Casey McDonald, Searcy, AR

If Nobody Knows, Is it Okay?

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 03:46:00 +0000

It is hilarious to watch children when they think they cannot be seen. Wyatt will walk down the pews trying to hide thinking that he cannot be seen because he cannot see you. Little does he know, the top of his head has gotten taller than the back of the pew giving him away. Michelle Heroux enlightened me why babies enjoy peek-a-boo so much. It is what she called "object displacement" and how the babies are amused at how you can vanish and reappear all of a sudden. I love seeing the smiles on Rylan's face as we play this timeless game with him. I realize that the older people get, they do not move too far away from the confusion of object displacement.

How many times have we sinned because we consciously, or unconsciously, thought that nobody would ever know? The wise man wrote, "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death" (Proverbs 11:1-4). People in ancient times, like today, tipped the scales to cause an unfair balance. We tip the scales every time we sin. Whoever has sinned with the consciousness of God's awareness of their activities has some serious spiritual misunderstanding about the consequences of sin.

Paul wrote in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Because of tipping the scales, each person is worthy of death. It is only in righteousness that there is life. There is no amount of righteous acts a person can do to earn this life though. Paul described it as "the free gift." Because this is free, yet you have to be righteous and there is nothing you can do, your righteousness is completely dependent upon Christ. There is only one way to be made righteous and not sin, be born of God and have his seed abide in you (1 John 3:4-10). Even if nobody knows you are tipping the scales, it is never okay to sin. Do not let Satan cover your eyes to God's presence.

3 Considerations in the Battle of Good vs. Evil

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:07:00 +0000

"Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die" (Proverbs 11:19). If you have been searching for the key to life, look no further than God's word. It gives us the answer to everything we need. The secret to life has fascinated mankind since the beginning. Adam and Eve did not have to contemplate the brevity of life till they were booted out of the garden and given the death sentence because of their sin. Since the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and all have sinned (3:23), nobody can live forever since sin entered the world through Adam. With that said, everyone can expect one of two things in the battle of good vs. evil, life or death. What path are you traveling?

The second consideration in the battle is this, "Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of blameless ways are his delight" (Proverbs 11:20). What a terrible class to be placed in if you are an abomination to the Lord. Anyone who sins is an abomination. The wise man did not talk of levels of sin, but simply noted crooked hearts. Where is your heart? That is where your treasure is (Matthew 6:21). Set your heart on Christ's kingdom and be God's delight.

A third consideration, "Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered" (Proverbs 11:21). Do not let Satan deceive you as he did Adam and Eve. Part of his deception was that no punishment would come upon them. Satan still uses that lie today. One would think after thousands of years people would catch on to his tricks and he would have to come up with something new. This same deception works today though. Satan is whispering to you, "No one will ever know." Resist his lies and James tells us he will flee from us (James 4:7).

Why should humans be concerned about death when we are told how to avoid it? We have a choice in everything we do. With those choices come certain consequences. These will end up in life or death. What changes do you need to make?

Violent Men Get Riches

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 22:18:00 +0000

Don't let your actions be reactions. Some people have the mentality that the best thing to do is wait to see what happens. This is often a necessary and wise philosophy, but this ought not be the mindset for our attitudes. For example, when someone mistreats you or lies to you the reaction is often one of defense. In this defense you may end up lying back and/or mistreating that person in return. If this is the case, you may be letting your actions simply be reactions. You can change this by aligning your principles beforehand so your actions will be proactive rather than reactive.

The wise man wrote, "A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches. A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward" (Proverbs 11:16-18). If you wait for grace to be given in order to give, you may never get around to it. The wise man encourages a proactive grace. When you wait to be honored without being yourself gracious, do not hold your breath. In a sense, the common saying holds true to this proverb, what goes around comes around. The wise man went on to describe violent men who may obtain riches, but true honor is not due them. Same goes for those who are kind, kindness will be returned. Likewise, if you are a jerk, don't be surprised when others are jerks to you. Be proactive in graciousness and kindness before others interact with you.

