For years, the debate over modesty has ravaged the church. What is modesty? What does it mean to dress modestly? Does every inch of skin except for the hands and face need to be covered? What does the Bible really say? Should women wear pants or not? What can men not wear?
The church women have always complained that they get treated unfairly because they can wear pants, skirts, or shorts. But men, well, our options are limited (pants/shorts), until now....
The man skirt...
Business Unusual: Work That Skirt! - Entrepreneur.com
Posted using ShareThis
This was absolutely amazing to me! Pretty sick...
check them out at utilikilt.com
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Rule of 5
This morning at church, Dr. John Maxwell, taught on generosity in a message titled "Pay it Forward". One of his points to be generous was to take action; part of taking action is following the Rule of 5.
If there is a big tree to be removed, and the farmer goes out once a day and takes 5 chops at it with his axe, eventually the tree will fall. On the day that the tree falls, the farmer is no better at using an ox, he wasn't any stronger, he didn't do anything different or special on the day the tree fell, he simply kept at it everyday until it was accomplished.
That is the key to taking action and being met with success, just do something, do it every day. This is my weakness, I have a lot of really great ideas, however, most of them never get started, the ones that do never get finished. We worry about everything being done just right, or for everything to be done in the right timing. All we really need to do is a little every day, starting where we are.
If there is a big tree to be removed, and the farmer goes out once a day and takes 5 chops at it with his axe, eventually the tree will fall. On the day that the tree falls, the farmer is no better at using an ox, he wasn't any stronger, he didn't do anything different or special on the day the tree fell, he simply kept at it everyday until it was accomplished.
That is the key to taking action and being met with success, just do something, do it every day. This is my weakness, I have a lot of really great ideas, however, most of them never get started, the ones that do never get finished. We worry about everything being done just right, or for everything to be done in the right timing. All we really need to do is a little every day, starting where we are.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Secret Information of Utmost Importance...Coming Soon!
Something that really "grinds my gears"...
All these great authors write books (non-fiction), because they feel that they have important information/solutions/insight that all people should know. That's awesome! Thank-you so much. But, in order to receive this life-changing information you'll have to pay anywhere from $14.99-21.99.
If the message is so important, and life-changing (and it should be, if people are going to spend time reading it), then why not provide it for free. Free online or in print. If the message produces life change then people should be happy to freely contribute/donate to the authors vision.
It reminds of the news on TV, " ...at 11 we reveal local restaurants that have failed health inspections due to rampant rat infestations..." What!? What if I am planning on eating at this "mystery" restaurant at 6? Now I have to wait until 11:00 at night to find out why I suddenly feel ill. How important is that bit of news?
All these great authors write books (non-fiction), because they feel that they have important information/solutions/insight that all people should know. That's awesome! Thank-you so much. But, in order to receive this life-changing information you'll have to pay anywhere from $14.99-21.99.
If the message is so important, and life-changing (and it should be, if people are going to spend time reading it), then why not provide it for free. Free online or in print. If the message produces life change then people should be happy to freely contribute/donate to the authors vision.
It reminds of the news on TV, " ...at 11 we reveal local restaurants that have failed health inspections due to rampant rat infestations..." What!? What if I am planning on eating at this "mystery" restaurant at 6? Now I have to wait until 11:00 at night to find out why I suddenly feel ill. How important is that bit of news?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
7 Faith Tribes
George Barna identifies the seven faith tribes that make up the American identity; Casual Christians, Captive Christians, American Jews, Mormons, Pantheists, Muslims, and Skeptics. He delves deeply into these tribes and outlines the way they think, what they value, and why they matter.
I was especially struck by his description of the casual Christians. These are the "Christians" that show up to church (usually), but that is about as deep as it goes. They don't desire closeness with God, they don't really spend any time in personal devotions, they are more concerned with the material (wealth, fame, health, etc.), and self-improvement.
A lot of churches/pastors seem to cater to this Christian more than try to grow them to become a Captive Christian (the Christian whose main goal in life is Christ like-ness, not earthly pursuits). The casual Christian is the one who is happy to attend the church that mainly preaches "how to..." sermons, the preachers that put on a motivational seminar every Sunday. Those preachers are the ones that attract large crowds of casuals.
