tradition but entertainment. The enemy of the gospel is Protestantism run amock; it is an anti-intellectual, anti-knowledge, <i>feel-good faith</i> that has no content and no convictions. Part of the communal repentance that is needed is a repentance about the text [“the text” = the text of Scripture – DSS]. And even more importantly, there must be a repentance with regard to Christ our Lord. Just as the Bible has been marginalized, Jesus Christ has been ‘buddy-ized.’ His transcendence and majesty are only winked at, as we turn him into the genie in the bottle, beseeching God for more conveniences, more luxury, less hassle, and a life without worries or lack of comfort. He no longer wears the face that the apostles recognized. Or, as Erasmus remarked, “When you read the Greek New Testament, you can see the face of Jesus more clearly than if you were one of his disciples”! A bit of hyperbole, but the point is worth underscoring: The God we worship today no longer resembles the God of the Bible. Unless we return to him <i>through</i> a reading and digesting of the scriptures—through a <i>commitment</i> to the text, the evangelical church will become irrelevant, useless, dead.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">These are strong words that should issue words of warning to lazy Christians.<span style=""> </span>When you fully grasp what Dr. Wallace is saying about today’s contemporary evangelical church, you do indeed get the idea that God is “warm and fuzzy,” and almost acts like a “genie in a bottle” that is here to minister to our “felt-needs.”<span style=""> </span>When you speak with modern evangelicals, you sometimes get the idea that they often view Jesus as a limp-wristed, pale-faced teacher of love and peace who came to help everyone get along and look over their differences.<span style=""> </span>You get the idea that Jesus is like a slot machine where you can put a prayer in the slot and out pops your wish.<span style=""> </span>In today’s shallow world of Christianity, where marketing the gospel seems to be more important than actually preaching it,<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> where does a true, Biblical commemoration of Christ’s birth fit in?<span style=""> </span>In light of this materialistic type of attitude, is it any wonder that the modern-day church has failed to impact the culture with the message of the Biblical Jesus?<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">As a man who loves the Lord Jesus Christ and this local flock, I am so much against what the <i style="">world</i> does during that time of year because it does absolutely nothing to give God the glory for the Incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ. In light of the fact that the world doesn’t give glory and praise to God for the birth of His Son, I want to take the time this morning to commemorate the incarnation and first advent of the One who died to make sinners clean. This opportunity should not happen just once a year, but should be done <i style="">every day</i>, and particularly any time the Lord's people gather together.<span style=""> </span>When we celebrate the first advent of Christ, we <i>must</i> remember that one of the most significant events in human history is this:<span style=""> </span><span style="">God became flesh!</span><span style=""> </span>Today we will discuss this significant historical event and the importance of giving glory to God in our commemoration of it and we will do so under four main points: </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The Shepherd’s Had Proper <b style=""><i style="">Reverence</i></b> and <b style=""><i style="">Fear</i></b> of God (vv. 8-9)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The Angels Gave <b style=""><i style="">Proper</i></b> and Due <b><i>Glory</i></b> to God (vv. 13-14).</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Those Who Heard <b style=""><i style="">Wondered</i></b> and <b style=""><i style="">Pondered</i></b> the Glory of God (vv. 18-19)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The Shepherd’s <b style=""><i style="">Rejoiced</i></b> because of the <b><i>Truth</i></b> of God (v. 20).</li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <h1>EXPOSITION AND APPLICATION</h1> <p class="MsoFooter" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoFooter" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In this narrative, probably set sometime around 4 B.C., we have the birth of Christ Jesus provided for us by Doctor Luke in detail.<span style=""> </span><span style="">We see in verses 1-2 that there was a formal decree sent out by Octavius Caesar that all the inhabited land should be registered.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>This census (<i style="">a decree…to register all the empire</i>) is one of the more disputed historical remarks in Luke and has created much cause for non-believers to question the integrity the Lukan account.</span><span style=""> </span>The alleged problem is that Quirinius did not become governor until @ 7 <span style="font-size: 100%;">A.D. </span>according to Josephus, while Christ was born before Herod the Great died in 4 B.C.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>However, renowned archaeologist Sir William Ramsay concluded from various coin inscriptions that Quirinius ruled Syria on two separate occasions.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><sup> </sup><span style=""> </span>Also, another possible explanation offered by Greek language scholars is that verse 2 could actually be more accurately translated, “This census took place <em>before</em> Quirinius was governing <st2:place st="on"><st2:country-region st="on">Syria</st2:country-region></st2:place>.”<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>Under this scenario, Luke’s use of the word translated “first” (prw,th) would be more accurately translated “before” and thus would actually refer to the first census in 7 B.C., rather than the well-known one in 7 A.D.<span style=""> </span>Either way, a God-lover should always be skeptical of charges of error in Luke’s account, for the archaeologist Sir William Ramsay stated:<span style=""> </span>“Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy . . . this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians.”<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>So, in spite of what skeptics of the Bible may say, credible explanations exist.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Successfully carrying out a census like this would have been a massive undertaking for the Roman Empire and the travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem would have certainly taxed Mary and Joseph physically as she was near to giving birth.<span style=""> </span>The text tells us in verse 6 “<span style="">the days were completed for her to give birth” meaning, that the time was fulfilled for Christ to come into the world scene just as God had predetermined (Gal. 4:4).<span style=""> </span>Indeed the world scene was ripe for the Messiah.<span style=""> </span>The Pax Romana had been successfully established by Emperor Octavius</span>, which allowed for the reasonably safe travel that Mary and Joseph experienced.<span style=""> </span>The over 500 year old prophecy of <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">Daniel 9:24-27</st1:bcv_smarttag> about the coming ministry of Messiah the Prince was due to be fulfilled.<span style=""> </span>Isaiah’s 750 year old Messianic prophecies about the coming Prince of Peace (9:6) who would be born of a virgin (7:14) was due to be fulfilled, and Micah’s 700 year old prophecy about the ruler whose human birth would occur in Bethlehem but whose going forth has been from the days of eternity were ready to be fulfilled (Mic. 5:2).