McCain/ Obama race in dead heat.

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John McCain has a slight lead over Barack Obama in the latest polls, but it depends on which you poll you ask.  I’m getting my data from this site, which tracks the results of several different polls at once, from Gallup to Fox News.  None of the spreads are greater than the margin of error, so statistically the two candidates are in a dead heat.

So who will be the next president?  I predicted back in the spring that Clinton and Obama would continue dividing the Democratic Party by beating each other’s brains out, such that McCain was guaranteed an easy victory.  About one third of Clinton voters said at that time they would not vote for Obama if he was nominated.  It’s no longer a sure thing for McCain, but I’m still predicting a Republican victory in November.

What effect do the VP nods have on the polls?  Obama’s party line is about change, but Joe Biden has been in Washington nearly as long as John McCain.  His campaign doesn’t seem to be hurting any since adding Biden to the ticket, however.  Much more attention has been focused on Sara Palin.  She’s more conservative than McCain himself, and many Republicans feel better about the ticket with her on it.  There is some question if this will help get the vote from women.  Maybe women will vote McCain/Palin that were sad to see Clinton leave the race, but there is also the criticism that getting Palin as the VP candidate was a cheap ploy that women voters will see through.  I personally feel better about voting for McCain with Palin on the ticket, because if he dies in office I’m okay with Palin being the first woman president.  McCain’s wishy-washy on abortion, for instance, but Palin is as conservative as the come.  She’s pro-life, pro-NRA, but most importantly has crossed the isle and gone against her own party in the name of good common sense.  I hope that appeals to all voters, regardless of the color of state they’re in.

What about the faith issue?  This topic has been done to death.  No I do not believe Barack Obama is a Muslim, no matter how many right-wing Christian bloggers and spammers say so.  And what if he was?  You don’t bring down the nation by serving in Congress and then running for president.  Obama loves this country, and wants to change it for the better.  ISLAM IS NOT A RELIGION FULL OF TERRORISTS.  That’s a misconception.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I will not allow comments that attack anothers faith, so don’t leave them.  I’m not voting for McCain because of his Christian testimony.  Having a person of faith in the White House makes me feel better, but we’re not electing the Pope here.  In the Republican primary I voted for Mitt Romney.  Yes, he’s a Mormon.  Again, I’m not looking for a Sunday School teacher, but a person to run the administration of our national government.  I think the values of Christian character – honesty, integrity, work ethic, etc – make any person a better worker, including the President of the United States.  But the issue of faith has gotten way too much press in this campaign.  Let’s let it go people.

What’s the bottom line?  I think the bottom line is that the economy is headed down a long road that’s a little scarey, and I’m not sure how long it will take to make it back.  Neither candidate will be able to do half of things they promise, no matter which one is elected.  I’m disappointed every four years by who our choices get narrowed down to.  Are either one of these guys the very best we can find in the U.S.A. to lead us?  I don’t think so, but that’s who we have to pick from.  So much of what people complain about has to do more with Congress than with the President anyway.  Neither man can do a blasted thing without the 535 members of Congress backing him up, and it’s nobody’s fault but our own that we have split Congress 50/50 down the middle on party lines.  Diehard support of one’s own party is destroying this country, and we’re all responsible.  I called the race a dead heat.  Gridlock may be more appropriate.  The political process bears an eerie resemblance to I-75 traffic at 4:30 p.m. in Atlanta to me.

Also read Where’s the Middle?, a post about how there used to be political middle ground.

Double Portion

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Elisha is the Old Testament figure that asked to be granted a “double portion” of the spirit that Elijah had.  The Double Portion pictured here is a Southern Gospel group from Canada of all places.  They record in Nashville, frequent the National Quartet Convention, and tour in the United States on a regular basis.  We got to see them last night for the first time since 2003.  They do a whole family act (with a total of 8 kids).  The kids range in age from 20 to infant, and the entire family is blessed musically.  I recommend seeing them if you get the chance.  They sing, preach, and live the gospel message.

I Hate Theology.

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No, I’m not saying that I hate theology. “I Hate Theology” is the title of an essay that has been reposted at Internet Monk, and I got the chance to read for the first time. This is a link to the original post, here is an excerpt that gets to the heart of the message:

I hate this, and I am not ashamed to say so. Christ didn’t call theologians, he called disciples. Let’s follow Jesus, not just talk about the two natures. He didn’t establish a seminary or a library, but a church, which is a pretty down and dirty business that does a lot more than just stare at its confessions in wondrous rapture and awe. He didn’t give the great debate assignment, but the great commission. We’re on mission with a God who is doing great things in history. Or are we? Some of us are theologizing about ministry so much that we appear to be undermining ministry itself. It’s a great commission to make disciples of all nations, not a great commotion about who can be more literal about the elements of the Lord’s Supper.

