Brotherly Love

  I read on article last night that disturbed me greatly.  The article was about a book called "TORN: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate".  The premise of the book is that you can be both a practicing homosexual and a practicing Christian.  In fact the article did help me to understand the exegetical position that seems to reconcile the lifestyles by focusing on Jesus' teaching about love over the commands for sexual purity.

  The author of the book goes into detail about how he realized he born gay.  He was at a Christian concert with a date (female) and he began to be "attracted" to a male he saw there.  He had been battling homosexual tendencies - even trying to date girls.  However, that one event seemed to solidify in his mind that he was indeed gay, and he began a journey to reconcile his Christianity with the desire to have sex with a man.  He goes on in the book to basically dismantle Scriptural teaching about homosexuality by focusing on "committed loving relationship".

  I never cease to be amazed at how people can take a clear teaching from the Bible and proclaim the very opposite using the Bible.  Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, "prove" that Jesus is not God using the very Bible that proclaims Christ's deity.  They simply avoid the many references to Jesus being equal with God and focus on a few verses that seem to back their proposition.  In this case the author of the book takes Romans 1 and "proves" his case that what God desires is committed loving relationships - gay or straight.  So clearly deception, and so clearly he has become one of the ones mentioned in Romans 1:32.

  If you do not believe Jesus is God why would you call yourself a Christian?  If you continue to have gay sex why do you still want to call yourself a committed Christian?

  If we took the example of other sexual perversion and applied the same standards we could justify adultery, bestiality and pedophilia.  It is absurd.

  My experience in Ethiopia has taught me alot about male relationships.  Homosexuality can be found in Ethiopia no doubt.  However, men are free to express physical affection toward each other without it being sexual.  From a very early age boys walk hand in hand and sit with their arms around each other.  We see this same behavior in very masculine situations such as the American football field, but only the most depraved would imply sexual connotations to these situations.

  In the West we are assailed with sexual imagery from birth, and even products such as bacon are sold with "sex appeal".  No wonder our thoughts about perversion and immorality are askew.

   At an early age I felt attraction to certain men.  I was drawn to men who were godly in their behavior.  I was drawn to men who were interested in the things I was interested in.  At the same time I was attracted to the opposite sex, but for wholly different reasons.  Eventually I was attracted to a godly young lady that was interested in many of the things I was interested in - she became my wife.  Many of the men I was attracted to became my mentors.  The godly influences won out over those who only sought to take advantage of me.

  I believe that men are "naturally" attracted to other men, but it is sin that twist this attraction until it developed into perverted sexual desire.  Indeed this is the clear teaching of Romans 1.  People who practice sin (which begins in our thought life) were given over to "uncleanness".  I don't believe young men are born desiring anal sex, I do believe boys are born with a desire for intimacy and relationships.  When this "natural" desire for intimacy is not found in healthy God honoring relationships a counterfeit can be found.

  Many young men that I have counseled who are struggling with same sex attraction began their struggle when their father did not give them the love and affection they desired.  The same is true for many young women who struggle sexually.  Not all who struggle with homosexuality have poor, bad or absent fathers - it just seems to be common.  Many of the ones I have counseled also had an older male who paid them attention and then took advantage of them.  The desire for a father's love and affection was counterfeited by sexual attention.

  Ultimately it is our desire for intimacy with God that is the driving force for many of our relationships in life.  If those relationships are lived out in obedience to Scripture and the commands of Christ we will find that they benefit us spiritually.  A godly marriage is sacramental and aids us in our relationship with God.  A bad marriage can hinder us, and draw our attentions away from God.  A good spiritual brother can sharpen me like iron sharpens iron.  A bad relationship can draw me away and hinder intimacy with God.  Any time we place someone or some desire before God we had become idol worshipers.  We fly in the face of God and proclaim that we know what is best and most fulfilling.

  Men can also have inordinate relationships of a wholly mental sort.  Our desire for intimacy with God can be given over to spiritual masters and gurus.  We can begin to follow people or personalities rather than develop intimacy with God.  It is easier to follow a great Bible teacher rather than to have an intimate relationship with the God who knows how many hairs I have on my head.  Hero worship may be more appealing than intimacy with the God that demands our full allegiance and obedience.

  Romans 1 says that men exchanged worship of the Creator for worship and service of the creature.  Men served their own bodies and feed their lusts rather than submitting to God's "natural" design and purpose for humanity.  We were created for intimacy with God, not simply to serve the desires of our flesh.

  How I wish that I could roll back time to those pivotal moments in a young man's life when he first questions, "Am I gay?"  Young man - you are not gay if you do not feed those desires and give life to them, but rather put those desires to death!  You are not a drunk if you never get drunk!  Your are not an adulterer if you will stop lusting after those who are not your own!  Young man, what you need is a deep and committed relationship with your Creator!

  I am convinced that in many cases the godly attention of an older man could rescue the young questioner from a lifetime of sexual struggle and perversion.   Where are the godly older men who will become mentors to those wondering boys?  Where are the men who will not take advantage of the young, but rather build them up in godliness?  Where are the brothers who will love the young ones by commending them to godliness rather than feeding their flesh desires?

  May God help us to truly love him and each other by obeying His Word and being doers of it.

Is burning the Koran a hate crime?

This was the question asked recently in national media outlets in response to a Gainsville, Florida pastor's plan to burn the Koran on 9/11.

Simple - we live in America and if you can burn the US flag in protest you can certainly burn a book. It is exactly the same! Some hold the US flag to be sacred - some hate what it is only a symbol of. Some hold the koran to be sacred - some hate what it is a symbol of. So NO it is not a crime in any sense of the word.

Burning a Koran may not be a crime, but it may be stupid. The backlash could be worse than even the media or military predicts. Certainly "peaceful" Muslims around the world will protest and people will most likely die. They will burn US flags and chant "Death to Satan America"! But, that is not what worries me most.

Certainly this book burning cannot be compared in scope to the Night of Broken Glass, but the incremental loss of freedom our does hearken back to 1930s Germany. Gainsville police plan to step up a road block and check the ID of everyone who attends the Koran burning. Is no one outraged that the city of Gainsville plans to "set up a road block" and "check the license" of people who go to the event? Who is going to keep the list and what are they planning to do with it? What is happening to our freedom?

You may laugh now, but do not be surprised if one day you have a visit from the "Religious" division of the FBI, or an entirely new federal agency established to "promote tolerance" and fight against the "defamation of religion".

