Iron Sharpens Iron

Kids Who Rip

2009-10-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Jayshaun Agosto does what it takes to succeed when it comes to basketball and track. If only God's people would take their faith even half as seriously...

Last Sunday I spoke about as Christians we need to strive to be a blessing. One illustration I used was of a person's life cycle, starting with infancy.

An infant cannot care for itself and must be taken care of. An adult is one who can not only care for him or her self, but is also capable of caring for others at the same time. The childhood/teen/young adult years are the training ground to adulthood. In our culture, becoming an adult takes decades.

But for a Christian, one does NOT need to be a believer for many years (let alone decades) in order to be a mightily used by God. It is not only possible, but should be. If a child like Jayshaun can do amazing things in the natural world, how much more a believer with Almighty God living in him or her?

Did you know that in other parts of the world, new believers are trained from day one to learn to feed themselves as well as feeding others? Those believers daily spend time with God and grow in their faith, share their faith regularly, and help others to do the same; and God's Kingdom grows exponentially because of it.

They think that this is normal for Christians. In case you didn't hear me, let me say it again. The international believers think that growing in Christ daily, sharing your faith regularly, and helping others to grow in their faith is NORMAL. It should be normal, but wouldn't they be discouraged if they found out the truth?

I've heard an objection to that being people in those other countries live in a different place and culture and can't be compared to ours. But what do those believers possess that we don't, besides a desire to grow in Christ and to help others know the blessings that come from being God's child? Is sharing Christ with someone any less difficult because the language and culture is different? No. In some cases those differences make sharing even more difficult.

Somewhere along the way Christianity in America has degenerated into mediocrity as the norm. People who try to do everything that God says are labeled "radical." But there is no such thing as radical obedience - either you are obeying or you are not.

If you are not living in a way that transcends your human capacity, stop deceiving yourself. The Holy Spirit did not raise you in Christ just so that you can look like those without the Spirit. Take time to repent and let the rivers of living water flow from your innermost being. Be the blessing.

Prone to Wander Lord, I Feel It. . .

2009-09-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

Siu Sum! Xiao Xin!

In my sermon last Sunday, I didn't have time to address this issue again, but Jesus once again reiterated the point that no one can come to him unless the Father draws him or her. When the Father draws you to Jesus, how do you respond? Do you keep wandering or do you turn and go to Jesus?

The first half of Isaiah 53:6 says, "All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way..." You know it's true. Even the children of God have a tendency to wander, a situation that won't be remedied until we die or Jesus comes back again, whichever comes first.

Problems start when we turn to our own ways, what seems right to us. In the days of the Judges, the biggest problem came because "every man did was was right in their own eyes." We need to do what is right in God's eyes. It does not matter if every person in the world is against us, we need to always do what is right in the eyes of God. And the way to do that is to stick with him.

Don't wander from God. You might get hit by a truck!

God Does God-sized Work

2009-09-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

The blog entry title is the third point of my sermon a couple of days ago but I really want you to explore the ramifications of that statement. To help you get the ball rolling, watch this video about the universe:

Can you imagine how much power it would take to create the universe? That same God lives in you! Don't you think it's a little abnormal that the lives of the vast majority of Christians are so powerless?

If it is true that the God who created the universe lives in you, then why do Christians have lives that resemble people who don't have the Lord Almighty in them? We have been underachieving for so long that what is abnormal seems normal.

Actually, Jesus said that we would accomplish even greater things than he did on earth in John 14:12 - I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

The possibilities are: Jesus was wrong, lying, deluded, or correct. Here lies the tension. Of course Jesus was correct, but for some reason most Christians don't show it. It is something we only know cerebrally and have yet to experience it.

So what do we do? Cling to God with a tenacious death-grip and seek to obey with all you have. I am confident that if we give all we can to God, his statement will hold true for us. Let's stop the mediocrity in Christianity right now.

Do Hard Things

2009-09-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Underachievers. Irresponsible. Unreliable. These are the words that describe many teenagers today. Our culture places such low expectations on teens that they have descended to meet the expectations.

Teenage twins Brett and Alex Harris are seeking to change that. They have written a book called Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion against Low Expectations.

But are low expectations the realm of teens alone? I think not. In American church culture, it is evident that we also have low expectations for our members.

If you go to church on Sundays and attend Sunday School, give 10% of your income, and maybe even attend a fellowship, then you are in good shape. Heck, if you do those things long enough, you might even be asked to teach or be a deacon or trustee or a leader of some sort.

But is that what Christianity is all about? Seriously? Jesus said in John 14:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Somehow expectations have shifted and mediocre Christianity is considered normal, and complete and total surrender to the Lordship of Christ is considered "radical." Read Jesus' words again. If you are in him and he is in you, you will bear MUCH fruit.

But it's not just any kind of fruit, it should be fruit that is worthy of an awesome God. William Carey, who is also known as the "Father of Modern Missions" put it best when he said, "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." Our God is a great and mighty God; shouldn't the fruit that we are to be bearing in our lives be demonstrative of that power?

How much and what kind of fruit would God say your life is producing right now? If it's not what it should be, what are you going to do about it?

Do You REALLY Need God?

2009-08-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Do you? If all God does for you is to help you get through the daily grind, I would say, "No." People do that all the time without God, don't they?

But if you want to experience life to the fullest, the life God has planned for you, then you most certainly do need God because as Jesus said, "Without me, you can do nothing."

http://www.iamsecond.com/#/seconds/Nate_Larkin/

On a side note, the video also shows us why we need accountability in our lives, people that can help us get to where we need to be.

What Does It Take. . .

2009-08-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

. . . to change the world? It takes sacrifice and seeking first God's Kingdom at the exclusion of your own. It is amazing how doing that will bring you to a place where you will make a difference in the world.

If you know that you can do more to as a representative of Christ, watch these two videos in order and preferably one after the other. (the first is about 18 minutes, the second about 35)

1. http://www.himonline.org/vid/vid_hon2009/dvd-raf.html
2. http://www.himonline.org/vid/vid_hon2009/dvd-francis-youth.html

I dare you.

Luke 9:23-25
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?

Whose Kingdom Are You Building?

2009-08-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

God has blessed us here in the United States extremely abundantly. Why? Is it so that we can have more "stuff"? Or have we been guilty of misusing the wealth that he has entrusted to us?

I believe that we in the United States need to change the way that we view our resources. It won't be easy but since when is denying one's self and daily carry a cross supposed to be easy?

Just by living more simply, we will be able to impact the world. For example, purchasing a Toyota Corolla instead of a Camry might save you thousands of dollars that you might use to help a poor person in Mexico build a house. Or maybe limiting the number of times that you eat out so that you can sponsor a needy child. The possibilities are endless.

The Apostle Paul believes that our resources should be used to glorify God. He says in 2 Corinthians 9:11, "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

Who in the world is giving thanks to God due to your generosity today?

Let us repent of our selfishness and use God's resources to build his kingdom, not our own.

Cutting Corners

2009-08-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

It was not all work and no play in Alaska. One of the members of my crew nicknamed, "Hot Sizzle!" needed to perform 25 pushups because he was not being encouraging to other crew members. I enlisted 7 year old Emma to count and make sure he did all 25. The results were pretty funny!

Last Sunday I preached about Jesus' requirement of denying ourselves and carrying our crosses daily in order to follow Him. But like Hot Sizzle in the video, we often have to battle our desire to cut corners on the path of discipleship.

But there are no shortcuts to following after Jesus. He did not call it the narrow path for nothing! Make no mistake, the Bible is explicit in its declaration of God's people living for Jesus.

From today's "Read the Bible through in a Year" reading: 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15

Do not fool yourself and think that you can live the way you want and still be Jesus' disciple. Jesus himself did not leave room for that and neither should you.

27And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 (Emphasis mine)

Lessons from Alaskan Sled Dogs

2009-07-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Scripture that was the foundation for our week in Alaska was taken from Isaiah 6:1-8. In verse 8, God asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?"

Isaiah's response was, "Here I am. Send me!"

Driving back from North Pole to Anchorage on the last day of our mission trip, our group stopped at the Denali National Park. For me the highlight of the park was the dogsled demonstration. And during this demonstration, it was as if God were reconfirming the message of the trip.

On the video, you can hear all of the 32 dogs in their kennels barking as the ranger chooses dogs to be hitched up to the sled for the demonstration. What you don't see, is that prior to this, all the dogs were lethargic, most were sleeping.

But when the time came for some of them to be hitched up to the sled, they all seemed to wake up and started barking! It was as if all of them were yelling, "Pick me! Pick me!" The dogs were excited because they wanted an opportunity to do the thing which they have been bred.

(For the animal lovers, prior to retrieving the dogs, the ranger explained that the dogs' necks are really strong and being pulled in this manner does no harm to the dog. The dogs get so excited to be put on a sled that they might inadvertantly pull the ranger off her feet and cause injury.)

For some reason, we humans are different. We don't want God to pick us. And what that ultimately means is that we don't want to do the things for which God made us. We want to do our own thing and we agonize over why our lives don't go the way we think it should go.

Only when we completely surrender our lives to God and allow him to use us for the task for which we were created will we truly experience the joy that God has for us.

What will it take for you to learn the lesson that these sled dogs have already learned?

Make Your Summer Count

2009-07-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

I came across an article today that gave 8 tips to make this summer count. The first two are:

1. Look at people with eternity in mind. Everyone has an eternity in front of them. We need to see them as God does and care for them like it counts.
2. Show some hospitality. Believers should be the people everyone else wants to be around. So be the person who invites everyone over for a cookout or a game night. Remember, you’re the ambassador for Christ so get into the lives of people living outside the Kingdom.

Read the rest of the article here.

You only have one life to live, better make it count!

In the Hands of God

2009-07-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is difficult to to submit one's self to God but there is no safer place to be than in his hands. As Dr. O.S. Hawkins once said during a sermon at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, "You should not fear that God would put his hands on you. Rather you should fear that God would take his hands off you."