<span style=""> </span>And so these prophecies were fulfilled as we read in <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">Luke 2:6</st1:bcv_smarttag>, <i style="">“the days were completed for her to give birth.”</i><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Now, it was customary for newborn Jewish infants to be securely and warmly wrapped in strips of cloth <span style="font-size: 130%;"></span> as we see of Jesus in verse 7.<span style=""> </span>However, the feeding trough, or manger (as is commonly called) that Jesus was laid in was <i style="">not </i>a<i style=""> </i>common sight.<span style=""> </span>Given the census that was being taken by the Romans, <st2:city st="on">Bethlehem</st2:city> was probably very crowded as those who had their ancestral roots in <st2:place st="on"><st2:city st="on">Bethlehem</st2:city></st2:place> had to go to that city to be registered in the census (cf. for hints of this in vv. 4-5).<span style=""> </span>So, upon investigation it was found by Joseph that all the local rented rooms were taken and so this poor, 14-15 year old Jewish girl gave birth to the God-man in a lodging place that was normally occupied by animals.<span style=""> </span>So, we see, that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born in the town where His human ancestor King David was born, just as was prophesied by Micah (5:2).<span style=""> </span>Surely the divine Messiah had the right to be born with all the trappings of royalty and fanfare, but instead God the Father chose to have the Divine Messiah be born in humble circumstances, excluded from the normal shelter others enjoyed (cf. Lk. 9:58).<span style=""> </span>And that my friends is the first demonstration of Jesus’ humanity, servanthood, and humility for He later said in His earthly ministry, <i style="">“The foxes have holes and the birds of the air <span style="">have </span>nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”</i><span style=""> </span>Now we turn our attention to the lowly shepherds in the field who demonstrated a proper reverence and fear for God and His glory.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoFooter" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="I"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The Shepherds Had Proper <b style=""><i style="">Reverence</i></b> and <b style=""><i style="">Fear</i></b> of God (vv. 8-9)</li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b>Luke 2:8-9</b> <i style="">In the same region there were <span style="">some </span>shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.<sup> 9</sup> And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were <u>terribly frightened</u></i>.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">The words “terribly frightened” in verse 9 <span style="font-size: 130%;"></span> can literally be translated “they were made very fearful.” <span style=""> </span>In the visible light of the glory of the Lord these Shepherds had the <i style="">proper</i> response to the divine message.<span style=""> </span>They were fearful at the presence of the angel because they were sinners and were accustomed to the teaching from the OT that angels were often messengers of God’s coming judgment.<span style=""> </span>We also see this same fearful response exude from God-lovers in the OT period when they were confronted with the glory and power of God.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>We especially see this same attitude of fear in Zechariah in <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">Luke 1:12</st1:bcv_smarttag> where it says that he was confronted by an angel telling him about the coming birth of his son, John the Baptist.<span style=""> </span>So, the fear that these shepherds exhibited was natural, godly, and reverent, whereas such an attitude is laughed at today.<span style=""> </span>Now, there are probably several important reasons why the angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds versus other types of people.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">1.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Among the various occupations that were held by Jews at the time of Christ, being a shepherd was one of the most lowly</i>.<span style=""> </span>Shepherds were generally considered untrustworthy and their work made them ceremonially unclean according to the Law of Moses.<span style=""> </span>Therefore, we see that God didn’t choose to first reveal the good news of the newly born Divine Messiah to Kings, Priests, and Prelates, but instead he chose to reveal the first proclamation of the gospel to the social outcasts of the day.<span style=""> </span>Paul confirms that this is often the way God does things in <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">1 Corinthians 1:26-29</st1:bcv_smarttag>, <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><sup><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></sup></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><i style="">For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;<sup> 27</sup> but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,<sup> 28</sup> and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,<sup> 29</sup> so that no man may boast before God</i>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Shepherds were looked down upon by the general Jewish community as a whole, and they were considered so untrustworthy that they weren’t even allowed to give testimony in a court of law.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>So, we talk about the goodness, grandeur, and glory of God yet we fail to realize that God chose to first tell His good news to people who were basically our modern equivalent of those who are referred to as “trailer trash”.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="">2.<span style=""> </span><i style="">In both the Old and New Testaments, shepherds symbolize those who care for God’s people, including the Lord Himself</i> (cf. Ps. 23:1; Isa. 40:11; Jer. 23:1-4; Heb. 13:20; <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on"><st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">1 Peter 2:25</st1:bcv_smarttag>; 5:2</st1:bcv_smarttag>).<span style=""> </span>Notice that verse 8 says that they were <i style="">“</i></span><i style=""><span style="">staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.</span><span style="">”</span></i><span style=""><span style=""> </span>At night, when they could, shepherds would try to bring their flocks into crude shelters, pens, or take other protective measures so that the sheep could be cared for and also so that they wouldn’t be harmed by bad weather, predatory animals, and thieves.<span style=""> </span>Obviously, on this night, these shepherds had to stay out in the field to carefully watch their flocks.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>Now, in light of that truth, it is interesting that Jesus Christ, the incarnate word, would be made like unto one of these lowly shepherds by having nowhere to lay his head (Matt. 8:20; <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">Luke 9:58</st1:bcv_smarttag>), yet He takes special care of us, His sheep, and has taken and is now taking special precautionary measures to protect us from spiritual wolves and spiritual thieves (Heb. 7:25).<span style=""> </span>He does so by continually making intercession for us before the Father as Satan makes accusation against us as the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10).