PREDICTION -- The US Congress will debate a bill on the Defamation of Religion that will seek to make it a "hate crime" to "defame" anyone's religion, religious symbols, sacred sites or founders.

I wish the pastor would just cancel the burning, but the firestorm has already started. He did not start the fire, it has always been burning.

Lastly, speaking of politics since when did our political leaders become so well versed in religion? Since when do our political leaders have the right to tell us what to believe and how to practice our faith?

Hillary Clinton has apparently become well versed in Islam and stands in the place of prophet as she make proclamation after proclamation. She condemned Jones' plan at a dinner Tuesday in observance of Iftar, the breaking of the daily fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "I am heartened by the clear, unequivocal condemnation of this disrespectful, disgraceful act that has come from American religious leaders of all faiths," she said. She has proclaimed that Islam is a religion of peace and that "terrorism has no religion".

Repeatedly we are told that we are "not in a religious war". This is a war against "terrorism". You know the thing that has "no religion". Am I stupid or something? As the Islamic terrorists blow themselves up they chant religious slogans, mobs chant "Death to Infidels", spontaneous parties broke out in the Islamic world to celebrate the Islamic victory on 9/11 and I could go on and on. But, it isn't religion?

The fact is that all leaders of all faiths have not condemned the Koran burning, and from the comments posted on many websites it seems that many (if not a majority of) Americans agree that Pastor Jones has every right to burn whatever book he wants to burn. Furthermore many Americans still believe that you can believe whatever you want to believe, and say whatever you want to say about religion. It is based on something we call the US Constitution.

What ever happened to the separation of Church and State?

www.righttobelieve.org

Method vs Proclamation

I was reading a book today about a modern method of "reaching Muslims for Jesus." The method is based on using the Koran, Islamic tradition and custom, but somehow sneaking Jesus into the mix. The tactic is to Islamify the "gospel" and take away the offense. Change the name of Jesus or Yeshua to "Isa". Change God to Allah. Exchange the title "Jesus, Son of God" for "Isa, Spirit of God". The hopeful end result is "Isa Muslim" (someone who looks, speaks and acts like a Muslim; but has been "saved" by Isa). If you have read much of this blog I am sure you know how I feel about this so I will not belabor the point.

The interesting thing is the story for how this particular method was started. Years ago a young Muslim boy was evicted from his school and family for asking, "How do we know the Koran is true?" He was literally labeled as a "sinner". Some time later the boy was befriended by a foreign missionary who gave the young sinner a Bible. The boy read the Bible, repented and received faith in Jesus. He was baptized and began sharing the Bible with others. Eventually hundreds were saved by hearing the Gospel as revealed in Scripture. After some time one of the leaders in the movement was killed for his faith. Then a method was developed in an effort to "bridge the gap", and hopefully "remove the offense".

I found it ironic that the gift of a Bible was the catalyst for this move of God, however the method now is to use the Koran. The impetus for the young sinner to receive the gift was his expulsion from Islamic society. The young boy exited Islamic culture and found Jesus. The product of using the Bible was a true convert to Christ who was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Why try to develop a scheme for evangelism when God has given us His Word?

Words - are they important?

I am totally understanding the need to be careful in our language
with prospects, and even the general public. I do not agree with lying
about our intentions to evangelize, or deception to gain access to "closed areas".
However, I can see the wisdom of prudent language when living or
ministering in a hostile land.

Recently I was asked to teach a seminar to converted Muslims. I was instructed to not call Jesus the "Son of God" or to mention "Trinity". Furthermore I was told to call God "Allah" and use "Al Masheia" rather than "Jesus".

When we are dealing with converted Muslims I think it would be irresponsible
not to teach the whole counsel of Scripture and introduce our new brothers
to good theology. I know that Muslims have a problem with calling Jesus
the Son of God because they know it means that He is literally God's Son
and therefore divine. But, that is the point.

Some years ago I had a bad experience with the IMB's "expert" on Muslim
evangelization. He said that Muslim, Jews and Christians all worship the
same god. I asked, "But, doesn't Jesus say, 'I am the Way, the Truth and
the Life... no man comes to the Father except by me.'"? The teacher
rebuked me and said that I was only interested in arguing semantics. I
responded that I was not speaking of semantics at all, but the very words
of God. He had said that Jews and Muslims worship the God I worship, but they do not
know Jesus. SO, in what way can they come to the Father? How can they
worship a God that can only be approached through Christ Jesus? It was an argument over words, primarily the Word of God.

Recently I had a conversation with a Jehovah's Witness. In the past they
would have never said, "Jesus is LORD." However, they have recently
started saying, "Jesus is lord." Notice the difference? "LORD" =
God, Jehovah, the Word incarnate. "lord" = master, landowner, knight. When I
say "LORD" I proclaim that Jesus is God. When a JW says "lord" he is
saying "mister." Very subtle, and very dangerous. So it isn't just words I am
concerned about it is their meaning.

Allah is an Arabic word for the god of Mohammed. After thinking about it I might could use the term "allah" to refer to God, but not Allah. I think I would be compelled to clarify each time I said allah "notice the small 'a'." Or maybe "allah - I mean the triune God of the Universe". It would be difficult, but I think I could find some way to accommodate on this point.

Many languages have a word for god and another for God. I have heard Muslims in America use "God" when speaking of Allah.

Really this whole issue for me is resolved in the Trinity. The Nicene and
Apostle's creeds predate Islam by several hundred years, and I would think
that a converted Muslim would readily agree with these historically
orthodox statements. In fact, for several hundred years you would not be
considered Christian, nor be baptized if you did not profess a Trinitarian
creed. Christ's divinity is almost impossible to discuss without a
discussion of the Trinity.

If former Muslims had sound teaching in this area I think it
would give them a foundation that would be unshakable. Someone recently implied that the Trinity is too advanced for new believers, but I
would argue that a child could understand - indeed we must have the faith
of a child to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Maybe they would not be
able to explain, but I am confident that the Spirit (if indeed they have
the Spirit of Christ) would bear witness and they would shout "glory to
God" as the beauty of God's triune nature is proclaimed to them.

Often we make the mistake of not communicating deeper truth with new
converts. Somehow we think that a lack of formal education might mean
that they are too ignorant to grasp complex concepts. We think that
evangelism is too important to waste time on theology. However, we see
many examples in Scripture of men preparing for years (some for decades)
learning about God before serving Him.