Don't be afraid to fall in the hands of God.

God's Way IS the Best Way!

2009-06-30T11:47:00.001-07:00

Last week I found a news article put out by livescience.com that talks about factors that bring true happiness. I was going to include it in my sermon on Sunday but time constraints prevented it.

The article's author Robert Goodier writes: Wealth, fame and good looks may be a formula for anxiety rather than happiness, a new study suggests. You can read the entire article here.

It is interesting that the findings of the study of what actually does bring happiness correspond with the teachings of the Bible.

Really, God is all about having meaningful personal relationships; with Him and others. He is also committed to helping us grow as people, conforming us into the image of His Son.

Do what God says and you'll find that maybe God does actually know a thing or two about how to get an abundant life after all.

Fan or Follower?

2009-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I heard a news report about a pastor of a church who started a website called "Not a Fan." Its purpose is for Christians to be able to discern whether or not they are truly a follower of Christ, or just a fan of his.

You can get more information here at his website: http://www.notafan.com/

Although the packaging of the concept is fresh, the concept itself comes from Jesus himself. He wants us to not just be converts, but disciples who will follow him even to the ends of the earth. That was the goal when he said to his disciples, "Follow me."

Don't just read this blog entry and forget about it. Take time to ask yourself: Am I just an enthusiastic admirer of Jesus, or do I truly follow him? What is one thing that you can do this week to help you be a better follower of Jesus?

Starfish

2009-06-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

I was at Costco last night and as I sat at the table waiting for Theresa to pick up our food, I was looking around the store, in awe of the sheer numbers of people there. I wondered how many of those people I saw would end up separated from God for eternity.

I prayed for them but was honestly overwhelmed at the sheer number of people. I wondered what just one person could do and whether or not I could make a difference. . .

Yes, one person can make a difference. But what if an entire church decided that they wanted to make a difference? What if it was our church?

Interestingly enough I had already started a draft of this post last week, with this video already attached. Isn't it amazing how God works?

Love Your Enemies, Part II

2009-06-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

It would be tempting to just gloss over last week's post and forget about it, but I ask again: Can you imagine how much better God's church would be if we all strived to do this?

Maybe it might be more powerful to hear it said in this manner as opposed to a stick-figure cartoon:

It really is a shame that even in churches, God's people don't always do it for one another. Even sadder is the fact that rejecting Jesus' command is ultimately rejecting Jesus himself!

But do you want to know something funny? All it takes is one person to take Jesus' command seriously for God to unite people in Him. Ideally it would be from both sides but if just one person in an adversarial relationship decided to love their adversary and pray for him or her, it is easy to see how resolution can and will take place.

Are you willing to obey the one whom you call "Lord" and be the one?

Love Your Enemies

2009-06-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

A short cartoon made by a friend of Shawn Kwon's...

Difficult to do, but how much better off would this world be if God's children took this command seriously? How much better off would churches be?

Luke 6:27-28
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Jesus lived what he taught:
Romans 5:6-10
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

Sometimes we can get intimidated by not knowing the Bible very well (a situation that you realize that you have the power to remedy, right? but i digress...) but really Jesus' commands were not rocket science.

It's just so difficult to obey sometimes that we go through all kinds of mental gymnastics just so we can feel better about our disobedience with tough commands like these.

Don't settle for mediocrity - be a disciple and obey all that Jesus has commanded.

Revelation

2009-05-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you realize it or not, Third Day is right - we have nothing without Jesus! Here's a great song from a great band. Who woulda thought they'd be on a late-night show? Cool!

May God reveal himself powerfully and clearly to you this week!

Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.

Power to the People!

2009-05-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

One school of thought in church leadership is that preachers must not talk of Greek and Hebrew lest the congregation believe that Biblical interpretation is best left to the "experts."

While it is true that people who have gone to seminary or Bible college may be better equipped to understand the Bible, it is definitely NOT true that unless you go to said school you will not be able to interpret and understand the Bible at all. In fact, I have encountered people without any formal training to be extremely knowledgeable in God's Word through their own reading and personal study.

Honestly I think the problem lies in the fact that many Christians have not learned to feed themselves in the Word daily, for whatever reasons. They neither study nor read the Bible on their own. Is it any wonder that people will automatically defer to the "experts" then?

It will always be natural to question whether or not we are interpreting the passage correctly, but it should not cause you to abandon your own personal Bible reading and study. If anything it should cause you to read and study even more. Otherwise you'll always be at the mercy of someone else to interpret for you.

Don't forget that Satan knows the Bible better than you do, and he will do all he can to twist and distort God's Word in your mind to help you be at best ineffective and at worst, harmful to God's Kingdom-work. If you know your Bible well, then you will be able to counter his attacks just as Jesus did during his temptation in the wilderness.

If you are having difficulty with your Biblical interpretation, stick to the 20-20 rule. This rule means that you read 20 verses before and 20 verses after your passage. That way you will have a better grasp of the context in which the author wrote the verse or passage in question.

Reading big chunks of the Bible daily and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Word will change your life more than any sermon ever will. When you learn to feed yourself in the Word daily (as opposed to being fed weekly by someone else) spiritual maturity will not be far away.

Don't take God's Word for granted. Learn to love it and you will go far in your walk with Jesus.

It Would Crush Me...

2009-05-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Written on the memorial plaque for Samuel Dyer in Macau is a quote of his: "If I thought anything could prevent my dying for China, the thought would crush me."

Wow.

Above Mr. Dyer's quote on the plaque is Revelation 12:11 which says: They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Those quotes seem so different than what I am used to in America. Here seeking to preserve one's life for his or her own sake has become the norm!

Seriously, when was the last time that you felt so strongly about the Gospel that the thought of you not being able to give up your life for its sake sounded miserable? But isn't that the call of Jesus to all of his disciples?

Then he (Jesus) called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Mark 8:34-36

May you seek the things that bring you life this week, whatever it may be.

From Made to Saved

2009-05-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across a video about Michael Franzese, a former mafia captain who has since been saved by God and has turned his life around for the better.

Jesus really does save, huh?

Do not sell short the power of Jesus to change a person's life!

A Father's Love

2009-04-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

In the words of Jesus:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7-11

Through the Eyes of God

2009-04-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Susan Boyle is an awesome reminder that what's on the outside may not be indicative of what's going on inside.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

James 2:1-9

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

It is important to see others as God sees them, looking at the inside not the outside.

If Not Now, When?

2009-04-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

I don’t wanna go through the motions

I don’t wanna go one more day

Without Your all consuming passion inside of me

I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking

What if I had given everything?

Instead of going through the motions

This is my heart's cry now and when I heard this song this morning on K-LOVE, I just knew I had to share it. I had heard this song before but it had not yet touched me like this morning.

I know it's difficult, painful, and scary to give up everything to God, but that's what he requires of us. Anyone who does not give up everything he (or she) has CANNOT be Jesus' disciple. The Master said it himself, in Luke 14:33 if you want to check. Jesus left no doubt as to what kind of person a disciple is.

So if what Jesus says is true, and it certainly is, what does that make you and me?

Let us journey together in giving our all for the One who gave his all for us. Carpe diem!

Here's the song, with a little about the season of uncertainty that Matthew West himself went through:

The Story of Your Life

2009-04-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Author John Eldredge in his book Epic writes:

Life, you'll notice, is a story.

Life doesn't come to us like a math problem. It comes to us the way that a story does, scene by scene. You wake up. What will happen next? You don't get to know - you have to enter in, take the journey as it comes. The sun might be shining. There might be a tornado outside. Your friends might call and invite you to go sailing. You might lose your job.

Life unfolds like a drama. Doesn't it? Each day has a beginning and an end. There are all sorts of characters, all sorts of settings. A year goes by like a chapter from a novel. Sometimes it seems like a tragedy. Sometimes like a comedy. Most of it feels like a soap opera. Whatever happens, it's a story through and through.

Although you no longer have control over what has been written in your story up until today, what has been written doesn't necessarily have to dictate what will be written.

When you stand before the Almighty, what do you hope will be read aloud in the story that was your life? What will you give up in order to make that story happen?

Which Soil Are You?

2009-03-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word.

The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved.

The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.

The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.

And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

Take time to honestly reflect on this question: Which soil best describes you? If you are not bearing fruit, sow God's word into your life as much as possible. Soon you will show yourself to be the good soil.

The Deity of Christ

2009-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are still wondering how orthodox Christianity came to the conclusion that Jesus is God (because you were too lazy, uh I mean busy to do your own research) consider these. They are not exhaustive by any means, but not too shabby being off the top of my head. I will let you find the references if you need them.

Jesus called himself, "I am." Doesn't mean much to us, but the Jews definitely knew what he was trying to say, that's why they wanted to stone him for blasphemy.

Jesus also never refused anyone's worship. For example, when "Doubting" Thomas responded to seeing Jesus' wounds, he said, "My Lord and My God." Jesus did not correct him, which would have been normal for all servants of God.

All the other heavenly beings (the good ones, anyway) always refused when someone tried to worship them, saying stuff like, "Do not do it, I am a servant just like you."

The Father was pleased with Jesus, which he would not have been if he were truly blaspheming.

Read your Bible! Know what you believe and why. It will make a difference in your life.

What It Looked Like in My Head...

2009-03-14T08:00:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I asked the congregation to shout, "Jesus" in answer to some questions I had during my sermon. This is what it looked like in my head when I planned that:

Actually I knew TCCBC would be much more reserved. Still went well nonetheless.

"If I'm on the devil's hitlist, who do I have by my side?" JESUS!

Amen!

A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On!

2009-03-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

Right now this is the song of my heart for our church. I hope that one day we will experience together God's mighty saving power!

Of course this will never happen until we turn our hearts to Jesus and join him in his work of salvation for all.

What Would You Say to This?