Are you interested in riches? It's intriguing that the scriptures never talk negatively about money itself, but does give fierce warning to how riches are obtained and to the ones obtaining them. Do not let your wages be deceptive. My high school history teacher, Mrs. Osborne, used to tell us, "Don't back up to the pay window." In other words, work hard, be honest, and treat others with integrity. These actions need to be proactive. When they are then honor, grace, and kindness will be due you, if not here, then in eternity.

Co-signing Is Stupid

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:08:00 +0000

Some instruction in the Bible is just plain hard to swallow. Verses discuss the need for self-control, don't be a glutton, gossip is sinful, etc. I just don't want to hear about it. God did not intend for his people to pick and choose which parts of his word fits their lives best and just lean on them. We are to keep all of his commands if we love him. Sometimes, people go against wise counsel and instruction, not out of rebellion, but what they're confusing as a generous heart. Instruction is given so that in times of weakness and confusion there are established principles to live by.

There are many opportunities to do something we think is helpful, but in reality it is only harmful. When a worm goes into its cocoon and starts to break out, if you tear the cocoon for it in an effort to help its struggle then you have essentially paralyzed it and it will die. The reason being that it did not have the opportunity to build the strength in its wings to fly from the struggle of breaking through the cocoon. People treat their struggling friends and family the exact same way. Solomon wrote, "Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure" (Proverb11:15). You might be thinking, this is for a stranger though, if I co-sign for a friend or family that's different. Proverbs 17:18 carries the same principle, but in regards to a "neighbor."

When we start to justify actions that go against the advice of God's word we get into deep mud. If that struggling family member could just get ahead they would be alright. That may be the case, but it is not justification for doing something stupid. If you have the money and want to give it to them to help along the way, that is one thing. As long as you're not enabling their poor choices, it can be helpful. If you don't have the money, but could co-sign a loan with them, the wise man says that is harmful. If you think you are helping, believe God, you're not.

2 Philisophical Approaches of the Harding University President Selection

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:43:00 +0000

It has been said that "change is always a great thing." At least that's how Fred Armisen quoted it in a recent Today Show interview concerning his role with NBC's Saturday Night Live. There is also the saying that seems to contradict this philosophy, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." So which philosophy is best?

Harding's New President: Dr. Bruce McLarty

He will take office in June 2013 after a 26 year long presidency of Dr. David Burks. In the decision making process of who would be the next president for the university, many differing opinions were given. These differing opinions, for the most part, could be categorized under one of the two philosophies mentioned. Now that the decision is final, some have classified the decision to go with Dr. McLarty as, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Some have spoken out about how they think Harding should move forward in their thinking and be more open to new ideas and groups of people that have been banned from campus in the past. These people claim that the decision to go with Dr. McLarty will not promote this path. They say that with the last several years of record enrollment, Harding decided to go with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach and this is the wrong move.

McLarty is Not the "Don't Fix It" Candidate
I don't think anyone would agree that Harding is not broken. By broken I mean like any other institution or human. It's broken, in need of Christ. So the mentality of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" simply doesn't fly with this presidential decision. Harding needs fixing. I need fixing. Harding needs change just as I need change. Dr. McLarty brings just that to the table. A fresh perspective on the much needed fixing and change. He's certainly not the one bringing the fix or the change as none of the other candidates would, only Christ does that.

The Board's Recognition that "Change is Always a Good Thing"
You have to be careful when using absolutes. When it comes to keeping certain people/groups off campus that say/do things contrary to the Bible, this does not need to change. Jesus and the apostle talk about the importance of resisting false teachers. Harding does need to change in how they can better resist this encroachment because again, she is not perfect. I believe the Board of Trustee's decision had in mind that Dr. McLarty is the needed change for the university. This doesn't suggest I think past leadership was terrible, just imperfect, like me. Change is always a good thing because we can always be better. We will never be perfect, which means there will always be room for improvement. Improvement requires change. I am excited about that improvement with HU's new president. I am excited about how Harding will change, hopefully for the good, in the future.

