a blog is a blog, nothing more

It's a Priority Thing

2015-09-17T11:01:00.003-04:00

It has been a few weeks since my last post and I have been pondering quite a lot. The urgency I felt concerning the return of Christ has me asking questions such as “how does one life with a prioritized urgency toward the return of Christ?” The question seems rather cavernous to me. We have all heard the stories of incorrect urgency like date setting, monetary mishaps, and general chaos but the doctrine of the return of Jesus Christ should cause us to live in certain ways with certain priorities.

One idea that crossed my mind was that the urgency of Christ’s return should push us into completing the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). While this is definitely not a new idea and probably is the first thing many of you thought of as well, I pondered the Great Commission in the midst of everyday life. Daily life seems to get in the way of the great commission which then removes the urgency of the return of Christ from thought. This is a problem because the Great Commission is not just for clergy or career missionaries. Again, I admit all these thoughts are not new but current in my mind. I do think that the urgency of Christ’s return is possibly less prominent in modern western Christianity, as a motivation than say general good discipleship practices. We shouldn’t evangelize to be good Christians. We evangelize because Jesus is going to return. Our daily situation should be proven to be opportunistic for evangelism, not limiting. Evangelism can be so many things. One thing, I thought I should mention, is that if your church has evangelism programs or mission outreach, plan on getting involved on some level or increasing your level. Participating in corporate evangelism efforts will raise your awareness on a daily level. If your church doesn’t have an outreach ministry then you could help create one. I am not suggesting a “Billy Graham” sized ministry unless God leads you. Let the urgency of the return of Christ lift your vision and push you on to participating in the Great Commission.

The idea of daily evangelism was confirmed to me through Dan Slade’s Message at New Day Church this past Sunday. Dan taught about multiple styles of evangelism with interesting stories about God’s grace to bring people into relationship with Him. I would recommend that you listen to the teaching when you can. (www.newdaychurchsc.com)

Jesus is coming again. He will appear and every eye will see Him (Rev 1:7) As Christians we need to remember this and let it fill our lives with hopeful expectancy. The Bible is clear that we should be motivated to live with the return of Christ as our priority. I am still working on reprioritizing my life and thought processes to fit this mandate and I hope you will too.

If you are reading this blog and you have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ or have not believed for yourself, I want you to know that Yahweh is real and He loves you and has purposed to be in relationship with you. Believe and be saved

Like an Ideal in the Night

2015-08-29T12:00:00.002-04:00

Last night I had a conversation with Jesus. The conversation was born out of several circumstances with the prominent one being that I was awake attempting to cuddle a baby back to sleep at 3 A.M. Several memories of my childhood and fears born out of those memories led me to pray for my children, that they would not go through the same things that I did and In my prayer I expressed to Jesus something that is not typical of my prayer life or even my personal inclination. I told Him that the best answer would be His return, His second coming. I immediately was aware of the statement I made and I had a thought flood my mind which was “prepare them”. I believe with certainty this was the voice of God expressing urgency about His return not only to me and my children but to anyone who will listen.

While I was awake I pondered the urgency I felt and several ideas and motivations began to form in my mind. I began to recall stories and parables of Christ that dealt with His return. Specifically the parable of the ten virgins (Matt 25:1-13) and the parable of the wedding banquet (Matt 22:1-14) came to my recollection. I, also, began to sense a general purpose and message for my own life, as a teacher and equipper of the saints, being formulated. The question of my personal message had been on my mind since I shared my teachings on John the Baptist which you can read in earlier posts on this blog.

So with the Biblical evidences presenting themselves and a personal motivation being fulfilled I began to try to gather a feeling or emotion behind God’s urgency. I began to recall the Apostle Paul admonishing the Thessalonians to expectancy of the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:3-5). I believe that God is challenging me to live with the expectancy of His return in the forefront of my life which has not always (or ever) been the case. I have fallen into a trap of complacency, living day to day with a far off hope for the return of Christ or simply the belief that I will live out my life and meet Jesus after death. Living with a new expectancy will change my life and currently, I am not sure how much. I want to be careful and clear about my experience so far, while I felt urgency, I did not feel condemnation or even correction. I felt that God was replacing one ideal with another.

I don’t know how this will work out or how life will look as this ideal takes root and grows but I do know that I now have a new desire to live with the expectancy of Christ’s return and I know that I was suppose to share my experience and thoughts even as newborn as they are. Hopefully this post resonates with you in your walk with God that we should live with an urgent expectancy of the return of Christ. we can bring His coming to the forefront of our minds and motivations and see how life changes. I am looking forward to continuing to post on this topic as God reveals more about my experience last night and I pray that God will also encourage you through it.

Kingdom of God: A constant reality. (Final Part - Application and Conclusion)

2015-08-01T09:38:00.003-04:00

Modern Application of the Kingdom Doctrine

The experience of the Kingdom is a reality for the life of a believer and it is presented through the Lord’s Prayer and a Holy Spirit filled life. These two methods of application are taken respectively from Jesus Christ and Paul as they encouraged their contemporaries to live in out a Kingdom of God life.

The Lord’s Prayer

The disciples came to Jesus and asked to learn to pray and Jesus taught them what is known as the Lord’s Prayer. The key phase for this study is “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done” (Luke 11:2 KJV). The Kingdom of God was a reality to Christ. He knew the Kingdom was at hand and even presently among the Jewish people, due to His presence and the sovereign works of God being accomplished. The question is then why would there be a need to continually pray for the Kingdom to come? Christ knew that even though the Kingdom of God was breaking through in a new way during His life on earth, there was an expected Kingdom to long for. The understanding of a final kingdom that has yet to be realized should be on the forefront of every believer’s mind as they face the struggles of the present age.[1] Jesus instructs believers to expect the Kingdom of God through prayer.

The second part of that phrase “thy will be done” directs believers to go beyond expectation to an evidenced Kingdom. For God’s will to be done on earth should be understood that just as Christ brought the Kingdom to fruition in His lifetime, His followers should also see the Kingdom enter into this world. The Blumhardts (Authors, Theologians) saw this as believer's acts of reconciliation such as attempts to help the poor and apprehending social justice.[2] However, Jesus was not limited only in care and humanitarian effort; He operated in miraculous signs and evangelism. Paul encouraged believers to engage in a Life in the Spirit which opens up the possibility for miraculous Kingdom of God evidence.

The Spirit Filled Life

The Holy Spirit has been sent on the earth since the day of Pentecost to work in the world and specifically in the lives of believers. Paul was quick to point out the work of the Holy Spirit, especially through the use of the gifts of the Spirit and the evidences of the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit filled life is a choice, Paul commends the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). He also presents the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of choosing to walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16, 22). The fruit of the Spirit are evidence of a Kingdom of God lifestyle. The gifts of the Spirit function in a similar way in that they are used to promote Kingdom lifestyle, however, the gifts work for the empowerment and glorification of the Kingdom on earth.