Stephen Kennedy, Mission Coordinator for IOI, had a beautiful experience with a new evangelist. He came from the countryside and was very poorly educated. When he was joining IOI he had to sign a form that states that he agrees with the Apostle's
Creed. He did not know what it was, so Stephen read it to him. When he
heard what the creed contained he began to say, "Yes! Yes! Praise God!"
It was wonderful to see that the truth of this creed was readily accepted
by this dear brother. He was encouraged to find that this creed predated
his personal experience by over 1,700 years.

To contrast I heard a song tonight on Christian radio. The lyrics said
something like, "It isn't important that I understand some creed, or even
what I believe... I want to feel like I am falling in love." So, are we
saying that it does not really matter what we believe about God as long as
it feels right? Call Him Allah, or Baal, or Bob - Trinity, not trinity -
Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha - don't all roads lead to the same destination? -
words don't matter as long as it feels right, promotes peace and we keep
the numbers coming.

I cannot state emphatically enough how central the Trinity is to everything I might teach. I mean my name is PATRICK (as in Saint Patrick the Trinitarian theologian that won Ireland for Christ - and to this day symbols for the Trinity are plastered
everywhere in Ireland including on beer bottles) for goodness sakes!

Against the doctrine of Drunkeness in the Spirit

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-20

It has been some time since I posted on this blog. But, today my heart is troubled and I simply must say something.

A friend recently gave me a web link thinking that I would enjoy the site because it featured self-proclaimed "modern mystics". When I think of mystics I generally am thinking about those throughout history who have had a deep love relationship with Christ, and that relationship is then manifest in the outworking of extreme love. In my opinion Mother Teresa would be an example. A modern mystic would be someone who, in their secret devotions, has a vision or dream that propels them to a deeper relationship with God that is worked out in tangible ministry to their fellow man.

Today I take a public stand against the "charisma" of "drunkenness". This foolishness is nothing new in the world of heresy, and it is demeaning to the holiness of God. Those who promote "Spirit Drunkenness" teach that being filled with the Holy Spirit means that you babble like an idiot, act like an animal and have ecstatic experiences like being "high". Scripture clearly teaches that we are not to be "drunk" with wine, but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Someone who is truly "filled with the Holy Spirit" would then manifest the fruit of that Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

As I watched videos of "manifestations" on the "New Mystics" website I was literally sickened. I could not continue to watch as they used the Eucharist like it was pot, or crack. The sensuality of the videos was extreme - to explain to you in detail what they did with the elements would be a sin to even repeat. For those who would defend this behavior I ask you, can you see Jesus acting this way? Would Jesus act like an animal? Didn't Jesus actually cast demons out of people who acted like animals?

God is a god of order, not of chaos. Flee those who bring disorder and disunity over disputable matters! Run from those who preach the Gospel as a means of financial gain, or of self-promotion! Rebuke those who preach drunkenness in any form! Be sober minded for the days are evil!

The Mission of Compassion

"If you see your brother in need and have not compassion - the love of God does not live in you." (I John 3:17)

From what I understand there are Christians who are persecuted every day in this world. I personally know hundreds of believers in Ethiopia alone who need help. How is it that Christians in the most prosperous nation in the world and the richest congregations turn a blind eye to our suffering brethren? There should be a multitude of ministries that seek to help poor, imprisoned and naked Christians.

It often seems that if a mission is interested in the poor it is only to draw them in to their programs so that they can count heads. I don't doubt the sincerity of these organizations I only doubt their gospel and its mission. Feeding the poor becomes a "method of evangelizing" all the while we expect believers to "pull themselves up by their boot straps." It is wicked. For some it would seem to be better to stay a "seeker" and take advantage of "christian charity" rather than become a believer left to fend for yourself.

The good news is that many of these missions are actually preaching the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus the Christ. I have witnessed churches who explode in numbers and zeal when they are first planted, and I see many who's lives are changed indeed. The problem is that in the years to come their zeal grows cold and soon they become much like the churches that planted them concerned with growing their programs rather than meeting the needs of those around them.

Conversely there are missions who have lost the Truth and have become nothing more than social aid agencies that help salve the conscience of wealth Westerners by feeding multitudes of poor. There are no requirements for aid or belonging, no Gospel message. Just "pure" charity with no strings attached.

What I am trying to say is that both of these views are extreme, and neither is truly bringing God's Kingdom to this earth.

I am growing increasingly confident that missions is something that must be done in community. I believe that Christ's Kingdom is being established on this planet, that His will is being done on Earth as it is in Heaven. This is happening as more and more congregations begin to truly care for each other and become known for their love rather than their buildings or programs. As believers are encouraged to work out their salvation through the practice of God given gifts the world sees the Light and tastes the Salt.

Who in America has not heard that "Jesus died for your sins"? But, how many in America see the Body of Christ (the Church) loving God by loving each other?

How many have heard the Gospel which is costly? How many have heard that it will cost them everything to follow Christ? The Gospel has become an event rather than total life transformation.

All too often our gospel is offensive, not because of Christ, but because it lacks Christ. Jesus died for you. Say this prayer, go to church, give your tithe (of course spend the rest on yourself), obey God and you will prosper! God just wants you to stop doing bad things. The only thing God requires is that you receive His free gift that He offers. "All you have to do is accept." -- It is a lie!

Jesus not only died for you He rose from the dead in a real body! He demands that we believe. He commands us to repent (a constant adjustment of our thoughts to conform with the will of God rather than doing what we want). What God requires is obedience!

The book of James (which many would remove from Scripture) states plainly that faith without works is dead. First John states clearly that we must "lay down our lives for the brethren". Jude warns of those who feasted with believers, yet only wanted gain for themselves. Acts tells of those who wanted to follow Christ in a effort to gain magical powers or miracles, only to find themselves being cut off. Colossians warns about false religion that is worked out in ascetic harshness, rather than overflowing love for the Church that comes from a relationship with the Triune God. Paul greeting the Thessalonians, who not only speak the Gospel, but their "faith goes out before them" -- even so in chapter 4 he says, "you have been taught by God to love one another." In Timothy we see command after command about humility and submission because of the great love of God -- the good "fight" is one of love, faith godliness, gentleness -- and a strict command from God for wealthy Christians to be "rich in good deeds, liberal in giving." These are not options they are commands!