<span style=""> </span>Jesus also raises up godly human shepherds - faithful pastors who have been given a heart for Him and His word and seek to humble themselves in service to Christ’s sheep and feed them on His knowledge and His understanding (Jer. 3:15; Acts 20:28).<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Again, verse 9 shows that the shepherds were absolutely terrified by the visible manifestation of the glory of God, something that neither Zechariah in <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">Luke 1:12</st1:bcv_smarttag> nor Mary had seen when they were confronted by an angel.<span style=""> </span>But just as the angel reassured Zechariah in <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">Luke 1:13</st1:bcv_smarttag> and Mary in 1:30, so also he reassured the shepherds in verses 10-11, </span><i style="">"<u>Do not be afraid</u>; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;<sup> 11</sup> for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">And so, an angel, brilliant and strong stands “suddenly” before them (v. 9) and the manifestation of God’s presence and power flashed about them and so they were <i style="">properly</i> “terrified.”<span style=""> </span>These weren’t the cute little chubby angels with pretty little pink cheeks that you see gracing your local Christian bookstores.<span style=""> </span>No, this was a representative of God’s heavenly army, one who stood in the strength and power of Yahweh, and so they were <i style="">absolutely</i> terrified!<span style=""> </span>They were terrified as sinners; which explains why the angel has to say literally as it reads in the original language, “Stop being fearful!” (</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span>15]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="">)<span style=""> </span>So, the angel then proclaims wonderfully in verse 10, “I bring you good news” meaning – “I am bringing you the announcement of the gospel for the first time!”<span style=""> </span>Oh brethren, how wonderful that God the Father, through the mediation of a heavenly angel first announces the gospel to what would be the equivalent of lowly, 1<sup>st</sup> century “trailer trash”! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">And so the announcement of the birth of the promised Divine Savior is given in verse 11 (</span><i style="">for today in the city of <st2:city st="on"><st2:place st="on">David</st2:place></st2:city> there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.</i><span style="">).<span style=""> </span>Notice that the text doesn’t say “THE Savior” but “A Savior.”<span style=""> </span>This is grammatically significant because by saying it without using the definite article, the angel wanted to emphasize the <i style="">saving work</i> of Jesus.<span style=""> </span>It was if he was saying, <i style="">“for today in the city of <st2:place st="on"><st2:city st="on">David</st2:city></st2:place> there has been born for who is above all other things, A SAVIOR!”</i><span style=""> </span>And so, the angel gives this great proclamation of the gospel for the first time and when he does so, he does so to a group of societal outcasts.</span><span style=""> </span>He doesn’t leave the outcasts clueless as to how to find this child, but he gives them a characteristic sign to look for, “<i style="">a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” </i>(v. 12)<span style=""> </span>They weren’t to look for any baby wrapped in strips of linen cloths, for that was common in 1<sup>st</sup> century Israel, but what <i style="">was</i> uncommon was a newborn infant lying in a feeding trough.<span style=""> </span>Oh my friends what humility we see in our Savior in even the earliest aspects of His divinely ordained life!<span style=""> </span>With that in mind I want to draw your attention to <span style="">the proper and due glory that the angels gave to God. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="2" type="I"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The Angels Gave Proper and Due <b><i>Glory</i></b> to God (vv. 13-14).</li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">And so the lone angel, standing and giving the first proclamation of the gospel to lowly shepherds is suddenly joined by <i style="">“a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”</i> (vv. 13-14).<span style=""> </span>This is the grand climax of this narrative, where the lowly, trailer-trash shepherds are exposed to the glorious splendor of not just one angel, but now an army of angels giving glory to the God of heaven for the birth of Messiah Jesus!<span style=""> </span>How truly awesome that event must have been for them!<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>These angels, having known and experienced Christ’s pre-incarnate glory, were all too familiar with His riches and majesty (cf. Isaiah 6:1-4; John 12:41).<span style=""> </span>They also knew that man was fallen sinner, desperately in need of salvation from sin.<span style=""> </span>And so, they knew of God’s provision of salvation for mankind in Jesus and they wanted to give all glory, praise, and honor to God for this unmerited gift bestowed upon sinful man!<span style=""> </span>How wonderful that those who are not direct recipients of Christ’s salvation should give honor and glory to the God of heaven for it!<span style=""> </span>Was it not the apostle Paul who, when thinking about God’s love shown in Christ said, <i style="">“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”</i> (2 Cor. 8:9; 9:15)<span style=""> </span>And was not this love very probably included among “the things which angels desire to look into” (1 Peter 1:12) but very probably cannot?<span style=""> </span>Nevertheless, they gave glory to God for this gift to sinful man! </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Now, it is important to point out that the <st1:translation_smarttag st="on">KJV</st1:translation_smarttag> translation of verse 14 doesn’t really have the best translation.<span style=""> </span>The <st1:translation_smarttag st="on">KJV</st1:translation_smarttag> says, <i style="">“Glory to God in the highest, <u>and on earth peace, good will toward men</u>”</i> whereas the <st1:translation_smarttag st="on">NASB</st1:translation_smarttag> says, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men <u>with whom He is pleased</u>."<span style=""> </span>Now that’s a big difference in translation!<span style=""> </span>The <st1:translation_smarttag st="on">NASB</st1:translation_smarttag> has the better reading, based on a better representation of the underlying Greek text.<span style=""> </span>For those of you who are more doctrinally astute, you can see how the <st1:translation_smarttag st="on">NASB</st1:translation_smarttag>’s reading is more consistent with the biblical doctrines of God’s sovereign grace.<span style=""> </span>Bruce Metzger states in regards to this passage,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“The meaning seems to be, not that divine peace can be bestowed only where human good will is already present, but that at the birth of the Saviour God’s peace rests on those whom he has chosen in accord with his good pleasure.”<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>It is also interesting to note that several similar expressions have been found in the Dead Sea Scrolls such as “the sons of his [God’s] good pleasure,” and “the elect of his [God’s] good pleasure.”<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">So, this proclamation of the angels:<span style=""> </span>that God’s true peace is bestowed on those whom He has sovereignly chosen for salvation; was proclaimed in the first presentation of the gospel to sinful men!