The lists of the gifts of the Holy Spirit often overlap but are not complete or limited but seem to emphasis participation in the Kingdom of God. Paul says that the gifts are manifestations of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:7). This truth would allow that anytime a gift of the Spirit is active that the presence of God, the Holy Spirit, is in the Church.[3] The agreement over which gifts are active in the church is definitely debated but the more important concern is that some gifts be active and evidenced through supernatural ability to witness or work through miraculous manifestations such as healing. The concern should be that through the Holy Spirit the Kingdom of God is being experienced by all believers in the present and expected in the future.

Conclusion

"The Kingdom of God is at hand" is a powerful statement by Jesus Christ that expresses a truth that is often overlooked in modern Christianity. The Old Testament informs believers of the actual presence of God on earth ruling a nation of promise. The New Testament shows us how God shifted from a national localized presence to an encompassing presence through the work of the Holy Spirit. The prophetic nature of Jesus’ claims of a Kingdom of God also tells believers that there is a coming Kingdom of God. All these manifestations of the Kingdom of God solidify the truth that the Kingdom of God is ever present just as God, Himself is ever present. The issues of God’s sovereignty over all things compounded with His promises to Abraham, David and the Church, which is the Holy Spirit, dictate that the Kingdom of God is a constant reality that must be recognized and that believers are called to experience at all times.

Thanks for taking time to read my blog. I hope that the Kingdom of God is a constant reality in your life. I know in my own life I often struggle to remember that I am living not only in my earthly realm but I am involved and participating in the Kingdom of God.

[1] Anderson, Bernhard W. "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: The Sovereignty of God in the Bible." Theology Today 53, no. 1 (04, 1996):1-9.5.

[2] Collins Winn. "Groaning for the Kingdom of God 75

[3] Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: an Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994. 639.

Kingdom of God: A Constant Reality (part 3 Biblical evidences)

2015-07-30T11:26:00.000-04:00

Biblical Evidence for the Kingdom of God

The Bible is essentially a narrative that chronicles the relationship between mankind and God. The Doctrine of God tells us that the Bible is the special revelation of God to man and the reality is that the Kingdom of God is part of what God is revealing about Himself. God has revealed His rule in both the Old Testament and New Testament. As the Bible is interpreted an understanding of God’s vast influence over all things is made evident.

The Old Testament Kingdom

The Kingdom of God is not referenced as such in any Old Testament text.[1] The fact that the Israelites understood Yahweh as king has been presented earlier and the evidence is that the Old Testament refers to God as King forty-one times.[2] Therefore, even without an announcement of the Kingdom of God, there appears to be a form of Kingdom to examine in the Old Testament. Some extrapolations of the Kingdom of God begin as early as the Garden of Eden and God’s relationship to Adam and Eve. While those views may have some merit, God’s relationship to Abraham sets the course for what is to become the physical and possibly spiritual kingdom realities.

Promise to Abraham

A kingdom is understood to have several criteria which are a ruler, a realm and an active reign.[3] The call to Abram to leave his homeland established these three criteria in a personal way that was not previously seen in Scripture. The Israelites continually pointed back to Abraham as their founding father.[4] The call from God contained two promises to Abraham which are a land to poses and a heritage (Gen 17:1-8).

God has set Himself up as a ruler with a realm and an active reign with Abraham acting out as the primary citizen. God elects the land of Canaan to serve as the physical realm for His Kingdom which will include a takeover (v. 8). God also promises descendants who will be kings and nations with the declaration that His promise will always be kept (v. 6-7). Abraham believed God and the Old Testament details the story of his descendants till they become the Israelite nation with a King. The Kingdom of God in physical form on earth is established and with another promise the extent of this kingdom is understood.

Promise to King David

The Israelite nation is firmly established in a portion of the Land that has been promised to Abraham when David becomes king. David is much like Abraham in that he was selected by God to fulfill a purpose in the larger Kingdom of God. The promise to David is similar in extent to Abraham’s promise but has some significant differences. God promises David a kingdom and a nation for all time (2 Sam 7:11-17). Where God gave Abraham numerous descendants, He dictates a national identity for David’s offspring that will last forever (v. 16). Again, God has provided the three criteria for His Kingdom, an heir, a kingdom and active reign. The Kingdom of God is established and extended in the Old Testament. The argument could be that this is not the Kingdom of God but a kingdom set up by God. However, the nature of the kingdom set up by God proves His authority and Kingship.

Nature of the Old Testament Kingdom

The kingdom and nation that God established in the Old Testament was the Kingdom of God because they were under His jurisdiction. The promises to Abraham were accompanied by conditional clauses of the covenant to be fulfilled and an eternity clause given to David which was not conditional. This firmly showcases God’s sovereignty over the throne of David and the descendants of Abraham.

The clause to Abraham was obedience accompanied by an identifying mark (Gen 17: 9-11). If the mark was not observed by God then the person could not be considered one of God’s people. The conditions allowed for the benefits of the covenant or promise to be conferred which was the land and heritage, now known to be of faith and descendant. The nature of the Kingdom of God is that God has established his authority over the continuity of the Israelite people.

The final aspect that must be considered for the nature of the Kingdom of God in the Old Testament is that God dwelt among His People. God established His worship through the tabernacle of Moses and the temple in Jerusalem. The presence of God on earth established the Kingdom of God. The presences of the temple and God’s presence represents a higher authority than the throne of David or Solomon, who built the temple.[5] The Temple was destroyed and rebuilt but continued to represent the Kingdom of God until the 1^st century. However, in the New Testament there is a shift in the representation of the Kingdom of God on earth and how it is manifest to God’s people.

The New Testament Kingdom

The New Testament was written over a short time frame and covers only a few years, respectively, from 4 B.C. till about 90 A. D. That period of time saw a complete change in the relationship between God and man. The nation and temple that evidenced the Kingdom of God were no longer present after 70 A.D. Did the Kingdom of God cease to exist? The writers of the New Testament do not give that conclusion, for in the New Testament there are multiple explanations of the Kingdom of God. The primary speakers on the Kingdom of God were Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul.

The Kingdom According to Christ

The evidence of the Kingdom of God in Christ’s teachings and life are many. He told parables about the Kingdom, claimed its very presence, and proclaimed His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). The idea that can be gathered from Christ is that the Kingdom of God was active during His life on earth.[6] However, Christ was not conforming to the role of messiah that the Jewish people were looking for which was a national leader to overthrow the oppressors. Even John the Baptist was unsure of Christ’s identity because he was looking for a Jewish messiah that came from the vengeance of God.[7] The Kingdom of God though was not born out of John’s ministry of repentance but Jesus’ ministry; which was the sovereign acts of God being expressed through healings, preaching and casting out demons.[8]

Jesus Christ was the expression of the Kingdom of God in the New Testament era. Jesus instructed His disciples to continue in His ways after He ascended and that they would continue on when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). Where the Old Testament Kingdom was a localization or national presence, The New Testament Kingdom is revealed to be where Christ’s disciples are. This Kingdom of God is continued in the teachings of the Apostle Paul with some more emphasis on experiencing and inheriting the Kingdom.