2009-03-03T09:46:00.001-08:00

Imagine talking to a Muslim person and he says that he can prove that Jesus is not God, even using the Bible as his authority. He tells you to watch this video:

After watching the video with him, how would you respond? Would you be like the vast majority of believers whose strongest response would be, "You should talk to my pastor." Or would you be able to answer these arguments on your own?

Of course it should be the latter. You need to be able to defend your own faith, knowing what you believe and why you believe it!

I found this video on YouTube last week and was thinking about how important it is for us as Christians to know what the Bible says. I should not have been surprised to find that there exists such a thing as Muslim Apologetics.

The book I mentioned in Sunday's sermon about people from different walks of life coming to faith in Christ, called The Unexpected Journey by Thom Rainer, also mentions how important it is for believers to know the Bible.

How can you be a good witness to people of other faiths or even answer their questions if they know the Bible better than you do?

True, their interpretation may be faulty, but unless you know how to explain what the fault is and why it is faulty, in the worst case scenario, instead of drawing the other closer to Jesus, you may end up losing your own faith!

Spend time in God's word. Truth matters.

What's It Say?

2009-02-24T15:06:00.001-08:00

In doing some research for last week's sermon, I came across a quote that was attributed to Robert Fulghum: “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?”

Hopefully you know the original author of that quote. And if you don't, I would recommend you read your Bible more.

It's amazing how many people want to know God and want to hear from him yet will not open their Bibles. There is nothing more concrete about God than his word, so if you are not hearing from him, open the Scriptures and read!

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?

2009-02-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

Mr. Rogers and some of his "neighbors"

When we think of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us that a neighbor is anyone that we come across in need. Here in the 21st century, there is no debate on Jesus' interpretation.

However, don't we sometimes lose the simple meaning of the word? How many of us live in a neighborhood with only Christians in them? Probably not many.

In our quest to be disciples, don't forget that Jesus' command to "love your neighbor" also includes our literal neighbors.

Don't Walk in Darkness

2009-01-30T14:15:00.000-08:00

So we are about a month into our "Read the Bible in a Year" plan and if you are like most people, you probably have fallen behind. And it's only been a month!

This post is not to beat you up over that, but to encourage you. The prospect of trying to catch up if you've missed a significant number of readings is enough to make many people quit. For those who are in that boat I have one word for you: Don't!

You do have a couple of options here. One is to catch up slowly, either on Sundays and/or maybe even a little bit every day. But I would encourage you to read the current day's assignment, then for your "catch up" time, you can go back. You do have 11 more months to do it, after all.

One other option is to forget the past and start anew. Just read what everyone else is reading and you'll "catch up" when we start the process again next year.

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Let's not walk in darkness!

The Grass Is Greener. . .

2009-01-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

On the other side?

I heard on the radio today that someone once said, "If the grass is greener on the other side, it means that you are not watering your side enough." What a great quote!

As children of God, the greatness of our lives should only be measured by how pleasing we are to the Father. How much are you watering and feeding your relationship with him?

Jesus came to give us life to the full. Will you do all you can to take hold of the life to which you have been called?

Press On!

2009-01-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path...

We are now just about two weeks into the new year, and this is the time where people begin to waver on their commitments to their new year's resolutions. But hopefully this is not so with our commitment to read the Bible through in a year.

One Bible reading plan I saw was for the Bible to be read in three years. The reasoning was that reading about three chapters a day is unrealistic and going through the Bible a chapter or so a day was much more realistic.

On average, I take about 15 minutes to read through my daily assignment. 15 minutes! Isn't it a sad time when people aren't expected to devote even 15 minutes a day to reading God's word? I speak for myself as well, as I know that reading through the Bible in a year is not easy.

Interestingly enough, the other day I actually read farther than I was supposed to because I was getting into the story of Jacob in Genesis!

If you are experiencing difficulty keeping up with the daily readings, hang on! God's word is not just for show, but he uttered them with a specific purpose.

Isaiah 55:10-11

10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Why Do You Praise God?

2009-01-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

When you praise God, why do you do it? If you are not sure why you are praising when you say, "Praise God" then your praise is meaningless.

Argentinian Pastor Juan Carlos Ortiz makes the parallel this way: it is like giving God a present that is wrapped up very nicely, with a nice bow on it. But when he opens it, the box is empty.

When you praise God, make sure you know why you are doing so. It will mean much more to God and to you as well.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T17:10:00.001-08:00

Ok, so it's day two of the "Read the Bible in a Year" campaign and I hope you haven't fallen behind already!

Hope everyone out there has a great '09, with God's fingerprints all over it!

Read the Bible in a Year

2008-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for the upcoming year is to start reading the Bible through every year. Ambitious, I know, but is there a better way to familiarize myself with the Word of God than reading it consistently? Of course, I'll just take it one year at a time, but that's my plan, anyway!

In seminary I met a man who had read the Bible through some 80 times or something ridiculous like that. Is it any wonder that he would possess a first-rate knowledge of the Bible?

I have a plan that combines both OT and NT reading at the same time, with assignments on M-Sat. only, with Sundays being a day of rest or for catch-up. If you would like a copy of it, please email me at gregg.morita@tccbc.net and I'll send one out to you.

May God's Word bless you this year!

Where Is Your Treasure?

2008-12-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

In these tough economic times, managing money can be tough. However, the Bible has much to say on that subject. The CrossRoads Couples' Fellowship is beginning a six week study on managing finances from a Biblical perspective.

The fellowship meets every Tuesday evening, starting with January 6th. All are welcome, you don't need to be married or engaged to join them.

Please plan to be there for a time of worship, snacks, fellowship, and what it means to be putting your money where your beliefs are as Christ-followers!

When God Says, "No"...

2008-12-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

It is easy to see how some people think that God is some sort of cosmic spoilsport, trying to keep everyone from having a good time. It seems like everything that's fun or comes naturally to us as humans are off limits.

But Joshua Harris gives a different perspective. He said that when God says "no" to something, it's really because he's saying "yes" to something better!

What a great perspective! It's great not only because it is a positive way of thinking about God and his ways, but also because IT'S TRUE! God wants to bless us with much more than we can even think of desiring for ourselves.

How often do you settle for scraps and crumbs when God has a sumptuous feast waiting for you? Don't settle for any less than God's best for you - you won't regret it.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

2008-12-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Jesus! Thank you for coming to earth to save us from our sins.

Merry Christmas to you all, and I pray that you don't forget to put "Christ" in your Christmas celebration today!

Joy to the World!

2008-12-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

Now why did the picture turn yellow when it was originally blue? I don't know, but that's not important right now.

What IS IMPORTANT is that you come join us for our Christmas Eve Worship Service at 7:30 PM tomorrow night at church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! Refreshments to follow! Yummmm.

God Is Love

2008-12-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I was reminded of another of God's profound truths: his perfect love. There is no way that God can stop loving us. His love is perfect and absolute, and not governed by feelings, as ours is inclined to be.

There is nothing we can do to make God stop loving us because he can't.

Here is a powerful video that makes a valiant effort to capture this great love. Watch it to the end and you will get a better idea of how much God loves you.

The Bible says plainly, "God is love." No matter who you are or what you've done, God loves you; always have, and always will.

Only by the Grace of God...

2008-12-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

I found this quote today and wanted to share it with you all.

"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace." — Jerry Bridges

Living as a Christ-follower can be difficult, especially because we are not completely free from our sinful nature. But we can take comfort that the grace of God will keep us; in the worst of times and the best of times.

May you experience the freedom and joy of God's grace this week.

The Power of Prayer

2008-12-11T14:43:00.001-08:00

I just found this article today on Yahoo News:

Pastor prays over deposit slip, gets $1.5M gift
Tue Dec 9, 9:14 pm ET
LONGVIEW, Texas – A $1 million bank deposit slip wish by a Longview minister to pay for a new church came true — and then some. The Rev. Thomas McDaniels of LifeBridge Christian Center said a businessman, who chooses to remain anonymous, wrote him a $1.5 million check.
Members of LifeBridge, which formed in 2005, had met at a Longview hotel. Their new church opens in a few weeks.
McDaniels described on Monday how in January 2007 he took a bank deposit slip and wrote $1 million, "meaning that one day someone would give us a million dollar gift."
The minister, who prayed over the deposit slip, said a business owner Dec. 2 asked how much was needed to pay for the church.
McDaniels said $1.4 million. The benefactor's check included an extra $100,000.
McDaniels says, in these economic times, that "the Lord wanted to show his power."

I wonder what would have happened if his whole congregation prayed over that deposit slip... What an amazing story of God's provision. What would God do if we prayed

Love Your Neighbor

2008-12-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Recently there has been a new addition to the neighborhood and I can't be more pleased. Her name is "Black Puddy." I don't know what her real name is but she looks something like this:

(Actor's portrayal of Black Puddy.)

She is very sweet and friendly and loves people. She lets me pet her and even tries to get on my lap when I sit on the curb. She is a little purring machine! I lament the fact that I have only been able to meet up with her just a short while before I move.

Ok, so what does this have to do with anything? I realized how much I love acceptance by this little cat. But I am not alone. We all crave love and acceptance from other humans, if not cats as well.

Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Do you crave love and acceptance? Of course you do. Then we also need to love and accept others as we would like to be loved and accepted.

I would like TCCBC to be a church that when a new visitor comes, he or she is made to feel like part of the family. Let's not allow ourselves to think that it's someone else's job to make people feel welcome at church. It all starts with YOU.

I challenge you to ask God to open your eyes and let him see as he sees when it comes to visitors to our church. When you begin to notice people standing by themselves with no one to talk to, then you will know that God is bringing you an opportunity to bring someone love and acceptance.

Celebrate Diversity?

2008-12-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

As I was driving to church today, I saw a car with many, many politically themed bumper stickers on it. One sticker caught my eye. It was a white sticker with just two words on it, with each letter being a different color. It said plainly, "Celebrate Diversity."

But what does that mean? What I think the owner of the car meant was, "Differences between people should always be accepted and even celebrated." The irony is that people who generally like to celebrate diversity on that level can only celebrate with like-minded people. If you don't happen to believe that all diversity should be celebrated, you will probably not receive any invitations to their afternoon tea parties.