The main point of the book is that, although there are all these different belief systems that make up America, there is common ground that we all share. In order for the American people to take back our country, and return it to the greatness it once was we need to rally around our 20 shared values:
1. Represent the truth well.
2. Develop inner peace and purity.
3. Seek peace with others.
4. Demonstrate wisdom.
5. Be forgiving.
6. Practice self-restraint.
7. Get yourself together before criticizing.
8. Invest in young people.
9. Respect life.
10. Treat others how you want to be treated.
11. Be a good citizen.
12. Justify people's respect.
13. Avoid harmful behavior.
14. Honor the elderly.
15. Be generous.
16. Do not judge or condemn others.
17. Be mutually respectful of human rights.
18. Cultivate civility.
19. Belong to a caring community.
20. Facilitate basic skills.
With the great emphasis placed on leadership, it is easy to forget how to follow. However, in order to maintain the strength of America we need to learn to support our leaders, by following them. Twelve commitments of great followers are:
1. Know what you're looking for in a leader.
2. Live and die for the vision.
3. Refuse to settle for anything but the best.
4. Provide constructive feedback.
5. Hold leaders to the highest reasonable standards - and expect them to do the same with you.
6. Always place community interest above self-interest.
7. Be proud of your leaders.
8. Become a great team player.
9. Perform your duties with excellence.
10. Add value all the time.
11. Focus on the future.
12. Keep growing personally.
In the later chapters of the book, Barna outlines how we must recommission the media (tell them what we want, not just suffer through mindless entertainment, and bad news) and step up the families contribution (be the parents, stop outsourcing our kids, stop using the excuse of, "I do the best I can").
He presents a vision for restoring America. Barna reminds us that through adversity Americans have always come out on top.
"What we need in the United States is not division, what we need in the Unite States is not hatred, what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but is love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black...tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world." -Sen. Robert Kennedy, on the assassination of Martin Luther King.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
"WE"
A student ministries pastor, and friend of mine, Jarm Turner, sent me this:
We are kicking this “WE” series off this week in Crossings and we are using this story of “Into the Wild” as an illustration. Great Book Great Movie if you have not seen it. VERY POWERFUL STORY of a young man who thought it best to go at it alone and right when he had enough of isolation and tried to get back to the relationships he left behind – he found himself trapped in the Alaskan wilderness.
Here is the clip of his final moments depicted in the movie:
Here is the story: Great stuff when talking about community and isolation:
In 1990, Christopher McCandless was just a recent graduate from Emory University. After leaving Atlanta following his college commencement, Chris set out on a quest for independence. He changed his name, cut off contact with his family, donated all his savings to charity and abandoned his car. Inspired by writers like Jack London and Henry David Thoreau, Chris thought that if he set out to live in the wilderness of Alaska alone, he would experience freedom, achieve the ultimate, complete independence from people and a pure union with nature. After hitchhiking and journeying south, west and north, he ended up at the culmination of his dream—in the wilds of Alaska, on the Stampede Trail. He brought ten pounds of rice, a .22 caliber rifle, a camera, several boxes of rifle rounds, some camping gear and a journal. He didn’t take a map or a compass. In his mind, this was as authentic a trip as he could make to experience the ideals of the wilderness. And he thought the truest expression of this would be to do it alone.
Chris lasted 112 days in the Alaska wilderness. He was dead for two and a half weeks before his body was found in early September by a group of moose hunters, and even then the cause of death was uncertain. Apparently Chris either died of starvation or from eating a poisoned seed plant. His story is the literal picture of our inability to do life alone. In the bestselling book Into the Wild (1996) by Jon Krakauer, where Chris’s story is told, the reader gets the impression that towards the end of his life, even Chris started to realize the need for people. Just days before dying, after having finished the reading and rereading of some of his favorite books, Chris writes, “An unshared happiness is not happiness . . . happiness is only real when shared” Just days earlier, Chris had made his first attempt to leave his campsite only to find himself trapped by a raging river moving too fast and being too cold to swim. He confessed in his journal to being scared . . . afraid . . . and lonely. At one point, Christopher felt as though being alone was the best way to live. He felt that being in the wild completely alone was true freedom. He was convinced that by escaping the real world, government, society and people, he would be able to find answers and a better, easier life. But his journal, his books, his notes seem to suggest he didn’t die thinking this way. They seem to hint at the fact that shortly after it was too late, he understood the need for people, the comfort of community. Christopher McCandless is remembered as a failed attempt to make it alone.
"Ask me how you can be a voice for the next generation."
