180movie.com - A Must See!

        If there’s ever been a documentary that will make you want to cry, scream, and get down on your knees and pray for our country it’s 180movie.com. Ray Comfort and Living Waters have put together an eye-opening film that will make you think, pray, and tell others about it. I wanted to post this short blog for that reason. So when you’re done reading this, go to 180movie.com and watch. It’s an half hour that is well worth your time. If you wondering what it’s about, go find out. Trust me, America needs to see this. And when you’re done share it with your friends. The word is getting out. Hundreds of thousands have already seen it, but millions across our nation still need to be told. So do it now.

Faith Family Turns Ten

            Last Sunday evening our church family celebrated our 10^th Anniversary at Martin’s in Westminster. It was a wonderful time of looking back and looking forward. I am amazed at how quickly a decade can pass. With that in mind Faith Family looks forward to a new phase of growth. The need to expand our educational wing is significant for a number of reasons. First, it will enable us to reach more people with the gospel. This is always the primary motivation for expansion. It’s been said that we shape our buildings then our buildings shape us. It’s true. We have pretty much saturated our room for classes. So to reach more families we believe we need additional space. Secondly, the growth that will result from expansion will increase our ability to serve our community and our world. At Faith Family we recognize our global obligation. Our missions outreach is much greater than the average church of our size. But we want to do more. We must see the need to expand as a means of doing and giving more to get the gospel to the uttermost parts.

            “The future is as bright as the promises of God.” While many are anxious about the coming years we rest in the sovereignty of God. Faith Family is dedicated to preaching the Word of God as it is to people as they are. Segments within American Christianity seem to be slipping into doctrinal lethargy. Culture rules many pulpits and dictates scriptural interpretation. This problem has resulted from a loss of who God is. No one fears Him anymore. He has been refashioned into our own image. But until a person sees himself in light of who God is, he will continue in spiritual darkness. So as we think about future growth at Faith Family we also think about the greater need to remain true to the Word of God, standing for the gospel, the whole gospel and nothing but the gospel! Pray for us as we walk by faith into future ministry and mission.

Nations that forget God

Sorry my blogs haven’t been consistent. I realize this lack of consistency contributes to the dwindling interest of those who actually care to know what I think about the issues.  At the same time, knowing this is true saps what little motivation I have to be regular with these posts. So it’s an ever increasing apathy for a constantly diminishing motivation. But alas, I cannot be silent on this. I have been shaken from my lethargy by the international Journal of Medical Ethics.

In an article published by JME last month “after-birth abortion” i.e. infanticide, is presented as a viable option. Sickos like Princeton Professor Peter Singer are known for their brash support of killing one year olds with physical or mental disabilities but for crying out loud, this comes from a journal with the word “ethics” in its name. So I want you to know that the perverted thought process which leads to such conclusions is a direct result of rejecting God and refusing to live by His rules. At that point, nothing is safe. It’s the logical result of Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” philosophy which spawned Hitler’s holocaust, Stalin’s purges, and, oh yea, Roe vs. Wade.

Let me give you a sample from the article itself. Speaking of children born with Downs Syndrome: …to bring up such children might be an unbearable burden on the family and on society as a whole, when the state economically provides for their care. On these grounds, the fact that a fetus has the potential to become a person who will have an (at least) acceptable life is no reason for prohibiting abortion. Therefore, we argue that, when circumstances occur after birth such that they would have justified abortion, what we call after-birth abortion should be permissible. But wait, there’s more…... The moral status of an infant is equivalent to that of a fetus in the sense that both lack those properties that justify the attribution of a right to life to an individual.... Although fetuses and newborns are not persons, they are potential persons because they can develop, thanks to their own biological mechanisms, those properties which will make them ‘persons’ in the sense of ‘subjects of a moral right to life’: that is, the point at which they will be able to make aims and appreciate their own life.... The alleged right of individuals (such as fetuses and newborns) to develop their potentiality, which someone defends, is over-ridden by the interests of actual people (parents, family, society) to pursue their own well-being because, as we have just argued, merely potential people cannot be harmed by not being brought into existence.

