Today's entry is not quite as spiritual as the others, however I received some awesome news. I was asked to participate as a driver for the 2008 Fireball Run. If you're not familiar with this race, it is similar to the Bull Run, Great American Race, and Gumball Rally. Last year the race went East to West from Orlando to Beverly Hills. This year its running from South to North with the locations TBD.
Unlike the other trans-continental runs, this race is for the Child Rescue Network www.childrescuenetwork.com/ . The racer's vehicles are virtual rolling milk cartons. Additionally, this race is for a very few. Entrants must be invited, and that doesn't even guarantee spot. So it is truly an honor to have the opportunity to participate. I will try to get some links put on my blog. In the meantime, visit http://www.fireballrun.com/ to check it out for yourself.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Severity...Sovereignty...Sanity
Daniel 4:34-37 "But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my sanity returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom {endures} from generation to generation. 35"All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And {among} the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What have You done?' 36"At that time my sanity returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. 37"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride."
It's been a while since I posted an entry. Courtney has asked me several times when I was going to update my blog. The truth is, I really didn't want to. You see, my very intentions and motivations were to establish thought provoking conversations and especially debate. I rather enjoy arguing, theologically speaking, for it strengthens my positions, or changes them altogether when I find myself in the wrong. For me, these conversations present themselves as apologetics. They provide insight and give me opportunities to share the applications of God's Word in my life with you. As you can read some of the past comments, I have found very little conversation. So why should I continue using the time and energy to study topics and write about them if it seems that nobody really cares? Take a walk with me, will you?
As December is usually chaotic for everyone else, I was no different. Time seemed to accelerate at break-neck speed and nothing seemed to be getting accomplished. Before we knew it, Christmas had arrived. With zero comments on the previous entry, Naivety of the Nativity, I found little motivation to continue the blog. So what does this have to do with me? Nebuchadnezzar? or maybe something you're going through right now? Naturally I can only compare myself to old Neb, however the applications that I have encountered can easily be both multiple and universal.
It's been a while since I posted an entry. Courtney has asked me several times when I was going to update my blog. The truth is, I really didn't want to. You see, my very intentions and motivations were to establish thought provoking conversations and especially debate. I rather enjoy arguing, theologically speaking, for it strengthens my positions, or changes them altogether when I find myself in the wrong. For me, these conversations present themselves as apologetics. They provide insight and give me opportunities to share the applications of God's Word in my life with you. As you can read some of the past comments, I have found very little conversation. So why should I continue using the time and energy to study topics and write about them if it seems that nobody really cares? Take a walk with me, will you?
As December is usually chaotic for everyone else, I was no different. Time seemed to accelerate at break-neck speed and nothing seemed to be getting accomplished. Before we knew it, Christmas had arrived. With zero comments on the previous entry, Naivety of the Nativity, I found little motivation to continue the blog. So what does this have to do with me? Nebuchadnezzar? or maybe something you're going through right now? Naturally I can only compare myself to old Neb, however the applications that I have encountered can easily be both multiple and universal.
Severity
Nebuchadnezzar was incredibly powerful and arrogant. He attributed all he had to himself and not God, despite warnings from his friend Daniel. Neb ended up losing his mind for a period of seven years - roaming the countryside acting like an animal. Once the seven year period ended, he found himself in the passage you are reading today. For me, perhaps my pride and ego has taken precedence over the true reasons why this blog should be published - to spread the truth of God's Word and not my own ability regarding scholarship.
Sovereignty
Nebuchadnezzar recognized that the circumstances were God's doing. It doesn't matter if it was just. It doesn't matter if it was unjust. What matters is that it was His doing whether we like it or not. Does it sometimes hurt? You bet it does. Do we always agree with it or understand it? No. Since the new year, I have taken some time away from the church. My time away hasn't been easy, but it has been extremely therapeutic. I have become closer to God through His Word. I have become closer to my family by His love and grace through me. This leads us to the final point.
Sanity
After his period of isolation, Nebuchadnezzar regained his sanity. More importantly, he received a better understanding of God's sovereignty. The key word is receive. We may get a crash-course in sovereignty, but we do not always willfully receive the education of it. We may become bitter. We may become resilient and callous. Neb learned. He learned and then he praised.In closing, the question arises, "Can I be like Nebuchadnezzar? Can I continue this blog in a way that glorifies God in its wake?" For me, I have to continue this. I may never have another comment returned, but human circumstances will not and should not get in the way of a relationship with the Father. The only comment I look forward to is, "Well done, good and faithful servant (Luke 19)."