The Kingdom According to the Apostle Paul

The themes of the Kingdom of God according to the Apostle Paul revolve around the ideas of righteousness, peace and joy and power. Paul does not talk about the Kingdom of God as much as Christ did and often when he does mention it there is an eschatological implication.[9] However, the theme of righteousness, peace and joy should be understood to incorporate both an eschatological and present meaning for the believer.[10]

The believer is, by the power of the Holy Spirit, able to experience righteousness, peace and joy which are aspects of the Kingdom of God now.[11] Effectively this means that the Kingdom of God is evidenced in the life of a believer and is present on earth currently. Paul expresses that these three aspects of the Kingdom are experienced through the Holy Spirit.

Paul also states that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of Power (1 Cor 4:20). The context of this statement compares two methods of expression which are words or power. The emphasis of power for Paul almost always is derived from an experience with the Holy Spirit. All the gifts of the Spirit and fruit of the Spirit are extensions of His personal work on the Earth. A kingdom of power should be understood to represent a Kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit. This understanding points to the very nature of the New Testament Kingdom of God.

The Nature of the New Testament Kingdom

The nature of the Kingdom of God in the New Testament is a constant reality in the lives of believers. If the Holy Spirit is the source of the Kingdom of God through His activity on earth, than everything that a believer does through the power of the Holy Spirit is experiencing the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit was sent as a comforter who will interact with the world concerning righteousness (John 16:6-8). The interaction with the world is the inheritance that Paul talks about in his vice lists.

The Kingdom of God can be inherited, according to Paul, through a life evidenced by kingdom influence. While the views on how the inheritance is merited, earned or kept often differ and question the stability of salvation, the present experience of the Kingdom of God is not ruled out. One view expresses that God has made believers a heritage like the Israelites with benefits that the believer receives from God.[12] Paul even addresses our interaction with the Holy Spirit as a beginning of our inheritance in Ephesians.[13] The nature of the Kingdom of God may not be localized as it was but the experience of the presence of God is equally available or more so than in the Old Testament Kingdom experience.

I hope you enjoyed this bit on the Biblical evidences for the constant reality of the Kingdom of God. The next post will look at the Modern Application of Kingdom doctrines. How we interact with God's kingdom and live in it. I believe this is an exciting topic and relevant to the church today. If you like what you read share it with someone, it may make their day ;)

[1] Murray, Jesus and the Kingdom of God, 17.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Jones, Rose Guide to End-Times Prophecy,114.

[4] Murray, Jesus and the Kingdom of God, 19.

[5] Selman, Martin J. 1989. "The kingdom of God in the Old Testament." Tyndale Bulletin 40, no. 2: 161-183. 170.

[6] Murray, Jesus and the Kingdom of God, 144.

[7] Ibid., 75

[8] Ibid, 81.

[9] Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 1998), 740.

[10] Ibid., 741.

[11] Ibid.

[12] López, René. "A study of Pauline passages on inheriting the kingdom." Bibliotheca Sacra 168,

no. 672 (October 1, 2011): 443-459. 449.

[13] Ibid., 450.

Kingdom of God: A Constant Reality (Part 2 - Background)

2015-07-23T09:14:00.002-04:00

The Earthly Kingdom

The Earthly Kingdom model is an extension of rule of God from a physical location as in the Old Testament. The Israelite people experienced the daily presence of God in a physical form as early as the exodus from Egypt. God also dwelt among them in the tabernacle and the temple before the Babylonian exile. Their basic understanding of God was closely related if not parallel to their understanding of what a king would be.[1] The thought becomes, if there is a king then there is a kingdom.

The Kingdom of God took on localization in the land that became the nation of Israel which has existed in several phases throughout history. The Bible concludes with the restoration of a new physical rule of God in the New Jerusalem which was the capital of the Israelite nation (Rev. 21:1). The study of the Kingdom of God has often been divided with the physical reality being called the Kingdom of Heaven especially by dispensationalists who present that God has established two kingdoms.[2]

The Earthly Kingdom often is related to God’s sovereignty over all things He has created.[3] This view is called the Universal Kingdom and removes the Kingship aspects or rule over the chosen people of God from the earthy model. This view was made popular by John Walvoord, who separated the Kingdom of God into several kingdoms that encompass all the different moves and actions of God. However, in this study the understanding is that the Earthly Kingdom of God has been God’s relationship in a physical presence toward His people more than just His creation acts. This incorporating of the physical presence of God will play a part throughout the Bible and church age as well. The physical presence of God may be a reality in the future depending on which millennial view is presented.

The prophecy from Ezekiel presents a future temple for God which according to most theologians has not been realized yet. The views posed by Dispensational Premillennialism and Historical Premillennialism expect a physical temple to be built in Jerusalem.[4] This new temple would establish the Kingdom of God on earth for all time. There are other views of Ezekiel’s prophecy but they do not promote a physical temple.

A Spiritual Kingdom

The Spiritual Kingdom of God is less defined and potentially much harder to detail. Depending on the views that are held the nation of Israel, as covered earlier, can fall in to this category. The Spiritual Kingdom though usually is defined in the realm of the unseen. Luther when discussing the Lord’s Prayer explains the kingdom in the light of the work of the Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit.

“Nothing else than what we learned in the Creed, that God sent His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, into the world to redeem and deliver us from the power of the devil, and to bring us to Himself, and to govern us as a King of righteousness, life and salvation against sin death, and an evil conscience, for which end He has also bestowed His Holy Ghost, who is to bring these things home to us by His holy Word, and to illumine and strengthen us in the faith by His power.” [5]

Luther was not the only proponent of a redemption aspect of the Kingdom of God. Schofield believed that the Kingdom of God was the moral rule of God in the hearts of those subject to Him.[6] The movements that have bought into a propitiation kingdom are many. The Social Gospel movements of the 19^th an 20^th centuries basically hold to that understanding. God has joined with man and so the moral guidelines will create methodology for how Christians live in the world that will improve the existence of all humanity. The Blumhardt brothers argued that the kingdom of God “comes to restore the real physical and social needs of as much as to deal with issues that would more generally be considered spiritual, such as guilt, shame and forgiveness.”[7] The quote by the Blumhardts simply proves that there is an understanding that the Kingdom of God can encompass everything that God would want to manifest in the world. The spiritual kingdom, with all of the various aspects, is a staple conversation in eschatology.

Every millennial view attempts to decipher the nature of the Kingdom of God in the present and future times. The Spiritual Kingdom view is presented as a currently existing entity that is ever expanding by Postmillennialism.[8] The kingdom does not have a physical presence on earth at this time but is present through the church and the Gospel. Postmillennial and Amillennialism supporters believe that Jesus is reigning as King from Heaven currently which would mean that the Kingdom of God exists. The Kingdom of God has existed in physical forms and is presented as a spiritual kingdom but how does a kingdom exist in multiple places in different times. The Bible actually presents a clear understanding of how God has set up His kingdom.

Thanks for reading this post and stay tuned for the next post "Biblical evidences for the Kingdom"

[1] Mr. G.R. Beasley-Murray, Jesus and the Kingdom of God (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), 18.

[2] Craig A. Blaising and Darrell L. Bock, Progressive Dispensationalism, Pbk. ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2000), 39.