Okay. I think that should be sufficient to convince you that the pro-life movement is an all or nothing proposition. Eventually, one side of this war will win. Given that our nation has willfully and deliberately turned its back on God it’s pretty clear where we’re headed. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all nations that forget God.” Psalm 9.17

It’s the philosophy of the economy stupid!

            Let me just say that the occupy Wall Street mentality is a living contradiction. They’re not protesting corporate greed so much as they’re promoting socialism. In so doing they become nothing more than the unwitting pawns of those who would use class warfare to establish a power base for their own greedy motives. So let’s be clear. A person who makes a lot of money doesn’t owe you for making less. If you really want to protest corporate greed then simply refuse to buy their products or use their services. It’s still a free country, barely, and every American has the opportunity to achieve, to succeed, and to make his own way.

            At the same time the Bible is clear: It is the Lord who gives the ability to get wealth. The ability to get wealth is no more proportionate than the ability to play the piano or sing. That some people have been endowed by God with a greater capacity than others is evident. In that regard all men are not created equal. The equality spoken of by our founding fathers was an equality of personhood; an equality of freedom and opportunity. It has nothing to do with the equal distribution of wealth. That philosophy would destroy the economy that has done more to serve the poor of this world than any other system in history. Free enterprise and private ownership has been the impetus behind blessing the entire planet. Who reaches out to other countries in times of natural disaster more than America? Who does more to feed those starving in foreign lands? What other country in history has done so much, not just in humanitarian aid, but in sending missionaries to the uttermost part of this world, as America has? This is why I resent so deeply the socialistic philosophy that would cripple and eventually destroy this nation’s ability to bless the world. It’s not an issue of greed, it’s an issue of freedom.

Mormon or Marxist?

I’ve been asked who I’m planning to vote for in November if Mitt Romney secures the GOP nomination. Sorry, I will not say. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be voting “for” anyone but only “against” someone. As a registered Republican the candidate that best represents what I believe is Santorum. I do think I could vote “for” him. I keep wondering what it says about America when the two choices on the ballot will most likely be a Mormon and a Marxist. But then I remind myself that I’m not voting for a spiritual leader but a political one. A pastor friend said to me that if comes down to Obama and Romney he simply will not vote. If that proves to be the case with evangelical voters across the country then all I can say is, “welcome to Greece.” I suppose there could be some consolation if it turns out to be Romney/Rubio.

As for my Super Bowl prediction I find myself conflicted with my knowledge of the game and my love of the Patriots. As much as my heart truly longs to see Brady win a fourth ring I am forced to remember that defense wins big games. Defense has been the Pats vulnerability all season. I don’t think they’ll be able to handle the NASCAR set of four DE’s. But who knows, the New England defense could step up and play their best game and win the day. I can’t stand the thought of losing to Eli and the Giants again!  So I’ll go with my heart…Patriots 23 – Giants 20.

You may have noticed how utterly contrasting these two subjects are, politics and football. Well, in a perfect world Tim Tebow would win the super bowl and also be elected president. But as we all know this is not a perfect world so get used to disappointment. I take great comfort in the sovereignty of God when it comes to our nation’s leaders. And when it comes to football, it doesn’t really matter. It’s just fun to watch. And by the way, who picks the half time entertainment? Madonna, really? Come on, man.

What is this world coming to?

Suppose the world, generations from now, ends up wondering how this holiday first came about. Children will ask their parents why there’s a star on the top of the tree and what about these strange ornaments of men with wings? Will their parents, with wrinkled brow say, “I really have no idea, it’s more or less just tradition. I did hear once that in all started somewhere in the Middle East. Who knows how it got all the way over here?”

At that point old Uncle Ted speaks up. He’s lived a very long life and is mostly ignored at family gatherings. “Actually” he says, “the real reason for our festive celebration has more to do with economics than anything else. The country needs us to spend a bunch of money. But many years ago my grandfather told me an amazing story. It was a story about a baby of all things. The birth of that special child, according to the story, changed the course of history.”

Little Billy asks, “What was so special about that baby, Uncle Ted?” “Why, if I remember correctly,” he said, “that little boy was to be the Savior of the world.” Susie responds, “Well that’s ridiculous. What does the world need saving from, space invaders?” “No.” says Billy, “it needs saving from your dumb jokes.” They all laugh and soon forget what the question was.