But God's people really do need to celebrate diversity - but within limits. God made us all different and we need to celebrate those differences. We have different personalities, likes, dislikes, gifts, talents, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, etc. There is room for diversity in the church. Even minor theological differences not explicitly addressed in the Bible can be overlooked between brothers and sisters in Christ.

What the church cannot celebrate is diversity in explicitly stated Biblical teachings, otherwise known as orthodox theology. Some of these would be who God is, who Jesus is, how he wants us to live, how to be saved, etc. When the church deviates from the teachings of God, you can be sure that it is actually deviating from God himself.

God's people need to be God's people; doing things his way or no way at all.

Life in the Middle

2008-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Do you struggle with your faith? Maybe you want to quit but having tasted the truth can no longer revert back to a sinful life in peace. Yet you know that you will never be a "Super-Christian" and experience a life that transcends the mire. You are stuck.

Greg Koukl from Stand to Reason tells the story of a conversation he had with a woman in a similar situation:

She had a deeply discouraging sense of being "in between." She said, "I'm a Christian, so I can't go back and enjoy it [I call that the "Christian curse," by the way]. But I can't reach the level of spirituality I think is required of me, so I can't enjoy my Christian life either."

Are you looking for an answer to that dilemma? Koukl has put together some points that will help you. It's pretty long but you can read his response here.

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus, Ye Soldiers of the Cross!

2008-11-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Young Amir and Baba

Another big theme in The Kite Runner has to do with the courage to do what's right. Amir's father, Baba, is an activist that will stand up for others even at the cost of his life. Ironically Amir proves himself to be the complete opposite, shying away from challenges, with self-preservation as his main concern.

I could identify with Amir, as I recognize how tough it can be to stand up for what I believe. The world we live in can be a difficult place for God's children. To believe in the morality set by God is considered backward and outdated, even hateful.

So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

As appropriate as the last paragraph is for our times, the interesting thing is that it comes from Isaiah 59:14-15, written over 2500 years ago! How did God respond back then?

Isaiah 59:16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.

God saw that his people were helpless and hopeless and came down and took care of business himself! I believe the same principle applies today. Even though sometimes the enemy seems too strong, when the time is right, God will make everything all right.

But until that time, we as Christ-followers should strive to live as God would have us, despite the cost to us personally. Let us rise up to the challenges set before us as we serve our God with our best!

24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. Matthew 16:24-27

Is It You, or Just a Brilliant Disguise?

2008-11-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

I have been having an online discussion about political and spiritual matters with a friend. One of his recurring arguments against Christianity is the hypocrisy of Christians. Basically we don't practice what we preach.

Because the standard set by God for us is perfection, no Christian will, this side of heaven, live in a way that is absolutely consistent with his or her belief all the time, every time. Does that mean that all Christians have no choice but to be hypocrites then?

Merriam-Webster defines hypocrisy this way: 1: a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not ; especially : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion

2: an act or instance of hypocrisy

Believing in a standard but failing to live up to it does not automatically constitute hypocrisy. Otherwise the only people on earth, Christian or otherwise, who are not hypocrites are those who have no standards.

The key word is "feigning." Hypocrisy is pretending to be something you are not, or acting like you believe something that you really don't. Assuming that you are genuinely trying, failing to live up to a standard is just that - failure, not hypocrisy. Hiding the fact that you are a sinner is hypocrisy.

In order to overcome the hypocrisy label, Christians must do two things: 1. live as consistently with the standards of belief as possible 2. be honest about the difficulties and failures trying to live that life. Maybe then the fallacy of having to be "good" before setting foot in a church would fall as well.

What Now?

2008-11-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

President-elect Barack Obama

Now that the dust has settled and the election is over, some might say that any hope that Christians may have had about turning our country's moral compass back to God seems to be fading fast. If you think that, you'd be wrong.

Maybe new laws will be enacted and liberal judges might be selected, thus taking our country farther away from God's idea of morality than we feel comfortable with. Maybe it's past that point already for you. But I would challenge you to rise up child of God, as the ball is now in your court.

Even if _______ (insert unGodly law here) was here to stay, but hypothetically speaking, if everyone in this nation were to live according to God's ways, the "rights" we have under our federal and state law would be moot.

What that means is this: now more than ever you must live in a manner worthy of your calling. You need to shine God's light and love in the darkness on an individual level. You need to be praying for people and sharing the Gospel! You can no longer hide behind your "conservative" candidate to do God's work on a national level for you.

And if at times you get really hopeless always remember this: Even the worst of governments and rulers (and I'm not saying ours falls into that category) could do nothing to stop God from accomplishing his will.

Vote!

2008-10-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Next Tuesday we will have our general election. The big news is Obama vs. McCain, as well as Proposition 8. But did you know that Prop 8 is just one of 12 propositions that will be on the ballot? I sure didn't.

There's more at stake than just the definition of marriage on this ballot. There's also a measure that wants to ensure parental notification before their daughter has an abortion (Prop 4), not to mention other various issues of importance.

The website of the California Secretary of State, Debra Bowen, contains a lot of information regarding the 12 propositions. They are located here. Scroll down a bit to get to the heading: Propositions that are on the November 4, 2008, General Election Ballot

Clicking on each individual proposition takes you to the "Title and Summary" of each. At the top of the page are links entitled: "Analysis," "Arguments and Rebuttals," and "Text of the Proposed Law." These links are very informative in helping you to decide what to vote for and against.

Especially helpful is the "Arguments and Rebuttals" link, as you can read about both sides of the argument in a particular issue.

Please, please, please take the time to look over the issues and vote as God would have you. The ballot you will be voting on next week has a lot more at stake than you may realize.

Would You Eat Dirt?

2008-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw a movie (adapted from the book with the same title) that really spoke to me on many different levels. It's called "The Kite Runner."Yes, it has been out for about a year, but hey, I guess I don't get out much. The trailer for it is below.

I was touched on a lot of different levels but one that jumped out to me is in the area of servanthood. In America, we don't really know what that looks like. Well, at least I don't - not in its fullness anyway.

For example, here is a quote from the book, taken from one of my favorite scenes in the movie:

He (Hassan) turned to me (Amir). A few sweat beads rolled from his bald scalp. "Would I ever lie to you, Amir agha?" Suddenly I decided to toy with him a little, "I don't know. Would you?" "I'd sooner eat dirt," he said with a look of indignation. "Really? You'd do that?" He threw me a puzzled look. "Do what?" "Eat dirt if I told you to," I said. ... "If you asked, I would," he finally said, looking right at me. To this day, I find it hard to gaze directly at people like Hassan, people who mean every word they say. "But I wonder," he added. "Would you ever ask me to do such a thing, Amir agha?"

Being a servant means doing whatever your master tells you to do, even if it means doing something you don't want to do. Or should I say, rather, ESPECIALLY if it's something you don't want to do.

But isn't that how we are to relate to our God? Being his servant means doing whatever he tells you whenever he tells you to do it. But the cool thing about God is that even if he did tell us to do something equivalent to the level of eating dirt, it wouldn't be to fulfill some sort of cruel, sadistic fantasy - he would use it for our good as well as to accomplish his plan; his good, perfect, and pleasing plan.

True servanthood comes not on our terms, but on the terms of our Master. How far would you go to obey all that God commands of you?

M.I.A.

2008-10-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be missing in action, things have just been crazy busy this week. Check back later, after things slow down a little for me. In the meantime, why don't you read your Bible and pray?

What Do You Do Now?

2008-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

One of my new favorites, this song is called "True Love" recorded by Phil Wickham. I think it might be really good communion song. If only I could sing and play it like he does... sigh.

True Love - Phil Wickham
Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave his only Son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Father's broken heart
Tears were filling heaven's eyes
The day that true love died, the day that true love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day the true love died, the day that true love died

Search your hearts you know you can't deny it
Lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave his only son just to save us

Jesus is alive, Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive, Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive, Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive, Jesus is alive
He rose again!

Come close listen to the story

Mark 15:37-39
37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

Can you imagine how sad that day was, but praise God that the story doesn't end there. Jesus is alive! Do you believe it? What difference will it make in your life that Jesus rose from the grave?

What If?

2008-10-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

“The power of prayer has never been tried to its full capacity in any church. If we want to see mighty wonders of divine grace and power wrought in the place of weakness, failure and disappointment, let the whole Church answer God's standing challenge; ‘Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knows not." - Hudson Taylor

Go to prayer meeting. This is YOUR church too, and your prayers do matter! Let us take up our crosses, follow God with reckless abandon, come together in prayer, and see what God will do in us and through us!

Let us bathe all that we do in our church and in our lives in humble prayer to our Lord and may we never, never again wonder, "What if?"

A Fish Story

2008-10-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Found this on the internet...

A guy who lives at Lake Conroe (50 miles north of Houston) saw a ball bouncing around kind of strange in the lake and went to investigate. It turned out to be a flathead catfish who had obviously tried to swallow a basketball which became stuck in its mouth!!

The fish was totally exhausted from trying to dive, but unable to because the ball would always bring him back up to the surface. The guy tried numerous times to get the ball out, but was unsuccessful.

He finally had his wife cut the ball in order to deflate it and release the hungry catfish. You probably wouldn't have believed this, if you hadn't seen the following pictures... Be kinder than necessary. Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

This was probably some sort of "feel good" internet posting, but there great truths in it nonetheless. Sometimes people can be a little less than kind to one another, but if we all spread some of God's grace around, realizing even other people have bad days, then maybe we will just shine the light that is God's in the darkness that we all face at one time or another.

Keep Going!

2008-10-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

For you sports-minded types, this is one of the most inspirational illustrations of perseverance and encouragement I have ever come across. It's a little long (6+ minutes) but well worth it.

Jesus persevered and so should you.

It is also probably safe to assume that Brock wouldn't have gotten as far as he did without the encouragement (yelling!) by his coach. God created us to be in fellowship with one another and the video just goes to show how encouragement from others can go a long way in helping us to carry out the work that God has for us...

Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Faith...

2008-10-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Alonzo's new book...

One of my heroes is Alonzo Mourning. I like him because he is a great basketball player who has maximized his potential on the court. He never struck me as the most talented person skill-wise, but he is athletically gifted AND works hard! As a result of his hard work, he became one of the top centers in the NBA.

But recently I found one more thing to like about him: his faith.

I shouldn't have been surprised that he is a Christian because off the court he is involved with a lot of charity work, but that aspect of his life is not as widely publicized as his exploits on the court.

Excerpt from the book.

It's always inspiring to hear about people who live their faith in times of darkness. Way to go, 'Zo!

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Mighty to Save

2008-10-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's easy to feel down because people you love don't know Jesus. But this song is a great reminder that salvation belongs to God and no one else. Even if it seems that your loved one is so far away from Jesus, God is greater!

Though salvation is God's, we must still be faithful and share the Gospel. But have you ever had problems with sharing your faith, especially with close friends and/or relatives?

There is a great opportunity for those of us in the Bay Area to attend a great training session to share Christ with loved ones on October 18th. If you register before this Friday, it will be $29 (vs. $39 after that). You can get more info and register online at the Heaven Together website.

Rockin' for Jesus! This is another one of my favorite praise songs. I like it because the music and lyrics really go together well. For those of you (all 3 of you!) who attend prayer meeting, this is how it's SUPPOSED to sound!

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.

Jesus Reigns!

2008-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Even though it often doesn't seem like it, God is still in control. Never forget that God reigns and Satan gets what's coming to him in the end!

He Reigns
by Peter Furler & Steve Taylor
It's the song of the redeemed rising from the African plain
It's the song of the forgiven drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers filled with God's holy fire
It's every tribe every tongue every nation

A love song born of a grateful choir

It's all God's children singing
Glory glory hallelujah He reigns He reigns
It's all God's children singing
Glory glory hallelujah He reigns He reigns

Let it rise above the four winds caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals

To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation

Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples

None rings truer than this

And all the powers of darkness tremble at what they've just heard
'Cause all the powers of darkness can't drown out a single word

Matthew 16:18

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

I can't wait to praise God in heaven with all the other believers!

Trying Times

2008-10-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

During this unstable financial climate, many Americans are truly beginning to worry about their future. But the Apostle Paul faced a much more dire situation; while jailed for the sake of the Gospel, he didn't know if he was going to live or die.

Nevertheless, he had this to say:

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."

What great faith! But it isn't an unattainable faith. We need only be obedient and wait on the Lord. Truly, when it comes down to it, isn't that quite simple?

Fooling Ourselves

2008-09-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

Yeah, keep smiling, con man.

The following tale is a true story.

A certain missionary, while in China, spent the morning at a local outdoor market. The air was infused with the smell of dumplings and deep fried "Chinese donuts". Growing hungry, the missionary's eyes were drawn to a peanut salesman's stock of fresh walnuts.

As is customary in Chinese marketplaces, a certain amount of haggling is expected. But so is flagrant market fraud and various clever cons. Even though the missionary watched very carefully the weighing of the walnuts so as to avoid receiving a lighter load than the scale indicated, his desire to be generous and caring kept him from bargaining too hard for a deal. Instead -- though the missionary had no need of so many walnuts -- he offered a very fair price for a four kilogram (~9 lbs) bag of walnuts instead of the two kilograms that would have been plenty. He didn't notice any trickery in the weighing of his purchase so he felt good about being generous.

Once the missionary reached his apartment, he eagerly untied the plastic bag and emptied the fragrant walnuts into a large bowl and got ready to try them.

To his chagrin, the walnuts were nearly impossible to open, and when they were forced open, the nut inside was swollen and stuck to the nooks and crannies of the shell. The missionary realized he had been tricked! As a daily practice, the walnut salesman must have purposefully soaked his crop in water to increase its weight! Anger and resentment grew in the heart of the missionary. After all, he just wanted to be kind and helpful; but in return, he was betrayed and mocked.

It took some quite meditation and prayer before the missionary could find peace for himself and forgiveness from God.

When he contemplated more about the Walnut Salesman, the missionary began to feel sorry for him. For a little bit of extra money, the Walnut Salesman's greed forced him into an extra heavy load of walnuts every morning. If sold truly fresh walnuts, his burden would be much lighter than the waterlogged walnuts he carried daily. His con job made enemies with every one of his clients. If he were more honest, he could have satisfied patrons become repeat customers and perhaps even make some friends.

Instead, he was just fooling himself.

His greed did little to bring joy to his life and in the end, his dishonesty can only create bitterness and layers upon layers of guilt and remorse.But isn't this a picture of our relationship with God? God does nothing but good things for us - it's His very nature to do nothing but loving things for us - and how do we repay him? With betrayal, disobedience, and mockery.

We are only fooling ourselves when we try our own way. When we work extra hard for that bonus check at the end of the quarter or when we cheat a little in order to keep a larger portion for ourselves, we're only fooling ourselves. Our joy and our fortune doesn't come from these things. It comes from a heart that is dedicated to God.

Let's take inventory of ourselves and pray that we have hearts that seek after Him.

Who Are You...

2008-09-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

... that the Lord of Heaven and earth should die for you?

It's amazing how nowadays there are so many different ways to worship, so many creative avenues which we can use to praise God. Here's one that I happened to stumble upon:

I don't know about you guys, but I got misty watching it.

Psalm 8:3-4
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

Take some time to sit before God in prayer and thank him for his salvation!

And why yes, I did just learn to embed YouTube videos on the blog!

Someone Else's Sacrifice?

2008-09-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

One popular misconception that atheists or anti-Christians hold is that the idea of God's sacrificial atonement for sin through Jesus Christ is in fact an unkind, unforgiving act.

Their question is simply, "Why couldn't God, in all his loving-kindness simply forgive us our sins? Why did he have to use Jesus as a sacrifice?" They imagine an illogical scenario like this:

You're at a playground and Joe walks up and punches you in the stomach. You have two options; you can forgive him and move on, or you can justifiably punch him back. The latter being fair in the cosmic scale of equity. But inexplicably, instead of punching Joe in return or forgiving him outright, you pull in George, an innocent bystander, and punch him in the stomach instead.

That's how some critics of Christianity view Jesus' death on the cross. Why did God the Father drag his own son to be punished for sins that he could have simply forgave? To them, it's illogical and cruel.

Firstly, God had to devise a plan to atone for the sins of man because without doing so, there would be no point in us doing good. If doing his will and not doing his will result in the same thing; reconciliation and closeness to God, then what's the point of having rules or a God-given moral code of absolute right and wrong? We might as well live how we please and just let God forgive us all in the end. That would be chaos, and as it were, unloving.

After all, do parents that love their children let them do whatever they want only to forgive them of their mistakes? No, parents give their children rules and boundaries that are sometimes broken. When they're broken, the children are punished or reprimanded and then forgiven to try again. That's the model of a loving relationship; that's God's model for us to follow.

Secondly, Jesus, when he died on the cross for our sins, wasn't an unwilling third party. It wasn't that God didn't want to suffer or forgive us and dragged Jesus, kicking and screaming, into the picture.

Jesus is, in fact, God himself! Jesus' sacrifice IS God's sacrifice. It's true sacrifice because God sacrificed himself to die for our sins.

In the end, God's plan for atonement and reconciliation is still the most beautiful, perfect plan conceivable.

Prayer of Confession

2008-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Christians feel like they can "out-sin" God's grace. I am happy to report that is not possible. The Bible says:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Not just some, but ALL. Past. Present. Future. Never forget the blood of Jesus covers ALL sins!

Take some time to confess your sins and be right with God. Oh, and if you didn't make it to prayer meeting last night, you're in luck: there's two more opportunities next week!

Let's see what God will do with a church fully committed to praying to him!

I love cats...

We Got to Pray Just to Make It Today

2008-09-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

For you "Old Skool" cats, a great reminder to pray...

Pray

MC Hammer

That's word, we pray, pray, pray
We got to pray just to make it today
I said, “We pray”, pray, ah yeah we pray, pray
We got to pray just to make it today, that's word, we pray

All my life I wanted to make it to the top
Some said I wouldn't they told me no, but I didn't stop
Working hard, making those moves everyday
And on my knees every night, you know I pray

Now I just think that you can do what ever you want
I'm bustin' these rhymes making this money and I won't
Forget my people or my town or my ways
And on my knees, every night, I'm still gonna pray

Time and time and time and time and time again
I kept on knocking, but these people wouldn't let me in
I tried and tried and tried and tried to make a way
But nothing happened till that day I prayed

Children dying, oh so fast from this or that
Need that money, bookin’ that dope, smokin' that crack
Ten years old, stand outside, better look out
Dead and gone, never had a chance, what's it all about?

All our missions start to doubt, here we go
Kicking back, read these words, we need to know
Living high, living good, living long
Take a minute, bust a prayer and you're good to go

We're sending this one out to the Lord and we thank you
And we know we need to pray ‘cause all the blessings
That are good they come from above and once again

We want to say, “Thank you” to the Lord

With all our love, we outta here.

That's why we pray!

Hammer didn't always get it right (does anyone?), but on this one he was spot on. As Christians we need to pray just to make it today! Take some time to pray to the Lord right now. And get to prayer meeting on Wednesdays! This means YOU!

Constructing a Baby

2008-09-18T13:19:00.002-07:00

under construction?

An important distinction to make when thinking about the unborn is that while they are still in gestation, a living thing (like a human fetus,) is "under development." Contrast this with the incomplete creation of an innanimate thing (like a plasma TV or a car,) which is "under construction."

No one would look at a 50" aluminum frame and call it a TV. It's not a TV until it's completed and ready for use. Before it's completed, it's under construction.