[3] Blaising and Bock, 43.

[4] Timothy Paul Jones, Rose Guide to End-Times Prophecy (Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2011), 142.

[5] Martin Luther, The Large Catechism of Martin Luther, (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "The Second Petition".

[6] Blaising and Bock. 30.

[7] Christian T. Collins Winn. "Groaning for the Kingdom of God: spirituality, social justice, and

the witness of the Blumhardts." Journal Of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care 6, no. 1 (March 1, 2013): 56-75. 69.

[8] Jones, Rose Guide to End-Times Prophecy,123.

The Kingdom of God: A Constant Reality

2015-07-20T16:00:00.001-04:00

The Kingdom of God has been presented in many different forms with many motivations but the Kingdom of God transcends these motivations and exists in a true form. The study of the Kingdom of God has been beneficial to the church throughout history, as study often can be, because it brings a better understanding of Biblical reality. So in undertaking a continued study of the Kingdom one must evaluate the past expressions of theology and the Biblical evidence to arrive at a workable and livable understanding and expression.

The Kingdom of God was revealed in part to the Patriarchs and nation of Israel. The Kingdom of God is also being revealed to the church in present time. The Kingdom will continue to be revealed in a future manifestation but the reality of the Kingdom of God is that it is a constant entity. A reality where God conveys His ways to mankind; through His Kingdom which has existed throughout time and can be experienced in the present and will continually be present in the lives of believers. The Kingdom of God is an extension of Himself as King. My Study has included looking at the various expressions of the Kingdom of God by highlighting the Old Testament physical kingdom, the New Testament Spiritual Kingdom and the Nature of the Kingdom of God to seek to prove that the Kingdom of God in its truest form is a constant reality to be experienced in present time. I hope you will enjoy reading the upcoming posts on this topic and if you want to be kept in the loop so to speak you can follow this blog or just click on the links I will post ;)

Culture and Christianity relations

2015-07-07T00:58:00.001-04:00

This blog post has a snippet from a paper I wrote dealing with culture and evangelism. I have been pondering the role of Christianity in culture lately and in light of current events I thought it was worth sharing.

incitation - something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action

The Gospel’s Incitation of Culture

The different levels within a culture highlight that behavior is not a shallow undertaking, but that behavior comes from deep places in the recesses of the consciousness of a person impacted by history, tradition, and belief. The interesting thing about the role of culture in Gospel communication is found in the understanding that the Gospel does not seek to change behavior alone but to change all levels of culture starting with the worldview. Karl Barth believed that when the Kingdom of God comes, into the world, then everything in culture will change.[1] Each level of culture is subject to the change.

Incitation of Belief

When examining what the Gospel is there must be a consideration given to the purposes of Christ and one of His purposes that impacts worldviews is Christ's claim to testify to the truth (John 18:37). The idea that the Gospel of Jesus would speak to the truth means that it will inflict a point of view on every belief that a worldview could contain. A person must believe in Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection not only as symbols but as real events to be a Christian. The belief in this truth will eventually lead to the rejection of other untruths or alternate worldviews. Christianity is not a religious sub-system but the complete system.

Incitation of Value

The second level of culture, concerned with cultural values, is impacted in a Christian worldview. Cultures have differing value systems which can be religion, historical lineage, territorial borders or any number of entrenched thought processes. Jesus interjects cultural change through values statements like “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35) which promotes service over self promotion. The values of the Gospel are often played out in societal order such as caring for the less fortunate, but there are also symbolic rituals, including communion and baptism, that highlight values on topics like community, historical continuity and family. The value that the Gospel places on mankind, servanthood, evangelism, and any subject to be questioned directs the believer to behave in a certain way.

Incitation of Behavior

The top level of Culture, which is the most visible level, is behavior and the Bible especially the messages of Jesus Christ speaks to behavior patterns. The “Sermon on the Mount” is an example of how the Gospel message dictates behavior patterns (Matt 5:1-7:29). These behaviors are the results of choices but specific behaviors include loving enemies, giving to the needy, and lending to people. The Gospel does not seek to change culture for the sake of culture but the Gospel will incite change to every culture that comes into contact with it.

[1] Cornelis van der Kooi. "Herman Bavinck and Karl Barth on Christian faith and culture." Calvin Theological Journal 45, no. 1 (April 1, 2010): 72-78. 74.

John the Baptist (Part 3 of 3)

2015-07-02T09:42:00.000-04:00

John the Baptist, A man who delivered a message

This lesson on John the Baptist looks at the message that was created by his life’s purpose. John the Baptist was known throughout the land for his preaching and his message brought many people into better relationship with God. This was the destiny foretold around thirty years earlier to John’s father.

John’s message reflected his purpose

The point that John was “a voice calling out” has been looked at in these lessons but now the topic of what he was calling out will be our concern.The Gospel of Mark makes it clear that John the Baptist fulfills Isaiah’s prophesies concerning the messenger preceding the Messiah (Mark 1:2-3). John preached a message of repentance that led to the forgiveness of sin (Mark 1:4).

John’s message was a sweeping call to everyone who would listen to repent and be baptized as a sign of returning to God.[1] A call to repent that did not differentiate between social groups or religious status.[2] In John’s own words the message was “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near” (Matt 3:2). This message was very similar to the Old Testament prophets calling for repentance. There was expectancy for God’s judgment within John’s message that resonated with the Jewish people.[3]

The message was delivered and then a call to be baptized was given. John’s message was profound but simple with the resounding theme of repent.[4] John didn’t teach the law in a scholarly manner or debate the finer points of Judaism.[5] The need for understanding scripture is necessary and shouldn’t be ignored but that wasn’t John’s message. John did know the law and prophets because he used scripture to answer inquisitive people. However, the Messiah was coming in a short time and John presented that urgency in his message.[6]

The lesson here is that John knew the times and developed a message that was pertinent to the situation. We can follow this example by learning the scripture, and following the prompting of the Holy Spirit to develop messages that are pertinent our place of service. Jesus pointed out the differences in how His ministry and John’s ministry affected their disciples lifestyles (Luke 5:33-34). This scripture shows that not all ministries are the same. Our message should come from our purpose and be relevant to the people we are ministering to.

John’s message reached the multitudes

John’s message was dynamic, controversial and impacting and the multitudes came to the wilderness to hear it. John had a massive following that grew large enough that Herod Antipas was fearful of John’s influence and followers.[7] After John’s death his movement did not die and has carried on throughout modern times in small sects in the Middle East.[8] This is unfortunate because it means that some of John’s disciples missed the point of his ministry but shows the impact John had in the region.

A movement that grows this large is not made up of a single section of society but people from every part of society.

society? some say so.

John had the attention of everyone in the region. The religious leaders came to criticize, and the sinners came to listen.[9] John knew that his audiences were Jewish people that were captured by the desire to please God. Their social backgrounds may have affected whether they listened to John or not, but John knew what would pierce the hearts of his listeners.