The points one needs to understand are these:
The points one needs to understand are these:
- [It is] His dominion (v. 34)
- [It is] His kingdom (v. 34)
- He does what He wants (v. 35)
- [It is] His hand (v. 35)
- [It is] His works (v. 37)
- [It is] His ways (v. 37)
Nothing is said about what we want, what we wish, or what we desire. It is not about us. It's about Him. My intentions/motivations for this blog are no longer about me. They're about glorifying my king. I will write about topics and Scripture He has laid on my heart. He will guide the people He wishes to this blog. Should conversation arise about certain entries, well that's just an added bonus or gift from Him to me.
grace and peace to you all
Monday, December 10, 2007
Naivety of the Nativity
Beginning with the birth of Christ, one cannot help but picture the serene greeting card Nativity scene that has become the normal depiction of the circumstances behind first-century obstetrics. Unfortunately, this was indeed not the case with Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph. For the sake of decency, we allow ourselves to be completely naive and oblivious to the truth behind Christ's entering the mortal world. Mary, being young (speculated as being in her early teens), put herself under great scrutiny and ridicule by volunteering her body to conceive what, in the eyes of the early Jewish community and by today's standards, would be an illegitimate child. Unlike today's norm, this acceptance, then, could bring an early and untimely death for young Mary. It would be correct to say that Mary was the first to accept Christ. How cool is that? Secondly, there is Joseph. In my opinion, Joseph probably had to defend the honor of his family until either his death or that of his adopted Son. First was the humiliation and feelings of doubt in the trustworthiness of his future bride. Secondly was his consent to remain betrothed to Mary, though facing the shame of a pregnancy that could not be explained.
When the census came around and the journey to Bethlehem was necessary, Joseph did not have to bring Mary, especially in her fragile, pre-delivery state. It was probably necessary , however, to get Mary away from the small town way of life that was so stricken with controversy.
So after nine months of awkward explanations, our Savior was born under the most humiliating of circumstances possible as if to change the preconceived concept of favoritism. From the beginning, as it would seem, Christ had not been dealt the best of hands. Born into poverty, later a refugee out of Egypt speaking the trader's language of Aramaic, it seemed very unlikely that this was the Messiah the Jewish race had been waiting for as prophesied by those of the days of old. But He was!
So as you busy yourselves with the labors of the Christmas season, don't simply remember a manger scene. Fast-forward 33 years to the reason why He came. To die on a cross. To forgive me. To forgive you. Remember His gift of atonement; His blood. Remember the cross.
When the census came around and the journey to Bethlehem was necessary, Joseph did not have to bring Mary, especially in her fragile, pre-delivery state. It was probably necessary , however, to get Mary away from the small town way of life that was so stricken with controversy.
So after nine months of awkward explanations, our Savior was born under the most humiliating of circumstances possible as if to change the preconceived concept of favoritism. From the beginning, as it would seem, Christ had not been dealt the best of hands. Born into poverty, later a refugee out of Egypt speaking the trader's language of Aramaic, it seemed very unlikely that this was the Messiah the Jewish race had been waiting for as prophesied by those of the days of old. But He was!
So as you busy yourselves with the labors of the Christmas season, don't simply remember a manger scene. Fast-forward 33 years to the reason why He came. To die on a cross. To forgive me. To forgive you. Remember His gift of atonement; His blood. Remember the cross.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Are You Living or Existing?
Sometimes as I'm dozing off to sleep, I have the greatest thought provoking messages. I am currently on a 48 hour shift at the fire department and am incredibly tired, however this seemed too good to sleep on. As I was drifting to sleep; thinking; meditating on the day's events and passages I had read, the tones went off and we had to respond to a call. Now, almost two hours later, I am writing this because I will not be able to sleep until I do.
The question I pose is the title of this entry: Are You Living or Existing?
The question I pose is the title of this entry: Are You Living or Existing?