I’m sure Richard Dawkins, Bill Maher, and their ilk look forward to that day. Let’s just make sure it never comes to that. Christmas is a fact of history not to be relegated to private places and church sanctuaries. By life and lip let us take advantage of every opportunity to remind the world of an actual event that took place two millennia ago, the birth of a child whose life would alter the course of civilization. Merry Christmas!

The Truth about Tebow

For the record, I love Tim Tebow. I pray for Tim Tebow. Given the pressures and temptations that accompany life in the National Football League, he stands out as an example well worth emulating. My family was among the millions screaming in the living room as we witnessed another miracle comeback win on Sunday. It was simply unbelievable. And now, “play-offs, we’re talking play-offs, are you kidding me, play-offs?” ESPN’s Merril Hoge must be on his third case of Tums by now. So let me put this all in perspective. You may not like it, but here goes.

The Broncos are going to lose. It’s inevitable. The way they’ve been winning is no more sustainable than Obama’s economic policies. So please, brace yourself for the loss that is sure to come. As much as I would love to see Tebow go all the way, I am forced to face the reality that it’s not going to happen. At the same time, no one would be more thrilled to see Tim Tebow hoist the Lombardi Trophy than I. But lest you think me some pessimistic killjoy with no faith, let me give you the simple truth about Tebow.

He is on his own journey of faith. He is a believer whose testimony is above reproach. He has tenaciously and consistently followed his convictions on and off the field. By his own admission, football is not his life’s main priority. In fact, he would most likely agree with everything I’ve written in this blog. And as fickle as public opinion is and considering the ebb and flow of media attention, you have to wonder if those singing his praises now will be hurling insults later. Merril Hoge, perhaps his greatest critic, is no doubt anxiously anticipating that day.

As for those of us who love and pray for Tim, we will continue to support him and cheer for him. We believe God has honored him because he has honored Christ. (John 12.26) But folks, it’s just football. It’s exciting and fun to watch, but it’s just football; America’s great distraction, our weekly escape from the burdens and cares of life. The truth is, Tebow knows this, and understands that God has given him a platform to proclaim life’s higher purpose and those greater priorities for as long as possible.

Jesus silenced His critics for a while. He was hailed by the masses and though many in the religious establishment hated him, the common people gladly listened and followed. But even when the “world had gone after him” (John 12.19) the cross still loomed in His future. And rest assured, there are yet trials and hard times ahead for all of us, including Tim Tebow. And when the day of adversity comes, I for one, will continue to pray for this incredible young athlete who has captured not just the headlines but our hearts as well.

What Thanks Can We Blog

The past few months have brought new revelations and manifestations of God’s grace. And even though the Thanksgiving Holiday has come and gone, please indulge me as I offer my own personal “thanks-blogging.”

Watching some of our members enduring severe trials with great strength and grace continues to be a source of tremendous encouragement. Their faith in the midst of physical pain and adversity has brought comfort and hope to all of us. Isn’t it amazing how sufferers often minister to those who witness their sufferings? I am grateful to pastor such a people whose maturity brings them such peace in life’s storms.

A few months ago my doctor suspected that I might have prostate cancer and sent me to an urologist. The biopsy procedure was something I hope I never have to experience again. Today I met with the doctor to go over the pathology report. Praise the Lord there was no indication of cancer. So let me take this opportunity to thank those of you who prayed for me. I am very grateful to God for the supplications made on my behalf.

Faced with the prospect of cancer made me more aware of the manifold blessings of God. It brought heaven closer and Christ nearer, and reminded me that life is about relationships. What a great privilege it is to serve Jesus with the people of Faith Family Church. You inspire me. And I thank God upon every remembrance of you, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.

Athletic Prayers

It was a hot sunny day in Florida with parents of little leaguers filling the bleachers to watch their offspring attempt the great American past time. My wife and I were there to witness our own little towhead begin his rite of passage. Judy is much better at this than I am. She could sit and chit-chat with other moms and actually enjoy the small talk. Not me. My apprehension for Timothy’s success on the diamond would not allow me to savor the moment. Perhaps, I had unconsciously swallowed the lie that one’s self esteem would be enhanced by their child’s ability to throw, catch, or hit a ball. Ironically, we dads were far more concerned about our sons doing well than they were.