Nowhere in Scripture are we commanded to build big buildings, provide sporting events or any of the plethora of activities that are associated with "church" (not that there is anything inherently wrong with these things). However, we are commanded repeatedly to be generous to poor believers. It is tragic that aiding believers is so low a priority that it is not even on the budget of many congregations.

(Not suggesting that we aid laziness or that we enable people to be leaches on the Church -- see following posts).

There simply is no way around it -- we will be judged according to our deeds! Without faith in Christ we are lost, and without works we have no faith. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "Only those who believe can obey, and only those who obey can believe."

It is not our message or our words that we are known by, it is our fruit. Our fruit should be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. As unbelievers see the fruit they are amazed, as they hear the Gospel they are offended, and as God gives faith they are saved. Those who were outside are inside and become part of the Body of God's great love.

The Word of God

Many in the States would say that the Bible is the Word of God. Just one example of this belief about the Bible comes from a website of a Baptist fellowship.

"1. By "The Holy Bible" we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God."

This organization is not alone in a statement like this -- it is very common among independent and fundamental Christians in America. In essence what they have accidental done with their words is to elevate the Bible to Deity - "The Bible IS the very Word of God."

One site I found (I believe it was God Tube.com) says, "The Bible is the living Word of God."

Now to be fair I do not believe that they actually mean what they say. I think what they are trying to say is that the Bible is more than a book, it is a perfect revelation of God to man in written form, and faithful for doctrine, etc. The scriptures are relevant to our lives today and God speaks through the pages into our lives. In other words they aren't liberals. The problem is that is not what they say exactly.

It is not only a belief among Baptist, but this belief can also be found among denominations such as the conservative Presbyterians. One Presbyterian pastor actual told me that the Bible is the Perfect which was to be revealed, and after its' coming would do away with knowledge, tongues, etc. Again, in essence this minister was saying (although I don't believe he means it this way) that the Bible is the second coming of Jesus. The Bible is the Word (God) incarnate (in flesh).

Now I want to be very clear that I do believe the Bible is the written record of God's words to us. The Bible is useful for doctrine, and all our beliefs and practice should be weighed against the whole counsel of scripture. However, Jesus is the Word of God that is revealed in the Bible. Jesus is the Sword of God that divides bone from marrow, and judges the hearts of man!

To say that the Bible IS the Word of God is like saying that the badge IS the policeman. Certainly the badge reveals to us that the person holding it is a policeman. The badge may tell us where the policeman comes from. It may tell us the limits of his authority (ie. federal or local). There are certain things implied for one who holds a badge, and certain things expected. The badge bears a certain amount of authority (a symbol that actually does/bears something). But, the badge is not the living policeman, nor is the badge the authority that it represents. The badge is only a symbol that communicates a great reality.

What fundamentalists are trying to do is to say that they believe the Bible is the final authority on every subject. They want you to know that they believe the Bible from "Genesis to Maps". They want you to know that they are REAL Christians. They want to convey that they try to live a holy life and obey the commands of God. They want you to know that they do not believe that God is still revealing information about Himself. Most of all they want you to know that they are not charismatic pentecostal and that there is not going to be any new prophets who make new revelations about God or His plan for mankind.

The problem is that most fundamentalist know very little of the Bible. There are many good Baptists who have memorized a plethora of proof texts and can argue them against the barrage of the best trained Jehovah's Witness proof texts. But, when it comes to a good understanding of the whole counsel of Scripture, or finding Christ revealed in the Old Testament, or even an elementary understanding of Church history the average fundamental evangelical Christian will have as poor an understanding of these things as the average Christian cultist.

An example of this poor understanding would be the belief that Jews are blessed and Arabs are cursed. This is a strong belief among fundamental evangelicals in America, and it is not found in Scripture. In fact the we find that God blessed Ishmael. We also see throughout the New Testament that "all of Israel is not Israel", and that Paul even desired the salvation of his fellow Jews so much that he was willing to die in their place -- however, it is "by faith that we (or anyone Jew or Gentile) are saved."

This same phenomenon is happening to the Gospel. Some ministers say that "it is all about the Gospel." In some sermons you might hear the word "Gospel" a dozen times, but you never actually hear the Gospel -- the death, burial and bodily Resurrection of the incarnate Word of God. In deed if you ask the average evangelical the question, "What is the Gospel?" You will get a strange variety of answers that includes, "The Bible. The Good News. It has to do with Jesus." Now, when you point them to I Corinthians 15:1-5 they will say, "Yeah, right the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus."

If you watch much Christian television in America you will hear a lot about money, how to have a successful life, how God wants to bless you, the Crucifixion, the Gospel (although few explain what they are talking about with that phrase) and our need to pray the Sinner's Prayer. What you will not hear much of is public reading of Scripture (I don't think I have ever heard an entire chapter read on Christian radio or TV, much less an entire book of Scripture).

I believe we are perishing for lack of knowledge. Although we firmly believe the Bible is the word of God, we don't know it. Although we believe the Gospel, we cannot articulate it. Although we believe the worship of God is our most important duty, we cannot really tell you what it means to worship God. We have protested the Catholic system and all her creeds, only to replace them with inferior copies. At least the Nicene Creed does not elevate the Bible to being the fourth person of the Trinity, and the ancient creeds speak more of hope of the bodily Resurrection than some kind of secret evaporation of the faithful. There is no doubt that the Church in America is already left behind, we have exchanged our inheritance for a bowl of porridge. Rather than using the Bible to know about God we have practically elevated it to a god, and use it to divide and conquer.

Jesus says, "If any will come after me let them take up their cross and follow me." "You must eat my body and drink my blood."

In America we come to a table of empty calories - cute sayings, proof texts, guilt, prosperity, "Jesus will fix all your problems." No wonder so many leave the table hungry!

This is only partly the reason for why you see so many young people in America who are hungry for the ancient things of our faith. The modern methods depend of theological maxims and meeting of perceived needs. All the while what we desire is to know and be known by God. We desire the Man of salvation, not the plan of salvation. We want to see and know that He is God. Truly it is by hearing that we receive faith, but we must hear Christ not just proof texts. The Bible reveals Christ, and to quote a common phrase among fundamentalists, "It (salvation) is a relationship." As we hear about Christ revealed in Scripture and walk with Him in the community of His Bride (the Church) we should be moved to obedience to Him. If He is God then what does that mean to me, and how should I then live?