Jarm Turner
Student Ministry Pastor
St. Mark's Church
http://www.stmarkschurch.org/
336-584-8983 Ext 13 - Office
336-693-6755 - Cell
We are kicking this “WE” series off this week in Crossings and we are using this story of “Into the Wild” as an illustration. Great Book Great Movie if you have not seen it. VERY POWERFUL STORY of a young man who thought it best to go at it alone and right when he had enough of isolation and tried to get back to the relationships he left behind – he found himself trapped in the Alaskan wilderness.
Here is the clip of his final moments depicted in the movie:
Here is the story: Great stuff when talking about community and isolation:
In 1990, Christopher McCandless was just a recent graduate from Emory University. After leaving Atlanta following his college commencement, Chris set out on a quest for independence. He changed his name, cut off contact with his family, donated all his savings to charity and abandoned his car. Inspired by writers like Jack London and Henry David Thoreau, Chris thought that if he set out to live in the wilderness of Alaska alone, he would experience freedom, achieve the ultimate, complete independence from people and a pure union with nature. After hitchhiking and journeying south, west and north, he ended up at the culmination of his dream—in the wilds of Alaska, on the Stampede Trail. He brought ten pounds of rice, a .22 caliber rifle, a camera, several boxes of rifle rounds, some camping gear and a journal. He didn’t take a map or a compass. In his mind, this was as authentic a trip as he could make to experience the ideals of the wilderness. And he thought the truest expression of this would be to do it alone.
Chris lasted 112 days in the Alaska wilderness. He was dead for two and a half weeks before his body was found in early September by a group of moose hunters, and even then the cause of death was uncertain. Apparently Chris either died of starvation or from eating a poisoned seed plant. His story is the literal picture of our inability to do life alone. In the bestselling book Into the Wild (1996) by Jon Krakauer, where Chris’s story is told, the reader gets the impression that towards the end of his life, even Chris started to realize the need for people. Just days before dying, after having finished the reading and rereading of some of his favorite books, Chris writes, “An unshared happiness is not happiness . . . happiness is only real when shared” Just days earlier, Chris had made his first attempt to leave his campsite only to find himself trapped by a raging river moving too fast and being too cold to swim. He confessed in his journal to being scared . . . afraid . . . and lonely. At one point, Christopher felt as though being alone was the best way to live. He felt that being in the wild completely alone was true freedom. He was convinced that by escaping the real world, government, society and people, he would be able to find answers and a better, easier life. But his journal, his books, his notes seem to suggest he didn’t die thinking this way. They seem to hint at the fact that shortly after it was too late, he understood the need for people, the comfort of community. Christopher McCandless is remembered as a failed attempt to make it alone.
"Ask me how you can be a voice for the next generation."
Jarm Turner
Student Ministry Pastor
St. Mark's Church
http://www.stmarkschurch.org/
336-584-8983 Ext 13 - Office
336-693-6755 - Cell
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Revival Call
My personal devotions have been spent in the book of Joel for the last few days. The theme of Joel is revival. Revival to the nation of Israel. Joel opens his book by lamenting Israels plight. A nation that has lost sight of and touch with its God, ground that is no longer fruitful, crops destroyed by locust swarms, people enjoying the lives of sin with no regard for closeness with God.
Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! (Joel 2:1)
Joel begins to call his people back to their God, with this admonition,
Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! (Joel 2:1)
It is important to pause here and look at the significance of the "trumpet". The horn referred to here was most likely the rams horn or shofar. In Hebrew culture the shofar was blown only on certain occasions:
- to summon warriors to battle, and signal the beginning of an attack.
- to summon worshippers to Jerusalem.
- blown by watchmen to indicate important news (of celebration, or disaster)
- on holy occasions (Day of Atonement, return of the Ark, renewal of the covenant, temple worship)
Joel was calling Israel to revival! He was calling them to a spiritual attack, signaling the beginning of a spiritual battle to take back the hearts and minds of the Israelites, and return them to the things of God. He was calling the people to put aside their sinful ways and return to their worship of God, that they once couldn't escape from. Joel was warning of the disaster of life without God.
Joel does not just give warning, he also proclaims the battle plan,
"Now, therefore," says the LORD, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." (Joel 2:12)
Perhaps Joel's call to the Israelites, also serves as a call to Revival for us today. As "Christians" become more and more casual in their relationship with God, happy to come and go to church, without ever experiencing the face and power of God, happy to return home to a life void of devotion to Him, perhaps this is the call that God wants us to heed. The call to revival!