The crowds grew larger and it is easy to say that he had a good message and that is why people came but it is not like today. There were no mass media or internet social devices heralding John’s arrival. People came because of a reputation that was the result of a message birthed out of purpose. John’s life birthed curiosity in people and his message brought change. Jesus asked the people what they went to the desert to see (Matt 11:7). There was a desire to see John that people could not often explain. John was filled with the Holy Spirit and his ministry offered something the religious leaders did not. John offered the forgiveness of sin for the truly repentant (Mark 1:4).

The Message was the same for everyone

John the Baptist spoke out against sin. There are several encounters with religious leaders and rulers where John corrects the unrepentant powerful people of those days.[10] John called the Pharisees a group of vipers for their hypocrisy. [11] The denouncement of Herod Antipas is the only personal attack recorded about John in the Bible.[12] John believed that Herod was guilty of religious, political, and legal sin for marrying his brother’s wife.[13]

John’s message of repentance was the most important thing in his life. He was not concerned with making everyone like him. Religious leaders rejected John, and he was eventually imprisoned for his message but there was no compromise in him.[14] The Kingdom of Heaven was at hand and the Messiah had arrived, John was motivated by the message alone (Matt 11:2-6).

John was eventually killed for his criticism of Herod Antipas. There is speculation that it was a political motivated move because John’s following was so large.[15] However, the Bible records that John’s death was a favor requested by Herod’s wife (Mark 6:24). The message John delivered offended someone enough that they sought to kill him and they succeeded.

Conclusion and Application: is our message as important as John’s?

The message of John the Baptist was that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand and people needed to repent. John thought his message was so important that he lived with a purpose to only preach his message. The world is different now and we live in a different eschatological time, but the message that the Messiah is coming is still valid (John 14:1-4) Jesus is coming back again and people need to hear the message. Are we living a life born from our ultimate destiny which is eternal life with God? Are we living with a purpose that allows us the opportunity to share a message? Is our message important enough that it consumes our lifestyle? These are the questions that the life of John the Baptist present to us and we should be aware of our place in history, just like John.

[1] Paul W. Hollenbach, “John the Baptist” The Anchor Bible Dictionary: Volume 3 (New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992), 892.

[2] Jonathan Lunde, “Repentance” Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1992), 670.

[3] Ibid., 670

[4] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 64.

[5] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 64.

[6] Ibid., 64.

[7] B. Witherington, “John the Baptist” Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1992), 389.

[8] Ibid., 389

[9] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 65.

[10] Paul W. Hollenbach, “John the Baptist” The Anchor Bible Dictionary: Volume 3 (New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992), 894.

[11] Phillips, 66.

[12] Hollenbach, 894

[13] Ibid., 895.

[14] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 66.

[15] Paul W. Hollenbach, “John the Baptist” The Anchor Bible Dictionary: Volume 3 (New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992), 894.

John the Baptist (Part 2 of 3)

2015-06-28T17:29:00.000-04:00

John the Baptist, A man who lived with a purpose

John the Baptist was a man born with a destiny but for that destiny to be fulfilled there must be a life with purpose. The life of John the Baptist shows how we can live with a purpose that is built on the destiny God reveals to us. John was raised in a religious family and was probably told the story of the angel visiting Zacharias, his father.[1] However, the message of the destiny became John’s responsibility as he grew older and he had to purpose to live out that destiny.

What separated John the Baptist from his contemporaries?

John the Baptist was not the typical holy man of the time. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that John wore clothes of camel hair and ate locusts (Matt 3:4).

Salad? anyone?

He lived in the wilderness and held revival meetings which were counter cultural to the normal religious activities of the day.[2] John lived a life of seclusion away from the general public and did not participate in what was considered normal behavior (Matt 11:18).

Why did John do these things? What was the purpose of this behavior? Was simply being different his purpose? John chose to forsake the priestly role that would have been his and seek God in the desert.[3] John took up the purpose of being a voice for God, a herald, or a person with a message.[4] His purpose was to deliver a message and everything else became of little consequence. John was defined by his purpose; even Jesus defined him according to how he lived (Matt 11:8-9)

The purpose of our life should be reflected in our daily life, just like John the Baptist. The epistle of James talks about faith and deeds coming together to ratify what we believe (James 2:17). The purpose of our life might not be completely identified by our actions. John had to be asked what he was doing, but he had an answer.[5] John the Baptist was a voice for God.

Was John’s purpose easily recognized?

People were confused by John probably much like today’s society would be if someone lived in such a manner. More than once John was asked who he was by the priests and Levites because there was speculation that he was the Messiah.[6] There were also some that thought John might have been an “Elijah” figure and Jesus interpreted John that way too.[7]

Matthew tells us how John sent his disciples to inquire of Jesus about Jesus’ identity and ironically this was when Jesus delivers his view on John (Matt 11:9-15). People were still wondering who John really was and Jesus told them that John was a prophet and “more than a prophet” (v.9). John was the prophet that was preparing the way for the Messiah (v.10). John the Baptist was a prophet in the likeness of the Old Testament prophets; he received the word of the Lord and delivered it.[8]

John’s purpose to be a voice was not easily identified, but the purposeful lifestyle raised questions. People speculated about his purpose, asked questions about him and in the end had to believe what Jesus said about him. John was a man that garnered respect from people and fear from rulers.[9] John lived in such a way that people could tell he had a purpose and we should attempt to live that way as well. Jesus taught that his followers should be like salt and light in the world (Matt 5:13-14). This analogy helps us understand that we should be aware that we are living with a purpose in life.

John’s purpose was not attaining his own success

John the Baptist was a prophet and Jesus may have alluded to the fact that John was the greatest prophet.[10] However, John did not have a business card that said that. John fulfills the role of the Old Testament prophet by delivering the word of the lord, confronting those in high places, and calling everyone to repentance.[11]

John’s prophetic calling had been discussed and it is confirmed in the Bible now, however John, when questioned, doesn’t reveal this about himself (John 1:21). Actually, he denies it and we have to wonder why. John had a good idea of who he was, and who he was not. He was not the Messiah (John 1:19). John knew that he played a role in God’s plan and he likened himself to an attendant of the bridegroom.[12] John knew that without Jesus, who John identified as the Messiah, his ministry was meaningless.[13]

John the Baptist was in the business of promoting the Messiah, which would inevitably weaken his own ministry. John faced this lesser role with a sense of joy and explained that Jesus should take a more prominent place.[14] John viewed himself not even worthy to touch Jesus sandals (John 1:27). This was not a simple act of humility but an expression of John’s purpose.

John lived with a purpose that was visible and he never overshadowed the reason for that purpose. The example of John the Baptist should resonate with us. John purposed to be a voice for the Lord and he gathered a following because of it. People from all over the region around the Jordan River, came out to the desert to see this prophet.[15] John was known even by the rulers in the land, a notable one is shown by his run in with Herod Antipas.[16] However, in all this his purpose was always dominant to his presence.