We all need to improve. What changes are necessary for that to happen?

Sermon Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Several sermons have been added to iTunes for your free download. Get convicted today and subscribe at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/four-mile-hill-church-christ/id364916132?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Multiple Offers Return as Buyers are Back

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:00:00 +0000

This article by Steve Cook makes an interesting case for a great time to list your house for sale. Do not let the fear that the news pumps out dictate your life and decisions. Get educated! This article found at http://rismedia.com/rrein/9115/87627/null/38625

RISMEDIA, Monday, July 09, 2012— Record tight inventories are making it increasingly difficult for growing numbers of buyers, who are creating multiple-bid environments in markets that haven’t seen buyers battle over homes in six years.

Buyers are back but sellers aren’t, especially in Western markets recovering from large volumes of foreclosures. The result is that inventories are still tightening as the spring buying season ends. Buyers are fighting over what’s available, often to the benefit of those sellers who took a risk in this year’s evolving marketplace.

Prices are reported to be on the uptrend with 62 percent of REALTORS® reporting constant or increasing prices compared to the same time a year ago, according to the National Association of REALTORS’® (NAR) REALTOR® Confidence Index for May29 -June 8, 2012 that was released recently.

Buyer demand is reported to be growing faster than supply, and many REALTORS® are reporting multiple offers. However, buyer foot traffic slowed in May compared to last year, perhaps as buyers grew discouraged by slim pickings.

However, buyer traffic is still well above the moderate level, but seller traffic is flat, according to the NAR survey. First-time homebuyers accounted for 34 percent of total buyers. Normally first-time buyers are in the neighborhood of 40 percent of total residential sales, according to NAR’s Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

A majority of the 145 markets monitored by NAR Research experienced slower foot traffic in May of this year relative to the same time in 2011. The data, provided by SentriLock, LLC., is based on the total number of visits to properties as recorded on electronic clock boxes. Foot traffic was lower over the 12 months ending in May in 60 percent of the markets, while 35 percent expanded and 5 percent were unchanged. This moderating pattern suggests a broad based decline in the late spring following an equally broad-based expansion in the late spring/summer of 2011 and early spring of this year.

Multiple bids are changing the playing field in a number of markets this spring and summer. Many agents new to the business who have little experience with them are dealing with a sudden and unexpected competition for homes brought about by inventors more than 20 percent below those of a year ago.

“Remember the “Roaring ’90s?” Those days when you could list your house on Friday and on Saturday people would be parked in your driveway writing offers and good faith checks on the hood of their cars? Multiple offers were the norm and offered sellers a generous selection of offers from which to choose. Believe it or not. we are experiencing a trend toward multiple offers even in this still difficult market and there is evidence that this trend will continue as buyers compete in a market with limited inventory,” reported REALTOR® Noel Crider of Auburn, Calif.

“The Phoenix Metro Area Housing Market faces multiple offers even in the higher end and luxury market as buyers try to snag homes before the market rises further. We have seen multiple offers for quite some time in the lower price ranges, but now as the market is returning, and returning strong, we are seeing multiple offers in the higher price ranges. We are now seeing multiple offers on homes in the move-up and luxury home market. We are seeing offers that are $50,000 over asking that are not the winning bid. This is causing quite a bit of frustration as buyers are trying to get into a home before the market prices go up further,” reported Brenda & Ron Cunningham, real estate professionals in Arizona.

In Seattle, multiple offers on beginner houses in Seattle are common again reports Phil Leng of Kirkland, Wash. and in Austin, broker Gwynn Teal Carpenter reports, “It’s happened again! We are in one of those real estate markets where we are seeing homes with multiple offers. In Austin Texas, the market is so sizzling hot that it isn’t unusual to have more than 2 offers on a fantastic priced and conditioned home.”