It was in the secret meetings in homes, the reading of books of Scripture, the breaking of bread and the giving of life that the early Church was formed and conformed to the image of Christ. It was their life and death together. It is the same today -- we long to be in community, we want to know Christ now in flesh and blood. We long to worship God in spirit and truth, not simply meet once a week for a presentation of a "worship experience." The ancient traditions involve our bodies - we sing, we pray, we stand, we listen, we smell, we eat, we drink, we kneel, we bow, we hold out our hands, we repeat, and then we go back out into the world and live a life of worship.

Dependency

I have copied the article in its entirety and only added a few comments which are in red. I wanted to include the entire article to be fair.

DEPENDENCY ISSUES AND EXTENDING GOD’S KINGDOM
South America Region, International Mission Board, SBC

The concept of dependence is an important and vital part of the Christian life. We are taught in Scripture to be completely and totally dependent on God. Therefore, to foster a dependence on other things, even as they relate to Kingdom Extension, runs contrary to good missiological approaches and sound Scriptural principles. (Strange, no mention of the Church being like a body, which would imply interdependence on each other).

We are called, committed and accountable to go and to make disciples of the nations, even to the uttermost ends of the earth. Thankfully, many Southern Baptists and others have been and continue to be involved in that Kingdom task. The purpose of this position paper is to help avoid practices that are paternalistic (Application of the ideas that follow are not only "paternalistic" they are supremest, ie. "because we are greater...") and those that create dependency because such practices hinder Kingdom growth.

Some Relevant Scripture
We Baptists hold a strong belief that every individual is directly accountable to Almighty God to obey, worship and serve Him and that the Lord directs and empowers each individual to accomplish that which He has purposed. His church leadership is instructed "to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Eph. 4:12&13) (I think it strange to divorce the individual from the "body of Christ," and apply a scripture that clearly is addressing "you all" and interpret the passage to be to the individual. Aren't Baptists supposed to be the ones who believe in the literal translation of Scripture?)

Jesus sent out the disciples to the lost sheep of Israel with authority and strong words of encouragement to preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and to drive out demons because they were to freely give of what they had freely received. The disciples were instructed not to take along any gold, or silver, or copper money and no luggage, because "the worker is worth his keep," (obviously meant to apply to the little dark skinned people, but not to SBC missionaries who live in fine homes, drive new SUVs and have servants) (Matt. 10:1-10) which idea is expressed in today’s mission phraseology as "the resources are in the harvest." (ie. "why should we use our money to help the poor?" HOW RIDICULOUS! Can you imagine Jesus saying, "heal thyself" or "I have come that you might find the life that you already have"?) Matthew 10:11-20 indicates that the disciples were not expected to have an altogether easy entrance into their mission world. Instead of ease, they were instructed to expect hardships of rejection, betrayal, arrests and trials (Unlike SBC missionaries to the Middle East who are taught to lie about their presence in the country and do everything possible to avoid any rejection). Jesus sent them out "like sheep among wolves." Jesus also gave similar instructions to the 72 whom he sent out later. (Luke 10:1-12) Later, in Luke 22:35-36, even when Jesus gave further instructions indicating the need for provisions of a money belt, a bag and a sword, these provisions were the simplest ones that allowed the worker to be sent out for ministry.
The Apostle Paul traveled throughout most of the known world of the Roman Empire, working, teaching, writing, preaching, suffering various trials and hardships, and witnessing, with almost no mention made of any financial or material aid for those receiving the witness. He did, of course, collect an offering for the faithful in Jerusalem who were suffering a lack of necessities, probably as a result of persecution. (So admittedly the Apostle Paul collected money for the poor in another country. Just a reminder - that is the thing that this article is preaching against.) Paul even worked to earn his own livelihood when the circumstances indicated. (Acts 18:3) The Apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians 11:16-33 describes in his own words what he suffered in order that others would hear the good news of salvation in Christ.

God was in Christ Jesus reconciling the world to himself, but, even though it was God the Father who was taking the initiative; it was Christ the Son who was required to pay the price of obedience that was set before him by God, the Father. (2 Cor. 5:18-21) (Any theologians have a problem with this statement, or is it just me?)

It is quite evident from the Biblical texts cited, and many others, that some of the principal ingredients for reaching the lost world were personal testimony of faith, sharing the gospel message, challenging the lost to believe, and paying the price of obedience along with some cautions about the role material resources would play. (Oh yes, quite evident in deed. Ahem. Now all you little people without Bible degrees take a seat and get ready for this great exposition).

Missionary Leadership Insight
The following insights were shared by Dr. Jerry Rankin in the September 1997 issue of The Commission magazine, a Southern Baptist International Mission Board publication, and they are echoed by many leaders in missions (who mostly live in really nice homes in America and jobs depend on American money given by American Christians; but are real experts on the sufferings of the developing world).

North Americans often see poverty and economic disparity overseas and, out of a compassionate desire to help, they wish to share of their own abundant resources. However, they are often less than fully aware of the dangers of a valid spiritual ministry (I think that is an interesting phrase, "valid spiritual ministry") degenerating into material assistance (assistance - that 's bad, right? Sounds too much like welfare. Sounds liberal or Communist or something wholly unAmerican), and how creating dependency can be detrimental to the health and growth of Kingdom efforts (Clearly the IMB are not Calvinists - at least we can be thankful for something. I mean we scoff at global warming because Man cannot destroy God's planet, but apparently individual men can harm God's Kingdom).

The International Mission Board is firmly committed to indigenous principles of missions in the work of evangelism and church planting overseas ("yes, yes firmly committed with words, lots of words, and programs, and Veggie Tales - but not money that might hurt somebody). The churches that result must have members who are growing to maturity in Christ, reaching the lost around them with the gospel, and seeing new congregations resulting from their efforts. "It is a mistake to try to accelerate growth by an infusion of financial aid to build churches and support pastors…Well intended financial assistance too often creates dependence and handicaps the initiative and faith essential for spontaneous growth (I don't know -- seems like it works in America. Funny how the Home Mission Board supports pastors, builds buildings, etc. here in the good ole USA, but when it comes to the darkies in Africa...)." When "Americans subsidize the work of churches and pastors on the mission field (Oh, I see the "mission field") potential growth is stalled because of a mind-set that it can‘t be done unless an overseas benefactor provides the funds." In such a case, the local congregation stops assuming responsibility before the Lord for the work and begins to rely more on the human benefactors to take care of them (I suppose that is why we pay our pastors here in America, because we want them to be dependant on us?). "People are deprived of growing in faith, learning to depend on God and discovering that He is sufficient for all their needs."