Picture yourself at the Grand Canyon. It is a beautiful and majestic site to behold. The terrain has been perfectly sculpted for our viewing pleasure by the Colorado River. Now the canyon, in all of its splendor, well, just sits there. It is stagnate and mute; existing. The river, on the other hand, is flowing. It is moving and yet still cutting away at the rocky crevices. It is living. I use this analogy because this is the expression of many "Christians" today. They exist in the knowledge of Christ yet refuse to live for Him. In Matthew 28:18-20, Christ commissioned us to "Go":
- Not just to church to absorb sermon after sermon only to forget about it before the ball-game starts. We know more lyrics to songs, statistics of athletes, and what's coming on the television for an entire month than we do God's holy Word. cf. Romans 2:13
- And subsequently not just to study His Word in its literal, historical, and grammatical context (hermeneutics) without ever practicing and applying them to our everyday lives.
Jesus said, "Go":
- make disciples
- baptize [disciples]
- teach [disciples]
It is time to begin living for Christ and not just existing by His grace. Here's a few questions one may ask themselves to see whether they are living or existing for Christ.
- Are you praying?
- Are you testifying the love, grace, and mercy that was given to you with others (i.e., your testimony)?
- Are you excited of the gift that was given to you?
Additionally, a very important consideration is if your acceptance of Christ to be Lord and Savior over your life was truly genuine. Did your lifestyle change? Did it remain changed?
Scripture says that it is not for us to judge, however we are to remain diligent in the recognition of other believers by the fruit they have and continue to produce (Matthew 7:15-16; 20). Otherwise our ranks may be infiltrated by a formidable and determined enemy that is hell-bent (pardon the pun) on our destruction.
So what fruit have you produced? What fruit do you bear? Are you living for Christ by the application of His Word in your everyday life and practices or are you merely existing in a knowledge of Him?
-blessings
Monday, November 26, 2007
ONE WAY
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=13CE6F6CE99ADEB3
How incredibly disappointing. This is how I felt after watching the above video. Now I can only speculate as to what President Bush's motives were when he made this statement. Either he truly believes that Christians and Muslims do worship the same god or he needed a political answer to keep everyone happy. Either way, it's wrong!
I truly believe that the President is a Christian. However, as a man in his influential position, he needs to carefully and prayerfully examine God's Word before making such statements that would cause others to stumble.
There is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ! John 14:6 firmly states, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Jesus didn't say that He was a way, He said He was the way. Additionally, no one comes before God except through Him; not Muhammad (Islam), not Buddha (Buddhism/Hinduism), not the false doctrines of Joseph Smith (Mormonism), L. Ron Hubbard (Scientology), and Charles Taze Russell (Jehova's Witness).
Acts 4:12 - Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
1 Timothy 2:5 - For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus,...There are not multiple roads to eternal salvation. There is only one. One road; one Savior.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
I Wish I Could Say I'm Surprised
Families of Fallen Utah Highway Patrol Troopers Fight Atheist Group Over Roadside Cross Memorials
There are a number of things that bother me about this particular group; atheism aside. In the story published by Fox News the group's lawyer, Brian Barnard, was quoted as saying,
"The use of those crosses constitutes and endorses Christianity. Although it's an acknowledgement of the death of these troopers, it is also an endorsement of Christianity." Additionally he stated, "There's no question at all that these highway patrol troopers should be honored. We should all pause and thank them. But that can be done in a way that does not emphasize religion."
If Mr. Barnard and the group he represents feels that the families of the fallen troopers are breaking the First Amendment, it only makes sense that Arlington National Cemetery is next. You see, each headstone is issued by the government and bears the symbol of religious affiliation of the person buried. Wouldn't this be considered the same? If the headstones are issued, then that means that taxpayers have footed the bill. This is not even the case in regards to Utah.
I'm quite confused over this, in my opinion, a frivolous lawsuit.
The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits the establishment of a national religion by Congress or the preference of one religion over another, or religion over non-religion.
Again I use Arlington National Cemetery as an example. Let's count all the symbols of the headstones and find out the cross:Star of David ratio so we can see the government's preference of religion. Which I might add, is against the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment as stated above.
I certainly pray for U.S. District Judge David Sam who is ruling this particular case. I pray that God would give him proper discernment, peace and comfort in his decision.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Truth vs. Opinion
Pope says other Christian denominations not true churches
This was the title of a news article placed on Yahoo. I encourage you to follow the link and read for yourself http://www.yahoo.com/s/623434 . I'm not going to get into a denomination battle, for there are many that follow a distorted view of Christianity and hide themselves behind their church's beliefs. What it comes to is following Christ. The etymology of the word Christian is simply the religion of Christ. Therfore, a Christian is a person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ. Regardless of what denomination you may claim, if you have a personal relationship with Christ, in that you have confessed your sin to Him, invited Him to become Lord of your life and changed your lifestyle so that you live in a manner worthy of the title, it doesn't matter what church you go to as long as the church preaches sound doctrine (e.g. the Bible is the inerrant, infallible, true word of God). Acts 10:34-35 states that "God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him." What seperates the Roman Catholic Church from the "un-true" churches is that they (I) refuse to acknowledge the primacy of the Pope along with many other man-made statutes.