Unintentional Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:51:00 +0000

It seems very counter intuitive to talk about an unintentional pregnancy with one exception, rape victims. If a female is raped and gets pregnant as a result, obviously that is an unintentional pregnancy. All other pregnancies cannot be intelligently described as "unintentional." Here is a basic lesson that pro-choice advocates have seemed to overlook, pregnancy occurs by sex between a man and a woman. If people have sex knowing that pregnancy is the natural outcome, they cannot really say that a resulting pregnancy was unintentional. Call me old fashioned, but if you are not prepared for the possibility of having a child, then you should not be having sex.

With the one exception mentioned above, all other "unintentional pregnancies" come down to irresponsibility. Because of this irresponsibility, our nation decides to make it legal to have abortions in order to make up for those irresponsible actions. I was taught growing up to take responsibility for my actions and abortion is just the opposite of that. Abortion is literally killing the responsibility that is yours based on the decision you made. Do not talk to me about unintentional pregnancies when you know good and well the natural outcome of sex. Sex is a good thing and children are a blessing. Let us keep these in perspective and take responsibility for our actions.

Bigger is No Longer Better in Housing Study Says

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:34:00 +0000

Looking for that dream home? May want to consider this before going big:
Bigger is No Longer Better in Housing, Study Says

Realtor Interview Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:02:00 +0000

Here are some things to ask when looking for a Realtor:

1. How Long Have You Been in the Business?

2. What is Your Average List-Price-to-Sales-Price Ratio?

3. What is Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs?

4. Will You Please Provide References?

5. What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition?

6. May I Review Documents Beforehand That I Will Be Asked to Sign?

7. How Will You Help Me Find Other Professionals?

8. How Much Do You Charge?

9. What Kind of Guarantee Do You Offer?

10. What Haven't I Asked You That I Need to Know?

Inventory of For-Sale Homes Posts Big Drop

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:38:00 +0000

Inventory of For-Sale Homes Posts Big Drop

Homes in Searcy, AR are right there with the rest of the nation with low inventory, but that is a good thing for the market as a whole because the demand is rising. “If the market continues to hold its own, 2012 could well mark the beginning of a broad-based housing recovery,” according to Realtor.com. Things are looking up for the economy and real estate. Do not allow who is in office to determine your happiness and level of success. Be responsible for you.

The Scale of the Universe

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 02:07:00 +0000

I stumbled across this and thought it put the universe into perspective beautifully. http://htwins.net/scale2/
You need Flash player to view. Enjoy.

Called To Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Upon my arrival to college to study to become a successful business man and preacher “on the side,” I encountered some very uncomfortable language. First of all, that language of “on the side” sounds harsh in and of itself. I came to the conclusion that if anything was going to be “on the side” it would be whatever business practice I ended up pursuing. Another phrase I was uncomfortable with is “going into ministry.” What does that even mean? What are you coming “out of” to “go into” ministry?

That language has no business entering the ears of anyone, much less someone who is considering ministry for a living. This may just be a pet peeve with words, but I believe every Christian is in ministry no matter what their occupation. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Peter did not just speak to the preachers, elders, and deacons. We are all priests, whether school teachers, administrators, bus drivers, nurses, maintenance workers, electricians, stay-at-home mommies etc. No Christian can avoid the call to ministry.

That last statement was another thing that made me uneasy. People would ask, “What is your calling?” I would always joke back, “I don’t know, I never got the phone call.” The language just sounds like everyone should have this great epiphany directly from God about what they are supposed to do in life. That is not how it works. Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Don’t miss it, “…that by testing you may discern…” People that sit around and wait for this call from God better not hold their breath. Knowing God’s will takes action and you can know it. Whatever your passion is and you decide to do, never forget that each of us entered ministry and its call the day we put on Christ in baptism. “Of this gospel I was made a minister…” (Ephesians 3:7a).

The Lord Surrounds Us

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Some of the most beautiful images of God’s protection resides in the Psalms. I had another opportunity to visit the Rocky Mountains and the scenery is absolutely breath taking. Words are hard pressed to describe the overwhelming feeling of being 32,000 feet above sea level and look around to see nothing but snow capped mountain range. God’s creation is always around us, but those mountains made it feel like his creation had wrapped around me and was giving a bear hug.