Anyway, at one point during the game, as our son took his place in the batter’s box, it slipped out; a whisper of a prayer, a plea for sporting grace, “Dear Lord, please, let him get a hit.” Apparently my supplication was overheard by one of those veteran moms who also had endured such a moment. She leaned over, put her hand on my shoulder, smiled and said, “God doesn’t hear athletic prayers.”

The world swung from beneath my feet. It was one of those moments when you feel that maybe we really are alone in this vast universe. However, looking back on the experience, I can’t even remember if he hit the ball or if his team won the game. What I do remember is learning one of the great indisputable facts of life; God doesn’t answer athletic prayers.

What brought this traumatic memory back to me was the announcement that Tim Tebow would be Denver’s starting QB in Miami against the Dolphins. I won’t go into the various reasons why I’m a fan of the Heisman trophy winning, two time national champion, scripture quoting, missionary kid, Florida Gator quarterback. Let’s just say I like his throwing motion.

Here’s the deal. In spite of the indisputable fact of life I mentioned earlier, I will be praying for Tim Tebow today. Because not only has the devil painted a target on this 23 year old virgin, but major sports media have as well. I also believe the Denver fans who chant “Tebow” at Mile High are doing him no favors. Imagine the pressure.

But my prayer this time will be slightly different. I won’t so much be praying for Denver to win, or even for egg on the faces of those ESPN analysts who’ve been proclaiming his ineptitude and prognosticating his NFL demise. It won’t be an athletic prayer at all. It will be a prayer that God will continue to direct, protect, and bless this young star. It will be a supplication for endurance against the scrutiny and temptation of a world that would love to witness his fall from grace.

I take great comfort in the sovereignty of God. And who knows what God has in store for Tim Tebow. Failure on the gridiron could prove to be a huge blessing for him in the long run. We all know too well that fame and fortune have claimed many victims in the world of sports. So I pray that Tim won’t be one.

Irene’s Wake

Well it’s been about 50 hours since our humble domicile enjoyed lights, running water, and refrigeration. They’re saying power should return by Friday. Friday? Really? Did the feds take over BGE? And who’s running WJZ? Someone needs to tell the big guns at CBS that their Baltimore affiliate is being run by a bunch of morons. I missed the final round of the Barclay’s and the Pats game. I mean really, after like 36 hours of non-stop coverage I think the public figured out all they needed to know about Irene.  The media hype for this storm was way over the top. But alas, I’ve vented and will say not more. Stay tuned for a more substantive blog. 

I Read the Bible Literally

John Wilson is the editor of Books & Culture for the Wall Street Journal. The title of his August 19 post was “No One Reads the Bible Literally.” Well, I am not an editor but I do seem to recall learning something in High School about avoiding “glittering generalities.” Conservative Christians do in fact take the Bible literally except where it is purposely not literal. Analogy and metaphor run throughout Scripture. Mr. Wilson’s point is that we must watch out for those “low brow fundamentalists” who actually believe the Biblical account of creation. According to him, “No one—no one—reads the Bible literally.” That statement is only half true and of course we all know what a half truth is. Regardless of his personal motivation, I hear a faint echo in this article, whispering through the lines, and saying, “Has God said?” 

For me, a simple man, I believe in Jesus and Jesus believed in Adam and Eve. My faith is in Christ not science. Over the centuries where the two have disagreed science has, in many instances, eventually caught up. I can only hope Mr. Wilson will.

The Short Hot Summer

It seems like yesterday I was saying to my wife, “where did June go?” Now I’m wondering what happened to July. Wow! Summer really does fly by. Tomorrow I get on a plane to Chicago where I’ll be sharing with Small Group Leaders at Grace Bible Baptist in Romeoville, Illinois. Pastor Jason Stover is doing a great job there and I look forward to seeing him and his family. I also am looking forward to seeing my grandson!

Also, this month I will be going back to school. Years ago I began work toward my doctorate but fell into bad graces with my alma mater and decided it was time to diversify my educational portfolio. So I was recently accepted at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and will be starting classes at the extension center here in Columbia, Maryland. The goal is to finish my doctorate in 3-4 years. At my age I need the mental stimulation to keep the old saw as sharp as possible.