Conclusion and application: living with a purpose

John the Baptist has given us a great example of living out a purpose based on a destiny. The challenge is to examine our lives and see if we find purpose. Often we can find many purposes like providing for our family, or excelling at work or school, or raising children properly. These are good purposes but there is a higher purpose that should direct how we proceed with our secondary purposes. Like John the Baptist we, as Christians, are used by God as His voice in this world. We may not be proclaiming the physical incarnation of Jesus on earth but we are representing the Messiah. Our life should reflect that purpose. Our purpose may become more personalized as we seek God and our message will develop from there, just like John the Baptist.

[1] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 61.

[2] Thomas D. Lea, and David A. Black, The New Testament: Its Background and Message. 2nd ed. (Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2003), 57.

[3] Philips, 61.

[4] Andrew B. Davidson, The Called of God Edited by J.A. Patterson (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1902), 239.

[5] Andrew B. Davidson, The Called of God Edited by J.A. Patterson, (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1902), 239.

[6] B. Witherington III, “John the Baptist” Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1992), 385.

[7] Ibid., 385.

[8] Gerald F. Hawthorne, “Prophets, Prophesy” Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1992), 639.

[9] Witherington III, 388.

[10] Gerald F. Hawthorne, “Prophets, Prophesy” Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1992), 639.

[11] Ibid., 639.

[12] David John Williams, “Bride, Bridegroom” Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1992)., 86.

[13] Ibid. 87

[14] Andrew B. Davidson, The Called of God Edited by J.A. Patterson, (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1902), 241.

[15] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 64.

[16] Harold W. Hoehner,”Herodian Dynasty” Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1992), 323.

John the Baptist (part 1 of 3)

2015-06-24T23:22:00.004-04:00

John the Baptist, A man born with a destiny

John the Baptist was a man that lived at the same time as Jesus. He had a ministry that preceded Jesus’ ministry. John the Baptist had disciples, crowds of people that followed him around and a message about repentance. What makes John so remarkable though, is that his birth was foretold, his ministry announced and Jesus called him the greatest person every born (Matt 11:11). John was a man born with a destiny.

This brings up the questions, what is a destiny? And do I have a destiny?

A destiny is often thought to be something uncontrollable, a simple plan that life will follow automatically. However, destiny can be more closely represented by the truth that God knows all of us (Luke 12:6-7) and wants to participate in our lives (Eph 3:20). We all have a destiny. He had doubts about the message because he was old and his wife was advanced in years. We already know that they had been praying for children and now we see that their hope has waned. It is a bold move on Zacharias’ part to ask an angel if what he says is really going to happen. Is doubting the word of God an acceptable response? Can we ask for a sign? Based on what happens next the conclusion is that it is acceptable but perhaps not convenient. God has said that his word is a lamp to our feet and a light on our path (Psa 119:105). God will confirm his messages through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.

The Revelation: A delivered message

John the Baptist was the son of a Priest named Zacharias, who received a message from God. The story is told in Luke 1:8-25 and it begins with a revelation in the form of a delivered message. Zacharias had been chosen at this occasion to be the priest going into the Temple to offer incense. He was chosen by casting lots according to the customs of the priesthood, this is interesting because of what happens to him. When a destiny is involved considering the source of the message is important. The scripture says that an angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias while he was in the temple (1:11). This verse makes it clear that the Lord has a message for Zacharias.

The message from God is delivered by an angel. God wanted Zacharias to hear his message so He sent an Angel. There are only a few accounts of angelic messages in scripture so the importance of the message is implied. The Gospel of Luke shows the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus with their similar birth announcements and how John would be part of the larger salvation scheme.[1] As the message was delivered the destiny began on earth, the destiny must have been prepared before the message could be delivered.The message was delivered to Zacharias the priest but why Zacharias? Who was this man that he should receive this message? The priesthood was not open to anyone, only descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi were allowed.[2] Zacharias was following in the family business; he had accepted the responsibility to serve the community. Also, Luke’s retelling of the message reveals that Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were seeking God about having children (Luke 1:13). Zacharias was a man following and seeking after God and he received a message from God.

Zacharias received a message that his wife would have a son and he would be called John. This wasn’t all though, John was to be great in the sight of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb, and would bring people back to God (Luke 1:13-16). What a message, what a destiny. Is there a message for us about our destiny? There might not be an angelic visitation but God has left messages for us that pertain to destiny. The scriptures tell us that God knows every hair on our head (Luke 12:7), and Paul wrote that God is offering eternal life to anyone willing to accept it (Rom 6:23). These scriptures show that God has a general plan for everyone and even that God knows us all as individuals. God is with us, directing our steps, and caring for us.[3]

The Confirmation: a sign from God

Zacharias received a message from an angel but he still asked for a sign (Luke 1:18-22). The message was confirmed with a sign which involved Zacharias losing his voice for a while. The encounter in the temple had taken longer than expected and people were gathering to see what happened to Zacharias. When he came out and couldn’t speak they knew he had an encounter with God (Luke 1:22). When God delivers a message people will recognize the effects on the person who receives the message.

The question can be asked, does God deliver messages today? The scriptures would lead us to believe that He does. Paul teaches that everyone should desire to prophesy and edify the church (1 Cor 14:4-5). Prophesy has always been considered to be a type of message from God. The Scriptures themselves are messages to us and God uses them to reveal Himself to us. There are messages for us that God is delivering. The key is to be aware of the living God and His interaction with us.

The realization: a destiny begins

Zacharias goes home and his wife Elizabeth becomes pregnant (Luke 1:24). This conception is the beginning of the destiny of John the Baptist. The Destiny begins here and not at his birth to fulfill the message concerning John being filled with the Holy Spirit while in the womb.

God revealed a great destiny for John the Baptist, but He did not withhold the joy of Zacharias and Elizabeth’s participation. Often when destiny is considered the idea is presented that God will make it happen, if it’s important. This story shows that God wants to use people who are seeking after him to complete His plans. Zacharias had a choice in this plan, it might have taken more will power than he had, but there was a choice. However, the desires of Zacharias and Elizabeth to have children were compatible with God’s plan to rise up a front runner to Jesus.[4]

The plans of God are not ours to be completed in our power. God provided the message, completed a sign, and sent the Holy Spirit to John. These actions show that God has a desire to participate in the completion of His plans and our destinies.

Conclusion and Application

A destiny may not be foretold like John the Baptist’s was, but even with such miraculous activity surrounding his birth not everything was revealed. We may not be able to state emphatically what our destiny is, but we can learn to recognize God working in our lives to reveal parts of it. A good place to start figuring out destiny is with the promises of God and His desire that everyone would know Him. A destiny to know God and participate in His plan for the world is a life worth living.

[1] Paul W. Hollenbach, “John the Baptist” The Anchor Bible Dictionary: Volume 3 Freedman, David Noel. (New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992),889.

[2] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 60.

[3] Andrew B. Davidson, The Called of God Edited by J.A. Patterson (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1902), 231.

[4] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 65.