<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>Oh Christians, how we would do well to follow after the practice of these angels and preach the gospel of God’s sovereign grace to sinners.<span style=""> </span>We should really do nothing else as we wait for Christ’s second advent, for this is part of the good news that these angels glorified God and blessed man with at Jesus’ <i style="">first </i>advent!<br /><st1:bcv_smarttag st="on"></st1:bcv_smarttag></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><st1:bcv_smarttag st="on"><b>Luke 2:15-17</b></st1:bcv_smarttag> <i style="">When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds <span style="">began </span>saying to one another, "Let us go straight to <st2:place st="on"><st2:city st="on">Bethlehem</st2:city></st2:place> then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."<sup> 16</sup> So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.<sup> 17</sup> When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child</i>.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">And so the shepherds, filled with excitement after receiving the gospel directly from God through the angels, went to <st2:city st="on"><st2:place st="on">Bethlehem</st2:place></st2:city> and looked for the divine infant lying in feeding trough.<span style=""> </span>And the result after hearing the gospel and seeing the divine Christ was what?<span style=""> </span>Verse 17 says that they told not only Mary and Joseph about the glorious appearance of the angels, but the text intimates that they felt <i style="">constrained</i> to tell as many as they could about the birth of Messiah Jesus!<span style=""> </span>And what happened to those who heard? <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="3" type="I"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Those Who Heard <b style=""><i style="">Wondered</i></b> and <b style=""><i style="">Pondered </i></b>the Glory of God (vv. 18-19)</li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><st1:bcv_smarttag st="on"><b>Luke 2:18</b></st1:bcv_smarttag><b> </b><i style="">And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.</i><span style=""> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It should be no surprise to us that there was wonder and amazement at the things that the shepherds said.<span style=""> </span>Think about it:<span style=""> </span>an imperial decree, angelic messages, divine signs to tell you who and where to look, a virgin-born child in <st2:city st="on"><st2:place st="on">Bethlehem</st2:place></st2:city> lying in a feeding trough!<span style=""> </span>“One can never fully appreciate this unless he is able to agree”<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> by faith with the words of Charles Wesley,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Veiled in flesh the Godhead see: </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Hail th’Incarnate Deity. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">And of course, wonder and amazement is to be expected with the Jews, but something more is seen in Jesus’ mother Mary.<span style=""> </span>Verse 19 states, <i style="">“But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.”</i><span style=""> </span>Notice that verse 19 says that <i style="">“Mary <u>treasured</u> these things . . .”</i><span style=""> </span>This sentence is literally translated <i style="">“But Mary treasured up all these words . . .”</i> meaning that she was putting it all together and mulling over it in her mind.<span style=""> </span>She had been told by her betrothed husband about the divine dreams he had been given (Matt. 1:20ff), she remembered what she was told by the angel Gabriel (Lk. 1:26ff), she thought about all the contingencies that lead to her having to be in Bethlehem to give birth to her promised Son (Mic. 5:2); and what the shepherds told her about the announcement of the angels (Lk. 2:17).<span style=""> </span>Yes, she was treasuring all these sayings up and <i style="">“pondering them in her heart.”</i><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>She stops to consider the meaning of it all.<span style=""> </span>She did this later in Jesus’ life after they found Him in the temple as a young boy questioning the religious leaders of the day (1:51), and eventually, we see Jesus’ own mother worshipping the very One to whom she gave human birth (Acts 1:14).<span style=""> </span>Her prayerful “pondering” of all those things God had been doing and was going to do through her Divine Son produced in her a steadfast faith that had been foreordained from all eternity!<span style=""> </span>We also have a fantastic end of the story for those lowly shepherds too!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="4" type="I"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The Shepherd’s <b style=""><i style="">Rejoiced </i></b>because of the <b><i>Truth</i></b> of God (v. 20).</li></ol> <p class="MsoFooter" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><st1:bcv_smarttag st="on"><b>Luke 2:20</b></st1:bcv_smarttag> <i style="">The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them</i>.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoFooter" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoFooter" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">These lowly shepherds had mingled with the lowly Joseph and Mary to see “a Savior, Christ the Lord.”<span style=""> </span>They glorified God that what had been told them by the angel was true and that God’s promised divine Messiah had finally arrived on the world scene.<span style=""> </span>They were like the 72 disciples that Jesus sent out on a preaching mission, whom upon returning (10:17) were “glorifying and praising God” for all the wonderful things that they had seen.<a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>And it is this attitude of giving glory to God in the midst of a humble, lowly situation that was characteristic of the first Advent of Christ! </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <h1>Conclusion</h1> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Brothers and sisters, have you given due honor, praise, and glory to God for the greatest gift the world has ever known or have you become ensnared by the idols of materialism and selfishness that are so prevalent during the Advent season?<span style=""> </span>Have you continually sought to give glory to God by faithfully proclaiming as well as living out the truth of God’s sovereign grace in your lives?<span style=""> </span>Have you, like Mary sought to <i style="">carefully meditate</i> and <i style="">consider</i> God’s active hand in your life or have you become dull, insensitive, and ignorant of God’s dealings in your life?<span style=""> </span>Do you rejoice at the giving of the greatest Gift the world has ever known or will know, or have traded the beauty of the Divine Savior for a mess of materialistic pottage?<span style=""> </span>Oh brothers and sisters, I admonish you to repent and turn from your dependence on material things, for they <i style="">will</i> rust and corrupt, they can be <i style="">stolen</i> by thieves, they can be repossessed by the empires of this world.<span style=""> </span>But the greatest gift the world has ever known, “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (v. 11) can <i style="">never</i> be taken away from you, for He is the giver of all things, and in Him we find the greatest display of God’s love for your sorry soul.