But a human baby while still in gestation is under development. It's still a human, it's just not a fully developed human. This is an important distiction to make and is often cause for confusion when the controversial topic of abortion is discussed.

(Consider this: a one-month old baby girl is not capable of eating solid food, drinking water, reasoning or reproduction and therefore, still "not fully developed." But she's still human. The state of one's development has nothing to do with their value or quantification as a human. Why should a developing fetus be considered anything less than human?)

One Man's Treasure. . .

2008-09-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

. . . is another man's trash.

A Super Bowl ring may never be considered "trash," but in comparison to that which God has in store for us it is. But for the vast majority of us non-Super Bowl winners, we never have to make that choice to sacrifice a Super Bowl ring in order to benefit others. Today I came across the story of a man who did. You can read that story here.

People spend their lives chasing dreams like winning a Super Bowl, and owning Super Bowl rings. In reality trophies and rings are just temporary items that have no eternal value. . . but it can be used to affect someone's eternity, as Cherry is trying to do.

Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

It is really encouraging to see people live out their faith and literally put their money where their beliefs are.

But it is also really cool thinking about owning a Super Bowl ring too. Although if I did win it, I would not know what to do with it. Probably sell it because I can't afford the taxes on it! But I digress. . . If you would like a chance to own a piece of history AND help the children of the world as well, you can purchase tickets at the Celebrities for Charity website here.

There's a War Outside Still Ragin'...

2008-09-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

... you say it ain't ours anymore to win. Bruce Springsteen didn't know how right he was when he wrote those lyrics.

There is a spiritual battle going on around us 24/7 and whether you are Christian or not, you are involved.

The war is on for souls, but many Christians are either unaware of this battle or indifferent to it.

Although it is a spiritual war, its results can be plainly seen in the physical world, ranging from casual indifference to the truth to violent hostility towards Christ's followers. In fact, you can read about the persecution of Christians at the Voice of the Martyrs website here.

One way that we can better fight this battle is through prayer. We can pray that God would demolish the strongholds of Satan and lift the darkness from our loved ones that do not know him. We can pray for protection for those who face persecution or the threat of persecution daily.

Whether we realize it or not, we all contribute one way or another to this battle.

Indifferent or lukewarm Christians seem to help the cause of Satan more than God's. Lack of prayer inhibits God's work in our world. But on the flip side, Christians with fire brings light to the darkness. Fervent prayers of righteous prayer warriors usher in God's work in the world.

How have you contributed to this battle lately?

No Middle Ground for Abortion

2008-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Senator Joe Biden, when asked about his views on abortion, basically said that he accepts his church's teachings on when life begins, but wouldn't impose his personal beliefs on others.

Greg Koukl of Stand To Reason had a good response to Senator Biden's watered down convictions. In this excerpt from the STR blog, Mr. Koukl recounts his discussion with another man with a similar viewpoint as the Senator's:

I once had a discussion with a man who offered this nonsense to me at a conference. He said he was personally opposed to abortion, but didn’t think it was right to force his views on others. I asked him the question I always pose when I encounter such a feeble notion: “Why are you personally against abortion?”
He responded with the answer I always get. “I believe abortion kills a baby,” he said, “That is why I am against it. But that’s just my own personal view.”
“Let me see if I understand you,” I said. “You are convinced abortion kills an innocent child, yet you think the law should allow women to do that to their own babies. Did I get that right?”
He objected to my wording, but when I asked him what part of his view I misunderstood, he was silent. I hadn’t misunderstood it. That was his view.
The logic of the modified pro-choice position reduces to, “I think it’s wrong to kill my own children, but I don’t think we should stop other people from killing
theirs.”
Notice that this critique has nothing to do with whether abortion is right or wrong. That’s a different question. I am simply pointing out that the modified pro-choice view deals itself a fatal blow. That is Biden’s blunder, and the blunder of anyone else advancing such a foolish notion.

There's no middle ground for abortion rights. (Read the entire blog post here.)

Judaism and Human Rights

2008-09-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

How Judaism was the foundation of modern human rights:

... an excerpt from the upcoming documentary movie, The Birth of Freedom.

Not All Everything are Created Equal

2008-09-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

While it's taboo in most North American social circles to 'discriminate' against particular people groups because it's almost always labeled as racism or xenophobia, one Australian community took steps to accept the building of a Catholic school within its bounds shortly after denying the application for a similar school of Muslim faith.

Is that discriminatory? Is it illegal racism? You can read more about the case HERE and decide for yourself, but I want to take a moment to analyze whether it is valid to reject certain things without fear of being labeled a racist or a xenophobe.

When someone - like Mr. Emil Sremchevich, president of the Camden/Macarthur Residents' Group - that helped accept the building of the Catholic school in his community but rejects another school of a different faith, it's seen as ethnocentrism and most modern day critics would consider it racism. Although all people are created equal and each have infinite value in the eyes of the crucified Christ, and therefore it is wrong to classify one as less important or more favorable than another, not all IDEAS are created equal.

Suppose I had an idea or worldview that thought all people of Jewish decent were bad and worthy of extermination. Imagine that I, subsequently, managed to garner the support of tens of thousands of followers who I managed to brainwash into thinking the same thing. Shouldn't my followers and I expect to be rejected in all right-thinking communities? Or does the freedom of speech allow me to espouse my hateful ideas? Neither our Constitution nor our Bill of Rights guarantees our right to hate speech and therefore my twisted, racist ideas would not be protected or accepted.

Hitler, would not today, be allowed to build a Nazi Community Center in the middle of downtown Fremont, I don't think.

Imagine then, that there is a community of people who disagree with a particular religion's views regarding women, gays, and those outside of that particular faith. Imagine that that religion's ideas can be seen as hateful and create fear among the community. Are those community members legally required to accept those ideas by allowing them to be taught in a school errected within the community's boundaries? Logic would suggest no. Lawyers and liberal judges might suggest differently.

While I accept all people of different races and ethnic backgrounds, I can, with a clear conscience, reject many people's ideas and worldviews. Not all ideas are created equal. Maybe that makes me an idealogical elitist, but it doesn't make me a racist.

Living What You Believe

2008-09-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Politics aside, I believe as Christians we should be intrigued not by Gov. Sarah Palin, VP nominee as much as Sarah Palin, child of God. You may agree or disagree with her political and even religious views but you can't deny the lengths that she goes to in living out her faith.

When I speak of Gov. Palin living out her faith, I am referring to her son, Trig. It's one thing to say that you believe in the sanctity of life, but it's another when you actually have that choice to make. You can read about it here.

But this post is not specifically about abortion; it's about more than that. It's about living a life worthy of the calling God has for us. Believe it or not, the call to be a child of God, a fellow heir with Jesus is a lofty one and we need to live in a manner that is consistent with that, especially when things are tough!

For the vast majority of us, our everyday "tough" choices may not seem like such in the grand scheme of things. We struggle with things like, who we hang out with, what we watch on TV or movies, what music we listen to, or for a vast minority, sharing the Gospel with a friend or relative.

But really, the tough choice is this: will you deny yourself, carry your cross, and follow Jesus? Will you be obedient even if it is expensive, uncomfortable, or even downright painful? If Jesus is truly your Lord you will. Someone once said, "Jesus is not Lord at all if he is not Lord of all."

No matter how difficult the decisions that we face may be, as God's children we show what we believe by our actions. When the "rubber meets the road" what do your actions say about what you believe about God and his ways?

Marvelous Light

2008-09-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite "new" praise and worship songs is Marvelous Light by Charlie Hall. Here are the lyrics (and you can hear it here):

I once was fatherless

A stranger with no hope

Your kindness wakened me

Wakened me from my sleep now

Your love it beckons deeply

A call to come and die

By grace now I will come

And take this life take Your life

Sin has lost its power

Death has lost its sting

From the grave You've risen

Victoriously

Into marvelous light I'm running

Out of darkness out of shame

Through the cross You are the Truth

You are the Life You are the Way

My dead heart now is beating

My deepest stains now clean

Your breath fills up my lungs

Now I'm free now I'm free

My dead heart now is beating

My deepest stains now clean

Your breath fills up my lungs

Now I'm free now I'm free

There's no more shame

No more shame

And now we show the world

Christ in you

Lift my hands and spin around

See the light that I have found

Oh the marvelous light marvelous light

It's Christ in you

Lift my hands and spin around

See the light that I have found

Oh the marvelous light marvelous light

No matter what your situation, you can always go to the marvelous light of Christ!

The Moral Decline of Society

2008-08-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Although many people want to remove God from our nation's public consciousness, God and his ways do have a positive influence on society. The Barna Institute just released some findings from a survey of over 1000 adults taken in May 2008. You can read the findings here.

Don't give up, fight the good fight, and know that we can make the world a better place.

The "Agony" of Defeat, Part III

2008-08-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

I don't think she's praying but it would be cool if she were...

Last Wednesday morning I read an email that advertised a church function with a guest speaker who had won an Olympic gold medal. I didn't know who that person was, and frankly didn't care. I was reminded that after a few years, the Olympic glory fades and the vast majority of champions fall off into obscurity.

People in the secular world might deem Jones' loss as catastrophic, but all Christians know that is not the case. We know that there is something greater than earthly fame, fortune, and accomplishment. When the Disciples marveled that even the demons are subject to them as they spoke in Jesus' name, Jesus told them to rejoice rather that their names are written in heaven.

As believers we have a prize which will never tarnish or fade - life in heaven. Win or lose, we know that the things of earth are all temporary and will never bring us true joy. That, my friend, can only come from having Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. So take a moment and rejoice that no matter what life throws at you, you can always have joy because your name is written in the book of life.

The "Agony" of Defeat, Part II

2008-08-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Notice the downed hurdle in lane 4

Jones once said she picked running hurdles because of it's parallels to life - that there will always be obstacles to overcome. Ironically, it is one of those obstacles on the track that may end up becoming an obstacle in her life.

But one of the amazing things I observed about Jones' loss was that even though she stumbled, she did not come in last. That means that even though she made a mistake, she kept running and finished as strongly as she could.