-----------------------------------Opinion-------------------------------------
The papacy has been enveloped in controversy and the abuse of power since its beginnings. Read the history. Many of the popes have followed a personal agenda that best suited themselves - not God's. This is a move by Benedict that appears to fall in the same category.
This was the title of a news article placed on Yahoo. I encourage you to follow the link and read for yourself http://www.yahoo.com/s/623434 . I'm not going to get into a denomination battle, for there are many that follow a distorted view of Christianity and hide themselves behind their church's beliefs. What it comes to is following Christ. The etymology of the word Christian is simply the religion of Christ. Therfore, a Christian is a person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ. Regardless of what denomination you may claim, if you have a personal relationship with Christ, in that you have confessed your sin to Him, invited Him to become Lord of your life and changed your lifestyle so that you live in a manner worthy of the title, it doesn't matter what church you go to as long as the church preaches sound doctrine (e.g. the Bible is the inerrant, infallible, true word of God). Acts 10:34-35 states that "God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him." What seperates the Roman Catholic Church from the "un-true" churches is that they (I) refuse to acknowledge the primacy of the Pope along with many other man-made statutes.
-----------------------------------Opinion-------------------------------------
The papacy has been enveloped in controversy and the abuse of power since its beginnings. Read the history. Many of the popes have followed a personal agenda that best suited themselves - not God's. This is a move by Benedict that appears to fall in the same category.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Challenge Everything - Pt. 2
Some questions have arisen as to biblical support for women in leadership positions within the church. Please understand that I do not support the ordination of women in the realm of pastoral ministry. That is, I do not advocate women pastors, rectors, priests or the sort. Some may not like this statement, however I have not found any Scripture that reinforces the act of ordaining women. Let it be known that this posting is by no means exhaustive.
The very denial of women in leadership positions within the ministry, however, is not scriptural. This is not an opinion, this is a fact.
Old Testament
Exodus 4
Zipporah - The circumcision of Moses' son (either Gershom or Eliezer) seems strange. Moses neglected God's command in his duty to circumcise while in Midian. Because of this act or failure to act, God was going to kill Moses perhaps by illness. Zipporah intervened by circumcising her son (it is unknown which) with a flint rock. It was by this blood substitution that she saved her husband's life. It seems that she was reluctant in her decision to perform this act and it is even speculated that her remark calling Moses "a bridegroom of blood" was derogatory showing that she did not favor the rite although her performance of this the act of redemption saved her husband's life and restored him before the Lord.
Judges 4
Little is known of Deborah (whose name means "honeybee"). Deborah served many roles which included: leader, prophetess, & judge. She was the wife of Lappidoth (meaning "torch"). Some may mistakenly link her with Barak (meaning "lightening") as her husband. Barak was charged with leading 10,000 men to battle with Sisera (Canaanites) but refused unless Deborah accompanied him. Because of this very act, God granted the victory to Deborah rather than Barak. Now why God chose a woman to lead politically and militarily is unknown. However what is known is that God's plan will not be frustrated. If a man refuses his scriptural duty to act and lead, God will choose another - women included.
New Testament
Acts 9
Tabitha (Dorcas ~ "gazelle") was considered a disciple (mathētria [mä-thā'-trē-ä]) - female disciple/pupil
- from the root word mathētēs (mä-thā-tā's ) - a learner
Acts 16
Wayne Blank
Lydia was originally from Thyatira (where one of The Seven Churches of Asia were later located), but was a resident in Philippi, in Greece, when the apostle Paul travelled there. Although she is mentioned only briefly in the Scriptures, she holds a prominent place in Bible History - Lydia is the first recorded Christian in Europe to be converted by Paul, and her home became the place where the subsequent first church (the literal Biblical meaning of church is called out ones, the people) in Europe gathered to worship.