I’ve written a lot lately about being the salt and the light, and I’m probably not done yet. This is what iMonk is saying; you can debate and discuss all the things that ministry should be and do, but then someone still has to do them. Discussing the salt of the earth and being salty are not the same thing. Jesus actually mentions this. Telling someone to go their way and be fed is not the same as feeding them.

This is just one point iMonk makes in his essay. You really should read the whole thing, and don’t get mad too quickly. It might not be what you think it is (the whole book by its cover sort of thing). I listen to a lot of preachers, I read lots of blogs. Very few things you hear or read are worth putting into practice in your everyday life. I’m suggesting this is one of them.

A Benediction

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Now go into the world in peace,
Have courage;
Hold on to what is good.
Strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak;
help the suffering;
and share the gospel.
Love and serve the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit.
And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen

Who Does God Call?

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In the first chapter of Mark (I happen to be leading a study of Mark) Jesus begins to call his first disciples.  Jesus had many followers, but from those he called out 12 to be his “inner circle” if you will.  In verses 16-20 he calls first Simon (Peter) and Andrew, then James and John.  All 4 of these men were fishermen.  This was not the most respected vocation in first century Israel.  Fishermen worked long hours, spent a lot of time away from home and family, and they, well to be honest, stank.  Fish stink, guys that spend a lot of time with them also stink.  It was hard work, and while you could make a living at it, a fisherman would never really “be somebody.” 

In Mark chp. 2 Jesus calls Levi (Matthew).  He was a tax collector.  He may have had more education than a fisherman, and would have definitely had more money.  Most were crooked however, so he still would not have had a lot of friends.  If he did, they were also crooks and/or tax collectors.  We don’t know as much about some of the other disciples.  Luke was not one of the 12, but he was obviously hanging around.  Remember that Jesus had other followers and students besides the 12.  If Luke was not following Jesus from place to place during his ministry, we know for sure that he was very much involved in the formation of the early church.  Luke was physician.  This was a guy that was not only educated, he would have been respected in the community.  So what am I getting at?

God calls all types of people into his service.  There is not a Christian type, but he invites all types to become Christian, then uses whatever they bring with them to the table to further his kingdom and spread the gospel.  In Luke 8, we find out that many women were not only following Jesus, but supporting his ministry financially.  Luke does not neglect to list some names for us.  And just to top off the list, one of the first miracles performed by Jesus was healing Simon’s mother-in-law (Mark 1).  There’s only one way to get a mother-in-law; it’s a small detail, but we learn that Simon was married.  God calls into his service the educated and the illiterate; the single and the married; men and women; those respected by the community and those disrespected.  God is not interested in our ability, but in our availability. 

One more thing: Go back to Exodus chp 3  and see what happens when God calls someone who is not interested.  After God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, Moses’ first response is “Who am I to go before Pharaoh?”  God answers he will be with him.  In chp 4 Moses questions if the people will believe God spoke to him.  Moses complains he is not a good speaker.  He finally comes right out and asks God to please send someone else.  By this time God is angry with Moses.  We are the body of Christ; he has already done the hard stuff.  We need to be willing to respond when he calls us.  And there is no one that he cannot use, no matter how many excuses we can come up with.  Let’s be the salt and the light people.

Where’s the Love?

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I wanted to share this classic video from the Blayed Eyed Peas, but the best I can do is show a preview. You can click this link to watch the entire video. There’s a lot of Gospel in this pop.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

 posted with vodpod

 

 

The Faith of Satan

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We’re studying the Gospel of Mark in our Sunday morning small group, and my wife was fascinated by one of the stories in chapter one.  As this person possessed by a demon is approached by Jesus, he identifies Jesus and asks why he is there.  Jesus at once commands his silence, then casts out the unclean spirit.  This event was early in his ministry, and Jesus didn’t want anyone blabbing out who he really was just yet.  On at least one occasion, Jesus will instruct those just healed to tell no one what has happened.  The interested thing, though, is that the demonic spirit knew immediately that Jesus was the Holy One of God when he saw him.  Many people would listen to the sermons, see the signs and wonders, and still not believe.  Jesus would read from the prophets, have long talks with leaders such as Nicodemus, and still people would walk away puzzled not knowing what to believe.  But any demon or unclean spirit Jesus encountered at once knew who he was, and often questioned if they were to be punished before the time.  We should not be surprised at their apparent knowledge. 