"Subsidy propagates a Western model of a church that sees a building and a paid pastor as essential rather than encouraging a reproducible biblical model of the church as gathered believers responsible to and for their own leadership and facilities." (Again a statement of "fact" that has no reference in reality. I personally know of churches that have been helped greatly by "western $" and they don't look or act "western". Furthermore, isn't this actually condemning the very churches that support the IMB? Don't all SBC churches in America see a building and a paid pastor as essential?)
Dr. Rankin concludes that the "Explosive growth ….around the world would never have occurred if a pattern of subsidy and dependence had been created. Unfortunately, well-intentioned help on many fields has handicapped long-term potential growth." (Hasn't most of the growth in the past 150 years been subsidized by the West? I don't get it. Has the Church grown or not? And if it has doesn't it disprove what Dr. Rankin is saying?)

Also, Dr. David Garrison has intensely studied church planting movements around the world and concludes that the use of outside resources to construct church buildings and to pay pastors’ salaries actually creates barriers to the realization of a church planting movement, because it saps local initiative. He goes on to state that these actions may produce some impressive short-term results, but they will also produce a long-term dead end. (I sorry I have no idea who this guy is, but I am willing to call him on the carpet here and ask for some statistics. Again we have a great learned man who states a "fact" based on his "intense study" and we are expected to believe him with no verification of what he says. Again, I can show you churches that are thriving and growing, and have actually been encouraged to give more when they learn that churches in America are willing to help them. How I wish there was a missions version of Snopes.com).
In his book, Church Planting Movements: How God Is Redeeming a Lost World, Garrison lists some serious obstacles to the blossoming of a church planting movement; in fact, he designates them as seven deadly sins (Oh, God forbid that we give to the poor! What a sin! -- WOE TO THOSE WHO CALL GOOD EVIL!) which create barriers against a church planting movement. Two of them are especially pertinent for the issue being treated here.

One he names the "The Devil’s Candy." "The Devil’s Candy is deceptive, because it refers to good things that have real value" but they can hinder reaching the lost with the gospel. In the mission setting, it is the use of outside money for paying pastors and church building construction. Garrison writes that when outside (Outside? That would be "para" like "para-church"? Like a mission organization? COME ON! It is ONE Church Dr. Garrison, there is NO "outside"!) funds are used to hire pastors and construct church buildings, there may be some quick results but sustainable growth will not be realized.

A second barrier for a church planting movement is what Garrison calls "Alien Abduction (Who’s in charge here?) He continues, "There are at least three ways that Church Planting Movements can succumb to alien abduction: 1) by forcing new believers to exchange their cultural forms for alien ones, 2) by creating a welfare state (there are those liberals again!) of foreign dependency, and 3) by injecting foreign elements into the life of the church that cannot be locally reproduced."

So, when is it "help that helps" and when is it "help that hurts?" That is the question that requires much prayer, study and application of the admonition of Jesus to the twelve and the seventy when he sent them out. "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (Matt. 10:16 KJV) How can one be wise in Kingdom service in a mission setting? By praying relevant questions through to constructive answers. (I know lets read I John 3. No, why don't we just pray and ask God to enlighten us.)

The following are some relevant prayer topics for anyone or a group committing to ministry on a mission field and who wishes to wisely invest time and resources.

Are we truly partners in Christ with local believers with commensurate responsibilities in this mission effort? (Well if your the IMB I don't know if you are a partner, but you surely are the boss).
Do our ministry and resources enhance discipleship growth and commitment? (Maybe you could have Dr Garrison do intensive study on the subject?)
Will our ministry result in disciples absolutely committed to reaching others? (Would it be a bad thing if our disciples were "absolutely committed" to worship of God?)
What would be the signs that dependency is being fostered? (Maybe no one having the intestinal fortitude to tell you and all your "resources" to take a hike?)
Who is really making the decisions about ministry here? (Some dude in Richmond, of course.)
Would the ministry continue if the outside, or foreign, resources were suddenly withdrawn? (If it is from God, and He wants it to continue).
Are we seeking the Lord’s leadership in praying alongside our national partners? (While I am sure that it must happen -- of all the mission sponsored prayer meetings I attended while an SBC missionary I can't remember one prayer meeting that involved nationals - that would have been far too risky.)
Do our ministry and resources foster more dependence upon the Lord or more dependence upon us?

Here are some additional questions that can be used volunteers:
Are we fostering a welfare state? (Again that liberal question. Is welfare that evil? My handicapped daughter gets "welfare" and thank God for it! I have no idea how she would get the medical care she needed if it weren't for "welfare". But, I'm white and work so obviously they don't mean me.)
Are we funding something that they can’t fund for themselves? (If they could fund it themselves why would we give money to pay for it??? Are you suggesting that we only give to those who have and not to those who do not have?)
If they can’t fund it themselves, is there a way it can be done that would be affordable to them/within their cultural and economic means?
If they can’t fund it themselves, are we leaving them with a financial burden to maintain it after we’re gone? So many Latino Baptists say they can’t afford to do missions because their funds are tied up in maintaining buildings, campgrounds, seminaries, and other American-spawned institutions. (Oh the poor Latinos who don't have enough good sense to sell their liabilities and turn them into assets.)

Conclusion (I'm tired of stating the obvious - I will leave you to come to your own conclusions).
The South America Region leadership, after study and prayer, has sensed a responsibility to lead missionaries and volunteers to seek ministries that have been proven to facilitate church planting movements and that avoid, as much as possible, the potential for creating dependency.
In light of the information presented in this position paper, missionaries and volunteers serving in the South America Region of the International Mission Board are strongly urged to study and pray through the issue of dependency in missions and what it means for ministry involvement. This is especially important as it relates to the construction of church buildings and subsidy, such as paying salaries of either national pastors or national missionaries, as well as purchasing or providing other material resources that are not available locally for starting churches. Because of the importance of these issues, we also ask for your understanding as we implement a guideline in the region, beginning in 2006, of no longer approving volunteer projects that involve the construction of church buildings, as well as no longer transferring funds through our offices that have as their designation the construction of church buildings, the paying of national pastor’s or national missionary’s salaries, or other financial support that creates dependency.
What are some construction alternatives for those volunteers who desire to do construction and/or provide other material resources, and, at the same time, avoid creating dependency? There are many ways that volunteers can be involved in construction projects that do not create dependency but rather impact lostness among communities and families with whom we are working. Examples of such projects are: Community Projects (School repair and renovation, Handicapped access, Stairs and Sidewalk installation, Clean water projects, Irrigation Systems, Public Bathrooms, Bus Stop Shelters, Playgrounds and Parks, Landscaping Projects) Single Family Dwellings (Painting, Roofing and repair, Cabinet building, Bathroom installation and repairs, Plumbing, Window installation and repairs, Electrical installation and repairs) Human Needs and Disaster Relief Projects. Such projects express the love of God and open doors and hearts to the gospel message.