The Christian life is the same. There will always be obstacles. Stumbling over one of them is more a matter of "when" than "if." But the cool thing about God is that no matter how badly we have stumbled in the past, with God we always have a chance to finish strongly.

Maybe you are going through some difficulty now. You have the choice: give up or finish strongly. What will you choose?

The "Agony" of Defeat, Part I

2008-08-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thinking About "What Could've Been."

Last Tuesday night my heart ached for Lolo Jones, the heavily favored 100 meter hurdler from the U.S. In the final, her foot got caught on the second to the last hurdle, causing her to stumble just enough to break her rhythm and lose momentum. And just like that she went from first to seventh.

She was the picture of class and poise as she was interviewed on camera after her loss. I remember wondering if she was a Christian because she carried herself so graciously. But after she left the interview, a cameraman got a shot of her before she made her way to the locker room. She was leaning against a wall and crying. The shot was especially sad because she was alone, with no one else in sight.

I remember thinking that these are the moments that she needed a hug; someone to just be with her and share her grief.

I could almost feel her sense of despair, training for years just for this moment, only to come up short. But then I remembered: as Christians, we are never alone. What a blessing from God, to know that even in the darkest of times, as Jones experienced, we can receive comfort from the "God of all comfort."

God loves you! Take some time today to thank and praise God who saved you and will always be with you, through good times and bad.

Lessons from a Bag of Onion Rings, Part II

2008-08-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Moments before the feeding frenzy

As you ponder the truth of the last post, there is another lesson that can be gleaned from this "bag 'o grease" as some call it, which is that in order to best share our God with others, we need to all "taste and see that the Lord is good" first.

I have to admit that I loved those rings! Even now my mouth waters just thinking of having a plate of those hot and crispy deep fried rings of joy in front of me. Because of this, it was so easy to tell others about them.

How great is God to you right now? Of course the Sunday School answer is, "Really great. The greatest thing that is in my life."

But really, is God greater than a bag of onion rings to you? Do you look for opportunities to talk about his goodness with others as you would your favorite food? The better God "tastes" to you, the easier it will be to obey his commands to be his witnesses . Take some time to "taste and see that the Lord is good" and sharing with others will come naturally.

Lessons from a Bag of Onion Rings, Part I

2008-08-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

A "small" order of onion rings at the Sequoia Drive Inn. Notice how it encompasses the entire plastic tray.

Driving to Summer Camp, my car and I stopped at the Sequoia Drive Inn for dinner. Esther wasn't too hungry and ordered the small onion rings. To our surprise, the "small" was ginormous! They came hot and fresh from the fryer to our tray. The batter was crisp and light, with a just enough grease to make your taste buds faint with delight!

It was a tall task but Esther, Theresa, El Geoffie, and me managed to finish them off.

The next day word got 'round about the "small" order of onion rings, and before we knew it, Jachin had organized a large posse to get to the drive inn on the way home, so we could see what the large looked like!

The Bible says to taste and see that the Lord is good. Just as we tasted and saw that the onion rings were good and shared them with our friends, how much more should we look to share our Lord and Savior!

Flip the Question

2008-08-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

We often hear the atheist's battlecry: "How can a loving God allow people to go to hell?"

Josh McDowell flips the question around: "How can a just, righteous, and holy God allow sinful people to be with Him in Heaven?"

The answer, of course, is LOVE.

Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Hidden Talents

2008-08-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Mark "The Ping Pong Pistol" Tchao in Action

During the free time at summer camp I had the opportunity to play some ping pong with some really great players, one of which is pictured above. I knew I had no chance of beating "The Pistol" so I said that I would play him only if he would use the translucent plexiglass Alliance Redwoods paddle rather than his own.

Of course, I would get to use one of the good, expensive paddles, as an advantage of sorts for me. He agreed and the match was underway. The Pistol remarked early on how the plexiglass paddle was "dead" feeling and it was tough to put spin on the ball. Not that it mattered.

Although he was just toying with me, I still lost 4-11. Later I realized that I had made a major miscalculation: I had thought his power came from his expensive paddle. Little did I know that it was the glasses! Next time I will only play him if he takes off his "Fearless Fly" glasses.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_GJIMMa3i4&NR=1) Can't compete with millions of megatons of energy!

Seriously, I did take something home from the match (besides a beating, I mean). And that is that people are much more than what you see at church. Besides being a trustee, charter church member, translator, and teacher, Mark is a man who also has mad ping pong skillz. Too often we fail to consider the whole person when we deal with people, especially those we are in conflict with.

We forget that they laugh, cry, hurt, and feel as we do, which is a big reason why the command of Jesus to "love your neighbor as yourself" is so neglected. If we at TCCBC treat others as we expect/want to be treated, as whole persons, that would go a long way towards unity in this body of Christ. This week let us strive to love others as Jesus loves us - warts and all.

Mosab Hassan Yousef

2008-08-12T17:24:00.001-07:00

See the story of Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a prominent Hamas leader. Hamas is a militant extremist organization that the United States Government considers a terrorist organization and Mosab has renounced it and renounced Islam in favor of Christianity.

This video is just a glimpse of this amazing young man's transformation and journey.

Mosab said of his conversion, "when I studied the Bible carefully verse by verse, I made sure that that was the book of God; the word of God for sure. So I started to see things in a different way - which was difficult for me, to say Islam is wrong."

He had an internal dialogue with the one Almighty God:

"Islam is my father. I grew up for (one) father — 22 years for that father — and another father came to me and told me, 'I'm sorry, I'm your father.' And I was like, 'What are you talking about? Like, I have my own father, and it's Islam!' And the father of Christianity told me, 'No, I'm your father. I was in jail, and this (Islam) is not your father.'"

Mosab made an incredible sacrifice in leaving his religion, his family, and even his safety behind. He likened the experience of leaving his family as "taking the skin off [his] bones." Nevertheless, he felt duty-bound to glorify his new King.

"My family is educated and it was very difficult for them. They asked me many times, especially for the first two days, to keep my faith to myself and not go to the media and announce it. But for me it was a duty from God to announce his name and praise him (around) the world because my reward is going to be that he's going to do the same for me."

But when asked how he feels about Muslims and their distortion of Chrisitianity and their evil and false world-view, he was gracious and compassionate.

"So definitely I started to figure out the problem is Islam, not the Muslims and those people — I can't hate them because God loved them from the beginning. And God doesn't create junk.

God created good people that he loved, but they're sick, they have the wrong idea. I don't hate those people anymore but I feel very sorry for them and the only way for them to be changed (is) by knowing the word of God and the real way to Him."

Read the complete story HERE.

Summer Camp!

2008-08-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp Praise Team

This year's summer camp was really cool. It was encouraging to see the work of God in the English congregation as we strived to have a heart after God. We had some very encouraging and uplifting messages by Dr. Gregg Watson, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.

Dr. Rick Durst, also of GGBTS was supposed to be the guest speaker but couldn't make it at the last minute due to a death in the family. It was especially interesting to hear about how months earlier God guided Dr. Watson to NOT attend a mission trip this summer, which freed him up to be able to come to the camp.

God was working in our midst before and during the camp! Now that we are back, I am excited to see how God will work after the camp.

God or Genie?

2008-08-07T12:51:00.001-07:00

Therein Lies the Rub... Or not!

One of the big life lessons that God has been teaching me lately is that he is God. Obvious, I know, but what does that really mean? It means that he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, however he wants. He is not a magic genie that is subservient to my wishes.

I remember a restaurant worker on a mission trip asked me once, "Does God answer prayer just to get you to follow him then stops answering prayer?" She asked this because she could see God's miraculous answers to her prayers before she became a Christian, but now that she has decided to follow him, he no longer seems to answer.

At the time I fumbled through some Sunday School double dribble God talk but the truth was that I really did not have a good answer for her. Or at least one that is acceptable to me.

Now I do.

If I could meet that worker again, I'd tell her this: God loves you and he still answers all of your prayers. It's just that the answers are not coming in the way that you'd like or expect. First he showed you his power and generosity. But now he is showing you his sovereignty, to keep you from being confused as to who is in charge. Even more valuable than his blessings is God himself, and that is what he is giving you.

Worship the Blesser, not the blessings. Besides, do we really have enough knowledge to always judge blessing from curse accurately anyway?

YOU Are the Light of the Earth...

2008-08-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 5:8
for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=026YlRFUfkQ

Matt Redman is so cool...

May the words of this song be the aspiration of your hearts this week...

Learning to Un-learn

2008-07-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

When someone goes through hardship or difficulty, one idea expressed by many Christians is that God is trying to teach them something. According to Oswald Chambers, God is doing the opposite: he's trying to get them to "unlearn" something. This is a profound truth that I hope I never forget.

Our lives are marred by sin for sure, and because of that we need to unlearn all the bad habits that we have ingrained into the very depths of our being. Everything that comes between us and God needs to be stripped away.

In that sense, God utilizes the "addition by subtraction" principle. Our lives get more abundant when God removes all that prevents us from walking in perfect unity with him.

For those of you who are going through difficulty right now, what do you think that God is trying to get you to unlearn?

Love Lift Us up Where We Belong

2008-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Every Day Is a Sunny Day above the Clouds!

On my flight home from Denver I was reminded of a truth about God and his ways. Because of the clouds, the sky was dark and it seemed later than it was. But as we climbed to a higher altitude in our plane, the sun was quite evident.

Sometimes trials can mask God and his love, much like the clouds did the sun. Darkness surrounds us but God is there all the time; we just can't see him.

But when you get to the higher levels of faith, through obedience and spending time with God, you'll live at the highest levels, above the cares of the world, with a joy and peace that surpasses any trials that life can throw at you. This kind of living brings you in the realm of God, above the darkness.

That is why the Apostle Paul could sing hymns to God despite being chained to a post in the deepest, darkest bowels of a Philippian jail. Fly high and don't settle for anything less than that which God Almighty has ordained for you!