Joel's strategy for battle for the Israelites, is our strategy for revival today. "Turn to Me with all your heart", we have to actively turn our hearts to Him. We need to step away from the distractions, and the things that pull us from His presence, and make a concentrated effort to turn all our heart to Him.
As committed and captive Christians God is calling us to battle. To battle the things of this world, the distractions that draw us away from God, the lack of a "need" to worship, God is calling us to fight for our souls, and the souls of those around us. He is calling us to fight for Revival!
Revival of our hearts will require fasting, weeping, mourning. It will require fervent, dedicated, and focused prayer. It will require weeping, mourning, remorse, and regret over the condition of ours and others souls. It will require a desire to be close to God!
What is it in your life that you need to battle? What actions do you need to take to draw close to the heart of God? What distractions do you need to step away from, so you can see Him more clearly?
In conclusion I would like to close with this story of the Boston Tea Party:
After the Boston Tea Party, the British navy retaliated by blockading the port of Boston. The colonies surrounding Massachusetts responded with sympathy and action. On May 24, 1773, the House of Burgesses in Virginia proposed and approved a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer:
This House, being deeply impressed with apprehension of the great dangers to be derived to British America from the hostile invasion of the city of Boston in our Sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay, whose commerce and harbor are, on the first day of June next, to be stopped by an armed force, deem it highly necessary that the said first day of June be set apart, by the members of this House, as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer, devoutly to implore the Divine interposition, for averting the heavy calamity which threatens destruction to our civil rights and the evils of civil war; to give us one heart and mind firmly opposed, by all just and proper means, every injury to American rights; and that the minds of his Majesty and his Parliament, may be inspired from above with wisdom, moderation, and justice, to remove from the loyal people of America all cause of danger from a continued pursuit of measures pregnant with their ruin. (from The American Patriot's Bible)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
God @ Ramsey
Ramsey Campmeeting was like a breath of fresh air. To experience the presence of God in the "old-fashioned" way. The presence of God that cancels the preaching because people are running and shouting in the aisles, hugging one another, coming to a relationship with Christ, and giving testimony after testimony to the witness of the holy spirit, and the power of God.
The spirit of God met with His people under the anointed ministries of Rev. Terry Walker and Dr. Robert England.
Concerning revival, it was said of the late Charles Spurgeon that, if he had to do his ministry over again he would focus more on revival than evangelism, for if the church is revived then evangelism will happen. What a powerful thought! I was amazed to hear this sermon topic on the first night that I was at this camp meeting, as this is the very issue that God has been speaking to me about! May this be our prayer, that God would send revival to our hearts, and churches, that souls may be saved!
Another interesting sermon was that on, Fresh Oil, taken from Psalm 92:10, "But my horn shalt thou exalt like [the horn of] an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil." O, that our hearts and souls would receive a fresh anointing! When a fresh anointing occurs in our lives it is evidenced by Spiritual Power, Spiritual Profit, and Spiritual Refreshment.
During this brief week I was also introduced to the ministry of Latin American Ministries, which is a mission/outreach to the Guatemalan people. This is an awesome ministry, with a great presentation that lets you experience the heart behind the mission. We are looking forward to partner with this ministry in whatever way God allows (more on this, to come).
Our short vacation was refreshing physically, and reviving spiritually.
The spirit of God met with His people under the anointed ministries of Rev. Terry Walker and Dr. Robert England.
Concerning revival, it was said of the late Charles Spurgeon that, if he had to do his ministry over again he would focus more on revival than evangelism, for if the church is revived then evangelism will happen. What a powerful thought! I was amazed to hear this sermon topic on the first night that I was at this camp meeting, as this is the very issue that God has been speaking to me about! May this be our prayer, that God would send revival to our hearts, and churches, that souls may be saved!
Another interesting sermon was that on, Fresh Oil, taken from Psalm 92:10, "But my horn shalt thou exalt like [the horn of] an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil." O, that our hearts and souls would receive a fresh anointing! When a fresh anointing occurs in our lives it is evidenced by Spiritual Power, Spiritual Profit, and Spiritual Refreshment.
During this brief week I was also introduced to the ministry of Latin American Ministries, which is a mission/outreach to the Guatemalan people. This is an awesome ministry, with a great presentation that lets you experience the heart behind the mission. We are looking forward to partner with this ministry in whatever way God allows (more on this, to come).