A short trip to a paradise

2015-03-07T22:59:00.003-05:00

I recently got the opportunity to travel to see a marvelous wonder of guitar euphoria. Thanks to my amazing wife, I went to sweet home Chicago. Its not my home but it is home to Chicago Music Exchange and their showroom of 4000 guitars, yes, 4000 guitars. They have a plethora, yes, a plethora of new, used and vintage instruments to gaze upon and even play. I played a 1965 Fender Stratocaster, several Fender Custom shop guitars, a Nash, a Duesenburg, Gibsons, a Trussart and many more. Not to mention all the custom, and boutique amps. The people were friendly and accommodating which just turned the whole thing up to 11. The trip was simply magical for a guitar hound. I had good company with me in the form of Josh Slye, a fellow gear nut, and the trip was rather cheap or would have been if Spirit had not cancelled my original return flight. However the cancellation allowed for another trip to paradise.

The trip got me thinking a little bit about taking time to find a piece of paradise. Often in life we don't know or find such a little pleasure. I don't know what your inner hound dog likes to sniff out for enjoyment but I think you should let the dog out a bit and go find some paradise. I think that in the joy of doing something that you love and that captivates you there is also a motivation. That motivation is in realizing that we are made for paradise and not a mere 3 day holiday to guitar wonderland but an eternal paradise where the experience will be much more thrilling.

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Look who's blogging

2014-09-15T10:03:00.000-04:00

I can hear "fanfare"

Well, I have stayed away from blogging for a long while. The courses of my final two semesters of study, along with the rest of life, seemed to demand more time which eliminated posting a blog. I did manage to find time to practice guitar and surf eBay to look at guitars and even threaten to buy a few. I am working on catching up to my Uncles and their collections, someday.

Sometimes I feel like since I have graduated with a degree in Theology that I should blog about spiritual topics and I probably will sometime. I may even post some of my better papers for my readers enjoyment. Mostly though I feel like encouraging anyone who reads this post to take time every day to read the Bible and pray. These practices, even for moments of time, can alter the experience of life, bringing peace, love and joy. Maybe you already do read your Bible and pray which would be great but if you don't, then add it to your day. Even if you say "I am not a believer" I still encourage you to try it you may find it beneficial.

I felt it in my pride...

2013-10-08T21:38:00.001-04:00

Another book I read recently took a swing at my pride and I am glad it did. Pride isn't always a bad word but often it can grow to be a overly large part of our character and as it is with the overly large, pride tends to bump into things. The author impressed me with his candor and truthfulness. His honesty was refreshing as well. I am including a quote from my critique of the book and I stand by my last sentence in case you presume I was overstating simply for effect.

"Humilitas is a treat of a book on humility. The arguments are impactful and presented in an amusing yet healthy manner. The topic of humility should be engaged by everyone and especially leaders. The method of simply attempting to be humble is not enough to arrive at a humility that enables people to follow a leader. The understandings presented by the author will empower people to pin point areas where they are humble and areas that need attention. I would recommend this book for everyone who can read."

There you go another book recommendation. Are you humble enough to read it??? (orchestral crescendo)

I read a book

2013-09-28T12:52:00.000-04:00

I don't usually promote material that I have studied. It isn't that I don't like the material, I just usually write on my thoughts in the moment but this book has occupied my thoughts since I read it. I have added a slightly edited critique that I wrote for the book.

"Dr. Swenson’s book on margin is a must read and should be a required reading for ministry staff, business people and people struggling with being to busy. Even with a misplaced concern for the nature of the problem, the scriptural based good advice is sound and needed in today’s society. The four areas of margin which are; emotional energy, physical energy, finances and time, are often out of balance and learning about them and how to safeguard for margin are important. The book is not fluffy or overbearing but concise and powerful in the message that humanity needs God and His established parameters for margin to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I would expect that this book could be used in several capacities such as small groups, personal counseling situations, pastoral training, and leadership training.. Margin is the key to avoiding overload which leads to the decay of one’s mind and body and eventually service to God."

You may read that and say well I am not looking to serve God and that is ok but if you ever feel overloaded in life, I would suggest this book anyway.

Value in time

2013-09-26T22:09:00.001-04:00

This thing all things devours:
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays king, ruins town,
And beats high mountain down.

The answer is time, and not time I would want. It does seem to move with results unpleasant to some (Gollum ---->). The conundrum is that time is valued as we try to capture it with picture and tale. We long for a time and would give anything for a moment of it. Time, though is continually moving, being devoured, slaying those kings and bending the world as it travels on. We cannot stop time or go back in it. It cannot be bought, made or borrowed, time can only be had, wasted or spent. We can make the most of it, and let wisdom rule it and even ponder what is a momentous realization in the value of time. We have only a time and with it we can do things valuable to us and spend it on those worthy of it. Do not let time pass by and suffer decay as the lonely mountain which is full of dismay. Use time on the ones you love for just like your own, their moment in time is moving and you cannot catch or hold. So cherish your time as it moves quickly on. Cherish its present along with its past and hope for its future which surely will last. In all three tenses, value is found but the present is special for it is now. I will remember my times, and look forward toward but carry the precious now even more.

My Own Advice, D'oh

2013-09-10T16:56:00.000-04:00

The sting of realizing that your own advice is not being followed is certainly a Homer Simpson moment.

I recently challenged a couple hundred people with the thought of fighting for relationship, pushing past the difficulties and fighting for restoration. I was encouraging everyone with a life lesson from my mom, who would often seek out reconciliation. She wasn't perfect at it, but the principle was there and I was often reminded to forgive and to seek forgiveness. As for not following my own advice, I have been running from relationship and seeking solitude. Using disagreement and theological differences of the smallest form to create space, I was looking for a way out of several situations. I will have to continue to evaluate the motivation of my heart in those situations, but in any case my responsibility and initial motivation should be to fight for relationship. It is what my mom would suggest and I think it is what is right. (Matthew 5:23-24, Ephesians 4:2-3)

Now one to another Homer S. moment, I am getting a donut.

Ardog

The expression of empty

2013-08-23T22:53:00.000-04:00

It may be that empty is not actually a lacking of something. I have discovered that empty has weight and bearing. The point of weight may be argued but since empty is also a feeling, it falls into the realm of interpretation. Interpretation is an interesting thing because it involves choice. Therefore, the expression of empty is a choice. Choices are typically two sided questions multiplied by deviations that end somewhere between one and infinity. The implication is that the choice for expressing empty is in theory limitless. However, empty is also a condition or state of existence which means that as long as the state exists the choice exists. Since choice exists as a condition and choices have the ability to be adapted within the condition, the expression of empty can be adapted in any multitude of applications. The weight of empty is expressed in some capacity based on a choice. The state of empty remains but the expression of empty is not always the same. The expression of empty is a blog of useless arguments to provide a release of cyclical thought processes. Sometimes expression is understood and sometimes is is unintelligible but it is ever changing. What?

A price to great.