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <div style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /><hr style="font-size: 78%;" align="left" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Walter L. Liefeld, <i style="">The Expositor’s Bible Commentary</i>, Vol. 8, Luke, (Grand Rapids, MI:<span style=""> </span>Zondervan, 1984), 845.<span style=""> </span>It is important also to note that Liefeld points out that by setting up a rival celebration, another pagan celebration called “Sol Invictus” or the </p> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style=""> </span>“Unconquerable Sun” was indeed conquered by the celebration of the nativity. </p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style=""> I have found it very difficult to see why events and practices from someone else, in a far distant past, unknown (or at least not taken <o:p></o:p>seriously one way or another) by myself and all my 'pagan' acquaintances (cf. <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">1 Cor. 10</st1:bcv_smarttag>), and of no logical connection to the modern <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style=""> </span>implements of the celebration of the Advent season (i.e., Christmas trees) should enslave me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> http://www.bible.org/docs/soapbox/4versions.htm</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn4"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> I.e:<span style=""> </span>“The Purpose Driven” this and that type philosophy which has run rampant in such as books with the titles, “The Purpose Driven Life, The Purpose Driven Church, etc.”</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn5"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="">This <i style="">decree </i>would’ve been sent via the Roman Senate because the phrase "from the emperor” indicates that .<span style=""> </span>Octavian was Caesar <o:p></o:p>from 27 B.C. to A.D. 14.<span style=""> </span>He was known for his administrative prowess.<span style=""> </span>The passive infinitive verb</span> <span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><span style="">(<i style="">apographesthai</i>) <o:p></o:p>translated “should be registered” (so <st1:translation_smarttag st="on">ESV</st1:translation_smarttag>, NKJ) is regarded as a technical term for official registration in tax & military lists (cf. <o:p></o:p>BDAG 108 s.v.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><span style="">).</span><o:p></o:p></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn6"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="">Josephus (<i style="">Ant. </i>18.1.1 [18.1–2]) only mentions a census in A.D. 6, which is obviously way too late for this setting.<span style=""> </span>Such a census <o:p></o:p>would have been a massive undertaking; it could have started under one ruler and emerged under another, to whose name it became <o:p></o:p>attached. <span style=""> </span>This is one possibility to explain the data.<span style=""> </span>Another is that Quirinius, who became governor in <st2:place st="on"><st2:country-region st="on">Syria</st2:country-region></st2:place> for the later census, <o:p></o:p>may have been merely an administrator for this census. </span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn7"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Aramaic paraphrases of the OT originating in the last few centuries BC, and committed to writing about AD 500. See F.F. Bruce,<em> The Books and the Parchments,</em> Fleming H. Revell Co., Westwood, p. 133, Rev. Ed. 1963; Gleason L. Archer, <em>Encyclopedia of <o:p></o:p>Bible Difficulties</em>, Zondervan, <st2:place st="on"><st2:city st="on">Grand Rapids</st2:city>, <st2:state st="on">Michigan</st2:state></st2:place>, 1982; W. Ramsay, <em>Bearing of Recent Discoveries on the Trustworthiness of <o:p></o:p>the New Testament</em>, Baker, Grand Rapids, Michigan, pp. 223 ff, 1953.<span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn8"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Nigel Turner, <i style="">Grammatical Insights into the New Testament</i> (<st2:place st="on"><st2:city st="on">Edinburgh</st2:city></st2:place>:<span style=""> </span>T. & T. Clark, 1966), 23-24, edem, <i style="">Syntax</i>, 32.<span style=""> </span>Also, New Testament scholar N.T. Wright<a name="f34"></a> points out that <span style="font-size: 130%;">πρώτος</span> (<em>prōtos</em>) not only means “first”, but when followed by the genitive can mean “before” (cf. Jn. 1:15, 15:18).<span style=""> </span>Cf. N.T. Wright, <em>Who was Jesus</em>, SPCK, <st2:place st="on"><st2:country-region st="on">Great Britain</st2:country-region></st2:place>, p. 89, 1992.<span style=""> </span>This book is an excellent critique by a New Testament scholar of the three recent anti-Christian books: 1) Barbara Thiering, <em>Jesus the Man: A New Interpretation from <o:p></o:p>the Dead Sea Scrolls</em>; 2) A.N. Wilson, <em>Jesus</em>, Sinclair-Stevenson, <st2:place st="on"><st2:city st="on">London</st2:city></st2:place>, 1992; 3) J.S. Spong, <em>Born of a Woman: A Bishop Rethinks <o:p></o:p>the Birth of Jesus</em>, HarperSanFrancisco, 1992.</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn9"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> W. Ramsay, <em>Bearing of Recent Discoveries on the Trustworthiness of the New Testament</em>, Baker, <st2:place st="on"><st2:city st="on">Grand Rapids</st2:city>, <st2:state st="on">Michigan</st2:state></st2:place>, p. 222, 1953.</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn10"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> For detailed positive evaluations of this historico-critical problem online, see <a href="http://www.tektonics.org/af/censuscheck.html">http://www.tektonics.org/af/censuscheck.html</a> and</p> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.christian-thinktank.com/quirinius.html">http://www.christian-thinktank.com/quirinius.html</a><span style=""> </span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn11"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ex. 14:31; 1 Sam. 12:18; 1 Kings 18:3; 1 Chron. 16:25; Psa. 47:2; 76:11; 96:4; Jon. 1:16; Mal. 1:14, 3:16.<span style=""> </span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn12"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Strack and Billerbeck, <i style="">Kommentar zum Neuen Testament aus Talmud und Midrasch</i>., Vol. II, 113.</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn13"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> I am in no way disparaging those who live in mobile homes with this observation.<span style=""> </span>I am simply pointing to the fact that just as people are stereotypically mislabeled <i style="">today</i> by the conditions they live and work by other sinful people who think they are better off materially, so it was with the field shepherds in 1<sup>st</sup> century <st2:city st="on"><st2:place st="on">Palestine</st2:place></st2:city>.</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn14"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> William Hendriksen, <i style="">New Testament Commentary on Luke</i>, (Grand Rapids, MI:<span style=""> </span>Baker Book House, 1978), 149.<span style=""> </span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn15"> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style=""> </span><span style="font-size: 130%;">fobei/sqe</span><span style=""> is the present middle imperative 2nd person plural (deponent) verb from</span> <span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><b style=""> </b><o:p></o:p></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn16"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> This phrase in verse 14, “Glory to God in the highest” is what has been traditionally known as the <i style="">Gloria in Excelsis Deo</i>, translated from the old Latin Vulgate Bible.