I’m reading “The Life Plan” by Dr. Jeffry Life, M.D., Ph.D. as another step toward getting my body in shape and my cholesterol under control. Dr. Life is the guy you see advertised in Airline Magazines with the head of an old guy and the body of a young guy. He takes a no nonsense approach that combines diet, exercise, along with hormone therapy. And by the way, those photos are not touched up. That’s really him!

Reading “The Life Plan” reminds me how essential discipline is to the success of physical well-being.  Well, the same rigorous approach to getting in shape physically is also essential for our spiritual health. The Apostle John wrote “I pray all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” (3 John 2) By God’s grace let us strive to be both physically fit and spiritually mature.

Great to be Home

I’m just getting back into the saddle here at FFC, and I want to thank those of you who prayed for us while we were away. Even though our schedule was hectic at times, we had a wonderful time with family and friends in Jacksonville.

Mom and Daddy are well. My oldest brother Sam has an inoperable brain tumor and he and his wife Penny are weathering that storm with great grace. I got to play a round of golf with my other brother Steve which was great except for the golf. We enjoyed time early on Saturday with the folks, my siblings, and most all the nieces and nephews. Judy and I were so glad all our children and both grandkids could join us on the trip. It had been years since we were all together like that and we’re so grateful we had that opportunity.

On Saturday evening we attended Judy’s 40^th HS reunion. My first thought going in was, “please tell me I don’t look this old!” It was one of those occasions that remind you how fast life goes by and how much people change with the years. For the life of me I cannot get the images of old folks dancing to “Mustang Sally” out of my head!

We also got to spend time with Judy’s brother Wayne and his family and also with her sister Allison and her family. It was really fun and we enjoyed every minute. Seeing Tyler jump in the pool and watching Claire open birthday presents at great grandma’s are memories I will cherish for years to come.

On Sunday we attended a Sunday School class led by a couple who were teens in our youth group years ago. Tommy and Rhoda are touching lives for the Lord and at one point I was simply overwhelmed at the incredible grace of God. Tom Messer, pastor at Trinity, graciously allowed me to share the pulpit on Sunday night and we were able to see so many dear friends from our time at Trinity years ago.

Got in late Monday night and Judy and I talked about how fast the trip was and how much we enjoyed it. But, as always, it’s great to be home. 

Faith Family “Psalmathon”

We had our first “Psalmathon” last night at Faith Family and what a blessing it was. Families getting up to quote their favorite Psalms, singing great worship songs, and sharing fellowship afterwards made it a tremendous evening. I got the feeling it was something we all want to do again. The Word of God is powerful, and hearing it from the mouths of little children can be very moving. I was reminded again of the great need in our churches today for scripture memory. Let me encourage you to find a Psalm you really love and commit it to memory.

Judy and I are headed to our hometown of Jacksonville tomorrow to spend time with family and friends. We will also be attending Judy’s 40th High School Reunion. I was looking forward to that like a tooth ache but, who knows, could be fun. Anyway, we don’t get to see family as much as we would like and the older I get the more important it is to me. Glenn and Ashley will be driving through the night on Tuesday. Deborah will be flying in from Chicago with our grandson Tyler. Timothy gets in on Friday for the weekend so it’s going to be great.

It’s Midnight in New York

Late last Friday, around midnight, the governor of New York signed legislation legalizing same sex marriage. This makes the Empire State the sixth and largest state to do so. Most of the media coverage seemed to celebrate this slide into the abyss of moral confusion. So now it’s clear; something can be legal and wrong at the same time. God’s law, should anyone care to know, condemns homosexuality. We should be weeping in repentance instead of celebrating in rebellion.

Here’s what I believe. I believe that when God created the sexual distinction of men and women in the beginning, it once and for all established heterosexuality as the moral standard. In the beginning God ordained marriage to be union of a man and a woman.  Any aberration or perversion of this cannot constitute marriage. You can call it marriage if you want, but the Bible calls it sin.

I wonder if the conscience of gays is eased by this vote. I wonder if they are now more emboldened to press their agenda upon the rest of the country. I wonder how this will impact the children of the next generation. Truly, we have lost our way. Having turned from God’s light we are drifting into darkness. It’s midnight in New York.