The Psalmist had similar feelings when he looked at the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore” (125:1-2).

Bobby Price, a song writer, took inspiration from these verses and compiled the lyrics to “Surround Us, O Lord.” Robert Taylor in his Praise Hymnal thought Psalm 106:47-48 was appropriate for this song as well, “Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord!” The song goes like this: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people (Repeat). Surround us Lord, surround us, O Lord. We need to be in your presence. Surround us Lord. Surround us Lord.”

What a beautiful and comforting image to think how God surrounds his people. He is not some distant deity who is out of touch with the world he created and the people he calls his own. He wants to be a part of us and surround us with his presence and love. While in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, to look around and see the endless mountain range to me meant that I could not easily escape them. That’s the picture the psalmist paints. We cannot easily escape God and ultimately nobody will for one day every knee will bow (Romans 14:11).

Bibliology

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The doctrine of Scripture is vital for how Christians present the Bible to others. The world questions things like the Bible’s reliability and if it is really a revelation of God. Christians even question the doctrine of the scriptures by challenging the necessity of the Old Testament and if God’s presence with us resides solely in a book.

The first place often turned to in defense of the reliability of scripture is 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV). This is a powerful text that is hard to deny if one believes that there is a God. For now we will stick to the doctrine of the scripture for believers in God and deal with Christian evidences later.

A second argument for the reliability of scripture is to consider the prophesies and their fulfillments through the ages, “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:19–21). The Bible is reliable because it contains fulfilled prophecy confirmed by time.

It is vital that Christians not throw out the Old Testament in their Bibliology. Paul wrote, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). The “Scriptures” the 1^st Century Christians had were what Christians today call the “Old Testament.” They certainly did not call them “old,” but considered them living and active (Hebrews 4:12). God’s presence resides with us through his Spirit by which Christians speak through the word of God, the Bible, the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).

Are You Still Growing?

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Never stop growing. People often admire how quickly children grow, but do not recognize as often or as long when someone becomes a babe in Christ. Hopefully the growth of the Christian does not stop. So why do people stop taking notice? Maybe we need to encourage one another more often in spiritual growth. When was the last time you encouraged someone in a spiritual nature? Encouragement can go a long ways. It may just make a terrible day turn bright, and it is free to give. The only thing it costs you is what God has given you, breath. This is encouraged in 2 Peter 3:14-18,

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Peter wrote this right after he described the end times. It is urgent that we walk in righteousness since Christ’s second coming can take place at any given second. With this in mind, Christians have all the more reason to encourage one another and continue in growth. It can be seen if one measures body weight on a consistent basis that it constantly fluctuates. If you weigh yourself in the morning it will be different then when you weigh yourself that night. On a regular day, a person will weigh more in the evening than they did that morning. Our spiritual weight (i.e. growth) should measure the same way. Have you grown more spiritually by the end of the day? If not, then you have not consumed a healthy spiritual diet. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). Growth comes with a good spiritual diet and encouragement.

Eschatology

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:52:00 +0000

The “study of the last things” is both exciting and frightening. It should be easy for Christians to say that there is no fear in the second coming. Revelation tells us who is going to win the spiritual warfare in which we are fighting. God will overcome evil. The frightening part is in the unknown. Nobody knows the day or hour that Jesus will come again, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come…Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake” (Mark 13:32–33, 35-37, ESV).

Jesus states the warning four times to remain “awake,” and once he said “Be on guard.” The Bible describes how things will unfold in the eschaton, but there is still widespread interpretation of the timing and events of the judgment day and eternity. “Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:1–2). Paul then echoes what Jesus said, “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober” (5:6). Satan is lulling people away from anticipating the end.

Paul describes how it will be when Jesus does return, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (4:16–17). What happens then is described in great detail in 2 Peter 3:1-13. Once everything is burned up and dissolved, a new heaven and a new earth are prepared for the believers and the “second death” for the wicked (Revelation 21:1-8).