<span style=""> </span>See footnote at <st1:bcv_smarttag st="on">Luke 2:14</st1:bcv_smarttag> in the <st1:translation_smarttag st="on"><i style="">NASB</i></st1:translation_smarttag><i style=""> Study Bible</i> (Grand Rapids, MI:<span style=""> </span>Zondervan, 1999), 1463.<span style=""> </span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn17"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Bruce M. Metzger, <i style="">A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament</i>, (Stuttgart, Germany:<span style=""> </span>German Bible Society, 1994), 111.<span style=""> </span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn18"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid.<span style=""> </span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn19"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Hendriksen, 156.<span style=""> </span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn20"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ibid., 158.<span style=""> </span></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn21"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Walter L. Liefeld, <i style="">The Expositor’s Bible Commentary</i>, Vol. 8, Luke, 847.<span style=""> </span></p> </div> </div> </div> <em style="font-family: arial;">posted by Dusman at <a href="http://graceinthetriad.blogspot.com/2006/12/proper-commemoration-of-incarnation_24.html" title="permanent link">1:28 PM</a></em><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" ></span><p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Piedmont Freethought Association PFA Atheist Greensboro Athiest site Atheist Group Athiest Yahoo Group </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Eric Harrington </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Eric Harrington </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Eric Harrington </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Eric Harrington </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Eric Harrington </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Eric Harrington </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Eric Harrington </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Eric Harrington </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Eric Harrington </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Piedmont Freethought Association </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Piedmont Freethought Association </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Piedmont Freethought Association </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Piedmont Freethought Association </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Piedmont Freethought Association </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Piedmont Freethought Association </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Piedmont Freethought Association </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >Piedmont Freethought Association </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Piedmont Freethought Association</span> </span></p>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-74757697341746294222007-01-23T10:46:00.003-05:002007-01-23T10:46:38.249-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6244/2209/1600/170173/squid.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6244/2209/320/786156/squid.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://news.yahoo.com/photo/061222/photos_sc/2006_12_22t033952_450x300_us_squid_giant_japan">Japanese researcher discovers charter captain to have evolved!</a><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://news.yahoo.com/photo/061222/photos_sc/2006_12_22t033952_450x300_us_squid_giant_japan"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://news.yahoo.com/photo/061222/photos_sc/2006_12_22t033952_450x300_us_squid_giant_japan" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"In this photograph, Tsunemi Kubodera, chief of Division of Invertebrate Zoology at the National Science Museum of Japan, sits behind his charter boat captain, who has fallen to macro evolution. Kong-chi Hwakawa was setting anchor when his wristwatch caught in a 725 meter anchor line. When Tsunemi recovered the sailor, the pressure and time triggered a primordial event in which Kong-chi transmogrified to the form of a Giant Squid.<br /><br /><br />This history making Darwinian event occurred during a research junket on a boat off Ogasawara Islands, Japan, on December 4, 2006 while searching for data relating to plankton migration and ocean temperature change following the tsunami season in the pacific. The sailor who previously measured 1.16 meters in height, when winched aboard was about 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) long and about 50 kg (110 lbs). Tsuenemi says Kong-chi was caught by the clasp on his Rolex Submariner in the anchor line at a depth of 650 metres (2132.5 feet) while taking on samples for research just off the continental shelf near the Islands." (National Science Museum of Japan/Handout/Reuters)</span>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-46819334117598613882007-01-23T10:46:00.001-05:002007-01-23T10:46:05.320-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jesuschristsavior.net/Unborn.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://jesuschristsavior.net/Unborn.jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:180%;" >Rejoice!</span><br /></div><br />This greeting to believers in Jesus Christ, saved by the Grace of God through Faith is an appropriate alternative for the common 'hello'. During this advent season, use this greeting to encourage others to look to Jesus Christ, his holiness and the reconciliation for the elect via his penal substitutionary atonement. The birth is nothing without the death, burial, resurrection and ascension and subsequent return of King Jesus!<br /><br />Many of you are aware of our interaction with the Piedmont Freethought Association (<a href="http://www.piedmontfreethoughtassociation.org/">PFA</a>) in Guilford county. Personally, I have enjoyed the opportunity to get to know at least four of the members. They are regular attenders, and have been kind-of-reluctantly-kind to me. I could be considered an alien, rightfully so as my Christian Worldview is in opposition to the atheistic autonomous worldview that each have adopted. I've recently decided to invite Pastor Dustin S. Segers and a few others to visit, if they have interest and prayerful concern for lost people in our area. They've been interested to see the questions and interactions between this group, and have appreciated the conversation.<br /><br />While not for the faint of mind, this is a great place to interact with the community for incurable God-Lovers.<br /><br />Tonight's issue was paradox. How do atheists and agnostics deal with paradox?<br /><br />Christians have little problem reducing paradox to a decision that the Scriptures do not answer. One proposed today was that of murder and suicide; the murderer taking their own life before the actual death of the victim. The paradox that is proposed to the atheist is two fold, (although we only got to the first fold tonight,..)<br /><br />1) Abortion is murder<br />2) Killing the disabled is murder<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.catholiceducation.org/images/Science/baby.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.catholiceducation.org/images/Science/baby.