Bibliography and Notes
Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New International Version of the Bible.
Garrison, David. Church Planting Movements, booklet, also online at www.imb.org/CPM.
Garrison, David. Church Planting Movements: How God Is Redeeming a Lost World. Midlothian, VA: WIGTake Resources, 2004, pages 240-257 especially. See www.churchplantingmovements.com.
International Centre for Excellence in Leadership. Strategic Engagement of Volunteers, pages 76-96. Richmond: International Mission Board, SBC, 2000.
McQuilkin, Robertson. "Avoiding Dependency" in Mission Frontiers magazine, August 1999, p. 38.
Rankin, Jerry. "Help That Hurts" in The Commission magazine, September 1997.

Now Showing -- Amazing Grace

The Bishop's Rating: aaaaa (Five out of five marks)

Very much worth the $5.50 price!

The recommendations came from a wide range of people. In fact, so many people recommended this movie to me that I was intrigued. I was afraid that it would be another heavy handed "Christian movie" that basically only Christians would want to see.

I enjoyed this movie on so many levels that it is hard to know where to start. Basically it is the story of William Wilberforce, the British Member of Parliament that sponsored the bill to abolish the slave trade in all English colonies. This may not sound like much of a story to you, but you could not be more wrong. This movie is a story of love, penance, redemption and grace.
The title Amazing Grace comes from the song of the same title which was written by a former Slave Ship captain. Wilberforce was a student of this captain who had become a "protestant monk" after his conversion.
The movie shows the important role that Wilberforce's wife played in her encouragement to continue to fight the fight, although he had lost the effort 39 times over 18 years (a fact that is not in the movie).
I also appreciated the depiction of Colitis, which afflicted Wilberforce and now affects my wife. The physical and emotional suffering that he endured served to make him even more aware of a life lived well.
Far from Christian Cheese this movie should appeal to a wide audience, and encourage many to be who they have been created to be.

The sad fact is that I believe that most people will not see this movie. One point in the movie was that "great men" most often become great through actions that haunt them, yet Wilberforce proved to be a great man through actions that blessed others. It is a beautiful story; sadly a story that most likely will not sell.

Not all cheese is bad...

The Cheese Sellers, French School (Art.com)

Those who know me know the distaste I have for American style pop-Christian worship. The term I like to use for this modern performance style worship is, "Cheese Whiz."

But, I have come to the conclusion that not all cheese is bad cheese. Real cheese is better than Cheese Whiz.

I was in a church recently that is very much in to the modern worship style. The preacher wears one of those headset mic things, there are too large screens displaying the action, a full band complete with two percussionists, previously video taped announcements -- the whole works. However, I noticed something this time. Instead of my normal sarcasm I found that I actually appreciated the perfection with which the program was being produced. From lighting and video to music and speakers the ques were perfect. The only flub was some jerky movements from a cameraman that apparently lost interest in the speaker.

I suppose my point is that if you are going to go with the modern style at least hire some people who know what they are doing. This church's style does not speak to me at all. But, the perfection with which they pulled it off was admirable.

The thing that I don't like about the modern style is that it removes the congregation even further from the action and definitely makes the people gathered into an audience. I felt like I was watching a show, which I was occasionally invited to participate in. Very little was demanded of me. I could just sit there in my theatre style seating and enjoy the show.

I also noticed something else. The speaker exalted Christ. Even some of the music exalted Christ. It was obvious to me that these people love Jesus.

In the end the difference between cheese and Cheese Whiz is substance. Cheese Whiz may look like cheese, smell like cheese and kind of taste like cheese, but it has no milk in it and very little (if any) nutrition. Real cheese taste better, is more valuable and has nutritional value -- just be careful because too much can cause problems.

The Word of God

He That is of God Hears God's Words
by James Tissot (Art.com)

Never one to shy away from controversy -- my question today is what (or who) is the Word of God?

My brothers at the largest Baptist church in Memphis have erected a 20' statue of the Bible in the foyer of the church. These same brothers would rightly proclaim that a statue of Mary in the church at Fatima, Portugal is an idol. However, just like the faithful Portuguese Catholic that erected the statue of Mary they too are blind to the fact that they have made an idol of the Bible. It is Bibliolotry.

Growing up Baptist I was taught that the Bible is the Word of God. Many proof texts support this claim (and for regular readers of the Bishop's Beard you know how I loath proof texts). However, a reading of many of these proof texts in their context prove that this proclamation is not correct. Hebrews 4:12 was a memory verse in VBS (Vacation Bible School) and a favorite verse to find at Bible "Sword" Drills. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edge sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, as is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Sounds like the Bible is a powerful sword, unless you read this same verse in its context and see that the entire passage is about Christ, not the Bible. Because Jesus is the Word of God He is also the Great High Priest that discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. Romans 8 proclaims that the Spirit of God is the One who searches hearts and makes intercession for us.

After preaching at a Presbyterian church I was gently rebuked for preaching the hope of seeing Christ "face to face" as though it was a future event. I had made reference to I Corinthians 13 where our hope of Resurrection ("...when that which is perfect has come...") is hope for a physical event where we will know Christ as intimately as He now knows us. I was told that the "Perfect" in this passage is the Bible, which has already come so that we can know Christ through His word. Knowledge, tongues and prophesy have all been done away with because we now have the Bible. The problem that I have with this interpretation (other than the fact that it is wrong) is that the Bible does not contain every word of Christ (John 21:25), and I don't know how many hairs He has on His head, much less can I see His face or look into His eyes. The Christian hope is that we will be physically resurrected and we will know God like He knows us.

I understand what the fundamentalist is trying to do when he says that the Bible is the word of God and the final authority for life and faith. He is trying to distance himself from the charismatic chaos of modern times and the "Christian" cults who have extra Biblical "scripture" and anti-Christ "revelation". The problem is that interpretation of Scripture can vary greatly, so how then is the Bible the "Final Authority?"