Soteriology

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

In the first Century, Christians came up with a symbol to show if they were a Christian. They did this because of the persecution of Christians that was prevalent in the first few hundred years after Christ. The symbol was a fish. Christians today still slap a bumper sticker of the “Jesus fish” to their cars and call themselves Christians. The reason those first Century Christians chose a fish was because of its letters. They made the acronym utilizing the letters that made up the Greek word for fish, ichthus (ἰχθύς). Each letter stands for Jesus, Christ, God’s Son, Savior. That last word is where the title of this article is derived. Soteriology is the study of salvation (from σωτήρ (sōtēr) meaning “savior”). You have to start from why salvation is needed.

When God created the world, he was fully present with his creation. When men sinned, that made a separation between humans and God, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:1–2, ESV). God cannot look upon evil, “You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong,” (Habakkuk 1:13a). There is a need for a savior because sin and evil are prevalent in the world and God wants to be fully present again.

Stanley Grenz noted, “In his response to Arius, Athanasius showed that the deity of the Spirit is necessitated by soteriology. If the Spirit who enters our hearts as believes is not the actual Spirit of God, then we have no true community with God.” In other words, you are not saved if you do not have God’s Spirit. Paul lays this out beautifully concerning the Ephesians’ salvation in 1:3-14, but look specifically at verses 13-14, “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” It is impossible to have salvation (sōtēria) without “the promised Holy Spirit.”

Trinity

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:22:00 +0000

People through church history have been hesitant to use unbiblical terms. One of the restoration pleas that developed was from Alexander Campbell, “Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent.” Because of this mentality, which is helpful, many stay away from any term that cannot be found in the scriptures. If Christendom was to follow through with this, topics like “providence” and “restoration” must be avoided because of their lacking appearance in the Bible. Christians are affirmed that God does provide and he desires to restore his people back to fellowship with himself. Thus, providence and restoration are topics Christians cannot afford to avoid. The same is true with the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit as part of a divine Trinity may be confused as tri-deism. The divine plural seen in Genesis 1-11 has similar implications to the concept of a Triune God. The Holy Spirit is not some arbitrary thing or “glorified ‘it’” as Earl Edwards puts it. The word for “spirit” is a neuter noun, but when the personal pronoun is used in conjunction with the Holy Spirit it is the masculine, “he.” Let not the believer in God be confused about the oneness of God,

And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God… (Exodus 20:1–5a, ESV).

The eternally present, divine, equal, and unified Trinity does not consider its three “persons” as separate. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make up the one God of Abraham, who formed Adam and created the world, who came in the flesh then died leaving the Comforter until judgment day. These three persons of God are evident in the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17) and his great commission before he ascends to be with the Father (Matt. 28:19).

Theology

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Theology is a fancy word for the study of God (theos). People carry many different ideas about who God is and what his nature entails. There is a plural nature to God seen very early in the Bible, “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). The narrator uses these plural words (us and our) to describe God. Some theologians explain these plurals used in Genesis 1-11 and other places in the Bible to portray a divine counsel of sorts that includes celestial beings. Since God and the Spirit of God are mentioned in the text, that suggests that the plurality of the one God is solely at work in this creative act. As seen in Christology, God’s son was present during the creation process and is an entity of the unified Godhead seen at work in creation and certainly part of these plurals.

The study of God encompasses the Trinity. One cannot get around the idea of three “persons” in one substance when Paul writes things like,“…be filled with the Spirit…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 5:18c, 20). There are truly three parts of God and man has come up with countless metaphors to try and explain this. Sometimes metaphors can be very dangerous though because they may leave someone with the wrong idea. Let us stick to the Bible when trying to explain the plural nature of the one God. Deuteronomy 6:4 does this beautifully, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Trinitarian Christians are not polytheists or tri-deists, but believe in one God that has different roles that are named in the Bible as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A temptation might be to make God modal who puts on different masks through history to play different roles. The problem is we see all three “characters” on the seen at Jesus’ baptism. The Son was baptized, the Spirit of God descended on him, and the Father spoke from heaven declaring favor for his son. (Matthew 3:16-17). We must be careful to explain God to others and not give the impression we worship three different gods, but only the one God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Christology