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />These paradox-es are notably difficult for the atheist as they must identify a human being, regardless of its<br />Size, level of development; environment or degree of dependency. The problem is not one for the Christian as life and humanity is NOT discerned by lesser or greater degrees of any of those categories. God plans and knows the individual before time and temporal life begins at conception, Biblically;<br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:bcv_smarttag><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;">Psalms 139:13-16</span></st1:bcv_smarttag><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;"><br />Isaiah 49:1<br />Gospel of Luke 1:39-44<br />Galatians 1:15<br />Ephesians 1:3-4</span></p><span style="color:navy;"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></span>One perspective atheists use is the determination of sentience or consciousness. This characteristic begs the same question. It also provides a paradox, the perception of the consciousness, and unconsciousness. Take Terry Schiavo for example. How about the disabled, maimed, mentally ill. Can the atheist draw the consciousness line clearly? Impersonally? OBJECTIVELY? And if so, by what standard.<br /><br />Should this fighter not be provided medical assistance as he is no longer human because he's KO'd?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/cmogg/knocked_out.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 157px;" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/cmogg/knocked_out.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There's the problem of autonomy. Selfishness and mistakes have temporal consequences, to say nothing of the violation of the IMAGE OF GOD IN EVERY CREATED MAN AND WOMAN.<br /><br />The difficulty of the atheist standards are impossible to answer this paradox, which is no paradox at all when the God of the Scriptures is the authority. Always ask the question: What is it? God answers the life questions clearly, and perfectly.<br /><br />May God be honored by the apologetic to the God hating community, and may He save some by His Grace, through Faith, not of works, lest any man boast.<br /><br /><br /><b><i><span style="color:navy;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></span></i></b>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-24325287191798896762007-01-23T10:45:00.001-05:002007-01-23T10:45:36.473-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6244/2209/1600/760633/Kennie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6244/2209/320/583451/Kennie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Amos 8:11-13</span><br /></span><div><span class="875492715-02122006"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Arial;" ><br /></span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><em><span class="sup" id="en-NASB-22493" style="font-size:100%;">11</span><span style="font-size:100%;">"Behold, days are coming," declares the Lord GOD, "When I will send a famine</span> on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger from sea to sea And from the north even to the east; They will go to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, But they will not find it. "In that day the beautiful virgins And the young men will faint from thirst.<br /><br /></em></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >The effects of failing to teach and preach expositionally have been experienced by each of us. We simply don't have the will to think deeply (</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Joshua 1:8</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >) about the scriptures when imagery (video, PowerPoint and drama) is used to renew our mind, (Romans 12:1-2) and teach what is "in" the text. It is necessary to think, and thinking is a skill that is not taught in the modern day "church". In the past many of us experienced and then realized that Hollywood movies like the "Passion of the Christ" are the tool of the modern day "evangelist". As such, they fall woefully short of the ability of expositional, verse by verse preaching and the activity of the Holy Spirit enabling the believer when studying and thinking deeply about the text. Thank you Pastor Dustin for faithful preaching and to you, our church body for Family Bible Study wherein we know the truth by the Grace of God to the Glory of The Holy Spirit as He works in us to not only know, but to also will and obey.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />I know it takes time and effort. I've had to work thru and am still working thru the discipline that is necessary to think deeply about the Scripture and making the necessary time and hard work to do so. I want to recognize that difficult effort and exhort all of us to work hard to think deeply about the Word of God, therefore having the understanding that the Holy Spirit works in us and to His Glory. Below are a few quotes from a typical postmodern, evangellyfish, mystic ministry that applauds the movie as the basis for an understanding of the "truth" that should rightly come from the Holy Spirit renewing the mind and the efforts and discipline of deep thought concerning the text of the Scripture. No apologies for naming a well know and trusted ministry (Romans 16:17-18) we must get used to it, it's the right thing to do, that is to "mark" them.<br /><br />While I will take the time to expand on the bold issues in the following email, it will likely be well into the new year to do it justice. Won't you email me your comments or hit the church blog to comment on the following email. While I have made bold the text that is problematic, note the underlined text for favorable, accurate comments too.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />God bless you as you examine the advent of Jesus Christ as he took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). By the way, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span class="718012016-02122006">Attend full length movies for entertainment not for Bible teaching or evangelism. </span></span></span></span></div><blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"> <div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="875492715-02122006"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></span></div> <div align="left"> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;">Pastor Sterling VanDerwerker</span></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;">Shepherd's Fellowship of Greensboro</span></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;">Sovereign Grace Baptist Church</span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="mailto:sterling@royaldiadem.com">sterling@royaldiadem.com</a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.graceinthetriad.com/">www.graceinthetriad.com</a></span></span></p><br /></div><div><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:85%;" >-----Original Message-----<br /><b>From:</b> Shadow Mountain Community Church<br /><b>Sent:</b> Friday, December 01, 2006 6:57 PM<br /><b>To:</b> Sterling VanDerwerker<br /><b>Subject:</b> Love from your Pastor<span class="875492715-02122006"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Arial;" > </span></span></span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:85%;" ><span class="875492715-02122006"></span></span> </div> <div><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:85%;" ><span class="875492715-02122006"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Dear Sterling,<br /><br /></span> <div class="Section1"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > <div class="Section1"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >December 1<sup>st</sup> brings us into the intense period of the year we know as “The Christmas Season.”