Our short vacation was refreshing physically, and reviving spiritually.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Ramsey
This week Kristina and I are headed to Corydon, IN. We will be visiting family and friends, as well as, spending time at Ramsey Campmeeting. We are looking forward to a time of spiritual renewal and revival.
We will return early next week, at that time you can expect a blog report of the moves of God, that we will have experienced.
We will return early next week, at that time you can expect a blog report of the moves of God, that we will have experienced.
Power Shift
I came across this scripture in my devotional time, and was struck by it.
Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. -Deut 34:9
Many churches are in debate over whether or not "laying on of hands" is a Biblical mandate or not. However, there are a couple of things we can take away from this passage of scripture. One, is that the laying on of hands is Biblical. The other is a secret for experiencing the power of God on our lives.
But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face... -Deut 34:10
By following the example of Moses and Joshua we see that at times in our spiritual lives it is essential that we spend time in prayer (with laying on of hands) with those who have attained to a closer walk with Christ than perhaps our own. We see here a transfer of blessing/power.
What are your thoughts on this particular passage?
Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. -Deut 34:9
Many churches are in debate over whether or not "laying on of hands" is a Biblical mandate or not. However, there are a couple of things we can take away from this passage of scripture. One, is that the laying on of hands is Biblical. The other is a secret for experiencing the power of God on our lives.
But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face... -Deut 34:10
By following the example of Moses and Joshua we see that at times in our spiritual lives it is essential that we spend time in prayer (with laying on of hands) with those who have attained to a closer walk with Christ than perhaps our own. We see here a transfer of blessing/power.
What are your thoughts on this particular passage?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Revival
Lately, I have been reading about the great Spiritual revivals of the past. This need for a spiritual revival has been on my heart for some time. I would always mention it during my prayer time. But, as I was reading God's Word, I felt like God was saying to me, "Aaron, if you truly want to experience revival what are you doing about it?"
My mention of revival in my prayer time is not going to bring about spiritual revival in my life, church, community, or nation. However, seriously seeking for revival, and making it a focus of my prayer time/life will contribute to bringing spiritual renewal.
I have been studying the book of Deuteronomy. The more that I read it, the more that I see that it is a book that is very applicable to our Christian lives today. It is really a book all about revival. Deuteronomy is the amazing story of God bringing the Israelites out of the wilderness (physical and spiritual), and into a place of revival (a new land of blessing, a renewed passion for the things of God). Perhaps God is preparing to bring us, our churches, and our nation. out of our spiritual wilderness and into a land of renewal in Him.
My mention of revival in my prayer time is not going to bring about spiritual revival in my life, church, community, or nation. However, seriously seeking for revival, and making it a focus of my prayer time/life will contribute to bringing spiritual renewal.
I have been studying the book of Deuteronomy. The more that I read it, the more that I see that it is a book that is very applicable to our Christian lives today. It is really a book all about revival. Deuteronomy is the amazing story of God bringing the Israelites out of the wilderness (physical and spiritual), and into a place of revival (a new land of blessing, a renewed passion for the things of God). Perhaps God is preparing to bring us, our churches, and our nation. out of our spiritual wilderness and into a land of renewal in Him.
Dr. S.M. Lockridge (rock mix)
A few weeks ago in a sermon series entitled, The Four Faces of God, Dr. Tom Mullins played a clip from this great pastor, Dr. S.M. Lockridge on the who God is...
Friday, July 17, 2009
Clouded Vision
From the blog of Rev. Brian Johnson, Community Wesleyan:
For over a year now my vision had gone from good to poor. My reading had even slowed down because it was just too hard to focus on the words. I went to the ophthalmologist in January and was told that I had a cataract. A cataract is where the lens in your eye becomes foggy. It is like looking out a dirty car window. Thank God for living in the USA and because of our technology, they are able to remove the old lens and put in a new one. I had the surgery on Monday and all went well…I can see clearly again. (though now I need a new glasses prescription).
Where once was a fog, the sun has now shone through and the fog has lifted. A lot of people, spiritually speaking, see life through cataracts, everything is foggy and not real clear. They need to allow the Holy Spirit to correct their vision.
I thought of this passage in Hebrews
5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Many who should be farther up the road than they are now, aren’t because of their foggy vision. Lord, give us clear vision.