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:11:00 +0000

Christology may sound like a confusing and scary word, but do not let it be. Break down its parts and you get simply the study (from –logia) of Christ. This study within Christian theology deals specifically with the person and nature of Christ. There are many conflicting views about who Christ is and what his purpose was while he walked on earth in the 1^st Century A.D. Some of these differences people hold include his deity, humanity, status as “son,” the resurrection, and his eternal reign.

Jesus wanted to know, “Who do men say that I am?” How people answer this question is the core of christology. Jesus is eternally divine. Everything was created through him making him present in and responsible for the creation. He was called Immanuel, “God with us,” because he was God in the human form. The historical implications to this claim are affirmed in Jesus’ own claim of his divinity and the confirmation of that claim through his resurrection from the dead. Jesus’ humanity is strongly affirmed through his birth to Mary. He was born of flesh and blood. The book ends of his life point to his humanity maybe more than anything else. While he was born of flesh and blood, he died because of that same flesh and blood that he allowed to be abused and poured out during his crucifixion.

Christ is God’s one of a kind son. Jesus’ discourse with Nicodemus in the gospel of John carries one of the most descriptive christological verses in the Bible. Jesus said in 3:16 (NASB), “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…” The description “only begotten” is also translated “only” and “one and only.” The notion that Jesus came from or was created by God the father does not line up with his eternal nature. The second verse of the Bible expressly mentions God and the Spirit of God during the creation narrative. Later in that same story, the divine plural is seen for the first time, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). It is a little easier to understand why the Jews could understand the Spirit, but not a third substance of God. John 1:1-5 tells of the son’s presence also during creation.

Campfire Christianity

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:40:00 +0000

One hobby I enjoy thoroughly is camping. A “must do” while camping is building and maintaining a campfire. The fire is used for several different activities while in the woods. Food is often cooked on the campfire, marshmallow roasting is a sure hit, heating up chocolate Hershey bars to make "smores" wets my taste buds, keeping warm during the night’s cool breeze, and “chewing the fat” are all events that I love to take part in around the campfire.

A good campfire starts out as a dead pile of brush and small twigs that will catch a spark easily. As the base is broadened, larger sticks are used for the endurance of the fire. Once the base is set up a spark is needed to ignite the flame either from a match, lighter, or the old school hard core way of friction from a stick. The campfire is now going, the food has been cooked and the time is at hand for gazing into the fire being mesmerized by the red hot coals.

Kurt Kaiser wrote the song “Pass It On” which speaks of a fire. The first verse says,

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,

And soon all those a round can warm up in its glowing;

That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it:

You spread His love to everyone; you want to pass it on.

Jesus speaks of this “spark” in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (ESV). Jesus provided the spark which started the fire of Christianity. The fire started out small and then turned into a blaze. Often in our lives though, the fire weakens. When a campfire is built, the spark starts the brush, the brush starts the twigs, then the twigs catch the logs and a big fire is made. Once the logs start to burn out though, the fire will lose its flame. Is our Christianity burning out?

It is not a new concept or weakness to allow one’s Christianity to burn out. Peter was on fire for Jesus and stated in Matthew 26:35 “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” Peter’s fire soon died out when he was approached three different times that night being accused of being associated with Jesus and denying the accusation all three times before the rooster crowed (Mt. 26:69-75). Do not be discouraged if your fire dims down, but do not become slack concerning the matter.

Exert from The School Bus Drivin’ Preacher.

It’s a Boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:55:00 +0000

Becoming a parent is one of the most intimidating experiences I have encountered to date. There is so much responsibility needed for the proper care of a child. We found out back in July that Kayla was pregnant…our first child was officially being formed! Last Monday we found out that the baby is a boy. This news came with much relief on my part because I grew up in a house full of boys (God bless our saintly mother) and knew somewhat how to handle them. Of course, if he does half the things my brothers and I did, then Kayla will be bound for the crazy house as I am sure we almost did with my blessed mom.