These are just a few of the examples of how women can teach men within ministry. I cannot think of a better example than Beth Moore. Some denominations do not accept the teachings of women for they feel that they (women) are exhibiting authority over men. This can even go as far as women singing solos. I do not see how. God created both man and woman. He gave us all the ability to think and educate ourselves. How is it not edification of the Body of Christ (church) when a woman has a biblical perspective on topics not otherwise thought of by men? When I wrote a brief thesis on women's roles within the ministry (please see the link to various theological papers - Women's Roles in the Ministry) using the letters of Paul to Timothy as a backdrop, I considered extra-biblical texts as well as the Bible. Now the Bible is the end-all, be-all when coming to a conclusion. Though, to get a hermeneutically (hermeneutics is the art and science of biblical interpretation) sound thesis, one must consider the context of why something was written, to whom it was written to, when it was written, where it was written, and what was written (who, what, where, when, & why).
I hope this gives a better understanding as to why I have come to my conclusion.
-blessings
The very denial of women in leadership positions within the ministry, however, is not scriptural. This is not an opinion, this is a fact.
Old Testament
Exodus 4
Zipporah - The circumcision of Moses' son (either Gershom or Eliezer) seems strange. Moses neglected God's command in his duty to circumcise while in Midian. Because of this act or failure to act, God was going to kill Moses perhaps by illness. Zipporah intervened by circumcising her son (it is unknown which) with a flint rock. It was by this blood substitution that she saved her husband's life. It seems that she was reluctant in her decision to perform this act and it is even speculated that her remark calling Moses "a bridegroom of blood" was derogatory showing that she did not favor the rite although her performance of this the act of redemption saved her husband's life and restored him before the Lord.
Judges 4
Little is known of Deborah (whose name means "honeybee"). Deborah served many roles which included: leader, prophetess, & judge. She was the wife of Lappidoth (meaning "torch"). Some may mistakenly link her with Barak (meaning "lightening") as her husband. Barak was charged with leading 10,000 men to battle with Sisera (Canaanites) but refused unless Deborah accompanied him. Because of this very act, God granted the victory to Deborah rather than Barak. Now why God chose a woman to lead politically and militarily is unknown. However what is known is that God's plan will not be frustrated. If a man refuses his scriptural duty to act and lead, God will choose another - women included.
New Testament
Acts 9
Tabitha (Dorcas ~ "gazelle") was considered a disciple (mathētria [mä-thā'-trē-ä]) - female disciple/pupil
- from the root word mathētēs (mä-thā-tā's ) - a learner
Acts 16
Wayne Blank
Lydia was originally from Thyatira (where one of The Seven Churches of Asia were later located), but was a resident in Philippi, in Greece, when the apostle Paul travelled there. Although she is mentioned only briefly in the Scriptures, she holds a prominent place in Bible History - Lydia is the first recorded Christian in Europe to be converted by Paul, and her home became the place where the subsequent first church (the literal Biblical meaning of church is called out ones, the people) in Europe gathered to worship.
These are just a few of the examples of how women can teach men within ministry. I cannot think of a better example than Beth Moore. Some denominations do not accept the teachings of women for they feel that they (women) are exhibiting authority over men. This can even go as far as women singing solos. I do not see how. God created both man and woman. He gave us all the ability to think and educate ourselves. How is it not edification of the Body of Christ (church) when a woman has a biblical perspective on topics not otherwise thought of by men? When I wrote a brief thesis on women's roles within the ministry (please see the link to various theological papers - Women's Roles in the Ministry) using the letters of Paul to Timothy as a backdrop, I considered extra-biblical texts as well as the Bible. Now the Bible is the end-all, be-all when coming to a conclusion. Though, to get a hermeneutically (hermeneutics is the art and science of biblical interpretation) sound thesis, one must consider the context of why something was written, to whom it was written to, when it was written, where it was written, and what was written (who, what, where, when, & why).
I hope this gives a better understanding as to why I have come to my conclusion.
-blessings
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Is God Capable of Hate?
Last night I watched the last few minutes of 20/20 which interviewed Shirley and Tim Phelps on the reasoning behind their personal crusade of hate (http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=3812344&page=1). Something that struck me was one of their many ridiculous signs that stated, "God hates you!" Which brings me to the question, "Is God capable of hate?" This is by no means going to be an easy question to answer and will most certainly take many postings. However, I believe that with all that is happening in the world around us, it is a question that must be answered. 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is love. So if God is love, how is it possible that He hate His creation? As His creation, Christ (God) told us that our purpose is to love in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, Luke 6), not hate. So what example are we to follow? By loving His creation, aren't we loving our Creator?