For over a year now my vision had gone from good to poor. My reading had even slowed down because it was just too hard to focus on the words. I went to the ophthalmologist in January and was told that I had a cataract. A cataract is where the lens in your eye becomes foggy. It is like looking out a dirty car window. Thank God for living in the USA and because of our technology, they are able to remove the old lens and put in a new one. I had the surgery on Monday and all went well…I can see clearly again. (though now I need a new glasses prescription).
Where once was a fog, the sun has now shone through and the fog has lifted. A lot of people, spiritually speaking, see life through cataracts, everything is foggy and not real clear. They need to allow the Holy Spirit to correct their vision.
I thought of this passage in Hebrews
5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Many who should be farther up the road than they are now, aren’t because of their foggy vision. Lord, give us clear vision.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Founding Fathers
I love history. And I love America! Thought I'd share a little of both as we celebrate Independence Day.
Before I do, let me say a few things. First of all, this isn't meant to be a dissertation. It's a blog. Secondly, I'm not nominating all of our founding fathers for sainthood. Having said that let me say this: there is a lot of revisionist history that totally ignores or distorts the faith of our Founding Fathers. A lot of them were motivated by their faith in Christ.
Here's some back story on some of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most Americans know next to nothing about these fifty-six heroes who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the cause of freedom.
John Witherspoon was an ordained minister and authored several books of sermons, as well as editing America's first family Bible in 1791.
Charles Thomson served as Secretary of Congress and was a Biblical scholar. He helped edit the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint into English.
Charles Carroll, the last of the fifty-six signers to pass away at the age of 95 in 1832, wrote out his declaration of faith at the age of eighty-nine.
On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for my salvation, and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.
Another Founding Father, Benjamin Rush, is considered the "Father of American Medicine." He personally trained three thousand medical students. Dr. Rush also founded "The First Day Society" which was the precursor to the Sunday School movement, as well as founding America's first Bible society. It was Benjamin Rush who said the Constitution was "as much the work of Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament were the effects of divine power."
Francis Hopkinson was a church music director and edited one of the first hymnals printed in America in 1767. He also set 150 psalms to music.
Roger Sherman is the only Founding Father to sign all four of America's Founding documents: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Roger Sherman was also a theologian. He wrote a personal creed that was adopted by his church:
I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.
I could share story after story, but the bottom line is this: many of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their Faith in Christ. They wrote sermons and creeds and hymns. They founded Bible Societies and Sunday Schools. They served God's purposes in their generation. And I, for one, am grateful.
Hope that adds a spiritual dimension to your 4th of July celebration!
Borrowed from the blog of Mark Batterson.
Before I do, let me say a few things. First of all, this isn't meant to be a dissertation. It's a blog. Secondly, I'm not nominating all of our founding fathers for sainthood. Having said that let me say this: there is a lot of revisionist history that totally ignores or distorts the faith of our Founding Fathers. A lot of them were motivated by their faith in Christ.
Here's some back story on some of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most Americans know next to nothing about these fifty-six heroes who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the cause of freedom.
John Witherspoon was an ordained minister and authored several books of sermons, as well as editing America's first family Bible in 1791.
Charles Thomson served as Secretary of Congress and was a Biblical scholar. He helped edit the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint into English.
Charles Carroll, the last of the fifty-six signers to pass away at the age of 95 in 1832, wrote out his declaration of faith at the age of eighty-nine.
On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for my salvation, and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.
Another Founding Father, Benjamin Rush, is considered the "Father of American Medicine." He personally trained three thousand medical students. Dr. Rush also founded "The First Day Society" which was the precursor to the Sunday School movement, as well as founding America's first Bible society. It was Benjamin Rush who said the Constitution was "as much the work of Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament were the effects of divine power."
Francis Hopkinson was a church music director and edited one of the first hymnals printed in America in 1767. He also set 150 psalms to music.
Roger Sherman is the only Founding Father to sign all four of America's Founding documents: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Roger Sherman was also a theologian. He wrote a personal creed that was adopted by his church:
I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.
I could share story after story, but the bottom line is this: many of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their Faith in Christ. They wrote sermons and creeds and hymns. They founded Bible Societies and Sunday Schools. They served God's purposes in their generation. And I, for one, am grateful.
Hope that adds a spiritual dimension to your 4th of July celebration!
Borrowed from the blog of Mark Batterson.
God and America
Our nation was founded on the 7 guiding Biblical principles that all of our founding fathers felt deep conviction over (regardless of their personal relationship with Jesus Christ). Seven principles which our nation has strayed far from.