It has been said before that one of the most important mission fields is your own home. I am blessed to have parents and grandparents that prayed regularly about us growing up to find the LORD and find a mate that would help us get to heaven. Saturday, October 29 marks the final answer to those prayers as Daniel marries Amber Wiginton. Amber has amazing parents that prayed the same prayers for her. My prayer for our baby boy is that he too grows up to find his heavenly father, trust in his son Jesus, and be sealed by his Holy Spirit so that we will one day all be reunited in eternal heaven.

The most intimidating thing about becoming a parent is the responsibility of training children up in the way of the LORD. This is so nerve-racking because I am certainly not a perfect person. How am I qualified to help someone figure out Christianity when I do not even have it figured out myself? Thankfully there is a loving father who teaches and guides his children on how to be better parents, not perfect parents. The saying stands true in parenthood as it does anywhere else, “Practice what you preach.”

To lead by example is what God the Father does for us through his son. Jesus was the perfect example of a servant leader. This type of leader certainly does not allow people to trample on him, but rather takes a stand for the truth and is willing to be killed for it. That is the type of leadership I strive for and the kind I pray can be passed on and lived out better than I ever could.

I Can Depend on You

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:39:00 +0000

At the Arnold Youth Retreat in Bloomfield, MO, Andy McDonald had everyone take a favorite song and rewrite it in their own words for one of the activities. The song entitled “I Can Depend on You” written by Pat Moon in 2002 is very encouraging. The song gains inspiration in part from Isaiah 41:10, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (ESV). I reworded the song like this:

1. When I’m in an airplane looking out over the puffy white clouds, Lord, I find you. When I snorkel in the clear blue Caribbean, there you stand. From snowboarding in the Colorado Rockies to fishing in the deep Atlantic Ocean, you made them, Lord they are yours to command.

2. On the warm sunny beach, Lord, I find you. And in the starry moon-lit night there you stand. Every sun, moon, star, and solar system…the universe brags on your brilliance because they fit in the palm of your hand.

3. In the innocence and mouths of babes, Lord, I find you. And by your Spirit and Son, there you stand. You sent your Son at such cost and left your Spirit to seek the lost, such love deserves nothing less than my all.

Chorus: I can depend on you, Lord. I can depend on you. No matter how high or low, far or near I go, Lord I can always depend on you.

This was a fulfilling exercise that helped bring the words of a song into focus and reshape them to relate to personal experiences. God can be seen all around if we will just open our eyes to his glory. In the visible attributes obvious all around and throughout history, the fact that God is dependable screams to humanity. “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19–20). Strive for the point where you say, “I can depend on you, Lord.”

Hatred, Love, and Everything in Between

noreply@blogger.com (Casey McDonald) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:36:00 +0000

Hate is a strong word. The words “I hate you” should never come out of the mouth of Christians. Children ought to associate the use of that phrase with a mouth full of soap or a swat on the rear-end. How can a Christian possibly fulfill the great commission of Christ with hate for another human dwelling in their heart? The natural opposite of hate is love. One simply cannot uphold these opposites and still follow Christ. It is with this in mind that Solomon wrote.

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near. A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin. The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin. Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool” (Proverbs 10:12–18, ESV).

Hatred infects the heart like a cancer. The only thing in this world we ought to hate is sin. No matter what evil someone has done against another, Christians are called to love instead of hate. Jesus even said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:43–45). The ironic thing about this statement from his Sermon on the Mount is that nowhere in the scriptures is the command to “hate your enemy.” Leviticus 19:18 commands us to love neighbors, but the concept of hating enemies was fashioned only in the minds of people, never from the mouth of God.

Peter quotes this Proverb when he too emphasized the importance of love, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Much more can be said for the wisdom between this inclusion of hatred, but the bottom line is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).