Let's begin with an interpretation of the word hate as found in the original Hebrew text. The Hebrew word for hate comes from sane'. Ironic as it may seem, the correct pronunciation is sah-nay. Sane' means to hate, be hateful and is attributed to both God and man. If we stop here, the question is answered with an emphatic, "Yes!" But it's not that easy. You see, the dilemma is in itself, a paradox. Does God hate the person, the person's actions, or both?
The passage of Scripture I will be discussing today is found in Proverbs 6:16-19. These verses speak of five (5) actions and two (2) persons the Lord hates.
The remaining two refer to persons rather than actions. A lying witness is in direct violation of God's ninth (9th) commandment. Keeping this law helps maintain stability in a society by protecting individuals' reputations. Brothers refers to Christians, therefore this is aimed at those already part of the Body. Intentionally making trouble for others is hated by God.
Although these last two examples found in Scripture refer to people, it sounds like God hates the action more than the person. I look forward to any feedback on this subject.
Let's begin with an interpretation of the word hate as found in the original Hebrew text. The Hebrew word for hate comes from sane'. Ironic as it may seem, the correct pronunciation is sah-nay. Sane' means to hate, be hateful and is attributed to both God and man. If we stop here, the question is answered with an emphatic, "Yes!" But it's not that easy. You see, the dilemma is in itself, a paradox. Does God hate the person, the person's actions, or both?
The passage of Scripture I will be discussing today is found in Proverbs 6:16-19. These verses speak of five (5) actions and two (2) persons the Lord hates.
- arrogant eyes (vs. 17)
- a lying tongue (vs. 17)
- hands that shed innocent blood (vs. 17)
- a heart that plots wicked schemes (vs. 18)
- feet eager to run to evil (vs. 18)
- a lying witness who gives false testimony (vs. 19)
- one who stirs up trouble among brothers (vs. 19)
The remaining two refer to persons rather than actions. A lying witness is in direct violation of God's ninth (9th) commandment. Keeping this law helps maintain stability in a society by protecting individuals' reputations. Brothers refers to Christians, therefore this is aimed at those already part of the Body. Intentionally making trouble for others is hated by God.
Although these last two examples found in Scripture refer to people, it sounds like God hates the action more than the person. I look forward to any feedback on this subject.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Challenge Everything
Recently I took a promotion exam to become a Driver/Operator for the fire department. The way it works is that after taking the test, you come and review your test and then challenge the questions you missed if you feel they were answered correctly. Then you return and review all the challenges made by the other firefighters to see if you need to counter-challenge them. You see, if you answered a particular question correctly and it gets challenged, you have the potential of losing points that could secure you a promotion. In the end, all challenges/counter-challenges go before a Civil Service Commission where all attend to state their individual case before the commission. With all this said, upon counter-challenging some 6-12 questions, I have definitely learned more in trying to prove another wrong regarding the exam.
Much is the same when it comes to spiritual matters. For the longest, I was a firm believer in men and only men leading ministry. I felt that from the writings of Paul to Timothy, Scripture was very clear in that a woman is to remain silent. It wasn't until I began to research this topic in order to solidify my position that I learned how incorrect I may be. I'm not quite sure what position I would take now, but it certainly isn't grounded.
The point of all of this is that whether you are certain or not on a particular doctrine, question it; question yourself as to why you believe what you believe. The Bible is a treasure chest waiting to be opened and it will certainly overwhelm you with it's results.
Please see the link for Various Theological Papers for more information on the subject of Women's Roles In the Ministry.
Much is the same when it comes to spiritual matters. For the longest, I was a firm believer in men and only men leading ministry. I felt that from the writings of Paul to Timothy, Scripture was very clear in that a woman is to remain silent. It wasn't until I began to research this topic in order to solidify my position that I learned how incorrect I may be. I'm not quite sure what position I would take now, but it certainly isn't grounded.
The point of all of this is that whether you are certain or not on a particular doctrine, question it; question yourself as to why you believe what you believe. The Bible is a treasure chest waiting to be opened and it will certainly overwhelm you with it's results.
Please see the link for Various Theological Papers for more information on the subject of Women's Roles In the Ministry.
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