Jesus exists from everlasting to everlasting with God.  The Nicene Creed describes him as being the eternally begotten Son of God.  Before their fall from grace, the angelic beings worshipped God (and his Son) in heaven.  Consider also the temptation of Jesus by Satan in the wilderness.  The devil can quote scripture, no doubt.  And just why was he offering Jesus all this stuff anyway?  He knew that by following God’s plan, Jesus could ruin all of his plans.  Herod had tried to kill Jesus as an infant, now Satan would attempt to derail his ministry just as it was beginning.  Just because someone believes in God or knows scripture doesn’t make them a true believer.  This is illustrated by James 2:19 that says “…even the devils believe and shudder.”  They know the scripture, the prophesies, and even the God that created them better than we do.

The Importance of the Gospel in the New Teastament

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Paul wrote to the Galatians how astonished he was that they so quickly departed from the gospel that they were taught.  Paul wrote to the Corinthian church that he wanted them to only know Christ and him crucified.  Paul praised the church at Philippi for being partners with him in the gospel.  And in what I think is the most obvious lesson of the importance of the gospel, in Mark chp. 1 Jesus preaches his first sermon, telling people to repent and believe the gospel. 

Gal 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

1 Cor. 2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Phil. 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Mark 1:14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Jesus himself gave the example: the gospel is the most important thing that the world needs to hear.  His earthly ministry was very short, and he had no time to waste.  But in his very first sermon he preached the gospel (Greek for “good news” by the way).  Recall the words of the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”  His first and last words to an audience was the importance of the gospel. 

The Apostle Paul wrote about two-thirds of what we call the New Testament.  It is clear on several occassions that he believed sharing the gospel was the most important use of our time and energy.  I’ve said this before: If I could talk to every preacher, I would say above all else, “Preach the gospel.”  The world needs to hear more than anything else Christians have to say that Jesus saves!  He is the way, the truth and the life.  God doesn’t just judge the world, he provides escape from judgement.  God doesn’t just hand out rules, he provides grace because he knows we will all fail at the rules anyway.  Our God is an awesome God, and the only way to come to him is by believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s make that what people see and hear when they listen to Christians or come into our churches, not all the other junk they see and hear and think we are about. 

Be the salt, be the light, let’s cut the crap. 

Mission Statements

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This is not a paid endorsement for Wal-Mart, just an example of brand recognition.  For years Wal-Mart has associated themselves with the phrase “Always low prices.  Always.”  It is common practice these days for every corporation and business entity to have a mission statement.  Where I work is no different.  I teach at a private Christian school, and the administration feels very strongly about each of committing our mission statement to memory.  What is the value of the mission statement?  It makes sure that everyone stays on the same page.  Any organization can start off well, and forget what it is they are supposed to be doing.  It happens in business, it happens to churches, it could happen anywhere.  I’ve written before about what “God honoring, Christ centered” is doing in my banner.  It’s more than a slogan or motto.  It keeps me focused on what it is I’m doing here.  That’s what every mission statement is designed to do; let everyone know, including the people working there, what the stated objective is.  It helps people working together to focus. 

As Christians, we have a responsibility to be on mission.  Whatever your ministry is, we have a general statement of mission given to us all.  In Mark 16:15 Jesus told his followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel.  Four times in Revelation the people of God are described as being from every tribe, language and nation.  We are to spread the gospel message to all people in all parts of the earth.  If the good people at Wal-Mart know what their mission is, how much more should we the people of God remember ours?

Catholics, Protestants, and 400 denominations

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When you meet a person on the street and say that you are a Christian, what you mean by that and what a stranger thinks may be galaxies apart from each other.  Bill Maher has commented on how ridiculous it is to believe that a cracker turns into the body of a guy that’s been dead for 2,000 years, and your salvation depends on eating it.  That’s one way in which the outside world views Christianity.  And when other people hear that, that’s what they think of all Christians.  The reference is to the Roman Catholic teaching of transubstantiation, and most Protestants find it ridiculous also; yet they break the bread and take the cup.  That’s just one example of thousands where Christians disagree.

I wrote an article in April called Roman Catholic Christians  in which I listed several things that Baptists and Catholics agree on, all having to do with the work and divinity of Jesus Christ.  Recently there have been some new comments, and I’ve responded to those, but that’s so far back I decided to bring it up again.  Continue reading →