I am always looking for balance. I think the balance in this issue is simply that we must look to the whole counsel of Scripture, which contains the written revelation of the Word of God, for instruction in life and faith. Certainly the Bible is the bench mark by which all revelation, prophesy and tongues should be judged. The Bible is a way to know about God. The Apostles gave us timeless instruction in how we should live. The prophets foretold Christ, and Christ revealed the Father to us. Ultimately it is by faith that we know Him, and His Spirit lives within us aiding us as we struggle to know, understand and comprehend the depth, width and height of His love.

There is no doubt that the Bible contains the words of God. But, Jesus IS the Word of God.

Do Symbols Matter?

I love the scene in Indiana Jones and the last Crusade where the "cup of Christ" is revealed as a plain simple common goblet. While the magic that is attached to the goblet is the fantasy of Hollywood the image of simplicity makes up for it.

In one sense symbols are nothing. Bread is nothing, wine is nothing and water is nothing. These are simple elements of life. However, in the right setting and with the right words these elements are transformed into symbols of something much greater.

A red light in a window can symbolize a house of ill repute. A red light in a traffic signal is a symbol that says "stop", and bears the full weight of the law if it is disobeyed. Both are just red lights. One advertises a message and identifies a place, the other bears authority and commands respect as it stands in the place of the reality.

How we deal with symbols in the church is important. Imagine a traffic light with three green globes, or one with red on the bottom and green on the top. If it matters how lights are handled it certainly matters how we handle symbols in the church.

Using grape flavored drink and yeast bread in communion may not be sinful, but it does hinder the symbol. Showering a baby may be true baptism, but the picture is blurred. An abusive husband may indeed be a husband, but he is a false example of Christ.

I am becoming convinced that the churches that present the purest symbols are the churches that present the truest picture of Christ. I am not advocating finery or pomp. I am advocating simple obedience.

In this Christmas season let us review our symbols and strive for a true presentation of Christ.

Photo from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Quote of the Weak -- Indulgences

A German illustration of a priest collecting "indulgences" on behalf of the Catholic church. An indulgence could be purchased that would bring a blessing or "guarentee salvation" of one's soul. This was just one of the issues that sparked the Protestant Reformation. The last line of the poem reads, "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, / The soul at once into Heaven springs."

"After 1500 years you could purchase blessings from Rome. But don't be too hard on the Catholic church. Protestants have only been around for 500 years and we have TBN."

--Ross

Noah's Ark discovered....Again.

When I checked the news this morning I saw the headline, "Noah's Ark Discovered." Seems that I remember a book about this that came out in the 70's, or was it the 80's, or both?

Basically a group of guys have found a pile of wood in Iran that is about the size of a small aircraft carrier. It actually does seem logical to me that a pile of wood the size of an aircraft carrier at 13,000 feet in that part of the world would be Noah's ark. I don't doubt it. The problem is that this group of men actually believe that they are going to "prove" the existence of God.

When I look at an ant, I know God exists because I have faith. Some will not believe even with the evidence of miracles or the testimony of prophets. "Neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead," Jesus said.

I love apologetics and I think it is great that this group has found the Ark (or at least a very interesting pile of wood on an arid mountain). But no one will come to the Father through evidence; they will only come if the Holy Spirit draws them through Christ (the One who rose from the dead) by faith.

There was an opportunity on AOL to post your comments on the story, and I made the mistake of taking a look at those comments. One zealous Christian lady was so excited because this "evidence" would once and for all persuade all the people who do not believe in God. She wrote passionately about the God that healed her babies, and that we would all see such miracles if we could only believe and obey like she had (then of course she added, "...by the grace of God.") Very predictably the first reply to her post was, "If your god is so good why did my....?"

I think the reason why this story affected me so deeply is that I have a child and wife that have not been totally healed. Our miracles seem limited. There remains a thorn. Yet, I cannot deny the faith that God has given me. Furthermore it is through suffering that God has proven His goodness to us. It really does not matter what scientists find or don't find. I have been adopted by my Creator and nothing can separate me from His love.

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.

---
For a look at the most recent photos and story see the
Christian Worldview website which places the Ark in Iran.
Then you might be interested in "Noah's Ark Found: The Search is Over" Rene Nourbegen 1988
or "In Search of Noah's Ark, the greatest discovery of our time" Documentary 1976
or John Morris' and Tim LaHaye's book "The Ark On Ararat" 1976 Thomas Nelson (which was about the Ark being "found in Turkey"
or LaHaye's sequel that is sure to come "The Ark that was Left Behind"
and the powerful forthcoming book "Your Best Ark Now!"

You can judge a cover by the book.

You can find out a lot about people by the books they recommend, not necessarily the books on their shelves.

I admit that there is a limit to the knowledge you can gain about someone this way, but in general it is a fair method. A 30-something year old lady who recommends "Love You Forever" must be a mother of small children (or a sentimentalist at the very least). A man who recommends the "Gunowner's Bible" must be a gun owner (and maybe someone you should never insult). A pastor who has copies of Spurgeon and the Church Fathers may have read neither; instead ask him what he recommends if you really want to know where he is coming from.

I finally updated and repaired the links to my book recommendations on the IOI website Resources and Links. My wife observed that I am definitely "all over the map." It was not the subjects that seemed disconnected as I recommended books about discipleship, missions, ministry, travel (particularly Ethiopia) and theology. It was the variety of authors that seems a bit, how shall I say it -- ecumenical. Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Evangelical Free and Puritan books are among those recommended. Some might think it strange to recommend Barth, Chesterton and Edwards on the same page, but what I am looking for is the gold that each man mined rather than fitting into a particular camp. We are, after all, the Body of Christ and there are many members each with particular gifts and needs.

I love to tell people that I go to Christ Community Church, and then have them ask me what denomination we are. What they want is a label so they can understand where I am coming from. So, instead of saying we are "non-denominational" (which is a label with its own definition), I say, "We are a missions-minded community of people that are trying hard to love God and each other that grew from a former Methodist Bible church that is elder led and similar to Anglican Catholicism in liturgy with a reformed Baptist theology (that depends more on the Church Fathers than the reformers), charismatic worship and an Irish pub band that sings ancient hymns along with modern praise songs." But I guess you could have figured that out by looking at my book recommendations.