<span style=""> </span><strong>We initiated the season</strong> last night by going to see <i>“The Nativity Story.”</i><span style=""> </span>Over two thousand of us viewed this film, and I was there after the first showing to catch your reactions.<span style=""> </span>Here is what I remember about your comments:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <ul><li> <div class="Level1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >“I cried throughout much of the film.”</span></div> </li><li> <div class="Level1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >“This made the story of our Savior’s birth <strong>come alive for me</strong>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div> </li><li> <div class="Level1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >“<strong>I saw Joseph and Mary for the first time as real people</strong>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div> </li><li> <div class="Level1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >“Thank you, Pastor, for encouraging us to see this <strong>film</strong>.<span style=""> </span><strong>It changed the meaning of Christmas</strong> for us.”<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div> </li><li> <div class="Level1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >“<strong>I can’t believe all that Mary and Joseph went through</strong> to be obedient to God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div> </li><li> <div class="Level1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >“I hope <strong>everyone in our church</strong> gets to see this movie.”<o:p></o:p></span></div></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Today the movie opens in 3,000 theatres in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> and over 8,000 theaters world-wide.<span style=""> </span><strong>Let’s pray that it will have a successful weekend at the box office</strong>.<span style=""> </span>Every time a faith-based film succeeds, it opens the door for additional quality films.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Even <u>the New York Times, a notoriously liberal paper</u>, had good things to say about this movie:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >“<u>Rather than trying to reinterpret or modernize a well-known cherished story</u>, <strong>the filmmakers have rendered it with a quiet, unassuming professionalism</strong>...”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >If you did not get to the movie this weekend,<strong> I hope you will make an effort to see it</strong> soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >This weekend, we continue with our “Why The Nativity Series.” “Why <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city>?” is my message for Saturday night and Sunday morning.<span style=""> </span><u>Seven hundred years before Jesus was born in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city> the prophet Micah predicted that it would happen</u>.<span style=""> </span>But why?<span style=""> </span>Why would God choose such a place for the birth of His Son?<span style=""> </span>We will explore some of the answers to that question this weekend at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Shadow</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Please remember also that this weekend is our December <u>celebration of the Lord’s Supper</u>.<span style=""> </span><u>Let’s come to the services </u><strong><u>prepared</u> to draw the line between the cradle and the cross</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >When you come on campus for the weekend events, you will see <strong>the Grand Central Theme</strong> everywhere.<span style=""> </span>The “<st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Rockefeller</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>” skating rink is up and already in use.<span style=""> </span>When you walk into the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Worship</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>, the entire <strong>stage</strong> area has been made ready for the Christmas production.<span style=""> </span>It is the most massive and realistic set we have ever used, and <strong>if you weren’t already excited about the Christmas production, this ought to do it</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >By the way, there are still <strong>tickets available</strong> for the Christmas production.<span style=""> </span>You can see what is still available by going to the website which is www.shadowmountain.org/christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >I have been asked to remind you that this would be a great time to use shuttle parking for the weekend services.<span style=""> </span>What we have done in the parking area in front of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Worship</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> has taken some parking spots so we need to compensate for that with off-site parking.<span style=""> </span>Thanks for helping us with this.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Finally, I want to <strong>urge you to attend</strong> the Sunday night service.<span style=""> </span>Our <strong>children are presenting</strong> their Christmas production, “Miracle on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main Street</st1:address></st1:street>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Thanks to the over five hundred of you who brought back bags of food to <u>help us feed the hungry</u> during this season.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >The <strong>skating rink experience</strong> will be available throughout the month of December from 4 till 10 pm each day.<span style=""> </span>The charge for this event is simply to help cover the cost of making it available.<span style=""> </span>We have been given some gifts to take the edge off of the expense.<span style=""> </span><strong>Our costs for skating are less than half of all the other venues where this is happening</strong>--<span style=""> </span>$5 for children, $10 for adults and $20 for entire families.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Please let us know if you are aware of families for whom this charge will be a challenge, and we will help them.<span style=""> </span><strong>We don’t want anyone to be left out because of the cost of the event</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Love from your Pastor,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >David Jeremiah<o:p></o:p></span></p> </span></div> </span><br /></span></div></blockquote>Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297380265690127971.post-35719420918768238662007-01-23T10:44:00.002-05:002007-01-23T10:45:01.950-05:00I had the pleasure of a call in to the internet broadcast "The Narrow Mind" hosted and produced by Pastor Gene Cook (PGC). I recommend the broadcast to you. Good information and challenges to the non covenant thinker when PGC represents a good covenant paradigm. (I'm not a covenant thinker).<br /><br />PGC's blog had an interesting flame from an atheist which follows (and while I dont know who this is, I bet he/she are consistent and not as challenging in person - as he/she will reflect the knowledge of God and right and wrong when dealing interpersonally, therefore not as aggressive in person.)<br /><br />So I will post a few responses later this afternoon.Sterling VanDerwerkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10035741191210842460noreply@blogger.com0