Principle #1: The Dignity of Human Life
The Declaration of Independence contains words stating that everyone has certain "unalienable rights" among which are "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Matt. 22:39 - You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Principle #2: The Traditional Monogamous Family
Our forefathers held the position that a biblical view of traditional marriage and family is the backbone of a healthy social order.
Gen. 2: 23,24 - And Adam said: "this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Principle #3: A National Work Ethic
Throughout all of America's trials, and economic ups and downs, our strong work ethic is what has gotten us through. We have worked our way through times such as the Great Depression (this economic downturn is long lasting; consistent with the growing lack of work ethic and reliability on government handouts, and other peoples generosity).
2 Thes. 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
Principle #4: The Right to a God-Centered Education
Proverbs 1:7 states that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge". Without this knowledge of God the Creator, there is no foundation for any other type of learning. America has thrown out this foundational education component and have built a system with no firm foundation.
Our great universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth) were founded(by preachers) as a result of Americas Great Awakening(s).
Eph. 6:4 - ...but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Principle #5: The Abrahamic Covenant
The Abrahamic Covenant states that if people and nations obey God (observing His commands and moral truths as set in the Bible), they will be blessed.
Pr. 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
Principle #6: Common Decency
A good nation is made up of good people. Consider these words from the Statue of Liberty, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Principle #7: Our Personal Accountability to God
In order for these other seven principles to fall in line, we must each carry out this one. We must always remember that we will be held personally accountable to God. By remembering this fact, this will guide our every step and decision.
Heb. 9:27 - And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
These are the principles that guided the thought processes of our founding fathers.
As we celebrate our Independence the July 4th, let us remember and reflect upon these 7 principles of Judeo-Christian ethics.
Adapted from, Dr. Richard G. Lee's, "7 Principles of the Judeo-Christian Ethic".
Principle #1: The Dignity of Human Life
The Declaration of Independence contains words stating that everyone has certain "unalienable rights" among which are "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Matt. 22:39 - You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Principle #2: The Traditional Monogamous Family
Our forefathers held the position that a biblical view of traditional marriage and family is the backbone of a healthy social order.
Gen. 2: 23,24 - And Adam said: "this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Principle #3: A National Work Ethic
Throughout all of America's trials, and economic ups and downs, our strong work ethic is what has gotten us through. We have worked our way through times such as the Great Depression (this economic downturn is long lasting; consistent with the growing lack of work ethic and reliability on government handouts, and other peoples generosity).
2 Thes. 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
Principle #4: The Right to a God-Centered Education
Proverbs 1:7 states that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge". Without this knowledge of God the Creator, there is no foundation for any other type of learning. America has thrown out this foundational education component and have built a system with no firm foundation.
Our great universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth) were founded(by preachers) as a result of Americas Great Awakening(s).
Eph. 6:4 - ...but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Principle #5: The Abrahamic Covenant
The Abrahamic Covenant states that if people and nations obey God (observing His commands and moral truths as set in the Bible), they will be blessed.
Pr. 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
Principle #6: Common Decency
A good nation is made up of good people. Consider these words from the Statue of Liberty, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Principle #7: Our Personal Accountability to God
In order for these other seven principles to fall in line, we must each carry out this one. We must always remember that we will be held personally accountable to God. By remembering this fact, this will guide our every step and decision.
Heb. 9:27 - And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
These are the principles that guided the thought processes of our founding fathers.
As we celebrate our Independence the July 4th, let us remember and reflect upon these 7 principles of Judeo-Christian ethics.
Adapted from, Dr. Richard G. Lee's, "7 Principles of the Judeo-Christian Ethic".
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
American Patriot's Bible
In light of our upcoming Independence Day, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend a resource to you. It is, The American Patriot's Bible: The Word of God and the Shaping of America
. Printed in the New King James Version, this Bible is easy to ready, and understand. The Patriot's Bible is loaded with additional information and Biblical helps. This Bible includes various articles scattered through out, all having to do with the forming of our Great Nation. Throughout the text we find articles, notes, and special passages that clearly display how our founding fathers felt about God and America. The articles give us a firm grip on the fact that we are a nation founded on Godly principals.