2013-03-23T22:19:00.001-04:00

I have heard it said that "everyone has a price" and often have applied that sentiment to the erosion of moral behavior. if you offer someone their favorite ice cream, they will usually break a diet. If not on the first day maybe thirty days of offering it will break the resolution. That example is obviously very light weight, however, often the temptation to lie, cheat, steal or break another moral, ethical, judicial, or religious code can be bought, "everyone has a price."I have been thinking on another realization that is closely tied to this or perhaps is the opposite side of the coin and falls under the phraseology of "count the cost" but in my thinking this is the same as "everyone has a price" if you understand that there is a price that is to high. The cost has been counted and the item placed back on the shelf, so to speak. Now this is not about keeping simple diets or even physical, social and possibly the religious status quo. It is about believing in Christ, there is a price to be a follower of Christ and for many people the cost is to high and their budgeted price that they won't pay allows them to shelve Christ and walk away. What is the price to be a disciple? Jesus talks about it in Luke 14. The cost is high and not lightly counted as the change in one's pocket. However, it is not a large lump sum payment either. First there is a payment of belief and maybe that is where people should start but know that eventually, there will be a price that is higher than your budget but now you know.

SRV

2013-01-04T00:16:00.001-05:00

This is all...

Lyrics | Stevie Ray Vaughan lyrics - Pride And Joy lyrics

Missing a soapbox, but still have an appendix

2012-12-10T22:51:00.002-05:00

So I had an assignment for school to do a video sermon... I know its not a "blog" but trust me a lot of my thoughts went into the preparation because it was for a grade. I seem to care about them more now than I did when I was younger. Anyway, I figure this video is post worthy and meets the requirements for my sporadic blog. I would like to thank blog extraordinaire Mary Hess (www.Maryhess.com) for the assistance with correct embedding technique. Also, its a 22 minute video if you find yourself here without that much time there is the one sentence version. *Roles in the church lead to unity and maturity and not to appendicitis.*

guitars and amigos

2012-11-29T21:29:00.000-05:00

well, I am back on the blog for the first time since June. I think I will blog about guitars today because I really like guitars. I am especially enamored with Fender guitars (@Fender) currently. The company has a long history and they make some really cool guitars. I recently purchased an American made Stratocaster which is a legendary guitar owned by the likes of Steve Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Ed Wilcox just to name a few. Guitars to me, are suppose to have a "sound" and there are several that do. This means that when you hear music you can pretty much guess what guitar or type is being played. There are a few such as the "tele" or "strat" sound made famous by Fender, which are my two favorites currently. Gibson and Gretsch are a couple other companies that have a "sound" for some models of their guitars. It isn't a coincidence that most of the models that have sounds are the ones that have been around the longest. Anyway, back to my love of Fenders... I don't really know what brought it on but possible the fact that I was raised around them and then the sound which from the strat and tele are just cool and smooth. These two models will play clean sounds with soft chime like tones and drive to the limits of hard rock. they are just well thought out instruments. Currently, I am using mine to explore blues music and sounds which even within that one genre there are a plethora of sounds. ("Jefe..., would you say I have a plethora of gifts?" "Yes, El Guapo you have a plethora!") So anyway, if you read this and love Fender guitars or blues music I would love to hear some blues bands to check out. or know why you like Fender. Also check out www.tdpri.com for any guitar or Telecaster info/chat and follow them on twitter @tdpri. You can also follow me if you want.. there is a link somewhere on the page and I usually retweet something from @fender every week but you should follow them yourself, its just a cool thing to do.

intelligent design... I think so

2012-06-30T16:31:00.000-04:00

well, I have managed to delay blogging for a while again. This time it wasn't schedule that kept me from blogging but relaxation. However, I have a new blog design that I wanted to use so I decided to write my thoughts. The blog design was done by Mary Hess designs and I have found it quite enjoyable to look at. Which is the point of this blog, my enjoyment. I do like to share in my enjoyment though and recommend everyone get a blog to enjoy and possibly hire Mary Hess designs to make it enjoyable for yourself to look at. My twitter page also was updated if you would like to follow my thoughts on there as well (arden370).

I really have lots of thoughts that I could blog about but the most consuming thoughts are about adaptation. The reality that all life is about adaptation to stimulation. Some adaptations seem to become habitual and leave the realm of adaptation but that process itself is an adaptation. Big adaptations and small adaptations have been motivating my thinking. I wonder what adaptations will beset my mind next. What adaptations are influencing your decisions? This blog and the choice it presents might bring about an adaptation. A simple one such as having a blog redesigned to further your enjoyment or maybe a great one like believing the truth about the world but if it is a small adaptation you want and it has to do with a blog you should click the advertisement for Mary Hess Designs on my blog because she is good at adapting your blog to your desires.

Have a nice day.

2012-05-03T13:50:00.000-04:00

Its been a couple months since my last post and well its because I have been busy and I am actually busy while I write this. However, I don't want my blog to fade into the realm of once was when I am so clearly living in the now even though my favorite cartoon is underdog but that isn't relevant. Irony is fun... Anyway, I should get to what I was doing but I wanted to say Hi to the faithful blog surfers in the world who may by happenstance see my blog and wonder why has this person not blogged in 2 months... did they die? Nope just began to fade but like Marty Mcfly I won't fade out totally. Also if you have never heard of Joe Bonamassa, a blues guitarist, you should check him out. Its really good music even if he doesn't play tele's... the Dustbowl album is great. Black lung Heartache is one of my favorite songs right now.

Ardog,

also check out Mary Hess designs for all your blog and twitter design needs clicky clicky

work then play

2012-02-27T22:10:00.000-05:00

back only after an extended stay in workville, but my blogville trip is only a pass through. I am working on a exegetical paper which may in some form reach this blog as it has sparked a rather awesome debate in my mind. I am however viewing the horizon of this project and it is looking blue in two shades. I am looking forward to some down time with my best friend. I believe it to be well deserved but often our perspectives find us deserving of something. Speaking of perspective I taught on that a couple weeks ago at New Day church, you can go listen if you want. newdaychurchsc.com sermons link... I also am looking forward to starting the SoM here in Summerville again, it should be fun and a great school of the heart. Sometimes the things we ponder also spark our creativity leading to amazing experiences. I hope the world is turning favorably for you since is isn't stopping soon... fyi soon is a relative term with only ambiguous definitions.... enjoy that for a while... (another ambiguous... are you getting this?)

...
Ardog

school is in session.

2012-01-30T22:50:00.001-05:00

I have been slowed, by school, in my blogging , but not in thought. However, sharing in my thoughts takes time which I don't have when I must read 254 pages, books in 2 days and write reports. I know that I am not alone in my work load and do not share to entice pity or inspire awe. I simply offer an excuse for lack of visitation to my digital journal of thoughts. It has been an interesting life for the last 4 weeks and more stressful than I care to talk about, but in the midst of it I have been challenged to respond how my beliefs would recommend. I have not been completely successful which I would not expect of myself but the occasion to fit beliefs into situations has been invaluable. I see myself with some blocks and a ball with cut-outs trying desperately to make it all work. I have every confidence in my Father to help me find the right fit but the realization of how my beliefs actually are utilized is becoming enjoyable in a scholastic methodology. That is to say, I am not always happy in the occasion but gaining a sense of contentment that only is found in one's favorite things such as a nice pour-over. I have had two today, as I read my book which is about interpretation. Such a fun topic and motivational... but that is for another time as I am just stopping by to deposit a couple thoughts and say hi

A.