Doing Scary Things, Part II

2008-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

'Scuse me, exactly where is this bus going?

God and his ways seem scary because they are not always what we would like. But isn't that the beauty of God and his ways, that they are higher above our own?

God is light and his ways are light; anything other than that is darkness. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." God is doing wonderful things in our lives daily, and without him, it is easy to see how dark life will be. Go to the light. You won't regret it.

Honor Killings in America

2008-07-25T10:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's post about the democratic process of 'majority rule' and its contribution to moral relativism referenced murder disguised as an act of honor as one possible result of a society governed by an immoral majority.

Honor killings are all too real. And it doesn't just take place in the Far and Middle East or in Third-World Countries. Fox News is airing a special on honor killings in America.

Majority Rule?

2008-07-25T00:51:00.000-07:00

Post-modern thinkers tend to agree that majority rules. If the majority of the People agree on one direction or one idea, then that idea should be honored. It has been this way since Democracy was invented. For a free people, Democracy is the *end* when it should only be a *means to an end*.

The majority of Americans currently believe that it is one's right as an American citizen to own and bear arms - just as they interpret our Constitution's Second Amendment to mean. Suppose eventually, due to sufficient media influence and political pressures, the majority of Americans agree to amend the Second Amendment or to vote to ban personal firearms? You could argue that if it's majority rule, then, in a democracy, that ban should be upheld.

But what if the majority decides to vote on things of absolute moral value? Murder, for instance. What if, one day the majority votes that murder should be allowed (as did the ancient Romans in the form of gladiator battles and as modern-day theocracies do in the form of honor-killings and moral justice)?

Does the majority decide what is right and what is wrong?

Almighty God has already defined absolute truth and the definition of what is morally right and wrong. No amount of human reasoning and justification can reverse God's judgment. On matters of absolutes, majority does not rule. God rules.

Press on.

Death to the Death Penalty

2008-07-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Under the rules of the EU (European Union), a country cannot enter the EU charter if it allows capital punishment.

Capital punishment, to the modern-day liberal is considered cruel and unusual. It's considered barbaric and anachronistic. "Who has the right to take another's life?", an anti-capital punishment pundit might ask.

It's been said that "Jesus would forgive" so that we haven't the right to pass judgment. The founder of Stand To Reason, Christian apologeticist, Greg Koukl's argument AGAINST the simplicity of that argument:

Some say Jesus’ ethic of love and forgiveness requires us to end the death penalty. This was the appeal Mother Theresa made when Robert Alton Harris was facing the gas chamber in California. She appealed to the governor saying, “Jesus would forgive.”
This view falters because it simply proves too much. What alternative punishment would be justified with this rule? Should we put capital criminals in prison for life? But Jesus would forgive. Imprison them for ten years? But Jesus would forgive. Imprison a murderer for 24 hours? But Jesus would forgive.
If this argument works it becomes justification for the abolition of any kind of punishment whatsoever. What Jesus decides to do in God’s court does not dictate what justices should do in man’s court.

Perhaps one day the death penalty musn't or needn't exist. But for now, the claim that "Jesus would forgive" is insufficient to champion that cause.

Doing Scary Things, Part I

2008-07-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

"I took a wrong turn and I just kept goin'..."

Campus Crusader Samantha Li spoke at our church this past Sunday and delivered a line I hope I never forget: "Taking steps of faith is just Christianese for doing scary things." What a great description!

If we are willing, God gives us God-sized tasks to do; tasks which we cannot accomplish on our own. If we could do everything without God, why would we need him? And that is what makes taking steps of faith so scary. We have no control. It's like driving a car with no hands on the steering wheel. In our hearts it feels like a car wreck waiting to happen!

But really, the people whose lives most resemble car wrecks are the ones who are NOT walking in obedience to God. If you are a believer, sooner or later you will be faced with a decision of whether or not to take a scary step of faith. What will you choose?

The Key to a Powerful Life

2008-07-17T16:46:00.001-07:00

Do you want a life of power? Do you go through your day and wonder why some people live a victorious life in Christ and you don't?

The answer comes in one word: surrender. The problem comes when we don't want to surrender our lives to Christ. As someone once said, "Jesus is not Lord at all if he is not Lord of all."

If there is something in your life that you withhold from him, who is Lord? But as we surrender our will to him and allow him to carry out his plans in us and through us, then we will live a life of power, then we will live a victorious life in him.

God has big plans for you and your life, but you must surrender all to him. What is preventing you from the life God has for you? Will you surrender it to him?

Satan Hates YOU!

2008-07-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

"I hate you and have a wonderfully destructive plan for your life."

You gotta admit, Mel Gibson's take on Satan is pretty darn creepy. If you saw him on the street, you'd want to walk the other way.

In reality, I think Satan is ridiculously beautiful. Like David Beckham beautiful. Unfortunately, what is inside him is more gross than Andrew Zimmern's food!

This morning as I was driving to church I was listening to a radio preacher who said that God loves us and has a wonderful plan for us. He also said that Satan, who tries to twist and destroy all that God creates, hates us.

Yesterday's video posted by Shawn is a moving testimony of both facts. I was thinking that it would be cool if someone made "Satan hates you and has a destructive plan for your life" tracts. Sometimes that which is negative can end up pushing you towards the positive.

He Who Wants Only Good For Us

2008-07-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
- Jer 29:11

Get in the Herd!

2008-07-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

"I shoulda stayed with the herd!"

In the wild, predators usually attack when when an animal is separated from the herd. This is because there is strength in numbers such that even a small and weak animal has power through the sheer numbers of the herd. In contrast, even a strong animal separated from the others is vulnerable.

The Apostle Peter describes Satan as a lion who is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Guess who's the easy prey? Anyone separated from the herd, and especially the small and weak in faith. Lone Ranger Christians beware!

Do yourself a favor and get in the herd! Find a group of brothers and sisters in Christ that you can join in order to best protect yourself from the attacks of Satan. Satan may still attack, but through the prayers and support of the herd, he will not be able to bring you down!

Excellence No More

2008-07-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's post about "running the race that is marked before us" (Hebrews 12:1) is inspiring for those who understand sports analogies. The world of sports is, in a way, a great place to display Christian virtues such as perserverence, leadership, integrity, mercy, and even love.

Sports analogies have found their way into scriptures on more than one occasion because sports is something that anyone can relate to. Most everyone has participated in a sport or game of some kind; and if you haven't participated, you've spectated.

Everyone gets it - all sports are boiled down to one thing; doing your very best. Some atheletes have more natural skill than others, some have better training regimens than others, but no matter what, once you are competing, you are expected to do your best.

Sometimes that best is good enough to win the prize, sometimes it isn't. But no matter what, you do your best to try to win that prize.

So what happens if you did your best, you should have won the prize, but are told that your best doesn't matter because we don't want to hurt those that didn't do as well? That's exactly what happened in Beachwood, Ohio where the annual Fourth-of-July Little League All Star Game (for ages 9-12) was cancelled because new administrators decided that it would be too hurtful to those not chosen.

The full article can be seen HERE.

Like "Dash" said in the Disney Movie, The Incredibles, saying everyone is special is another way of saying no one is.

The problem with this, mentality is that it blurs line between individual worth and individual achievement. Certainly a child's moderate baseball skills are not an indictment of his worth or value as a human, but his equal worth to other children shouldn't diminish another's extraordinary skills or achievment. This should be true in all arenas of life, but it should be especially true in sports.

The very nature of sports is competition. The reason you play is to win - and if you win, someone will lose. Nevermind discussions about recreational versus competetive sports. If you're keeping score, you should have a winner. Otherwise, you should start a league that doesn't keep score and allow that league to run separately from other leagues where those who excel expect to win accolades for their hard work.

Even our God is a God that recognizes individual effort and offers us a reward in heaven in accordance to our service to Him here on earth (I Chron 3:8, II Tim 4:8, Luk 6:35, Rev 22:12). Though the world's standards may continue to fall, ours remains the same. Let us continue to I "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

Running the Race

2008-07-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Uphill Racing at Purisima Creek

Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Sometimes the Christian faith can be an uphill battle. But it is so much easier and fun when you are with other people. When trials and tribulations come, having a support group of brothers and sisters who to help will prove to be invaluable. God created us to be intimately related to one another hence the term "body of Christ."

When you are part of a group that is committed to throwing off all hindrances or anything that comes between you and God, you will run your race with even greater perseverance than on your own. Be in fellowship.

God Grants Independence

2008-07-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our country's Founding Fathers observed that their king, more closely resembling a tyrant, caused "repeated injuries and usurpations" of rights against the inhabitants of the American Colonies. In an effort to break free of the king's bondage and free themselves from his tyranny, they organized a rebellion; one that cost hundreds of thousands of lives and heartache among leaders and laymen alike.

But through all the military, political, and social hardships, - in spite of the fact that the Continental Congress was not in full agreeance about the rebellion - God's providence ruled. Our Founding Fathers neither neglected to seek God's counsel nor were they oblivious to God's Hand.

The Declaration of Independence reads,

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General
Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the
rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good
people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united
colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states;...

...And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our
sacred honor.

To these leaders of men, the decision to secede from Great Britain was no small matter. Hundreds of hours of debate, tears, and heartache was poured into deliberation. Personal and corporate prayer for Divine Counsel was the norm. Their property, their families' fortunes, and their very lives were at stake. These men were seen as treasonous traitors with bounties posted for their lives.

Men from the Continental Congress convening and praying.

Nevertheless, in the end, with God's help, the United States of America successfully became independent from the rule of Great Britain.

We can commemorate our country's independence by thanking the Almighty for the good works that His hand hath brought. And by praying prayers of thanks for the leadership of our God-fearing forefathers, the courage and sacrifice of our brave militia, and the service of every man, woman, and child who supported the American rebellion against the tyranny of her king.

Today, America still stands as a beacon for those who are oppressed and whose freedoms are encroached upon by their ruling government. By God's will, America will continue to be free and free those who are in bondage.

God bless America!