. Printed in the New King James Version, this Bible is easy to ready, and understand. The Patriot's Bible is loaded with additional information and Biblical helps. This Bible includes various articles scattered through out, all having to do with the forming of our Great Nation. Throughout the text we find articles, notes, and special passages that clearly display how our founding fathers felt about God and America. The articles give us a firm grip on the fact that we are a nation founded on Godly principals. If you wish to "discover biblical truths that formed the foundation of American values", experience spiritual milestones in American history, and examine the intersection of American history and the Christian faith, then this is a must have Bible for the family!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
RSVP
When my wife (Kristina) and I were getting married a couple years ago, we sent out more than 300 invitations. We had about 200 people that actually showed up. Out of all those invitations and all the people that came there were a couple of people that I really wanted to be there. These were people that were important to my life, I would have been disappointed if they had not shown up. These people received an invitation just like all the others, however, I also called these few people on the phone, to make sure they were going to be there, I talked to them face-to-face just so they would know the importance of their presence at my wedding. I made sure they didn't have any problems or issues, I wanted everything to be easy for them so I could be sure they would make it to my "big day". These were people that I wanted to be there, even if nobody else came.
Throughout my church life, I have heard people (myself included) "invite" the presence of God to the service/meeting/gathering. I have heard this "invitation" go out many times, often times I have left the service without this "invitation" being answered. As the church are we content to just invite God to our services, and then leave without ever truly experiencing Him?
It takes more than just a mere invitation. We need to go to God, and beg for His presence, long to experienced His power, we need to prepare our hearts throughout the week (not just at opening prayer time on Sundays) so that conditions are favorable for the presence of God. We need to be hungry for His presence, to the point that it does not matter what else is going on or who else is there. All that matters is that God was there. We are filled with His presence and power.
Or are we just content to come and go without change, content that God did not RSVP our invitation?
Throughout my church life, I have heard people (myself included) "invite" the presence of God to the service/meeting/gathering. I have heard this "invitation" go out many times, often times I have left the service without this "invitation" being answered. As the church are we content to just invite God to our services, and then leave without ever truly experiencing Him?
It takes more than just a mere invitation. We need to go to God, and beg for His presence, long to experienced His power, we need to prepare our hearts throughout the week (not just at opening prayer time on Sundays) so that conditions are favorable for the presence of God. We need to be hungry for His presence, to the point that it does not matter what else is going on or who else is there. All that matters is that God was there. We are filled with His presence and power.
Or are we just content to come and go without change, content that God did not RSVP our invitation?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Disruptive Innovation
Reading Wired magazine this month I came across an article concerning the automotive industry and its demise. Harvard Business School professor, Clayton Christensen believes that the only way the automakers are going to make it is if they apply disruptive innovation. Christensen defines disruptive innovation as a kind of change that alters the trajectory of an industry.
We all have family, friends, co-workers, whose lives seem to be going the way of the auto industry. We watch them consistently make poor choices, that lead them deeper and deeper into a life of self-destruction. I remember as a teenager in high school, being faced with choices and decisions every day and watching my friends respond poorly to these situations. There are so many people (especially young people) whose lives are already in a mess, and in bondage due to unwise decision making.
The only thing that can save these people, and begin to unravel the mess their life has become is a spiritual disruptive innovation.
Philippians 4:8-9 give us the necessary elements for disruptive innovation:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Think how the trajectory of our lives (and the lives of young people) would be changed if we chose to live in peace, if we made every decision based on this passage of scripture. The promise is the the God of peace will be with us.
When I was 18 years old, moving out of the house, starting my own life, a wise person told me, "Remember, the course of your life is not determined by one wrong decision, but by a series of small ones."
Does your life need to go through disruptive innovation?
We all have family, friends, co-workers, whose lives seem to be going the way of the auto industry. We watch them consistently make poor choices, that lead them deeper and deeper into a life of self-destruction. I remember as a teenager in high school, being faced with choices and decisions every day and watching my friends respond poorly to these situations. There are so many people (especially young people) whose lives are already in a mess, and in bondage due to unwise decision making.
The only thing that can save these people, and begin to unravel the mess their life has become is a spiritual disruptive innovation.
Philippians 4:8-9 give us the necessary elements for disruptive innovation:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Think how the trajectory of our lives (and the lives of young people) would be changed if we chose to live in peace, if we made every decision based on this passage of scripture. The promise is the the God of peace will be with us.
When I was 18 years old, moving out of the house, starting my own life, a wise person told me, "Remember, the course of your life is not determined by one wrong decision, but by a series of small ones."
Does your life need to go through disruptive innovation?
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